Saturday evening, 19-05-24

Evening, all.  How's your day gone today?  It's been really nice and sunny here, despite a damp start.  

I dithered about doing the online SET class but, in the end, I did and was really glad that I did.

Lindsey was doing another pop up shop so I drove over there and had a good nosey round but there wasn't anything I wanted to buy this time.  I gather it has raised around £1,000.

I did some housework, a bit of gardening, some cooking . . . the usual sort of thing.

And I watched Doctor Who - I am really enjoying the new season.  It's different but, I think, good different.
And Sewing Bee starts next week - could life hold more . . .  😊

Have a great evening, everyone, and sleep well.  xx

Friday evening, 17-05-24

Good evening, one and all.  

Today we seem to be back with the pleasant, warm, sunny weather.  It's been lovely all day, the perfect day for a drive out to a country pub and a really nice lunch.

So - the day started with Slimming World as it always does on Friday.  Jen is away on holiday so Jenny, who took the group yesterday evening, brought the hall keys round to me yesterday evening and I gave them to Cara who took today's group this morning.  I now have them again to give back to Jen when she comes home from holiday.
Cara was lovely - it can't be easy covering someone else's group but she was really good.

Then I came home and did a few chores before my friend picked me up for lunch.  We went to a little pub restaurant the other side of Danbury called the Hurdlemakers' Arms;  I've never heard of the place before but it was absolutely delightful and lovely grub.  I brought some of it home and finished it off for dinner so it was a very easy day, food-wise.
Definitely, I must go there again and take some photos.

And that was that really - it was past four when my friend dropped me off and I just sat and read, knitted and watched telly.  A nice day out of the usual stuff.

I really MUST do some gardening tomorrow.  Fingers crossed it isn't wet.

Has your day been good too?

Night, everyone.  Sweet dreams.

Thursday evening, 16-05-24

Evening, all.  It's been another day of drizzle and a few spells of sunshine today and definitely on the cool side of things.

Despite that, I popped out to take a few photos of my plants which seem to be relishing the longer days and slightly warmer temperatures.  So here we go . . .

There's more out so I had to take another photo . . .

The strawberries were so poor last year, I intended digging them out and replacing them.  I am glad I didn't; they are laden this year.

Look at those.

Most of my back garden plants in the raised beds were thoroughly disturbed when the bed walls were repaired.  I reckon it has done them good.

The fig loses its leaves each Autumn but back they come again.

The bay bush was dead two years ago.  Obviously it had other ideas though.

Last year, I had four or five flowers.  This year there are fourteen - they got disturbed by the repairs too.

Thyme flowers are so pretty, aren't they.

And finally, every garden has its messy corner, I am sure.  Here's mine and I rather like it - it makes it look like a real garden!!

I did SET online first thing and then, after breakfast, I decided to go shopping - a house keeping sort of shopping, nothing exciting.  I was planning on going to Sainsbury's on Saturday but it's quite a full day and tomorrow is out too so, really, today was the only option unless I wanted to go Sunday.

It was one of those bigger shops when you seem to need other stuff apart from food - washing products, cleaning stuff, etc.  Not your every week sort of stuff although I had some of that too.  The bill was ouch but next week should be a lot less.  Swings and roundabouts!

I did splash out on something - these.  I have trainers and I have some open toed sandals but wanted something sunny-casual.  These are nice and should go well with everything really.  And only a tenner.

Then it was home sweet home to put everything away and get on with a bit of housework and cupboard sorting.  There's always at least one cupboard that seems to get itself in a right tangle while you're not looking, isn't there?

Oh, and while I was shopping, Chris and Steve arrived back after their cruise so I exchanged a few messages with her - she had a great time, she said, and I am looking forward to hearing all about it on Tuesday as we walk down to Groove.

Well, it is getting late (for me) so I will love you, leave you and wish you a good night's sleep with sweet dreams.  xx

Wednesday evening, 15-5-24

Hi, everyone, good evening.  The day started out dull and damp and finished off warm and sunny and very cheering indeed.  Lovely!

It was another busy-ish day.

I sorted out most of upstairs and looked ruefully into the dumpi  - er, I mean smallest bedroom.  I need to tackle it very soon, it's an absolute disgrace.  I must Make a Plan!

Then I went online.  I've been intending to get the main carpet properly cleaned.  It's really grubby in places.  All of the bottom floor except the kitchen and the loo has this carpet which also goes up the stairs and along the (small) landing and, honestly, it's a proper disgrace.

So I went online, did some trawling around, discussed needs and possibilities with a few places and have a company booked to come and do the deed next Monday which is a great relief.  I know it will never look brand new again and there's no way I can justify replacing, nor is it necessary, it so a good old clean should work wonders.  At least I will know it is clean . . . whatever it looks like.

