Learning how to look after a puppy

Poppie was my first puppy that I adopted. To welcome her into our home I needed to buy lots of things. I wanted to crate train her, so I purchased a strong large crate big enough for her to stand in when she was fully grown. I provided a comfy bed and blankets for her to sleep in, a food bowl, a water bowl and some toys to play with. Next I would need a dog difuser. To help her feel calm without her mother. For the first few weeks I also put the radio on at night. She would cry sometimes during the night. This I began to realise was normal. But as time went on things would become easier. Keep posted for more information about getting a puppy.

Poppie

Getting our brown collie/labrador cross began a new chapter in life. She was born in Crowborough near Lewes. She came to live with us from an 8 week old puppy. These were exciting times because even though I had grown up with cats and dogs I had never had one of my own. We named her Poppie because we collected her from her breeder on poppy day in November 2006. I have treasured memories of that time and realised how special it was to have a dog in the home! There will be more words about this special dog coming soon!

Our Cat Lulu

Lulu was a beautiful female white tabby cat. We adopted her as a kitten from our local RSPCA shelter. She was quite shy but had a very sweet nature. I especially remember her hiding and sleeping under the work top in the kitechen next to the radiator. She enjoyed going outside in the garden and sitting on the fences. We had her for 16 years and 6 months until very sadly she had to be put to sleep because she had cancer. We don't like to think of that part. It is best to think of the wonderful times she shared her life with us. There is now a beautiful pure white rose bush which is thriving in the back garden. We muss you Lulu! ❤

Our cat Pebble

This part of life was very exciting. When I was pregnant with our 3rd daughter we decided to try and find a cat to love and care for. One of the RSPCA shelters had the perfect beautiful brown tabby cat that we adopted. She was such a character she would watch the birds on the roof from inside the house and make funny noises at them. She slept everywhere in the house, but one of her favourite places to rest was on top of the boiler. I always wondered if it was too hot up there. But I am sure Pebble would have worked that out. We didn't have a cat flap at the time, but the back door was always open so that she could come inside whenever she wanted. Such happy memories and such a beautiful cat with a lovely nature.

Pet Rabbit

After adopting two guinea pigs our family of five decided to go to our local RSPCA Animal shelter to see if they had any rabbits that needed homes. When we arrived they had quite a few to choose from. It was going to be a fun experience for us all, and our first rabbit, so I thought. What I didn't expect was that the rabbit always wanted to escape from his shelter placed outside in the garden. He would dig a tunnel in order to get out! This actually became an issue. So sadly he had to be taken back to the RSPCA. After this unhappy experience we never adopted a rabbit again.

Embroidery

Embroidery is the art of decorating fabric or other materials using a needle to stitch thread or yarn. This can be very relaxing and a fun passtime to work on. The beautiful coloured silk threads or yarn can be mixed and matched together in order to bring beautiful craftwork pieces to life. Here I can create animals, flowers, houses, landscapes, pets, trees, the sky and endless other designs using an array of delightful embroidery stitches.

Tapestry

I am not sure now when I discovered tapestry. But what I can say is how enjoyable a hobby this was! I made lots of these, all in quite large designs. I have a lot of happy holiday memories about working on them. Amongst my collection is a bluebell wood, many floral arrangements and images of wild animals. I have been and still find myself being drawn to nature and its beauty! Do you agree?

Mathematics and Dressmaker

Being naturally good at maths has definetely been beneficial. Some of the skills learnt can absolutely be used when tackling dressmaking. Making clothes from scratch has been a great passtime, together with learning various hand sewing stitches and techniques. Being ablt to use a sewing machine has created the skills needed to be a successful dressmaker, seamstress and tailor.

Dress Making

Now I am going to talk about my dress making skills. A subject that I studied in both CSE and O-Level certification. These skills are and has been a big part if my life. I am proud to say that I can make garments from scratch by beginning with pinning and cutting clothes and other items from a roll of fabric to the finished piece. While studying I learnt how to make many different garments including coats. The knowledge required to become a seamstress is endless. Some of these skills include, communication skills, fabric knowledge, sewing expertise, attention to detail, hand-eye coordination, ability to operate different sewing machines, pattern making, garment construction, fitting and adjusting clothing and the ability to repair and alter clothing to an excellent standard.

