Thursday 23 August 2007

The summer hols so far.................

The children are in bed and I'm contemplating whether to have a glass of wine or a cup of tea. I haven't had my requisite 12 cups today so feel I may have to squeeze one in before the wine flows.

As usual the summer hols are flying by, where does the time go? We've managed three camping trips so far, to the Forest of Dean, Wales and Scotland, each time with a different set of friends. Each of them have been great fun, but the location that stands out has to be Wales. The campsite was a field next to the sea with the most amazing views. Ian took Jack for his first sea fishing experience from the rocky cove at the bottom of the campsite. He caught his first mackerel and it went from the sea into his tum within 30 mins!

We saw dolphins and seals from the cove and had the most spectacular sunsets (see rather blurry pic above) in the evening, it really was one of the best camping trips we've ever had, made even better by spending it with our good friends from Dorset and their children.
Although I've not blogged for a while I have been dipping in and out, and generally lurking, without leaving any comments. Time is such a precious commodity during the hols and I just feel too guilty to spend hours on the computer when the children are here. Instead the housework has been in serious decline and we've been out and about or just lazing around here.
We're still waiting for the basement to dry out, but there is a silver lining - Ian has tentatively agreed that I can take 'his' room for my "studio" - or sewing room - Hurrah!! I have all sort of plans, especially after looking at plump-pudding's newly decorated workroom.
Thought I'd end with a few favourite bits of our house, like these Green Gate enamel containers and matches...........

A patchwork blanket I made for Kitty, using bits of vintage fabric and some of her old dresses...........
Pillowcases blowing on the line yesterday in the sun................yes, I kid you not, actual sunshine, and how ridiculously excited was I to see it?!!.............
And finally just some of our huge book collection, these being Ian's old "Biggles" and boys books which take pride of place on the living room bookshelves..........


Let's hope the sun keeps shining...............

18 comments:

dottycookie said...

This has been my first experience of suummer holidays as a mum and I can't believe how quickly they've gone by. We had such grand plans for picnics and trips and it hasn't happened - the weather didn't help, of course. I'm really going to miss having my little big girl around every day once term starts.

By the way, I am very embarassed I didn't let you know about the awards - I did mean to comment but somehow managed not to ... what a twit! I think you can choose any or all of them; I could easily have nominated you for all three separately :-)

Louise said...

I think you've placed you priorities firmly where they should be. Life is way too short to be worrying about cleaning and these years with the kids don't last forever. Sounds like you've made some lovely family memories. I LOVE the quilt - such a wonderful piece of history for your daughter to keep. But on a selfish note - it's nice to have you back!

Rubyred said...

Sounds like you're having a lovely time,not long left now!Love your Greengate tins!

Gill said...

What a lovely post, your camping trips sounds fabulous, you can't beat being outdoors next to the sea. We're seriously considering buying a motorhome next year so that we can have some of the same :)
I'm afraid I don't have your willpower, I can't stay away from the PC for too long (although my kids are 18 and 15 now so are out and about doing their own thing with their friends this summer)
Lucky you to have a new workroom to look forward to, hope you share osme photos with us.

Racheal Miles said...

I am pleased to hear that your camping trips went went, we used to be big campers.
I love the quilt, I have been promising myself for ages that I will attempt patchwork.
Thanks for your lovely comment on my blog.
Racheal x

Tracy x said...

glad you have had a lovely summer holiday x
and glad you are back to blogging - sweet pictures - love the books x
tracy x

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

Hi Julia-love the photos, and I recognise those pillowcases!
Glad you've been having fun during the holidays, but you're right, they're slipping away too quickly!!

mollycupcakes said...

Hello Julia, it's lovely to have you back and it sounds like you've had a great time so far. What a beautiful sun set.

And Kitty's quilt is so pretty, your very clever. I bet she loves snuggling up in it.

Look forward to reading more from you soon, take care honey.
Catherine x

Ragged Roses said...

It sounds like you've been having a great summer (the sun is trying to break through here and is teasing us - it's been one of those will it won't it kind of days! My house has looked like a bomb has hit it for most of the holidays - but it has been so nice being able to relax and enjoy the children being around
Kim x
PS Love those Greengate tins!

Mary said...

Love the tins and the Kitty blanket hope the weather keeps up

Anonymous said...

How i would love to see dolphins and seals! that sounds wonderful! what a memory.

Clare and Mike said...

Hi, I've just been doing a bit of catching up - sorry to hear you were flooded.

Wales is beautiful and much under-rated I think!

I imagine camping is a great way to see the countryside - but I have to admit to being a 5* hotel kind of gal!!! Not that I stay in many (or any!) but I like to wake up in a big bed in cotton sheets with my own private loo a few steps away!

Plus I'd only get bitten by insects if I went camping!

Have a great BH weekend in the sunshine!

Clare x

Anonymous said...

Yes the sun is shining here as well and I've got simply loads of washing done - exciting huh?

Anonymous said...

Hi Julia

So I'm not the only one who always seems to have a cup of tea on the go!

Your patchwork is lovely and I am pleased to hear that the sun is finally shining for you, as I know how wet it has been this year.

Marie x

Betty said...

Who needs cleaning when you can be gone camping and making memories? I love your tins and that little quilt is adorable!

Racheal Miles said...

I have something for you at my blog.
Racheal x

Pearl Maple said...

Such an amazing photo. Thank you for sharing that moment. Your entire blog is packed full of lovely things to look at.

Rubyred said...

Hi Julia, Love the patchwork blanket you've made for your daughter, it's gorgeous!I'm awarding you a Nice Matters Award for such a lovely blog.You're always so cheerful even though you've been flooded!AMAZING!