Monday, 16-02-26

Good morning, everyone.  Welcome to a new week, a week that feels like holiday because it is half term here in the UK and Lindsey is away so much of the usual commitment is not happening this week.

When I was working,  I had a little thing going on where the first day of a school holiday (almost always Monday, not Saturday) was a no-plan day.  I don't do that any more as almost everyday could potentially be a no plan day but there's still that little frisson of pleasure on these Mondays.

Yesterday was so good.

I managed to get those loaves baked in the morning which was just as well as one of them was for Diane.  It was still warm when I handed it over - always a nice thing.

The weather was shocking - very heavy rain that became sleet from time to time and there was a lot of surface water on the roads.  However, everyone was being sensible, keeping a steady speed, driving for the conditions and that does make a big difference.

We had a great meal out, me, Diane, Caroline and Tracy.  We go to the Green Dragon in Great Leighs which is just one of those little English pubs that does food that is in no way fancy but is nicely cooked and served in a very friendly and welcoming atmosphere.  And not shockingly expensive although nowhere is cheap nowadays, is it?

We talked and talked and talked, of course, and it turns out that Caroline and Tracy are both on the coach trip to Stratford upon Avon that I am booked for so we can 'do' it together.  So nice.

I dropped Diane back off and set out back home but hadn't got very far before I heard an odd noise, not one of the usual noises in my car.  Glancing down, I saw Diane's house and car keys rattling around in the well between the two seats.  I hadn't gone too far so got them back to her quickly, phoning so she wouldn't be in a panic.  I'm so glad I spotted them early; that sinking feeling when you can't find something is not nice.

I then drove to the garage to fill up - the red light wasn't quite showing but it wouldn't have been long - and, while I was there, treated myself to a M&S lasagne from the little shop.  I'd hoped to have lasagne for lunch but it wasn't on the Sunday menu.  I have to say, it was pretty much the nicest ready meal lasagne I can remember having ever.

Sunday really was a lovely day and now it's Monday.  There's nothing in the diary but there's homey things I want to do.  I have already fed Bubbles (my starter) do there's more baking in the offing and I have loads washing in both the dishwasher and the washing machine so they will need dealing with.  I want to do a bit of garden room sorting out and make a list of the supplies that are actually out there and the freezer could do with another audit too.
Plus I want to do one of the pre records Lindsey has left for us this week because I need to keep the post-Christmas fitness gains up and running (so to speak).

So it may be the first day of half term but I have little plans!

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Take care, be good and see you tomorrow.  xx

Sunday, 15-02-26

Morning, everyone.  I was about to say we are half way through February but that was yesterday, of course, not today.  The month is going so incredibly quickly, isn't it?  Crazy!

After some beautiful sunshine yesterday, the rain is back!  It's getting to the point where one can expect to see Noah's ark sailing across the horizon at some point!  And I reckon 'they' will still be threatening water restrictions come summer!

Yesterday went well.  There's something about winter sunshine that really lifts the spirits, isn't there.  I baked bread and took it over to Beth and I started off the sourdough.  It took a long time to get going so by the time it was in the loaf tins, I had to pop it in the fridge.  They are now sitting on the radiator because they have to be in the oven by eleven, having warmed up and proved a bit more.
They won't be bad, just maybe not as risen as they could be, but that's OK.  These are for me anyway.

Beth and I booked somewhere to stay for our mini break next month.  Two nights away sounds just the ticket!  I'll show you more nearer the time.  

I'm off out for lunch with Diane and two others and so much looking forward to it.  I think I have chosen what I want - lasagne and a salad, although I might change my mind.  We will see.
So the morning is a bit packed, especially as I had a 'bad' (ie restless) night and then slept until past eight!  Once I get home again, things will be nice and relaxed so that's OK.

Right, well, better go, shower, wash hair and decide what I want to wear.  It won't be too smart but mustn't be actually scruffy.  Just casual!  I'm good at casual!   😉

Have a lovely Sunday, everyone.  Stay cosy, dry and happy.  See you tomorrow.  xx

Saturday, 14-02-26

Good morning, everyone, welcome to a bright and sunny Saturday morning here in mid-Essex. 

I'm a bit behind where I usually am but that's OK.  In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I am showing myself some grace and some self-love and planning a nice, gentle, give-myself-a-good-day kind of vibe.  Because why not.

Yesterday was - let's say really good.  I didn't weigh in at SW although I did go and do my duty regarding weighing everyone else.  It's not been the best week, quality food-wise, and I didn't need it reinforced on the scales.  This coming week will be loads better.  

What made yesterday really good was that Beth had an appointment and I went with her.  I can't share details because it's not my story but I can say that she was listener to, respected, understood, her input was appreciated and my presence with my teacher-look-and-voice simply wasn't needed.  And the outcome was excellent!  Sorry I can't say more but . . . it was the best.
We went back to mine for a cuppa and a chat.  Beth's taking a few days away in March and she asked would I like to go with her which is nice.
Of course I will, it's always nice to get away and, while she does some stuff, I can explore.  Perfect!

Today, as mentioned, is a gentle day.  There's stuff to do and I've already started the weekend loaves.  I don't need to bake for Lindsey as she's away from today and all next week but I have Beth's to bake and also some for me.  I do enjoy making bread - it's both relaxing and productive.

Have a lovely day, everyone, however you spend it, alone or with loved ones.  See you tomorrow.  xx

Friday, 13-02-26

Morning, everyone.  Welcome to Friday.

Yesterday started in a bit of a rush but by the time I got over to Chris I was ready for my first coffee of the day.

