Saturday, 30-11-24: Christmas Tree Day

At last - Christmas Tree Day has landed.
For those who are new readers, Christmas Tree Day is a family tradition, started when Alex was a very little chap and very autistic and we were trying to give him 'markers' for different events in our lives as well as involving him in Christmassy things as much as possible.  Many of them have gone by the board now but Christmas Tree Day has remained and is now a non-negotiable.  In the past few weeks, Alex has said to Beth and to me, independently, that he loves out Christmas Tree Days - and he is now twenty-six!

To be fair, so do Beth and I!

Yesterday was a day of contrasts.
Slimming World was, as always, really good.  Heidi (new consultant) is starting to make a few changes and yesterday things were set out differently - tables, various 'stations', route from one to the next, etc..  It seems SW has a 'standard' way of setting things out and Jen - er - did her own thing.  There may be other changes afoot but Heidi is wisely taking her time about things.

Then I came home and started getting things ready for the evening - various kitchen things, tidying and cleaning the living room, etc.  Plus that knitting although I'm not sure I will get it finished before this afternoon.

So it was quite a disappointment when Dave popped over to say he was really sorry but they weren't going to be able to come.  Very, very good reasons and I totally got it but . . . oh, dear.
However, no food waste.  I hadn't constructed the steak pies so both steak and pastry (which I had rolled out into squares ready) went into the freezer, I cooked the vegetables and had some for dinner and the rest will see me through Sunday and maybe Monday too and the lemon cheesecake was freezable so I cut that up and there are a number of slices now in the freezer too.  Thank goodness for freezers, that's what I say!

And we have rescheduled for the thirteenth.

On to today and I think I am pretty well organised.

The blue room is ready for my guests!

Some things are defrosting for the buffet

The Christmas china is out and washed, ready for use

The house is clean and tidy thanks to yesterday

The Christmas dvds are sorted out

I have all the food I need apart from a bag of crisps (we always have crisps)

And my advent table is set up, ready for day one tomorrow.

There's a countdown reindeer (in case I forget which door to open, perhaps???), a candle to light, a puzzle to do, a M&S thingy to open and, perhaps most important, my Advent of Change calendar.

Aren't I lucky!

So Christmas Tree Day starts when Beth and Alex arrive for coffee and a mince pie.
Then we get the Christmas Tree set up, lights on, decorations on, general admiration all round!

After that, the lights stay on and we we have drinkies (sorry) while we watch a few Christmas dvds starting with The Snowman and Father Christmas, of course.

At some point in the proceedings, I disappear into the kitchen and a buffet magically appears; and the day meanders into feasting to go with the films and the drinks (pink G&T for me and Beth and fruit cider for Alex).

And they stay over for the night.

Blogmas starts tomorrow and I will, as always, do my Advent music countdown with old songs, newer songs, classical things and Christmas Carols.
I'm a bit baffled as to which to choose and which to leave out so the chances are there will be more than one from time to time.

Happy Last Day of November to you all.  Have a lovely day, however you wish to spend it.  xx

Friday, 29-11-24

Morning, everyone.  How can it be Friday.  How can it be the penultimate day of November?  Crazy!

When I drew back the curtains yesterday morning, I was sur[rised to see a frost - somehow, I hadn't expected one.  At the moment there's another frost but, hopefully, it won't hang around as the forecast is for a lovely, sunny day.  Here's hoping!

Yesterday was a homey day - after a lovely coffee and chat with Chris, I got the worst of the fallen leaves swept up although I do need to pull out the pots to get behind and into corners - I will do that on Sunday, weather permitting.

While I was out, I went to the garage and brought in all the Christmas boxes.  The bag with the tree in is so heavy that Alex and I will carry the various bits from garage to house tomorrow if I don't do it beforehand - which I might.  So now I have all the boxes stacked up in a corner of the living room until I summon the energy to carry them up to the dumping ground room after Christmas tree day.  Or maybe I can get Alex to do it - that's a thought!

In the kitchen, I made a lovely, comforting chunky chicken and veg soup using country soup mix as a base - the dried kind with pulses, barley, etc, that I soaked overnight first.  That made four portions so I had two yesterday for lunch and dinner and the other two are in the freezer.

I got all sticky making a lemon cheesecake for tonight, the evil kind with mascarpone and cream and icing sugar.  So bad!!

After clearing all that up, I tried a new recipe for crackers using oats and mixed seeds.  I wasn't expecting great things but they came out absolutely delicious and were very easy too.  That's a keeper, for sure, and I wonder if I could add a bit of cheese to the mix; I will have to give that a go. 
They're for Saturday.

I sat down to knit and got quite a lot done but fell asleep after dinner!  It can't possibly be because I am getting old, surely!?

On to today and it starts with Slimming World after which I will come home and get everything sorted for this evening when Dave and Anna come round.  I'm looking forward to this as I haven't seen them for simply ages.  

So a bit busy but not too much so.  I'm looking forward to it.  

Have a lovely day and stay warm.  xx

Thursday, 28-11-24

Morning, everyone!  How are you today?  
Yesterday was another fairly busy day, starting with the weekly food shop early morning (the shops open at eight) .  I do like to go early, especially if I'm driving over to the Clock Tower precinct; it gets quite busy later on, especially at this time of year.

Anyway, I went to M&S and then to Aldi and it was a bit ouchy because I was buying for two family things as well as next week.  Everything seems to have gone up again.  For example, I do like the M&S West Country mature cheddar and when I started using M&S for veg (after lockdown, I am sure), it was about a fiver for a big block - expensive but worth it as a sometimes purchase.  On Tuesday, it was £7!!  And I needed two because I had run out of grated cheddar in the freezer.  Well - I say 'need' . . .

Then I popped into Dunelm and managed to get a nice candle (I'm a sucker for candles) and some books for Chris' grandson for Christmas.  I also found a replacement bag.  You may remember that I bought myself a bag for coach trips, one that stays on the coach and contains things that I might need but don't want to carry about and it has been very handy.  Well, on Tuesday, I was zipping it up on the way home and the zip came right off the end.  Very annoying.  I tried to get the end back on but it started undoing and I just couldn't get it back on so . . . new bag.  I found one that looks rather better made (I checked those zips) so everything has now been transferred over.  It's heavier but that doesn't matter and it was a bit more expensive but I'm hoping it will last longer.

And that was the day's excitement apart from personal training and the housework I had to do.

Today is a stay at home, baking sort of day.  I'm over to Chris at 9:30 for our weekly gossip and then it's home, James, to get some things prepared for the weekend.  I'm doing a lemon cheesecake for tomorrow night so I want to make that, and I found a recipe for oats and seeds crackers which I want to make for Saturday because it's basically a cheese and fruit buffet (with leftover cheesecake, fingers crossed).
I have some dried soup mix in the slow cooker, having soaked it overnight, and that will end up as a chicken and veg soup for lunch.
And I have started another knitting project, just a short one, knitting a Christmas gnome for Beth and Alex in the colour of their new Christmas decor; this is very much an impulse but it would be nice to give it to them on Saturday so whenever I sit down, the knitting needles are clickety clicking!

