04-02-25 and more holiday pondering

Morning, everyone.  Another chilly start to the day with promise of colder weather by the weekend, heading from the continent.  Brrrr.  Hope it stays fine because we have the first SW Friends walk of the new year on Saturday.   Today looks like being dry but not sunny but as long as I can get some of Beth and Alex's washing out on the line, I will be happy.

As the title suggests, I have been thinking about holidays, cruises, etc and, most fortuitously (is that a word?) a message popped through from Jan and Ray yesterday night relating to a three night holiday near by Edinburgh with two days in Edinburgh.  There are very few single rooms available and they go very quickly, but Edinburgh is somewhere I want to visit.  The hotel is actually in Melrose (we will have a coach for travel to Edinburgh) and my brother lives close to Melrose so that's another plus.
So I have just fired off a message to Ray, requesting a single room and hope that I am early enough to get a place.  If not, I am no worse off.

Then, I was looking through the One Traveller brochure and saw a holiday, not a cruise, to Crete next year called 'A Taste of Crete' which is, as the title suggests, food focused to some degree.  It's an eight day trip but, obviously, two days are for travelling and all places are single  - double rooms but One Traveller does singles/solo holidays so you never have to share.  Makes it expensive but, for me, takes all the hassle away.

There are, included in the overall cost, visits to an olive grove, lunches in various folky sort of places, cooking demos, wine tasting, markets, a day in Knossos, some workshops, guided tours and plenty of time to rest and enjoy the hotel facilities.  And it is flagged up as leisurely - I guess that means nothing too energetic.

Decisions, decisions!!

Yesterday was a pleasant enough day and I took the washing back to Beth and Alex and stayed for a short coffee and chat which was very nice.  I came back with more so that's today's main task.  I didn't get yesterday's downstairs cleaning done so it's just as well the only thing in the diary is Groove and the walk there and back.

And it is half seven so I'd better get moving.  Wishing you a very happy and satisfying Tuesday, everyone.  xx

03-02-25

Morning, everyone.  It was such a lovely, sunny day yesterday and a heavy frost this morning although it is starting to disappear now.

I got all Beth and Alex's washing done and dried, folded and into a basket so I can return it this afternoon.  I got some of mine done too but that's on the drying rack and needs folding or ironing and folding.

I also managed to finish the cardigan and get it stitched up.  I just need to steam out the seams and get a nice big button and then it's done.  It took less of the yarn I had bought for it so I have 400g Aran for something else.  

I have various patterns so will have a look at a later date.  I could perhaps make something for the Sally Army drop off or maybe I have enough for a waistcoat type pullover for myself.  I'll have a think.
It has come out shorter than I expected (although longer than the pattern says) and I like it but am wondering about making it again in another colour - there was a lovely deep reddish maroon colour in the same kind but not enough balls - well, there would have been but I thought I needed more.

Now I want to finish off the Tiles crochet project.  There's quite a bit to do of that so it won't be finished this week!  I think this month should be called Finish Off Friday.

Today starts with circuits (and I need to get going or I won't be ready), followed by the usual Monday tidy and clean downstairs.  This afternoon I take the washing back and sort out my own washing.  And then I can settle to my crochet.  Just a nice, homey kind of day.  

Better get going then.  See you tomorrow.  Thanks for reading and thanks for all the comments you leave in here.  They are much appreciated.  xx

January review and February's aims

Yesterday, I had a look back at the goals/themes for 2025 that I waffled on about after Twelfth Night was over and thought about how it was all going.
It's thinking out loud really . . .

Healthy finances:

January was as much a Needs Only month as I could make it apart from a couple of slips towards the end.  I increased the amount going into savings every month so it stays at 25% and will need to do this again when I know by how much my two pensions are increasing.  I also managed to save more on top so I'm very pleased with that.
I'd like February to be similar so fingers crossed.

Healthy mind and body.

Well, the dodgy back put paid to being as physically energetic as I would have liked but it's more or less OK again now and I am being careful to 'engage my core' (as Lindsey says), have good posture and not to slouch too much.  

As far as the mind bit is concerned, I read, I do sudokus and other mental activities, I socialise, I have plenty of interests.  I think it all helps.
So this continues through February.

Healthy lifestyle.

This is partly covered by the mind and body one.  I am back on plan now, eating the Mediterranean way as much as is sensible and possible and just wondering why I went off track so easily over Christmas.  This way is so much nicer, it really is.  

I'm engaging in some ongoing decluttering, I have my ongoing fitness stuff and I'm very much looking forward to a variety of coach trips through the coming year (although not this month).
I'm thinking about another cruise and just working it through in my mind

So February's specific aims are:

• To continue with the Needs Only spending.
• To continue using what I have in freezer, fridge and cupboards first (to a great extent - there's always going to be exceptions) - so audit, plan the meals, write the shopping list in that order.
• Linked with that to move a specific amount across to short term savings at the end of the month.  I have a specific amount in mind but won't be sharing that.
• To continue updating my spreadsheet every time anything goes out of my account so I absolutely KNOW where I am at any given point in the month.
• To continue with the Food Bank collection and, specifically, to check what's really needed and make sure I focus on that.
• To make a decision about whether to go for another cruise and to decide on a linked savings target to go towards that (I suppose you could call it a sinking fund but it will be on the spreadsheet, not a separate account.)
• To do one extra online SET class each week, if possible.
• To continue with the decluttering.
• Resume the daily weed scraping when they start fighting back - and they will!

All looking good!

How about you?

02-02-25

Good morning, everyone.  I hope everyone is doing well.  It's a dry and cold start to Sunday with a good frost; I'm hoping that it is a fine day so I can get some of Beth's washing on the line.  It will still need a bit of a tumble dry, I expect, but not as much as yesterday - my electric meter was not happy yesterday!

I did SET online - a bit of a killer because I haven't done a SET class since before Christmas but it is always there to join so I really ought to use it more now that things are OK again.

Then I set out to do all the stuff that needed doing.

I filled the petrol tank up - it came to a couple of pounds more than I budget for so that's not too bad.

Then I drove on to Beth and Alex's to drop off the clean and dry washing and to pick up some more.  I think that's cleared the backlog for them now which makes me happy.
Finally, I stopped off at the Cook's shop to pick up my order and have a little nosey round at the same time.  I have Dave and Anna round for a meal in just under three weeks and I think I might get a main dish from there, just to try.  There were also some luscious desserts but I have a roulade in the freezer that I bought for Christmas and never used so that's OK.

Anyway, I got the frozen stuff home and had started checking the SW values to write on the cardboard sleeves when I realised they had made a mistake and missed something out so back I went to sort it out.  I was a bit concerned that they might think I was trying to pull a fast one but they couldn't have been more apologetic, got the missing meal and presented me with a couple of lemon cheesecakes as an apology (which was totally unexpected as I am sure it was a genuine mistake).

Very naughty cheesecakes they are so I will save them for something special, maybe when Alex comes round or I have a friend here for lunch or even when I get back into my target range again. 

I think I might make this a once a month treat - getting some meals from them, I mean, not eating cheesecake!!

Then I went to Morrisons, did a small weekly shop and got foodbank stuff - must look on their site and see what they need most of before I get any more.

Once that was all sorted, the rest of the day was spent washing, drying, ironing, meal planning, knitting, cooking and watching telly - all the usual stuff!!

Today, the biggie is getting Beth's washing finished and dried.  I'd like to get it all back to her this afternoon but we will see - it might be tomorrow.

It's not such a busy day today, thankfully.  I might even get the last sleeve finished for my knitting project.  I'd like that!

