Pokie- what??

Pokie- what??

Hi there.
Hope you are enjoying your Sunday?
This time last week I was at Hampton Court with Grace.

Now she’s already back in New York,
we’ve got a new Prime Minister, 
there has been a dreadful, premeditated massacre in Nice,
and an attempted coup d’état in Turkey which went wrong 
and cost hundreds of lives.
Unbelievable, incomprehensible, bloody tragic.
All in a week.
And in the meantime, thousands of people are wandering the streets, waving their phones around in the air, looking for something that doesn’t exist. The Pokemon Go craze just about confirms my suspicions that we have finally lost the plot. 
Is it me? Is it?
WTF ??

Calm down, Gray. Calm down.
You don’t have to join in.

We have just got back from the Rugby Club,
having set up for our Annual Crowborough Retreats
which commence tomorrow.

Some very cool projects lined up…

 The sun has promised to come out and play too..

Shop and artboards in place…
I’m looking forward to welcoming our first guests tomorrow!
Let the games begin!!

Just got to dot the i’s and cross the t’s,
and then we’s a-ready!!

Love & Peace,
Barb
xxx

108 thoughts on “Pokie- what??

  1. Have a wonderful time I am sure that you all will. The world has gone mad I am sure and this Pokemon thing is well it leaves me speechless. Enjoy the rest of your day 🙂
    Hugs
    Linda xxx

  2. Have fun this year Barbara. Sadly I can't make it this year but maybe next time. A week is such a short space of time but long enough to tip a lot of lives upside down. I can't begin to fathom it, really I can't so I have given up trying. Enjoy life to the full as far as possible that's what I say. Xxx

  3. The world's gone mad Barb! Enjoy your retreats , I wish I could be there I so enjoyed the Open days, I am determined to be there with you all
    next year. Sending you love and peace xx

  4. Firstly, the Pokemon Go does have a benefit in that it is getting kids outside into the fresh air, getting exercise. So, I think we need to give them that one. I can't wait to get at all those lovely projects you have set up for us. It makes doing battle with the M25 all worth while. The terrible world news this week puts my problems right back into place, although I did think that the wheel snapping off my case as I went through the door was a touch unfair. My craft bag got emptied rapidly into a heap so that I could use that instead. By the way, did you have to mention that yellow thing, supposedly up in the sky? I reckon we are about to have a good storm any minute. See you soon. xxx Maggie

  5. Hi Barb,
    And now there are more shootings in Baton Rouge. Parts of the World have truly gone mad.
    But not in Crowborough. I wish I could be there, but have a wonderful time without me!!!
    Maureen xxx

  6. I too am thinking that the world has gone mad with everything that has gone on in the last few weeks. Just watching the tennis & we have just WON !!! Well done team GB. Hope you all have a lovely time at the retreats & look forward to seeing the photos.

  7. Hello Barb
    Glad the lovely Grace is back safe and sound. The room for the retreats looks so inviting. I am going to try and make it next year. I hope you all have a wonderful time and a chance for something positive to focus on. Looking forward to seeing the photos and hearing the stories xx

    1. Hello everyone I hope you are all as well as possible. Internet was dodgy AGAIN!!! I may think about changing my provider but I think it's the price we pay for being rural.
      It's been a beuatiful day here. We went into town and sat in the park listening to the local brass band this morning which was lovely. We have a couple of friends who play so it was nice to see them and offer support xx

  8. It certainly has been a weird old week. Just had a lovely lunch with great company celebrating our friend's birthday. Now I'm going to finish my knitting while John watched the end of the golf and Wendy has one of her twice a year fix of solitaire on my iPad. Sun is out in Cornwall and we go back to sunny Oxford in the morning as inhale to be back for a baby shower in the evening then my diet MUST start! Think I'm going to take my knitting outside!