I should sleep well tonight, don't you think?  :-)
Have a great day, everyone.  xx

Tuesday, 26-11-24: a visit to the Musical Museum - long post alert!

 The Musical Museum was founded in 1963 by a gentleman called Frank Holland (MBE) in a church on Brentford High Street.  It wasn't an ideal place for such a collection, being built of poor materials that didn't give the best conditions for old instruments so, in 2007 it relocated to a purpose built building nearby which not only provided ideal conditions for the now very valuable collection but also contains an excellent concert hall.

I got this photo from Google Images - it's the purpose built building that now houses the collection.  I wouldn't say is it beautiful but it serves its purpose, for sure.

Frank started collecting these at a time when many were being abandoned, thrown out or even burnt.  He salvaged many of the instruments you can see there, gathering around him others who were also very interested and, as volunteers, they worked to restore these rare items to playing condition.  When they moved, there was more room and so the collection grew.

Although the main purpose is restoration, the museum tries to preserve as much of the original as possible and, therefore, has instruments that will never be brought back to playing condition.

It is now a trust, helping to ensure the preservation of the collection for the future.

Basically, the museum focuses on what might be called early musical recording technology, ranging from tiny (and not so tiny) wind up musical boxes through self playing organs, pianolas and orchestrions that were wind up, clockwork or weight powered through to cylinder phonographs, an early jukebox and other electric powered items such as gramophones and stylus record players.  Many of these still work and we say several demonstrated.

Domestic instruments were often driven by foot pedals - the harder the bellows are pumped, the louder the noise.  I remember Dad played a bellows organ in the tiny Methodist chapel we attended as children and when he let me have a go, he had to pump the bellows because my little legs wouldn't reach!

They also have a wonderful 'Mighty Wurlitzer' which was the central instrument of the concert and is very, very impressive indeed.

Anyway - the visit.  We set off on a gloriously sunny Tuesday, making good time until, as always, we hit London and then it was bumper to bumper slow until we got to Brentford which is sort of North West, further west than Hammersmith and Kensington.  
So we arrived around twelve and we were greeted at the door by a couple of very welcoming staff who ushered us in and upstairs to the concert hall which was all set out with large, circular tables seating ten and the very welcome sight of coffee, tea and mince pies.  

While we were enjoying these, they explained about how the visit would be organised and then we split into two groups and off we set.  We focused on two rooms.  One held painolas, orchestrions, musical boxes, etc, and the other had the jukebox, record players and a most intriguing thing that played two violins as well as a piany and into which one had to insert an old penny before it would start.

We heard and saw many of them working and it was such fun.  The guides were so enthusiastic and so knowledgeable that it was infectious.
The only down thing was that one of our group had some sort of 'turn' and fainted with an almighty crash,  She was recovering by the end of the trip but had a cut on her nose and what was going to be a magnificent black eye, poor lady.  All a bit worrying but the museum's first aid routine swung into motion very efficiently and she was well looked after.

Here's some photos of what we saw in the first room

 

Many of the instruments could be played mechanically or manually and our first guide turned out to be a jolly good pianist!

There was plenty of technical info scattered around.

Watching this one play was great fun; they have a huge collection of rolls to go with their instruments.

In the second room we saw . . .

this intriguing machine that played two violins and a piano - not that they sounds like violins, more like cats yowling at each other, but it must have been the height of technology at the time and a wonderful thing to be able to see and hear.  This one was very special as there are only a few in the whole world that still work and it is very valuable.

The juke box does work but is temperamental and while it worked for the other group, it didn't for us.

My grandparents had a gramophone thingy very similar to this one, just a little larger.
I wonder what happened to it when Nanna moved after Grampy's death in 1970.  Thrown out, I expect - what a shame.

There was a big, comfortable chair in front of the one they had and I would curl up in it four hours and listen to my records or to their 78s, including 'Uncle Mac's favourite hymns for children' and party songs such as the Lambeth Walk, etc.

I was a bit of a lover of classical music starting in my teens, and one Christmas I asked for just classical records and, bless them, my parents and grandparents scoured the shops and second hand shops and gave me a wonderful collection that I listened to for the rest of our stay there.

They were very patient!

Fond memories!

Then we went back into the concert room (this was how the stage was set up) and there was prosecco all round (lovely) before the concert started.

It was a most enjoyable concert given by a couple, Chris and Joanne Powell.  Here's a link to a concert they gave at the museum last year - not a Christmas one and it is very long.  It was streamed live for patrons of the museum, I think.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1j3YDiC_M8w

Anyway, Chris and Joanne were brilliant.  It was a Christmas concert, great for a sing along and they really showcased the instruments including the Mighty Wurlitzer, and not the least bit posh!

Thee was a screen behind and sometimes it showed words, sometimes pictures, sometimes close ups of the keyboard or the pedals and sometimes jokes to groan at.
I liked this one!

The afternoon tea during the interval was delicious.  Again, not posh, but very complete and I have never known an afternoon tea where staff came out with seconds and thirds as they did.  I'm afraid we had demolished the sandwiches before I thought to take a photo.

The music ranged from Christmas themed classical music, through music from the wars, fifties music from the likes of Elvis, a lovely selection of songs from the Seekers, such as Morningtown Ride and The Carnival is Over' (great to sing to) plus some more modern Christmas songs, a selection of Christmas Carols and finishing off, of course, with White Christmas.

Believe me, we sang our socks off and it was just lovely.  We felt so very Christmassy by the end.

Here's a link to some info on Chris and Joanne.  They really were very, very good.

https://www.chrisjopowell.org/

And that was about it.  Both staff and Chris and Joanne came out to wave us off and to thank us for being a lovely audience - wasn't that nice and friendly - and we were back at the carpark by seven thirty after negotiating the London rush hour.  I may, just possibly, have nodded off at some point because it seemed to go very quickly.  :-)

My Dad would have absolutely loved this - he was very enthusiastic about that sort of thing.  Maybe he did go at some point.  I hope so as it would have rejoiced his heart.

This was a lovely visit, possibly the nicest coach trip I have been on, made even more special by the welcoming and very friendly staff of the museum.
They do lots of events through the year.  Several concerts, both Christmas and other, a silent panto featuring the Wurlitzer, of course, Tea Dances and so on and I believe these include a tour of the museum and refreshments.

If you get the chance, it is well worth a visit.  This was the first from our particular group but Jan and Ray said they will now make this a regular on their list of trips and visits.
Maybe I will come back again next year . . .

Wednesday, 27-11-24

Morning, again, everyone!   It was a bit of a waste of a lovely, sunny day yesterday (for me) as I was in the coach and then inside all day and it looks like today the weather has turned a bit - dull, cloudy and drizzly.  Those leaves may not get the push today, not if it is wet.

I got home just before eight yesterday evening and uploaded the photos I took (poor lighting, dreadful quality but not to worry) but didn't have the time to get them into a review of the Musical Museum so I'll post the tomorrow.

Suffice it to say, I was expecting an interesting, informative day, nice but maybe not particularly special.

