Giveaway love and Scotland.

Hey :) I'm back from Scotland. Had a fab time, but seems so long ago. My first day back to work wasn't terrific. I got told I was dropping a pay scale. So I had a pretty bad couple of days ... but its nice to drum up a bit of holiday love to write a post for you.

First thing is first though. I got back to a nice red notice from the post office saying they had tried to delivery a parcel for me. Yipeeeee ... I knew just what it would be .... my great give away winnings from Hilly T.

I collected it yesterday evening and it was a great pick me up to my bad news.

I got an array of fabulous things. A gorgeous pin cushion which was handmade, some beautiful wool with sequines on it (I'm thinking something xmassy!), some pretty fairy embroidery scissors, some really cool bird stickers (which my husband wants!) and a lovely hook to use and finally some British ribbon! I am spoilt, and very happy. Thank you Harriet! Thank you very much! xxxx

So back to holiday.

My crochet project of choice was to get working through the 200 Crochet Blocks book and boy did I enjoy it. They were one or two hour long projects and I found it so envigorating to learn loads of new skills. What better thing to do on holiday. I managed to do 8 while I was away along side a large knitted scarf which I haven't had chance to photograph.

Here is the progress of the crocheted blocks. I just want to keep going until I have done all 200!!!

First stop on my holidays was Richmond, North Yorks. We went to stay with my Granny for the day as it broke up the journey. The sun was beaming and we went into town, visited a craft fair and spent hours in her amazing garden crocheting together. See for yourself how beautiful it is ....



Wow! She has style!

Then it was a massive drive right up to Huntley, Aberdeenshire. I was thrilled by the views, and for a long car ride - I was never bored.

We spent five days up there and saw so much beauty. I took lots of photos on my camera, however here is a selection on my phone. If I get chance I would like to do another post as I took some lovely wildlife snaps which I know you will love. But in the mean time ....

Balmoral Estate

The daisy below has been pressed and lies in between the pages on the map we used. Sweet!

Huntley

Cairngorms National Park

Watching six dolphins on the north east coast. Real life Dolphins!

Edinburgh from the roof top of the National Scottish Museum

Lots of comedy ..... eight shows to be precise ..... and lots of drink.

I had the most splendid time. I really really did! Can't wait to upload the real snaps!

Thank you for having me back. Lots of love!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

A perfect Summer's Evening

I was so happy yesterday. Mainly because my washing that got drenched on Sunday finally dried after being rewashed.

Is anyone else's moods effected by clothes drying? Hehe!

Maybe I'm being a little dramatic. Maybe the reason I was in such a fantastic mood was that I broke up from work yesterday and have 11 days off!!!!!! Today I am staying in and making sure the bags are packed and the house is clean and tidy (I hate coming back to a messy house). And tomorrow we are off on our summer holidays. I simply cannot wait!

We are being slightly adventurous this time. 445 miles up to Aberdeenshire.

One stop off in Richmond, North Yorkshire to say hi to my Granny and benefit from some quality time and a good fry up before the bulk of the journey. Then we will be staying with Craig's uncle in Huntley, Aberdeenshire which is near the coast and the Cairngorms. I have never, ever been to Scotland and I am sooooo excited! Hopefully this is the type of views we will be enjoying!

I will be taking a good book, some wine and lots of wool and hopefully knitting another scarf and continuing with my sample square blanket.

After five nights with Mark we will then travel to the Fringe Comedy Festival in Edinburgh where we have eight tickets to see comedians and lots of lovely tables in restaurants booked.

..... just a taster of where we are eating ... I know you will love this!!!!


The Moster Mash Cafe where everything comes with mash. And not just any mash, mash flavoured with strange and exotic flavours! Oh boy, I can't wait! It looks so kitch!

We are also going to go the The Witchery which is in front of Edinburgh Castle. Its a really famous restaurant and is in a beautiful building...go see for yourself. I can't wait to show you pictures when I get back!

       
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So back to my perfect summers evening.

I got back from my last day at work and spent some time with the chickens and cleaned them out so they have a nice fresh coop while we are away.

I then cut back my wild geraniums which were starting to look worse for wear and did a spot of weeding. The chickens love sorting them out and getting some vitamins from the greenery. I love this way of recycling. It gives me such a great sense of the economical use of stuff.

As I came back down the garden I turned back and realised how pretty it all looked.

I then started walking back to the house and saw a hot air balloon in the sky. I thought about who was in the basket and what the occasion was. Maybe a proposal!

Once Craig was back from his business trip in London I greeted him with a scrummy tea of salad, rice and enchiladas (I like cooking my man a good tea before we go away so he remembers how good he gets it at home with me!). I then told him to get his trainers on because the evening was too nice to stay in .... even for the Olympics!

We went to Cannock Chase. Which to us, is the most beautiful place on the planet. I took him to our favourite spot. A place where not many people go to, but lots of deer live. It's our special place. Craig was going to propose to me here on Christmas Day, well, that was until we got swine flu. He still proposed any way which actually was the sweetest thing ever. We were at our worst and very ill. It gave a good laugh during the speeches at out wedding!

So I won't give you the usual running commentary but I will just let you sit back and enjoy "Kate and Craig's Favourite Walk".

From now until when I get back ...... goodbye xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

P.S. This is the road I want to live on. Everybody needs an aim!