I also discussed some dates for school visits online.

I had an early (for me) lunch because personal training was earlier than usual.  As always - most enjoyable, hard work, and now I'm feeling healthily tired.

It was earlier because at the usual time I was due online for some training.  Quite heavy stuff based around the Governing Body's responsibilities in suspensions and permanent exclusions.    By the time that was done, it was time to make dinner and now I'm typing this!

I feel it has been a day where I achieved a lot one way and another.  I also know I'm going to sleep well and it won't be that long before I disappear upstairs - a couple of hours should do it.
Has your day been a satisfying one?

Goodnight, everyone, and sleep well.  xx

Tuesday evening, 14-05-24

Evening, everyone!

I woke up this morning to a pretty wet world, as I guess many of us here in the UK did.  I'm glad I didn't change the duvet over as it feels a lot fresher this morning - not fresh enough to wonder about an hour of heating on, just in comparison.  Good for the garden, for sure.

It was Groove this morning but I didn't fancy getting damp so I took the car for once.   I'm so glad I did because it really wasn't very nice.  Groove was though; it is great to feel warm straight away instead of doing the first half with extra layers on.  Despite today's rain, it is definitely warming up.

The rest of the day passed as days usually do.  I made some social arrangements with friends, did some housework, some kitchen work, looked at my lengthening shopping list with mild disbelief, checked the bank account (more there than I thought which is odd but time will tell) and the rain kept falling.  To be fair, it cleared up briefly and there was even a hint of sunshine but it was a case of blink and you miss it.

And this evening is more of the same.  Can't complain, I love an easy life.  

Have you had the rain too?
Night, everyone, sleep well and may tomorrow be a lovely day for you.  xx

Monday evening, 13-05-24

Evening, everyone.
No pretty lights overnight - I did look when I woke for the loo but no luck,  Not to worry.

It's been a nice day, weather wise, although as the day went on, the sunshine became more hazy.   It's still sort of sunny but the sky is not blue, it's a bit murky.

 
Lindsey did circuits out in her garden and it was really lovely; we're hoping we can have many more before the year starts to close down again.  I was very careful and the back did protest a bit once or twice but Lindsey does encourage us to adapt when needed or ask her for advice, so things never get too intense.  It feels fine now so obviously no more damage done.

Once home, it was breakfast and then housework.  I decided to make the last of the fine weather to do my bedding as well so I can feel the housework fairy patting me on the back!  😇

Then, for me, a biggie.

Sharon (my lovely hairdresser) has been out of circulation for a while.  Her husband has been very unwell and passed away a couple of weeks ago.  While it wasn't a complete surprise, that's hardly the point so she's taken time out.

The problem is that my hair was four plus weeks plus over the usual six weeks before appointments so I asked friend Chris about her hairdresser who works from home and, long story short, she (Hayley) gave me an appointment as a one off.

So, very nervously, I set off to Hayley's home and, about an hour and quarter later, returned home feeling very happy.  Quite apart from the removal of ten weeks' growth - a lot when one has short hair anyway - but she did a really good job and, if Sharon decides not to return to work for a while), I have a safety net, so to speak.
And, just for once, I didn't have to clear up my hair trimmings afterwards.  Bonus!

I took a few flower photos . . . which one should I use as a header banner???

Now it is time to slow down and get ready for bed.  Nice fresh sheets and clean pjs.  What more could a girl ask for?

Sleep well, everyone, and have a great day tomorrow.  xx

Sunday evening, 12-05-24

Good evening, everyone.  Phew, wasn't it a scorcher today.  So warm that when I jung out a load of washing, it was dry and ready to come back in half an hour later.  So I managed to get all my washing done, dried, ironed and ready to put away when I go up later in.  That used much of the day but I'm really glad to get it done.

I didn't do much else apart from the usual daily stuff but I'm feeling tired now, all the same.

It was just a normal Sunday, albeit pretty warm.  Normal is good, it really is.

Have you had a good Sunday too?  xx

Saturday evening, 11-05-24

Good evening, everyone.

I had a rotten night's sleep last night.  I woke before midnight and couldn't get back to sleep.  Outside was the show of the decade and I had no idea . . . I turned the lights on and read for ages.  Aaaarrrggghhh.
We might get some more Northern Lights overnight, they say - fingers crossed.

I did finally get to sleep but today has been a bit of a dozy day.  I did a bit of housework, some cooking, some reading, I watched the new Doctor Who.  Just a quiet Saturday really.  

It was lovely and warm and sunny though.  A perfect day from the weather point of view.   It's due to change soon but fingers are crossed for tomorrow at least.

I'm not watching Eurovision, it's really not my thing.  I will find something else to enjoy instead and try to stay awake until it gets dark.

Fingers crossed.

