Brilliant game...

We went to France for summer holidays this year and stayed at a great camp. After raiding the Keycamp hut for something extra to do, we found this:

Monster Bingo by Orchard Toys

The game had a few bits missing but most of the pieces were there so we played a couple of games and had a brilliant time with it.  I have a 5 year old and a 9 year old and both really enjoyed it, usually games are either too old for one or too young for the other (cue lots of arguing/sulking/moaning and then the game put away).

When we came home again I looked it up and then ordered it as a Christmas present for Bucket jnr.

Well.......can I just say, once again, how brilliant this game is.We finally had a go last night after getting all the Christmas decorations down; tea eaten and showers done and we laughed a lot and very loudly. Now this is normally a good thing but Mr Bucket had a raging migraine and even with us being in another room, we were TOO loud.

Oh dear.

Anyway, so pleased with this game and I think we'll be playing it a lot more - definitely a good buy. Sam x

Cakes and more cakes...

I was going to name this post 'problems with silicon' but thought I'd get some dodgy readers with that one.

Had an interesting weekend baking cakes, namely a cake for Ma Bucket for her 70th. It was suggested to me by Pa Bucket but thought it would make a good present. So I set to work.

Three cakes later I decided that I hated silicon 'tins' and I'm going back to using my old ones again. I thought the point of the silicon ones is that things don't stick? I had a complete nightmare.

I also decided to use fondant icing (I usually use nice, messy buttercream) for a good finish. Several attempts later I finally got some on a cake...note to self:- use LOTS of icing sugar under the fondant icing, not a light amount that the packets suggest. Also, I need loads more practice with this type of icing - I needed to patch up some holes and then it didn't look neat enough for me.

Finally went to bed about 1am, totally fed up with the cake. So the next morning I made another one just in case I really did not like the first one.  But after putting the decorations on and placing a huge ribbon around the cake to hide the imperfections it didn't look too bad. Although Mr Bucket had to keep reminding me that "it is homemade and if they wanted a shop perfect one then they would have bought one".

Ma Bucket loved it and it tasted good so that's the main thing.

 One of the spare cakes that we'll have today

 But I learned a couple of new things doing this:

* Instead of using icing sugar to attach a ribbon to a cake, measure and then wet the ribbon (gently squeezing off excess water), then wrap around cake. Press and hold for a few seconds and then presto, the water and sugar bind together and the ribbon is held onto cake.

* To cut a big cake in half evenly, lightly score around the cake; wrap cotton thread around and cross over then pull slowly. This works, I tried it and the cake was cut really well.

I don't know if everyone knows these things but it was news, to the few people that I spoke to, about the ribbon trick.

Hope everyone's having a good weekend. Sam xx

A London visit...

Get your cuppa and have a seat, it's a long one...

The Bucket family visited London this half term -  the idea being to visit the Natural History Museum, grab some lunch and then onto the Science Museum.

Well, you know what happens to best laid plans.

The Natural History Museum was our first port of call. We headed straight for the dinosaurs (what else) and it was fun to see Bucket jnr looking at the exhibits. Although the animatronix ones freaked him out slightly, he kept saying "look mummy they're REAL, they're REAL".

After a while we wandered through the other rooms, looking at bugs and things in jars (really creepy looking); walking through a big cocoon and then onto the large animals which is always a favourite.

We had a brilliant time but by lunchtime our stomachs were growling and we headed out, the queue at this point for the dinosaurs looked quite long and we patted ourselves on our backs for our early start. As we stepped outside we noticed two things - it had been raining (glad we missed that) and the queue didn't end inside, it snaked outside, round and round a barrier, out the gate and down the street. WOW!! I'm soooo glad we got there early as the kids would have hated standing around (in the rain) in a queue that long (and so would I).

Right, lunch....was a nightmare. Didn't appreciate how packed places got. We are definitely spoiled by living outside of London where you can generally get a table anywhere straight away. We'd headed to Leicester Square as has loads of choices of foodie places but it was totally heaving. We eventually found a place which seemed nice but I've never been more surprised by an interpretation of a dish. I'm gutted I didn't take a picture as it was a picture.

Try to imagine - Chicken Stroganoff with rice. Now I thought of some succulent pieces of chicken in a sauce and either on or beside some fluffy rice. Right? Like this picture...

mmm, looks yummy - what a shame I didn't get to eat this

What I got was some chargrilled chicken pieces that had been lightly brushed with sauce on some rice with piles of peas either side and across the top slices of tomato and across the bottom slices of cucumber. It was the strangest plate I have EVER seen but then again Mr Bucket ordered Beef Stroganoff which also came with the tomatoes and cucumber.

