tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22905986563365072292024-02-07T05:32:16.567+03:00LIFE SOCKS ... SAUDI SOCKS !Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-10672274462351700662010-08-21T13:05:00.004+03:002010-08-21T13:22:35.087+03:00The US of A<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityI85YAY_OAZNH328D9__tl222pgIGq1PbLnqCDeDACMtyUOWrslEKR3y0LN-R-FSav9Js8tuLZLDBqLJKo34rFwjH-W5n2mWD1gjeIU6-wxy66YVe0TPMbCmras-4YI76AdJ5Of5HzY/s1600/photo2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEityI85YAY_OAZNH328D9__tl222pgIGq1PbLnqCDeDACMtyUOWrslEKR3y0LN-R-FSav9Js8tuLZLDBqLJKo34rFwjH-W5n2mWD1gjeIU6-wxy66YVe0TPMbCmras-4YI76AdJ5Of5HzY/s400/photo2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507805666941224818" /></a><br />Yep again, been AWOL but with good excuse ! Moved onto new compound, didn't have internet for 'an age' which wasn't until almost when it was time to leave for our vacation out of the searing heat of Saudi ! Anyway, when I return next week I will download loads of pics and try to get back up to date with things as soon as possible.<br /><br />Back to the vacation, we spent a couple of weeks in the UK with family and doing the obligatory 'shopping' ! Then onto the Big Old USA ! I will tell more soon with pics but in short, it was fantastic !<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zuhXPP8_0MLPZunGiM4Hi1snrPLuWYrDxR-rb9kBJZoq5Vq0eM48ciRSkyW9iFrGYEdiQGJrr6jT_pQYC4eNEvqc3EELa3_xcYRIPwiCWNAO8BPDeNKuTI0I_MUmgKfgu-tHa60tE-s/s1600/photo4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 299px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2zuhXPP8_0MLPZunGiM4Hi1snrPLuWYrDxR-rb9kBJZoq5Vq0eM48ciRSkyW9iFrGYEdiQGJrr6jT_pQYC4eNEvqc3EELa3_xcYRIPwiCWNAO8BPDeNKuTI0I_MUmgKfgu-tHa60tE-s/s400/photo4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507805928921714354" /></a>I loved California especially <strong>Marble Mountain Ranch</strong> and <strong>Mount Shasta</strong> but I'll leave it there for now although you can have a look at the link below for a preview on <strong>The Marble Mountain Ranch</strong>:<br /><br />http://www.marblemountainranch.com/<br /><br />Photo's courtesy of Katie !Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-75928002151680829302010-05-12T18:16:00.002+03:002010-05-12T18:19:54.681+03:00AbsencesSorry for the long absence, but we've been busy on hoiday to Jordan and then Egypt and then busy packing and unpacking from our move to our new 'Super Compound'. Unfortunately internet is even worse than on our old compound and we are awaiting Mobily to set up their mast so we can have access for a more permanent amount of time. At the moment I have been able to snag a 'dongle' just to do a few emergency things like checking my emails and of course to check my blog. While I have a little bit of internet time I thought I'd explain my absence and even try to get a posting published.<br /><br />I might be back in a short while with an update on the holiday and the move and maybe even some pictures.<br /><br />Bye for now, SharonSj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-66240605713672634912010-03-08T14:00:00.001+03:002010-03-08T14:04:34.340+03:00Do You Know This person ?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlx7POkInofL-_9LcCt_rgHffweXzMLXRWTJ_BibKm8ELGQJub0feAd0wZCbHDm5EwDisRAvxSdk20TB1oYZEyul2VoS0JthbrkI4XZUITBZ9A8rHLFu6jzWwEp54Ex_1Mh-Tuc_2KwM/s1600-h/auzzie.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 386px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPlx7POkInofL-_9LcCt_rgHffweXzMLXRWTJ_BibKm8ELGQJub0feAd0wZCbHDm5EwDisRAvxSdk20TB1oYZEyul2VoS0JthbrkI4XZUITBZ9A8rHLFu6jzWwEp54Ex_1Mh-Tuc_2KwM/s400/auzzie.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446216983394382434" /></a><br />This was my Auzzie Penpal from the 70's when I went to Arundel Court School in the UK. I lost contact and wondered if anyone recognised her seeing as its such a small world nowadays.<br /><br />I can't remember her name unfortunatley but maybe someone might recognise her or her little sister (I thinks its her sister).Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-61703362649939483642010-03-02T17:05:00.006+03:002010-03-03T15:47:38.623+03:00Second Quilt Finished !<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO60ILI4YX6x4AfNyRN8EilEIINVhOoOjcUFYDVa9sY3yZ0cXfGtDqXPuJGvAcYzScJVGgq21bHUju5-Z8GiZM-vWC1uc9zOHVw7ymZCNzZEWwQ2QZuX6h20HuDILlOAaKdhYkwOU6t4/s1600-h/Randomfinished1RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikO60ILI4YX6x4AfNyRN8EilEIINVhOoOjcUFYDVa9sY3yZ0cXfGtDqXPuJGvAcYzScJVGgq21bHUju5-Z8GiZM-vWC1uc9zOHVw7ymZCNzZEWwQ2QZuX6h20HuDILlOAaKdhYkwOU6t4/s400/Randomfinished1RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444387176341814146" /></a><br />This morning started with an early start of 6am to get the kids off to school and then onto collect Paola to go off to Zamils for some batting to back her quilt. Then onto the quilt group where I finally got the Random Rail Fence quilt finished today at the quilting group. This was only because I didn't have enough fabric to make the border on the Space quilt so luckily I did take along my unfinished quilt. I'm so pleased its finally done ! Rail fence maybe simple but its very effective and I'll make another quite soon I'm sure to use up the scraps.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHa_91vBgYeSdkcF8W6548gct8IkbCPUtmJAFzoS8XRHS1EzYJVGvc-igSw7ErMq8SBt51TNm87keoI8Pvo5LKYhCQ9g0LzOoaiPxD6VMxIXtb5p_cVkLDgu7TFi3Olpr00GaMczXpoQ/s1600-h/Randomfiinished2RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjHa_91vBgYeSdkcF8W6548gct8IkbCPUtmJAFzoS8XRHS1EzYJVGvc-igSw7ErMq8SBt51TNm87keoI8Pvo5LKYhCQ9g0LzOoaiPxD6VMxIXtb5p_cVkLDgu7TFi3Olpr00GaMczXpoQ/s400/Randomfiinished2RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444387603475343538" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE8rnEwXijUgm2Q7-93mxPD5WPCNF1-D-kTIcN39YPMFAbc1zb4-yhjmW85RrtYT7cMWcwVmQ-q8nWnZQKJt0oi9XXA9GgGNuy-6kYHQW3MWxvIlbipFY91aB28mQJgbRmGW7wLhR4z8/s1600-h/Ramdomfinished3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE8rnEwXijUgm2Q7-93mxPD5WPCNF1-D-kTIcN39YPMFAbc1zb4-yhjmW85RrtYT7cMWcwVmQ-q8nWnZQKJt0oi9XXA9GgGNuy-6kYHQW3MWxvIlbipFY91aB28mQJgbRmGW7wLhR4z8/s400/Ramdomfinished3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444387939068643538" /></a><br />Now back on with the Space quilt and a matching pillow. Ideally I'd have liked to make it larger but the souk in Dammam had ran out of the planets material but thanks to Alison for trying for me.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-42581319362801567842010-02-28T16:21:00.004+03:002010-02-28T16:32:18.184+03:00Bedouin Piecemakers Quilting Group<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSUsIuRL4TXS3r59Ojd3lZ29E1FHMhkUrQWK0AECf6RECddnpOj1qCJoYX5l8IYRrPJ39pW-aV0jlKu7oAHMyMhFqHf5VbsGWhizJYgo0tHVsFKm0Y-gq-vaznf9cXOWRdGILQ-LhFHo/s1600-h/bedouin+quilters+pic1b.