The Return Of Picklesmum

End of an Era.....

2010-06-14T13:12:00.000+01:00

Sadly on Saturday, we lost our last beloved cat , Sapphire (a.k.a Woo).

She was 17 years old and had lived with us since we homed her from Bury Stray Cat Fund at just 6 months old. Sapphire was most definitely a pampered lap cat and our home and lives seem very empty without her today.

Take care little Woo, we miss you x x x x

Stupid architect

2010-03-06T10:15:00.001Z

Whoever designed this spectator area at Stow Leisure Centre should be struck off. Between the spectator area and the main pool is a HUGE decorative wall meaning you cannot spectate your children in their lessons.

We came by bus today bringing with us 'Olivia' from Rainbows. Luckily I didn't have to pay for her too!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

It grew!

2010-01-09T14:45:00.001Z

Remember the strange escaping bulb that was trying to escape from it's pot at the end of last year? Well........

It grew into a beautiful if slightly short hyacinth!
It smells gorgeous and reminds me of my first class at primary school all those years ago!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Remember ??

2010-01-08T21:21:00.001Z

....the 50 plus toilet and kitchen roll tubes that Pickle was frantically collecting? Well her first masterpiece has been created!

Can you tell what it is yet? No?

It's a shaker. With tin foil. Tissue paper....and flowers!

Only another 49 to go.....and still collecting!

Merry Christmas....

2009-12-25T23:39:00.001Z

Wishing everyone in Blog Land a very Happy Christmas.

We had a different Christmas to the one we hoped for as we have had a poorly Pickle for the last couple of days which meant Picklesgrandma and Picklesgrandad could not come to stay and had to do a very last minute shop for food on Christmas Eve.
But despite another 4am change of bedcovers on Pickle's bed we did have a very nice day. Especially Picklesdad who got to build a pyramid and me who got a new iPhone toy!

Happy Christmas from Picklessister too!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

This is normal.....

2009-11-22T21:21:00.001Z

isn't it?

Surely every Mother, if they were to investigate the bottom of their 6 year old daughter's wardrobe would find a plastic box, containing over 50 empty toilet roll tubes?

This doesn't make Pickle 'unusual' in anyway does it?

HaPpY HaLLOwEeN!

2009-10-31T21:46:00.003Z

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Remember back in August when we had the mystery plant growning in the garden and we thought it may be a marrow or a courgette? Then we picked it because we thought it was a funny shaped marrow?
Well THIS is what it was, A PUMPKIN and it made it all the way to Halloween to become this beauty!

What is it with me and.....

2009-10-13T14:10:00.001+01:00

...growing things?

Just a simple hyacinth bulb. Half cover in compost and leave in the dark, the instructions said.

5 days later......

This freaky thing is escaping from the pot in the garage.

You Only Get One Chance To Make a First Impression!

2009-08-05T22:27:00.008+01:00

I lived in Bury itself for 28 years until we moved to a village a few miles away. I still regularly visit Bury as my parents still live there. As I do not drive we usually go by train or bus as many visitors to Bury do to.

Recently I have started to notice how shabby some of the areas are on the way into town from the train station, so to the MAJOR embarrassment of Pickle, Picklesister and Picklesgrandma I decided to photograph some of the highlights and am asking if there is anything that can be done to improve this first impression that visitors get when arriving in Bury St Edmunds.

This is the view from the platform at Bury Station where a little weed killer is called for.

On leaving the station itself you are sometimes met with a line of taxis and a bus stop but no sign posts to know which way the town centre is for those wishing to walk.

It seems the most popular route is across the road and up the muddy hill and through the 'Kids Play' car park as there is so defined pathway!

Past the remains of last nights kebab.

Past the remains of Rollerbury!

Past the Toyota Garage, where I'm sure there used to be a river of some sort, now just stinging nettles.

Past the Gas Holder - never get permission to build THAT there these days!

Almost there, just a very large pile of Domino's Pizza crates to pass.

With so much time and money being spent on regenerating the centre of Bury, is it time to look a little further out and make that first impression as good as the rest of Bury St Edmunds?

The answer was...........

2009-06-22T10:43:00.001+01:00

The old eastbound carriageway of the A14, otherwise known as

The Haughley Bends,

It is now a footpath/cyclepath/ Bridleway. One half has been dug over for the horses, whilst the other is left tarmaced for pedestrians and cyclists.
The westbound carriage way is now the local two way road into Stowmarket from the surrounding villages.
It feels very strange to be walking where we have driven so many times and there are a couple of floral tributes in the trees to those who lost their lives on this once dangerous stretch of road.

Where are we????

2009-06-08T13:07:00.003+01:00

Any ideas?

Goodbye Holly....

2009-05-29T21:33:00.002+01:00

On Wednesday we had to make the very sad and difficult decision to have one of our beloved cats put down. Holly was Basil's sister and was nearly 15 years old.
She used to be a 'fat cat' but over the last few months her weight her reduced dramatically and for the last week we had been unable to tempt her to eat anything at all.
Our lives have been better for having her in them and she will be greatly missed by all the family.
Sleep well little cat.

From a 'friend' of mine!

2009-05-21T09:38:00.001+01:00

Says it all really.

A visitor

2009-05-21T09:27:00.002+01:00

Picklesdad thought it would be nice to attract some birds (feathered) into our garden, though why when we have 2 cats I am not sure!

Finally after several months of NOTHING, we have a feathery visitor....

Not quite the pretty, dainty little bird I was hoping for!

All she wants for Christmas.......

2009-05-11T13:38:00.001+01:00

is her two front teeth! Hopefully they will be through before that!

Babies, babies, babies!

2009-05-11T13:34:00.002+01:00

We had some wannabe stowaways on Saturday when we left the local swimming pool after Pickle and Picklesister's swimming lessons!

Apologies

2009-04-27T11:09:00.004+01:00

Apologies for the absence from blogging. I was going to do a big catch up with where we have been over the Easter break but now our computers are poorly and I am limited as to what I can do on it.
So instead I will just show you where we went yesterday, which was the blue bell woods at Haughley Park.

They are absolutely stunning but you have to be quick if you want to see them, the gardens are only open Sunday 3rd May from 2pm until 5.30pm but they are definitely worth a look and the tea and cakes on sale in the barn were delicious!

A long day....

2009-04-09T20:47:00.004+01:00

For Pickle's 6th birthday we spent the day in Cambridge, mainly in Build a Bear in the lovely Grand Arcade (how a shopping Centre SHOULD be built) but we did find time to admire these beautiful flowers. We were supposed to be going to the Cinema there but due to an ever crashing sat-nav we were unable to find it, so we came back to Bury and watched Monsters Vs Aliens there instead. Afterwards we had dinner at Frankie and Benny's then decided to go for a walk into town to see The Cattle Market in the dark!

