Memoirs of a Vintage Magpie

First haul of 2012

2012-01-17T20:17:00.001Z

What a lovely few days we have had.

Frosty starts to the morning warmed by a midday sun in cloudless blue and pink skies.

The photograph below was actually taken at 4pm as the sun was setting here on the West coast.

My friend and I decided to spend the lovely day thrift shopping in Lytham.
There are lots of Charity shops and antique shops in Lytham. There are also lots of tea shops to choose from (obviously this is of utmost importance to serious thrifters!)

We decided to have a light lunch in 'Berties' tea room.

A pretty little cafe where tea is served in mismatched vintage china cups....perfect!

So, the bit you have been waiting for.......

A pretty, pale green, Pyrex dish which cost me £1.50

A set of 4 1950's champagne/cocktail glasses which cost me £2.

Not a huge haul, but a fabulous one and some REAL bargains.

HURRY UP CAR BOOT SALE WEATHER!!!!

Misty Morning

2012-01-13T21:31:00.000Z

As I walked through the park this morning it was eerily quiet

A misty veil swept across the path between the bare winter trees.

I just had to snap it (albeit on my mobile phone!)

and I just had to share it with you.

Have a fabulous weekend

New Year's Resolutions...and on that note: FOOD!

2012-01-10T12:48:00.000Z

So chums, How is your New Year panning out so far?

Have the 'resolutions' already been binned? (sorry, I am being rather pessimistic aren't I!)

The truth is, I haven't made any myself this year, and for the first time.

I figured that if I didn't set myself up to fail I can't fail! Simple as that. I do have little 'targets' in my subconscious but I am not going to write the down or speak of them aloud for fear of making them 'too real', Ha!!

Anyway, a common theme in my New Year's resolutions of former years is food..... or attempting to have less of it in my life.

So if you also have a resolution in that vein then proceed no further, as you may just be tempted to indulge somewhat.

WARNING: Contains scenes of temptation

I was meant to post about this back in December (sorry!)
My Mother and I had been to a wonderful Christmas Farmers Market and picked up all manner of wonderful, foodie delights. Artisan cheeses, Fresh bread, Cakes, Some smoked Venison (delish!) and.......

THIS!

You may or may not have heard of 'Sarah Nelson's' Gramere Gingerbread shop. It has been a feature of Countryfile in recent times so even if you are not local you may well be familiar with it.

I would love to visit the actual shop in Grasmere in Cumbria but I think I may wait until the slightly warmer weather arrives..... as we all know how famous The Lake District is for dull, drizzly weather and this time of year will be no exception. Luckily though, the shop came to us!

I'm not sure that the photographs do this Gngerbread any favours, but believe me, it is simply DIVINE!

Crumbly on the outside and chewy in the middle, I recommend a trip to the Lakes this summer if only for this treat.

Not only do they sell the Gingerbread but also other 'Gingery' goodness, of which I am a huge fan. So I also bought some Gingerbread hand cream, good enough to eat and lovely and warming on these wintery days of chapped cracked hands.

Also on a foodie note. I received this pretty, home-made jar of chutney for Christmas from my best friend.

It is truly scrumptious. So I asked her for the recipe and thought I would also share it with you.

It is by Lorraine Pascale and is a lovely 'Autumnal, Wintery' addition to the Larder.

It is quite sweet, almost like a jam and my friend replaced the Blackberries in it with Raspberry.

Apple, Blackberry and Cinnamon Chutney.

INGREDIENTS

1kg/2.2lb Bramley apples, peeled, cored, cut into large chunks
300g/10½oz onions, peeled, thinly sliced
275g/10oz granulated sugar
150ml/5fl oz balsamic vinegar
2 tsp ground cinnamon
freshly ground black pepper
300g/10½oz blackberries
1. Sterilise the jars by putting them into the dishwasher on the hottest cycle to wash and dry. Take them out when you are about ready to use them and don’t touch any of the inside of the jars with your hands. (Alternatively, put the jars in a very large pan of boiling water. You will also need to sterilise the equipment you use to take the jars out of the pan.)
2. Place the jars into the oven set at a low temperature until completely dry inside.
3. Put the apples, onions, sugar, balsamic vinegar, cinnamon and freshly ground black pepper into a large saucepan. Place over a medium heat and gently stir together until well combined.
4. Once the mixture has reached boiling point, turn down the heat and leave to simmer for 45–55 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples and onions should become lovely and soft, and the liquid should be thick and syrupy.
5. Add the blackberries and cook for a further 10–12 minutes.
6. Spoon the chutney into a sterilised jug and fill the jars. Seal and store in a dark place. The chutney will keep for up to four months.
ENJOY!
x

Tis' almost Twelfth Night

2012-01-04T20:44:00.002Z

"Twelfth Night: noun

6 January, The Feast of Epiphany.

Strictly the evening of 5 January, the eve of the Epiphany and formerly the twelfth and last day of Christmas festivities"

Source: Oxford Dictionaries Online

Most of my neighbourhood have already made that trip to the attic with their boxes of Christmas decorations.

But our fairy lights are still twinkling this evening.... hanging on until the bitter end!

I am always a little ambivalent at this time of the year.

On the one hand I don't like to take the decorations down as the rooms always feel so bare and lacklustre as the spirit of Christmas is locked away for another year.

Yet on the other hand, Once the house has returned to 'normal' I tend to get a feeling of 'New Year, Fresh Start!!!' which is when I begin to feel a little positive and make plans for the year ahead (whether the plans are followed through though is always a different matter!)

Anyway, Before the boxes and tissue paper come out tomorrow I thought I would add a few photos of the tree as it seems I haven't posted much over the Christmas period (busy, busy busy and all that!).

Each year I add one or two new decorations, so for the record, here are the 2011 additions.....

Polka dot wooden star

Felt bauble

'Folk art' bauble

And this little wire and wood decoration which I actually bought in the January sales last year from one of my favourite shops in Harrogate.

It is by 'Birchcraft' who's products I absolutely adore! (click on the name to visit their website)

Here's to 2012!!

2012-01-01T14:07:00.000Z

Wishing you all the very best of Love, Luck, happiness and health for the New Year!!!

Love from all of us here in the Magpie nest!

Best Wishes to you all.....

2011-12-23T20:24:00.001Z

Just in case I don't get chance to say this tomorrow....

Mr Magpie, Fluff Puss and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!!!

Eat, drink and be merry, enjoy your goodies and being with the ones you love......

And spare a thought for those who are less fortunate than ourselves.

xxx

A Letter to Santa.....

2011-12-21T19:37:00.000Z

I do hope it isn't too late for me to write my wish list for Mr Christmas!?

But anyway, here it is.......

Beautiful 'Jo Malone' scented candles in my favourite fragrance 'Pomegranate Noir'

Essays by George Orwell (one of a million books I would actually like!)

....See! Another book.

This lovely edition of Lewis Carroll's 'The Hunting of the Snark' illustrated by Tove Jansson

Oh!! and another.....

This book is wonderful and contains lots of Alice inspired craft projects.

Read about it HERE

I have run out of my favourite, signature scent, Agent Provocateur just in time for Christmas!

This fabulous 1950's style frock from 'Deadly is the Female' perfect for New Year Eve.

And this cute Vintage inspired ruby red lipstick from Besame Cosmetics wouldn't look out of place in my handbag as well as on my lips to compliment the dress

I had a wee look through my archive to see what goodies I was coveting this time last year..... see HERE!

What is on your Christmas list this year???

An Award from Rose...

2011-12-07T20:50:00.000Z

I logged on today to read some of the lovely comments that included some wonderful suggestions for names for the reinvention of my Vintage shop!

One of the messages was from Rose from Second Hand Rose informing me of a Blog award she had passed on to me.....

THANK YOU ROSE!!! Such kind words about me!

Apparently the word Liebster" is a German word meaning dear, sweet, kind, nice, good, beloved, lovely, kindly, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome.

The Liebster is a way to show a little Blog Love to bloggers who currently have less than 200 followers.

The rules:

1. Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Reveal your top 5 picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.
3. Copy and paste the award on your blog.
4. Have faith that your followers will spread the love to other bloggers.
5. And most of all - have fun!

I have now to choose 5 blogs to nominate for this award and I choose, in no particular order....

1. Pooh's Abode

Viv is an English Teacher from Ipswich who likes to blog about her favourite things: Her family, crafting and writing. She also has a shop on Folksy named Baytree Creations be sure to check it out.

2. Chez Sophie

Sophie describes herself as a 'Homebird' who likes to make things, restore things, Garden, Bake,....anything really that involves being creative!

3. Country Style Living

Maria lives on the Lincolnshire coast in a beautiful home with her Husband, Son and dog 'Ruby'. She "loves everything 'country' from sitting by the log fire in winter to picking sweet peas from the garden throughout the summer" She loves to blog about her home life which makes for delightful reading.

4. Dollydaydream

Kitty is a very yummy mummy with the most adorable little person named Luca. She loves to blog about pretty things and family life. She is also an excellent cook and baker.... so watch out for her mouthwatering recipes!

5. How soon is now

Named after a song by my favourite band The Smiths, I was straight away drawn in by 'TopChelsaGirls' regular blurbs about her home and her hobbies. She and I have so much in common and are both drawn to all things vintage especially for the home. So if you are too, be sure to pay her a visit!

I hope you enjoy reading my chosen blogs just as much as I do!!!

So what WAS I up to at the weekend??

2011-12-06T18:54:00.000Z

Well, this is what I got up to......

I was at a Vintage and Craft Fair

But for once I was behind a stall!!!

A friend of mine was selling her handmade jewellery at the fair and I decided at the very last minute to gather together all the old stock I still had from the online vintage shop I had a few years ago in an attempt to raise some cash for Christmas!

Back in 2005 until about 2008 I sold Vintage clothes, shoes, accessories and home wares in an on line shop.

I had to give up sadly as I was finding it difficult to keep it up as well as working as a full time Nurse.

