New Sewing Machine

I was so excited on Tuesday when my new sewing machine was due to arrive - sadly it came when I was at work but a neighbour kindly took it in. She was out until the evening so I didn't get to unpack it till late. It was a Silver Viscount machine - all shiny and new!
Due to various commitments I didn't get to play with the machine until Friday night - and on the first piece of sewing it stopped working - it would not pick up the bobbin thread!

Sam rang the company on Saturday morning and the man in technical help (otherwise known as sales) said I had knocked the timing out by using the wrong size needle. Sam explained I had only been sewing through four thin layers of cotton but he insisted it was user error. He agreed to fix it but Sam and I felt the machine was not robust enough so have asked for a refund.

A quick trip to Theobalds in Luton and I now have a shiny new Janome - the man in the shop demonstrated it fully for us and even sewed through carpet WITHOUT changing the needle!

I love it ! - it is fantastic and really easy to use. I have almost completed by first project - a laundry bag for when Pip comes to stay! 

Another Puncture

Annoyingly I got another puncture in the car this week - a different tyre. When I took the car in to get it repaired I was told the tyre would have to be replaced as the nail was too close to the edge. He quoted £189 - I did not have it done there!
Sam found a place on line that charged £108 to come and replace the tyre at home. The guy was punctual and polite and finished the job quickly!
Sam has spoken to the neighbour having building work done so hopefully no more nails!

London Zoo

Sam, Pip, Liam and I went to London Zoo today - for Pip's Birthday, which was on Friday. We all had rail tickets so were able to take advantage of the two for one deal running at the moment.
We met Pip  and Liam outside The Honest Sausage - Sam and I had breakfast there before they arrived - delicious!

Outside The Honest Sausage

Sam checks the map

      


The zoo was great fun with some great animals to see - I liked the giraffes, giant tortoises and otters best. Sam liked the meerkats - especially when they stood up on their hind legs! We listened to some talks about the tigers, otters and seahorses - Liam had a starring role in the seahorse talk!

Amazing black tongue

We had lunch in the restaurant tent then Pip had her face painted. The weather deteriorated so we did some of the indoor exhibits before catching the train home - all in all a very nice day out.

Pip's favourite monkey

This tiger came from Perth Zoo

This fella had a starring role in the latest James Bond film!

Liam demonstrates a pregnant male seahorse!

 

Sam's favourite meerkat

 

 

Theatre Evening

        

 Sam and I went to see a triple bill of G and S at the Queen Mother Theatre in Hitchin. I enjoyed The Zoo and Trial by Jury best. The Zoo was set in London Zoo - which is where we are going tomorrow.

Random Act of Kindness

The light came on to show my tyres needed inflating - so Sam did them for me. A couple of days later the light came on again. I went along to blow them up again and noticed one of the tyres had a plasterboard nail in it (probably from where our neighbours are having building work done). I took the car into Quickfit - who didn't have space to do it so ended up at National Tyres in Dunstable. The guy who came out to look at the tyre recognised me as Charlotte's mum - from back at Luton Road. He mended the puncture and wouldn't charge me as he knew Charlotte - how kind was that?

Having Fun

The dogs on their walk last night - they had lots of fun as you can see! Casey can run really fast - Pixel has to work hard to keep up! The ball launcher is great as neither Sam or I are very good at throwing a ball.  I took these videos on my phone.

Another Death

Sir Robert Edwards died today - he was the pioneering doctor who developed the process that led to the birth of the first test tube baby in 1978. Since Louise Brown was born at 11.47pm on July 25, 1978, the technique pioneered by Sir Robert and Dr Steptoe has brought the joy of parenthood to more than 4.3 million couples who thought they would never be able to have children.

The Iron Lady

The Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher died today after having a stroke. She was Britain's first, and only, female Prime Minister. Love or hate her, she was a powerful and strong woman who did a great deal to show that women have a place in the working world.

Another Walk

We took the dogs for a walk on the downs again today - what a change from last week! We didn't need to be wrapped up in big coats and scarves as it was sunny and warm - although there was still some snow right at the top, which the dogs enjoyed. Sam bought a ball launcher to help us throw the ball a bit further - it works well. Sadly she only got to throw the whole ball once as the dogs then played with it together and brought it back in pieces lol.
Sam then used the ball launcher to throw snowballs - much to Casey's delight! The dogs were very good today -  both at coming back and at coming away from other dogs and people.

Easter Weekend

Sam and I have had a fun weekend - however for me it started earlier as Wednesday was my day off and I took Thursday as holiday. This meant the house was tidy ready for Good Friday when Sam started her break.
We went to Denne Country Stores in Soulbury to by some dog and rabbit food and then popped to Costco to stock up on a few bits and pieces (mainly olives and toilet rolls - the essentials)!
When we drove past Tesco earlier in the day cars were queuing to get in so we decided to go shopping much later in the evening. That was a good move - it was very quiet and hassle free!

On Saturday we have a lazy morning with breakfast in bed. We then have a nice chat with Vickie and Jerry on Skype.
In the afternoon we take the dogs for a long walk up on Warden Hills. It was a lovely sunny day, a bit chilly but it was great to be out in the fresh air. The snow from last week had all melted at the foot of the hills - but on the top it came up to Sam's knee in places. The dogs had a great time running through it.

Bottom of the hills

Top of the hills

Playing chase

On Sunday morning Sam took Pixel for a walk with Kate and Harry. They had a good time and Pixel was very good about coming back. I took Casey out on her gentle leader for the first time - she walked really nicely on it.

Charlotte came over for Sunday dinner - roast beef and all the trimmings. Sam and I watched a film together in the evening.

On Bank Holiday Monday we had another lazy morning then took the dogs out again for a long walk - this time on Blows Downs. They had a fantastic time and were both very well behaved. Sam and I enjoyed it too. 

In the afternoon Sam and I went to visit Mum and Dad. Mum had made some delicious cheese nibbles and a lovely chocolate cake with a coffee filling. We had a nice chat and Sam sorted out Dad's computer and updated his satnav.
We spent the evening at home together, cosied up as it had turned chilly.