Cookie Bee

Oh.....Wordsworth....

2008-05-16T03:28:00.001-07:00

Surpised by joy, I think not. What a day I am having! It's unbearable, awful and soul destroying. CookieBee needs a holiday, a break, or simply, just some time to sit down and rest would be nice. I don't long for anything fancy just a moments peace. To be calm, cool and collected. Hmmm, Here we go again, my moment has been interumpted by something impatient as the wind.

Cookie Bee is going green

2008-04-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

I say going because being is not an easy task. If I am going to become green, I need to plan and all that. It is like giving up smoking. I have some bad habits and gradually they have got to go because not only is it bad for my health but what about the kids. What are we doing?

On Friday night I was reading up about Climate Change and this is where this 'I will be green' came from. I felt sick in my stomach and horrified.

I have been reducing my waste already from the inspiration from my rubbish friend (joke) from my inspiring friend 21st Century Mummy. Yesterday I shopped at the farmers market down the road and will continue to do so every Saturday. And soon I will be starting up a book swap (BBC RaW) at my sons primary school for the parents and learners.
I have done a few other things like switched my cleaning products for more eco ones and stopped buying things I don't need. I read a lot more than watch TV/DVD's. And I take my kids to places like 'The living Rainforest, The Look discovery Centre and Bewilderwood. And my son and I have been growing flowers and veg.

But there is soooooo much more to do! I heard somewhere that you are one of two types of people. You either want to conquer the world or save it. I want to save it.

C.S.Lewis Tour - Easter 2008

2008-04-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

During the Easter period, My husband asked if I wanted to drive out to Headington to visit the Kilns, where C.S Lewis lived, and on to some other C.S.Lewis places. Well, being a C.S Lewis fan, how could I refuse!!! So we did and I am delighted to share my pictures and tell you all about it.

This tree is either in or very very close by to C.S Lewis home. I read somewhere that he may have written the Chronicles of Narnia from his garden. So he must have gazed up at this tree on several occasions, maybe to give him inspiration when he had writers block...It looks like the one outside my window...

Here is the side view of his house, The Kilns. It was great just to be there and see where he lived. It felt strange going there and getting so close. I believe if you ask permission and book an appointment you can actually go inside. I think I would pass out though...It would be too cool and cool again to do that...Actually I will book an appointment and go next time. Anyway, the place is real and wonderful and it was great.

We did visit his grave. I thought I would be a bit freaked out by this, but when we got there, it was like visiting a passed over friend or family member. It was strange. Obviously I have never met the guy (I am only 21...yeah right) but because I have read so many of his books and he is a bit of a major influence in my life, I felt very warm and emotional when I was there. And another thing. It was grey and cloudy but the sun opened up for a brief moment and shone on to his grave. It was miraculous but also 'well it would shine on his grave, he is one cool dude'. AND another big thing. I noticed, which I must mention, his brother Warren, is also buried with him. This is beautiful. They both lost their mother at an early age. Both fought in the War, both had a rather tough time I'd say and had an amazing relationship. They were incredibly close, even though they did not always see eye to eye, and here they are, two Irish born lads now rest together eternally. That is something very special and wow, brotherhood...I wish to write no more on the matter, for I feel quite overwhelmed by it all. I have 2 brothers myself. Perhaps despite the differences my brothers and I have, we should try and be more like them. Although, I don't want to be buried with them thank you very much. no no no. I don't mind same church yard but not grave... Anyway, back to the tour.

As we drove out of Headington and in to Oxford city centre, my husband asked me where next. Hmmm, lets just get as close to it as poss and find somewhere to park... Well, on route, Magdalen College (The college C.S Lewis was based) came in to view. I was so excited I jumped up and down in my car...Wah hey - I think not, although the people behind me must have been very scared. I tried hard to get a photo but there were cars behind us so this is all I could get in my moment of sheer excitement. We then found a perfect parking space down Keeble Rd and I could not believe it when I walked around the corner!!!!!!!!!!IT WAS THE BIRD AND BABY!!!