Did you catch the show and did you get any good photos?  xx

Friday evening, 10-05-24

 Good evening, everyone.  It's been another really lovely day, more summer than spring really.  I've even started watering some of the pots.

It was nice to be back at SW group this morning after missing last week.  Then I came home, had breakfast and gave my bedroom another good going over.  After lunch, I just chilled in the garden room - and fell asleep!  Those chairs are obviously a good choice.

As the day went on, the back became more and more comfortable so I'm glad I took it carefully.  I just have to decide whether to do the SET class online tomorrow morning but I will decide that when the time comes!

After yesterday's garden photos, one more.  The herbs are doing great!
The grass-like one in the middle is - well - ornamental grass.  And the variegated leafy one at the back right is just a bush.  I don't have loads of herbs, just rosemary, oregano, chives, sage, thyme, mint and, not on the photos, bay.  All very useful though.

You've probably seen this many times but it made me laugh so very much this afternoon, I thought I would share it. 

Given that every primary teacher is a science teacher by default - I totally agree.  

Right, well, time to shut up shop and get this sent, I think  Have you had good weather too?  
Sleep well, everyone, and pleasant dreams.  xx

Thursday evening, 09-05-24

Evening, all.  It's been another beautifully sunny day - I'm really hoping this continues.

I had some time before SET began so I decided to change my sheets and turn the mattress.
Big mistake.

Ping said my back and ouch said me!!  No SET class and a lot of hobbling later, it is easing somewhat now and I'm not taking any pain killers, which is good.

I managed to get most of upstairs cleaned, certainty all the bits that show, but SET and gardening went by the board, sadly.  

Not to worry, I'm sure it will continue to ease off and be loads better tomorrow morning.

Before that happened, I went out into the garden and took a few photos because things are starting to look colourful and flowery.  Hope you like them.
And sweet dreams, one and all.  xx

Wednesday evening, 08-05-24

Good evening, everyone! 

In yesterday's comments, Janette asked why a garden room.  It's not the sort of thing they have in Australia.  Poor love, I bombarded her with pretty much an essay and then thought it more appropriate to a blog than a comment reply to I have copied and pasted it at the end.

Several of you mentioned that you thought coloured cushions might look nice and I agree but pattern might be an issue.

This is the pattern on the furniture and I think another flowery something might look mismatched in the wrong way - unless I find something that looks very similar but in colour and even then, not sure.  If I had gone for the grey striped covers, chintzy flowery cushions would look nice but the other way round?  Not so sure.

I am planning to make some bunting to go across the window.  The bifolds open outward so that wouldn't be an issue.  Perhaps that would give a pop of colour and maybe be echoed by a few pictures or a vase.  Or make cushion covers (it's not hard, after all) that echo the bunting colours.

Oh, I don't know.

What I do know is that it won't be this month anyway, probably not even this summer.  I've waited years for this so another wait to really know what I want and get it won't hurt.

And I can have lots of fun trawling the shops and online, like I did for the furniture.

Today has been a gentle sort of day.  I chilled for much of the morning, breakfasting in the garden room.  I should have done upstairs housework really but I have more time than usual tomorrow so I'll do it then.

I popped over to Beth and Alex's to wish Alex a Happy Birthday and give him his card and gift.

And then it was personal training with Lindsey which was most enjoyable.

So, really, a pretty normal day apart from the birthday.

I'm now chilling and gradually relaxing into a sleepy state.  Lovely.
How was your day?  xx

Here's what I said in my reply:
I already have a ground floor extension across the back of the house and I did consider a conservatory but . . .
It would cut down light to the living/dining area quite significantly.
There's raised brick beds in the garden which would need to be dismantled and I didn't want to lose one of them.
I'd still need to replace the garden shed anyway because it was getting very bedraggled (the garden room is actually two rooms, the main part and a shed part for garden tools, freezer, etc).
I rather fancied a little relaxation area away from the house, quite separate from it - it is so nice to have a separate bolthole that is different
The way the room flows means that when I am sitting with friend for coffee, we have our backs to the garden (changing that round would look weird) and it is really nice to sit out and enjoy the garden while chatting and enjoying a coffee or two, whatever the weather.
If I fancy using it as, say, an exercise room, the chairs can push to the walls and I can move out my cycle, balance ball, weights, etc - it can be multi functional.
Finally, while there's no plumbing out to the shed, there is power and there is heating and, if push came to shove and it was really necessary, someone could sleep on a camp bed there - they'd have to come in to use the loo but there's paving and the loo isn't so far away

So there are several reasons and, as I said, I did consider a conservatory for a while but, over the years, changed my mind. It helped that on the programme 'My Flat Pack Home' someone did a garden room and it really appealed.