I was wrong - it was absolutely brilliant.  Quirky, enjoyable, different.  Enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff who went out of their way to make our visit the best it could be . . .I loved every moment and, if you ever have the chance, do pay it a visit.  More tomorrow with any photos I can salvage!

Today is another fairly busy day.

It starts with some early morning shopping at M&S, Aldi and Dunelm (all in the same precinct) and, after unpacking and putting it all away, I want to tackle the kitchen, the bathroom and downstairs loo (all three deep cleaned - or deeper than usual, anyway), get those leaves swept up if I can and then tackle my bedroom (again!)

In the afternoon, I have personal training and then I can settle down with my crochet for an evening of catching up on yesterday's recording (House of Games and Strictly)

Oh - and writing tomorrow's blog!  😇

Better get going then - I want to be at the shops for eight!  Have a lovely day, one and all.  xx

Tuesday, 26-11-24

Morning, everyone.  I have no idea what's happening the other side of the glass and, to be honest, I'm not fussed as I'll be in most of the day - not at home but inside!

I got so much done yesterday.
Circuits was fun - there were five of us and there's so much chat as we work - when we're not puffed out.  Actually, I like to feel just a bit puffed to the extent that I can talk but couldn't sing - not that I would inflict my singing on anyone but you know what I mean.
When I got home, I had breakfast first and then started on The List.

In no particular order . . .

I finished Beth's cardigan and got it wrapped.  I hope it is OK now - I don't think I could face another unpicking - sorry, frogging - session.

I went through all the Festive linen - bedding, tablecloths, napkins, tea towels, hand towels, etc.  Yes, perhaps a bit silly, but I have collected it all over the years and most of it has a memory attached in some way.  The stuff I won't use this year is now away again and the rest is downstairs and ready for use.  Some might need ironing but it isn't musty and doesn't need washing.

While I was doing that (same cupboard), I swapped over my coats so that the lighter weight ones are now upstairs and the winter ones are ready to grab and go.

Then I opened up the garden room, cleared a couple of shelves, got in the Christmas china and put out the stuff in the cupboards (chucking away a few bits and pieces as I went) and now all the plates, mugs, serving dishes, etc, are ready to be used on Christmas Tree Day and beyond until the end of Twelfth Night.  May as well get use out of them.
I'm actually drinking my coffee out of a Christmas mug as the others are in the garden room for now.  Hang on - I'll take some evidence . . .

I've had this set of mugs for years and I love them!

I made a half amount of rough puff pastry for Friday night and that been rested, rolled, folded, etc, and is now in the freezer.  I could buy puff pastry, I know, but it is so easy using Thermione and my rough puff is so much nicer than my shortcrust.

AND - last of all - I got the planned housework done apart from the kitchen clean.  Now I clean my kitchen once a day in the sense of a quick mop down and wipe over but I planned something a bit deeper.  Not to worry, that will wait until Wednesday - or Thursday.

I didn't get out into the garden to shovel up the leaves that the wind has helpfully blown into convenient piles in corners.  That won't get done today so I have it on Wednesday's list.

So I now feel quite good about Christmas coming.  Once the decorations are out/up/on/whatever, it's pretty much all about feasting, fasting and sleeping.  There's coach trips, friends round, out for a few meals, a few more responsible bits like a governor's visit and meeting and plenty of time to cook, prepare and work on my Christmas Project.  Must get that out and ready for Sunday.

On to today and I'm out (what a surprise) on a coach trip.  This time we are going to the Musical Museum.
Here's some info.  https://www.musicalmuseum.co.uk/

I studied music at college and was the music coordinator at school for quite a while but haven't done much at all in recent years.  This looks quirky, a bit odd, and very interesting.  We have a guided tour, a concert and an afternoon tea (I hope it's not just a cream tea) during the interval.
It wasn't the most popular trip and there are some coach spaces but it is still going ahead so there must be enough people to make it viable.
I'll take my camera and fingers crossed for a fridge magnet!  

Right, well, I have some Facebook duties so it is time to stop waffling and get going.  Have a lovely day, whatever you have planned.  xx

Monday, 25-11-24

Morning, everyone.  The strong winds have died down now and maybe we will get sunshine today; the forecast for the week looks so much better.  We had some here yesterday, between rain showers and stronger gusts - if it had been less wet, it would have been a lovely drying day!

As expected, yesterday was a catch up day.  I got the ironing done, some housework, some cooking, I worked hard on Beth's birthday present.  All in all, it was most satisfying.

Strictly's elimination was a bit of a shocker but that's Strictly for you.  I think I rather expected it.  This year, more than ever, it is a popularity/personality thing as much as a dancing thing, isn't it.  It doesn't make it any the less enjoyable as long as you take that on board - for me, anyway.

Today starts with circuits and then I have quite a list, mostly Christmas preparation stuff plus the usual Monday housework.  It should be fun.
As I said in comments yesterday, there's a surprisingly large amount of festive stuff in the diary - going out, people round, etc, etc, etc, so I will; need to be very organised and do the necessary stuff in plenty of time so it doesn't bank up and create problems, mentally if not in any other way.  I do feel a bit stressed when the regular stuff gets left for long.

How are you getting prepared for the Festive season?  It seems to be approaching at a fearsome pace, doesn't it?

Have a great day, everyone.  Take care and I hope all is well with you after Storm Bert.  xx

Sunday, 24-11-24

Good morning, one and all.  How are you this mild and windy morning (it is here anyway).  As always, any winds we got overnight troubled me not a bit.  Once the aids are out, I wouldn't hear a bomb drop locally!
This morning, my (covered) egg chair had blown over but there was nothing else until a moment ago when, with hearing aids now in, I heard a huge crash.  However, it was at the side and was just the wheelie bin falling over so no worries there.

The skies are lifting and there seems to be a few breaks in the clouds.  Sunshine later, maybe - wouldn't that be nice?

As expected, yesterday was a really lovely, restful, gentle day when I did not-a-lot, meaning that today there's a fair old list but nothing too onerous so I will work through it fairly easily.

One of the things I as doing yesterday was planning a few meals.  Next Friday, Dave and Anna are round for dinner and the next day is Christmas Tree day so Beth and Alex are here.

I was thinking I could make individual pot pies with veg and roasties followed by a no-bake lemon cheesecake for Dave and Anna and the rest of the cheesecake would do for the following day on our buffet.  The recipe says it freezes well too so that would work really well.  And if there's anything left from Friday evening, it will do me on Sunday
We always have a buffet on Christmas Tree Day so that's not a problem.  We've decided on cheese, crackers, fruit, etc - dead easy and more a case of opening packets than any baking, apart from the not-sausage rolls, of course - they are a non-negotiable.

I'm glad to get that sorted in my mind.

I did a bit more present wrapping and I got the bottles out into the garden room where they won't call to me.  I'll do the wrapping much nearer the time of giving.

I went great guns on the crocheted baubles.  Apart from the ones I am making for others, I want some for my own tree too and I think I'm pretty much there with the crocheting.  I just need to decide which ones I want bows on and which ones not.  That's a ponder for another day though.

