And then there were three (four including the dog!)

Back to camping?

2010-05-25T21:29:00.000+01:00

We've still got the camping bug, but as our Bell Tent got ruined (Gareth!!!!"£$%^ - he paid for it so it's ok really!) now have a 6 1/2 month old baby as well as a dog who gets spooked at the slightest sound outside, methinks tenting is not for us any longer.

What to do?
Retro caravan of course! Am eBaying like mad just watching loads of vans and getting an idea of what is cool and what is most definitely not cool... Need to look at how big we could go without knackering our car, how much we could realistically spend, what on earth caravanning is all about, could I customise a 70's/80's van with funky fabric to give us the cool look we love about retro canvas camping.... so much to think about and so many questions to answer! I love a project!!!

I'd love something like this!!

Harry at six months old

2010-05-12T22:21:00.000+01:00

I can't believe that Harry is now 6 months old. Seems hard to believe that someone who has only been with us for half a year has made and continues to make such a positive difference to our lives. I am writing this at 22.05 the day before and this time 6 months ago I was in total agony having been induced due to going over my dates. The day before Harry was born was the worst day of my life so far I have to say. I have never ever felt such pain. The process of being induced dragged on so long I almost didn't believe we would even have a baby. He was just so comfortable in there :)

At 23.26 on 13th November 2009 (Friday 13th!!), Harry joined us and it was one of the happiest moments our lives. He was placed onto my chest and I felt the most incredible love. Love like none I had ever felt before. Next I thought "My goodness you are heavy!!" And he was, relatively, at 8lb 15oz. He is now tipping the scales at just under 23lb. Scoffing most things he is presented with, giggling when his feet are tickled (or in fact whenever takes his fancy, if Mummy or Daddy say something random or pull a funny face), crying real tears when he is upset :(, making our lives totally and utterly complete. He is our gorgeous happy boy and being his Mummy is the best job in the world. Love you Harry, more than you can ever know until the day you have your own children. Amazing. xxxx

A quick update

2010-04-30T11:09:00.000+01:00

Harry is 24 weeks old today
He can roll over
He is starting to blow raspberries
He has a love of banana and Rachel's Organic First Yoghurt
He has enjoyed being looked after for a few hours by Granny Ann, while Mummy went to work to have a meeting
He is going to have fun with Nanny and Richard tomorrow while Mummy & Daddy take Grandad to see Riverdance - front row tickets!!
He is really enjoying his Waterbabies lessons and is used as a 'demo' baby quite often so he can't be doing badly
He has the most amazing temperament I have ever known in one so young
LOVE HIM MORE THAN ANYTHING EVER

How he was

And how he is now...

A weekend away - not what we expected

2010-02-22T21:43:00.000Z

I am sat here on Sunday, it's 5pm and it's just me and the dog. We are sat in a glorious 4 bedroom cottage in a tiny hamlet called Laithes, nr Penrith, Cumbria. We rented it to enjoy spending time with our friends Jimmy & Alison along with their kids. Also a chance for them to meet Harry for the first time.
The first element of this that did not go to plan was that as Simon unexpectedly had to work until lunchtime on Friday (instead of being off all day), we left far later to get here, at 4pm. Being Friday, the traffic was terrible so we didn't arrive until 11pm, complete with a slightly grumpy Harry, not surprisingly really!! Then I woke feeling a bit rough resulting in Simon buying me some 'tummy upset' pills. I was then fine but Simon then caught whatever it is, then Harry lost a whole feed all over my jeans and the floor. Nice. So J, A and the kids packed up their stuff and went home about 8pm. Can't say I blame them! That left me and Lucy on the sofa feeling a bit bereft really. Simon then got banished to elsewhere in the house as he was VERY poorly and at this minute, still is. Harry is fine, I am fine, Lucy is in a mood because she wants to go out running, and Simon is in bed... Maybe we'll try this again later in the year...

