Laal Bear's Den

Oops

2012-02-18T15:07:00.002Z

I've done it again haven't I.Another week has gone by and no Blogging.

It's been busy again Chez Bears . It was half term this week so it was off to Morecambe with the Grandbears for our bi-annual trip. We were one down this time as eldest Grandbear has her half term a week later thatn the other two this time. She was well miffed as this is the first time she's missed in 10 years .I thought she would have stopped coming by now as she is 18 but she loves our days out .

I've not got any pics as it was bloody cold when we did our walk along the Stone Jetty. I think it was the quickest we'd ever done .

There's been plenty of knitting and crocheting,

This a scarf I made for GD 2's 16th birthday. She loved the blankets I made for Baby Bear in Rico Pom Pom so I made her a Dr Who length scarf in it . Went down very well.

I've finished my Ripple Blanket and it does brighten the front room up.

Another Pop Pom baby blanket this time for a friend of DD's

And this is my latest blanket . This time a Granny Ripple blanket . It's very quick to do .

I have now decided to curb my obsession a bit as it was encroaching on my knitting projects and my pattern designing. So now I only crochet after 9 pm in the evening till bedtime . It's amazing how much I still get done

Mmm it would appear LaalBear has taken another step into Technoland . Papa bought me an Ipod for Christmas . We already have one that we share and have it connected up to a docking station. It's fine but our tastes in music differ a lot . I have quite a varied taste from classic , new age , 40's-60's and a few modern. Papa is strictly a Country and Western and 50's/ 60's. . Now i've got my own it is filling up with allsorts and today I've learnt the joy of Podcasts. I've only downloaded a couple yet but if any of you know of any knitty podcasts i should try let me know .

We've also been busy looking after Baby Bear.

I know i've been a bit remiss in posting pics of her but I don't like posting to many pics of my Grandchildren

for family privacy reasons .

But she is so cute I thought I'd indulge you .

Can't believe it's nearly a year since she was born :0)

Now I just noticed the other day that I had gone past 20.000 hits to my Blog so to celebrate that and the fact I've been neglecting my readers I've decided to have a give away.

Leave a comment on the blog and I'll put your name in a hat for a draw for this Limey Project bag .It makes a good knitting bag for all you knitters and if you don't knit it's ok for make up etc.
I'll make the draw on Leap Year day 29th Feb :0)

Right ! that's all for today I'm going to get a bit of knitting done before we go out tonight with Papa's brothers PS how do you like my knitting alter ego .:0)))

Fame comes to Chez bears

2012-02-10T16:57:00.001Z

Cripes is it a week since I blogged. I've been meaning to do a bit more blogging than i have been but as usual tempes has bloomin well fugited again. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in a day for me .When I hear people say they're bored I haven't a clue what they're talking about. I've always got something to do whether it's knitting, spinning, crocheting . I can't sit at night and just watch TV i have to be working on some project or another.At present I've got about four projects on the go plus I'm busy designing and knitting up samples ready for the shows .And then there's housework ,shopping and walking Meg squeezed into the day somehow .

And this week has been dyeing week .

Thanks to my friens Artis-Anne I have learnt the delights of double dyeing and this is the result

Don't they look lush.This wool will be a new line at Wonderwool Wales. It's Aran weight Blue Face Leicester and will have DK and Sock in the same colour ways and base yarn so you can make hats , scarves and socks to match.:0)

Now for thefame bit .This week LaalBear has been featured in Knit Now knitting magazine.

I'm so thrilled. I've had small mentions before but this is a third of a page and a link through to my shop . We'll have to see if it gets me any more sales .

This last pic is terrible . It would appear that I've bought more Stylecraft yarn .

It just confirms that I have an obsesive compulsive streak in me and that 2012 is definately the year of the blanket . See what I mean about time .This little lot will certainly occupy a lot . So what . I don't drink and I don't smoke and this box of yarn is equal to about five twenty packs of cigarettes but when I've crocheted this lot up I'll have a couple of warm blankets and a smoker will have a pile of ash :0)

That's all for now folks . I'll try and pop back before next Friday LOL

P.S. Ooops I forgot to say that there is a sale of lace weight yarns over in the shop.
All lace weight yarns have been reduced by £5 . There's no code as I've taken the money off at source .
If you fancy taking look go HERE

Is it February all Ready

2012-02-03T14:40:00.000Z

Well that was a quick month. Can't believe we are into February already .

The days are very definately lengthening now though. It's great to be able to go out for a walk in the afternoon without the thought of having to be back by four.

Things have been busy at Chez Bears . Getting the long awaited news that we had got in for Woolfest has got me fired up and ready to dye .I've just taken delivery of some new yarns and fibres and hopefully there will be an announcement in late March of some very new stuff . Watch this space:0)

Now for some piccies

First of all is a progress report on my Ripple Blanket. I'm just loving working on this.

It's a nice easy tele/film watching project. I'm going to order more of these colours and make some cushion covers to brighten up our front room.

Finished Granny Square Blanket.

Merino /Cashmere

Merino.Bamboo

These two little shawls were produced using my new Shawl Balls. These are balls of yarn that have been specifically designed for shawl knitting and have large bands of colours that change as you knit .

If you want to give them a try they are now on sale in my Etsy Shop in the Sock yarn/Shawl Ball section.

The next pic is a new venture for me . Designing.

I made all my girls beaded hand warmers for Christmas and enjoyed knitting them so much I've decided to try and put my ideas down on paper and produce patterns for them .

This is the first . I'm in the middle of writing it up just need to figure out converting files to PDF's .

Number 1 son will come in handy here .I will post back when they are ready :0)

Well that's all for now except to say Hi to my Hamilton follower. So thrilled that we will meet in June at Woolfest. My stall number is D84. And I would be thrilled to meet anyone who follows my Blog at the shows this year. Don't be shy pop by and say Hello ;0)

Woolfest 2012 Yeah !!!!!!

2012-01-25T16:09:00.000Z

Oh what joy . I have just found out that I've been accepted for Woolfest.

I've been biting my nails this past few weeks wondering if I'd got in or not .

Now I can relax an get on with all the new styff I have planned for it.

I will now go and have a lie down in a dark room with a cup of tea whist i calm down .

**Bounces away like Tigger**

Obsession , what obsession??????

2012-01-24T19:28:00.000Z

My name is Laalbear and I'm an obsessive compulsive blanketmaker :0)

My yarn came on Saturday morning and I couldn't wait to get started but I had to finish my future DIL's blanket first . I finished that on Sunday morning and Sunday afternoon I got started.
I'm following Attic24's blog and she has loads of patterns to inspire anyone.
I chose the Ripple Blanket as my Mum used to make similar blankets for all the Grandchildren.
I'm not following any colour sequance I'm just closing my eyes and using the colour that comes out .
It's so bright which I need at the moment cos the days are so wet and grey at the moment .
I've got my eye on more colours on the website where I got these and as it's my birthday in March I think they will be on my pressie list .
On the dyeing front I have started the mammoth task of dyeing all my Yarns and Fibres ready for the shows .
the first one is Wonderwool Wales in April which is only three months off arrgh .

Now a little question. Some of you may have noticed the Clustr Map in the margin .It tells me where in the world all my visitors come from and it is very specific.I keep getting a regular visit from some one in Hamilton Canada. I've never been there but I have distant relatives there . Just wondered who you are my Hamilton visitor .My relatives lived in Allen Ave ( formerly Street)

Blankets

2012-01-20T16:17:00.000Z

Well after all my sock knitting last year I seem to have a blanket obsession going on at the moment.

Last year whilst visiting Artis-Anne we had a visit to Collinette for a yarn and fibre fix and I got a load of yarn for a blanket . I started it on New Year's day and in eight days I had finished it .

I'm rather pleased with it .

I imediately got my crochet hooks out and started another one .

This time using all the bits of sock wool I had left from the Sock Challenge .

It now has pride of place on Baby Bear's cot .

One thing leads to another :0)

I have started a third blanket but I can't show you yet as it's for Baby Bear's Mum's birthday .

It's a riot of colour as I'm using Stylecraft Special DK

Don't they look pretty . My friend Jenny at S'n'B pointed me towards this website last night. It's called Mason's and they do a special pack of all these colours for £25 shweee so I have ordered a pack so I can make even more blankets :0)

I have just updated the Etsy Shop this afternoon as well and there is loads of BFL yarns and loads of smooshy fibre .

Happy New Year

2012-01-06T17:10:00.000Z

Hi folks .just a short post to wish everyone a Happy New Year.

I am having a Twelfth Night Sale over on my Etsy Shop so you can banish the post Christmas blues.

There is 10% off everything just insert the code 12THKNIT at the checkout .

The sale runs from 12 noon to day 6th January till 12 noon 8th January GMT

Click Here to get to the shop.

Happy knitting/spinning :0)

A Happy Family Christmas .

2011-12-30T13:54:00.001Z

Well folks I got all I could have wished for and had my happy family Christmas.
After the last two bad Christmases I decided I wanted a big traditional family one.
So the plan was we would have eleven for dinner.
DS1 said he couldn't make it with his two boys as his ex was having them over Christmas and he wouldn't be getting them till Boxing Day evening.
Papa and I worked hard baking and cooking and by Christmas Eve the dining room was transformed.

By twelve o'clock Christmas Day everyone had begun to arrive so I went into the kitchen to put the veg on and do abit of sorting out that's when i got my surprise.
DS1 arrived with his partner they'd driven up Christmas Eve and stayed at his partners parents then come over to us for Christmas dinner . So it was a full house .Just a pity his boys couldn't come. We had to rapidly dig out " emergency chairs " and jiggle things about but everything worked out in the end .

I took loads of pics and here are some of them .

All in all it was a brilliant day and one I would like to repeat.

P.S. Something I forgot to mention. It was twelve months, on Boxing Day , since I last cried in despair.
Black Dog begone !!!!!

Remembering Bobby .

2011-12-22T10:26:00.001Z

Today marks two years since I lost my beloved brother but I don't want to be all maudling and sad on this post I want to share with you some of the significant memories I have of him.

Bobby was eleven years older than me and along with my eldest brother Michael they made it a very special childhood .

My memories started quite early in my life.

The first memory I have of him is whilst I was still in my pram and he was taking me to see a neighbour and got the pram stuck in the gate way.

When I was six we lost our sister and it was he who came to pick me up from a family friend and wheeled me home on the seat of his bike . I can still feel myself resting on his back so's I wouldn't fall off.

When I was thirteen I didn't get a birthday card from him instead he sent me a telegram , some thing very special in those days , with the declaration "Welcome to Teenage "

He didn't laugh at me when aged fifteen I developed a teenage crush on one of his mates .

Bobby only lived round the corner from us when he got married and if I saw his mate walking past our house to go to Bobby's I'd find some excuse to go round . He didn't mind and let the crush run it's course.

Again aged fifteen I started work as a baker and had to get up early to start work at seven . On Good Fridays morning's , which I had to work, there were no buses running that early so Bobby used to get up on his day off and take me to work on motor bike and sidecar. He was rewarded with a buttered hot cross bun straight from the oven and a brew.
During my early teenage years i used to attend youth club discos .Mum and Dad didn't like me walking home alone and Bobby used to come and meet me.But he didn't wait right outside and embarrass me in front of my friends , he waited across the road in the shadows .We'd walk along him on one side me on the other till we were out of sight of my friends then he'd cross over and walk me home.

When I was nineteen I had my heart broken by a boy I'd been dating for three years . Bobby was there to pick up the pieces .

He took the photos of my rather rushed wedding

And when I went into labour with my firstborn he took me to hospital . Papa and I lived with my Mum and Dad for the first few months of our marriage . After a day of mild labour pains Mum decided we'd better get to hospital and as luck would have it Bobby had just got home from work and took me in, in his green A35 van . Hitting every pothole on the way to hurry things along :0) Baby wasn't born till after midnight.

When we moved into this house Bobby sorted out with a mate to move all our stuff here so we wouldn't have any expense and when a week later he was holiday he turned up on the doorstep with a load of gardening tools and my Mum and together we sorted the garden out .

Over the next few years he helped us get the house in shipshape.

When Robert, our youngest was born, he was the obvious choice as Godfather .

When i was forty I started to learn to drive and when I passed at last after four attempts he was thrilled to bits for me . He said "I'll give you one word of advise now .Always be aware of the driver behind the car in front of you " and I always have .

When Papa had to finish work aged 46 it was Bobby's shoulder I cried on and he was very supportive .

He a has been a constant in my life all my life . If I needed advice or help his was the first number I dialled. When we'd been away on holiday he was the first person I rang to say we were back . Whenever I got a new car the first journey out was round to his house toe let him see .When I got my present car two years ago he was in hospital and very poorly but I drove past the ward window just to let him see .

My last memories of him before he was struck down are especially good .

Bobby had was frightened of water and had never learnt to swim . Papa to was a late starter and had been taking swimming lessons . We persuaded Bobby to join him at the classes . He was scared at first but gradually got the hang of it . I spent hours swimming by his side encouraging him to slow down and take his time . We used to sing a childhood song together so he could get the rhythm . He progressed to diving in and I can still see his grinning face as he surfaced from the water .

So many happy memories and they are replacing the the horrible ones before his death.

I loved him very much and it was a privilege to have him as my brother .

Rest in Peace My Darling Brother till we meet again .

Christmastime Again

2011-12-19T15:56:00.000Z

Hmm thought I'd better show my face :0)

Well it's that time of year again where everyone is running round like headless chickens, last minute Christmas shopping and hitting the supermarkets like food is going to run out . Why do people do that?

I've seen people already with shopping trolleys full to overflowing . For God's sake the shops are only shut for one day, two at the most .

I'm going to be smug now he he !!

No queueing for me I've made all my Christmas pressies this year . Apart from toys for the littlest Grandbears and I got them half price from Sainsbury's in November. Everything is finished and just needs wrapping. I've got to psyche myself up to do that . I hate wrapping presents .

But what i do like is trimming the tree .

This is the best tree I've ever done.

My father Christmas X stitch that comes out every year.

And my beautiful crib.

And lots of snowmen .

I've felt more like doing things this year. The last two Christmases haven't been good at all .

We are having a big meal Christmas day .Three of the my four children will be here with their partners and four of the six Grandbears as well . So it will be pretty hectic.I am so looking forward to it .

