A few of the things that have kept me busy!

Well obviously the main one is work! where we have been learning about and building castles, among all kinds of other busy things.

Then there was my granddaughter's graduation ceremony to attend. Now at this point I can hear my regular readers saying "but surely she's only 3?" 

Yes dear readers at the tender age of 3 my granddaughter has graduated from nursery. Her 4th birthday is next week and she will begin school in September. I have to admit I'm not too sure how I feel about this whole "graduation" thing. Although it was a very nice ceremony and all the parents and children seemed to enjoy it (though the children in a somewhat bemused and bewildered fashion), I can't help but think that a graduation ceremony is not really something for children. I can't think of why I feel a little uncomfortable with the whole idea, but I do. Perhaps it's just me getting old!

Graduation at 3 years old complete with cap and gown!

Then I found a cracket - I've been wanting one for ages.

What is a cracket? I hear some of you say.

The "Cracket" is thought to have originated in the coalmines of this region.It was made by miners for use as a headrest when on there backs hewing coal in the lower coal seams. From the mines they progressed into colliery houses,every house having its own Cracket.The name is thought to have been derived from folks sitting around on their stools having a bit of a "Crack"(chat). (Information taken from http://www.needlesandnails.co.uk/80365/info.php?p=2) 
 

My youngest daughter moved into a new house complete with assorted outbuildings and there lying very unloved and lonely in one of the outbuildings was a cracket. Said daughter looked at me as if I was mad when I cried out "Oooh a cracket, I've wanted one for ages, can I have it? please, pretty please?" and replied "Do what you want with it, it was about to go on the bonfire." So I rescued it brought it home and washed it and now it awaits the time when I will give it the Farrow and Ball treatment.

My Cracket - looking very unlovely at the moment but hopefully not for long.

Oh and yes we went to the bike rally as I mentioned in my last post, and were very lucky with the weather. It rained a couple of times but there was sunshine between the showers and we somehow managed to avoid getting caught in the heavy ones. I'll leave you all with a look at our motorbike "posing" at sunset at The Posers Rally last weekend.