UPDATE: We are home now, all better. Home sweet home. Harry was great on the journey, considering it's pretty much 6 hours in his carseat - with breaks, he cried toward the end but then I felt like crying too ;) bloody M25...

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Redhill Common

2010-02-11T17:43:00.000Z

This is where we walk our doggy and something new appeared today! It's a sort of totem pole and beautiful carved bench made out of half a tree trunk. Lovely for looking at the view.

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Experimenting with LOMO apps

2010-02-07T23:04:00.001Z

Found two v cool apps which recreate the style we would get if only we knew how to use our Diana camera properly!
Making a simple iPhone taken photo as so:

Look like this:

This:

This:

And this:

Cheating? A little bit, but I LOVE it!!

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Postnatal classes - Surestart centre

2010-02-03T18:20:00.001Z

I started a 4 week course (2 hours once a week for 4 weeks) today. 3 of my NCT friends were there too which was nice.

It was kind of what I thought in that we will cover things like weaning, teeth etc.We might cover first aid too which would be handy. There were about 12 of us in the room, all with babies ranging from 8 weeks to about 4 months old so with lots in common!

The thing that did take me by surprise was we had to split into small groups and talk about our experiences in labour. I was the last to speak in my group and when I started talking about it I got really emotional and started crying. I thought I had come to terms with my induction and general horridness of the experience but it all came flooding back. It's strange because I have recovered in the sense that I definitely want another baby in the not too distant future, but I think I have a sense of loss that my labour was so far removed from how I wanted it to be. I was encouraged at NCT classes to make a definite birth plan and I think following that it was hard for me to come to terms with it being anything other than a birthing pool with limited intervention.

Anyway, I digress! One thing that was cute was they talked about a thing called BookStart which is all about encouraging babies to communicate at the earliest possible stage by reading to them from now onwards. We have been doing this a bit anyway, and they say talking to them a lot and singing is good too. So they gave us all a cotton fair trade shopping type bag and it had 2 free books in it which made it worthwhile going! One called Lullaby Lion and one called Noisy Day. I will be reading Lullaby Lion to Harry tonight.

I am looking forward to the remaining 3 sessions, always good to meet more mums in the area. I have got more genuine friends now than I think I have ever had before :)

I love Coloursplash!!

2010-01-28T22:26:00.001Z

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Work... still on my mind

2010-01-27T21:16:00.000Z

Harry is really coming into his own now. Such a cute, sunny personality (most of the time, but not always!), he is an absolute joy to be with.

I have work like a dark cloud fogging the back of my brain, there like an elephant in the room. The fact is I will have to go back at some point, but I am going to get my calculator out to try and see how long we can survive without the salary for. I can technically have up until the end of September but we will see!

I think it is so sad the way life is these days - I really believe the best thing for most Mums and their children is for Mum to be at home with them. (Not all, mind. I do appreciate that we are all different so one size definitely does not fit all.) I wish I had thought deeply about this before being such a 'consumer'. I am probably the biggest consumer I know. Of all things. If we had been more frugal it would be much easier to consider being at home. Makes me feel sad and a little foolish.

I have some ideas about what I can do to make some money in a way that fits in more with the life I want to have with my family. Those ideas tap into my creative side that has laid dormant for the last 12 or so years. A long time to sit on such a strong side of my personality. I think becoming a mother has made me more in touch with who I am and I have discovered I am a person that I like. A bonus I suppose! ;)

A little deeper than I intended but there you have it.

Work

2010-01-25T18:11:00.001Z

I took Harry into my office today to show him off to everyone. He was gorgeous as usual. Lots of people asked me when I am going back to work but he's 10 weeks old, how can I even talk about it at the moment?! How can I leave these chubby cheeks while I go off to work?!

It's really made me think. This is simply the best job in the world and I can't imagine anything else right now.

Love you so much Harry xxx

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Sleep, glorious sleep!!

2010-01-24T18:01:00.001Z

Harry went for 9 hours last night! I am so proud of him.
Going to try to recreate what I did last night so fingers crossed he does it again!!
See, he's happy too!!!

