21-02-25

Hello again, everyone.  It's Friday and it feels loads and loads warmer.  I didn't have cold hands once yesterday which was just fantastic!  I've just been out to the freezer and it feels gentle outside.

Shame about the rain but we can't have everything!

Yesterday was nice.  I did SET after which Chris came round and we had a great old chatter.

I emailed Ray about a few niggles and he's coming back either today or over the weekend to sort them out for me,  It's nothing bad and I guess there's always something.

On the plus side, my dimmer bulbs arrived and now I have dimmable lights in the older part of the living area.  They are so nice, I am now wondering about in the extension part too.

I picked up another Cooks order - bad me.  That will have to be it until April now!

I had an email from another Ray, the Broomfield Coach group organiser,  Sadly, there wasn't enough interest in one of the excursions to make it worth while.  I was going Southend way to see a performance of The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe but not now.  Oh, well, it happens occasionally.  

Today starts in the usual way with Slimming World.  Then I am popping into Morrisons to get a few things for tonight as Dave and Anna are over for dinner.

Downstairs is pretty clean and tidy anyway so I will just do a quick dust and hoover which won't take long, before I vanish into the kitchen to prepare the food.

At some point, the vertical blind weights which I ordered on Wednesday should arrive and then I can finish repairing the blinds in both my big French windows which will be nice.

And D & A come round about six thirty.  A long day but a very pleasant one.  If I am a bit late posting tomorrow, you will know why!!

20-02-25

And it is good morning from me again.  Today is the day it is supposed to get considerably warmer again, not that it has been that bad in the wider scheme of things.  When I think that some of you have had to cope with temperatures in the -20s and -30s (and that's F, not C), it makes me wonder how I have the nerve to grumble really!

Hopefully, it will soon be spring, the bulbs will flower and nature will wake up again.  And I will start thinking about this year's tomatoes.  Yay!

Anyway, mild and damp is the name of the game today but that's OK because I have plenty to do inside.

Back to yesterday and, apart from a few little niggles, Ray and co have finished, everything is clean, fresh and as tidy as it's ever going to be (downstairs, that is) and I have paid the bill which was semi-eye-watering but what I expected, I'd saved for it and it was worth it.

It is just SO nice to get up and not feel the pressure of being ready for 8:30.  I will be but I don't HAVE to be.

I am looking at my sideboards with a fresh eye.  They are older than Alex so around twenty seven years old and, inevitably, have become more than a bit battered.  I was saying to Ray that they have done OK for such cheap stuff (as I thought);  he gave me a quizzical look and pointed out the quality workmanship and the fact that there was a Parker Knoll label in one of the drawers.  I don't remember going for Parker Knoll but must have and am now thinking they are worth a bit of restoration in time.

Thanks for all the nice comments about the tiles blanket.  It is definitely going into the garden room.  I used some of the leftover yarn to have a go at a cushion cover in the same pattern but it doesn't really work as a single tile so I think what I might do is look out for plain or textured cushion (just a couple) that pick out one of the colours.  The blanket over one chair and matching cushions in the other.

I got some more sorting and decluttering done upstairs.  How can one person end up with so many socks and tights?  I dunno!  At least now they are organised and sorted and I know what I have - no more sock buying for the rest of eternity!!

Then I took a deep breath and ventured into the yellow room where Beth used to have her Kitty Stitches workshop.  It's an awful mess.  I didn't get far but I did tackle and defeat a box of thread bobbins of various kinds, ones that Beth used, ones that I used and a whole pile from Mum's collection and she was a great needlewoman so there were loads.
They're now all tidied, sorted and in their own place.  Inevitable, there was some wastage as there was so much unravelled and tangled thread but I got there and now need to move on to the next bit.

Just one more thing about yesterday and that is that, while I was working with Lindsey in my Personal Training session, she suggested that I might like to think about changing my Spanish holiday to the second one she is now also organising in September next year, so it's not too close to the Crete holiday.  Same place, same schedule of excursions.  Great idea!  So now I am going in September, not May.  It gives me more time to save, doesn't it?