It has been a few (many) years since I have walked through Bury at night, but we were surprised at the amount of rubbish on the streets. I appreciate that it was after a market day but the rubbish we saw was not created directly from the market itself, it was mainly take away drink and food containers. Another shock for the time of night were the 'gangs' of young lads either riding skateboards at full pelt through the Cattle Market, swearing at the tops of their barely broken voices or speeding around the Buttermarket in their clapped out old fiesta, shouting at everyone from their windows. This used to be 'expected' at 11pm when the pubs were closing but at 8.30pm?
We were aware that there were absolutely no Police anywhere to be seen in the town centre during our time there and I am curious to know if this is normal or if they were all called upon to prepare for the Queens visit the next day. If it was the latter it is sad to think regular people have to suffer just because of an hour or so's visit to the town by an old lady.
I bet the Queen only saw the shiny sparkling Angel Hill area of Bury and was spared the shambles the rest of the town had become in preparation for her visit.

Paaaaaaaaaaaaaaarty Time!

2009-04-05T21:19:00.003+01:00

With just 3 days to go until Pickle bursts with excitement, or her 6th birthday (who knows which will come first?) Picklesdad and I braved the heat of Playworld with 7 of Pickle's friends for 2 hours of FUN!
They all had a brilliant time, even if some of them did get a little hot. One boy was heard to say
" I am so sweaty, I will be sweaty FOREVER!"

"She was a skater cat...."

2009-03-18T21:00:00.003Z

I fear Pickle has been inspired by Stuffonmycat.com. This is Sapphire our oldest lady cat, after Pickle has given her a make over.

Needless to say Sapphire was not amused!

The Rebirth of The Cattle Market

2009-03-09T21:26:00.004Z

On Sunday the Pickles went to check out the new shopping centre in Bury St Edmunds. It has been a LONG time coming and we have not been feeling too positive about what the architects have done to this part of Bury. We approached the site from Waitrose car park, so didn't have the best view of it as the rear of Debenhams leaves you feeling like you are about to be abducted by a large alien spacecraft.

However once in the main square of the CATTLE MARKET I began to feel more positive, it actually didn't look as bad as I had imagined. The fronts of the shops look fine, it is the grey wood above them that is the problem.

After our visit we went to 'Old Bury' through a dingy walkway which looked far worse than it
used to after being in the shiny 'new' Bury.

After seeing a gentleman in costume we went to check out the museum in Moyses Hall which was having a free entry heritage day. Picklesister has wanted to go in here for ages, so she was happy. Pickle was considerably less happy, as upstairs there were 'models' or 'mannequins' of some soldiers which terrified her to the point of screaming hysterics and we had to make a hasty exit.

Moyses Hall Regiment Gallery

SURPRISE!

2009-02-24T20:59:00.003Z

On Saturday night the Pickle family were amongst many guests sitting silently in the dark at the local community centre waiting for the guest of honour to arrive. It was my friend's 40th birthday and her husband had arranged a surprise party for her with people coming from as far as Europe and as close as the village to be there.
She was told she was going for a meal with her husband at a local pub (which doesn't even do food!) and they were stopping off at the community centre because a friend of their had blown all the electrical fuses and needed help.
The look of surprise/shock/horror on her face when she walked in was priceless and luckily for everyone she did not swear out loud and was REALLY happy to see everyone there.
I am still in shock as one of the guests was a teacher from my Upper School Days who hadn't changed a bit and said he remembered me, but I expect he says that to everyone!
The music was a bit on the heavy side for me but Pickle and the normally pink and princessy friend of Pickle LOVED it!

Headbanging Pickle style!

My friend's 40th birthday continued in style today with a Pudding Club lunch at the local pub (it's a hard life!)

We had a small pasta starter followed by 7 (yes SEVEN) puddings to choose from.
Rhubarb Crumble
Apple Pie
Sticky Toffee Pudding
Trifle
Chocolate Heaven
Chocolate Brownies
Lemon Cheesecake

Sadly I could only manage 3 but they were delicious.
Roll on the next 40th!

Happy Birthday PICKLESSISTER!

2009-02-06T21:25:00.002Z

This is slightly distubring, I sneaked into Picklessister Meez account to get her latest version and the above picture is what I found! Not yet an accurate representation of her but I'm sure it's only a matter of time. Until then she will be my little Flipper and we all wish her a very happy 11th birthday for Saturday.

What on earth.....

2009-02-05T20:25:00.002Z

At Rainbows the other week, Pickle and her friends decorated some gingerbread people, with icing, silver baubles and some strategically placed Smarties.

Not sure who the second one is supposed to be.....

ME: ...errrr Pickle? What are those red bits supposed to be?
Pickle : BOOBIES!

I dare not ask what the silver baubles are!

Only in England.....

2009-02-02T20:28:00.002Z

...can just 2 inches of snow cause so much chaos. After following Fourpints adventures with his snowblower since before December, I am almost ashamed to post this about OUR snow.

After listening to Heart and Radio Suffolk this morning I eventually discovered both schools were to be closed today by word of mouth from one of Pickle's dinner ladies!

A big thanks (NOT) to Suffolk County Council's School Closure page which was down until the afternoon and to Pickle's Primary School for not telling the relevant people that the school was closed.

Ok, ranting over, Pickle and her sister today made their first ever SNOW ANGELS!
I am usually too scared of what lurks beneath the snow to let them make them, but today I thought 'why not?'

This is Pickle's Snow Angel.

The trains have somehow managed to keep running today, probably because they have 'SNOW PLOUGHS' attatched to the front and back of the trains.
Not seen those before.

Russell in Suffolk

2009-01-24T21:05:00.003Z

On Monday evening, with our babysitter happily installed, Picklesdad and I set off for The Ipswich Regent, to see RUSSELL BRAND, in only the 2nd date of his "Scandalous" tour.

We had good seats (12 rows from the front) but sadly were not allowed to take photos of the man in action, as there were several scary bouncers telling people off who tried.

When 'Sachsgate' broke I was worried this would be the end of Russell's tour, that he may not do a show. How wrong could I be! At least the first third of the show was 'Sachsgate' from Russell's point of view, not once did he bad mouth Mr. Sachs or his slightly unsavoury granddaughter, instead it was from the angle of how much of an over reaction there was from the media at the time and how much he enjoyed being the main topic on the Ten O'Clock news night after night.

