The Simple Woman's Daybook - October

Outside My Window: Barnaby has run down to the field shelter, which I can see clearly from my kitchen window.  He is standing there sniggering.  I am so curious that I go outside to see what's going on.   Simon is whinnying madly, wondering where Barnaby has gone.  Zak is only four feet behind him, but Simon doesn't care.  In the end Zak can't stand it and, rolling his eyes in disbelief, walks up to Simon, and takes him down to where Barnaby has been hiding. Silly horse.

I am thinking:  I must make a hair appointment for December 15th.  I am out to a Christmas lunch and an evening party on the same day.

I am thankful for: John's new job.  So far, so good.  And that the new liveries have settled in really well and seem really happy.

I am wearing: navy blue jods and a dark green Joules top.  Whenever I write this I am in jods.  It's not a coincidence, is it?

I am reading: 'The Red Queen' by Philippa Gregory.  I have already read The White Queen this year, and was thrilled to find The Red Queen existed.  It's about Margaret Stanley, who was the mother of the man who eventually becomes Henry VII.  It is gripping.  In fact, both books are.  More than that, I am thrilled that I own both books and can take my time as I don't have to get them back to the library. 

I am hoping/praying:  This is a bit difficult.  The woman who runs our craft group is lovely.  She is married.  Her husband went down to his daughter's house a few weeks ago.  They are building a house.  Her husband fell out of a second storey window into a well.  I am praying for him every day but we haven't had any more news, which I think is a bad sign.  I just hope to goodness he's okay.  She said he was conscious and hadn't broken anything, so I am hoping for the best, but who knows?

On my mind: Winter.  And snow.  Please could it not, just for one winter.  Please.

From the kitchen: I realised when we dieted this year that I really missed baking.  I didn't realise that I enjoy it so much.  This week I'm going to make a lemon drizzle cake.  Mmmm.

I am creating: lots of Christmas cards, but I'm stuck on one at the moment.  I am also back into cross stitch and really enjoying it.  I've just bought a new one so I can carry on during our get-togethers in the village on Thursday mornings.

I am hearing: 'You've Got Mail.'  Such a sweet film.

Around The House: I went on a bus trip to Derby a few week's ago and had a bit of a spree.  But ages ago one of my favourite shops, 'Past Times' closed down in Chesterfield.  I was very upset about it and thought they'd closed down everywhere, so I was delighted to see a shop open in Derby.  I've wanted one of these for so long, and knew they sold them in PT, so went in and grabbed one in seconds.  I came home a very happy bunny:

I got one, I got one!

One of my favourite things: has to be this beautiful lavender filled heart -

It hangs in my window with the cup and a few other things in red and black.  It's not my normal display for this time of year, but I really like it.

A Scripture Thought: 'Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Matthew 19:26  (For a friend I am praying for that has cancer right now).

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Mucking out, mostly, as the horses are in at night now.  Pongo and Missis have a firework party next weekend.  I am dreading it, as they let off fireworks pretty close to the stables.  They have said it'll be the last time they'll do it, though, thank goodness.

A picture thought: 'Does my bum look big in this?'

There is a drainage ditch in the field and Barnaby spent a lot of time in it this summer.  Every time I passed the field, this is what I saw.  He's going in for the Rear of the Year award. 

Have a great week, everyone!
Jane

The Simple Woman's Daybook - August

Outside my window: It's starting to get dark and it's only 7.45pm.  Boo hoo!

I am thinking: I wish I hadn't told Mr O I would reduce my crafting budget.  It's nearly killing me to spend such a small amount on craft stuff each month.  Oh well, everything comes to him (or her) who waits...

I am thankful for:  the fact that Barnaby is well and fully recovered from his injury.  In fact, judging from his energy levels today, I'd say somebody's feeding him when my back is turned!

From the learning rooms: practising with a distressing tool to see how to get the effect on card.  It's lovely, and really easy to use.

I am wearing: my lovely grey cardigan.  It is so cosy and bobbley and comforting.  I wear it indoors all the time.  It is my noo noo.

