Let's Get This Over With

 “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice.” – T.S. Eliot

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As 2013 reaches its final day, it would be normal to look back on the year and remember the good times and the positives. Unfortunately, they've been in short supply this year. From family bereavements to health issues, unexpected financial pressures and a whole host of minor irritations - it's just not been a good year.
So, lets get this one out of the way and start the next one with a more positive approach.
Happy New Year to you all.
Jane

The Birds

Look away now if you don't like seagulls!

The weekend before last  I went away to Chester. I was there by way of a favour and therefore most of the cost was picked up by a family member. Favour done, nice hotel, use of pool and spa - win, win all round!

Anyone who's been to Chester will know that it's the law that you take yourself down to the river Dee and feed the birds. Now on the river there are a nice collection of swans and ducks. However, these are massively outnumbered by pigeons and gulls.
All the birds are well versed in spotting bird feeders. As potential feeders get out of their cars at the riverside, they can very quickly identify a wrapped sliced loaf. Word goes out and by the time you get down the steps, they're waiting!

In particular the gulls are very adept at intercepting bread intended for the swans, mid-air. The swans aren't that bothered as they prefer a nice artisan loaf or at least a decent ciabatta.
The gulls and pigeons are more than happy with a bit of white sliced.

Another Year Over (Almost)..........

I'm usually glad to see the back of a year, always thinking that next year will be better. The pessimist in me tells me I'm probably going to be wrong. Are you allowed to be miserable on your own blog?
Photo above was taken whilst out walking last Wednesday (aka Christmas Day).

 

My Christmas was extremely low key. It started by popping out to feed two home alone Christmas kitties. Said cats had left me a very nice present on the kitchen worktop (you don't see Santa doing that).

After unwrapping, I shared the ribbon - it was much enjoyed.

 

In the afternoon I went walking with Himself. Just in case anyone thinks it looks like some kind of modern incarceration camp - it's actually the back of Manchester Airport. The tall building on the left is the old control tower, recently replaced with a brand new shiny version.
On the right, out of shot and much more picturesque is Styal Woods.

I'm planning that 2014 will involve lots of sitting behind my sewing machine. I was quite taken with this Tula Pink quilt on display at this year's Festival of Quilts. I have the fabric for it - now just need time and motivation.
I've also got a couple of WIP's to get to grips with - both intended as presents. Additionally, a family member and the daughter of a work colleague are expecting, so a couple of baby quilts are in order there. I'm giving myself the deadline of end of January for these, then February for the Tula Pink copy.

Speedy?

You know those videos on Youtube where clever people make whole quilt tops in minutes using a jelly roll - like this one?
Well I was given a jelly roll as a freebie at Festival Of Quilts last month, in lovely autumnal colours. I thought I'd give it a go!
They are usually filmed with a clock behind them and the top is completed in 40-60 minutes.
Me - 3 hours. Doh.

Is There Anybody There?

 

Well despite my blatant lack of blogging, I seem to have hit a minor milestone. I passed 10 000 hits on my little blog. Small fry for most of you, I know - you probably get that in a day! All the same, it feels a bit strange that so many people would read what I have to say - they can't all be trolls and other dodgy types.

Strangely, I've had a  very large amount of hits on one particular post, which I wrote over a year ago - I'm putting that down to spam hunters rather than the very nice bloggers I have contact with.

Unfortunately, not many visitors leave comments ( I know I'm often guilty of this, too), so I don't know how many 'real' readers are out there.

Anyway, if you are 'real' - thanks for reading and if you leave me a comment, I'll nip over to your blog and reciprocate.

FOQ

.......One more sleep and I'm off to the Festival of Quilts at the NEC, Birmingham - very excited!
This will be my second visit, so I know a little bit more what to expect. It's big, but I'm going to pace myself.

Sometimes.....

..........things turn out better than expected. After weeks of looking for a car and the disappointment of missing out on one last week.......today the other half found just the right one.
Only thing is, he didn't tell me, but just took himself off to Leeds to look at it - good job I trust him!
What kind of car? Well it's a blue one :-)
Also got a new (to me) phone - that was a present. Just need to take the course and exam to learn how to use it.
Normal service about to be resumed - sort of.