Having since read some press reviews of this ACTUAL show, I am astounded at how much reporters make stuff up. One reviewer said there was a ripple of polite laughter at some of the jokes, and people were not finding the material funny. Was she in a different theatre, because from where I was sitting the WHOLE audience was in stiches for the entire 90 minute show.

After the show Russell did a brief walk around the foyer of the theatre where many many females of all ages were pushing and shoving to get closer to the man himself (yes..me included!)
Picklesdad was in charge of the camera and managed to get this photo over the heads of all those people.

Thanks Picklesdad!

Russell Brand Shows 1 - Katherine Jenkins Shows 2

YOU STILL OWE ME ONE!

X X X X

I have tried....

2009-01-20T22:18:00.002Z

Ok, I have done my bit to educate my daughters in the world changing events taking place in USA today. In spite of much protesting I switched off Harry Hill's TV Burp from SKY+ and put on Sky News so they could watch Barack Obama being sworn in as President.

Pickle : Is that him?
Me: No.
Pickle: Is that him?
Me: No.
Pickle: Is THAT him?
Me: No, that's a woman.
Me: THAT ONE!! THAT'S HIM!

I explained that he was making a promise, similar to the ones Pickle and Picklesister made at Rainbows and Brownies. Good so far.

After watching this I checked Pickle's understanding of what she had just seen.

Me: Pickle? Who is that man?
Pickle: Um, um err...Gordon Brown?
Me: No, he is Barack Obama. What country is he now in charge of?
Pickle: CHINA!
Me: Close enough Pickle.
Pickle: Can we have Harry Hill back on now?

SSSHHH Pickle!

2009-01-12T12:37:00.002Z

In Tesco (other Supermarkets are available) yesterday a man walked past us. Ok so far.

As SOON as he had passed by us, Pickle said in her loudest, clearest voice..."Mummy, was that man wearing a wig, because his eyebrows were a really different colour to his hair?"

Time to make a hasty exit I thought!

Thanks to Jo for making me think of blogging this one.

One Year on....

2009-01-10T20:09:00.003Z

It is a year ago exactly since I blogged about Pickles 1st Reading Book. She has progressed really well and I thought I would show you what she is reading now.

There are now lots more words on each page and 32 pages in total. The words are much more complicated too with Pickle mispronouncing the name 'Kerry' every time it appeared in the whole book!

Quiteness........

2009-01-09T21:36:00.005Z

Since Basil died things have been so quiet in our house. Our other 2 cats, just don't DO stuff like Basil did....

Meet Holly....

and Sapphire.....

Lucky things!

New Year Walk

2009-01-09T21:20:00.003Z

Before things got sad in our house and the weather got silly we had a new year walk across the fields near us.

Here is Pickle looking at some trees......

...but none of us fancied these **SPOOKY** trees much.

This horse was not particularly pleased to see us as it sounded really grumpy. We kept our distance just to be on the safe side.

Not such a Happy New Year....

2009-01-06T09:13:00.003Z

Sadly Basil died on Monday night, he was 14 years old, with the body of a much older cat but the mind and spirit of a much MUCH younger one.

Rest in Peace Basil, you will be greatly missed.

X X X

Don't Try This At Home!

2008-12-22T21:35:00.002Z

Basil the Cat has been quite poorly since October. He keeps losing the use of his back legs, but for the time being the vet can keep him going with a slow acting steroid injection.

Basil has a fetish - yes I do believe that is the right word - for plastic bags. He either lies on top of them or if possible gets right inside them and just licks them.

Keeps him happy anyway!

Pickleisms

2008-11-20T09:21:00.002Z

I would like to share some of the delightful things that Pickle comes out with....

Pickle: Mummy??
Me : Yes Pickle?
Pickle: My nose is jammed up..Listen .......(silence)
Me: Jammed up!!

Pickle eating Mini Weetabix for Breakfast.
Pickle : ATISHOOOOOOOOOO!
Pickle : EEEEW, there's sneezebits on my nightie!
Me: EEEEEEEEW!

Pickle: MUM! Picklesister hit me!
Me: I'm sure she did it by accident.
Pickle : NO, she didn't. She did it BY FAULT!

I get the feeling there could be many more of these!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PICKLESGRANDMA!

2008-11-09T22:23:00.001Z

I would like to wish Picklesgrandma, my Mum
A very Happy 60th Birthday!

Thanks Mum for EVERYTHING you do for me and 'The Pickle's', we all appreciate it and love you very much.

Have a wonderful Birthday week, and send our love to Cliff when you see him at Wembly!

Enjoy the rest of the birthday cake!

Fireworks

2008-11-09T22:15:00.003Z

This year our village didn't have any fireworks of their own. Usually the Primary School has a display on the school field, but this year they were unable to as they were 'inbetween' PTA commitees.
Picklesdad, being a fan of fireworks wanted to go somewhere like Long Melford, where they have a huge display, to music and would cost £20 for us to get in!
I, hating fireworks wanted to go as near to home (and my terrified animals) and as cheap as possible.
The result - ?

Beyton Firework Display, in a dark field! YEY!

Pretty cool photo from my compact camera on its 'Firework' setting though.

Can you tell what it is?

2008-10-21T21:21:00.002+01:00

On Thursday last week, Pickle, Picklesgrandma and myself attended a 'share' activity afternoon at Pickle's school.

This is the result.

Can you tell what it is yet?
Answers on a postcard please........

Look what we have!

2008-10-06T13:50:00.002+01:00

Not one but 2 (count them!) lovely tetra pak, recycling bins. No more will my garage be overrun with bags of tetra paks, awaiting a trip by car to Bury Recycling Centre!

Today I took about a third of the tetra paks I had waiting in my garage, I estimate there were 21, OK I admit it, I counted them in! So by the end of the week the garage should have a teeny bit more space in.

We are very lucky to have these bins as they are the first of their kind in the area, so for once..

WELL DONE MID SUFFOLK DISTRICT COUNCIL!

Fot those of you not lucky enough to have such lovely bins, go to

www.tetrapakrecycling.co.uk

To the lady serving in Sainsbury's Cafe

2008-10-01T20:09:00.002+01:00

NO

I do not want BAKED BEANS with my cheese omelette and SALAD because that would be DISGUSTING!

Highlight of the Week

2008-09-30T20:32:00.001+01:00

Sadly I have no footage to show you not even a photo, but my highlight of the week/month has been Pickle's Harvest Festival in the village church where the vicar performed the 'Harvest Samba' on a pair of bongo drums. Obviously it had to be seen to be believed but you will just have to trust me ...

THE REV ROCKS!

Letters from School

2008-09-23T22:41:00.002+01:00

In Pickle's book bag today were 2 letters from the school.