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Coloursplash for iPhone...

2010-01-20T08:44:00.001Z

I have downloaded this for my phone and it seems awesome though I am still experimenting with it so far. I have always loved the old coloured photos from the 20's, 30's (?) and this is kind of similar. It converts your pic to grayscale and then you can put the original colour back in wherever you want, so in this pic I have made Harry's eyes blue again and as I love the hat he's wearing I've given that colour too. Cool huh.

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Progress...

2010-01-15T08:15:00.001Z

Despite still having a poorly tum, Harry didn't wake for his last feed last night, and slept through his nappy change too. He woke at 4am for a feed, having gone from 7.30pm!! Well done Harry!

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It's raining...

2010-01-14T04:25:00.001Z

It's melting, this girl is so happy!!!

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Not fun

2010-01-14T00:08:00.001Z

Had to remove Lucy's bandage as I think it was too tight - after having it on for 12 hours she was freaking out, not able to walk on it at all, kicking out her leg like the nerves were on edge and generally very miserable. No doubt the vet won't be impressed but I'm not impressed with her - sure it's not meant to cause issues like that!

So anyway, the day just gets better! Technically it's tomorrow already. Better get some sleep.

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This week is pants

2010-01-13T13:43:00.001Z

Can't get anywhere easily due to the snow, Harry is still poorly, Lucy has a cut paw so had to have a bandage and glue at the vets (£59 so far...) and Simon is on nights so effectively I'm a single Mum.
Get well Harry, mummy's worried. Lucy stop running through the bushes as then you won't get come across glass and Simon... There's nothing you can do other than go to work and bring home the bacon. Sigh.

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Oh and the snow...

2010-01-12T14:39:00.001Z

Seems to be melting a bit more now but there is yet more forecast for overnight. We will see what the morning brings.
We have ordered a mountain buggy and it should arrive tomorrow - really hope so as it will make taking the dog out a much easier process even in the snow not least because it has proper tyres and all round suspension! Eeek I can't wait!

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Poorly tummy

2010-01-12T14:20:00.000Z

Poor little man has an upset tummy. Have been to the doctor twice in 24 hours and have been very impressed at how thorough they are with a young baby. Main concern is potential dehydration but he's judged not to be dehdrated so onwards we go, hoping it passes soon. He's ok in himself though he's quite sleepy today but when I'm ill it makes me tired so I'm not surprised he's having lots of snoozes.
In between he's reasonably happy though. This is him in the kitchen watching me tidy up and make chicken soup. It's good for the soul you know. :)

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Life and how it changes

2010-01-11T08:52:00.000Z

So Harry John Cosmo arrived at 11.26pm on 13th November 2009 following a long labour.

Life since has been fantastic. Exhausting but wonderful.
He is such a happy, contented baby, he's a joy to be around. (Apart from when he has wind!)

The pic is from bathtime with Daddy on Saturday.

Starting swimming classes in Feb, can't wait!!

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Testing the iPhone

2009-11-24T11:42:00.001Z

Thought as I now have my hands full I would download an app that means I can blog from my phone!

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Today is the day

2009-11-11T07:01:00.001Z

Induction day today!
Actually had some contractions in the night but they have stopped now. Hope that means things are going in the right direction as it may make the induction easier?!
Have called the hospital and they have room for me so have asked us to go in at 8.30am.
More later (possibly!)...

Coming to terms with things...

2009-11-06T08:45:00.002Z

So if it is to be an induction then so be it. The most important thing is that baby and I come through the process unscathed; what the process is/how it starts etc is not the main issue. I dreamt of a natural birth, low lighting, birthing pool, tens machine, all 'just so' but if that is not to be I have to come to terms with that. And look at it in the cold light of day and ask myself how important it actually is?

