Changing Times.

First of all, let me express my deepest gratitude for everyone's kind words of comfort ♥

Mums funeral went as well as any funeral can go. The service was beautiful and it was lovely to see so many friends and neighbours join our family in paying their last respects.

Life goes on and we are all getting back into some form of routine again, albeit a different routine.

As any regular visitor will know, I'm not the most prolific crafter at the best of times, to put it mildly. Like so many other card makers, I work all week and only have time to get inky at the weekend when the household chores are done. I'm fine with that though of course I always wish I had a little more playtime.

I've had very little spare time for the last few months as I was spending the weekends over at my Mum and Dads house and although Mum is now no longer here, the situation hasn't changed any.

At the age of 86 my dad is suddenly on his own after 61 years of marriage. I've been told by more than a few people that I'm not doing dad any favours and that he "Has to learn to adapt and live on his own" and yes that's true. I have to work during the week and he is on his own, but I'll be damned if he's going to spend 7 days a week alone. (Thank you Mary for your advice and encouragement on this subject, yes I will continue to follow my heart) and so my hobby time has disappeared.

I'm not complaining, I'm not trying to get anyone's sympathy vote for poor-little-old-me-that-has-no-time left. I totally adore my dad  and I love spending time with him. He's so easy going, he's kind, considerate, caring and funny, he always makes me laugh. Spending precious time with him is a privilege and one which I intend to take full advantage of.

With this in mind, I have stepped down from the Totally Tilda challenge and the Ribbon Girl card challenge. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on both teams (albeit a very much briefer time than I had hoped for on the Ribbon Girl) and I will always be truly thankful to Susie and Christine, and Mary and Andrea for the opportunity and the honour of being involved with both of these wonderful teams.

Thank you also to the lady that asked me yesterday if I'd like to join her challenge team. 6 months ago I'd have snatched your arm off to join it! It's a good job you're the loveliest lady or I'd have poked you in both eyes for your impeccably awful timing!

I hope to return to my hobby sometime in the near future, maybe in the new year when things have settled down more, but it all depends on how much time I can find or maybe I'll get lucky and win on the lottery and then I can retire? I won't hold my breath on that one.

I've missed a fair amount of my friends birthdays this year, not replied to emails, neglected to keep in touch and lost a friend or two in the process. As for Christmas, it's not even entered my mind yet and I think it's been cancelled this year.

With love 'n' hugs