Letter 1: On December 11th it is School Christmas Lunch. Fill in form and return ASAP if Pickle wants it. She does NOT. Why so early? So they can get the sprouts on the boil now I guess?

Letter 2 : On December 18th it is Christmas Party Day. Fill in form and return ASAP if Pickle wants special 'Party Packed Lunch' costing £2.70. She is not getting one at that price even if she did want one - which she doesn't. Where are they getting this lunch from - Harrods?

So I wasn't over zealous in my counting the days till Christmas post after all.

How many ???!!?!?!?

2008-09-16T21:38:00.000+01:00

100

That's how many days until Christmas everybody!

The tagging....

2008-09-12T20:19:00.002+01:00

Thanks again, to 21st Century Mummy who tagged me for this. Last night went relatively peacefully, although Picklessister did shout in the middle of the night that her friend was stealing her homework and later on something about changing rooms. Just a normal event in the house of a sleepwalking/talking child!

Where was I 10 years ago?

I was still a relatively new Mum to a 7 month old baby who was crawling all over the house. It was a whole new stage, I had only just got used to having a small person in the house when she started to move independently.We still lived in Bury itself in those days, and I was still only 26. Sigh!

2. What's on my to do list today?

Clean out the rabbit hutch, it’s that time of year again and he is moulting.

Order that Russell Brand calendar off ebay before they all go ( I’m not the only one I’m sure)

Find the missing remote control (probably involving taking the sofas to pieces, wouldn’t be the first time)

Tidy the Lego away, because no matter what anyone says they haven’t played with it in bloody ages and I am fed up standing on it. OUCH!

Prepare myself for Picklessister’s apple crumble she made at school.

Homework, Homework and more homework. Pickle (at year 1 primary school) appears to be getting more homework than her sister (Year 6 at middle school)

3. What if I was a billionaire?

I would buy my children a house each because they are never going to afford one of their own and will be living with us FOREVER if I don’t.

Ensure that my parents had enough money to retire happily to Cromer.

Set up animal homes for mistreated animals of all shapes and sizes.

4. Five places I have lived

Um....Bury, Bury, Bury and here! I know that’s only 4 but that’s it, for now!

5. Snacks I like

Those Indian snacky bits out of Bombay mix that aren’t nut, lentils, peas or whatnot.
Grapes
Skittles
The kid’s Dairylea cheesy dipper things
Crisps – any sort
Toast and Marmite

6. 3 bad habits

Sometimes still biting my nails, even though I have given up
Not shutting drawers properly, just leaving them about 1cm open
Buying too many 'bargains' on ebay but not selling enough of my own.

7. Who am I tagging?

Karan at http://mkmreno.blogspot.com/ - hope you don't mind me intruding on your blog!

Ruby at http://yorkdailyphoto.blogspot.com/ - to prove you do still exist!

Hoffy at http://www.hoffyschannelswim.blogspot.com/ - If he isn’t too busy swimming the blooming English Channel, again!

Tagged

2008-09-11T21:02:00.002+01:00

I have been tagged by 21st Century Mummy and I will fulfill this tagging but tonight both Pickle and Picklessister feel sick, so I am off for an early night in case I get rudely awoken during the night.

I just realised this could be for real as it's not even outdoor PE tomorrow, which is usually a sure sign of Picklessister being ill. She had cross country (snigger) on Wednesday, so it can't be that.

Wish me luck.

GONE!

2008-09-07T21:23:00.003+01:00

4 long weeks after it first became loose, Pickle has lost her first ever wobbly tooth.
Yes the tooth fairy came, £1, not bad going!

Just in time....

2008-09-01T20:56:00.005+01:00

Last week we were lucky enough to be just in time to see some of the 'Go Elephants!' display in Norwich. It took a good half an hour to convince Pickle to even look at one of them as she has a strong fear of models/statues. Eventually she loved them and was the first to point them out.
For the last 2 months there have been 54 of these elephants hidden around the city.
They have been designed by different artists and will be auctioned off later this month. The money raised will go to the Born Free Foundation and CLIC Sargent charities.

This is just a few of the ones we found and there were many more we didn't find at all!

Back to "Orderley End"...

2008-08-26T20:52:00.005+01:00

Yes, I know it should be 'Audley End' but it sounds lovely the way Pickle pronounces it.

We were only at Audley End a couple of weeks ago, but Picklesister especially wanted to return at the weekend as Queen Victoria was due to visit the house.

Here she is walking in the grounds with her lady in waiting.

There were lots of lovely costumes on display!!

As well as a very quick look around the house, running past 'the died, stuffed up animals' , Pickle and I went on a fairy hunt with this charming scientist fellow, who did not believe in fairies. Silly man. The contraption on his head was a scientific device to check the area for 'unnatural beings'.

We did find fairies though. See.

Muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmmmm!!

2008-08-22T20:55:00.004+01:00

Picklesister : Muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuummmm???

Me : Yes?

Picklesister : There's a big, long fly in the conservatory....

Me : (Tut, Sigh, Groan) Ok... (expecting to find.....)

But I actually find this.......

That was one big, long fly!
Thanks to Picklesdad for photographing and REMOVING it.

Return to Audley End ??

2008-08-19T22:51:00.002+01:00

Picklessister wants to go back to Audley End House as there will be a visit by Queen Victoria (hopefully not THE Queen Victoria) soon, but Pickle is worried she will have to go through the room she hated.

It was the room with the display cases FULL of stuffed birds and animals.

"Mummy?" asks Pickle

"Have all these animals been died and stuffed up again?" asks Pickle

"' Fraid so" says I.

Actually some of them were a little scary...thankfully photography is not allowed in the house, so you will have to take my word for it, or go and see the 'stuffed up' animals for yourselves!

CONGRATULATIONS

2008-08-16T20:55:00.002+01:00

on being voted Suffolk Village of the Year 2008

Audley End House

2008-08-12T20:31:00.006+01:00

Another visit to an English Heritage Property (thanks to Tesco Clubcard) but not a castle this time!! It is Audley End House and Gardens.

Situated just outside Saffron Walden, this stunning house was adapted from Abbey buildings between 1603 and 1614. It has been extended and adapted on many occasions since then.

A kitchen, laundry, pantry and a dairy
have all been recreated.

One of our favourite features was the 'cloud hedge' which apparently takes 1 gardener 12 days to 'carve' the patterns into the hedge, giving it this stunning 3D effect. It was originally planted to hide the service wing as the 'servants' were not to be seen.

In the kitchen gardens the Elephant Garlic has grown so tall, the tops can only be reached by ladder (probably!)

A view of the front of the house, the Urn is in memory of Polish Soldiers who fought in WW2 and trained nearby.

