31-12-25, New Year's Eve, a lovely (spendy) yesterday and the Sixth Day of Christmas

Morning, all.  So here we are on the last day of 2025.  

On the sixth day of Christmas

I gave unto myself . . . 

stuff for my hair
one book to read ................

two smelly soaps

one reed diffuser

warm, fluffy socks

and a Jamie Oliver book

Its a big pot of conditioning mask - I spent ages looking for quick stuff as I really can't be doing with putting it on wet hair, waiting for goodness how long and then having to get back in the shower to wash it off.  The shower does a much better rinsing job than a mug in the sink!

Anyway, this is a two minute thing meaning wash hair first, mask on, wash myself and then it is time to rinse it off.  Works for me!

Yesterday was really good.  I did 2/3 of Groove (exercise still sets off the coughing), which I was pleased with and at midday-ish I set off to catch the bus into town for my Specsavers appointment.

I have to say, I am always really impressed with the way Specsavers manages their customers.  I have never had to wait all that long and today I had hardly got my book out before I was 'collected' and the process started.
I always book the extra eye health check because why not.  I have a 'freckle' at the back of my eye that is doing nothing and going nowhere but it's always good to check because it might decide to make its presence felt at some point.  I also have baby cataracts so ditto.

Anyway, the reason why I went was because I have noticed that my distance vision is not as clear as it was and should be.  I can still read car registrations at however-many-metres-it-is but it's just not sharp.  Close sight seems fine but, with all the hoo-hah about older drivers and vision, etc, I like to keep on top of things.

And, as it turned out, my right eye has stayed the same but my left has 'changed', probably cataract related but there's no need to worry about that yet.  I'm not worried, that was her word - when the time comes I will have it dealt with.
So, the bottom line is that they are making a new left lens for my usual glasses and two new lenses for my prescription sunglasses (because the tint won't be the same otherwise) and, in about a fortnight, I drop the glasses off, wear my previous ones for the day (not looking forward to that) and pick them up late afternoon.  Thank goodness for buses and bus passes!

As I paid an eye watering amount for basically three lenses (and, let's be fair, a whole lot of specialist workmanship) I reflected with gratitude on how fortunate I am.  Yes, it was an awful lot but I can afford it without going short on other necessary things - and that is such a blessing, isn't it?

As for the cataract, she said several times that I was a Very Good Girl - no, she didn't phrase it like that but that's what she meant - to come in earlier than my next due sight test date because I noticed a change; so many people don't do that (looking at the cost, I am hardly surprised - but didn't say so, obv.) and, please, if I have the slightest concern in the future, come back immediately.
Don't worry - I will.

Then I met up with Beth who trundled down into town in her wheelchair, we had coffee and a chat and then we hit the shops and the sales.

We started in John Lewis where both she and I bought a few things and I found my new coffee maker.

I've been looking for a while as my old one is becoming a bit - er - erratic, shall we say, I had been considering this one (bit too expensive though), it uses the same pods as at present and yesterday it was nicely reduced.  And, when you consider how much a coffee from a coffee shop costs, it will pay for itself.
(I know this is false reasoning but I don't care)

If I am totally honest, I would love an all singing and all dancing machine where you put the beans in one end and a wonderful mug of coffee comes out the other but I have neither the room nor the money for it and I doubt I would use many of the extra features when my height of coffee-bliss is a nice black.  When Ernie comes up trumps . . . maybe!  In the meanwhile it is Wonky Pods for me!
The nice John Lewis man ordered it for me and it will be delivered at some point.

This is it.  Nothing special and £49, less than I had been expecting to pay.
I could have had it in white but the man looked that up and . . . wait for it . . .  the same machine in white was £105!!

I wouldn't have paid that just for a different colour!

After that excitement, we wandered in and out of shops.  I bought two (reduced) tops in a new shop that only opened last week called Penny Plain; definitely my sort of shop and Beth was rather taken with it too.  It supports widows in India by donating a portion of profits.  Nice, 'gentle' clothes, if you know what I mean.  I will go back, for sure.

And just to cap a lovely time, as I arrived at the bus stop, up rolled my bus.  Perfect!

I've been pondering resolutions/aims/targets, etc; more about that tomorrow, maybe.  

I hope 2025 has been a pretty good year for you.  For me, it has been a good year, what with holidays, coach trips, friends, crafting, garden, etc

However, for some close to me it has been a terrible year with some very sad losses and I so hope 2026 heralds a change for the better for them.

Have a lovely day.  Are you partying until midnight and beyond or is it a case of beauty sleep first?  I bet you can guess what mine will be, lol.

Whichever it is, enjoy, may any hangovers be small ones and I will see you all again next year!

30-12-25 and the Fifth Day of Christmas

Morning, one and all, and welcome to Tuesday.  It's turned cold - no frost but there's an 'icy' feel and smell if you know what I mean.  The forecast isn't too encouraging either - of the opposite, if you like snow.  I used to but it's more of a nuisance now, the kind of snow we get here!