Very quickly on to today - I have SET online, then Chris is over for coffee and chat, then I will be diving into more decluttering, sorting out, etc, and this afternoon I need to go to Cook's to pick up an order.
Should be a very satisfying day.  :-)  I hope yours is too.  xx

19-02-25

Morning, everyone.  How is the week going for you?  

A random photo of some snowdrops from my front 'garden' (for want of a better word).  They do look pretty.

And finally, finally, I have enough floor area to spread out that Persian tiled blanket thingy that I made after Christmas.  Seeing it like this makes me realise how very attractive it is and there's so much going on that the blips don't show at all, do they?  Nice.

I got quite a lot done on yesterday's gift day.  
Chris and I walked to and back from Groove - it's a new block and I loved the new routines; they are dance-y and energetic.  Great fun.

After breakfast, I went to B&Q to find some light bulbs which they didn't have and then to Longacres where I got the button for the cardigan I have been knitting so that is now completely finished too.

Then I went on to Beth's for coffee and a chat and I took her to pick up a prescription.

Then, in the afternoon, I set to and got quite a lot of stuff done at home.  There was dust everywhere so that needed dealing with and I sorted out some glass doors from some units.  They had some wood 'beading' down the middle which had come off, leaving a strip of sticky tape that wouldn't peel off.  So I attacked the sticky with sticky stuff remover, heat from my hairdryer, the Home Bargains equivalent of a scrub daddy and, finally, window cleaner.  There's just one more to do - it was left on the unit and covered over because it's the very last bit of decorating that needs doing, so I'll do that when the covers come off.

The ironing got done, the new drying rack arrived, the plants are back in place, I sorted out the curtain fixings and they are all in the new box . . . you get the idea.  There's still a few outstanding things on the list but I can do them Thursday.

It will all be finished today.  They have been great but it will be nice to get my living area back all clean and tidy.  I have personal training this afternoon but apart from that, it will be sorting stuff as they finish.  
And paying the bill - ouch!

Have a great day, one and all.  xx

18-02-25

Good morning, everyone.  I think it is touching zero round here and there may be a slight frost developing 

Many thanks for such a lot of helpful responses to my question regarding the Wild refillable deodorants.   Not quite the unqualified positives that I had expected after seeing the 'influencers' on YouTube!  There were all sorts of different reviews on Boots (great idea to look there, thanks) so I think I have some pondering to do.   

Yesterday started with the decorators turning up at 8:30 as usual.  I popped off to Circuits at Lindsey's where we had the three boys as well as some of us (it's half term here).  I really like it when they come - they're really nice lads (two teens and one still at primary) and give it all a very good go.

I came home, got the washing out (it was a lovely, sunny day - cold but cheerful) and disappeared upstairs for a while to get out of their way.  

One of you (was it Sue?) mentioned about gift cards burning holes and I know what she means so I headed off to M&S to get some bits and bobs - I was out of cheese, for example, and love the M&S West Country mature cheddar, for example.
Of course, I bought more stuff, some of which was not 'needed' but won't be wasted, like smoked salmon and a real treat of a bottle of garlic infused olive oil - that was, maybe, just a bit naughty.
Then I walked over to Aldi to get some things only they do, like their onion and rosemary sausages which are a dupe for the Linda McCartney ones and which I always add to the mix when I make burgers or meatballs.  I also got some frozen fruit as Aldi has a great range and our Morrisons really doesn't!
And finally, to Dunelm to get a bedside lamp as my old one is close to giving up the ghost and is one of those trendy curly wurly ones where you can't replace the light.  This one I got you definitely can!  Again, I got a few more things as I haven't been to Aldi for ages and generally intend sticking to the local Morrisons.
I had fun and I was spendy but none of it was 'impulse' in the sense that I was it, wanted it and got it and everything will either be consumed or used.

Just thought of one more thing.  When the decorators and I were going through my curtain fixings, I was so ashamed of the disorder they were in  so I got a bigger box with a lid and on the list today is to sort out all those fixings that are in different pots and containers and get them all into the new box.

In the evening, we had our usual weekly Slim Win online chat which are always so very helpful.