Pickle and Picklesister had such a good time we are going back at Bank Holiday when Queen Victoria herself is making an appearance.

Honestly!

Woolpit

2008-08-11T18:37:00.005+01:00

Woolpit Church.

Woolpit is very exotic, it has Palm Trees.

The Queen Victoria Jubilee Memorial Water Pump, 1897 stands in the centre of the village. There are statues carved around it of other Queens such as Boudica, Elizabeth I and Queen Ann.

Needles...

2008-08-11T12:19:00.002+01:00

Picklessister has a new hobby. Photography.
This is my arm, having blood taken today to test if I am still anaemic or whether 3 months of horrid iron tablets have worked. Fingers crossed.....

Goodbye Green Crocs....

2008-08-08T19:29:00.003+01:00

...hello Pulse (official Crocs Name)

Yes it will come as sad news to you all (especially David) that my trusty green Crocs have worn out and have been relegated to gardening duty.
The good news is I have a brand new pair which are a red/orange colour (Pulse) and will be coming to a town (or whelk stall) near you soon!

Blog Meet

2008-08-04T11:33:00.003+01:00

Time: 14.30 Sunday 3rd August
Location: Secret Pub in Bury St Edmunds
Reason: Bloggers Meet up to bid Farewell to Ruby

Even though many bloggers were on holiday or swimming in some strange location somewhere, a good number of bloggers, commentors and Pickles met up for a little drinky poos on Sunday afternoon.

It was good to catch up with those I had met before - Florries Mum, Bury Boy, Ruby, Cashier No.5 and to meet those I only knew from their blogs - Grumpy Old Woman (who was only 1 of those 3 descriptions!) and Four Pints (who was at least 5 pints when I left) who flew in all the way from Detroit just to be there (maybe).

For those NOT of a nervous disposition Ruby has a photo of us ALL on her blog. You have been warned.

It was a shame to have to leave the get together first but the Pickles were getting restless and Picklesdad was desperate to get home to watch the SKY+ Grand Prix, even though naughty Bury Boy did hint at some of the results!

A good time was had by all, I hope we can manage to arrange another get together one day without Ruby to organise it all for us.

A Picture says it all.....

2008-08-03T11:10:00.002+01:00

more cat pictures

2008-08-01T14:51:00.002+01:00

Due to popular demand (OK, just Ruby being nosy and Picklesgrandma) here are some photos from inside the new Co-Op store. They were taken on my mobile as I am too embarrassed to take my usual camera in here.

As you enter the store through 2 sets of automatic doors there are loads of trollies. I dread going in on the day they are all in use!

Looking towards the new salad bar and 'dead chickens' as Pickle puts it.

New till area has 3 tills plus......

...a till with conveyor belt.

You Tube Clip of the Week!

2008-07-30T10:12:00.001+01:00

A 'tribute' to places in East Anglia and those who live there.

Only in Suffolk...

2008-07-29T22:36:00.004+01:00

I read with interest today that trains were delayed this morning between Ipswich and Cambridge at 0650 due to a goat on the line!

Copyright www.freefoto.com
Not THE actual goat you understand

The driver initally thought it was a Llama!

Copyright www.copyright-free-pictures.org.uk

Makes a change from leaves I suppose!

The Most Exciting Day in the Village....

2008-07-29T21:06:00.003+01:00

......Ever!!

Pickle and I set out early, her on scooter, me puffing along behind.

Over the newly installed ZEBRA crossing (HOW long did it take to get one of these?)
and arrive at our destination.......

THE NEW HUGE CO-OP Store!

Most of the village was in there and very nice it was too.

No, No, SO NO!

2008-07-14T09:41:00.002+01:00

We are looking for an extra water butt for the garden.
This is NOT what I had in mind.

Amazing what you learn in a day....

2008-07-10T21:43:00.005+01:00

Today, Banham Zoo in Norfolk was visited by 30 Reception Class children, including Pickle. I went as one of the parent helpers. I was with 2 (grown up) friends and between us we had 9 children to supervise.

The above photo of the giraffe is the only one I found time to take, but we did see many more animals.

The tigers were a great favourite, although our group will tomorrow be telling their teacher that

'lots of tigers STINK'.

Although this was somewhat true, what we actually meant were

'many species of tigers are now sadly EXTINCT'

but they chose not to hear that version.

The other amazing fact our group picked up from the visit was that Fennec Foxes lay eggs, at least the same size as themselves, if not bigger.

Whose bright idea was it to have 4 ostrich eggs in the Fox enclosure anyway.

There are now at least 9 children in Suffolk who think these foxes hatch from eggs.

I must speak to the teacher before the children do!

Up above the streets and houses.....

2008-07-07T22:08:00.002+01:00

A welcome sight after a day of either torrential rain (at school pick up time) or sunshine.

This was spotted bringing Pickle home from Rainbows!

Spooky eh?

If my daughters were cats....

2008-07-01T20:55:00.001+01:00

...they would be THIS cat.

more cat pictures

Thanks to Icanhascheezburger (again)

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside....

2008-06-30T20:47:00.005+01:00

On Sunday we spent a lovely day with Picklesgrandma and Picklesgrandad at the seaside. We went to Cromer and spent all morning on the beach.

Picklesdad even put on his fake Crocs and had a paddle in the sea where he made this beautiful castle with Picklessister.

Pickle also made some sand castles...this one.....

...and this one.....

See, this is how stupid you look

2008-06-16T21:30:00.002+01:00

Picklesdad found this highly amusing!
Thanks a bunch!

more cat pictures

Courtesy of icanhascheezburger.com

Sir Justin Fletcher....

2008-06-14T20:29:00.002+01:00

Well almost.
It is now Justin Fletcher MBE.
In the Queen's Birthday Honours List of June 14th 2008, Justin Fletcher was awarded an MBE "for services to Children's television and the voluntary sector."

Justin is the voice of nearly every character on childrens television, but has been brought to attention by the series 'Something Special'' which features the 'Makaton' communication technique. This signing, pictures and facial expressions to help those with learning difficulties such as autism communicate and is taught in over 40 countries.

Maybe next year then Sir Justin??

SUMMERS HERE

2008-06-09T21:51:00.001+01:00

I am SO proud!

2008-06-09T21:21:00.003+01:00

When we went on holiday I took Pickle's 'wordbox' from school. The name is a little misleading as it is not a box at all but a plastic, zip up folder containing 10 laminated printed words for Pickle to read. There are 36 of these to get through and I am proud to say Pickle only has about 3 more to go. This means she will be able to read all the 'high usage' words, which can be read phonetically.
How it works is, I show her the word and she reads it back to me, usually giving a meaning to the word, so I know she understands it.
One of the words on holiday was

BRAND

Pickle : B R AN D......Brand......Is that like RUSSELL BRAND Mummy???