On the fifth day of Christmas

I gave unto myself . . . 

one book to read

two smelly soaps

one reed diffuser

warm, fluffy socks

and a Jamie Oliver book

I think one of you mentioned this book somewhere - was it one of the Sues?  Anyway, I liked the look of it, the reviews are good and, having finished the Richard Coles book (not a very long book), this looks perfect for snuggling in my corner under the fleece with a cuppa.

I'm in a rush.  After a very late night, I slept until half past seven and I have a Groove online class at nine.

If I will start playing the Santa Drop game at around half nine (three Santas, Sue.  Yay!!) and five minutes later it is almost midnight, should I be surprised?

The clutter clearing is going OK.  AT least I can now get to some of the surfaces to dust!  The maple leaf blanket is also going well and my whole corner feels much more organised again now the unnecessary yarn (is there such a thing???) is up and away.
OK, so the living room table is a right mess but I don't want to bring the boxes in until everything is ready to put away in them.  Then they can go straight in the garage until next November!

Today is more of the same really.  No wonder the days are just smerging into each other.  

Must go or I will be late for the start of Groove.  Stay warm and cosy, have a lovely day and see you tomorrow.  xx

Edit:  Ooops, nearly forgot - I have an opticians appt today - glad I remembered that!!

29-12-25 and the Fourth Day of Christmas

Morning, everyone.  Welcome to Monday and I hope you had a lovely weekend.  It's turned quite a bit colder here, cold enough for me to get out my lovely electric fleece - much more economical than turning up the heating and twice as effective!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas
I gave unto myself . . .

two smelly soaps
one reed diffuser
warm, fluffy socks
and a Jamie Oliver book

The soaps are the floral fragrances I love so much - English rose and lavender.  Good timing too as I always use bar soap in bath and shower and I was nearly out.

I didn't do a lot yesterday; this virus isn't leaving easily at all which is a right nuisance.
I did get to Beth's with the loaf and stayed for a coffee and quick chat.

And I did start sorting out the yarn.  This pile is going into colour sorted containers and the only remaining yarn downstairs will be what I am using for the maple leaf blanket which is going nicely.

Today is housework day, of course.  I will do it in dribs and drabs through the day so by the end of the day it will all be done.  To be fair, apart from some tidying up (including that yarn), it really isn't so bad.

I think I need a Little List so . . .

housework

yarn away

break up jigsaw puzzle

put away decorations on dresser

maybe sort out and list contents of a couple of freezer bags

That'll do!

Are you a Twelfth Nighter like me or do you like to get everything away again after Boxing Day?  

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Stay warm and keep well.  See you tomorrow.  xx

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 emptied 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

27-12-25 and the Second Day of Christmas

Morning, everyone.  Hoping you are all well and able to chill after what was probably a busy few days one way or another.  

Altogether now . . .

On the second day of Christmas I gave unto myself . . .

Two pairs of socks

And a Jamie Oliver book!

I think I got the socks from Home Bargains and it might possibly have been in the sale after last Christmas?  Anyway, these are lovely and fluffy and I have a pair on as I type.  My toes get cold quite quickly and cold feet are a misery so these are most welcome.

I didn't get all of yesterday's list done but that's OK.

I got to Morrisons just after it opened yesterday.  I was looking for reduced stuff really but not any reduced stuff.  As it was, things like pigs in blankets and party nibbles were the same (extortionate) price which wasn't a surprise as there's still New Year to come.  I didn't want them anyway/

What I did find was that their turkey crowns were reduced significantly to a third of their original price.   I got three and they are now in the freezer.  They might reduce more, I suppose, but that's OK, I was happy.  Both Alex and I like turkey so he was pleased too, when I told him.

The one we had for Christmas was OK.  Not the best turkey we have ever had and not a patch on the Kelly Bronzes we used to get but it wasn't dry, it had good texture and I like turkey.  It is good at taking on flavours like spice,  citrus, etc.

The other thing I got was a couple of bags of the frozen honey cooked parsnips because we really liked them.  Must look up a recipe.

I sorted out the remains of the cooked turkey and now have several pots of turkey in stock in the freezer - I doubt they will be there for long!

I did one load of washing and that's as far as I got so it's in the middle of a short cycle to refresh it!  Bad me!

The Christmas cake is now sliced, wrapped and in the freezer.  Yes, it would keep but temptation would always be there!  I did treat myself to a slice with some cheese and, though I say it myself, it really is a lovely cake this year!

I also did some crochet, watched telly and tidied the kitchen.  

I I went over to Beth's where, after we had enjoyed a leftovers lunch, there really wasn't all the much to sort pout so we were patting ourselves on the back.  She had a wodge of the cake and I came home with some veg and some cheese - oh, and two cans of diet coke.  The rest was all stuff that Beth and Alex will use up.

All in all, a pretty successful day, despite not doing everything on my list!