Have a lovely day, everyone, and be happy.  xx

(I've done a bit of a review of January's goals and February's aims in a separate post)

01-02-25

We're here at last - January is over and we're into February.  I know it is only two or three days less than every other month but it feels so much shorter than they, don't you think?

Yesterday, as almost always, was really pleasant, despite the dismal weather - cold and drizzly all day and I am glad I didn't have to walk anywhere.

It started with Slimming World - really busy and we have some offers of help on the social team as I am finding that queues are building up while I weigh and write up any certificates people have achieved.  Someone to write them out for me would be such a help and, also, to cover if I am not able to be there.  At the moment Heidi would be in a fix if both K (who does the registration stuff) and I couldn't come for some reason and that's not good.  It would be even worse if there were new members as there were yesterday - four of them!  It's turning into a very lively group.

Then I came home and got lunch prepared before going to pick Alex up - he usually walks over but it was miserable and, anyway, he was bringing over a load of washing.  I had a lovely chat with him - I think I am so lucky that my adult grandson likes to spend time with his old Nan.

I took him back with his pile of clean washing and collected another load.  Beth hasn't been well and the washing machine is being temperamental, so I am pleased I can help out!

That's all done now and I can take it back this morning - I have to pop into town anyway.

Today, being the first of the month, is time to top up he petrol and I'm going to Cook's to pick up my first order of frozen meals from them.  I now have my access to the SW app back again because I weighed yesterday and they all fit really well in the SW structure so I'm very happy about that!

Having a Needs Only Month worked so very well that I am going to do the same this month.  I wasn't 100%, especially this last week, but didn't actually impulse buy at all and I am rather shocked and embarrassed (but pleased) at the difference this has made.  
I have a few things in my Amazon waiting list but they can stay there for now.  If I still want them by March, then maybe . . .

One reason for carrying on with it (and increasing savings as a result) is because I really would love to do that Arctic cruise again next December.  I've been almost yearning for the snow and the cold and the stunning-ness of it all and some of the excursions are different this time.

And I have the specialist clothes - the yaktraks, the boots, the thermal wear . . .
I'm still thinking and will see how the savings go but - oh, I would so love to.

Well, better get moving.  I have an online SET class with Lindsey at nine fifteen and then I'm out doing the above mentioned stuff.  When I get home I have a pile of my own ironing to get done and away.  And I haven't planned my meals for this coming week - I MUST get that done.

Sorry for rambling and if you've made it this far, well done and thank you.  Have a lovely day and stay warm and cosy!  xx

31-01-25

Morning!  Back again after missing a day.

Both yesterday and Wednesday turned out a wee bit spendy.  Not Needs but Needed-Wants, if you get what I mean.

I got some sample pots of paint to try and now an area of my wall looks like a patchwork quilt!  I think I have decided though, so it was worth the £4.25 per little pot.  I don't call them wants and the cost is part of what I have saved for this work anyway.

No, what was spendy was buying a couple of outer pots for two of my indoor plants.  I just decided I was totally fed up of looking at tatty brown plastic pots on tatty brown plastic saucers.  They look loads nicer in proper containers (and will be easier to water without spilling out onto the sideboard) so I reckon that is money well spent!
I also bought a new door mat as the old one was in a poor way.  

I was so pleased at personal training on Wednesday.  Back to full pelt and not one twinge or ache from the old back.  It's obviously fine again now.  I was stiff from Groove but that's different!

Then it was Governors' meeting and now it has been confirmed by the trustees I can say that the extra responsibility I have taken on is co-vice chair of the Governing Body.  There's two of us because I can go to daytime meetings, etc, but wouldn't be much use at leading the Gov meetings if Liz, the chair, was away because of my hearing issues.

Today, after Chris and I had our usual coffee and natter, I got a few more sample pots of paint and then took my collection of stuff down to the local food bank where I met an old friend why I haven't seen since before lockdown.  They seemed very happy with what I had brought so I'm going to do it through this year - one thing for each day of the month, taken along on the last Thursday of the month because that is when it's open.

The sun shone brightly yesterday and my French windows looked an utter disgrace so I got out the Karcher thingy and did insides and outs and they do look loads better now.  Not totally perfect but they were filthy and now they are better.  
It has rained overnight, of course!

It's Slimming World today and then Alex is coming over for lunch which is very nice.  I have washing,  a bit of housework, all the usual stuff and I must remember to read the meter and finalise the accounts although they are pretty much done really..  

It should be a really pleasant day!
Hope yours is too.  xx

Sorry . . .

 Hi, everyone.  The day had got away from me and I won't be posting the usual today.  Things are absolutely fine and I'll be back tomorrow.  xx

29-01-25

Morning, everyone.  Thankfully, the weather seems to have really calmed down again and, right now, it is chilly and clear.  I gather there's maybe some  rain in the offing over Friday but today and tomorrow look rather pleasant.  Cold, of course, but dry and bright.

After Monday's excitements, yesterday was back to normal placidity with Groove (we didn't walk as Chris had a load of stuff to take to Lindsey) and then home again for the usual gentle stuff.  I've stopped weed scraping for now as it's not needed but it worked so very well that I will make it a regular thing.

What I focused on was my knitting.  I've discovered where I went wrong - it wasn't exactly a mistake, more a misinterpretation of the pattern.  I'm not blaming my tools, far from it, but the pattern could be improved with just a few more stitch counts and a sentence or two explaining that arm shaping stopped but the collar shaping carried on and there's another part where it simply is not clear.  It was very ambiguous, to say the least and I'm an experienced knitter.
It's a bit of a complicated pattern anyway but not to worry, I really think I have sorted it.  If it is slightly 'wrong' (I don't think it is this time), it works, it fits and both sides are the same so no worries.

I am just a few rows from finishing the fronts and there's just one more sleeve to go.
Then I will continue with the Tiles crochet.

Today, I'm off the B&Q first thing to see if I can sort out the paint for my decorating which starts maybe next week.  I feel more than a bit 'guilty' that I'm not tackling it myself but there's too much and I have never decorated before - not since I was newly married and we were poor - and even then the results were, frankly, terrible!
To be fair, it is more than just painting this time!  😄 

Later on, there's personal training and not long after that it is the next Governors' Meeting so I need to run an eye over all the paperwork late morning.

So a reasonably full day today to make up for being totally lazy yesterday.   That's life.
Have a good one and keep cosy and warm as much as you can.  xx

28-01-25 and Oliver

Good afternoon, everyone.  Apologies for this being late.  I slept really wall but, given I didn't get to bed until nearly midnight, sleeping well meant there was a bit of a rush to get out to Groove and I've just remembered I didn't post when I got home again.

Yesterday was such an enjoyable day.  It started with circuits and, while the back twinged from time to time, it stopped straight away afterwards which says to me that it now needs just a bit of challenge.  Other bits of me ached, mind you, but that's due to getting back to proper workouts!

We did have some very heavy rain a strong gusts of wind a couple of times but it was all over by the time I needed to leave to catch the coach and that really was all we had.

The drive in was trouble free with just the usual hold ups at busy junctions, so we got dropped off with pretty much an hour and a half to spare.  I grouped up with the lady sitting next to me and a couple of others and we went into a Starbucks for a coffee/tea. Not something I ever do normally and I was shocked at how much quite an ordinary Americano costs but that's life nowadays!

On to Oliver.  The Gielgud Theatre is lovely - very compact and cosy and the seats weren't too uncomfortable with more leg room than I was expecting.  We had great seats - about half way back in the stalls and a great view.  Quite close to the exit door too which was useful at the end.

