Halfway...

...but not to paradise. To the other side of the city. It started yesterday on the way home from the city centre after a bit of shopping with my eldest. I have to have someone with me on these trips because I am not reliable and tend to get a bit stressed. Well...I got on my bus to go home and suddenly realised that I hadn't got my handbag...(purse to our USA friends). I couldn't do anything about it so I stayed on the bus home and then had to decide what to do. Tried to remember where I had misplaced it and came to the conclusion that I had left it on the previous bus, or left it at the bus stop when I put my bags down. First thing I did when i got home was ring my mobile. No answer. Then phoned the bus company and was told that if I had left it on the bus and someone handed it to the driver, it wouldn't reach the depot until midnight. Tried my mobile again and got an answer. It was the driver of the bus..thank goodness! Then had to arrange to go today and collect my lost property. Phoned my son and he came with me as I didn't have a clue how to get to Halfway, and had to borrow the bus fare. Was re-united with my bag and it's contents....was so relieved. This little adventure has shook me up a bit.....thinking what problems there would have been if my bag hadn't been handed in. It just makes me feel so much more vunerable. At least, hopefully, I will be able to relax and get some sleep tonight.

Another busy week.

The end of another busy week. 2 hospital appointments since my last post, some gardening and a card made.
Wednesday's appointment was with the occupational physiotherapists. It was supposed to be an hour long but due to missing buses was 20 minutes late...hence a shortened appointment. It was good though. She gave me a thumb splint to wear and already I can feel the benefit. She has also written a letter to my landlords(housing association) and requested another hand rail for the stairs, and she is also trying to sort getting my armchair highered. I have to go back in 4 weeks when she is hoping to give me some other methods for getting some quality sleep.  As many people will know (or maybe not), sleep is something M.E. sufferers have a real problem with.  It's not the amount of sleep but the quality which is the problem.
Got a little gardening done but not much......just a bit of tidying.

The card I made was for the Crafters Re-united inspirational challenge. The card could be any theme, any colour, any shape, as long as it was no bigger than 31/2 ins x31/2ins. perfect for those smaller images that I'm sure most of us have.  I usually do 6x6 or 5x7 cards .....but I do have some blank 5x5 which I might try. Enough waffling...here's the card.  The main image is, I think, Bentley Bear, but definitely by Adam Prestcott..... I love his images. Backing paper is My Minds Eye. Nesties and embossing folder used, ribbon and gems  from stash. The sentiment stamp..which I think is very appropriate for the challenge..is from another set but I can't remember the name.

Finished it!

Finished what I hear you asking.  Cataloguing all my stamps, that's what. Put all my clear stamps in empty cd cases...all nice and neat ..and I know what I've got now. Stamped all my stamps onto paper and sorted by type...floral, cute, flourishes, sentiments, Christmas etc.. and then into sleeves in a ring binder. Each image has a cd case number, or if it is a wooden backed. Now all I have to do is browse my folder and locate the stamp I want quickly and easily. Sorted! The inspiration for this method came from Peejay...thank you. Now the next job is to sort my digi images. I have quite a few..some purchased....others generously given as freebies.  Most of them are in a folder on my external hard-drive....which is fine....but it would be easier to browse an actual folder, and then I would know at a glance what I have. Sometimes I think I've got a particular image but can't remember if it is a digital or a stamp. Will save a lot of time.  I've also been busy sorting other craft stuff....my ribbons especially. They were wound onto wooden dolly pegs but they had outgrown their space. Now they are wound onto card and colour coded...all in a their own box which I can keep in sight instead of being hidden away in a drawer. All this re-organising has made more room for my buttons, brads and eyelets which tended to get pushed to the back of drawers.  My crafting space is very limited but now it's easier to find things. I'm a happier crafter now.  All this re-organising hasn't left much time for actual crafting though.  Hoping to get some done in the next few days. though.  I had a busy week last week..town on Wednesday with eldest to do some shopping and banking.... and then town again Thursday for lunch and a good old natter with Anne...needed that! was hoping to do some gardening at the weekend but the weather and the fact that I was totally beat put paid to that.  The weather has been a little better the last couple of days but no chance of gardening. I went to the the hospital today for a rheumatology appointment and got a definite diagnosis of osteo arthritis and more medication. That's seven lots of medication I'm on now. I don't have to go back for another 6 months.  Tomorrow and Thursday I have 2 more hospital visits. Both at the same hospital at the other end of the city. Tomorrow is with the physiotherapists for the arthritis, Thursday for breast screening.  It's a lot of travelling and extremely tiring. Thankfully the boys are being very good and pulling out the stops as far as housework and cooking go. They don't always show much awareness of my health difficulties but they are being very considerate at the moment, and I am grateful for that. Oh..got my new specs. Varifocals and they are great!!  I knew I'd missed having them but didn't realize just how much until I got these new ones. I'm finding the computer a lot easier and hopefully will be able to catch up with everything. I'm so behind with my blog list, updating this blog and keeping my Picasa ATC pictures up to date.  It's great not having to constantly change glasses whenever I need to read something...eg...instructions, shopping, visiting the library, filling in prescription forms.

