52 Weeks Of Happy - 52/52

Hello there!!

Well that was a whirlwind and a half. Christmas that is. I've had an inadvertent break from blogging. My days have been filled with lounging, socialising, eating, visiting and reading. There has also been rather a lot of sibling bickering and raising my eyes to heaven. But it wouldn't be Christmas without that, would it? I would love to tell of perfectly behaved children in matching pyjamas, opening their gifts with care and attention. There I am in full 1950's housewife splendour. Not a hair out of place, as I top up the sherry glass and attend to the turkey.

Alas no...... My dreadful family planning came home to roost this year.

For all you readers who have young children, heed my words. Cherish it. Every last bit of Christmas magic that you can squeeze into the next few years. Because blink and it's gone. The older teen was a grumpy git, who should have been left in his bed throughout Christmas. Him and pre-teen bickered constantly. Over everything. My saving grace was Olly. I hang onto the magic through him. (No pressure then Pops....)

On a personal note, I was spoilt rotten this year, and I think I shall share some of the lovely gifts that I received in another post. I felt very emotional opening presents from family and friends, that had had so much thought put into them. So for any of you reading this, thank you.

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And here I am with my final week's worth of happy. It feels rather strange to be posting this. I have so enjoyed this project. There have been weeks when I have had to dig deep for the happy. And there have been weeks when my cup has over flowed with it. It has made me stop and think about the little everyday things that have put a smile on my face. Being outdoors featured prominently, as did my family. Snap shots of the nature on my doorstep too. I often look back on these posts, because they have given a real flavour of life here chez me.

So for one last time, four simple happy things from my week. As always joining in with Jen.


Christmas Day On Porthmeor Beach

Here is Olly. Defending the planet from aliens. It was overcast on Christmas Day. But it wasn't raining, and the wind had dropped. The waves were perfectly huge, and the surfers were out in force. I didn't venture into the sea, but I have made a promise to myself to jump into that beautiful water next year. An early resolution of sorts.

We walked Honey along the beach between opening presents, and piling round to my lovely sister in laws for Christmas dinner. Once again I was struck by how lucky I am to live here. St Ives may be swelling with the winter tourist (all Cossack hats and Peruvian peasant outfits, to paraphrase a good friend of mine) but we get to do this whenever we want to. It is never taken for granted.


Treesdale for Christmas Dinner

The above is a snap taken by Marc. I think we are opening gifts after the best Christmas meal. Not long afterwards, the parlour games came out. Karen and I took on the might of the male contingent and only lost by one point. It was a really super day, despite my children (!). I even wore a dress! Well a tunic type affair, but it made a change from my waxed jacket and wellies uniform. Oh and mascara. Well, it was Christmas....


A Christmas Wreath

I would like to claim this for my own. It is hung on a door along The Digey in central St Ives. It made me smile. And I salute it. I have felt rather inadequate at all the posts out there showing home made loveliness. You are all so clever and talented. I may try my arm at one next year.


Banksy In Bristol

We got back from Bristol today. It was a flying visit, but we got to see my family and schlep around the centre of town. It was very nostalgic for some reason. This is on a wall of a building at the bottom of Park Street. I used to think it was rather daring when I was a teen. And I think there was uproar when it appeared all those years ago. Of course, now he is a respected artist, and so we salute his skill and non-conformist stance.

And that was the happy!!

I should also mention Dr Who, Gangsta Granny, Death Comes To Pemberley, After Eights, Prosecco, late morning lie-ins, natural history programmes, pate on toast, catching up with Helena and new jeans from Gap outlet.

Normal service has been resumed.

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 51/52

Hello all you lovely festive people!

I'm afraid time has rather ran away with me. That and a bug that saw me out of action for two days, has meant that I haven't managed to do any blog reading (which is actually a daily happy of mine), so please accept my apologies. I shall be having a gander over the Christmas holiday.

BUT I have my penultimate happy post. As always joining in with Jen


Excitement

This is Olly's first 'Father Christmas' Christmas. He knows that his presents are being delivered by a chubby man in a red suit. He has been singing carols and Christmas songs at nursery. Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer is a particular favourite. I have tried to strike a balance between a low key event and complete over-excitement!! It's been a challenge....


