Tuesday evening, 12-11-24

Hello, everyone - welcome to Tuesday evening's blog.  It's been another bright day with a sunny morning and a less sunny but not that dull afternoon.  Log may this continue, that's what I say!!

I popped into town this morning after Groove, mainly to deposit a cheque but also to have a little look around.  Apart from an advent candle (I have one every year), I didn't get anything else and wasn't even tempted.  There's loads of sparkly clothes in the shops right now but I have enough sparkly stuff to last the next decade after last year's cruise.

I did see some Christmas food stuff but I'm not really getting that sort of thing this month and I do have £15 in Morrisons vouchers so will be getting most of that sort of thing there next month.

That was the highlight of the day really.  The rest was just the normal, everyday stuff although now I have my Advent Candle, I am planning a little Advent corner with the M&S calendar, the candle and an Advent jigsaw puzzle I have.

I'm out and about again tomorrow morning, ending up at Beth's to do a fitting after which I can really get on and almost finish her cardigan really - assuming what I have done actually fits OK.  If not, I have some frogging and re-making.  Either way, it should keep me good and occupied and get in the way of boring but essential stuff like housework!

Have you had a good day?

Stay warm and sleep well.  xx

Monday evening, 11-11-24

Hi, everyone, and a very good evening to you all.  It has been a glorious autumn day here today.  We've had the first sunshine for quite a while and it was just so very bright and colourful, it really cheered me up no end.  It looks as if it's going to get colder soon but as long as the sun shines, that is OK by me, it really is.

After a lovely drive to Lindsey's through the autumn leaves, circuits this morning was outside and it was fab, just what I needed,  You see, I woke up with a sort of hangover this morning.  No, not alcohol induced, it was too-much-sugar-saturated-fat-and-carb-while-not-nearly-enough-protein-and- fruit-and-veg induced (that was surprisingly hard to type out).  A muggy head and decidedly lacking in energy.  That's an afternoon tea for you, isn't it?  An exercise session in the fresh, sunny air was just the ticket.

Once home, I had a face to face online with Alex while he took me through a powerpoint presentation he has put together.  Bless him, he was full of cold and I just wonder if I'm going down with something as well.  I've sneezed a lot and my nose tickles!!

We will see.

I've been getting on well with Beth's cardigan but have come to a halt until I can do a fitting.  She's not available tomorrow so, hopefully, I can go round hers on Wednesday morning and then I can more or less get it finished really.

I will have yarn left so I've started knitting an extra something for her while I'm waiting.

It has been a bit of a lazy day - I mean a me-day - but there's stuff that needs doing so I've started a Little List.  They always work, don't they?

And that's about it.  Things will hot up again soon so I am enjoying the relative quietness and gentle pace of my life at the moment.  Such a difference to when I was working and this was pretty much the busiest time of the year, only superseded by report writing time.
I'm enjoying it.

Good night everyone.  I hope your day has been really lovely and that you're having a relaxing evening.  Sweet dreams . . .  xx

Sunday evening, 10-11-24

Good evening, everyone.  Have you had a good weekend?  It's been a bit dreary round here, sadly, but it has been a nice time, all the same.

Saturday morning started with me driving Alex home before meeting the others for our golden oldies walk.  This was lovely with lots of chatter and laughter.

Then I came home and pottered around doing this, that and the other.  I washed Alex's sheets and will make the bed up again so it is ready, just in case.
I was so very tired again - after going through a spell of sleeping until a reasonable time, I am now waking too early again and not able to get properly back to sleep.  It's annoying but it will pass.

I spent the morning getting things ready for the afternoon tea.
The lovely Sharon, my hairdresser, has launched a second string to her bow, that of making cakes and afternoon teas and we were, I think, her first afternoon tea customers.  And what a spread she provided.  Three different kinds of sandwiches, scones, jam and cream and two different cakes  the lemon drizzle cake was to die for.

I provided some Delia's vegetarian sausage rolls because we all love them.

Apologies for the dreadful lighting.

Beth and Alex went home with a goodly amount of leftovers and, after measuring arms and backs and other bits and bobs, I can continue with the hexa-cardi for Beth.  She's so pleased with the yarn colour.  I am relieved; online you don't always see the colour as it really is but this was pretty close.  She dropped a few hints about leftover yarn and bobble hats.  I can do that!!

