Busy January, Peterborough

 

January is always a busy time for me, real workwise and our anniversary (see previous post). We are'nt big card givers, celebrations, but we do like to use it as an excuse to have a weekend away. We stopped at a lovely grade two listed hotel, The Bull in Peterborough. Absolute bargain, we payed £99 for a golden ticket, very Willy Wonka, and for that we got two nigths stay in an executive room with three course evening meal included. Its right in town and lets just say very convenient for the shops and pubs. Would be rude not to partake in the said establishments. Hey the Wetherspoons even have a bit of history, former college and drapers.

Theres not an awful lot at Peterbourgh, apart from shops, pubs/clubs, but the cathedral is stunning. I'm reading The Pillars of Earth so it made it extra special to go visit. Rosie from Corners of my Mind read it last year and I also enjoyed the TV series. I also read a novel about Catherine of Aragon a while back. Sad to think a Spanish princess should end up laid to rest in Peterborough, although I can think of worse places but you know what I mean. Mary Queen of Scots was also buried here but was later moved to Westminster abbey.

I really liked Peterborough and would definitely go back with the same deal. Nice to have 4* treatment at B&B prices.

Happy Here and Now

I'm not much for New Years Eve, for some reason the looking back thing, well I try my best to be a here and now person, finding that the easiest way to contentment. Of course today theres also the looking forward bit too. Back, forward, sideways...oh sorry theres no sideways!

Then of course thinking on my last post I start feeling a bit hmmmm because its nearly time to pack Christmas away. Still tonight will involve, DVDs, wine and takeaway well you can'nt ignore the date totally.

So how ever your year has been, and will be in 2012, have a very Happy Here and Now.

Have you had a nice Christmas?

 

I was a child of the 70's, Tiny Tears.....

Weeble wobbles....but they don't fall down!

Pack of knickers.....

Pack of knickers!!!! Santa, I don't wish to be ungrateful but tell auntie Maureen I don't want knickers at Christmas.

Good old Wizard of Oz

Heres the thing though did'nt Christmas last until at least New Years day? In fact did'nt it last until you went back school?

Have you had a nice Christmas? I'm HAVING a nice Christmas thanks.....its not over yet!

Merry Christmas!

Christmas time....

I find it very hard to photograph my decorations so this is the best I could do. I am very sad in that I like colour themes and they tend to change each year. Just as well I've got a big loft. In the conservatory its winter white.

We'd recently wallpapered a feature wall in the kitchen so it was a grey/silver, fushia and black scheme.

The lounge this year was ivy, pine cones, gold, brown and a touch of green. The glowing candles were a brilliant present from hubby. They are glass, you turn them over, they light up and can be recharged. We went on holiday once and they had them on the tables outside. Still like my candles though!

OK I'm a sad theme queen....I used to decorate an old people's home at Christmas and I remember a girl doing some crafts with them and then hanging them on the tree! Errrr they don't 'go'....so I put them in the bedrooms. It used to take me ages, two lounges, dinning room and the corridors but everyone loved it. I just hate the putting back bit don't you?

Edit: just realised as I'm sat in front of the tree, hmmm.....I buy wrapping paper to match the colours and everyones pressies get wrapped to match my trees. Apart from Amy's hers get wrapped in Hello Kitty paper and get locked in a suitcase, no peeking now!

The senses of Christmas....

This was my view through the summerhouse window on friday. I'm well set up in there, internet, heating, telly, so sewing is very much a pleasure, although its not bear related at the moment. As the snow came down I felt like a little kid and what with the red berries, well so Christmassy!

Today it was home baked sausage rolls, oh the smell.....yummy. 

Then there is my favourite room spray from Dunelm, cinnamon and ginger.....

Oranges studded with cloves.....

Later in the week mince pies.....

The turkey roasting in the oven.....

And that long ago memory, the smell of pine needles.....

Whats your favourite smell of Christmas?

Mrs Laalaa's giveaway!

What can I say? Lynda at Hookin' with Laalaa has only gone and become Mrs! Congratulations Lynda. You're a lovely, warm, generous lady and deserve a fantastic wedding.

Talking of generous, Lynda is having a blog giveaway, so why not pop over and visit her at Hookin' with Laalaa.

Smudge

Heres my latest bear, Smudge. I used an old pattern and would like to do some more from it, when I get chance! Smudge is waiting to join lots of other panda bears in Australia, lucky Smudge.