Obviously, being an only child and being feisty and wanting everything my way, (I am a nice person, honestly, though I know it doesn't sound like it!) my first reaction is to stamp my feet (metaphorically speaking) and stubbornly continue with the original plan, but now that I am a mummy, I really need to see the bigger picture as hard as that is for me. And the bigger picture is that many women have inductions, c sections and the like, most women probably don't give birth the way they would have chosen. But are they happy once the baby is placed into their arms? I would say pretty much 100% yes. And that is the main thing isn't it.

We are booked in for Wednesday 11th November, but I have an appointment at the day unit tomorrow for more blood pressure monitoring and a chat about the induction because I am scared. We'll see what happens from there.

Bit grumpy

2009-11-05T08:04:00.001Z

still nothing doing here....gaahh!

40 weeks and counting...

2009-11-02T08:57:00.002Z

So the 40 weeks are officially up but no news yet sadly! Two NCT group babies have arrived safely into the world but ours seems far too comfortable! Come on little one, it's a lovely sunny day today, perfect for a first day on earth! Mind you there has been an arrival... that of a stinking cold for me and a bad cough and throat for Simon - pants!

We took Lucy for a walk in the dark last night and I got Simon to take a pic of me - it's off centre due to the darkness rather than his camera skills obviously! I wanted to capture the bump at its biggest but hey, there may be more growth to come if little one doesn't arrive soon!!!!

38 weeks and 1 day...

2009-10-20T11:42:00.002+01:00

So we're still here. Lots of trips to the loo at night but lots of nice lie ins til after 8am - am feeling really relaxed and am getting into this life. Just in time for it to be turned upside down when the baby arrives, ha ha! Have got everything now, so whenever the baby does decide to put in an appearance that is just fine by us!
Am not so concerned about the birth; more what you are meant to do with this small dependent creature once you get home! We will just have to wing it and make it up as we go, just like all first time parents. And that has even come from our NCT teacher so it must be right! And it is so good to have people around us who can offer advice and reassurance so I am sure we'll suss it out at some point.
Seeing the NCT girls tomorrow for coffee in Priory Park - that will be our regular slot. I can just picture the scene - 8 girls cluttering up the cafe with their prams (mostly Bugaboo's by the sound of it!), annoying people falling over our changing bags, ha ha!

30 days to go!

2009-10-03T17:19:00.003+01:00

Can't believe it! Finished work yesterday and didn't quite feel the relief that I had been feeling earlier in the week, I think it just feels a bit odd now, ha ha. Handing in the Blackberry was quite bizarre.... clearly a bit of an addiction, it will be odd having it back in July next year.
So, all that remains to be done is to relax lots, buy a baby monitor and a cot top changer, have coffee and lunch with several friends, and get into yummy mummy mode.... life has changed so much since 28th February when we found out I was pregnant. The whole world feels different now, it is pretty emotional but in a very good way. Can't wait to meet our little bubba.

35 weeks + 3 days

2009-10-01T22:14:00.003+01:00

Went to see the midwife today and I am measuring 38cm which is meant to mean 38 weeks. As you can see from the heading this is ahead of where my dates say I am... I am therefore thinking I will either be early or have a monster child... ! Either way, baby is still head down hopefully to stay that way. I can feel the curve of the back down my right side, and little prodding hands and feet on the left. The heartbeat sounded good, and basically all is well! I haven't managed to take any photo's of me for about 6 weeks which is bad, really must as it will be a good memento to look back on.
We have 2 more NCT classes to go and the group is bonding. The boys are probably going out for beers and a curry soon... I am having tea and cake with a couple of my new friends on Wednesday next week.
Last day of work tomorrow which is highly exciting. Can't wait to relax properly and get mentally ready for what is about to happen. All life changing lovely stuff, bring it on!

We are so happy!

2009-09-03T17:26:00.003+01:00

Have been very worried about a blood test result as it was thought I might have gestational diabetes but the obstetrician is happy that I am in the normal range of sugar levels so has signed me off - no more hospital visits, yay!!! She said that I am considered low risk at the moment, which is so not what I was expecting. Blood pressures are all ok too, so very, very happy.
More NCT tonight so really looking forward to that. It's great being able to talk baby and learn about baby for 2 hours without feeling guilty you might be boring someone ;-)

NCT was great!

