June 2016 : Post EU Referendum

Here we are, in the post EU referendum environment. I was a bit surprised, and dismayed, to wake up on Friday morning to find that the UK population had voted in favour of leaving the EU. Seems a bit of a bolt from the blue, because I really can't understand why anyone would choose to leave the EU. Scotland and Ireland voted to remain, but England and Wales voted to leave. 

There have been stories about racism and violence towards members of the public who are perceived as being 'foreign'. The reports on the news and in the daily newspapers have been pretty disgusting. How someone could think that this type of behaviour is acceptable is totally beyond me.

Anyway, my blog isn't about politics or religion, it's about my musings about my life, my plans, my aspirations and any other things that are important to me. Basically, it's my record of my ramblings and abstract thoughts. 

Over this last year or so, I've felt that there's been something missing in my life. Lacking in direction and focus. Kind of like I have no real meaning or purpose in life.  I find I'm often thinking back to the days when I attended the Circle in Penicuik, and also when I was running my own Circle here at home. The comfortable feeling of being at one with Spirit is missing and also I find I'm missing the 'signs' that Spirit are there or thereabouts around me. So, following a chat with a friend on Friday, I've decided that I'm going to start going to some services at a local Spiritualist Church. My first visit back will be on Sunday 3rd July, that is this coming Sunday. The Church in Broxburn has closed down, and although I've visited a couple of the local Livingston Churches, I've not felt totally comfortable with them. I'm planning on visiting the Church in Bathgate, which I've heard very good things about, and I'm looking forward to it. It'll be nice to get back into the spiritual swing of things. 

I've signed up for some more of the FutureLearn courses. The one I'm working on just now is to do with the benefits of mindfulness. It's an interesting wee course and I'm thoroughly enjoying it. As a result, I'm trying to incorporate mindfulness into my daily life. It's been a few years since I practiced meditation or visualisation, or just took to the time to "just be", so this course has been started at just the right time for me. 

I'll also be starting a genealogy course through FutureLearn, and I plan on getting all my family history paperwork back together and getting restarted on my research. I'll have to look into getting a new computer programme because the current one is on a very old PC and was bought about 20 years ago. I should have all my info in paper form though, so it will just be a matter of copying it onto a new programme. Cousin Eileen and I have chatted about visiting the Sorn area to see if we can find any trace of the Goldie family in local churchyards etc.

I've been doing some sewing, made a few bits and pieces, and have a few pretty pieces of fabric that I plan on making into some pretty summer tops, although that might not be worthwhile unless the weather improves. It's been pretty cold and tonight I've put the heating on for half an hour to take the chill off. I have some really nice pieces of fabric, and I'm thinking of making some bags and other bits and pieces. I also have some fabulous pink fabric that I'd like to make into a jacket. I'm still making some jewellery, but not very much. Am also still attending the crafters network, but mainly just to see old friends as I don't plan on making anything for selling. What I do make will be either for myself or gifts for family and friends. 

I've started going along to netball sessions on a Friday evening. It's been great fun and I'm really enjoying it. Doing lots of running around and it's a really fabulous bunch of ladies who go along. It's non-competitive, but is really, really great fun. 

Mike turned 70 on Hogmanay last, and so we decided to visit Malta for a couple of weeks in May. We had a fabulous time, weather was great, hotel was good and the food was good. Visited lots of places Mike was last at as a teenager. We visited the first flat they stayed in and spoke with a lady in the same block who kindly allowed us to go onto the roof to have a look around, and she also kindly invited us in for a cup of tea and a chat afterwards. Quite surprising, two foreign strangers and she happily invited us into here home!  We also visit the Tal Handaq school and the bay where Mike learned to swim. Strolled round Tigne Point and all around that area, and wandered through Sliema, and walked the backstreets of Gzira. We visited Mosta, Mdina, the craft village, and Valletta. We went on a harbour cruise and took the ferry ride across to Valletta. We had coffee in outside cafes and drank wine in the afternoons. In the evenings, we sat on our balcony just watching the world go by. On the first weekend there were firework displays on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings on Manoel Island and we watched the display from the comfort of our balcony whilst sipping wine. On our last day, we met up with a lovely lady who had also attended Tal Handaq school. We meet up at our hotel, and then went for coffee and were getting on so well that she invited to take us to a lovely little cafe in the village where she lived. After a long, chatty, leisurely lunch, we had a stroll round the village and visited the beautiful gardens of the Palace and then she kindly invited us back to her home for afternoon tea and more chat. We sat out on her rooftop terrace enjoying the peace and quiet and hot Malta sun. She has a beautiful, charming home and we were thrilled to be invited in to it. After a long afternoon, she kindly drove us back to Sliema where we said our thanks and our goodbyes and promised to stay in touch. With the power of Facebook, we're now in pretty regular contact. Her kind hospitality was the perfect end to our holiday and has left us with such wonderful warm happy memories. In all, we had an absolutely wonderful holiday and a lovely time exploring the area where Mike spent wonderfully happy childhood / teenage years. Mickey went to stay with Cousin Eileen whilst we were away and by all accounts he had super time. He came back home with a little book all about his holiday. 

I've been starting to get my head around writing up my notes for spiritual development and also I need to type up my notes for visualisation exercises. I've been asked to facilitate some visualisation sessions for a local charity support group again this year. I usually do a 'healing pool' visualisation but this year I thought I'd do a different one, so I need to work on that, writing it up and making sure that I have it all clear in my mind to allow me to work without notes. Nothing more annoying during visualisation than to hear the pages of a notebook being turned. I also have to look out some suitable music. Waves crashing on the sand won't work with a forest or countryside visualisation exercise. 

I've also been digging out my paperwork for the book I started writing a couple or so years ago. Will probably never get it published, but I'll just continue working on it from time to time. 

I'm planning on doing all this writing cos Wimbledon 2016 has just started, so I'll be watching that on TV and typing at the same time. Or, I may even do some ironing!

I have my usual Dogs Trust card reading booking for their Open Day this summer. Unfortunately I won't be able to do readings for the nursing home due to a previous booking in the diary. But, hopefully next year. 

