52 Weeks of Happies

This is another late posting as I was without internet over the weekend, whilst I was at the Rewind festival, stuck in a tent etc etc.I'll tell you all about it later:)  But anyway here goes- My Happy photos: 

July 22nd- 28th

 

This is one of my favourite view from home- Despite this being on a very dark and rainy day, I love the sweep of the view. This is heading towards the Caldbeck Fells. This is taken from the top of Calbeck Common looking toward Carrock Fell and High Pike. The Northern Fells are a bit stark, but still beautiful in their own way- and they certainly do not get the heaves of walkers and tourists that dominate all the other fells.

 

 

 

Rewind Festival- Well what can I say! Jason Donavan, Human League, Tony Hadley ... The list goes on. Definitely a happy 80's weekend!

 

This is Izzy and Zepp. They love it when Aunty Manda comes to play- as I'm the one daft enough to play ball games and throw things for them endlessly! I always seem to forget how much fun it can be having two excitable Labradors to play with. Despite leaving my sister's house covered  in dog hairs and slobbered all over, I always love having them around.

 

 

 

Maybe this is a bit self indulgent- but I'm feeling quite pleased with myself at the minute. Coming home this summer has been a time of reflection and reminiscing. It's been lovely to catch up with everyone and even more of an ego boost when everyone says how well and happy you look. (Even more so when you bump into your ex boyfriend who says you look amazing- a very nice ego boost, thank you very much!) I know I have a great life abroad, I probably feel the fittest and healthiest I have in a while and even though I know that this can't last- I am going to have to come back here sooner rather than later-I feel I'm ready to make the most of my next year in Asia. Changes are definitely ahead- but for now I'm just going to enjoy life as it's thrown at me:)

 

Hope you're having a good week.

Amanda x

 

Looking back at Glastonbury 2011

A few weeks ago I posted a couple of teaser photographs. Did you have a guess at 'Where am I' on my Saturday Snaps?

 

 

For those that guessed Glastonbury Festival- Yes you were right. I'm off to another festival today- Rewind- an 80's festival up in Scone, Scotland. Not quite the same as Glastonbury!


Oh it would have been fun to go. The fact that tickets sell like hot cakes, I have to work and I was 8000 miles away- still doesn't mean that I can't wish I was there.

I was very envious, as my Sister, Brother in Law and Niece  all managed to go to this years festival :(

  

I'm not one of those seasoned festival goers that have been going for years. It was my first time in 2011 and now I can see why there is so much hype about it- I loved it!
 

For some it's all about the music...



For others, it's all the other attractions, in all the other fields...



And some love the weird and the wonderful...


Whatever the reason, just being there, soaking up the atmosphere, is enough...

 

 Cos there's nothing quite like it!

 

 

 

 

Oh well, maybe another year?
In the meantime I'm off to Rewind to see Jason Donavan, Belinda Carlisle and  Human League amongst others. See you after the weekend- Now where did I pack that Neon?!

 

Amanda x

 

 

Wordless and Happies

Many apologies for not posting anything this week so far- I'm behind with everything. That includes, writing blog stuff and reading everyone else's blogs, so I'm sorry. Aside from catching up with everyone- it seems that age has caught up with my dad- and so he ended up in hospital at the weekend too- Needless to say with one thing and another, my poor blog has been neglected.

Anyway, things are more settled down now, dad is back at home and I have a little bit of time on my hands- so here goes.

 

 

52 Weeks of Happy

July 15th- 21st

A school performance. This week I popped into my old school to visit everyone. Not only did I get to see my old colleagues and some of the pupils I used to teach- I must have timed it right as they were putting on an African dance performance too. I love visiting school- I went there as a child and then ended up working there for 10 years before going into international teaching. It's as much a part of me as anything and so I still love to visit and make that connection once more.

 

This was a bit of a silly moment-This is me, lying down on the upper shelf of our airing cupboard at home. My mum and I had spent a long time tidying up, getting rid of old blankets, duvets etc and generally having a good old sort out. We'd just cleared the shelves, then I climbed up and took a book with me. We first moved to these houses when I was about 8 and for the next few years my favourite place in the house was the airing cupboard. I was always squirreling my way amongst the bedding, book in hand and would stay there reading for hours. Now here in 2013, having made space, I had this sudden urge to do the same- climb up and settle down- however more sorting was still be done and so I only had time for a photo shoot!

Another favourite old pastime!

When ever I come back home I always get the feeling that nothing ever really changes and that  despite being away things invariably stay much the same-Monday evening was a prime example. This was me, having a paddle and catching fish in one of the local 'becks' (River) with some of the local Brownie pack. I went to visit my friend Anne Marie who's the Guider but couldn't wait to get in and have a paddle myself! It was a bit strange to think that I used to do the same when I was a Brownie, then as a Brownie guider-and now just visiting!



