These Essence of Nature papers are proving to be some of the most versatile ever.

This subtle background ties in beautifully with the Eastern Grasses stamp set, but here I’ve used it with a stamp from Retro Vases and ‘Thanks’ from Words of Gratitude.  I stamped everything using chalk inks and I’ve finished it with a couple of Prima flowers that I’ve had in my stash for ages (sorry, we’ve sold out of this particular type).

As it’s Father’s Day today, I thought I’d give you a quick update on Derrick.  He is now in Bishop Auckland hospital, so it has cut down our journey time enormously which is wonderful.  He is back under the care of a doctor who has known him for years and he has put a stop to all scans, tests, x-rays, etc which he seemed to be constantly having at Durham.  (He said it took over an hour to read his notes – for a doctor it must have been like reading an action thriller – what on earth is he going to catch next?) He’s reduced his medication quite drastically too and his approach is to do as little as possible to him, but keep him fed via the tube, encourage him to eat normally and try to build his strength back up.  He has started on physio as well and he is looking a million times better.

With various work things this week, Friday night was the first chance I have had to see him in his new home and I ended up in tears of relief because he is such a different man.   A few weeks ago, we spent every day thinking it was his last after the doctors sat Adrian and I down and had “the chat” with us.  As he continued to fight off infection after infection, the doctors continued scratching their heads and we were just on auto pilot, not daring to give up hope, but at the same time fearing he would never recover.

So it’s nothing short of a miracle to see him now.  He’s still got a long way to go – he was sick again last night – too much food seems to do that to him.  But he knows now how close a brush with death he has had and he is full of fighting spirit.

This weekend also marks the first time since Easter that Adrian hasn’t had to see to his Mum as the new carer started on Monday and she’s taking on the weekend routine now.

So we have spent the weekend being utterly lazy – long lie-ins on both days, some half hearted tidying up, lots of playing Wii (just got a new game, Rabbids Go Home – very silly), some bits of card making for me and reading and surfing for Adrian.

Oh, and bunneh watching of course.