I posted about my shop HERE, HERE & HERE

I had a big box full of stock which had been sat in my attic ever since and I had been recently contemplating just taking it all down to the charity shop until my friend suggested I try sell it at the fair.

The fair was pretty quiet, possibly down to the awful weather, so none of us actually had much custom.

But it has given me an appetite for the trade again and I am currently looking at ways of reinventing my shop.

New Name, new logo, new methods of selling including selling at other Vintage fairs in the area and some way of acquiring new stock as my old supplier is no longer available.

So, any suggestions for a name for my shop would be gratefully received.

It is but an idea at the moment, but I will keep you posted.

So, the weather was awful and business was slow.

But I had lots of friends visit my stall and my dear Mother brought me lunch. She sat with me for an hour and we drank tea and ate theses beautiful cupcakes that somebody was selling on a stall......

which cheered me up perfectly!!!!

Bargain find shared....

2011-12-02T19:41:00.000Z

Hello Hello!!!

I really have to share one of latest purchases with you.

This super cute cake tin.

Is it Orla Kiely?

Is it Cath Kidston?

Nope!

Not on my budget......

It was actually from Home Bargains and cost me the princely sum of £2.99 (I think... forgotten silly me!)

I don't often go in Home Bargains but as I am on a slightly tighter budget than usual this Christmas I popped in looking for Children's gifts and came across this, amongst other fabulous bargains.

Oh! and speaking of the C-word, How long do we have left until the big day???

I must try and dig this lot out from the loft some time soon.

Some people wait until a week or even a day before Christmas to decorate thier homes but I think that you may as well enjoy all your efforts for as long as possible.

Well, I have a busy weekend ahead of me, so must dash to get myself prepared,.....

More about that though next week!!

Have a wonderful weekend friends

"Between Jobs!!"

2011-11-22T18:58:00.000Z

Unfortunately I remain unemployed since our move from Yorkshire back in August.....

But I really don't like the stigma attached to the word 'Unemployed' so am choosing to use the slightly more diplomatic and forgiving term of describing my current status as 'between jobs'

So in-between applications after application, trips to the Job Centre and attending interviews (though these are few and far between) I tend to be an awful lot of this (above) meeting friends for coffee and this.....

......Reading! One of my most favourite pass times.

Which is just as well as I have also been volunteering at a charity bookshop and I am enjoying it immensely.

Learning new skills, meeting new people, keeping busy and acquiring a new book every time I work (not a good idea seeing as though funds are low, but I find it so hard to resist).

I would highly recommend volunteering to anyone. Especially if you are out of work.

There are so many positives to it.

You are giving your valuable time to charity first and foremost.

You are also improving and increasing your own skills and knowledge base. I had never worked in retail up until now and am learning new things each day thus also improving my CV.

It also gives you a sense of purpose and worth during the really quite soul destroying period of unemployment, which is particularly bad at the moment as i'm sure you are all aware.

So, even if you work part time and have the odd afternoon or morning to spare, why not consider volunteering. I guarantee it will be one of the best things you have ever done in your spare time!

Yes...It really is November!!

2011-11-17T21:50:00.000Z

A glance at these photographs of my washing drying in the warm afternoon sunshine....

...And you would be forgiven for thinking that it was mid-summer

and to think that there were snowstorms on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean just a few weeks ago.

36 days until Christmas everyone!!!!!

A Country Walk and a Bonfire

2011-11-06T16:36:00.000Z

What a lovely Bonfire night (and day) Mr Magpie and I had!!!

After our favourite breakfast of Eggs Benedict, we pulled on our wellies, hats & scarves and set off into the countryside of the Ribble Valley in Lancashire.

We wandered along Autumnal wooded paths

Through fields and ancient farmsteads

We met these chaps in one farm yard!

The views across the Ribble Valley are beautiful

Below you can see the famous Pendle Hill, The site of local folklore surrounding Witchcraft, you may have heard of The Lancashire Witches?

Read about it here

In the west of Lancashire the local building material is the ubiquitous red Acrrington Brick (not my favourite) but in the countryside and areas around East Lancashire you will see lots more stone built houses and farms, such as the pretty cottage below. .....Here I am again harking back to my Yorkshire roots, You see I like these best as they remind me of home!

Another pretty cottage.

This cottage is in actual fact within the grounds of Stonyhurst College. The most prestigious independent school in Lancashire. It has some stunning old buildings and grounds and a lot of history attached to it.

It was founded in 1593 and some of the current buildings date back as far as 1200AD.

A Brand new home in a Brand new place

2011-11-03T21:34:00.000Z

A little late and not adorned with the best selection of photographs I am afraid, But here is the long awaited 'New Home' post!

We actually moved over the Pennines from Yorkshire to Lancashire back in July.

The house is a regular 1930's Semi and is quite a Tardis!

The rooms are large, airy and spacious

Though after living in a modern house for the last 4 years and in another new build for 2 years prior to that we are simply not used to it.

In fact our previous home was a 'Large' detached family home with 3 bathrooms, yet the actual room proportions in our new (old!) house are much bigger.

Its Great! I have always had my sights set on a old house having been brought up in old houses.

Here is the beautiful,original front door from the inside.

The fabulous green door with it's leaded, stained glass instantly set my heart a flutter when we came to view it.

Here is Puss escaped from her travel box and checking out her new home for the first time.

She gingerly tip-toed in and out of each room with he tail between her legs for he first hour.

Before finally settling down and allowing her tail to spring up into its normal perky position!

Though she didn't help us out very much, rather she got under our feet.......

and did an awful lot of this!

....and this! Pretending to be a draught excluder indeed!

As I first mentioned, there are not many good photographs of the actual house as of yet.

I am awaiting a day of 'good light'. Though I have a feeling if I do this I may be waiting until next Summer.

Above is the front reception room which we are using as a dining room.

We have decided to have a seating area and a shelf filled with our favourite books but no Television.

This is our relaxing room.

It is filled with sunshine on a morning and I love to sit in the bay window with my breakfast watching the world go by.

I am not too keen on the modern fire and there is also an identical one in the rear reception room.

It is a shame really as the landlord has retained many of the beautiful, original features so to me they are rather 'out of place'. Obviously with the property being rented, there really isn't much we can do about them, though they could be worse!

We chose the rear reception room as our sitting room as it has wonderful French windows which open out onto a pretty decking area.

The garden beyond is a triangular shape with 4 apple trees, a gravel path and a 'wildflower' area at the bottom end. We also have a lovely dry stone wall which I love as it reminds me of home- YORKSHIRE!!!

And that is where the tour ends.

I promise I will take more photos to share with you....more of the house and less of the Puss!!

So stay tuned my dears.

Life is....

2011-10-21T15:32:00.000+01:00

A walk in the park?

If only!

Anyway, not a particularly pleasant day weather wise today here in the North, Cold and drizzly.

Where are those hazy sunny autumnal days that make the leaves look as though they are on fire with beauty!?

Still, the park around the corner from our new home looked pretty with its burnt orange carpet of crunchy leaves

Above is one of the gatehouses.

It is a typical Victorian park.

A lung in the city!

In fact we are lucky as it is one of many 'Lungs' in our city.

Anyone who has read my blog before or knows me well, Will be quite aware that I have a bit of an 'obsession' shall we say, of all things Victortiana!

So here I am appreciating this fine piece of 'Victorian' (though actually Edwardian) ironwork..... They just did everything so beautifully and 'properly' too may I add!

Another piece of Victorian handywork and innovation to behold across the park is the local cotton mill.

Obviously no longer used for that purpose but as you can see the red brick 'cathedral of commerce' remains standing alongside it's towers.

Hope you enjoyed your stroll through the park with me.

I promise to take you again on a finer day, maybe in the springtime.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Autumn Bounty

2011-10-08T22:40:00.000+01:00

One of the many things I love about our new home is the blackberry bushes and the 4 different types of apple tree that grow in the garden.

Despite the hot sunshine we have had recently a lot of the berries have not yet ripened

So I only managed to pick a few, therefore I supplemented them with some shop bought Blackberries

I'm no expert on Apple breeds but as i say there are four different trees in the garden.

There are huge Bramley type cooking apples, Small red ones, red and green ones and some orangey coloured ones a bit like Cox's Pippins.

So last night we ate an (almost) free and rather delicious pudding of Apple & Blackberry Crumble with piping hot custard.

Our first one of the season and a lovely way to celebrate my favourite season

Autumn!

Yum!

Hoghton Tower

2011-10-05T14:23:00.000+01:00

Well, you all know that I love to visit stately homes and country houses of a weekend

So no sooner had we waved off the removals van I was on the internet searching for places to visit nearby.

Now I think we visited almost every stately home in Yorkshire.

We were spoilt for choice in Yorkshire and I'm afraid there doesn't seem to be quite as many here in Lancashire.

So no doubt I will share them all with you over the coming months!

I will start with the first trip I made to 'Hoghton Tower' near Chorley (pronounced 'Horton')

The long, winding, private road led s to this impressive castle-like gatehouse.

As you walked under the archway you were met with a beautiful courtyard scene

We arrived just in time for a guided tour inside the house so booked right away and met in the pretty inner courtyard (below)

Looking into the inner courtyard from the archway

The guide, a charming, local, elderly lady who her own connections to the house took us on an interesting and lengthy tour, letting us into a few family secrets as we went.

The tower is still occupied by The Hoghton Family who reside in one of the wings which is not open to the public.

Unfortunatley as with manyh such historic homes, Photography was prohibited, But if you are interested to glimpse inside this fine house, then I please click here

So after our grand tour we had a wander through the gift shop which is set out on stalls within the old cobbled stables, still with the fixtures and fittings intact.

We also stopped for the obligatory afternoon tea and cakes (they do a delicious Victoria Sponge! My favourite!!)

We finished the day by strolling through the peaceful gardens......

I hope you enjoyed your short tour of the grounds as much as we did in the late summer sunshine.