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 313px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSUsIuRL4TXS3r59Ojd3lZ29E1FHMhkUrQWK0AECf6RECddnpOj1qCJoYX5l8IYRrPJ39pW-aV0jlKu7oAHMyMhFqHf5VbsGWhizJYgo0tHVsFKm0Y-gq-vaznf9cXOWRdGILQ-LhFHo/s400/bedouin+quilters+pic1b.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443284287833080994" /></a><strong>http://bedouinpiecemakers.blogspot.com/</strong><br /><br />At our last Beduoin Piecemakers quilting meeting I decided to go around and take some snap shots of the 'works in progress' on the Amish quilt that has been the last 2 months project. One of the members suggested that I might like start a blog for the group. Therefore, this is what I have been making a start on over the last couple of days along with my excercise regime and sewing the binding on my 2nd quilt. When the Amish quilts are all finished I will take some more photo's to include in the blog.<br /><br />Its still very much in the early stages and have to decide on the format and content of the blog before I can go any further but that will be sorted fairly soon, I'm sure.<br /><br />If anyone is in the Al Khobar area and wishes to join the group please email the group at: <em><strong>bedouinpiecemakers@yahoo.com</strong></em>Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-26662662830192904002010-02-24T16:26:00.003+03:002010-02-24T16:48:06.034+03:00Please Ladies No Smoking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVB3fpUY-dV2awV6GelSRYQSKMRlxRgGJOo1nRa4mWyRJAix_m6qMTCOdVWqRAJq7wfqtd2NUrEGmkSWukgD0eHVvqBsRLXml_mAXgzSFR6WEQ7HahLcXHkVdRFtZsEEZNWxfmWkC_8fE/s1600-h/No_smoking_sign.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 360px; height: 360px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVB3fpUY-dV2awV6GelSRYQSKMRlxRgGJOo1nRa4mWyRJAix_m6qMTCOdVWqRAJq7wfqtd2NUrEGmkSWukgD0eHVvqBsRLXml_mAXgzSFR6WEQ7HahLcXHkVdRFtZsEEZNWxfmWkC_8fE/s400/No_smoking_sign.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441801007072826034" /></a><br />First things first...I had to return some exercise wear today as it was too big. Ladies are not allowed to try items on before buying so we have to go thru the routine of buying, trying on at home and then getting back for a refund or exchange, all to just go home and retry until we get the desired item. Well it was 2 days ago that I purchased the top and was told it had to be returned within 24 hours for a refund and therefore, I was not allowed to have a refund, I could have an exchange. I am fed up of this routine and just wanted my money back. Anyway, the salesman gave in after 10 minutes of me saying 'no, I want my money back and I don't want anything else from the store today thankyou'.<br /><br />Its worth knowing that its pointless getting annoyed or angry as it gets you nowhere so you just have to be patient and sometimes it pays off as it did in this case.<br /><br />I then went onto the Mall of Dharan to get some other items. Again the same routine, buy the items, (in this case) run to a toilet and try them on and run as fast back to the stall for an exchange or refund. This is fine but remember all women do this and by the time you get back to the stall the checkout is full of us all trying to do the same thing.<br /><br />I HATE SHOPPING ! Well I love shopping anywhere else because I can try first.<br /><br />Imagine how amazed I was at finding a changing room in one of the stores in the new part of the Mall ! I was thrilled trying on 7 items and only buying the one that fit and suited me. Got some new gym wear for my 'schwinn sessions'...horray, after about 4 months of working myself up to it.<br /><br />Then I decided to go and have a Costa's and Tuna Melt Foccacia during prayer time. Everything is quiet, eating and drinking when I notice a Matawa with a policeman walking towards us in Costa. They went up to a woman whom I don't think could have been saudi as she was uncovered and with 2 men and another woman. The Matawa signed to the men to tell her to 'stop smoking'. He then went up to her and did the same thing. She waved him away which I thought would bring more trouble but he just walked on thru the Mall. The woman then made a face as he walked off. I wasn't sure what the reaction of the other people in the cafe would be as they were mostly saudi men and women, and to my surprise they were all smiling and finding it all rather amusing too.<br /><br />Oh yes, the men were all smoking but this is not a problem. Only women are not allowed to smoke openly.<br /><br />There you go, another interesting thing for saudi life to add to my blog.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-89382618581034285862010-02-23T22:11:00.004+03:002010-02-24T08:42:34.710+03:00Book Review<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofHHCsynp40-65Hon6dFvlh7-laZRs_1wfBY2OhnHdgrTubkqgQxVPKYpE32KeBw4AEnJGDPd0iWwb0nrfbQoJQYBNEnE5feKJlzpxwOhpMX1fK8f5Q6ze8SOFebFFk2YQGtMTu2QEOE/s1600-h/001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhofHHCsynp40-65Hon6dFvlh7-laZRs_1wfBY2OhnHdgrTubkqgQxVPKYpE32KeBw4AEnJGDPd0iWwb0nrfbQoJQYBNEnE5feKJlzpxwOhpMX1fK8f5Q6ze8SOFebFFk2YQGtMTu2QEOE/s400/001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441519241388870418" /></a>Make it Simpler Paper Piecing: Easy as 1, 2, 3 - a Pinless Fold & Sew Technique by Anita Grossman Solomon<br /><br />Out here in 'The Kingdom' it is pretty difficult to come by many quilting books, therefore I have been relying on ordering via Amazon or the monthly quilting meeting where we can borrow books from the library. I came across this one on a recent visit to the local Jarir Bookstore. I initially thought it was a book on paper piecing and definitely wanted to give it a go. However, on careful looking once home, I realised it was a new method of paper piecing quilting, a totally different quilting procedure. Not sure if its cos I'm a newbie but I did wonder why would you bother to do all this extra work when you can just do it the usual way which to me appears easier and quicker. Maybe its a more exact method but I don't think I want to worry too much about it.<br /><br />Anyway, I don't think I've wasted too much on it as it was 35SR (approx £6) and there are some stunning blocks to make up and the templates are also included which just need to be reversed to make a standard block. <br /><br />I love looking at the glossy pics and thinking, I'll make that one, and that one, oh and that one ... soon !<br /><br />If you have this one I'd love to hear your opinion.