WOYWW - 19 December 2012

I think that Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday is slightly the wrong title for my post this week, it should really be WAYWW (Who's At Your Workdesk Wednesday)...

DH asked if he could use the Pirate Stamps to personalise a Christmas Card for our nephew.  As he had never stamped before I also gave him a quick stamping lesson :)

We had a Christmas Card that was going to be sent from the 'Pirates' who visited 'L' in October/November.  So DH set to work using the stamps both inside the card and on the envelope.



There is just one more WOYWW left of 2012 - I can't believe that this year is nearly over!  It many ways it has just flown by, but in other it seems to have taken forever. 

Well I will hopefully see you the same time next week for the last WOYWW of 2012.

Happy Crafting :)

US... The early years

This is the title of a double layout created for my "Book of Me" scrapbook.  I wanted to record our journey together, what happened and when, this was going to be a mainly text based page, with just a couple of small photos.

It took me a long while to get the dates together, at the time (back in 1997 & 1998) DH was using Lotus 123 and not Microsoft Office, so all of the calendar info I knew we kept was in a format we could no long read.  However we found a way to view the Text version of the calendar entries... I then had to look at each text entry, I then decided to transfer them all to our Google Calendar.

This done I could then start to decide which dates/events I wanted to use.  My last job was to find a few photos of us taken in 1997/8.

Here are the finished pages...

A few of my highlights include:

• Our first kiss
• Our first official date
• Meeting DH's Mum
• When DH asked me to marry him
• Our first Christmas together
• Getting Married

In total this page includes 22 dates & events between March 1997 & July 1998.

Happy Scrapping :)

Less is More - Take 3 Challenges

I have not really made any cards since getting back from our African Adventure 3 weeks ago, but I decided that I just had to have a go at this weeks Less is More Challenge...

Week 86 Recipe

For our recipe this week,we'd like to revisit a challenge which has been very popular each time we have used it and it's simply to

Take 3 Challenges

If you look back at the list of our past challenges on the page at the top of our blog, you can choose any three to combine in your project... if you fancy the theme of a One Layer Week... you don't necessarily have to make a one layer card for this particular challenge.

 

 

So once I had printed our the list of previous challenges I set to work... 

I wanted to make a Get Well card for DH as he was admitted back into Hospital on Friday evening.  This time with infection in both kidneys and the stent in the right kidney had blocked.  After a general anaesthetic he was back on the ward with a new stent fitted.  We don't know at the moment how long he will have to stay in this time, but hopefully it will be a short stay.

Not surprisingly DH needed a bit of cheering up - hence the Get Well card :)

The picture used for this card was one taken by DH while in South Africa, this was the first Cheetah we had ever seen and she looked amazing!!!!

The 3 challenges I have used for this weeks 'Take 3 Challenges' are:

• Week 80 - Fur or feathers
• Week 81 - Tearing
• Week 85 - Oval

 I have also made another 3 cards using the same image, they will be added to my Blog in the next couple of days (hospital visits permitting).

Happy Crafting.

Michael McIntyre - Showtime

Back in January this year I brought tickets to see Michael McIntyre at the NIA, Birmingham... finally after waiting 9 months we went to see him on Saturday evening :)

He was AMAZING!!!  There were two 50 minute sessions with totally new material, during which we hardly stopped laughing.  To be honest I was glad for the 30 minute break as after the first set my face hurt from laughing so much, it was nice just to relax.

Looking back over the evening DH & I tried to list all of the topics he covered but we could not remember all, however here is a few topics he covered (but don't worry I won't be spoiling it for anyone else yet to see him):

• Olympics (inc Beach Vollyball)
• The Royal Family (inc Jubilee celebrations)
• Tennis
• Red Carpet Event
• Playing games with his sons
• Tights & high heels
• Dentist & hospital
• Hotels

The list goes on... but I can't remember any more at the moment. 

We arrived early and were seated in Block 4.  We did not think we had a bad vew of the stage.

This picture was taken just before Michael came on stage (there were many anouncements to say recording or photos were not allowed)

When Michael came on the for encour many people started taking pictures... so I did too.

The only slight problem we had was leaving the NIA, we had parked in the South Car Park on level 13 (Ok maybe we should have expected problems!)  after getting to the car it took a further hour before the traffic started moving.  When it finally did it took only 8 minutes to get out of the car park.