Today is a gift.
Ray and co are not coming today as last week I mentioned I had a friend coming over and Ray said needed to have some meetings about a future project so they would have them today.
However, yesterday, my friend texted to say she wasn't going to be able to come so now I have an almost free day. 
I have Groove first thing, then I'm round to Beth's for a quick coffee and chat and then I can really dive in and have a good tidy up.  There's just one little bit of painting still to do but most of the furniture can go back into its place again and I can wash the windows, wipe round to sort out the dust, etc, etc, etc.  I'm going to make a List!!!

Well, time to go and get other stuff sorted.  Have a lovely day, however you plan to spend it, and stay happy and contented.  xx

17-02-25

 Good morning. you lovely lot, and welcome to a cold and frosty Monday morning.  No complaints though - the sun is shining and this side of the windows feels nice and warm and cheerful.

One of my commenters yesterday asked about my Slimming World journey and I said I'd find the link to a post I did on my other blog, Slimming World the Mediterranean Way and post it.  So here it is:

https://my30-30challenge.blogspot.com/2024/10/monday-evening-07-10-24-my-first-tip.html

I have a question and hope some of you can answer, please.
Do any of you use the Wild refillable deodorant sticks?  If you do - what are they like.  Do they keep you dry and smelling 'nice'?
I'm interested in the concept and would really like to use refillables rather than a spray can that has to be chucked out, so if any of you can advise from your own personal experience, I'd be really grateful.
Thank you.  

Yesterday was a bit of a nothing day.  I did some washing and dried it on my rack which nearly fell apart.  It's really very old now, possibly about thirty years old, so I decided to order a new one from Amazon.  I use the rack several times a week at the moment so am counting it a need.
Shame it's now about five times what I originally paid for it but that's life!!

Today, right now, the decorators are here and I'm whizzing through this to get it done before I go out for Circuits.  Apologies for any typos . . .
Have a lovely day, everyone, and stay warm and safe.  xx

16-02-25

Morning, everyone.  Are you having a good weekend so far?
The lovely Friday sunshine didn't hang around for long, sadly; yesterday was back to cold, grey, gloomy and damp.
It felt so cold that we didn't do the walk.  In the end, there were only two of us so we decided to walk over to a nice little tea shop and have a coffee and chat instead.  David also had a bacon and egg sandwich which looked lovely but I polished my halo instead.  I have to admit it was tempting and, when I have some bacon in the fridge, I might plan it in.  It really looked delicious.
For me, it wasn't just the cold, it was also that the way was going to be really rather muddy and puddly and I'm not one who relishes that sort of walk - hike really, I suppose.
Once home, it took me a while to warm up again and the heating stayed up all day.

Lindsey posted a bit more info about the Spain holiday.
Old Spanish water mill Exclusive hire 8 guests Full board  Transfers & private minibus all week
Exercise workshops (optional)
Excursions including; star gazing at planetarium, gourmet meal and wine tasting at local Bodega,
Sound bath and exploring local historical sites.

Should be great (if it comes off).

Today, I have very little to do.  I don't need any more bread yet, I have made my tea for tonight and dinner is from the freezer so I just need to prep some veg.  I do have a couple of loads of washing to do - the load I hung out yesterday sort of dried and got finished off in the dryer so I have an empty rack.

I'm thinking I might drive over and take a nosey at some shops, assuming I can resist temptation.  I have started making a crochet cushion cover so I can get on with that.  I'm not sure I fancy a walk; it depends on how cold it feels really.  I'd like to go to Hyde Hall but it is always cold there, on a hill, and since I lost the weight, I feel the cold in a way I never used to.  When it's a bit warmer, I will go.

So - a bit of a nothing sort of day but that's OK.  I always manage to find something to do and, if all else fails, there's always a bit more decluttering to do.  It feels never ending.  😏

Have a good day yourself, whatever your plans, and do stay warm and dry.  xx

15-02-25

Morning, again, everyone.  

As it's half way through February, I decided to do a bit of a review of my aims for the month.

To continue with the Needs Only spending.  Going fine.  OK, there's some amounts that don't look like needs but they are deposits and payments for holiday's and coach trips and there's deposits from savings for the decorating but look beyond them and it's all good.  

