Happy birthday, Ant!! 30 years old on 14 february - a valentine's day baby - and a very pretty one !!!! Just a few photos to remind you - and me of how sweet you were! You in your baby bouncer - you were about 5 months old in this I think!
Your christening - uncle James, your Dad, me, auntie Pauline and Pere le Cluse and ,of course, you.

Couldn't resist this one - sorry!!

This was taken on the day you were born - a bit startled to be out in the world, I think!!

You and Gemma - she looks even more shocked than you did in the last photo - you could put a caption to this one with both of your thoughts!!! I think you are thinking 'what did I do to deserve a sister like this'!

Taken on a day trip to Sark - you're sitting on the steps on the way to the light house!

Don't ask!!!! One of Gran's old hats in the dressing-up box that you took a fancy to!!

I loved this dress - soft velour and you really suited the colour!!

You were 6 months old in this photo- and very cute! Have a lovely 30th - how ancient does that make me?????????????????

Just a few photos of the snow - a bit colder than Vietnam, Ant!! The schools are closed here today - no such luck in Derbyshire, Gemma - you seem to have missed it all - again!!

It all looks very pretty - it doesn't happen very often over here so it's quite a novelty!!

Just a few photos for you, Ant!! Enjoy yourselves in Cambodia and keep putting the photos on your blog!!!

Just for you, Antoinette and Gemma- to put you in the Christmas mood!!
Below is the nativity you sent from Mexico, Ant!

I've just finished decorating the tree - I think it looks lovely and has lots of the decorations on it from when you were little!!

Grandad and Uncle Keith!!

These were taken on Sunday at Grandma and Grandad - Bev is getting excited !!

Ethan took a fancy to Grandad's chair!

Grandma and Elaine - you can just see Elaine's new engagement ring!

I'll try to remember to take lots of photos at Christmas, Ant, so you can see what we're up to but I'm sure you'll have a great time in Cambodia. You must send lots of photos too!!

I've been looking at photos to update my blog and came across these that Antoinette sent from Mexico a couple of years ago. They were caterpillars that decided to make their home in her garden but unfortunately she didn't see them hatch out!! quite a few of them though!!

I thought this may make a good drawing/still life subject for one of our 'art' sessions?? The spools could be changed depending on the colours required but could be quite a good . if difficult, subject!!

Just a short post as we're out to lunch now!!

Not much to report this time - I saw your message, Ant, so here are a few photos to keep you quiet. I keep forgetting to take many though!! This is a photograph taken at the far end of the lake near us. Sam and I parked and walked for an hour - lots of birds - ducks, herons,a jay etc. etc.

I've not done a lot of sewing recently as Mum and Dad came over for a few days so we've been out and about. I'm still pleased with how it's going but will have to decide how far to take it - don't want to overwork it as I like the simplicity and the danger is stopping too late - or too soon - could do with meeting friends to have their input!!

We've another 2 weeks over here so hope to do a lot more before I go back to Guernsey - on this as well as the other piece . The weather has turned a lot colder over the past couple of days and it's lovely to light the fire and sit sewing. We are still walking a lot - to compensate for the delicious food and wine!! Lots to do!!

In France

As you complained about my lack of blogging, Ant, I am putting a few photos on for you to see. It takes an age, though, as we're not on broadband here!! Sam is enjoying himself in the garden - lots to do whilst I cook and sew to my hearts content!! The walnut tree hasn't produced may nuts this year - it was a bumper year last year so it's having a rest!! We're quite relieved really as we spent a month last October gathering nuts and ended up with sack fulls!! This year there are just enough for us to use this winter.
We've had a lovely few days and went to Val Andre this morning- walked the cliffs to Dahouet and across the beach - sat outside in a cafe and watched the world go by whilst drinking chocolat chaud - lovely way to spend a Sunday morning!

Haven't lit the fire much yet but it's a nice thing to do on a wet day!!
These are the indigo dyed pieces I'm working on at the moment. I used wax as a resist before dying this one and am now quilting it - very subtely with red thread - doing my usual thing of just seeing where it takes me.

I tied this fabric into a parcel before dying it - the parcel was too tight and didn't let much dye through but has given an interesting effect - I love all the crinkles and am enjoying playing with lines!!
They are quite large so will keep me busy for some time!!
This is one for you, Gemma. Poking its head out of a barn - just down our lane - so cute and just a tiny kitten.
The farmers are cutting all the maize by us at the moment - huge machinery which clears whole fields so quickly. We are getting views back - before we couldn't see across the countryside for miles as we an usually because the maize grows so tall. We're going for lots of walks as I'm determined not to put on weight whilst over here as I did last year - it's a struggle though as I do have a sweet tooth!!
I'll try to update this more often, Antoinette - before you get on to me again!!!!!