CraftyDogs

Latest Knits

2010-08-06T10:58:00.003Z

These are some of the knitting projects I have been doing lately. Socks and Bootees. You can see details of them on my Ravelry projects page if you are interested in them.

Daisy Doo

2010-08-06T10:54:00.003Z

I haven't talked about Daisy Doo for ages. As you can see she is big and beautiful at the moment. She is now two and a half years old. She went to visit her friend Fred during the summer and had a ball.

Poor Daisy was feeling under the weather that day as her ears were at her. I am still having problems with these and the poor thing had to get her ears flushed twice that week and was put on a course of antibiotics and steroids. She is fighting fit at the moment and her only problem is jumping up on people when they come in the door. She is so excited to see them. She is getting better though.

Recently Read Books

2010-08-06T10:42:00.003Z

The first book is by Adele Parks "Playing Away". This is a really good book about a girl who decides to have an affair and shows that far away hills are not always greener.

Currently reading this book by Erica James "Hidden Talents". This is about a lady who decides to start a writing club and is about all the lives of the people who attend the writing club. Really excellent and well worth a read

"Forgive and Forget" by Patricia Scanlan is another good read and there is a sequel to this called "Happy Ever After" which I must get.

These are all great light reads and perfect for those summer holidays or just sitting on the patio on a nice summer's day when it is too hot to do any housework.

A Few Arty Bits

2010-08-06T10:22:00.004Z

My God-daughter Gill is a very talented young lady. Went to her end of term exhibition during the summer and she had a lovely piece on display. It was set off beautifully by a lightbox. It really stood out from the crowd.

It was her birthday also recently and as part of her gift I decided to do a fun painting of an old beetle. Don't know why, and it didn't turn out the way I wanted it to, maybe that is because I had one too many glasses of wine when I was painting it. Anyhow when I went to her party the theme seemed to be very much centred around Beetles. She had a camper van birthday cake and was also given a gift of a camper van holiday so the picture went down very well with that theme.

Paintings

2010-05-18T14:00:00.002Z

This is my latest painting of a cascade of flowers and a terracotta pot.

Latest Knitting Creations

2010-05-07T09:50:00.004Z

Haven't been knitting loads since Christmas but yet have managed to knit these three items.

Yes, despite all the digs I get at knitting these, I have knit yet another Clapotis and what a lovely one it is. I am starting my presents early this year and putting them away. This was knit with Louisa Harding Jasmine and lovely yarn to work with and really pleased with this.

The second garment I have recently finished is this lovely Wrap Around Cardigan This was knit with Patons Cotton Pearle and the pattern is free and this is so easy to knit all on a pair of circular needles so no sewing up. Instead of the tie, I put buttons in as easier for dressing a baby. I also had some yarn left over and knit this lovely little pretty Baby Hat This only took a night to knit.

I will now be trying some fancy knits for myself from my lovely stash of yarn so tune in for progress.

Books Worth Reading

2010-05-06T14:34:00.004Z

Haven't been reading much lately but have managed to fit in a few good books that are worth looking at. I give them 4 stars out of 5 but for different reasons.

The first is "Love Letters" by Katie Fforde. Most of these books are the same typical love story but I love them as they lift me up when I am having a bad day and I when I am in need of a little pick me up. I will give it four out of five just for that fun feeling you get after reading it.

The second is "Cutting for Stone" by Abraham Verghese and this is just a brilliant book, different, interesting. This is the story of the intertwining lives of two conjoined twins. It is set mostly in Ethiopia and is narrated by one of the twins. The twins are born in unusual circumstances and raised by two Indian doctors who work at a mission hospital in Ethiopia. The twins think as one and are very rarely apart but love and deception does eventually break them up. This really is a brilliant piece of writing and written by a physician - so all the medical terminology would be correct.

The third book I read is by one of my favourite authors Nicholas Sparks and is called "Dear John". It is a one night read and perhaps the story plot is very mushy but it is still a good read. It is now currently out in film, for which I hope to see this weekend.

Latest Reads

2010-02-16T11:18:00.002Z

"Chicken Soup for the Woman's Soul" is another one of those tear jerking annoying books with sentimental stories. After the 5th story they seem like all the same. Would give this 1 out of 5.

"The Firemaker" by Peter May is a really good read. It is thriller set in Beijing and the plot is excellent. Would make a good modern day movie as it is very topical and certainly gives you food for thought. Gripping and tense, would certainly recommend this book and give it 4 out of 5.

"The Road from Ardoyne" by Ray Mac Manais is a good read and tells the story of our current President Mary McAleese's life from childhood to her Presidency. I would describe this book as historical, insofar as it delves into the depths of the troubles during the 1960's in Northern Ireland and there is an historical theme throughout the book. I do admit skipping a few chapters of the book but in the main I really enjoyed this book and have great admiration for the current President. I would give this 3 out of five.

"The Wives of Bath" by Wendy Holden is a lighthearted funny book and tells the story of two completely different couples have their first babies in Bath. It is hilarious and I thoroughly enjoyed this book and finished it in two nights. I would give it 3 out of 5.

"At Knit's End" is just some light meditations for women who knit and you fly through this but unless you are a knitter there is no point in picking it up. Cannot rate this one as it really is just one pagers for those who knit and who will appreciate the content. So for knitters I would rate this 2 out of 5.

First Crochet Pattern

2010-02-15T11:53:00.003Z

Yes, I have mastered a granny square, thanks to You Tube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxIeMkZX2DA . This is a brilliant video of how to do a rectangular granny square and then I just continued on and on until I ended up with this blanket. It took me approximately just over a month to complete and once you have mastered the cast on and the corners it is really a doddle. You can easily tie in your loose ends when you introduce a new colour. I used yarn from Lidl and also from The Constant Knitter. I can highly recommend all this yarn and can also highly recommend that if you are new to crochet, You Tube is the way to go as you can sit down with your laptop on your knee and pause and rewind to your heart's content and Voila.

Latest Knitting

2010-01-07T16:58:00.003Z

Yes the knitting is coming along as well as the reading. My first knit is called "Blossom" and it is a shawl scarf knit with Manos De Urugay Silk Blend which I bought off The Constant Knitter. Love the yarn, love the pattern and love the finished product. My second knit is a hat called "Slouchy Lace Hat" knit with the same yarn for Blossom the Silk Blend and also some Noro which I have left over from a previous project. I think I will have to felt this a little as it is a bit big.

Both of these patterns are Free and can be found on Ravelry.

Latest Reads

2010-01-07T16:45:00.006Z

The first one on my list was by Alice Taylor, "A Country Miscellany". This was a compilation of some of her short stories to do with rural Ireland. I read this in a morning. There are some lovely nature photographs throughout the book also. I would give this 2 out of 5 in terms of content. I am not really a lover or short stories hence the low marking.

The second book I read was by Sheila O'Flanagan "Someone Special" and this I loved. I love all Sheila's books and this did not disappoint. A real holiday read. I will give this one 4 out of five as I could not put it down and anything that keeps me riveted gets a high score.

Thirdly I read the "Book Thief" by Marcus Zusak. This was an extraordinary book, cleverly written but simple in its style. It is narrated by "Death" and tells the story of a girl growing up in Germany during war times. This book is brilliant and deserves 5 out of 5. Well worth a read.

Another book I read recently was by Jeannie Brewer called "A Crack in Forever" and this was also a very good read. Two people become involved in a very powerful relationship, not knowing what was ahead of them after a very foolish mistake. This is a sad book but really very good. I would give it 4 out of 5.

The last book I read was called "Shades of Scaldwood" and was written by the Dublin 15 Writer's Group. It is a compilation of short stories and poetry. Scaldwood I learned used to be the name for the district of Blanchardstown. This is a nice read. I cannot really mark this one as it is something you just pick up and read one story or piece of poetry a night.

Yes, it has been snowing and I have been stuck in the house, reading, knitting etc so have got through quite a good few books in the last couple of weeks.

Winter Hat

2010-01-01T12:19:00.003Z

This is a really comfortable Slouchy Hat which I knit with Regia double knitting sock yarn. It took approximately 1.25 skeins and is great for this cold weather. The colourway is fab. The pattern is free on Ravelry and is called Slouchy Lace Hat. You can access it from my Ravelry Page under Projects. I knit it on 3.75 mm round needles so no sewing at all except for the top. I did an extra row of decreases on the top also which was not included in the pattern. You could knit this with just about any yarn.

New Year Snow

2010-01-01T10:19:00.007Z

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS AND THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR COMMENTS DURING THE YEAR. I HOPE YOU WILL CONTINUE TO READ MY BLOG IN 2010.

Woke up this morning to the garden covered in snow. As you can see Daisy is having a good sniff around as this is all very strange to her.

She turns a reddy colour when she is next to the snow which is really strange.

It is a pretty scene for this time of the year and everything looks lovely and crisp and white.

This is my bird house.

Daisy Doo

2009-12-21T21:42:00.003Z

Well I haven't posted anything about Daisy Doo in a long time. She is now two years old, quietened down - just a little. She has been sick with infections for a while but all clear at the moment. Looking forward to spending time with her over the Christmas. We were invited for a sleep over in a friend's a couple of weeks back and she was in her element. Her mate Fred though, as you can see from the photographs is tired out from all her antics. I think it took him about 3 days to recover from her visit.

Latest Paintings

2009-12-21T18:52:00.005Z

I have been a bit slow at painting lately but have managed to finish 2 paintings which I am very proud of. I have used a new technique for the pretty flowers and gave it a dreamy background with the clever use of a cloth week on week. When the background was finished, yes I had to get my pallete knife out to make the flowers stand out from the background. I love the effect. Not sure what to call this one, maybe "Dreams"

The second painting is just of a doorway with a hen sitting on top. I have had a fascination with hens lately to paint and I thought this one was a good way to start. This is just a small painting but I am pleased with the result.