The weekend just passed we visited another Lancashire gem 'Whalley Abbey' which I will share with you soon.

But for now

Take Care

You are all too kind!

2011-10-04T18:09:00.000+01:00

Just a quickie to say THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

for such a warm 'Welcome back' and such kind words.

My current circumstances have been a little disheartening to say the least and reading your comments has made me beam from ear to ear.......

The dark clouds are parting!!!

So I look forward to sharing my 'journey' with you over the coming months

Stay tuned!

Well, Well, Well..... Fancy seeing you here!

2011-10-03T21:20:00.000+01:00

I am almost blushing as I write this post.....

It has been A Looooong time hasn't it!

and for that I apologise.

But let me explain.......

A lot has happened in my life (and is ongoing)

Firstly, Mr M and I have had a few 'Up's and Down's' shall we say, I won't bore you with the details but we are still plodding on together.

We have also moved.

Away from my beloved home county of Yorkshire (sad face)

To the other side of the Pennines ....I say the 'wrong' side!

But the good thing is I LOVE my new house and we are nearer family and friends (happy face)

Another big change in my life is that I had to leave my job, a job which I loved, to enable us to move. We moved for Mr M's job and his career is far more important than mine.

So I am currently a 'Lady of Leisure' (Unemployed!!) and finding it extremely difficult to find a new job, as is the case nationwide it seems.

Anyway, Whilst I have this time on my hands I intend to blog a little more again, I do hope you still want to read my ramblings?!

I shall dig out my camera and take you on a tour of my new home very soon!

and also, it is my favourite time of the year AUTUMN!!!! which i love to blog about.

Bye For now.....and I hope you are all well?

Kitty

Easter on The East coast

2011-04-25T19:54:00.000+01:00

On Good Friday Mr Magpie and I awoke early and after a hearty breakfast we packed up the car and off we drove to The East Coast.

Our journey was stunning as we wove in and out of villages on the North York Moors.

By 10am we had arrived at our first destination, Saltburn by The Sea

As we approached the coast a rolling mist began to swallow up the gloriously sunny day that we had awoken to. I was quite disappointed as Saltburn has been on my 'To-do' list for some time now but due to this chilly sea fret we were unable to appreciate its beauty.

We had a wander around the amusement arcade and a walk along the pier.

We then took a trip via the Victorian Cliff lift to the town centre for a browse around the shops.

Above is the view from the top of the cliff, as you can see we were unable to see the short distance down to the beach due to the mist.

The Lift was the highlight of Saltburn for me as I marvelled at its stunning Victorian charm and innovation.

The pretty details such as the stained glass windows and ticket office which remains unchanged even after all of these years.

Due to the weather we did not spend more than a few hours in Saltburn.

Instead we decided to go and check in at out hotel, The stunning Grinkle Park Country House Hotel which was a short drive inland.

As we left Saltburn behind it was as though we had driven back out of a time warp, the weather was as hot and stunningly gorgeous as it was that morning.

So we spent a few relaxing hours sat in the beautiful gardens of the hotel, simply doing nothing.... Just reading, sipping refreshing drinks and relaxing.

After dinner we decided to explore the extensive grounds of the hotel, we wandered through the woodland and found this alluring gate which led out into open grassland dotted with pheasants calling out to one another and running around in their typically comical fashion

The Bluebells were in full, scented bloom as we walked along

The short stroll that we intended, soon turned into a 2 hour long 'adventure' exploring the diverse landscape that forms the Grinkle Park estate.

We dipped up and down valleys, through wooded glades, across farm fields, tip toed over streams on stepping stones...... until we came across this

A row of derelict cottages just crying out to be explored.

We felt like we were part of the Famous Five on a summer adventure, we were transported back to childhood as we climbed to the top o a hill and sat watching the sunset from the magnificent vantage point.

It was blissful and we both agreed that it was our favourite part of the weekend

Just before the sun set fully we decided it was best to head back to the hotel where we settled down for a cosy night with mugs of cocoa and some Cadbury's Mini Eggs to munch on

After a wonderful nights sleep we awoke to this view from our bedroom window, it was so peaceful and beautiful.... if only I could wake up to this every day, I thought.

After a full English Breakfast we set off to the coast again and our first stop was Staithes

Staithes is a pretty little fishing village, much like Robin Hoods Bay which I blogged about last year.

It has steep,winding, cobbled streets leading down to the beach and harbour, here are some of the quaint and quirky cottages along the way

The beach is small and sandy, there are harbour walls to walk along.......

......and rock pools to dip in

It was popular but peaceful, not too busy and not an amusement arcade in sight!!!

we bought an ice cream and found a spot at the end of the harbour wall to watch the seabirds nesting on the cliffs above

After a few hours relaxing in Staithes we hopped back in the car and headed to nearby Whitby where we held hands as we walked on the beach, ate fish and chips on the cliff top, perused the amusement arcade (well, it just has to be done!!) and dodged low flying and over friendly seagulls!

I decided to leave my camera in the car as we explored Whitby, the reason being we have been there many times before and I have blogged about it before too.

It was actually nice not to feel obliged to photograph everything as I tend to do on our days out and holidays, Mr Magpie gets fed up of my constant snapping and says I should enjoy the day and keep the images and memories in my head, he does have a point!

....but photography is a habit to me, I simply cannot go anywhere, even down to the village shop, without my trusty SLR....Just in case!!!

Happy Easter Blogsters!!

2011-04-24T23:32:00.000+01:00

Just dropping by to wish you all a (rather belated but sincere) Happy Easter 2011

I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful April weather we are having and making the most of the long Bank Holiday weekend.

We have spent the weekend at the Seaside, so I will blog about our adventures in my next post

Until then.... Au Revoir!

Brodsworth Hall, Yorkshire

2011-04-12T20:26:00.000+01:00

What a glorious burst of weather we are having at the moment!!!

(apologies in advance if I have now jinxed it and it rains tomorrow...)

At the weekend I was lucky enough to visit yet another stately home,

This time it was Brodsworth Hall, Near Doncaster in South Yorkshire.

As you may well know, I am a frequent visitor to such places and can honestly say I found Brodsworth hall to be one of my all time favourites.

You see, Not only has it got some stunning gardens to explore but an amazingly interesting and rather eclectic interior.

The house was built in the 1860's by Charles Thellusson, in the 'Italianette style'.

It was occupied by the Thellusson family for more than 120 years but unfortunately had a similar fate as many of Britain's splendid Mansion houses and began to fall into decline during the 20th Century.

The last inhabitant of the house was 'Sylvia Grant Dalton' who towards the end of her life lived in the house by herself with only one Butler.

When she died in 1988 the house was acquired by 'English Heritage' who restored many of the crumbling architectural features and wade the damaged roof watertight once again.

But the thing I love the most about this house is that English Heritage have left the house exactly as it was when Sylvia had lived in it.

Each room has remained untouched and it really is like stepping back in time, Not only to the 1860's but also to the 1960's!!!

The whole house is filled with relics of the 19th and 20th centuries, from Victorian kitchenalia to WW2 gas masks to 1970's Christmas decorations. We all have a room or attic where we dump our hoards, but the dumping room in this house is something else, I would have loved to get my hands on some of those goodies I tell you!!!

Sadly photographs were forbidden but if you wish to find out more visit the website HERE

So now for a small tour of my favourite parts of the gardens and grounds, starting with the perfectly manicured Croquet lawn, a quintessentially English game and perfect on a warm spring day like today.

One of the many statues that line the formal gardens

The Formally planted Fountain Gardens

Looking back towards the hall across the gardens

The 'Target House' at the head of the Archery range

A beautiful little building with fabulous details.....

Such as this pretty stained glass window

As with most mansion houses and stately homes, there is a church within the grounds, Unfortunately this one was not accessible to visitors so this is as close as I could get.

As well as family graves and the graves of the loyal house staff, there is also a sweet little Pet cemetery within the grounds, Theses dogs (and even a parrot), must have meant a lot to their loving owners.

So, after a wander around the gift shop and Plant shop and an obligatory cream tea,

We tootled off home pleased with our choice of day out

And of course, what better way to spend a stunning Saturday evening than by having our very first Barbecue of the season!

How did you spend your weekend?

April Joys

2011-04-07T18:27:00.001+01:00

As we drove through the Harrogate countryside on my way home from work yesterday afternoon, I noticed a happy little sight.....

The cheery, vibrant yellow heads of the Rapeseed flowers starting to burst open in the warming early April sunshine.

Such a Joy!!

My mind wandered into thoughts of summer approaching and the things I have planned.

I took this photo last year on the 3rd May in a field just outside Ripon.

I love the colours, the vibrancy of the sunny yellow, the sky blue and the dark outline of the four trees.

Today I had a little wander down to the village shop.

The sun has been warm,the breeze gentle and the sky has been clear.

I decided to amble down the hill slowly and take in the sights, sounds and smells of the fresh spring day.

As I walked along the road I kept on smelling the sweet smell of blossom passing me in the breeze,

It was heavenly.

On the way home I walked along my favourite route, down an ancient lane that runs along the side of farmland. The path is called 'Pickpocket Lane' ....what a fabulous name hey!

As I wandered along I could hear the feint ticking of lawnmowers, the squabble of nesting birds and the gentle buzz of Bumble bees, the first I have noticed so far this year.

When I got back home I cooled down with a lovely drink of 'Bottlegreen's William Pear and Elderflower cordial.... You should try it, it is scrummy and so quintessentially English!!!

Just like my new cushion on the chair in the Kitchen, Like it?

"Where there is tea, there is hope"!!!

The rest of my afternoon has been spent mowing the lawns, planting and checking on my seedlings, so far this year I have planted Spinach, Beetroot, Peas, Squash, lots of different herbs and some Sweet Williams and Sunflowers.

On Ilkley Moor...

2011-04-03T21:13:00.000+01:00

What a lovely weekend I have had with my Mother and Grandmother.