Christmas Preparations

This year we will be having Christmas dinner at my sister in law's house. Her son is flying into Heathrow from Sri Lanka (fingers crossed everyone that he manages to get home. The weather has disrupted everything). I have made the desserts, mince pies and the larder is stocked with yummy goodies. I am prepared for the next week of eating, drinking and being merry with family and friends.


Anticipation

So it's Christmas Eve. The presents have been wrapped. I am looking forward to my first Baileys coffee later this afternoon. Olly and I are accompanying my sister in law to pick up her turkey. A real live one. Her Christmas present. His name will be Godfrey, and he is possibly the luckiest Turkey in Cornwall.

The family will be here later. I'm cooking a chilli and jacket potatoes. Just a bit of one pot cooking that everyone can help themselves to. Some festive pop songs, banter and laughter. And then after Olly has gone to bed, Marc and I will wrap the last of the pressies together. A little tradition of ours.

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I'd like to wish all my friends out there in this rather strange and lovely world of the blog a very

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

With all my love,

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 50/52

I'm sat here stretched out on the sofa with Olly. I have the computer perched on my lap. He is watching Power Rangers. Tea is cooking away in the kitchen. The lamps are on and the Christmas tree lights are twinkling away. It's warm and cosy and relaxed. Bliss.

Some simple happy things from my week. As always joining in with Jen.


The Radio Times

I only buy this at Christmas. It's a tradition that goes back to when I was a child. I used to get very excited when Mum took this out of her shopping bag. TV was always a big part of my childhood. I'd like to say that I spent my younger years crafting at the Heals dining table while my Mum floated around in Laura Ashley. But no. I did not come from some dead cool family. We were a very normal bunch from a very normal row of terraced houses in a less than salubrious part of Bristol. But it was all good. Christmas and Christmas telly was a big deal in our family. It still is and I refuse to get all la di da about the evil that is telly.


Sherlock

When I was little, I used to avidly watch the old black and white Sherlock Holmes films with Basil Rathbone. I think it started my love for watching psychological crime dramas. I recently bought the box set of the BBC series. (It was to go into Sam's stocking, but I couldn't help myself. I have replaced it with something else..) I bleddy love this show, and am very excited at the prospect of a Christmas special and series 3. I know. More telly. But honestly it doesn't get any better than this really.


A Cushion Made From An Old Cardi

So ignore the dodgy heart corsage. That will be going. But I made this all by myself. No honestly I did. I must have read about this from somewhere (perhaps on your somewhere) and it's been in the back of my mind forever. I have quite a few old woollen items that have either shrunk a little or gone out of favour, and I thought that this was a genius little project. I am obsessed by cushions, but really nice ones are v. expensive. And I like the idea of different covers for different times of the year.

This is my first attempt. The logistics was easy, but my skills are ropey to say the least. It took me at least twenty minutes to thread the sewing machine. And I found it a little fiddly, but that's down to experience. Of which I have very little. But I don't care, because I love it!! I made it from an old cashmere (darling) cardi that I bought from Tesco when I was expecting Olly. I love the colour and the soft feel of the wool, but it just reminds me of being pregnant. So I never wear it anymore. Now my sofa can. Hurrah!


And that was the happy!

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My days are crashing headlong one into the other. Much the same as yours I suspect. I need to start wrapping the presents. I need to ice the cakes. I need to make the mince pies. I need to write a Christmas food shopping list. I need to make pressies for nursery teachers. Despite it all, there is lots of happy milling about the place.

Can I just thank all of you who left comments on my last post. I think it was the most I've ever got! And hello to new followers. I'm chuffed you pressed the follow button. And a special thank you to Jennifer. I received your Christmas card this morning, and was very touched. There used to be a time that letters and cards were routine. Now they are really special. 

A picture post to follow!!

Take it easy lemon squeezy.

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 49/52

Hey! How are we today?

My happies have a theme this week. As always joining in with Jen


A Spot Of Christmas Crafting

So I bought some cards and envelopes with a view to Olly making his nearest and dearest home made Christmas cards. What was I thinking? He made a Christmas tree instead. He was very proud of his pompom baubles.I'm still working on the cards.....


All Trimmed Up

We've decorated early here. Usually I wait until the weekend that the children break up from school. But tomorrow night is Book Group, and it is our Christmas party. So I have trimmed up early in honour of that occasion. I am also making mulled wine. I do like the smell of the tree and all the festive bits and bobs. I have pared it back this year - no twiggy displays, no festive soft toys. Oh and another happy is my new decoration for the tree. The heart was £1.00 from Wilkinson's. Which by the way could have an entire week's worth of happy devoted to it, so fantastic is that store. Do you have a happy and cheap store that makes you giddy with glee every time you enter?