Today's list (sorry about all the lists) is:

washing, etc,

dealing with the cheap veg (I am so glad I made room in my freezer)

making a loaf for Beth

SET online with Lindsey

some food planning (and looking through my new book)

maybe starting to rebuild my other blog

finish the Advent blanket

sort out the yarn

put a couple of bits of Christmas clutter decoration away

I probably won't get all that done but I can get some of it done anyway!

Goodness, what a boring blog today!  Never mind, it's my life and it's not as boring as it sounds.  I'm looking forward to it.  
Time for my second coffee.  Have a lovely day, one and all.  What do you do in the Twixmas period?  Do you keep going up to a big old New Year celebration or is it all chill, relax and sort out time?

Have a lovely day anyway!  xx

26-12-25, Boxing Day and the First Day of Christmas . . .

 Good morning, everyone.  Did you have a lovely time yesterday?  I did but more of that later.

We are now into the Twelve Days of Christmas.  I looked it up.

The 12 days of Christmas signifies the time between the celebration of the birth of Christ on Christmas (December 25) and the celebration of the arrival of the three wise men, also known as the magi, called Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day (January 6), according to the traditional church calendar. No one really thinks these are the days these historical events happened; rather, the church began celebrating certain biblical events around the calendar both to teach illiterate Christians about biblical events and sometimes to replace pagan festivals. 

So there you are.  While I do start putting some of the Christmas clutter away, the Christmas tree and certain meaningful decorations do stay up till Twelfth Night and I treat myself to gifts (not quite like the song though!!), bought at points during the year that I wrap and try to forget - not always successfully but at least I try.

So, here we go.  All together now . . .

On the First Day of Christmas

I gave unto myself . . .

A Jamie Oliver book.

(no rhyming here - modern poetry doesn't have to.  😆)

I bought this when the programmes came out and decided it would be an ideal Twelve Days present - great self control was needed not to read it straight away, I assure you.

Not that the healthy eating will start for a few days.  It will probably be Sunday before the decks are clear enough and the freezer contains more again!  At least there's not as much leftover food as usual.  Beth and Alex have that joy this year!

So that's Day One.

Did you have a good Christmas Day?  I had a lovely time round Beth and Alex's with them, J and I (Beth's friends).  Everyone liked their gifts, J and I loved those stylish champagne flutes I showed you a while ago and I have come back with a stack of useful, enjoyable and/or pretty gifts.  I will mention just one.

I already had the other two card decks - the granny square one and the stitch square one and when I was at the Knit and Stitch show I was sorely tempted but, because I had an idea that Beth might be getting it for me, I resisted.

It wasn't from Beth, though, it was from Alex, and I am thrilled to bits.  
Such a lovely gift!

 What did you receive that you were really happy about?

One more photo.
I fancied making some blinis to gave with cream cheese and smoked salmon for breakfast yesterday and I wanted to use sourdough discard because it was building up a bit.

So I searched around and found the perfect recipe on Veronica's site, La Recette du Jour.  You will remember that Veronica reads here sometimes and was a great help when I was starting my sourdough adventure.  She is very knowledgeable and her site is a recipe treasure chest.

I'll link the blini recipe here but do have a wander round.

https://www.larecettedujour.org/2023/10/sourdough-blini-2.php

Thanks, Veronica!

As I said, I had the best time at Beth's and, of course, we applied the ancient principle of 'She who doeth the cooking doeth not the washing up!' so Alex and I made short work of getting stuff cleared and in the dishwasher or done by hand, leaving a few things in soak.  It was a delight to see Mum and Dad's 'best' china in use as it used to be when they did the family Christmas.

Once home again, I settled down with a glass of bubbles and the Royal Ballet's 'The Nutcracker', recorded earlier in the day.  Fantastic dancing and such glorious music - it was an absolutely delightful end to a lovely day!

Today I hope to . . .

• pop round to Morrisons when it opens to see if they have any post-Christmas bargains
• slice a fairly generous amount of turkey left from the crown and get it in the freezer - there was a lorra meat on that crown!
• do some washing, drying and ironing (it doesn't go away, does it?)
• go back to Beth's for lunch (leftovers) and to help her sort out stuff - a role reversal because usually she and Al come to me to sort out . . . etc  I will take some plastic storage pots with me and I am sure both our freezers will be fuller than the are right now
• slice, wrap and freeze the Christmas cake 
• sew in a few ends and lightly steam press the Advent blanket - yes, it is finished
• read some of my new book
• continue with the maple leaf blanket
• sort out all the yarn leftovers
• watch recorded stuff
• tidy the kitchen
• start a leaven
• chill

(not necessarily in the order, of course)

Have a really good day, everyone, whatever you have planned.  Stay warm (it is cold round here), cosy and safe and enjoy.  

Happy Boxing Day!   xxx

Christmas Day

 

 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

(Luke, ch 2  NIV)

Another card because it made me smile.  Sound up.  https://jlcards.com/uC7Gk8

The Christmas Day music has to be this, doesn't it?  

And, finally, here's the link to the whole playlist!