Been a busy bee..

..spring cleaning, gardening and a bit of crafting. The cleaning has been a lot easier to do with my little steam cleaner, and kinder to the environment and my purse, no chemical cleaners to buy (not that I used many before). I've done the back garden and discovered that I'd lost a few plants due to new fencing being erected. The front garden is taking a little more time and effort even though it is considerably smaller. The plants have been flourishing and I need to cut back what passes for a lawn.  In the past it would have taken me a couple of days, but I have to restrict myself or I wouldn't be able to do anything for a week. Getting there though and we have had beautiful weather...sometimes a little too hot for gardening. 
Went to the opticians yesterday for my eye test...only 2 years overdue..and get my new varifocals next week. I've hated having to wear 2 separate pairs, forever switching, but the optician has the varifocal offer so I've taken advantage of it. Can't wait...freedom again.
Done a little crafting but mainly sorting through my craft stuff and doing a bit of re-organizing.  Found some things that I'd forgotten I have.  I hope to sort out my clear stamps this week..at the moment they are all in a cardboard box and mixed up. I've got quite a few empty Cd cases so I'm going to transfer the stamps to them and then I can catalogue them....that way...hopefully... I'll know what I've got.
Here are the cards I've made in the last month.
An easel card for Anne's birthday. Lilac pearlised card embossed with one of my new Sizzix folders. Pyramage is by Maria Maidment, added a touch of stickles glitter glue to the flowers (can't see that very well in the pic) and matted onto dark blue card. Lace, ribbon, adhesive pearls and glitter butterfly from my stash

 Another easel birthday card, this time for my sister-in-law. Again a Maria Maidment pyramage and embellishments from my stash. I don't have the punch to do the edge I wanted so I improvised. Used my scallop scissors then my silent setter for the holes..turned out not too bad.

This card was one of those that non of us ever wants to make. It was for my sister- in -law who's brother has died. He was a Liverpool football fan so I did the colours in red white and black. Decided to keep it simple and thought the single poppy was fitting.

 The last card..another birthday...is for my niece. I also entered it for the Crafters Re-united April inspirational challenge. Any card, any size as long as it had a button. The main image is a freebie from Jak, mounted onto rainbow card then blue glitter card. Butterfly is a punch and the button is a chipboard. A stamped sentiment but I've forgotten the make. It's not a good picture, camera phone and glitter card don't mix very well.

Been to hospital.....

......and sort of got a diagnosis for my hands. Have to wait until I go back in May for blood results, but consultant is of the opinion that I have osteo arthritis. It also may be the reason I am having a lot of pain in my knees and hips He agree's with my GP that I could have Renaud's as well. He doesn't think that will be too much of a problem though. If the results confirm OA I will be given some more medication which he says will help to slow the process.  At least having a diagnosis makes things easier to deal with and manage.  Off now to chill a while before I go to my bed. It's been a long day.

I've been awol...

...been busy..well sort of.  Still finding it hard to spend long on the computer, my concentration wanders and I forget what I'm doing. Went for my ECG and everything was OK......and I've got an appointment for the rheumatology clinic next week. Perhaps I can get some treatment for my painful hands. I haven't been sleeping at all well and it hasn't helped that I fell last week in the house. Not  much damage but I fell backwards and landed on my backside....sent the ironing board flying and broke a couple of glasses...my back still hurts. To top all that off some idiot drove into the telegraph post a couple of weeks ago and brought down mine, and neighbours phone line. So no phone or internet for eleven days. That's how long it took BT to replace the pole and reconnect the line.  I'm getting a bit of compensaton from my internet provider though, not much but better than nothing. It's taking me a bit of time to catch up with everything.

