Wednesday, 30 December 2015
Tuesday, 29 December 2015
Friday, 25 December 2015
Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Now these are selfies I want to see via Bored Panda
This man mastered the art of animal selfies!
Posted by Bored Panda on Wednesday, 23 December 2015
Colouring in a christmas
It's that time of year again when Santa comes to visit. So while the kids are waiting we set up a colouring area for them. The amount of images you can download are immense. I chose two simple images of Santa and a snowmen as these are images that depict christmas for children. Santa coming to visit and the hope of snow to build a snowman.
Here are the images I chose and the links to where I found them.
Here's to a happy colouring session and the joy of seeing santa.
Merry Christmas, 2 days to go.
Tuesday, 22 December 2015
Warren Wood Walk
We like to take our dogs to various woodlands so that we get a change of scenery and so do they. One of the walks we did this year - before we got Loki, so it means we're going to have to go back again with him; shame that. Was to see a beautiful waterfall called Water Break its Neck which is situated in the New Radnor Forest - Warren Wood.
Once a large moorland with rabbit Warrens all over, trees were planted by it's Victorian owners and became and has become a popular tourist spot due to this beautiful waterfall and rightly so.
At the top of our tick-list for walks is, of course, the dog aspect. We enjoy going places where the dogs can roam freely and all their senses can come alive. Especially if there is a place with lots of squirrels - they love to chase them squirrels believing they will climb that tree, they will get up there and the chase will continue. Leads have their place but in the woods, they most certainly don't for us.
There are three different walks to take around the woods and all are waymarked:
At the top of our tick-list for walks is, of course, the dog aspect. We enjoy going places where the dogs can roam freely and all their senses can come alive. Especially if there is a place with lots of squirrels - they love to chase them squirrels believing they will climb that tree, they will get up there and the chase will continue. Leads have their place but in the woods, they most certainly don't for us.
There are three different walks to take around the woods and all are waymarked:
Water-Break-Its-Neck Trail
A short circular steady climb walk about 3/4 mile or 1 km from the car park, takes you to a viewing point where you can observe this beautiful waterfall, Water Break It's Neck from above.Waterfall Walk
A straight forward short, level walk about 1/3 mile or 1/2 km from the car park, where you can view the Waterfall from below.
Warren Wood
A circular walk about 1.5 miles or 2.3 km from the car park includes a climb of 170m or 560ft.
The first walk we took was the Waterfall walk.
This walk is a gentle one alongside a stream, which Leo loved splashing around in.
The pathway is surrounded by a steep sided gorge.
The sides of the gorge are covered with numerous species of ferns, mosses and lichens.
Some of which even covered whole trees.
At the bottom of the waterfall and the view from below.
Another attraction to the waterfall are the names left behind to the right of where Nath is standing hidden in plain view amongst the greenery visitors have left their marks.
We decided to leave our own.
The second part of our walk we ventured through the woodlands for about 2 hours. Will document this another time when we go back again with the new addition to our family, Loki.
Directions:
Warren Wood car park is off the A44 between Kington and Llandrindod Wells. It is a small car park with room for 8-10 cars. From the New Radnor direction, look out, after a mile for a brown advance warning sign for parking and information on your right. Turn here and go through the first parking area, up a narrow, windy and bumpy road for Warren Wood car park.
Information thanks to:
The OS grid reference is SO 187 598.
Monday, 21 December 2015
Mini Cross Stitch - Penguin Product Review
Second attempt at the cross stitch packs I bought from Hobbycraft.
I decided to attempt the Patchwork Penguin. This one was a little more complex as the pattern called for a change in colour numerous times. The detail of the instructions allowed me to follow and replicate the design as close as possible so the result was near perfect. Second attempt took a lot less time then the first as my mind got used to the structure of the pattern and the key. And there was plenty of thread left, if I purchase some more Aida, cross stitch material, to reproduce this image a second time. Value for money, I'd give it a big thumbs up. 5 out of 5 for this pack too.
Spot the Cat amongst the Owls - another brilliant drawing by Dudolf, loving these.
A cat is hiding amongst these owls!Can you spot it?
