Wednesday, 07-06-23

 Good morning, everyone.  It is supposed to be bright sunshine today - but maybe not just yet round here.  Ho hum.  Come on, summer - where are you?

Thanks for all your lovely comments about the cruise.  I'll tell you more about it in the coming months but suffice it to say for now that it is a fully inclusive thing with several expeditions/excursions/activities planned in which are optional but I will want to make the most of it all.

Baby courgette has survived the night with seed leaves fully emerged.  I think I might get one of my cut off bottles to put around it tonight for a bit of protection.  No sign of the other three yet but then maybe it's a one in four!

After Groove and breakfast yesterday, I really didn't fancy driving all round town to Galleywood so I stopped off in Writtle instead.  I'd have to go through Writtle anyway so it made sense.
Here's the Wiki entry for Writtle.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writtle
It really is delightful with old houses round a triangular green with a duck pond, an old and interesting church and more modern parts too.  It does take a fair bit of traffic one way and another but isn't usually too busy.

The duck pond.

For fans of J K Rowling's Cormoran Strike books, this was the pond the phone was thrown into in 'The Ink Black Heart'.

The view across the Green to the Church.

One of the many gorgeous old houses.

Just part of the walk, which is pretty much the same way as the walk we took last time we had the Occasional Slimming World walk in Writtle.

I love this name.  It's quite close to 'Cow Watering Lane' which I also love.  So country!

And finally - a bit sun-bleached now but this made me smile.

It was a very pleasant walk.

Today, Lindsey has moved personal training to this morning so I'll be popping out for that and then coming back for the rest of the day.  I need to remove some cheeky weeds from the older paving at the front and then I'm not sure but I'm sure I will find plenty to do.

What are your plans for today?  xx

Tuesday, 06-06-23

(Just something to brighten up this post)

Good morning, everyone.  It's yet another dull start to the day but the sun came out yesterday for a short while so fingers crossed for today!

It was a memorable day though.

I nearly had a whinge yesterday about yellow courgette seeds.  I popped them in the soil well over a week ago and nothing, absolutely nothing had happened.  There were only four seeds in the pack so I planted all four of them, assuming at least one out of the four would do something, but no - nothing.  
I'm glad I didn't whinge because later on yesterday there was a tiny little green speck showing and maybe, by this evening or tomorrow the speck will have uncurled to show wee seed leaves.  One out of four isn't great but, to be fair, that's all I want so here's hoping.  Better late than never, eh?
(I did try to take a photo but couldn't get it in focus)

I glanced at the clock and decided I had time before circuits so, as I had made my decisions, I mustered all my confidence (one of my words for the year, that) and used my mobile to contact the cruise company to book that Festive cruise.  I needed to speak to someone because of going with a friend so wanting a cabin on a specific deck, etc. as well as sharing the chauffeur car to and back from Southampton (which is included in the price).
Thankfully, the lady I spoke to had a lovely clear voice with no noticeable accent and the line was good so I heard everything perfectly well.
And, friends, it is now booked.  A Christmas adventure.

Of course, it means some changes in my Christmas traditions.  No Twelve Gifts of Christmas for the time between Boxing Day and Twelfth night for a start.  Luckily, for all I wanted to get them bought early, I only have a few so far.
No big Christmas cake - I might make some really small ones for family gifts instead.

No Kelly Bronze turkey.

However, I will have Christmas Tree Day - I might not get out all the other stuff but I must have the Christmas Tree up.
And I am thinking I will have the family round for a nice buffet the weekend before Christmas.
I can still do the Advent Carol Calender in here - I believe there's WiFi on board and anyway, I can time the posts.

Lots to think about but isn't it exciting?  Thank you for all your comments and advice.

Circuits was really fantastic.  As well as the three of us who are always there, there were two other ladies with their children, two boys and three girls, all primary age and at home because their school had an INSET day.
It was clear to see what an amazing teacher Lindsey must have been - she was brilliant with the kids and it took me right back.  Lovely!  I told her, she ought to think about doing something similar through the summer holidays.
After Circuits, Healther, Wendy and I went off to a coffee shop nearby - I just had my favourite Americano because I had my lunch all prepped and ready at home while the other two treated themselves from the menu.  It was lovely, sitting and chatting outside and we weren't the least bit cold because they turned on a little outside heater.
That was lovely too.

