Oh, I do like to be beside the Seaside...

I mentioned here that I had visited my lovely mother in my home county of Cornwall the weekend before the Easter holidays.  The past few weeks have been a busy time and so I didn't get round to record this lovely visit earlier.  Now it is wet and cold outside I thought I'd take us back to a month ago when the sun was shining and the sky was blue!!!

The journey down was hideous - over four hours for a two and half hour journey.  I forget how much difference the tourist trade makes to the volume of vehicles on the road!  This was why we didn't go over the Easter holidays as we've previously done that and been stuck for hours.  We arrived safe and sound though so always thankful for that.








Anyhow, the weather was completely glorious.  We were so treated by the spring fairies and felt obliged to make the most of the sunshine with a very necessary trip to the sea.  Oh bluey turqouise waves... how I miss thee.









The kiddies played in fleeces and wellies in the sand.  Happy and content for the day.  It was bliss.

My mother and I enjoyed a seat at the top of the beach, drinking in the view and a flask of yummy hot chocolate.

Sporadically, the call for more shells, water or pebbles resulted in different combinations of our little group slowly combing the sands for longed for treasures.

I'm always so inspired by the seashore.  It completely replenishes my soul and I literally drink it in.

After some hard core sandcastle making and hot chocolate drinking there was some very enjoyable kite flying!  This is normally one of the busiest beaches (Fistral in Newquay) but apart from a number of local surfers we were the only family unit on the beach.  This always shocks me but it meant that the Littlie's could fly the kite without the fear of decapitating someone ;0)

The remainder of the days were spent playing at my Mum's house.  We didn't even make it to the park this time.  The Littlie's were content to play in her garden and actually spent most of their time building K'nex vehicles and racing them down the slope below.

This occasion was a very lovely and relaxed visit.  The Hubby had stayed behind for a boys weekend with his Uni buddies - and we were happy to be by the sea.  Positive stuff all round for our well-being!

Thank you all so much for the lovely comments many of you have left over the past few weeks.  I am so grateful for so many of your bloggy friendships.  I have lost a few followers over the past month so am sorry if my Journalling seems boring or repetitive.  I recognise that much of my blog has been family focused recently and that this won't appeal to everyone.  That is mainly the purpose of my little blog and so that won't change in the future.  I have a number of crafty endeavours underway but my health really prevents my days being ultra productive.  Again, this will not change in the future.  Please do bear with me - or if this space doesn't suit you then so be it.  

I appreciate the lovely bloggy friendships I have developed since joining this blogging community and on some days other than my family, these are the only communications I am able to enjoy.  So thank you for being such special people.

J9 x

Half Term Happies

This half term has passed quietly and far too quickly.  I love these days of unscheduled activity where we can do whatever the heart pleases.  My Littlie's are growing noticeably at present - physically and emotionally.  These treasured days together are good for the soul and we tried to balance rest, purposeful activity and catching up with loved ones.

::  Pancake day and Baking naughtiness...

::  A couple days in Cornwall staying with my Mum...

A visit to the Hubby's biggest bro and family in Devon...  Normal family time in the interim moments.  Moments of chaos, calm or creativity.  All so very precious in the fabric of our lives.  It's a pleasure to reflect on these snippets of our simple life and to share them here with you.

I know you lovely people will enjoy the next photos.  This spot which edges a country road in my childhood village is always beautiful for spring flowers.  Initially the snow drops are abundant and later, the daffodils flower in wonderful tones of yellow which are followed in turn by primroses in cream.  I was completely adoring these stunning swathes of snowdrops...

I hope you had a wonderful half term / fabby week whatever you have been doing.  I'm looking forward to showing you my Ta Dah for the Painted Roses Blanket later this week.

Happy Monday Folks,

J9 x

A Misty Mevagissey

During half term we visited my childhood home and of course this trip wouldn't be complete without a visit to the sea.  It renews my being and feeds my soul.  It's so strange - I literally feel a wave of calmness come over me.  The weather wasn't fantastic which meant that a beach wasn't the best idea - so we chose a local harbour - Mevagissey for our jaunt.  

In the inner harbour the boats were literally jostling for space.  They were moored up in their over wintering positions protected from the worst of the winter weather ahead.  Some of the little boats were lined up like soldiers in smart lines yet with different uniforms; their design, colour and size all varied.  We love to look out for boat names which often have meaning like 'Our Dream' or 'Sea Breeze'.  Little Lady found a boat with her christian name and was completely delighted.

The still water in the inner harbour reflected those beautiful colours even though the sun was nowhere to be seen.  It was such a grey, misty wet day yet there was so much colour and texture around to enjoy.