This pub is such a delight... It has so much character and as soon as you walk in, you can imagine it all. Ok, for those who do not know, JRR Tolkien, C.S Lewis, his brother, Dyson to name but a few met here frequently, as a group called the Inklings, to discuss their books (Lord of the Rings, Lion Witch and the Wardrobe...Oh to have been a fly on the wall, that would have been the best time), have debates and drink beer. Sounds fab. I am going to start my own Inklings. a 21st century writers group... anyway, on the wall, above the fireplace you will find pictures and letters etc. It is a wonderful place. And that is where the tour ended. Well for now. I will go back and do more next time, like go in to the Kilns and Magdalen College and eat some yummy food in the Inklings. Ahhhhhhhhhhhh. Was such a fantastic day.

I love C.S.Lewis...

He must of been sooooo proud to see his name up!

2008-04-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

Pretty Colours

2008-04-05T11:07:00.001-07:00

I have developed a bit of a fascination with these light beams. This one was taken from Christ Church in Oxford. It's funny because I used to look at them and think 'Cool' now I look at them and think 'blog'. Actually I have a fan who likes my pictures. Every time I see him, he goes on about them so "Steward, here's another for you!"

Thank God, Its Good Friday - Happy Easter Everyone

2008-03-21T04:06:00.001-07:00

What's that in the corner!!!

2008-03-19T02:44:00.001-07:00

Do not fear. It is nothing spooky, although it does look like it.

My family and I poped in to this restaurant one lunch time. It is the Salthouse Harbour Hotel in Ipswich ( I think it is connected to the angel hotel in Bury St Edmunds).

The food was fabulous, presented contemporary and beautifully and tasted delish. I could really relax and enjoy a glass of wine and chat with my husband. My children were happy to sit and play with their toys and everyone around us was not bothered with their presense (you know how some places are). The staff were great towards them and when they served up the kids meals, made a real effort with their presentation too. See below - kids meal!!!

The place was immaculate and there is some fab art work to look at on the walls. The woman in the corner is great. She looks different in real life, but here on the photo she really comes out to you. Very cool.

2008-03-18T03:25:00.000-07:00

I feel in the mood to write on my blog but have not got the faintest idea what to write about. Hmm writers blog block day. I guess it is because I haven't got the time really. Anyway I am so pleased shada what ever they are called are in fashion. I could not put this beast up in my house though, but oh how I love it...That reminds me, I am late for a get together with my friends. I best go.

Incy wincy Spider

2008-03-16T10:04:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it is Sunday and the weekend is almost over! It is not fair! Well, at least it is Easter in a few days and I can't wait. I am really looking forward to eating chocolate and eating more chocolate. It will be great although I am not sure what we are going to do but, hey, 4 day weekend, how fab is that!!! Happy Easter everyone.

It's my birthday!

2008-02-24T10:28:00.000-08:00

And its been a superb day. The cat got the cream. Not only that, something fishy too. I did say on my blog you would read a load of gobledeegook...(I can't spell tonight, Ive had some wine.)

OK, Here let me give you the download: -

MY HUSBAND BOUGHT ME A CREAM BEETLE CONVERTABLE!!! and we have just come back from the seaside, where we enjoyed the best fish and chips in town (My favourite meal and place to be.) I am a little overwhelmed...

I am now enjoying these delicious Thornton's choclates...mmm...yummmy....I'm in heaven, la la la la...

Just don't wake me up right now because if you do, I may react badly. Well, c'mon, anyway I am allowed to have this moment because it is my birthday today. I am 21 again. I now understand why my mum used to tell me that. "I am feeling chu".

Anyway, I better go and tomorrow I will be very embarrassed about my behaviour and then I will go for a drive and all will be forgotten.

Enjoy, love, peace, happiness and all that !