Today starts with Groove and, looking in the diary, that is the only scheduled thing so I will have to ponder on what I can/should/want to do for the rest of the day.  Nothing shop related, that's for sure.  Actually, I might pop over to Galleywood and have a stroll on the common - it won't be muddy, that's for sure.  I'll see how I feel!

Better stop rambling and start getting ready for the day.  Take care, everyone, and have a great day.  xx

Monday, 05-06-23

 Morning, everyone!  The sun seems to have decided not to come out to play around here this morning which is a shame.  It may. or may not, reappear later on, says the BBC.  It's none too warm right now and, as I really don't want the heating on, I've dug out my long oodie!
It may not be warm but it's certainly light - I'm already exporting electricity to the grid, which is rather nice.  

In contrast, yesterday was absolutely gorgeous.  Fence to fence sunshine and warm with it.  I moved the egg chair to get the best of the sunshine which also, coincidentally, blocks the view from the house to the compost bin a little bit so no complaints from me and it can stay there for a while.

I really didn't do very much at all apart from meal prep and clearing away (plus the usual wiping over things) but I did sit out in the sunshine and . . . 

. . .  I did pick some strawberries from my patch.  Three cheers!

I'm loving that the Sewing Bee has started again.  Yes, there's annoying bits, aren't there always (?) but it is a favourite programme all the same.

I've discovered a YouTube channel that complements each episode with two vlogs.  One is a general overview
Here's the link.
https://www.youtube.com/@TheWoolpatch
The Woolpatch is, according to the bumph . . . and I quote:
"a bricks and mortar shop in Long Melford Suffolk UK run by me, Stuart. This channel is about the shop and its community. < snip >. The shop sells yarn, fabric and haberdashery!"

One vlog each week is a general overview of the programme with the shop owner, Stuart, and a friend and it's called 'The Great British Sewing Bee Unpicked'.  

The other is called 'The Great British Sewing Bee all gathered up' and this one is really interesting as it's a conversation and demo between Stuart and Carol who is a master tailor and couturier where they spotlight on two themes from that week's programme, explain what it means and demo how to get it right.  So, for example, in the first one they looked at French seams and elastic while last week focused on drama in clothes and putting in a zip.
I think they're really rather good and I'm looking forward to using them each week as a sort of follow up to each programme.  If you're interested in that sort of thing, I think they're worth a look.

(I haven't explored the other videos o the channel yet; a lot of them just seem to be listing patterns)

Half term is over now and Lindsey is back in action again.  The week starts with circuits although Lindsey says it will be a bit different to usual as a couple of mums are coming and bringing their children (as it is an INSET day for their school).  I think that sounds rather nice and I'm looking forward to it.

I was umming and ahing about going into town first thing but I don't think I will.  I've made a resolution to have a low spend month and, as there's loads of summer clothes in the shops right now, I would be bound to fall into temptation.  So no.
ANyway, it's dull and a bit chilly so won't be all that nice, I expect.

Sunday, 04-06-23

Good morning, everyone.  The sun is shining already, my fingers almost feel warm, the lunchtime meat is in the slow cooker, the diary is empty and the garden is looking lovely (from a distance!).

And the clematis ooh la la is in flower.  Better late than never and there are hundreds of buds this year.

Yesterday's walk was absolutely lovely.  The sun had come out by that point, it was getting warmer, there were enough people around to make it lively, children were having a great time in the play area, the birds were singing their little socks off and everyone was smiley and happy!

I took a few photos.

There were some lovely flowers to be seen

View across the lake one way . . . . 

I do love poppies.

. . .  and the other!

Always a problem.

They're repainted the murals on and under the bridges and they look really good.  Some were just nice and some carried messages - like this one.

I got all my washing done, dried and ironed - I always feel good when that's done - and I sorted out my jeans.  The ones that are slightly too tight still are out of the way and I will try them again in half a stone's time!  It's not a problem - I'm not short of things to wear, not at all!