I really did enjoy Strictly last night.  It was lovely to see Dianne so happy that her parents were there, we had the first forty of the season and I thought the Sambathon was so much better organised than the last time they did one when it was, frankly, an utter dog's dinner.  As to who should go - who knows?  Certainly not I.

I have ironing and I have some kitchen tidying to do so, vegetables to prepare, etc, so I will love you and leave you to have a really good Sunday.  Take care and stay safe.  xx

Saturday, 23-11-24

 Morning, all.  A bit late today because I have been busy in the kitchen, making leek and potato soup, two small loaves of bread and starting my breakfast waffles.  All done now.

It's starting to blow out there and the sky looks very heavy so I guess we are in for a less than pleasant day, maybe weekend.  At least the wind is blowing all the leaves into convenient piles, making them a lot easier to sweep up - silver linings are good!  And we're not supposed to be getting anything too extreme in this corner of the UK, thankfully.

I was so pleased with a loss yesterday at SW group, taking me right to my target weight again.  At SW you have a leeway of three pounds up or down; after that, you have a week to get back in range and then, if not successful, you need to pay for sessions again (or stop going, of course, you always have that option).  I'd rather stay in my seven pound range, which is generous enough to be sensible, especially at this time of year.

After group, I did my usual small, fresh food shop at Morrisons which is pretty much next door to the hall.
I came home to an email telling me my wine would be delivered between five and seven, more or less, and you will be relieved to read that it is now all unpacked and ready to take to the garden room storage.  Out of sight, out of mind.
Hopefully, that is the end of that!  Phew.

The rest of the day was spent as usual - housework, meal prep, some clothes washing and some knitting/crochet.  I was planning to make the bread but made a weetabix loaf instead.  This is a classic SW recipe that is really rather nice (and a bit naughty but not terribly so unless you smother it with butter!).  However, it is now sliced, inter-leaved and frozen.  Out of sight . . . etc

Today looks like being much the same.  As already mentioned, the forecast is not great and I am cosy and warm.  The house smells of fresh bread and fresh coffee (are there any better aromas?) and I am in my cosy PJs and snuggle hood, reluctant to change a thing.  So I won't - yet.  I used to be very happy to stay in PJs all day but now it doesn't quite sit right.  Another sign of getting old, I guess.

I got an email about this rather lovely crocheted patchwork scarf from The Unravelled Mitten site - I think one of you recommended this site and it's lovely so thank you.
Do I NEED a scarf.  No, not really.  Do I WANT to make this? - of course I do.
It is 'worsted' (US yarns) which I think is Aran weight but I can easily use my DK stash (which has built up again alarmingly quickly) and either enlarge the squares or do three in a row rather than two.
And I have a friend who would really love this and use it so . . . yup!

If you are interested, here's the link.
https://theunraveledmitten.com/2024/11/22/wildwood-patchwork-scarf-crochet-pattern/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=grab_your_yarn_scraps_and_crochet_this_new_pattern&utm_term=2024-11-22

Right, well, this is late so I will shut up and get it posted.  I hope you are all safe and well.  Take care and don't go out unless you have to today (if the weather is bad).  xx

Friday, 22-11-24

 Morning, everyone.  It is still cold here today but tomorrow is expected to warm by considerably - and there's a storm a-coming too.  Oh, well . . .

The saga of the wine order goes on.  Yesterday morning, I got an email from Naked Wines saying, basically, that my order had been packed and on their way.
I thought - either they know something about the fate of the first order that they are not saying (ie it got nicked, or they have requested Yodel to return it to them - good luck with that one!) or I am getting two lots
9:56 - message from Yodel saying box would arrive today between 11:43 and 13:43 - very precise!
12:26 - one box arrived - the smaller of the two.  It's a start
Also, an email landed to say the other box will arrive by Saturday.  Again, we will see.

I don't want to get two lots of my order because I will then have to wait in for one order to be collected to return to Naked WInes.  Two lots of plonk would be very nice but there's no way I would be able to keep it - far too expensive.

Enough of wine.  Yesterday was another good day, albeit quite quiet.  After online SET (very good, as always), Chris came over and we had a jolly good chat, catching up with each other's news.

I got the yellow room sorted out - as much as it's going to be right now anyway - and the blue room is not guest ready with the beds made up, etc.  All it will need is a quick dust and vacuum next Friday.  SO that is ticked off the list!

Today is Slimming World and, after that, I'm off next door to Morrisons to do a small shop and pick up my meds.
I plan to make some bread; there's plenty of other bread products in the freezer but not a lot of just bread .  There's a bit of housework to do and then I'm having a me day (again) and do some recipe hunting/meal planning.  I always enjoy doing that and the new Pinch of Nom book arrived yesterday so I hope I will find plenty of new ideas.

I've added to the bauble decorations and there's more in the offing.  It's really good fun and some will make nice mini-gifts.

How are you spending your Friday?
Have a great day and stay safe and warm.  xx

Thursday, 21-11-24

 Morning, everyone.  We've had another cold night and I don't mind admitting I kept the electric blanket on low all night.  I was so tired yesterday evening, I just wanted to get warm and stay warm.

It was a good day yesterday.
The first thing I did was fire off a grumble to Naked Wines letting them know what happened.   I was polite but not pleased, a skill many teachers develop during their working life.  lol
Yesterday afternoon I got two replies.
The first one was a standard terribly sorry, very embarrassing, reordered your wines, should be with you soon.

The other was way more informative, explaining that my order had been packed in two consignments (their words), one of which I should have received while the other was still in their warehouse for some reason (they've said it must go immediately).  The one that didn't arrive was on a delivery van that broke down - which, to be fair, does seem possible as the tracker showed the van in the same place for hours and the number of deliveries before mine staying the same rather than going down.
It should arrive today (we will see) and the other ought to be on its way too.
We're sure you will love the wines when they arrive, etc, etc,etc.  All aimed at soothing a justifiably irate customer.  I've done it myself at school with parents in the past.
(I had to laugh when I read it)

So - the original wine order should be with me soon AND they have reordered my order (if you follow me)???
Does that mean I get TWO orders?  That would be interesting, for sure.  Watch this space.

I pootled over to Beth, had a nice coffee and sorted out the cardigan questions so that's good.  I can pretty much finish it now.

Knit and Natter was lovely.  My SW friend, Chris, who had told me about it, was there when I arrived saving a seat for me and the other side of me was Ginny, another SW friend.  I didn't know she went too.  So we knitted/crocheted and chatted and it was great.  There was coffee/ta and biscuit half way through and then there was a raffle too (prizes donated) and I won one of them.  Must take something for the raffle next time.

And then it was off to Lindsey's for personal training where I managed to drop a dumbell on my head.  Ouch.  Totally my fault - I was careless.  It is fine now, not even a little tender - no dilated eyes/headache/ etc, just a slight tenderness.  But what a silly thing to do, eh?

Come the evening, I just sat and crocheted this, that and the other.  There are so many YouTube videos showing how to make Christmas ornaments and I'm quite hooked (sorry)!  They take so little time really - gaudy, yes, but then that's my vibe at Christmas.  Red, gold and green.  Lovely!