ME: YES YES YES!!

I am so proud of my 5 year old!

Name that place......

2008-06-03T20:32:00.003+01:00

Yes, it's that time of year again. The Pickle Family has ventured far far away from Suffolk, to.....

Answers on a postcard or comment box please!

Poorly Pickle

2008-05-12T09:48:00.003+01:00

No time to blog recently as I have a poorly Pickle to deal with. She has had a temperature of up to 39.4 degrees since Thursday night.
A visit to the GP informed us she had a viral upper respiratory infection (?)
A visit to Suffolk Doctors on call last night resulted in some antibiotics which 10% of people allergic to penicillin are also allergic to.
Pickle is allergic to Penicillin and another type of antibiotic, so this does not bode well.
We found it amazing that in the whole of the West Suffolk Hospital this was the best they could offer. Surely such an allergy is not that rare that they should stock more than 2 types of antibiotic.

So far so good though, no troubling signs of allergy.
Fingers crossed!

Basil hides away....

2008-04-29T21:45:00.003+01:00

This is for Florrie's Mum.
Picklesdad was very keen on the idea of you recycling Basil, he even mentioned PAYING you you take him, but Basil himself was not so keen and has hidden in a toy box. I think it was the mention of Florrie and not you!

Basil does his bit .......

2008-04-27T20:48:00.002+01:00

...for recycling.

I am fed up of bashing into various bags of recycling that I have hanging off my ironing board in the cupboard under the stairs, so I moved a box into the utility room to put glass bottles and jars in. Less than 5 minutes after I put it there, Basil has made himself at home in it. Surely sleeping on top of a load of glass is not comfortable? Basil seems to find it comfier than his last place of residence which was on top of the fridge freezer!

Am I getting old?

2008-04-17T20:36:00.003+01:00

While sorting out various drawers in my house this week I realised I have accumulated a lot of spare buttons over the years. I collected them together and then realised

I have A BUTTON BOX!

I remember spending hours playing with a box of buttons at my Grandma's house when I was young, and MY Mum now has that box of buttons, which I presume she has added to over the years. But to realise that I have a button box all of my own, made me feel slightly strange. And OLD!

Pretty though, aren't they?

Pickle's Adventures in.........

2008-04-14T20:32:00.002+01:00

Lavenham!

This is Munnings Tearoom in Lavenham named after the artist Alfred Munnings, where we had a fantastic lunch. Sandwiches, scones and CAKE! Thankfully it was coffee cake and not MORE chocolate cake! We had a HUGE pot of tea, which Pickle thought brilliant as we used a tea cosy. She had no idea what a tea cosy was, which I found a bit sad. Her comment made me realise I always make tea in a mug, so I shall be asking Picklesgrandma to knit us a tea cosy.

This is Pickle running down a very steep hill in Lavenham. Who said Suffolk is flat?

Now what was the highlight of Pickle's rip to Lavenham?

Was it?

A) The cakes and juice in the tea shop?
B) Running down a steep hill?
C) Visiting the church and more importantly GRAVEYARD to see lots of dead people?

Yes, it was C!

I worry about that girl sometimes.

This is me.....

2008-04-10T21:47:00.003+01:00

.....after 3 days of birthday parties and more chocolate cake than even I can eat and there is STILL one more birthday and party to go.....

Happy Birthday .......

2008-04-07T21:17:00.001+01:00

PICKLE!

5 years ago, Pickle made her entrance into this world, by caesarean section. Not because I was too posh to push but because like her sister 5 years before she too was in the breech position and Pickle also had her umbilical cord wrapped around her neck. There seemed little choice to me. Her safety was more important than anything. Also a C-section BLINKING hurts and it was 2 days before I could even get out of bed... sorry enough ranting!

Pickle was a much longed for second child, who we are so honoured to have in our family. She is a like a whirlwind and we wouldn't have her any other way.

Happy Birthday Pickle!

Love from
Mummy, Daddy and Sister
X X X X X

Fun Monday

2008-04-07T20:45:00.006+01:00

Jo Beaufoix is hosting Fun Monday this week and I feel I may have inadvertently answered her question yesterday, without meaning too.
She wants to know 'Who was your first celebrity crush?'. Although I didn't realise it at the time, I now fear it was Richard O Sullivan, AS DICK TURPIN I may add, not as in Robin's nest. That is very important to know as it makes it slightly less embarrassing.

I had a picture of him on my bedroom door, pulled from the TV Times! I was aged between 7 and 9, so I was not to blame.

I have progressed somewhat since then to

IT IS MY BIRTHDAY TODAY so I am allowed gratuitous Russell Pictures!

PS Nice to see you today Florriesmum, this is for you too!

On this day....

2008-04-06T22:08:00.004+01:00

April 7th 1739 Dick Turpin was hanged.

April 7th 1972 I was born!

Due to this connection, I grew up with a strange liking for highwaymen! Starting when I was just 7 with an unnatural obsession with Richard O'Sullivan as Dick Turpin on Saturday night TV.

Continuing onto

Adam Ant, when I was 9!

On the actual day I was born

Nilsson - Without You was Number 1 single
Lindisfarne - Fog On The Tyne was Number 1 album.

Also born on this great day were

1770 - William Wordsworth (Poet)

1915 - Billie Holiday ( jazz vocalist; deceased )
1947 - Florian Schneider-Esleben ( Kraftwerk )
1949 - John Oates ( Hall And Oates )
1960 - Simon Climie ( 'Climie' of duo Climie Fisher )
1979 - Duncan (Matthew) James ( vocalist, Blue )

Pickle's New Obsession

2008-04-04T12:48:00.003+01:00

Pickle has been talking about a certain subject recently.
DEATH.

Case 1.

Location - Top floor of Park and Ride, double decker bus in Cambridge.

Pickle -LOOK!

Picklesdad - Yes Pickle?

Pickle Look what I can see?

Picklesdad - What can you see Pickle?

Pickle - LOTS AND LOTS OF DEAD PEOPLE!

Picklesdad - Snigger! Um, Pickle? That's a cemetery!

Case 2

Location - Picklesgrandma's Kitchen

Pickle - Grandma?

Picklesgrandma - Yes Pickle?

Pickle - How old will I be when you die?

Picklesgrandma - ...................

Pickle - Grandma?

Picklesgrandma - Um, well, hopefully very very old!

Birthdays Are Coming

2008-04-02T22:07:00.002+01:00

Yes, soon there will be 3 birthdays in the Pickle household, within 5 days of each other.
That is A LOT of birthday cake!