On a lighter note I have some cards to post. Not many, 5 birthday cards and a Crafters-reunited forum inspirational challenge card. Rather chuffed with that one. In the past the members have voted for the winner, but now all the cards go into a draw for a voucher to spend, and guess what?....I won it!!! so here it is.

The challenge was to make a card using a craft CD. I've used Joanna Sheens Hollywood vintage CD, with a  gorgeous Nancy Watt paper and paper rose. The ribbon is a cream grossgrain from my stash. I've put a sentiment on it but I didn't make it for anyone in mind. One to go in my box I think.

This card was for my grandson's birthday. I think the image is from Squigglefly. I ran it through a cuttlebug folder, 3D it and used glossy accents on the eye.

Birthday card for my eldest. Image from Squigglefly with some buttons added and raffia tied through them. i love this image ..perfect for him. When he's gardening he's always having to hitch his trousers up.

Another grandson's birthday. He's interested...at the moment...in all things military, so I used some camouflage backing paper for the numbers. I wanted the background to represent a cargo net, so used the netting from some oranges and inked through it. 

A birthday card for my great neice. It's come out a bit bright with the camera....and I'm still trying with my colouring. Maybe I'll get it right one day.

Last but not least, a birthday card for my eldest at home. He likes to play poker online..but not for any stakes I might add. I've used real playing cards that add up to 27...that's how old he is. The miri card is embossed with a folder (can't remember the make) and the cards are layered onto a leather look black card.

I've also entered this into this months Crafters-reunited forum inspirational challenge..which is to follow a sketch. You never know...I might get drawn out again.

Right...off to do a little more catching up.

Winter is still here...

...and we've had snow to prove it. It's blooming cold! Went to the docs yesterday for the results of my x-rays. Expected to be in there for about10 minutes, but was there for half an hour. The results show that since my last x-rays there is considerable degeneration in the bones of my fingers. Doc says this could be osteoarthritis but can't say without further investigation. She wants me to go to the rheumatology clinic again, but has to consult with the doctors from the practice. She is only a locum so can't refer without their say so.
She checked my blood pressure..said it was OK....then checked my pulse again.......said it was high and that an eye will have to be kept on my blood pressure. I've to have another ECG. It's at my local hospital this time, only a 10 minute bus ride and it's a walk in clinic. She also hasn't ruled out Reynaud's for my hands. They are really painful now and I'm beginning to lose some sensation especially with the right one. I'm dropping things more frequently. It's frustrating and annoying. The doc did ask if I needed more painkillers but I said that I'd wait and see about the hospital. If I do get referred they might be able to offer some other treatment other than more painkillers. I'm already on three different ones and sometimes you can hear me rattle......lol.  I haven't got as much crafting done as I wanted to, but I even managed to make a card for a challenge. All the pics are still in my phone and I will put them on here as soon as I get the chance. I'm thinking about booking a slot for the computer..both my sons hog it and I have to jump in when the chance arises.

Too good to be...

...true....and it had to happen to me!!!  Was feeling very chuffed with myself today.  Yesterday I managed to do all the jobs on my list, yay!...(I'm back to writing lists again. Feel I have achieved something if I manage to get half of it done.) This morning got up early (for me that is) and got all my kitchen cupboards cleaned...yes!..then went to docs to drop off my prescription request and make an appointment. Was feeling really good and the weather was perfect for gardening.   Didn't push myself, even though I could have stayed out there longer. Just tidied and cleared a small plot where the crocuses are flowering and the tulips are pushing through.  Cooked the tea and then just as we were about to sit down to eat...the cooker exploded.  Well not really....just sounded liked it. The outside glass layer of the oven door shattered. Glass all over the kitchen floor.  I spent a good half hour sweeping it up and then vacuuming with a crevice nozzle attachment. I didn't want any of us getting glass in our feet, or Milly and Mollie getting it in their paws. Phoned my eldest and he says he will have a look on the Internet and see if the glass can be replaced but I think it will have to be a new door....or worse.... a new oven. I really could do without this extra cost just now. Until then I have no oven. I do have the gas hob and a microwave but I rarely use it for actual cooking....just warming things up usually.  Ah well.....tomorrow is another day. Not planning on doing anything.....hopefully a quiet day crafting.

Blimey..