Tuesday evening, 07-05-24

Hello, everyone.  How has your day been.  I woke here to sunshine and it has been another lovely, much appreciated after yesterday.  It has also felt quite bust, especially the morning.

It started, as usual on Tuesday, with Groove class.  It felt a but odd walking down without Chris who is currently away on holiday but it was a really pleasant walk in the sunshine.  Groove itself was great, as always, and the walk back was also pleasant.

When I got home, I set to sorting out the garden room.  It is now clean and the other stuff has been taken out.
I know you've seen this, more or less, but I took another photo once it was all done and dusted (literally!).

It's so nice now it's all complete.  I sat out there to have my breakfast, feeling very happy.

Then I did the downstairs housework - it didn't get done yesterday and it didn't get done much last week either so it took a bit longer than usual but that was OK.  What with that, the exercise class and the walk, I'm up to 11K steps so I'm happy with that.

What I'm not so happy about - well, not exactly unhappy, just that I will have to be careful, is finances.  What with shelling out for three booked coach trips, a new block of personal training sessions, the holiday in October and Alex's birthday present (for tomorrow) - oh, and the deposit for next year's Fitness and Fun weekend at Five Lakes - what I have left is looking a bit depleted.

However, after listing all that above, it's not surprising, is it, and I don't think I will need to take anything from savings, just be very, very, very careful - and I can do that.  What I am fairly sure is that I won't have any leftovers to move into savings on the 31st.   😄

(that little circular rug will just have to wait!!)

It has been a very pleasant day though, really nice.  Tomorrow, the weather looks promising - the rest of the week, in fact - so that's good.

Have a good night, everyone.  Sleep well and sweet dreams.  xx

Monday evening, 06-05-24

Hi, everyone.  Hopefully back into a routine now, fingers crossed.

After an early night Saturday, I woke rather early but that was OK because I needed to wash my hair as well as getting a roast dinner prepped before popping off to Circuits.

Circuits was great.  Most of us were there and one lady had brought her three boys as well (they've come before) so it was good fun.  I took over the bags with my donations for the pop up shop in a couple of weeks - I was glad to get them off my hands.

Once home and after breakfast, I got the dinner started and when Beth and Alex arrived, it was well on the way.  Doesn't the house smell good when a roast is in the oven!!

Beth and Alex helped me dismantle my old and very battered computer chair which is now in the bin and then we went online and on-phone and we now have a Center Parcs holiday booked for October.  Just a Monday to Friday - adding on the weekend made it horrendously expensive.  As is our wont, we paid the lot and I've sent my share over to Beth so that is all done and dusted.

I wasn't expecting the garden room furniture to come until later but while B and A were still here, there was a knock at the door and there it was, accompanied by two very obliging men who unpacked it all and took away all the packaging.

I had been so concerned that either it wasn't what I thought it would be - buying online can be a bit - er - unsure - or that I just didn't like it in reality but no, it was just exactly what I had hoped.

And here it all is, in situ.  The chair on the left is a rocker and the thing in the corner on the right is a foot stool but it will double as an extra seat, if needed.  And they are so comfortable.
I'm so pleased.

I rather think a circular mat might look nice, don't you?  And I 'need' some plain grey cushions . . .

Anyway, I have to move out the wooden chairs and little table and the floor is a state after this afternoon's activity so that's a chore for tomorrow.

So quite a good day, despite the rain and the fact that it felt like Sunday all day!

How did your Bank Holiday Monday go (if you had one, of course)?  xx

Sunday evening, 05-05-24

Good evening, everyone.  Trying to get back into a routine again.

Today was what I would call semi-chilled.  It's been lovely and sunny and quite warm too but it's now feeling a bit chilly and the faithful oodie is back on again!

I popped to Morrisons as I've invited Beth and Alex over tomorrow and needed to get a few things and I forgot to mention that the day before I paid for two of my pending coach trips.  I think I also didn't mention (or did I?) that I have booked to go and see Oliver next January.  Nice.

Because it was so lovely and I had a rapidly filling washing basket, I did a couple of loads that dried really quickly on the line and is not ironed and ready to take up and put away.  That's sorted that for a few days.

So the evening is nice and free and I'll probably have an early night.

Tomorrow is exciting.
It starts with Lindsey's circuit class.

Beth and Alex are over for lunch.

And late afternoon/early evening, my conservatory furniture is being delivered.   That, I think, completes the garden room unless I want to make some bunting or other decorative stuff.

Sleep well, everyone, and have a lovely Bank Holiday Monday.  Fingers crossed for sunshine.  xx

Sunday morning, 05-05-24

Morning, everyone.  So sorry about missing blogs and this should definitely have been posted last night but . . .

Wasn't the weather lovely yesterday.  Beautifully sunny and definitely warmer, even out of the sun.  The big event yesterday was the reason I didn't post this yesterday.