Currently working on a bigger painting of yes, wait for it, more flowers. Whenever I am feeling down and paintings are not working out for me, I just return to painting flowers and everything is alright again. My goal this year is to paint a portrait, I will have to study techniques etc but I can do it.

Latest Knits

2009-12-21T18:12:00.009Z

Yes, I have been busy knitting and finishing. I made a promise a few months ago to only have one thing on the needles and to finish it to completion before starting anything else. This has worked somewhat and here are the fruits of my recent labour.

1. Pink Cardigan. This is based on the Drops Pattern used before with the green Mirasol Yarn but I changed the bottom to a rib effect. This is knit with Mirasol Cotanani in pink which I had bought in a sale at This is Knit in Dublin. I had bought 10 balls hoping that this would be enough but unfortunately I needed some more so found a good website called http://www.blacksheepwools.co.uk/ I was able to buy 3 more skeins in the same dyelot for a bargain. In total I used 13 skeins of this yarn. Wore this already and is really warm and cosy. The yardage in this yarn is not very long but I have got a really nice cosy cardigan for the winter. Hopefully it will wear well. The beauty of this pattern is that is knit in one piece with just minimal finishing under the armholes and the sewing on of two buttons. I just love my buttons and bought them in the sale in Avoca last year.

2. Little Daisy Cardigan. This is knit in Tivoli Cruise cotton yarn. Really like this cardigan and was so easy to knit.

3. Lace Ribbon Scarf. I bought this kit at the RDS from the This is Knit stall. It is one skein of Kid Silk Haze and one skein of Noro Blossom. This is a real easy knit, but would not recommend using the Knit Picks wooden needles for this one as the yarn kept getting stuck at the joinings. I have worn this scarf and goes well with my new pink cardigan. I thought the Mohair would be scratchy and itchy but not at all. Lovely and warm and cosy.

Latest Knits

2009-11-06T21:42:00.005Z

I have knit the following recently.

Bamboo Green Cardigan from "Beautiful Baby Knits" in "Knitting Issue 53". This was a quick knit and took approximately 1.25 skeins of Tivoli Cruise DK.

This is a blanket I knit for my sister's birthday. It is made with two skeins of yarn from Avoca Handweavers and is just a garter stitch border and then stocking stitch. Not sure of the yarn. It is yellow with gold flecks and was like chenile and then the other skein I mixed with it was pure alpaca in cream. A really nice warm blanket for cuddling up in these winter months.

Wedding Bliss

2009-11-06T12:18:00.003Z

My good friend D got married 2 weeks ago and I had an absolutely great time at her wedding. It was what every wedding should be about. She was absolutely radiant on the day and I would like to thank her and her new husband D for a great day out. I was lucky to have been part of her wedding from day one from the picking out of the dress, the highs of lows of invitations, giving my advice on bits and pieces to having also having my very talented, arty, niece Gill taking her wedding photographs on the day. The day went without a hitch and we danced until early morning. The wedding took place at the Station House Hotel, Kilmessan, Co Meath and the staff could not have been friendlier. The food was excellent, as was the company, and the music brilliant. I even won the bet as to how long the speeches would take give or take 30 seconds. Needless to say I had inside information and it all rested on the Priest and how long he would take. All in all a great day out. They are happily enjoying their honeymoon now and can't wait to see them when they get back.

Books that get the Thumbs Down

2009-11-06T12:06:00.002Z

Here are some books that I have read recently, just because I had them in my library at home. I would give these all 3 out of 10 which is really poor.
"The Gift" by Cecelia Ahern, "The Flowers of Ballygrace" by Geraldine O'Neill and "Thanks for the Memories" by Cecelia Ahern. Of the three "The Flowers of Ballygrace" was the best and I would possibly give that 4. I think Ceceila's books are more for the teenage audience and that is probably why I don't relate to them. I think Ceceila has great ideas for stories but not credible when I read them. I think they need to develop more. I have to give 10 out of 10 for Ceceila's ideas and I think she is really creative. This is the second book I have read by Geraldine O'Neill and whilst she is a good writer I think I am just looking for something more to get my teeth into. This is not to say that a good majority of readers out there love her work.

Mary O'Sullivan - Inside Out

2009-11-06T11:55:00.005Z

I was delighted to see another book by Mary O'Sullivan on the shelves "Inside Out" and was not disappointed when I read this. I love her style of writing and there were so many elements and twists and turns to this book it was great up until the end. I would give this book 8 out of ten, which is very high on my scoring. Well done Mary, keep up the good work. This is a nice thick book but such a page turner. Mary combines chick lit with thriller, drama, passion and. Meg is the central character to this book and is just about to turn 40. She has two children, one in America and one just starting college and a husband who is going through somewhat of a mid-life crisis or maybe not. She also has a close friend Lynn who is also a key character in everyone's lives. I won't give the plot away, but needless to say, somthing is going on in everyone of these characters lives which will keep you turning the pages.

Latest Reads

2009-11-03T15:23:00.005Z

As you will be well aware by now, I love dogs and I received this book "A Dog's Life" by Martin Clunes as a pressie from my sister. The book is really easy to read and is a biography of Martin and his dogs and how they came into his life. He also embarks on a journey worldwide to get closer to animals and to see how dogs have evolved. Martin had not got an easy time with his dogs, especially Mary. I think he did not quite understand how the pack leader concept worked and therefore he was quite troubled along the way. I would give this 5 out of 10.

"The Great Connection" by Arnie Warren is a one night read. Excellent book on how to connect with others. It describes four styles of behaviour in people but it first guides you through how to connect with yourself. I would give this book 6 out of 10 and you will read it in a night. Good for people new in management or just trying to understand how people in general tick.

"The Night Watch" by Sarah Waters is an okay read set in wartime Britain about four people living in London through the war with all its air raids black outs. It is not a particularly exciting read but is readable. Would give it 3 out of 10. Did not keep me engrossed.

Latest Knits

2009-08-23T11:33:00.004Z

I have just finished this baby cardigan. It is from the book 101- Designer One Skein Wonders and it is called the Feather and Fan Baby Sweater. It is knit with Sirdar Washh 'N Wear 4 ply Crepe. I thought this was going to be an easy knit but I ended up ripping it when I got to the sleeves as I went wrong. Glad it is finished.

This is a pair of socks I knit for a birthday present for my niece. These have cotton in them and I bought the yarn in Stitch in Santry and it came with the pattern. Kaffe Fasset Regia sock yarn with cotton. Really pleased with these and I hope she will be when I give them to her in September for her birthday.

More Book Reviews

2009-08-23T11:24:00.003Z

My sister gave me the "Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs. Having heard differing views on this book (none that great by the way) I thought this was going to be a bit of a drag but I quite enjoyed it once I got into a few chapters. The first part of the book is introducing all the characters and you start to get a bit mixed up with them all but once I was half way through the book it was plain sailing for me. It is about a single mother who was always interested in yarn and sets up a yarn shop in New York and then quite haphazardly a Friday night knitting group emerged. It is about friendship and love and forgiveness and it is a nice read. Nothing exciting but quite enjoyable.

This next book I read by Lynwood Barclay "No Time for Goodbye" was a cracker. I stayed up half the night one night just to read this. It is exciting, fast, riveting and you just cannot put this down. The prologue starts with this fourteen year old girl telling her parents she was going to a girlfriend's house to study and ends up in a car making out with her boyfriend. Her father finds her and drags her home. She is quite drunk and falls asleep and wakes up the following morning and her whole family has disappeared, her brother, her mother, her father and all the cars without a trace. Chapter one is 25 years later. I cannot tell you the rest as it is all uphill from here and I would ruin the whole plot, but definitely a page turner and full of excitement. I will be looking out for more of his books to read in the library.

Recent Visit to the Botanic Gardens

2009-08-17T13:28:00.008Z

Took a trip recently to the Botanic Gardens with my sister Ger one nice Saturday morning. Started off with lunch in the restaurant, which I can highly recommend and then spent the rest of the time wandering the gardens. Ger should me how to use some functions on my digital camera and hey presto I think I have taken some lovely shots, close up.

This photo is taken in the Rose Garden. Another lovely purple flower.

This is an orchid taken in the Orchid house.

This is just a tiny flower taken close up on my hands and knees using the "macro" button. You need a stead hand.

There was a maze of sunflowers and this is just one shot.

If you like these photos and want to see the entire collection just click here.

The Divide by Nicholas Evans

2009-08-17T11:01:00.004Z

I got a present of this book for my birthday. Having read all of Nicholas's previous books I was delighted that there was another one published. If you like Nicholas Evan's writing, you will love this book. A body of a young girl is found buried in the snow one day and it turns out she is from an upper class background but wanted by the FBI for murder. The book goes back and forth between the present and the past and centres about the girl growing up and the rift within the family. This is really a good read and does not disappoint.

Holiday Knits 2009

2009-08-07T08:11:00.006Z

I have knit three things over the holidays. Two Paxton (Preemie & Newborn) Jackets - free Ravelry download. The first one I knit was in Tivoli Cruise DK and it turned out really well. The beauty of this pattern is that there is no sewing.

The second one was knit with Rowan Denim and also looks fab. These were a present for my friend's grandchild and she looks cute in them.

The third thing I knit was a lovely pair of socks for my friend called "Blue Bell Socks" from the knitting book 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders. This is a great book for little knits. The colourway in the sock yarn is yummy and is Regia sock yarn.

Summer Holidays - 2009

2009-08-04T13:42:00.016Z

Well just back from a two week visit to Schull in West Cork. Weather was glorious and there was loads to do. Stayed at the Schull Holiday Cottages which are about a kilometer from the Main Street in Schull which is just a nice walk and a quiet spot at night. You can just stroll down to the village along the foreshore walk which is very scenic. This is a small view of the harbour of Schull and the next photo is a view from the house.