This Cameron Mackintosh version is the one that was a huge success at Chichester but needed to be adapted to a much smaller space so there was very clever use of a revolving platform and scenery that swung round, up, down and the lower of the side boxes was incorporated into the staging - really clever and a great way to portray chases and keep the action moving on in what really is a very small stage, as you can see.

Apologies for the darkness - that's how it was - moody and quite claustrophobic in a way.  The programme notes say: 'The intimate nature of the historic Gielgud Theatre naturally enhances the atmospheric claustrophobia of Dickensian London . . .

As far as I can tell, some of the cast was the same and some were different.  Oliver - all the children, in fact - were played by several different children.  The Oliver we got was brilliant.  Not sweet and soppy as in the film but sweet and gutsy, not letting them trample over him but giving almost as good as he got.  'Where is Love' was so powerful with real passion in the delivery - remarkable, really.

The Artful Dodger was a hoot - loads of laughs and bags of character.
Actually, everyone was good, I didn't clock any weak performances.  Ever Bet, played as an abused child as she would have been, had her own charisma.

(Photo from Google Images)
I could go on but suffice it to say that Fagin (Simon Lipkin) was just - oh, words fail me.  He gave us a funny, obviously criminal, performance but with a soft spot for his boys that showed in so many ways.  He had us in fits all through.

I can't pick out one weak song - there weren't any.  It's easier to pick out the weakest - and  that's only comparative, it wasn't really weak - which, I think, was 'Who Will Buy' but part of that was because it related to a more comfortable and settled part of Oliver's story so there wasn't the tension, maybe, of the other songs.
I think in terms of sheer power and impact, I would choose 'As long as He Needs Me'.  I was in tears by the end.

If you get the opportunity, go and see it.  I am sure it will run and run and run, just like Les Mis in the theatre next door.  I'd go again like shot, it was absolutely stunning all through and the time passed in a flash.

Just to finish off, the journey home was easy too - no hold ups and I was in my house by around 11:45-ish.

Back to normal now - I don't think I have any coach trips for a couple of months but I do have Potters to look forward to in March.   That will be good.  xx

27-01-25

Morning, everyone.  Did you have a pleasant weekend?  Mine was what I sometimes describe as a 'nothing weekend' - nothing in the diary, nothing eventful, nothing to write about - although I still manage . . .

Thank you, Catriona, for reminding me of knitting two sides at once.  I undid the shaping I thought wasn't quite accurate, worked up the other side and now I'm doing both sides at the same time.  If one side isn't quite right, the other won't be either and, as long as they fit with the sleeve shaping, that's not an issue.  As long as they match!

At the moment we are 'under' another weather warning.  Another storm is rolling in, Storm Herminia - who thinks of these names? - and yesterday it was predicted to be most unpleasant round here today with strong-ish (around 40mph) winds and rain all day.  Thankfully, that has now been moderated to a couple of short sessions of strong winds over 40 but mostly winds below 20 - a good drying day or it would be if rain were not expected too but nothing to worry about!

Apart from circuits, today's biggie is the trip into London to see Oliver, I've read and watched some reviews and think it is going to be quite an experience although thank goodness the winds aren't expected to be nearly as bad as yesterday's forecast indicated - because waiting for the coach and then wandering around waiting to go onto the theatre in storm force winds would be an experience of quite a different kind!

So - circuits first thing and I'm still being careful.  Then home to get my coach bag ready, do a bit of housework and so on before leaving to go over to Broomfield, park the car and wait for the coach along with the other fifty one of us.  While I am thinking of it, there may or may not be a post first thing tomorrow as I'm late home today and have to be out first thing tomorrow (Groove).

Have a great day, everyone, and stay safe and well.  xx

26-01-25

A few random garden photos.

Who would have thought that this far too healthy rosemary was just cuttings not all that long ago.  

Out of focus but it is lovely to see the snowdrops again.  

Just a frosty leaf!

Good morning, everyone.  It's a cold and frosty morning but the frost is vanishing quickly and this afternoon is supposed to bring us gusty winds and heavy rain.  Better make sure I have everything I need in from the freezer this morning, hadn't I?

In the interests of spending for myself (and because I wanted to, of course!!), when the Broomfield newsletter pinged into my mailbox yesterday, I requested two more trips - one to a Tutankhamen exhibition/visit to the Shard/fish and chips in June and one to see Evita in August.   Fingers crossed - I should hear today if I've got places or not.

I spent some time in the kitchen yesterday, making a new loaf as the two I made before Christmas are pretty much used up now.  I love my loaves, made from a mix of wholemeal wheat, rye and spelt flours plus a bit of white, some mixed seeds and, this time, a sort of tapenade thingy I need to use up.   It's made such a tasty loaf that I sliced it as soon as I could and put it into the freezer out of temptations way!

I'm getting on with the knitting.  I've done the back, one sleeve and one front side.  I don't think I got the shaping quite right on the front so I'm doing the second side now to see if it comes out the same - if it does, no problem; if not, I can undo the wrong shaping and re-do it.

Today - again, nothing in the diary so it's doing my own thing which will involve sorting out, bit of ironing and I didn't get round to mending that coat so that's on the list too.  I don't think I caught up with Throw Down from last week either so must do that before this evening.

And I think I might put in an order for some Cook's frozen ready meals.  I think they are worth a try after thoroughly enjoying one I got from Longacre's this week.
I know - Needs Only Months, etc, but these will be so useful on those busier days or when I just don't fancy cooking.  I know that's not a need but it's a useful want and I have been thinking about what Dave said, I really have - after all, what's the point of asking if you don't consider what you are then given?
(and I did manage to move a nice chunk into savings this month anyway!)
I dunno - listen to me justifying myself!!  Ignore me, I'm just thinking out loud!

After all that, I will love you and leave you all.  Have a really lovely Sunday, however you spend them.  Take care and stay good and warm as much as ever you can.  Love to you all.  xx

25-01-25

Morning, everyone, and I hope everyone is OK after yesterday's storm which, I gather, will still be impacting some areas through today and maybe into tomorrow.  

I texted John and he said there was some damage to a stone wall and, when he went out to secure a few pots, he couldn't keep to his feet so he went back inside again - and he's a six footer!  However, apart from that, all is well for him, thankfully.  I wish that it were same for everyone.

Round here it truly was just a gusty breeze.  Not a pot moved!  It was lovely and sunny too and I got two loads of washing line dried.  We have been so fortunate.  

We had a lovely surprise at Slimming World yesterday when Jen (our former consultant until she moved north) turned up to be weighed.  She was back down to attend a wedding.  It was absolutely lovely to see her again and she was warmly welcomed.

I had to rush to Morrisons again when I discovered that something I needed had run out, which was annoying but there you go.  I thought I had a spare and I didn't!   I intended to get four but there were only two on the shelf so I had to be content with that.  I also grabbed a few more food bank items while I was there and I think I have my 31 things now, one for each day of the month, so I can drop them off next Thursday.

The rest of the day was spend washing, drying, ironing, knitting, chilling.  Nothing too energetic and I managed to stay awake until bedtime, thank goodness.  I did a bit of weed scraping and tackled the coat hangers for my sorting - I swear these plastic hangers reproduce when I'm looking the other way!!!

There's nothing in the diary for today or tomorrow but I am getting excited for Monday because I'm off to London with the Broomfield Coach people to see Oliver at the Gielgud Theatre.  Quite apart from the fact that I love the musical anyway, I looked up the reviews and just wow!  I've never read such good reviews before.  I think we are in for an absolute stunner of an evening.