After a stop on the way home for coffee (just to make sure DH kept awake) we arrived back home at 2.30am!!!  However it did give us a great excuse for a layin Sunday morning :)

During Sunday I visited the Amazon online shop and placed my pre-order for the Michael McIntyre 'Showtime' DVD (due out in November).  Although they did have cameras at the NIA we don't know if the DVD will feature just one venue or bits from a selection of them.

I'm Back :)

You may have noticed that I have not blogged for 2 weeks, well there has been an excellent reason that I can now share with you all...  DH & I have been away on our African Adventures for 2012 :)

Over the last 2 weeks we have stayed in both Kenya & South Africa and spent many hours on safari watching the wildlife in both countries.

We had an amazing time and have so many memories - as well as about 2,000 pictures & hours of video!! 

Now it is time to rejoin the real world again and I will be back at work tomorrow.  In the mean time we have had a lie in this morning (most days we have been getting up at 5:30am local time - either 3.30am or 4.30am UK Time).

As soon as I am able to sort our some of the best photos that DH took, I will share them will you all.

A bit of an update & a card...

You may have noticed that I have not been blogging very much recently, in fact it has been a struggle to even complete the "Whats On Your Workdesk Wednesday" let a lone anything else.

Over the last month DH has been having problems with those pesky Kidney Stones & has had several hospital appointments. We though they had gone, then they came back. They did not respond to the lythotripsy as we hoped and we though that we would have to cancel a BIG holiday that is coming up soon to Africa.  However the Consultant has now said that it is safe for DH to travel and we will be going. I can't wait :)

Added to all this stress I have been really busy at work, and we have a new member to our team who I am also having to train - not that I am complaining, I like being busy.  However sometimes I just wish for a bit of breathing space. 

I have been continuing to make cards, but I don't seem to have the energy to think about working on any challenges at the moment.  I just sit at the desk and see what happens.

I have had just enough time to read the various blogs that I follow on my phone, but don't always get the time needed to add any comments - even if I wanted to my phone will only let me read posts and won't let me comment :( so I then have to remember to use the computer if I want to add any comments.

Ok, that is enough of me moaning... now for a card which features a different type embellishment (if you can call it that) :)

I'm not referring to the 2 owls, but the feather LOL.  

During the Spring & Summer our 2 owls molt so many feathers you would think that they would have any left.  Jumanji (the African Spotted Eagle Owl) has lovely grey feathers - the only problem is that as soon as they touch the floor she picks them up and shreds them into pieces!! However Delta (the European Eagle Owl) has the best feathers ever!! 

I brought this feather of Delta's into the house and it found it's way onto my Craft Desk, & I just had to use it on a card.

Once I had completed the card, I went out to Delta's aviary to look for more and here are another 8 feathers now sat on the desk waiting to see what inspiration hits.

Delta's feathers are fab, there are so many colours & textures each from different parts of his body.  Nature is truly amazing!

I'm now off to visit my Chiropractor to get by back straightened again.  I hope that I won't have to wait too long before I get the time to post again :)

Happy Crafting.

An enjoyable lunch out

We have just got back home after a very enjoyable lunch out at Bardney Heritage Centre.  It is somewhere we have driven past numerous times & I had noticed the Tea Shop sign but we never visited.

Now we have I can safely say we will be back!

They do a lovely selection of basic meals, all at very good prices.  This lunchtime I had a Panini & DH had a Jacket Potato.

Ham & Cheese Panini with side salad

Wedding Anniversary

Yesterday was our 14th Wedding Anniversary and I promised yesterday to show you the card I made for DH.

I decided to use a Die Cut image from Little Clarie Designs and use Red, White & Blue Card Candi.  The word "Together" was stamped using the Card Candi letter stamps (this was the first time I had used them and was pleased with the result).

I finished the card of with a scrap of blue patterned paper and a length of bakers twine.

It was a very simple card to make (after all I don't do complicated) and I am pleased with the result.

On 23 June I celebrated my 1st Blogaversary, if you would like chance to win some Candy please go to my Blogaversary post HERE.

Me Silly...... Never!!!

Yesterday at the RAF Waddington Air Show I found on the RAF Association stand a trio of Plastic Ducks.  Now I know that after being busy working/watching the air show since Friday morning we were both going to need a bath to soak our sore muscles - so I bought a set (but DH did not know!).

