Ben Hur and Doggie Treats

We had a lovely relaxing weekend and I think we're now coming through the other side of this horrible cough/virus that has knocked us both (and I believe much of the country) sideways for the last couple of weeks. When I spoke to Adam (my lovely son) during the week, we recommended he didn't come for dinner this weekend. I do really look forward to seeing him every week and we'd cancelled last week too, but we didn't want to pass our nasty germs to him and his pregnant girlfriend.
Imogen had made plans with friends so it left just the 2 of us and we decided to settle down and watch a film together.

I'm a great fan of the 1959 Ben Hur film, I've been brought up on it (I believe it's shown on TV at least once a year if not more) and it stars the rather fabulous Charlton Heston who I always thought was rather lovely.

When I heard the film was being remade, I wasn't very enthusiastic, why fix something that isn't broken, could it be any better? Then when the film was released in the summer, the critics were not really very complimentary and I think it was a bit of a flop at the box office.

We were going to give it a miss, but it was a quiet Sunday afternoon and we wanted something to watch that wouldn't take a lot of thought. So, with no expectations we sat back with some chocolates left from Christmas and I have to say...  thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon!

I would definitely recommend it. I don't know the original story only, as I mentioned, the earlier film, but it seemed to tell it's story just as well with some of the more drawn out parts being omitted. I felt we got to know the main characters and could empathise with them. The famous chariot scenes were still there

I had no complaints about the acting and felt the overall story had a message about forgiveness that wasn't in the earlier film.

I understand that one of the reasons the film flopped was because it didn't really attract the under 25 bracket. I think that's a shame, it was full of action with a good story and even a message. It felt very different from the Heston film and I think needs to be seen as something different. When it finished, Andy and I both felt we'd just watched a good film... one to recommend!

While we kicked back and had our lazy Sunday afternoon, our 3 dogs kicked back with us enjoying a nice treat before curling up in the warm for a cosy sleep.

Are you looking at me?

Take care
xxx

12 Days of Christmas Swap

Thank you so much for all the lovely comments on my last post, it's so wonderful to be able to share this special news and my excitement with you all.

Unfortunately I'm still ill and now my poor husband has caught it too. We sound like a right pair coughing and groaning, I'm expecting someone to ring a bell outside while shouting 'unclean, unclean'. I'm pleased say that our sweet daughter has recovered after bringing these germs into the house and is back at school. This is the second time that Imogen has been ill in the school holidays and passed it on. It always seems to knock me for six so I've told her I plan to wear face masks during her next illness!

I took part in Jo's (Through the Keyhole) 12 days of Christmas swap again this year. I was paired with Jo from Angel Jem's City Cottage. I already read Jo's blog so it was fun to go and look for swap presents for her and to make some too.

I made Jo a felt angel and a couple of brooches

I tried to use angels and hygge as my inspiration.

In return, Jo sent me a lovely parcel, which was put away to help me resist any temptation so I could enjoy opening a gift each evening. So many lovely things...

My daughter has claimed the Snowbites!

We love playing family games, so this card quiz was a hit

Such cute little salt and pepper dogs, I love them, some cross stitch to keep me busy and a lovely Christmas embroidery by Jo.

What a cute scrubbing brush! I love, love, love the coaster, what a thoughtful gift.

Thank you Jo for the lovely gifts, I really enjoyed opening them. Thank you to Through the Keyhole Jo for organising this brilliant swap again.

Take care
xxx

Cupcakes

Haven't we had a lovely summer. I'm sitting near a window watching the rain fall in the garden, but I don't mind, it's still so warm (a bit too warm and muggy really), we've really enjoyed the sun through the summer and there's nothing so good for the garden as rain.

During the month, my lovely son asked a wife of one of his friends to make some cupcakes he could give them to me as a surprise. I cannot say how touched I was, what a lovely thing for my son to think of and how very kind of his friends wife to make them... and they were absolutely delicious...

Chocolate cupcakes, half with chocolate buttercream and half with white icing. The cakes were (yes were, they didn't last long) gorgeous, the sponge was so moist.

I can honestly say they were the best cupcakes I have ever tasted, and the thought behind them was so touching.

My son was given a lovely hug and a cuddle to say thank you, but I also wanted to thank the lady who made them. I don't know her, but do know she loves to make cakes, so thought some crochet cupcakes would be just the thing.

I sent them back in the tray the cakes had arrived in.

Take care
xxx

Halloween and a RAK

I've been planning to do this post all week, but it's half term and I've been trying to keep away from the laptop as hubby and I have had a week together. I've been successful and we've had a lovely week, but as I wanted to show you my Halloween mantlepiece I thought I should get my act together today!