I am reading: 'Love In A Cold Climate' by Nancy Mitford.  I have waited all my life to read these books as they obviously went out of fashion for many years.  If you want to know a bit more about this extraordinary woman, read this.  I am only half way through but am thoroughly enjoying it.  It's very witty, things like this:
'...Lady Montdore loved anybody royal.  It was a genuine emotion, quite disinterested, since she loved them as much in exile as in power, and the act of curtsying was the consummation of this love.  Her curtsies, owing to the solid quality of her frame, did not recall the graceful movement of wheat before the wind.  She scrambled down like a camel, rising again backside foremost like a cow, a strange performance, painful it might be supposed to the performer, the expression on whose face, however, belied this thought.  Her knees cracked like revolver shots but her smile was heavenly...'    I'm afraid I found myself cackling at the thought!

I am hoping/praying: for poor Mr O who is still ill.  He gets the results of his blood tests this coming Wednesday.  Something is obviously wrong, and we need to get to the bottom of it.

On my mind: Our cockerel George has sadly died.  He was quite ill last week, then I found him on Monday morning.  Poor boy.  I don't know what was wrong with him.  I don't think it's red mite as all the other chickens are fine.  I really miss him.  How silly, to be attached to a bird like that.

I am creating: cards, of course!  Commissions are like buses - you don't see any for ages, and then suddenly you get three at once.  A wedding card for Priscilla to send to Hong Kong, and a card for a friend's sister and her son.  Plus my own son next week, so I'm not idle!

I am hearing: Stephen Fry narrating a wildlife documentary.

From the kitchen:  I made a strawberry cheesecake yesterday.  It was low-fat (a Slimming World recipe) and absolutely delicious.  I used leaf gelatine for the first time in my life - fascinating stuff. 

Noticing that: the creative side of me is becoming quite dominant.  I am having 4-5 hours sleep a night as I lay there with card making ideas running through my head.  I am seeing 'design' everywhere, especially in one particular cinema advert.  I don't know how else to describe it.  I see things in terms of pattern and colour and whether things go together or not.  This is a completely new experience for me.  It's a bit mad but I'm thoroughly enjoying it!

Around the house: I am bracing myself for removing every single book from the book case, dusting them and putting them all back again.  Thank goodness for libraries.

One of my favourite things:

I don't use a diary, I use a journal, and everything is written in it, from my inspirations to shopping lists. I was thrilled to find this  Cath Kidston version in Waterstones, and even more thrilled that Mr O was willing to buy it for me!
This is one of the inside pages, but some are different:

How can I fail to be inspired, writing in a book like that?!
A scripture thought: 

 'If the Lord delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;

 though he stumble, he will not fall,

for the Lord upholds him with his hand.' 

Psalm 37: 23-24

A few plans for the rest of the week:  A pleasure ride round Bonsall Moor tomorrow.  It's just over 10 miles which will be a doddle for the boys at the moment.  I just hope Zak travels well. 

A picture thought:  I walk round the corner, and this is the view that greets me:

Even on a misty day, it never fails to take my breath away.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - July

I'm going to pretend I've deliberately put this at the end of the month,

instead of at the beginning, like it normally is! 

Outside my window:  Lots of plants are going to seed.  I am a bad gardener.  Actually I am a very good gardener, but I've had to let Mr O find out for himself!  I'll probably take on a bit more next year, but to be honest, with horses, chickens etc to see to, plus housework and the odd bit of cardmaking, I've got enough to do without taking on an ever expanding garden as well!

I am thinking: back to my lesson on Tuesday, which was fabulous.  Nicky hardly said anything, except at the end, when she said, "Try not to fall back into any bad habits."  Praise indeed.  I don't know why I've suddenly sussed it, but I'm extremely pleased.  Only two more lessons before 'The Big Show'.

I am learning: how to use my new Aquamarkers.  They are amazing.  I knew they would be.  There's nothing nicer than spending an hour lost in the wonder of painting. 