To continue using what I have  . . . etc.  Well - I have indulged in some Cook's ready meals but apart from that, definitely!  I think I need to do another audit this weekend though and, maybe, a quick defrost.

Linked with that to move a specific amount across to short term savings at the end of the month.  Yup!  And I have a sub-account specifically for holiday savings for the money I save by going needs-only.  Jolly Holidays!!  There's no big sums going out for several months once the rest of the implant treatment has been paid

To continue updating my spreadsheet - yes, I've done that but I did anyway.  I've just tightened up a bit.

To continue with the Food Bank collection . . . yes and I'm making this an ongoing thing for the year (and probably beyond, but that really depends on external factors.  While I can, I will.

To make a decision about whether to go for another cruise . . . no, because I am now going for other things, as you know.  Decisions have been made, though, and deposits paid, so all good.

To do one extra online SET class each week - yes.

To continue with the decluttering.  Oh, yes!!!!  Forced to and it's been worth doing, for sure.

Resume the daily weed scraping when they start fighting back - and they will - but they haven't yet.  No complaints from me.

So all good, all going well.  

I had a nice surprise when I was decluttering - I found one of those multi-shop gift cards.  I had no idea so I checked and there's £11.40 on it.  The only food shop I can use it in is M&S so that's a good excuse, isn't it?

And I am so close to getting back into my target range at Slimming World again - when that happens, no more fees there.  It's not much but every little helps!

OK, so, yesterday.  We had sunshine.  Yes, real sunshine and for quite a while.  Absolutely brilliant!  A shame I didn't do any washing but by the time I got home from SW and shopping, and had actually done the washing, I don't think there was enough time for it to dry.  And anyway, I was tired and couldn't be  bothered.

Today we have a walk, 'we' being me and my Slimming World friends, although I think there are just four of us - K is on holiday and P and M are looking after the grandchildren.

I want to do some washing and have floor space to set up the drying rack, assuming it will be needed later on.

Yes, I have floor space and plenty of it.  The old part is a bit full still but it's just furniture, not rubbish or 'stuff'.  The extension section is pretty clear - two sideboards and a table plus my easy chair and the telly.  Plenty of carpet space and easy access to stairs, front and back doors.  I'm going to go round with the duster and then the hoover -  just the bits I can do but it will all help.

Right, well, I had better go and get the first load of washing done so I can get it our before the walk.  It shouldn't rain but, if it does, they can get wet!

Have a lovely Saturday, everyone.  Take care and be good but maybe not too good.  😇xx

14-02-25

Morning, all.  How's things?

Yesterday was great.  
I drove over for SET class,  It was nice to do it live instead of online.
Then I drove back, changed quickly and enjoyed the next hour with Chris, chatting and laughing.
In the afternoon, I set off a bit early and dropped February's donation of goodies at the food bank.  I had more than one for each day and the pile was getting in my way so why not - the sooner they have them, the sooner they can be used.
Finally I drove out to the Chignals and Mashbury village hall which turned out to be a lovely little building, modern, light, warm, super kitchen - just perfect.  I was greeted by Jennie, of course, and some very friendly people, some of whom I already knew from my teaching days.  S. was a leading light of the schools' music association and we worked together (with others) on Junior and Infant music festivals - she is still involved, in fact!  In fact, there were four of us on the same table having fun exchanging reminiscences.
Then another lady came up and she turned out to be the grandmother of two girls I remember having in Y 1, so she updated me on how they were doing and I sent my love to them.  They were both lovely girls although it is interesting how different sisters can be, isn't it?

So, all in, a brilliant afternoon and a lovely day.

The decorators have finished the old part of the house now and everything has shifted around.  Still  a mess but it's not junk now, it's more just stuff that has its place - chairs coffee tables, curtains, blinds, etc, etc, etc.
I took a few photos.

The finished bit.

My corner - they will try to do most of this section tomorrow.

Leading into the kitchen through the dining area.  Oh, the dust behind the sideboards!!  Really embarrassing!

Another view of the done bit looking to the hall and stairs.

