Not the most elegant of nicknames, but I'm not elegant, and as nicknames go it's quite accurate (although I would far rather be called something nicer). This name is used quite frequently by Dick, especially in the hayfever season and when I have a cold. I'm afraid I have the sniffles and a slight cough at the moment, but it's nowhere near bad enough to stop me from playing with my beads (or eating chocolate). I've made several things over the past couple of days, so it's worth a look on the website.
​I have also been out in the beautiful frosts we've had over the last two days, I love the winter when it's dry and bright.
​As usual over the Christmas period, along with most other people, I have gained a few pounds - they will have to go!! I seem to be getting a bit bigger every year, so I'm going to have to get a grip this year, especially with a family wedding looming. I have a theory that telling you all about it will shame me into action. Obviously I am unable to start the diet yet though, as I believe one has to "feed a cold"!!!

ps SALE starts today!!!
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I felt that I had to include a photo of Otto with his girlfriend, Abbie. They meet in the pub every Friday night and spend a few happy hours together. Abbie's Mum & I think that they would have had lovely puppies if various operations hadn't got in the way. On the evening that this photo was taken Abbie was very much in her Mum & Dad's bad books. She is usually an angelic girl, but had been overwhelmed with excitement when the Christmas Tree had been put up, and had trashed it with gusto, breaking the lovely antique glass ornaments in the process. leaving a scene of utter devastation. Luckily she is still loved!
​Today has been a busy day - I'm sure it has been for everyone else too, Cleaning has been on the agenda today, and as well as all the "normal" hoovering, dusting and polishing, unfortunately Otto has been a bit ill, so poor Dick has had that to deal with that too, he looks good with a mop. As you can see from the photo, Otto is still feeling a bit sorry for himself. 
​The online shop will remain open over the Christmas period, and I will continue to make more stock to replace all of the sold items. Thank you all for your support during my first "online" year.
​​Anyway, I'd better leave this and go and give Dick a hand.  I wish you all a very Merry Christmas.
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My poor hens are not at all happy at being cooped up (literally), and although some of them have become resigned to this way of life, Big Bertha and Peggy are different. They are the two largest (and loudest) hens, and they certainly seem to view me as "the enemy", I get the feeling that plans are afoot to do me some mischief. I've tried telling them it's not my fault, but they have other ideas. Still, on a brighter note I was surprised to find four eggs in the coop this morning, we haven't had that many for a long time, I suppose there's nothing else for them to do!
​Now that I haven't got any more fairs to do before Christmas I can finally start to think about getting myself organised, so much so that I got the cards out of the drawer this morning, well, it is a start. I have also started wrapping presents, note to self - buy sensibly shaped items to post next time, I have failed miserably on that score this year. I wonder if the Post Office staff will laugh at me when I take it in to post tomorrow - I would!
​Anyway, there is still time to get your orders in for Christmas jewellery, why not have a look?

It wasn't as cold as I'd expected this morning, I set off on our morning walk with my jacket done up to my chin & my hands firmly in my pockets. It wasn't too long before I started to warm up, so the hands came out of the pockets and I decided to lower the jacket zip, very daring. However, the zip refused to be lowered, no way was it going to move. Dick valliantly came to my aid, and after several attempts he managed to shift it, much to my relief. I would just like to let the drivers of the two vehicles which passed us (well, it is rural) that I wasn't being assaulted, although it must have looked a bit suspect!
​We finally got round to making the Christmas cake this morning - things have been a little on the busy side, with jewellery stalls and hospital visiting, but now the house smells lovely and festive. I only have two stalls left before Christmas so the pressure is off now, I have Saturday morning at Halesworth Produce Market, and Sunday afternoon at Withersdale Village Hall.
​I'm happy to report that my Christmas Earrings have been doing well this year - the Angels have been flying out! (sorry, couldn't resist), and the book marks have done surprisingly well.

 
What a picturesque week of frosts, sunrises and sunsets. I have to admit that I see more sunsets than sunrises, not that I'm still in bed, but Otto & I are not quite so active early on, Dick is prone to skipping eagerly round the meadows while Otto and I drag ourselves after him. Luckily we perk up a little later on. Otto, for those of you who haven't met him, is a Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla (with a little bit of Labrador thrown in), he's lovely, and has a really good loud bark. However, when visitors arrive he barks in a threatening manner, and then runs outside carrying his favourite teddy. Scary.
​Things have improved very slightly on the egg front, we now have one hen (probably Pearl) laying an egg a day, we've saved up and are having a Toad in the Hole tonight. We know how to live.
​I have been making lots of bracelets this week, among other things, so it's worth a look on the website. I have several events coming up, so am keeping busy
2 Dec -   St Lawrence Primary School 3.30-5.30
3 Dec -   Metfield Barn from 2pm
​6 Dec -   Wortwell Bell 5.30 - 10.00
10 Dec - Halesworth Produce Market 9.30-1
​11 Dec - Withersdale Village Hall 12-5