Cheating At Making Christmas Cookies

I love to bake. I love baking with Olly. But sometimes I don't love baking with Olly. But I thought I ought to do some festive baking with Olly. But I didn't really want to. Because frankly I couldn't be fagged with it all. So hoorah for pre-baked festive ginger snaps (with holes for ribbon if you so wish) from those thoughtful people at IKEA. And hooray for squeezy icing in a tube. And hooray for various sprinkles. Olly had a ball. There was no mess and no fuss. And they tasted rather good too. I mean, really, why make life hard for yourself?


Santa Hat On The Beach

It's not the best quality, as it was taken with my phone. But it doesn't get any better right now than a walk across a deserted beach with three mad dogs and a boy in a Santa hat. Oh and we also saw seals in the surf.


One More

Can I chuck in one more? I have jet washed decking and new fence panels! Literally beyond happy. Olly and I played football late this afternoon, without fear of slipping and breaking our necks. Life is sweet.


And that, my friends, was the happy.

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A big hello to new followers. It's great to have you along for the ride. I am very aware that I seem rather manic of late. It's a manic time. I do feel a bit jittery to be honest. Good jitters. But jitters all the same. Do you?

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 48/52

I'm just having a breather before heading back out the door. Olly has fallen asleep on the sofa. I think he's getting a cold - he's dead grouchy. The lamps are already switched on, as is the heating. The tumble drier is going full whack, and I am thinking about jacket potatoes for tea.

I need to ask you a question: Has anyone else nearly had a crash because they were trying to find the white candy mouse they had dropped into their lap? Honestly I nearly took out a bus stop. I am sooooo ridiculous. But I love those little mice. I usually buy about half a dozen and eat them on the way home from doing the weekly shop. I don't share them with anyone, so don't ask. People have. But they only asked once......

And I want to say a big "hello" to new followers. I'm so used to it being a select audience, that I don't notice the little friends counter go up. And it would seem that you can still join through blogger. So welcome. I'm glad you decided to stick around.

Simple happy things from my week. As always joining in with Jen.

Comfy Cosy

So I would dearly love a proper wood burner or open fire. We did have one when we moved into the house, but it didn't work and we couldn't afford to buy another one. So we blocked it up and forgot about it. Lately I've been thinking how great it would be to reinstate one (Marc will shudder if he reads this). I have this image in my head of hunkering down of an evening, with the fire as a focal point. There will be a mantelpiece with a changing display of crap stuff. It would lend itself perfectly to Christmas too....

In the meantime, in the real world of chez Paxton, we have this. An electric heater in the conservatory. There is no radiator in here, and it can get very cold at this time of year. But it is such a lovely space in which to hang out. It's bright, even on the dullest day. And it does get cosy in there. Of course a crocheted blanket from the 'foss' ladies helps too!

Satsumas

I have been eating so many of these lately. They are at their best now. I love their bright happy colour too. Easy to peel. Perfect for a little boys packed lunch.

Beach Walks In The Rain

It was tipping down this morning, as I walked the dogs across Carbis Bay beach. The wind was blowing my hood down, and my hair was whipping across my face. There were loads of sea birds in the sea. Diving for fish and wheeling around the waters edge. I took my camera, and as you can see the rain got onto my lens as well. I loved it. It was refreshing and exhilarating too.

A weekend in Bristol

Me and my sister in law visited my home town for a spot of Christmas shopping this weekend. It was the best time. We talked and people watched. We drank copious cups of tea, even though we were in Costa and Starbucks. We went to John Lewis and were overwhelmed with choice. We got rather drunk in our hotel room and fell asleep by ten pm. We went to IKEA (hooray!). It was top.

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Prepare for some Christmassy themed posts over the next week or so!!!

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 47/52

Is it happy time already? My weeks are flying by here. They are merging into each other. It must be the shorter days and longer nights. I'm in my relaxy pants by 4pm most days. The front door is locked after tea. A locked door symbolises the end of the working day here. During the summer it is open most of the day, while I flit from my garden in the back and my greenhouse in the front. There's no real need for that now. I've planted up my seeds (more of that soon) and they just need a look in every now and again.

