I know, I know, this blog is sorely neglected. It's because I'm more active in other parts of the internet. Let me tell you what I've been up to.

In December we went to visit Chris, Maureen and Evan, and had a very fun time. Some pics of that are up on my Flickr site. During this trip I also got a new camera, the Olympus E520. This is the slightly-advanced version of the one that I tried to get in June (but it was defective). It worked out OK though and I have a great new kit setup and have been taking a few shots (also on Flickr) but looking forward to the warmer weather when I can take loads more.

In January I got my UK Passport! This will be great fun to travel on once I get around to travelling anywhere. It also means that from now on Martin and I will never have to stand in separate lines at customs, no matter what country we are in!

In February I started really ramping up my crafts activities, which is why I haven't been around much. My blog and Etsy shop are getting a lot more traffic. Not many more sales yet, but I am getting involved in some projects over the next few months which will hopefully improve that!

Also in February I took two classes, one on making raglan sweaters and one on how to do basic sewing repairs like hems and buttons. In a few weeks I'll be taking a third class, on putting in zippers and making buttonholes, and then in April another sock knitting class.

Now we are in March. I have the following things scheduled for this weekend:

List some unwanted items on Ebay
Take photos of my recently spun yarn
Put said yarn on Etsy
Play my BRAND NEW CONCERTINA (more about that below!)
Try my hand at making fabric-covered buttons, which can be turned into hair ties
Work on knitting a scarf using a pattern I have designed myself
Sew something! I haven't used the sewing machine in ages!
Start labelling the samples that I am sending out as part of the shop-promotion exercises
Dye some more fibre
Go to lunch with Martin and his family for his parents' 50th anniversary

So you see why I haven't been posting very much! There's a lot on right now.

The concertina! here's a picture:



The one on the right is the new one, it is a miniature 13 button from A.C. Norman and is wonderful. It shall go with me on many many trips!

Study for the Life in the UK test - DONE (Aug 07)

Register for the Life in the UK test - DONE (Sep 07)

Pass the Life in the UK test - DONE (Sep 07)

Obtain new passport-size photos - DONE (Oct 07)

Apply for new passport in married name - DONE (Oct 07)

Receive new passport in married name - DONE (Nov 07)

Continue compiling two-year record book of information for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) application - DONE

Apply for ILR - DONE (Jan 08)

Cross fingers that it gets approved - which it should, but if it doesn't then I'd have to leave the country in February! - DONE

Receive ILR - DONE (Feb 08)

Apply for Citizenship - DONE (July 08)

Receive Citizenship approval - DONE (Oct 08)

Get sworn in as a British Citizen - DONE (Nov 08)

YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY!

Apply for UK passport (Jan 09)

My brother's son is here!

If I do something American, but it's done early, does that make it....oh, never mind.

I made Pumpkin Pie last night! All by myself, for the very first time ever. And aside from a slight bit of scorching it turned out quite well!

My bank's website is down.

Since (at least) yesterday.

No message about them being down for maintenance or anything, just a browser error message.

It's nothing....these things happen all the time....I'm glad I got some cash out last week!