I've also been thinking about diet and exercise. I'm loving my netball, and can definitely see a difference in my fitness levels. But, I'm also thinking that I need to be working on devising a much healthier eating plan for us both. I do eat a fair amount of fruit, and a reasonable amount of veg, but I've been trying to find some good juicing recipes. I'm not really planning on making fruit juices or smoothies, my plan is to start using veggies as well. Since we got the juicer a couple of years ago, I have made some juices, but many of them have had celery in them and one veg I really can't take is celery. I have bought a couple of books on juicing and I'll start looking through them to find some recipes that I think I'll be able to drink. 

When we were out the other morning, we were walking round Bellsquarry Wood and we decided to walk back to the car view Newpark Road. As we were strolling along, we happened upon some pretty little pink flowers. Imagine my delight when I realised they were the little pink flowers I remember from my childhood. We called them Nancy Pretty, but their Sunday name was London Pride. I've always loved these pretty little flowers, and every time I see them I'm immediately transported back to happy, carefree, sunny childhood days. They're just such happy, carefree little flowers. Sadly, though, our garden is bereft of Nancy Pretty. I've looked in the garden centres several times over the years, but for some reason they never seem to stock them, which is a real pity. 

We're planning on having a family get-together in July, mainly for my side of the family. As Mike's girls both live fairly locally, we do see them from time to time, but we rarely meet up with my side of the family. So, all being well, we'll be meeting in the Perth area around the third week of July. It'll be pretty nice to have a chance to catch up and I'm hopeful that this could become a regular event, meeting up a couple of times a year. I'm really looking forward to it. 

Well, I reckon that's about enough of my ramblings for now. 

Happy reading. 
   

Summer 2015 : what's been happening

Well, it's been a while, but here I am again updating my blog. It's taken a time mainly because I couldn't remember how to access my blog to update it. So, here we are with summer just around the corner and sunshine on the horizon. I'm feeling motivated, all is well with my world and I'm heading into my future with a positive attitude and a spring in my step!

As I'm heading to my 60th birthday this year I've been taking stock of and working on what's important to me. Obviously my health is the most important thing and I've been working on improving my general health and wellbeing. I'm paying much more attention to my diet and am working on increasing my fitness and activity levels. I've got a card that allows me half price entry to the local gym, and have a training schedule that I can start working on. If I find that I'm going along fairly often, when I'm 60 I'll be able to get a cheap membership which will allow me full access for only £18 per month. And, of course, I'll get my bus pass!

Earlier this year I went along to a course about finding my inner goddess. I thoroughly enjoyed it and have stayed in touch with a couple of other ladies who were on the course. It was run by a young lady called Jennifer Falconer. Jennifer is a generative life coach and is passionate about what she does. She has an office in Edinburgh but also runs some sessions out here in Livingston. The course was an amazing experience and it helped me to work out what's important to me, where I want my life to go and what I want to achieve. I'm planning on keeping my blog going and I'm also going to get my journal out and start updating it again, probably not on a daily basis, but most likely weekly or thereabouts. I'm also planning on updating my "Moon Over Water" facebook page and getting it restarted. I've already restarted my meditation practice and have signed up for a psychic gym course run by the amazing and talented Helen Leathers. I have several of Helen's books and workbooks and I've found them to be very useful and informative. 

The Inner Goddess course has also got me motivated to get back into doing what I enjoy. I've been making a little jewellery, I've been planning some sewing projects and I'm doing some card readings. I've offered to do readings for a charity as well to help them to raise vital funds. More on that at a future date. I'm still going along to our West Lothian Crafters Network meetings and for the first time in quite a while I had some jewellery to take along for our "show and tell". I have to say the ladies who go along the the meetings are all amazingly talented artisans.

There's a local history group starting up on the 25th of this month and I'm planning on going along. I don't know very much about the history of the Livingston area so this will be an ideal opportunity to learn a bit about the area. 

For my birthday last year, Mike got me an overlocker and for my birthday this year he's giving me a tailor's dummy (which I've already got because there was a sale on!). I'm planning on making some clothes and would like to try my hand at making my own creations. I'm also planning on making my dress for Graeme's 40th birthday celebration in December, when we're invited to a private premiere screening of the new Star Wars film. Of course, I'll be making myself some sparkly jewellery to go with the dress. 

In late May / early June, we headed off for a few weeks in the motorvan and visited Mike's cousins (Annie and Russ) and his Auntie Joan in Plymouth. It's been lovely getting to know them and also Annie's granddaughter, Demi-Leigh. I was very fortunate whilst I was there as Demi very kindly spruced up my nails with a very pretty pink nail polish and added a little sparkly star. I have a note of the pretty shade Demi used and I'm hoping to pop out to buy myself a bottle of it. 

We had a fabulous time in Plymouth and were made very welcome by all of the extended family. One day we visited the war memorial where a member of Mike's extended family (think it was a cousin of his Auntie Joan) is listed on the memorial. We found his name and I have a few photos of Mike, Annie and Russ pointing to the name on the memorial. 

Annie and Russ also showed us round the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe. Annie and I had great fun visiting a few shops, trying on hats, oohing and aahing at some amazing vintage clothing and just generally having a good time. We sat outside in the sun eating fish & chips for lunch with Mickey sitting very well beside us trying not to look like he was wanting some of our lunch.

The weather whilst we were away was fabulous. We did have some hailstones (sounding like rocks landing on the roof of the van) and also one night it was quite stormy with pretty strong winds, but apart from that the weather was beautifully warm and sunny.  We did manage to get a quick visit to Exmouth however, we didn't manage to get to see extended family in Ilfracombe but hopefully we'll manage to do so when we're down later in the year. 

We had no real problems with the motorvan (other than busting the pipe for the grey waste) which was good. We didn't manage to get away for a couple of nights prior to our trip down south, although we did take the van out for an afternoon at Yellowcraig to check that everything was running properly. We're hoping to get a trip down Ayrshire way sometime and possibly up north somewhere as well. 

Mickey is beginning to feel his age we think, and we've had to get his ramp out again to help him into and out of the car. For quite a while he was managing fine without it, but lately we felt that he was not too happy about having to take a running jump to get into the car, so his ramp is back in use. He does pretty good for an old boy of 11+ years of age.