I tend to go to bed earlier during the winter months. Not to sleep, you understand, but to do my thing cosy style. I make a cup of tea and wend my way upstairs. I snuggle into bed, surrounded by books, magazines, journal, notebooks, computer, the odd child or two and happily flit from one to the other. Not hugely productive maybe, but there's no guilt attached.

My days are filled with stuff; family stuff, housework stuff, cooking stuff, playing with Olly stuff. I do this willingly - well not always where the ironing is concerned, and so the evening is my own. I also have no Marc during the week, so no real desire to sit downstairs and stare at the four walls in solitude. Don't fret about me though - I love battoning down the hatches, as it were.

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Four simple happy things from my week. As always joining in with Jen

As Stevie Wonder would say

I saw her at Nacledra craft fair. She was slightly obscured, lent against a wall behind a stall selling things made from wood. But it was love at first sight. I can't tell you why. It's not my normal thing. But there she sat on her rock, drinking a cup of tea and reading a magazine. I loved that. So I bought her for Marc to give to me for Christmas. Wasn't that kind of him?

Coat Pocket Finds

Just a few things that have found their way into my pocket this week. Olly and I found these red leaves on the way to nursery this week. This Autumnal red is my favourite. Such a warm and vibrant colour to be greeted with on a cold morning. The pebble was one that Honey found on the beach. She loves being thrown pebbles and retrieving them. It's quite pretty close up. I'm dead chuffed with the scallop shell. It's a beauty. There were loads of them lying around the beach on Saturday for some reason. It happens that way. Some weeks it will be Razor shells, and other times it will be Tellin shells or Mussels.

A Quick Snap

I carry my camera everywhere I go. It's no mean feat really, because it's quite big. But whenever I don't have it, I notice something and wish I did have it. I know that this is not a great picture, but on the way to pick up Olly I looked accross at Godrevy. I was struck by the contrast of a gloriously sunny weekend highlighting all the colours of nature, to this almost monochrome palette. I stood and looked out accross the bay from the top of town. It felt very still and peaceful. I snapped it as a reminder of the colours that change daily here in West Cornwall.

Crossing The Bar

Sunset and evening star,

And one clear call for me!

And may there be no moaning of the bar,

When I put out to sea.

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,

Too full for sound and foam,

When that which drew from out the boundless deep

Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,

And after that dark!

And may there be no sadness of farewell,

When I embark;

For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place

The flood may bear me far,

I hope to see my pilot face to face

When I have crost the bar.

Alfred Lord Tennyson

This poem was read at my neighbour's funeral. A beautiful poem about the acceptance of passing on from this world to the next. Not a happy in the traditional sense maybe. But it was a lovely tribute to a man who lived by the sea, fought at sea and worked out at sea during his lifetime.



Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 45/52

Helllo lovely people! All fine of fettle I hope?

I have water dripping through the kitchen ceiling from the upstairs bathroom. I'm sipping a gin and tonic and hoping it's not too serious...

My four simple happy things from this week. As always, joining in with Jen.

A Mackerel Sky

Well almost. November has been quite gloomy weather wise. Lots of dull days and rainy days. This was the sky on Tuesday. A washed out blue, with a furrow of cloud. The sun was very bright, not watery at all. And being low in the sky it lit up the grass over the Towans. I don't mind weather - rain, cold, wind. But it was refreshing to walk under a blue sky. Squinting at the horizon.

Little Chef

I bought this outfit from Jenny's stall at the recent table top sale. I missed out on the rather gorgeous Charlie & Lola dolls house and figures (I didn't wade in quick enough). I wasn't sure if Olly would go for it, but the photo says otherwise. I know that he is stirring a hot pan over a hot oven. He's making flapjacks. Look at the concentration on his face. I did draw the line when he wanted to use the oven glove to take the finished product out of the oven. Olly is my most independent child, and I relish it. I am also alarmed by it daily.

Preserve Strainer

Well it beats using 70 denier tights. I bought it cheap, and this week I defrosted some berries (strictly benign ones) and made Blackberry and Apple Jelly. I got the setting point just right, made enough for six jars and it tastes delicious. Sweet and tart with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg. I put my success solely down to the strainer.

