Friday 15 November 2013

Some Nice and Happy Things




I like going out for walks with my girls.
 It's nice to get out of the house, have a change of scenery
 even just for half an hour or so.


We look at flowers and leaves, pick up 'special' sticks
and look for frogs and snails.
And when we get back there's always hot chocolate,
well, for me really. The girls have a very milky, tepid version but
they like it just the same, a lovely treat after spending
a little time outdoors especially this autumn season.
.............................

We love eating cake in our house and we try to bake at least
once a week. Yesterday I made crunchy top lemon cake
with my eldest girl.


It's a Mary Berry recipe, one of her mix-it-all-in-one-bowl
cakes which I love because it's quick, easy and fuss-free.
This one turned out nice and lemony and it's keeping us happy at coffee
and snack times this week.

...................................

I finally finished the cushion covers I was making for a friend
and just in time for her birthday.


She's been patiently waiting for them for months and I'm so happy
(and relieved) that she likes them all.

.......................................

An hour- even just an hour- all to myself is always welcome.
And even better when I get to spend it at an antiques centre like I did
this week while my husband took our youngest daughter to
swimming class. I came home with all these lovely things



including another addition to our Ogden's tobacco tins collection.


It was a nice break from my usual busy mornings at home-
an hour (and twelve pounds) truly well spent.

.........................................

My eldest daughter, who's three, loves Katie Morag and
was genuinely delighted when she got this book.


It's a charity shop find by my father in law and it's full of
stories and poems--just perfect for any Katie Morag fan.
I love that both girls like books and it gladdens me to see
how much fun and enjoyment they get from them.

......................................

The best and happiest thing for us this week has been
hearing that all my family back home in the Philippines are safe and
my parents' house wasn't damaged when that horrible typhoon swept
through our town. But our relief and joy are tempered
from knowing that countless others have not been so fortunate.
We are giving help both through donations and prayers and really
hope that aid will get to each and everyone of them very soon.

.......................................


Thanks for reading!
Wishing you a lovely weekend!

7 comments:

  1. Hi Marion

    Your day takes me back to a time I loved with our girls. I loved walks where their delight at collecting leaves and stones was enough (still love it now at 11 and 13 mind you) followed by cosy home times. It's not always easy though is it and so breaks away to just do what you want are lovely too. So glad to hear your family are ok, beyond belief how dreadful it was and still is. You've reminded me that I forgot to mention on my post what my daughters school have done in response.

    X

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    1. Hi! Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. And thanks to your girls, their school and everyone who's helped to raise funds for the typhoon victims in the Philippines. Everyone's generosity have been inspiring. I feel hopeful for the people back home. xx

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  2. I love the sound of that crunchy topped lemon cake, yum. I'm happy to hear that your family were unaffected by the hurricane - what a relief for you. x

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    1. Hi Gillian! Yes it was such a relief hearing my family are okey. We feel incredibly lucky and so grateful.
      Thanks for stopping by again. Have a great week! xx

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  3. Hi Marion,

    Thanks for dropping by our blog. It's good to hear that your family is safe and well and your parents' house was not damaged. It's truly heartbreaking to see our fellow kababayans with no food and shelter.

    I will be visiting often to check out your lovely vintage finds.

    Virna from Craftmates

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  4. Thanks Virna! I've had a look round your blog--you and your friends are so creative! Love the circus-themed food you made for the party.
    We're praying for our kababayans back home. Hope help gets to them and they can start rebuilding their lives soon.
    Take care.
    Marion

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