A Change Of Colour

Last week I made a start on decorating our kitchen. When it comes to decorating Anders does any filling of cracks or holes then I do the sanding and painting leaving Anders the parts that I can't reach, this time behind the washer and freezer.

Its almost finished. Just a trim to go on the top of the tiles and new flooring to lay. The photo below shows the old paint colour next to the new. At first I thought that it was too dark with our kitchen being tiny but now that I'm used to it I think I prefer it to the old colour.

Fairground Fun

Last Friday evening we had a couple of hours out with Little L at a fair which had arrived about five miles away. This one always arrives in time for May Day when the town has a parade on the Saturday. I don't know how long the fair has been coming but I remember going when I was small. We decided to go in the evening as Little L has never seen a fair lit up at night ( I always think fairgrounds look quite nice at night ) and if we went on the day of the parade parking would be a nightmare and the field by that time would resemble giant mud puddle.

Its a long time since I've been to a fair myself (over 20 years). The first thing that I noticed were the prices, you need a bank loan these days. £3 for a go on Hook A Duck ! ... and I thought that you could no longer win goldfish at fairs but there they were hanging in bags. Little L spotted them straight away but I didn't cave in and let her have one. 

There were some extremely high rides there. Nothing like these existed when I was a teenager. I think the highest rides used to be the Parachutes or the Big Wheel if one was there.

Little L seemed to be more drawn to trampolines and inflatables though she had a whale of a time on the Bumper Cars with her Dad chasing other cars.

She did ask to go on the Ghost Train a few times (there were 3 of these) but I didn't think that would be such a good idea as sometimes she gets scared of Scooby Doo episodes. They are my favourite rides though because of the art work and all the dangly spooky stuff hanging from them.

Little L had an "amazing time" (her words, everything tends to be amazing or awesome these days) but I'm not sure if that was solely due going to the fair or being out past her bed time.

First Set Of Prints

After phoning our local photography shop to enquire about film development I found out that they no longer develop films on site and send them away for processing. I worked out less expensive for me to post them away to another company for processing and it didn't take any longer to receive the prints back either.
These are some of Little L's first set of prints.

I wasn't even sure if the camera would work or not so I'm pleased that it did. I think they are pretty good considering that she is only six years old. My Dad says she has a good eye. Now when we nip off out for a quick walk she asks if I have any film for her. I'm sure she thinks that I have an abundance of film squirreled away.

Camper Vans And Cars

This afternoon I remembered about some fabric that I had bought before Easter. Little L loves camper vans so when I saw this fabric I thought it would be perfect to make some cushions for her bed.

 They have an envelope closing so they were very speedy to make, just in time for her coming home from school.

I bought the fabric on line from Ditto Fabrics. I've checked the site and it can be found in the bargains section.

Scrap Crochet Blanket

This week I managed to finish off a crocheted blanket that I have been making using left over wool. I can't remember when I started it exactly but I think it may have been the beginning of last year.

It is one large granny square with a simple scallop edge and it measures 55in x 55in. Nice and colourful, just right for Little L.

Colwyn Bay

On the Easter Bank Holiday weekend we took our first seaside day out of the year to Colwyn Bay. I've only been once before to take some photos of the old pier and I was hoping that is was still there.

Its still standing but I don't know what the plans are for it. It would be nice if it could be brought back to its former glory.

There were plenty of people about enjoying the beach. Little L had a good time collecting rocks, shells and dry sea weed. She got her trainers full of sand (I can't imagine how that happened)

We then went a little way along the coast to Rhos On Sea. It was while we were here that we noticed a mist coming in from the sea. When we drove back towards the pier some time later it couldn't be seen until we were right on top of it.

On the way home we stopped off at Rhyl for Little L to have a go on the 2p machines. The machines must have been well stocked with it being the Easter Holidays because Little L seemed to come home with quite a collection this time. Any keyring that she manages to get from these machines she keeps in a bunch so when she gets them out it reminds her of her seaside trips.

The Budding Photographer

Last week Little L asked me if she could have a proper camera. By that she meant a film camera. I explained to her that they are very different to digital cameras, no deleting the photos that didn't turn out how you would like, no simply popping them in to the PC but she was adamant that she wanted one. After looking in our local charity shops I only managed to find one analogue camera. Maybe they are being sold Ebay or being thrown away thinking that it is something that nobody uses any more.

This is the one that I found for her. It came boxed with the instructions and neck strap still in the packet for £1.50. Little L thinks its brilliant.

Yesterday the weather here was lovely, far too nice to be sat indoors so in the morning we set off with some cameras for a wander along the canal. We took Little L's camera, 

this Fuji Instax 100 ( I don't use this very often as I think its too chunky and heavy to carry )

and a Kodak Retinette 1B which had a partially used film in. This is one of my favourite cameras. For it's age it is like new and I think it only cost me about £7 when I found it.

These are a couple of the photos Little L took with the instant camera ( to be honest some of hers were better than mine ). Both films were finished and are now ready to be posted off. It's a shame that nowhere local still develop film on their premises. Its seems that Little L will never know the joys of one hour developing, rushing back to the shop and tearing open the packet the minute you step outside.