In the evening after we had got home I went up to run the bath & managed to sneak up the bag containing the ducks (again without DH knowing!).  As I ran the bath I added the 3 new additions to our bath room, when DH arrived to jump in he laughed and call me Silly... ok maybe I am... just a bit.

When I told DH their names he laughed so hard & called me silly again.  So may I introduce you to Romeo, Alpha & Foxtrot...

It took a bit of persuasion but I was final able to get them to line up like good little ducks for a photo opportunity...

There are times you just have to be silly - we had a fantastic weekend & I surprised myself with some of the photos I took on Saturday.

Happy Birthday

On this day ?? Number of years ago DH's Brother & oldest Sister were born.  They are not twins but share a birthday - exactly 1 year apart.

This year I am making cards of birthdays & anniversaries for all of our imediate family, so 2 more cards were required.

Created using the Changing Tree stamp set from Little Claire Designs

Created using of of the Cutie Patooties 'Bert' die cuts again from Little Clair Designs

On 23 June I celebrated my 1st Blogaversary, if you would like chance to win some Candy please go to my Blogaversary post HERE.

Father's Day Card - Number 2

As usual I send 2 Father's Day cards each year.  One to my Dad & one to DH... Yes I know that DH is not my Dad, but he is the 'Dad' of our 'Kids' (the feathered kind).

Every year the 'Kids' send their 'Dad', Birthday, Christmas & Father's Day cards (and sometimes presents too).

This year the Father's Day card may bring a tear to both our eyes as it will be the first one to only feature to names (Jumanji & Delta) as Ufo died last November - I know that it brought a lump to my throat when writing it.

However he is his card (commissioned by the Kids)...

The background paper & stamped car image came free with various magazines, the sentiment was printed using my computer & embossed with clear powder.

Some Good News At Last

Yesterday saw DH back at Louth Hospital for another attempt at shattering his Kidney stone using lithotripsy.

This has been going on a long, long time and there did not seem to be an end in site, however yesterday the news was better :)

What we thought was 1 big stone, is now lots of little ones (the largest is 7mm!!) and the lithotripsy was to shatter the largest stone.  DH is now waiting for a CT appointment (as his stones don't show on x-ray) to show the result of the latest lithotripsy.

Provided the consultant is happy that the stones are small enough the stent can come out and life can get back to normal (big cheer!!!). 

Please keep your fingers crossed that the stone has been shattered & the stent is removed sorted sooner rather than later. 

However, while I was waiting for DH to be zapped (our name for the lithotripsy), I went and sat in the car and settled down with my trusty ProMarkers to colour away the time...

The centre console was just the right size to place by box of ProMarkers :)

Waiting.....

I am sat at work, but my mind is not really here...

I dropped DH off at the hospital on my way to work as he is due to have his kidney stone blasted today :)  Which is very good news.  However I am now at work waiting, and waiting - time is just crawling by sooooo slowly. 

I did not want to sit at home on my own today as I new that I would just spend the whole day worrying, so I decided to come to work and try and keep busy. I am trying to stay busy but my brain just keeps wandering off on its own :( 

Even now I just find myself sitting staring at the screen, not really thinking of anything, but not doing anything either... does that make sense????

Well I had better try and pull myself together, maybe another cup of tea will help!

Valentines Day

I really hope that Blogger does not misbehave on this post!

I have teased you with a little bit of DH Valentine Card & now that the big day is here I can show you all the whole card.

The little clip that you saw was the join of 2 hearts, I also added a red glitter 'I Do' & single heart.  The bottom boarder was cut from red parchment using one of the cartridges from the Woodware Boarder Punch system.

WOYWW - 08 February 2012

Here I am sat at work eating my lunch dreaming of my craft desk at home...  This morning I have been on a Mandatory Basic Life Support course at work, learning how to give CPR & the "Kiss of Life" which are now known as 'Rescue Breaths'.

So it is time to joint the Crafters at Stamping Ground & be a bit nosey at other people desks (or work spaces).  As it has now reached lunch time I can do a quick update to my blog along with a picture I took of my desk before I came to work.

Ok... I admit I'm not going to drink the tea (it was left over from Monday night) LOL but the other goodies were brought yesterday.