One Christmas regular has come to an end .Grassington. As regular readers know we usually travel up to Grassington at this time of year for the Dickensian Festival . It's an early start and a long drive to get there and it has usually been great but not this year. we didn't do well at all . So much so that we cancelled the last one.We aren't going to do again , I've decided that the long drive in the cold and dark is just to much . If Papa could drive as well it wouldn't be so bad but driving there at 6-00am in the morning and driving back at 6-00 pm is no joke .So next year we'll be staying in bed .LOL

One last thing. Remember at the beginning of the year I started my 26 A-Z sock challenge .Well

I've finished . And I'm pleased to say that I am the first to do so :0)

I've really enjoyed it as I love knitting on four needles .

I'll have to think of something else to do for 2012 .

Busy Busy .

2011-11-21T13:20:00.001Z

Well we are two thirds through November and hardly a blog in sight . Sorry .

I have been unbelievable busy since we came back from Wales .

Sorting the Etsy Shop out has taken up so much of my time. I didn't realise how long it would take to get all the photos taken and loaded up . Not to mention all the dyeing etc .

I've not finished yet .There's still fibre,batts and project bags to go on there yet and this week we have to sort all the stuff to do Grassington on the 3rd December .

There is one thing I usually hate November, to many bad memories but this year because I've been busy it's not been to bad .

I've been busy knitting and keeping up with the sock challenge as well as Christmas presents . Here are the socks so far

Nearly there :0)

I'm not the only one who has been busy either . Papa has been spending an awful lot of time in the garage.

Let me explain . A few weeks ago whilst we were out and about looking at Christmas stuff I saw this .

An empty stable to put crib figures in . I thought it perfect for mine and was going to buy it but Papa said " I could make one of those "

And look what he did

The crib figures are 40 yrs old . We bought them for our first Christmas in our new home and we are still here.

The Ox and Ass .

Even a hay loft complete with ladder .

Isn't he clever .

Apart from the wood base and the back of the stable all the wood used was collected whist out walking Meg .I love the "palm " trees .

It will have pride of place in the hearth this year when i trim up for Christmas .

Another thing Papa has been busy with is he's learning to spin. After buying my Lendrum spining wheel last year my beloved Ashford Traveller languished in the corner gathering dust and i was going to sell it . But Papa decided he would try his hand at spinning on it and he loves it .

I will post pics of his yarns when i get a bit more time :0

Well that's all for now folks I have a Christmas cake to make , also some pastry to make for making pasties tomorrow , a huuuge pile of ironing to do .All before 3-30pm when a friend who we haven't seen for aaaaages is coming for a visit :0)

Etsy Shop Open for buisiness

2011-11-11T17:30:00.000Z

IN THE ABSCENCE OF SOMEBODY FAMOUS

I DECLARE THIS ETSY SHOP OPEN

ENTER HERE

It's been a long time coming but at last I am online properly .Hope you'll go over and take a peep and maybe treat yourself to some smooshy yarn .

Thank you .

A Short Stay in Wales

2011-10-19T17:08:00.001+01:00

Last week we went down to stay with friends in Wales for a few days of chilling , spinning , knitting and eating.

We usually stop off in Llandudo for stroll along the sea front but this time we called in at Conway as we'd never been before.

This is the castle ( with a bit of Papa's head )

this was an old ship in the harbour.

It was very quiet in Conway. I love going to seaside resorts out of season.

this is the smallest house in Great Britain and is just on the quay side.

After our visit to Conway we drove down the B road to Annie and Tony's .

It made a nice change from hurtling along the A470.

During our stay Annie and I had a visit to Colinette .This is a knitters paradise.

We were there ages.

Suffice to say my credit card was feeling very poorly when we came out.

It also took a beating when Annie took me to this fab little shop that had the most amazingly different clothes .

Will post pics when next I wear them.

All to soon the visit was over but it was a brill long weekend.

Now I need to get stuck back into work and get some dyeing and sewing done .

Extra Long Blog

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

Well at long last here is the extra long Blog I promised .Six weeks later but...better late than never.

Well here we are the 1st of Octobet and as I'm writing this the Sun is shining gloriously as we enjoy an Indian Summer . Wish we could have had it in August or July or June .....

I've got loads of catching up to do with you so I'll take it on a month by month basis.

JULY

July so us quite busy after a spectacular Woolfest. I was dyeing up a storm and replenishing stocks .

We went down to Bedford for the first ever FibreEast Show . What a surprise. It was only a small show but it didn't half pack a punch . We had an excellent weekend amongst very friendly people and it ended up 2nd for success surmounted only by Woolfest . We will be attending again next year .

July also saw us taking possession of our new caravan.

Conciderably larger than our old one.

The pics don't do it justice as I couldn't get the whole of it in . I will have to take a pic when we are out with it .Because of the size it has had to go on the front garden and we have had to have the kirb lowered to get it on and off .To say it's fab is putting it mildly . It has an end bathroom so we don't have to squeeze in a cupboard size one anymore and it's got loads of little extras . A sky light in the roof , extractor fan when you're cooking , built in stereo , stainless steel sink. big fridge and loads of storage space for my knitting and spinning stuff..Unfortunately we havn't been able to go out in it since we got back from Devon because of a fault . We can never buy anything that works first time . Anyway after a lot of stamping of feet it was sorted this week .

At the end of July we had visitors from down South when DS no1 came up to stay .We managed to get everyone together and had a family teaparty .all 16 of us .My word our family is growing :0) I did take some pics but I'm blessed if I can find them on the puter.

AUGUST

After the sellout job at FibreEast stocks had to be replenished for FibreFest in Devon.

Unfortunately the show wasn't very good due to bad planning and the layout of the show was far to spread out . Papa wants to give it one more go next year . We'll have to see if they have taken on board any feedback they've been given.

We had a lovely ten days in Devon though . We stayed at the site in Woodbury Salterton that we stayed on 2 years ago . It's a lovely nice quiet place with easy access . We had a few trips out to our favourite Lyme Regis and Buddleigh Salterton . If we do FibreFest next year we'll probably go there again.

SEPTEMBER

September began with a visit from our friend from Wales who we hadn't seen since Wonderwool .It was lovely to see them again and we had a lovely four days eating ,chatting , walking . Annie and i went off on our own on the Sunday for a Woolly day in Harrogate visiting the Great British Wool weekend , which wasn't very great ,so we went to the patchwork show in the next pavilion. All to soon they had to go home .But we'll see them again later this month when we go down to them :0)

The rest of the month has been spent in the usual way in September making jams , pickles and gins . I have also been doing loads of knitting for Christmas . Can't post pics yet as they are surprises . I'm up to date with my A-Z sock Challenge on Ravelry i just need to put them on my projects page .

I ended the month with a long awaited trip to Manchester with my DD . Since she has become a police officer and working shifts it's been hard to sort a day out . Anyway we did it and I had a lovely day out with her . We visited the new Cath Kidston shop where i bought a few goodies

I wasn't allowed to buy anything else as DD is going to get in touch with the boys and get a collective Christmas pressie of all the bits and pieces I liked . Can't wait :0)

Now then I have two announcements to make .

The first is I am opening and Etsy Shop

It will be opening , hopefully at the end of October as soon as I've got everything dyed/sewn/photographed.

The second announcement is I am taking part in Brownberry Yarns new sock club Legends

There are three Indie dyers taking part . If you want to join click on the Legend link , it starts in December but subsciptions are now open. My contribution will be out in February.

All very exciting .

Right I don't think I've missed anything out so you're all caught up on my very hectic Summer .

Thank you for your patience :0)

Ahem :0)

2011-08-15T16:23:00.000+01:00

Tiptoes in whilst no ones looking .

Just to let you all know I'm still here " waves nicely "

I've been so busy these past weeks that the Blog has had to take a back seat.

We are off to Devon on Wednesday with the new caravan :0) to take part in Fibrefest.

We are making a holiday of it whilst we are down there . Well it's a long way to go . That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

If you're coming to Fibrefest stop by and say hello.

There are new bags for sale and lots of my usual goodies .

I will post an extra long blog when I get back to fill you in on the past weeks .

Tiptoes out again

Climb Every Mountain ........

2011-07-05T20:23:00.000+01:00

Hi folks, finally got round to writing my Blog.

I'm being lazy and have managed to download my pics onto my netbook.

Well I've finally got to the top of the mountain.

Woolfest weekend was the pinnicle in what has been a very hard climb .

The Wednesday evening before Woolfest I was calm as anything . No butterflies about towing the caravan , nothing. I even slept like a baby .I towed the van up to Cumbria without a care in the world .

On Thurday afternoon after I'd finished setting up I had the most overwhelming feeling of joy and elation. I can't put it into writing how powerful the feeling was but it was good .

I'd finally done it , I'd got to the top.

The weekend went brilliantly.

I'm afraid i've only got pics of the stall

Because we were so busy I didn't have time to take any more .

We had the best Woolfest ever and it was good to be back after a two year break .

I made some new friends and caught up with old ones .Sadly some were missing this year but i'll be catching up with them later in the year :0)

Now the hols .

We made the 340 mile journey down to Cornwall with a slight detour, on the way down, to see our eldest . We did the same going home and it was good to catch up .Wish he lived nearer ,though we do catch up on Skype now .More of that later .

We had a lovely time but wished the weather could have been better. Cue Pics :0)

Seaton Beach

This the view of our apartments from the beach. you can see how close to the sea they are.

This is the view from the balcony of the apartment at dusk.

There was full moon whilst we were down there. It looks quite tropical doesn't it .

The sea on a very rough day .

It was brilliant being so close to the sea. every night I was rocked to sleep by the sound of the waves crashing on the beach. I think I was a mermaid in a former life . I just love being by the sea .

Now as I said earlier we have signed up for Skype .It's great. We can now see our two Grandbears ,who live 240 miles away , more often . We've missed such a lot of their growing up with them living so far away . but now we can do Grandparent things with them . The other night we even showed the youngest how to knit left handed . He was thrilled to bits .

Another bit of news is we've got a new caravan .The old one is giving up the ghost. I'll be sad to see it go as we have travelled a lot of miles with it but it's got to go . We'll be picking up the new one next month when I'll post pics Well there's a few kilos of freshly dyed wool waiting to be reskeined ready for Fibre East later this month so i'd better get cracking :0)

What a difference a Year makes .

2011-06-21T17:39:00.000+01:00

I shouldn't really dwell on the past BUT.....

Can it really be a year since a made my heartbreaking post about having to cancel Woolfest because of my deppression. I've come a hell of a long way since then .

I'm sat here feeling rather smug .

The car's loaded , the caravan's packed and there's just a couple of little jobs to do then......

" It's Woolfest here I come "

For those of you who will be coming along here's a taster

A sea of coloured wool .

If you are coming please stop by and say hello .

BTW i will do a "Wot I did on my holidays " post when I get back .

Greetings from Cornwall

2011-06-04T20:51:00.000+01:00

Good evening folks . Just to let you know the Bears have decamped to the South Coast for two weeks .

This is our first seaside holiday for two years.

It's very special as it's a belated Ruby Anniversary present to each other .

We are ensconced in a beachside appartment in Cornwall.

As I write I can see the waves breaking on the shore.

Add to that a box of choclates , a glass of something chilled ,Papa Bear sat by me and Meg curled at my feet.

What more could a Laal Bear wish for .

Perrfick :0)

Pond Project Update

2011-05-29T12:26:00.000+01:00

Thought I'd give you a small update on the Pond Project.

Just to refresh your memory it looked like this .

Now it looks like this .

Inspired by the watching the Chelsea Flower Show this week I worked like a Navvy on Wednesday.

I stripped out the small bed by the pond and replanted it all with bee/butterfly friendly plants . Scabious , French Lavender , my favourite Pinks ,Aqualigia and Campanula .

I brought out my little Gnomes and Faeries from under the hedge to give the bed a bit a character.

It will take some time for all the plants to grow both in the bed and in the pond . I'll try and post pics from time to time through the Summer to keep you posted .

I've been very busy this week , not only with the garden. I've been making myself some dresses for the upcoming trip to Cornwall . It's ages since I made clothes for myself and I've really enjoyed it .

I've had to get myself quite a bit of new clothes as I'm still having weight problems .But there is a reason for it this time .It's not just me filling my face .On a recent visit to the Doc for a check up I mentioned my weight to him and he told me that it was a major side effect of the antidepressant I'm on . Well I'd rather be a size bigger than be ill again :0)

On a final note . Number 1 son ran the Edinburgh Marathon last week and did it in 4hrs 56 secs .Knocking 25 mins off his previous time and with a bad knee :0)

Help Needed

2011-05-21T10:31:00.000+01:00

I know this is a very longshot but is there anyone who reads my blog and is in Edinburgh and has a B&B or the like. No 1 son is running in the Marathon tomorrow and can't find a bed for the night .

You can email me on info(at)laalbear(dot)co(dot)uk replacing the words with symbols .

Thank you

The Pond Project Day 4

2011-05-19T17:43:00.000+01:00

Well we're nearly there . We've had another warm sunny day and the boys have got loads done .

Stones have been laid between the two ponds to cause a babbling effect.

The small pond waiting to be lined with stones.

View from the top end .

At 5 o'clock the new pump was switched on and we had water gushing over the stones and Papa was delighted . I wish i could get a video of it but I can't work out how to do it . It sounds great .

Can't wait to plant it all up and sit out having breakfast to sound of our babbling brook .

There are just some tidying up to do tomorrow and it will all be finished .

We are really pleased with the work Neil and Lyndon have done and if you like what you see and live in the Lancashire area I can highly recommend Alexander Landscapes

The Pond Project Day 3

2011-05-18T17:27:00.001+01:00

The day dawned quite miserably and we thought Neil and Lyndon were going to get rained off but it brightened up and by lunchtime the sun was out .

Nearly full of water and the plants in.

Millie overseeing things .

Some of the planting.

More rocks round the edge.

Late afternoon and the pond is full a all the rocks in place round the edge . The liner is in place on the upper small pond and once all the rocks are set round that the pumps will be installed . It will take some time to clear but we've had a couple of frogs in already so that's good .

All being well it will be finished tomorrow weather permitting :0)

The Pond Project Day 2

2011-05-17T18:47:00.000+01:00

Day 2 of the Pond Project began with a dry day thank God .

The boys arrived early and got cracking.

Moving all the rocks and rubble into the skip.

Millie decided she'd had enough of overseeing the pond and went exploring our garage .

I think she was hunting mice LOL

By the middle of the afternoon the fleece liner was in .

And this is it a close of play .

I can't wait to see it finished . We are to have a new powerful pump so that there will be lots of water noise .

While all this was going on I dyed 3 kilos of Blue Faced Leicester .

Pics when it's all dyed and re-skeined .

To be continued ..........

Forty Year Wait ( the pond project day1)

2011-05-16T17:06:00.000+01:00

Apologies again for not Blogging . Time just seems to be wizzing by at the moment which is good really ,cos it means I'm busy . Much better than last year.