I slept like a log, warm and cosy.
Today is a stay at home day.  SET online, than a chat with Chris and after that I want to sort out the other two bedrooms and get the guest room ready for Beth and Alex staying over next weekend.  If I get that done, I will be a happy bunny.

Oh - and, possibly, two (maybe four? I do so hope not) boxes of wine???   I'm seeing the funny side now.
I'll let you know!

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Stay warm and cosy and be happy!  xx

Wednesday, 20-11-24

 So here we are, two thirds of the way through November and there's a frost outside.  We haven't had many frosts this year so far but I gather the next few days will be cold.  Thank goodness for central heating!

Good morning, everyone.  How was yesterday for you?  Mine was a mix of good and bad.

It was chucking it down with rain by the time Chris and I went to Groove so it was a drive down rather than our usual walk.  No snow though, just a little bit of sleet at one point, of the 'blink and you missed it' variety.
Groove started off a bit chilly but Lindsey is very good at getting us going and we all soon warmed up, thankfully.

Jen came round for lunch.  Jen is our former Slimming World consultant who has now stopped because she is moving up north in a couple of weeks' time.  We miss her - she was such a good group leader and I owe her a lot so it was lovely to have a good old catch-up and natter about this, that and the other.

I then got on with Beth's cardi but I need to do another fitting as I think I'm making it too long and I didn't want to do any more in case it had to be re-done.  I'm popping over today and then I should be able to finish it, fingers crossed.

The bad was that I waited for the delivery of my wine box from Naked Wines.  It's a sort of subscription service - you pay so much a month and order your wine when you need it.  I placed my Christmas order last week and it was supposed to arrive between four and six but no box.  So I waited up until nearly half past eleven but - yup, no box.
You can track and I did but after seeing that the delivery van was (supposedly) sat in a village a couple of miles from here for three hours with me being the 16th delivery, I gave up, took some screen shots and went to bed, cold and tired (aaaawwww, poor me!)
Anyway, the tracking thing now says it is at the depot and will be delivered on Thursday.  Hmmmm.
Not sure I believe that because this happened a couple of years ago almost exactly the same and I can only assume that the box was nicked because it never turned up.  Naked Wines replaced it and compensated me but it wasn't great because it was mostly gifts and it was so close to Christmas I had to buy more.  At least this time there's room for a replacement box, if necessary.
Anyway, we will see, but I will be in touch with Naked Wines today.  No point contacting the delivery company - they have a Reputation anyway!

And once this is sorted out, I will spend the remaining money in my account and cancel the subscription; I'd been thinking of doing this anyway and this is the deciding factor, whether my order turns up or not.  I can increase the money I save each month to use at Christmas.  When you only make one order a year and in the last three years there has been trouble with two of the orders, it's really not good.

Goodness - what a rant.  I must be more cross that I thought.  Sorry about that!

Let's finish yesterday on a good note - last week, Sue commented that her Jacquie Lawson advent calendar was working perfectly after I had mentioned that the house wasn't opening yet (if you know, you know) so I got in touch with the company, got a speedy answer saying they were working on it and, lo and behold, yesterday it had a massive update and it is now working fine.  Now THAT'S good service.
I'm going to decorate the tree today, I think.

Today is busy but it is all nice-busy.
I'll be popping round to Beth's this morning and then, this afternoon, it is Knit and Natter (yes, really, I checked) followed by a quick change and a drive to Lindsey's for personal training.  In between times there's a bit of housework and meal prep to keep me busy.
I'll be tired after all that, seeing as I was late in bed last night and didn't sleep great to start with.  Too cross, I suppose.  :-)

What a ramble!  If you have made it thus far, congratulations to you.  Have a pleasant day, whatever your plans, and do stay warm and cosy in this cold snap.  xx

Tuesday, 19-11-24

Morning, everyone.  I hope you had a great night's sleep.

Yesterday started off with Circuits class at Lindsey's studio and it was, as always, good fun.  I did loads better this week, having had a healthy weekend's eating, unlike last week which was after a weekend of afternoon tea - well, a Sunday anyway!
Strength was better, balance was better . . . and I enjoyed it a lot more.

Then I came home and got stuck into the housework.  Boring but the motivation grew and I got everything done that I wanted to get done and still plenty of time for 'me' things too.  It was nice coming downstairs this morning and seeing it all clean and tidy again - must keep it up now as I have so much in the diary that housework time is short (tragic, innit? )  😀

And the day finished off with a Messenger chat with some ladies from the Facebook Slim Win group.  These are always good fun and very helpful too.

And to cap it off, I had a great night's sleep.  Lovely!

Today it's c-c-cold but Chris and I will warm up walking down to Groove class, assuming it isn't raining.  Later on, I have a friend over for lunch - tomato, red pepper and lentil soup made yesterday with bread to dunk and grated cheese and then some fruit - she's a Slimming World girl too.

Probably no time for housework but that's OK - I won't be ashamed of downstairs now.  😀

Better go - thanks for reading and have a really good day.  xx

Monday, 18-11-24

Morning, everyone!

Yesterday was a day when I did what I wanted to do rather than what I ought to have done - which means I still have a little pile of ironing to clear this morning after circuits class on top of the usual Monday housework.  It won't take long, it just needs doing!  

I remembered to take some photos.  None of the Christmas stuff is out of the garage yet so I just used a rather decrepit bush in the garden!

This was the one I made at the workshop.  It is biggish, about 10cm plus in diameter . . .

. . . and here's the one I made on Saturday using a size three hook instead of a four.  Pretty much identical apart from the size but the smaller one looks 'neater' somehow..

I don't like the crocheted loop though and won't do it like that any more.  I can buy some shiny cord and loop it through which should make attaching the bell and the bow a lot easier too - as will using polystyrene balls as the inside.

Different coloured ribbon or patterned ribbon would look nice and ring the changes too.

I looked up how to make a little decoration bow . . . really easy. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY0tApswLYo&t=207s

Today starts with Circuits class and then it is housework.  All the housework I really should have done over the weekend but didn't.  
Have a great day, everyone, and I hope it doesn't get too cold where you are.  xx

Sunday, 17-11-24

Morning, everyone.  So here we are, back to morning posts and let's see how they go.

Yesterday was one of those really pleasant days.  To be fair, nowadays the good days far outnumber the less pleasant days but the feelings of having had a great time remain, how often they occur.

I spent the morning and lunch time with some of my favourite people on a walk.  David had worked out a new route for us, parking at the Horse and Groom (we had a table booked there for lunch), heading off down Lawford Lane and over the Can, just touching Writtle and then back out again to rejoin Lawford Lane.  It was really pleasant and I took a few photos, given that it was a new route for us.

It was a rather dull day.  In fact, just before we met up, it was drizzling but that cleared quickly and the sun just popped out and back in again a few times.  It was a delightful Autumnal walk, shuffling through the leaves, but a bit more sun would have given so much more colour.  Never mind, it was lovely anyway and the paths were so well marked that I think I could do it again easily.  Maybe I will, finishing off with a coffee in the pub before coming home again.

Lunch was nice too - I had a chicken and bacon panini with chips and salad and brought half the panini home with me to enjoy for dinner.