They both came to stay, arriving late on Saturday morning.

I had baked a lovely Lemon cake and when they arrived we sat down to tea and cake before setting for a spot of shopping.

A lovely meal courtesy of M&S and a good bottle of wine in the evening followed by Saturday night TV

.This morning we awoke to another beautifully sunny day so after a leisurely breakfast I made a Picnic and we set off to Ilkley.

We drove through beautiful countryside and stopped at The Chevin Forrest Country Park on the way to have a drink and take in the views. Unfortunately we were unable to walk far as my 77 year old Grandma has mobility problems and is unsteady on her feet.

We intended on going to the popular Otley Car boot sale but unfortunately it was too popular, the car park was full and the queue to get into the sale was about a mile long, so we decided to give it a miss and on we went to Ilkley where we had a wander by the river and around a few shops and stopped in 'Bettys' for a drink...of course! But we were good girls as we knew we had a scrumptious picnic waiting for us.

The weather was very changeable all day, as it often is high up in Wharfedale.

As we drove up onto Ilkley moor the sun was shining but as soon as we got out of the car to set up a picnic spot a huge grey cloud moved across the valley towards us bringing with it rain and wind.

So we sat in the car to eat and watched lambs and ponies skipping around in the fields below and as the sun showed itself once again, out came a fabulous Rainbow!!

What a lovely weekend we had, it was so lovely to see my Mother and Grandmother as they live so far away and I don't drive, I speak to them every other day but I miss them so.

Hopefully in the next few years I too can Celebrate Mothers Day with Children of my own and we will have another generation to accompany us on our picnic....

fingers crossed eh!

Wentworth Castle

2011-04-01T20:21:00.000+01:00

If you read my blog regularly you will be aware that one of the ways I love to spend a fine weekend is visiting some of the stunning Stately Homes and Castles that our beautiful country has to offer.

I have visited just about every such place in The Lake District, Lancashire and Yorkshire but there are a few I have yet to tick off my list.
So as of last Sunday I can now tick Wentworth Castle near Barnsley in South Yorkshire off my list.

Here is the fine facade of the 'castle' which started being built in 1670 and has been added onto over the century, finally being finished in 1764. The latest addition is the Victorian West Wing.

The title 'Castle' I believe was taken from an earlier building on the same site.

The actual house is not open to visitors other than on specific dates throughout the summer when guided tours are held.

The site is also the home of the 'Northern College for residential Adult Education' so some areas are out of bounds to visitors.

The estates vast Grade 1 listed gardens and parkland landscape is open for all to enjoy though......

....There are formal gardens and informal gardens, ruins and folly's to explore

Such as this one which is not too far from the main house

Here is the view!

We wandered through the 'Union Jack' gardens and the 'Secret Garden' to see what blooms were on view for the time of year

A pretty sea of purple

There were tens of different types of Rhododendron's

(I think that is what this is!!?)

Hellebore's

Sweet smelling Primroses which lined the 'Woodland' path

This is the Victorian Conservatory which is sadly in a real state of disrepair.

It was featured in BBC Restoration programme back in 2003 but was unfortunately not a winner and has since been awaiting funds to help return it to its former glory.

So while funds continue to be raised by The Wentworth Castle Trust all we can do is stand behind the 'Caution' barriers and imagine what it once was before the scaffolding and mould, filled with tropical hot house flowers perhaps.

One of the follies within the estate is this elaborate Castle ruins structure built in1727 on the site of an iron age hill fort.

The Castle is the highest point on the estate and from the top of the tower the view is amazing, Unfortunately the weather was not too great so the view wasn't to be appreciated fully.

Down the hill from the castle is this tall stone monument topped by a huge golden ball.

The 'Sun monument' is a memorial to Lady Mary, an author, traveller, eccentric and socialite with a very interesting life indeed.... read about her HERE

As we headed back to the visitor centre and tea room the sun peeped from behind the clouds.

So we found a secluded bench overlooking the hillside and sat with the spring sunshine warming our faces.

The only sound we could hear was the feint bleating of the little lambs as they chased their mothers about the field, leaping over one another in the process.....SO CUTE!!!!!

So after a refuel in the tea room and an obligatory wander around the gift shop, we had a quick nosey at the college site.......

Where the buildings and accommodation are so pretty and picturesque

What a fabulous place to study hey!!!

This little row of cottages would once have housed the staff from the main house, they now house students.

Thank You for taking the tour of Wentworth Castle with me, I do hope you enjoyed it.

Now weekend is upon us once again, What have you got planned?

I am looking forward to a real girly weekend as my Grandmother ad my Mother are coming to stay and I intend to spoil them both for Mothers Day.......

I am hoping for fine weather as I am planning a Picnic somewhere pretty on Sunday afternoon

So fingers (and everything else) crossed!

An Oasis

2011-03-26T10:00:00.001Z

This pretty little church would not look out of place on the edge of a small, well kept, Yorkshire village.

Built in 1632 and Grade 1 listed, St John The Evangelist is a fine example of Perpendicular style with a stunning ornate Jacobean interior.

But this church is not set in a serene country village, it is in fact at the very heart of Leeds City Centre.

Tucked away between shops, bars and restaurants. The church is sadly no longer in use and is often forgotten about. Its ancient churchyard simply used as a thoroughfare.

Behind the church are some gardens which one fine days are often frequented by city workers on their lunch breaks. The Church is a pretty and peaceful oasis of calm amongst the hustle and bustle of Leeds busy city centre.

I often use the church yard as place to sit and read with a takeout coffee, a welcome break from the crowds and noise.
The church is looked after by the charity 'The Churches Conservation Trust' and more information can be found about Leeds' oldest church HERE

The interior can only be viewed at certain times and services are held very occasionally at Easter and Christmas for example.

Every year the city hosts 'Light Night' a night of culture, art and history where local landmarks are open to the public. Last year we had the privilege of visiting the church but unfortunately the photos I took were not of amazing quality due to poor light, click HERE to see them for yourself.

So I have borrowed the image below from Google images so you can appreciate the intricate carvings for yourself.

The church was built in 1632 but has been altered somewhat over the years as most churches have.

The tower has been remodelled and so forth and unfortunately I cannot find any original pictures of the church online

Out in the churchyard, the gravestones have been laid flat to make a pathway.

Most of them worn away with time and footsteps. I took a while to read some of them and most were from the 1600 and 1700's. I did however find this.....

Gargoyles above the main doorway

The pathway leading out to the busy city streets

I do love churches and church architecture, I was brought up a Christian but I do not practice my religion apart from at festival and celebration times.
Unfortunately the same goes for the vast majority of the population and that is the reason why such beautiful examples of ecclesiastical buildings are being abandoned like this one.
We are loosing our history, our Christian identity and some of our finest buildings
So if you are passionate about them as I am, why not donate to the charity HERE
I have......and remember every little helps.

Plein de les joies du printemps

2011-03-19T16:42:00.000Z

Or in English.....

"Full of the Joys of spring!!"

That's how I was feeling yesterday afternoon on my walk from work.

I finished my half day shift and as I left the building and entered the bright, fresh spring day I was met with this beautiful, quintessentially English springtime scene on The Stray as it stretched out ahead of me.

A vast green ocean dotted with the purple, white and yellow crocuses like ducks bobbing on the water.

There are some stunning buildings in Harrogate but one of my favourites is the little church which sits on the edge of The Stray near to where I work.

I often take a book and sit in the churchyard in the summertime, it so peaceful and beautiful.

I wandered along at a laid back pace allowing the sun to warm my back as I went.

Along the way I admired the pretty Georgian and Victorian cottages that line the edge of the green

....and the huge, majestic houses that they nestle alongside.

I particularly love this one, it has a Parisian feel to it don't you think.

The sky was stunningly turquoise blue in contrasts to its whitewashed walls and grey slate roof.

I do think that the cars that line these roads spoil the near perfection though, I like to sit and imagine how it all would have looked 100 years or more ago.

I had a wander around some of Harrogate's wonderful shops and sipped a coffee in whilst reading my book before heading off home where I made the most of the warm afternoon by pottering n the garden.

I tidied up the remaining dead leaves and turned over the ground ready for planting.

Mr Magpie has gone fishing this weekend so I am home alone, just me and my Fluff Puss, doing just as we please..... Bliss!

Vintage Fair

2011-03-12T16:26:00.002Z

Hello!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend so far?

I have quite a busy one planned so just dropping by to post about the Vintage Fair that my friend and I have just been to this morning.

(Fluff looking rather perplexed!)

It is held at our local hospice so money raised from entry fee, refreshments and stall holders fees go to a very good cause.

You would probably assume that because it isn't one of the fancy city centre vintage fairs with retro tea rooms, nostalgic music and reams of bunting that it it may not be all that good. But you would be wrong in your assumption. It is in fact quite a fabulous little event! True that there aren't all the added extras but the stalls are always so fabulous!

There is more of a focus on vintage home wares and collectibles than clothing like some of the other fairs, but there is still a good selection of clothes and accessories.

The fair was awfully busy and hot and I felt a tiny bit disappointed with my finds as I found it hard to look properly.... but I guess I saved some money that way!

I think my most prize buy was this vibrant turquoise vanity case.

I have a red one already so I think they will look great stacked upon one another storing all my makes up and accessories.

Gorgeous colour isn't it!!

I am a sucker for buying books. But I was good and I only bought the one.

This vintage Ladybird called out to me to add it to my collection, I am a nurse myself so it was an interesting read ( I read it on the way home!)

It doesn't have a date on it but judging by the uniform I'd say it was from the late 50's/early 60's..... gosh! I am glad we don't have to wear all those heavy layers anymore, the hospital is always hot enough. Although she does look very smart, don't you think!

So that was the only 'book' that I bought, but I did pick up this wonderful magazine from May 1937... The pretty cover caught my eye and I thought it was rather fitting with the film 'The Kings Speech' currently being shown at cinemas. We went to see the film last weekend and we both loved it. Have you seen it yet?

