28-12-25 and the Third Day of Christmas

 Good morning again, everyone.  Welcome to the Third Day of Christmas.

< clears throat >

On the Third Day of Christmas

I gave unto myself . . .

one reed diffuser

warm, fluffy socks

and a Jamie Oliver book.

I like reed diffusers and usually have one on the go upstairs and down.  It's nice that one can get top ups as well, and separate reeds, to make-your-own.
This is already in action; it's a very pretty bottle, Christmassy, and I might keep this one for next year (empty, I mean) because I like the decor on the outside.

And while I am on the subject of smelly things, I caught a less than pleasant whiff when I came downstairs this morning - that kitchen bin will be empties as soon as it gets light!  Phew . . .

I think I got quite a lot done yesterday, one way and another.
I made Beth's loaf and I need to find out when it is convenient to take it over.  
I did a fair bit of washing (and all the ironing in the basket).  One load to go - I could have done it yesterday but the drying rack was full.
I did the SET class - OK, I was done in afterwards but I did all that I would usually do.  I'm definitely picking up again now.  Circuits on Monday!
I started off the replacement blog - it's not public yet, but it exists!
I put away some Christmas clutter
I dealt with the cheap festive veg and now have a bag each of blanched parsnips and carrots ready for taking out and roasting when needed.  The Christmas cake is also sliced and frozen and the freezer is looking fuller again.  Good and bad - good because any food storage is reassuring and frugal but bad because I really need to get a different shaped freezer.  

By that I mean that, due to builder error, my freezer didn't go into the shed the way it was meant to and takes up more room that it should (I'll explain why another time).  I think what I want is an  upright, two door affair that will hold plenty but also be much more easily accessible than my current chest one.  I have to think ahead and, while I prefer chest freezers, upright ones are more elderly-friendly.  It has to be self defrosting, of course.  Mine isn't and I so wish it was.

And while on the subject of freezers, we're heading into a cold spell so I will have no excuse for not doing a good old defrost (and sort out), will I?

And I finished that Advent blanket.  
I'm not 100% happy with the border corners but I'm not frogging it, just making a note in my book.  The Spike stitch (if that's what it is, there seems to be several versions online) is nice and would make a lovely (if boring to make) baby blanket in its own right, using soft yarn and the right colours.

One of my aims for this coming year is to get a bit better with  my colour choices when knitting/crocheting.  Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't, I'm blowed if I know why and I would like to know.
Anita's book deals with this and I have ordered a colour wheel, one of those rotating ones where you can try different combinations.
It might help, it might not, but at least I am giving it a go.  

Today I am having a day of rest.
By that, I mean doing what I fancy, when I fancy.  I will do some more sorting, etc, because the clutter is starting to get me down, but only as the spirit moves.  I have a book to read, don't I, and some meals to plan.  There won't be much of a shopping list for a few weeks, I am sure, but I need to begin one - loo rolls for a start!
Tomorrow, Monday, is housework day, so I feel no particular urge to dust, etc, today!  To be fair, I won't tomorrow either but that's just me!!

Well, time passes and I need to get going - starting with that bin!!  Have a lovely Sunday, everyone, stay warm, take care, and I'll see you tomorrow.  xx