    Hope everyone is ok and enjoying some sun. Sorry you're not Maggie! Hope those on the retreat have a lovely time I can't imagine you wouldn't ! Hope I might get back to find my NDC has arrived ! Xx

    1. Hi Jackie – sounds as though you have been enjoying Cornwall – we got back home this evening, as tomorrow is a big day for us! Hopefully next time you come down to Cornwall, we will be able to meet up. Have a good journey home, hugs Gilly xx

  9. My dear Barbara. You are not alone….it's all crazy and cruel…nevertheless there are still people out there who are sane…..
    I know your retreats will go wonderfully and your face and others will ache with smiling. Wish I could be there to witness it all. Have a fanny time everyone xxxx

  10. So excited about the retreat, but have to wait until the week after! Hope they go well this week, you'll be well into your stride by the time I get there, hopefully not sick of the projects yet!!!

    The world has become a strange place, we just have to keep looking for the good, for the helpers, and try to be one or both when we can.

    Wishing everyone, whether at the retreats or otherwise, a fun and peaceful week x

  11. The sun is shining today, it seems ages since we saw it.Have a brilliant time at the retreats, I loved my trip last year.Making do with my NDC club projects which arrived yesterday, love them x

  12. I don't get Pokemon Go, but it has got my son who has Aspergers to leave the house, so I guess it can't be all bad 🙂 Would love to get to the retreat one year, but school insist I go in 😉 Have a great time! Looking forward to reading about all that you get up to xx

  13. Feel like the whole world has gone crazy this week. Too many changes and evil things happening. Therefore I'm really looking forward to the retreat as a little haven away from it all. I'll also get to see my lovely family and especially my Granddaughter who is now a toddler. … I'll never forget watching you on the TV and congratulating me on her birth whilst I was recovering from my back surgery…very sureal! So life goes on and I will soon be sitting once more at one of those tables at Crowborough Rugby club have a thoroughly enjoyable time meeting up with old and new friends. See you soon. Love and hugs, Jeanette xxxx

  14. With all the turmoil that there has been recently it's so nice to have something to look forward to! Your retreats are always fabulous and I don't mind St all that I have to wait until next week to join in!!! The hall is looking fab and today the sun has emerged to say hello….I wonder how long for?
    I'm already for my last 3 days of work!
    Love and hugs!! Xxx

  15. With all the turmoil that there has been recently it's so nice to have something to look forward to! Your retreats are always fabulous and I don't mind St all that I have to wait until next week to join in!!! The hall is looking fab and today the sun has emerged to say hello….I wonder how long for?
    I'm already for my last 3 days of work!
    Love and hugs!! Xxx

    1. Hello to all my dear family of blog friends hugs to you all and hugs to all on the blog .
      Last night in bed I did some groovi – ing with this months diamond club groovi plate just cried out that it had to be crafted with so resting today till the weather cools off so can groovi ? Thinking of you all hope your all having a nice crafting Sunday Xxx
      Sending wee extra hugs Dorothy xxx

    2. Good to know you are still feeling OK. I love the new goodies but have a busy week then I have to tidy all the precious/messy/ dangerous/expensive stuff away in my craft room before the grandsons visit next weekend xx

    3. Hi Sheila, that groovi plate is very high on my list to be used. You guys can have some of our weather if you want – rain and a high of 15c, we are all walking about with winter jumpers on.

    4. Hi Sheila – it's so good to hear that you have been groovi – ing! I'm looking forward to seeing this month's Groovi plate! Take care of yourself, sending extra hugs to you – love Gilly xxx

    5. Hi Sheila,
      How brilliant that you e been Groovi – ing. Hope no pain . I'm going to play with the Groovi plate tomorrow I think. Love and hugs Alison xxx

    6. Hi Sheila, Love the Groovi too but will have to put it on hold – too many family birthday cards to make for nesxt two months! So pleased to read you were able to craft. Even a little is an achievement and can build into more. Love and best wishes. ;~}

    7. I've not got no birthdays now till September and they are all nearly done enjoy making yours they will be stunning Shelagh xxx needed to get ahead while still on the oral steroids that's keeping the pain away
      I've just been groovi-ing a little once again as its so much cooler now the diamond groovi plate was calling me again and I'm copying the instructions from Barbara's inspiration with my twist on it goodnight hugs xxx

