Saturday evening, 13-07-24

Evening, all.

I noticed this today.

I had a very battered old planter that contained some self-seeded fern.  It was really attractive.
I needed to replant it into a different pot and, at first, the fern started to die off, going completely brown (as you can see).  
However, I glanced at it today and - can you see? - there's three new fern shoots coming up.  I'm so pleased.

Not the clearest photo in the world but this is how the yarn is knitting up.  I do like it.

I went out and about a couple of times, cooked meals and generally kept myself busy most of the day,

I just have to finish getting my jolly bag packed and that's me ready for tomorrow.  

As usual after a coach trip, I'm not sure if there will be a post tomorrow evening.  If not, I will be back on Monday.

I'm almost falling asleep now so I will get this posted now and then work on staying awake for another hour.  Sleep tight, everyone!  xx

Friday evening, 12-07-24

Good evening, everyone.  Another reasonable day - not too much sunshine but it was fine and dry.  I'm not complaining.

Slimming World group was fun and I enjoyed it.  I'm making the most of the community because Jen is moving away soon and, as yet, we don't know what will happen to her groups.  It's just a bit unsettling.

When that was over, I did my weekly shop.  I didn't think I needed a lot but it cost plenty, all the same, and that was without meat or cheese because I have plenty in the freezer.  To be fair, I went to M&S for my fruit and veg because it may cost a bit more but it doesn't go off so quickly.

In the afternoon, my yarn came. 

This is it.  I think it is very pretty.  Perhaps not the easiest to knit with but it is OK.  It's called King Cole Riot double knitting, I've started the jumper and it's looking nice.

It's not going to be an early night for me because I'm having a group chat starting at eight, so I need to stop this and get on with it.  Sleep well, all.  xx

11-07-24, Thursday evening

 Evening, everyone.  Just a quick one this evening as there really isn't much to write about.  It's been rather a lovely day with plenty of sunshine and no chillness at all.  Fingers crossed for tomorrow.

I dodged SET today - I'm still feeling a bit weary but much better.  A good night's sleep should do it.

Chris came round, we had a good old chat as always and I spent the rest of the day doing housework before chilling with a book and some knitting.

How can it be Friday tomorrow - and a third of the way through the month.  Crazy!
Have a great evening and a good night's sleep.  xx

Wednesday evening, 10-07-24

Hi, everyone, and here we are pretty much a third of the way through July already.  I feel it's hardly started!

I'm in the middle of one of my blood pressure review weeks - you know, where you have to take your reading mornings and afternoons and send them off.  I've never looked forward to doing it because often those reading have been on the cusp of 'come in and see us about this' which is a real nuisance and worries me.

This time, however, the reading have been great - only one over 130, even the first (my instructions are to take three readings and choose the lowest) one of each set has been more than acceptable.
Given that my meds haven't changed, I guess it's down to a normal weight, being relatively fit and living a pretty stress free lifestyle and, maybe, cutting out the alcohol (?) and I am really pleased.

Yesterday, I went to the Argos site, found the spike thingy mentioned in comments and ordered one.  It came today.   Unfortunately, it's just a fraction too big so I've emailed Seth's office to ask if they could come and drill it just a smidgeon bigger.  Fingers crossed.  If not, I think I know of a local chap who could come and do it for me.

I did my bit of adulting for the day - the car is now booked in for its MOT and service next month.  A bit ouchy but isn't everything these days?   And it HAS to be done.  

And, finally, I went all spendy with some yarn.  Yes, I know I'm trying to use up my stash but I want to make something specific.  I have wanted to make a jumper out of fisherman's rib for ages.  I used to have a really good pattern but can't find it now.  I looked and found one on Etsy, a very straightforward style with raglan arms and a crew neck (which I can easily turn into a different collar should I want to.
I've found some yarn I really like and have made and order.
It's been nice knitting scarves, etc, but I'm so looking forward to making a proper jumper again.  Perfect for next winter.  Or before, the way the weather is going right now!

Thank you for all your good wishes.  I'm feeling loads better now.

Take care, everyone.  Stay safe and sleep well.  xx

Tuesday evening, 09-07-24

Evening, everyone.  It's been a funny old day.
Last night really wasn't great.  I slept badly with those repetitive, surreal half dreams where you don't get anywhere and, for me, usually indicate a bit of a temperature.  I was achey all over and it just wasn't nice.
So I pulled out of Groove this morning but, shortly after, poor Lindsey sent a message round saying she was poorly, having been sick, so all groups and classes were cancelled today, bless her.  It doesn't sound like what I had but you never know.