Highlights of my holiday were the food and the peace and quiet and the lovely fine hot weather. I would highly recommend a trip to hear David Syme play the piano during the summer months near Castletownbere. He does Sunday afternoon recitals in his home and his wife bakes lovely deserts for the interval. His house overlooks the Beara Penninsula and it was just bliss.Here is a picture of the inside of his sitting room with the Grand Piano in the middle of the room.

Another highlight of the holiday was taking a trip to Baltimore. This is a harbour village where all the boats go to the islands.If you are looking for a nice lunch or afternoon tea in Baltimore please do go to visit the Glebe house and Gardens just as you enter the village. We stopped there one afternoon and had scrummy scones and also this lovely raspberry and strawberry roulade.

As you can Daisy also enjoyed her holiday and was playing in the sea every day and relaxing on the sofa in the evening.

Another highlight of my trip was to visit Fastnet Rock. This is supposed to be an entertaining cruise to see the lighthouse and takes approximately two and a half hours. We engaged a dog minder for Daisy and were really looking forward to the trip. All started out okay until we reached the most southerly part of Ireland and entered the Atlantic Ocean and then the small boat let rip and we were swaying from side to side. The skipper called it rock and roll which lasted approximately one hour and nearly half the boat was sick. I luckily felt sick but more terrified but was determined to get some photos of the lighthouse, which did not disappoint me.

The scenery was really enjoyable on the way back and the sky was amazing. This is well worth a trip to, but only if you have sea legs otherwise strap yourself in for the ride.

All in all I had a great time in West Cork and if you want to see any more photos of my trip you can just click here.

My Summer Holidays 2009 - Books I Read

2009-08-04T11:17:00.006Z

I read a selection of books on my holidays and I will give a brief synopsis and rating for each as summer reads. The first one is by Sheila O'Flanagan, "Anyone But Him". A really good light-hearted read where two daughters start interfering in their mother's life as they think she is paying a gigilo to stay with her. Definitely one for the holidays. The second book I read was by Fiona O'Brien "None of My Affair". This is another great read. It is about a super-model's wedding of the year on a yacht in Marbella and all the problems that entails with the family. Definitely one to bring on holidays with you.

"The People Next Door" by Roisin Meaney is excellent. This is about the intertwining lives of three neighbours and how happiness can be found on your own doorstep.

"The Empty House" by Rosamunde Pilcher is a very short read but also quite good. This is a very descriptive poignant book about a woman who loses her husband and decides to take a house with her two children for the summer beside the beach and falls in love with her childhood sweetheart. The next book by Douglas Kennedy "The Woman in the Fifth" will not fail to entertain. Where Douglas gets his ideas from, I do not know, but he is such a credible writer you feel as if you are with him all the way. The character Harry loses everything, his family, his child, his job, his reputation, his money and ends up in Paris to try an recoup his losses, ends up getting really bad flu, loses most of his money and I won't ruin the rest of the book for you. This gets the thumbs up from me.

The "WWW Club" by Anita Notaro is not a great read but is funny. It is about a weight watchers club set up by a group of female friends where they very rarely lose weight. A bit like Sex in the City. Not great writing but an okay summer read.

"A Little Help From My Friends" compiled by Melissa Hill is a compilation of short stories by a host of Irish female writers about the value of friendship. Most of the proceeds from the book go to the Irish Hospice and the book itself is brilliant. A real girly friendship book.

I think that was a good list of holiday reads for all you girls out there. The only one I could recommend for the boys was the "Woman in the Fifth" by Douglas Kennedy.

Update on Daisy Doo

2009-07-09T10:44:00.003Z

Daisy is doing really well and a quietened down a good bit - although not so quiet. She is now 18 months old (how time flies) and I love her to bits. She is so big, but I don't notice it until a smaller dog is up beside her. I am bringing her on holidays for two weeks to West Cork where she will have plenty of time to swim and walk.

Below is a picture of her for the first time when she let me tuck her in as she was feeling poorly. She soon recovered after a week's dose of antibiotics. She is terrible now at the vets and just hates it as she remembers being left there before.

Look at these eyes, you forgive her most things when she looks at you like that.

New Finished Knitting Projects

2009-07-09T09:54:00.003Z

Finished these lovely alpaca socks called "Anne's Magic Stripes" from "Knitting Circles Around Socks". These were knit in the Alpaca Yarn Co. Classic Lite and on 3 mm circular needles using the magic loop method. These were a birthday present for my sister and she loved them.

I finished this lovely 111-7 Drops Jacket with Raglan Sleeves from Garn Studio Designs. This is a free pattern and it was knit with Mirasol Tupa Yarn - a lovely cotton with sheen. This is knit all in one piece and finished off with two nice buttons. I find the Drops Designs quite small fitting and knit the larger size.

I bought these gorgeous buttons in Avoca Handweavers, back in February and they suit it perfectly.

Reading - Latest Books

2009-07-08T14:02:00.004Z

"Nothing Simple" by Lia Mills is about a couple who leave Ireland to follow their dream in America. They settle in Texas but nothing turns out as simple as it would seem. Recession hits 10 years later and when her daughter disappears Ray looks back on her life and comes to a decision. This is quite a good read.
"The Other End of the Leash" by Patricia B McConnell. This was an okay book but really for people who are into the total psychology of dogs. The book promotes an increased level of understanding of human and dog behaviour, in the hope that it improves the relationship between people and their dogs. It suggests that even the slightest change in body movement can have a huge impact on what your dog does next. I would only recommend this book for the serious dog owner on the level of the dog whisperer. "The Hat Shop on the Corner" by Marita Conlon-McKenna is an excellent read and is set in Dublin. Ellie, the main character, inherits a hat shop when her mother sadly passes away and decides to carry on the tradition, much to the upset of some property developers, who do everything to change her mind. This book is warm and uplifting - if you like Katie FForde you will love this. Through the book Ellie finds her own happiness and brings joy to a lot of people through her millinery.

Just finished "Love, Life, Hate Adore" by Deirdre Purcell but would not have been a favourite of mine. This was a good story but quite disappointing in terms of how the author portrayed it. It is about a girl Angela who took on the responsibility of looking after her brother when her mother died, only to be accused of rape when he was 19.

"Flying Without Fear" by Duane Brown. Yes I am afraid of flying and thought that reading this book might help. It did and it is very well written but nothing that I have not learned before from yoga classes. It goes through the whole aviation industry and how it is easier to be killed by driving your car. It is all about American Aviation and how planes are put through rigorous testing, as well as the pilots. Would not get you over your panic of flying but would certainly help in terms of relaxation methods of dealing with your stress.

"Bones Would Rain from the Sky" by Suzanne Clothier. I cannot rave about this book enough - but only if you are into dogs. An excellent book in terms of understanding the minds of dogs and how to get a better relationship with your dog. Suzanne is brillaint and though provoking. One chapter relates to how a dog never lies. When you come home from work, they are always glad to see you. When you leave a room and come back a moment later, they are still wagging their tail. Perhaps we could apply this to our human relationships. It provides a humane way of training and interacting with dogs and is the best insight I have received into dog behaviour, and I have read quite a few books on the topic. Well worth a read.

"After the Rain" by Thomas Christopher Green is a story about two brothers working in their family restaurant and have always had a very tight bond until their father commits suicide. A lovely easy read with lots to think about.

Art Exhibtion

2009-06-21T14:52:00.005Z

Have not been blogging for ages but hopefully back on track. Have been really busy. Had my first art exhibition a couple of weeks ago which went really well. There was eight of us exhibiting in the Mount Pleasant Tennis Club in Ranelagh. Mairead, our teacher for six weeks was brilliant and inspired us all and gave us such confidence in ourselves. Special thanks to her. A big special thanks to Dara who helped me through the day and set up and to everyone in my class and all my family and friends who came to support me.

The picture above is some of the works by the other members of the exhibition. This is just a snapshot. I don't want to bore you.

This is called "Anenomies" and it sold at the end of the evening. I was a bit sad letting this one go but it means that I can continue painting with the proceeds. This was an oil on canvas.

My sister Ger brought me back some postcards from her visit to Monet's garden in Giverney. He has to be one of my favourite artists and it is my dream to visit these gardens - hopefully next year. This painting was done in wateroils on canvas and I was really pleased with it. My brother admired it so I gave it to him as a present. I called it Water Lilies.

This is the second one based on Giverney and I called it Flowers in Giverney. This was sold on the night and I had the pleasure of seeing it hanging in its new home and it looks great. This was oil on canvas. These two paintings were done entirely with a pallette knife - my favourite way of painting.

This painting caused me nightmares as up to the Sunday before the exhibition it was totally different. It is called "Midnight Poppies" and is acrylic on canvas. This also is hanging happily in its new house - hopefully loved.

This is called "Purple Flowers" and is oil and canvas. This was sold also and is happily hanging in Joan's house.

Unfortunately this one didn't sell and I called it "Purple Sunrise". It is wateroils on Canvas.

My First Pair of Socks

2009-02-11T15:18:00.003Z

I have been putting off knitting socks for years but bought some yarn at This is Knit in Blackrock just before Christmas "Brown Sheep, Wildfoote Luxury Sock Yarn" and finally finished my first pair of socks thanks to some help from my sister when it came to shaping the heel and toe.

The pattern is from "Knitting Circles Around Socks" and is called Anne's Magic Socks. Loved the yarn and pattern and used approximately 1.5 skeins and hey presto - my first socks.

Wish You Were Here and Tell Me Your Secret

2009-02-11T15:04:00.002Z

Just finished these two books. The first one is by Mike Gayle "Wish you Were Here". This is similar to a Chick lit but from the male perspective. I really enjoyed this book and finished it in two days. It is about a guy in a thirties whose girlfriend dumps him after 10 years and his other two mates decide that they will bring him off on a holiday to Greece for a week. It does not take him long to get over the love of his life and it is fun all the way. After been on an 18-30's holiday when they were 18 they decide to go on another one and once there, decide again that it is about time they actually grew up.

