So much to do, I'm overwhelmed.

It's been ages since my last blog. I just don't appear to be very good at keeping things going.
I'm so busy with work and work and work and nothing else is getting done. I've a ton of craft stuff that I haven't touched, a stack of books that I've yet to read and numerous tv/films waiting to be watched. Then theres all the photo's which are still on the card in the camera and not on the hard drive in the computer. I don't know where the time goes.
Yule is almost upon us and I've done nothing to prepare. I've bought pressies for the other half which I then gave to him straight away so I'll have to buy more. I don't have a clue what I'm going to get the girls and my sisters family are a nightmare to buy for.
On the bright side, I managed to get tickets for Dolly Parton when she's on next year. Also tickets for Amy McDonald and Steve Earle. Seriously looking forward to all three.
I'm starting Pilates classes in the new year, I'd start them earlier but they're shut for the holiday season so I can't

Autumn is here

It's been ages since I blogged (again) but I've been so busy I just haven't had chance. Work has been manic. Not so much my actual job but the work I do on behalf of the Union. I love being a union rep because I get to help people. The trouble is that at the moment too many people need helping and I'm only one person.
On the bright side, the kittens are getting huge, we've spent some time with various friends we haven't seen for ages and my dearest friend in the whole wide world is coming home after 18 months travelling around the world. I can't wait to see her. We've been in constant touch through email of course but it isn't the same.
I've bought a ton of craft stuff on Ebay and the other day it arrived all at once because of the postal strike. I came home from work to 18 packages and it was like the best christmas ever. Took me all evening to open them and it was definitely crafters heaven.
Now I have enough stash to keep me going all winter, bliss!
At some point I have to get organised enough to actually post pictures of the cards and ATC's I make. I still haven't posted pictures of the kittens or even put them on the computer come to that. They're sitting in my camera waiting for photoshop along with some nice ones I did of a friends daughter. I don't seem to have enough hours in the day at the minute.

Busy Sunday

Well, I'm back again but not for long as it's a busy Sunday.
I took some photo's of the kittens but haven't uploaded them to the computer yet. Yesterday was a day spent shopping and then organising and then slobbing in front of the tv.
I saw half an hour of Strictly Come Dancing but then turned over for the X Factor. Wouldn't have bothered but the other half wanted to watch X factor with me. Now I have to catch up on Strictly when it's repeated.
I'm not sure that I can handle another series of X Factor. It's all getting a bit predictable. Plus I never agree with the judges on anything and I'm more and more convinced that they're actually preventing talent from getting through in order to promote their own bank balances. We'll see. It's been a long time since I actually got excited about the programme.
So much to do here that it's all a bit overwhelming. I'm trying to take baby steps as best I can but I spend a lot of time 'sharpening pencils'.
It hasn't helped that we've all been so ill. I hoping the New Year brings health, wealth and happiness but I guess that's what everyone else hopes for too.
Time to sign off... bunnies to clean.

I can't believe how long it's been since I last posted. I've been run off my feet I guess.
Sad news too that one of my bunnies has died. I don't know what was wrong with her. She ran away and hid and when we found her, she'd died. RIP bunny.
I haven't done any photo's of the kittens and they're now getting huge.
I have done some ATC's and I've been shopping for craft stuff and bought loads. Ton's of beautiful Penny Black rubber stamps. Definitely my favourite stamps. Also got some Dolly Mama stamps but they haven't arrived yet.
I've caught up with all my romance authors and read two Lynne Grahams and 3 JAKs in the space of a week. Now I've got some Preston and Child to read and I'm looking forward to the change in genre!
Not watched that many films but I enjoyed Fracture tremendously. Tried to watch some film with Nicolas Cage but gave up cos it was bobbins. Obviously couldn't make up it's mind as to what sort of film it wanted to be.
I should really blow the dust off my camera and go and take some photo's!

Stressful Week

It's been a seriously stressful week. We've been waiting on some money coming through and typically it's been like watching the proverbial kettle.
It finally arrived though and the cheque is in the bank waiting to clear. I'll be glad when I can get a mini statement to see that it's safely cashed.
On the bright side I bought some new rubber stamps. Both from Penny Black who make my favourite stamps. They always give a good impression and I love the designs. So easy to sell as far as card making goes.
I haven't actually made any cards but I've made some ATCs for my colleagues at work and they're delighted with them. I have quite a bit of housework to do today but I'm hoping to get it all done so that tomorrow can be spent cardmaking.
I also want to get some photo's of the kittens today but so far they haven't appeared. Nelson was able to eat his breakfast in peace and the rabbits have scoffed theirs and are out sunbathing in the garden. No sign of either kitten though so I'm going to have to go looking for them.
Hard to believe it's possible to sunbathe in the garden considering it's September. The leaves are turning and the smell of autumn is in the air. At work, we agreed that it's usually one of our favourite times of year, but since we've not seen summer, this year we feel cheated.
I'm still hoping to get away for a week but I don't know where. I don't have a car at the moment and the price of hiring one is huge so I'm not sure that I'll pursuade the other half that it's worth the cost. He's suggested we go for a city break somewhere but I'm not convinced. We live in a city and I'd like to get away from it. I long for the peace and quiet of the countryside and I want to see the sea. I do have an offer of a long weekend with a friend on a trip to Boscastle so I'm hoping that will go ahead. I'll be able to visit family at the same time which would be good.
Hey ho! Back to the grindstone.