I've had to get the dye pots out again for Woolfest as i had a biggish order last week .Then yesterday my favourite customer came so the pots are out again as I've realised I need more semi-solid yarns .

I've been enjoying spinning and Papa Bear is busy carding up two Alpaca fleeces that I aquired . One gorgeous blonde one which I got from a lady at Guild and a beautful black one that i aquired on an abortive trip ,round Cockerham, for a camper van . It's great what you can pick up when you've got a very observent Dh in the passenger seat . Lol

Now then . There are big changes a foot at Chez Bears . Forty years ago next weekend we moved into our little den . Just the three of us , Papa , Cub No1 and me . In the back garden was a big pond and Papa Bear was delighted with it but after 40 years of trying to get the water right and plants not growing and blanket weed taking over we decided to get the experts in . So this morning Neil and Lyndon the pond experts arrived .

Papa had emptied it the night before and got what few fish were left in .

We had to go out for a hospital appointment but when we got back this is what we found .

Neil needs to make the pond deeper and had to cut into the concrete . Unfotunately the previous owner was , shall we say copious with the stuff and in places it was six inches thick .

Still they ploughed on in the rain.

Most of the rocks round the rim have now been removed.

This has to be made bigger yet so tomorrow they're bringing in the heavy stuff . A pneumtic drill .

Neil's little dog , Millie, sheltering from the rain.

At four o'clock they'd had enough of the wet and cold and will return tomorrow .

********

I mentioned above that when we moved in here 40 years ago there was just the three of us .

Well now ,counting partners ther are now 15 members of the Bear Family . Not bad going eh !!

So here's a couple of pics of the latest member ,

" I wuv my Grandad "

Her favourite pose .

She is coming on a treat and now weighs 9lbs 9oz . I think her Mum is producing Gold Top quality milk . Lol

It's nice having a baby in the family again.

Last but by no means least , Papa has had a bit of good luck . When we went to the hospital 2 weeks ago for his eye injections they found his sight has improved . Now we were led to believe at the start of his treatments that it would only arrest any further damage but apparently some times things can get better , They don't tell you this at the begining so as not to get your hopes up . Any way he now has some central vision back . It's a little distorted but he can see better . He has one more injection of this round to have then they will see how things get on . We are both very chuffed :0)

At Last Baby Bear's here ,

2011-04-23T09:59:00.001+01:00

Me and Papa Bear are very proud to announce the arrival of our latest Grandbear.

A She Bear born at 6 o'clock this morning by emergency section weighing 8lbs 2ozs .

Mum Dad and Baby are all fine .

Me and Papa are so relieved it's all over .

Just been to see her :0)

Pround Granny.

Proud Auntie

Waiting

2011-04-22T11:04:00.000+01:00

I've got up this morning feeling a bit down . No not my "depression down " just down .

At the moment we seem to spending a lot of time waiting . We are still waiting for baby Bear to make an appearence and we are now getting a bit anxiuos as it is now the third day of Mum being in hospital .

We are also spending a lot of time waiting in hospital waiting rooms . I don't usually say much about ailments and such , appart from when i blogged about my depression , but just lately Papa Bear has been dealt another two blows .Appart from his Epilepsy the Macular degeneration which hit him last year has worsened and he has now lost all central vision in his right eye . He is now having to undergo more injections in his eye . Just the thought of it makes me curl up . And now this past fortnight he has found out his bad backproblems is not sciatica but a degeneration of his spine and hip . We've been waiting to here from the Orthopeodic man who got in touch yesterday and has arranged for Papa to have an MRI scan . So a bit more waiting . Thankfully it will be done before we go on holiday . I think we have on average one or two appointments every week till we go away .He doesn't deserve all this .

Anyway the back problems has led to some mixed blessings . Because Papa won't be able to manhandle the caravan anymore we have decided to sell it . We are on the lookout for a small motorhome . We'll get more use out of it and be able to " Just Go " whenever we feel like it . Some good comes out of everything .

We are off to see Papa's brother this afternoon so that will lift us both . Then , after being like a boarding house over the past two weeks with Grandbears staying , we become boarding kennels as Maggie comes to stay for three weeks whilst Dd and her man go on holiday .

Hopefully I will soon have some baby news .

Passing on skills and waiting for baby.

2011-04-21T14:59:00.000+01:00

Intitot or to translate from Lancashire dialect , the weathers rather warm lol.

It's gorgeous here in Gods own county and we are making the most of it . Doing a bit of gardening and having some nice walks . We were out early this morning before it got to hot for Meg . We went on our favourite railway walk . Just as we turned onto the path we were hit by all the intoxicating smells of the blossoms on the trees . It was brilliant . All the birds were singing their heads off . I can never understand these peopl who walk along there with headphones on listening to music when they could be listening to all the birds .

Also this warm weather has brought out all the acres of white flesh . I am convinced that some people have no mirrors from some of the sights I've seen these past few days . Cropped tops and short shorts on people who, lets say ,are weight and age challenged lol

Anyway here's something nice to look at in the sunshine :0)

the perfume on this tree was gorgeous but I can't find out what it is .

This was a lonely clump of bluebells

Stitchwort

Lords and ladies

And sweet Apple blossom .

About six or eight weeks ago i got a phone call from Grandbear #5 which went like this

" Graaandmaaaa I've carded some fleece do you think you could spin it for me then I can knit a teddy bear ".

Of course Grandma said yes and when he came to stay last week it was all spun up . I asked if he wanted to dye it he gave the answer in the affirmative so the dye pots came out. Please note not my acid dyes but Cool Aid . An American powdered drink that I would not dream of giving my children to drink for what it does to the wool but it's quite safe for dyeing .

Here he is dyeing his wool . It's nice to pass on skills . Unfortunately he lives 240 miles away so these occasions are few and far between . He loved every minute of it and went home as pleased as punch with his multi-coloured ball of wool .

We are still waiting for Grandbear #6 to put in an appearence . His/Her Mum went into hospital yesterday to be induced so anytime now . I'll be glad when it's all over and everything is alright .

Well that's all for now folks .Oh I've forgotten something me and Papa Bear have decided to do Fibre East in July . So for three months on the trot we will be at wool festivals . Woolfest in June , Fibre East in Ju;y and Fibre Fest in August . More later . Toodle Pip :0)

Wonderwool 2011

2011-04-11T18:01:00.001+01:00

This is going to be a rather pic heavy post .Well i did it . The first show for twelve months firmly under my belt .

It was tiring but i enjoyed every minute of it . Meeting up with old friends we haven't seen in ages . Especially Artis-Anne and Tony who we haven't seen since last November when we went down to stay .

And making new friends .A lady came to speak to me and told me she reads this blog and keeps up with my trials and tribulations . It was nice meeting someone who takes the time to read my little ramblings . You know who you are , lady from Fulwood , unfortunately I forgot to ask your name .

Now for the pics

First of all this is my Fan Club . These Cheeky Imps are the children of Bex aka Cheeky Imp from Ravelry.

They have been coming to see me with their Mum since they were tiny . As I hadn't seen them for twelve months i got a group hug from them .

Some more Cheeky Imps .

Sarah from Brownberry Yarns . Nic from Nicknots and Gemma from Krafty Koala .

Sarah and Gemma belong to the Preston S'N'B that Papa Bear and I go to .

Papa Bear knitting on the stall .

And now for my my goodies haul .Due to the fact I hadn't been let loose in all the fibery goodness for a year I'm afraid I went a bit OTT lol.

Black Merino and nylon sock fibre .

Bags of glitz for making luxury batts .

Some more fibre . This tim Merino /Cashmere and a beautiful wrist distaff from manda Crafts.

A bit of baby alpaca yarn . don't know what I'll do with it yet .

Gorgeous silk brick to spin and some dyed silk cocoons for making art yarn .

Yet more fibre . this was a gift from Artis-Anne in my fave colours .

And last but not least a beautiful Turkish spindle .A present from Papa Bear .

All in all a lovely weekend .Now I can relax and spin for a cople of months before I tackle Wool fest in June .

Wonderwool Wales Preview

2011-04-05T13:52:00.002+01:00

Well where did March go then . It's been a very , very busy month for us . Dyeing ,sewing , painting and soap making. All in the name of Wonderwool Wales . I've really got back in the saddle these past few weeks after my Gap Year . I've enjoyed every minute of creating new yarns and bags . Each week I have set myself a target of things to do and i've achieved it without tiring myself out and I'm feeling on top of the world . Everything has got done but there is still a few last minute tweeks .The only concession I have allowed myself this year is not taking the caravan . I decided it would be to much after not going out in it for a year and the six months not driving . We are looking forward to a nice B&B for a change .Now for the Preview . The following pics are a selection of what will be on sale at Wonderwool this year .

Small Pocket Project bags 100% cotton

Bucket style knitting bags . Lots of pockets on the outside for your bits and pieces.

100%Cotton

Small Pyramid Bags .

100% Cotton

Large Pyramid bags .These have a nice squidgy feel as they have a batting interlining .

100% Cotton

Box Project Bags . Also nice and squidgy . Ideal for sock knitting . I use one for taking my knitting to endless hospital appoitments with Papa Bear .

100% cotton

Loads and loads of hand painted sock blockers in small medium and large . With a choice of sheep or flower paintings . All made by Papa Bear .

And last but not least Sheep Soap ( try saying that when your drunk )

Papa Bear has made these as well . Very cute don't you think.
New Wools .

Country Tweed . A lovely Merino tweed effect sock yarn.

Pussyfoot . A gorgeous soft Merino / Cashmere / Nylon yarn . Lovely for socks and shawls .

Razzle Dazzle and Bobby Dazzler Sparkley sock yarns . Unfortunately the pics don't show the sparkley up very well. Razzle dazzle is silver sparkle Bobby Dazzler is gold .

*****************

So you can see now why there hasn't been any postings in March .

We have more shows to come during the year . We have got in to Woolfest in June and Fibrefest in August . We have also applied for Fibre Flurry in October so it's going to be a very woolly year ahead .

Grandbear hasn't put in an appearence yet but hopefully in the next week . Somehow dates have got mixed up so a little while longer to wait .

Right that's it for now got some bits and pieces to do . See you all at Wonderwool . Don't forget to come and say hello . We are on stand T6 near the food and workshops . :0)

What a Busy Week .

2011-02-20T15:21:00.000Z

It's been rather a busy week this week . No work but a lot of jobs that needed doing and a couple of days out .

On Monday i took delivery of 35 Kilos of Yarn . Rather more than I usually get , it was because I was buying against inflation . The prices are going up . I had to rejig my entire woolroom to fit it in . It took me all afternoon but I did it . Found a lot stuff I'd forgotten about as well :0)

As Wednesday was a gorgeous day we decided to have a day out to Lytham St Annes .

As you can see the Sun was out and the sky was blue .

The church in the centre of the pic is the famous White Church.

We did some beachcombing . Papa Bear wanted some wood for his Bromeliad plants and I picked up a load for making wall hangings . We had quite a haul .

This bit of driftwood was a tad to big LOL.

We had lunch at the Lowther Pavilion Cafe , which was delish . Bacon and mushrooms on toast .

My sock knitting for the Sock Challenge is coming along .

C Socks

D Socks .

I'm quite pleased I'm keeping up with this as I have other projects on the go as well , mainly baby knitting.

Our new Grandbear is due in six weeks . Time has just flown by .

We've got a new toy as well . A Wii games console. It's got Wii Fit and Wii Board as well . DD set it all up for us on Monday so we are doinf half and hour exercises a day . It's really good fun and as we are trying to lose weight as well it's helping enormously . This year I WILL GET SLIM .Lol

I will have to do though . Two of my DS's bought me a Pamper Day voucher for Christmas and I plan to use it before I go on holiday . DD has volunteered to go with me and as she is 5ft 6in tall with a model figure . You get the picture .I am vertically challenged and a stone and half over weight :0(

I'm not doing to badly . I can now sled my jeans off without unfastening them :0)

Ah well that's all for now folks I'ze off to tie some hanks of yarn , to dye tomorrow .

Just a Short Post .

2011-02-13T14:05:00.000Z

I've been a bit lax in my Blog posts these past couple of weeks .

The reason being is I've been soooo busy dyeing , spinning , knitting , making soaps and smellies and loads of other things .

I've just spent the biggest part of three hours updating my Little Blog Shop

Why not go over and take a peak .

Things have taken an upward surge healthwise this past couple of week as well . The doc is so pleased with me the says he doesn't want to see me for three months . Yeh!! Big step forward .

2011 looks like being a good year :0)

I will try and Blog later this week with some pics .

Grrrrreat News

2011-01-29T12:27:00.000Z

Just a short post . This morning folks you find one extremely happy Bear. It's a gorgeous day , I feel absolutly fan-tast-ic and best of all

I'VE GOT IN FOR WOOLFEST IN JUNE .

Words can't express how happy I am . I've been doing a major Happy dance since I found out :0)))))

Apparently they've been inundated with applications this year and i was up against some stiff competion so i count myself as very lucky .

Got to get the dye pots and sewing machine going me thinks .

Fibreholics Boxes

2011-01-24T13:09:00.000Z

Can't think why I've never blogged about the Fibreholics Boxes before now . Could be with all the dross of last year I just didn't get round to it . Anyway I have now .

Fibreholics is the place to sample a wide variety of UK independent dyers in one simple package.

The dyers send in 20grm samples of their wares and in turn they get sent out to people who buy a mixed bag of fibre or yarn .We get a fixed fee per sample paid to us . I've been doing it for a year now and it's been a Godsend with not working . It's meant I've had a little bit of income trickling in . Here are the samples I have sent in this time .

Lovely warm coloured Blue Faced Leicester .

And some nice cool coloured Blue Faced Leicester .

It was so bouncey I could hardly get the bag sealed up .

And things are still on the up for me as well .

I've been feeling much better this past couple of weeks . Dropping the Diazapam and getting back driveing have been huuuge steps . I feel at last I'm getting my life back on track .This week I hope to start dyeing fibres and yarns to get ready for Wonderwool in April .I've made a decision about Wonderwool as well . We usually take the caravan down and stay on site but this year as I wasn't to keen on towing i have decided to book B&B . It's taken a lot of pressure off me as I won't be moidering whether I can do it or not.

Well off to put some fibre to soak .TTFN

Normal Service .

2011-01-18T16:42:00.000Z

Normal Service has resumed at Chez Bears .I'm back behind the wheel properly and zooming about . I've not had any probs and it's been like I was only off the road a few days rather than months.

The best thing is we can resume our Railway Walks instead of traipsing round the back field . Meg is loving it .

