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Tuesday 17 September 2013

Ch-ch-changes


It feels like a long time has passed since I last wrote my blog, but it was only last Friday. It was an intense weekend, taking my son to uni, and coming home to a house with only three of us in it, and what feels like a new phase. There was the excitement of driving to Manchester, heading over the Pennines in bright sunshine. Then arriving at the halls of residence with hundreds, no thousands, of other parents and their children, spilling out of cars with duvets, pillows, hockey sticks, guitars, chairs, pots and pans. Those of you who've done it will be old hands, but it really is  like no other experience I've had. There is happiness and pride, because your son or daughter is doing something that they've been working towards for years at school; there's nostalgia, if you've been to university or college yourself, you can't help but recall your first day. Sadness, of course, because you're leaving your child for the first time, and worry that they'll settle in (or more in my case, that they'll work hard as well as enjoy all the socialising!). And a very real sense of time passing, and circumstances changing. So actually I am quite glad that the day is over and my son is happily installed, and his texts tell us that he's having a great time and has made friends. Today, though, still feeling a bit raw,  I thought I'd indulge in a day of pottering.
First up, jam making. I've had plums and apples and blackberries in the freezer or in bowls for a few days now. Chopping, peeling and boiling is therapeutic, so I made a batch of plum, and some apple and blackberry.



Then I've always wanted to bake myself a new header, so I thought today I'd do that as well.



Wasn't sure about the background...neutral or colourful?



In the end, it had to be the colourful one at the top of the blog. Talking of the blog, I thought it was time to give that a shake up as well. I think it has been looking very tired recently, and I hadn't realised that the design elements are now much easier to use. So I hope you like the fresh look (and that you can see it if you are reading the blog via an iPad or phone).









Much more bounty to come from the garden. I've never seen so  many apples on our two trees. 

And finally, I'll end with a really special present that a friend painted for me. She took me completely by surprise with this:



She took a snap of me at my 50th party, and painted a  watercolour. I had no idea that she was doing this until she popped round the other day and handed me a lovely package. So, a massive thank you to Jo for such an amazing gift. This is me stepping into my next phase....


14 comments:

  1. It must be a strange time for you, letting go, being proud but sad at the same time, a real mix! I love your header and what a special friend you have to paint such a lovely picture. A great memory of your lovely day! :) x

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    1. Hi Ada,
      Yes, it was really strange day, pulled in all directions! Someone told me before I went that it would be one of those life defining moments and I can sort of see what they meant now.
      Fiona x

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  2. What a lovely painting.You and your friend are both very talented artists! I love the look of the new look blog. How did you manage to change the font too? I am wanting to change mine on my blog but havent a clue how to?

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  3. Hi Anne
    I found the fonts in the section where I changed my blog design. I went into templates and all sorts of new features appeared. There are lots of different fonts to choose from, I was spoilt for choice. It was very easy to do.

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    1. Hi thank you so much!! I have managed to change my font after all this time.Easy when you know how XX

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    2. Brilliant! I love it when technology works (doesn't happen very much with me :))

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  4. I love the new look blog and your colourful header. I remember so well the mix of emotions I felt when leaving our daughters at uni. Time goes so fast, it won't be long until you are a very proud mum at his graduation!!

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  5. It is a strange time watching your "chicks" grow up and fledge and you never stop worrying about them no matter how old they are, glad your son is OK.
    The jam looks lovely..and baking your new header is a fab idea..It all looks great
    especially your surprise picture!
    Happy Week
    Thea

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  6. I like your new blog look and the baked name is an excellent idea. Your jam looks good too - something I really must get around to again. Such a special painting from your friend and as you say signifies a turning point in your life.
    Patricia x

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  7. Hello Fiona, I'm so glad your son's Uni visit was a smooth transaction! It's such a relief when they settle in quickly isn't it?

    After our traumatic Uni drop-off the weekend before, being carless and housebound, I too spent the weekend jam-making and baking! It really calms me down ... Harry actually had to come home for the weekend as he needed to sort something out here that couldn't be done from Salford, so we had the goodbyes all over again!

    I love the look of your blog and that header is very inspiring, think I might have to have a little shuffle around too!

    Have a fabulous day, won't you?

    Love Claire xxx

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    1. Thanks for your lovely comments Claire. Yes, a great relief when they settle. He''s been so looking forward to it. Not sure I could stand the goodbyes all over again just yet :)
      I hope you'll soon get sorted with a car.

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  8. ~ Dear Fiona... Oh my I can remember those very mixed feelings with my boy too! I still have them each time I say good bye! He graduated and now lives in Birmingham! Soo very far away from us here in the Lake district! Sending kind thoughts your way with this....It's a Mama's prerogative to worry so! LOVING the new header and baking and making jam is a lovely way to chill and take time out to just be....September hugs to you! Love Maria x

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  9. Love the new look, and am delighted to find I can now comment. Got a little prickle behind my eyes reading about taking J to Manchester, and the deer in the undergrowth. Your lovely watercolour is a bit Alice-ish too. Fitting, somehow. New worlds.
    Ruthx

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    1. Hello Ruth, how exciting that you've popped in and that you can comment at last. I am enjoying your blog too.

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