I have taken the day out.  Reading, watching stuff, chilling and sleeping.  It's helped - I'm feeling a bit better now and, assuming a better night's sleep, should be more or less OK tomorrow morning

.

Later on, Lindsey messaged that she will be off again tomorrow.  I am glad - not that she's unwell, obviously, but that she is being wise and taking enough time to recover.  Selfishly, it also means I don't have to make a decision about personal training.

Thank you to Anonymous for the suggestion of multi size spikes in comments, what a brilliant idea.  

I'm going to sign off early so I can get to bed when I want to - It will be early, that is for sure.  Take care and sleep well.  xx

Monday evening - 08-07-24

Good evening.

There's a couple more trips coming up in the next fortnight, which is nice.

Next Sunday, we're off to Highclere Castle for the day.  Now, that's a fair old distance away and I'd never normally consider it so it's lovely to let the driver take the strain.  Normally, it is a non stop journey as there's a loo on the coach but there might be a stop at Reading services, depending on how the time is going.  To be honest, I wouldn't be fussed if there wasn't a stop.

I've never watched Downton (shame on me) - maybe I can find it somewhere and watch a bit.

And then we're off to Buckingham Palace the following week for a tour of Palace and Gardens, followed by (and I'd forgotten this bit) a few hours at Covent Gardens.  Must see what there is there; I'm assuming mostly expensive shope, like Battersea Power Station.  Am I right?

Anyway, all very exciting!

It's been a typical Monday - circuits and then housework.  We had sunshine all morning and I got two loads of washing dried, ironed and away.  Then the clouds rolled in, the rain started and it got jolly cold - it felt cold to me anyway.  I'm going to snuggle under a fleece this evening and read, I think.  Nice.

How about you.  Is Monday housework day for you?

Have a great evening, sleep well and pleasant dreams.  xx

Sunday evening, 07-07-24 - bit photo heavy

Good evening, everyone.

I took a few photos this morning before the rain set in, a bit random but it shows how things are doing.

I don't have a lot of blueberries but they are ripening slowly.  Such a pretty colour, I always think.  

I don't have many tomato plants in pots this year, just five.  They're doing OK but the ones in the bed are doing better (see below).  The cucumbers seem to be loving life although I see some brown leaves I need to remove, I think.

The blueberry is on the right and you can see it isn't a particularly 'strong' bush but it's started sending out new growth from the bottom which is encouraging.

I always have some lavender.  Colour and aroma can't be surpassed, I think.  I'd love a whole hedge but there's no room for a hedge!

These have been livening up my salads and, when they're all grown out, there's another pot of them coming along.

When I cut some this evening, I noticed some are starting to flower.

After a slow start, the runners are coming along well.  I am still concerned that there's not enough depth in the pots and that the flower heads will drop off without beaning.  Time will tell!

And after a speedy start, the dwarf beans have been very slow and there's been a sad lack of germination.  I looked on the packet today and it said plant by 2024 which I failed to notice when I bought it.  I guess they are just old seeds.  I've tried again for the last time and popped three more seeds in the gap and we will see.

They are so slow and don't look happy though.

I have so many Japanese anemone buds; they are going to look a picture in a few weeks or so.

 

And finally - more tomato news.

The tumbling Toms are doing so well - just look at all that potential fruit!!  There are some babies but they don't show very well - too much camouflage at the moment.

One of them will give red tomatoes and one orange.

Coming along nicely.

The ones in the bed look very happy, don't they?

So there we go - everything seems to be coming along nicely enough and it's just a case of keeping an eye on things for a while now - and feeding them.  Normally I feed on Saturdays at this time of the season but not yesterday, obviously, and they really don't need watering today.  Maybe I will throw on some slow release pellets - yes, I'll do that.  Better than nothing.

And finally - here's a couple of photos of  - let's call them blanket hoodies, OK?  Found using Google Images

You can get them plain or patterned, 'Oodie' brand or other, shorter like this or long - my long one is down to mid calf and it's lovely to tuck myself into it in my comfy chair.

They are definitely indoor wear, fleecy inside and soft and fluffy outside with a front pocket and I guess their current popularity owes a lot to the cost of living and fuel crises in recent years.  I know it's saved me money, keeping me warm so I don't need to turn on the heating.

Mine are cheaper ones, definitely not the 'Oodie' brand as they tend to be a bit expensive but, to be fair, they are probably much better quality and warmer.

Night, everyone.  I hope you have had a lovely day.  xx