We've had some more work done in the garden this year. There's a particular bit in the side garden that's always a fairly damp and the water doesn't drain very well, despite the fact that we put in some drainage (at least I think we did). It's also pretty difficult to get the lawn mower in to get the grass cut at that bit. So, we've now got an additional deck covering the damp area. Last week when we had a few really nice sunny and warm days, we sat out on our new deck for morning coffee and afternoon tea. Ordinarily sitting out in our garden isn't always fun because we tend to get a west wind through the garden which makes it a bit chilly and uncomfortable for sitting out in (which is why we got our wee summerhouse a few years ago) but fortunately last week there was only a very light breeze so it was rather pleasant sitting out on our new deck. It was so nice last week that I went out and bought myself some cotton shorts, the longish ones to below the knee, on Friday. Of course by the time we got back home it had turned overcast, breezy and chilly. But I'm pretty sure that we'll have a few more warm sunny days this year, so I'll get some use out of my new shorts. I'm sure I will! 

There's lots of work to be done around the house and garden. We really need to get the wee office room cleared out and sorted and I'm hopeful then that I can use it as a little craft room. Outside we need to get the driveway power-washed and tidied up. We've already got that task started, but need to get around to finishing it off. The flower beds need to be weeded but once it turns a bit warmer again then we'll get that task completed as well. 

Well, I reckon this is enough of my abstract rambling for the time being. Apologies if it's all a bit garbled, but as many of you know, I tend to write just whatever comes into my mind. So if you find it all just a bit disjointed, then that's the reason why.

I'll be spending the next few weeks or so thinking about how my blog will develop over the next few months. My plan is to have less rambling on and more of a structure with regard to topics covered. My grand plan is that it will be a record of my journey through what I call "My Purple Years". 

I hope you all enjoy my ramblings and if so, please do follow my blog. If you'd like to say "hi" and leave a comment then please do so. If you have any ideas or suggestions for future topics for my blog then please do let me know. 

Many thanks for reading!

Isobel 

A little update.

Well, it's been a while since I last updated my blog. Lots has happened, some good things and some not so good things.

Firstly, I lost my darling wee Lucy to cancer on the 16th of June. Was very sudden and a bit of a shock. Still miss her so much that at times it hurts. But she's up there at Rainbow Bridge having fun and waiting for me. My wee lassie lamb was a bit of a rascal but she also brought a smile to the face of everyone she met. 

I've still been making jewellery, but not so much these days. I've started doing a little sewing and am at last using up my fabric stash. Have done a little baking as well. I've been enjoying the Crafters Network meetings, although I don't really contribute too much these days on account of not really doing any craft fairs this year. 

We've been away in the van a few times lately which has been fun. Last trip was to Ravenglass which has lovely and relaxing and we had some pretty good weather. 

I've done a few card readings lately which I've enjoyed. I have bookings for charity / fundraising events this month. A local school, nursing home and Dogs Trust. It's all for charity or fundraising so all the cash I make is donated to them. 

Unfortunately the Development Circle hasn't restarted this year, but maybe next year. If it's to restart then that will happen when the time is right.

We recently changed my wee car because the dealer contacted me and made me an offer I couldn't refuse. So I didn't refuse. My new car is very smart (?!?!?) and she's called Clementine. 

Well will work on more updates soon. Many thanks for reading!  

Early Autumn ........

Well, I'm still aspiring to update my blog a bit more regularly. I'm being ever so organised and have now put an entry into my diary to remind me each weekend to write an update. 

We had a nice couple of weeks holiday, with good weather and lots of nice walks. We may try to get away for another week or so but as I'm a bit if a fair weather camper we may just stay at home if it turns colder or wet. 

My niece, Jennifer, has returned from her six months in Sri Lanka running an animal sanctuary. I'm incredibly proud of her and think that she's probably the most amazing and inspirational person I know. And, she's also brought home a beautiful wee dog called Penny. I haven't met Penny yet but once she's settled into her new home I'll go over to meet her. 

This week the weather has been pretty nice most days. Today has been a beautiful early autumn day.  Mike's been busy working on replacing the external lights so that we can see when we have Mickey and Lucy in the garden for their late night outing. I've been busy painting the window frame in the front living-room. It'll need at least two coats of paint and I'd hoped to be able to give it a second coat this evening, but it's still pretty tacky, so I guess it'll be tomorrow before I can do the second coat. Then I've got new curtains to shorten and I'm hoping that there will be enough fabric left over to do a couple of cushion covers. Then in a week or so we'll be getting new blinds on the window. After that all I have to do is clean the carpet and paint the walls so that the room will be nice for Christmastime. Then I'll start on the hall and the old front door.  With a bit of luck I might even be able to get a new carpet for the hall floor! Fingers crossed!!!

I'll also have to get some new bag charms made as I have a sale for the middle of October to prepare for. The last one at this organisation was very successful, so I'm hoping this one will go well. I've managed to source some very pretty beads from America. I've almost decided on the ones I want to buy.  I may not have therm in time for the October sale, but they should arrive in good time for the December one.  

Speaking of December and Christmas. Irving Berlin's White Christmas is on at the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh from 29 November till 4 January and my friend Siobhan and I are hoping to get tickets. A few years ago I went with my friend Rita to see White Christmas at the Edinburgh Playhouse.  For those of you who have been watching Dallas on a TV (the new series and the old series) Ken Kercheval, aka Cliff Barnes, was General Waverly in the show at The Playhouse and was very good.  Talking of Christmas, I'm being ever so organised and have most of our 'big' gifts in and have an idea of what I'm going to get for some of the others. 

This coming week I'm hoping that we can get back into the regular habit of going to the pool. We haven't been since before we went off on holiday, so it will be good to get back to going for a swim a few times each week. 

Those of you who know me will know that I like the Jack Reacher novels by Lee Child. Now Jack Reacher is a big guy, 6' 5" and built like a tank. You don't mess with him. Anyway, one of the novels, First Shot, has been made into a movie starring Tom Cruise. Now Tom Cruise ain't 6' 5" and he talks with a soft squeaky voice. Jack Reacher he ain't. Anyway, I told everyone that I would NEVER EVER watch the movie. Well, I did. I watched it cos everyone said if I could put aside the fact that Lil Squirt Tom Cruise was Jack Reacher, then I'll enjoy it cos it's a fantastic movie. So I watched it. Well, when I say "I watched it" I mean I watched some of it. I did try to watch all of it, but sadly it was so disappointing that I really couldn't watch it. 

Now, I do like the film The Help, and the book. I think Miss Skeeter is just awesome. Minny and Aibileen are fantastic characters as well. And Miss Hilly??? Well, she deserves a punch on the nose! 

Well, I think that's about enough chatter for now. More to come next weekend! 

