Wednesday Hodgepodge 17/8/16

Wednesday's Hodgepodge is brought to us courtesy of Joyce at 

 From this side of the pond

Pop over there to see other posts and if you want to join in add the link to your Hodgepodge blog post to the Linky List at the end of Joyce's post and don’t forget to visit at least your neighbours on the list.

Have fun! 

   

1. I read here four creative activities to try this month. They were-calligraphy, make your own cookbook, dance or learn a new type of dance, and letter writing. Which activity on the list appeals to you most? Will you add it to your August?

Well dance is the one that appeals to me most but I’ve actually been trying to do an app that takes you from couch to being able to run a 5K distance.  Hubby has been trying to keep up too but we haven’t got very far yet!

2. Bertrand Russell is quoted as saying, 'To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.' Agree or disagree? Explain. 

Well that’s a deep thought.  I guess if you have everything you don’t always appreciate what you’ve got.

3. August 17th is National Thriftshop Day...are you a 'thrifter'? If so, tell us about one of your best or favorite finds.   

I’m not a great “thrifter” although I do check out the special offers when grocery shopping.  Hubby is better at it than me.

4.  On a scale of 1-10 (with 1= almost none and 10=loads) how would you rate your sense of wanderlust? What kicks your wanderlust into high gear? 

Oh I’m definitely down at the bottom of the scale on that.

5. Has life felt more like a marathon or sprint so far this month? How so?

A bit of both with a wedding taking place.

6. What do you need to get a jump on before fall officially arrives? 

Updating my house to do list so that I’m ready to get on with some tasks once the summer holidays are over.

7. What's the last thing you did with friends or family where you lost track of time? 

Attended my son’s wedding.  The day just flew by.

8. Insert your own random thought here. 

Well the wedding certainly dominates this post but if you’d like the full details and photos you can check them out here.
And for those of you are keeping up with Poppy's progress this was taken on Saturday.  She is doing really well so thanks again for all your kind words and prayers.

Wedding Report

Well I am pleased to report that a lovely day was had by all on Saturday.

The Happy Couple

The venue looked lovely, the bride was radiant and my son made me feel so proud!

The whole day took place at the Round Chapel in Clapton, London.  It's a beautiful old building.  No longer used as a chapel it serves as a great venue for all sorts of functions including weddings.

Ready for the civil ceremony.

We were allowed in on the Friday to start preparations and we got a lot done.  On the Friday evening we had a family meal with the bride, groom, their siblings and partners, both sets of parents, best man, the other bridesmaid and their partners and one of the bride's aunts and her husband.  So 18 of us in total and we had a lovely evening. Some of us were presented with a gift from the bride and groom that will keep us cosy in the winter months. Of course we had to model them!

Snuggly onesies with our titles on the back.

On Saturday morning I was up bright and early to get to the venue to help finish preparing it and also to be there as other people arrived.  The venue is literally a venue, although it does come equipped with tables and chairs.  Everything else has to be sourced and co-ordinated.  My daughter-in-law did a wonderful job.  One of her uncles took care of music and the PA system.  He also created a photobooth frame with accessories, plus a posting box for all their cards.

The posting box, guest book and photos of departed Grandparents.

The DIY photo booth

 The hired bar was excellent with staff working very hard.  The cake was delicious and the Fish and Chip supper was excellent.  All in all it was quite a simple wedding without too many trappings.  The table displays of dried flowers had all been prepared by the bride's Mum plus the decorations around the room had all been sourced at local charity shops/boot sales but the overall effect was beautiful.  The wonderful chair covers were also hired but after putting most of them on the chairs, taking most of them off again and folding every single one to pack up for collection I was rather glad to see the back of them! lol

A naked cake!

Hand crafted table settings.

  The happy couple are now in Thailand hopefully have a well earned relaxing honeymoon. 

Mr & Mrs

Hubby and Me!

My daughter (right) and her wife.

My younger son and his wife.

For some it all got a little too much!

We had such a lovely day it's almost sad that it's all over but of course now all my 3 children are married we know what comes next hopefully! 

Out of office - back soon

We have a very important event this weekend- my son's wedding!  Very excited.

But no time for my regular Friday posts. Will be back soon with full details!

Wednesday Hodgepodge 10/8/16

Wednesday's Hodgepodge is brought to us courtesy of Joyce at 

 From this side of the pond

Pop over there to see other posts and if you want to join in add the link to your Hodgepodge blog post to the Linky List at the end of Joyce's post and don’t forget to visit at least your neighbours on the list.

Have fun!    

1. Are you watching the Olympics? Your favorite summer Olympic event? I read recently a list of the most iconic Olympic moments in history...what stands out in your mind as a great moment from some past summer Olympic games?

Definitely watching the Olympics.  I love watching things like gymnastics, athletics and anything where GB has a medal chance.  Some of the great moments that stick in my mind are things like Steve Redgrave winning his fifth gold medal in 5 successive Olympics, and of course people like Jessica Ennis-Hill and Usain Bolt who were so memorable from the London games.
2. Have you ever been to Rio? How about the place that started it all-Greece? Have you ever been to any of the Olympic Games in person? Is that something you'd like to do? Have you ever met an Olympian in person? 

I haven’t been to Rio or Greece and although we didn’t go to any of the actual venues at London 2012 we did spend time in the Olympic park and watched the games on the big screens there.  I’ve met Tessa Sanderson and Christine Ohuruogu very briefly.  Tessa was an organiser of a local park run that family members took part in and Christine visited the school to show the pupils her medal and talk about being an Olympian.
3. The ball's in their court (tennis), cross the finish line (track and field), on target (archery), make a splash (diving), on a roll (gymnastics), out of one's depth (swimming)...which Olympic-related idiom best applies to your life right now? Explain.

On a roll – I’ve been following a Couch to 5K app.  I’m only on week 2 but so far I’m on track.

4. What have you earned a 'gold medal' in recently?

Nothing!
5. What is it (or who is it) that motivates you to eat right, exercise, and do what you can to be healthy?

Well I’m pretty much self-motivated but hubby has been joining me on my C2 5K runs and that’s been a great help.  Also since our son and his wife moved in I’ve tried to make sure meals are healthy whenever possible.
6. Are you young at heart or an old soul? Explain. 

I think I’m an old soul.  I’m usually the sensible/reliable member of a group.
7. It's National S'mores Day (August 10th)...are you a fan? Will you celebrate with a s'more today?

Umm hello?  This is the UK.  S’mores?  Seriously, I’m sure if I looked hard enough I would be able to obtain them but personally I don’t think they would be worth the bother.
8. Insert your own random thought here.

3 days to the wedding!  Excited!  (My son gets married on Saturday.)