I have discovered a Gold Mine for crafters in a little village called Laneham (Notts).  Coming from Lincoln I have to pay the 30p each way toll to cross Dunham Bridge - but it is soooooo worth it.   If you are in the area I would STRONGLY suggest that you pay a visit to LLinda's Cards & Crafts  How she gets so much in such a small space I don't know. 

She also runs a number of classes, & I attended one yesterday - which was fab... I will have to do a separate post about the class & pictures of the cards that I made as I don't have time at the moment.

A quick update on DH, he is back home from hospital (Many thanks to those who added kind words on Monday) he had another Kidney Stone, but it looks as if it has now passed, his kidneys are clear and he is feeling a lot better :-)

Mr Frosty & Stuff

I was planning on giving you an update on Mr Frosty when I got home from work... but things did not go according to plan today.

At about 11.20am I got a phone call from one of DH work colleagues, he had been taken to A&E with kidney pains again.  This time all of the pain was in the left side (the last 3 stones have been in the right kidney).

I have never seen A&E so busy!!! To say it was manic was an understatement.  DH is now back on the Surgical Emergency Admissions Unit & due to have a scan tomorrow morning to confirm if another kidney stone is the cause of the pain! 

Seeing DH in so much pain was upsetting (he scored it at 10 out of 10!) I really don't know which is worse; being in pain or watching your loved one in pain knowing that there is nothing you can do to stop it!

The good news is that the pain has stopped and DH has settled down for the night.  I just sent him a text to say that I was home safe & sound and to wish him a good night sleep and to 'Mind the Bed Bugs don't Bite'... and his reply - "No bugs in hospital they are not allowed - the government said so!"  I guess this is proof that he is feeling a bit better.

Mr Frosty the 2nd

Now, onto my real reason for this post... Mr Frosty.  He is now 1 1/2 days old, unfortunately he is also having a few health problems:

• Frost bite (or lack of frost) has caused his nose to fall off;
• One of his eyes has fallen out of its socket;
• He has lost the use of his arms (they are now hanging limp by his side)

He has already lived longer than the original Mr Frosty - he survived approx 15 hours. 

I will update you on the progress of both DH & Mr Frosty tomorrow.

Library Visit

Once again we have been out with the Owls. Today was another library visit, the first since losing Ufo.

Delta & Jumanji both behaved very well. And Delta had a nice hug with his daddy.

The Library staff were pleased as they had approx 170 people through the door (double the normal Saturday visitors!)

Here are a few pics...



Jumanji - Looking Grumpy as usual



DH getting a Hug from Delta

The table containing our Stock to help fund raise

WOYWW 25 January 2012

I can't believe that it is Wednesday again... therefore it is time to have a look at the workdesks all over the craft world with Julia at 'Stamping Ground'.

My workspace is a bit 'Hush Hush' this week, and you will only get a tiny picture... why??? Well on February 14th it is a very big day for couples (need I say more!).

This year I have decided to make my Valentines Card for DH, the only slight hicup with that is that he does look at this Blog from time to time & I don't want him seeing his card before the 14th!

So here is a tiny sneak peak...

I got out my original sizzix dies & my Guilding flakes for this part of the card. As for the rest... well you will just have to wait until after Valentines Day.

Don't Forget: If you want a chance to win my Blog Candy click here & follow the instructions.

It Happened...

DH has been down to surgery & he has been told that Sidney & Sophie have been shattered into tiny pieces.

A big Thank You to anyone who kept their Fingers Crossed this morning :)

The Drs have decided to keep DH in overnight so dinner tonight will be either McDonalds or Chinese.

During today my anxiety has been under control and not a butterfly in sight... but I have kept busy during the day - Pictures will follow tomorrow as part of WOYWW.

Keep Your Fingers Crossed

My fingers are crossed for two reasons this morning...

1. This is a scheduled Blog & I hope that it appears at 7:30am on Tuesday 03 January 2012.
2. Today is the day that DH is scheduled for surgery to 'Zap' Sidney & Sophie (the kidney stones)

I have to take DH to Lincoln Hospital for 07:30am, once he has been booked in I will then go back home and wait for a phone call to tell me that he can be collected - as it is Day Surgery there is nowhere for family to wait, so I'll go back home.

Please can you all keep your fingers crossed that DH has his surgery & that Sidney & Sophie are successfully zapped and no longer cause a problem.