I took the rest of the day very easy.  I may or may not have snoozed a bit but I made another, better bauble - my tension is not that tight so I went a couple of hooks smaller and it was just right.  I've also ordered some seven cm diameter polystyrene balls which, I think, will make better filling than wadding and I can then use pins to attach any decorations.  Anyway, I am very happy with the pattern; it's simple but effective.  I'm sure there are other patterns around so need to do a bit of a search as I'd like to make some as little gifts.
Photos tomorrow - I haven't taken any yet.

I loved Strictly although, as Catriona said, the marking was all over the place.  I think the final order was OK though and look forward to seeing the results show this evening - I don't go searching so, please, no spoilers!  I know who I think SHOULD be in the dance off but you never can tell with Strictly.

Today there is absolutely nothing in the diary for once so I'm just going to potter.  Don't get me wrong, there's plenty to do like gardening, housework, ironing, etc, but I'm just going to wing it.  According to the BBC, we might possible get some sunshine and, if that's so, a bit of gardening will be nice (and needed) but - well, we will see.

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Stay safe and warm.  xx

Saturday evening, 16-11-24

Evening, everyone.

Thanks for your comments, especially those regarding morning/evening posts.
I agree, morning feels much more natural to me so I think I will continue to do the food blog in the evenings and this one in the mornings, although there will be times when I can't - coach trips, fitness classes and over sleeping, etc.

So I'll be back tomorrow morning . . . and thank you again.

Sleep well!  xx

Saturday morning, 16-11-24

Morning, everyone.  Late again and it's the usual excuse.  I'm obviously getting old!  🤣

Anyway, here I am, Saturday morning and I have time to ramble on.

Yesterday's Hobbycraft workshop was as expected - except that I was the only one there (apart from the instructor, of course).  There's another one in a couple of weeks at the beginning of December (eeeek) and it's pretty full so I guess I just got lucky.

The instructor (can't remember her name) was lovely, a very interesting lady with lots of crafting interests including making amigurumi and watercolour paintings.  She showed me some photos of her work and the landscapes were just lovely.  I do love a watercolour landscape and, in the past, wished that Beth's artistic talent showed in that way.  But no - she did very modern, expressionist type stuff.

I'm rambling.
The pattern was not difficult although I started by making the rookie error of not re-counting the trebles into the magic ring and doing too many.  Ooops.
It was a really nice time - we chatted as we worked and occasionally she modelled something to me to clarify.  She said she might be doing on on reading crochet patterns as so many people found it hard and I suggested that she could do a 'Beginning amigurumi' workshop - I'd go like a shot.  I love amigurumi but what would I do with the finished products?  There's no little children in the family and I'm certainly not aiming to sell.
Maybe I could make just one or two . . . 

I came home with 

a nearly finished bauble (I just have to add the ribbon)

a cotton bag with all the materials in

three 100g balls of yarn - red, green and white

a bag of jungle bells so now I can finish my wrist warmers

two good sized darning needles

a size 4 crochet hook - not needed, I have loads, but another never went amiss

a thingy of red ribbon (can't remember the name - roll?  Like sellotape, anyway)

some stuffing

the pattern

and a really nice, warm, fuzzy feeling inside.

Big apologies for lack of photos.  I will take some, promise and they'll probably be in Sunday's post.

I'm not short of projects for the rest of this month now.  Beth's cardigan, some knitting, baubles to make . . . plus another project that can wait, if needs be.  Then in December I have that lovely (and challenging) Persian Tiles blanket.  I'm looking forward to starting that.

Hobbycraft had some new yarn in.  Oh, I was so, so tempted . . . but the halo is still intact.  I did get a wee cross stitch kit (reduced to £1.50) for my Twelve Days of Christmas box and now I have just one more to get.  I have my eye on a recipe book but will think about it as it's more than this sort of thing warrants really.

Goodness, how I have rambled!  But it was so nice to just sit and craft and chat and now I am so looking forward to going to the Knit and Natter group next Wednesday (it's definitely next Wednesday - I checked).

Thinking of today though, we're having what might be the last Golden Oldies SW Walks this morning and we're having lunch together afterwards.  I am really looking forward to that.  WHen I get home, I have a pile of ironing to do so that's my day, more or less.  Then there's Strictly this evening, of course - that will be nice too.

Such a lovely couple of days!

Well, better stop waffling.  Have a great day, everyone, and stay warm as it gets colder.  xx

Thursday evening, 14-11-24

Evening, everyone.   Today started off very dull but it brightened up nicely eventually which was cheering.

Have you had a good day?

I got some housework done, not as much as I should have done because I kept stopping to do other, nicer stuff.  Never mind, the rest will wait and I did make inroads into the whole thing, including getting almost all the washing done and quite a lot of tidying up - plus cleaning, etc.

I pootled over to Beth's this afternoon and the alterations meant that now the cardigan will fit perfectly now so I can get on and more or less finish it.

Then, this evening, I did some gift wrapping.  Stuff was piling up and I wanted to get it wrapped before taking it upstairs - so I did.

Sue - my calendar isn't working properly so I have contacted them asking for help.  We will see what happens now.  I'm glad you commented ot I wouldn't have known until the 1st December - which isn't so far away now, is it?

And finally, after discovering that I could have used my mobile to pay in a cheque, I discovered today that I can do a very nifty transfer from bank to building society account much more easily than before.   Excellent.

And that's today.  Tomorrow starts with SW and later on it is the bauble workshop at Hobbycraft.  I am looking forward to that.

Good night, everyone.  Have a lovely day tomorrow and sleep well.  xx

Thursday morning, 14-11-24

Morning, everyone!  Another 'too tired to keep my eyes open or my brain in gear last night' morning blog.  This is getting to be a bit of a habit and, for me, it works when I don't have an early fitness class (which I don't today - I will catch up with it later as Lindsey records it).

Yesterday was quite an out and about sort of day.

It started off with a trip to a few shops - Home Bargains and Homesense and then on to Longacres.  I did spend but it was Christmas stuff including some presents for people so that was OK.

Then I went on to Beth's for a cardigan fitting.  I did need to be some unpicking - frogging, I mean - in order to enlarge the hexagons which was fine.  I hadn't finished off any of the threads in case so it was very easy.  I've not enlarged them both and joined the back and I am going to do another fitting before carrying on, to make absolutely sure.  We sorted out how long she wants it and I have mocked up the edging so she can decide if it's wide enough or too wide (ot just right).
I've sent her a message because I don't know if she is working from home today or not - I think she is but can't assume.

If she isn't available, I have another project to continue with to keep my hands busy; I'll tell you about that another time.  

I came home and pottered (oh, OK, frogged!!) until it was time to leave for personal training.  As always, it was good.  We laugh a lot as we work and Lindsey said if Chris' husband can get us to the Shimmy Festive Afternoon Tea next month, she can drop us home again which is fab and makes it all very simple.

Come the evening, I crocheted and fell asleep!  I think it was because although I slept soundly Tuesday night, I didn't sleep for as long as I needed so last night was a bit of a catch up.