<br /><br /><strong>Errata UpDate:</strong><br /><br />For the 1st printing only there are some amendments. Here's the link to copy and paste into your browser: http://www.ctpub.com/client/client_pages/errata/10333.cfmSj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-79738653148779557732010-02-24T07:00:00.005+03:002010-02-24T07:11:17.019+03:00Book Review - Anita Grossman Solomon ResponseWOW ! A personal reply from the author Ms Solomon. Very impressive. I had no idea people were actually reading my blog, well apart from me and my 4 followers !<br /><br />I have included the reply in this post as I think it merits a show rather than finding it thru the comments section as its a good response in answer to my limited experience of quilting reviews.<br /><br />Thank you so much for your reply Anita it was much appreciated to get the personal touch.<br /><br /><strong>Response:</strong>Hi,<br /><br />Glad you are giving it a try. It's the same as 'regular' piecing except that you piece on one sheet of vellum. By not cutting up the subunits you won't have to pin them together. Perfect matching.<br /><br />You can watch videos of it. Note the links at the bottom of my blog.<br /><br /><strong>http://makeitsimpler.blogspot.com</strong>Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-66127391028687240492010-02-23T15:41:00.017+03:002010-02-23T22:46:19.816+03:00Space BoyAlmost finished my random rail fence quilt with only one side of the binding to complete. Just a little bit longer and I can hand it in for the quilt show at the Kingdom ? Bedouin Quilters Group.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_u-4ZGAADfS_AVjL74x4WeiYOcj5M2M8gvipP3_Edthb61wedX8HFzFmrVzXoZd2hXLNU5fx4kxM1jm5EFqBxMcV1nyWpfNnZF2ivRW8Qkw4DYYQO9aZtOnti4eUQg3dDIjp6dJoDcY/<br />1600-h/feb222010+011RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid_u-4ZGAADfS_AVjL74x4WeiYOcj5M2M8gvipP3_Edthb61wedX8HFzFmrVzXoZd2hXLNU5fx4kxM1jm5EFqBxMcV1nyWpfNnZF2ivRW8Qkw4DYYQO9aZtOnti4eUQg3dDIjp6dJoDcY/s400/feb222010+011RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441424939761426386" /></a><br />I just couldn't wait to get started on my next quilt which is for my son, William. I found some wonderful fabric in a souk in Damman a couple of weeks ago and just had to get it for him.<br /><br />As I'm still learning the quilting processes and on my third one, I've decided that it might be a good idea to write down each step of the way to try to become a little more savvy a little more quickly rather than rely on totally on the 'quilting queens' at the club. However, I did run away with myself and messed up the effect of the newest quilt but I don't think it really matters because of the colours, pattern and for who its for. My son is not going to notice the mistake so I shall ignore it !<br /><br />First I ironed and squared my fabrics and cut 2.5in strips from 4 of the colours and 8.5in blocks from the patterned one.<br /><br />I then sewed strips together and measured them to make sure they measured 8.5in (which they didn't and I had to adjust them). I'm learning and learning by my mistakes but I am so much more confident than I was at the beginning and for the last quilt. I think the burden is being lifted from Fran and Karen's shoulders... at last !<br /><br />I must pin, pin and pin again !<br /><br />My next quilt is going to be PERFECT !<br /><br />Here's the progress report on William's Space Boy Quilt:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLDNGBqympwHAuDDTURUjsLjV3zbzOecHA0p9RJlrl2N8AVj3M6g1PMq2A5FqiL4zIqiP9CDzJ3YFbs7vUadAYwKOEzAfMqVsZLBO8bGf4XHP-Dic01jUqmpBlMn4pENxkUzwivrEc5w/s1600-h/Billy+Quilt+1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 366px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLDNGBqympwHAuDDTURUjsLjV3zbzOecHA0p9RJlrl2N8AVj3M6g1PMq2A5FqiL4zIqiP9CDzJ3YFbs7vUadAYwKOEzAfMqVsZLBO8bGf4XHP-Dic01jUqmpBlMn4pENxkUzwivrEc5w/s400/Billy+Quilt+1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441426896949978290" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzkwKdQZanPj0pVnI_iU9T12J5FCAr4uA-fwil_ByUZDmv5g7tBFO4C4sZp2rvq5pwR-yA91SOah0NHHrEy5DPaEzbaoYG5srBpa4secVqvRZ7_WTw2XQLy6boybviTpXVa7Snmk9FQ0/s1600-h/Billy+Quilt+1c.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzkwKdQZanPj0pVnI_iU9T12J5FCAr4uA-fwil_ByUZDmv5g7tBFO4C4sZp2rvq5pwR-yA91SOah0NHHrEy5DPaEzbaoYG5srBpa4secVqvRZ7_WTw2XQLy6boybviTpXVa7Snmk9FQ0/s400/Billy+Quilt+1c.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441427279318334578" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX9lUrMlL7mQVBapVxmP9DlWXahLxw79hJLhCjU3cuQWFNJkvfEDghbBL2rYWpKMjIjpIkw6DCouSKC6R7hT58BAljZ-K7AGhEQdOOQsAfhlscQFuHvTn81El-76wW4joz26ZkbNUTI8/s1600-h/003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheX9lUrMlL7mQVBapVxmP9DlWXahLxw79hJLhCjU3cuQWFNJkvfEDghbBL2rYWpKMjIjpIkw6DCouSKC6R7hT58BAljZ-K7AGhEQdOOQsAfhlscQFuHvTn81El-76wW4joz26ZkbNUTI8/s400/003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441430518809149458" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAALEP6Ob4zedhKiYi4yMZwvwY_X3Hbf1HTijksFdEoEkKRRdA4s7u8B0natESxe8PjqvaB5vAQ8O3mnYO3FEdYzOX3nIpxz965Sdu59vKszi4eQ-ZrIPcmuLFsyYfyqkNN_FnA5TrIaQ/s1600-h/004+(3).JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 230px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAALEP6Ob4zedhKiYi4yMZwvwY_X3Hbf1HTijksFdEoEkKRRdA4s7u8B0natESxe8PjqvaB5vAQ8O3mnYO3FEdYzOX3nIpxz965Sdu59vKszi4eQ-ZrIPcmuLFsyYfyqkNN_FnA5TrIaQ/s400/004+(3).JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441527406036246194" /></a> Only another 4 rows to go for stage one.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-18211172874239745412010-02-16T17:05:00.004+03:002010-02-16T17:17:15.834+03:00Beautiful Quilting Blog<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh6WEFJijrq_Tn1g4VbofzfWIlsp4z6Ja7ttwUp9M9ACC3CeSxKnCQHEA6VjqXKcy4LLEJblr6O4Ffs4G9TOLkAHBLBbJYSQgJWZGSa1BlELq_4zIzXU4nP8WiEAVpn3HFF06WN6V7v8/s1600-h/Blogdegeorgina.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 249px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCh6WEFJijrq_Tn1g4VbofzfWIlsp4z6Ja7ttwUp9M9ACC3CeSxKnCQHEA6VjqXKcy4LLEJblr6O4Ffs4G9TOLkAHBLBbJYSQgJWZGSa1BlELq_4zIzXU4nP8WiEAVpn3HFF06WN6V7v8/s400/Blogdegeorgina.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438842465372269906" /></a>http://eltallerdegeorgina.blogspot.com/<br /><strong>El Blog De Georgina</strong><br /><br />I found this blog site last night and I think its probably right up there with one of my favs. Ok, I know its not in English but if you page down to Yahoo's 'Babel Fish' Icon and click on the translation you will get it in English and it is a very good version.<br /><br />There are instructions, and photographs of her work in progress right thru to the finish. <br /><br />Stunning photography and quilts, and other interesting snipets on her travels and experience in Qatar, honestly go have a look !Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-52986751596175673562010-02-15T09:15:00.009+03:002010-02-15T14:30:01.667+03:00Pants !