My favourite thing this week was a reunion.

 I went to Manchester to meet up with some of my nursing friends. We started our training together in April 1986 and after all this time it was great to catch up. We went out to Jamie Oliver's Italian Restaurant and then for a couple of drinks after. I don't think any of us stopped talking or laughing the whole evening:)

 

So that was some of my happies- just being here with my family and friends is one big happy- despite their illnesses and setbacks. So I think for the rest of my time here, I'm just going to appreciate what I have and make the most of my time with them.

 

Wordless Wednesday Picture

But I couldn't leave without leaving a wordless Wednesday picture. I haven't been out and about as much as I would have liked, having spent a lot of time visiting hospital- but I have managed to take an odd shot or two of my local area-

 

Enjoy!

Amanda x

Saturday Snaps

I feel I have been neglecting my blog this week, partly as I've been here, there and everywhere -and partly because I keep forgetting to take photos! I will get back on track and post some first week at home stories and photos.

 As it is - I'm rushing off down to Manchester for the day- I shall tell you all about it tomorrow:)

 and so I will just leave you with a short and sweet Saturday Snap.

A photograph, each Saturday- Quirky or Serious?, Fun or Interesting?, Real or Abstract?

A comment or not, a thought, a quote or whatever-Let the pictures do the talking

 

 

This is the view from my upstairs window at home, looking west. It wasn't meant to be a panorama, as you can see they are all at different angles and lengths- but you can get the idea. The back and side views look out onto fields too!

 

A bit different from the view I get in KK-

 

So I am enjoying the greenery when I can :)

See you tomorrow :)

Amanda x

Wordless Wednesday- On a Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday : A weekly photo that needs no comment and no explanation- But then again, I might decide otherwise:)

 

But It's a Thursday!!- Due to technical difficulties i.e. No internet, I wasn't able to post yesterday- so apologies for that, so instead I had to go and find somewhere that has internet this morning. Oh what a shame- I had to go to Starbucks- Latte and cake - what a nice way to start the morning!

 

Anyway- on Tuesday I went out for a drive with mum and gma, just around and about home- and got stuck behind some sheep being moved! This is a traffic jam- Cumbria style:)

 

 

Amanda x

10 Things Tuesday

Where does the time go?  It's Tuesday already and it hardly feels like anytime at all since I posted things I was looking forward to at home here on last week's 10 Things on Tuesday.

Well I've been home a few days now and it is nice to be here. After what seemed to be the longest journey in history and then a decent nights sleep, I've spent the last couple of days just pottering about home and enjoying doing the little things. Sitting in the garden, in the sun, cup of tea on hand is about as exciting as it gets - and I'm enjoying it.

 

My 10 Things this week are 'plants in the garden'. Now I am not a gardener, nor never will be, much to my grandmothers' distress- as no matter what she has tried to teach me over the years, it has gone in one ear and out of the other. So I know nothing about gardens- except I know when they look pretty and I appreciate all the hard work that has to go into them. So please forgive me if I name the flowers wrongly. All I know is they look very colourful and pretty.

 

1) Chocolate Cosmos

Now, the picture doesn't seem to do this justice- as in reality, this very pretty, chocolate smelling flower is in fact a very deep reddy brown colour.

 

2) Delphiniums

3)Sweet Peas

One of absolute favourites. I love how delicate they look, the combinations of colours and their fragrant smell.

4) Rose

 

5) Sweet William

 

6)Pelagonium

I've always thought of these as Geraniums- evoking images of Mediterranean window boxes. My grandparents have always grown these for as many years as I can remember.

7) Honeysuckle

My sister's favourite flowers- love the smell!

8)Peony

A good few years ago, my sister got married, and peonies from this bush were used in her bridesmaids bouquets. For what ever reason I volunteered to do the flowers (!) and spent until the early hours wrapping stems and making table centre pieces. Every year for her anniversary, a few of the peonies are cut and given to Deb as a present.

 

9) Pansy 

Pansies always look so pretty and cheerful. They look like little faces bobbing at you in the breeze.

10) Feverfew

 There are many more where these came from- and some I can actually name. But that's another posting:)

 

Until next time,

 Amanda x

52 weeks of Happy

Hi, It's that time of the week again to show some of the things that have made me happy this week. So linking in with Little Birdie here are this week's happy moments.
Week 28

8-14th July

 mmm- now that's what i call a breakfast!

Evenings at home, making the most of the long hours

 

Another beautiful sunset

Gifts, cards...and sushi- all great end of term presents.

 

 That's my week- hope you had a good one too!