The second book is by Deirdre Purcell "Tell me Your Secret". Nicely written but a little far-fetched. A girl falls in love in the 1940's Ireland and her parents lock her up for 35 years in an attic, she has a baby and they just take it away to be adopted. Can you imagine.

Oriel Scarf

2009-02-03T10:06:00.002Z

This is the Oriel Lace Scarf from 101 Designer One-Skein Wonders which I am really pleased with.

The yarn is scrummy and 100 per cent baby marino wool and was a very welcome present from a fellow knitter friend in the Rathmines Knitting Group.

I knit this on 5 mm needles and is a laceweight yarn called Malabrigo Lace Yarn. I knit this in less than 2 weeks and then just steamed it with the iron to flatten out the edges. I am delighted with it.

I will certainly knit with this yarn again, perhaps a cardigan mm.... mmm.... mmm....

"Disgrace" by JM Coetzee

2009-02-02T15:30:00.003Z

Picked up this book in a Charity Shop one day just for the cover, yes a dog on the front. Yes there is a subtle theme about dogs in it, but more an anology of what is going on around the author. It won a Booker Prize and I can see why. It is a straight forward short read and you feel that you just cannot put it down. Lurie is the main character who is unable to relate to women, having married twice and then turning to prostitutes and then one day has an affair with one of his students and is disgraced and exiled from the university where he is working. It is set in South Africa where Lurie spends time with his daughter Lucy on her small holding - post-apartheid where thugs get away with rape, robbery and attempted robbery.

Latest Knits

2009-01-19T14:27:00.003Z

Here are some quick knits I did over the weekend watching dvds.

Th first is called Baby Squash Hat from 101 Designers One-Skein Wonders. Knit from the Lidl's cotton yarn. Turned out really well. The second quick knit started off as the Garter Stitch Loop Scarf from 101 Designer - One - Skein Wonders but ended up just as a scarf and I cast off eight stitched three quarters way through to pull one end of the scarf through. This was knit with Yin Yarn bought in This is Knit at the RDS Show.

The last item are the Victoria Gloves taken from the pattern in Louisa Harding's "Knitting Little Luxuries". These are for myself and I think this pattern is great.

Just finished these three items

Holiday Stuff

2009-01-12T15:03:00.004Z

Over the Christmas break I was able to get away for a night with a friend for a spa treatment, some fine dining, nice wine and a general chill. Chill being the operative word as you can see from the photo taking at 11 am the following morning. We decided on the Bloomfield Hotel in Mullingar which has a 3 star rating. The package included one night bed and breakfast, spa treatment and dinner in their fine restaurant. We arrived at 3.30 in time for our spa treatment (back massage) which was absolutely bliss. We then had dinner at around 6.30 pm until 9 which was scrummy.This is a photo of the sunset taking from the hotel. A beautiful spot. The only thing that would put me off going again was the breakfast was very poor quality and normally I would enjoy this part of a stay but that really put me off. There was an awful smell coming from the lift also. So I don't think we will be going there again any time soon unless we hear that standards have been raised.

Had some friends around for dinner the other night which included Daisy's boyfriend Fred. As you can see from the photos they enjoyed each other's company, although it took about 4 hours to take this photo. Needless to say the two of them slept it off the following day also.

Muffin

2009-01-12T14:57:00.002Z

Muffin
Originally uploaded by sandykeat

This is an oil portrait of a colleagues dog which she asked me to do last year. Unfortunately I only got around to doing it this year and from the feedback the children were delighted with it for Christmas. It was hard to get all the shading right as I only had one photo to work from but I was pleased with the result.

Christmas Knits

2009-01-12T14:13:00.004Z

These are some knitted things I did for Christmas Presents or for myself.

This is a Clapotis knit with Aracunia Ranco Multi. It took 2 skeins and is yummy and knit very well.

These are Louisa Harding Victoria Knitted Gloves knit with Louisa Harding Grace silk blend yarn. Another yummy present.

Another picture of my clapotis.

This is Ella's favourite hat knit with Noro yarn from one Skein Wonders book.

These are Noro silk garden fingerless gloves taken from the Noro Mini Knits book.

More Noro Fingerless Gloves.

and finally another pair of Louisa Harding Victoria knitted gloves.

I lost the rest of my photos off my camera i.e. knitted felted bags and a shower soap holder.

Knitting - Little Girl's Dress

2009-01-12T12:40:00.003Z

This is my latest knit, just need to attach a nice ribbon to the middle section to finish it off. This was knitted from the Patons Knit Today - Ribbon-tied Pink Dress and the yarn I used was Cotton Classic Cable from Lidls and it was knit on size 4 mm needles. Enjoyed knitting this, just need a new-born baby girl to give it to. Yes my stash is depleting but not as quickly as I would like.

Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier

2009-01-12T12:31:00.003Z

First of all I would like to wish all my readers a very Happy New Year for 2009. For my part I hope it is a better year than 2008 and am feeling positive so far. Read this book over the Christmas break and found it quite intruiging but quite hard going.

The main character is a teacher in Switzerland and one day an unknow woman leads him to seek out a book written by an unknown Portugese writer. He then reads the book and leaves his teaching responsibilities on the spur of the moment and catches the train to Lisbon to discover everything about this author's life. It is an interesting read and very different - not for everyone. If you like Isabel Allende you will probably like this book.

The Loss of a Loved One

2008-12-08T12:36:00.005Z

I haven't been blogging for a while because alas my poor Mum died a couple of weeks ago. My Mum was one of the kindest, honest, and gentlest women I had the privilege of knowing and I miss her terribly. Before she became ill she used to always get up every morning early and make breakfast for me, had the dinner on the table every evening and looked after my dog during the day. She was not materialistic and was always there to offer advice and help me when I had a problem and listened to my woes and troubles when I came in from work. I have found it hard the past two weeks but I am taking each day as it comes and my family and friends have been there to support me all the way for which I am eternally grateful. I am so lucky I have such good friends and an exceptional family who have been there every day for me. She is now resting and at peace with my dear Dad in Heaven and hopefully looking out for me along the way.

Knitting October 2008

2008-11-05T11:50:00.003Z

The first is called the Canterbury Memories Scarf knit from 3 balls of cream Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora. Needs to be blocked and will be an Xmas pressie hopefully. I used about a quarter of a skein for the edges.

Knit from the same yarn was a hat from the Noro Designer Mini Knits.

Knit also from the same yarn another Noro Hat from the Designer Mini Knits collection.

This is my Noro Silk Garden lite Juno Regina scarf. Knit with 4 skeins on size 7 mm. I love it and it is for myself. I adapted the pattern up to 57 stitches and knit less of the charts and just continued with the main pattern. Quite a tedious chart pattern but I stuck with it.

Art - October 2008

2008-11-05T11:46:00.003Z

Just finished this painting and am calling it "The Lonesome Boatman". Wanted to do something different and am really pleased with this one. I think it will look somewhat better when framed.

Pet Expo 2008

2008-11-05T11:34:00.004Z

Went to Pet Expo with my friend during October and had a really good day out, apart from the fashion shows and the dressing up of animals just like this one below.

This I had to take a photo of, I thought it was a pram for a baby but no, wait for it, a pet stroller. I said to the guy selling these, do people actually buy these, and he said hundreds are sold for taking their pooch from the beauty parlour home and at shows. Well I have seen it all now.

I got to brush this beautiful golden retriever who was very placid altogether.

The highlight of the day was all the puppies in training for the Guide Dogs for Blind. They were so cute and even had labradoodles.

Book Reviews - October 2009

2008-11-05T11:18:00.003Z

Have only managed to read 2 books during October, one a total disappointment and the other, which I thought was going to be a disappointment, a really good read.

The disappointment was "One for my Baby" by Tony Parsons. This was a big let down having read "Man and Boy". Alfie returns from Hong Kong to London after his wife was killed in a scuba diving accident and it tells how he copes with the loss. A bit non-descript, readable but not enjoyable.

Deirdre Purcell "That Childhood Country" on the other hand was a really good read and left me page-turning the whole time. Deirdre's descriptive writing style in this novel was excellent and tells the story of a girl back in the 1950's in Ireland finding love with someone beneath her status and having a baby at 16. It is full of emotion, and heartbreak but definitely worth a read.

Innocent Smoothie Hats

2008-10-13T11:44:00.001Z

Finished my contribution to the Innocent Smoothie Hat marathon. I managed to finish 23 hats in total and have just posted them off this morning. Hopefully somebody will buy a smoothie with my hat on it and I had to guard them with my life with Daisy.

Daisy has had some sickness over the last couple of weeks after swallowing a foreign object. Luckily she didn't have to have an operation and is now bright and perky. Here is a picture of her beside my hat collection but no doubt give her five minutes and she would have demolished them all. Explain that to the vet when she has another xray.

Never Look Back by Lesley Pearce

2008-10-13T11:36:00.003Z

Just finished this mammoth epic book. Took me several weeks to read as there were over 700 pages but it really was a good read and I never tired of it. It follows the story of a flower girl Mathilda through her life from the slums of Victorian London, to her travels to find a better life in New York, the Wild Wild West and finally San Franciso during the time of the "Gold Rush". It is a story of determination, love, passion, heartbreak and terrible sadness and I really enjoyed this book.

Daisy's Diaries - 10 Months Old

2008-09-29T10:42:00.003Z

Daisy is now 10 months old and I think she has taken another spurt in growth. This is her posing in Belfield on Saturday evening. It was just starting to get dark. She is so energetic but was really good at dog training this week. Did all her turns and managed to sit and wait - not perfectly but did not run over to the other dogs. I can't expect too much from her at this stage but I will keep persevering. I will be starting agility training with her hopefully after Christmas when she is a little bit older and when her commands are more improved. I think she will really like this but if she doesn't like it, I won't continue with it.