We can also get heavy shopping again . You are a bit restricted with a shopping trolley .

Hospital appoinments will no longer be a problem , though I have to say a big thank you to Liz from S'N'B ,who put herself out to take us to Blackburn every month. Also a big thank you Sarah , also from S'N'B who has picked us up every Thursday for the past few months .

Beatrix Socks

As you can see I have finished my 2nd sock for the Sock Challenge . I'm enjoying this and can't wait to cast on Socks C . But I will have wait till the 1st of Feb to do that :0(

Never mind I've plenty of other knitting and spinning to do .

Rain ,Rain, go away .

2011-01-16T12:39:00.002Z

What a crap weekend this is . It's dark , miserable and it's not stopped raining since we got up.

You can't do anything when the weather is like this. We did go out to lunch yesterday with Amber and Mr Mog which was very nice but apart from the ride up to the pub we never went out .

I spent the afternoon knitting my B Socks for the sock challenge and watching Mama Mia DVD.

This brought back some happy memories of an evening in the B&B we stayed in when we did Fibrefest in August 2009. Gemma . Julie , Sarah and Rachel from S'N'B and me spent the Saturday evening knitting ,nattering , drinking wine and singing along to the music of ABBA.
Ah well better get the wellies out and take Meg for a walk in the rain as there doesn't seem to be any letup.#
Off out agin tonight to celebrate No 3 son's birthday . Is my youngest really 32 ??!!

Back on the road again

2011-01-14T15:20:00.000Z

I am very pleased to announce after 8 months, I'm back on the road again.

My car has a new battery and I went for a little drive up to Sainsbury's to put some air into the tyres .

Can't got to far yet as I have to have everything checked over by my cousin the Mechanic but I've made a start . I can't believe how easy I found it . The time must have been right cos a soon as my cousin had fitted the battery I just wanted to go .

Right I'm off for a brew and a calm down :0)

Onward And Upwards

2011-01-12T18:18:00.000Z

I've had quite a good day today . Ok so the bloody car still won't start even after a day on the charger but I'm not getting stressed out about it . I've not driven since last June a few more days aren't going to make much difference.

Anyway back to the good day.

I'M OFF THE DREADED DIAZAPAM . YEH!!!!!!

I took my last quater of a tablet yesterday morning and as yet haven't had the wazzy head I usually get when I've dropped down a bit. This is a huge step forward for me . I've decided that if any one chooses to prescribe them for me ever again i will politly tell them to shove them where the sun don't shine .

I've had the dye pots out for a test run . Just some yarn and fibre for me . I'll start on the stall stuff in a couple of weeks .I've been spinning some yummy BabyCamel / Silk , that my Grandsons bought me for Christmas . It's gorgeous really easy to spin.

Right off to finish the shawl I'm knitting :0)

Shhhhh

2011-01-11T16:34:00.001Z

Don't tell anyone . Papa Bear has put the car battery on charge .

OMG
P.S .Grrr the bloody battery doesn't seem to be charging . My Cousin the Mechanic thinks we need a new one .

A bit of Sunshine.

2011-01-10T12:33:00.000Z

Had quite a nice weekend this weekend . On Saturday I was taken up to Sawley to a new Spinning Guild by my friend Doctina from S'N'B and Rav . It was great, everyone was so nice and came over for a chat and to see what I was spinning. Had a lovely surprise when one of the members turned out to be an old friend from the Show circuit ,who I hadn't seen all year . Surfice to say I've joined and when I'm able will take turns with Doctina with the driving .

As Sunday was another sunny day we decided to do our long walk , 7miles , round Brindle to do the bird count for the BTO/ Bird Atlas Survey .We've been doing this twice a year for the past four years . This is the final year for the survey . Only two more counts to do in the Spring .

It looks like I may be driving soon :0) I just need to get the battery charged and psych myself up to driving the car up to My Cousin the Mechanic so he can give it a service before I get back on the road proper . Oo er Missus I'm a bit nervous . NO !! I'm a lot nervous but I've had a few volenteers who have said they'll come out with me for a few times . Watch this space .

A Small Challenge

2011-01-06T11:30:00.000Z

Well I've started the New Year off with a small year long challenge .

I've joined the 26 Pair A-Z Sock Challenge on Ravelry.

The aim is to knit 26 pairs of socks using patterns from A-Z in alphabetical order over the coming year .

Here's my A socks all finished

The pattern is Alda Road Socks by Tricia Welton-Hinkle available on Ravelry free .

I'm afraid the pattern seems lost on the pics but in "real life " they look good .

I'm looking forward to knitting up the other patterns I've chosen and it will keep my sock knitting cravings at bay.

As you may have noticed in the side bar I have joined the millions who Tweet by joining Twitter .

If you are one of this mad band you can find me there as Laalbear ( who else ??!! )

I'm trying to get my dyeing mojo back and have just taken delivery of some British Falkland Merino High Twist sock yarn . Phew that was a mouthful .It's gorgeous and soft and very sproingy . And I'm awaiting the arrival of some Sparkly Sock Yarn in early Feb .All should be ready in time for Wonderwool Wales in April .

We've booked our hols as well . We are having a belated Ruby Wedding Anniversary treat and going to Seaton in Cornwall for two weeks in a luxury apartment here.

We're going on the recomendation of our neighbours . The apartments are so close to the beach that you go to sleep listening to the sounds of the sea. That's good enough for me :0)

40 Years ago .

2011-01-01T10:29:00.000Z

Happy New Year to you all .

I can't believe it's forty years since I gave birth to my first born son at 12-50 a.m. New Years Day 1971 .

Now he's all growed up .

He was born to the sound of the hooters going off on Preston Dock , which I could here through the open window of the delievery room .Much water has flowed under the bridge since then and he was joined along the way by two brothers and a sister .

Five Grandchildren have also arrived and we eagerly await number six in March .

Not bad going really :0)

Ending of the Year

2010-12-27T16:16:00.000Z

Thought i'd better stick my nose round the door before 2010 ends .

My Blogging seems to have taken a back step these past couple of months . I don't know why . I just haven't got round to it for some reason.

Anyway here i am now . Since I last posted we've been away to Wales to visit our friends Artis-Anne and her DH Tony . We went by train as I'm still not driving.It was a brilliant week of walking , spinning , knitting , talking and eating . Unfortunately when I got back I had an attack of the post holiday blues. something I've not experienced since I was in my teens . But I bounced back and at the end of November I made my first trip to town on my own . So things are progressing I'm now down to half a milligram of Diazapam and should be off it completely in a week or so .

I've been very busy knitting Christmas presents and was rewarded yesterday by smiling Children and Grandchildren as they tried on their new togs .Silly me forgot to take pics :0(

The two Roberts

I can't end this Blog without mentioning my Darling Bobby . It's been a year since he left us but not a day goes by that I don't think of him . It's been hard this past week trying to get ready for Christmas and thinking of last year .I've got through it but not before I shed a lot of tears.

I seem to have a legacy of him though . Look carefully at the two photos above they are not of the same person .The one on the left is Bobby aged about 31 and the one on the right is my son Robert aged 31 .

So I still have a bit of Bobby here with me in my son who , incedently has his Uncle's nature as well as his looks .

I'll be glad to see the end of 2010 and I'm looking forward to a much brighter 2011.

I look forward to seeing you all then when hopefully my blogging will be brighter and a bit more often .

Happy New Year to you all .

Still Here

2010-10-21T11:02:00.001+01:00

It's nearly four weeks since i last Blogged , sorry . My blogging mojo hasn't come back properly yet . I think it's the actual taking pics and getting myself to sit at the computer for half an hour that does it .

Well I'm still progressing . I'm now down to 3mgrs of diazapam and the withdrawal syptoms aren't as bad as they were. My doc still won't let me drive :0( he says I've got to be completely off them before I can . I was having a pootle round the net the other day and found out that Diazapam is a Class C drug so no wonder he wants me off them .We are managing without the car . It only becomes a bugbear when DH has hospital appoinments then we have to sort lifts out . The supermarket is only a mile away and if we want to got to town we have our bus passes.

My blogging mojo might not be up to scratch but the spinning and knitting are doing fine .

This is the fibre a dyed last month , all spun up waiting to be knit .It's not taken me as long as I thought . I was only going to spin an hour a day with it but I felt so relaxed whilst doing it I spent a little longer each day spinning. I'll have to find another project to spin now :0)

These are some of the socks I've knitted for Christmas presents . I started knitting them back in August when I needed to do something to focus my mind on . They are just plain socks but they kept me sane .

Some little cardigans for our expected Grandchild . It's not due till March so I dare say there will be a few more made before then .

And a bit of retro from the 80's. Chunky legwarmers . They are really warm and great for keeping the cold out whilst out walking Meg .

I've got a few more things on the needles . Got to keep busy as I'm missing getting ready for Grassington in December. I will greatly misss doing it this year as we have been going for the past 15 years . One good thing is the lady who organises it has said we can have our places back next year which I think is very kind .

We have something to look forward to though . Next month we are off to Wales to stay with our friends Artis-Anne and her lovely DH . It will be quite an adventure as we are going on the train . I'm so looking forward to staying in there gorgeous cottage in the Welsh mountains . It will do me more good than pills :0)

Turning Corners and Setting Goals

2010-09-25T16:51:00.001+01:00

Tuesday saw another turn of the Year's Wheel and we slipped into Autumn with a chill in the air .

I don't know where this year has gone with all that's been happening to me but I feel I have turned a corner over the last few weeks .My councelling comes to an end on Tuesday . I have found this a great help and A my councellor has been a tower of strength . Helping me get my life back on track . I also now have a Support Worker helping me come off the dreaded Diazapam . That's going to take about another eight to ten weeks so my plans for driving again have been put on a longer hold as my Doc won't let me drive till I'm off them completely :0(

I decided this week that I needed something to keep me occupied long term so I have set myself a goal . Itis to dye , spin and knit a cardigan . I've been spinning but only 100grms of this and that and appart from socks and scarves you can't do much with the finished yarn. So on Monday the dyes came out and 700grms of Falkland Merino fibre.

My stupid camera doesn't do the fibre justice . For some reason it doesn't recognise purple . So for blue read purple . I will keep you posted with the results .

Today if I'd been fit and well and able to drive I would have been at the Masham Sheep Fair . I was quite upset this morning that I couldn't go , especially as the sun was shining and Artis- Anne and Ambermoggie were going to be there .

I had to make do with a long walk with Papa Bear instead .

We went on our favourite railway walk but this time we had to walk to it from home so we only did part of it . I've still not got the stamina for over long walks . We have been making do with walks around the park at the back of our house but there's only so many different permutations of walking round there and I felt like a change. It's the first time for months that we have been down the railway and I really enjoyed it .

The hawthorn bushes were absolutly laden with haws . It was just a sea of red . If folklore is to be believed it looks like we are in for another bad Winter .

The Himalayan Balsam was in full bloom and the air was heady with their perfume .

Tomorrow we are off to son Number 3 's for lunch and another little adventure , we are going on the train .

Not been on a train for ages but we have to use public transport at the moment with not being able to drive. At least I'm saving fuel . The petrol tank hasn't been filled up since April and there is more than half a tank still in :0)

A Trip Out and some Good News

2010-09-10T17:58:00.000+01:00

Last Friday we took a trip out to see Ambermoggie and Mr Mog in Morecambe . I usually drive there but as I'm not allowed to at the moment due to the medication I'm on, we used our bus passes and went on the bus.

I don't think we'll be doing it again in a hurry . It took two hours , were it usually takes me under an hour to drive. We had a lovely day with Amber and Mr Mog but I bit a little bit to much off with the journey . I was shattered by the time we got home . But it was another step forward.

On Sunday I took another huuuuge step forward and visited the grave of my Darling Bobby. I havn't been able to bring myself to go since his funeral on that cold January day .Though it was very emotional I'm glad I've been .

On Wednesday we had to spend six hours at the hospital as poor Papa Bear has been diagnosed with Wet Macular Degenertion in his right eye. He had to have tests then treatment in the afternoon .I managed to stay quite calm throughout such along time . We've got to go through it all again twice more yet.I'm glad I'm not him as the treatment involves an injection into his eye .Hopefully they will work and stop the condition getting worse.

Last night I reached another goal and went to S'n'B . It was good to see everybody after such a long time and I got loads of hugs off everyone . So quite a busy week

I'm feeling more and more like myself . The only down side is I am having terrible trouble sleeping . I think it could be due to the fact that my body got used to the over medication and now it can't get into a deep enough sleep on it's own. Some nights I feel like I haven't been to sleep at all .Any tips on this would be gratefully received.

And now the Good News . We are to be Grandparents for the sixth time. Our youngest and his girlfriend are expecting the patter of tiny feet in March . We are so pleased.

Getting about .

2010-08-26T16:24:00.000+01:00

Things are improving and I can feel my old self creeping back to life .I've had a few trips to the supermarket with my good neighbour , Carol . I manage to get out for a walk every day with DH . This really helps . An hour in the fresh air and out of the house . I'd go stir crazy otherwise.

The councelling is going well , though it's very emotionally draining . I never expected it it to be be so hard. I've three more sessions to go yet.

Last Saturday my great No3 son managed to get the whole family together . It's a logistical nightmare getting them together as No 1 son lives down south and the other three work shifts . But luckily No 1 son was holidaying in Derbyshire , which isn't far , and everyones shifts fitted in . No 3 son booked a table at the local pub and we went out for a belated Ruby Wedding celebration. It was lovely to have all the children and Grandchildren together but I did feel a bit over whelmed and just sat there listening to all the conversations .Sadly no pics as I forgot my camera . Luckily No 3 son had his and took loads of pics for me and is going to make a collage of them .

Today I took another step forward and we went to town on the bus .We had a wander round and went for a coffee at my favourite coffee shop. We only went for an hour or so but it's a start .

My next goal is to go to S'N'B but at the moment I'm not sleeping very well and by the evening I'm shattered so that will have to wait a little while longer.

The Bank Holiday looms and it will be strange not working . I'm really missing going out to the shows and meeting people but I've got to keep looking forwards and think about next year . No 3 son says i should look upon this year as my Gap Year .

Getting there .

2010-08-11T16:44:00.000+01:00

Well I'm getting there slowly but surely.The good days are overtaking the bad , though I'm going through a bit of a rough spell at the moment as I am coming off the Diazapam . It's not easy and I wish to God I'd never been put on them . I now think I know what it's like for a junkie going through detox ha ha ! .