The outer harbour below was less packed but the mist was much more pronounced.  There were a couple of large (expensive) yachts moored up alongside the little fishing boats.  I do enjoy looking back towards land from an outer harbour wall.  The dwellings look nestled in so efficiently to the shape of the landscape.  They literally mould to the shape of the cliffs where people must have originally dug out a home straight into the side of the port.

This house in particular fills me with wonder.  I don't know much of the history of this architecture but it looks old and original!!  I love it for its quirkiness.  Many of the houses are largely covered in Cornish slate - partly because it is a local material and partly because it protects the surface from the attack of the salty elements.  The harbourside is like a jigsaw, carefully fitting its pieces into the slopes around the sea.




This cormorant was drying himself with his wings outstretched.  I'm not sure if this action actually dried him on this occasion - by this point the weather had deteriorated to 'Cornish Mizzle' - a mix of mist and drizzle which is ridiculously efficient at making anyone or anything very wet!!

Although the weather deteriorated we did enjoy our little visit to the Cornish seaside.  The little aquarium has been recently refitted and entry is by donation so that experience added to our enjoyment.  As did the delicacy of Cornish ice cream - to be relished even on a cold, autumn, misty wet day... Why not?!

Why not indeed.

J9 x

May Half Term Catch Up

A crazy 3 whole weeks have passed since the children had a week long holiday from school - and the Hubby had some well deserved holiday from work.  Time is currently flying by - maybe it's the weather raising the spirits or enabling us to live each day fully?  But we certainly managed to pack a lot into that week.





The Hubby, kids and Grandpa took a trip to Wembley to watch the Queens Park Rangers (QPR) v Derby Play off Finals.  This was a huge deal for the men as avid QPR fans and the kids really enjoyed the pre-match excitement of getting dressed, kitted up and the journey.  I painted their faces to add to the sense of occasion.

Gladly they won - which made the experience for the children.  Free QPR flags were on each seat and so the children were delighted to wave them and chant!  Their first trip on the underground too.

After a short rest and repack at home, we then journeyed on to Cornwall to stay with my Mum and visit my siblings / cousins and those truly fantastic beaches.  This was a lovely relaxed time - the weather was very kind which always helps.

We went to Gyllanvese again - a popular choice for our family and my sister's - a good all rounder; shells, surf, sand, volley ball and great rock pools!  We arrived at 11 and didn't leave until 6!  It was a fantastic day with so much activity out at sea to watch.  We found out later this was due to the Fal River Festival - but we simply enjoyed watching the numerous, stunning yachts, sail boats and trawlers moving across the waves.

We're always a little reluctant to leave my childhood home.  The children adore my mum's village park and are very close to her partly because we see her quite often despite the miles between us - and partly because my Mum played such a huge part in their care whilst I was recovering post accident.  I love their relationship and it brings me great joy to see them spending quality time together.

There are four weeks left now until the children break up for the school summer holidays in our area.  I literally cannot wait - I do so love the summer hols.  I have to take time to restore my health in the meantime so that I can manage over those weeks but it is so worth it!  Little Man celebrates his seventh birthday this week so I'll pop in next week to share his birthday cake requests!!

Hope you have a happy weekend,
J9 x

Rest...

...and recuperation is what I wish for us this Easter Bank Holiday weekend.  We returned home yesterday after a lovely trip to my Mum's home in Cornwall.  It was lovely to go but really lovely to return home - to see the hubby especially.  We had all felt his absence while we enjoyed days in the park or on the beach and he was busy at work.

And I wish to rest - guilt free.  I'm struggling physically - but this is OK.  I've managed most of the Easter holidays with upping my pain relief.  But today I'm staying upstairs to help my pain reduce and my mobility improve.  It is needed - despite the sunshine outside.  I have a crochet project on the go and this is helping my mind stay positive.  Here are some clues as to the make:

 Any ideas?  It is a birthday present for a dear niece and I will show you the finished project soon!

The children are content.  Playing, reading, lazing, bouncing... and modelling their new glasses.  They both had eye tests last week and these are the result!

I am not ready for Easter this year as we've been away visiting family for most of it.  Rather than be precious about the decorating I'm letting the Little people loose.  I've unearthed the boxes and left it to them.  It's lucky I'm not watching as grouping multiple eggs on one branch - how would I manage?!   When I was busy aspiring to all that I would do this Easter I pinned tonnes here.  Take a look if you fancy!

I will post about our Easter holiday shenanigans next week.  Until then dear friends, I wish you all rest and recuperation - and much happiness this Easter,
J9 x

Frugal Family Fun

During our last visit to my mum's in late March the weather was stunning.  It felt like a lovely long hug; the suns rays comforting and caressing all weiry-ness away.  And there has been a need of comforting in these parts over the past couple weeks.  Little Lady has been ever so poorly and I'm a little jaded.  Anyhow, a little sunshine did us all the world of good.  Bring on the sunshine this spring!