Beth, her friend, Carlin, Alex and I had dinner at the Giggling Squid.  It's been a long time a-coming.  Carlin promised to take us out for a meal a year ago as a sort of 'thank you' for helping get a hall ready for his Mum's funeral wake while Beth said she wanted to take me and Alex out for a birthday meal.  The year passed and now and again it was mentioned but Beth and Carlin in particular are very busy people nowadays.

Anyway, last night was the night.  I've heard a lot about the place from Beth who really loves going there so I was really looking forward to it and I was not disappointed, not at all.   We had a really lovely time - great food and good company.  And, for me, no bill.  What more could a girl want, eh.

We had some prawn crackers to start with followed by spring rolls and a sweet chilli dipping sauce.  My mains was sticky chicken and coconut rice and it was so, so delicious.  And, bad me, I had the loveliest lychee martini too - I love lychee liqueur.

I was so tired when I got home that I decided to leave this until this morning.

The sun is shining again and I so hope it remains this way tomorrow too, seeing as it is Bank Holiday Monday.  

Have a lovely Sunday, everyone, and enjoy the gorgeous weather.  xx

Thursday evening, 03-05-24

Good evening, everyone.  Well, it has been a very idle and restful day.  I've done a bit of work in the kitchen but mostly it has been about resting and, from time to time, snoozing (not that often).

I got a few organisational bits and bobs sorted out and invited Beth and Alex over for Monday lunch as it's a bank holiday.
It's been a good day for staying in as it has rained pretty much the whole time.  Not nice.

There isn't much else to say really.  I'm feeling surprisingly weary, given the lack of exercise during the day, and I expect I'm going to sleep well.  Hope so anyway!

Has your day been good?  I do hope so.  Sleep well.  xx

Thursday, 02-05-24

   Hi, all.  Sorry, the busy week has caught up with me and I'm shattered.  Bed time calls.  I'm sure I will sleep really well and I hope you do too.  xx

Wednesday evening, 01-05-24

 . . . well, Thursday morning, actually!  Sorry.  I was so very tired after the evening meeting.

Yesterday turned out to be quite a full day.  I decided to get my first May shop done and dusted as I was totally out of cheese and I thought I may as well do the full shop as just get one item!  As always, it was mostly fresh stuff with a few bits and bobs for the freezer.

When that was all sorted and put away, I started making dinner as I'd decided to swap meals round, given I had to be at a meeting at six.

Later on, I started reading through the paperwork for the meeting.  I was just going through the previous minutes when I read something to the effect that the Clerk had reminded us that we had agreed to do one training course/thingy per term and - guess what - I hadn't.

So I logged into the Governor Hub, went to the online training section and chose one that said two hours and which I thought I could get done reasonably within that time.
It was good although I did know much of it already so part of it was just ticking boxes but at least I did my bit.  And at the meeting we were told about a couple of online courses coming up that I think I would like to do too, so that's me sorted.  Cheers.

(And no, not everyone had done some training so I needn't have worried really but I'm glad it's done).

Then I whizzed off to personal training, the first of the new block so Lindsey had introduced a few new things - and I am aching a bit this morning!!

And then the meeting.  It was good and the Clerk is really adept at keeping us all on track and to time so they always finish by eight o'clock or soon after.  We're a jolly bunch so, despite serious things to discuss, we manage to have a laugh and a joke too.  I enjoy going.

Note to self - after sending this, go to Governor Hub and get those two training sessions booked in!

Now it is Thursday, the old Premium Bonds have given me a bit of cash, not loads and it's always reinvested but every little helps, doesn't it and I have another busy day.  I'll tell you about that this evening.

In the meanwhile, I hope you've had a good night's sleep and some pleasant dreams.  Take care and stay safe.  xx

Tuesday evening, 30-04-24

Good evening, everyone.  
As the last day in April passes, it's been a busy old day with a couple of unpleasant surprises, one expected and one not, neither of which I can or want to talk about because it is not for me to say.

This made me happy.  Potential yumminess . . .

As it has been the last of the month today, there were a few bits and bobs to do.

I read the gas meter and sent off the reading.

I finished off the finance stuff for the month and, despite it being a heavy month with the increased costs but using March's income (I work a month behind as various income streams arrive through the month, not on the first of the month). I was really happy to be able to move a bit over into savings; not loads but every little helps and it all mounts up over time.

And I needed to organise the payment for the next block of personal training so that's done now.

Lindsey confirmed that there will be another Fun and Fitness weekend at Five Lakes next March - plenty of time to save up for that!  I paid my deposit, as did Diane - we exchanged gleeful texts about it.

I remembered that there's a governors' meeting tomorrow evening so I downloaded all the documentation and emailed it to myself so I can access it all on my laptop.  I've read through everything but need to give it another read through tomorrow.  There's always quite a lot to get through and get to grips with.

