Much ado about lots of exciting stuff!

Busy, busy, busy September and not just because of the interesting changes in the weather!

All beginning for me when I went back to UK for Lexa's birthday, which from day 1 was non-stop preparation after they had to cancel the venue they had chosen. Venue? (I don't ever remember venues for birthday parties...unless you count the one occasion we did a Macdonald´s in Hong Kong as it was back in the 80's when it was novel and actually very good.) 

Anyway so much planning and furniture moving and baking ensued. Jo spent at least 4 hours making an amazing three-layer princess cake (complete with princesses, lake, swan and balloons.) We finished it at about 11.00pm!



Then on the day we had 20+ children with their respective adults...Mr Marvel in the lounge, producing a puppet racoon and a live rabbit for the kids to stroke, karaoke and games, miniature bouncy castle in the garden and the biggest 'pass the parcel', parcel in the entire universe, if not galaxy, that took me an hour to wrap with so many rolls of wrapping paper that I couldn't believe it. What happened to the old newspaper wrapping stuff I ask? 
Rich was king of Pizza production and Jo was hostess with the mostest..Granny was the help aided by the odd glass of beer!! 

Any way it all went well and Lexa had a lovely day and the family and aunty and uncles all sat after everyone had gone with a large bottle of wine before the grand washing and clearing up. The sun shone and it was a lovely day.

Next came preparation for Lexa for school and some fun trips. Went into town to meet up with Auntie Adela for a picnic and to buy some last minute clothes for school.
Also we had a couple of lovely days with a new friend Eloise who is also in Reception with Lexa although in a parallel class.
Trip to Stratford park complex was the best fun!


 



Then came the big day... she looked so cute!


She has settled in really well and loving her new school



I met up with Malc, Chris and Ejock at a pub to have a pub lunch and long gossip and to walk to the source of the Thames...not too far at all.

 

Next pub lunch was with my siblings and inlaws for brother Den's 70th birthday (on my right)

And now I am back home and we are signing our contract to sell next week. All things moving on once more.

In the meantime I have started to make preserves to sell at Christmas and also to store and take back next year.
So far it is chilli jam, apple chutney, fig, ginger and apple chutney, spiced grape syrup, plum jam, peach sorbet, chinese plum sauce and raspberry and apple jam. Lemon curd and Orange marmalade still to come later in the year. Feels good to be able to use up the home grown produce.
Also going to start making fabric advent calendars again to sell in November. Anyone reading this who might be interested in buying one do get in touch soon as they go really quickly. Will be able to send you images of what will be made.

And for other news....our old friend from Bath days Alan Snow (centre in coloured shirt) has just been to LA for the premiere of the film 'The Box Trolls' which was created from his original story 'Here Be Monsters'. We are just so chuffed that his talent has been recognised in this way although we prefer his original drawings to be honest. So Congratulations Alan....really looking forward to seeing the movie.

There is an interview from the guardian if you are interested in reading more about him. Fraser has been working with him on his ice cream parlour project and we hope to be around for the opening next year.

Interview with Alan Snow



And Also............ a group of our friends here who have been part of a writing group led by friend Seana Slattery, have just published their e-book 'The Thursday Table' which is a collection of their short stories and poems. 


Finally friends Josh and Veronika have launched their new website..The Inner Journey Project.
This is a wonderful site with information, resources and support to help you take an inner journey to achieve personal fulfillment. 


We are so lucky to have such a great bunch of amazingly creative and talented friends.