Time to wrap this up and start the day, I suppose.  It's clear and dry outside and the trees are just gently moving in the breeze.  Sunshine is forecast for all day so I guess it's a great day to get the bedding washed.  

Anyway, enough waffling.  Take care, stay warm and have a lovely day, everyone.  xx

24-01-25 and sorry . . .

. . . that this is so very late.   After a sleepy evening, I had a very bad night's sleep, finally nodding off after two thirty so, of course, I overslept seriously.  I had to dash around to get ready, letting Heidi know I would be late to Slimming World group, and now I am home again and just starting to relax.  I hate a rushed start to my day.

Phew - and breathe . . .

Usually, on Thursdays, Chris and I have a coffee and a good old natter but she couldn't make it yesterday so I did my weekly shop in Morrisons instead if today (in case the weather was awful today - which it isn't so far).  A bit spendy but I got a nice load of stuff for my foodbank bag plus there was some ground coffee cheaper so I stocked up.  Oh, and I got loads of fruit and veg which was nice as I was getting a bit low.

After breakfast, I drove round town to B&Q and found what I was looking for there.  Annoyingly, I caught my sleeve on a sharp edge of a display and tore it a bit.  Hopefully they will deal with that because it was a bit dangerous. 
I also had a look at some paint swatches and I think I have found the colour I want for my downstairs redecorating.

Then I walked over to Longacres and grabbed some thread that matched my coat so I could repair it - must do that today - and I looked at and bought three Cook's ready meals.  I've been eyeing them up for ages and there's a Cook's centre not far away so it was an opportunity to give them a try.  I'm trying out the liver, bacon and onions one this evening and we will see . . .

I couldn't be bothered to go on to Hobbycraft so went home after that.  There wasn't anything I needed there anyway.  

Thanks for the feedback after yesterday's post.  You pretty much said what I feel which is reassuring.   As next month's income is all here now, I worked out how much will be going out before the first of Feb plus some for needs and moved the remaining across into the building society!  I won't go into the red anyway because of next month's income and will do a final readjustment on the 31st.  
Despite what D and K said, I have quite enjoyed this Needs Only Month and have pretty much stuck to it.  It was most satisfying to move that chunk into savings too.
So I think I'm carrying it on into next month.  February and March are goodies anyway as there's no rates or water to pay.

Today I just had Slimming World in the diary and that's done and dusted.  I need to do my bit of weed scraping and ten sort-outs and I have a pile of washing to do.  I wish I had had time this morning to get a load in because, right now, it is a beautiful drying day - bright and breezy but, so far, nothing worse that a strong breeze.  I think maybe one reason I didn't sleep well was because I am concerned for my brother who lives in the Borders, right in the middle of the projected storm path.  I haven't had time to catch up yet but I hope he - and all of you in the same situation - are OK with little or no damage.

Time to pick up the reins for the day and get going.  Washing in first, I think, so maybe I can catch a bit of the drying weather.

I REALLY hope all is well with everyone, wherever you are.  Stay safe.  xx

23-01-15

Hi, everyone!  Hope everyone's doing well.  It's a dull, still morning here but things are forecast to liven up considerable as the day progresses and into the night and I think, given the info available, I will spend some time clearing the decks a bit in the garden - getting things secured, etc.  Just in case.

Yesterday was interesting.

First of all, it was that review.  For the record, I'm not really financially savvy, not really, but I have a reasonable dollop of common sense (I think) and know when the responsible thing is to take professional advice.

Hence Dave and Kay's involvement and the whole investments thing.

So - all's good, things have done well this year which is satisfying.  Kay will be moving the dollop of money into my ISA for this year and then, in April, another dollop for the new year.  She explained why it would be good to get it done early and it went over my head but Dave got it and agreed and that is good enough for me!  The aim is to get everything into the ISA eventually (I think it will take another couple of years) and then it is all tax free - or is under current rules -  but you never know, do you?

Then I got the annual ticking off (joke) regarding spending a bit more!  Not because there's anything wrong but because I can and how about treating myself a bit more?

I'm smiling because both Beth and Dave say I should not have any aim of increasing my 'inheritance' to them but enjoy what I have (i.e. spend it).
My response is firstly that I already have a good old life as a homebody who loves the quieter and simpler thing after a very busy career.   

Secondly, I don't go short!  Far from it!  Coach trips, fitness classes (several each week), holidays at Center Parcs and Potters, cruises (well, one and one this year, fingers crossed), having the place redecorated. . .  not to mention yarn, patterns, projects . . . I could go on.

Thirdly, continuing to save rather than spend seems, to me, a responsibility and it is also a personal security thing, knowing that I can help family out, should it be needed, not to mention affording any possible future care or medical needs - I'm a single and don't have any plans to change that so I am responsible for me.  

And, lastly, I LIKE the thought that I have stuff to leave to the family when I pop off.  So there, Beth and Dave!!
What's your own take on this subject?

Moving on after that mini-rant . . .

Possibly motivated by the above, I drove across town to Lathcoats.  I've been meaning to pay them a visit for a little while as their scoop and bag frozen fruit is so very good.   They didn't have any raspberries but I got some blackberries, some blueberries and a nice sort of Caribbean mix of all sorts - grapes, melon, mango, pineapple, and so on.  They had a wide range of apples too so I stocked up as I do eat a lot of apples.  And they had some semolina which Morrisons doesn't seem to stock.  Yes, their stuff is a bit more expensive but it is such good quality.

And I managed to side step all the half price Christmas goodies - go, me!!

At Personal Training, Lindsey finished off with a bit of massage which felt very good.  I'm still this morning but nothing worse.

And that is all yesterday's excitements.

Today, the teacher's pension has landed so now I can work out the rest of the month and get the Needs Only savings shifted across a bit earlier than I usually do.  Another plus about avoiding random splashing the cash is that I know exactly where I am!  I might leave that until the weekend, I'll see.  

I'll be hearing soon how much things are going up by - water, rates, etc.  

Unusually, there's absolutely nothing in the diary today.  I can't do the usual meet up with Chris because she has family commitments so I think I might do the weekly food shop this morning, given that the weather is supposed to be pretty wild tomorrow.  And I do need to visit B&Q and get a nut and bolt to replace one on the egg chair that seems to have gone walkabout so, perhaps, just perhaps I will stop off at Longacres and Hobbycraft too, just for fun.

Anyway, that's the end of today's rambles.  Time to get on the the routine daily stuff.  Have a good one and, seriously, I hope that this nasty weather heading our way doesn't impact too much on things for you.
Take care and stay safe!  xx

22-01-25

Morning, all.  Wednesday already - oh, dear.  It feels cold too and we've had some rain overnight.  It is January so I suppose it is to be expected.  What is more worrying is the weather that is heading our way - hoping we will all be safe.

Yesterday went pretty well.  Chris and I walked down to Groove, did our best and wobbled back again.  Both of us have iffy backs but we were fine although I made sure I kept moving gently on and off through the day.

I did my ten minutes weed scraping - it's boring but surprising how much gets done.  Time was up but the cars (mine and next door's) were in the way anyway.  I could have moved mine but will wait until next door's car is not there and then tackle their bit.  The parking situation is a bit unusual - there are two parking slots in front of my house.  One is mine but the other is next door's and it says so in the house deeds.  That's fine and there are good reasons for it but I need to take responsibility for keeping it weed-free when I can because it detracts from the appearance of my house when it's weedy.  I don't HAVE to but I choose to.

In the afternoon, I started in on my bedroom.  I'm sure it wasn't all that long since I last tackled all the drawers but oh, dear.  Let's just say that I have probably fulfilled my decluttering ten a day for the rest of January and beyond.