<strong>Love Is In The Air ... Update</strong><br /><br />I can't really report on anything very exciting or untoward happening here in Al Khobar over the Valentine's period, but I did only go out during the daytime so maybe a little more happend in the evenings. I will wait until someone tells me any different locally.<br /><br />On my morning shopping trip to the Mall of Dharan, I noticed a lot of red clothes, and red accessories so they weren't taken off the shelves but I didn't see any heart shaped gifts and to be honest I didn't go looking for a teddy bear, all said everything seemed to appear as usual.<br /><br />I know there were a few things happening around from the various blogs around, which I have listed at the end along with a little bit about UnderWear !<br /><br /><strong>Pants !</strong><br /><br />UnderWear, now there's another funny thing...Men are not allowed to look at a women, nor talk to her but they are allowed to discuss the intimate details of bra size, and panties sizes. This is because there are no women shop assistants here in The Kingdom. It is 'men' everywhere, you'll even find them advising on cosmetics !!!! Dah, that drives me mad, they will even try on the latest 'french manicure' on their finger for your benefit.<br /><br />But back to underwear, I have never bought anything in the underwear departments out here as I find it intimidating and embarrasing to divulge my body details and colour preferences, all for the benefit of the sales 'man' to imagine what I might be wearing underneath my abaya. Also because, as a western woman, I am easily recognised as I do not wear a veil.<br /><br />There is a public calling for a ban on shopping in these places for a couple of weeks, and I so hope it works to get the desired effect of getting the men out and women in. Until that day though I will continue to purchase my items via the internet and wait anywhere from 2-6 weeks for them to arrive.<br /><br />Below are links to various other blogs/sites with information about the above. You'll have to copy and paste into your browser.<br /><br />http://susiesbigadventure.blogspot.com/2010/02/valentines-day-massacre.html<br /><br />http://susiesbigadventure.blogspot.com/2008/02/happy-valentines-day-or-not.html<br /><br />http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=132920&d=14&m=2&y=2010&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom<br /><br />http://susieofarabia.wordpress.com/2009/12/21/peddling-panties/<br /><br />http://saudiwoman.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/ban-men-from-selling-lingerie-in-ksa/<br /><br />http://saudiwoman.wordpress.com/2010/01/16/ban-men-from-selling-lingerie-in-ksa/Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-13162995338676601852010-02-10T19:34:00.005+03:002010-02-10T19:51:50.168+03:00February 14th ... Love is in the air ?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzThLdliPJC35JDZseLRdS2AorIVK-K-NVGen_Nz3kAESt4N9tNcMUeANH2xIMFnnStp-y92sgmyKoGrZAYf19GCOcW9R0ddYPCnv-afeSG-elnEigLR2jCWHrxmsRkEeBg9tZ1y08r_0/s1600-h/HDILTquilt.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 387px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzThLdliPJC35JDZseLRdS2AorIVK-K-NVGen_Nz3kAESt4N9tNcMUeANH2xIMFnnStp-y92sgmyKoGrZAYf19GCOcW9R0ddYPCnv-afeSG-elnEigLR2jCWHrxmsRkEeBg9tZ1y08r_0/s400/HDILTquilt.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436658130798387058" /></a>Image from Victorian Quilt Designs (http://www.victorianaquiltdesigns.com/)<br /><br />The following is an entry I intended to post last year but for some reason missed it and found it in my drafts just now. With the day looming very close now I just wondered how it would be this year out and about shopping on Valentine's Day. I will post again soon with an update.<br /><br /><strong>February 14th (2009)</strong><br /><br />Ok then... now here's a thing, Valentines Day is banned in Saudi... you cannot buy a card or anything to do with Valentines Day here and if you find something and the matowa catch you, you are in trouble.<br /><br />A few days before the matawa were in full force in the Dharan Mall checking that there were no cards or goods or anything 'red' being sold in the stores and if there were they were confiscated and destroyed with possible arrest for the shop owner. If someone was unlucky enough to be caught with any fresh or fake flowers, albeit just for decoration, they were seized and stamped on to destroy them.<br /><br />On one of the compounds even, one of the teachers had been given a birthday card and gift in a red bag. Some compounds even have matowa on them and they were in force to check that no gift relating to Valentine's Day were being given. The teacher was shouted at by a matowa and had her present and card taken off her and he shouted that she had been given them by a man. <br />You may laugh but unless you can prove that you are married to the man you are with you could be accused of adultery or you have to have written permission from your husband to be with this person. So an unmarried women is most certainly not allowed to be receiving gifts, and certainly not of this nature. The present and card were actually for her birthday and given by another woman.<br /><br />Well that was one of the things that I wanted to get down before I forgot as it is almost a norm for me now that I almost don't even think it strange anymore and I forget that it will be interesting for you to read, and for me to read again in 3 years time when I return to the 'free world' ... well 'free' it may seem but any better I'm not too sure but at least I won't have a problem buying a Valentine Card ! <br /><br />Afterthought: I've not bought a valentine card for years, come to think of it I've even forgotten our anniversary on a couple of occasions... but I will buy one just for the fact that 'I can' .... in 3 years time that is.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-5115643536356714852010-02-08T13:55:00.004+03:002010-02-08T14:09:00.771+03:00Almost Forgot to Show & Tell ...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYyAbZSjHwEkj0Jt9v5PRH0bFyV4F1Kr6ycPQCmkXYsdqmjUiVlLD07MTKOyKu_VswRfjBtF9HciLrA5XuQKB7Wbf9uzI2jIpilhhYvALesTgT9VFLjbhiAgYdOAy173jX7IEYiQy2HE/s1600-h/quilt1+resized.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 344px; height: 330px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYyAbZSjHwEkj0Jt9v5PRH0bFyV4F1Kr6ycPQCmkXYsdqmjUiVlLD07MTKOyKu_VswRfjBtF9HciLrA5XuQKB7Wbf9uzI2jIpilhhYvALesTgT9VFLjbhiAgYdOAy173jX7IEYiQy2HE/s400/quilt1+resized.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435826468798526306" /></a><br />... My very first finished quilt ! The log cabin quilt which I finished just in time for Christmas to give to my mother-in law when we were in Cyprus for the holidays.