A LONG & PLEASANT HALF TERM

As the girls broke up for half term, it looked like we were in for some good weather (but it didn't last) Met up with friends on Bank Holiday Monday on the back beach, and then a visit to the fair on the way home.  Mabel jumped on the waltzers with Harry, and spent the whole ride absolutely petrified screaming and crying, while Bella and I looked on with cruel amusement.

 Thursday we drove to the lovely town of Cheltenham. Bella was competing with her ballet group in the All England Dance finals. We stayed over night, went for dinner, and sat outside some lovely bars people watching (which can only be done for so long with children) Harry and I have decided we will return on our own soon.

On the way home we stopped off a AirHop 

My Mum celebrated her 70th birthday (doesn't she look good)on the 12th May with a fancy dress party. She kindly took us out for a family meal this week to celebrate at Fresco Italian a little family run Italian in Teignmouth serving delicious freshly cooked Italian food. I didn't have room for a desert which is a rarity.

Bella returned to school after a week off, but Mabel's had another week. Very handy if you have both children at the same school, and are able to get away. The weather could not have been worse, and a promised boat trip and fossilising on Charmouth Beach, didn't happen.  I secretly envied the people who had jetted off to warmer climes. So it was more indoor play areas, in the shape of Bear Feet in Newton Abbot and Ibounce in Exeter. A chance to catch up with friends for both of us.

Not an awful lot of making going on recently, but I did enjoy making these lavender bags with my scraps of Liberty fabric. I thought they would make good end of term teacher presents 

and even some for kids. They are available on the website although most of them have already sold. I will be making more.

A lovely day at The Contemporary Craft Festival 2017 in Bovey Tracey with friends. The weather changed between fine rain and sunshine, and in true British style we carried on in the mud regardless. And as  the rain got heavier, we sat huddled around a table with big umbrellas and Prosecco. 

chemo update

Chemo No. 5 has seen my nails turn a funny colour, and it looks as if I will lose my big toe nails. This one has been particularly tiring, whether this is the accumulative effect, but my energy levels  plummeted especially on the second week. Although looking back while writing this blog I don't think I've done too bad! My last chemo is actually today.  hooray!!!

NO HAIR IN THE HAGUE!

Last week we had a few days in the Hague in Holland, to visit a friend and see the band Underworld. Booked before Christmas, for our wedding anniversary and my birthday we were a bit uncertain as to whether we would be able to go, as it came in the middle of my next treatment, but they kindly moved it, and off we went. A beautiful city  the weather was kind to us and we wandered it's lovely streets and ate and drank the atmosphere.

Harry who has been before is always waxing lyrical about the street kibbeling and  yes it was gorgeous. Fresh pieces of cod deep fried in a thin crispy batter with a mayonnaise tartar sauce dip. Delicious.

On Tuesday evening we went to see Underworld at the Tivoli in Utrecht, they were amazing, what a great night. Couldn't believe the lead singer is now 60.

We didn't get to see the tulips in Amsterdam but the crocus in the Hague were just as beautiful.

This weeks makes have included some new Scandi design oilcloths.

Spring around the corner I'm back making school uniform (to order) 

chemo update.

Back from Holland on Thursday and straight from Gatwick to Torbay Hospital for a pre chemo blood test. Friday was my second treatment and luckily before it was set up I realised I had mixed up my tablets and had been taking sickness tablets instead of steroids. 

Number one rule, no steroids, no chemo (I felt so stupid) but as always they were very understanding, so on Friday I was given the steroids and one part of the treatment (which isn't steroid necessary) then went back in on Saturday for the chemo. For seven days after treatment I'm now having an injection into my stomach to boost my neutrophils to stop the problems I had with the first one. As these are done at home I've delegated them to Harry who is doing a great job.

Last week Harry shaved off my hair to a number 4 as I was shedding everywhere. I've enjoyed experimenting with new headwear and also not having to bother with styling and straightening. I'm now officially bold, and it's not that bad.