I sorted, threw out, recycled, repaired three drawers that were coming apart and generally got quite a lot done.  It's not finished but I've started.

This morning is a bit different.  When Mum and Dad's estate was sorted, I invested a good chunk of it in long term savings, primarily to support any care needs I may have in the future but also for dire emergencies, etc.  Today, Kay is coming here to do a review of how it has all performed this year, I will sign for some to be moved into my ISA and so on.  Hopefully, I won't have too many decisions to make but Dave will be here to advise me anyway - he's got responsibility for finance in my LPA so I involve him in all this sport of stuff.

Then it is more bedroom tidying and weed scraping (I will move the car) before I pop out for Personal Training.

Quite a busy day but interesting too.  I should sleep well tonight!
Have a great day, everyone.  xx

21-01-25

Good morning, lovely readers/commenters.  Welcome to Tuesday. I've just been out to the freezer to get supplies in and it's sort of dry but there's a slight fog and it's c-c-cold.  OK, not cold like my friends in Canada and the US (you know who you are) but quite cold enough for me, thank you!  

I was so pleased yesterday.  I went to circuits and Lindsey had planned in quite a lot that was stretchy, back-helpful stuff and, by the end, it all felt a lot looser, as if creases were being ironed out.  On Wednesday, at Personal Training, she will give me some massage and that should also help considerably. 

Then I came home and decided not to be lazy but to do the downstairs as I usually do and I am glad I did.  It would have been too easy to sit down and let things tighten up again.

I was just doing my ten minutes weed scraping when Alex arrived and we had a nice roast dinner and a very good chat.  After dropping him back off home, I finished off the time.

Round the front, the weeds are very good at sneaking up between the paving slabs and, as they are small and in a herringbone style, there's loads of them.  I find the whole thing of scraping them out very boring, even though I have a useful gizmo that does it really well.

I decided that this week I will do just ten minutes each day and see how far that takes me so I set my watch and off I go.  Wish me luck.

This photo, by the way, is the tool and I have a longer handle so I can stand up and scrape.  It's vicious and does a great job although mine is a bit battered now and might need replacing at some point.

I also have a more conventional scraper, sort of hook shaped and with a short handle which is great for more stubborn roots in those cracks.

Her back also isn't quite right but we agree that we need to get moving again, so we will walk down and back too as it is not raining and that should help.
Then I have my friend, Julia, round for coffee and her s.i.l. is looking at my desktop so see if he can work out why it is so slow.  I've been using the laptop apart from a few things but fingers crossed it is a very simple matter.

That's all I have in the diary but there's the ten items decluttering and the ten minutes of scraping and I would like to attack my bedroom and do a good tidy and clear.  That will probably take ages. 

So, another very ordinary day planned and we will see how it all goes.  Have a good day too and enjoy what you do.  I think the quietest days are often the best - just lots of simple and satisfying things.  Nice.

Take care and, as always at the moment, stay safe and warm.  xx

20-01-25

 . .  and here we are pretty much two thirds of the way through January.  This month is just flying past for me.

I pretty much stuck to my simple plans yesterday.  I wrapped up warm and started sorting out the front.  It looks civilised now, although there's weeds emerging round the edges of the paving and you can see loads of bulbs coming up which is nice.  Some of the emerging leaves are pale from being under a mound of leaves but that will change soon enough.  

I meant to take a few photos but forgot and, anyway, it was so gloomy, they wouldn't come out all that well anyway!

The back was really sore afterwards and I was a bit concerned but it's OK now so fingers crossed for circuits.  I think I just need to keep moving and stretching now.

Then I came in, had lunch and did the ironing so that, also, is all done.

Earlier in the day, I gave the bathroom a good clean as I do every time I use the shower to wash my hair.  It's an in-the-bath one with a zig-zag screen so, inevitably, the floor gets a bit wet and it seems the best opportunity to clean around everything as it all gets mopped up.

I think I forgot to say, I was a bit spendy a few days ago as Ray asked for the deposit for the trip to Carols at the RAH and I decided I may as well pay the lot and get it done.  I won't have to shell out next November/December when I will inevitably be spending a bit more anyway.  

Apart from that, it's all going well and I think I am going to call these months 'Needs Only Months' because I don't think low or no spend describes it very well - not to me anyway.  

And by 'need', I do not mean 'I really NEED that in my life right now'!!!  

Today I am going to circuits and will adapt as necessary - I have already told Lindsey and she's really understanding. 
Then Alex is coming over for a roast dinner so I will be busy in the kitchen.  Depending on when he goes, I might do a proper downstairs clean or I might just do the bits that show - I need to do one or the other as I have a friend over for coffee tomorrow morning and the carpet is a disgrace!

And that is that for today.  Have a great Monday, one and all.  Stay safe and keep warm.  xx

19-01-25

Good morning again, everyone.  Sorry I'm a bit late but I have given myself a nice, gentle ease into the day and it's been so nice.  It feels really cold outside although it is just a few degrees above zero; it's cloudy and, while it's dry, it feels slightly damp so that doesn't help.

What did I do yesterday - think, think.  Oh, yes, I did around an hour and a half in the back garden (and got cold!).  By the end, I'd done most of what absolutely needed doing but I have some stuff to move out so I can sweep up the leaves and, as my back was aching, I didn't.  Maybe later on in the week?

Not particularly wonderful but loads better than it was, believe me. 

I was a bit concerned as it was sore but it's somewhat better this morning so I think it'll be OK.

I also did a bit of washing and have the ironing to do today.  The other thing I want to do today is just tidy up my little front bit - there's bulbs coming up but the recent winds blew leaves all over them and I want to get that sorted.

I think that's enough for a Sunday, don't you?  😁

Have a lovely day, everyone, and stay warm.  xx

18-01-25

Good morning, people all!  It's Saturday and Saturday still feels like the start of the weekend, even after all this time.  It's a nice feeling - I'm glad I'm not losing it.

Yesterday went pretty much according to plan.  A really good Slimming World that was really buzzing and loads of people stayed for the second half.  Once home, I did this, that and the other- bit of washing, bit of sorting (not as much as I'd planned though), bit of meal planning, quite a lot of knitting and reading.  Just a nice day really.

For the first time in a while, the diary today is completely blank so I've checked the weather forecast which says cold but dry and I think I will do some garden stuff, back permitting.  I have some washing to do too and I will dry that inside as it won't dry on the line and might get in the way.

And then I will come in, warm up under the electric fleece and watch rubbish on the telly!

Sounds a good plan to me!

Do you have regular Saturday stuff to do or can you hang free, as they say?

Have a great day, stay warm and be safe and well.  xx

17-01-25

Morning!  
It's just beginning to lighten up so it's had to really tell but it looks overcast but dry for the moment - hope it stays that way as I would like to walk to SW.

Yesterday felt so busy but it was fine.  Mel come round and we caught up on life.  Then I went to Chris and ditto.  I drove over to Val's and had a lovely time - we meet up pretty much once a month and there's always plenty to talk about.

Finally, I remembered to take the tablecloths back for Andrew's SW group meeting and then did my weekly shop.

I'm pleased with how Low Spend January is going.  Now I've done my shop for the week, I should only need to do one more before the end of the month.  Also, Morrisons More card has this thing where if you spend £40 for three consecutive weeks, you get £10 in More vouchers.  I've been doing that, getting things like soap powder and loo rolls to make up the amount, not to mention the food bank donations and I've got the vouchers (it started end of December!).  I've decided that I am saving these vouchers for Christmas (sorry) and I already have one and another nearly so that's a good start!