Little Blue Shed

Last Friday I took Honey on a really long walk along the Towednack Road. It meanders slowly upwards, following the curve of Rosewall, with splendid views on both sides. You can see for miles. The landscape is farmland with houses dotted here and there under the watchful eye of majestic hills. I spotted this little blue building tucked away at the end of a garden. Although it was raining, I stood there and stared at it for a long time.
I've always had a thing about Wendy houses, sheds and summer houses. My greenhouse is the closest I come to one. No-one else goes into the greenhouse except for me really. But who wouldn't want that little blue space to oneself? Sat there watching the sun go down in summer, or hunkered inside wrapped in layers and writing in your journal in winter. I don't remember seeing it last time I walked there, so I'm guessing it's relatively new. I very nearly climbed the gate and wandered over, such was it's call. It may not be mine, but it made me feel happy.

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It has been a challenging week so far. These are mainly internal, but the older boys have really tested me. My limit was reached earlier this evening. Things have calmed down now, mainly due to the massive support of my sister in law at literally just the right moment. I keep scrolling back up to the shed. It's picture tells me that I need some inner peace. Or at least look after myself a little better than I am doing right now.

Do you have a little blue shed? Or a place you go to to recharge either physically or figuratively?

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 44/52

I don't know about you, but I am dog tired today. Book Group = late night = bit teasy in the morning.com.
I am feeling tetchy. None of my clothes fit (it's that time of the month). I want to go out, but I don't want to go out. I am in a state of high procrastination. So I'm firing off my happy for the week, to settle my mood and break the day's circle. As always joining in with Jen.

I love the colour of the sea at this time of year. Different colours - slate grey, black, green, blue. And silver, my favourite. When the sun is low in the sky and skims across the surface of the water. This was snapped at the harbour on Saturday, after a lovely family lunch. The boats have been pulled up onto the beach. There are few tourists, and a lone seagull enjoying the view.

Since the cake stall, I have craved very savoury food. It must be an antidote to all that sugar. Cheese, ham and pickle sandwiches. Yum.  I enjoyed every mouthful!

Book Group. I had a glass of wine. We had a lively discussion about this month's read. It's one of my monthly highlights. I have made some good friends, I always have a giggle. I love book group.

So I was reading this post on Oyster and Pearl singing the praises of an Orla Kiely designed top. I ordered one straight away. A reasonably priced and funky base layer to wear at rugby matches, walking the dog and as an extra layer in the evenings. I have worn it almost constantly (it dries quickly after washing too. Bonus).  I'm thinking of getting the other design and maybe buying one or two as Christmas presents.

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Right the coats and hats are on the table ready to be put on. The plan is to take Olly and Honey to the woods, buy some fruit (Olly is into Pears) and then come home and prep some meals for the next couple of days. Marc is home this evening after being away for ten days. We have all missed him.

See you later alligator!

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 43/52

BOO!

Happy Halloween to you all.

It's pouring with rain outside. But if the posts on Facebook are anything to go by, it hasn't stopped the children of St Ives going out trick or treating this year. I'm afraid that I am a Halloween humbug. I'm just not down with the knocking on the doors. My costumes are always hastily thrown together. I like a homespun look, but it would appear that my children have far more sophisticated tastes. They want to actually look like a vampire or a ghoul, rather than resemble one. And I have a sore throat and cough and feel all Lemsipped up and sorry for myself.

Anyhoo. This week's happy. As always joining in with Jen and her lovely series.

So I am a complete sucker for cake decorations. I hate food shopping, but I love the baking aisle. I love the baking aisle even more when it's a supermarket that I rarely visit. These are from Morrisons. Sparkly snowflakes! Holly with berries! Be still my beating heart.

The picture above sums up my half term so far. Getting out and about with Olly. Walking, exploring and breathing in the fresh air. There really is nothing like it - it's an everyday happy here.

It's my sister in law's birthday this week. Olly made her a picture. You can never have too much glitter in your life. I am inhaling the stuff. Olly has a look of Marc Bolan at all times. I love that he wanted to make something for someone else.

For me, Autumn is all about the tree and their leaves. Beautiful shapes, exquisite colours. Fluttering down to earth, we crunch through them, grab handfuls and throw them into the air, use them in the garden. These are just a few that Olly and I collected on a visit to Trelissick Gardens. 

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So the big storm came in the form of 80 mile an hour gusts and a lot of rain. The palm tree didn't fall onto the house, but the refuse bin lid did get blown open. Sadly that was not the case elsewhere in the UK. But thank you for your concern. I guess the loft conversion is on the back burner again.