Firstly, I want to tell you about the wonderful RAK I received from Jo at Through The Keyhole. I'm not sure where it originated, but it's a lovely RAK (random act of kindness) that is winging it's way through blog world. I'd sent Jo my address a while ago and had forgotten about it. When I sent my address I forgot to send my surname, so I wondered who'd sent me a parcel that was only addressed by my first name.

So many goodies

I've lived in Yorkshire since my late teens, but hadn't seen these Yorkshire crisps before, yum.

So gorgeous wool from Stylecraft in lovely complimenting shades ready for a spot of crochet.

Some very tasty looking cookies, just right to curl up with this afternoon when I watch 'Whiskey Galore' with a hot drink.

Speaking of hot drinks, look at all these lovely flavours hot chocolate.

I always have a book on the go, so shall look forward to reading this when I've finished my current one.

And how kind, Jo didn't forget our 3 dogs and 2 cats, treats for them too.

I want to continue the RAK, so if you'd like to have your name popped in the hat, just leave a comment to let me know after this post. I'll leave it open for about a week, though I won't be sending out the goodies until after Christmas by which time you will hopefully have forgotten all about it and it'll be a lovely surprise.


So here is my mantlepiece, not the best light as it's late afternoon. Lots of candles, spooky globes crochet pumpkins and a spider.

I changed it at the beginning of the month as I love the Halloween globes and wanted them on display for as long as possible, even if it's just 1 month a year. My favourite in the bird and the books, which imagine is Edgar Allan Poe's Raven. The dancing skeletons have a key underneath to turn, it plays music while they dance.

A couple of small pumpkins I crocheted to sit with all the candles, I do love candles in an evening when the nights draw in.

My little Chihuahuas sit on the hearth (they are so much better behaved than my 3 furry ones), 1 is trying to get in the Halloween spirit...

 Don't forget about the RAK

Take care
xxx

A Birthday and a Spot of Gardening

Thank you all so much for your lovely and encouraging comments on my last post. it really does mean a lot to me, thank you :)

Firstly let me tell you about the magnificent Mother's Day present my wonderful lot bought for me. I've coveted these from afar for quite a while, but this is mine... yea...

It's a KMix from Kenwood, the design is fire cracker. It's proudly sitting on the kitchen counter, though I do still need to find a good place to store the attachments for it. I couldn't wait to use it and as my son was about to turn 26... time for a birthday cake methinks...

It was a family affair, as birthday cakes here often are

lots of chocolate just like the one we made for Imogen last year as Adam had requested the same (without the 1 Direction decorations)

The easiest cake I've ever made, it was quite mesmerising to watch

All contributing, Daddy adding the icing sugar to the buttercream

Imogen doing the important taste test and bowl scraping...

Adam was really pleased and very happy to wrap it up and take it home with him, Imogen would have been more pleased if he'd forgotten to take it!


I haven't put as much time into the garden this year as I probably should have. I was hoping for a warmer weekend on Saturday, it was a bit grey and dull, but not cold. I spent the afternoon in the greenhouse replanting my baby petunias and lobelia.

I love to see pots full of colour when we're in the garden, and hopefully these will continue to grow and flourish. I wish now I'd planted more seeds, especially some vegetables. we do have some tomatoes and garlic

I also picked up this bargain tomato planter

With a photo of how the tomatoes should grow from under it

I've planted a tomato plant in it though it didn't seem very happy hanging there upside down. My camera needed fresh batteries so I can't show you how forlorn it looked, but when I checked it this afternoon it looked much more chipper, so fingers crossed! I have visions of buckets full of tomatoes and me cooking up lots of tomato sauces to freeze.

I've enjoyed touching base with everyone again though I still have lots of blog reading to catch up with.

Here's a happy picture of one of my baskets to end with

Take care
xxx

Cookie Love

It's half term here this week and Imogen decided to do some baking - one of her favourite things to do.

Very yummy cookie dough was made

with much concentration and measuring...

I think I've put the recipe on here before, it really does make the most wonderful tasting cookie, especially when still warm and soft in the middle....

and it's so nice to be able to store the dough in the fridge and just use as and when

Dough Mountain

The best part is the nom nom part with a lovely cup of tea

I saw this gorgeous cookie when I was perusing Pinterest the other day

It's 2 slices of cookie dough with chocolate baked inbetween them (in a ramekin)..... drool.....  It's from the website Baking for Boys, there are lots of yummy things to drool over there!

Only one more day to enter my giveaway until the draw.

Take care
xxx