And, finally, from the hall door, looking through the original living room to the extension.

This is what Lindsey posted on Facebook about the proposed Spain jolly (I have edited out many of the emojis!).

Team: I am planning way ahead for May 2026.
Fitness, Fun & fabulous excursions ☀️
Sunday 24th to Sunday 31st May 2026.  This is half term and includes the Monday bank holiday (25th).  An old water mill in Spain.🥰
Fully inclusive itinerary and full board.  Not just for girls! Not a “dry” retreat🤪
Who might be keen?🧐
Flights would be extra
I’m literally just going through the initial stages of planning and the cost will be dependent upon full allocation of 8 guests. 🤞
We have exclusive use of the resort and private minibus for transfers and excursions.

So it is dependent on take up and, right now, there are four of us, so we will see.

Today starts with Slimming World and then I will do my weekly shop.  A small one this week so it shouldn't take too long.  Then I am going to chill as much as ever I can, relaxing in the knowledge that my house will be my own for the weekend.  Bliss.  I might break my dry February and treat myself to one of those wee bottles of vino for the evening.

I'm not unsociable but I do live alone and like it that way.

Have a lovely day, one and all.  Take care, stay warm and be careful if the weather turns wintry.

13-02-25

 Good morning. one and all.  How are you this morning?  I hope life is good for you.

Yesterday was another damp and dismal day but with less wind so it didn't feel quite so miserable as Monday.
The decorators arrived and set to work while I headed out to circuits which was really good fun.  Once home, I gave my bedroom a good sort out and clean and it is now a tranquil sleeping space again.  The only things that shouldn't be there are the laundry basket which usually sits on the landing and the vacuum cleaner because I don't want it stuck behind a taped up door.
The decorators started on the walls and I held my breath a bit in case I didn't like the colour once it was on the wall but I needn't have worried - it might not be everyone's cuppa tea but I really like it.  It is brighter and it's cheerful and warm.  Perfect.

In the afternoon, I headed back to Lindsey's for personal training which was, as always, lovely.  We had an interesting chat too.  More below.

When I got home, they had gone and, as they promised, the two big cupboards and my computer desk were back against the (finished) wall so I was able to set to and get all the clutter on the sofa and other things that will go back in or on the sideboards.  It is far from tidy, of course, but I was able to get out the ironing board and get my little pile of clothes nicely ironed.  I also pressed the finished blanket but there's not enough carpet space to lay it out and take a photo so next week . . .

This year's Shimmy Fitness and Fun weekend (next month) is the last one Lindsey will be running for a variety of good reasons.  Very sad but it won't stop me going to Potters for short breaks now and again.
So, instead, next year she is organising a small group holiday to Spain (around the Almeria area) and muggins here has said she wants to be a part of the party.  A week in a repurposed old water mill owned and run by someone Lindsey knows.  It sounds really nice and I am glad I have committed.  Another thing to save for but, if I don't save enough, I will have no qualms about withdrawing from my Premium Bonds.  I'm going to enjoy it all.

So, what with two classes, getting some of the 'mess' away and another holiday, yesterday was a really exciting day.

Today is also pretty good.  SET at Lindsey's studio instead of online (no space at home), back for coffee with Chris and in the afternoon I am out for an afternoon tea.
In between those jollies, I have some washing to do and the kitchen could do with a tidy and wipe around.

Wishing you as nice a day as I am hoping for.  All the best and stay warm and well.  xx

12-02-25

Morning, lovely people.  Thank you for your comments and for being so understanding while I whinge and rant about the very minor upheavals in my pampered life <grin>.  Everything is going smoothly, the work is being done well and it is possible that by the end of today, the older part will be done enough for the big cupboards to be pushed back into place (probably without the doors but that's not an issue) and then I can get the much reduced and decluttered contents away on the shelves and more or less clear the extension area of all the mess.  That will be so very nice.

Chris and I walked down to the hall for Groove, did the class and walked back again.  It was starting to drizzle on the way back and it felt jolly cold but the class was great fun.

I had washing drying on a small rack and I did some more decluttering.  Even the bedroom got a bit of a once-over.  All very satisfying.