Note to self, next time don't go to a steak house restaurant that's in Chinatown.

After some discussion we gave the Science Museum a miss because time was getting on and we couldn't face more queues. We said we'd treat the kids to some toys at the Disney store and set off looking for it (I couldn't remember if it was Regent or Oxford street) which took some time. On the way we got to Hamleys - the excitement of the kids was catching and we pushed our way in (with the amount of people this was the only way).

I have to say, what a disappointment.

It's not the best laid out shop in the world and there are loads of floors to navigate but what disappointed us more was how they'd jacked up the prices on toys. Imagine you've walked around (who am I kidding, herded would be a better word), the kids have found some toys and then you look at the price and realise that you can get them at least £3 (or more) cheaper at home - cue the tears and the upset. And then because of the crowds you can't make a quick getaway out the shop. We survived, JUST!

So we set off again and, after some helpful directions, found the Disney store which was charming in its own way with soft Disney music and a more open store. We were there AGES just not by choice - the kids couldn't make up their minds.

Eventually we escaped left and as it was late decided to go home.

Bucket jnr charmed a pretty blonde lady on the tube and he whispered to me "this might sound odd mummy but I think she loves me" - altogether now "aaaahhhh".

It was a long day and our feet now hurt - it was good to get home. Sam xx

Woodland wanderings...

At this time of year you grab your good days where you can, so when there was a nice sunny day (a bit cold, but not too much) we downed tools, grabbed the wellies and gloves and set off.

A leisurely walk through the woods.

Trying not to step on the wildlife.

 Looking at the Autumn colour.

After all that, we were starving and stopped off for a delicious pub lunch. No pictures I'm afraid, but it was tasty and filling enough that I needed to just sit and rest for a little while afterwards.

Sam xx

Off sick...

Bloody typical, come back from holiday and get sicky bug or food poisoning.

Whatever it is, please go away.

The Bucket family is now in quarantine but I've got loads of lovely blogs to catch up on whilst we all recover.

Sam xx

We're back....

Finally arrived back after a wonderfully relaxing interesting holiday.

We went glamping down the South of France using Key camps and I must say, it was a good site if you've got kids. The facilities were great; close to the town and beach and the people were helpful and thankfully spoke really good English. My holiday French isn't too bad but when I get flustered I resort to charades.

 the view of the Pyrenees from the decking by our cabin

There were only a few niggles - we went down on a Saturday and got caught in a load of traffic; during the traffic our car started to overheat so we had to have the windows open with the fan on hot; as the windows were open I got sunburned (I'm a bit freckly) really badly on one arm so had to wear a really attractive sun top (with long sleeves) whenever I went swimming for the first week; because the car got wrecked we had to take it to a garage to get fixed - very large bill.

That's the bad news over and done with.

I asked Mr Bucket "who's idea was it to come this far down France?.... Oh yeah, it was mine".


After two weeks camping, we travelled back up France and stayed at Versailles.

We saw the Palace...

 I laughed at first at the tourists with little umbrellas but I'm telling you, if you visit this place then take one. There are white cobbles all over the place and on a sunny and hot day you boil. I took my factor 50 all the time and this is the only place where my nose got burned.


We visited Paris...

 

The architecture in this city is absolutely amazing and I would definitely love to go back. We grabbed a train from Versailles and then got on 'Les Cars Rouges', big red buses that you can hop on and off or just travel around if that's what you want to do. I've just got to say that I LOVE the Louvre, it is the most impressive place I have ever visited.

 We joined the masses at Disneyland...

 

 A great place but make sure that you have sturdy shoes; take your travel sickness pills for the rides and don't mind waiting approx 30-70 mins to get on a ride. It isn't that bad but when the kids got hot and tired it made it feel longer. A plus was that the food was reasonably priced and covered all ranges.

Oh yes, and take lots and lots of money because if you have kids then they have all the gifts your darling children will ever want.

A funny moment was when Bucket jnr wanted to stay on a good rollercoaster ride and started crying. As we were walking out the exit people were staring at him and you could read their faces and knew they were asking themselves "was it that bad???". I couldn't stop myself from saying "he did like it, really".

