Thursday

Good morning, everyone.  It is a lovely morning; the skies are clear with vapour trails drifting across and it seems mild, although that might be because I woke, for once, after the heating came on, not before.  I haven't been to the shed yet.

Yesterday was busy.  We set off for Dad's, Beth and I, arriving there after a very easy journey (no school run this week, of course) and set to.  We did all sorts of bits and bobs, taking stuff downstairs and into the car port, sorting out some of Dad's office (and finding a key that was needed - yay!), making up beds for when John, Gina and Nathan come in two weekends' time, sorting out one of the floor cupboards in the kitchen, and so on.
It doesn't sound much when listed like that but I was really glad to get it all done.  

Unfortunately, I tweaked my back a bit.  Nothing bad, I'm not complaining (much) but it did rather curtail things but we were both flagging by then anyway.
We had a feast of leftovers from Beth's birthday meal for lunch, all warmed up in the microwave.
And I brought the used bedding home - Dad's washing machine is a bit unreliable and anyway there wasn't time to wash, dry and iron the bedding for two beds.  So that's on the list for today and then I must remember to take it back next time I go.

I also came back with a few more bits and bobs.  A couple of books and some pottery.
One of the books is a little Christmas book that can go with the little collection I have that comes out at That Time - sort of 'coffee table' things. 
The other is an old hardback of the London Family trilogy - A London Child of the Seventies, A London Girl of the Eighties and A London Home in the Nineties, by M V Hughes.  The fourth book, A London Family Between the Wars, is not included but I have that as a paperback.  I wasn't going to let this particular book go anywhere else but onto my own bookshelf.
I am sure many of you will know these books but, if you don't, I thoroughly recommend them.  She was a remarkable girl/woman in her own quiet way and there's an awful lot about early education for girls in the books.  A very clever girl, she attended the North London Collegiate School and her stated aim in writing the books was  "to show that Victorian children did not have such a dull time as is usually supposed".  They are very readable, I think.
If you get the opportunity, do give them a try.  

The pottery was a real blast from the past but I will write about that tomorrow as this is already too long!

I'm a bit frazzled today (it's always emotional, going back to Dad's, even more so when fondly remembered things have to go in the bin) so, apart from one thing, I am taking today and tomorrow to  r&r.  I don't mean they will be lazy days, they won't.  My list includes:
the weekly shop (the one scheduled thing)
making the family traditional Delia Vegetarian sausage rolls for Christmas
making some fruit flavoured gin and vodka, also for Christmas
bit of ironing, etc
knitting

Oh, must mention - Beth really likes the cardigan I'm making, the one with the herringbone type stitch, so when I've finished it, I'm starting one for her for Christmas.  I have warned her that she might not get it bang on time - she is somewhat larger than me so it will take a lot more knitting!  She even likes the colour but I'll show her the other colours she could have before getting anything.  I can make all my mistakes on my one before starting hers!
Nice to have that one sorted!

Better go - I have some shopping to get done!  Have a good day and take care.  xx