I am wearing: navy blue jods.  I have a terrible habit of wiping my hands on my trousers when I'm working.  I also dropped an ink pad, face down, on my favourite jeans yesterday.  Scruffy trousers it is, then!

I am reading: 'Rough Ride' by John Francome.  I love his books.  They are all connected to racing in some way.  I found it in a second hand shop, along with another book by Philippa Gregory, so that'll be next.

I am hoping/praying: for my friend Priscilla who is opening a new chiropractic clinic but having terrible problems with the planning department.  I'm sure it'll come right in the end.

On my mind: I had to go to the doctor's on Wednesday, with a rash all over my back.  It turns out it's a histamine reaction to the prawns I ate on Tuesday night.  I've had this once before, but about ten years ago.  The doctor prescribed  some tablets, which have stopped the itching/stinging.  I felt as if all my nerve endings were on fire.  Better than having shingles I guess.

From the kitchen:  I have eaten blueberries in a trifle last night and some on my breakfast this morning.  I thought they'd be really sour, like redcurrants or something, but they were gorgeous.  I do love blueberry muffins, though, so I suppose I shouldn't really be surprised.  They'll be on the menu regularly from now on...

I am creating: cards using some cross stitch pictures I made last year.  Really pleased with the first one.  Time for a little more cross stitch, I think.

I am hearing:  Radio 2.  Very interesting, as usual.

Noticing that: there are so many flies here at the moment.  I don't think there should be this many.  I've hardly seen any wasps or bees, but swarms of flies coming in the kitchen, and flying around the manege.  Missis has given me a fly mask and I put it on Barnaby yesterday.  Once he realised it kept the flies off his face, he decided he really liked it.  Last time we tried it, a few years ago, he got it off and buried it in the haylage pile, hoping to never see it again!  An indication of how bad the flies are, I think.

Around the house: Blatant peace and quiet as Pongo and Missis are on holiday.  No dogs barking, no children running around.  Bliss.  Feeding the fish is a small price to pay.

One of my favourite things:  Missis brought me back some coffee from Canada that's flavoured with maple syrup.  It has the most gorgeous smell.  I am trying to cut back on coffee, but it's not going to happen with something like that around, is it?

A scripture thought:  'The joy of the Lord is your strength.'  I had this scripture while making a card for a friend recently.  A week later I was at her house and noticed she had it on a little plaque on the wall.  Result!

A few plans for the rest of the week:  Taking Ebony's (granddaughter) birthday card and present to her on Saturday (you can see why I didn't want to have shingles!) and... on Sunday I am going to our old yard to take part in a fancy dress treasure hunt (on horseback, obviously!)  I think I mentioned that I have to dress up as Where's Wally?  We ride round in teams of four and have to work out the clues to find certain objects.  I may put photos on here next week, it depends how incriminating they are (bright blue spandex leggings!!)  I am so looking forward to this, and I'm sure Barnaby won't let me down. 

A picture thought: 

Tigger's house.  He's very happy here...

Have a great weekend, everyone,
Mrs O.

The Simple Woman's Daybook: June

I'm a bit late this month, but here goes:

Outside my window: it's sunny and bright.  The horses are milling about looking distracted, which is unusual.  Maybe it's the flies bothering them.

I am thinking: I am quite tired after a long hack yesterday but I have my lesson soon and I'm really looking forward to it.

I am thankful for: the farm at this time of year.  There's nowhere else I'd rather be.  In fact, it's true to say we haven't had a holiday for some years, unless we've taken the horses with us!  I'd be bored silly laying on a sandy beach.

I am wearing: black jods and a black T Shirt, but as we've had to bodily lift out the goslings this morning and carry two of them down to the pond so the other two would follow, I am now filthy and will have to get changed.  I am in love with the gossies.

I am reading:  'A Dying Light In Corduba' by Lindsey Davis.  This is, I think, the eighth or ninth book about Marcus Didius Falco.  He is a Roman informer (spy/detective).  This books are witty and clever and very historically accurate, and I can't wait to find out what happens next.  I plucked one off the shelf a couple of years ago and as I was reading it I was asking myself loads of questions (how did he meet Helena, for a start) and realised I'd stumbled on a series and was in fact on the 13th book, so I went back to the beginning and have been hooked on them ever since.