Today is a day at home (apart from he fitting if possible) and I have decided it's going to be a housework day.  I'm really behind with the housework and it's getting me down a bit so it's time to get it sorted.  Hopefully, I can do upstairs and downstairs.  It isn't my favourite activity but needs must.  There's a load of washing to do too and it's a damp old start to the day so it's drying racks ahoy!!

Chris is home from her holiday but only just so there's no chat today.

Just thought of one more thing.  Remember I went into town on Tuesday to pay in a cheque because I couldn't see how to do it online/mobile.  Well, obviously I didn't look carefully enough because now I know so next time . . . assuming I get another cheque.  Any offers . . . ?
If I had taken the car into town, I'd have been a bit miffed, but I took the bus and met some SW friend on the way home (on the bus) and had a good chat so I'm good with that.  But from now on, I know.
And the cheque has landed in my spendable money so I must shift it sideways into savings this morning.

Enough rambling.  Have a great day, everyone, stay warm and be happy!  xx

Tuesday evening, 12-11-24

Hello, everyone - welcome to Tuesday evening's blog.  It's been another bright day with a sunny morning and a less sunny but not that dull afternoon.  Log may this continue, that's what I say!!

I popped into town this morning after Groove, mainly to deposit a cheque but also to have a little look around.  Apart from an advent candle (I have one every year), I didn't get anything else and wasn't even tempted.  There's loads of sparkly clothes in the shops right now but I have enough sparkly stuff to last the next decade after last year's cruise.

I did see some Christmas food stuff but I'm not really getting that sort of thing this month and I do have £15 in Morrisons vouchers so will be getting most of that sort of thing there next month.

That was the highlight of the day really.  The rest was just the normal, everyday stuff although now I have my Advent Candle, I am planning a little Advent corner with the M&S calendar, the candle and an Advent jigsaw puzzle I have.

I'm out and about again tomorrow morning, ending up at Beth's to do a fitting after which I can really get on and almost finish her cardigan really - assuming what I have done actually fits OK.  If not, I have some frogging and re-making.  Either way, it should keep me good and occupied and get in the way of boring but essential stuff like housework!

Have you had a good day?

Stay warm and sleep well.  xx

Monday evening, 11-11-24

Hi, everyone, and a very good evening to you all.  It has been a glorious autumn day here today.  We've had the first sunshine for quite a while and it was just so very bright and colourful, it really cheered me up no end.  It looks as if it's going to get colder soon but as long as the sun shines, that is OK by me, it really is.

After a lovely drive to Lindsey's through the autumn leaves, circuits this morning was outside and it was fab, just what I needed,  You see, I woke up with a sort of hangover this morning.  No, not alcohol induced, it was too-much-sugar-saturated-fat-and-carb-while-not-nearly-enough-protein-and- fruit-and-veg induced (that was surprisingly hard to type out).  A muggy head and decidedly lacking in energy.  That's an afternoon tea for you, isn't it?  An exercise session in the fresh, sunny air was just the ticket.

Once home, I had a face to face online with Alex while he took me through a powerpoint presentation he has put together.  Bless him, he was full of cold and I just wonder if I'm going down with something as well.  I've sneezed a lot and my nose tickles!!

We will see.

I've been getting on well with Beth's cardigan but have come to a halt until I can do a fitting.  She's not available tomorrow so, hopefully, I can go round hers on Wednesday morning and then I can more or less get it finished really.

I will have yarn left so I've started knitting an extra something for her while I'm waiting.

It has been a bit of a lazy day - I mean a me-day - but there's stuff that needs doing so I've started a Little List.  They always work, don't they?

And that's about it.  Things will hot up again soon so I am enjoying the relative quietness and gentle pace of my life at the moment.  Such a difference to when I was working and this was pretty much the busiest time of the year, only superseded by report writing time.
I'm enjoying it.

Good night everyone.  I hope your day has been really lovely and that you're having a relaxing evening.  Sweet dreams . . .  xx

Sunday evening, 10-11-24

Good evening, everyone.  Have you had a good weekend?  It's been a bit dreary round here, sadly, but it has been a nice time, all the same.

Saturday morning started with me driving Alex home before meeting the others for our golden oldies walk.  This was lovely with lots of chatter and laughter.

Then I came home and pottered around doing this, that and the other.  I washed Alex's sheets and will make the bed up again so it is ready, just in case.
I was so very tired again - after going through a spell of sleeping until a reasonable time, I am now waking too early again and not able to get properly back to sleep.  It's annoying but it will pass.

I spent the morning getting things ready for the afternoon tea.
The lovely Sharon, my hairdresser, has launched a second string to her bow, that of making cakes and afternoon teas and we were, I think, her first afternoon tea customers.  And what a spread she provided.  Three different kinds of sandwiches, scones, jam and cream and two different cakes  the lemon drizzle cake was to die for.

I provided some Delia's vegetarian sausage rolls because we all love them.

Apologies for the dreadful lighting.

Beth and Alex went home with a goodly amount of leftovers and, after measuring arms and backs and other bits and bobs, I can continue with the hexa-cardi for Beth.  She's so pleased with the yarn colour.  I am relieved; online you don't always see the colour as it really is but this was pretty close.  She dropped a few hints about leftover yarn and bobble hats.  I can do that!!

And now the house is my own again.  everything is cleared, the pretty china is away again and I'm feeling exceedingly tired but not too tired to watch the Strictly results show.  I'm going to try to stay awake until about nine thirty because if I go to bed too early, I am sure to wake too early too.

I've been enjoying (having not watched it when it was on BBC1 - or was it 2?) the David Mitchell comedy detective thingy, Ludwig.  I think it is one of the best things I've watched for a long time.  I'm a fan of David (and Victoria) anyway, love his sense of humour and am so, so enjoying Ludwig.  I'll probably watch the next episode after Strictly amd I'm really glad there's going to be another series next year.

Did you watch it?

Sleep tight, everyone.  xx

Sunday morning, 10-11-24.

 Sorry about yesterday - I'm getting very erratic, aren't I?  More this evening but, for now, I will just leave this . . .

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

(last verse of 'For the Fallen' by Robert Lawrence Binyon)

Friday evening, 08-11-24

Evening, everyone.  I'm rather shattered now so I'll keep this short.
It's been another really lovely day.

It started with Slimming World (last week's pound gain gone again so I'm hovering very happily just below target).   
I did a bit of shopping before coming home.  After breakfast, I sat down to crochet for a while and fell asleep.  To be fair I did wake up at just before four this morning so hardly surprising.

The rest of the day was just gentle pottering.  It felt cold outside but really nice and cosy inside so no complaints.

And that's about it really.  Just one of those days when very little happens.

I'm off up to bed shortly so I will bid you goodnight and wish you a great night's rest.  xx

Thursday evening, 07-11-24

Evening, everyone!  

It's been a much more pleasant day today, weather wise.  It's still been sunshine-free but the clouds were higher and it was not damp and drizzly.  Vat and I agreed that it was just a degree or two above feeling chilly which is good for November.

An online SET class was first on the agenda this morning.  For one, my internet connection played ball and there were no freezes or drops.  It was good - the first of a new block so the music was different although most of the moves were the same - it's not dance sequences like Groove, more short bursts like circuits.

