Pages

Sunday 20 March 2022

Challenge #424

Spring is certainly in the air at long last! We've had some lovely sunny days and a noticeable rise in the temperature.

Straight onto my snippets card:

All the 'how I made it' details are over on my own Pixie's blog, HERE, should you want to know more.

The prize for this fortnight is totally unconnected with my snippets card by the way:


 Rainy Day Stencil

I've been having a 'sort out/Spring clean' of the Toy Box and pulled together all the assorted Clearly Besotted stamps, dies and a stencil (that stencil is on the way to me). From left to right, 'Chirpy Chicks' stamps set with matching dies and a small 'Happy Easter' sentiment by 'Stamping All Day', 'April Showers' set of stamps, no dies but there's a Clearly Besotted 'Rainy Day' stencil in the image below the stamps, pinched from their website - and 'An Apple A Day' set of stamps and matching dies. I know that some of these items have been previously offered as prizes - these are duplicates (brand new) for various reasons. 

As always, the Snippets Challenge will run for two weeks and the Playground gates will close at 11am UK time on Saturday 2nd April. The gates will open again at midnight UK time on the same day. Mr Linky is below this post.

Dudley news. It's been a bit of a week here - first of all, Dudley is fine. Us? Not so fine. After his bath/shower on Monday (which was an adventure and a Tsunami in itself) - whilst blow drying him - Len discovered a really huge and very tight 'cotton wool like' matt of his very fine silky hair on one ear. Right next to the skin so it was dodgy even trying to snip it away. We both pondered long and hard but it had to go and it was too risky to use even any of his grooming safety scissors.

So the matt was trimmed away by Len, using the clippers - and then the ear looked weirdly odd against the other ear, so the other one had to be trimmed, get the drift? - and the upshot is that both of his gloriously long haired pale peach coloured ears have been trimmed right back to being very short. They're still peach but back to how they were when he was just a little puppy! Then of course, his head looked tiny against his very fluffy body - so the rest of him has had to be trimmed. We now have a true little Havanese puppy here once again! He refuses all photos right now, not even if you pay him in treats. Of course, Dudley is really unaware that anything has changed, thank goodness - but we certainly know.

I now have a very small sized balaclava knitting project on the go - my version is in white, very tiny and with pale peach ears:

Having said that - he's still the same little tinker and just yesterday managed to roll on (what I suspect was bird poop) something in the garden. Sssssh, don't tell Len - he was merrily cleaning it off with an Aqua Wipe and I just had to zip my mouth - for once! Never a dull  moment for sure.

And, finally - here's some very exciting news. I've become worried about what would happen to the Playground if I was unwell or stepped under a bus. We've got close to that situation (the health, not the bus), but somehow, with the help of a very loyal friend it's carried on. She does get embarrassed if I 'gush on' so here we go. As of the next challenge I will have our Playground Prefect and Mischief Maker SARN sharing the running of the Playground with me!! The next challenge, #425 will be Sarn in charge. Help me ............I just deleted some rude words there!

We've been working this out for a little while - after I made the Playground into a separate blog - it suddenly made sense. As a team, and I stress we are a team, even though I can still 'pull rank' on account of being a lot older! Sarn and I will share the Playground gmail address, the commenting (for some time Sarn has been propping me up there), the Toy Box prizes and some of the decisions. The Playground will undoubtedly become naughtier, Dudley will be even busier snooping, despite the balaclava mentioned above, and let's hope we have many happy times ahead. 

The current plan is for Sarn and I to 'host' alternate challenges. I will be hosting the even-numbered challenges (+ posting the results) and Sarn will be hosting the odd-numbered challenges (+ posting results).

I am truly excited to have such a loyal friend to help steer the 'Good Ship Lollipop', as we continue on our voyage through this wonderful world of crafting, using up snippets! Remember, it's all about the snippets! 

OK girls - that's the news - remember that 'Launch Day' is two weeks from now! By the way - I did hear the clinking of glasses and bottles earlier this evening. Plus the distinctive shake of ice in a cocktail mixer - and a little voice from the direction of the tree house singing 'Aye, aye, aye, aye caramba!'. I think there could be some parties ahead - and someone is experimenting and perfecting her technique! We did think Dudley wandered in to his bed just now with a bit of a wobble!! I thought the limit was hot chocolate and crumpets, sigh. I sense fun and games ahead - sighs, and offers up a plea for mercy!

Love and hugs from Dudley and Di, xx


66 comments:

  1. Aye, aye, aye, caramba!!!! Hic! 🍹
    Shorry, jusht having a little shellebrashun up in the treehouse with a few of the usual sushpects!!!! Dunno what tiplings Darnell added to the punch, but it tasted d’lishush!