Groove and the walk there and back were very pleasant.  Chris and I never lack anything to talk about and the time passes very quickly!  Groove was, as always, great!

I worked out the meal plans for a week and used it to make my next shopping list which I might get Saturday morning.  I'll see how it goes.

And, finally, I changed my sheets as it was another good drying day so that's off the list for this week.

So - lots of bits and bobs and plenty crossed off my list which is always nice.

Has your day been busy too?  
I'll stop now and get this live.  Sleep well, sweet dreams and have a great day tomorrow. xx

Monday evening, 29-04-24

Good evening, everyone.   Home from Five Lakes and all settled in again.  
First of all, let's go back to yesterday . . .

Sunday was such a lovely day.  It started off with a Groove class in the Mersea Room where most of the classes were held (obviously the gym class was in the gym and would you believe the aqua class was in the pool).

It's a nice room and they provided a fridge with bottled water as you can see.  That's Lindsey to the left, getting set up for the live link to people who were accessing the classes from home.

After breakfast, we chilled for a while over coffee before the second of the two classes I did, a SET class.

This was our dining doom.  There are three, all next to each other, and they obviously knew us because it was the one where the bar was sited.  :-)

After lunch, I went to the Glade Theatre for a guided tour behind the scenes.  Now, the Potters shows are known for their excellent quality and, as the theatre is pretty new, it's all shiny state of the art technology.

 

I give you one guess . . . 

They took us backstage and talked through a typical show, how it all happens, the quick fire changes, etc.  The stage manager talked about her role and all the organisation that happens  behind the scenes that we, the audience, never see and which makes it all run as smoothly as possible.

Extremely impressive.

Then we went to the back to some serious technology.  They talked through the various technological bits and pieces - and that's an understatement as it is very complex and totally essential to the quality of what we see and hear.

There was such a lot to take in and I hope it is still on the timetable next time I go as I'd like to do it again.

Then, somewhat reluctantly, I started packing and got as much into the car as possible before going to the Lake View Lounge for a drink and a quiet read.  

Even the car park is attractive.

I also took a few photos from the Lake View Lounge which is on the first floor.  It's just very scenic.

After a delicious dinner, we headed off to the Glade Theatre for some excellent evening entertainment and it was nearly midnight before my head finally hit the pillow.  No, I wasn't the worse for wear, I was very moderate.  😇😇

On to this morning and I went to the early Aqua class - the pool isn't usually open at that time but they opened it for Lindsey to do a class.  I really enjoyed it - the sun was shining through the windows, the water was sparklingly inviting  and a comfortable temperature and it was just great!

Then we all dashed back to our rooms for a shower, got dressed, finished packing, loaded up the cars and went for our last breakfast.  We had to be out of our rooms by ten but could stay around until twelve so we did hover a bit before saying goodbye and driving home.
A very easy journey later, I was home, unpacked, one load of washing in and setting off to :Lindsey's for Circuits class.  I thought that might be a step too far but it wasn't, it was good.

I managed to get pretty much all of the washing done and, as it was a lovely drying day, everything dried on the line and I even got it all ironed.  I thought I'd crash after circuits but I didn't, so that was really good.

Hot off the press, I've just seen a message from Lindsey to say there will be another one next March.  Cheers!!

I am feeling quite weary now so will stop waffling on and get this live.  I really hope you have had a lovely weekend too, whatever you have done.
Sleep well amd all the best for tomorrow.  xx

Sunday evening, 28-04-24

Good very late evening indeed especially for me.  
It's been a really lovely day but I'm only just up from the evening's entertainments and need to get to bed in order to be up in time for early morning aqua.

I'll do a catch up tomorrow evening.  In the meanwhile, I do hope your day has been as great as mine has been in its own way.  Most of you are probably asleep as I type this so continue to sleep well and all the best for tomorrow.  xx

Saturday evening, 27-04-24

Good evening, everyone.  I'm posting this evening because I'm planning to go to a semi-early Groove class tomorrow morning! 

Despite the weather, it has been a brilliant day with plenty of activity, another amazing show this evening and not too many proseccos!
Both the step class and the gym circuits were - um - challenging, but I did them and felt great afterwards.  

We went for a slightly damp walk this morning and came across this broody duck who was totally unfazed by four females taking photos and ooohing and ahing over her.  I guess she is used to it!     

I may not be the worse for wear this evening but I am totally shattered and looking forward to my cosy bed so I will say goodnight, all, sweet dreams and stay safe.  xx

Saturday morning, 27-04-24

Good morning, everyone.  It simply wasn't possible to white anything yesterday evening - you wouldn't have appreciated anything from me by the time I got back to my room after the show!  Judging by the state of my head this morning, it was a case of one too many proseccos.  But it was all lovely!