<br /><br />It was hard to let go of it seeing as it was my first quilt and I think I got it just right with the colours. Initially I didn't think it was going to happen as I spent 2 hours in the fabric/craft shop, Zamils here in Al Khobar. These were the colours I picked out first of all but then doubted my choice thinking they just wouldn't go together and put them back. I almost left the shop after 2 hours in tears thinking I can't work out how to put colours together. Went back and got the first choice thinking 'just go with it ... got nothing to lose'. <br /><br />So glad and am thrilled with the finished quilt as was Margaret when she received it. And although, I'm sorry to let my first quilt go, I know its gone to an appreciative receiver.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-44403823901012039312010-02-06T23:45:00.006+03:002010-02-07T23:18:05.062+03:00Randomness<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSatNQze9e7QrR12ZpS0I8mtyCSmOGdPw0Zw82nn25yY1KeQcP3A2cIA9ER42NoFvOethp8xf8noc8ms_Y391n-iP5vZkHAVFekOIwNRa7M7Hd6PQW2xxPKtAvlNQYjQrbAbTnhjhxTo/s1600-h/004RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaSatNQze9e7QrR12ZpS0I8mtyCSmOGdPw0Zw82nn25yY1KeQcP3A2cIA9ER42NoFvOethp8xf8noc8ms_Y391n-iP5vZkHAVFekOIwNRa7M7Hd6PQW2xxPKtAvlNQYjQrbAbTnhjhxTo/s400/004RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435235478138281682" /></a><br />I am so pleased with myself again as I've nearly finished my 2nd quilt, a random rail fence made from scraps from the previous quilt. I really didn't like it too much at first but when the border went on it seemed to come together a bit more and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing it finished.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPWzpdc8JTGJtaDFqdcYBEneY4i3seiIEbKdz7XyyasFdIJIimvWMs-SSC2BdsV6Wxmv_g0jPtdKfxQ_DyoHPlXWFVpugdfqU9qokrTnZ5cX2R7py1Y_GCvA0ZSKXfMFh3zQQIvVXHrs/s1600-h/006RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPWzpdc8JTGJtaDFqdcYBEneY4i3seiIEbKdz7XyyasFdIJIimvWMs-SSC2BdsV6Wxmv_g0jPtdKfxQ_DyoHPlXWFVpugdfqU9qokrTnZ5cX2R7py1Y_GCvA0ZSKXfMFh3zQQIvVXHrs/s400/006RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435235788484261714" /></a><br />I can't say I'm fully confident at making up a quilt on my own yet but with the help of Fran, Karen and the rest of the girls in the quilting group, I'm sure I'll get there very soon. I just hope that it will be before Fran leaves to go back to the UK as she's just about the best teacher I imagine there could be.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-85664420287580568712010-02-07T22:50:00.007+03:002010-02-07T23:12:32.315+03:00Noodle's First Christmas...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHgZiGJhPjMZFFbZWZOzGtJnIB4vEephVVt_gwPRE02WcqvjjCpR59r_xuXIW8VPGsPvoCUNrWNQI_eId88sRNzQReeWH0a3j-TmqnQIcEUrlY0N1gEmkcTlhkE53U3XU01pWOhL6Ujk/s1600-h/FIRSTXMAS1RESIZE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 302px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihHgZiGJhPjMZFFbZWZOzGtJnIB4vEephVVt_gwPRE02WcqvjjCpR59r_xuXIW8VPGsPvoCUNrWNQI_eId88sRNzQReeWH0a3j-TmqnQIcEUrlY0N1gEmkcTlhkE53U3XU01pWOhL6Ujk/s400/FIRSTXMAS1RESIZE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435595453641539762" /></a><br />...and maybe his last !<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ql7Mr2r97V7ZYO1eMVm67MMJdy1-RgGQsJP6r423yeb1kBzOqrB-F_dN-e5eMY3873yNt5YwvIgtRSfovNMmunrBIBLnhjsKStwxeOCgJA6ZZvRpxXwfZSZoOTO9lG6fgCclqvqKj-I/s1600-h/FIRSTXMAS2RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 308px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Ql7Mr2r97V7ZYO1eMVm67MMJdy1-RgGQsJP6r423yeb1kBzOqrB-F_dN-e5eMY3873yNt5YwvIgtRSfovNMmunrBIBLnhjsKStwxeOCgJA6ZZvRpxXwfZSZoOTO9lG6fgCclqvqKj-I/s400/FIRSTXMAS2RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435595838067322386" /></a><br />Well we knew we might be in for a troublesome time with the tree seeing as it was his first Christmas. I've 'never' had a cat that was as badly behaved as he was. Immediately trying to put the tree up he was climbing up it and knocking the decorations off as soon as they were put on. In the end we just gave up and left the tree looking pretty fed up. Hopefully next year he'll have grown out of his irritating ways !<br /><br />Wrapping presents was a nightmare !<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ0F5DKVWci8kcwyxZBjQLI5RYpsoqX6QjvRkCuWr9a4IV3-78tVaZ9akBUZ5DuiONkYqUOSQ2PqiaamqRuIol9Dv9G6wfr2D-InpbBvxIiXkY9cIy3SqoCaSa8e9BwlU3RosvvAtPYM/s1600-h/WRAPPEDRESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJ0F5DKVWci8kcwyxZBjQLI5RYpsoqX6QjvRkCuWr9a4IV3-78tVaZ9akBUZ5DuiONkYqUOSQ2PqiaamqRuIol9Dv9G6wfr2D-InpbBvxIiXkY9cIy3SqoCaSa8e9BwlU3RosvvAtPYM/s400/WRAPPEDRESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435596117201330322" /></a><br />Uncle Scamp ran away from home for 6 weeks when we got Noodle but he came home in the end and is just tolerating him and doing his own thing. I think he decided life on the compound as a 'wild' cat was way behind him and not a life he wanted to return to. <br /><br />Welcome home Scamp, we all love you.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-49020653546672391582009-11-23T19:48:00.002+03:002009-11-23T19:57:31.766+03:00Pitbull - Good & Bad News<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhpFdQhyaJ-s0rht8CgEc_wPxPS_zAZEP_iTrP-6eR5Ok6sZlu1SiWUHMwNOZjQwbGOWm6UjqmRGmLVmNW652Dmu4CQu3qDjKxIoBtfleeHf_g1x5MV21V2-43SIkYcG_DR97eVt3PB0/s1600/PITBULL_1_RESIZED2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 146px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivhpFdQhyaJ-s0rht8CgEc_wPxPS_zAZEP_iTrP-6eR5Ok6sZlu1SiWUHMwNOZjQwbGOWm6UjqmRGmLVmNW652Dmu4CQu3qDjKxIoBtfleeHf_g1x5MV21V2-43SIkYcG_DR97eVt3PB0/s400/PITBULL_1_RESIZED2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407342399266086658" /></a>Well Pitbull was finally caught and sent off to the vets. Now the 'PCC' (PAWS Cat Catcher) did say that when she caught him, he was off for the 'big sleep in the sky', which I had thought was a bit sad, and unfair just cos he's an ugly cat and noone wanted to adopt him. <br /><br />However, 'PCC' thought Pitbull was such a well behaved cat during his time in the cat box and at the vets that he had a reprieve and <em>was</em> allowed back onto the compound minus some bits he'd originally been proudly displaying around the place.<br /><br />Welcome back Pitbull ! We hope Noodle will take after you in the 'good looks & charm' state.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-6047170221483621732009-11-23T12:58:00.007+03:002009-11-23T13:18:27.658+03:00My First Quilt...Almost there !<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgpizde7VWdhUBLqihNsEHXEfwyogAfJyf0pB-CkOmKdcTyGXPmM4unOvfJ3BBNddmRdkmpVtaO9tIeym7_51qw13pIblpduf1B8B5hMdBP3mmNKkKZaG4G3zD-7lR2ieACLINgpZC6c/s1600/quiltclubresized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcgpizde7VWdhUBLqihNsEHXEfwyogAfJyf0pB-CkOmKdcTyGXPmM4unOvfJ3BBNddmRdkmpVtaO9tIeym7_51qw13pIblpduf1B8B5hMdBP3mmNKkKZaG4G3zD-7lR2ieACLINgpZC6c/s400/quiltclubresized.