I see the light

2008-01-29T12:13:00.000-08:00

I have been awake since 4.30 am and my head is all over the place. It is probably the best time to write actually. Anyway I have a corker for you this evening. The other day I visited Kings College, Cambridge. WOW. I love Cambridge but on this beautiful, fine day I felt a strong desire to go to the chapel. I did not know why, I just wanted to go, so off I went. The day was gorgeous, blue sky, sun, lovely. So in I go, and WOW, I was blown away, as I stood outside the chapel.

Come to think of it, it was very windy that day and I was blown all over the place.

Anyway, as the wind blew me about, I felt like I was there for a reason. And because it was so windy, something was telling me to go inside. You know what is coming next don't you.

Now you know how I like my funky little light beam things...well, I pottered about inside and then sat down to rest my legs. The high heels were not such a good idea. Not only did they hurt, but everyone could hear me walking about, (Quite embarrassing actually) Anyway, when I sat down inside, look what I saw on the wall...beats mine!

Groovy, Baby, Yeah, Gigantic light things! God knows!!! He read my blog and called me to his chapel to show me his! I could not believe it. As soon as I walked in that place I knew he had something to show me. It all makes sense now. And after I rested on the bench my feet stoped hurting! Clever...

Urrrrr Don'know

2008-01-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

I am just musing about while I wait for my son to wake up (He is having his afternoon nap).
What is happening to our universe? What are we doing? It's January and the temperature outside is lmild. Seeing my spring bulbs sprouting out of the ground already is...Crikey I am bord. I wish my son would wake up. Oh look, it's raining again. I am really really bord now. I am so glad I am off out in a mo. In the mean time, I am going to raid the cudboard for some chocolate. It is what you need on a day like this. Oh, I hear babble. Saved.

So what happened to the snow?

2008-01-05T13:10:00.000-08:00

Looks a bit creepy, my picture on the left! Creepy or weird? Anyway, the other day it snowed. I held my hand out to catch the snow to show you. I was hoping it would snow enough to go sledging. I am in one of those moods...(I have had several glasses of wine for the first time in ages, forgive me.)

Well that's it for now folks, I have been abducted by Big Brother...

January 2008

2008-01-02T10:06:00.000-08:00

January 2008. I can hardly believe it. Time is flying by a little too fast for my liking. My parents have gone back home, School starts tomorrow and I will be taking down the christmas decorations. Normally I would be feeling a little low, but my son's birthday is this month and I am spending as much time as I can reading my C.S Lewis biography-its brilliant. This is the best bit about January- you get to play with your christmas toys.

I hope you all had a lovely christmas and your new year is going well. Got to dash now and get on with my mummy duties.

New Years Res

2007-12-29T13:05:00.000-08:00

Only a few more days until 2008. This year has gone so fast.

My new years resolutions are: -

1) Manage my shopping list better. For some reason, I never have anything in. I am going to plan my meals for the week and stick to it. Should be interesting.

2) More organised. I always have this one.

3) Use my Gym Membership.

lets see if I will be in the 10% who don't fail. . .

Merry Christmas

2007-12-27T06:14:00.000-08:00

Just a quickie, to say Happy Christmas!

I am feeling as stuffed as the turkey I had for my dinner. I have not stopped eating, it is wonderful. All that weight I lost is slowly creeping on my thighs as we speak...

My top present has to be the C.S Lewis Biography my husband and kids gave me. It is one of his first additions and was shipped over from a little book shop in New York. I love it. I finished reading his autobiography a few days before Christmas, so you can imagine how happy I was to open this present up on Christmas eve.

And with the family over, I have time to write a little on my blog. yipee. Well, I am off to read my book,

May Peace and Joy be with you and your family X

The good life

2007-11-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

What a week it has been and bonfire night was a great start to it.
I love Guy Fawkes Night. I enjoy watching the fireworks, eating hot roasted chestnuts and wondering around in my wellies soaking up the atmosphere. This year we went to a local rugby club. They had a live band, funfair and some great fireworks.