Wow, A blog PRIZE!

2008-04-01T20:44:00.003+01:00

Remember the blog party a couple of weeks ago? Well I won a PRIZE for hosting a party. A lovely lady from Luscious Little Treasures contacted me to tell me of my win and to get my details, so she could send me my prize.

Today it arrived, all the way from Atlanta in the USA!

What is it? Well it is described as a Ballerina Barrette Holder. The ballerina bit I got straight away but what is a barrette when it's at home? Well wiki says

Barrette

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A barrette (also called hair-slide in British English or a hair clip in Australian English ) is a clasp or pin for holding hair in place, usually a woman's.

Barrettes are worn according to size, with small ones at the front and large ones in the back. They are used to keep hair out of the eyes but can also be just ornamental.

So now you know too.

Pickle loves the ballerina barrette holder loads, mainly because it is pink! So a massive thank you to Nissa at Luscious Little Treasures, you have made one little Pickle very happy!

Off across the border into.......

2008-03-30T20:52:00.005+01:00

Cambridgeshire!

We just went for a spot of shopping, and because I really wanted Picklesdad to see the groovy hand-driers in John Lewis toilets! Yes I know, slightly strange and a little sad but they are so cool! They are Dyson Airblade Hand dryers, and dry your hands in seconds!
Unfortunately the toilets were so crowded I was unable to get a photo of them but trust me they are worth the trip to Cambridge alone.

We parked in the Newmarket Road Park and Ride facility (take note Bury Planners) and went into the heart of Cambridge itself.

Strangely for the end of March it appeared to be Graduation day at Kings College, as Picklessister pointed out 'There are a lot of wizards here today'. Nice way of seeing their poncy gowns I thought!

Whilst Picklesdad spent AGES in a camera shop, us girls ventured along Kings Parade until we found Jim Garrahy's Fudge Kitchen and were able to watch fudge being made.

The fudge mixture had to reach 231 degrees...

being stirred constantly with big wooden paddle....

and then poured onto a marble table to cool.

We didn't have time to see the next phase but once cooled it is rolled and sliced for serving.

YUM!

Who's that sleeping in...........

2008-03-24T08:46:00.003Z

PICKLESSISTERS BED?

It is not Picklessister because she is away at Brownie camp for 3 days!

Luckily it is not 'camp' as in tents but staying in a village hall, just 2 villages away from home. Pickle was very sad that Picklessister would not be home all over Easter, well sad for all of the 2 seconds it took her to work out that she could now sleep in her sister's bed!

Back to her own bed tonight as Picklessister returns home!

Infant Sorrow

2008-03-20T10:30:00.002Z

This is ACTUALLY Russell Brand singing a song from his new film, Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

Me Time

2008-03-17T21:31:00.001Z

Poorly Girl

2008-03-17T21:17:00.002Z

For the last 2 days this has been Picklesister. She is poorly with a raging temperature and a bad headache. I have spent the day looking after her (as a Mum should do!), which has involved making lots of drinks, lots of cuddles and watching an entire series each of Harry Hill's TV Burp and You've been Framed that we had recorded on the BT Vision box.
Another day off school tomorrow as she is still poorly tonight( and it's not even outdoor PE day!)
What will we watch though as I think we are all out of Harry Hill?

Back to Normal

2008-03-13T20:32:00.003Z

Ho, hum. Party's over. Look how messy my house has got since I've been away.....

Storms?

2008-03-11T13:17:00.005Z

After a slightly blustery day than usual yesterday, I was amazed by the extensive coverage on our local news bulletin Look East.

I appreciate that SOME areas of the country have suffered dreadful flood damage (again) and structual damage caused by fallen trees etc, but around here it really hasn't been that bad.

Look East featured an elderly couple who were without power, he was trying to read a newspaper in a darkened room and she was sewing. If they had opened the curtains in the room, they would have found it easier I'll bet.

However this morning I am thinking of calling out Look East myself, as imagine my horror when looking out inyo my garden this morning I discovered this!

Yes my watering can had moved from here (you can clearly see the space it was in)

to here!

Seriously though I hope everyone in blog land is safe and well during this freaky weather we are having.

**UPDATE**

Have just seen tomorrows weather forecast and I will probably be hit by a falling tree as payback for mocking Look East!

Make me laugh Monday

2008-03-10T21:05:00.003Z

Yes, today being the rubbish day weather wise I thought we all needed cheering up, so I have joined the Make Me Laugh Mondays host Absolutely Bananas

Enter the ICHC online Poker Cats Contest!

Thanks to
icanhascheezeburger.com
for the funny!

Picklessister

2008-03-10T18:19:00.003Z

YEY!
The party is still going strong, thanks for stopping by everybody.

Look who else is here! It's Picklessister!

2008-03-09T20:38:00.006Z

Welcome to the Ultimate Blog Party 2008 hosted by 5 minutes for Mom. Thanks for coming.

So what is the Ultimate Blog Party?

Basically it is a carnival for you to meet other mom/mum bloggers, have fun, win prizes and get your blog noticed. Last year over 1000 bloggers took part. I have been invited by Rose from Parenting Issues (t'was her that gave me that lovely shiny award you can see over there --->)

About Me

I am a married 35 year old (for a month yet anyway) Mother of 2 girls, aged 10 and 4 (nearly 5 though).
I am a full time Mum and help out at Pickle's school sometimes and enjoy cooking, gardening, photography, pets, shopping, reading, music, blogging, facebook, internet in general reallly!
I have an unnatural interest in Russell Brand but that is ok as Picklesdad has an unnatural interest in Katherine Jenkins, so we get on just fine!

About My Blog

It is a pure and simple ramble about things that happen to our family. I try to keep it light and inoffensive.

My Party

My party is a VIP party and you are all invited, my lovely readers.

I have dressed my Meez up especially for the occaision but in reality, that's never going to happen! There's no crocs for a start and my hair would NEVER do that in a million years, but what the hey?

The Food

I have baked some goodies for the party....

Some yummy ginger biscuits

and

some not quite so yummy savoury slices for Picklesdad (many MANY food intolerances!)

To visit all the Ultimate Blog Parties visit 5 Minutes For Mom and check out all the blogs that have added their details on Mr Linky. There are also competitions and prizes. Prizes include DVDs, books, chocolates and much more. Visit the Ultimate Blog Party 2008 Prize Page for further details. And there is still time for you to take part - the party runs until March 14th, visit the Ultimate Blog Party Instruction Page.

Have a great party!

Many many apologies to Rose as I have blatantly copied vast parts of your blog as I found it most confusing! Thanks for the help!

Happy Mother's Day....