Today is dominated by two fitness classes.  This morning is circuits in place of the class I missed Monday and this afternoon is personal training.  I should sleep well this evening, for sure.

I might get some ironing done, if I can make the floor space, and there's a bit more washing too.  At least I am not fussing about dusting and sweeping.  All that can wait!

Did you have a good day?
Stay warm and dry, everyone.  xx

11-02-25

Morning, all.  Well, here am I sitting amidst piles of clutter and mess but less than it was yesterday while the wheelie bin is a gainer (thank goodness it is black bin collecting on Thursday).
It could be a lot worse.  It doesn't look like it but there is order amongst the chaos, the space behind the desk and big cupboards is now dust free and, before they arrive, I am going to just give it a bit of a sweep too.

So - yesterday.  I didn't go to circuits but, after a quick chat to Ray, it is fine for me to go to all my other classes.  There shouldn't be any problems but, if there are, I am only fifteen minutes away at most.   The rest of the day was spent decluttering, etc, and in the evening I was part of a lovely Slim Win chat online.

Today is Groove and, fingers crossed, the walk there and back.  There isn't anything else in the diary today but I do have some washing that needs doing and I even have the usual space by the radiator for the drying rack so it doesn't have to go in my bedroom.  Also, my bedroom could do with a tidy - things have walked into it while I wasn't looking. 

So that is today.  Hopefully, they will make good progress with painting.  Yesterday, quite a lot of time was spent on the prepping, masking tape well to the fore - you know the kind of thing that takes way longer than you would think.  As for me - I will keep well out of their way.  

Have a lovely, quiet, organised day, everyone!  xx

Aaaaarrrrgggghhhh

Oh, my gosh!!!  My nice, almost tidy living space.  My brain is aaaarrrrgggghhhh.

I had to empty these two big cupboards after all.  They are more 'rickety' than Ray thought.  However, it is now super dust free right along that right hand wall - and it really wasn't!

They're doing the old part first plus landing, stairs and hall.

Then I can move stuff back into the cupboards and the extension section will be easier because the sideboards will just slide away.

That chair is my space.  For now, anyway.  A direct line to the telly and with the heated throw and the crochet blanket.

What more could a girl want.

Joking apart, those two big cupboards haven't been sorted out since just after I retired and it is the ideal opportunity to really deal with what I haven't used since.  So no complains - well, not many anyway.

 It'll be nice when it is done.

10-02-25

Good morning, everyone, and welcome to a new week.  The weather isn't great after a dismal day yesterday but I have no plans to go out all that much.  It's dry at the moment but steady rain is forecast for the whole day and into the evening.  A bit chilly too, just a few degrees above zero.  So not having to go out is a bit of a blessing, really.  xx

It was lovely to see Alex yesterday - he does enjoy my meals and scoffed down two portions of roast lamb dinner - where he puts it, I have no idea!

Going back a few hours, I did all the prep, got to B&Q and came back with paint (still in the car as it's very heavy), picked Alex up, took him home, did some ironing and cleared stuff ready for when Ray arrives tomorrow morning.  

I didn't finish the blanket but am steadily double crocheting round and round and round.  A bit mindless but keeps my hands busy.

Today, I won't be going to circuits and I really have no idea how the day will go, it depends on Ray, but I suspect decluttering opportunities upstairs, out of the way, will be many but I'll let you know.

Have a more exciting day than I expect to have.  Stay warm.  xx

09-02-25

Morning, all.  Happy Sunday.  It's a chilly and wet start to the day, that's for sure.  I'm glad the walk was yesterday.

We were lucky.  David cut the walk a bit short because of the weather forecast and, just as we arrived back at the car park and got into our cars, down came the rain.  Brilliant timing - well done Met Office and David!

