Where did the time go?

Blimey has it really been two weeks? Work has been very busy and the weekends have passed with a blur.  The TV at home seems to be stuck on either BBC HD or ITV HD and the World Cup - my conversations with The Boy seem to be limited to half time or full time and I am missing him a bit.

However, he loves football and I knew that when I hitched myself to that wagon so no complaints here.

So, what have I been up to.  Well there was another trip to Geneva, then we went to Scarborough for the weekend - the weather wasn't great but The Boy and I had a great night out (here we are before the wine  was consumed):

The next day I indulged my love for Asparagus once more with parma ham, roasted asparagus and poached duck eggs (on nom nom nom):

I made gifts for my friend who's baby girls is due soon:

Inspired by the pretty fabric I finally got around to making myself a dress from some fabric I bought last year.  I am so pleased with the result and wore it to work on Tuesday with a little red cardigan - many compliments were made:

So here I am again, two weeks later.  We've been to the coast again this weekend - making use of the flat we have there as we promised we would this year.  Today is chore day but not too much cooking at The Boy is in London for two days and Glasgow for two days so he only need food one night.  I have a pile of ironing and am back down south this evening but that's okay.  The weather is a little disappointing but the good news is that we are off to see Mum & Dad next weekend and their weather is fab - huzzah time to warm our bones.

and Today we Sew

I had a brilliant time with Wendy yesterday afternoon; she taught me a knew way to cast on and made me feel much more confident about the sock knitting.  I am making great strides with my first pair and will start on the baby pairs for my expectant friends next week.

Today, however, we sew.  When I was in London this week I nipped into The Cloth House on Berwick street and picked up some beautiful blue paisley which I am making into a Tootle style scarf for Mr PCB.  The scarf itself shouldn't take to long but the tassels may be a different matter as I have never made them before.  Will post pictures later.

Today we Knit

picture from weheartit.com

I'm in a really good mood today.  Maybe it's because it's Friday, maybe it's because I worked yesterday and used my brain, maybe it's because I am in bed with my lap top and slept really really well.

I have worked this morning, had a pre-interview telephone conversation and had some virtual love from my twitter friends and am now looking forward to this afternoon.

Last year I started knitting again after many years off and find it very relaxing and rewarding - however so far I have only managed scarves and fingerless glove type wrist warmers.  I have a couple of friends who are having babies this year and whilst I am planning to sew some kimono style booties I also wanted to knit some socks.  I tootled off to John Lewis and bought the necessary 4 double ended needles and a pattern book and started.....but oh dear it's actually quite hard to get the stitches on the three needs and to start the knitting off.  After a few hours of trying I decided to call in the experts to help;  I sent a message of mercy to my friend Wendy on facebook and she sent me back some great instructions and advised me that it isn't just me, it is quite tricky, but that once you get it they make perfect presents and can be great (she even sent me a link for some great free patterns at Knitty).

But even better than that she offered to meet me today at a cafe in Ilkley and show me - so I get an afternoon out (possibly a bit of cake) and a lesson and to meet a friend I haven't seen for a while. Bonus.

This is where I am going this afternoon Create Cafe and Wendy has said that they ladies there are so helpful that if they are around they will probably give me some tips too.  Huzzah.

Friends, you of course know that this means.  Yup that's right - socks for gifts this year to go with the PJs I made you last year.

Update - here's one of the many I have made (and am making):

Job Hunting - again

The life of a freelancer/contractor means that job hunting is a regular occurrence.  I love interim and freelance work - it gives me the freedom to work in different sectors on various projects with different people.  I dislike it as it is really difficult to line up your next project/role whilst in a role as more often than not clients want someone who is immediately available.

It was a slow year last year and I was lucky to have been working for all but 10 weeks - usually this would be perfect but with The Boy being out of work for 5 months it's not quite as comfortable as it has been in the past.  So I am back on the job hunt.  I finished a role just before Christmas that was perfect to see me through November and December and still have my consulting role with a public sector body which is a few days per month but could really do with a 3 or 6 month role to get my teeth into.

Thursday looked promising as a change management role came up that needed someone immediately with my skills but unfortunately the funding for this has now been pulled.  I had a call last night (yep on a Sunday) which again sounds promising but it would mean being away from home Monday to Friday for 3 months.  Not the end of the world, and not the first time I have had to do this - I could lodge with KBW which would mean good food, lots of Yoga and exercise and spending sometime with my favourite littles in the world but I would miss The Boy and it would mean that he would be on his own Monday to Thursday.

Hopefully this week will pick up - most people will be back at work and the schools should be open so business as usual can continue.  I will continue to drop emails and calls into contacts and agents and apply for role and keep my fingers crossed.

In the meantime, I am all business, I have chores to complete, storage to store, a dress or two to make and some other knitting and sewing projects to crack on with.  First though some CV work (no not exercise my actual CV) and expenses for Oct, Nov & Dec.  Something will turn up - it always does.

Oh Christmas Tree

Finally got around to putting the tree up today.  It was snowing outside again after quite a bright morning had melted much of the previous snow fall:

Then it started again, so in the words of the song - the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful - we haven't a place to go; let it snow let it snow let it snow.

After some other chores I spent the afternoon watching football and making my neighbours Christmas gift - it turned out quite well I think:

Going to relax in front of the TV this evening - just hopefully no more football.

A gift for CP

I spent her Birthday weekend with her and we had a lovely time but didn't get her a gift. So instead I said I would maker her some PJs and here they are. As it is a gift I also made a small lavender bag and a bag for the Jama's to go in. Just need to buy a white vest now and job done