It is the Kings coronation edition of 'Home Notes'

Double click on the picture below to see the lovely family photograph of the royals with the two princesses looking ever so sweet.

The magazine is filled with articles about the King such as how he likes to spend his leisure time and about his formal engagements.

It also has some rather fascinating articles for the 'housewife' and lots of adverts for all manor of things from hand cream to carpet cleaner to 'Obesity pills' which contain Lithium!!.

It really does make for an interesting read....and oh! how the times have changed.

This smart leather (I think...) Camera case was a bargain for a pound, bit small for my SLR but I like it and I'm sure I will find some good use for it.

I love crochet

I love Green

So this pretty set of coasters was snapped up.

There are 4 small and one large

Above is one of the small ones, unfortunately the pretty pea green colour has not been captured properly with this poor light we have today.

I have already out the large one to good use sat under a vase of pink hyacinths on the coffee table.

My final purchase is this Irish lace collar.

I have been wanting one for a while now, I am actually still on the lookout for a 'peter pan' style one but could not find one today, but I thought this was an unusual shape which I like.

They are currently selling collars like this in Urban Outfitters and Topshop for about £30, so £5 for this one was a relative bargain!

So there you have my vintage finds for today.

Mr Magpie and I are going to the cinema later to watch a comedy, 'Paul'. So I'm looking forward to popcorn and good giggle!

Bye for now

Kitty Loves.....

2011-02-27T17:42:00.000Z

Inspired by Beki at 'The Ramblings of an Everyday Mummy' I have decided to join in and post about my favourite things, So here goes....

I Love

Mismatched Vintage China

Nissan Figaro's

My Guitar (although I don't profess to being the best at playing it!)

The Smiths, my favourite band of all time

Fish and Chips out of newspaper whilst sat on the beach

Antique and Curio shops

Vintage Clothes

Chocolate (what girl doesnt?!) especially this M&S Rose scented milk chocolate... .heavenly!

What are your 'loves'?

Nostell Priory

2011-02-26T17:47:00.000Z

I mentioned in my previous post about a lovely weekend we had a few weeks ago.

It was one of those heart warming weekends where we had a lie in, had cuddles, relaxed, ate good food, did the things we enjoy.

One of those things is visiting stately homes/parks.

We are very lucky here in Yorkshire as it is such a large county and filled to the brim with lots of beautiful, historic parks, gardens and stately homes

We have visited a fair few and I have shared them with you on many an occasion.

Mr Magpie and I have been to Nostell Priory, Near Wakefield in West Yorkshire many many times but I don't think I have ever posted about it.

Nostell is owned by The National Trust, You can read some more about the beautiful 18th Century house by clicking HERE

We did not go inside the house on this occasion as we have been many a time before... and we all know The National Trust can be rather pricey!!

So as well as enjoying a home baked Fat Rascal and a pot of tea in the tea rooms we had a leisurely stroll throughout the parkland

There are formal gardens, Lakes, A deer park, Woodlands and Farmland to amble across

We strolled across the deer park into the woodlands and on to the lake.

Unfortunately it was rather chilly and the light was poor as it was so dull, so forgive the quality of some of my pictures.

We spent a fair bit of time (too much for my liking!) 'stalking the lake' looking for Carp and Tench, Mr Magpie is a VERY keen angler

He has in fact got a key to the gate as he is a member of the Angling club there and so we have access to the grounds any time we like which is nice as we can be here when it is quiet as all the visitors have gone home

The water was still frozen in most parts from the icy cold winter we have been having.
The poor swans and ducks had only a small sheltered spot that had been melted by the sun.

Across the farm land at the top of a slight incline is this unusual, Pyramid Obelisk

I believe it was once the main gateway to the estate and was built in 1776 by Robert Adam, it is no longer in use but was restored in 2006.

Also within the grounds of the estate is this small, old church with beautiful stained glass windows.

It is nice to be able to see a churches windows in all of their glory as sadly we more often than not see them protected by ugly metal bars, a sigh of the times I think!

I don't know details of the church or how old it is, but judging by this grave I found in the churchyard dated 1676 I would say it has been here a fairly long while.

This weekend I am not up to anything exciting!

Mr M is working on-call and I have housework to catch up on as my new job entails working a 5 day week most weeks.

I used to work just 3 so I could designate one of the weekdays as my cleaning day so come weekend I could spend it relaxing and doing fun things.

But i love to have a nice, clean tidy house and now I have finished my work I am going to put my feet up with a nice drink and catch up on what you guys are all up to this weekend

Have a good one!!!!

Inspiration...

2011-02-21T19:48:00.001Z

Pictures

Without

Words

Poetry

For

The

Eyes

These pictures move and inspire me

I hope they have inspired you too......

Normal Service Resumes

2011-02-20T17:57:00.000Z

After a few months break from my Blog I am back and hopefully this time for good!!!

I have posted only a few times since November as there has been an awful lot going on in my world.
Firstly I have had health problems. Some of you may be aware that I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis. I was only diagnosed a year ago and so far my specialist has not yet found a treatment that works for me.
The treatment is quite aggressive and the drugs used are similar to Chemotherapy, therefore the side effects can be pretty yukky.
So as well as the daily Pain, Stiffness and Fatigue of the disease I also have the side effects to contend with.
Unfortunately we still have not found a suitable treatment but we are working on it, I am due to see the Professor next week.

As well as the health problems, I have also had big changes at work.
At the moment I am in a new post which I started only a month ago and although I enjoy it tremendously I have had to take a 10k pay decrease.

But 2011 is 'The Year of Change' for Mr Magpie and I in many ways and we are both taking pretty major career changes. I plan to return to education to study Animal Care, Something I am passionate about and have always wanted to pursue.
Mr Magpie is a hospital Doctor and is only 2 years away from becoming a Consultant, he is amazing at his job and is so caring and passionate but is finding the workload so incredibly stressful and unsociable.
We rarely see one another and the job would have a huge impact on family life, therefore he has chosen to become a GP, which means he must take exams and 'drop back' a few years to a junior doctor level once again. But it will all be worth it in the end.
You see, We have also been discussing the huge step of starting a family later this year (Eeeek!!! ...that's me all excited!) so his new role would be much more suitable for bringing up a wee family.
He is even looking at swapping the sporty little car we have for something much bigger! Think I have finally anchored him down!!!

Mr Magpie's career change would also mean us moving home and leaving Yorkshire.

We would be moving 'Over t'hills' to Lancashire, So although I would miss my native county we would be nearer to both our sets of Parents which will be lovely, especially if we are successful with our plans for a family.

So anyway, Here I am, back in the land of Blog....

So expect the usual ramblings from me.

About, my home life... trials and tribulations....

my hobbies and pass times including walking.....

Visits to Stately homes and other Days Out.

This photo (below) is from a recent wintry walk around the grounds of Nostell Priory

Shopping for all things Vintage, Retro, Antique or Thrifted

Both for our home and for myself (of course).

Below is my most recent treasured buy.

A Deco tea set bought from a Vintage Fair that was held at Leeds Corn Exchange a few weeks ago.

It came boxed in this cute floral hat box and is named "Tea for Two and Two for Tea", it contains two cups and saucers, two cake plates, two cake forks, two embroidered napkins a beautiful milk jug (It is what sold the set to me) and a little sample of loose leaf tea.

I will also be blogging about food.... sharing my favourite recipes

and sharing with you my hap hazard baking skills!

(by the way, theses scrumptiously sublime French Macarons were not my creation but that of Mr Waitrose...and they were yum)

I will be telling you all about the antics of this little Madam, Fluff Puss..... she hasn't changed one bit.

Here she is trying to sabotage a game of Scrabble that Mr Magpie and I were having the other evening.

She doesn't half get jealous when the focus isn't on her. She detests my laptop, tries to sit on the keyboard when I have it on my lap as though to say "Hey! That's my spot"

So, if you would like to share our 'Year of change' with us here in the Magpie nest then.....
STAY TUNED!!

x

PS... I hope you are all well and embracing this new year,
and Thank You for remaining loyal and not deserting me in my absence.

Thank You

2011-01-26T17:35:00.001Z

Hello to you all

Just dropping by to say THANK YOU soooooo much for the lovely comments you have all left me on my last post. I have read and re-read them all, they are all so cheery, wishing me all the best, and they really have put a smile on my face!

I am still in the process of some major life changes including a career swap and ongoing health issues..... but things are slowly coming together and I am looking positively towards the future.

For both Myself and Mr Magpie 2011 is THE YEAR OF CHANGE!!

I have been doing a spot of thrifting and coming home with the usual bargains, Will share them soon.

2011 is also to be my year of spending less and recycling/thrifting more.

So roll on Summer and car boot season hey!

Much Love
x

HERE'S TO A SHINY NEW YEAR!!

2010-12-31T17:10:00.000Z

As I sit here, Coffee and mince pies in hand, The Vonn Trapp family yodelling in my ear and the Christmas tree lights twinkling and lighting the room like tiny yellow stars, My thoughts wandered, my head was filled with faces of the friends and family I love and my heart filled with warmness.

Amongst those friends I thought of the fabulous people I have become acquainted with through my blog.

What kind, caring and thoughtful people you all are.

I thank you for your 'freindship' even if it is kind of 'virtual freindship' we have.

Thank You for not deserting me whilst I have been a less frequent blogger of late!

Things in my world are still a bit topsy turvy and I wont be celebrating much tonight apart from some non-alcoholic fizz and a spot of Jools Holland with Mr Magpie. This is due to health reasons I wont bore you with.

Yes 2010 has been less than kind to me and my family and I therefore I look forward to 2011.

A fresh new year and hopefully a fresh new start in many ways for me.

So enjoy your celebrations, have a (proper) drink for me

and I truly wish you all the VERY BEST of HEALTH and HAPPINESS this bright New Year.