It was an enjoyable holiday but if we ever go back I'm NEVER taking the car again - it's a hire car for us next time, it would be cheaper. Sam xx

Torch fun...

We went on a family day out today to see the Olympic torch as it went through our medium-sized town. The kids were allowed to go, with it being classed as an 'educational day' - in other words, they weren't skiving off.

So we trekked into town, it started raining of course but we were prepared for all weathers (our sunglasses were tucked in a pocket).

Now when I've gone into town normally, even on a busy Saturday, you can generally get around quite easily. But today was a total nightmare - I had totally underestimated how many people were going to show up. Mr Bucket was amazed enough to mutter "I didn't think there were that many people in ......".

Luckily we found a fairly decent place to stand and we could even see enough so that we could spot the torch when it went by. After about 10 minutes we were trapped in our space, there were loads of people crammed in behind us but it wasn't that bad as we started having a joke about the situation with a couple of women standing next to us.

Well...the time the torch was due came and went and we could hear cheers further off somewhere down the town so we knew it was on it's way. Then a police car went by, sirens going, we cheered. Then another....and another....and another....four police motorbikes....police van.....and another.........anyone for speeding on the motorway???!!! Only joking but it seemed like we had all the police force going through our town.

More cheers heard....sponsor bus...and another...and another...and yes, another. All with very happy cheery young people trying to get everyone to cheer even though we've been standing in one spot so long that our feet are numb; we were sweaty and (dare I say it) a tiny bit bored by now - BRING THE TORCH NOW!!!!!

Then it was there, right in front of us. An oldish man dressed in white, jogging along and holding it up for everyone to see. It was a lovely gold colour - MY PRECIOUS (sorry, couldn't resist the film reference there) and then he was gone.

It was over, well not totally as I think there were other things going on but I'd had enough. So we decided to go home, grab a milkshake on the way and then disappear off for a pub lunch. Except we had to try and get through all the other people - all I'll say is one word.....SARDINES.

We did make it, eventually, and we made it home with enough time to grab the car and disappear to a welcoming pub lunch. Not a bad day and I'm glad we went but I'm also glad that we'd warned the kids what to expect.

Would we do it again?....probably. Sam xx

p.s. sorry no pictures but I really couldn't be arsed. There'll be enough on the local newspaper site that I can print off if I want a memento and it was so crammed that all I would have done was get a picture of the back of someones head - eeuurgh.

Jubilee Celebrations...

We had a brilliant day yesterday. The Grandparents' road had a street party - a week later than most but I'm so glad it was yesterday as the day was absolutely gorgeous....sunny and warm with poofy clouds in a blue sky.

 

There was a bouncy castle which Bucket jnr hardly ever left; loads of food; miles of bunting and lots of competitions for everyone to have a go at.

I grabbed a load of food (it was lunchtime) and then Grandma said "don't forget that we've got food too". My aching stomach, but it was my own fault - I had that stuffed feeling that you generally only get at Christmas.

Bucket jnr and Miss Bucket entered the scooter races. Bucket jnr raced off and won his - he has a great gold medal that he likes to show off. Miss Bucket came second (she was robbed by a younger scooter who didn't go round the cone properly - a protective mum, who me???) and she loves her silver medal as she thinks the gold and bronze look too much alike and hers looks better.

 

Bucket jnr's medal

There were plank races as well, I didn't do this but had a great laugh at those that did enter.

 There was also egg throwing. Miss Bucket and I did this at a previous street party and we didn't do too badly but I thought that I'd watch this time instead, mainly because I didn't take a change of clothing with me.

Oh and I can't forget about the welly wanging. For those that haven't a clue what this is.....you throw a welly as far as you can and the one who throws furthest wins. The kids heat was fun and really sweet, both my two went in for this. Bucket jnr wound his arm up so many times that people started to count - he did eventually let go.

But it was the adult one that is always the funniest as people try to throw as hard as they can and it gets into a really big competition, especially between the men and those wellies are very unpredictable. I had to run out the way once or twice, a gutter was hit, a table full of glasses went flying and a few people were bopped when they got in the way.

More food was eaten, there was a kids and adult quiz (didn't do too badly at either) and then the bbq's came out.

I had to leave about 9.30pm as Bucket jnr said his feet hurt and he looked really tired all of a sudden so we left everyone to their dancing and went home.