2008-03-02T20:45:00.003Z

to all Mums out there, especially MINE!

Photo courtesey of Pickle - Age 4 and 11 months

Today I found out that Picklesgrandma and Picklesgrandad are actually reading my blog, so I had better be careful what I write from now on. We have just spent a lovely day with them, and had lunch with Picklesothergrandma and Picklesauntie and Picklescousin as well (gosh this is getting confusing now) at Bressingham Garden Centre.

Picklesgrandma and I were very good and DIDN'T have the yummy looking profiteroles for pudding like the lady opposite did. I'm sure we feel much better for NOT having had them (yeah right!)

Thank you to Pickle and Picklesister for managing not to fight ALL DAY (or until bedtime anyway) and for my wonderful Morrissey cd, and other gifts, including breakfast in bed at 0720 this morning (on a SUNDAY!).

The earth moved......

2008-02-27T10:03:00.002Z

...but I slept through it (insert own jokes here!)

Picklesdad however DID feel the earth (house) move. He was awake already mind you. If he had been asleep the whole house could have come down and he wouldn't be any the wiser!

He was reading a Tess Gerritsen book in bed and when he heard strange rumblings from the loft he was a little scared I think!

He bravely went and checked on the Pickles who were both still snoring in their respective beds. He came back to bed and frightened me that he thought there were birds in he loft again. (Blooming big birds to be confused with an earthquake mind you).

So did anyone else feel the earth move last night or did you all sleep through it like us Picklettes?

Bad Mood

2008-02-25T20:25:00.002Z

Apologies for my Meez being in a bad mood but like me she has had a PANTS week. Nothing to do with ACTUAL pants you understand, just a horrible week.

Some so called friends of Picklessister are being mean to her and she has been coming home in tears each night and I can't bear to see her sad.

So far this week things have been better. Let's hope it stays that way or I'll be visiting the school.

On a happier note

Picklessister has a county loaned Saxophone for lessons at school and to use for practice at home.
Oh deep joy!

Pickle is not impressed and shuts herself in the conservatory, shouting "It's too loud" and the mere sight of the case.

Tuesday evening is Pickle's parents evening, so I hope she has been a good girl. All will be revealed tomorrow!

A Kinky Linky Love Tag

2008-02-19T20:17:00.002Z

The lovely Jo Beaufoix has tagged me so I am honoured to be passing on the tag.

*Start Copying Here*

I have randomly selected 5 of you below to be tagged and I hope that you will similarly publish this post in your blog. You will have to tag 5 other bloggers and just keep adding on to the list. (Do not replace, just keep on adding! Yes we hope it will be a long list!)It’s real easy!Tag others and see your Technorati Authority increase exponentially!

The benefits of Viral Linking:
1.One of the fastest ways to see your technorati authority explode!

2.Increase your Google PageRank fast

3.Attract large volume of new traffic to your site

4.Build your community

5.Make new friends!

Linky Love Tag

The Strategist Notebook
Link Addiction
Ardour of the Heart
When Life Becomes a Book
The MalaysianLife
Yogatta.com
What goes under the sun
Roshidan’s Cyber Station
Sasha says
Arts of Physics
And the legend lives
My View, My Life
A Simple Life
Juliana RW
Mom Knows Everything
Beth & Cory’s Mom
A Mind Forever Voyaging
enjoying the ride
Jennifer’s thoughts
Mom of 3 Girls
Amanda
Don’t Make Me Get The Flying Monkeys
ExPat Mom
Just Jessie
Wilson Six
Krisitn
Nuttier Than You
Shonnte
Summer’s Nook
Laura Williams Musings
Melissa’s Idea Garden
Eve atConfessions of an Everyday Housewife
ChristiS of the Blah Blah Blog
Stephanie at Stop the Ride!
Diane at Soap, Blings & Girly Things

Amanda at Amanda:Mama’s Musings
Kristin at An Ordinary Life
Mama Zen at The Zen of Motherhood
Atomik Kitten
The Sassy Southerner A Room of Mama’s Own
Exploring Autumn
Immoral Matriarch: Catechizer Real Life Boogiemum
Living and loving every minute of it
Huckdoll
The Daily Rhythm
The Rocky Mountain Retreat
A Mom’s Life
Jenty’s Ramblings
Jo Beaufoix
Sortacrunchy

Ribbon Rock Star

Hollydolly
Jen at Absolutely Bananas
Lori at Fairytales and Margaritas
Blue Momma Life in the Fishbowl
Picklesmum

Almost Mrs Average at The Rubbish Diet
Hoffy at Hoffy's Channel Swim
Ruby at Living in Bury
Perfect Housewife - Yeh right
Cookie Bee

Go for it Ladies and Gentleman!

Don't forget to leave a tag on your tagged comments, if you get my drift!

Happy Valentines Day

2008-02-14T18:58:00.010Z

** UPDATE**
Please notice the all dancing Russell in the clip below!

Who says romance is dead? My valentine gift this year was definitely the most original I've ever received and probably not many other ladies got one either...it certainly beats over priced flowers and fattening chocolates.....

Picklesdad (with a little help from Picklessister) made me a 'Russell Bearand' bear when we were at the Build a Bear workshop in Norwich the other week. They based him on this clip of the man himself from the Russell Brand on the Road Documentary which was on BBC4 recently and somehow they kept him hidden until the big day.

MY Russell has the white y-fronts and sexy cowboy boots too and a very fetching hairdo...

Thank you so much Picklesdad, I love the bear and I love you too.

PS I gave Picklesdad the Katherine Jenkins autobiography, not so imaginative but he liked it!

A sunny Sunday

2008-02-10T18:31:00.000Z

While Picklesdad was watching Rugby, the Pickles and I went for a walk across the fields near where we live.

My favourite spooky tree is still there...

and it was a beautiful sunny afternoon, not too cold and lots of sun to make shadows with!

At the playground on the way back (probably the only reason Pickle agreed to coming) I took the chance to photograph some crocuses (?) that had been planted around the trees and village sign.

Once upon a time.......

2008-02-07T13:34:00.001Z

...I wasn't a Picklesmum, or any Mum at all. Then I became Flippersmum, because 10 years ago today, Flipper (as she had big feet on the scan photos) made her arrival into the world, breech and 6 days before the planned c-section.

This post is for you Flipper, AKA Picklessister, to let you know how proud we all are of you and to tell you how much we love you.

Have a very Happy 10th Birthday!

Love from Mum, Dad and Pickle.
x x x x

My Meez

2008-02-05T16:29:00.000Z

You may notice my Meez is wishing someone a Happy Birthday, but who? and when?

Watch this space to find out!