Wow, actually made it here on a Saturday!
It's been a long week. My flexi is down so I'm working longer hours to make it back up again. I feel like I'm living in the office and I just come home to sleep.
I have been getting home in time to watch Colin and Justins How Not To Decorate. Such a funny programme. I love the pair of them, they remind me of some friends of mine. I usually then watch something like CSI before falling asleep in front of the tv. The next thing I know, my alarm clock is screaming at me and I just haven't got the energy to get out of bed. I was late one day which isn't good.
The kittens are settling in fine and Esmerelda thinks she rules the roost. Nelson, our elder cat, has been very patient (or a total wimp depending on your point of view) but eventually decided enough was enough. He was sleeping on the stairs yesterday and when she approached him, smacked her hard on the head with his paw. He didn't just smack her once either. Four times! And hard enough for it to be heard. I think she may have learnt her lesson since she watches closely when he's around and doesn't get too close now.
Rabbits have bonded with kittens so there's no problem there. We do have issues with rabbits going in their pen at night and both Blossom and Bonnies stayed out under the stars last night. Biscuit was a good girl and went in for her dinner. Cara and Sebastian, being house bunnies, came inside for their dinner. Blossom and Bonnie had to do without. Of course there's plenty for them to eat and drink in the garden so they weren't going to starve. Plus they do have places to hide, should foxes come looking. What they missed is their lettuce and pellets, which they both love.
I still don't have photos. Seriously skint and no batteries in the camera. I'm hoping that money will arrive next week so should be able to get some photo's then.
I'm determined to do some crafting this weekend. I want to do some cardmaking at least and also want to put together a pack of crafting goodies for a friend of mine.
I haven't done any reading at all today but I have put together a list of recommended books for a friend of mine. It starts with Daddy Long Legs, which she's already read and loved. Next will be Village School by Miss Read. I'm going to dig a copy out for her this weekend. After that I'm going to suggest Diary of a Provincial Lady which everyone should read. Its lovely to share favourite books with people, especially when they love them too. You know that there will always be a link between you even if you lose touch. I feel much the same way about music. I went through a stage where I messed about learning to play the piano and I always remember who taught me how to play the songs I know.
I guess it's the same with films and almost every kind of media. It may be trite but it really is good to share.

Lovely Day

Well I missed Saturday again. I went to a Craft Exhibition on Friday. Took the day off work and met up with two of my colleagues and we spent a wonderful day cooing and arhing over all the fabulous craft stuff for sale. We spent a small fortune between us but came home loaded up with goodies. Fab stuff and very enjoyable.
I also saw a few of the crafters off the shopping channels which was good.
Other exciting news. Our kittens have arrived. Two unbelievably beautiful cats and we're delighted with them. They've taken to my other half like a house on fire and seem quite partial to me too. As I type, there's one sat on my knee.
They're so tiny and cute. I'm going to take some photo's and put them up as soon as I get chance.
All in all it's been a fab weekend. I've watched half of the second series of Prison Break (which I love) and have the other half to watch tonight. Or as soon as I've cleaned out all the pets. Back to work tomorrow and I'm going to have to work some long hours to make up all the flexi I've used. Oh well, pays the bills I guess.

Sunday and I've skipped a day. It's been a hard week at work and I was so tired yesterday that I didn't do anything.
We had exciting news in that our youngest got 8 GCSEs. I can hardly believe it since no work was done whatsoever. A congratulatory Nintendo Wii is being bought all the same.
Other exciting news is the arrival of two new kittens soon. Photo's should be in the blog next week.
I'm no further on with my craft projects but I'm attending a craft exhibition on Friday which I hope will kick start me into doing something. Plus it's Bank Holiday Monday this week so I get a long weekend and should be able to find some energy from somewhere.
All the buns are out in the garden and enjoying a vigourous sit. The family are all in bed because it's seven o'clock in the morning. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet of the house with no disturbances.
There's such a lot to think about with the house. So much to do, it's overwhelming. Then theres the rest of my life. So much to organise, I just want to curl up in a corner whenever I think about it. How do people find the energy and enthusiasm to do these things? I must find some focus. As the fly lady says 'Every day is a GIFT' Goddess, Imagination, Focus and Trust!

Saturday again already

Well here we are on Saturday again. I still haven't started any of my craft projects. The week is so packed with work that I don't seem to have any energy on weekends. I haven't even done any photography.
It's been a long week and getting stuck at Gatwick because of a delayed plane didn't help.
Enough moaning! I have a weekend of bunnies to look forward to. Outer buns are becoming a bit more daring and have added the steps to the house as places they're prepared to travel too. I don't think it will be long before they're in and out of the house itself. Can't see Cara being amused but she'll get over it.