I stayed in for the rest of the day as it was so very dismal.  I can't really remember what I did which means not much, doesn't it?  I do remember getting on with the crochet and, while I am not happy with the way it all joined (I think sewing would have been better with hindsight) I'm absolutely not going to undo it all and start again.  The edging is looking a bit 'bumpy, because the sides were not completely lever but after a few more rounds, it won't really show - if it does, tough!!  It's a blanket, not a work of fine art.   😁

After answering Sharon's comment yesterday, I looked it up and it appears that basically they speak Greek in Crete but also have a Cretan dialect that is widely used.  However, being a tourist destination, most also have some English/American so the chances of not being able to communicate are rare, especially in that sort of holiday.
All the same, apart from anything else, it's only courteous and friendly to know some useful words and phrases.  Things like 'thank you', 'please', 'large white wine, please' and 'where's the nearest loo - I'm desperate'!!

OK, so maybe not that last one . . .

Today feels busy at the moment but it isn't really.  I have Alex over for lunch and the slow roast lamb is slow roasting so that's no problem.  I just need to prep the veg and that's all done and dusted until much later.
I need to go to B&Q and get the paint because Ray is starting the redecorating tomorrow and that will be a bit of an upheaval but worth it when it is done.
Because the weather is so wet, I'm going to collect Alex (and take him back afterwards) and I can drop the last lot of washing off at the same time so that's good.
Once that's done, I can chill.

Wishing you a chilled Sunday too, packed with lovely, cosy, homy things and no fuss.
Take care, all the best and stay warm.  xx

08-02-25

 Good morning, everyone.  How are things this morning?  Yesterday was a very bleak, chilly, dismal day round here.  I ended up turning up the heating a bit which helped a lot.

Slimming World taster session was good fun although not many people realised it was a taster, I think.  I wouldn't have known if I hadn't seen a Facebook message from Heidi.  It was also the Biggest Loser award which went to  Sheila, a lovely lady who reached her target last year and is a stalwart (odd word but you know what I mean) of the group.

I made my loaf and have just sliced it and popped it in the freezer.  That should see me through till the end of the month as I don't eat all that much bread.  I love it, it loves me, but too much isn't balanced, I think.

The repairer chap turned up at Beth and Alex's and now they have fully functioning washing facilities again.  Yee hah!!  Must be a great relief to them.  I have no idea what the problem was but I don't need to know.  
I have one more load of washing to take back but Alex is coming over for lunch tomorrow so I will probably drop it off then - it's predicted to rain so I will pick him up as he doesn't drive.

Getting there with this although the joining has definitely been the most difficult thin - I thought it would be easy.  The stitches match but not if you match the middle bits and I can't work out why.  Oh, well, I'm muddling on through and it really won't show to anyone but an expert. I think part of the problem is that the corners are not always right angles so they join a bit differently and there are no specific joining instructions apart from where tiles go in the pattern.  Definitely a weakness in an otherwise very clear pattern. 

I have one more octagon to join now and then the triangles around the edge to square it up before I do the edging and steam it.  

Wish I knew what I will do with it!  I wonder if it will look nice out in the garden room . . . that's a thought.  Could I make some cushion covers to match?  Maybe; I do have plenty of yarn left.  I'll ponder that one.

This morning it's the first SW Friends walk of the year although the forecast isn't encouraging   .  David, who organises it, says he has an idea if the weather doesn't play ball so - well, we will see . . .

After that, I need to tidy up a bit and sort out a few things for tomorrow before settling down with a video and the crochet.  I'd love to get it finished this weekend, if possible.

Well, I am having a leisurely start to Saturday but I ought to get going now.  Have a great day, everyone, and stay warm and dry.  xx

07-02-35

Morning, all.  Happy Friday to you all.

I forgot to say the other day; after I finished the cardigan, I used a random ball of ridiculously chunky yarn that I got from The Range, goodness knows why, and never used, and made this.  It needed an hour, a large hook (9.0) and some real tugging and pulling until I got the tension right but it made this.  It now sits beside my bed, holding my talc, deodorant and a few other bits and pieces and I'm ridiculously happy with it.

Online SET class was good, the chat with Chris was great, I got the shopping done and now have my month's supply of items for the Food Bank so any extra will be - er - extra!!
I finished all the washing, drying and ironing, did some sorting out and started joining the tiles together.  I don't think I'm making a very good job of it and things don't seem to fit (they should do, the counts are right) but not to worry, it will look fine once everything is together and the edging done.