Today I am taking it easy (again).  I shall sit outside with a coffee, a book, a magazine and my comfy chair or, maybe, the egg chair and I'll probably nod off for a while.  And that's about it!  

Stay safe, everyone, and have a lovely Sunday.  xx

Saturday, 03-06-23

 Good morning, everyone.  It's another dull start but the forecast is for a really lovely day so I'm up for that!  

First of all, thank you so much for your helpful advice regarding this Christmas cruise thingy.  I'm still pondering!

Regarding saving for it - I've always put a certain amount of my income into savings, just a general savings account with immediate access if needed.  It's generic savings for anything that comes up as well as for longer term, not specifically for this, that or the other so if, for example, the washing machine died, I could replace it straight away without needing to borrow.  I think this is a common way of doing it for those of us fortunate enough to be in a position of being able to do so and the fact that I do is down to my Dad's wise advice when I was newly divorced and having to deal with financial things as a solo person.  It has enabled me to be totally debt free which makes me feel secure.

It's a bit different now, what with inheritance, etc, but I still have the general savings account and that's not changing but I am going to do some separate accounting so I know that a certain amount is specifically to pay for holidays.  It feels a bit odd in a way but it also feels 'right'.  So, for a while, the monthly savings, any Premium Bonds wins (they come up fairly frequently but small amounts, usually)  and any end of the month money (there is some, occasionally) will be counted as holiday fund.  I'll see how that works and I've started a separate Excel thingy to keep tabs on it.

What some of you said about not knowing what the future holds really hit home.  I'm lucky enough to feel much younger and fitter than many my age but there's no getting away from the fact that I'm in my seventies (how did that happen, eh?) and, at my age now, my paternal grandfather had passed away, both my in-laws too and their son, my ex, has long been gone.  You are right, we don't know and, while I am extremely happy with my life, when opportunities come along, maybe they are to be grasped with both hands as much as ever I can.

Because, without being negative, there's a lot more time behind me than there is ahead of me now, isn't there?

I'm not just talking posh cruises, I'm also talking about folk art courses, fitness classes, Center Parcs, walks with friends in the park, solar panels, fillet steak, lunch with family, and all the as yet unknown things that are bound to come this way . . . there's so much lovely stuff out there to appreciate and experience.

Goodness, what a heavy way to start a weekend blog post!  Let's get back to normal!

Yesterday was lovely and sunny and, as I was desperately tied after my poor night, I just took things easy and rested up.  I did go to Slimming World where we had a hilarious discussion about kiwis (the fruit, not the people) and constipation, as one of the ladies had that latter!  Among the laughter, some very helpful things were said, so it was informative as well as entertaining.

The cleaners came, bless them, worked their magic and left again and I snoozed on and off.  I had a great night's sleep too, although some of that might have been the wine!!

Today there is just one thing in the diary and that's our occasional walk from Tower Gardens to the coffee shop, round the 'lake' and back again.  We haven't had one for ages and I missed the last one because I was at Potters so I'm really looking forward to it.

Then, as it is supposed to be such a lovely day, I think I will get my washing all done.  Not bedding, I did that a few days ago, but there's quite a pile of darks to do and some whites as well.
I can do some meal planning too and - eeek - think about the decision I need to make.

Do you have anything special planned for this weekend or are you chilling like me! 
Stay safe and happy and, again, thanks for the support!  xx

Friday, 02-06-23

Good morning, everyone.  It's stupid o'clock and I've not slept all that well, mostly because of an over active brain.  It happens now and again and I will catch up tonight, I am sure; maybe before then, in fact, with some comfy chair snoozings!

Yesterday was absolutely lovely, one way and another.
Diane turned up and off we went into town.  There's no point paying two lots of parking - it's extortionate enough with just one car - so I drove.
We meandered happily over to the Quadrant (Co-Op under a different name) and found their travel agent section, only to discover that, much to our dismay, it's closed on Thursdays.  I mean, whoever closes on Thursdays?  Well, they do, obviously.
Drat!
We walked over to John Lewis as we expected it would have a travel agent there and it did but we had to make an appointment for a little later.  That was fine.