Lazy Saturday

I'm having a lazy Saturday, but then that's the norm for Saturdays.
Daughter no.3 brought her washing down and it's all done and drying in the garden. Bunnies are fed and are currently hiding from the sun in the shade. Beloved husband has yet to get out of bed despite it being almost 4 in the afternoon. I'm playing on the computer.
I've made plans to make some stuffed toy rabbits as Yule presents but I'm not convinced that I like the pattern I've downloaded. I may have to think up my own. Also hoping to make some recycled paper notebooks which should be fun. I want to make the paper myself to make it even more of a homemade gift.
We're definitely in Limbo at the moment waiting for the mortgage to go through. I feel like I can't do anything until it's here which is of course nonsense since I could get on with quite a lot of things. I just don't feel like doing anything.
I may have a play in photoshop at doing some digital scrapbooking.

Green and Organic

I've spent the morning looking for organic vegetable delivery schemes. We used to have a box of organic veggies delivered every week and I'd like to get back to it. The more I think about 'green issues' the more I feel that I have to take some responsibility for how much we take from this planet. It's so easy to go to Tesco's but it's not really the healthiest option. I'm leaning more and more towards simple meals with seasonal vegetables and I'd like to know that the food is sourced as locally as possible. Plus there's the meat side of things. I've toyed with the idea of becoming vegetarian for ages and whilst I could, my other half certainly can't. Too many food allergies mean that there's no way to survive on veggies alone. It still leaves me with the worry about what's going into the meat though so organic again seems to be the way forward.
Having done some basic research I'm starting to think that it would actually be easier to join a 'box scheme' and order on line. It would fit in better with my lifestyle and free up more time usually spent getting stressed in the supermarket. It seems that you can buy just about anything off the internet anyhow. Definitely something to think about further and discuss with the other half.
I was reading a blog the other day that said for every litre of Coke produced, it takes 250 litres of water. Seems a bit over the top, but that figure does include how much water is used to water the sugar crop. Even so...Coke is now off the list and I'm sure I'll be a lot healthier for it.
I'm also going to have to seriously think about growing salad crops for the bunnies. It'll be so much cheaper and if I'm going to buy more expensive food for us, then bunnies will have to have home grown. I don't have enough garden to grow veg for us but I should be able to keep the bunnies going, in summer at least.

It's sunny!!!!!! Hurrah!!!! We haven't seen sun for decades. Or at least it feels like decades. Non stop rain the like of which hasn't been seen here in June and July since records began. It's been so depressing but today... Bright Sunshine!!!!!!!!
It's the day for cleaning out rabbit pens too so I'm extra delighted to see it.
We had one dirtystopout naughty bunny last night. Refused to go back into her pen and refused to be caught so she could be put in her pen. I wasn't too worried. Yes, there's a famous family of foxes living down the road. Watched by the entire city, they go from strength to strength and are a startling example of foxes adapting to city life. Yes, those foxes are aware of our bunnies. However... it's one seriously well fed group of foxes. Living on the doorstep of approximately 20 fast food outlets and restaurants and spoilt rotten by the local people, they really don't need to forage for food. Secondly, our back yard is bunnyheaven. Lots of places to hide and a catflap into the house in case of severe emergency.
Got up this morning and the bunny in question was happily grooming herself in the sun. The two in the pen were obviously missing her and the two who live in the house rushed out first chance to greet her but no harm done in the night. She might think twice about missing dinner though.

I started this blog to talk about crafts and so far all I've talked about is rabbits. I guess when you have five, they become a big topic of conversation.
Craftwise, I'm still looking in envy at other peoples blogs. It's back to work tomorrow too so I'm not going to get anything done today. Other than rabbits of course.

Of course the joy of sunny days and rabbits is...lots of photo opportunities. Managed to grab these as daughter no 3. checked her emails (and therefore kicked me off the computer). Bunnies snoozing in the shade. No one can relax like a rabbit can.

First things first.

I'm inspired! I've been off work for four days and I've overloaded on wonderful craft blogs. Who are all these incredible women who combine family and crafts and often business too? It's all I can do to get out of bed and go to work. My crafts are sat in a corner lonely and unused. My camera is gathering dust. My house wonders why I visit every night yet do nothing to it.
So this is for me, and working on the theory that I'm not going to let any of my family or friends know about it, this is my personal space to say the things that I want to say.
I intend to upload some of my photo's and craft stuff and the hundred and one other things that I start and never finish. Of course I will have to learn how to navigate around the whole blog process first, so patience may be the watchword for the time being. Right now this minute, I'm going to have to find out have to upload photo's.
Success! Here's a photo of one of bunnies.
Perhaps I should have shown something a bit more 'arty' first but hey, it's hard to get a half decent photo of a black rabbit.

Is that more like it?
Baby blackbird rescued from our cat.
More photo's to follow (plus more rabbits for those who like rabbits)