And now the house is my own again.  everything is cleared, the pretty china is away again and I'm feeling exceedingly tired but not too tired to watch the Strictly results show.  I'm going to try to stay awake until about nine thirty because if I go to bed too early, I am sure to wake too early too.

I've been enjoying (having not watched it when it was on BBC1 - or was it 2?) the David Mitchell comedy detective thingy, Ludwig.  I think it is one of the best things I've watched for a long time.  I'm a fan of David (and Victoria) anyway, love his sense of humour and am so, so enjoying Ludwig.  I'll probably watch the next episode after Strictly amd I'm really glad there's going to be another series next year.

Did you watch it?

Sleep tight, everyone.  xx

Sunday morning, 10-11-24.

 Sorry about yesterday - I'm getting very erratic, aren't I?  More this evening but, for now, I will just leave this . . .

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

(last verse of 'For the Fallen' by Robert Lawrence Binyon)

Friday evening, 08-11-24

Evening, everyone.  I'm rather shattered now so I'll keep this short.
It's been another really lovely day.

It started with Slimming World (last week's pound gain gone again so I'm hovering very happily just below target).   
I did a bit of shopping before coming home.  After breakfast, I sat down to crochet for a while and fell asleep.  To be fair I did wake up at just before four this morning so hardly surprising.

The rest of the day was just gentle pottering.  It felt cold outside but really nice and cosy inside so no complaints.

And that's about it really.  Just one of those days when very little happens.

I'm off up to bed shortly so I will bid you goodnight and wish you a great night's rest.  xx

Thursday evening, 07-11-24

Evening, everyone!  

It's been a much more pleasant day today, weather wise.  It's still been sunshine-free but the clouds were higher and it was not damp and drizzly.  Vat and I agreed that it was just a degree or two above feeling chilly which is good for November.

An online SET class was first on the agenda this morning.  For one, my internet connection played ball and there were no freezes or drops.  It was good - the first of a new block so the music was different although most of the moves were the same - it's not dance sequences like Groove, more short bursts like circuits.

At half past eleven, I set off for Val's.  It's an easy enough drive along major roads and takes around twenty to twenty five minutes.
Val suggested we go out to Blake House Craft Centre to have lunch at Sconch.    This is Sconch . . .

https://www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk/eat/

and so is this.

https://www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk/sconch/

After a delicious goats cheese and red onion panini (so delish) we trawled around the yarn area.  Yes, I was tempted and yes, I bought something, but it is allowed because it is for my Twelve Days of Christmas.  I'll show you when the time comes.  :-)

Some stunning yarns and some brilliant books but . . . my halo is intact!

Thank you for a lovely time, Val.  xx

Then I drove home though the gathering gloom, meeting the school run traffic as I did so but it wasn't so bad really; I've known it a lot worse.

When I got home, I finished off the CAL project.  I just had a little bit of the edging left to do.  I need to press out around the edges and in a few other places and, fortunately, it is the sort of yarn that is happy with a cool press but I wanted to take a photo for you.  It does look nice, all bright and colourful and, as I am a traditional and go for reds, greens and golds for my decor, it will add to the general colour cacophony really well!

Now I can start Beth's hexi-cardigan with a clear conscience.

And not the day is nearly over and I am starting to wind down and feel a bit sleepy.  It has been another lovely day with so many simple pleasures to enjoy and appreciate.  I am so very fortunate.

I really hope your day has been lovely too.  Good night, everyone.  Sleep well and sweet dreams.  xx

Wednesday evening, 06-11-24

Good evening again, everyone.

Today was a spendy day - nothing that I shouldn't have spent but a food shop is now expensive, especially with a few Christmas things added (to share the load).

I drove over to Sainsbury's and was very strong in resisting temptation.  There was a really lovely Christmas jumper - several, in fact - but no, I already have plenty.

I then trundled up and down the aisles, looking for everything on the list.  Alex had also requested a few things so I got them too.  Yes, a bit ouch, but nothing impulsive or wasteful.

Once home and with everything put away, I had breakfast (late) and then did this, that and the other until lunch.

Then it was Personal Training.

