Saturday 7 January 2023

Saturday, 07-01-23

Morning, everyone.  It's about half past five and I've been upo for a while.  Now things have settled after Christmas, my early waking has also re-established itself.  To be honest, I don't mind half four although I would prefer to sleep a bit longer.  It's nicer to come downstairs and start the day (e.g. empty the dishwasher, put in some washing, etc) than to toss and turn trying to get back to sleep.  If I need a snooze later on, no problem!

Thanks for all your comments over the past days.  It's so nice when people take the trouble to engage with a post.  Regarding the Twelve Days gifts, I need to say it wasn't my idea originally.  I think (please correct me if I'm wrong) I got the idea from Sue (My Quiet Life in Suffolk - lovely blog, do go over and read if you don't already) a number of years ago.
Also, apologies - I will post about Beth's nativity joke this Christmas - I have made a note to work on it.

Yesterday was pretty busy but nice-busy rather than the other.

I drove down to the temporary venue for our Slimming World group, totally forgetting how busy that road into town can get.  To complicate matters, there were some temporary road works going on too.  I was afraid I would be late (I help Jen get set up) but everyone was in the same boat so it worked out OK.  Plenty of folk turned up and it was a very jolly time all round.

Once home, I had breakfast and then set to dismantling the Christmas tree.  First the baubles, sorted into 'specials' and 'ordinaries.  Then I pulled the tree out and walked round and round, winding the lights onto a piece of card.  Finally, I took the tree apart.
After a reviving (!) coffee, I made several journeys to the garage (which is separate from my property but very close, all the same), and now everything is tucked away and things are back to normal.
The cleaners coming yesterday was just lucky timing and when they had gone it felt so clean and renewed.  Lovely!

When I had to empty the cupboard under the sink because of the water softener flood, I found a couple of dishwasher cleaner products so I decided to use one of them to give (or help give) my dishwasher a sort out too.  Much needed, I am ashamed to say - cleaning out the filter was not a happy experience - but it's done now and, after the required wash with the cleaner product, it is now shining inside.

Today there is nothing of note in the diary.  I had pencilled in to go shopping and to get petrol but I can hold out until Monday without any problems, so I will.  That being so, I think it is time for some more sorting out of cupboards.
It's rather like painting the Forth Bridge - as soon as you do the last one, it's time to start again - but at least it stops me drowning in clutter.
Apart from that, I have newish recipe books to explore and all the new magazines have landed in Readly so I will be looking through some of them too.
Nice and easy!
How about you?  xx


12 comments:

  1. I've been to the library today - first time in ages - and it was a nice feeling coming away with a bagful of books. I als dropped off some unwanted ( for that read don't fit!) clothes at the charity shop.......this afternoon I might start a book or a puzzle, decisions eh? Nothing exciting, but pleasant nonetheless
    Alison in Wales x

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    1. It sounds like a lovely day. There's nothing quite like a pile of books to read. xx

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  2. Congratulations on the weight loss.

    I've been for my first lesson with the new piano teacher ... loved it and am glad I made the decision to try again. xx

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    1. Oh, that's very good news. I'm so glad. xx

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  3. Ongoing sorting out of clutter is good isn't it, and of course it means that drawers and cupboards get a regular clean out, and you know what you have and what needs using up. Isn't it nice having clear surfaces again, and with everything recently dusted when the sun shone through the living room doors for once it wasn't highlighting lots of dust on my sideboard and television. :-)

    It's Alan's birthday tomorrow, so tonight we are off for a fish and chip tea, before going to the cinema in the same complex to see the latest Tom Hanks film.

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    1. It is nice, I agree. I'm good at ignoring dust but I do notice when it's gone.
      A very Happy Birthday to Alan - your plans for the day sound lovely.
      xx

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  4. I did the 12 days gifts in the year of Covid but decided never again! I think I wasted money on some things

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    1. It's easy to, I think. I was definitely more mindful this year and I have so enjoyed having a little parcel to open each day. xx

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  5. I tutored for the first time today since well before Christmas. I am over Covid now and getting back into my normal "routine" with activities. Tomorrow is church and then on Monday it's back to handbell choir practice. It truly feels good for life to be getting back to normal once more! Hope you enjoy a lovely weekend!

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    1. That's very good news, Debbie. I'm so glad you're recovering well and are getting back to your 'normal' life again. Have a lovely Sunday. xx

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  6. Oh my word Joy after a million years you have just solved an annual head banger - Christmas tree lights! Why have I not thought to walk round and round the tree to put them on and then again to take them off? Why have I been struggling to pass them around prickly needles to a reluctant helper or just struggling on my own? Being a very practical person able to solve most situations that arise why have I not solved this problem? I do top and tail lights so they 'unravel' easily in a neat tidy fashion - I now have next Christmas sorted! Thank you.
    Suze x

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    1. I'm laughing my socks off here, Suze. I used to do just the same until I realised that there had to be an easier way. This way, taking them off is easier as it can be done by just one person. Putting them on is much easier with two, one to unwind and one following on behind to actually position the lights on the tree. I have a special ornament that marks where the end of the lights is after, one year, not being able to find it for ages!
      xx

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