    Hit buttered Crumpets and some milk thistle in my coffee might be in order for breakfasht!!!!!

    Night night!! Xxx

    PS: Very excited to join you and help out in the Playground. Promise to gather the empties in the morning & recycle!!! Xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was meant to say HOT buttered crumpets!!! X

      Delete
    2. I knew it! It's started already!! Bangs head on desk - and Dudley is looking very guilty! His breath smells of tiplings to me! xxx

      Delete
  2. Congrats, Sarn, on joining the Playground Team! Perhaps more casserole is in order to get Dudley posing for pics

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Right now I'm more worried about the bad influence someone is already having on Dudley! xx

      Delete
  3. Congratulations! Excited for you both and for Snippets!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Oh dear - are you sure Sarn is safe in that treehouse????
    So glad to hear she is helping you out with all the responsibilities involved with running the blog.
    As for that Dudley - he really is mischief personified, and pairing him with Sarn could be dog-a-strophic!
    Blessings
    Maxine

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Clever play on words there Maxine! Di x

      Delete
  5. I always read blogs in order from the list making this my third blog-stop this morning so I'd already seen the news and it sounds great that you have someone to share the load but please continue to be wary of buses or any other glitches 🤣. Fabulous balaclava BTW but can understand Dudley not wanting a photo call if he is having a bad hair day.
    Great selection of prizes this time

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lovely news that Sarn is going to support the Snippets Playground too - that should help you with the workload Di.

    I'll be in the playground soon and would love a chance to win the prize, please.

    Kath x

    ReplyDelete
  7. Double fun in the playground from now on, one day I will set up a blog (honest I will) so I can join in. I have to ask does anyone know if if Jane (Onions and Paper blog) is o.k. Hers is another blog I follow and she has not blogged since Nov 22nd last year.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Andrea! Yes, Jane is fine and still crafting. She generally posts her work on Facebook these days. Di x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thats good news. I dont 'do' FB

      Delete
    2. We're in touch by email SO I'll mention that you were asking if you like. She is missed in The Playground

      Delete
    3. Where are my manners! I meant to say thank you for the reply, please do give her my best wishes when you e-mail her.

      Delete
  9. Hahahaha, it's hard not to laugh after reading this post, OMGoodness! Weldome aboard, Sarn! With the two of you running the playground, we'll have twice the fun! Sorry you're health hasn't been the best, Di, and I'm glad Sarn will be helping lighten the load. And about Dudley, I really hope you can get a photo so I can see if it matches the image in my head LOL! That prize looks amazing so I am definitely a YES! As for your card, it's gorgeous! I enjoy making Christmas cards all year long so I'm always happy when others do as well! The dies you used are gorgeous! I'll definitely be back to join the party in the treehouse but in the meantime, party on!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ok Kitty - you got an image of Dudley as requested Bad huh? Should I sack the groomer guy?

      Di xx

      Delete
  10. Congratulations for the new Playground management! Sarn will be surely a big hand!
    I'm curious to see Dudley as puppy again with his new hair look! :D Lovely balaclava too!
    The prize bundle is just awesome. I hope to have time to play and enjoy the fab party :D even if I won recently a prize, this one is so yummy for me so cross my fingers and take a good glass (without bubbles, please) :D
    Hugs and cuddles for Dudley!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Entered. :) Thanks to you an Sarn for your hard work and the challenge! Yes please for entering in the draw for this AMAZING prize!

      Delete
    2. You're in the draw Alice - and I just hope you stopped laughing at Dudley's photo I posted today! :) x

      Delete
  11. First, WELCOME SARN! So glad you will have some help! And omg Dudley! Your bath time and hair cuts sound like Maddies!!! THIS PRIZE IS AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I would be soooooo happy to win this one... definitely playing along!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Great news about Sarn joining you in running the playground - congrats to you both! :-)
    I agree, never a dull moment with Dudley!! lol I kinda feel that way about hubby - !! - Did I just say that?!! LOL Your card is fabulous! I know it sparkles with all the little gems & the mirror cs. And YES please for such an awesome prize - it's like a GRAND prize!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Poor Dudley! At least the weather is warming up so he won't feel the cold as much. And good old Sarnie! Great that you finally have some help Di.
    Internet done and settling in so hoping to be able to be a bit more frequent visitor! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Great news - please bring tranquilisers. I suspect I may need them! Secretly really delighted of course to have Sarn and I working on the same 'tag team'. For now, Dudley is hedging his bets but he's easily led, so help me!