Finally, Beth came over and we had dinner and a good old chat which was lovely.

Oh, and Beth's yarn arrived.  Lovely colour and she's very happy with it.

And that's it - not terribly exciting but a nice, satisfying day, all the same.

How about you?  xx

Tuesday evening, 05-11-24 (aka Wednesday morning)

Morning, folks.
I sat down after dinner last night to work on the last bit of the cal project, looked at the clock ten minutes later and it was nearly eleven o'clock.  Oooops!

So you have this to enjoy this morning instead!!

Back to yesterday.  The first Groove of the new block was lovely.  The new routines are really good although I didn't know any of the music, not being into that sort of thing.  Now, if she had stuck to sixties playlists . . . but most other people wouldn't know any of it!   Anyway, it was great.

I wore the hexa-cardi and Lindsey liked it so much, I might be making one for her too.  It's lucky it is a comparatively quick make!

Alex went out to do his weekly volunteering and it was nice to have the house to myself.  I got bits and bobs done, sorted out a few things, did some crochet and generally chilled.

And went to bed late!

Today is a bit busier.  I'm doing a food shop this morning and am probably going to Sainsbury's for my monthly top up of things I like from there.  I might look for the marzipan and icing for the Cake while I'm there (I'll check the dates but I am sure I have bought it early before and both products have a long date).

This afternoon, it is personal training which is always good and this evening Beth is coming round for dinner.  Nothing posh, just jacket potato, etc, so before P T I will get everything together and as ready as I can.

So that's that.  At some point I really need to get out in the garden but it won't be today, for sure.
I hope you had a lovely day yesterday and a great night's sleep.
Stay safe and be happy.  xx

Monday evening, 04-11-24

Evening,k everyone.  I'm writing this earlier because I have an evening live chat and it will probably be too late afterwards. 

This is the colour Beth has chosen for her hexa-cardi.  It's King Cole aran and I described it wrongly in yesterday's comments, sorry.  
The photo isn't great, I think it has more colour than that, but she wants to wear it for work so didn't want lurid like mine.
I got it from Amazon as that was the cheapest I could find but not Prime so I have to wait until Wednesday - such hardship!!

I was rather puzzled as to what to get her for Christmas so I'm so happy about this.  I love getting gifts that people will really use and the work that will go into it just adds to the love (forgive the soppiness but it's true).

Lindsey is home again after a week enjoying the sunshine in Morocco so the new block has started!  It was great to get back to circuits and also to hear about her adventures.  There were five of us there and it was such fun.

Then I drove straight over to Beth's because I wanted to do a financial transaction over the phone and she helps me with the hearing side of it all.  It took a while but there were no problems.

The rest of the day has been spent doing the usual Monday housework, getting on with my Gifts of Christmas blanket (last part out tomorrow) and that sort of thing.  It's been a really nice day and it's good to be back in routine again.

Right at the moment, there's a roasting chicken in the air fryer for me, Alex and leftovers.  Things should start to smell delicious soon.

Have you had a good day too?  I do hope so.  Stay safe and well, everyone, and keep warm.  xx

Sunday evening, 03-11-24

Good evening, everyone.  Another damp and dull day today but it hasn't felt that cold really.

I started the day spending some time in the kitchen sorting out the batch of hummus I made yesterday (small pots, in the freezer), getting things ready for dinner tonight (with Alex - cottage pie, mince already cooked and in the freezer) and making some baked beans (self inflicted, I have cans, just wanted to make something myself) which taste nothing like Heinz but nice all the same - and satisfying!

I then popped upstairs and made sure Alex's bedroom was ready and waiting for him.  I even remembered to turn up the radiator thermostat - usually I keep it low as it's not a room in general use.
He's here now and watching one of the Paddington movies - we're a great fan of Paddington in this family!

He took a few photos so here's the cardigan.  I've worn it all day today and it really is very cosy and comfortable.  Don't look at the uneven hem - it isn't really, it's just how I was wearing it.  I might make a couple of patch pockets with granny squares.  I'll knock a couple up and see if it looks OK - I guess they could go on the inside rather that the outside if I think it interrupts the 'pattern' but pockets are so very useful.