After breakfast, I went to Morrisons.  I've been a bit challenged about this shop.  I didn't actually NEED very much at all but, a fortnight ago, I got a voucher for £8 off if I spent £80 - so 10%.  I nearly chucked it away as £80 is a lot but in the end I kept it, just in case.  It expired yesterday!
I realised I was getting short on cleaning products, loo rolls - all that sort of stuff - so, at the last minute, I decided to go for it and stock up with cleaning products, cans, all that sort of stuff.
At the checkout, it came to just under £80 but the checkout girl waited patiently while I grabbed another pack of loo rolls to take me over £80.
So when the next loo roll shortage comes along, I'm your girl!!

I seem to have got quite a lot for my money and it will all go into the garden room storage until needed. making me feel happy.  I kind of go with what Frugal Queen says - Two's one and one's nothing.  I other words, always have at least one spare.  My Mum was like that too so it's obviously in the family genes.  I am still using cleaning stuff I took after Dad passed away.

What would you have done, spent or chucked the voucher?

While thinking of Mum, Dad and the house, I got a lovely text from the family who bought the house.  They are having some work done, extending the back and building an extra bedroom so it will be a five bedroomed house (a couple are used as studies, I believe).  She sent some photos and - oh, my gosh!  What a mess.  It will be absolutely lovely when finished.
I could also see they have moved the garage doors forward to the front of the car port so I suspect the old garage is now a room of some kind.  Maybe a play room?  

Today I am meeting up with Beth for an appointment she has so that will be interesting.

Have a lovely Friday, everyone.  Stay warm and dry.  xx

Thursday, 12-02-26

 Morning.  Overslept, running late.  I'll post later.  :-)

Ooops - good afternoon, everyone.  Sorry about this morning, time just ran away!

Yesterday was a contrast sandwich!  The 'bread' was two fitness times, Groove in the morning and Personal Training late afternoon and between those two I relaxed and pretty much caught up with sleep.  Nothing much to write about, to be honest, so I will keep this really short and just wish you a happy Thursday, however you are spending it.
xx

Wednesday, 11-02-26

Good morning, everyone.  I'm feeling weary this morning after a restless night but that's OK.  

Yesterday was all change.
First of all, Sharon:  Hi Joy, can I come later today.  Good - no clash with Kay now.
Then Kay :  Hi Joy - I have a migraine, can I come tomorrow or Thursday?  I remember my Mum with migraines - not nice at all, so, of course, I agreed.

Come late afternoon, I set off for Hylands, where the conference was.
I glanced over the parking instruction, saw 'not' and 'front' and assumed it meant to park the Writtle end of the grounds.  Strange, quite a bit of walking but never mind.  Easier to get there.  So I arrived, parked and walked up the slight hill to the conference (ten minutes, pouring rain, thank goodness for umbrellas), and saw that everyone else had parked at the front.  Urgh???  Oh, well.

Had the hot buffet meal (delicious) and then there was an announcement to the effect that anyone who had parked at the Writtle end needed to go and move or they would be locked in overnight (the car, not the people!!)
There were four of us so back we went, totally dark by now, still pouring with rain.

The way to the front entrance isn't complicated but it does involve roundabouts including two you have to go right round in the rush hour traffic and an unlit road.  In the pouring rain.  Exactly the driving conditions I avoid if I possibly can.
I have to admit, I found it all very stressful but got there in the end and all I missed were the opening comments from our director of education and County Hall.  So no worries!

The rest of it was very good, very useful, inspiring in parts and I was glad I went.

And - lesson learned - next time, read the parking staff carefully and don't assume.
(it said don't park right in front of the house!!)

If there had been any alcohol in the house when I got home, there wouldn't be now as I was still pretty stressed but there wasn't which is probably just as well.  It did result in a restless night though but I can catch up on sleep and, little as I feel like it, an online groove session this morning is just what's needed to ground me.

I don't know if Kay is coming today or tomorrow yet but it doesn't matter.  I have personal training in the afternoon and I bet I sleep like a log this evening!  

Have a good day, one and all.  xx

Tuesday, 10-02-26

Morning, all.  How's life?

It's dull and dreary here (again) but the days are getting longer and the mornings lighter.  Once the clocks go forward again, it will be so much nicer in the evenings too.  

I'm trying to think what happened yesterday.  Oh, yes - circuits first of all which was really good.  Then I came home and decided that, as I was really short of rye and spelt flours and quite short on strong wholemeal, I would take a drive to Marriages and replenish my stock.
Sadly, they only do wholemeal spelt in 6k bags so I then went a bit further round to Sainsburys where I got the spelt, some dishwasher powder (I always use powder because I have control over how much to use) and a few other bits and bobs, the most exciting of which was a pack of three pairs of black socks for my fitness times.

I've accepted that using a spike stitch will not work for the top down jumper (too wide and not long enough) so I've frogged it all and will start again the proper way.  No worries, now I know!  Maybe I will have another go but make my own pattern - if I can be bothered.

Today is a bit packed.
It starts with Groove - the weather looks a bit doubtful so I don't know if we will walk or not.
Then Kay comes and that's a time when I disappear into my bedroom and give it a good going over. 
Early afternoon, the lovely Sharon comes to do my hair.

Finally, early evening, I am off to a conference for school governors.  Hot buffet and various speeches, the most important of which is a senior Ofsted HMI talking about 'the role of governors in the renewed framework'.  I've already been to some internal training on this and my personal feeling is that they expect an awful lot from people who are fulfilling a voluntary role.  It is important though so I'm glad I'm going - and there's a free buffet AND it counts as my governors' training for this term.  Must remember to record it in the hub.
And must remember to take notes (yawn).

Well, time to bath and get ready for the day.  Have a good day, one and all!  See you tomorrow.  xx