A New Zealand friend comes to visit: London

At very short notice I heard that my friend from New Zealand was able to come up and stay with me for a few days.  She has been over visiting her daughter who has just had a baby, and we weren't sure she would have the time to spend a couple of days with me.  Fortunately she was so on Monday morning Henry and I went into London to meet her at Waterloo Station.

Henry was very excited about meeting my friend Jill as he had heard me talking about her before.  We went to the same ante-natal classes 22 years ago and for the first four and half years our children grew up together.  She is what I consider my best friend and I have missed her dearly these last 17 years, especially as she really is no good at writing letters or sending emails!

We visited Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and browsed Hamleys (of course!)

He peered through the gates at Buckingham Palace to watch the guard marching.

Henry took a photo of Jill and I (clever isn't he?!)

Henry admired the grandeur and size of the statues.

Henry marvelled the size of this statue's foot

We strolled through the park and were delighted by the Pelican preening himself: 

Henry enjoyed the waterfall in Trafalgar square.

We admired Big Ben.

We completely forgot about photo opportunities in Hamleys!

Letters to Santa Sent Today

Letters To Santa arriving this morning.

The letters have all gone out today to 'Santa', so you should all receive one. Remember to have your parcel posted by 30th November  or before if you are super organised...this allows for those posting abroad to arrive in time for Christmas...we don't want any disappointed little boys and girls on Christmas Day now do we?

If you could let me know when your parcel has been posted it would be much appreciated so I can keep a record.  Any problems, then don't hesitate to contact me.

Have Fun!

Secret Santa delayed two days until Wednesday 7th November

Due to an unexpected opportunity for a friend from New Zealand to come and stay with me for a couple of days from today, the Secret Santa allocations will be delayed until Wednesday 7th November so that I can spend some time with her.  Please forgive me for the delay, if this causes problems for anyone if you could let me know that would be fine.  It is time consuming to write all the individual emails as they are all different and I would prefer to spend that time with her while I have the chance and then concentrate on the Swap details on Wednesday.  Plus I am still waiting on confirmation from one person.

Thank you for your patience,

Lorraine & Henry :-)

A taster of our day today collecting my friend in London... more photos of our time together after I have sent all the emails on Wednesday.

Marcia would like to have the next cardigan

Marcia is hoping for a cardigan next.  She has asked for one in more natural colours to go with her dress...hmmm...not sure if I have anything suitable at the moment 

Don't Forget!

Cora wants to to say:

Don't forget to send in your letters and details for the Secret Santa Swap

Closing date Sunday 4th November 2012

A Winter Project

As I can't spend any money at the moment, and probably won't be able to for some time, instead of dreaming about all of the wonderful outfits on websites and Evilbay I have decided to embark on an Autumn/Winter Project: To knit all my remaining Sasha & Gregor dolls a cardigan/jacket/jumper.

I finished the second hooded cardigan last night, this time for Meredith.

I thought the plum colour would look good with the navy dress she had chosen to wear.

I should have waited until later in the day to photograph her when the sun wasn't shining through and causing shadows, but I couldn't wait as I have other things I need to be getting on with.

I wonder what will be next and for whom?

Dreaming of far away places

Victoria is looking out the window at the falling leaves...It really is feeling like winter, she sighs.

Perhaps if I dream of far away places...