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407239168865619538" /></a>Yep, yet again its been all quiet due to internet problems and just about too much to be getting on with. I've had my in-laws out to visit and a somewhat hectic social life (well for me anyway) and getting on with my latest 'new hobby' ... quilting !<br /><br />I joined a fabulous quilting group, 'Kingdom Quilters' and have met some really lovely ladies in the process. I am almost finished with my very first quilt, a log cabin and just can't wait to get onto the next one.<br /><br />I also belong to another quilt club run by the same ladies, Fran and Karen, 'The Beduoin Quilters' which runs once a month and is well worth popping along to for advice and help with new techniques and quick projects.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LH44jhxxI99V9qMZa3uCVgRvHucE3AO2RckwPDiBs2nLzYTV86dfXN59O7HyyWfqMtFv3Ilj1USQpTyzcmWvQPjZ7kppxYWl_NsiSe_8qkChqPmNepORsC8ItveSXCtPxFAgvcRuJzE/s1600/quiltxmasresized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LH44jhxxI99V9qMZa3uCVgRvHucE3AO2RckwPDiBs2nLzYTV86dfXN59O7HyyWfqMtFv3Ilj1USQpTyzcmWvQPjZ7kppxYWl_NsiSe_8qkChqPmNepORsC8ItveSXCtPxFAgvcRuJzE/s400/quiltxmasresized.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407239752403050898" /></a>Ok, so we did no quilting on this day but we all had a great time at our Christmas Dinner and were thrilled with our surprise presents of a unique quilted bag, quilting cd's, 'fat quarters' and much more. Brilliant Club ! So glad I joined in with this one ... it did take me 6 months to fully get going with it and my sporadic attendances are now a thing of the past !<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPg0yvrPD51ZnZ6jf-g2aTsQL6JykuAG8VyZRILfBfoSsy_tjTb3SHBM2AmD_a4UDnWlmOxIPTY3HkTGVySytqTV-X_Uunv57wopITV6HkIr_n8TeR5j_jrfyMYI7IuakK3BvR8Nrjsk/s1600/quiltresized.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 275px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioPg0yvrPD51ZnZ6jf-g2aTsQL6JykuAG8VyZRILfBfoSsy_tjTb3SHBM2AmD_a4UDnWlmOxIPTY3HkTGVySytqTV-X_Uunv57wopITV6HkIr_n8TeR5j_jrfyMYI7IuakK3BvR8Nrjsk/s400/quiltresized.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407240617641825106" /></a>Almost finished, just the binding to get done and that's it !Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-42950374853942325912009-09-13T09:53:00.001+03:002009-09-13T09:54:56.462+03:00Not a Fan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimBav0OmIJrWwDt_6tJ5hD2g_cQtbOPL8wgWObltSPN9-7fOrCfxHfzuTT2qovh1URlMgmiA6ClKjuw287GjTwq7WQ-6fYFyk1O0Y7BGXeiIfzVl2Qua1Knt565CE8UYytRQE2JTFhAg/s1600-h/NOT+A+FAN+RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimBav0OmIJrWwDt_6tJ5hD2g_cQtbOPL8wgWObltSPN9-7fOrCfxHfzuTT2qovh1URlMgmiA6ClKjuw287GjTwq7WQ-6fYFyk1O0Y7BGXeiIfzVl2Qua1Knt565CE8UYytRQE2JTFhAg/s400/NOT+A+FAN+RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380840026501611666" /></a><br /><br />So, not a fan of Jodi Picoult then !Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-84633125688710406772009-09-13T09:36:00.006+03:002009-09-13T09:52:57.368+03:00Introducing ... Noodle<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVVr7aSo_SXinyR8IItl7UDAKTY5vlXn_eJyRjHRWbe_YnBvwvAvNgWuCaGu5-U1tCh6DmRvvIX7Yr-nwD70xSpIsohBEqBrknVEKa1z9ZOf4JQ-MAFaT6nWQvA_ElCss_NjCRZRxn8A/s1600-h/INTRODUCING+RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivVVr7aSo_SXinyR8IItl7UDAKTY5vlXn_eJyRjHRWbe_YnBvwvAvNgWuCaGu5-U1tCh6DmRvvIX7Yr-nwD70xSpIsohBEqBrknVEKa1z9ZOf4JQ-MAFaT6nWQvA_ElCss_NjCRZRxn8A/s400/INTRODUCING+RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380837644659607538" /></a><br />Well this is Noodle, one of the 4 week old kittens from the mom that just got 'fixed'. Right now I'm not happy with him/her as s/he has just wee'd on my nice soft blannket I thought s/he would like to sleep on...and s/he is jumping all over me and the keyboard. Oh yes, and biting my socks ! Obviously s/he is doing ok right now !<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhouq0cjYermlaIgoGRWsSWnP97tcB-zMiDtHh6n-_NPD1uZrXOXlKR7AbrI72PY8kb57gDuAN3srVbKqATYoPz1C2IQGAMMAAqUMcCa_iYCZb214OnM_ptLLUYP7lG-lwohHLuqaq6ms/s1600-h/NOODLE+1+RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhouq0cjYermlaIgoGRWsSWnP97tcB-zMiDtHh6n-_NPD1uZrXOXlKR7AbrI72PY8kb57gDuAN3srVbKqATYoPz1C2IQGAMMAAqUMcCa_iYCZb214OnM_ptLLUYP7lG-lwohHLuqaq6ms/s400/NOODLE+1+RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380839337871627426" /></a>Noodle behaving a little better.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2uli1g9lLJCAIxnp3XgA3cB8td-rlWQUsyGekkM_J0dEHJ2FNMtW-MQW_dfp3277G9h_c9sIPtxE08F8CLH7Or_NIi6s-fXj7BAwv7hZoVHfDF9xplgsxqzLbFd-L4deL1O82lIraOI/s1600-h/NOODLE+2+RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2uli1g9lLJCAIxnp3XgA3cB8td-rlWQUsyGekkM_J0dEHJ2FNMtW-MQW_dfp3277G9h_c9sIPtxE08F8CLH7Or_NIi6s-fXj7BAwv7hZoVHfDF9xplgsxqzLbFd-L4deL1O82lIraOI/s400/NOODLE+2+RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380840291986347970" /></a><br />Scamp...he's still not happy but has come home so far but wants nothing to do with it whatsoever, and right now I feel the same !Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-87084039159917680472009-09-12T21:26:00.008+03:002009-09-13T09:34:48.869+03:00PAWS for Thought<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuWlLsU2NnZGWiO4F1JXpS4fF_gsewkPiqp9qLy6U0Pd9RnobZBcNABekvYo8PWAjalRsVf8OZQbtsl1-QnLc59k2HIl3cxFarTxAaUChJudSJO0kNATBwRVzN9rnKYFu04mduuCCRo8/s1600-h/GINGER+RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 301px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAuWlLsU2NnZGWiO4F1JXpS4fF_gsewkPiqp9qLy6U0Pd9RnobZBcNABekvYo8PWAjalRsVf8OZQbtsl1-QnLc59k2HIl3cxFarTxAaUChJudSJO0kNATBwRVzN9rnKYFu04mduuCCRo8/s400/GINGER+RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380835005357876866" /></a>'Ginger' one of the kittens up for adoption on the PAWS website. Also a half brother of Noodle from the previous litter before 'mom' got fixed !<br /><br />I have been putting this one for sometime, but when we first moved onto the compound we noticed that there was a particularly thriving semi ferile as well as totally ferile cat population. This is how we aquired Scamp our stray. I live a couple of doors down from the PAWS representative on our compound and really did want to help out but didn't want the stigma of 'the old mad cat lady' as my very first image and introduction to everyone else when we first arrived. I no longer need to worry on that score as I believe I'm already getting to be known as a little bit mad about cats as well as socks !