Love and Hugs

Kitty

PS. Sorry about the lack of photographic interest, my account is playing up still! x

Starting to feel Festive

2010-12-19T19:38:00.001Z

Well Hello Friends

Are we all ready for the big day?

I have not been feeling very festive as I have had a lot on my plate lately which has taken up most of my time.

But as of this weekend I have decided to snap out of my dull mood and embrace the season.

I am usually very well organised and quite excited by this time but I have alot of catching up to do this week....

Baking mince pies, wrapping gifts (and buying a fair few first!), food shopping, hand delivering of cards.

The tree is decorated and cards and gifts have been posted to further afield but that's about it!

Something I have done this year to make life a bit more simpler is do most of my shopping online.

I found some fabulous gifts and decorations especially on Etsy.com

such as this cutesy cat hat......

Isn't it sweeeet! Although I didn't actually buy it I had to share it with you..... I doubt fluff puss would appreciate it to be honest!

I have had a bit of a 'thing' about Reindeer this year so I thought I would share with you a few of my favourite finds.

Starting with these Reindeer figures from Berry Red, Large £6.50 and Smaller one £5.00

Wrapping Paper £12 from Cox and Cox

This hanging Reindeer from Birchcraft for £3.25

A zinc hanger, Caroline Zoob £12 for 3

Cute Reindeer fairy lights, £19.95 from Dotcomgiftshop

Teeny little Reindeer pegs for card hanging, £4 for 6 from Paperchase

And finally, something to drink your hot cocoa from.... Mug £4.00 from John Lewis

I hope you are enjoying the festive Season!

And Thank You Friends..... for not giving up on me whilst my posts have been so few and far between this past two months.

(I don't appear to have lost any followers anyway!)

I am now going to curl up on the sofa with a mug of tea and a slice of my mothers fabulous Christmas cake and catch up on your blogs!

Big Hugs

From Kitty

A SHORT TRANSMISSION!!

2010-11-23T22:43:00.000Z

Hello! It is I......

As you may have read in my previous post I am having a spot of trouble uploading etc...

Therefore i have been unable to post as I usually do

But don't desert me just yet.....

I will be back as soon as I have sorted out a few things in 'the real world' as well as the naughty blog issues.

I cant wait to share the forthcoming festive season with you all....eek I'm getting excited!

Watch

This

Space!

Au Revoir mon amis

A Beautiful Bargain, A Prize and other ramblings

2010-11-12T19:34:00.000Z

I just wanted to share with you this beautiful Autumn Bouquet I treated myself to the other day

Lovely isn't it?

Filled with Brassicas

and pine cones

"You really did treat yourself!" You may think, Why they must have cost the best part of £10!

Aha! That's where you would be wrong, You see I picked them up from Lidl for a teeny sum of £2.99

Can you believe it!?

Most defiantly my bargain of the week.

As well as flowers perking me up this week I also had a wonderful surprise the other day when it was announced that I had won the super Giveaway prize form the fabulous blog of IndigoShirl.
Well the parcel in question arrived today
Mr Magpie answered the door to the postman
and when I told him what it was likely to be he was even more excited than me!?!
"Can I help you open it?" he asked eagerly
"No!" I replied " I have to open it the 'Bloggy' way"
"The 'Blogy Way'?" he asked
"Yes, I must take obligatory photographs at each stage up unwrapping to share with my blog friends"
I informed him.
"Your all nuts!" was the response i received...........

Beautifully wrapped in yummy cupcake paper

(this definitely caught Mr's eye)

Aren't I the luckiest girl!

Fabulous Cath Kidston goodies galore

THANK YOU Shirl

Now, I have not partaken in much shopping this week, but last Friday I had popped into a few charity shops where I picked up this wonderful 1940's Enamel roasting tin for £2.50

A flying visit to Ikea for some essentials (boring things!)

found me adopting these pretty crochets for adding onto whatever you wish, cushions, clothes, bags......

As I have not yet mastered the skill of crochet then why not cheat eh!

OH NO!!!!

I am halfway through uploading photos for this post and I have received the message that I am unable to upload any more as I have reached the maximum Picasa allowance and must purchase more space!!

Another blog friend of mine has had the same problem recently as well and it has put a stop to her blogging (hopefully temporarily) so it looks as though I am in the same boat.

Therefore Transmission must terminate HERE!

I will be back as soon as I have figured out what to do......

Have a fabulous weekend Amigos

Adios

Lest We Forget

2010-11-11T00:12:00.001Z

On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month in the year 1918

The guns fell silent

Armistice was declared

The end of World War I

But unfortunately not the end of War

Today we commemorate the fallen soldiers who fought for our freedom in the ghastly conditions of Trench Warfare

Fighting on the front line

Many of them just boys

Many of them never to return home

And on Remembrance Sunday we will also give thanks to those men and women who are fighting for us right now as I write this post

Those who we have lost and those who have survived but with horrific mental and physical scarring.

I would now like to share with you some poetry by Siegfried Sassoon

If you read my blog regularly you will know I am lover of poetry

and no poetry has ever touched me the way his work has

These poems were taken from Sassoon's book of "War Poems"

in which he wrote whilst serving in the British army during World War I

He describes life on the front line and the first hand horror of trench warfare that we can only imagine.

Siegfried Sassoon, 1915

Dreamers

Soldiers are citizens of deaths grey land

Drawing no dividend of time's tomorrows

In the great hour of destiny they stand

Each with his feuds, and jealousies and sorrows

Soldiers are sworn to action; they must win

Some flaming, fatal climax with their lives

Soldiers are dreamers when the guns begin

They think of fire lit homes, clean beds and wives

I see them in foul dug outs, gnawed by rats

and in the ruined trenches lashed with rain

Dreaming of things they did with balls and bats

And mocked by hopeless longing to regain

Bank holidays, Picture shows and Spats

And going to the office on the train

Written in 1917

Flanders Field memorial

Does it Matter?...

Does it matter? losing your legs?...

For people will always be kind

And you need not show that you mind

When the others come in after hunting

To gobble their muffins and eggs

Does it matter? losing your sight?...

There's such splendid work for the blind

And people will always be kind

As you sit on the terrace remembering

And turn your face to the light

Do they matter? those dreams from the pit?...

You can drink and forget and be glad

And people wont say that you are mad

For they'll know that you've fought for your country

And no one will worry a bit

Written in 1917

I could go on and on sharing theses poems with you

Some are quite gruesome and shockingly blunt

But they help you understand the suffering that these men went through

During the wars and afterwards with ongoing illnesses, disabilities and 'shell shock' as they called it then.

A pretty village and A Bonfire party

2010-11-08T10:37:00.002Z

On Saturday morning I went along to Harrogate to see a friend

On my way there I pass through Harewood Village on the edge of the Harewood House Estate.

Harewood Village was built, I believe, in 1760 by The Earl of Harewood to accommodate staff working on his estate. The Village is small and well kept with simple amenities such as Village post office/store.

The houses are traditional Yorkshire stone cottages built in a grid of just a few streets.

The village is surrounded by countryside and lies equidistant between Leeds and Harrogate.

I love this sweet little village and would love to live here.

In fact we were very close to renting a property here about this time last year but unfortunately I didn't move fast enough and the cottage was snapped up in no time.

At the centre of the village is the gateway to Harewood House itself.

Apologies for the poor quality of my photos today, I took them with my mobile phone.

But despite this i am sure that you cannot grumble with this stunning view across the Valley looking towards Harrogate.

The weather was wild and gloomy with huge dark clouds lingering.

Rainfall from earlier in the week meant that the River Wharfe was full and fast flowing

And The Stray in Harrogate was looking particularly beautiful with its autumn shroud

By the afternoon the clouds had dispersed and the weak Autumn sunshine began to struggle through and warm the earth.

After a spot of shopping (more of that anther day) once the darkness fell, we set off to Selby to a Bonfire party that we had been invited to.

A friend of ours owns a fishing lake surrounded by beautiful woodland and the bonfire was taking place in a clearing there.

There were about 30 people there and we all stood around watching the magnificent fireworks displays and setting of lanterns that floated off into he dark night sky, Here is one below.

We ate Sausages, Chilli, Baked potatoes, Parkin & Bonfire toffee and drank mulled cider and hot cocoa as we huddled around.

....and once the children had gone home tired out from all the fun.

The remaining few of us pulled chairs up around the bonfire which had died down to the size of a large campfire and we sat there late into the night telling spooky stories and having a good old giggle.

The spooky stories were indeed spooky in fact terrifying given our surroundings.

We were in the middle of a woodland clearing with nothing but the light of the fire and a few lanterns.

I stood up at one point to warm my back on the fire and as I gazed into the darkness I am sure heard a scurry,

Maybe just a fox or Badger?

But we defiantly felt as though something was watching from between the dark trees.......

Penny For The Guy

2010-11-04T22:06:00.000Z

"Penny fo't guy Mister"

(Said with a broad Yorkshire Twang!)

It is a long time since I have heard that ringing out around town the week before Guy Fawkes night

Picture C/O Getty Images

It is a real shame that people forget the true meaning of our traditions and celebrations

I love old Blighty and I love all of our ancient and quirky folklore's

Sadly many things are now overlooked due to political correctness and Health and Safety laws

(But I wont get into that!!!)

"Bonfire Night" or "Fireworks night" is how most children will know it nowadays

I imagine the majority will not even know the true meaning of why we burn bonfires and set off fireworks each year on 5th November

Have they even heard of this 'Guy'?

The local Yorkshire lad we all know as Guy Fawkes

This famous poem below tells the tale in short

........................................

Remember Remember the fifth of November

The Gunpowder, Treason and Plot

I know no reason why the Gunpowder Treason

Should ever be forgot

Guy Fawkes Guy Fawkes t'was his intent

To blow up the King and Parliment

Three score barrels of powder below

To prove old England's overthrow

By Gods providence he was catched

With a dark lantern and burning match

Holla Boys Holla Boys Let the bells ring

Holla Boys Holla Boys God save the King

And what shall we do with him?