Today, being Friday, starts with Slimming World and then I'm home until Alex calls me for an online thingy at two.  So I guess I need to catch up with housework and stuff like that.  Boring but necessary.  Perhaps I can do a bit more clearing than just ten items - that would be good.

There's not an awful lot to say today so I will love you, leave you and get on with stuff.  Take care, stay warm and have a great day.  xx

16-01-25

 Morning, all.  After a very damp and dull day yesterday, today seems to be more of the same.  I just popped out to put something in the bin because it's early collection today and it's drizzling miserably!

I managed to get all the stuff dumped in the blue room sorted out and put away.  I had made the bed up with Christmas bedding for Sonja's visit so, as it wasn't used, took it all off again, folded it up and put it away, remaking the bed with the usual stuff.  I also changed my sheets so getting into bed last night was lovely!

I also sorted out more than twenty things for yesterday and the day before so that was good.

And, not a biggie but it all helps, I descaled the Nespresso so it's now running easier again.  I use Wonky Pods (pods saved from recycling before use) so they don't always run through smoothly anyway - every little helps.

The stitches are now out and I need to explain that what I had done was the first stage of an implant so last week was getting the underneath bit (the 'root') into the jaw bone.  You could say it was self inflicted.  Anyway, absolutely no trouble with the stiches - I didn't even feel them, just the 'snip' of the scissors - and Mr Clough pronounced it all 'beautiful'!  Hmm - I suppose you do have to have a certain mentality to be a dentist!  Beautiful is not the term I would use for the inside of my mouth!!

Later on, I drove over to Lindsey's for my first PT session since before Christmas.  We took it very carefully and gently and she sent me home with some things to do that should help.  We decided I would take next week on a day by day basis and not to run before I could walk, so to speak.
It's no worse this morning and, perhaps, a bit easier.  All good, anyway.

On to today and it looks busy but it's mostly fun stuff.

There's the ten things, of course - I am one down already!
At nine, my friend Mel is coming over to deliver something and stay for a quick coffee.
At ten, I am over to Chris for more coffee and a natter.
At eleven thirty I am driving over to Val's for lunch and yet another good old chat!
And then, later on, once home, I will be going to Morrisons to do the weekly shop and to drop something off at the Thursday SW group next door.
So - sort of busy but not really.  I guess we all have days like that at some time or other.

No housework though - how very sad!

Catriona, did you make a decision about the sweeper?

Have a good one, everyone.  Stay safe and enjoy what you do.  xx

15-01-25

Morning, one and all.  How are you all today?  Good, I hope.

Yesterday was an easy day really.  I did two loads of washing one of which went out on the line.  It didn't dry but it got some fresh air which was good.  I did some of the ironing too which I was pleased about.

Son Dave came round to do some printing and we had a nice chat about this and that, fixing a date when he and Anna will come round again for supper.  Then  Sharon turned up, sorted out my hair and now I feel all neat and tidy again.

I didn't:

clean any windows
sort out five things - so ten today!
sort out the blue room

But I did:

give the bathroom a good clean

the aforementioned washing and ironing

cleaned the kitchen

 . . . so I didn't entirely waste my time.

I was a bit spendy but it was need, not want.  I paid Sharon, of course, and I got some descaling stuff for my Nespresso gizmo that seems to be slowing down somewhat.  The official stuff is really expensive but there was a non-brand (alternative and much cheaper brand, anyway) on Amazon so I got that.  It should come today and, assuming it does, I will be giving my Nespresso a descale straight away.

I guess one could argue that a Nespresso is not a need but, if I have one, I need to look after it properly!

(I was tempted to just use vinegar but when I Googled it, the perceived wisdom was not to in case it damages the tubes, etc.  Shame!)

Today I will be popping back to the dentist to have the stitches taken out and the work checked over.  I am sure it's fine.  It doesn't hurt at all and I've been very careful to brush the site using the super-soft brush they gave me and to use the mouthwash.

Then I'm home for a while to do bits and bobs before going over to Lindsey's for personal training.  I've asked her if she can focus on back strengthening and stretching stuff - she's really good and adapting things to personal circumstances so I am sure it will be very good.

And that's that!  It's so nice to be getting back into some sort of routine again - I have really missed classes.

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Stay warm and cosy and contented, whatever your plans.  xx

14-01-25

 Morning, everyone.

Going . . . . 

Going . . .

. . . and gone!

Woo hoo.  Only a week late.  Such a relied not to have to see the mess (organised but still a mess) in that corner

Then I set to and gave the downstairs a good clean, dust and sweep so it looks much more civilised again.

I washed the Christmas doormats (yes, sorry, I do) and they are now away as well.  Back to normal downstairs!

Yesterday was a day for setting dates.

I set two dates with Alex, one with Kay, my financial adviser, one with son Dave so he can be at the meeting with Kay and one with my lovely friend, Julia.

It's going to be all go!

As I'm not going to Groove today, I can get going and get some new year order into upstairs as well.  A lot of stuff  has just been dumped in the blue room so needs to go away and I have a few piles of clothes to tidy away plus those five items to sort out.

Come this afternoon, the lovely Sharon is here to do my hair which should make me feel loads better.

So, really, quite a nice, easy sort of day, whatever the weather (which is nice and sunny at the moment).  Lovely!

Stay well, everyone, and have a good, positive day.  xx

13-01-25

Morning!  Another Monday and it is definitely milder than this time yesterday.  Right now, there's no frost although one might develop in the next hour or so, but nothing like it has been.    Beeb weather says it should get up to about 5C which is almost tropical in comparison!

Well, I did it.  The tree is down and the only thing left to do is get this pile of stuff out to the garage.
Hopefully, that's a job for today although we will see how things go.

I've said to Lindsey that I will miss circuits today and Groove tomorrow but come to Personal Training on Wednesday.  The sad truth is that I am more than a bit nervous about starting up again - I don't want a week like last week again if I can help it so being careful is the name of the game.  

Not the tree is out of the way, there's some dusting and hoovering to get done which should be nice, gentle, stretchy sort of stuff and I've started the usual annual declutter with a 'five things a day' aim.

Do I love it?

Do I use it?

Do I think I will ever use it?

If the answers are 'no', then off it goes.

Happy Monday to you, wherever you are and whatever you plan to do.  Have a warm, safe and productive day.  xx

On a cold and frosty morning!

 

12-01-25

Morning, all.  Another cold start to the day with more freezing fog and everything looks so beautiful at the moment.  I braved the cold and took some snaps.

I doubt it will last long.  I think some places further west and north are already seeing higher temperatures and by the end of the day we in the east and south east should too.  It will be nice to go out to the freezer without shivering!

Well, it's now two days without pain killers and my tum is feeling loads better for it.  Just today on the penicillin and that's finished too.  I can't in all honesty say my back is 100% comfortable but it's getting there.
I was so pleased to get all the Christmas china back into the garden room and all the cushions changed over again.  Today I am going to try the Christmas tree - fingers crossed, and if that goes OK, I will see if I can get at least some of the boxes out into the garage.  I will feel so much happier once that is all done.

The bags of salt are still sitting in the garden room waiting to be put away but out of sight, as we say, out of mind!

Apart from the above, I think today will be another easy day with plenty of time to get on with my knitting and my crochet.  I have some large octagons to make for the crochet and then I can start putting everything together.  The knitting is slower, of course, but I am on the arm shaping for the back so progress is being made.  I love the stitch texture (moss stitch) although it does make for slower progress.
I have a few more ideas for when I've finished the current projects - I hate to not know what to make next!