I am hoping/praying: for so many things at the moment.  Mr O has been having bad headaches after his fall from Zak last week.  He has been to the doctor who says he'd had concussion, which is like bruising of the brain and will take about six weeks to get better.  Missis is seriously contemplating selling Hugo (but has done nothing but ride him ever since she said it.)  Where will that leave us?

On my mind: I am taking Barnaby to a showing show on Sunday. It'll either be a complete disaster or a great success.  I am doing in-hand cob, ridden cob and senior equitation.  Hey-ho.

From the kitchen:  We have been following the principles of Slimming World as we don't have time to go to a group, but have a few cookbooks.  I have lost 10lb in the last three weeks and Mr O has lost 9lb.  We are thrilled, as you can imagine, and I think it was the eating healthily that got me through the illness so rapidly.  I have to remind my body that it is no longer winter, I am not mucking out, and that amount of pastry is obscene.  There is a lot of preparation of vegetables involved in the cooking (I hate onions!) but the actual cooking time is short, so it's still equivalent to shoving a pizza in the oven and waiting 50 minutes for it to cook, but the end result is so much better for us.

I am creating: cards to sell in church in September.  All the proceeds will go towards our scheme for helping the homeless in the local community.

I am hearing: Radio 2.  I love it. I have now included Simon Mayo in my repertoire, so I listen from 8am to about 6pm.

Noticing that: there is a definite split between the horses.  Barnaby and Zak were the best of friends, but now Barnaby seems to spend more time with Hugo, and Zak and Lyndy are going everywhere together.  I am thrilled for Lyndy as he was devastated at the loss of his best friend last year.  Barnaby and Hugo seem to have a love/hate relationship.  One minute they are mutually grooming (to the detriment of Hugo's mane!) the next minute Barnaby's ears are back and he's shooing Hugo away.  Oh dear.

Around the house: the usual chaos.  Life's too short to spend my entire life doing housework.  I have done the ironing, though, so huge pat on the back for me (and the yard is immaculate!)

One of my favourite things:  these are growing on a patch of wasteland near the manege:

I love them best growing in fields of wheat.  They seem to go on for months.

A Scripture thought: '...I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength...'   Philippians 4: 12-13

A few plans for the rest of the week:  More schooling for Barnaby in the double bridle, which I tried last week and was astonished at how well he went in it.  Then getting ready for the show on Sunday.  The weather forecast is good!

A picture thought:

These are both duck eggs, but on the right is the most enormous duck egg I've ever seen.  It was huge.  It filled my hand.  I was curious as to whether it would have a double yolk, so instead of boiling it I decided to make scrambled eggs, and sure enough, there were two yolks inside.  Fabulous.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - May

Outside my window: the wind is blowing, but it has rained again in the night.  We've been a bit desperate as it hasn't rained since before Easter and if it carries on like this the horses will have nothing to eat!

I am thinking: about the mega busy weekend coming up, wedding on Friday, 40th birthday party on Saturday night, then all day Sunday at Chatsworth Horse Trials, finally getting to meet a bunch of facebook friends for the first time, so exciting.

I am thankful for: my relationship deepening with Barnaby despite the fiasco on Saturday!

I am wearing: a grey jumper that used to be my daughter's.  It's still in perfect condition and must be at least 10 years old.

I am reading:  Actually I've just finished reading 'Eat Pray Love' by Elizabeth Gilbert and have so much to say about it I'm going to save it for another post.

I am hoping: that my train tickets for the wedding trip arrive in the post today.

On my mind: all the cards I need to make this month, plus I need to buy some brown wrapping paper so that I can decorate it myself.

From the kitchen: we've been on a bit of a diet and I've managed to lose a few pounds, but it's more about eating healthily, drinking more water and cutting out chocolate, cake and biscuits, which is nearly killing me!  I've started eating more things like lentils, too.