A Quartet of Hats

2008-09-29T09:59:00.003Z

Yes, this is about as much as I could manage in the last few weeks. Four baby hats. Well at least it is a small achievement. Things have been so hectic lately that I haven't had much time to sit and knit, although I have loads of projects. Decided to knit small items to keep me going.

The first baby hat was knit in the round on size 4 mm needles. The pattern was free and was called the Greenleaf Hat. It was knit in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo yarn and took less than one skein.
The second baby hat was also knit in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo. This was a skein left over from my summer top which I had just finished. This pattern is called the "Rolled Brim Stretch Hat with gumdrop option" and is also free on Ravelry. Yes, it took less than a skein also.
This hat is called a Quick and Easy Baby Hat which is also knit from Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo. It is also free and quick and easy to knit up.

This is knit also with Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo a little over half a skein. It is also free and is called a Simple Hat with Eyelets.

This is the Country by William Wall

2008-09-29T09:47:00.003Z

Haven't been reading any books worth noting with the exception of this book "This is the Country" by William Wall. This is a fictional, the main character being a drug addict from a broken family and is caught up with shady dealings, "Pat the Baker" (drug dealer with Aspergers Syndrome), drugs, prostitution, vendettas, rivalry etc. It is an unusual book in that the descriptions he uses when writing the story are told and described by a person who is sozzled and high on whatever he can put his hands on, so one minute it is all coherent and the next it is totally the opposite. A very different read, nothing nice or airy fairy about this book and tells the story of modern Ireland which is not very nice and what most people would rather wish not to acknowledge.

Daisy's Diaries - 9 Months Old

2008-09-05T12:03:00.006Z

Hard to believe but Daisy is 9 months old now. Here is a selection of photos I took in Belfield this week. She is so cute and getting a little bit quieter.
We play fetch. I usually bring two balls so that when she comes back with one she drops it when she sees the other. We switch to sticks - plenty in Belfield under the trees - and then her favourite is to play catch when she is tired. She lies or sits down, I throw the ball high into the air and she plays catch. Loves it when she catches it first time.
Daisy meets Mel. Mel is from the same breeder in Wexford but is 18 months old. Her dad was a standard white poodle and her mam a black labrador. Met by chance one evening last week and have met up a few times since. They get on really well together although Mel is a little bit more aloof and not into people. She is a lady while Daisy gets down into all the puddles and gets dirty.
This is Daisy with her prized stick having a chew.
This is Mel with Daisy's ball. The photos with Mel are a little blurred as I was taking them rather quickly and the shutter on my camera couldn't keep up.
This is just a little mini video of Daisy at play.

Decluttering - Week 2 Books, Art, Diet

2008-09-05T11:38:00.010Z

Well decluttering going well. Books are now mostly sorted but still need some headway with them. While I am at it I will do a little book review of three I have read this week.

1. Temptation - by Douglas Kennedy. This was a really good read. I have not read any book by Douglas that I have not enjoyed and this did not let me down. It is a story about a screenwriter who makes it big in Hollywood and lives the life of a star until one day he is tempted by an offer a billionaire sends his way which leads him down a very long destructive slippery slope.

2. The 10th Circle - Jodi Picoult. I read Jodi's book about one every six months as I feel that if you even read two one after the other you might get a little depressed and end up hating her. This was an exceptional book full of mystery and intense drama. It is about the rape of a girl in a small town and all the emotional issues surrounding the family, friends, police and the rapist. Jodi uses a lot of imagery at the beginning of each chapter in the form of cartoons but a little on the darker side. Excellent book and I would highly recommend it.

3. Tough Love - Kerry Katona. Thank God I did not buy this book. Does not warrant a review I am afraid.

ART:

Managed to finish completely three paintings, signed and all thats left to be done when dried is to frame them. Here they are then.

Firstly this is a painting I have been working on over the summer when three of us met up on Monday night and painted whilst we were waiting for a our art group to start back again next week. This is a painting of foxgloves. Got a bit intense half way through but I stuck with it and now it is finished.

Secondly this is a small painting a did of a jug on a window sill looking through a stained glass window. This was taken from a photograph and in the photograph there was no garden through the window so I improvised. Quite like this one.

Thirdly I finished my violas but I have posted this already so will not bore you. Started a nice big painting of some rocks at seapoint. Only at the early stages though. Here is a sneak preview. Had to put this one on the studio easel as it is big.

DIET - we won't comment on that this week as it was not good. Did not lose anything this week but also did not put on anything so not so bad.

Decluttering - Week 1

2008-08-25T08:09:00.009Z

Well I had a relatively good week this week with the decluttering process and I have awarded myself three gold stars.

1. Firstly I lost 2 whole pounds. Yipee - I will keep going now. This is not to say that I was really exceptionally good but it has given me the motivation to keep going. I walked closed to 10,000 steps each day but hit the 8 to 9 thousand some days so the target this week is to hit 10,000 every day. That is just a little extra walk for Daisy. Had a few chocolate bars over the week but all in all a pretty good week. Gold star for me.

2. Secondly the book situation. Yes I scored top points on this decluttering section also. Sorted through all my cookery books and shed any of them I really didn't need and also managed to sort through all my dog training books and also disposed of these. One great bag went down to the local Oxfam shop. I also brought back my books to the library and did not take out any more as I have enough at home to keep going for a while. Another gold star for me. Target this week is to go through my gardening books.

3. Thirdly yarn stash. As I said previously there is only so much knitting you can do in a week but another gold star for me as I managed to finish 2 projects. Firstly this is my Drops Design Top knit in Sirdar Snuggly Bamboo. It took 9 skeins on size 4 mm needles. Mum said it was the nicest top I ever knit for myself. I think it was the corset middle that makes it fit so well. You can see more pictures of this on Ravelry and a link to the free pattern.

Really pleased with this one.

Also managed to finish a hat with flaps. This was taken from some knitting magazine. Will keep me or someone else warm during the winter.

Target this week is to knit some baby wear as a present and start a new project.

All in all a good week and Daisy is doing well.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

2008-08-22T13:08:00.002Z

What can I say, this book was fantastic. The "Kite Runner" tells the story of a servant Afghan boy, Hassan, growing up in Kabul. Hassan formed a special bond with his master's son, Amir, throughout their childhood. This friendship was soon to become destroyed by an event which happened, but unspoken about, on a day in Kabul at the annual kite tournament.

During the war-time Amir and his father Baba moved to the States but many years later he returned hoping to meet up with Hassan again and beg his forgiveness but insteads embarks on a precarious rescue mission to save Hassan's son.

It is a sad tale but beautifully written and one not to be left unread.

Decluttering - Resolutions for the Autumn

2008-08-21T10:25:00.011Z

Whilst many of us associate the New Year for making resolutions, I have decided to make some resolutions for the Autumn. As the weather has been so bad for the summer I have been comfort eating, shopping and not getting out as much as I would normally if the weather had been fine.

As a result I have secured some extra un-neccessary and un-wanted weight which needs to be shifted and acquired numerous books which are left unread, bought enormous amount of painting materials and canvases which are blank and loads of knitting yarn.

Well I started on Monday, took my weight (nearly fell off the scales) and decided this is it. I put on my pedometer and calculated that I needed to walk 10,000 steps a day to try to shift it. I love my food but especially chocolate and once I start on a packet of biscuits that is the ruination of me. It is now Thursday and I have walked my 10,000 steps a day and cut out the biscuits. My treats have been small bars of milky ways and fruit deserts.

The reason for posting on my blog is so that it is in black and white and then maybe I might stick to the plan.

Books - I made a small start with these and decided to narrow them down into categories. The first category was cooking. I am slowing working my way through these, one book a day (well its a start). I hate parting with anything so if there is a receipe that I really want I am photocopying it and filing it away. I have rid myself of three books so far this week.

Yarn - Well I can only go so quick with the needles. Nearly finished a top for myself so then I can start on some of the rest of the stash. Hopefully will knit some Christmas presents. If I start small, I might knit more.

Art - Didn't make any start on this but I have loads of ideas so maybe at the weekend.

So Wish Me Luck with my endeavours and I will keep you "honestly" posted about how I am getting on. There will be a reward for me at the end of it all - not sure what yet but it will be good. Probably some yummy yarn or even some new clothes or maybe a weekend away. Until then I will be walking my dog on the beach and clocking up those steps.

Daisy's Diaries - August 2008

2008-08-15T13:11:00.003Z

Daisy is now almost 9 months old and is full of energy. Met Robbie last night and went for a long walk in the park with his dog Prince who is a Golden Retriever. They got on like a house on fire. This is at the beginning of the walk where they were playing and getting dirty in the mud.
Then they decided they would clean off and have a shower in the river.
This is Prince. He is gorgeous and really placid and knows every inch of the park and every rabbit hole. Daisy played with him but when he went out of our eye shot she came back and walked with me.
This is her having a swim in the river. She is great in the water and absolutely loves it.

My Niece's Book Review

2008-08-14T08:20:00.002Z

I asked my niece to write a book review and to give it to me and I would put it on my blog. So she did and here is what she wrote.

The review was about a story taken from the "Money Sunny Street Fiction Favourites" published by the Educational Company and the storey was called "A Perfect Day".

Sarah's review:- "It was about Jenny and she is excited as it was going to be the best day ever for the day out. She got lots of things and her dad lost his camera. They went to the police and told them everything and then they found it and thanked them very much."