On a brighter note I've got my knitting Mojo back , though I'm only knitting socks at the moment . It's nice to feel the yarn and needles passing through my hands and it does help to calm me down .I've been spinning as well and that has the same effect . My hand spun stash is growing bigger so I'll have to start knitting some of it up soon .Another plus is on Friday I went shopping for the first time in ages . Our neighbour very kindly took us . I needed a rest when I got back . It's suprising how something as simple as that can tire you out when you've not done it for ages .But I did it .

I'm hoping to get back to S'n'B soon . I'm missing everybody and it does get us out of the house for an evening.

I also miss not being able to drive and go out when we like. We've made few short trips out by bus but i miss the convenience of just nipping to places in the car. Ah! well I will just have to wait a bit longer till I'm off the dreaded diazapam .

One more thing before I go . I made a huge ommition in my last post . On the 27th of last month me and Papa Bear celebrated our Ruby Wedding . Very quietly though but we plan to have a party as soon as I'm well enough.

An Update

2010-07-31T15:41:00.000+01:00

At last i've got enough concentration to give you an update.Four weeks ago after having a " funny turn" over the weekend DH booked me into the doc's . My regular doc was not there again so he'd booked me in to see another. As I was unable to drive DD came over to take me. Whilst waiting for my appointment I collapsed in the waiting room. Anyway somehow they got me into the treatment room where I came to and started to panic . DH had taken all my medication to show the doc what I was on and when he and the other doctor , who'd picked me up, saw the cocktail of drugs they were visibly shocked accourding to my DD. They both reckoned I was on far to much . The new doctor we had the appoinment with was very nice and took charge straight away . He took me off all the medication except the Diazapam , which can't be stopped abruptly .Then proceeded to get me down from the ceiling. Which DD said seemed to take forever . When i'd finally calmed down the doc said he was leaving me off the medication for 48 hrsand made me an appointment to go back in two days .When I returned after the two days he put me on one new antideppressant and the Diazapam. He was so caring and concerned that I decided there and then to change over to seeing him.
He saw me every other day for two weeks and got me off one of the Diazapam. The other antidepressant has been increased and this week I started the painful task of coming off the Diazapam.
Before the crisis came to a peak I felt like a zombie with all the drugs iwas on but now there is a glimmer of light at the end of a very dark tunnel. The doc says there's a long way to go yet but with his help and the councelling I'm getting I should come out of this terrible time and back to normal.
I have had to cancel all my shows , which has been a great dissapointment , as I love going out doing them . The car and the caravan are parked up as I can't use them , again upsetting .
I felt so let down by my other doc as i'd been seeing him for 25yrs but he's semi retired now and I think he's losing interest in his patients . Anyway I seem to be in the hands of a good concerned one now .
My DH has been a tower of strength during all this as have my family . I have also got some very good friends who have run me to the docs and a one very special friend who takes me to my councelling and waits outside for an hour whilst I have my session. I don't know what I would do without them all .
This has all been very painful to write, as those of you who know the Black Dog of deppression well ,but I thought it might do me good to get it down in black and white and also to update my many readers. I will try and update a little more often to let you know of my progress.

I won't be at Woolfest

2010-06-24T11:48:00.000+01:00

Just to say I won't now be at Woolfest.

The " Black Dog " of depression has sunk it's claws in my back and I can't budge it .

I am heartbroken

I hope you all have a wonderful time and by lots of goodies .

See you all next year X

I'm still here.

2010-06-16T15:13:00.000+01:00

Just to let you all know I am still around.

I've just been through a a few weeks of the vilest depression I've ever suffered.I definately do not want to go through that again. I won't bore you with all the details but I felt awful and completely lost.

I had two more visits to A&E and on the second one I met the most wonderful psychiatric nurse I have ever met . He was sympathetic but firm and sat and talked to me for over an hour . The result was he has jumped through hoops to get me on the list for councelling. What a star he's been . He convinced me I wasn't going mad and that all the things that I was going through was perfectly normal for someone getting through a bad bereavment, but it will be an uphill struggle

I had a two hour assessment last week , which did me the world of good and am due another one this Thursday . I've been put through as priority case so hopefully help is in sight .

I've come on in leaps and bounds this week .My goal is Woolfest next week. I do so hope I'm well enough.Some of my emergency medication will be reduced by the end of the week and I'll be able to drive .

Sorry it's not been a very colourful jolly post but I just wanted to put all my readers in the picture and that I've not deserted you all.

Wonderwool .

2010-05-01T11:50:00.000+01:00

I know I'm a bit late posting how I got on at Wonderwool but the truth is I've been knackered all week .

Anyway better late than never.

I woke up Friday morning with the colly wobbles about towing the caravan with the new car . To be honest I had the colly wobbles about towing the caravan full stop . I realised it had been eight months since I'd been out with it so I was enititled to feel jittery.Anyway we got hooked up and set off . It took me about five miles to relax and enjoy driving . It's a bit like riding a bike once you get back on your fine.

We got there in plenty of time and got all set up.

I had a secret weapon this year for setting up quick . Ikea cardboard boxes . I just had to take the lid off and put them on the stand . Seeemples:0) It made a big difference to the time setting up . I reckon I knocked a good hour off.

I had a helper on the stall this year , Julie , from S'N'B came along to help man the stall in return for bed and board in the caravan . We had a very good weekend . Saturday was brilliant but Sunday was very slow but over the two days takings were up 50% on last year . I can now pay my wool bill :0)

Today is Mayday/ Beltaine . Another turn of the wheel of the year .

It would also have been my Darling Bobby's 73rd birthday. This is another of what I call " firsts " that I am going through .I miss him teribbly and not a day goes by that I don't think about him .

Happy Birthday Big Brother XXXx

I'm all ready for Wonderwool.

2010-04-22T10:27:00.000+01:00

The car is all packed up , so is the caravan. Just a few bits and pieces to put in and we are ready for the off tomorrow. When i think of what state I was in two weeks ago , I was ready for cancelling cos I didn't think I'd make it . Anyway the pills and the doctor have woven their magic and I'm back in the driving seat again.

We had a lovely walk yesterday . The sky was so blue and all the fruit trees were in blossom.

I'm not sure what fruits they all are yet but they looked stunning against the blue of the sky they just begged to be photographed.

And there were loads of cowslips .

What a difference the Sun and flowers blooming make to our moods .The weather forcast is set good for weekend so hopefully we'll come home with some empty boxes :0)

Easter , signs of Spring and a bit of a backward step.

2010-04-16T16:43:00.000+01:00

This is a week or so late posting but read on amd you'll find out why.

We spent our first Easter at home in 17 years . We are usually out working but I didn't fancy spending four days in a marquee freezing my butt off . Instead we had our good friends Annie and Tony up from Wales.

Here they are enjoying our favourite railway walk . The weather was warm and fine and we had a brilliant weekend . it was lovelyhaving them stay with us instead of the other way round.

Unfortunately two days later my health took a HUGE step backwards . I was panicky and very weepy and I couldn't understand why I was like this after such a good weekend . DH managed to get me into the doctors who was as puzzled as we were but after a long chat he decided he'd taken me off some of my tablets a bit to soon . So now I'm back on them and after a weeks rest am feeling better. It looks like I'll be on them for quite a while now .Never mind I'd rather be taking them than feeling how I felt last week .

DH took me for a walk in the sunshine on Tuesday and everywhere there were signs of Spring .

Forsythia

Lovely Primroses

and the Willow in blossom.

The weather has been gorgeous this week though there's been a cold wind . My spirits are once again lifted and I'm in the last throws of getting ready for Wonderwool Wales , which I didn't think I was going to manage to get there.I think all will be well now .

First 5 Kilos

2010-03-17T19:11:00.000Z

Well it's that time of year folks when the dyes come out to play .

This is the first 5 kilos to be dyed this year :0)

Only 12 to go . All before Wonderwool at the end of April . Will I get it done you ask , watch this space.

I've drawn up a plan of action and if this week is anything to go by I'll do it.

I'm way behind with not being well . Before Christmas I had planned to start work in February but things didn't wrk out that way. Anyway i'm getting better and am in the process of having my pills reduced . Hopefully I will stop doing a very good impersination of The Dormouse in Alice in Wonderland.

I have made a big decision as well , cutting back on the shows, drastically. We will only be doing four shows this Summer as well as Wonderwool and Woolfest . No going away for two months in the Lakes . Last year was the straw that broke the camel's back .The torrential rain and winds of last year just finished us . But you watch we'll probably have a hot Summer now we aren't going up to Cumbria . But who cares we are going to enjoy doing the garden instead . We've already started planting seeds and DH planted the first spuds today .

I'm looking forward to growing flowers whilst DH gets on with the veg .

Spinning Wheel for Sale

2010-03-11T14:31:00.002Z

I am parting with my Ashford Traveller Spinning Wheel . The reason being is I have just bought a new one . This time a Lendrum which is easier and quicker to spin with . I am loath to part with it but I just don't have the room for three wheels . I won't be parting with my hand painted Traddy though:0)

There are some bits and pieces as well .

Ashford Traveller . Less that a year old , mint condition.

£240 + postage ( now not for sale .changed my mind :0) )

Ashford Lace Flyer for Taditional or Traveller . Never been used .

£80 + postage SOLD

Competition Lazy Kate .£20 + postageSOLD

There are five extra bobbins as well SOLD

If you want to buy the whole lot I will give free postage .

Anyone interested can get in touch by email info(at)laalbear(dot)co(dot)uk replace words with signs :0)

or if you are on Ravelry you can PM me there ,Laalbear.

Thank you for looking .

A long Weekend in Wales ( pic heavy)

2010-03-04T16:26:00.000Z

We've just come back from a few days in Wales , were we stayed with our good friends Artis Anne and her DH Tony . We should have gone last week but they were both poorly .Still we got there in the end.

Annie had got us free tickets to go to Portmerion.I'll not bothere with tags for the pictures just enjoy.

A rare pic of me and DH :0). It's not often we get photographed together .

We had a lovely time . It was very quiet as it was out of season. I've been there when it's been full of tourists .

Annie and Tony made us most welcome and the days were filled with spinning , knitting , watching films and eating . Annie is a fabulous cook and I felt sure I'd put a stone on , but was glad to find out I hadn't .

Monday was Tony's turn to take us out . We went on a long walk through the woods .

The mountains covered in snow.

We came across this white peacock but he didn't show us his tail.

Someone had cut a seat in this fallen log.

Just the place to have a rest.

Meg sunning herself.

There were some fantastic waterfalls .

All to soon our stay was over . It did me the power of good . It's nice to spend time with good friends who are as like minded as yourselves . We've been invited back so we must have behaved ourselves :0)

And the word for this year is Diversify :0)

2010-02-19T15:26:00.000Z

Well now Laal Bear is having a bit of a change in what she makes.

I've been doing Craft Fairs now for 17 years and I've decided to have a bit of a change .

I won't be going out to the fairs much this year as the Doc has told me to take things a bit easy .The albums I used to make haven't been selling very fast so I'm selling them off . So I pondered what to do to make a few pennies. First off Buttons .

Using good old Fimo .

Millifiore ( don't know if I've spelt that right :0) ) ones.

Ones I made earlier . I've stitched them on to nice card . I took them to S'n'B last night and the girls where impressed .

Next we have lavender satchets . I got a load of lavender last year from a lady in the next close who was going to throw it away . So I made these to use it .

Finally soaps and bath bombs .

I took some of these up to the farm shop I supply and she wants me to put some up there . She reckons they will be ideal as Mother's Day Gifts .

Fear not my wolly and fibre friends I ain't giving up on the wool and fibre . These are just a little side line to help me along . I wouldn't give up my dyeing and spinning for anybody .

Getting Better.

2010-02-09T16:55:00.000Z

At last there is light at the end of the tunnel . I don't know if it's the new tablets or the bad weekend I had that brought things to a head but I am feeling very well . I've started cooking and cleaning again , so that's a good sign . I've also been knitting and spinning.

Socks for me . Knit with my handspun Corriedale in Roses in the Snow colour way.

Socks for Stacey , No 3 son's lady . Hand dyed BFL ,colour way Happy Hippy .

Handspun Corriedale for DH some socks.

Hand dyed ,hand spun BFL/Silk colourway Maji.For sale .

Hand dyed , hand spun Merino/Bamboo . For sale .

Hand dyed , hand spun Falkland ,colourway Candy Apple . For sale .

Hand dyed hand spun Falkland , colourway Honey Bee . For sale .

The spinning has been a great therapy as I get lost in a world of my own when I'm doing it .

Signs of Spring .

We took the car in today for a bit of fettling and as it was only going to take an hour we took the dogs down with us then went off for a walk . We were lucky as the garage isn't very far from our favourite walk . The Railway Walk .

Shoots are pushing there way up .

Two tiny snowdrops.

Leaves bursting from there buds on the trees.

You can just see the farmer on his tractor muck spreading the fields .

Daffodils in bud. They'll be out soon .

And I had to take a pic of this dead tree . It reminded me of a swan's neck and head .

It was a lovely walk and the Sun made it all the better.

Imbolc / Candlemas

2010-02-02T16:11:00.000Z

Imbolc / Candlemas Greetings to one and all .

As usual I have decorated my fireplace appropriatly.

All the candles give the hearth a warm glow just as if there was a fire there.

The old ryme goes

" If Candlemas is fair and bright ,

Winter will have another flight "

Well it's poured down here most of the day , does that mean things are going to get warmer. Papa Bear had to nip out in between showers with the dogs as both dogs refuse to go out in the rain and do what comes naturally :0)

The days are lenthening now and with the longer days and more light I'm getting better by the day.

A week and a half without feeling grotty is great , I feel like i'm getting my life under control again .

I've managed to do some spinning and will post pics whan it's all dry.

Feeling Better and a Trip to the Theatre.

2010-01-31T13:05:00.000Z

Well I feel a darn sight better than I did last Sunday. The new tablets seem to be working and as the week has progressed I'm feeling better . The horrible morning shittyness has gone and I'm able to get through the day without having to have a lie down .

I had to better for this weekend as yesterday I was able to use my Christmas present from DD . A ticket to see

This .

My lovely DD took me on the train to the Palace theatre in Manchester ,which is only a stones throw from the railway station. Before the performance she took me to a lovely Italian deli where we had lunch .

This was the 25th Anniversary Performance of Les Miserables and it was fantastic . Very moving .

I saw it about eight years ago when DD treated me for my birthday but this new version was even better than the first. It was a lovely day out and did me the world of good .

I'm hoping to get back to my spinning and knitting now and keep my fingers crossed that I'll continue to inprove .

Riding a Rollercoaster .

2010-01-27T13:49:00.000Z

Sorry for not blogging for weeks but since my old enemy , Acute Anxiety , reared it's ugly head just before Christmas I've not really felt like it .

The past few weeks have seemed like a Roller Coaster ride of emotions.

