20-02-25

And it is good morning from me again.  Today is the day it is supposed to get considerably warmer again, not that it has been that bad in the wider scheme of things.  When I think that some of you have had to cope with temperatures in the -20s and -30s (and that's F, not C), it makes me wonder how I have the nerve to grumble really!

Hopefully, it will soon be spring, the bulbs will flower and nature will wake up again.  And I will start thinking about this year's tomatoes.  Yay!

Anyway, mild and damp is the name of the game today but that's OK because I have plenty to do inside.

Back to yesterday and, apart from a few little niggles, Ray and co have finished, everything is clean, fresh and as tidy as it's ever going to be (downstairs, that is) and I have paid the bill which was semi-eye-watering but what I expected, I'd saved for it and it was worth it.

It is just SO nice to get up and not feel the pressure of being ready for 8:30.  I will be but I don't HAVE to be.

I am looking at my sideboards with a fresh eye.  They are older than Alex so around twenty seven years old and, inevitably, have become more than a bit battered.  I was saying to Ray that they have done OK for such cheap stuff (as I thought);  he gave me a quizzical look and pointed out the quality workmanship and the fact that there was a Parker Knoll label in one of the drawers.  I don't remember going for Parker Knoll but must have and am now thinking they are worth a bit of restoration in time.

Thanks for all the nice comments about the tiles blanket.  It is definitely going into the garden room.  I used some of the leftover yarn to have a go at a cushion cover in the same pattern but it doesn't really work as a single tile so I think what I might do is look out for plain or textured cushion (just a couple) that pick out one of the colours.  The blanket over one chair and matching cushions in the other.

I got some more sorting and decluttering done upstairs.  How can one person end up with so many socks and tights?  I dunno!  At least now they are organised and sorted and I know what I have - no more sock buying for the rest of eternity!!

Then I took a deep breath and ventured into the yellow room where Beth used to have her Kitty Stitches workshop.  It's an awful mess.  I didn't get far but I did tackle and defeat a box of thread bobbins of various kinds, ones that Beth used, ones that I used and a whole pile from Mum's collection and she was a great needlewoman so there were loads.
They're now all tidied, sorted and in their own place.  Inevitable, there was some wastage as there was so much unravelled and tangled thread but I got there and now need to move on to the next bit.

Just one more thing about yesterday and that is that, while I was working with Lindsey in my Personal Training session, she suggested that I might like to think about changing my Spanish holiday to the second one she is now also organising in September next year, so it's not too close to the Crete holiday.  Same place, same schedule of excursions.  Great idea!  So now I am going in September, not May.  It gives me more time to save, doesn't it?

Very quickly on to today - I have SET online, then Chris is over for coffee and chat, then I will be diving into more decluttering, sorting out, etc, and this afternoon I need to go to Cook's to pick up an order.
Should be a very satisfying day.  :-)  I hope yours is too.  xx

19-02-25

Morning, everyone.  How is the week going for you?  

A random photo of some snowdrops from my front 'garden' (for want of a better word).  They do look pretty.

And finally, finally, I have enough floor area to spread out that Persian tiled blanket thingy that I made after Christmas.  Seeing it like this makes me realise how very attractive it is and there's so much going on that the blips don't show at all, do they?  Nice.

I got quite a lot done on yesterday's gift day.  
Chris and I walked to and back from Groove - it's a new block and I loved the new routines; they are dance-y and energetic.  Great fun.

After breakfast, I went to B&Q to find some light bulbs which they didn't have and then to Longacres where I got the button for the cardigan I have been knitting so that is now completely finished too.

Then I went on to Beth's for coffee and a chat and I took her to pick up a prescription.

Then, in the afternoon, I set to and got quite a lot of stuff done at home.  There was dust everywhere so that needed dealing with and I sorted out some glass doors from some units.  They had some wood 'beading' down the middle which had come off, leaving a strip of sticky tape that wouldn't peel off.  So I attacked the sticky with sticky stuff remover, heat from my hairdryer, the Home Bargains equivalent of a scrub daddy and, finally, window cleaner.  There's just one more to do - it was left on the unit and covered over because it's the very last bit of decorating that needs doing, so I'll do that when the covers come off.