"I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze"
          Forrest Gump

“love the life you live, live the life you love.”
          Bob Marley 

Well, as Forest Gump says ... "that's all I have to say about that" 

What I've been up to lately!

Another little update! 

Well Mike and I are just back from a nice relaxing holiday. We had very good weather and caught up with a couple of Mike's uncles and cousins. We had a lovely time and each of the sites we used were rather nice and all of them had fabulous dog walk areas, always a bonus! 

Unfortunately, (or fortunately as it turned out) we had to return home a day early because of a kitchen sink problem (which will be sorted tomorrow). I say fortunately because Saturday was a beautiful day and we had a lovely relaxing drive home and Sunday was cold, wet, wild, windy and miserable. But I did get all the washing done! Ironing??? Nah ... that'll never happen! 

So all is more or less back to normal now. 

The nights are fair drawing in now and this week the weather has turned very chilly so I reckon that autumn is here. This morning I had my morning coffee in the summerhouse. It was a bit chilly, so sadly I reckon that I won't be summerhousin' now until springtime, unless it turns a bit milder. So, I need to have a think about where to sit and relax with my coffee in the mornings. I guess I  could always sit in the front room and spy in the neighbours when they leave for work ......

I've been pretty busy lately. I've been planning my 'craft pay it forward gifts' and will be starting work on them soon. I've also been working on some new jewellery and beaded items and I'm also keen to start expanding my product range. So, watch this space! 

I've been slowly working through the stuff we've got stored in the loft. I have one corner sorted so far and have lots of storage boxes ready to be filled. My plan is that my fabric and wool and other crafting stuff can be stored there and once the space or organised I'll know exactly where everything is. At least , that's the plan. 

It's always good to have a plan. It doesn't have to be a good or a great plan, just a plan. 

Will update more in a day or so.  

Watch this space ......  

Update on my Journey Through Life ... My Purple Years

Well, it's been quite a while since I last updated my blog, but hopefully, as I'm on a winning streak for writing just now, I'll update a bit more regularly from now on. 

A lot has been going on lately. We've had 70th birthday BBQ, 70th birthday special lunch out, several visits to my sister, Fiona, who's just moved house. Off to see Brucie boy (Springsteen, not Forsyth), had a few days away in the van (hoping to get away again sometime over the next couple of months), had many lunches out, retail therapy trips, lots of time in my summerhouse. Also, The Goldie Girls, once again, raised funds for Cancer Research UK by taking part in the Race for Life in Falkirk. Unfortunately we were a much smaller Goldie Girls  group this year. Valerie, Monica and myself accompanied by Waffle and Zorro. Lucy stayed home but may join me next year. 

There have been lots of babysitting duties (always enjoyable) and lots of watching kids tv (always enjoyable!!!). 

Mickey seems to be over his tummy troubles, so that's good. Lucy's wee skin problem flared up again. We think it's made worse by the stress of anniversaries (spooky spirits abound in our house) when she seems particularly sensitive to unseen things. However, this latest flare up is responding very well to the treatment that the vet (Lucy <3 Richard) has given her although vet thinks that she'll probably need ongoing monthly / quarterly maintenance doses. 

Moon~Over~Water Facebook page has been started, and most mornings I select a card for the day and then post it on the page, with the basic meaning for the card. I then write it up in my little 'Card for the Day' strawberry notebook. Once all the Zen cards have been selected, then I'll start selecting from another pack of tarot cards. 

The Circle is still running, although there's been a bit of a slowdown due to holidays etc. If anyone is interested in coming along, just let me know. New members are always welcome. 

Exciting news is that I have tickets to see Tony Stockwell at the end of August, and we have pretty good seats! EXCITED!!!

I've also been doing a wee meditation course, which I've been thoroughly enjoying. I do like my mornings in the summerhouse. A chance to relax and meditate, then select my card for the day, chillout with Mickey and Lucy and then have a leisurely breakfast. 

Treasures by Isobel is still working away in the background there. Still have the Facebook page, but not updated in a while. However, I have ideas for new products so it will be updated in the foreseeable future. I have a couple of craft fairs in the pipeline so will post photos of them on the FB page. I've started work in my website for Treasures, but it's been a bit beyond me so it's very been very slow going. 

So, I've had lots of time in the summerhouse, working on various ideas and hopefully getting a new perspective and a new focus / direction in my journey through my Purple Years. 

Shootin' the Breeze will be updated more regularly ... happy reading all! 

Bye for now ........

Just a quick update

Just a quick update.  

Have had very productive afternoon sorting out my Facebook pages. 

Treasures by Isobel had some admin work done, and I've got plans for new products and suchlike. All very exciting and interesting. Should certainly keep me occupied and out of mischief for a wee while to come. 

Tonight we have our first meeting of the West Lothian Crafters Network, and hopefully that will go well, and become a useful resource for all the 'members'.


Moon Over Water Facebook page has been set up.  I need to have a think about getting some nice photos on there, no doubt something will appear at the right time.  Card readings this Saturday at a local primary school for school funds. And, at the beginning of September, card readings for the local Dogs Trust Rehoming Centre Open Day, again all monies raised go to the charity.

Our little Development Circle continues to go well, although the last one was cancelled at the very last minute.  At the end of August this year, I'll be going to see Tony Stockwell at the Howden Park Centre.  We have fab tickets, middle of the second front row, so hopefully it'll be a good night. You never know, maybe I'll even get a reading. Now that would be FAB!

So, it's been busy, busy, busy.
On to normal day-to-day things now, such as the weather. Now the weather has been pretty well rubbish this spring, although Saturday was rather nice and we sat out in the summerhouse. Sunday wasn't quite so nice, however, we spent the day in the summerhouse (well, I did anyway), doing a little jewellery designing and we now have the basic idea for the Hope on the Horizon beaded bracelet. Over the next day or so I shall work on the project and should have the finished product later this week. 

Tomorrow evening Lucy has her training class which she's been thoroughly enjoying. Mind you, last week when she got home she was totally shattered. So much excitement for such a wee doggie.

This week looks like being a fairly busy week, mainly doing things to do with Treasures by Isobel and Moon Over Water.  I've started working on my website, and am hoping that this week I can spend a bit of time on getting that sorted out.  That said, I'm just hoping that all this techie stuff isn't beyond my capabilities. 