Burn Him

...............................

Have a wonderful 'Guy Fawkes Night'

Enjoy the hot baked potatoes, the chewy treacle toffees, the sticky Parkin

The screaming fireworks, The crunchy leaves, The cold noses,

The smell of sparklers and smoke in the air.......

But stay safe!

Nostalgia.....Dontcha' just love it!

2010-11-03T15:46:00.000Z

Bonjour Mon Amis......

and Thank You all for taking time to read the spooky stories in my previous post.

I enjoyed reading the tales you told me as well, it seems there is definitely something out there!

Now something us bloggers have in common is a love of all things Vintage, Retro, Antique, Nostalgic or simply just Old. We can appreciate the quality and style of timeless pieces from furniture to clothing to old buildings.

They truly did make things 'proper' in the 'good old days', They built to last.

In my case it is more than just a love of theses things but a slight obsession.

There is something special about each era.

I love The Medieval and Elizabethan architecture and clothing

I love The Georgians, Regency era, Victorians, Edwardians, The Roaring 20's and the 30's, The Wartime period and the post war glamour of the 1950's, The innovation of the space age 60's and 70's -I love the clothing and some of the interior design of this era, But I must pass upon the architectural designs of this time, Those 1960's town planners have alot to answer for bringing their wrecking ball down on far too many beautiful old buildings in my opinion!!

Well last night's televisual offerings were simply right up my street, just my cup of tea!

Yes it all kicked off at 8pm with our Queen of Thrift

Kirstie Alsopp

With her second series of 'Homemade Home' a whole hour of eye candy and fabulous ideas.

Kirstie spent this episode treasure hunting at antique and second hand fairs **Squeal of delight**

Learning to Crochet, Sewing curtains, and making wrought iron bookends from scratch.

She also helped a couple from Wolverhampton to decorate their beautiful Victorian home in a unique, antique style and I adored the finished results.

The study room was exactly how Mr Magpie have planned ours when we eventually move to a bigger house..... A gentleman's club feel with walls and shelves filled with old books and curious.

The Hallway was equally as inviting and perfectly in keeping with the period house.

Here is their finished result

Beautiful isn't it, complete with antique umbrella stand, settle, Mirrors and light fitting and that restored parquetry floor is stunning, it reminds me of the floor at my first childhood home which was an old late Victorian cottage. I must have spent many an hour learning to crawl and walk along it as it is ingrained in my memory.

Here is the handmade stained glass panel that was used in the Front door.

I cant wait now until next weeks episode!! Eeek!

There was just enough time for a quick cup of tea to be made before another fabulous series began over on BBC1. Regular blog readers in our 'Circle' will more than likely already be aware of this exciting new programme entitled 'Turn Back Time: The High Street'

which is another great programme for Nostalgia lovers like myself.

Basically, as quoted from the BBC website

" A group of shop keeping families are transported back to the birth of the high street in the 1870's
and propelled through a century of change, right up to the modern era of the 1970's"

Last night saw the the families struggle with the Victorian way of life and even more so with the Victorian tools of their trade. Next week they will jump forward to the Edwardian era.

Right, enough of my ramblings, I am in the middle of decorating my Hall, Stairs and Landing so must crack on with that now that I have refuelled and relaxed a little.

Bye for now

Tales of the unexpected....

2010-11-01T18:02:00.000Z

Okay, now grab a cuppa and a blanket,

Light a few candles to create a mysterious atmosphere.

As promised I am now going to tell you some spooky tales of ghostly goings-on that I have encountered.

I am a believer in the spirit world and believe that once somebody has passed away their soul or spirit leaves their body and lives on in the form of a 'Ghost'

These 'Ghosts' or manifestations can go unseen and spirits of loved ones are around us all of the time, coming and going and being with us especially in times of need or importance to us.

Some Manifestations left their body (they died) in a traumatic way and may revisit the place in which it happened as they are have not yet found peace.

Other spirits may just visit places or people who were important to them in their life.

Please remember that what I have just written is purely my opinion and belief and I don't wish to offend or upset anybody. I am very open minded and happy to hear other peoples interpretations.

Now,

Are you sitting comfortably?

......Then I shall begin

The first time I encountered anything 'strange' was at the age of about 8 years old.

My parents and I had moved into an old Edwardian house, The house in which my parents still live to this day.

My Mother told me that the previous owner had warned her that the house was haunted (after they had bought it!! HA!) but at the time of the following occurrence I was not aware.

Not long after we had moved in, I awoke one night to get up for bathroom visit, When I returned to my room I found I could not get back to sleep. So I left my lamp on and read my school book a while. The door was open and my bed was facing out towards the dark landing.

The next thing I remember was seeing an elderly man dressed in what I can only describe as a 'Wee Willie Winkie" nightgown, very old fashioned, stripy bed shirt with a night cap just like the nursery rhyme illustrates.

He had grey scruffy hair and was wearing small round glasses.

I have only vague recollections of what he was doing or how long it all went on for but I remember him so well and can still picture him to this day.

I didn't dare move or even call out to my parents so I stayed in bed with the light on and must have eventually fallen asleep.

In the morning I told my parents and my mother was quite shocked and intrigued.

She then told me what the previous owner had said and also that our new neighbour had said the same thing.

My mum went and spoke to the neighbour again and he told her that there was once an old man living in our house on his own, he was very old fashioned in his ways and how he dressed and sounded exactly like the man I described. He had apparently lived in the house with his wife from when it had been built until he died there alone. It was after him that the owners before us had moved in.

After this experience we all noticed strange goings-on in the house.

As the decorating and moving in took place a few odd things occurred.

The new carpet was rolled up on the landing ready to be fitted. One morning we all awoke to find it had been untied and rolled out across the landing floor, we just shrugged and blamed it on the old man!

Then a week or two after that my Mum was busy putting up curtains in the dining room, she had a pile of curtain hooks on the table and was getting on with the task at hand when she was called away by my Dad to help him with something. When she returned to continue with the curtain hanging she could not find the hooks. She was adamant that she had left them there in the table in a pile. There was nobody but my Dad in the house and she had been with him the whole time.

Well, they searched high and low over and over again completely baffled by their disappearance.

Then on returning to the dining room again, there they were! Right where she had left them.

Yet both Mum and Dad had looked in that spot more than once.

On an another occasion a few more years down the line, I think I was about 10 years old. I had a bizarre experience. My mother used to work Late shifts and did not arrive home from work until about midnight.

She would come home and watch television in the sitting room, she used to love 'Prisoner Cell block H' that was always on quite late at night (remember it!! hehe!

I remember one night I awoke having heard the murmur of the television downstairs and my mum coughing.

I crept down the stairs in the dark to see her. As I got closer to the bottom of the stairs I could hear the Television a little louder and could see the room light shining under the door.

I burst into the room to surprise her but has shocked to find it was pitch black with no television and no Mum!! I was scared and worried and ran back upstairs checking the time, She would usually be sat there at this time, where was she, Why had I heard the TV and seen the light??

I tip toed into my parents room to mums side of the bed. She was fast asleep within it!

I remember then waking her to tell her about my strange experience.

She comforted me telling me I must have dreamt it.

Maybe I had?

But it happened again a few weeks later......

They have lived in the house now for over 20 years and have experienced the odd strange occurrence like the ones above but nothing too spooky or crazy enough that they have wanted to leave.

My interpretation is that the old man was not too happy about a new family moving into his house so he wanted to 'test' us. I think he must have eventually got to like us and settled down somewhat.

But last Christmas he decided to pay us another wee visit.

It was Christmas day evening and I was in the kitchen washing the pots and clearing away.

My Father and Mr magpie were sat in the sitting room watching something on the Television and my Mother was in the dining room pottering about, tidying up after our Christmas dinner.

She had stopped for a rest ad was sat on the chair looking up at the twinkling fairy lights on the mantle piece.

Suddenly she called me to come quickly.

I grabbed the tea towel and ran into the room.

She told me "its too late, it has vanished!"

I asked her what she was talking about and could feel the hairs on the back of my neck tingle as she told me she had just seen a cloud of shimmery smoke hovering halfway up the brick chimney breast,
when she called me in it disappeared quickly as though it was being sucked upwards.

Eeek! that was spooky, Needless to say I didn't go into that room for the rest of the evening.

Now as a nurse I have heard all manner of spooky stories from colleagues as we have sat on the night shift.

As im sure you would imagine, Hospitals have history and lots of people have died in them over the years.

I have heard some chilling tales and also some weird and down right silly ones too.

But I have encountered a ghost whilst on duty myself.

I will save that one for another time though

I'm sure I have spooked you enough for one day.

Do you have any tales of the unexpected?

I would love to hear them

Sleep tight

Trick or Treat??!!!

2010-10-31T18:56:00.000Z

Well there has been lots of treats and thankfully no tricks so far in our neighbourhood this evening!

We have already gone through one whole tin of chocolate's and it's only half past 6!!

(although I did pinch a few favourites to go with my cuppa earlier, Sshhh)

As usual the children from our village are out in force, dragging their mums and dads behind them....

Witches, Cats, Pumpkins, Devils, Monsters!!

Every year I dig out my terracotta pumpkin and light the candle inside it,

Then I pop it in one of our front windows so that the children know they are welcome here.

Then Mr Magpie and I take it in turns to answer their calls!!

Some of the costumes are amazing, you only have to look in the supermarket aisles to see what is on offer.

But I was always more than happy with my customised bin liner and Witches hat from Woolworths!

Now I know I promised some spooky stories of ghostly encounters I have had over the years

but I have left it too late and I am now settling down to watch the Autumn special of 'Countryfile' and Downtown Abbey following that..........

Stay tuned and I promise to post them to for you tomorrow instead.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN ONE AND ALL

Mmwuhahahahahahaaaaa!!!