Books I read on my Holidays

2008-08-11T08:47:00.003Z

Here are some of the books I read on my holidays. The first one is "My Lover's Lover" by Maggie O'Farrell. Lily meets Marcus and moves in with him as he has a spare room but unfortunately it is the room of his former girlfriend whom Lily believes has died. It becomes an obsession with her and it is quite a ghost story but with a twist. A good holiday read. Nothing too taxing on the brain. Maggie has a lovely way of writing which builds up the suspense throughout the story.
I discovered Nicholas Sparks a few months ago and this is the second one of his books I read. He really is a good writer. Taylor is a part-time firefighter in a small town and takes terrifying risks to save lives. It is like he is compelled to do this. He spends his time rescuing people and women but never holds onto them. During a storm he rescues a woman Denise from a car crash and her four year-old son Kyle with special needs has wandered off and he finds him. The book is a story about love and loyalty and is really a good read. Nicholas is a lovely writer and keeps you engrossed. I will certainly be reading more of his work in the future. "Take a Look at me Now" is truly a great book. It is the story of a twins, one dies, and the other finds out that her sister was leading a secret life of high-class prostitution. It is story of why men look for sex and are willing to pay for it. Lilly the remaining twin gets caught up with her sister's old life and discovers things about her sister she could not imagine. I won't ruin the rest of it for you but it really is good. It is also set in Dublin and Wicklow.
"Rogue" by Danielle Steele. I always like a Danielle Steele book on my holidays - they are not for everyone but once in a while I like to read her and escape to the glittery world of non-sensical romance. This book lives up to the reputation and is an easy holiday read.

Holidays 2008

2008-08-11T08:05:00.013Z

Just back off my summer holidays. Had a great time. What did I get up to? Well I started off with a week in Schull which is in West Cork. The house we were staying in was gorgeous with a lovely view of the sea. Daisy slept in the room downstairs with me and every morning she jumped up and licked me to go out and play - which we did. At 7 or 7.30 each morning, we strolled down through the field to the harbour where she swam and swam until I got tired looking at her. Everyone else must have been asleep but I did meet a guy with his baby every morning - must have been giving his wife a lie on - sweet. Daisy is now water mad. Great exercise for her and she dries quickly.

She will also fetch anything at all, balls, bottles, sticks.

On the Sunday there was an Agricultural Fair in Schull so we drove up to that. It was all tractors and horses, cows, sheep you name it. We overheard on the intercom that there was going to be a dog show and of course I entered and as you can see number 182. Needless to say we did not win anything and Daisy spent her time leaving the ring licking all the children.

We drove to Barley Cove Beach and as you can see it is in the middle of nowhere and we had lunch in the hotel there. We were really lucky with the weather and had only one day of rain. Even so we managed to get to the beach in the evening when the rain stopped.

In the harbour there is a French fish and chip shop which I was really looking forward to as I have eaten there loads of times but I was a little disappointed this year as the chips and onion rings were drenched in grease and were not up to standard and I spent the night with chronic indigestion. We did go another evening and got pancakes which were excellent.

This is a picture taken in the evening time at Toormore Beach. This is about 9 kilometres away from Schull off the beaten track and not signposted. It is a local beach and not many tourists on it. You would have to know what you were looking for to find it. It is really gorgeous even at nighttime.

At the Agricultural show there were prizes for knitting, etc and here is a picture of some of the knits on display.

There were also animals on display and I couldn't resist taking a photo of the piglets with their mother. They were so cute.

We went to Mizen Head Lighthouse one day which was spectaculor. This is the most westerly point in Ireland. Here is a picture of the views from the walk down. Unspoilt and a glorious day.

This is the Visitor Centre.

You can just about make out the bridge going across the cliffs to the lighthouse itself.

Another picture of the breath-taking view.

These are the 99 steps you can choose to take on the way back. Yes I climbed them. I have to say I did a lot of walking on the holidays. Pity I didn't lose the weight to go with it. It was all the lovely cooking down in West Cork. You cannot beat it. I can highly recommend Ellen's restaurant in Schull village - lovely home cooking. Her goats cheese tart is to die for and I think we ate in there quite a lot of the time. Her food was really yummy.

This is Daisy after her holidays. Doesn't she look good, fit and healthy. Unfortunately the holiday is over now and has to get back into her routine of me going to work and no more beach until the weekends. Thats all for now, did loads more on the holiday but these were the highlights.

Holidays

2008-07-25T11:37:00.003Z

I am going on my holidays - don't miss me too much. Going to Schull in West Cork. Have been there quite a lot in the past few years and never seem to tire of it. Just going for a week but really looking foward to it. Will have loads of photos of Daisy when I get back as she is coming on the holidays also. Hope she behaves herself. Hope to do loads of walking, eating, drinking, reading and may have time for a little painting and knitting.

Janaina Tschäpe: Chimera

2008-07-25T11:31:00.003Z

Went for breakfast to the Museum of Modern Art in the Royal Hospital, Kilmainham and decided to pop into the Janaina Tschäpe: Chimera exhibition. Now this is well worth a visit. Big bright colourful paintings, oils and watercolours and a vibrant array of photography and also a video room. The theme of the exhibition is all about fantasy and the mythical world.

The House on the Strand - Daphne De Maurier

2008-07-25T11:20:00.002Z

My cousin commented recently that she was reading one of Daphne's novels and was finding it brilliant so I decided to go to the library and try one. I had read Rebecca years ago and loved it and have just finished The House on the Strand. The main character Dick has borrowed a house from his friend Marcus for the summer holidays where he tries out his friend's new drug which enables him to go into the past like a ghost. He takes the drug and finds himself back in history where he witnesses murder and intrigue but the journey only lasts a short time and soon becomes addicted and goes back more and more with a detrimental effect to his health and an every growing obsession. I won't go on as I will ruin it for you, but I read this 500 page in 2 days, needless to say well written and a page turner. I will definitely be reading more of her work in the future.

Lacy V Scarf - Cashmere and Silk

2008-07-18T07:35:00.002Z

Just finished my Lacy V Scarf which I started last November. There has been a lot of hard work and slog gone into it so I will give it to my sister for her birthday in November. It still needs to be blocked and tidied up but it feels yummy as it is knit on 4 mm needles (double strand yarn) and is cashmere and silk and is as light of a feather. I would only recommend knitting something like this if you are an intermediate knitter as the yarn breaks a lot and is hard to work the lace. I would recommend using Addi circular needles and if you can get them the lace version. I bought the yarn in This is Knit in Blackrock and the pattern download is from Twin Willows Farm website

New Painting

2008-07-18T07:21:00.004Z

Just finished this small 8 x 8 deep edged canvas acrylic painting for a friend of mine. I started it on Sunday morning and finished it on Sunday evening and varnished it on Monday.

The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

2008-07-18T07:00:00.004Z

Just finished reading this brilliant book which a friend gave me a loan of a couple of weeks ago. Yes it has taken me 2 weeks for me to read, that was not because it was boring but because it was over 500 pages and quite small print. At first I didn't think this book was for me but as I got into it, I found it addictive and page-turning.This is Audrey Niffenegger's first novel and it is about Clare and Henry who were married when Clare was 23 and Henry 31 but Clare has met Henry when she was 6 and he was 31. You see, Henry has a disorder which makes him misplace himself in time. He could be in the present, future or past and his life is very unpredictable. He is a timetraveller. Clare and Henry are very much in love and it really is an amazing story, albeit a little far fetched. Henry knows exactly what is going to happen in the future and even knows the number of the winning lottery tickets but Clare will not let him use them. It is a wonderful true romantic story encompassing some very sunny funny moments and often sad harrowing ones also. It is an entirely unforgettable novel and one I could highly recommend if you are looking for something different to read.

Art Exhibition

2008-07-15T08:07:00.006Z

My niece and god-daughter had her first art photographic exhibition yesterday evening in Naas Library in Kildare. Go along and see her beautiful artwork and it is on view all week. All the family went and it was a great evening. Her work is really fabulous and she had a range of black and white and colour photographs categorised into portraits, urban and rural. I purchased a beautiful photograph called Wavelets. I am using her own photo taken from her website to illustrate it as my own camera would not do it justice.

Latest Painting

2008-07-08T08:07:00.005Z

Here is a picture of my latest oil painting which is of a group of violas. Full of colour, I just wish I could get the hang of my camera to take close up shots better. It is drying on the easel at the moment awaiting framing.

Daisy's Diaries - July 2008

2008-07-08T07:41:00.005Z

Daisy was spayed last week and took it really well. I was dreaded her having to wear the collar as I was imagining lots of noise banging around the house. Daisy in fact was a model patient and took it all in her stride. It is hard to keep her on the lead but she is under vet's orders not to exercise off the lead until the stitches come out which is at the end of this week. All in all it went really well and she didn't fret at all. She is coming along nicely as you can see for yourself.

I think the next one should win the scariest prize. I think it is great.

Impressionist Interiors Exhibition

2008-07-08T07:35:00.003Z

I managed to get to see the Impressionist Interiors Exhibition in the National Art Gallery in Dublin on Sunday. It was really good and I really enjoyed it. It is €10.00 in for adults and if you like art, it is well worth it and runs until the 10th August. All the paintings are painted inside rather than outside and the detail of the people, wallpapers, curtains etc is exceptional. It features 46 wonderful paintings and drawings by Manet, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cassatt, Gauguin, Vuillard and Morisot which are well worth seeing.

Art Exhibition - Dublin Castle

2008-07-08T07:30:00.002Z

A lot of schools were exhibiting their art in Dublin Castle last week, and amongst them was my niece's class so I just had to attend, along with my Mum, sister and brother. It really was good and you could see some budding artists emerging even at such a young age. This was one of the pictures which was done by my niece's class.

Book Reviews June 2008, Kate McCabe, Marisa Mackle and Joanna Trollop

2008-07-08T07:14:00.006Z

Had a weeks holidays so managed to get through 3 books. The first one was the "Book Club" by Kate McCabe. This was really good as are all Kate's books. It is about a girl who finds herself with a lot of time on her hands and decides to start up a book club from her apartment. She advertises and a whole mix of people sign up with their own personal reasons for joining. A really good read and can highly recommend it. I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.