<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjHPcL8Rdo1MwPcquESF_biF9IxT0gtYXWSLquibYlRk5hLmwm3Q7pewWR2LRekKTuR2xa6PqXPLNI2ymwNEhulZaAKUFPHkXxpAqpb5a7dFj0-H_KjCnXaYXK-gP06_3zZ71Rx9fIjI/s1600-h/PITBULL+1+RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifjHPcL8Rdo1MwPcquESF_biF9IxT0gtYXWSLquibYlRk5hLmwm3Q7pewWR2LRekKTuR2xa6PqXPLNI2ymwNEhulZaAKUFPHkXxpAqpb5a7dFj0-H_KjCnXaYXK-gP06_3zZ71Rx9fIjI/s400/PITBULL+1+RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380834633312550866" /></a>'Pitbull' not one of the most attractive cats. His time is numbered as a Cassenova... we'll catch him one day soon!<br /><br />Anyway, this week I had my first experience of taking one of the poorly kittens down to the vets for I'm sorry to say an extra long sleep. He really wasn't very well, he'd gone blind in one eye and couldn't see well from the other and couldn't walk very well and at 3 months its quality of life surely wasn't going to be too good. The mum cat really did her best but it wasn't fair to either of them. Now she needs to be caught to 'fix her' so she doesn't have anymore kittens.<br /><br />The very next day a set of kittens and their mum was caught and were taken off for 'fixing'...and then the latest litter of kittens were found huddled up in someone's garden. They were so tiny and only around 4 weeks old. Unfortunately my 2 (or perhaps I should say 3 if including my DH) kids just kept on about having one to try to save it. So in the end I gave in and now we have 2 cats ! Scamp is not impressed at all but I'm hoping he'll come round and that they'll become company for each other.<br /><br />The new addition is 'Noodle' and has started to eat and drink and we're hoping he or she will thrive.<br /><br />Looks like I'll be getting more involved in the PAWS 'thing' afterall !<br />Also looks like I'll be needing a job to be able to bring them both back to the UK when this posting is over !<br /><br />PAWS 'People's Animal Welfare Society', Saudi Arabia<br />Website:http://www.saudipaws.com/index.htmSj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-26414356642549526042009-09-13T07:04:00.004+03:002009-09-13T09:19:01.205+03:00Happy Birthday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KUfgPllCoHBY7giUcm25YdjnBpU_bcZdwMoFDK1pWqDxAInR6-CFh2ffXSYgJQLn2gY77zXiz2wwLc50EuhLQCyguBInG2YQLovaYA_e6CBVE5JNsE1j6NapnITEGuuW_Ik1_uzvayk/s1600-h/HAPPY+BIRTHDAY+FRAMED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KUfgPllCoHBY7giUcm25YdjnBpU_bcZdwMoFDK1pWqDxAInR6-CFh2ffXSYgJQLn2gY77zXiz2wwLc50EuhLQCyguBInG2YQLovaYA_e6CBVE5JNsE1j6NapnITEGuuW_Ik1_uzvayk/s400/HAPPY+BIRTHDAY+FRAMED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380832429046031570" /></a><br />Oh how the years have flown...he's nearly a teenager! 11 years old ! Who'd have imagined the little scrawny pre-termer would be a strong healthy 11 year old...it seems just yesterday that he was just a baby.<br /><br />I think he had a good time, we had a pool party and sleepover which keeps him happy.<br /><br />Happy Birthday William, xSj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-66382235980768327802009-09-02T11:58:00.020+03:002009-09-13T08:06:21.811+03:00South Africa<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNQVRsY1SkThIJmc7yXxzIiw6SfOaikBr9LOE8s701PFTK0juLtx8cD-IhNtpkIhcQpdeBvapQFGemwNPzvmgAx6oWsn91SpWNxhYLkJCwbdEVKrD1yr71dj2wtsJ_zzgadovbF1Fwz8/s1600-h/pic9RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvNQVRsY1SkThIJmc7yXxzIiw6SfOaikBr9LOE8s701PFTK0juLtx8cD-IhNtpkIhcQpdeBvapQFGemwNPzvmgAx6oWsn91SpWNxhYLkJCwbdEVKrD1yr71dj2wtsJ_zzgadovbF1Fwz8/s400/pic9RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380808921703193154" /></a><br />Well we are back and the kids are back at school and life is returning to normal again...apart from the fact that its Ramadam and very hot !<br /><br />Our holiday was just fantastic and I'm really suffering after being away and having such a wonderful time and returning to Saudi to doing very little at all !<br /><br />Still stop moaning and get on with the reporting :<br /><br />We spent the first 10 days in the UK catching up with family and friends and I had that all important 'curry night out with the girls' at the Nepalese Restaurant in Portsmouth. I even managed to have a temporary membership at Roko and got to several 'Spinning' classes...which now seem pretty pointless as I did nothing since once we got on with the holiday and back to Saudi...I will start my exercise regime again... promise ! I need to after all the food !<br /><br />Then we were off, South Africa...12 hour flight in 'economy' ... urgghhhh ! But it was worth it. We were met at Jo'berg airport by Tracey from 'Get-About Tours and Safari's' whom we booked the holiday with.<br /><br />We had just the best time in South Africa and went from Jo'berg to Kruger Park, to Moholoholo Game Lodge, to Nkhuru and then onto Cape Town.<br /><br />The kids loved our visit to the De Wilt animal rehab centre where we met a special character, 'Ambassador Byron'...a cheater that allowed us to pat him and have some pics taken.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff6gElSO91wUMDkl8A-eHx6op2koYcDZJVPkNyeOoDkAqvanEt44NEBfq5ncRf3UuPmZb1nJ8MyIgJmkI_fLgGPr4nbpEfmQu1wd4pfCukBdo6ggAqLH55vvS4nqfa9PrfWp7msg953k/s1600-h/pic+1RESIZE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjff6gElSO91wUMDkl8A-eHx6op2koYcDZJVPkNyeOoDkAqvanEt44NEBfq5ncRf3UuPmZb1nJ8MyIgJmkI_fLgGPr4nbpEfmQu1wd4pfCukBdo6ggAqLH55vvS4nqfa9PrfWp7msg953k/s400/pic+1RESIZE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380808334211242546" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VmT2W6Wx056pME8Wyb8ztHEjZjzDo8X17Ih1KUa0QBQgtEHt80i28holEh7HmkZWKIec2xlAALtMaq25LwLUDbZfeOOrHiih2T7Gelx31daSQk0U7g01gl2Bcv20Hh8WCFtxxBp6ink/s1600-h/pic5RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0VmT2W6Wx056pME8Wyb8ztHEjZjzDo8X17Ih1KUa0QBQgtEHt80i28holEh7HmkZWKIec2xlAALtMaq25LwLUDbZfeOOrHiih2T7Gelx31daSQk0U7g01gl2Bcv20Hh8WCFtxxBp6ink/s400/pic5RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380807923130442722" /></a>Another cheater from the 'De Wilt' Cheater Sanctuary<br /> <br />On one of the trips, to the Hippo Hut in Moholohola we were treated to a hunt and capture of a South African Rock Python by our guide..the fantastic Eric who really made this such an exciting place to visit with his speciality subject of snakes.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThg2zZIYNx-c1zwGYiFe4FUX6TkOJKv_KReAeCuIx3WHKmW3Oj65m4phdB6KOwt1tS2XceENxGvX8__hdshP0xmKvOyE-IXe4srP7B-0wJTDolv83WIIYsy3onD4WwTWe9eW4RlpbDNE/s1600-h/Day+6+Game+Drive+(lE+027RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 268px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjThg2zZIYNx-c1zwGYiFe4FUX6TkOJKv_KReAeCuIx3WHKmW3Oj65m4phdB6KOwt1tS2XceENxGvX8__hdshP0xmKvOyE-IXe4srP7B-0wJTDolv83WIIYsy3onD4WwTWe9eW4RlpbDNE/s400/Day+6+Game+Drive+(lE+027RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380811973941208610" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPoWY3j8VMi63lV3Gj_tL-GNtUjMP2AFgkGSGSD8I9SSZXN42ZpqZJhyphenhyphen-vzU60J5bkDFfJCgyP0pp9i43yoWngsOF0UKDvXrWSazWsrGOphGrWurRHWrVuCCD4bFb4GmSIYA29KlFoTo/s1600-h/Day+6+Game+Drive+(lE+026RESIZED.