I'm also currently fundraising just now.  The Goldie Girls are doing the Race for Life at Falkirk on the 9th of June and my sister Fiona and I are doing a Treadmill Challenge to raise funds for Animal SOS Sri Lanka. If you'd like to sponsor us, you'll find the link on our Facebook pages (or just send me a PM and I'll give you details).

Anyway, I guess I'd better get dinner on soon seeing as I'm off out this evening .... thanks for reading!

Ooh ... it's been a while!

Well hello again!  It's been a while since I last updated my blog, so as we're having to wait in for the gas engineer this morning, I thought I'd use the time productively.

I've been pretty busy lately, mainly because of the MacMillan Coffee Morning at the end of September, when we raised in excess of £250 and my annual festive gathering by way of the Christmas Cards and Jewellery Party at the end of October.

The Coffee Morning (which was held in the afternoon) went very well.  We were very busy serving endless cups of tea and coffee accompanied by home baking and teensy weensy elegant sandwiches.  It was a good, if tiring, afternoon and I think everyone enjoyed themselves.  My choice of music was complimented! I had planned on playing my Timewarp 60s Music, but at the last minute I changed it to Fabulous Fifties Music.  The raffle raised around £100+ (£60+ of which was raised by sales prior to the Coffee Morning) and the shop raised around £60.  On the day itself, granddaughter Lily ran the raffle (and 'encouraged' everyone to buy tickets) and granddaughter Laura ran the shop, and just in case anyone hadn't realised we were selling things, Laura took the shop to our guests to 'encourage' folks to buy!

The home baking went down a treat, and a HUGE thanks to everyone who took the time to bake and also donate to the event.  I'd have hated to force my home baking on everyone there, although I did make some tablet, puff candy and the fruit cake that Arlene donated the recipe for.  Also, a HUGE thanks to everyone for coming along and supporting the event.  It wouldn't have been such a success if you hadn't come along.  THANK YOU ALL!

Now, the Festive Night was also a great success.  I do believe that Laura managed to sell 8 scarves for Woollen Wonders and made some commission for all her hard work.  Lesley's jewellery was also very popular.  I had my eye on a few things on the jewellery table, but by the time I got around to browsing, there was very little left.  However, I did make a small purchase which will go past for Christmas.

Again, many thanks to everyone who came along and supported the event.  I know that you all only came along cos I'd promised to play Crimbo music!  And of course, I've been playing Crimbo music since then and Mike hasn't complained once ... I suspect that his hearing is starting to fail.

And, continuing on the Crimbo theme.  Sky Movies Christmas 24 channel started on Saturday, so now I have Crimbo music in the kitchen and Crimbo movies in the dining room ... what more could a gal ask for!  Apart from hoping Santa keeps her on the 'nice' list!

I've also been working on some trinkets and stocking fillers for the Christmas craft fairs that I've got booked between now and Christmas.  I had hoped to get booked into the fairs for selling jewellery but unfortunately they've all been full for jewellery.  However, from the few craft fairs that I've had a table at, I've been watching what does and doesn't sell, particularly with regards to the jewellery sales.

It appears that what puts people off is that fact the the jewellery is so 'expensive'.  I put that in quotes, cos it's not my view, but from speaking with potential customers, I get the distinct impression that folks come along to these fairs looking for bargains, and don't seem willing to pay what they consider to be 'over the odds' for the craft items for sale.  Clearly most people feel that they should only be paying for the materials, and not for the time involved in making the items.  I do get the impression that people who go to the craft fairs believe that they shouldn't pay for the time spent making an item, cos people selling at craft fairs are selling things they make for a hobby, ergo, they shouldn't charge for their time. This seems really quite unfair to me, cos there are a lot of crafters who are making things to try to run a small business and generate an income.  So, to continue my ramblings, I've also been watching what does and doesn't sell.  The more expensive items just don't sell (maybe that'll change in the run up to Christmas), so I'm now working on creating some inexpensive trinkets and stocking fillers.  These are items that I can charge a reasonable amount for, and can cover the costs of materials, as well as my time for making them.. This means that I'm making things that don't really show any great amount of talent or creativity, but by their simplicity they look pretty good and the price is also attractive to potential customers.  I've found that I can sell several smaller items at £1, £2, £3 etc whereas it's almost impossible to sell an item at £15.  I guess another issue is the fact that it's a cash sale rather than using cheque or Switch cards.  Therefore, most people aren't bringing pocketfuls of cash with them to craft fairs, so it seems wise to switch to smaller, more inexpensive products.

Well, we're still waiting for the gas engineer.  He's just phoned, and it would appear he's running late (was booked to be here between 8am and 1pm) and can only say that he'll be here sometime this afternoon.  So, I'll ramble on for a short while longer, and then I'll start lunch.

I'm all set for winter dog walking duties.  I've decided to retire my old winter boots (my feet never got cold even when the temperature dropped to -16c a couple of years ago).  These boots are pretty well done now, so I'm going to put them in the bin.  But,  I've got some fabby warm welly boots (Muckboots) to keep my feet warm and dry over the winter.  They usually sell for around £60-£70, but I managed to get a pair for only £25! Fabby!  I've tried them out already, and my feet stayed warm and cosy.

I'm also working on a handmade Christmas this year, and will be making and crafting lots of handmade items for Christmas gifts.  I've got lots of ideas, and have even started working on them.  Just hope I don't run out of time ... I'd hate to be the one to keep Santa late on his very important journey on Christmas Eve. 

Well, time's getting on now, so I'm off to make lunch and then we'll get Mickey and Lucy out for their daily constitutional ... and a run with Lucy's beloved Ring Zinger!

Many thanks for reading my ramblings!

As Forrest Gump says ... "That's all I have to say about that".

Things to do on a wet summer afternoon in July!

Well, most of you will be aware that we've had some pretty dreadful weather this summer.  Lots of summer events have been cancelled because of the rain, however, Wimbledon has continued.  Now, I like watching tennis, and now that I'm retired I've got the opportunity of watching Wimbledon Fortnight on TV.  What's even better is that we now have a Scot in the final.  So guess who'll be watching TV tomorrow afternoon!

I've been having a look at some of my jewellery and I'm still trying to sort out the FB page for Treasures.  This is getting a bit closer to being sorted and my amazing niece Jennifer has kindly offered to sort it out for me.  I do believe that on Monday afternoon she's going to have a look at it and make sure it's all set up properly for me.  She's also offered to sort out a web site for me!  I suspect that I will owe her pretty big-time once it's all sorted.  Hmm, perhaps I should also be thinking of doing a Treasures by Isobel blog?  But if I do a blog, I wonder if anyone will actually read it. 