I thought that my email address was available, but it would appear not. I've no idea how to make it so, so should any of you lovely people want to point me in the right direction I'd be ever so grateful. I really am that stupid! And 'anonymous,' whoever you are, please make yourself known. It would be lovely to share this part of the world with someone with little ones.

One last thing. The scarf. I knitted it until all the wool was used up. I have now unknitted it (I believe that is a real crafty term. Ahem), and will be re-knitting with less knits. I promise to show the results as soon as I have completed it, but it could be an extra happy. I feel as if I've joined an elite club!!

Here's hoping you got lots of toffees and no sherbet lemons in your plastic pumpkin.

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 42/52

Hello lovelies. Friday already. Half term upon me. Clocks going back. Halloween. It's all go.


Four happy things from the past couple of weeks. As always joining in with Jen and her series.

It seems incredible, but I am still picking Dahlias and Cosmos from the garden. The weather has been wet and mild, so the annuals are still flowering. I have fallen in love with these Dahlias. They have been marked with string, and I will be making new plants from the tubers for planting out next year.

It would seem that Olly cannot get enough of crafting. At the moment he really enjoys junk modelling. I can't remember on whose blog it was, but one of you lovely people photographed your children's junk modelling, and made it into a keepsake. I thought then what a fabulous idea it was. I have decided to follow suit.

Yesterday Olly made cupcakes. I don't mean I suggested the idea and we sat down together. He came into the kitchen, opened the cupboard, took some cake cases and sprinkles, sat down, started scrunching up tissue paper, blobbed paint and glue and sprinkles on them and asked for help with the cherries. Me and Karen were quite taken aback.

I have started to learn to knit. I sit curled up on the sofa of an evening, furiously knitting lines of straight stitch in front of  Netflix. I'm not sure if I'm falling further into the abyss of mental illness, or climbing out! I have dropped stitches, there are a few holes and I have realised that it is far too wide to be a scarf. But as a process I am finding it soothing. The boys seem to be impressed and have asked for scarves of their own.

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We are forecast storms and high wind this weekend. I am kind of hoping that Alfie's rugby match gets cancelled on Sunday. I really don't fancy being drenched to my underwear. Have a lovely weekend, wherever you may be.

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 41/52

You find me feeling quite normal today. Mundane even. Pedestrian in the extreme. No hormones tripping me up. No fatigue messing with my head. Thank you for your recent solidarity. It certainly made me smile and feel precious too.

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We just made it! Olly and I managed to dodge the heavy rain showers. We've done our jobs for the day and walked the dogs. We've been to Blewett's toy shop in Hayle, and Olly bought a new train with his pocket money from Nanny. Now both of us are settling down to a quiet afternoon, with a bit (lot) of ironing thrown in for good measure. If I'm lucky I may even slip in the last 56 pages of my book group read. I'm hostess tomorrow evening. I've had a bit of a lull in the reading department lately. It has lots to do with my poor eyesight. I have my prescription in my purse, but haven't found any glasses that I really like. Vanity is alive and well here, I can tell you.

Alfie has gone away on a team building overnight stay with school, and if I'm honest I'm looking forward to not locking horns with him for the next twenty four hours. By God he's a piece of work at the moment. Argumentative, rude, aggressive, stubborn. When I hear him come in from school, I stiffen and prepare for battle. Oh it's not all him, I know that. We are like oil and water lately. But he does need a firm unwavering hand, which I try very hard to be. It doesn't always work, and there are times that I just sit there with my head in my hands about it all.

I often find myself running Olly's bath after tea, sat on the floor leaning against the bath for support, exhausted by the previous three hours of Alfie, and girding my loins for more. There will always be more. Paradoxically I love his feisty nature too. I know that he will never be walked over, and he strives to be the best in everything. And he's gone back to playing Rugby for St Ives under twelves, which I'm dead chuffed about.

Anyhoo. This week's simple happy things. Joining in with Jen.

Butterfly

Specifically a Comma. There are still lots of butterflies on the last of the Buddleia or gorging on the overripe Blackberries. They'll be gone soon I guess, as the weather turns colder. It was a treat to see this particular variety on our walk today.

Wellies

My old wellies died in Spring, and I have been meaning to buy some ever since. A trip to Cornwall Farmers for animal food, resulted in me buying this pair. They have a fluffy lining!! I am one step away from those granny boots you see ladies of a certain age wear. I know my own Nanny did. God help me.