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPoWY3j8VMi63lV3Gj_tL-GNtUjMP2AFgkGSGSD8I9SSZXN42ZpqZJhyphenhyphen-vzU60J5bkDFfJCgyP0pp9i43yoWngsOF0UKDvXrWSazWsrGOphGrWurRHWrVuCCD4bFb4GmSIYA29KlFoTo/s400/Day+6+Game+Drive+(lE+026RESIZED.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380812775633493426" /></a><br />We also spent our 20th Wedding Anniversary at the Moholoholo Lodge where on a return safari trip we had a wonderful surprise of a beautiful spread of leaves and candles and an iced bucket containing a bottle of Champers ! We sat outside listening to the nocturnal animals munching and chomping around us...the kids were inside in their camping beds!<br /><br />There really are just so many pictures from this holiday so I'll post just a few at a time.<br /><br />And YES we saw the 'BIG 5' !<br /><br />Special thanks goes to our tour guides, Tracey and Clinton from, <strong>'GETABOUT TOURS AND SAFARIS'</strong>, who put this fantastic holiday package together for us.<br /><strong>Website: http://www.getabout-tours.co.za/</strong><br /><br />We will be returning to South Africa again for sure.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-13428706519363852902009-08-26T12:50:00.005+03:002009-08-26T13:02:23.969+03:00Happy Ramadan<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUV4lWr7PRxi9VhsXscERLkEwxhCdvlMF0jO0gmyN8euJqe9kAlTSJcid3E5vpEsLs5QVOV61bDZ7jP1EfHmHtPGUM5yWqM_qGIIAUSBuB69YYl-cKY23_cIRhGFjC6IDSD4Wsg2t5tk/s1600-h/f_RamadanFriem_7be1abe.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 305px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigUV4lWr7PRxi9VhsXscERLkEwxhCdvlMF0jO0gmyN8euJqe9kAlTSJcid3E5vpEsLs5QVOV61bDZ7jP1EfHmHtPGUM5yWqM_qGIIAUSBuB69YYl-cKY23_cIRhGFjC6IDSD4Wsg2t5tk/s400/f_RamadanFriem_7be1abe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5374210580605541266" /></a>Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-87757370709068295452009-07-26T21:10:00.004+03:002009-07-26T21:20:31.274+03:00Winding Down for Summer Vacation !<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1USpi8BACIcxAab2qV72kDcgaOw-Nwf0PbNt7AEn4mktACyNHsgUvmoUUKPhRTT1rOpSGMA7guUz5eqVv-DYPM6kV8LM5v53Hby-vekBDRyRKvan9W6xy8ifeqUa6ZQH9zA9n8jTqnQ8/s1600-h/vacation1+collageRESIZE.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 218px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1USpi8BACIcxAab2qV72kDcgaOw-Nwf0PbNt7AEn4mktACyNHsgUvmoUUKPhRTT1rOpSGMA7guUz5eqVv-DYPM6kV8LM5v53Hby-vekBDRyRKvan9W6xy8ifeqUa6ZQH9zA9n8jTqnQ8/s400/vacation1+collageRESIZE.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356398836471692082" /></a><br />I had wanted to add several posts before I finally packed for our summer vacation but things have just run away with me and I just didn't get the time I wanted on the computer.<br /><br />Firstly there was the school holidays which meant spending more time with the kids and ... well ... letting them play on the computer themselves, which is quite okay as its been just too hot to go out during the day at the moment so they've got to have something to do whilst they're stuck inside. We've then, usually gone out around 6 or 7pm when its a little more comfortable to walk around outside. We've also had a few nights out at the swimming pool in the moonlight.<br /><br />Also, I've had a few 'get togethers' for new arrivals and leavers to and from the compound, and shopping trips in order to prepare for our impending holiday excursions to the UK and ... then ... onto Safari in South Africa ... can't wait !<br /><br />So things are going to be fairly quiet on here, but I'll be back at the end of August and into the unrelenting heat of the Saudi summer and Ramadam.<br /><br />Back on with the packing and see you soon.Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2290598656336507229.post-33403538358879566902009-07-23T15:01:00.005+03:002009-07-23T15:14:02.492+03:00Stable Mable<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy3jCS8bFr121J2eW8xOsL1BiZOvDUCmMKiYVeEvaLffcWJl2-vRvPIEtLxtlCHmcWv8lvPsgEcHmjz3woN9vKovFFa1_RT2jdUXQuwARDHKc60xZbpiji7jD9AnwECaevqhnD_Y2i1Y/s1600-h/sm5resize.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 322px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTy3jCS8bFr121J2eW8xOsL1BiZOvDUCmMKiYVeEvaLffcWJl2-vRvPIEtLxtlCHmcWv8lvPsgEcHmjz3woN9vKovFFa1_RT2jdUXQuwARDHKc60xZbpiji7jD9AnwECaevqhnD_Y2i1Y/s400/sm5resize.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361626853694760754" /></a><br />Meet my new'ish mode of travel...Stable Mable<br /><br />My other bike, which I inherited when I came out here has finally got the better of me and I am totally fed up of the effort it takes to get the wheels to turn a full cycle so here's what was put up for the replacement.<br /><br />My first attempt at riding her was to head straght into the back of the car ...shush don't tell Pete ! But then I slowly got the hang of it as it really was a bit weird. I thought a 3-wheeler would be easy but this thing should have a certificate to go with it to prove you're a competent rider. Anyway, got the hang of it now but still feel unsure and unsteady with the kids in the back when going over the humps and up the hilly bits and even doing a turn.<br /><br />The kids love Mabel and its a real fight to stop them taking her off somewhere.<br /><br />Believe it or not, these bikes are a real sought after vehicle and I'm very lucky to have got her...she will come in so useful when we move onto the new compound next year as the place is huge and I'm going to need something to be able to bring all the shopping back from the compound shop.<br /><br />Trouble is I can't get the image out of my mind of Elvis, who used to ride his 3-wheeler around Portsmouth a few years back, but I think I'll probably leave Mable here as it wouldn't be fair to take her all the way back to England just to have the micky taken out of her.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwIUmH2w_i4avF5UU8m09DSCQC5U_V0ixw47UDx5sd90skRDH4FrvDDIzsXF92nxhfaw44Mt0PVeMwfjeGOTCLz1OmEhNdGpTYVu9Zl-EDJzkmES9Eu_ULsPfrSEtyNUK_Hy5FswP8Dc/s1600-h/sm1resize.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 343px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwIUmH2w_i4avF5UU8m09DSCQC5U_V0ixw47UDx5sd90skRDH4FrvDDIzsXF92nxhfaw44Mt0PVeMwfjeGOTCLz1OmEhNdGpTYVu9Zl-EDJzkmES9Eu_ULsPfrSEtyNUK_Hy5FswP8Dc/s400/sm1resize.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5361627232951876866" /></a>Sj2b House of Bookshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065336353947038145noreply@blogger.com1