  16. Glad Grace back safely even though you probably missing her already. Amie had us in stitches Friday night as she got the Pokemon Go app on her phone to see what it is all about. She is a teacher so likes to know what her children are talking about. I hope the retreat goes well this week you will be well in your stride by the time my turn comes round or fed up. Let's hope this mad mad world settles down, I feel so sad when I see all these atrocities. How do the families cope. Enjoy a bit of the sun now before tomorrow. X x

  17. Your right it's been quiet a week lots events world gone crazy don't understand this Pokemon thing my daughter and granddaughter been out looking today I suppose it's got people out walking out and about xxx

  18. Hope the retreats go well. I really wish I could be there. I'm sure I would learn so much! I hope also that the world will become a more peaceful place and that we can all learn to live together in harmony.

  19. We craft and they go hunting for invisible characters, I don't get it either but each to their own! Hope you have fun on your retreats I bet you all have a ball. XX

  20. Hi bloggy friends, hope you are all well. I have had a productive day in the craft room. Made 1 birthday card, made and finished my challenge card (just waiting for the glitter to dry), started my calendar challenge card and started my sisters groovi birthday card! Not been in the craft room for a bit and now I need a lay down! Such fun. XX

    1. Hi Donna,
      Sounds like you've had a fabulous day. Just think soon you'll be able to play all day for 6 weeks!! Love and hugs to you and Phoebe, Alison xxx

  21. Aye Barbara, doesn't feel good being part of the human race these days. And now another police shooting in the USA. Glad Grace got home safe, and you've got the retreats to take your mind of your sadness for a wee bit. Hope you, and all those fortunate enough to be able to attend have a great time. As for the Pokémon Go, my first thought was – well, at least it's making people exercise who wouldn't normally!!! Love Brenda xx

  22. I often think the whole world has gone mad Barbara, and you are the sanest person I know, and I also can't see what this Pokemon thing is all about but I suppose getting more exercise is a bonus, but personally I can think of better ways of doing it. How about just getting out by the sea or in the countryside and actually enjoying what is around you, which in my opinion would beat this game any time. Your set up for the first retreat looks wonderful and hope it all goes well. x

  23. Hi Barbara, It isn't you !! the whole world has gone crazy !!

    I'm loving the look of your workshop area, I wish I was going to be there to join in and be inspired by your fabulous teaching.
    Lots of love from Patricia xx

  24. Hi Barbara, It isn't you !! the whole world has gone crazy !!

    I'm loving the look of your workshop area, I wish I was going to be there to join in and be inspired by your fabulous teaching.
    Lots of love from Patricia xx

  25. Wish I could be with you for the workshops this year, but sadly it's too far and I'm too busy. Did get out in the cold, windy, rainy day to dance in the rain and have afternooon tea to raise money for our women's refuge, and my friends and I had fun for a good cause – I guess we all need to do our own little bit for good, when the world seems such a crazy place! Hope the workshops go well for you all x

  26. Definitely not you Barbara, it does seems like the world is going mad. We can't do anything about it though. Just take each day as it comes and make the most if it. Glad Grace got back safely. Looking forward to seeing the photos of the retreats, have fun everyone that's on them.xxx

  27. Hi to all you lovely friends, hope you've all had a good day. Had lots of cloud first off and then the sun came out and boy did it get hot, ended up getting sunburnt arms whilst having lunch. Met up with some friends we hadn't seen for ages, which was a lovely surorise. Not crafted at all today. Have a lovely evening. Hugs to you all..xx

  28. I agree the world is a very sad place indeed right now. We all need of dose of Barbara's retreat. Hope all those lucky enough to be there have an amazing time. X

  29. I agree the world is a very sad place indeed right now. We all need of dose of Barbara's retreat. Hope all those lucky enough to be there have an amazing time. X

  30. Hello Barbara

    The rugby club is looking good. I am excited and waiting for Friday. With regard to what is happening in the world, as much as I sympathise if I allowed it to crowd my brain, together with what is already there I think I would lose the will to live.