The second book I read was "Next of Kin" by Joanna Trollop. Having read some of Joanna's books in the past and not been disappointed, I was really looking forward to getting through this one but alas this was not one of her better ones. First of all it was quite depressing and if you wanted something to uplift your soul, this is not the one for you. It tackles death and all the emotion that goes with it but not in a good way. There is no humour and it is all rather morbid. Although well written, this would not be a book I would recommend for a summer read. Rating would be 2 out of 5 stars for me.

The third book I tackled was "Confessions of an Air Hostess" by Marisa Mackle. This on the other hand was light, airy, fun and a really quick read - a one nighter and comes from the Little Black Dress collection. It is hilarious and funny and portrays our Air hostesses in a very different light. Behind all that makeup and grooming there is a lot of turbulence going on in their love lives. You will have this read in an afternoon under the umbrella beside the swimming pool sipping pina coladas. Enjoy. This I would rate as 3 out of 5 stars.

Clapotis

2008-06-23T06:45:00.006Z

De Dum, yes my Clapotis is finished and I am delighted with it. It took me just 2 months to complete in between other things. I think I could knit this all the time instead of anything else as I find them so rewarding when you finally get to drop the stitches. This yarn is really yummy Manos Del Uruguay Silk Blend bought at This is Knit in Blackrock and "wait for it " only took 2 skeins 300 yards. I am delighted with it.

"On Call" by Anita Burgh

2008-06-23T06:40:00.003Z

Just finished reading this book which is about a nurse moving back to her hometown to take up a new nursing post after her husband died. Once you got into this book it was okay - nothing riveting or memorable. There were a lot of characters and I think it would have been better with just a few as you were trying to recall throughout the book who was who. I would have liked also a little bit more drama. All in all just an okay read but got better towards the middle once you got the names of the characters into your head.

Kate Thompson - Book Review

2008-06-20T14:35:00.004Z

Just finished these books by Kate Thompson - Irish Author. Just a little bit of light romantic comedy just perfect for when you just want to curl up. A Perfect Life and More Mischief. Really good light read books.

Daisy's Diaries - 7 Months

2008-06-20T14:28:00.008Z

Oh no, Daisy is now 7 months old - how the time flies. Took her to the beach last week. She is still not sure about the water though. I through a bottle into the sea and she ran out but as soon as the water hit her belly she ran back out looking scared. I don't think she is going to be a water babe.

She is permanently sniffing looking for food. Mum thinks she has a weird coat. I think it is lovely.

Loads of Pressies

2008-06-20T14:04:00.015Z

It was my Birthday last week and got some really lovely yummy pressies. Here is a snippet of them. Mum bought me this lovely Storm watch.

This t-shirt was done by my sister G. She printed off a photo of my Daisy and transferred it onto a t-shirt. Really cool. Love it.

A good friend of mine J bought me this absolutely gorgeous purse which is made of the softest imaginable leather. Loved it and am using it already.

One of my dearest friends D bought me loads of gorgeous stuff. The Happy Hooker, Sudouko book, velvet bag, notebooks, book light, soap, wardrobe freshener and small mirror with room for a picture of Daisy. She also treated me to a beautiful Italian meal which was yummy.

One of my sisters P bought me books, notelets, incense, body lotion candles and video. Brilliant gifts. Loved them all.

Its great having loads of sisters. G made me these beautiful perfectly knit socks. I just adore them.

She also bought me a book, made me a facecloth, dvd box holder, doggie pencil case, ring holder, bracelet etc.

Another good friend O bought me this beautiful Avoca plant holder and a gorgeous plant. Loved it.
My brother bought me a beautiful gardening book and tripod for my camera.

My other sister D bought me a beautiful french bag, organic facial kit, BBC 101 chicken dishes cookery book which is really great and easy recipes, gorgeous towel and yummy chocolates.

Well I had a great birthday Sister G cooked me a beautiful meal, goats cheese pizza to start, followed by stuffed aubergines, stuffed peppers, chicken, new roasted potatos, salad and to finish chocolate pavlova. All in all a great time was had by all.

Daisy's Diaries - June 2008

2008-06-09T07:44:00.002Z

This is a picture of Daisy in my bedroom after running off with my beautiful skein of yarn which was holding the start of my clapotis. Needless to say I had to prise open her mouth to remove the skein as that would have meant big trouble. She settled herself with my pink crocs instead but wasn't happy. She is a little monkey getting up to all sorts. Because she is so tall when she stands on two legs she can reach places such as the kitchen table, worktops etc so everything has to be secured before retiring to bed. She instinctively knows when the weekend has arrived and will not calm down until she gets her Saturday and Sunday walks. Once she sees the freezer bag coming out on a Monday morning with lunch in tow she seems to quieten down and know that I will not be back until later in the afternoon. I am going to try and put some manners on her this week and try to instil a strict training routine especially for the jumping up.

Pink Cardigan

2008-06-09T07:37:00.003Z

This is a pink cotton cardigan which I have finished knitting for my sister's birthday next week. She doesn't read my blog very often so hopefully she won't see this before next week. It was knit with Tivoli Cruise DK and took 4.5 100gm balls of yarn. The pattern I used was called Design 8 Bolero with curved lower fronts. Hopefully she will like it. Instead of knitting the border I used my newly acquired crochet skills and did some lace around the borders and finished it off with a wooden button.

The Walled Garden - Marley Park

2008-06-04T08:31:00.002Z

Went to see the Walled Garden in Marley Park on Monday. I had always meant to go there some day but never seemed to get there. Mum and myself were getting an ice cream in the coffee shop and I decided to buy a ticket and go it. It was really lovely and peaceful and I could just imagine myself some day going there with my easel to paint. It really would be great. The picture above the is the entrance door from the coffee shop into the gardens.

Below is one of the poppies in bloom. Absolutely gorgeous - worth a painting I think.

There were loads of pansies and the colours were just fantastic and vibrant.

This is picture of the main garden.
Just look at this stunning poppy - really pleased with the photo.

The gardens are not huge but worth a visit if you just want to sit and relax with a book or paints.

Daisy - June 2008

2008-06-04T08:24:00.002Z

Daisy is now 6 months old and going strong. She was very sick at the weekend but she seems to have bounced back today. I only took her for a very short walk yesterday so hopefully she will be alright again. She absolutely loves the water and here is a picture of her after playing with the hose pipe water when I was watering the garden. She goes lovely and curly like the poodle when she is wet. She is digging holes in my garden so I went off to the garden centre and bought some nice plants and put them into the holes and surrounded them by stones so she might stay away. So far they are still put but I noticed a another hole in my lawn. I suppose she has to dig somewhere. I think I may have walked her too far this weekend so will cut down on the amount of time I spend out walking as I think it might be too much for her. She is really gorgeous though.

When she was sick she was just like a baby and wanted to sit on my knee all 20 kilos of her. Alas she could only get her head on my knee and rubbing her belly seemed to help her. You always know when they are sick as they look at you with those big brown eyes and want loads of cuddles. I am sure she will be back to her bouncy self soon.

Jaegar Lucille

2008-06-04T07:47:00.002Z

Just finished this cardigan for my mum. I knit the size 12 to 14 Lucille from the Jaegar Book JB25 by Martin Storey. I knit it in Sirdar Denim Tweed DK which I bought at the last Knitting and Stitching Show at the RDS in Dublin and used near 7 50 gram balls. I was really pleased with it. This yarn is a mixture of cotton, wool and acrylic and knits up really nicely. The pattern has love hearts going through it and it was a really easy knit. Mum is really pleased with it and she added some nice wooden buttons to it. I knit it all in the round up to the armhole and then divided for back and fronts and also included the button hole border as I was knitting it. Alas I did not sew it up but thankfully my mum offered to do this for me.

Hotel Le Flores by Kate McCabe and Past Secrets by Cathy Kelly - Book Review

2008-06-04T07:40:00.004Z

Just had a couple of days off work and finished two great summer reads. Firstly Hotel Le Flores by Kate McCabe which tells the story of a number of people going to a hotel in the Canary Islands for one reason or another and how their stories intertwine during one weeks' stay at this hotel. A really good read.

The second book I managed to get through was Past Secrets by Cathy Kelly. This is a story about a number of people living on Summer Street and also how their lives intertwine and old secrets come bubbling to the surface. Cathy never fails to disappoint me with her books and this is a must for the summer holidays sitting on a deck chair sippling pina coladas.

Amy's Honeymoon - Julia Llewellyn

2008-05-27T08:44:00.004Z

Just finished reading this funny novel about Amy who goes on her honeymoon alone. Amy didn't get married but lets on to everyone in the Hotel in Rome that her husband will be following later and then that he has a serious migrane. She meets up with Hal - a famous actor and together they whisk around Rome on the back of a moped and end up in all the papers. This is a quick fun read - great for the summer lying on the deckchair - that is of course if it doesn't happen to be raining.

Reflections

2008-05-21T14:30:00.004Z

This is a week of reflections for me. I am finding it hard this week for some reason and little things really irritating me. The sun came out last week and I thought it was time to discard my socks and my 15 tog duvet and my electric blanket and I felt really good but this week is cold and my body is reacting. I have poor concentration and find everything a bit of a drag. I really love the warmth that the sun gives me and it seems to just energise me and just when my body is getting used to it the cold weather returns.

Dad's anniversary is today (7 years) and is favourite flowers were the sunflowers. I suppose it makes you sad and reflect back to that time which wasn't easy so maybe that is one reason why I am feeling melancholy.

So we have to look to the good times and revel in the glorious sunshine which is just around the corner. It is really IT IS.