2009-08-29T13:48:00.002+01:00

Learnt loads already, the group are really nice. Two more couples to meet next week when they are back from holiday and I am sure we will form some great bonds. The boys especially as they seem to need to catch up - all us girls are mums already in our heads but it's harder for them as the physical stuff isn't happening to them.

Just over 9 weeks to go now and it's amazing to think I have been pregnant since February - it has flown by but seems like so long ago at the same time. Really need to finish everything - I am going to get some sheets for the crib today so we are more ready on the sleeping front. Will try and do a 31 week photo ready for posting on Monday. I don't think I look much different but people at work keep saying the bump is getting pretty big!

NCT starts tonight!

2009-08-27T13:19:00.002+01:00

Excited! There are 8 couples apparently, only downside is we're at Redhill Methodist Church which makes me think of hard uncomfortable chairs! And we need to sit in them for 2 hours.... eek.

The end is nigh...

2009-08-25T10:01:00.003+01:00

Worked this out yesterday.

I am on holiday from 2nd Oct for a week followed by maternity leave which starts officially on 12th Oct! That means just under 6 weeks left in the office. Most weeks I have at least one day at home either as holiday or working from home, so I can truly start believing that the commute is nearly over... Am very excited! But it focuses the mind - I need to start working on a proper handover to my team, not to mention finish the nursery! Eeek!

28 week bump and a new arrival!

2009-08-09T21:54:00.003+01:00

The ever growing bump! Who knows how big it's going to get! All I know is I will be glad when the commuting is at an end...

Congratulations to Flyingpops and Finkangel who welcomed their brand new son into the world 5 weeks early on 6.8.09. Bizarre to have commuted in with you on Wednesday, the following day you had your baby! You did say you felt like you had had enough now and that you were ready to stop... famous last words eh. Lots of love to you all xxx

27 week bump...

2009-08-02T19:32:00.002+01:00

Speaks for itself really! It's bigger than I thought from looking in the mirror!!

And still people sit and stare...

2009-07-29T13:55:00.004+01:00

In general terms the age of chivalry is dead I think. People are not interested in standing up for a pregnant woman these days which is rather sad. I heard a story of a pregnant lady asking for a seat on the tube and she specifically asked someone in the priority seat. He replied and said "No, you chose to get pregnant".... how cutting and rude!! However on the plus side, today I heard another story of a man who saw a preggers lady standing on the tube, asked her why she was standing and when he heard that no-one had offered a seat he shouted at the carriage and picked a guy to stand up in shame and let her sit down. Now if only I could get me a travelling companion like that - what a hero.... :)

Scan today

2009-07-13T07:35:00.004+01:00

We have another scan today to test the blood flow is ok. It's great to have the chance to see Baby again but you always feel nervous that there could be a problem. But thinking positively, I feel fine and am sure I would have some sense of there being something wrong if there was. Saw a friend and her bubba yesterday, he is almost 3 months and absolutely gorgeous - such a calm little fella.

Will update from the hospital later...

UPDATE 2.45pm...
All is well. The sonographer laughed as she couldn't understand why we were being referred for this type of scan. It is only used when the baby is undersized and ours is most definitely not! All measurements are above average (although not too worryingly so!) and looking at the print out we got to put in the notes the fetal weight is estimated at 1lb 8oz - good lad! (or lass, we are not finding out which it is!) When we told her who the obstetrician was, she laughed and said that explains it... we said, why is that? and she said, oh she loves her scans!!! Felt sorry as the department is so busy, we had to wait 40 mins, and for a scan we didn't need. Talk about added pressure and annoying for the staff and other ladies waiting! Oh well, it was lovely to see our little munchkin again. Going back again in 4 weeks for a 28 week scan at which point we might be signed off for good if all measurements are progressing as they should be. HAPPY!