Guinea Pigs

Next we decided to have two guinea pigs as pets. Such cute little animals that make a lot of squeaks and purr noises. They have cute little ears, eyes, noses and love being handled. They come in a variety of different colours, including white, cream, tan, reddish, chocolate brown, black and more. They can also have combined patterns such as bi-colour and tricolour. They can have smooth hair, long hair, rough hair, satin hair or be hairless. You will need to feed them daily, offer fresh water and give them clean bedding in there hutch. So that they can experience fresh air and grass they can be kept in a pen during the warmer months outside in a garden.

Hamsters

Cute little furry animals that young children can have as pets. If you are thinking about adopting one you will need a hamster cage, with little houses, and bedding for them to sleep in. A feeding bowl and a water bottle. Hamsters like to burrow and sleep during the day, so put the cage somewhere quiet and warm! For the night and playtime they will need a wheel, some ramps and tubes for climbing and exercise. It is a good idea to hold your hamster when you can so that they get used to it. Provide them with fresh food and water before you go to bed to keep them fed and busy during the night. Hamsters live between 2 to 3 years, so take lots of photos and videos of them which you can look back on with fondness!

Gerbils

While the children were young I decided it would be good to introduce some pets to our family. So I bought two little gerbils, a cage and everything else they needed. As children often do they looked after them for a while and then got fedup cleaning the cage. So as a parent I was happy to take on this weekly task. It fitted iur situation to let them run around the bathroom floor while this was being done. The thought of them brings back lots of happy memories and cuddles. Such sweet little animals!

Parks

Children love outings to the park don't they. From toddlers to young teenagers, they explore it all. Whether they like the climbing frames, sand pits, slides or swings, there is something to choose from for every child. These park days bring happy memories of quality time together. I always made sure my girls had drinks and food, all ready in the bag for when it was needed. And not forgetting, antiseptic cream and plasters for any accidents and wipes for their hands.

Family Films

As our girls were getting older I decided that it would be a good idea to introduce and get them used to watching films. Some happy memories were when we watched disney together. Dressing up like the characters was to become a big part of this. We enjoyed the classics, which included, beauty and the beast, snow white, the aristocats, 101 dalmations and more. I an sure you have been down this road too. It is part of a happy childhood.

Our Pets

As a child I grew up with pets, my Mum especially loved adopting kittens, cats, puppies and dogs. When the children were small I liked to have small animals at home, which I could teach the girls to care for. I believe that this helped them learn some good life skills. To begin with we had getbils, then hampsters, guinea pigs, rabbits,kittens, cats, and now puppies and dogs.

Clothes Shopping

I have always enjoyed clothes shopping. Before having a family I would spend the lunch hour browsing around the local shops in Churchill Square Brighton. I liked to look for bargains and would arrive back at work most days with some new things to add to my wardrobe. When the children were small I loved to get them nice things too!

The Little Chef

Another favourite place to take my girls was to eat out at the little chef. Most Saturdays I would drive over to Woodingdean to visit my Mum and Dad with my two eldest daughters. I especially remember enjoying pancakes with ice cream and sauce. It didn't matter that we often ate the same dessert as it was delicious!

Drusillas Zoo Park

Another favourite place to visit for me and the three girls was to spend a day at Drusillas Zoo Park. A great place to spend the day. My children always got excited when we went there. There was always so much to see and do. From meeting the animals, to activities like slides and swings, places to eat and drink and rides to enjoy.

Shanklin The Isle of Wight

Shanklin is a seaside resort town on the Isle of Wight located on Sandown Bay. Shanklin is the southernmost of three settlements which occupy on the bay, and is close to Lake Sandown. Some great tourist attractions include the sandy beach, its Old Village and wooded ravine, Shanklin Chine. My family and I especially enjoy visiting the Chine, a must place to go when holidaying on the Isleland. When entering the Chine the beautifull sounds, smells and delightful features make you feel calm, happy and relaxed. The Chine has plenty of areas to walk around, including seats where you can sit and enjoy the view and savor the moment.

Ryde Isle of Wight

You will find a great range of activities and things to do in Ryde. As the largest town on the Island it has a well established set of shopping streets, and also features some great attractions for all the family. These include bowling, Ryde's bus and coach museum, cinema, distillery, golf, karting track, pier, swimming pool, ten pin bowling,traditional amusements, tree climbing for aged 8 and above and Quarr Abbey. Havenstreet Steam Railway is another great way to enjoy your day. Ryde also has an award winning beach which at low tide opens up to be the largest stretch of golden sands, making it perfect for beach sports and activities, or just simlpy relaxing in a deckchair and enjoying the view.