      Di xx

      Delete
  14. lol l am loving the banter and your amazing card Di what a beautiful snowflake set lovely pearl card used and the gems just finish it of so lovely....that's great news for you and Sarn so happy for you both to be sharing the snippets challenges and there will be lots of chatting going on in the playground get that coffee pot at the ready l will love to have coffee and a chat enjoy your day xx

    ReplyDelete
  15. Awesome snippets card Di!! And a lovely array of prizes, as always. So happy that SARN is partnering with you to run Snippets Playground. That is AWESOME! Congrats to you both! xx

    ReplyDelete
  16. Yes please to the fabulous prize! Congrats on Sarn partnering with you. I'm sure you feel better sharing the load of this terrific challenge. I hope Dudley lets you take a picture soon so we can see his new look.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Aye Caramba indeed! Seriously, welcome aboard Sarn, it's great to have a pal to share the load.

    Just uploaded my own entry this time around and, yes please, I'd love an entry this challenge

    Kathyk

    ReplyDelete
  18. Card posted - please include my name in the draw, thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Congratulations to you both, it sounds like you have put together a great plan!
    Love your snippets card Di, and I would love to be entered into the draw please.
    Many thanks
    Janice x

    ReplyDelete
  20. So glad you have Sarn to help you and such a good idea to have a 2ic, especially in case of emergencies. I noticed a couple of challenge blogs just went 'off the air' suddenly, leading to concern about the person, and have never come back on. Carry on carrying on !!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Congrats, Sarn, on joining the Playground Team!
    Love the prize, would like to be in the draw.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Gorgeous card and prize. Yes please to be in the draw. Dudley does get into mischief doesn't he LOL. I expect Sarn will be a brilliant playground helper. Enjoy your celebration. Hugz

    ReplyDelete
  23. I love your card Di and saw it on your blog, and a great bunch of prizes too and very generous of you to put all that together. Poor Dudley having to be shorn but it will grow quite quickly and if it suddenly gets hot he may be happy to have less hair. Great new that you are having Sarn join you to share the running of this wonderful challenge, but I think there may be some interesting times ahead..don't want her falling out of the tree house after too many tiplings..lol. x

    ReplyDelete
  24. You really have me giggling here Di, beginning with your remark the the prize this time has absolutely nothing to do with your card sample, lol! Of course, that's also one reason you split up the two blogs, so you don't have to worry about being limited in your card making. YES PLEASE to that super fun prize pack, wow! So many cute stamps that are perfect for springtime.
    That's also great news that Sarn will be helping you run the playhouse, because I think she's already taken over the bar and event planning anyway. I love the idea of two hostesses, and now you'll have more time to chase after Dudley before he gets into too much trouble.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Welcome Sarn! I've enjoyed Sarn's comments when I've been able to jump in. I would love a chance to be included for the prize pile.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Yes please to a chance to win this bumper crop of a prize! So much great news about the Playground, and a beautiful card as well. I'll have to come back for more chatter but for now I need to get some much needed sleep first.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Playing just for fun this time, but having Sarn as your sidekick will be rewarding, as well as tons of fun! I already took a bottle of Bailey's to the treehouse (which goes quite well in a cuppa coffee BTW) but now we need some whipped cream for the top and some shavings of chocolate! Thanks for another fun playhouse! Have a great week!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Yes please for this bundle Di, if I am lucky enough!! It's a fab day to be hanging off the rope swing!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Best friends are the most important thing in the world, so it's great having Sarn as yours!!
    Today I am in with a Scotiish card (I love all parts of the UK!!) and I say yes to the great prize!
    Lia xx

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sorry: my card has been published March 11th, so: no card today .....
    Lia xx

    ReplyDelete
  31. Welcome, Sarn (although you're a fixture in that treehouse already; it's not like you're new here). So glad you're sharing the duties with Di and taking a little off her plate. Thanks to both of you for all you do.
    I'm a yes please on the prize.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Glad to hear you're pairing up with Sarn to run the challenges! Congrats to you both!
    And a 'Yes, please' for me on the wonderful prize!

    ReplyDelete
  33. This is exciting news :) Maybe we should consider renaming The Playground St Trinians? It may get quite 'lively' on occasion... Remember that turning a blind eye can often be the most dignified approach Di!! Good for you taking on Dudley's grooming even though it does sound quite a challenge. LOVE the idea of a little balaclava for Dudley! Have left a message about your gorgeous card on your blog and my goodness that is a generous prize. I will sit this one out thank you. Hugs, Vicky xx

    ReplyDelete
  34. Gode vrienden is het beste om te hebben , fijn toch.
    Mijn kaartje geplaatst.
    Ja ik doe graag mee voor deze mooie prijs.
    Dank u.
    Groetjes Elle-jeanne

    ReplyDelete
  35. Beautiful card Di and brilliant news about Sarn, what a great help. Yes please for the very generous prize.
    Katrina x

    ReplyDelete
  36. So pleased you have Sarn to help you out. It's a great card, I have a similar die set too. Can't wait to see Dudley in a balaclava! I'm just playing for fun this time.
    L x