On a side note, I've got to say that Bucket jnr is the most sociable person I know. He was in and out of gardens and houses and this is a street that we only visit, hardly see anyone most of the time and don't really know anyone's name. But he was everywhere and after talking to some nice ladies on the street, we came home with a rocking chair and footstool. I wasn't really looking for one but that is what I came home with, it's a good job I have a big car (old people carrier type that sounds like a tank). I don't think many people can say they went to a party and came home with furniture.

Now I've just got to find somewhere to put it....did I ever mention that the rooms in my house are small and my family has a tendency to collect things (lots and lots of things), I'm forever clearing clutter and stuff out. Sam xx

Rainy Sunday...

Yesterday was a bit of a washout, literally. It was pouring down.

Our outhouse has a few leak spots so out came the plastic pots to catch the drops.

Other than that it was a good day.

We played some of this..

and this..

had a little bit of this..

watched this..

scoffed this..

had a few of these..

I also made this..

I know, it doesn't look too impressive (and it was ironed at some point) but I did actually make a couple of them and one got used straightaway - they're handkerchiefs for Bucket jnr. He's now put in a request for a few more so I've got my fabric stash at the ready.

Overall a lovely Sunday. Sam xx

Happy Easter...

 Source: Google Images

I hope everyone had a Happy Easter.

We had a fairly quiet day (except for the occasional shouting by moi for everyone to keep quiet - I now have a croaky voice).

Starter

I won't say what time I had my starter.


Main Course

 A nice big haunch of venison just as it's going in the oven. We've had this sitting in the freezer for ages so thought about time to try it out.

We added the end of our home-grown leeks from last year. Tasted absolutely delicious and will be growing more this year.


Dessert

Oops, started a bit early...

Also made this but had to wait as it took 3 and 1/2 hours to bake.

 
I don't usually bother with a pretty ribbon tied round it as it's only seconds before this happens...

And then the kids notice and before you know it, there's not too much left. Sam xx

Some new fun

We finally decided to get 'with it' and get a Wii for Christmas - they kids were over the moon
(this means happy for those that might not have heard this phrase) by this and have been trying to play it non-stop.

When we were out shopping, we joined the HUGE queue in the local game shop and purchased a couple of games to try out - Mario Galaxy and Just Dance 3. Of course, we had to play these IMMEDIATELY but we had to time them so there weren't too many arguments between the kids.

Source: Google Images

Just Dance 3 was brilliant but we could only do the arm motions. Hopefully we'll get a little better and soon be jumping all over the place. My only complaint is that I was doing really well but got confused at the end about putting on my profile - Miss Bucket thought it was brilliant that I saved it to hers, so she had a really good score.

I had to do it all over again to put it on my score. Let me tell you, the sweat was pouring off me - I'm no spring chicken anymore. I WAS KNACKERED!!!

The Mario Galaxy is fun but you need two controllers for this, one in each hand. So it was left to me to start it off and try the game.... 2 hours later, my back and shoulders were killing me. I had the family telling me what I did wrong and giving me 'helpful' advice, and how I should play it and then saying "do it again".

Mr Bucket then had a go and I should say at this point that he doesn't really 'do' computer games of ANY sort. I sat back and watched as he did really well and just whizzed through the game. Although it was only up to the point that I finished - of course, he'd watched what I'd done so he knew how to get through the levels each time - BIG CHEATER!!!!!! I'm making him go first next time.

Don't get me wrong, we love board games - Sorry, Monopoly (that game goes on for ages) and Rummikub are a few of our favourites. But the Wii is a lot of fun using hand/eye coordination and it gets the kids jumping around which must be a good thing. Sam xx

Happy New Year..

Happy New Year to anyone who is reading this. I hope that 2012 will be a healthy, happy and wonderful year for you all.

I'm going to have to do this post in instalments today as I'm going to be busy cooking; watching tv; playing Mario Galaxy on Wii and imbibing copious amounts of sherry today.

Just in case you think I might have a sherry problem - I don't. It's one of those things that you only eat/drink at certain times of the year, even though you love it. Think pancakes on Shrove Tuesday; mince pies at Christmas; Cadburys cream eggs at Easter; Hot cross buns; the chocolate cake I only make at Christmas; Stews in winter time when the months are cold... Sherry is just like that, so I'm making the most of it as soon I won't drink it at all until, probably, I see the Coca Cola Santa advert on telly again.

