01-03-25

Good morning, everyone.  Welcome to Saturday, March and Spring.  I know I said this would be later this morning but I woke and daft o'clock so here I am, downstairs and typing.  Ho hum!.  Fortunately, it is not a scheduled sort of day and if I need or want to snooze, I can!

Thank you for your interest in Bubbles.  At the start of day five, I am happy to report that Bubbles likes sunshine and there's been some action; just a bit but better than none.  A very little rise and some bubbly activity underneath although not many are surfacing yet and I am not ashamed to admit that it (is Bubbles a he or a she?) spent the night tucked under a fleece. 
I've found a helpful YouTube video which I will link to for those of you who are interested.  There's so much conflicting info out there, everyone seems to have their own way and it is easy to get confused; however, I find this guy sensible, practical and down to earth - and generous with his advice and ideas.  Pop over and take a look if you're thinking about this. 

I was a bit flummoxed to find that on the scales at SW, I had gained (eeek) half a pound.  Oh, well, it is what it is and, hand on heart, I've been on it properly since last Friday evening when Dave and Anna came round so - just carry on, Joy!

It really was a glorious day, yesterday, after quite a heavy frost and some morning mist.  We had bright sunshine and, while it wasn't all that warm outside, the sunshine through the glass made inside lovely and cosy-warm.  No need for heating.

The solar panels loved it, of course, as did the washing on the line.  I did some ironing and will finish it off today.

Apart from the ironing, this morning will be taken up with a bit of shopping.  I'm starting with B&Q where I want to pick up some sandpaper to start in on the first little coffee table.  I spent some time yesterday looking up what/how to do this as Ray advised, and found a useful website; not YouTube for once - YouTube seemed full of boys with their power tools and I have no intention of even thinking of buying a sander until I know I can do this and do it well.  Even then, I am not sure and, thinking about it - maybe Chris or Val has one I can try.
Anyway, I do really want it literally to be a hands on thing as that's how we learn, I think.

Then it is on to Hobbycraft in hopes.  I have finished and worn that cardigan and it is lovely, warm and cosy, fine for over a thicker jumper but a bit big and I'd like it a bit longer.  I did add several inches to the measurement but even so . . .

So double fingers crossed, firstly that Hobbycraft still has the buy three for two thing (I think it does) and secondly that there's a colour I like and enough of the same dye lot.
If not, I am no worse off!

And then on to Sainsbury's for my weekly shop and monthly petrol top up.  I will be considerably poorer by lunchtime but nothing is wasteful.  OK, so the yarn will be more a want than a need but very productive in several ways, not wasteful at all and certainly not gimmicky!
Thank you, Catriona, for sending me that shawl pattern.  I love it, it could be something to make and take with me on my two holidays next year, for evening wear, maybe.  I need to consider what colours . . .

This afternoon, there is ironing and I would really like to start sanding down the table top.  I know it won't be a quick job done like that but I don't mind - I think it will be very satisfying.

So today, St. David's Day, is quite busy but in an enjoyable way.  Have a lovely day yourself, whatever you do.  Round here we seem to be forecasted frosty starts, a bit of early fog and then glorious sunshine in the low teens for the next five or six days which suits me!  

I wish you warmth and sunshine too.  xx