Commuting when pregnant

2009-07-08T11:58:00.002+01:00

Well I just wanted to put something up about commuting when pregnant… not that this blog has very high traffic but in the hope that whoever reads it might pass on some of these issues and make people think about their actions I have spent some time putting together some thoughts and observations.

I commute using Southern Rail, transferring to Southeastern for the final leg of the journey. Journey time is a little over an hour.

My experiences to date have been quite varied but I have to say, as I am growing larger (23 weeks and counting!) I notice that people seem less willing to offer seats… which is odd.

People have been staring a lot (from the comfort of their seat!) but not wanting to be the one who takes the step of standing up and letting the pregnant lady sit down. I know it can be hard to know if someone is pregnant but really, when that person is wearing the ‘Baby on Board!’ badge that TFL dish out and looking very hot and comfortable, would it be so bad to offer? There seem to be more women than men who offer – this may be that they have been through it and know how hard it can be. Younger men and women seem utterly oblivious to anyone other than themselves and their blaring ipod/free rag/loud mobile phone conversation so there seems no hope of getting a seat from most of the people in that group. Having said that, there are exceptions to this rule that I have witnessed myself and I am loathe to make a huge sweeping statement that offends!

One hugely helpful thing is that Southern have introduced a Priority Seat system:

Priority seats can be used by anyone, but they should be given up if they’re needed more by people with disabilities, expectant mothers, elderly passengers or those carrying infants. Someone’s need for a seat may not be obvious, for example they may have a hidden disability or be in the early stages of pregnancy, it takes courage to ask someone to give up their seat so when asked please allow someone to sit down. Not everyone is comfortable with asking fellow passengers to give up a priority seat and explaining why this is necessary, so Southern is to trial a priority seat card which is designed to avoid any embarrassment in this situation

I now have my card so when the priority seats are full, I ask all eight people sat in those seats in the carriage if I can please sit down. It is quite hard to pluck up the courage to address 8 strangers, but I think it could be more awkward if you choose one person as why/how should you choose one more than the others? One guy the other day said ‘have mine, as I am getting off at the next stop’ and I was very grateful but at the same time, I did think what if you weren’t getting off, would you have kept your seat? ;-)

Just last night on the way home, I was the last to get off a Southeastern train at London Bridge. Instead of waiting for me to step off the train, I was presented with a group of about 15 people barging onto the train as I was trying to get off, bumping past me roughly, to the extent that I burst into tears afterwards. Not a nice experience.

All in all, I am trying to do what I can to protect myself and my child, as when you read reports on how commuting and stress can harm your baby, that is all the motivation you need:

Claire Friars, a midwife with Tommy's, the charity for pregnant mothers, said: "Commuting is a killer in pregnancy. Women say it is so stressful coping with the heat and being ignored on the Tube and trains. People do not offer their seat, or push past roughly hitting women's bumps. They dread it."

Experts warn stress during pregnancy increases the risk of premature birth and limited growth of the baby. Women who are anxious during conception and the earliest stages of pregnancy are at greatest risk.

Andrew Shennan, Professor of Obstetrics at St Thomas' Hospital in London, said: "Pregnant women who experience heightened levels of stress for a prolonged period are at greater risk of complications such as miscarriage and premature delivery."

So there you have it. Please offer your seat when you see a pregnant woman as she needs it more than you.

Sermon over.

UPDATE: Buses are just as bad... had to catch a no 38 on Piccadilly at about 4.30 and an absolute nightmare with people pushing to get on and off, past the bump despite my protestations!

Wedding in Lynton and camping at Cloud Farm

2009-06-04T13:01:00.005+01:00

Last weekend we went to a gorgeous wedding in Lynton, North Devon. The weather was fantastic and the two people getting married (one a good friend from when I did my degree) are supremely creative and funky!

We will definitely be back to Lynton as it is a perfect little Devonian village and I am sure there are lots of little places to spend time. If you go down on the funicular railway to Lynmouth there is a lovely pub too which is always good!