I dropped in to SW group yesterday morning to help with the weighing as usual (not good news but I knew it wouldn't be) and then finished packing, sorting out the house as you have to - emptying the bins and so on - and made my leisurely way over to Five Lakes.  I decided to go a different way, via Maldon rather than take the A12.  The A12 routs is a bit shorter but it's quite an unpredictable road at the moment with repairs and blockages popping up all over.  Actually, the Maldon way was lovely. mostly countryside and Maldon itself wasn't difficult as long as you know which way to go at each roundabout, which I did.

I grabbed a few random photos yesterday.

The fitness stuff plus a bag of scarves to donate (now gone!)

My room - very comfortable and the bed is perfect for me.

I did Lindsey's welcome SET class and then we all congregated in the lounge for a natter and pre dinner drinks.

Waiting for the show to start after enjoying and audience participation quiz.

Potters shows are brilliant and this one was no exception - Songs from the Shows (London and Broadway) and most enjoyable.

On to today and I need to have my bath quickly before Diane knocks for me and we go down to breakfast.

I'd like to do Lindsey's step class this morning and circuits in the gym this afternoon and there's plenty pf other activities organised by Potters so I guess I will be shattered again this evening and it will be a morning post tomorrow again.

Have a great day, everyone.  Stay safe and I hope the rain (if you have it) doesn't stop you doing too much.  xx

Thursday evening, 25-04-24

Evening, everyone.  Just a quick one to say today has been lovely and I will do my best to post regularly over the weekend but, if I don't appear, don't worry, I will definitely be properly back on Monday.

All the best and, as always, sleep well.  xx

Wednesday evening, 24-04-24

Good evening, everyone.  It's been quite a quiet day but a very pleasant one.  Thankfully, the sinuses are behaving themselves so no problems in that direction.  I've had some really lovely birthday greetings from far and wide which has made me very happy.

And personal training with Lindsey was great.

Tomorrow, I need to get everything sorted for my weekend at Five Lakes.  It really is a lovely place and Lindsey has put together a schedule of fitness classes as well as all the usual activities that Potters puts on anyway.

https://www.pottersresorts.com/five-lakes/

I'm going to need a holiday to recover!!

Tomorrow, I'm out with Chris for lunch to celebrate both our birthdays and I need to get everything together for the weekend so I will have plenty to do.

I hope your day has been really good.
Wishing you a pleasant evening and a great night's rest.  xx

Wednesday morning (should be Tuesday evening), 24-04-24

Good morning, everyone.  Apologies for this being late but I had a very weary day yesterday and went to bed very early.

It was drizzling a little bit when Chis and I set off for Groove which was really good.  The new block, poklay list and sequences started last week but I wasn't there so this was new.

It was drizzling a bit but we decided to walk and I'm glad we did   Mind you, it was jolly cold - was it cold your way too - and I ended up turning up the heating.  To be fair, I wasn't feeling 100% and spend much of the rest of the day under a fleece, snoozing on and off, went to bed really early and slept the night through.  It's so nice that I can do this when I feel I need to.

It did mean upstairs didn't get done but not to worry, it won't go away!

I'm not quite sure whether I need to go over to Beth's this morning.  They're expecting a parcel nut don't know when yet and, as they both have to be out over midday, I'm sitting in for it - perhaps.

Later on, I will be going to personal training so I bet I sleep really well again tonight.

I'll post again this evening, all being well.  Have a great day and stay safe.   xx

Monday evening, 22-04-24

Good evening, everyone.  Today started off beautifully sunny but it's now dull and we've had some rain.  A shame, but the sun was bright and cheering earlier - it could have been much worse!

I was inspired by Jackie when I read her blog this morning where she talked about moving curtains around.
I have two enormous pairs of curtains in front of my French windows and the lining of one curtain has torn rather badly on one side - the side that shows.  They are around twenty years old and that particular curtain gets a lot of sun on that bit so I guess it's just rotten really.  The curtains are fine in themselves but the linings obviously need replacing and the curtains need a dry clean.  Big job.

I am more than up to replacing curtain linings, especially if I make the new linings detachable ones - just measuring and straight seam really - so really all I have to do is cut the old ones off right next to the tape and use the correct curtain hooks for separate linings.  I do wonder why I didn't have them made that way when the extension was built, in fact.
I don't need nor do I want new curtains.  I like what I have and they are in perfectly OK condition (apart from needing a clean).

Anyway - that's a job to build up to but, in the meanwhile, this morning I just changed the pair with the torn lining around so that the torn bit is right in the corner and hidden from sight as well as less likely to get any worse because it won't be pulled when I draw the curtains closed or open.  Some of the hooks snapped (as they do) and I had a five minute panic while I tried to remember where I put the box of curtains fixings last time I had a tidy out.
I found them in the most logical place so that was OK.