The ironing got done, the new drying rack arrived, the plants are back in place, I sorted out the curtain fixings and they are all in the new box . . . you get the idea.  There's still a few outstanding things on the list but I can do them Thursday.

It will all be finished today.  They have been great but it will be nice to get my living area back all clean and tidy.  I have personal training this afternoon but apart from that, it will be sorting stuff as they finish.  
And paying the bill - ouch!

Have a great day, one and all.  xx

18-02-25

Good morning, everyone.  I think it is touching zero round here and there may be a slight frost developing 

Many thanks for such a lot of helpful responses to my question regarding the Wild refillable deodorants.   Not quite the unqualified positives that I had expected after seeing the 'influencers' on YouTube!  There were all sorts of different reviews on Boots (great idea to look there, thanks) so I think I have some pondering to do.   

Yesterday started with the decorators turning up at 8:30 as usual.  I popped off to Circuits at Lindsey's where we had the three boys as well as some of us (it's half term here).  I really like it when they come - they're really nice lads (two teens and one still at primary) and give it all a very good go.

I came home, got the washing out (it was a lovely, sunny day - cold but cheerful) and disappeared upstairs for a while to get out of their way.  

One of you (was it Sue?) mentioned about gift cards burning holes and I know what she means so I headed off to M&S to get some bits and bobs - I was out of cheese, for example, and love the M&S West Country mature cheddar, for example.
Of course, I bought more stuff, some of which was not 'needed' but won't be wasted, like smoked salmon and a real treat of a bottle of garlic infused olive oil - that was, maybe, just a bit naughty.
Then I walked over to Aldi to get some things only they do, like their onion and rosemary sausages which are a dupe for the Linda McCartney ones and which I always add to the mix when I make burgers or meatballs.  I also got some frozen fruit as Aldi has a great range and our Morrisons really doesn't!
And finally, to Dunelm to get a bedside lamp as my old one is close to giving up the ghost and is one of those trendy curly wurly ones where you can't replace the light.  This one I got you definitely can!  Again, I got a few more things as I haven't been to Aldi for ages and generally intend sticking to the local Morrisons.
I had fun and I was spendy but none of it was 'impulse' in the sense that I was it, wanted it and got it and everything will either be consumed or used.

Just thought of one more thing.  When the decorators and I were going through my curtain fixings, I was so ashamed of the disorder they were in  so I got a bigger box with a lid and on the list today is to sort out all those fixings that are in different pots and containers and get them all into the new box.

In the evening, we had our usual weekly Slim Win online chat which are always so very helpful.

Today is a gift.
Ray and co are not coming today as last week I mentioned I had a friend coming over and Ray said needed to have some meetings about a future project so they would have them today.
However, yesterday, my friend texted to say she wasn't going to be able to come so now I have an almost free day. 
I have Groove first thing, then I'm round to Beth's for a quick coffee and chat and then I can really dive in and have a good tidy up.  There's just one little bit of painting still to do but most of the furniture can go back into its place again and I can wash the windows, wipe round to sort out the dust, etc, etc, etc.  I'm going to make a List!!!

Well, time to go and get other stuff sorted.  Have a lovely day, however you plan to spend it, and stay happy and contented.  xx

17-02-25

 Good morning. you lovely lot, and welcome to a cold and frosty Monday morning.  No complaints though - the sun is shining and this side of the windows feels nice and warm and cheerful.

One of my commenters yesterday asked about my Slimming World journey and I said I'd find the link to a post I did on my other blog, Slimming World the Mediterranean Way and post it.  So here it is:

https://my30-30challenge.blogspot.com/2024/10/monday-evening-07-10-24-my-first-tip.html

I have a question and hope some of you can answer, please.
Do any of you use the Wild refillable deodorant sticks?  If you do - what are they like.  Do they keep you dry and smelling 'nice'?
I'm interested in the concept and would really like to use refillables rather than a spray can that has to be chucked out, so if any of you can advise from your own personal experience, I'd be really grateful.
Thank you.  