Below is the top end of the railway

Lynton Town Hall, where the wedding was

We camped at Cloud Farm - http://www.doonevalleyholidays.co.uk/pages/camping.html

Great site, set in a valley with a little stream running through it. We will definitely be back although it was just as well that it was just one night as the airbed had a puncture...!

Holiday in Corfu

2009-05-26T20:00:00.002+01:00

Just got back on Monday after an idyllic week in North East Corfu. It is a heavenly place!

Hired a boat and pootled around to lots of different bays...

Also went halfway across to Albania and went round a tiny island with a lighthouse and loads of gulls and their young...

Villa Alexia, where we stayed, in between Barbati and Nissaki...

Sunset in front of Villa Alexia - we had a wonderful pool but an even more wonderful location right on the beach. It was wonderful and a couple of evenings we had a fire on the beach after having a yummy barbeque.

Oh and it was about 30 degrees all week.

All in all, a fantastic holiday.

Growing things!

2009-05-16T20:34:00.005+01:00

Been very quiet as my mind has been opened and frazzled with the prospect of becoming a mother... we are expecting our first child on 2nd November.

Very exciting, absolutely petrifying - the one thing that is for sure is that this is going to be an adventure. So glad to be sharing this with Flyingpops - it's so good to have someone I can say - is this normal? to. I also have two very good friends; one with two children and one with number 2 on the way, due in June. I quizzed the two latter about labour earlier today, over lunch - it has to be said my timing can be truly lousy at times! However, it is so fascinating, this is what the female body is designed for and with our bodies, we accomplish miraculous things!
So here is 'Bob' making his/her debut into the world that is the web...

The vegetable patches are coming along well too! So we seem to have green fingers - well Simon does, hehe ;-)

Day off!!!

2009-03-30T07:34:00.004+01:00

A day to catch up on personal stuff that always takes second place to work, and also a day to relax. It is sunny so it's perfect timing!

Pics of the garden to monitor progress...

Garden in the morning sun
Sunshine through our stylish plastic greenhouse

The shoots at the back are the garlic, the smaller ones in the foreground are onions

Popping into Reigate this afternoon to introduce Lucy to some ex colleagues. They allow the staff to take their dogs in - in some cases every day or often, and in some other cases just occasionally. I think it is decided on merit :-) I am sure Lucy will be delighted to have an office to explore. Lots of people to lick and bins to check out.

Anyway, must get on with relaxing...

Lack of inspiration...

2009-03-08T12:32:00.004Z

Simon is sowing more seeds today - we decided to have meadow flowers and grasses to attract wildlife. That's if Lucy doesn't rake it all up by digging the hill over as she sometimes does!
This is about as far as the inspiration goes this week!

Have got my eye on caravans though... not a sensible idea as nowhere to keep one but I can dream....

Just got our Belltent, I know - never satisfied!

UPDATE: Since the heavens decided to open in a *big* way yesterday afternoon, I think most of the seeds will have been washed down the hill and will probably come up in a big clump which will look like someone with very special talents sowed them. Oh dear.

(Meat) and two veg

2009-03-01T07:20:00.007Z

I just wanted a smutty headline, as actually there is no meat and there are more than two veg... What am I talking about? Growing vegetables! We now have tomatoes, potatoes, garlic, onion and carrots on the go. To be followed by lots of yummyness in the coming months! We have courgettes but they are not to be planted yet. Can't remember what else there is! I also have some chilli plant seeds at work - the latest challenge set to media buyers across town courtesy of Country Living. It's a classic growing competition - winners will be those with largest plant, most chilli's etc etc. I am going to grow mine at home - hope that isn't cheating! ;-)

We had much fun yesterday at Scats Country Stores, picking out the kit that we needed. As usual, it was a bit of "all the gear, no idea", as £100 later we were back at home with chicken wire, posts, growbags, a mini greenhouse, loads of seeds etc etc. I should never doubt Simon though as a couple of hours later we have a full greenhouse and one finished patch protected by chickenwire! Just the second to finish - suppose I should help really. One bad thing though. I have discovered this morning that Lucy is spooked by the little chicken wire fence. A little chicken indeed, she won't voluntarily walk past it, which is going to be a pain as there is going to be a small walkway through the two veg patches. She's going to have to get used to it!

