Saturday

Good morning, everyone.  I'm up really early this morning after a sleepy evening yesterday and a comparatively early night.  It's not a problem - I have plenty to do so the extra time is quite a blessing.

I started yesterday off by diving through the wind and rain to the garage to get the Christmas tree in.  On the way back the remaining handle on the bag broke and a slight split in the seam became a rather large slit so the first thing I did once back in the warm and dry was to get onto Amazon and order what is described as an 'extremely heavy duty bag for storing artificial Christmas trees'.  A snappy little name, don't you think.  Anyway, it's arriving on Monday and the old one is now in t'bin!

I assembled the tree and only one little branch fell off although there was a lot of 'shedding' and the carpet was well covered!

Then the lights.  I've had these lights for ages, it has to be nearly twenty years, and they've been great but when I turned them on - nothing.  I checked connections and they came on, then went back off again.  Darn it.  So it was off to B&Q to pick up some more - fortunately they had some just the same - garish, colourful and twinkly.

So it turned out to be a bit expensive but the tree and lights are now up awaiting the baubles.  It all looks merry, festive and lovely.

Beth turned up and we crafted together for a while before lunch, after which I popped off to school for my governor meeting with head and deputy to talk assessment.  Very interesting.

After that I went over the road from school to Morrisons and then home.

Then it was back to school at six for the school fair.  I did my duty, spent a bit of cash, met people who looked at me, did what used to be called a 'double take' and then made comments about 'not recognising' me.  That's happening a lot at the moment.  I know I'm slimmer but I didn't think I had changed all that much!   Obviously, I must have.
I got hugs from ex-pupils which was nice.
There was a lovely stall - two friends who have worked together to make 'real' wreaths.  They were really good so I splashed some cash there and one is now on the front door looking festive and welcoming.
(Thinking about it, yesterday really was very expensive.  I shall have to be very frugal this week to make up)

This morning it's mince pies and baubles with J and then the day's my own.  Ironing, sorting out some shelves in my bedroom and wrapping a few parcels are all on the list.

As it's Decoration Day, here's a Jacquie Lawson card - I wish it were that easy!
(I hope this works - click on the link)