New Years Resolution

More of a challenge really.

I love reading and since I was a child had always dreamed of having floor to celing bookshelves. When I set up my craft room a few years ago, I finally got my wish. However, i managed very quickly to fill the bookshelves with books that I have bought but not read. I love books but it has reached saturation point. So I came to the conclusion that something has to give. And I set myself a challenge. 2012 will be the year that I do not buy myself any books.

THE RULES

1) No purchasing of any books in any format for myself. (Evem if they are in the charity shop and I really want them.

2) No solicitation of books as presents

3) I can borrow books provided I return them to their original owner.

4) No purchasing of magazines specifically to get a freebie book.

I started the challenge on boxing day (I got given 3 books for christmas) and so far have been tempted only once. But it has brought home to me just how often I peruse books in shops.

Currently I am reading "She Wolves" by Helen Castor which I shall review on this blog once I have finished it and let you know how my 2012 challenge is going.

Wish me luck . . ..

Reindeer!

Yesterday I visited White's Nursery near Earl's Barton in Northampton for the first time. I've heard about it before as they sell fresh fruit and veg there but I visited for their Santa's Grotto and Petting Zoo. I went because they have 2 Reindeer called Dancer and Prancer and I love Reindeer.

The Reindeer were a little bit shy but after a while, they let me stroke their noses through the pen. Only for a few seconds but it was worth it.

There were some other animals there as well.
A gorgeous, fluffy donkey called Jethro who was very friendly and let me stroke his ears which felt like cuddly toy ears. he is only 9 months old and very patient.


There was also a rescued Turkey called Terence who was very inquisitive

And some chickens. I didn't take a photo of the chickens because I'm a bit scared of them. I was mugged by a mob of chickens during a picnic at Chatsworth house when I visited it with my friend R. Chickens are evil.

In the same pen as Terence the rescued Turkey were two pygmy goats. One little one who was VERY interested in what the Reindeer were doing.

She climbed the fence a bit later to say hello to me. But moved as I took the picture.

Her mum was also very friendly and came to say hello straight away and licked my hand. I think she thought I had food but she was lovely and liked having her head scratched and stroked.

There were also some bunnies, one of which was called Bun Bun and is possibly the fluffiest thing I have ever seen.

He is ridiculously cute and fluffy. But back to the Reindeer. After a lot of time spent looking and stroking all he animals (except the chickens) I kept going tback to the Reindeer to look at them.

and I took lots of photos. As i have not (yet) made it to Lapland or Siberia to see a herd of Reindeer, I take every chance to see real ones here in Britain. I was very lucky to have them on my doorstep and had a fantastic time at White's who were kind enough to let me blog about them. I've attached a link to their website in case anyone wants to visit.

http://www.whitesnurseries.co.uk/

Very good, Whites Nursery, Well Done (And Thank you).

Christmas Tradition

Last Saturday I visited the Worcester Victorian Market. In the city centre, for four days every winter, Worcester hosts a Victorian market complete wih hot chocolate and baileys, roasted chestnuts, a choir and lots of stalls. It's very christmassy and for me,  it signals the start of Christmas festivities. We visited Tewkesbury in the day and my sister was not happy about how unseasonally mild it was. Luckily, by the time we headed into Worcester it was getting a bit dark and getting much colder. We had the usual bicker about whether I'd be warm enough and she was right, I was glad I borrowed her cardigan. We wandered into the city just as it was getting dark to enjoy the market stalls, the smell of hot chestnuts, the stall holders dressed as Victorians and the funfair all lit up. I love walking through the crisp, winter air, the sky filled with stars and the sound of Victorian revelry all around. Very good, Worcester Victorian Market, Well done.