At half past eleven, I set off for Val's.  It's an easy enough drive along major roads and takes around twenty to twenty five minutes.
Val suggested we go out to Blake House Craft Centre to have lunch at Sconch.    This is Sconch . . .

https://www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk/eat/

and so is this.

https://www.blakehousecraftcentre.co.uk/sconch/

After a delicious goats cheese and red onion panini (so delish) we trawled around the yarn area.  Yes, I was tempted and yes, I bought something, but it is allowed because it is for my Twelve Days of Christmas.  I'll show you when the time comes.  :-)

Some stunning yarns and some brilliant books but . . . my halo is intact!

Thank you for a lovely time, Val.  xx

Then I drove home though the gathering gloom, meeting the school run traffic as I did so but it wasn't so bad really; I've known it a lot worse.

When I got home, I finished off the CAL project.  I just had a little bit of the edging left to do.  I need to press out around the edges and in a few other places and, fortunately, it is the sort of yarn that is happy with a cool press but I wanted to take a photo for you.  It does look nice, all bright and colourful and, as I am a traditional and go for reds, greens and golds for my decor, it will add to the general colour cacophony really well!

Now I can start Beth's hexi-cardigan with a clear conscience.

And not the day is nearly over and I am starting to wind down and feel a bit sleepy.  It has been another lovely day with so many simple pleasures to enjoy and appreciate.  I am so very fortunate.

I really hope your day has been lovely too.  Good night, everyone.  Sleep well and sweet dreams.  xx

Wednesday evening, 06-11-24

Good evening again, everyone.

Today was a spendy day - nothing that I shouldn't have spent but a food shop is now expensive, especially with a few Christmas things added (to share the load).

I drove over to Sainsbury's and was very strong in resisting temptation.  There was a really lovely Christmas jumper - several, in fact - but no, I already have plenty.

I then trundled up and down the aisles, looking for everything on the list.  Alex had also requested a few things so I got them too.  Yes, a bit ouch, but nothing impulsive or wasteful.

Once home and with everything put away, I had breakfast (late) and then did this, that and the other until lunch.

Then it was Personal Training.

Finally, Beth came over and we had dinner and a good old chat which was lovely.

Oh, and Beth's yarn arrived.  Lovely colour and she's very happy with it.

And that's it - not terribly exciting but a nice, satisfying day, all the same.

How about you?  xx

Tuesday evening, 05-11-24 (aka Wednesday morning)

Morning, folks.
I sat down after dinner last night to work on the last bit of the cal project, looked at the clock ten minutes later and it was nearly eleven o'clock.  Oooops!

So you have this to enjoy this morning instead!!

Back to yesterday.  The first Groove of the new block was lovely.  The new routines are really good although I didn't know any of the music, not being into that sort of thing.  Now, if she had stuck to sixties playlists . . . but most other people wouldn't know any of it!   Anyway, it was great.

I wore the hexa-cardi and Lindsey liked it so much, I might be making one for her too.  It's lucky it is a comparatively quick make!

Alex went out to do his weekly volunteering and it was nice to have the house to myself.  I got bits and bobs done, sorted out a few things, did some crochet and generally chilled.

And went to bed late!

Today is a bit busier.  I'm doing a food shop this morning and am probably going to Sainsbury's for my monthly top up of things I like from there.  I might look for the marzipan and icing for the Cake while I'm there (I'll check the dates but I am sure I have bought it early before and both products have a long date).

This afternoon, it is personal training which is always good and this evening Beth is coming round for dinner.  Nothing posh, just jacket potato, etc, so before P T I will get everything together and as ready as I can.

So that's that.  At some point I really need to get out in the garden but it won't be today, for sure.
I hope you had a lovely day yesterday and a great night's sleep.
Stay safe and be happy.  xx

Monday evening, 04-11-24

Evening,k everyone.  I'm writing this earlier because I have an evening live chat and it will probably be too late afterwards. 

This is the colour Beth has chosen for her hexa-cardi.  It's King Cole aran and I described it wrongly in yesterday's comments, sorry.  
The photo isn't great, I think it has more colour than that, but she wants to wear it for work so didn't want lurid like mine.
I got it from Amazon as that was the cheapest I could find but not Prime so I have to wait until Wednesday - such hardship!!

I was rather puzzled as to what to get her for Christmas so I'm so happy about this.  I love getting gifts that people will really use and the work that will go into it just adds to the love (forgive the soppiness but it's true).

Lindsey is home again after a week enjoying the sunshine in Morocco so the new block has started!  It was great to get back to circuits and also to hear about her adventures.  There were five of us there and it was such fun.

Then I drove straight over to Beth's because I wanted to do a financial transaction over the phone and she helps me with the hearing side of it all.  It took a while but there were no problems.

The rest of the day has been spent doing the usual Monday housework, getting on with my Gifts of Christmas blanket (last part out tomorrow) and that sort of thing.  It's been a really nice day and it's good to be back in routine again.

Right at the moment, there's a roasting chicken in the air fryer for me, Alex and leftovers.  Things should start to smell delicious soon.

Have you had a good day too?  I do hope so.  Stay safe and well, everyone, and keep warm.  xx

Sunday evening, 03-11-24

Good evening, everyone.  Another damp and dull day today but it hasn't felt that cold really.

I started the day spending some time in the kitchen sorting out the batch of hummus I made yesterday (small pots, in the freezer), getting things ready for dinner tonight (with Alex - cottage pie, mince already cooked and in the freezer) and making some baked beans (self inflicted, I have cans, just wanted to make something myself) which taste nothing like Heinz but nice all the same - and satisfying!

I then popped upstairs and made sure Alex's bedroom was ready and waiting for him.  I even remembered to turn up the radiator thermostat - usually I keep it low as it's not a room in general use.
He's here now and watching one of the Paddington movies - we're a great fan of Paddington in this family!

He took a few photos so here's the cardigan.  I've worn it all day today and it really is very cosy and comfortable.  Don't look at the uneven hem - it isn't really, it's just how I was wearing it.  I might make a couple of patch pockets with granny squares.  I'll knock a couple up and see if it looks OK - I guess they could go on the inside rather that the outside if I think it interrupts the 'pattern' but pockets are so very useful.

When she brought Alex over, Beth liked it so much, I'm making one for her for Christmas.  Not the same colours, a sort of redcurrant colour with flecks.  I've just ordered the yarn - Christmas presents are OK during No Spend November - so when the Gift blanket is finished (this Tuesday starts the last week), it will be my project until December starts and I can begin the Persian tiles project.

I need something to keep hands and brain occupied during these dark evenings.

All weekend I have been intending to sort out my paperwork but avoiding it.  Not financial paperwork, just post and that sort of thing plus recipe printouts, crochet pattern printouts and so on.  The mess was getting me down so I just made myself get it all done and I am very glad I did.  It won't take long before it builds up again but, for now, it is neat and tidy and what a relief.

I'm going to post this a little bit earlier.  I hope your Sunday has been a lovely day - have a good evening and sleep well.  xx