We layed my beloved Bobby to rest on the 5th of January in the middle of a snow storm. I bet he was sat on a cloud with a big grin on his face , looking down at us getting frozen.

Since then I've been trying to come to terms with it all . My days have been mixed , some good some bad . For anyone who hasn't suffered from this complaint it's very hard to explain . Tiny things get blown upout of all proportion in your head , each one building on the other till your emotions spill out . My good Doctor calls it wall building.This last weekend has been a nightmare . I seemed to have had a good week but Saturday morning it proved to be wrong . I had a major Axiety Attack which lasted all day and once again I ended up in A&E but this time I was referred to the duty Psyciatrist . After a long talk with him he is going to refer me for councilling. Sunday and Monday I had two more strange attacks and I thought I was going mad. Papa Bear managed to get me in to see my Doctor and DS No 2 came over to take me . The Doctor has put it all down to reaction and he's given me some more tablets . I've spent the last three days on the settee resting and I'm glad to say I feel a lot better , though still very tired.I should get my appointment to see the councilor soon so my head will get sorted . I've been through this twice before and as my DD says I'll get through it again .

With the help of my good family and some very dear friends I hope I can .

On a lighter note we have a lodger . A four legged one .

My DD went down South on Sunday to start 20 weeks training for her new job and not wanting to put her little dog , Maggie , in kennels for that long we agreed to have her for part of the time .So Meg has got a playmate for a while. They get on well to gether and whilst I've been on the settee they have kept me company . Maggie has curled up beside me whilst Meg has been curled up behind my legs so I was nice and cosy . You can't beat animals when your feeling down .

Hopefully I'll get back to regular blogging again really soon .

New Year .

2010-01-01T13:47:00.000Z

Happy New Year to you all.

Unfortunately mine hasn't had a very good start . Better start at the beginning.

The weekend before I lost Bobby I had the father and mother of a Panic / Anxiety Attack and ended up in A&E because I frightened the living daylights out of Papa Bear .Suffice to say they weren't much help and packed me off home with two paracetemols and " Go see your GP on Monday ".

We managed to crawl through the weekend and I saw my GP Monday morning. Fortunately I got in to see the Doc who's seen me through my past breakdowns and I didn't have to do much explaining . He reckons it had been building up for a while and asked how I'd been over the past month . After a long chat he figured the bad case of Novemberitis I blogged about was warning bells and I hadn't heard them .He put me on a course of tablets I've been on before and have to see him again on Monday .

I managed to get through Christmas with my family and seemed to be getting a bit better , I even managed a trip to see my Sister-in Law . But for some reason I began to feel low again yesterday .

This morning saw me have another doosey of an attack which just wouldn't go away . As out of hours doctors aren't much help Papa Bear rang my very good friend Ambermoggie and between them they managed to scrape me off the ceiling .Amber has a very soothing voice and managed to get my breathing under control to which I am very grateful . After I'd calmed down me and Papa Bear went for a walk on the park near us and touch wood I'm still quite calm.I'm hoping it will last but it's comforting to know that Papa Bear is here and Amber and Mr Mog are only at the other end of a telephone . With there help I'll come out the other end of this .

He's Gone .

2009-12-23T17:28:00.000Z

My Darling Bobby is gone , he passed away quietly early yesterday afternoon. He had pneumonia and didn't respond to treatment . He leaves behind a vast hole in my life .

Rest In Peace Dear Brother .

01-05-1937 22-12-2009

I will blog again in the New Year until then I hope you all have a Happy and Peaceful Christmas .

Dressers and Good Friends

2009-12-09T16:19:00.000Z

I've got two nice things to write about today :0) This lunch time I met up with my good friend Jean . We have been friends for quite a few years now and used to work on the same craft cicuit . Me with my crafts and she with her fabulous handmade cards . We have remained friends even though we don't do the shows anymore . We try to meet up at least once a year , mostly around Christmas time . Usually at Oswaldtwistle Mills , which is half way for both of us . We had a lovely lunch and caught up with all our news . As I had been rather stressed out all week with getting the new car it was a nice change to relax . When we'd had our lunch we went for a stroll round to see if there were any goodies. I couldn't believe my eyes when we went into the kitchenware department for there on a stand was something I had been on the look out for .I''l start at the begining. I've always wanted a dresser and the other week we went into our favourite charity furniture shop and saw

This , an American colonial dresser .I simply had to have it .It was perfect for the dining room .

And you can just see on the shelves what caught my eye in the kitchenware department .

The most perfect crockery to go on my dresser . American folk art cups and plates .

All with farm animals .

The cutest sheep .

I got big dinner plates to match but they are to big for the shelves so I have used them to place the two matching fruit bowls that I bought , on .

And to finish it all off I got this felt garland to got round the top .

It all looks gorgeous and I'm very pleased with the look .

I've always loved the American Folk Art style and used a lot of these fabrics when I was making patchwork quilts . I'm going to have to make some more now to match the dresser ;0)

Grassington Dickensian Festival .

2009-12-08T10:32:00.000Z

The alarm clock went off at 5-00am and strangly enough we'd both slept through. This is somewhat of a phenomenon as when we do Grassington neither of us sleeps well for fear of not hearing the alarm .

It wasn't as busy as past years but trade was steady all day . This is DH at the back of the stall .

As promised a pic of my new costume . The long term stall holders still dress up in Dickensian costume but unfortunately the newcomers don't ,which is sad as I think it adds to the atmosphere . It wouldn't have happened in Mrs Freebury's day . She was the lady who took charge of the Craft Market and was very firm about dress code .

Here's a full length . Sorry the pics are a bit dark , i'll try for better ones next week .

All in all it's been a good few days . We did well at Grassington , I had a customer call on Sunday who bought loads of yarn , two decent orders from my Blogshop and yesterday I picked up my new car .

There has been a down side though . My brother Bobby is not well . He has been moved down to the medical ward , which in my opinion is where he should have been sent in the first place . At last he is being seen by a doctor every day and I'm hopeful he will start to improve again. I really do miss him . I felt it when I went to pick my car up , as usually when I get a new car he is the first person I go and see to show off . I drove past his hospital window though just to show him :0)

The weather here is still miserable but the weather forcast says better days by the end of the week . I hope we get some good bright frosty days then we can have a good long walk , instead of short , shower dodging ones .

Grassington Dickensian Festival .

2009-12-04T08:50:00.000Z

Well folks it's that time of year again and Grassington is upon us once more .

So tomorrow we will be getting up at rediculouso'clock to go

Here ,to the little village of Grassington in Yorkshire { it's ok I've had all my jabs he he !:0) }

The festival has been going for over twenty years and i've been doing it for the past sixteen . I stongly recommend a visit if you can . It's a lovely Christmas day out . If you decide to go, me and DH will be up in the Devonshire Institute ,at the top of the village, please say hello .

Now I have a bit of an announcement businesswise. A couple of weeks ago I attended the Manchester Yarn Day , organised by the Manchester Yarn Collective.I had a brilliant day and have taken up their invitation to join them . It is a collective of small Independent Dyers of Yarn and Fibre and after the success of the yarn day we are starting a Sock Yarn Club between us , called Northern Soles . You can get all the details on the website here . There are six of us dyeing yarn , one for each of the six months sign up and I will be dying the yarn in March . So if you were thinking of joining a sock yarn club why not take a look .

Well that's enough natter got looooooaads to do .

It's December Yeh!!!!!!!

2009-12-02T14:24:00.000Z

From the title it would be sujested that I'm glad we are in December . To damn right i am . As I've said I HATE November . To me it is the worst month of the year and this one has been no exception . It 's been wet and depressing all the way through . This past week I have suffered the worst case of Novemberitis for a good few years . I got up on Sunday morning to go to Samlesbury Hall for the Craft Fair when all I wanted to do was stay under the duvet till Dec 1st .

Well December is here . Yesterday we got our first frost and the Sun shone , as is it doing today .

So dear readers you can understand my spirits are now lifting .

Last night was full Moon and it was clear to see early evening .

We have two Moons this month which is unusual .The next will be on the 31st and will be a Blue Moon hence the saying " Once in a Blue Moon " as they don't occur very often . It's a very magical and powerful time between the two .

We are gearing up for the weekend when we do our first Grassington of the Season. I've sorted out a new costume that just needs tweeking then I'll post pics .I've not had much to make as I am selling off a lot of my stock to make way for new and exciting things , which I will showcase on here .

Next week I take delivery of my new " Granny's Bus " . I'm afriad the Galaxy has hed her day and is being pensioned of . Again pics to come .

Rolf Harris .

This guy was on Paul O'Grady's Show last night talking about his new Christmas single . It's FABULOUS !!! Anyway don't take my word for it go see it here on You Tube . I bet you'll be humming the tune for the rest of the day :0) Hopefully it will stop this years XFactor winner getting to number one and we'll have a decent . good old fashioned Chritmas tune at the top of the charts in the same ilk as Wizard and Slade .

Cumbrian Floods

2009-11-21T10:45:00.000Z

As most of you will know Cumbria has been devastated by the worst floods ever . I have no pics but if you go here you will see just what the damage is .The weather was bad when we were up there in the Summer but this just pales into insignificance now . Cockermouth and Keswick , two of my favourite places have been hit the worst . Cockermouth is especially close to my heart because of the Woolfest .

I hope that the waters receded quickly and the clean up can begin . I know the good folk of Cumbria will rise up and stoically carry on . If you would like to contribute to the flood funds you can donate here .

Please give generously to these lovely people .

I should have been going up to Cumbria today for Spinning Guild but I am heeding police advise and not travelling up there, as there is more rain to come and high winds . The thought of driving over Shap in the wind and rain doesn't bear thinking about.

As I am not going to Guild . Ambermoggie and Mr Mog are coming here for a Spin-in and a roast lunch . I will post pics later of our day :0)

Ta Dah !!!

2009-11-19T15:36:00.000Z

It's all finished . Doesn't it look fab . I am thrilled to bits with it .

Wild flowers , roses . toadstools and snails .

Butterflies have been important in my life since I had a bad breakdown 25 years ago . Some one gave me a card with the inscription .

"True happiness is like a Butterfly

Chase after it and it will fly away .

Wait patiently

And it will land in your hand "

For years I wore a silver butterfly around my neck till it fell apart .

This butterfly is very special . Readers of this blog will know of my dog, Skipper , who is no longer with us . I got her in 1990 again I had ,had a bad breakdown and she pulled me out of it . Well she was named after the Grizzled Skipper butterfly and DH remembered and painted this little hommage to her .

I am going to take the wheel to Spinning Guild on Saturday . You never know DH might get some commisions :0)

The Transformation Progresses :0)

2009-11-17T16:57:00.000Z

A few ladybirds and bees are added to the bars .

Close up of a bee . You can see how rich the wood looks after it's waxing .

The Artist at work .

Can't wait till it's finished . I'm hoping it will be ready for Saturday when I go up to Mungrisdale for Spinning Guild .

Dull November gets a little Brightener :0)

2009-11-16T20:22:00.001Z

My dull November is getting a Brightener . My darling DH is personalising my Traddie spinning wheel .

I got a new sliding hook flyer this morning and a tin of Ashford wax polish . After DH had waxed the flyer he went on to clean and rewax my Ashford Traditional .

Then he got his paints out and whoah hoo . These are the pics so far .

A close up of the flowers .

Ain't they purdy .

And a Jacobs sheep on the mother of all base . The wood has been transformed with the waxing and looks absolutly fabulous . Ain't I a lucky spinner . It's certainly cheered me up :0)

I'll post pics of the transformation . Watch this space .

Bloody November

2009-11-14T13:41:00.001Z

In the words of Billy Eckstine " I Apologise " first for bad language in the title and second not posting for a fortnight . As the title of this post suggests I don't like November . It's cold , wet ,miserable and worst of all dark . It seems to be a family trait , as when I visited my Cousin the Mechanic on Monday he to was feeling low and morose . But fear not dear readers I have been busy in my gloom .

I have been reducing the Patons Jet Mountain in my wool room . I've made these simple mitts .

In various colours for the stall .

I've also made matching cowls . All to warm and brighten the dull November days :0)

I've also been very busy at my wheel and it's been a joy .

This is the finest I have ever spun and I'm so pleased . 420yds 100grms of Corriedale fibre .

These will end up as nice warm socks I think .

I've been having a play at doing art yarns as well . Spinning thick creamy Merino fibre then plying it with rayon machine embroidery thread .

I did this one with glitter but the pic hasn't come out very well .

A nice selection of natural coloured spun fibres and coloured Merino /Silks

I'm afraid the pics aren't good quality , see November again no ~~bloody~~ pardon , no blinking light .

The Winter shows began last weekend . I was at the Manchester Yarn Day and it was brill . I only booked 10 days before as well . This Sunday we will be at The Dalmeney Hotel St Annes . Then a short break next weekend before we head into Grassington for the 15th year .

Now for an update on Bobby . I've not put anything on my Blog for a few weeks mostly because I've been to upset to write about it . He was moved a few weeks ago to another hospital for rehabilitation and not to put to fine a point on it they cocked up bigtime . I won't go into to much detail but suffice to say his progress has been put back at least a month . I'm really angry ,as the day before he was transferred I'd been to see him and he was looking more like the old Bobby instead of looking like my Dad did before he died .

Anyway I went to see him last Monday and thank the Gods he's starting to look better agin and we even manged to get a couple of chuckles out of him and a definate " NO " when I asked him if he liked Johnny Ray ( a 1950's singer ) Lets hope this continues .

BTW did you know that six weeks today it will all be over ( Christmas that is ) :0)

Samhain / Halloween Greetings

2009-10-31T14:01:00.002Z

Samhain / Halloween Greetings and Blessings to all .
As usual my hearth is decked out to represent the season , hope you like it . As you can see Papa Bear has installed a door for the Faeries to come and go as they please now, it saves leaving the bathroom window open for them :0) If you want to read more about them visit his Blog .
I've been to busy to blog this week as we have had visitors from the South eldest DS and Co and to put it mildly I'm shattered and was glad to see their train pulling out of the station on Thursday night .
I am going to have a relaxing weekend spinning and trying to wind down so I'll catch up with you all on Monday .

Sunday Afternoon

2009-10-25T16:37:00.010Z

I had an hour in the kitchen this afternoon.

I took some dark brown sugar and best butter

and a whole lot of mixed fruit .

Plain flour , ground almonds , spices and fresh eggs .
Can you guess what it is yet ? :0)

Mixed it all together.

Put it in a cake tin ( well it's not tin actually it's like rubber , very modern )

And baked for three hours on regulo 2 .