I came across this little photo on the internet the other day, and thought I'd share it with you all:

As it was our silver wedding anniversary a couple of weeks ago, we were out for lunch a few times. On the Friday, we went with the family to the local Frankie & Benny's for a nice lunch and a couple of glasses of wine.  We had a really nice time, but all my photos include the grandchildren, so I won't be posting any here. However on the Monday (which was our actual anniversary) we wnt to the Melville Inn at Lasswade and had a beautiful lunch (and a few glasses of wine) with Rita and Eddie:

L-R : Mike, moi, Rita and Eddie.  It's a shame that it appears that I'm the only one drinking alcohol, but then that's nothing new!

Here are a couple of wedding photos (don't we all look young!): 

 L-R : My oldest brother, Ken, my Mum, moi and Mike. 

L-R : Arlene, Mike, moi and my Mum looking fondly down on me with a little smile on her face!

Earlier this year my sister was in Singapore for a few weeks, and had a super-fabby time. As I was feeling ever so slightly jealous, she sent me this photo:

Now many of you know that I'm pretty well into family history and genealogy.  Well, I spent YEARS trying to track down a copy of the book "Call to Arms, New Kilpatrick's Response to the Call of the King".  Well I managed to track down a copy which was for sale in a second hand bookseller in Michican.  So I ordered it and within a few days it arrived on my doorstep! To say that I'm ever so slightly exited and thrilled to have my own copy is a bit of an understatement! So, here's what the book looks like and you should know that it's in pretty good nick considering it's 96 years old.  And, as it's 96 years old, that's the very reason that I never thought I'd managed to get myself a copy! So here it is, in glorious technicolour:

Now, it may not look particularly interesting or exciting, but for me it's the most amazing purchase I've made in a  long, long time!  Excited??? You don't know the half of it.

Well, it seems our summer holiday still isn't happening.  Mainly because of the weather.  The thought of being stuck in a motorvan with two dogs doesn't sound like two weeks of fun.  Add to that the likelihood of walking the dogs 3-5 times a day in cold, wet, horrible conditions and it doesn't sound very nice.  And, we'd run the risk of getting bogged down on a site.  At least with the caravan you'd have a chance of towing the van out but with the motorvan, we'd need a tractor or suchlike to pull us out.  But, you know, I do believe that August has to be a bit better that June and July, so all being well we'll get away for a few days then. It's just unfortunate that early in the year we had a couple of really, really nice weeks, but it was a bit early in the season for us fair-weather motorvan folks (mainly because I don't like walking the dogs in the dark at the caravan sites, particularly as they tend to be very dark (on account of no street lights etc) and also I'd be walking in areas I don't know and oftentimes you have to walk the dogs along the side of fairly busy / twisty roads.  Not ideal late at night!  So, hopefully August and September will be better for us.  I did think that we were being a bit lazy about the whole motorvan in horrible weather thing, but our neighbour across the road who will caravan in all weathers has also not considered attempting to take the van out in this weather and like us reackons it'll be towards the end of the summer before he'll be happy to give it a try.  

Unfortunately with the horrible wet weather, Lucy and Mickey haven't been getting the running around that they'd really like.  They are out every day, but they get so wet running around the field that Lucy sometimes gets a wee chill and that's not ideal for my we puppy girl. 

On Thursday cousin Valerie popped through to visit us, and we had a little afternoon of retail therapy (followed by pizza!).  I bought myself a lovely little pink hat (which Valerie assured me 'looked cute') and a pair of gore-tex walking boots (for ONLY £33 = BARGAIN) and a nice handbag which I've already started using.  It'll be ideal for carrying my 'stuff' as well as carrying a little bottle of water. Ideal!

Well, I guess that's about all for now. Hope you're all still enjoying my blog and please feel free to make any comments (let's me know that someone is actually reading it), and please remember to click the link to become a follower.  

Many thanks all ......................... Isobel

June goin' into July

Well, summertime seems to be remaining pretty elusive this year, which is a bit of a pity. When I retired at the end of 2010 I had beautiful visions of calm, warm sunny days spent walking the dog/s and pottering around the garden. Well, in truth that has happened on a few occasions but it would be rather nice if it happened with a bit more regularity rather than on the odd occasion. Ah well, c'est la vie! We had a nice weekend last weekend when we were celebrating our Silver Wedding Anniversary. We had a couple of lunches out with family and with friends. We went to Frankie & Benny's with the family on the Friday and on the Monday (our actual anniversary) we went to the Melville Inn out at Lasswade with friends and had a beautiful meal and of course a little bottle of wine.

 Now on to dog walking tales! As Mickey has been a bit naughty when he's been out on his walks lately we've been selective about where we've been taking them. Yesterday we took them up to Bankton Mains where naughty Mickey headed off to splash about in a puddle. Unfortunately this puddle came right up to his shoulders and was more like a small loch. He had a great time splashing around with a look of absolute glee on his face. Little Mr Bright Eyes unfortunately decided to leave his ring at the deepest part of his little loch. This was fine but the ring sunk and he wouldn't put his head down into the water to retrieve it. Fortunately I had on my trusty wellies and headed off into the water to get the ring. I was pretty dismayed when I realised how deep the water was and I had to go very carefully in order to ensure my feet remained dry. The water came to within an inch or so of the top of my wellies. Needless to say, we took them to a different field today!

 I'm getting back into the family history research and am delighted that I managed to track down a copy of a book published around 1916 which has photos of The Goldie Boys in it. I tracked down a copy of the book that was for sale in Michigan. It's in reasonable condition considering it's 96 years old!

 I'm also planning on clearing out wardrobes today and tomorrow and plan on trying to put some of the stuff up for sale on eBay. At least that's the plan. If it turns out to be too technical for me I'll just put the stuff into a local charity shop.

 I've got plans to sort out an area in the house that I can use for making jewellery etc. I'm planning on having all the bits and pieces in one place so that I don't have to gather everything together before I start working on anything. I've got a few craft fairs booked for autumn time so I'd better get things organised pretty smartish! I had hoped to do some jewellery making in the summerhouse but the weather hasn't been mild enough to spend too long out there and as its been overcast a lot of the time it's been too dark to work there.