Tuesday I went a to a coffee morning with my son, Wednesday I walked in to town and had a mega huge hot chocolate with whipped cream and marshmallows in a book shop, Thursday I went to a mothers group and had tea and biscuits and Friday I went back in to town and had a Coffee and Danish pastry, Saturday I had my hair done and enjoyed a nice cup of tea and I have just been to church for remembrance and guess what I had after the service? TEA and BISCUITS! Life is great! I am really looking forward to my week ahead. Why on earth do people want to go back to work!

Quack Quack

2007-11-01T14:36:00.000-07:00

Took some bread to the park to feed the ducks this morning. I can not believe it is November! The weather was fab today, really warm outside. My husband and I enjoyed a coffee and then off home again. Nice start to the month.

Trick or treat

2007-10-31T15:03:00.000-07:00

I love the 31st of October. I love dressing my kids up as pumpkins or spiders. I think they look funky. And I love the dark mornings and dark evenings. I especially like watching the sun set earlier than in Summer. I also love getting my winter wardrobe out.
After school, I took my son to a party and it was great to see everyone have so much fun. Later, We had a few trick or treaters to our door. It is nice to see people dress up and have fun.

Catch of the day

2007-10-30T03:22:00.000-07:00

Just one of the many mad things I do on a daily basis. Whilst tidying up the house and deep in thought, I came across this. I am not very scientific so perhaps someone who paid attention in Science class may be able to explain it. All I can say is a light beam came through the door peep hole and landed on the wall. It was delightful to sit and watch it (That's if you are a bit geeky like me).

One of the worlds beautiful treasures.

Like my new office?

2007-10-29T10:17:00.001-07:00

Monday manic monday. My husband is feeding little one, so I have some lap top time!

Well so I thought. My eldest is now pulling my top asking me to play snakes and ladders with him. I thought getting a lap top and moving the office to the kitchen would solve the world but its worse...Oh well, I better go and play. Its a tough world but someone has to do it.

Got 5 mins to spare

2007-10-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

Just returned from holiday. Went down to Windsor for the week, fabulous place. Visited Legoland, Windsor castle, and had to check out Eton while we were there. We then took our boys out to this discovery place in the woods and swimming pool. Met up with my brother who lives in the area and went on to Henley on Thames and Murlow. Lovely part of the country.
I am shattered now. I really enjoyed it. It was our first proper British holiday and we absolutely loved it. Back to school tomorrow, so I am off to bed. I'll update my blog when I find some time. Got some fab photos from my holiday. xxx

Mr Cookie Bee is home sweet home!

2007-10-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

Mr Cookie Bee has just returned from a week in Chicago and Canada. He arrived this morning shattered. Well, shattered is being alone at home with 2 kids, but you know, anyway I could not wait to see him and say, "Welcome home! the kids are in there and I am off to sleep", Well, how could I as he hands over a brand new ipod nano and designer handbag...

Anyway I told him not to go to sleep because its not a good idea...(Is it Dad, you know). A few hours passed and Mr Cookie Bee was not seen or heard so I thought I better call out the cookie bee search party...

BUSTED...Mr cookie Bee was having a little sneaky sleep. Naughty Naughty Mr Cookie Bee! lets see how much sleep you get tonight...

Congratulations Katie and Lee

2007-10-06T13:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my good friends Katie and Lee finally (And about time too), tied the knot. The Ceremony was so beautiful and emotional, I shed a few happy tears. And the Reception was great too, loved the speeches, food and champagne of course!
I just love weddings. I still don't know what to do with my wedding dress or my wedding cake! I still have a tier!!! I kept everything! It's a bit of a mare really, especially when you don't have much loft space!

I am off in to the desert

2007-10-02T12:58:00.000-07:00

Well not exactly. I am going on a diet and will be avoiding all of those tempting chocolate Caterpillar cakes... (mmm, had a slice today - was delish). It looks like I need to lose a stone in weight -that's hard work when you are sleep deprived and have no time to go to the gym. Well, I am going to stop talking about it and going to give it a go. My Cookie Bee diet will start on Sunday, will last for 40 days and 40 nights and I will be recording my progress and my temptation stories on the blog . I will be so chuffed if I get to lose a stone before Christmas!