Diane needed to go to Boots so we did and then went into one of the retail areas as I was sure there was some sort of travel agents there, and so there was,  They were so very helpful and we came home with brochures and information to ponder over.

Then it was back to John Lewis where we sat through much the same sort of stuff only, because it was John Lewis, rather more expensive.  We finished off with coffee and my friend, David, from the Slimming World group and the person who organises our Saturday walks, cam in and over to chat for a short time.  That was very pleasant.

So we still have info to gather and decisions to make but we are loads clearer about what we do want now as well as what we don't want.  We might go back to Quadrant but I think Diane feels we probably have enough info now.

However - and this is what has helped with the sleepless night - Diane has booked a cruise over Christmas to see the Northern Lights (and loads of other stuff too) which looks absolutely amazing and I am giving it serious consideration.  Decisions, decisions!!

It was a good morning!

In the afternoon the sun came out and it was beautifully warm so, when Chris came over, we sat outside to chat.  It was just warm enough with a fleece or cardigan on and it was so nice to sit in the sun.
She brought over a couple of tomato plants (Gardener's Delight) which was very kind of her so, as soon as she'd gone, I set to and got them into pots and where I want them to go.  So now I really have got all the tomatoes I have room for so it's a case of being kind to them and waiting!

When I got home from town, there was a little parcel on the step.  Early yesterday morning, I saw that Sharon Blackman was posting about some cards she had made from prints of her own work (she stitches on fabric to create 'folk art' and I love her work).  I went over to her Etsy shop and ordered some, but didn't expect them to arrive so quickly.  She lives locally and had delivered them by hand, bless her.

Here's a link to her Etsy site.  The cards I brought are the top row, second along.  Very pretty and pastel and a pleasure to give and to receive.

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SharonBlackmanArt

(I love her Christmas cards too)

Anyway, long story short, in the parcel there was a plug for a folk art course at the local church hall (where I go for Groove) so I emailed and have enrolled on the course.  Three hours of absolute pleasure coming up the middle of June.

And the First Strawberry is no more.  Juicy and delicious and there are more on the way now.  I must keep an eye open for Lathcoats PYO announcements now.

Wasn't that a lovely day?

Today has started well too.  I checked my Premium Bonds and, yup, another win.  It's never huge amounts but every little helps and I've decided to start a 'Holiday Savings' account.  Not  real account, just in my YBS or reinvested in PBs with a mental label on it.  What is it called?  Sinking Funds?  No, I don't think that's it.  Anyway, I'm sure you know what I mean.  

It's Slimming World today, always good fun, and then I have a house to make cleaner friendly and some sleep to catch up on plus some clothes to wash, dry and iron.  I was umming and ahing about going into town again to stroll around and I might still do that but probably I'll leave it until Sunday or Monday.

I seem to have rambled on for ever so I'll stop and get this live.  Have a super day, everyone and, Sue, I hope it's a bit warmer your way today.  xx

Thursday, 01-06-23

 And here we are, at the start of Flaming June.  Well, we can hope, can't we?  The forecast seems OK so fin gers crossed.

Yesterday's big story is that I now have a working shower again and I have already tested it out!  Matt tested everything and all the electrics are fine, it was the 'something or other' (compressor?  processor?) in the attic part of the shower that had just stopped working. 
They do, he said.  I noticed, I said!
So two hours and a slightly eye watering payment later and it's all working again.  I may notice it is slightly more powerful, said Matt, because they have improved since mine was put in.  Yup!
However, he didn't do the boiler service and will make another time for that.  No problem.

The morning stayed very chilly, gloomy and a bit damp and then, suddenly, out came the sun and it warmed up quickly.  That was lovely!

Today, I'm a bit short of time because Diane is coming over and we're off into town to talk to the travel agent she uses about you-know-what.  Very exciting.  Then, after lunch, Chris is coming over for the coffee and chat we usually have on Thursday mornings.

So it will be a lovely, sociable day, I hope.  You have a good 'un too, OK?  Stay safe.  xx