 I've been getting my dancing shoes on again and have been going to a line dancing group. I'm enjoying it even if I've discovered I have two left feet! Oh wait, I already discovered that when I went to tap dancing classes a couple of years ago!!!

 I've also got some grand plans for doing some dressmaking and suchlike but I'll keep that for the next blog. Don't forget to comment on my blog. It's always encouraging to know that someone, somewhere is reading my ramblings.

Please also become a follower of my Shootin' the Breeze blog!

Bye for now ...............

Watch this space .............................

Well, just thought I'd update you all on what I've been up to lately.  Aside from being the domestic goddess extraordinaire, and clearing out cupboards and suchlike, I've been working on my little business venture. I'm also planning on sorting / decluttering the wardrobes again. I've had some sweaters and stuff stored in those vacuum storage bags for about a year or so and never worn them. Clearly I never will, so I'll either donate to the charity shop or may even venture into the selling world that is eBay.  I've only ever bought stuff on eBay, never sold anything, so I may well give it a go. 

Talking about donating to charity. I didn't realise that lots of those charity bags that you get through the door are actually from companies that don't really pass any or much cash on to the charities, and in some cases the stuff is recycled by the business who collects the bags. Which means that they're taking my stuff and instead of the cash going to charity, it goes straight into the coffers of the company collecting the bags. So, I now arrange with a local charity shop for their van to call in and collect the stuff. That way I know that the money will go to the charity.

I've been working on various ideas for jewellery etc, and am also going to try my hand at some lariat-style beaded belts. I've got some pretty beads which I think will be ideal for this little project. 

I'm also going to try my hand at doing a few crochet-style little scarves. Nothing quite as fancy as Arlene is doing, but well, I'll give it a try. 

I've booked a couple of craft fairs for October and November time, so I really need to get started on doing some more handbag charms, pretty little keyrings and stuff.  Nearer the time I'll give you all details and you can come along and support me! I've got some pretty charms already made, but I'll need to have quite a lot more ready for October.

I'm still trying to sort out a web page and the Facebook page, but sadly it's still all a bit beyond my techie capabilities, but no doubt I'll get it all sorted out. Ideally I'll have it all sorted out in time for the fairs. I'm hopeful that the two November ones could be successful as they're both being publicised at Christmas Fairs.  

I'm watching a programme on TV whilst I'm sitting typing this. The programme is all about haunted locations in Britain.  Perhaps I should tell them about the experience I had in a travel inn a couple of years ago when someone (oooh or SOMETHING!) kept tugging at the quilt during the night as I lay in bed attempting to sleep but kept being wakened up by the tugging. Oooh spooky! 

I must see if I can drum up some interest in card readings. I haven't had any bookings for quite a while, and I do miss doing readings. If anyone would like a card reading, let me know and we can get it sorted.  

I do wish that the weather would improve a bit. I've still got dreams of sitting out in the summherhouse doing some writing, making jewellery or just relaxing and meditating. We get a couple of nice days, and then the morning I decide to get up early and go sit in the summerhouse with my morning cuppa, it turns cold and wet and that puts paid to my chillin' out plans.

So, that's what I've been up to. Still livin' the dream and walking the puppies each day.  Mickey was a bit of a rascal yesterday and was crashing about through bushes and stuff, having a fine old time for about 45 minutes. It was really funny to watch cos all you could see was the moving bushes, swaying to the tempo of the crashin' around Mickey! He was all bright and perky but absolutely knackered when we got him home. We then had to go out for a while and when we got back home he was a bit limpydan and had to have an early dinner of leftover fish'n'chips so that we could give him his painkiller. Silly billy boy ... he was much better today, but we took him up to Bankton Mains so that he was running about on a relatively flat field, rather than crashing about on steep hilly ground.  LucyLu was a little angel yesterday and she got to see her beloved petsitter extraordinaire, Caroline. 

I treated myself to a visit to the podiatrist the other day.  Partly to sort out the huge blister I got during the Race for LIfe, but also to get my feet into summer sandal prettyness (can feet ever be pretty???).  Anyway, my feet feel good and the podiatrist was thrilled to have seen her first fallen metatarsal head. Apparently in all the years she's been a podiatrist, she's never seen a fallen metatarsal head. She was very excited ......... some people have such a sad life, dontcha think?

I've also been for an eye test and am collecting me new spectacles on Monday.  I'm really looking forward to getting my new specs, cos I'm really pretty fed up with my old ones. I always wonder why opticians think that just because your prescription has hardly changed, you don't want new glasses! So I'll get my new specs on Monday!

Anyways, it's getting late now and it's time for my bedtime cuppa so, I guess that's about all for now ... hope you're all still enjoying my blog. 

Been a while ... but worth the wait!

Well, here we are again. The weather this last week has been amazing, but true to form, I had on my heavy jacket for walking the dogs this morning.  

We've enjoyed the last week being able to sit and relax in the summerhouse. Morning coffee, lunch, afternoon tea and late night cuppa ... it's been a nice relaxing time. This is why I retired ... this is what retirement is all about. Relaxing and walking the dogs....................

So, early morning coffee relaxing in the summerhouse: 

 Aah ... no better way to start the day.

Of course, this warm weather was all a bit to much for Mickey and Lucy.

Here's Lucy being ever alert, as usual ..... 

And here's poor old Mickey ......

We had a bit of an impromptu BBQ on Saturday (cooked by chef extraordinaire Gary whilst Mike supervised from a distance). Now it's most unfortunate that we forgot that I had gone out on Saturday morning to buy fresh beefburgers (12 quids worth!) and cooked all the square sliced sausages, all the link sausages, all the chicken. We munched all the other bits and pieces, but no beefburgers ... so Mike will be eating beefburgers for dinner for the next week.  That said, it was a nice day and little Matthew had a ball running around all over the garden.  We did try playing a few garden games, but Mickey insited in joining in all the games and running off with all the equipment.  Ah well ... such is life when you have an 8 year old puppy!

The exciting news within the family (apart from Sarah being engaged and getting married on Star Wars Day in 2014) is that I now have a furry great niece (courtesy of Sarah) called Florence ..... here she is looking furry and sweet and posing nicely for the camera:

Isn't she just cute and cuddly and looks like butter wouldn't melt in her mouth! Looks like she's settling well into her new home and no doubt will soon have her new mummy (Sarah) wrapped round her furry little paw.