;)

The Estuary

2010-10-27T18:30:00.002+01:00

When I was at my parents home last weekend my mother and I went for a stroll by the River Estuary which is not too far from their house

I would like to share with you some of the photographs I took

The weather was quite changeable and went from blustery to rainy to calm and sunny all within an hour

therefore theses photographs look as though they were taken on completely different days!

Typical British weather eh!

We strolled along from the 'creek' that was once a medieval port

which saw merchant ships bringing in goods for the local villages

The area is now largely neglected but for a small boat club where local pleasure boaters meet and moor their vessels.

The mud flats are deep and dangerous.

Rickety old jetty's jut out across the mud to reach the deeper water

This old boat has been her for as long as I can remember, at least 20 years.

It has been left to ruin.

The harsh elements from the Irish sea sweeping up the Estuary and battering it into submission

Leaving just a rusting old corpse

Of what once brought such pleasure and joy to people

And ironically if you zoom in, you can just make out the name of the boat

'Good Hope'

Well I am afraid there is little hope for her now!

Such a shame.

Whilst on the topic of Hope, here are a few quotes on the subject to get you thinking.......

" The miserable have no medicine but hope"

William Shakespeare

"Clouds and darkness surround us,

yet heaven is just

and the day of triumph will surely come

when justice and truth will be vindicated

our wrongs will be made right

and we will once more taste the blessings of freedom"

Mary Todd Lincoln

(wife of Abraham Lincoln)

"Hope is brightest when it dawns from fears"

Sir Walter Scott

"Hope for the best, But prepare for the worst"

English Proverb

"Hope is a thing with feathers

That perches in the soul

and sings the tune without words

and never stops at all"

Emily Dickinson

Weekend Lovleyness

2010-10-25T18:57:00.002+01:00

Lovely new boots, Don't you think?

But who do they belong to?

They belong to this little man.....and he has some growing to do to fit into them properly!

I am sure it wont take long though, after all, he put a whole 10lb on just this week.

Yes the midwife is happy with his progress and he has now been discharged.

I went along to my best friends this weekend to meet 2 week old little Stanley, my brand new 'Nephew'

and I fell in utter love with him....head over heels

and who wouldn't

My best friend still lives in the village I grew up in, where my parents still live, So I stayed with them.

Mr Magpie was busy this weekend so I had the opportunity to have some real family time.

I spent an afternoon sat with my Grandmother in front of the fire, listening to stories of her youth and holding her hand, it was lovely.

She always gives me something or other to take home, sometimes random things she has found.

This time she gave me a photograph of her mother taken in the late 1920's and some Victorian and Edwardian coins. I shall treasure them always.

I also came home with this old suitcase.

It belonged to my other (Paternal) Grandma who I called Nanna

It contains piles of old photographs and documents that we found when she passed away 4 years ago.

I have 'borrowed' it from my Father but he doesn't know it, You see I intend to compile an album arranging everything on chronological order to present to him at Christmas time as a gift.

It seems a shame for everything to be stowed away in a suitcase on top of a wardrobe never being appreciated.

Therefore I asked my Mother and she agreed it would be a lovely thing to do.

Now for a spot of shopping.....A weekend would be incomplete without a spot of spending in my opinion.

So first off here are some things I picked up in the fabulous TK Maxx

A Purple and Mustard felt cushion to add some brightness to my lounge

An aged Cast Iron doorstop

And a cast Iron hook

Also this large glass bauble from their fabulous range of Christmas decorations....I just had to have it!

From the Charity shops I picked up this Magnifying glass for £2

and the 'GreyDawn' platter to add to my collection, this cost £1.50.

This bevelled mirror was £4 and I also bought an Edwardian lace tablecloth which I forgot to photograph before I popped it in the wash this afternoon, That cost me a mere £2.

Something else I picked up this weekend was this scrummy coffee......

gosh I love cinnamon and am also quite nutty and eccentric!!! Perfect!

So whilst the coffee kept me warm this afternoon,

Fluff Puss took advantage of the fact that I was washing the bed linen and kept warm here!

How sweet

Snug as a Bug in a Rug

A Therapeutic Walk

2010-10-21T19:38:00.002+01:00

Hmmm? I am rather miffed.

I seem to have gained 4 new followers recently then lost 4 only a week later.

I wonder what I did wrong?

Oh Well!

I am aware however that I have been a pretty infrequent blogger of late.

I have an awful lot going on right now in my 'real' life as I have aforementioned and that is the reason why.

My favourite way to escape these problems is to get out and about for long walks, taking plenty of photographs along the way.

So how about joining Mr Magpie and Myself on the walk we went on last Sunday?

It was a bright, sunny, dry but bitterly cold October day.

We decided to head down to the canal.

I was quite bemused to spot this sunflower still in full bloom right on the waters edge!

After a stroll alongside the canal we turned uphill into some fields to follow a footpath which took across the old disused industrial landscape of what was once a thriving coal mine.

I was quite enchanted by the old railway bridge which was once used to transport the coal.

See the shrubs and even a young tree growing on the old track bed.....

I love the starkness of its dark, iron pillars industrial and abstract against it's fresh, green, natural surroundings.

They appear to go on and on and on.....

Can you spot yet more industry in the distance behind this bird hide?

The haunting, colossal cooling towers of a power station 5 miles away.

I was always scared of cooling towers as a child, I'm not sure why?

I think it was simply because of how enormous they are.

We had arrived smack bang in the middle of an RSPB nature reserve where regular sightings are of Kingfisher and Osprey to name but two.

Unfortunately we were not equipped to spot birds so we continued walking

We walked along an old coach road and headed towards a lake where Mr Magpie likes to go fishing

Along the way we found a bountiful apple tree

so I decided to gather a few....I filled my pockets!

These affectionate sheep made me giggle along the way.....

.........as we headed towards

The Pub!

Yes, a much needed pit stop was in order, we had already walked a fair few miles.

So what better way to refuel than with a half a bitter shandy whilst warming our backs in the Autumn sunshine

and taking in the tranquility of the Sunday afternoon

Here are some of the apples I scrumped

So after a nice rest we set off again towards the lake, passing pretty cottages along the way

And here is the lake, we arrive with another hour of daylight left.....

....so we took a leisurely walk around the perimeter

I left Mr Magpie 'stalking' carp (or something!?) and used the beautiful evening as a photo opportunity!

In the distance I spotted a small orchard and headed toward it eagerly

I passed bramble bushes along the path

which made my tummy rumble as I added some crumble topping and custard

Mmmmm!

Here they were, cooking apples, Pippins and other varieties that I'm not sure the name of.....

Boughs heavy with abundance

and lots and lots of windfall

I filled my ruck sac this time with unblemished windfall and skipped off happy with my freebies

I headed into the wooded area behind the lake where I spotted so many different types of fungus and huge specimens of them at that.

I had to show you this photo as I was quite pleased with myself for it!! hehe!

I got down on my knees for these shots...good job it was dry

Soon the sun began to set behind the streaky clouds so I headed back to the lake to find Mr M.

Just in time to spot these two swans flying off into the sunset.

I am afraid I was a little slow though and by the time I was ready with my camera they were too white smudges in the sky....can you spot them?

Some nature photographer I would make!

I shall leave you now with a two of my favourite shots taken as the sun got lower and lower and the Autumn evening chill took over.

We were soon trekking on the road home for a hearty roast dinner

Most Exciting New Arrivals !!

2010-10-18T18:15:00.003+01:00

Bless Mr Magpie! He has his faults that I like to whine about, but don't we all!

He knows that I have been feeling very blue lately (and is more than likely fed up of it!) so he brought me home some scrummy Rose & Violet creams, my utter favourites.

He also brought me this pretty bouquet of flowers.

Some may say, not the most imaginative of gifts to buy for your lady but he knows he will always win my heart and cheer me up with thise simplest of pleasures.

As you may know, I love to shop!

and most definatley reap the curative benefits of retail,

Therefore a visit to the shops at the weekend saw me returning home with this 'new arrival' for my kitchen

A new kettle, which I think looks fab with my colour scheme.

I don't use an electric kettle, simply because I love the nostalgia of a whistling one.

It reminds me of staying at my Nan's house when I was a child

. She didn't have any central heating, just a coal fire and in the mornings I would stay curled up in my blankets with the chill nipping my nose. Nan would bob downstairs to put the kettle on.

When I heard the whistling I knew it was time to run downstairs for a steaming cup of milky tea.

Do you like my UJ tray in the background?

That was a lovely, thoughtful gift from Lisa at Jumble & Jelly for my birthday back in July.

I also went into Whttards to buy some Cinnamon coffee syrup and came out with this red spotty jug as well.... well it would have been rude not to!

But best of all, my favourite purchase and the cheapest of the lot at £3.20 from a charity shop was this fabulous 1950's lemon yellow, 'Melmex' Melamine tea set.

Now I cant wait for spring/summer so that I can use it outdoors and picnic in style!

Now the ULTIMATE arrival this week, well last Friday to be exact on the 10.10.10

was the arrival of this little chap, Stanley.

He is the gorgeous little son of my best friend Jo.

I had actually gone over the Pennines to visit her on her last few days of pregnancy with a little gift for her to take into hospital. I awoke on the morning I planned to see her and was greeted with a text message saying rather matter of fact:

" Just to let you know I have just given birth to the most gorgeous little boy, weighing 7lb something..."

Yes she must have had her phone with her in he delivery suite as she wasn't even sure of his exact weight at time of writing!! It is lovely to think she thought of me during that special time.

I squealed with excitement and woke Mr Magpie up before ringing our other best friend (and waking her...sorry) to see if she had the news also.

So, needless to say, I didn't manage to visit my friend as she remained in hospital overnight and I didn't want to disturb her family time, despite my eagerness to meet baby Stanley.

So next weekend I intend to head back over the pennines again to visit he wee man and I cannot wait.

And with a name like that I know exactly where I shall be going to pick up a gift.....

Yes, Cath Kidtson of course!

I hope she has some delightful 'Stanley' print goodies in store.

Have you had any good news that has cheered you up lately?

I hope so