Yesterday was a bit of a nothing day.  I did some washing and dried it on my rack which nearly fell apart.  It's really very old now, possibly about thirty years old, so I decided to order a new one from Amazon.  I use the rack several times a week at the moment so am counting it a need.
Shame it's now about five times what I originally paid for it but that's life!!

Today, right now, the decorators are here and I'm whizzing through this to get it done before I go out for Circuits.  Apologies for any typos . . .
Have a lovely day, everyone, and stay warm and safe.  xx

16-02-25

Morning, everyone.  Are you having a good weekend so far?
The lovely Friday sunshine didn't hang around for long, sadly; yesterday was back to cold, grey, gloomy and damp.
It felt so cold that we didn't do the walk.  In the end, there were only two of us so we decided to walk over to a nice little tea shop and have a coffee and chat instead.  David also had a bacon and egg sandwich which looked lovely but I polished my halo instead.  I have to admit it was tempting and, when I have some bacon in the fridge, I might plan it in.  It really looked delicious.
For me, it wasn't just the cold, it was also that the way was going to be really rather muddy and puddly and I'm not one who relishes that sort of walk - hike really, I suppose.
Once home, it took me a while to warm up again and the heating stayed up all day.

Lindsey posted a bit more info about the Spain holiday.
Old Spanish water mill Exclusive hire 8 guests Full board  Transfers & private minibus all week
Exercise workshops (optional)
Excursions including; star gazing at planetarium, gourmet meal and wine tasting at local Bodega,
Sound bath and exploring local historical sites.

Should be great (if it comes off).

Today, I have very little to do.  I don't need any more bread yet, I have made my tea for tonight and dinner is from the freezer so I just need to prep some veg.  I do have a couple of loads of washing to do - the load I hung out yesterday sort of dried and got finished off in the dryer so I have an empty rack.

I'm thinking I might drive over and take a nosey at some shops, assuming I can resist temptation.  I have started making a crochet cushion cover so I can get on with that.  I'm not sure I fancy a walk; it depends on how cold it feels really.  I'd like to go to Hyde Hall but it is always cold there, on a hill, and since I lost the weight, I feel the cold in a way I never used to.  When it's a bit warmer, I will go.

So - a bit of a nothing sort of day but that's OK.  I always manage to find something to do and, if all else fails, there's always a bit more decluttering to do.  It feels never ending.  😏

Have a good day yourself, whatever your plans, and do stay warm and dry.  xx

15-02-25

Morning, again, everyone.  

As it's half way through February, I decided to do a bit of a review of my aims for the month.

To continue with the Needs Only spending.  Going fine.  OK, there's some amounts that don't look like needs but they are deposits and payments for holiday's and coach trips and there's deposits from savings for the decorating but look beyond them and it's all good.  

To continue using what I have  . . . etc.  Well - I have indulged in some Cook's ready meals but apart from that, definitely!  I think I need to do another audit this weekend though and, maybe, a quick defrost.

Linked with that to move a specific amount across to short term savings at the end of the month.  Yup!  And I have a sub-account specifically for holiday savings for the money I save by going needs-only.  Jolly Holidays!!  There's no big sums going out for several months once the rest of the implant treatment has been paid

To continue updating my spreadsheet - yes, I've done that but I did anyway.  I've just tightened up a bit.

To continue with the Food Bank collection . . . yes and I'm making this an ongoing thing for the year (and probably beyond, but that really depends on external factors.  While I can, I will.

To make a decision about whether to go for another cruise . . . no, because I am now going for other things, as you know.  Decisions have been made, though, and deposits paid, so all good.

To do one extra online SET class each week - yes.

To continue with the decluttering.  Oh, yes!!!!  Forced to and it's been worth doing, for sure.

Resume the daily weed scraping when they start fighting back - and they will - but they haven't yet.  No complaints from me.

So all good, all going well.  

I had a nice surprise when I was decluttering - I found one of those multi-shop gift cards.  I had no idea so I checked and there's £11.40 on it.  The only food shop I can use it in is M&S so that's a good excuse, isn't it?