12.40pm: I've the beef in the oven surrounded by home-grown onions. The smell is gorgeous and I've just peeled the roast potatoes and ready to put on the boil. I'm listening to Duran Duran on Radio 2 and I can hear Bucket jnr has just jumped on Mr Bucket whilst he's watching Worlds Strongest Man. Miss Bucket is currently watching re-runs of Doctor Who (it's David Tennant for all other DT fans out there - swoon).

Source: Google Images - the lovely David Tennant

1.50pm: Okay, dinner is a little late, still waiting for the beef to rest but it tastes lovely from the end bits that Mr Bucket and I have pinched. Potatoes look great and I've done loads of Aunt Bessies Yorkshires as Mr Bucket likes to have some with syrup for pudding. Hurry up beef!!!!!

5.00pm: Right then, dinner is definitely over - bellies stuffed, all bits eaten and condiments put away. I'm feeling really fat and lazy at the moment and Mr Bucket wants us to do Wii Fit

(lot of exercises) - NOT A CHANCE!!!

Pass the Roses tin and stuff me up baby...Only joking, I only had 3.

I've been considering the New Year Resolutions that is customary to do and I seem to have come up with the usual suspects.... lose weight, be happy and try to be more patient. I'm hitting the big 4-0 this year and even though I might have left it a little too late to lose loads of fatty stuff by the big date, I'm going to really dig deep this year and get it off for good. Hopefully I'll look semi-decent by the time the holidays come around. So fingers crossed and here's hoping.

Not too much more this evening except veg-ing out in front of the boggle-box and watching maybe Treasure Island with Eddie Izzard and then catching up with Sherlock Holmes or the other way round. I'll wait and see, both look good. I've just got to make sure that I don't start snoozing instead.

Once again, I wish you a joyous 2012.

Sam xx



Post Christmas

We had a brilliant Christmas.

The kids raced down on Christmas morning to see if Santa had delivered their pressies but I had to make them wait a little bit as Mr Bucket had worked Christmas Eve and needed some sleep (although they didn't agree with me on this). I didn't make them wait too long.

I love it when the unwrapping frenzy starts - I don't think they even look at the gifts. It seems like a race to see who can get the wrapping paper off all the presents the quickest. Then when it's all done, they finally sit and look to see what they have been given.

We had Christmas dinner at the in-laws, which is good in one way as it gives me a break from cooking but then again, I don't have any leftover turkey to snack on.

Last year Bucket jnr was given some Thomas the Tank Engine pants as a present from Granny and the look on his face as he launched them across the room with 'they're not presents' was priceless. So this year I was on the lookout and sure enough he was given some jumpers. As his face started to morph into 'that look' I quietly whispered 'say thank you' and grabbed them and replaced the gift with something else to unwrap. Disaster averted (it was funny though).

I've been keeping up with some of the blogs I follow and found a nice site, Ravelry, which gives loads of knitting and crochet patterns. I'm probably the last person to find this site but it's brilliant and I've already marked things I'd like to make.

After a lot of thinking, I'm going to try and concentrate on crochet this year. I'm only a beginner but hoping to get a LOT better. Also the usual New Year Resolution.... get fit and lose weight.  It's not small in error, I just thought that if it was that size it wouldn't seem such a big problem.

As I get older I like trying to find the best present for someone, it doesn't have to cost the earth and sometimes is something that I've put together. I find that I like giving presents more than receiving nowadays and it's always me who is last to open any gifts as I get more joy out of watching other peoples faces.

But I did get a couple of good ones....

Oooh, last night I made a Hairy Biker fish pie and I can thoroughly recommend it. I would tweak it slightly next time I make it but it's the first time I've ever attempted fish pie (I know, I can't quite believe it either) and I wanted to follow it to the letter. Definitely a winner though!

The kids weren't that bothered but then it didn't include chicken nuggets or chips - I'm going to keep trying.

Kirstie I just love. I like watching her on the telly as they are just feelgood shows. I know that she's not everyones cup of tea, but then who is????!!!!

And the Hairy Bikers are excellent - they are just mad and funny and make everything seem really easy. Although it's amazing how they manage to keep those beards clean.

Mr Bucket also got me my Michael Buble Christmas cd which I've been playing quite a lot. I might have to buy another just in case I wear this one out. How long can you play a Christmas cd for without someone mentioning that it's the wrong time of year?? I'll probably stop playing it around mid March.

All in all, not too many arguments; I only threatened to cancel Christmas twice and, amazingly, most of the toys have already been put away (still a few left to find places for). I would say that we've done quite well and I hope that everyone else had a good time too. Sam xx