My heart did swell with contentment to see my children playing in the same village park that I did as a child.  Little Lady initially wanted to stay behind and was persuaded to join in with the boys.  Over 3 and a half hours later they returned elated after frizbee, skipping, swinging, football - "I'd forgotten how fun the park is Mummy!" she exclaimed.

It struck me that this has been the first year we've been unable to visit any parks during the winter months for this type of play.  Yes, they've ridden bikes or we've done a brisk shot of exercise.  But not the careless enjoyment of childhood such as they did that Saturday.  Our weather has been so bad this winter but it only takes a good few hours of sunshine to reignite those feelings of joy in the outdoors.

The following day - while the hubby did some chores, the children requested the park again.  We enjoyed another 3 hours of play - soaking up the spring sunshine.  I wandered around the perimeter of the field - searching for 'treasure'.  The Littlie's joined me - we found all sorts of different objects and examined the textures and shapes that nature had to offer.

We made camps by the river; specifically squirrel camps (including swings and nut stores) and they swung from plaited vines.  Pure simplicity.  I love this type of play.

Little Lady expressed it so clearly - "You play differently Mummy - you and Daddy.  It's good, it's different".

Whilst I can no longer run to play football or chase to play tag - this is fulfilled by their Daddy.  I can nurture the softer appreciation of nature and wildlife.  Both complementing each other.  Both good for our children, good for our souls.  I love this park and I feel close to my late Father here.  It was lovely to see my children enjoy the park so much and to see the cycle of life play out before us.  Such happy contentment, which among a couple weeks of illness was a welcome reminder that the natural rhythm of life seems to flow in highs and lows and the highs do come again.

The hubby returns to work again tomorrow after a week off.  Myself and the kids are off to stay with my Mum again in sunny Cornwall so I'll catch up again next weekend!!  Happy Easter everyone!
J9 x

Half Term Happiness

Just popping by to write a quick post about our half term break last week.  Well, I say break but really it was only a break from routine - which 'they' do say is as good as a rest.

Hmmm.  I'm not sure I agree in this instance.  The hubby and I spent 3 days juggling the children and painting new plaster at the latter end of the week off - such a challenge!

Aside from the home front we managed a lovely trip to my Mum in Cornwall for four days.  Sadly Hubby had to work so the children, Granny and I spent some much needed down time...

#  Nature walks (and/ or skipping!) - gorgeous autumnal colours and much needed fresh air

#  Pooh Sticks - the river was running fast due to high rain fall so the game was lots of fun and there are 4 bridges of this type on the route so lots of opportunity for play!

#  Decoupatch Time

#  And Pumpkins - of a happy and a scary kind. 

Our build is due to finish in the last week of November- I cannot wait!  It's a mixture of excitement and a need for it to JUST BE DONE ALREADY!!

I'm not meaning to be ungrateful - it's just been a long time cooking for a family in this space.

Watch this space - I'll be showing you the blank canvas next time!  Apologies to all you lovely bloggy friends out there - by December I should be back in the land of blog!!

J9 x

Today I'm partying with:

 Today I'm joining in with these lovely blog parties!

Share your Cup Thursday

Simple & Sweet Friday

Country Coastal Cornwall

As regular readers of this blog you may well be aware that I am a Cornish lassie who at 17, moved out of county to go to University.  By the time I had completed my degree I was priced out of the housing market and couldn't afford to return to the county.  We make regular trips back and I'm so grateful to my Mum for having an open home to welcome us to return to.

We're happily settled in Somerset now (still in the SW 'leg' of England) - but the beaches just don't match that of the Cornish coast.  All of my side of the family still live in Cornwall - and we were fortunate to stay with my mum for a whole week of the summer holidays.

Hubby had a fortnight off and we headed on down to make the most of the summer sunshine that we've been enjoying in the UK in recent weeks (how lush has it been to have consecutive days of sunshine?!)  Such a simple JoY!

Each day, we took a leisurely approach to breakfast (my pain management is so much more effective if I give the medicine time to work before tackling anything!).  Then we'd pack a big picnic and choose the part of the coastline we were headed for whilst supping our morning coffee.  We have the inside scoop as 'locals' - we know to avoid the big touristy sites - they're best out of season!! 



My favourite place St Ives is home to swarms of visitors at this time of year and it so detracts from the natural beauty you can enjoy out of season.  I also love the sometimes rolling often crashing waves of the north coast but due to the whole Rick Stein additional tourist effect on Padstow (and the local area) and the Boardmasters Surfing contest happening at Newquay, we avoided the North Coast on this visit. 

