Proud moments

My Mr B has been at it again!

After last years little challenge of cycling Lands End to John O'Groats he set himself a mild challenge of completing the Brighton Half Marathon. 

So yesterday morning we were all up a rather unusual hour for a Sunday, 7am! Our house normally rises a little closer to about 8:30am so it was a shock to the system, especially as it was the start of half term. No complaining though, there was cheering to to be done.

Mr B set off on the train at 8am to join all the other runners for the 9am start. Niamhy and I drove in to Hove to find the best views and a nice breakfast whilst we waited. It was a glorious morning, sunny with a slight chill in the air and as Niamh and I strode along and chatted it didn't feel that there was a better place to be. I did suggest that perhaps we should do it again without the prompt of a half marathon but it appears that I was alone in this thought.

We headed down to the cafe on Hove Lawns arriving just as they were setting up but soon found ourselves settled at a table with a cuppa and a hearty breakfast. It was amazing just how quickly the cafe filled up and breakfast calls kept coming. Time then for a second cuppa and a little bit of hooky before were heard the sirens announcing that the lead man was approaching and off we dashed.

It really was quite inspiring and humbling to see so many people completing this challenge. All ages were out and some were clearly finding it tougher than others. When I found my arms and wrists aching from all the clapping as they went by it felt foolish to take a break when all these men and women were facing their challenge.

Our eyes were peeled for Mr B and we look we did. We had our chant all ready and Niamhy was ready to run along the road. Very proud of her dad she was.

Only, here's the bit that we're not so proud of..... we managed to miss him! And not once, but twice! You see they ran one way along the seafront and then turned around and headed back the other way. How foolish I felt! We know from his timings that we were in the right spot at the right time so I'm blaming that fact that after saying goodbye to us in 'head to toe' black Mr B took it upon himself to add a red jersey to his outfit. And anyway, he managed to miss spotting us when we had hardly anyone in front of us blocking his view!!!!!

Maybe you need practice at these things?

Maybe next year.

xx

Blink and it's gone!

I'm sure that this year is passing at an even faster rate than normal. 

I can't seem to keep up with myself. Old age? Busy? I'm certainly not sitting idle on the sofa.

So Strictly was great. We were high up in the rafters, and rather annoyed to see lots of empty seats lower down that were "sold out", but it had a lot of the magic. Only missing Tess, Bruce, Darcy and a little of the Saturday night tension. Most of all though it was just a great family day out. A late breakfast followed by a meal afterwards meant we all got to spend some quality time together. I am sure that it is the same for a lot of families but getting quality time together is not easy. 

Mind, with the awful weather this last weekend we did take the chance to hibernate last Sunday and whilst Mr B and I did some work around the kitchen table the girls were there or close by too. It was what I call 'comfortable company'. Everyone was happy doing their 'thing' and then we came together for a late lunch/early dinner and spent the early evening playing board games. Some families like games.... some families don't. We do. One of the best bits about Christmas and Summer holidays is the new game that appears. We've got some great friends that enjoy them too and over recent years have been introduced to some real crackers. Perhaps an idea for a post all of it's own.

Rather scarily talks have recently started about the Hassocks Artists Open Houses for 2013 which will be taking place on the weekend on the 8/9th June 2013. Unfortunately I may only be able to open for the Sunday due to prior commitments but I'm going to see if I can get cover for the Saturday. I am also rather excited to be involved in one of the Brighton Open Houses which open every weekend in May. I'll post most details shortly but it's been a great spur for getting me tuned into some creative sewing and projects to keep me busy in the evenings so that I can try to forget about work.

Tomorrow is Valentines and I've been reminded of my 14 hearts in 14 days challenge that I set myself last year. You can read about it here. Gosh I think I would fall over if I tried to repeat that now. But it was fun and one of the projects, the crochet heart garland,  I am going to be teaching tomorrow at Hobbycraft in Crawley. One year ago I would never have seen that coming! 

And Finally...... as I sat teaching my after school group today I noticed this little couple on the side and I will leave you with their charming image. I'm not quite sure what they are saying to each other but feel free to have your own thoughts... he has got some rather droopy roses!

xx

Guess where we're going this weekend!

It's friday and I am really looking forward to the weekend. 

We are all going to be together and we're having a fab family day out on Sunday. Bet you can't guess what we are off to see!!!!!

Will try to take some photos!

xx