Well, it's done!  The money bounced into my bank account and within a couple of hours it had bounced out again and I am now booked for a lovely holiday in Crete in 2026.  So exciting.

All I have to do now is save the money!  lol

Today looks to be another easy day with a taster session at Slimming World and then nothing in the diary all day.  Maybe I will do a bit of housework and certainly I will bake a loaf.  Usually I bake on Saturdays but tomorrow I am out for a walk so today it is.

What are your plans for this first Friday in February?  Have a good one and stay warm and safe, whatever they are.  xx 

06-02-25

Morning, everybody.  We have another frost this morning.  I think we've already had more frosts this winter than in the whole of last winter;  I do like a clear and frosty start to the day.

I didn't book the Crete holiday because one annual thing landed yesterday plus I needed to pay my deposit and insurance for the Edinburgh holiday.  I have a horror of going overdrawn and, while I don't think there was actually any chance of that, better safe than sorry, so I have moved what I need for the deposit out of the newly named holiday savings account  and as soon as that lands, I will be on that phone.  I can pay it back in (or as much as possible) at the end of the month.

I did get round to changing that extra account name though.  It is now called Jolly Holidays!  I mean, how immature can I get, eh?  It says it all though and it cheers me up no end.  And I moved across the saved end of January money to give it a healthy start off, even if most of it went straight out for that Crete deposit.  Nice.

I found a couple of YouTube videos about the hotel.  Here's one which, I think, must be by the hotel itself for their guests.  

I forgot to say that the Premium Bonds behaved themselves again this month.  A nice, tidy £200 which is being reinvested for now but I'm keeping a note of winnings and they can be holiday money if necessary.

It was quite a busy day yesterday.  I took the washing back to Beth and Alex's and collected the last two days' worth which was done and out on the line very quickly.  It's now dry, bits have been ironed and it's ready to return at some point.

 I got to Knit and Natter and had a lovely time chatting and crocheting.  The Persian Tiles blanket attracted quite a bit of attention, which was nice.  I've almost finished all the 'tiles' now and then comes the task of fitting them all together and joining them - I hope by crochet rather than sewing - before the edging.  Getting there!

I had to leave early to get to Personal Training but it all worked, thank goodness, without getting me frazzled and fussed.  And I got the bin and recycling stuff out for tomorrow so go, me!!

Today is easier.

SET online, coffee and chat with Chris (at hers so I don't need to worry about a tidy house) and then I must go food shopping.  It's a very small shop and I was going to do it Saturday but somehow, last Friday, I missed that it was a taster session at Slimming World this Friday.  I'm just taking in some fruit but need to get some!
I might do some housework but I don't have to so we will see.

Have a lovely day, everyone, and thanks for all your lovely comments.  Have a great day packed with enjoyment.  xx

05-02-25

Morning, everyone.

Well, decisions have been made - or made for me.  Ray got quickly back in touch with me so say I have a single room for the Melrose/Edinburgh jolly in November.  I'm so pleased.  The weather may not be amazing but there's plenty to do in Edinburgh and the Christmas Market will have started, I believe, so it's all good.  And with John and Gina living close by, maybe I can take them out for dinner one evening - they will know the good places.  I would so love that.

I've decided to go for the Crete holiday in April, 2026 which gives me plenty of time to save for the cost of the trip and also for loads of extras like souvenirs, etc.  So I'm shelving the Northern Lights for now but only shelving, not cancelling the idea.

I'll phone and book before the weekend.

Thinking about saving for it, I have a building society account that is just a holding account at the moment as it's original use is no longer necessary.  I will rename it and any end of month savings can go into that account, separately.  I might move the money I saved at the end of January sideways into it as a good start off.

Yesterday went smoothly.  It wasn't the best day for hanging out the washing but we got some breeze blowing so all it needed was a bit of time in the tumble dryer and then a fold.  Easy peasy.

I was able to give Groove 100% and my back was fine.  Great!

Today, I am 'free' until Knit and Natter and then straight on to Personal Training.  I might make that phone call to One Traveller this morning - we will see.  
Have a lovely day, everyone, and take care.  xx

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