I am creating: my first ever more overtly Christian card and it's quite a nerve wracking experience. 

I am hearing: Radio 2.  I love it.

Noticing that: this computer is so much faster than the old one.  No wonder people play Farmville on facebook, if it's that quick!

Around the house: things got untidy again pretty quickly after my blitzing session last week for Priscilla coming to dinner.

One of my favourite things:  these two feeling safe enough to relax like this:

A scripture thought: 'Love is patient, love is kind,' 1 Corinthians 13.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - April

Outside my window: it's still light, at 8pm, which is so fabulous.

I am thinking: what a good boy Barnaby was today. We did seven miles in quite windy weather and he didn't put a foot wrong, bless him.

I am thankful for: my eldest son helping me muck out last week. I was ill on the Wednesday and if he hadn't been here I think I would have cried!

I am wearing: navy blue jods and a sweatshirt, so comfy.

I am reading: The Robe by Lloyd C. Douglas. I have just satisfied my own curiosity and found that it was first published in 1943. It's a story of a roman called Marcellus who was one of the soldiers who crucified Christ and threw dice afterwards and won Christ's robe. The story is unravelling of his adventures in trying to track down who this man Jesus was and it's gripping. I'm just over half way through.

I am hoping/praying: that the people will come and fix Son 1's boiler so he can actually have a bath, poor man.

On my mind: I must send off entry forms for the Chatsworth sponsored ride, the TREC event in May and the pleasure ride round Clumber Park. And I must get birthday cards made for so many people this month.

From the kitchen: Tonight it was lamb shanks, so delicious. Tessa got her share as Mr O has forgotten to buy dog food yet again!

I am creating: I am practising with my heat embossing gun. It is absolutely fascinating. But how do you hold a stamped image and not burn yourself, as the gun is quite hot? In the end I got an old heat resistant chopping board from the kitchen and stuck the image on that with a glue dot so it didn't blow away while I applied the heat gun, and didn't have to touch it at all - result!

I am hearing: my darling husband sniggering whilst watching his favourite team (Manchester United) playing Chelsea. The washing machine is burbling away in the background (Tiny Cottage is open plan).

Noticing that: the painting of Zak still hasn't been put up somewhere.

Around the house: The place is spotless! This is because Missis rang and said the architect was coming round at 2pm so we had 10 minutes to clean up. I hid all the dirty dishes in the oven! (I bet you've never done that!)

One of my favourite things: Eccles cakes. We saw a TV programme a few weeks ago about how they're made. We both declared that we don't like them. Then Mr O bought me some and I've been eating them ever since! Basically they're loads of sultanas and raisins wrapped in pastry. Gorgeous.

A scripture thought: "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going." John 14:1-4

A few plans for the rest of the week: summoning up the strength to walk down to the village and back to see if I've sold any cards. I need to clean my tack before the pleasure ride on Sunday.

A picture thought:

Every year the daffs come up in our field over the road. This year was the perfect time for Mothering Sunday, so the boys sold them to passersby and made quite a bit of money. I think spring must be my favourite season.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - March

Outside My Window: is glorious sunshine. It makes me wake up early in the mornings and I love it.

I am thinking: I hope it doesn't rain on Friday, so I can bath Barnaby for the pleasure ride on Saturday.

I am thankful for: Son 1 being here to help me muck out. It's made it so much quicker and easier.

I am wearing: green jods and a green jumper. It makes me look like Robin Hood.

I am reading: 'The Robe' by Lloyd C. Douglas. I haven't read it since I was about fifteen. I only realised yesterday that it's the perfect book to read in the run-up to Easter. You may have seen the film where John Wayne says, "Surely this man was the son of God."

I am hoping: Mr O likes his anniversary card, and more importantly his present. I am so excited about it. All will be revealed tomorrow.

On my mind: Am I going to be able to catch Hugo on my own tomorrow as he's jumped the wall and the electric fence into the next field every day this week!