Right, well, I will love you and leave you.  Have a lovely Sunday, whatever your plans.  Stay warm, stay safe and be happy!  xx

11-01-25 - not doing very much

Morning and brrrr.   I've just been out to the shed to get in the freezer stuff for today and it is so cold out there.  A hard, hard frost and I'm so thankful the air is still and there's not a breath of wind to chill things even more.  It will look pretty in daylight, that is for sure.

Edit:  daylight and we have freezing fog - pretty but dangerous)

I went to Slimming World and ducked out of doing any lifting, etc.  I usually help fold up the gopaks and put them away but not yesterday.  They're a lovely bunch though and others stepped in and did it all which was such a relief as I didn't want to leave it all to Heidi.
There were loads and loads of new or returning member; there always is after Christmas and it was nice to see some familiar faces again.

Home again and I just chilled really.  It was read, knit, walk about, repeat which seemed to keep everything under a modicum of control without taking any ibuprofen.  The gum/jaw has been absolutely no problem whatsoever.  After Wednesday there's been no pain, no swelling, no aching - just a bit of a yucky taste in the mouth and they gave me mouthwash for that.  Very lucky.

I had a look through my diary to work out the trips I have booked:

Jan:  Oliver (and Nutcracker, of course)

Feb: nothing (oh, the hardship!)

March:  nothing but I do have the Fun and Fitness weekend at Potters

April:  The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (stage show)

May:  nothing

June:  RHS Hampton Court

July:  Brighton and Rye (two separate ones)

August and September:  nothing

October:  Knit and Stitch show

November:  nothing

December:  Thursford Spectacular and Harrods/carols at RAH.

Some good things to look forward to there, for sure.

Today is more of the same really.  I have some ironing and I need, I really need to start sorting out the Christmas stuff.  Getting china in and out of the garden room shouldn't be too much trouble now although I'm leaving the  heavier boxes for now and the Christmas tree is still sitting in the corner looking cheerful when the lights are on.

So that's the weekend pretty much sorted.  How about you?

Stay warm and cosy and have a lovely day.  xx

10-01-24 and the Nutcracker

 Hi, everyone.  So sorry this is late but I just didn't have time earlier this morning.  We didn't get back from London until nearly midnight - no hold-ups, but some were going to The Devil Wears Prada show instead and that didn't finish until later than Nutcracker so by the time I has scraped the car and driven home, etc, it was well past half twelve.
And I had to rush out to SW this morning - and the car needed another good scraping.  Ho hum.
It's still so cold now at around twelve, barely touching zero but with lovely bright sunshine that is keeping indoors cosy.

Nutcracker was lovely.  I was sat next to my coach pal, Pamela, which was good.  She was going to Prada though so, as I got off the coach near the Coliseum, a lady called Valerie came up and said 'Are you on your own because if you are, I am too' so we paired up, so to speak.

The Coliseum was open even though we were nearly an hour and a half early so we went into the 'bar' and Val had a cuppa.  I'd already eaten my picnic on the coach.
Turned out she was a bad back sufferer too, much more serious that I, and she had also been a nursery teacher so we had loads in common and had a must enjoyable hour exchanging whinges and moans!!!  lol

Our seats weren't together but we linked up after the ballet and wandered into a late-opening shop while we waited for the coach to puck us up.

On to the Nutcracker.

In the entrance, there was a rather lovely - in its own way - Christmas 'tree' made from dyed ballet shoes.  Very clever!  I expect that it will be taken down at the end of the Nutcracker run which is tomorrow, Saturday.

Inside the auditorium we were greeted with this . . .  It was one of those that could be faded so one could see the action behind which was used really well, I thought, for the prologue and at the start of the acts.

No photography was permitted, of course, of the actual ballet.
It was a different choreography to the classical one but I really liked it - Clara had a greater part to play and it was much more clearly her story both in action and in development.

I read that the nutcracker can be called a story in two parts, the first being all story and no dancing and the second all dancing and  no story.  I know what they means by that but this version certainly wasn't.  It was a much better mix.
The child dancers were fab, of course, as they always are.  What an opportunity for them.

The music, of course, was glorious, as Tchaikovsky's music always is.
All in all, I had an amazing time, despite the seating which couldn't be described as comfortable in a million years.  Even a dose of co-codamol didn't really help as much as it should but now to worry, it didn't spoil it at all.  It was bright, magical and sparkly - all the things you want from the Nutcracker.

Just a couple of other snaps - the ceiling is wow, of course, and my fridge magnet souvenir is of this taken from directly underneath.  I was pleased that the little shop had them!

And the surroundings were very posh indeed.

We were in the Upper Circle but close to the front of it so the view was actually really good.

Ray and Jan always put a copy of forthcoming trips  in with the ticket, coach seat number, etc, and I was interested to see that of the three trips I booked earlier this week, two of them are booked up - the trip to Rye and the afternoon RAH carols.  I'm glad I got in early!

I'm more than a bit weary today.  I've done my duty at SW and now I am home, warmed up and ready for a chill-out, probably snuggled in one of my throws.  Sounds nice, doesn't it?

I hope you are all managing to stay nice and warm today.  Have a good one, whatever you are planning to do.  xx

09-01-25

 Morning, everyone!  Cold again, isn't it?  

Well, yesterday morning was - er - interesting.  After a bad day on Tuesday with the old back, I started taking the pain killers first thing.
I had the first part of my dental implant surgery from eleven onward so at ten thirty I took two co-codamol.  They are very strong and I avoid them because of their addictive qualities but the appointment was an hour and I just dreaded it with a hurty back.  

They worked, of course, and I was lucky because the whole procedure took around twenty minutes, very straight forward and trouble free (said Tony Clough).  Also, lying pretty much flat is the most comfortable position for me at the moment.
I now have a course of penicillin to take so the bunging up side effects of the co-codamol should be balanced by the - er - loosening side effects of the penicillin.  I can hope!  😉

I remembered to change one of my standing orders that go into savings and now I am back to saving around 25% of income.  I can always change it again, should it be necessary, but it should be OK if I am careful.

Today, Chris is over, hopefully, for coffee and then this afternoon I am off into London to see The Nutcracker.  At the moment, I am back on ibuprofen but I am taking some co-codamol with me - any increase in discomfort and I will take them.
On Tuesday, I thought I would not be able to go and was pretty upset as I hade been so looking forward to it but now I'm going to go and hope the meds do the necessary.

Talking of trips, the new newsletter has come through and I have booked three more - I'm going to the Knit and Stitch thing at Ally Pally again as I enjoyed it so very much, I am going to Rye for a day and I've also booked a trip into London in December for some time at Harrods and then on to the RAH for carols.  

And that's about it really.  After all the fun and colour of Christmas, things have settled again and ;ife goes on.  
Have a great day, everyone.  All the best xx

08-01-25 and New Year Tag

These tag questions have been doing the rounds of some of my favourite vlogs over the last week.  I don't vlog and wasn't tagged but I'm joining in anyway because - why not?
(I got these from Nicky in a Vlog but they are all over the place in my little YouTube corner)

Off we go!

1. Who did you spend New Year’s Eve with and what did you do?

I spent it with me - just me - and it was very quiet and peaceful.  I caught up with a few recordings from over the past week and went to bed when I got tired.  Really nice.

On New Year's Day, Dave, Anna, Beth and Alex came round late afternoon and we had a lovely evening.

2. What did you toast with on New Year's Eve?

I had a half bottle of nice but financially accessible (i.e. not horrendously expensive) champagne from The Wine Society and enjoyed it very much indeed.

