I hadn't really intended to be away for so long but it was half term here last week so I didn't get my computer time – instead I was entertainments manager for 2 small people! We even managed to get out in the garden for some bouncing – it's lovely to see the blossom on our old plum tree and know that spring is on the way!
After a few days at home we headed off to stay with my Mum and Dad and had a lovely time. Mum is doing so much better and is working hard at her physiotherapy (after she broke her neck in a serious fall last autumn and had to wear a halo device for 3 months). There is still a way to go before she's as flexible as she used to be and her back gives her some pain but she's so determind and is an inspiration as is my Dad who has become quite a dab hand in the kitchen!
Now that the kids are back at school I'm pressing on with knitting again. I'm not sure when I will have the next sale of toys / cakes as my situation has been complicated with an encounter with the Inland Revenue. I don't want to go into great detail but I'd advise anyone making and selling anything in the UK to look into whether they should register as self-employed and not assume that you only need to declare any income if it is enough to pay tax on! Anyway, when I get all of my paperwork finished and know exactly where I stand I'll email my advance list with full details before the next batch of toys are sold.
Thanks so much for all of the emails I've had recently, I will be working through them this week. Thanks too for all the lovely blog awards that have come my way – I'll do a post and pass them on shortly.
little cotton rabbits 
Thrilled to hear your mum is making good progress. IR stuff is a pain, you have our sympathy I’m sure! The tree is fabulous, but am I alone in thinking it is early? So happy you are ok, and the ‘red coat’ duties are over ’til the next hol. Take care :0)
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Hi Julie –
Doesn’t paper work really get in the way of crafting – I know that at my shop as soon as I have a spare minute to start creating or looking through some new craft books that there right beside me is the paper volcano or a letter from the ATO (Australian Tax Office) wanting some of my attention and usually money – Tree looks great – and you can really see the crispness in the air.
Cheers from down under – Tania
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There you are. I missed you!
I was so worried when you hadn’t left a post in over a week.
I am actually leaving this comment from SINGAPORE, as we are are on holiday here…along with Dolly and Joey (LCR’s) and HP32 (monkee).
Now I can smile, knowing that you are having a wonderful time, well except for the Inland Revenue (sorry to hear about that).
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Glad to hear your Mum is still making good progress.
I love it when spring starts to appear in buds and blossom.
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I’m so sorry to hear of your possible troubles with The Tax Man…
BUT yeah for spring and your Mom doing so well!!
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Glad to hear about your Mum but not about the Tax Office. The tree is very early but beautiful.
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So sorry to hear about the IR problem – hope it gets sorted quickly and easily.
Great news about your mum – she has been a real inspiration hasn’t she?
Lucy x
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glad your mum is improving. thanks for the reminder about the tax thing, i have got all the details to register myself as soon as my etsy shop opens, and i really do have no excuse to forget as my husband has been self employed since 1992, so we are well used to tax returns, etc!!
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I’d be really interested to hear how the paperwork goes and what the rules and ins and outs are if you have time as this is something that keeps me back from opening an etsy shop or selling. I’m terrified of falling foul of the taxman.
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That tree is beautiful. We are having a snow storm! Ugh, I am ready for Spring. Sorry to hear about the tax situation. I hate paperwork. Glad to hear that your Mum is doing better. I wish here in the US we called our mother’s Mum. I think it is wonderful.
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Egads the tax man – he gives me the willies. Glad your Mum is getting better.
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Spring is on the way too in France : my old plum tree is in blossom too !!!And when the weather is sunny and smooth it is smelling like honey 🙂
I use to visit your blog often and I love all that you do 😉
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Hi Julie,
Another person whom was about to send out the search party for you! I LOVE reading your blog, even though I have little or no time to reply these days, 3 kidlets keep me more than busy. Glad your mum is getting better, I read about her fall, my goodness it was a bad one!
Anyway, looking forward to the next sale of your bunnies, am waiting to nab a girly one for one of my online friends, she just gave birth 2 weeks back to a 23 week premmie girl! I realised that her Niamh’s birth lenght was almost the same size as your bunnies, 10 inches!!!!
Goodluck with Mr taxman, they sure like to “kill” creativity!
cheers,
Leoni – Melbourne Australia
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Great news about your Mum’s progress Julie. That blossom is a beautiful hint at spring and I love your new yarn colours.
Don’t you just hate paperwork? Every time I think that I have my book-keeping sorted out another problem arises!
Marie x
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Look! Blossoms! Oh, what a sight for my overly tired from this winter eyes. Bless you.
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I gave you a little award over at my blog. I love your blog.
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Funny Quote of the Day
The tax collector must love poor people, he’s creating so many of them. This is on my blog today and thought it was appropriate! Nasty Tax Man, still, I’m sure you will enjoy your litlle business more knowing it is all above board. Looking forward to seeign the new batch!
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Your I am a new knitter. Your animals are so cute!!!!!!!!! My 5 homeschool children love them!! I only hope some day I will be able to make them! I got your link from a Waldorf doll making site. I will be back soon 🙂 Thanks for sharing your great talents!! Happy Spring!!
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