Pleased with progress

Things are looking better, clearer and calmer in various spots around the house. There is still a long way to go, but tonight I will sleep knowing that a good job has been done.

The sunshine and cool temperatures were absolute crochet bliss today. I took the opportunity to start something that has been hankering to be made. Not to distract from Han's blanket, which is being worked on in bed...

Big J is home from a four day trip to Ireland where much fishing and imbibing of Guiness went on. He is looking incredibly chilled.

Rising Tide played at Redfest today. The gigs are getting bigger.

My girlies have been around all weekend and we have had some good laughs. Han has had a migraine though.

Tomorrow I plan to ride the bike to work....

catching up

Firstly, Big J is home and well and it is nice to have him here. The Rising Tide EP launch was fantastic. Poor Han developed a migraine early in the afternoon and it was touch and go whether she would be well enough to make it. Her medication kicked in enough for her to sit in the back seat with her duvet and pillow for the drive to Brighton

By the time we got there and had something to eat, she was well enough to enjoy the night. It was a great gig, a good crowd, many who knew the songs. The band was in top form and apart from enjoying the music it was a lot of fun. I was very proud to be step mum to a band member. Big J then arrived home in the early hours of Sunday morning and was determined to beat the jet lag by having a normal day. So off we went for our Sunday morning coffee/walk to our favourite cafe. We then went back to town to have lunch with Celia B and her man - and to celebrate Celia B's 70th. Home for a slow cooked leg of lamb which I simply could not eat, but we all sat at the table together. I like that. Last night Big J indulged me and came to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, a film I have wanted to see. It was funny and a little predictable. It really fired my urge to go to India, it may be on the cards for this year, still considering it. And, it reminded me of a conversation I had in my first marriage when I told my other half that when I retire I wanted to go somewhere where I might be able to utilise my skills to benefit other people. At the time I was doing a Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language and I thought maybe I could volunteer my teaching skills. My poor other half was horrified. He asked me if I planned to take off when I was retired, why did I even bother getting married? Good question!! Big J has an adventurous spirit and like me wants to travel and do things in the prime of his life. Phew!! Tonight, like Frugal Queen, see her blog in my side bar, I used the left over lamb leg for a shepherd's pie. I used the meat part of this recipe and it was excellent. I did not go for the rich topping, just mash, but with some greek yoghurt in it! Tonight it is raining and it sounds lovely on the roof. Han is working on her skirt, Adam is out and Big J and Em are watching a film. Happy times.

SIBOL

The kind lady from Sunshine International Blankets of Love is going to take my Lent blanket when it is done. (Soon, dear readers, soon). I was worried about where to send/donate it because in my usual fashion, I raced ahead to make the thing without any real planning! She has also said she will let me know where it ends up, that will be nice. But for you hooky people I have a question. I blocked the squares and once 'set and dried', unpinned them and the little blighters pinged back into their original wonky forms. I am thinking that it could be due to the slight difference in the DK yarns that I am using. Anyway, for the first time, the joined squares have a sort of angle! The girls tell me it is nice and it feels lovely. When I get the pics up, maybe someone could point out the issue for me? Must go now and blitz this house as BIG J COMES HOME TOMORROW MORNING and we want him to get off the plane and feel that 'it's so nice to be home' feeling as he walks through the door. The gig is tonight too and RISING TIDE has had this great review.....gonna be awesome!!!

The fan and Facebook

Rising Tide played in Burgess Hill last night and Em and I went along. Han stayed at home to do some homework as final GCSE assessments are looming. She will be with us all for the EP LAUNCH ON 31 MARCH though.

I took my new camera and from a not really good distance (i.e too far from stage and too conscious that I am a mother figure and might bring shame on my daughter - easy to do - and even, bless them, the band...) snapped away like an amateur.

Result:

Bass guitar - Adam Rutherford

Drums - Frankie Sparrowhawk (real name)

Guitar and keyboards - Emma Newlyn

Guitar, vocals - Martyn Wilson

There is a lot to learn about light and shooting, but I was pleased with most of the shots. The band was too. I have NEVER had so many facebook hits!

Glow of pride

and a tiny bit of intrepidation as who am I to really 'get' all of this....

BUT

www.facebook.com/risingtideuk

and

www.reverbnation.com/risingtide

are where the NEW SINGLE can be heard.

Watch this space. Cold Play should be feeling a bit shakey!