Notice Board

With Olly's first real birthday party invitation, and a spelling award for Alfie from school. I have been told that the party is a disco. I can't wait! Alfie got 78/80 for a recent on the spot spelling test at school. I was beyond thrilled. Alfie was cross he didn't get 80. See what I mean about striving to achieve?

Fabric Bundles

To assist with another of my 'home made gifts for Christmas' project. I am drying the Lavender from the garden, and intend to make some scented bags. I know, crafty! I think my favourite is the blue with white flowers. I have a thing for blue at the moment (more of that another time). They were very cheap - the whole lot cost me a fiver. Bargain.


And that was the happy.

Take it easy lemon squeezy.

Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 40/52

I'm sitting here feeling a tad tired, truth be told. Olly was up a lot of last night with one of those non specific rashes that children are prone to. He itched and scratched and fussed and cried. I administered and cuddled and dozed and took deep steadying breaths. Even after sixteen years of parenthood, I am just no good with broken sleep. It's something one never gets used to, don't you think? I crave a return to weekend lie ins, and waking up, you know, when I wake up. Not sitting bolt upright to the alarm or cries from Olly's bedroom. The joys of it all!

My simple happy things from this week. As always joining in with Jen.

Sloe Gin

An alcoholic happy (hic). If you happen to have Sloes near you, I insist you make Sloe Gin. So easy, and it will be ready for Christmas tippling. Follow this recipe. You too will be as happy as me throughout the festive season. Cheers!

Balance Bike

Olly had his balance bike for his third birthday. It's a great thing. The idea is that he will find riding a regular bike easier to master, because he can already balance himself. You should see him go. I love watching him on it. He rides it to nursery and to Auntie Karen's. We have taken it camping with us and he has zoomed around camp sites on it.

Autumn Shades

At this time of year I annoy my husband by bringing in armfuls of hedgerow plants and displaying them around the house. These are Cow Parsley that have dried in the summer sun. I took this picture this morning as the Autumn sunshine was filtering through the blinds. I love the technicolour of summer, but the earthy colours of Autumn are welcome now.

Another Nature Hunt

With Olly. I can never get enough of these. I hold my time with him to my heart.



And that was the happy!


Leanne xx

52 Weeks Of Happy - 39/52

Some simple happy things from my week. Joining in with Jen

Watching & Waiting

Since the boys have gone back to school, my routine has become a little more leisurely. Olly asks daily "What are we doing today, Mummy?" and a plan is made. We make time every day to do something fun. It  usually involves a walk of some sort. He is at nursery on Wednesdays, and my walk takes longer. I have found I stop lots. I look and see. I wait for things to unfold. It may be that I watch an insect. Or the kite surfers throwing themselves up in the air. This morning I watched the rain come in. It gives me great happiness to slow right down and take it all in.

Simple Bakes

My boys are not impressed with frou frou. They spurn the fancy cupcake. They baulk at swirls of cream and frothy meringue. Simple plain bakes. That's what floats their boat. Plain flapjacks. Lemon (with a hint of drizzle) cake. Oatmeal (without the raisin or cinnamon) cookies. Olly and I made lots of these yesterday. They went down very well. The biscuits are very good tea dunkers too.

Bramble Jelly

We are awash with Blackberries here. This is my first attempt at Bramble Jelly. I had to strain the berries through a pair of 40 denier tights! It did the trick though. I followed this recipe. I have a bit of a geek crush for Hugh. Easy peasy to do, but untold pleasure at the result. These mark the start of my homemade Christmas presents. I'm thinking little foodie hampers and a framed photograph of my own taking. What do you think?

Ikea

Living here is very nearly perfect. If I was to ask for anything else, it would be an Ikea. My friend Nina graciously let me take this catalogue home with me. "I'm all Ikea'd out at the moment," she said. How can that be, I thought. She's Norwegian too. If there was one near me, I'd practically live there. It would be my go to happy place. Although I do have a dim memory of Brent Cross Ikea, a thumping hangover, hordes of people, tripping over a Lack occasional table and getting to the warehouse to discover that what I wanted wasn't in stock. Again.....

That's the happy.

I'm off to tidy up a friends garden. Ironic really, as my own one is a disgrace.

Leanne xxx