And I am so close to getting back into my target range at Slimming World again - when that happens, no more fees there.  It's not much but every little helps!

OK, so, yesterday.  We had sunshine.  Yes, real sunshine and for quite a while.  Absolutely brilliant!  A shame I didn't do any washing but by the time I got home from SW and shopping, and had actually done the washing, I don't think there was enough time for it to dry.  And anyway, I was tired and couldn't be  bothered.

Today we have a walk, 'we' being me and my Slimming World friends, although I think there are just four of us - K is on holiday and P and M are looking after the grandchildren.

I want to do some washing and have floor space to set up the drying rack, assuming it will be needed later on.

Yes, I have floor space and plenty of it.  The old part is a bit full still but it's just furniture, not rubbish or 'stuff'.  The extension section is pretty clear - two sideboards and a table plus my easy chair and the telly.  Plenty of carpet space and easy access to stairs, front and back doors.  I'm going to go round with the duster and then the hoover -  just the bits I can do but it will all help.

Right, well, I had better go and get the first load of washing done so I can get it our before the walk.  It shouldn't rain but, if it does, they can get wet!

Have a lovely Saturday, everyone.  Take care and be good but maybe not too good.  😇xx

14-02-25

Morning, all.  How's things?

Yesterday was great.  
I drove over for SET class,  It was nice to do it live instead of online.
Then I drove back, changed quickly and enjoyed the next hour with Chris, chatting and laughing.
In the afternoon, I set off a bit early and dropped February's donation of goodies at the food bank.  I had more than one for each day and the pile was getting in my way so why not - the sooner they have them, the sooner they can be used.
Finally I drove out to the Chignals and Mashbury village hall which turned out to be a lovely little building, modern, light, warm, super kitchen - just perfect.  I was greeted by Jennie, of course, and some very friendly people, some of whom I already knew from my teaching days.  S. was a leading light of the schools' music association and we worked together (with others) on Junior and Infant music festivals - she is still involved, in fact!  In fact, there were four of us on the same table having fun exchanging reminiscences.
Then another lady came up and she turned out to be the grandmother of two girls I remember having in Y 1, so she updated me on how they were doing and I sent my love to them.  They were both lovely girls although it is interesting how different sisters can be, isn't it?

So, all in, a brilliant afternoon and a lovely day.

The decorators have finished the old part of the house now and everything has shifted around.  Still  a mess but it's not junk now, it's more just stuff that has its place - chairs coffee tables, curtains, blinds, etc, etc, etc.
I took a few photos.

The finished bit.

My corner - they will try to do most of this section tomorrow.

Leading into the kitchen through the dining area.  Oh, the dust behind the sideboards!!  Really embarrassing!

Another view of the done bit looking to the hall and stairs.

And, finally, from the hall door, looking through the original living room to the extension.

This is what Lindsey posted on Facebook about the proposed Spain jolly (I have edited out many of the emojis!).

Team: I am planning way ahead for May 2026.
Fitness, Fun & fabulous excursions ☀️
Sunday 24th to Sunday 31st May 2026.  This is half term and includes the Monday bank holiday (25th).  An old water mill in Spain.🥰
Fully inclusive itinerary and full board.  Not just for girls! Not a “dry” retreat🤪
Who might be keen?🧐
Flights would be extra
I’m literally just going through the initial stages of planning and the cost will be dependent upon full allocation of 8 guests. 🤞
We have exclusive use of the resort and private minibus for transfers and excursions.

So it is dependent on take up and, right now, there are four of us, so we will see.

Today starts with Slimming World and then I will do my weekly shop.  A small one this week so it shouldn't take too long.  Then I am going to chill as much as ever I can, relaxing in the knowledge that my house will be my own for the weekend.  Bliss.  I might break my dry February and treat myself to one of those wee bottles of vino for the evening.

I'm not unsociable but I do live alone and like it that way.

Have a lovely day, one and all.  Take care, stay warm and be careful if the weather turns wintry.