It will now go into the cupboard wrapped in foil and be taken out every week till Christmas and "fed "with copious ammounts of alcohol and then it will be decorated with marzipan , nuts and glace fruits just like the pic above of last years cake .
It was the first time I'd decorated my Christmas Cake that way and it went down a treat , so I thought I'd do it again:0)
The house smells lovely .

The Moon and I .

2009-10-20T16:21:00.003+01:00

Medium Advent Calander
£15-00 plus £2-00 postage
5 in stock

Large Advent Calendar £18-00 plus £2-00 postage
9 in Stock

**********
For some time now I've thought that my energies were ruled by the Moon's phases . I am now convinced that I am. The first two weeks of the September Moon , as She was waxing I was full of energy . As you saw on the blog I was knitting ,spinning , making jams and pickles . But once the Moon started to wane my energy levels plummeted .
Sunday saw the the beginning of the New Moon and guess what :0) my energies have returned .
I've been up in my workroom all day making these delightful Advent Calendars .
They are for sale and should you like to purchase one you can email me at
info(at)laalbear(dot)co(dot)uk { Replacing the words with symbols } I take cheques or Paypal .They are made from 100% pure cotton and can be used again and again .You can fill the pockets with sweets or small toys for your little ones ( or even big ones ) .

I am going to make use of this return of my energy and get on with my sewing projects .

Away Day

2009-10-18T13:10:00.016+01:00

Yesterday I had an Awayday. It's the first i've had for a few years.

Let me explain. Some of you readers know my DH suffers from Epilepsy and a few years ago it wasn't as well controlled as it is now. When I wanted a day to myself , as you do , I used to take him to his Mum's then take off some where for the day . At the time British Rail were advertising special day tickets for trips out called Awaydays so that's where i got the name from. Anyway she died and I had no one else to leave him with . My children don't live close and all work . I've had a couple of hours away to go to town but the chance came for me to have a whole day away and I grabbed it with both hands . When your with somebody 24 / 7 it can get very tedious so i was eager to go . This is where i went . To the Eden Valley Spinners Dyers and Weavers Guild . I had a lovely day with like minded people . I also had a nice surprise , the lady who taught me to spin , Therese , was there as well . She was very pleased to see me and I her. I showed her my latest spinning and she was very pleased and showed it off to some of the newbie spinners and told them how proud she was of me . I was very touched as in all my life no one has ever uttered the words " I'm proud of you " to me .Suffice to say thet after such a great day I have joined the Guild . It's a bit of a treck to get there , an hour and a half , but it worth it .

On the way home I had intened to visit Ernest and Ruth at Askew Rigg farm , where we stay in Cumbria but Sod's Law they'd gone away that morning.

As I wasn't in any rush to get home I decided to drive home through the Lakes instead of the motorway . Some thing I hadn't done in ages . It was a joy driving on my own the Sun was shining and the landscape was dressed in it's Autumn colours . I couldn't take any pics of Thirlmere as there is nowhere to park but I did manage to get a few on my way down .

This is Dunmail Raise but if you look at the top the rock formation looks like a man playing an organ . But .......
when you get round the other side it looks like a lion laying down with a lamb .
Mother Nature has been busy with her paint box on these trees .
Grasmere village is in the distance . I managed to take these pics in betwen cars passing :0)

I wanted to take some pics of Grasmere and was chunnering to myself that yet again there was nowhere to park when as I got round a corner the traffic was stopped at some traffic lights for roadworks so i quickly wound the window down and took this

before the traffic started to move again . What a stroke of luck .

A similar thing happened in Ambleside and I was able to snap The Bridge House as I was passing

I carried on down to Windermere where I called in at Lakeland Ltd . When I was trying to get out through the traffic I had a very strange occurance . I was nudging my way into the line of cars and a mini bus when out of the corner of my eye I saw a women frantically waving to me from the bus . When I looked closer I saw that it was my sister , how strange was that . But it gets better she had bumped into our other brother in Grasmere that morning . So we were all up in the Lake District at the same time and didn't know .

All in all it was a brilliant day and well worth waiting for :0)

More Good News and loads of pics :0)

2009-10-07T17:42:00.013+01:00

I think this picture speaks volumes .This is what all your positive thoughts , good Karma and prayers have achieved . Bobby is out of bed for the first time and in a chair . He has managed to have a drink of water and has eaten a yogurt . All massive milestones on his way to recovery . I am absolutely over the moon . Seven weeks ago I thought i was going to lose the brother I'd idolised all my life but now he's making the long , slow journey back .

Please keep up your thoughts and prayers cos as you can see it's working:0)

Now back to the more mundane .
These next pics are of the full Moon last weekend . Wasn't She bright .

Hiding behind a cloud . It was such a clear night for taking pics .

Last Sunday as Papa Bear and I were on our way across the field with Meg we past a house hwere a lady was giving her lavander bush a haircut . The smell was overpowering and I asked her if she was going to dry it . She replied that it was going in the compost bin. I was horrified what a waste . So I quickly " rescued " the lot . As you can see there was ' a lot ' .

It's now tied into bunches and drying on my rack . Lavender bags I think .

The next pics are of our Autumnal walk this morning.

There was a distinct chill in the air . I think this was the chilliest morning we've had up to now .

A spider's handy work . There were loads of webs but this was the best.

I love this walk in Autumn . The colours are fantastic .

This tree always facinates me . There must be thousands of shoots comong up from the bottom of the trunk .

As usual Meg enjoyed running up and down in the leaves .

These mushrooms were huge . About six inches tall . Haven't discovered what they are yet . Any ideas ??

This is what's left of an astrological candle I have had burning for Bobby . I didn't put it in a holder , i just let it burn and melt down onto the base of my hearth . The cones have stuck to it as well . Isn't it fascinating . I can see a Green Man in there .

Autumn Chill.

2009-10-04T16:24:00.006+01:00

There's definately a chill in air, that's why I've started to knit this lovely warm jumper for going walking in . I'm reducing the Jet Mountain again :0) . It's so warm and perfect for this project.

There's quite a few pattern changes so I don't get bored.

I've also treated myself to a nice new Winter dressing gown and just like Christopher Robin's it's got a hood . Tried it out last night after my bath and it's Perrfick :0)
The heating has gone on for the first time as well , so Autumn has arrived .
I've been very busy today taking pics and updating the Shop . Why not stroll over and take a look here. There's lots of new fibre and sock yarn . I've rejigged it so that you can click on the sidebar links and go straight to the section you want . Happy Browsing . I'm off to do a bit of spinning to chill out after the trauma of spending most of the day on the ' puter.

Jam , Ma'am ????

2009-09-30T09:46:00.007+01:00

I've finally come down from cloud nine after seeing Bobby on Monday so it's back to production. From the house smelling like Pledge's Pickle Factory last week it is now smelling like Robertson's Jam Factory. Yes it's part two of preserve making . The pickles are all packed away . I made piccalilli , pickles and pickled red cabbage.

Above you see Damson jam bubbling in the pan this morning .
Blackberry waiting for their lids

All done . I have made nine jars each of Blackberry , Blackcurrant, Mixed Fruit, Damson and Plum . I've really enjoyed making them and watching the full jars pile up . They will all be packed into boxes then used throughout the year . Some will be gifted to family and friends .

I've also been spinning .

I got this gorgeous ball of fluff on Saturday from Dannielle at FeltstudioUK . It's some of her hand dyed Merino /Tencel and it's like spinning a cloud.

I am trying my utmost to spin it as fine as I can cos I think it will make a nice shawlette .

That's it for today I've got floors to scrub . Cue Status Quo to help me along :0)

A day Out and the VERY best of news:0)

2009-09-28T18:35:00.010+01:00

We had a day out on Saturday but before I tell you about that I have some good news about Bobby . We went to see him today and when we got there he was propped up with his eyes open and was definitely aware of his surroundings . We talked to him and when I asked him a question he replied "Yes" .I could have wept . He smiled at some funny remark DH made . But best of all he gave me a kiss before I left . It was the sweetest kiss I have ever had . It looks like all the positive Karma and prayers are working so I'm asking you to please keep it up . Thank you X
Now the day out . We ventured over the Pennines into Yorkshire . We went to the Masham sheep show . As you cam see the weather was absolutely scorching and the skies were so blue .
We met up with Artis-Anne and Tony and had a great time . I enhanced my fibre stash somewhat .

I met the Ripon Morris Men . Get a load of those hats :0)

Here they are dancing.

Loads of sheep of course . This fine fella won........

Best fleece at the show . It was gorgeous and thick . Looked very spinnable .

There was even a brass band

We came home through Leyburn and Hawes and I took this stunning photo of the Howgills .

On Sunday I thought I'd better sort my fibre basket out to put my new stuff in . So I put everything individual bags turns out I've got over 44 bags each with at least 100grms in each . Think I've got a fibre habit , can't help buying it . Wonder if there's Fibreholics Anonymous :0))

Autumn Productivity

2009-09-24T14:39:00.004+01:00

I've had very busy morning and i think it has to do with the Autumn Equinox giving off loads of energy and the fact that the Moon is waxing which always makes me want to be creative . So this morning I was creative in the kitchen . I made 24 , 1 pound ,jars of piccallili and 12 , 1pound ,jars of pickles . Not all for us I hasten to add , my darling children will be round on Sunday to see what's on offer :0) .
Then as I still had some yeast left from my bake the other week i made 9 pounds of flour into bread . These bread rolls are destined for a coffee morning in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Nurses at my friend Christian's . We are going to knit squares for comfort blankets .

Fresh loaves in their swanky new breathable bags from Lakeland Ltd .

I've got enough bread to last a few weeks now , and when that's gone we are going to indulge and get a breadmaker .

Now a little bit of Gin progress . I now have the gin in these fantastic jars I got from our local Matalan . They were only £3 each and are perfick as they have a seal on so no evaporation . I have made 4 litres of Sloe and 1 litre of Damson.
This week I have also spun 200grms of fibre into yarn . Plyed another 400grms and I'm half way up a sweater knit in the round for myself .

Hmm I'm quite out of breath now and I'm going to have a sit down and brew.

Positive thoughts for Bobby today.

2009-09-23T08:27:00.004+01:00

Bobby needs major positive thoughts , prayers , healing Karma today .After an MRI scan yesterday it has been decided to operate and take a biopsy .

He goes into theatre at 9-00am British Summer Time .

I leave him in your thoughts . Thank You X

Autumn Equinox / Mabon

2009-09-22T14:15:00.010+01:00

Mabon Greetings to one and all . Well Autumn officially starts today . There has been a nip in the air in the mornings for the past week or so and you could really smell Autumn creeping up .

As usual I have decorated my hearth to reflect another turn of the wheel . Oranges and golds to symbol the turning of the leaves from green .
A hearth full of cones and nuts , natures bounty.

And the bower is filled with berries from the Rowan and the Rose with oranges and Cinnamon sticks to finish it off . It all gives a nice warm glow of an evening when we settle down to our crafts.

Talking of natures bounty . We went a walk on Sunday and collected a load of Sloes to add to my already bulging stock of fruits . These were not destined for jam but Sloe Gin .

This is how you make it .

Take one pound of Sloes and prick them all over with a needle or cocktail stick . If you have them get the children to do this they'll love it .

One litre of Gin . It doesn't have to be expensive . I just get the cheap stuff .

Eight ounces of caster sugar .

Put the whole lot into a Rumtoft or a glass container big enough to take everything , then give it a good stir. Stir it every day for a week until the sugar dissolves . Then seal your container and put it somewhere dark and leave it for at least three months . The longer the better . After that strain the liquid off and bottle it . Very nice on a cold Winters night. You can do the same with Damsons and at the end make a pie with the fruit . Delicious with ice cream .

The next few weeks will see me making all my jams and pickles and storing them for the year ahead . I've probably said this before ,I love this time of year . I've got a freezer full of fruit and

I've been out today collecting all the ingredients together to make pickles and piccalilli . I'm just awaiting a delivery of jam jars then i can get cracking :0)

And Time Goes by.

2009-09-19T18:13:00.007+01:00

Why is it about this time of year i want to start having a clear out. Every year as soon as I get back from Cumbria , after a few days rest i have to start sorting things out and chucking out the dross collected over the past year . Maybe it's because I'm getting ready to hunker down for the Winter that I have to do this strange thing in the Autumn. Anyway the back bedroom and the woolroom got the chucking out treatment this week and I know where everything is , for now at least. I had a computer table to dispose of so like a good girl I took it to the local hospice shop and whilst there looked for a bookcase , which i duly found . I also found this little beauty........ My very own Captain's chair. Whilst at Annie's last week I used her captain's chair to sit on whilst I spun and it was so perfect for the job . I HAD to have one . I couldn't believe my luck when I saw it . Actually there were two so I got the other for DH .

As you can see "Perfick "
I can spin for hours now in comfort :0)

Been knitting as well . A lovely little shawllette . It was destined for the stall but I really like it soooo........

I've been busy all afternoon updating the Blogshop with lots of goodies . the pic above is just a taster . 100% Merino in a choice of weights and in my new Winter Solstice range of colours ideal for warm hats and scarves .

Lastly a little udate about Bobby.

Alas my darling brother is still unconcious and there is very liitle change in his condition . I have been to see him several times and when I've been he's had his eyes open . When i speak he seems to know I'm there so I'm holding on to that . Several tests and scans have proved inconclusive and the specialist is at a loss at the moment as to why he hasn't come round . Please dear friends continue to send your positive thoughts , prayers and healing Karma in the hope that like Rip van Winkle he'll wake up from his long sleep . X

Now as I've been at this computer since 2-00pm and it's now 7-00 pm I think I deserve a large glass of something and to put my feet up .

Wha ho !! I've just noticed I have gone over 10.000 visitors to my Blog since I started keeping a check in Jan 2008 . There are a few more as I've been Blogging since Oct 2007 Nice though :0)

A few days in Wales ( Pic Heavy )

2009-09-16T16:57:00.017+01:00

We have just spent a very pleasurable two days in Wales with Artis-Anne and her DH ,Tony .

It was just what the doctor ordered . It was so lovely to see them again , as we hadn't seen them since Woolfest . We set off early and went by way of Llandudno and as you can see the weather , in the words of Pa Larkin in The Darling Buds of May , was Perrfick .

Blue skies all round
A clear view of Great Orme

There was even a yacht race to watch as we ate our lunch.

Little Orme at the other end of the prom .

This was the only seagull on the Prom and we named him Poirot as he had the same mincing walk as the great detective .

We reached Annie and Tony's just after one and got a great welcome.

This is Tony with all the dogs who are keen to get his toast .

Annie doing what she loves best .

Isla and Skye , Meg's new friends .