    Love
    Roz.x

  31. Hello Barbara
    Good to know Grace is home safe and sound and you are all organised for the retreats, it looks lovely, wish I was coming. Now have you put your glasses in the pile ready to go in the morning? I wonder if you will have a royal visitor this year too! Have fun, I'm looking forward to seeing the pictures. By the way, I think we are all sane it's everyone else that's loosing the plot!! Take care
    Love Diane xxx

    1. Hello my lovely blog friends, I hope everyone is ok. For some reason it's not letting me leave messages for people tonight. Oh Emma I did laugh, isn't predictive text wonderful! It's been very warm and sticky here today, guess who decided to cook a roast dinner! Yep, cooking most of the day but the food went down well. Sending everyone a hug and a special hug for Dot xxx

  32. Hi Barbara – I totally agree with everything that you say! Yet again, I find myself saying that the world has gone mad! Enjoy the retreats, and just focus of what you are all doing – I know that you will make a lot of people very happy! I would love to be there – hugs Gilly x

    1. Hello gilly lovley to see you back safely hope your trip did you both you and Neil good to get away .will be thinking of you tomorrow on your big day hugs xxx

    2. Hi to all of my lovely blog friends – I hope that you are all keeping as well as you can! We got back home this evening, after nearly 2 weeks away in Edith (our motor home)! Neill's back has improved greatly, fortunately and we had such a very enjoyable time with some of our family and friends! We had a mishap – we woke up 1 morning when we were due to travel on to a different site and we had a flat tyre. We called out the AA and the wheel was changed – but unfortunately the AA man didn't use the jack properly and the motor home crashed down off it. Luckily he wasn't hurt, which was the most important thing. The motor home didn't come off so lightly – there is damage to the gas bottle storage locker and pipe and also the air suspension pipe. So, we will have to claim for the repairs, and organise it all to be done – not come at the best time really. Neill starts his radiotherapy treatment tomorrow – so we are both feeling somewhat apprehensive. Still – we are keeping positive and at least we are now moving forward. Love and hugs to you all, Gilly xxx

    3. Gilly, just read your comment, sorry to hear about Edith! But as you say the AA man wasn't hurt. I'm sure things will work out fine, love and hugs to you both, Alison xx

    4. Wow gilly poor Edith (motor home ) all fixable though and AA expense.
      You just focus on tomorrow get plenty of rest tonight special extra hugs xxx

    5. Hi Alison and Sheila – thank you! That's good to know xxx
      By the way – we called our motor home Edith after my Mum, as we bought her out of my inheritance from Mum, bless her! So very many times, when I go into her – I 'talk' to my Mum and thank her! xxx

  33. Hi Barb,
    Well the rugby club looks brilliant and I bet there are some very excited people tonight looking forward to tomorrow. I'm jealous and maybe one day I will get there. I too am very despondent with the world at the moment. I don't know why some people have to be so cruel, evil and just downright horrible. I feel so sorry for the victims' families and friends . When will it all stop?! Have a brilliant time tomorrow but don't shatter yourself. Love and hugs Alison xxx

    1. Hi to my lovely blog friends,
      Been a lovely day here after a cloudy start. I'm hoping that the sun we've been promised for the next couple of days will kick start my bedding plants and baskets. I hope that those of you going to the retreat have a fabulous time . Off to bed now, love and hugs to you all, Alison xxxx

    2. Night Alison – Neill has been busy watering some of our plants, as the weather here is beautiful! When we came home and looked out to sea – it was truly stunning! Love and hugs Gilly xxx

  34. Hi Barb, well the venue looks amazing, and I am sure you will not have any catchers of fictional characters there, they will all be too busy making art. Enjoy yourselves everyone. Bx

  35. No, Barb – it's not you…it's the world, gone mad!! I totally agree with everything you've said here, but the only good thing I can see is at least the kids are going outside rather than sitting in front of their playstations, etc…..what bemuses me is the adults doing it???
    Nowt so queer as folk, eh?

    Enjoy the retreats, lovie,

    Liz M xxx

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