3. Do you make New Year's Resolutions?  If so, what ?

No, not resolutions as such, but I do think about how I want things to pan out through the year and for this year I'm continuing to work on 'health' - physical health, mental and emotional health and financial health.

I have determined on a few specific actions.  After watching Shoestring Jane doing a reverse advent calendar last month, I have made a note in my diary to start doing a pre advent reverse calendar in November, getting Festive stuff that I can donate to our local food bank for distribution before Christmas.
Then I thought 'why restrict it to just Christmas?' so I have started collecting items that I can take along once a month, checking online what is needed at any given time.  I would like to be able to donate at least twenty items each month.

4. What lessons did you learn in 2024?

Life is an ongoing lesson really, isn't it?
I think I finally realised that I am what I am and there's no point trying to be someone else, no matter how much I admire them.
I can do my thing in my way.  It's a very freeing thing to hold on to.

5. If you could have three wishes for 2025 what would they be?

Oooh - well, the silly one is to win the jackpot with my premium bonds.

More seriously, I wish that people respected and accepted each others' differences.  There's nothing wrong with being different, the problems occur when 'different' becomes 'wrong' in some way.

And I wish everyone was kind to everyone else.  Kindness (and the results of that kindness) would solve so many world problems.

I know it is all pie in the sky but I can wish and I can try to be what I wish.

6. What life pearl of wisdom would you give others for 2025?

Be kind, be accepting and be understanding and appreciate differences.  Everyone is amazing in their own way - find amazing and celebrate it.

7. If you could travel to one place in 2025 where would you go, and no limits?

I would LOVE to go back to the Arctic again.  Proper snow and amazing scenery.
And I would love to meet up with Slim Win friends around the world (that's cheating really, isn't it?)

8. Do you have any regrets in 2024?

Yes, I think we all do, if we're really honest, but the importing thing is to identify them, analyse them and learn from them.  They are probably not biggies . . .

What are mine?  Not saying - that's personal.  :-)

9. What is your favourite memory in 2024?

I have so very many, far too many to list.  I feel so very fortunate to have such a happy life.
I have shared many of them in here over the months.

10. What are your top three YouTube channels at the minute?

I have loads.  Many are Slimming World/weight loss related and it isn't fair to just pick out three so I will move outside of them and say. . .

1.  Early Retirement Wanderlust

Richard and Jackie are ex-teachers who retired at the age of 51 and are enjoying a life of travel and exploring the world on a budget.   There's also a blog here.

2.  Ali Lives Well on Less.  Ali is also an early retired teacher living on a pretty tight budget (there's a bit of a pattern here, isn't there?).  She posts on Money Monday and Foodie Friday plus on other days from time to time.  She's so down to earth and sensible.
She also has a blog.

3.  Budget Cooking UK.  Kerry cooks using her air fryers, often experimenting and trying ideas out.  She just makes me smile.

And one more . . . because I can.

4.  Sopherina.   Sophie covers food/lifestyle and parenting.  She's not posted for a few weeks because she has just had her second little boy but she'll be back.  She's just so down to earth and practical and very, very nurturing and her recipes and meal plans are delicious.  She does things like a £25 shop from Aldi and then making five meals for four with what she bought.

There you go - my answers.  I won't tag anyone but if any bloggers reading would like to use these questions, please feel free.  xx

07-01-25

A nice sunset again - a bit dramatic too 

Morning all.  How's things?  It really turned cold around here again yesterday; I've just been out to the freezer to get the day's supplies in and, while it's not frosty, there is a decided chill go the air and I suppose a frost could develop before daylight.
(edit:  it is now just past eight and there's a frost!)

Do you remember last week I ordered five 'units' of salt tablets and only one unit was delivered?  I ordered some from another company, got in touch with Amazon and they refunded me for what I didn't get.  The refund landed in my account early yesterday morning which is good going I think.
So guess what was delivered later on yesterday morning!  

Yup.  Why I got one unit on Friday and the others on Monday, I have no idea.

Back online to Amazon who were very helpful and have taken back the refund after asking for my permission.  And I managed to cancel the other order too.
All's well that ends well and I have to say, Amazon's new way of dealing with issues seems loads better than the old one.  I'm not sure I was chatting to a 'real' person as the responses were a bit formulaic, it might have been AI, but they were (or it was) spot on, quick and effective.

I then had to carry eight 10kg bags from the front door to the garden room with a protesting back.  Sadly, it didn't do the old back much good at all.

I got the baubles off the Christmas tree but, to take off the lights and dismantle the tree, I need to move it out into the room; it's heavy and I just couldn't.  So there it stays for a few more days and, I have to say, it looks really nice with no baubles, just the lights.

I've decided I'm not going to Groove today.  I have an hour in the dentist's chair tomorrow and a coach trip to see Nutcracker on Thursday so I want to give my back the best chance of recovery today.  I can do a bit of to-ing and fro-ing between garden room and house to sort out cushions and china but no lifting and certainly no dance exercise.  I'll do some stretching type stuff; that should help.

So today is clearing up, sorting out, a bit of carpet sweeping if possible and just generally make things clutter free and nice.
How about you?   xx

Janice - have you tried using your On Screen Keyboard (OSK) for your full stops.  Then you can copy one and paste when you need it.  A bit of a work around but, if it helps . . .

06-01-25: a review and moving forward

Morning!
As I said this time last year, I'm not a great one for 'resolutions' as they rarely last after the ink dries on the paper.  I do like having a few themes that I would like to focus on through the year though and last year I had three 'words' - economy, enjoyment and energy.  

All starting with the same letter because I'm an ex-teacher!

Economy:
The year before was a spendy and slightly unsettled year what with big projects and finalising my parents' inheritance so I wanted to get back on an even keel as far as my finances were concerned.
I think I have done that.  Yes, some months have been more spendy than others but I have continued to save regularly and have never had more month at the end of the money apart for one off things and that's what one of my savings accounts is for.
I went into how I manage my budget, etc, a few days ago so I won't repeat that but I want to have more low-spend months this year and to increase the amount I am saving into my short term savings account which is my first port of call for things like dental fees, holidays, etc, should the monthly budget not accommodate.
I've been aiming to save 25% but didn't increase it last year when the pensions all increased so I really must get that sorted.  Also, I have just remembered that in February and March there's no rates and water to pay for so that can also go into savings.

I am rambling - sorry.  Moving on . . .

The next word was

Energy:

Given I am getting older (aren't we all but you know what I mean) and apart from when my back plays up, I am happy with my energy levels.  I'm never going to be all that bouncy but I enjoy my exercise classes and am definitely continuing while I still can.

Mentally, I am still reasonably alert (usually) and am thankful for that.
And when a blood test indicted less than ideal LDLs, I tackled it energetically, tweaking my diet to deal with it.  I don't know if I have succeeded yet, I'm not pushing for a repeat blood test, but I do feel well eating according to Mediterranean style principles.

And, thirdly:

Enjoyment:

Well - I may not have gone on any more cruises but I have really enjoyed 2024.  Coach trips, times with good friends, fitness classes, a lovely home and family . . . what's not to enjoy there?  I feel very fortunate.

Moving on into 2025, I really want to continue all these things but under the general banner of 'Health'.

Healthy finances

Healthy lifestyle

Healthy mind and body

I don't think there's any need to amplify on these really, do you?  I have my finances organised, I have those fitness classes, I have some lovely friends and I have various interests and enjoyments.  I will just keep looking out for those opportunities and see any set backs as a way to grow and develop.

Most importantly, I will be me and not a shadow or copy of anyone else.

2025?  Bring it on.

Thanks for reading!