Before the Rain by Karen Hayes - Book Review

2008-05-19T11:11:00.004Z

I have just finished reading "Before the Rain" by Karen Hayes which was a really nice easy read. It is about Emmeline who is the main character who has come back from the States to England after 25 years to work as a lecturer in theatrical studies for one year and stays on a farm with her friend Daisy who is married to Leo. The book flicks back to the 1960's and to the present time and it is a book about Emmeline who is taking a break from life to try and find out what kind of person she actually is and how all her previous heartbreaks and experiences have formed her into the person she now is. It is story of friendship, love and trying to find the child in oneself again. Something happens to Emmeline in the 1960's in England which forces her to flee to the States and now she has come back to face her fears. She rekindles old friendships that have lasted a lifetime and who help her figure out what she really wants.

Daisy - 6 Months Old

2008-05-19T09:49:00.003Z

Well hard to believe but Daisy is now 6 months old and into everything. She is happiest when there is food around, her cousin Patch and loads of fun. Have taken her to Belfield this weekend for a run in the football pitch 7.30 am when there is nobody around and she loves to chase the crows (only because they have food in their mouth). She is getting big and frisky.

Went to the Memorial Park in Dublin yesterday with Patch and she had a ball. Here are a couple of pictures of her playing around.

She finished her 6 week puppy training course and I think she did okay. I may sign her up for some more classes over the summer and hope to do some agility with her next year (she certainly is a prime candidate.

I met her idential twin yesterday evening and it was just like looking at Daisy except a lighter shade. Lena is owned by a very nice guy who lives near my sister and I stopped to talk to him last night. He was amazed that they looked so alike so hopefully will meet him again soon to see the progress in the two of them.

Araucania Felted Bag

2008-04-28T10:58:00.004Z

I knit this bag from the lovely Araucania yarn bought at This is Knit in Blackrock. After knitting the shawl I had some yarn left over and I decided I would felt a bag. I followed the Noro bag pattern but knit it in the round on 10mm circular needles and knit it quite long. I then knit 2 flowers and sewed them onto the bag. I felted the bag at 40 degrees and it came out smaller than I anticipated but still gorgeous. I would suggest that when felting this yarn you should knit it on the largest needles possible and as big as possible and then maybe 30 degree wash rather than 40 degrees. Now if I had done a swatch like I was supposed to do, it might have told me how much it was going to shrink in the wash. But I never do swatches as I find them tedious and boring.

Daisy's Diaries - April 2008

2008-04-28T10:50:00.004Z

I have figured out that Daisy does not like the lawnmower, the hoover or the sweeping brush. I cut the grass on Saturday and couldn't find Daisy, she was behind a flowerpot shaking so I left her in the house whilst I cut the lawn. Took out the hoover, same thing, hiding in the garage and she just barks at the sweeping brush.

Took Daisy to the beach on Sunday morning very early (7.30 am). It was a gorgeous day and very hot at that time, although cooled down during the day and Daisy had a ball running around being free. Here are some of my favourite photos which I took of her. I think I am obsessed but I think she is great.
Here she is looking like a little spring lamb.

Yes she fetches anything, even the milk.

Looking good.

Now she thinks she is a greyhound.

Looking out to sea.

Crochet Lesson

2008-04-28T08:48:00.005Z

Went to a crochet lesson yesterday with Olive in This is Knit Shop in Blackrock given by Aileen and Charlene. This lesson was two and half hours long and was really good. We learned the basic stitches and how to crochet a square and flower and I found the time just flew away. It was really funny because at the start of the class I ended up with about 20 stitches and them falling off the end of my crochet hook and I was wondering why there wasn't a stopper at the end of the hook. Olive did exactly the same thing and then we realised that we should only every have one stitch on the hook at any given time and we burst out laughing. I would recommend this class for all you crochet beginners out there and they will be running intermediate classes soon. I will definitely be booked onto the next course.

Daisy's Diaries - 5 Months Old

2008-04-21T08:28:00.005Z

Daisy is now 5 months old and really growing rapidly. I took her out on Friday evening with a friend of mine Robbie for a run in the park to see how they would get on. Robbie has a 5 year old gigantic Golden Retriever called Prince who is very placid so it was a good test. This is a photo of Prince.

Well they got on famously and I was able to practice my recall with distractions and everytime I called Daisy back she came. She was careful around Prince and didn't enter his space and they had a great time.

This is a photo of Robbie with Daisy and Prince.

You can see from the following photo just how big Daisy is now and her paws are still big so she still has to get bigger.

Daisy went to dog training yesterday and got on a treat. Her only problems are sitting and staying in a sit for a long period of time. In fairness I haven't really been insisting upon this so I must make the effort to really practice it. One should put them in the sit and they should not move from this sit until you say finish. Her heelwork is really good and her recall is superb and she now decks for me on command so I am really happy with her. Although she is getting bigger by the day she is still cuddly and she is a really happy dog.

Shawl - Latest Knit

2008-04-21T08:20:00.004Z

Just finished this shawl from lovely Chenille cotton yarn from the Avoca Handweavers. The pattern is really simple just increase at the beginning of every row until there are 220 stitches on the needle and then cast off. I then picked up stitches along the border and knit 1 stitch and then increased a stitch along the border and then knit 3 straight rows and then cast off. This will probably go into my stash box for those last minute presents.

One Summer by Rachel Billington

2008-04-21T08:07:00.003Z

Just finished reading this library book "One Summer" by Rachel Billington. This was one of those books which you just pick up at the last minute when the library is closing because you like the cover. Having never read Rachel's work before I would probably read some of her novels again. This book is an unusual intense obsessive love story about a married writer who falls in love with a school girl during the summer 14 years previously. When I first started the book I wasn't sure whether I would finish it or not but I got really into it and can't quite say whether I actually enjoyed the book or not. The book starts with the writer returning to the wedding of the girl he fell in love with only to find out that the wedding had been postponed and then it switches between the past and the present and all the heartbreak and trajedy this love caused.

Paintings - April 2008

2008-04-14T08:21:00.007Z

It was such a disastrous day on Saturday that I decided to take Daisy up to the attic to my studio area to finish off some paintings. Needless to say Daisy liked the taste of the oil paints and she ended up having a green beard but luckily I was able to take this off with some tissue. I had a productive afternoon and managed to finish four paintings which were lying around and hey presto here they are.

1. This is an oilpainting of foxgloves at the side of the road in Ireland. The photograph was taken by my art teacher and he kindly let me have a copy of it for reference.

2. This oil painting is of Sunflowers and these formed part of a bouquet of flowers my sister bought for my mum one day. The colours I have used are bold and vibrant.

3. This is a painting of a single poppy in oils and the inspiration was taken from a card which I bought in Avoca Handweavers.

4. This is an oil painting of Lough Ennell in Co Westmeath, Ireland. I nabbed the photograph off the web.

Hope you enjoy. These are yet to be framed but will need to dry for a few weeks.

Daisy's Diaries - April 2008

2008-04-14T08:11:00.007Z

Daisy is getting so big now and hungrier and hungrier. There is just no feeding her. In her training she has now mastered sit, recall, heelwork and deck (lie down) but only when there are treats involved. The real art of training is trying to master all these commands without food. She has started to dig my grass now and it has been so wet lately that I haven't been able to get out into the garden for a good spring tidy up. I brought her to Dun Laoghaire yesterday evening for a walk along the sea front and up as far as Sandycove and let her off the lead in a little secluded cove. The water started lapping in and she got spooked so I don't think we are going to have a swimmer on our hands which is a pity. Maybe when the warmer weather arrives (ha, ha) she might venture in to cool off.

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

2008-04-03T10:59:00.004Z

This has to be one of the best written books I have read in quite a while and it is the first novel for Diane Setterfield and I will definitely be looking out for her in the future. This is not a chic lit or anything like that. It is a totally absorbing book where you want to read every descriptive word written on every line. It is totally different from anything I have read in the recent past and I can only describe her writing as poetic and enlightening. There are very few happy moments contained within this book but it is one to be read by those of you who really enjoy reading and are looking for something a little bit different. I have just finished this book and literally could not put it down and I just have to sing its praises and I have to congratulate Diane for her literary imagination and the way she captures the reader. If you liked Jane Eyre or similar books of that era you are certainly going to love this one.

Clapotis

2008-04-02T09:10:00.007Z

Well I can now blog my first Clapotis. Had to wait for Sister to open it for her Birthday today. She is really pleased with it I think. Took about 2 months to knit in secret about 12 rows a night but I was really pleased with the finished product. I knit this in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo No 131 Cream.

It took 6 skeins exactly. This knit is not for the faint hearted but is very rewarding. I am going to knit myself one now. You need a lot of stitch markers to hand and when you get to the stage where you start to unravel you can really start to see the fruits of your labour. Only attempt to knit one of these for yourself or someone who you know will really appreciate it.

Daisy's Diaries - Training

2008-04-02T09:08:00.002Z

Well it was week 3 yesterday for Daisy's training lessons. She is coming on a treat for a four month old puppy. She does sit stay, deck (lie down) and nice heelwork. She is totally motivated for about three quarters of an hour but then starts to slack and is glad to get back into the car. She is still jumping up a lot but I now put on the lead when people come in so that I can try to teach her to say hello without jumping up. Dog psychology is fascinating and although I have been teaching the puppy class for many years I am learning new ways of training dogs all the time. I can highly recommend Julie for training and she has years of experience and really knows how a dog thinks

Daisy's Diary - On The Beach

2008-03-31T12:57:00.004Z

I woke up early on Saturday morning and the weather was quite good so I decided I would take Daisy to the beach when it would be quiet for a run off the lead. Off we went in the car, this is a picture of Daisy in the car, and she now jumps in and out which is a major break through and no car sickness this week.

After getting to the beach I took off her lead and she really was lost and didn't know what to do. Eventually she got the message that she was to play and she spent the whole time sniffing around. She did land in the water accidentally but didn't seem to mind and she also had a swim the other day accidentally but didn't venture for a second dip. She got tired after about 15 minutes and it was very cold and she legged it back to the comfort of the car and snuggled up on her blanket.

All in all a good day out and she kept coming back to me for reassurance which is always a good sign. She is looking a bit windswept in this picture.