Annie and Tony took us on some fabulous walks . It was great getting out in the fresh air for a change . Luckily the weather held all the time we were there .

Little boats in the bay .

" See That "

Lovely Welsh mountains .

Row of stone cottages.

The river was full as it crashed over the waterfall.

We had a great time with them and was a real treat after the past few horrible weeks we've had.

Annie is a fabulous cook and made sure we were stuffed full :0)

It was two days spent in very pleasurable and comfortable company and came to an end all to soon . We've promised to go back and it looks like we may spend our hols in Llandudno next year instead of the long journey down to Devon .

We Haz Sunshine Yeh!!!!!!

2009-09-09T13:18:00.007+01:00

As the title suggests the Sun came out to play this morning and it was so gorgeous we simply had to go for a long walk so off we went to Rivington for a walk round the reservoirs . This Comma butterfly was enjoying the Sun as well .

A sign of climate change here . About 15 years ago you wouldn't have seen this butterfly up here . Apparently if you drew a line between the Mersey and The Wash this species never came above it .
There are some lovely old houses along this walk .

Blue Skies

I love the silhouette of this dead tree against the sky.

Fishing in the reservoir

Looking right down the big reservoir.

It was so good to be out and feeling the Sun on my back after the past few horrible weeks . It makes me feel like doing things so after I've finished this I'm going to blitz my workroom .

I've been enjoying my R&R after the trauma of Cumbria . I've been spinning ( Bliss ) and doing a bit of knitting and generally chilling out . We are off to Wales at the weekend to spend a few days with Artis-Anne and her DH . Another dear friend who I have met through Ravelry . This online community is great I've met such a lot of interesting people . My eldest says it's like Facebook for knitters .

I'm going to update my Blogshop over the next few days . I am hoping to get an Etsy shop up and running soon I just need to get my head round it . Till then there will be new yarns and stuff in my little shop. Right grab black bags and head for the workroom :0)

I'm Home ( and never been more glad to be so )

2009-09-04T17:42:00.009+01:00

Cumbria Tour 2009

We are back from Cumbria and never been more glad to walk through our front door . I thought last year was bad but this year took all the gold medals for being bad . The weather has been atrocious and being in a caravan it magnifies it a hundred fold . I don't think we've had a single night of uninterupted sleep .

We lost Appleby Show due to me having a Megraine through lack of sleep but it was a terrible day and apparently was a wash out.

We lost Brough Show as I had to come home to see my brother but it was terrible etc etc

We lost Ennerdale Show as the weather was terrible etc etc and the apparently the tent blew down .

We managed to do Patterdale Dog Day and acctually took some money . Yeh

We managed to do Grasmere Sports and took even more money Yeh !! but it rained none stop from 11-00 a. m. So much so that we decided not to do Keswick Show . As you can see from the pics below it was a good decision . This was the straw that broke the camels back . Mud .
Rain

and a lot more mud .

These pictures are care of Ann Bowker a Lakeland Photographer .

It's been soul destroying and has left us with no option but to give up on the shows in Cumbria . We are far to dependent on the weather . We came home early in a storm but as we got over Shap on the motorway it stopped raining and by the time we got home the sun was shining and for the first time in ages we were warm .

We did manage one day out when it stayed dry for a few hours . This is Castle Howe ,a magical place . Apparently it was the last place in England where Faeries were seen . I can well believe it as when i was walking round something kept buzzing in my ear and it wasn't flies or bees .

DH and Meg in the quiet hollow .
I didn't even bother to take my hundreds of photos this year as they would have all been the same . Wet and dismal .Unlike my promise of last year we will not return.

Fibrefest 2009.

We came home half way through our Cumbrian debacle to attend Fibrefest in Devon . Unfortunately for us it was a none event and takings were very low . If we decide to do it again it would have to be included in a holiday .

There was one highlight though the B&B we stayed at Barleycorn House.

To say it was excellent would be putting it mildly and would recommend it to everyone . There was even a Bonio biscuit put out every day for Meg . Along with her own water bowl and towel . The pic is of the view we had from our room . We also had a lovely Saturday night in the B&B lounge with Gemme , Sarah , Julie and Rachel . Girls from our SnB also down for Fibrefest . We spent the evening knitting and singing along to the Mama Mia DVD .

Bobby .

Last but by no means least my brother Bobby .

He is still hanging in there after nearly three weeks . I went to see him again last night for the first time since I got back , though I have been in touch with my sister-in-law everyday for updates on his condition. The doctors say there is little change but he seemed more reasted and had his eyes open for quite a while ,whilst I was there . I am SURE he knew I was there .

Please continue sending positive vibes / Karma and prayers as I am sure they help. If you are not a Blogger and wish to get in touch my email is info(at)laalbear(dot)co(dot)uk replace the words with symbols. Thank you to all who have left comments up to now .

In Conclusion.

August has not been a kind month at all and I was glad to see the back of it .

I am now going to have a rest from shows as I am completely drained and very nearly broken . The next couple of months will be filled with what I want to do . Walk , knit , rest and most of all spin and Blog of course as there is the small matter of a Status Quo Concert to blog about . Isn't there :0)

Urgent Prayers / Karma/ Positive Energy needed.

2009-08-19T16:48:00.002+01:00

Dear Folks who read my Blog I need your spiritual help . My Darling brother Bobby is seriously ill after suffering a brain hemorrhage . At the moment he is holding his own but the next few days will be crucial .I want to ask all of you to pray , send Karma , send positive healing energies , whatever is your way , over these next few days .

I have returned early from Cumbria to see him before I go to Devon and Fibrefest on Friday .

I have just got back from the hospital and feel better for seeing him . There has been no change in the past 24 hours which is good . I just hope he will start to improve soon.

Thank You .

Hitting the Road

2009-08-06T11:02:00.007+01:00

Well it's that time of year again were we hit the road to Cumbria to do the shows . We are only going up for three weeks this time instead of our usual six . Everything is ready including all the wool for our swap over in two weeks time when we do the marathon. We have to finish a show at Brough on the 20th travel straight home from there . Swap all the craft stuff for woolly and fibery stuff to travel down to Devon for Fibrefest on the 21st . Fibrefest on the 22nd / 23rd . Travel back home 24th . Swap the stuff over again and travel back up to Cumbria to continue the shows up there . Didn't a certain someone talk about winding down to semi retirement at the beginning ofthe year . Wanders away whistling tunelessly . LOL .

Buuuuut before that there is the small thing about going down to Glastonbury this weekend to go here to see the great Status Quo . Tickets were a Christmas present from Son # 1 . It's going to be made better by the fact that Ambermoggie and Mr Mog have managed to get tickets as well ,to celebrate Mr Mog's 65th birthday .We are travelling down tomorrow to spend the day chilling in Glastonbury with them ,then meeting up with them on Saturday for the concert . Yeh !!!!! how good is that . You'll have to wait till September for the blog about that .We had a treat yesterday a steam train went through our local station so we took our Grandson down to see it . He was enthralled . I told him that, that was how me and his Grandad used to travel when we were his age . Came the retort " Was that in the olden days Grandma " .Out of the mouths .........
The engine driver in his cab .

The engine was parked the full width of the road .

View from the platform . You can just see a bit of Meg on the right.

Truly a magnificent sight . I miss the steam engines that used to travel up and down at the end of the close where we live . Much better than the diesels of now they have no character . I think we are going to arrange another trip on one of these giants .

I've been doing a bit of felting . I made these phone cases out of the mountain of Sirdar Jet I have . They are a quick knit then put into the washer to felt . I've sold all these and made some more for Cumbria . Well thats it folks for a few weeks . I may get chance to blog whilst up in Cumbria but there won't be any pics . Lets hope the weather is kind to us and the shows are well attended . If you attend any of the shows please make yourself known .

Once Upon aTime

2009-07-29T20:31:00.002+01:00

I've done this as a separate blog so it doesn't get lost in my drivel .
My friend Alan , who is a broadcaster on National Radio , has started a new website for children called The Story Mouse . He and some friends have recorded some traditional fairy stories for the little ones to listen to . The stories can be downloaded to the computer and then copied onto a CD or MP3 player to listen to anywhere . It's great . We've road tested some of the stories this week ,as our Grandson is staying . He has given them a big thumbs up and has loved listening to a different story every night at bedtime . We've enjoyed listening as well and Alan reading the Emperor's New Clothes is a hoot , especially as his voice for the Emperor's wife is very Dame Edith Evans . At 95p per story I think they are a bargain and I think said Grandson will listen to them over and over again. It's very easy to download the stories , if I can do it anyone can , and you can listen to snippets before you buy . I really think Alan is onto a winner here and it should prove to be a great success . I think anything to get children interested in literature is good . Why not click on the link and have a listen , it will make you smile .

Down but not quite out .

2009-07-29T18:40:00.005+01:00

I had a phone call this morning from my friend from Dajon Designs to see if I was ok as I'd not blogged for ages . Well I am but to be honest I've not felt much like blogging . The reason being the July shows have been terrible . Cumberland County Show was cancelled because of flooding and we only found out after driving 100 miles up to Carlisle . Fortunately there was a silver lining to that black cloud. Remember the Ouessant sheep on my last blog well this is their ram .Isn't he a darling.
Just look at those horns and such a sweet face .
On our way back from Calisle we dropped in to the Farm Village where they live . The guy I'd spoken to at the Rose Show said he had some Saxon Merino fleeces so we called on the off chance he still had them and the silver lining was he had . I got a huge fleece and it's gorgeous . I also got a small Ouessant to try as well .
The Cumbrian Steam Gathering this last weekend was a great disappointment as well . We usually have a great time here and takings are usually good but not this year , it was the worse we've ever done . I don't think the weather helped either on Sunday , it was awful .But again there was a silver lining in the form of a Blue Faced Leicester fleece delivered to my stall by a tall handsome New Zealander . He was doing a shearing demo outside the Craft Marquee and I put my name on the fleece earlier on whilst it was still on the sheep's back .
It's not been all doom and gloom . We had a short visit from our eldest son and two Grandsons on their way up to the Lakes for a week . They stayed overnight and their way up and again on their way home . It was lovely to see them and to see how much they'd grown.
I'm now busy getting stuff ready to go up to Cumbria to work in ten days time .We are usually up there by now but we decided on a shorter visit this year . Perhaps the way the weather is going it's going to prove to be a better choice .
Hopefully the Fibre Fest we are going to do in Devon next month will turn out to be as good as Woolfest and make up for a rotten July .

The Open Road

2009-07-14T17:24:00.009+01:00

I saved some pics from Skelton show as they deserve a blog post of their own .

My all time favourite book is The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham . I have several copies, one of which was published in 1926. They all have one thing in common and that is they are illustrated by E. H . Shepard the original illustrator for the book and to me the best . My favourite chapter is the Open Road where Mr Toad decides to take to the road in a gypsy caravan with Ratty and Mole .To quote from the book "It was shining with newness , painted canary yellow picked out with green and red wheels " This is the original E.H. Shephard illustration .

When we bought our little caravan four years ago I fell in love with it straight away . It wasn't shining with newness but it was pale yellow and picked out with green . From then on we've been out on the open road jut like Ratty , Mole and Mr Toad .

What I really would have liked though was ......

One of these beauties . This is a real genuine gypsy caravan built by a real gypsy .
His name is Barney Maurice and he builds these beautiful caravans by hand . When I asked could I take some pics he said it was alright.I told him I was going to put the pics on my Blog and that he would be seen all over the world . He hadn't a clue what I was talking about and knew very little about the Internet.
What a life .
This is his beautiful lurcher dog sleeping in the van

Little cupboards all hand painted .

I fancy roaming the country in this . It would be great moving from place to place selling my crafts along the way .

To quote Mr Toad " The open road , the dusty highway ,the heath , the common , the hedgerows ,the rolling downs ! Here today , up and off somewhere else tomorrow ! "

Yes please .

Showtime Begins

2009-07-13T18:14:00.021+01:00

It's that time of year again folks . The Agricultural shows have started and this is our first , Skelton, was last Saturday the 4th July . The committee had changed the day for the show from the third week in August because it had been blighted by bad weather for the past three years and it seemed to work .The sun shone gloriously and it was busy but unfortunately it didn't benefit us and we had a VERY poor day. A bit of a come down after the heady heights of Woolfest. It was on a yellow card anyway . We had just decided to do it in case a change of dates brought a change of fortune but it didn't so now it's got a red card and we won't be going back .

Got some nice pics though .Papa Bear makes a start on a walking stick handle .
Mama goat and kids shelter from the sun.Not sure if this is a Jersey or a Guernsey cow. She's beautiful though

This proud owner shows off his Shorthorn bull .

Getting some relief from a very heavy milk bag .

1950's / 60's tractors all open and no cabs ....

Present day with air conditioning , super sprung suspension and three times as big .

Little ....

and large.

This weekend saw us at the Lakeland Rose Show near Kendal . We had a good weekend , for a weekend away , but takings were down . Saturday was good but Sunday was abysmal for most people . I like doing this show though as it's nice and easy , not to far and cheap.

Early morning over the show field .

Rose basket

Lovely arrangement

Fountain of flowers

My favourite Sweet Peas

Pygmy Goat kids.

And these were just adorable . They are Ouessant sheep , the smallest sheep in the world . They weigh next to nothing and the lambs are about the size of kittens when they are first born .

This little fellow is only five days old .

Here's the whole flock. You can see how small they are compared to the man's foot on the rails .

I want a flock for myself .

Our next outing is on Saturday for the Cumberland County Show . What will happen there I don't know but I hope things pick up a bit .

I've got loads of dyeing to do over the next few weeks to get ready for Fibrefest in August at least there is more certainty of a full cash box there .

Laal Bear has a new logo.

2009-07-03T14:25:00.004+01:00

I meant to post about this before Woolfest but time got the better of me and anyway I decided to do a special post all to itself .Back in December I met a lovely lady called Teresa Boast at the Grassington Dickensian festival and she had the most amazing paintings of sheep . All different colours and with wacky names . We had a long chat about her work and I bought some cards from her which had prints of her paintings on.

Fast forward to two months ago . I was looking for a new and eyecatching logo for my new wool labels and remembered Teresa's work . The one I particularly liked was Streweth who had a multi coloured coat . He seemed perfect for my multi coloured had dyed wools . I emailed Tersesa to ask permission to use it on my wool labels . To my emence delight she said "yes" and even sent me a jpeg to take to the printer. The picture above is the result . I would now like to publicly thank Teresa very much for allowing me to use her art work . The labels had their first outing at Woolfest and everybody commented about them . It seems to have brought me luck as sales were awesome . Hope you like it .