The Race for Life on the 20th at Falkirk went very well.  We were very lucky that we had fairly good weather. Nice and sunny but not too warm. We've raised well over our target of £250 and hopefully by the time we close our JustGiving page we'll have raised a nice wee sum for Cancer Research UK.  Due to logistics, Lucy and Mickey didn't join us but Conway donned his sparkly pink bow and walked proudly round, and from the donations on the JustGiving page I think he had quite a few female fans who were sponsoring him. Well done Conway, he walked very well round the course and was a credit to The Goldie Girls.

My little Treasures by Isobel business is still working hard at getting off the ground, and I have boldly booked a table at a Christmas Craft Fair in Edinburgh in October.  I need to work hard at getting some more handbag charms and keyrings and suchlike ready for it.  So, just watch this space ......

I'm fair enjoying this retirement lark, now that I'm starting to get organised with various wee project and stuff. It's nice to have the time to pursue some interests and it's been good having the time to give the dogs long walks each day. Going out for lunch is also a pretty cool pastime. We were out for lunch today and then stopped and have an afternoon cuppa .... and a cake. Tomorrow we're off out for lunch again, but this time it's a birthday lunch for a friend. We'll be picking them up at noon and then heading off to Frankie and Benny's for a nice lunch washed down by a nice bottle of wine. Then after spending the after noon chatting and drinking wine, we'll run home to see to Lucy and Mickey for an hour or so before we go over to see Matthew, who'll be celebrating his second birthday. Grandad has chosen his gift and I think the young man will like it ... if he doesn't, well then, Grandad will just have to play with it. Arlene will be particularly pleased with the card I chose for Matthew, and I just know that Matthew will think it's the coolest and bestest birthday card a young lad could ever get!

I'm hoping to start updating my blog a bit more regularly now that I've remembered about it. So you can all look forward to me sharing words of wisdom with you and maybe some amusing stories and nice words. And, I'll also share with you some of the books I've been reading, and plan on reading over the next wee while. 

So, I guess I'd better go cos I hear there's a little glass of vino with my name on it so I better go get it.

As my hero Forrest Gump says ... that's all I've got to say about it .......

Be back soon, bye for now.

Isobel

Update ... update ... update

Well, at last time to get my blog updated! I know most of you will think that I've forgotten about my blog, but I haven't, I just haven't had time to update, been busy with my new hobby, but more of that later!

Well the last few days have been beautiful. Unseasonably warm and sunny, and we've had afternoon tea in the summerhouse twice within the last few days. On the first day, Mickey went exploring (he's not really been in the side garden much, until now). Anyway, he went exploring. After he'd vanished from view for a few moments, I decided I'd go and check up on what he was up to. I found him behind the garage ... trapped! He'd gone wombling along, clambered over wood, plastic pipes (guttering stuff?!?) and gone to the far end of the space at the back of the garage, decided he was stuck and started crying. Have you ever heard a big lump of a barrel-sized black lab crying? Well ... you don't want to hear it, I'm sure the neighbours thought we were being bad to our boy! Anyway, mummy (in slippers) to the rescue. I managed to get him to 'back up' (not an easy task with a dog who's not been taught the 'back up' command!). Got him backed up a few steps, and he reckoned he was free and did a u-turn, bashing me against the back of the garage in his haste to get out, and clambered out, rushed up to his Dad, as if to say, I was stuck Dad, but I got out ... silly Mummy is still stuck at the back of the garage! Anyway, excitement over, today when we had afternoon tea in the summerhouse, Mickey went exploring ... again! This time he went round the back of the summerhouse. We were sitting quietly chatting and supping our tea, relaxing in the late afternoon sunshine, chatting about our lovely afternoon at Cramond with the family, Laura's skating skills, Arlene's skating skills, Gran's lack of skating skills. We were just relaxing, enjoying the beautiful weather and the sunshine, when all of a sudden we heard a very loud CRASH! BANG! WALLOP! We were out of the summerhouse in double-quick time (well, I was, Mike just sat on supping his cuppa tea) and rushed to find Mickey (clearly assuming he was the culprit). He came clambering out from behind the summerhouse and rushed straight inside to Mike (ignoring me) and when I checked out I discovered that all the stuff stored behind the summerhouse was all over the place and fencing, pipes, and various other assorted bits and pieces were all over the place ... fortunately nothing was actually damaged, it was just all over the place ... oh, Silly Mickey!

We were down at Cramond today, and I'm hoping that as the good weather is here to stay for a few days, I can get my bike out for next time we're at Cramond ... nice flat shorefront, good path and during the day on a weekday it'll be fairly quiet!

I'm starting to get my little business organised. For those not in the know, it's called 'Treasures by Isobel' and inially I'll be doing little jewellery items, and have made lots of handbag charms, key rings and little evening purse charms. I'm now going to make some bracelets, necklaces and earrings. I should say that Lesley has very kindly shown me some basic 'jewellery-making techniques' and I've become ever so slightly hooked. But, she'll still be coming along later in the year for my annual Christmas Cards and Jewellery party ... it's become a bit of a 'Lyman Household Tradition' so it will continue.  I'm really enjoying my new hobby and hopefully my little business venture will enjoy a small measure of success. I'm hoping that it will eventuall include my interest in 'new age' stuff and I can also include things like pendulums, crystals and suchlike. But, time will tell ... small steps to start with. I've got a corporate image now, and here's a copy of my 'Treasures by Isobel; logo:

I think it's very pretty, and am very pleased with it. I've got some business cards, t-shirt and baseball cap ordered.  Here are a couple of the little handbag charms that I've made:
This is a little black and white charm, with little black and white heart beads:
This one is a little black and white charm, with little black and white hearts. I think it's very pretty and I'm really pleased with it.

 And this one is a little white and silver number.
Again, I'm really pleased with it.








So, it's a start, and I'm enjoying it, so watch this space for more pictures and more updates on what I'm doing.

I'm hoping to go along to a bead fair in May and Valerie has organised for me to go to a jewellery workshop in Irvine at the end of April. Fiona has kindly offered to take some of my handbag charms along to a couple of markets / craft fairs that she's going along to at the end of this month, and early next month. Fingers crossed that someone will buy my wares!

Well, just wanted to update you all about my early retirement adventures!

As Forrest Gump says ... "that's all I've got to say about that".

Early retirement = travelling and learning, travelling and learning!