From the kitchen: Pancakes - what else? I love them with bananas, cream and maple syrup, or black cherry pie filling - yum.

I am creating: I have just bought some flock and am working out exactly how it works. It's going to be fun.

I am hearing: the kettle boiling. Time for a hot chocolate, made by hubby.

Noticing that: the grass is growing in the field. I hope Barnaby doesn't put more weight on.

One of my favourite things:

Around the house: In all our years of marriage and the three houses we've lived in, we have never had a breadbin. I have no idea why this is as I've always wanted one. I think we decided there wasn't room. Bread has been a bit of a loose cannon, bedding down for the night wherever it could. But finally, last Saturday we bought one, and here it is:

It matches our tea, coffee and sugar cannisters and I'm really pleased with it.

A scripture thought: 'And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession - to the praise of his glory.' Ephesians 1:13-14

(I just love this passage of scripture).

A few plans for the rest of the week: Pleasure ride Saturday, church Sunday morning, possibly afternoon tea at Chatsworth in the afternoon.

A picture thought:

Finally, they are everywhere.

The Simple Woman's Daybook - February

Outside My Window: My garden chairs have blown over in the wind and the bird seed is scattered everywhere.

I am thinking: of the terrible situation in Egypt and all the reports of snow in the U.S. Missis is going there on Sunday. Maybe she won't be able to go (hurray!) maybe she'll get stuck there (boo!) maybe we'll get snow here (noooooooooo!)

I am thankful: that Barnaby doesn't seem so lame after yesterday (a mystery).

I am wearing: my new pyjamas and dressing gown. They are white with big pink and pale brown circles on. The pj's are brushed cotton. I look like a flump.

I am planning: to do some shopping in Matlock tomorrow. I've never been there before. I wonder if there's a craft shop? Mmmmm.

I am creating: a Christening card for Caelan. It's killing me to keep it simple.

I am hoping: it doesn't snow (again). Every time I think it isn't going to happen it gets forecast again.

I am reading: 'The Jane Austen Book Club' by Karen Joy Fowler. So what if I thought it was total tosh? I looked it up on Wikipedia and read the review. It's probably one of the cleverest books I'll ever read. Oh well.

On my mind: A romantic meal for Valentine's Day. Some sort of red/pink pudding.

From the kitchen: I have made some shortbread. So easy, so delicious, so much better than the shopbought kind, look:

Around the house: Goodbye poinsettia, hello tulips!

Noticing that: It's so windy outside the water is slopping about in the toilet. It's like being on a ship. Oh my!

One of my favourite things: hot chocolate. Perfect for a windy day like this. I have been outside and been blown about like Piglet.

A scripture thought: I was thinking about February being the 'month of lurve', then in our study last week we came across this: 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' John 15:13

A few plans for the rest of the week: So looking forward to getting together with the whole family for the christening on Sunday.

A picture thought:

Tessa Bear, faithful friend, and constant companion. Where would I be without you?

The Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window: the robins and the blue tits are fighting over the food.

I am thinking: why aren't my horses outside? It's only rain.

I am thankful for: my desk. I read on a forum recently that lots of people have so little room they have to craft on the sofa. That would drive me bonkers.

From the Learning Rooms: More practise with my Sizzix Bigshot.

I am wearing: brown cords and a black sweatshirt, mucking out gear. What happened to carefully colour-co-ordinated me?!

I am reading: Perfect Manners by Kelly Marks. Still not sure...

I am hoping: to collect some fresh eggs today.

On my mind: There is no bread left in the freezer.

From the kitchen: What on earth am I supposed to do with this huge piece of braising steak? Delia, help me!

I am creating: sweet little cards using Forever Friends decoupage.

I am hearing: the rain drumming on the roof.

Noticing that: this room looks so much bigger now the Christmas decorations are all down and packed away.

Around the house: I have so much laundry to do.

One of my favourite things: 'Starting Your Day Right' by Joyce Meyer. So uplifting.

A Scripture thought: The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want...

A picture thought:

My darling youngest grandson, Caelan.