Thursday, 03-08-23

 Good morning, everyone.  It's a bit earlier than usual as I woke at stupid o'clock, something I haven't done for a while now.  I hope it's not the start of a waking early pattern, although I know why - I was so shattered yesterday evening that I was in bed and fast asleep ridiculously early.  Maybe, if I can catch a snooze this afternoon, I can last out this evening until a more sensible bedtime.

Yesterday was brilliant and we were so lucky with the weather.  Driving over to Diane's, I went through some really torrential rain and I did wonder . . .  However, her end was pretty dry and, while there were raindrops in the air at times, the only heavy rain we had was while we were in a shop.  Then, just as I hit town coming home, the heavens opened again.  So, so lucky!
Also, no thunder as far as we could tell.
The garden got a really good soaking so that's good.

It was a bit of a spendy day but nothing 'silly' (unless you count the ear piercing!).  We actually started by going into Basildon to the Claire's there and then to visit a shop Diane loves called Fever which sells shoes, bags and jewellery, basically. 
(By the way, thank you to those who commented on Claire's - it was too late but I really appreciate you taking the trouble and, thankfully, my experience was good)
I came away from Claire's with cleaning solution and pretty ear lobes - and it really didn't hurt a bit.  They're still fine this morning.

Anyway - at Fever we both got some earrings and I found a lovely bag in the sale of a style I have been looking for - I love back pack handbags as they leave your hands free and are so comfortable.

After a coffee, Diane directed me to Freeport.  I find Braintree very confusing to drive through although I'm sure I would get used to it if I lived more local.

While there, I did a bit more retail therapy - a couple of what they call 'gin glasses' because I had one that I used a lot (for fizzy drinks, etc, not for gin, I hasten to add) and broke it recently.  As a retail outlet, most things are reduced and these, in Villeroy and Boch, certainly were.  It the Tefal shop I bought saucepans.  I use and love the Ingenio range but my saucepans were very battered after twenty years, pretty much, of use and I had decided to replace them.  Not the handles, not the lids, not the frying pans, they are all fine, just the three saucepans themselves and, in Tefal, there, on the half price table was a set of three pans, no lids, and one handle.  Ooooh, said I, and now they are in my kitchen cupboard!

We tried on clothes, looked at china (Diane got some pasta bowls that she needed in Denby), talked endlessly and had salad and a cold drink at Pret a Manger and it was all just lovely!
Now I have to be a bit frugal for a few weeks but that's OK.

Today is a stay at home day.  I have an online chat with Chris; she's feeling a bit better but is still testing 'vaguely positive' so it's better that we don't meet up.  It's been ages, three weeks, I think, so there's a lot to catch up on.

Around lunch time, Mel is delivering my Avon order (just shampoo and conditioner) and is staying for a little cuppa.

Then this afternoon, Matt the Plumber is here.  I had a really weird experience the other day when both the cold taps in the bathroom started running hot instead of cold.  Downstairs was OK and upstairs righted itself but Matt is coming to just take a look at things.  I suspect he will think it is just me getting old but it wasn't imagination.  Anyway . . . we will see.

And in the rest of the time, I have a SET class to do and a much neglected home to sort out.  I'll be busy but it will be worth it.

What are your plans for today?  xx