A Flash New Camera

I've been eager to go for some walks over Christmas so that I could try out one of my Christmas presents from Mick, a new camera. I really don't understand photography so I'm going to invest in a book and try and learn a few things. We've had some miserable weather for walking, but Tuesday was a beautiful day, warm with blue skies, so we took advantage and headed off to Roundhay Park.

Many other people had the same idea, and we had a game of spot the Christmas present. There were children on bikes and scooters, many hats and scarves which looked brand new, and along with me, quite a few people had cameras in their hands.

This squirrel was a little shy, he didn't want his photo taking so he ran up a tree, but I still managed to snap him.

There were lots of ducks, swans and Canada geese on the lake.

This young swan was fishing for his dinner. Bottoms up!

You can walk right the way round the lake, but Archie has to be on his lead near water otherwise he jumps straight in, so we headed off in the other direction.

We managed to find some seasonal holly.

The water fountain was in action in the small lake.

It wasn't long before Archie had tired himself out and wanted a sit down.

The ice-cream man was doing a roaring trade. Eleanor added to his coffers.

I'd like to thank everyone who left Christmas wishes on my last post, they were very much appreciated. I hope everyone has had a wonderful Christmas. Our's has been quite low key this year, but we've spent lots of family time together, which is what I love the most.

I'd like to thank everyone who has visited my blog this year, and especially those who have left comments for me, I always appreciate them. I hope you'll continue to visit throughout the new year. May I wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year, and all the very best for 2012.

Merry Christmas

Christmas is here at last. All the shopping is done and presents are wrapped. I'm going up to the crematorium to take some flowers for my sister this afternoon and then it's time to really get in to the Christmas spirit.

Have a wonderful Christmas everyone.

Another Busy Week

I feel as though I've been at the last minute with all my Christmas preparations this year, I'm usually so organised. I think it has alot to do with having to be here, there and everywhere with Eleanor as she's had so much on with her drama and singing.

Last Saturday, she was singing at Leeds City Museum. As well as watching Eleanor and her drama group perform, we had a quick look around the museum itself. It's housed in the impressive Leeds Institute building which was completed in 1862 by Cuthbert Brodrick who also built Leeds Town Hall and the Corn Exchange. The museum is spread over four floors, we didn't get to see much of it as we were short on time, but I'm definitely going to return to explore further. From what I could see though, it looks to be a very hands on museum with lots of things for little hands to explore.

On Tuesday evening, Eleanor was performing with some of her GCSE Music class at school in a Christmas concert. Her group had been working on an alternative version of We Three Kings, a reggae version, so they performed that as well as Step In To Christmas. Eleanor and another girl sang while the rest of the group supplied the music. There are lots of different musical groups at the school including a clarinet trio, various choirs, a brass ensemble and other exam classes. There are some really talented kids at the school and we enjoyed watching them.

We eventually managed to get the house trimmed up last week. We were contemplating buying a new tree this year, but after seeing the price of them we decided not to bother. I'm glad we didn't now as our tree looks quite acceptable after being decorated.

I've been very late buying presents this year and I've still got a couple to get but they're only small things so I shouldn't have any problem getting them this week.

School has broken up now and Mick should finish at lunch time on Friday but he's taken annual leave so he finishes on Thursday instead. I want to have everything done so that we can sit back and relax when everyone's at home. I'm starting to get in the Christmas spirit now.

Giveaway Winner

A winner for my giveaway has been drawn today, and I'd like to announce that the box of goodies will be winging it's way to Caro at Urban Veg Patch. I'll get the prize posted out just as soon as you let me have your address, Caro.

Thank you to everyone who took part. It's a shame that I can't give everyone a prize, as much as I'd like to, but the budget just won't allow.

Liebster Award

I was thrilled to bits last week when Ruth from Dian's Timpanalley awarded me the Liebster Blog award. Thank you so much, Ruth, it made my day. I was also given the award on The Good Life blog by Mum from Mum's Simply Living Blog who said the award would extend to this blog too, so thank you too, Mum.

The Liebster award is awarded to blogs with less than one hundred followers, and comes with a couple of rules.

1. Copy and paste the award on your blog.

2. Thank the giver(s) and link back to them.

3. Choose five blogs which you would like to pass the award on to and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog.

There are so many wonderful blogs out there to choose from. On this occasion I'd like to pass the award on to the following five blogs.

Jumble and Jelly

Stand and Stare

Never Too Old To Learn From Your Mistakes

Bears Footprints

Poppycock & Other Creative Nonsense

I hope you'll pop over and take a peek at the blogs I've awarded. I know that many people don't accept awards, and I don't want to put anyone under any pressure, especially at this time of year when it's so busy, but I think it's nice to be able to recognise blogs which I enjoy reading.

Thank you, Ruth and Mum, once again for the award.

If you haven't already entered my giveaway, don't forget to do so. You have until 14th of December to leave a comment on my giveaway post.

In The Recording Studio

You may remember, back in July we booked Eleanor a session in a recording studio for her birthday. It took ages for her to decide what she wanted to sing, she changed her mind on a daily basis, but she eventually made a decision so we got it booked.

Saturday was the day it all happened, and Someone Like You by Adele was the song she decided on.

She had a brilliant time and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, though she tells me that she still prefers to perform live. Recording a song is so different to singing it in front of an audience.

A CD was made of the recording, and Eleanor thinks she sounds so different on it. I think she sounds exactly as she always does. I think we all think we sound different to what we actually do, well, except for my singing voice, I'm under no illusions there. I don't know where Eleanor gets it from but it certainly isn't me.

If you haven't already entered my giveaway, don't forget to do so. You have until 14th of December to leave a comment on my giveaway post.

Giveaway

I celebrated the first anniversary of this blog back in September, and I promised that I would have a giveaway. I know we're three months down the line but I've finally got myself sorted out, so without further ado, here are the prizes.

Make! by Cath Kidston. There are 48 projects in this book which use 16 of Cath Kidston's signature motifs. This book contains step by step instructions.

The Pocket Enquire Within. A guide to the niceties and necessities of Victorian domestic life. Enquire Within was first published in 1856 and was the essential guide to Victorian domestic life. The book has words of wisdom and advice on everything from entertaining and etiquette to household management. It gives a fascinating insight into the day to day life of Victorian Britain, and also contains wisdom which can be used today.

A small tin of vanilla fudge. I treated myself to one of these too and can vouch that the fudge is delicious. The pretty little tin is useful too, I'm using mine to store my pins in at the moment.

A selection of flower seeds.

All you need to do to be in with a chance of winning this little lot is leave a comment on this post. The giveaway will run until 14th of December after which time a winner will be chosen at random. I'm happy to post worldwide.

I also have a book giveaway running on The Good Life blog, so if you're interested in allotment life, head over there to be in with a chance of winning.

All that remains is for me to wish you all luck.