Posted by Dudolf on Sunday, 20 December 2015
Saturday, 19 December 2015
Mini Cross Stitch from Hobbycraft - Product Review
Waiting in the line to pay for my crafty bits and bobs at Hobbycraft in Hereford, they have 'up-sale' baskets along line where you queue for the checkout. Things that they hope to grab your attention and buy as you are standing, waiting to be served.I spotted these mini cross stitch packs recommended for stocking fillers. £1.50 each or 3 for 2. The were various designs like this owl, a robin, a penguin, fox; so I decided to buy six to test out.
With some craft packs, you buy them and the instructions are not very clear, especially if your knowledge on crafts is minimal and it's your first time trying it out. It says on the back not recommended for children under 3 years old. So assuming this is aimed that a 4 year old can have a try. Adult supervision is also recommended. Which is definitely advisable as this pack comes with a sewing needle as well as the threads and Aida - cross stitch fabric. So far so good, the pack is well supplied with all you need to get started and the threads are vibrant in colour as per the image guide on the front of the pack.
The instructions are on a A6 piece of paper, folded in two with images and text. The layout is like that of a cross stitch instruction book but on a smaller scale, so glasses may be required. The overall instructions were clear and I was able to make a start. I began with the fox cross stitch as I want to make it into a christmas card.Once I'd found the middle is was all about counting the stitches and checking the colours. Simple. The only difference I made to the overall pattern was to give the fox longer ears and move the holly up 2 squares.
Overall I give this a 5 of 5 for accuracy of product and ease to recreate from the instructions.
Christmas Panda Fun
There's a panda amongst them!Can you find it?
Posted by Dudolf on Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Wednesday, 16 December 2015
Tuesday, 15 December 2015
Animals at the Manchester Imperial War Museum.
Not only do animals have roles to play in war torn countries physically, emotionally they can be comforting in times of need also. These photos were taken from displayed pieces at the imperial war museum.
This Crocodile was huge it was made using used guns and empty bullet shells etc. Just amazing craftsmanship.
These toy dogs were made by Soldiers who could not afford to by presents for their children back home. They used what material they could get the hands on.
These old photographs were everywhere, this one in particular was in a room where there were drawers. These drawers depicted the lives of single people, couples and families who were there in these terrible times.
This Crocodile was huge it was made using used guns and empty bullet shells etc. Just amazing craftsmanship.
Informative help books using visuals with animals and insects.
This cast iron statue was simply gorgeous. The detail and textures on it, have a proud air about them.
Losing a Pet - Ode to Mika
Losing Your Pet leaves such a horrible, emotional feeling. When they pass away you can mourn them knowing they had a good life and you were always there for them. But when they upsticks and go, disappearing for no reason - without a trace, it is hard to let go of them. You hope that one day they will return and all the time pushing the mean thoughts to the back of your mind as to what may have happened to them.
This happened to me, with my much loved torti cat called Mika. In Spring of 2000 I thought I'd lost her forever. I hung 'Have you seen this cat?' posters up everywhere with a gorgeous photograph of her, the poster was bright and colourful created to catch anyones eye. She was the best, most faithful cat I had ever owned and for her to go missing was a massive blow. It was a loss I carried with me for a long time.
Then in the Summer 2009, I was riding my bike through the village down the road from us about 4miles away and this cat flew across the main road. Instantly, I recognized her but had to double check that it was her. So I clambered down the bank to where she'd gone and called her name 'Mika'. I heard a meow and there she was, she came running straight at me and settle in her favourite place, on my lap. Her purrs were louder then ever. We were two best friends reunited.
I asked the lady who owned the caravan park if this is where she was living now and she told me it was. Officially introducing them, I made the decision to leave her where she was, she looked happy and contented and settled. For her sake and at her age I did not want to change things for her again. This was a hard choice but a necessary one. I visit her regularly and she is still as playful now as when I first met her. But to know she is safe and well is incredible. A happy ending to the greatest cat I've ever known.
Unfortunately not long after being reunited with this wonderful cat, she passed away. Much love to my ever faithful friend.
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