On reflection, I think I could/should also swap over the other pair too.  They don't get so much sun so the linings seem to be fine but - well, wear and tear and all that.  And in the meanwhile, time to start working out and costing up new lining fabric and all the trimmings.  Perhaps I could go for blackouts - they have better insulating qualities, I believe.
And checking that the local dry cleaners takes curtains!  I'm sure it does.

Thanks, Jackie - I needed that poke to get it started.

This morning I went to the first Circuits class of this block because I missed last week's one.  It was very nice to be back.

Then I came home, had breakfast (nice) and did the usual Monday housework - downstairs.  I'm now in a comfortable pattern with this all and am happy to save the amount I would previously have paid the cleaners.  I was gutted when they said they would have to stop but it's turned out to be a good thing really.

I noticed that my clematis is looking pretty lively - just look at all those buds and that's just a small part.  It will be a picture in a little while.

Less positively, the pollen is beginning to impact.  My nose and ears have been uncomfortably itchy over the weekend so I started the annual anti-histamine tablets today.  They worked pretty quickly, thankfully.

Well, that's today done and dusted.  Has your day been good?  And the weather?  Have a pleasant evening, a good night's sleep, and stay safe and warm.  xx

Sunday evening, 21-04-24

Evening, everyone.  It's been a very gentle, quiet day here.  No excitements or events apart from Beth and Alex popping round this afternoon with a computer chair.
My chair is old and the seat part is shedding bits of plastic all over the place.  Beth has just acquired a new chair (funded by her workplace), she has given me her 'old' chair which is actually pretty new, and I am buying a new chair for Alex because Beth's old chair isn't really his thing and he needs one.
Does that all make sense?

I shouldn't have to clean the carpet quite so often now.

Apart from that, I have read, knitted, cooked and generally had a restful time.  Nice.

Good night, everyone.  Sleep well.  xx

Saturday evening, 20-04-24

Good evening, everyone.  It's been quite pleasant weather today with only a little rain and plenty of sunshine.  Now, if it would just warm up a little bit . . .

We had a bit of excitement this morning.  There was an awful lot of noise and when I popped my head out to investigate, this had landed in the field over the road.  An Essex Air Ambulance.

I never did find out why and, anyway, none of my business, but I hope everyone was OK.

The walk was lovely.  OK, a bit muddy underfoot but not as bad as it could have been and when the sun came out, it was gorgeous.

A few photos.

We stopped off at the Writtle Tea Rooms for a very nice cup of coffee (or whatever) before parting company.  By the time I got home, the ambulance had gone.

I've done the ironing, some cooking, some meal planning and managed to find time for an afternoon snooze.  Very nice too!

How has your day been?  Good weather?
Have a lovely evening and sleep well.  xx

Friday evening, 19-04-24

Good evening, everyone.  

I had a really good journey home and I didn't get lost ONCE - by that, I mean I didn't take a wrong turning - you're never actually proper lost with a sat nav, are you?
The only momentary ooops was in Sudbury when, suddenly, there was a sign saying 'Road Closed Ahead'.  I hate it when that happens because it never says WHICH road is closed.  It could be the road you're on or it could be a side road.  Why can't it say 'this road' or 'side road'?
Fortunately, it was the latter so that was OK.

I was lucky with the weather too - I went through plenty of places that had had recent rain but never got caught in a shower myself.

Once home, it didn't take long to turn the hot water back on, turn on the central heating for a short time (it felt a bit chilly) get unloaded, make coffee (I have priorities), unpack, get the first load of washing on and do a fruit and veg shop.
Later on, I had finished all the washing which is now drying on the rack because it has been very showery here today and I've just finished making a couple of loaves of bread for the freezer - the house is smelling awesome and homey. 
And I got my finances up to date.  Normally, I like to check it all regularly and keep my spreadsheet up to date which, obviously, I couldn't do this week.
I think I'm all set up now.

The garden is still looking OK.

The bluebells at the front are lovely

and the lily of the valleys (or is it lilies of the valley?) are looking good too . . . 

while, round the back, the strawberries are also looking promising.
Just as long as we don't get any frosts . . .

While I was away, I got an email from EON that cheered me up.  The last bill for electricity was around the £50 mark and the new one, payable at the beginning of May, is around £28.  That's quite a drop and I'm guessing that not only are the days longer so I am not turning the lights on so much but also, with the longer days and higher sun, the solar panels are producing more power.  Whatever the reason, it was very cheering.

Tomorrow, I'm out for a walk with some Slimming World friends in the morning and I also need to get the ironing finished off and do my meal plan for the coming week.
What are your plans for the weekend?

Sleep well, everyone, and stay warm.  xx