RE-FENCING

Things may have been quiet lately here on the blog - but it's been far from quiet down on the croft.

Our new fence arrived .........

 a pile of fence - I think I prefer jigsaws.

the digging began

This strainer hole was ok BUT then we (ahem - maybe I should say "HE") hit rock.

Now the rock on our croft is HARD - he tried hard, and chipped and chipped away at it,

but the pick broke!!!

Time to call in the reinforcements......

yup - we needed go for compressors

to get through this rock 

exhausting and messy work

it might be just a wee hole to you, but an experienced fencer who helped said this was the worst ground he's ever had to break through - trust us to learn on the worst ground possible!!

but they got the strainers in and the "inspector" checked them out

and the gate is left waiting to be hung!

Well that was the end of the day - so I'll just leave it for there now too!

Just a Chip

About a month ago  we were all in the kitchen getting breakfast organised. 

We tend to get our own breakfast, then sit together at the table to eat.

While my daughter was getting something out the high cupboard, she knocked something, which dropped down onto a cake stand (which I really loved).  There was a shock on her face, and panic in her voice as she said "I'm really sorry Mum, I've chipped your plate". 

This was probably the best thing she could have said - it removed any anger, or upset feelings I may otherwise have had - I could not stop laughing as I looked at the "chipped" plate.

She was really upset, but even now I think the memories and the laugh over the "chipped plate" have given far more pleasure than the plate ever did.

De-Fencing

De-Fencing  work began on the croft with the removal of the old fence.

Getting started was a struggle -

 but determination is embedded in the minds of these kids.

I did the obligitory photo shoot to keep a record of
where we've come from.....

rusted fence (camoflaging with the waterproofs)

Rotting strainers - complete with decorative grass top!

 

and a ..ahem.. not quite upright position....

(which I'm hoping we'll be avoiding with the replacement)

 

the weather turned,

 

 

but their motivation did not

 

they totally amazed me with their progress

hard work didn't knock the smile of her face

and Charlie loves being out on the croft!

They went home exhausted, but delighted with their achievement.

Mad About Pigs

My obsession came to the fore again today - PIGS!

Not just any old pigs........

PERCY PIGS

Now for any of you who haven't come across Percy Pig

it is a deliciously  fruity sweet, pink,

soft, gummy and a little stretchy

Mmmmmm

which are only available at Marks and Spencer http://www.marksandspencer.com/.

Percy Pigs seem to be the obsession of our family.

The problem we face is

the 240 mile round trip to get to the nearest M&S shop.

But today my lovely aunt came home with a multi pack of 8 bags

the next problem - there are 8 cousins in the family

one bag each!

But I have two children - that means two bags came home to my house : D

Percy's at the ready while doing homework - haha - (wishful thinking)

first day back to school and

NO homework

Don't they just look exceedingly tempting

Well you'll be shocked to discover

 in my attempt to introduce or remind you of the pleasure of

percy pigs

that my children ate them......

ALL

not one left!

How devastating was that - so if you also are stuck on an island (or somewhere else)

with your tongue watering at the thought

then that's exactly how I felt earlier.

So how do you make up for eating ALL your PERCY PIGS and not sharing?

That just about made up - thanks hunny!

Beginning with Blessings

It's easy to rush around getting caught up in the mundane things of everday life

and forget about the blessings in the little things.  

 I hope along the way to share with you some of the things

which make me smile and brighten up my days

(especially needful in these long dark winter days).

First thing to share is something which literally brightens things up

(but it doesn't last long, so had to be first)

some decorations on the christmas tree.

the tree is now safely back in the loft and though it was nice.....

I'm now so pleased with the extra space 

and even more pleased that the children put it away all by themselves - thanks guys.

What better way to brighten your day than a visit to Nana.  

It was a long time since I had taken pictures of her with the children, so I rectified that.

This trio certainly brighten up my day.

They are blessed to not only have grown up with Grandparents around,

but also have had their Great Grandmother who is 97 years old,

and has lots of amazing stories to share with them.

Where to start?

I've been thinking of blogging for a while now,

so with the start of a new year, what better time to start my blog.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

New Year Resolutions

I don't normally make any, but this year I've decided that I'd like to take more photos (at least one a day was my initial thought), a big challenge for a year!!!  So I've opted to do it for a month, to get me into the swing of things. 

At the beginning of each month I will make new lists or resolutions to do that month. 

As one who doesn't stick to things then this just might be a way for me to make some "improvements".