So that's us - very Tom and Barbara! Shame we don't live in Surbiton!

Some pics below...

Potatoes going through a process known as 'chitting' I believe(?)

Number 2 patch - yet to be filled and fenced

Number one patch with garlic and onions snug as a bug

Our little greenhouse - home for tomatoes, carrots and potatoes for now until it gets a bit warmer which looking at forecast, may not be very soon....

Singing lessons

2009-02-26T16:51:00.003Z

Had my second lesson last night, this time with Leon!

http://www.singing-lessons-london.co.uk/

It is so cool, he recorded the whole lesson and gave it to me on a cd at the end. And said I had a fabulous voice - what a compliment! Not sure it was deserved, but nice all the same.

All good fun. Going to do a 6 week group evening group class starting at the end of March. Better start warming up now...

La, la, la, la, la, la....!

Walking on the golf course last night

2009-02-22T11:05:00.004Z

Just a couple of pictures from our walk last night. It was a beautiful evening and made more perfect by a large glass of Rioja at The Plough afterwards. Lovely!!

Planning our next trip and so glad it is Friday today!!

2009-02-20T13:03:00.003Z

Thank goodness for Friday!

Am going to get planning for our next camping weekend so will come back with some thoughts next week.

Looking for somewhere that allows campfires no further than an hour from Redhill. Ooh the excitement. We need another adventure to look forward to.

Freebie at Charing Cross!!!

2009-02-19T08:55:00.003Z

Following in the footsteps of Fink, who always makes me jealous with tales of his freebies at Canary Wharf, (I guess the inhabitants of the Wharf are deemed more attractive to brands! More cash in the pocket eh Fink? ;-)) this morning they were handing out Nesfrappe (see what they did there?!) at Charing Cross so I just had to have one. Very tasty it is too. Good old Nestle. Cheers! Sadly I am not technological enough to have taken a photo and uploaded it so you will have to use your imaginations.....

Camping calendar... when shall we go and where

2009-02-16T11:45:00.005Z

Simon and I were talking about our next camping trip, which will probably be at Easter now. I figure if we can camp from April to October we'll be doing quite well - perhaps with a smattering of more extreme camping weekends depending on how daring we are feeling!

Simon is already dreaming of our next project which looks likely to be an Airstream caravan although it will have to be a long way off as a. they cost a lot, b. we have nowhere to put it and c. we have only just bought the bell tent!

I am keen to just get a bit more retro, so am thinking lots of Cath Kidston/Joules Clothing accessories, cute little picnic rugs, and a mismatched pastel array of cups, plates etc. Although that is probably far too girly for Simon and will be deemed unnacceptable I am sure!

A very snowy day in Redhill...

2009-02-02T21:11:00.002Z

As it was so snowy we couldn't get to work so I worked from home, with a small extended lunch break (I did then work until 7pm so I don't feel guilty!) in the middle of the day for a fantastic walk in the white stuff. It was magical. We walked with Elaine from up the road and her dog, Amber. She is Lucy's official bezzie mate.

Lucy and Amber

Redhill & Reigate golf course / Earlswood Lakes... not quite sure, we had a fair old wander... ended up in the pub (for a v quick one) then home again!

2009-02-01T20:30:00.004Z

Our beautiful bell tent

With muddy background!

Our comfy bed - now there's no need to slum it just because we're camping...

The warming fire

Lucy and the gnome

Hello!

2009-02-01T19:20:00.000Z

Decided to start this blog to record the start of our new hobby... camping under canvas! We have just come back from a chilly weekend at Blackberry Wood, a site which Cool Camping reckons is one of the best in the country! It was good but we really didn't pick the best weekend to go. Anyhow, I will write more when I can, welcome to the blog!