Reasons to be cheerful

There has been lots to smile about this week.
I have been absolutely loving the wall to wall sunshine, it's lifted my spirits no end.

I couldn't wait to get home from work on Tuesday and kick of my shoes.

Sadly had to make do with a cuppa as we had no ice or lemonade for the Pimms!
I know it says Thursday but I'm planning next week's T.V (please tell me it's not only me that does this!)
It's also that time of year again when Alan dons his best suit and shiny badges.

I love Diarmuid for always doing his own thing and not conforming, even though I don't usually get his designs, but I have to say I LOVE LOVE LOVE this.
I would like to say I was actually at Chelsea and took these pics myself but sadly they are taken from google images, I live in hope that someday soon I will make it to Chelsea, it's most definitely on our 'to do' list, despite little H's protestations (he hates anything to do with gardening despite our best efforts!)

I have been a bit hit and miss with Chelsea this year, I just seem to have been really busy this week but not actually achieved much, but fear not as I have recorded them all so I will be catching up over the next couple of days. I'm really looking forward to seeing the garden with the caravan which I have heard so much about.

while I'm on the subject of gardening, the plum tree finally arrived this week and is settling into its new home.

don't be fooled by the chicken wire, it's not actually there to stop the chickens as they haven't arrived yet, it's to stop this fella from Christening it!!!

A few other odd jobs have been crossed off the list and Iv'e planted out some veggies but I have been mainly enjoying relaxing in the garden.


hope you are enjoying the sunshine......... while it lasts!
: )

All Good Things........

The last couple of months have been quite stressful for me as I have been job hunting after being made redundant back in October last year.
I had been working in a Convent for nearly six years and I can honestly say it was the best job EVER.
I had known some of the Sisters for over 20 years and over this time they had become more like family to me, sadly this made it even harder when the house finally closed and the Sisters had to move on.

Sister Ursula, Sister Brendan and Sister Elizabeth, affectionately known as
THE GIRLS!!!

The blue eyed boy doing a spot of watering during the summer holidays!

School holidays were never a problem as he used to come along with me.
The Girls would make a fuss of him, sneaking him chocolate and treats and generally treating him like a little prince (which of course he is!).

I loved being a stay at home mum but when I was offered the job at the Convent it was the perfect opportunity for me as it meant I could work a few hours a week and not have to worry about child care.
Jobs like this are like gold dust and just when I thought I would never get another one, low and behold I was offered a job last week......WAIT FOR IT........TERM TIME ONLY *does a celebratory dance*
I can't quite believe my luck. Im just waiting to hear from them with the final details as the post wasn't originally term time only but they have very kindly adapted the hours to accommodate my child care situation.
I consider myself a very lucky girl to be given another opportunity to earn some extra cash and be at home for my boy(s)

So all is well in the Hotchpotch household and on this cheery note I leave you with a couple of my favourite snaps from the last few weeks.

don't be fooled by their prettiness as they gave off and odour which can only be likened to cat urine... EURGH!!!

Brucie doing it Cheryl Cole stylee!


Happy Wednesday everyone
: )

Big Plans

♥ Happy Valentine's Day everyone, hope you are all feeling the luuuurve. ♥
                           

The traumas of last week are now a distant memory as this week is my birthday week and plans are afoot.
It's tradition in our house for the birthday boy/girl to choose a destination, and then off we trot, me, Mr. H, the blue eyed boy and last but not least our fourth family member, Bruce Willis (don't ask!!!) our ever so slightly smelly canine who also happens to share his birthday with me.

The day out wherever it may be usually involves a fair amount of walking and browsing the shops, several cups of tea and at least one piece of cake.
I'm certainly packing it in this year with visits to Hebden Bridge, The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway and return visits to Ilkley and my new favourite place, Saltaire and luckily for me this year we are spreading it over two days so I'm hoping we might even squeeze in a quick stop off at a certain shop in Leeds on the way home!

In the mean time I'm trying to complete some unfinished projects that seem to be taking over 'my corner'.
I do try really hard to tidy it away most days but as late afternoon creeps around so do my books, magazines and numerous baskets containing wool and general crafty stuff, or  JUNK as the blue eyed boy prefers to call it, how very dare he!!!

In total contrast this is Mr. H's corner, all neat and tidy with his treasured collection of Rupert annuals taking pride of place.

I'm off now, got to take Brucie for his birthday haircut and pedicure, that dog is more pampered than me!