When she brought Alex over, Beth liked it so much, I'm making one for her for Christmas.  Not the same colours, a sort of redcurrant colour with flecks.  I've just ordered the yarn - Christmas presents are OK during No Spend November - so when the Gift blanket is finished (this Tuesday starts the last week), it will be my project until December starts and I can begin the Persian tiles project.

I need something to keep hands and brain occupied during these dark evenings.

All weekend I have been intending to sort out my paperwork but avoiding it.  Not financial paperwork, just post and that sort of thing plus recipe printouts, crochet pattern printouts and so on.  The mess was getting me down so I just made myself get it all done and I am very glad I did.  It won't take long before it builds up again but, for now, it is neat and tidy and what a relief.

I'm going to post this a little bit earlier.  I hope your Sunday has been a lovely day - have a good evening and sleep well.  xx

Saturday evening, 02-11-24

 Hello again, lovely people.  Are you having a good weekend.  I do hope so.

It has been a quiet day here today.  I did some housework, some kitchen work, no ironing (must do it tomorrow) and worked to finish a crochet cardigan.
Have any of you heard of a hexa-cardigan.  It is basically a cardigan that starts out as two granny hexagons that you add to.
Hang on, let's see if I can find a photo.

The one I have made looks nothing like this but you get the idea.  You granny stitch a hexagon and the way you fold it makes half a cardigan,  You make two (obviously) and can than lengthen the sleeves and the body, stitch cuffs and an edging and . . . there you go.

I'll try and take a photo of mine tomorrow.

And that is about it really.  I am off to bed soon so I will wish you good night and sleep well.  I hope you have had a really lovely day.  xx

Saturday morning, 02-11-24

Good morning, everyone.  Sorry about last night's non appearance.  It was one of those evenings when I couldn't keep my eyes open, went to bed early and woke up at stupid o'clock today.  Oh, well . . .

Yesterday I got the 'start of the month' things done.
I read the gas meter and sent off the readings - I used more this last month because the heating now comes on at times but I do have a credit cushion, despite the loss of the winter fuel thingy.

I sharpened all my kitchen knives - it really does make such a difference.
I double checked the bank statement/finance stuff, just to make sure I got it right.  I find numbers a bit tricky because of my mild dyscalculia - not in terms of mathematical understanding, just seeing them in the wrong order sometimes and remembering sequences.

Topping up the water softener.

And my first of the new month shop - which wasn't so bad because I still have plenty of stuff like dishwasher powder, washing up liquid, washing powder and so on.  And the canned food situation is also fine.

(I have already done my petrol top up)

I enjoyed Slimming World as always.  I told C, the lady who goes to the Knit and Natter group, about my date goof up and she checked in her diary that I have the November date right (I did).  She brought with her a bag she had made from granny squares which was lovely.
(I had a gaintain of one pound but am still under target weight so I'm not in the least bit fussed,)

Before I wrap them up, here's a photo of the neck/ear warmer and the fingerless mittens.  I think the colour match is pretty good, given that they are totally different yarns, not even the same company.  The mid pink carries it really.

I decided not to use the circular motif on the warmer, it just didn't look right - or maybe it looked just too much.

The warmer also works really well as a pull on to keep one's ears warm - I didn't have it in mind but the difference between the cast on and the cast off gives it that shape.

I like to go a bit sort of merry and festive at the December SW meetings so I made these using the same idea and those above.  It's supposed to be a wreath.  When I go to the Hobbycraft bauble workshop, I will come home with a pack of little ribbons and some mini bells and I plan to add them (one of each on each, I mean) onto the wreath - just for a bit of fun really.
It doesn't show in the photo that much but the white and the red yarns are a bit sparkly and look festive.

(I know one looks too short but it isn't, it's just the camera angle, I think).

Another thing I did yesterday was to make a big loaf.  I know I made a couple of smaller ones the day before but Hungry Horace (aka Alex) is coming to stay for the week tomorrow and he does like his bread so that's for him to go at as he wants.

I'll finish off with a reflection.

To coin a phrase, it is a truth universally acknowledged that a girl in search of a no spend month is going to be hit by temptation very quickly!

Isn't it weird how that happens yet, if one gives oneself to spend £xyz, there's really nothing one fancies.

Odd.  However, I will hold firm . . .

Have a great day, everyone.  xx