News & Updates from Joanna Swinton

My daughter took her eldest 2 children to Disneyland. It was organised by the local Junior Diabetics. They travelled by coach and boat. The journey on the boat was really exciting for Bella (aged 6) and Kieran (4). It was very cold when they arrived for their first afternoon.

The next day was much better as they were nicely wrapped up. Bella was dressed up as Snow White and Kierenas The Gruffalo. They chatted with quite a lot of the characters and went on loads of different rides. They had a great time.

I had my sewing machine for a special birthday 8 years ago. Its also an embeiodery machine. Since buying it it has been in and out if the repair shop many times. Having such a beautiful machine and its never worked right in all these years.

When I took it back again at the end of last year, the girl in the workshop adked me to thread it up for her.

I did that and she could see the likely problem. It was because the thread was getting caught in the nick on the ridge of the spool where the end of the cotton is put in to stop it unravelling.

Now I check that it cant, and the machine works perfectly.It was my friends birthday this week and I made her this bag for her sewing bits and bobs.

She was very pleased. I have also made my Granddaughters some dresses, and the oldest one some bags for her diabetic pump. I bought a pattern for some dungarees that I intend to make for out 18 month old twins. Im having great fun. Rock on.

My Granddaughter Bella have completed her Stage 2 in swimming. We are really pleased with her. When she started swimming, about a year ago, it was hard to get her into the water.

She spent quite a lot of time swimming with a float shaped as a shark fin on her back. Talk about cute!! She has come a long way having to dive to the bottom of the pool to retrieve an object, tread water as weill as swim a specific length.

We are so proud of her. I look forward to sewing her new badge to her swimming kit.

Well Done Bella!!

During the holidays my two oldest Grandchildren went on the Polar Express. They made the journey as close to the movieas possible. They had to go in their PJs and they were sent golden tickets.

The Guard collected the tickets as they got on the train and they were given hot chocolate and cookies on the trip.

Santa was on the train and spent quite a lot of time talking to every child. They kids had a magical time and really enjoyed themselves.

Tis the seasom to be merry and watch the school plays. I have been lucy enough to watch both. My Grandson Kieran was a shepherd. The group was from the nursery and made up from Children 2-4 year olds.

Mary burst into tears as she reached the manger and was accumpted by another 4 children. In the afternoon I went to Bellas and was really amazed at what she had achieved. She had lacked confidience and was a quiet 6 year old. She talked and sang in front of a room full of Mums and Dads. I for one was very proud of her