Thank you Annie, I really want to be well even though taking the meds the Dr prescribed has made me feel worse but at least I can say I tried them but I wouldnt take antidepressants again, they certainly didnt help. I had one lesson of meditation and has such a profound experience that I am going to keep doing it, as she talked me through it in my minds eye I could see lilac air going into my nose and the pain (in mywristsespecially) became blurred yet morefocusedin the actual joint rather than radiating out. I also started to cry and found it reallymoving, which surprised me as I rather pragmatic usually. The last few weeks I have got worse and am nodding off at 8pm or even during the day and wonder if the Dr will add ME/CFS to his diagnosis. Hope you have got over your run of illness at the turn of the year. My crochet offer still stands,youd have it cracked in no time Jo xx

Am trying to regain a bit of my va va voom but it seems long gone! The crafternoon teas are such a delight, so many lovely crafty ladies enjoyingthemselveswith heaps of cake -perfect! Jo xx Jo Johnston French Knots Craft Studio 0777 578 0533 www.frenchknots.co.uk See thecurrent Creative Workshops at http://frenchknots.co.uk/a1-page.asp?ID=3750page=4 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/frenchknotscraftstudio

It does seem to be a permanent condition, though Im not sure he is quite on the button with the diagnosis, and there seems to be a bit of oh yes she is female and middle aged so we will say its fibro about it. Though as I reach the middle of my 40s I think middle age must surely be when I am over 50! Am enjoying seeing your basket work creations - Mrs Multitalented! Jo xx Jo Johnston French Knots Craft Studio 0777 578 0533 www.frenchknots.co.uk See thecurrent Creative Workshops at http://frenchknots.co.uk/a1-page.asp?ID=3750page=4 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/frenchknotscraftstudio

Thank you, my little business is my pride and joy a bit like another child! I have scaled back the number of workshops to two a week though and am looking at doing more with my kits as I need to regroup and recover. I didnt feel this bad looking after a newborn with no sleep! Jo xx Jo Johnston French Knots Craft Studio 0777 578 0533 www.frenchknots.co.uk See thecurrent Creative Workshops at http://frenchknots.co.uk/a1-page.asp?ID=3750page=4 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/frenchknotscraftstudio

Youd pick it up in no time. Happy to teach you! Dont think you are miles from me, could meet half way?? Jo Jo Johnston French Knots Craft Studio 0777 578 0533 www.frenchknots.co.uk See thecurrent Creative Workshops at http://frenchknots.co.uk/a1-page.asp?ID=3750page=4 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/frenchknotscraftstudio

Congratulations Jane, richly deserved.

Blogging really documents our lives and the passage of time, that's one of the reasons I love it. But it's poignant too as the children grow and their need for us changes. Good to see you back!

Brilliant photos! We will celebrate our 25th anniversay soon, as you say - where does the time go? I knitted an aran jumper in the 80s with my Mum, I did the cuffs she did the rest! xx

I was nodding to myself while reading your post as I do exactly the same class, it is so satisfying to get people up and running with their machines and they leave smiling. I've taught two classes so far this week. I teach in my own studio at the bottom of the garden and I use a local art cafe too. They advertise the classes and I teach in their premises during the evening and we split the money. I also teach patchwork, quilting, knitting, crochet - while not a formally qualified teacher I base my lesson plans on teaching skills via a specific project so all my customers have something lovely to take home - I love it!

Looks like the perfect picnic spot to me.

Oh the foxes are so sweet! I love pottering on my allotment, though it doesn't happen often enough so I am best at growing weeds!

I find if I call chilli/curry type things 'stew' the fussy blighters are more likely to eat it. I also roll leftover chilli etc up in a puff pastry bundle and call it savoury slice which might not please you No 3 but is great for using up leftovers.

When the clock is ticking loudly in your ear laughter is a good way to drown it out. It is awful, just awful, cancer is shit. Sending my love to you all x

We have had some brilliant winter holidays up there, one Christmas there was ice on the beach which looked amazing. And who can resist Barter Books!

You'll be peeling in your sleep after preparing so many apples! I made an apple cake today with some windfalls from the garden, a lovely taste of autumn.