Life is a Journey – Page 234 – The life and times of Libby Withnall

Meet Charlie

Posted on December 20, 2010November 11, 2026 by Libby Withnall

About a week and half ago we came home to find one of budgies – Buddy – dead. Poor little Fudgie was standing beside her on the ground. She had been acting a little odd, sleeping and cuddling with Fudgie but we didn’t realize anything was wrong. Kevin, after doing some research, thinks she might have been egg-bound.

So on Friday it was time to go and get ourselves another budgie. We decided to get another male because the females bit so hard. I think I only held Buddy once in all the years we had her – which probably didn’t help to find any potential problems. So here is Charlie. He’s a British budgie and quite a bit bigger than Fudgie.

He’s a very sweet bird and within half an hour of him moving in Fudgie was already grooming him.

Hoping they’ll be the best of friends.

A morning in Berry

Posted on December 19, 2010November 12, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Yesterday the kids packed up and headed off to a 5 day sports camp in Berry. It was the first time – though Amy had been with school earlier in the year and very keen to go back.

A quick 45 mins later we had arrived. The girls got checked in and headed off to their rooms, then to play games. I hope they have a wonderful time. It sure will be quiet at home.

I’ve been wanting to visit the Berry Tea Shop for ages so took the opportunity since I was there. Lovely shop.

I didn’t actually buy anything (having just got all that stuff from Whittards) but they had a lovely range. All the products are around the shop and the middle is chairs and table where you can have tea and cake. Would have done so if I hadn’t been on my own (and just drank a big tea in the car on the way down). Next time for sure.

This is a part of Berry I hadn’t been too before (we usually just do the main street) and there was so many lovely shops. I had a lovely time wandering around, browsing, and buying, on my own :-).

And then there Sew and Tell.

Oh, my goodness – sewing, knitting, crochet, every craft you can think of. You be proud of me – I bought no wool or material :-). And I nearly didn’t go in because the sign said home of embroidery. So glad I did.

And at the back there was the cutest little gift shop.

I seriously think this might be THE best shop I’ve ever been in. I could happily have bought everything. And the range of books – oh, my! I bought a few gifts and just a few things for myself – a basket to keep my knitting in, a new crochet hook and a UK Vegetarian cookbook.

I will DEFINITELY be coming here again …. by myself :-).

I had a lovely time exploring Berry and discovering lots of new shops. I bought a veggie pastie from the bakery which I enjoyed for lunch on the drive home. It really is a beautiful part of the world and I’m going to add it to list of potential places to buy a farm.

Wet stuff from the skies

Posted on December 17, 2010November 8, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Okay, so it wasn’t snow but it was wet and cold and Bailey (being our ice cube eater) was in heaven.

First he ate the hail off the ground, then ran around the backyard trying to catch it as it fell. Too funny!

20 Christmas Questions

Posted on December 17, 2010November 11, 2026 by Libby Withnall

Saw this on Rachel’s blog (think it’s doing the rounds) and thought it a fun idea.

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? Wrapping paper, though sometimes wrapped presents will get put into gift bags

2. Real tree or Artificial? Artifical – always has been. It would be fun to have a real tree – they sure do look great – but I’d feel bad about killing the tree :-).

3. When do you put up the tree? The last few years it’s been mid-November

4. When do you take the tree down? After boxing day – which is why I put the tree up so early 🙂

5. Favorite gift received as a child? Toss up between Baby Alive, a guitar, trampoline and roller skating (the daggy kind that clipped on to your shoes).

6. Hardest person to buy for? My Mum or Dad – they seem to take turns each year. Mum’s birthday being in December doesn’t make it easy.

7. Easiest person to buy for? ME!!! I never have trouble buying a present for myself :-). The kids are pretty easy as well, though it’s getting harder as they get older.

8. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail and it’s still homemade for me

9. Favorite Christmas Movie? Christmas with the Kranks. Love the Santa Claus movies too.

10. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Usually October – just buying things as I see them. Most is done in December.

11. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? Probably.

12. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? It was Santa Mallows until they stopped making them. Now it’s shortbread and Gingerbread muffins.

13. Lights on the tree (colored or clear)? Clear – white, definitely not blue.

14. Favorite Christmas song? Driving home for Christmas – Chris Rea

15. Travel at Christmas or stay home? Home – ever since Amy was born

16. Angel, star or ribbon on top of tree? A silver star, though I like the idea of ribbon

17. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning? Morning, with PJs given to the girls on Christmas Eve.

18. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? How crowded the shopping centers get. Luckily I’m a morning person and can organise to get their early. We also have end of school year so it’s a very busy time socially.

19. What do you want for Christmas this year? To enjoy our first Christmas Day without any extended family.

20. Traditional colors (red and green) or other colors? Uusally red, white and silver – but this year I’m going silver and purple for xmas lunch.

Please let me know if you do this. It’s a fun way to think about the season.