    ReplyDelete
  37. Pleased to hear that Sarn in going to help you out in The Playground, Di.... although I'm sure she'll continue to lead us all astray! LOL! Lovely snippets card and sounds like Dudley is still being a little tinker! I'll be a Yes Please to have my name in the draw. xx

    ReplyDelete
  38. Such an exciting news Di! Thanks to Sarn for helping you!
    Your card is gorgeous!
    Wow! What an awesome prize this fortnight, a BIG YES from me!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Such a fun read and so good Sarn is joining you. I have a card to enter but keep trying to add it but not sure why I can't. I am signing off for the night now, I was hoping you could add it and if so let me know where I am going wrong-
    https://sandiesandie16.blogspot.com/2022/03/for-mums.html
    Many thanks x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sandie - I checked and both your link and also the thumbnail seemed to have worked fine! I looked inside Mr Linky's workings as well and think you're good to play! If ever you are in doubt - be sure to refresh the page before worrying and things can then be updated, Mr Linky can play cute as well as doggone lazy at times! I need to introduce him to Dudley Dog! He does CUTE better than anyone! :) Always feel free to email us or comment if things go pear shaped!

      Hugs

      Di
      xx

      Delete
  40. Fab card Di - love the colours ;0)
    Wonderful to hear that you have a helper in Sarn!
    I'm a 'yes please' for the prize draw.
    Helen x

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'm thrilled that Sarn is joining you Di and even more so now that she's invited me over to the tree house for cocktails.... She's a girl after my own heart! Great to be joining you again and I'm just playing for fun this time xx

    ReplyDelete
  42. Lovely to hear of Dudley's recent exploits! Congratulations to you and your new sidekick Sarn! A 'Yes Please' to this lovely prize!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Definitely YES for that amazing prize pack!

    Di, your card is beautiful. So happy you have Sarn to help you. You’ve done an amazing job running this challenge.
    I’m sure Dudley looks as cute as ever all trimmed back.

    ReplyDelete
  44. I'm glad you'll be having some help on the challenge, Di! It's a big job for one person! Sounds like the playground could get a bit wilder. I'm going over to check it out. Love your card, by the way.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Lovely card Di. Good to see you're having some help keeping everyone in order(Cough).
    Playing just for fun.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Di, I know you and Sarn will have a lot of fun. I have a feeling you both might be mischievous! "YES PLEASE" to the prize.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Oh dear--must have been hard for you guys to do the trimming as you work so hard keeping Dudley looking his finest! However, puppy Dudley was adorable, so he shouldn't feel the need for the paper bag at all! How wonderful that you & Sarn will be sharing the duties of The Playground! Let's just hope the partying doesn't get complete out of control--haha! I'll stay out of the drawing this time, although those umbrellas are just so cute!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Oh my goodness how generous you are with that huge prize set - YES PLEASE of course :)

    Happy to hear that Sarn will be helping you with the playground. Maybe we will get double amount of fun at the party.

    Hugs,
    Eemeli

    ReplyDelete
  49. Very exciting to hear that Sarn is joining forces with you. This should be interesting!!!! Bwahahaha!! I know it will provide lots of fun for all of us and hopefully a less stressful enterprise for you.
    What a pretty card, Di. Love the sparkly snowflake!!!
    Yes, please, to this amazing prize! Thank you for your generosity.
    Had to laugh at Dudley getting into bird droppings. My little 17-month old grandson loves to play outside and my chickens do not confine their contributions of fertilizer to places where he can't go. Oh, my. All I can say is that he's a "farm kid". <3
    Hope you are having a great day!! Thank you again for this lovely challenge!!
    <3 J

    jwoolbright at gmail dot com
    HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. Poor Dudley, or should I say poor you and Len having to deal with the hair ball and the hair cut! I did giggle and the bird poop. Yay, more mayhem in the playground with Sarn joining forces with you - I see lots of fun ahead! I am just playing for fun this time. Take care my friend. Hugs xxx

    ReplyDelete
  51. It always sounds like lots of fun at your house. Yes Please count me in. CarolG

    ReplyDelete
  52. Happy to be playing along this week, and would love the chance to win those goodies.
    Great news that you've got a partner in crime to share the load - **waving at Sarn**
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  53. Enjoyed the pictures and the narrative. You have a good partner! Beautiful card and yes, I'll play along.

    ReplyDelete
  54. I am happy to hear that Sarn will be helping you with the playground, this is great. I can imagine there is a lot of work behind the scenes ...
    I always love reading about Dudley, he is so cute.
    yes for the amazing prize, please and have a great weekend xx

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for leaving a comment! Please note that this blog doesn't allow anonymous comments. Any spam will be deleted.