.....it's been so long since my last post. I'm not spending much time on the computer....just too tired at the moment. With spring not in the too distant future my body clock will adjust itself and I can get back to doing the things that I want to. I'm still waiting for the guttering to be repaired. I did phone about it 3 weeks ago and they told me that as I had reported it 1week ago it was not a priority and could be another 3 to 4 weeks before it got repaired. I kept my cool and told them that it was reported well before Christmas, and suggested that as it was only holding on by one bracket  I was not responsible if it fell and injured someone. It suddenly became a priority. . . . . . . . . .Still waiting.  
I had to see the doctors a couplel of weeks ago for a prescription review...all my medication is on repeat...so I thought it was a good chance for me to bring up the matter of another bone scan. Was told by the hospital when I had a scan 2 years ago, that I would need another one in 12 to 18 months. The doctor I saw said that as I was taking medication for the osteoporosis I didn't need another scan....don't think that's right though. Also asked about my fingers. The joints have become swollen and can at times be very painful. The doctor asked for blood tests for rheumatoid arthritis but said that he thought it was carpel tunnel. Duly had blood tests and went back a couple of days ago. This doctor, (very rarely see the same doctor twice in a row)...said the tests were inconclusive for the rheumatoid arthritis but has requested x- rays on my hands. She said I need to see a rheumatologist again and thinks the problem with my fingers could be Reynaud's. Wish they'd make their minds up! Suppose it is difficult making a right diagnosis because of the M.E....have constant joint and muscle pains everywhere. Might get somewhere next week...I've got the x-rays on Friday morning and have to see the doctor again when results are through.
Crafting wise I've not done much..just 3 birthday cards. Will post those when I get them on computer. I haven't even managed any ATCs. I really will have to make a real effort to get back into crafting mode.
The best thing to happen so far this year? A visit to the theatre to see Me and My Girl. It was fantastic!! Had us all singing along and tears of laughter steaming down my face. I went with Anne..who I must say a very big thank you to. When she went to book the tickets the phones and internet were down so she queued for over an hour!!!  THANK YOU ANNE!!!!  

Almost over...

..and the new year is fast approaching.  I'd like to take this opportunity to wish all my readers a peaceful and happy New year, and a big thank you for your support throughout the year. I know I don't always reply and of late I have been a little lax with updating my blog. This year hasn't been too good health wise, and time spent on the computer has left me feeling more tired than usual. Hopefuly this will improve and I will be able to stay more in touch with all the wondeful people in blogland.

I know this is a bit late but here are pics of some of the Christmas cards I've made. Kept things a bit more simple than usual....but I still went with the glitter and sparkle....and flower soft...and glossy accents....

I've not been able to do much practising on my colouring, so not much change there...doesn't help when the natural light is virtually non existant and you have to work with artificial light......well...that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!

First some trinitage cards from La Pashe..so easy and quick. Three layered up and one done as a pop- up. I made a matching bag with the pop-up one but the pics are terrible. (Most of them are..I blame the light)

Pop-up card ...gift bag and card front.The backing paper is wrapping paper.

This one was for one of my grandsons.He's been diagnosed as possibly being autistic and is slowly learning the guitar.

Stamped.....embossed with gold and mounted on nestibilities. Dry embossing at the bottom of the card using a holly mask from Stamps Away at Clever Cut. Added gems,sentiment and a ribbon.

Very quick card. It was a free download from a blog and I can't remember the name of it!! I've added Sakura glitter pen to alternate rows (not showing up on pic) and gold glitter to the star.

 Using the mask...Holly from Stamps Away.. to emboss using my die cutter. Cut out the middle with nesties and stamped a greeting...added a ribbon...another quick card.

This was for my 4 year old great niece who requested a Christmas card with Belle.

Lots of glitter and sparkle for a Christmas fairy. The stamp is by Adam Prescot

.Love this penguin!! By Mo Manning. The card was for one of my grandsons who's crazy about penguins.

Another embossed card using a mask. Can you see what I did wrong on this one? Decided to cut out the centre circle and mount it slighty....after I'd put the gems on the trees. Cerrrunchh...Doh! Quite liked the effect though so left as was.

Two cards done with tissues. A pack of eight tissues for a pound and eight images on each tissue. Matted and layered using scraps of card, and backing paper, peel-of sentiment and stars and a ribbon.  Made quite a few of these.

Think I've been quite thrifty this year with the card making. Well.. I suppose I'd better make a start on next years so I wil be well ahead...yeah ..right.

A Very Happy New Year To You All