Amanda x

Saturday Snaps and Giveaway Results

Firstly, Hello and welcome to summer! My last day at school yesterday, for 6 weeks! Vacation starts now! I'm jetting off back to England this morning, so I thought I'd best post something before I went.

OK- Ready for a grand announcement- Drumroll please-..... My Winners in the 100 posts giveaway Here, are...I put their names in a hat and drew out the winners- I originally had only 2 prizes but couldn't make up my mind in the fabric shop and ended up buying 2 lengths- So 3 prizes.
 

 

 The lucky winners of the fabric are Jennifer at Thistlebear and Greenthumb at Made with Love. The bag was won by Louise at Ramblings of a Roachling.

 Prizes will be making there way to you lucky ladies as soon as you can give me your postal address. For those less fortunate- don't give up- I quite like this give away malarkey and might try it again sometime!

My Email for this blog can be found on my 'about me' page:)

 

So well done ladies.

 For everyone else- here's a bit of a visual treat instead- My Saturday Snap

A photograph, each Saturday- Quirky or Serious?, Fun or Interesting?, Real or Abstract?

A comment or not, a thought, a quote or whatever-Let the pictures do the talking

Taken on the Isle of Iona, Scotland, last year.

Well I'm off to catch my flight.
See you all in England in about 28 hours time!
Amanda x
 

Wordless Wednesday

 

Wordless Wednesday : A weekly photo that needs no comment and no explanation- But then again, I might decide otherwise:)

 

Another beautiful sunset here in KK.

 

Amanda x

1O Things Tuesday - Home

This week my '10 Things Tuesday' is very special- 10 things I'm looking forward to, as I go home for the summer holiday.

1. Family



 

2. Home

 This is the view from my parent's kitchen window. Our house is surrounded by fields. My own house is rented out whilst I live abroad- so home for me is  'Home, Home'- My parents and grandma's houses that we have had since 1973.

 

3. Friends

 Meeting up with friends will be a big bonus over the summer. Friends from my school days, nursing days, workplace and the US. Finding time to see them all might be tricky, but I'll try.

 

4. Afternoon Tea

It's funny the things you want when you can't get them- proper afternoon tea, with scones, jam and cream. Sandwiches, little cakes etc- all those lovely delectable things- whether it be for morning coffee, 'Ladies who Lunch' or afternoon tea- I can't wait:)

 

5. Days out and about

Whether it be the Lake District, Scotland or anywhere else for that matter. I'm looking forward to visiting old haunts and new places.

 

6. Wide open Spaces

Living so near to the lakes and Scotland means that I have a world of wide open spaces to explore. It will be great just to get out and about.

 

7. Festival

One particular highlight will be the annual Rewind Festival. I'll be there singing along to all those 80's tunes although I won't (Unlike many) be wearing some dubious 80's clothing!

 8.Shops

 So looking forward to visiting cute little craft and gift shops.

 

9.Camping

I love camping and I'm looking forward to spending some nights under canvas. Unfortunately,

This year my dad isn't too well, so my mum and I won't be able to have our annual camping trip- Instead it might just be me- unless I can drum up some others who are mad enough to want to spend an English Summer in a tent- English Summer = Rain!

10. Food

No visit home will be the same without good old fashioned home cooked food. Cumberland Sausages of course, but also rhubarb, fish and chips, steak pie, bacon, cheese, fresh bread, scones...etc etc...

 

So many things to look forward to... The count down begins!

Amanda x

Photo Scavenger Hunt for June

 Better late than never! I'm linking up with Sophie at CGDN for another scavenger hunt. This time 12 more photos taken during June. Some are from my various weekends away and some are local. As usual I took far too many and you will be able to see the others here or by clicking on the tab at the top. I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I enjoyed looking for them.

 

Solid

Steel or Iron I'm not sure- But these girders are definitely solid!

 

Small

A name written on a grain of rice is very small.

 

Flourish

Weeds flourishing between the pavement cracks.

 

Green

  Green shop houses in Chinatown, Singapore

 

 Pretty

The roof tiles of the Floating Mosque here in KK.

Picnic

 A family picnic during the Dragon Boat festival

Liquid

 Strange name for a clothes shop!

Flower

Orchids decorating a restaurant in Singapore

 

Hat

A beautifully embroidered hat

 

Design

The Ion Shopping Mall, Singapore- Full of Designer shops.

 

Buy

Tempting deals and bargains in Chinatown-all enticing you to buy.

Action

 

Full speed ahead- racing towards the finish of the Dragon Boat race.

 

Bonus

 

 Certainly not the prettiest, nor cleverest of pictures- But its not a bad view of a sunset- considering it's the view from a multi story car park!

 

Until July...

Amanda x