In my opinion, Cornwall is at it's best when you have an expanse of clean sand and bluey, turquoise sea - like here at Mevagissey:



So, amongst our various desires were rock-pooling ambitions, body boarding needs, a family meet with cousins to accommodate plus some all important beach combing (me and Ru) and skimming (Ben and little man).  I do think it's such a man thing to throw rocks into the sea for hours...

all the longer for us girlies to hunt for seaside treasures I guess!



On each day we were rewarded handsomely in our efforts.

Gyllnyvese near Falmouth is the best beach for rock pooling in my experience.  The sheer variety and abundance of sea life is amazing.  Little man absolutely loved fishing and after catching fish, crabs and shrimps he exclaimed "I'm a good little fisherman mummy aren't I?!'  As a little boy that needs lots of reassurance to boost his confidence this was quite a breakthrough and added immensely to my enjoyment.  When it comes to rockpooling, I revert to an excited childlike state.  My degree covered a good amount of marine biology and I do so enjoy the thrill of finding life in these little rock pools.  We often show other children our finds before returning them to the sea - they are often incredulous to see the star fish and feel them on their hands.  My littlies love to catch little crabs - the smallest nicknamed 'pea crabs' as they scuttle across their palms.


A small sea urchin and cushion star fish were amongst our haul.

We had 3 large buckets of crabs caught with a line and net off a local harbour wall - next time we'll take a normal bucket as they looked tightly packed by the end of our crabbing time!  Bacon is our bait of choice for crabs, and boy - do they love it!! 


We had over 17 after 2 hours of crabbing - each of us was successful in landing crabs of various sizes so all were happy. 

These again were returned to the sea - probably to be caught again by the growing crowd of tourists that had gathered after lunch!



On a misty, wet day we drove to St. Mawes and enjoyed fish and chips by the sea.  There was lots going on in the water and the photo doesn't do it justice - that's the mist for you, although it was still pleasant to be out in!  We pootled around the independent shops and watched the world go by.

And this beach had the most sea glass that I have seen at one time.  Such lovely worn, tactile pieces of days gone by...  I'll post about that another time (when I've got a decent photo!)

This plus swimming, visits to local parks, a Vintage Country Fayre...

...and meeting my gorgeous new niece Kaja (Cornish for Daisy) meant for a wonderful holiday.

What a fabulous break we had.  Relaxing days, long and happy. 

The worst part is always leaving to drive back up the motorway... it's always nice to be home but I do so wish we could make our home in Cornwall.  However, work opportunities and cost of housing eliminate that option.  So good to visit though - I'm proud of my Cornish heritage and it's so fab to see many posts across blog-land here and here writing of their enjoyment of their own holidays in Cornwall during August!!

Happy Days,

J9 x

Today I'm partying with:

 Today I'm joining in with these lovely blog parties!

Share your Cup Thursday

Simple & Sweet Friday

Pink Saturday

From the Farm Blog Hop Friday

Anything Blue Friday

Exciting News: A Wonderful Win & Half Term!

The main reason I chose to start my blog, after a year or two of thinking about it, was to use this space as a form of journalling family times, to share my crafting makes and my joy in simple things.  I didn't expect to meet some lovely people who would take the time to comment on my posts and I certainly didn't expect to win anything.

A Cornish Rainbow ;0)

Well, I was wrong on both counts wasn't I?! Yes, I've been lucky enough to win the Craft It Forward (CIF) giveaway hosted by the fabulous and talented Hen of HenHouse. So many reasons to be happy!

I shall share the CIF when I receive it and of course, in time will host a CIF myself (another first).

Aside from this excitement, we've started our half term holidays here in the West Country.  We've already made a trip down to my Mum's in Cornwall for 4 fun filled days.  The weather wasn't on our side so lots of table games, crafting and visiting relatives was in order!

Crafting projects are yet to be finished so watch this space.  A 300 piece jigsaw made a happy picture!

Whilst R had a playdate my boys had some fantastic 'mens time' at the Pier.  They also watched the demolition of this building - big diggers knocking stuff down - what more can a boy ask for?!

 

Today we went toboganning here. - or rather the kids did, and we watched!

 

It was great fun - I wish I took count of how many times they slid down in 1 hour!  Rosy cheeks all round!

Hmmm... if we push eash other we go even faster!

Oooh, what a happy chappy.

Then, we made lots of pancakes for Shrove Tuesday... yum.  Please forgive the photography - our kitchen is very small and not the most photogenic ;o)

It's hard work making this batter!

 
 Here's a rather blurry action shot of flipping that pancake:



 
I hope all is well in your part of the world and you enjoy some simple, happy things this week.

Thanks for reading,
J9 x

This week I'm participating in these fab parties!

Monday Funday

GFC Blog Hop

Sunny Simple Sunday