Friday, 17 October 2025

Friday

Good morning everyone.  How are you this Friday morning - good, I hope.  
Yesterday turned out to be quite a pleasant day, weather wise, yesterday.  We even had a bit of sunshine which really helped to cheer the spirits somewhat.  Fingers crossed for today now.

Yesterday was three plusses and a disappointment.

Chris popped over and we had a really good old natter about life, the universe and her little grandson.   I do enjoy our chats very much.

Then I had the loveliest drive up the Braintree road to Val's.  The sun was shining and the trees lining the road were just glorious in their autumnal leaves.  Beautiful!
I arrived at Val's, she made coffee and within two minutes we were sitting in her living room, knitting out tongues and needles going nineteen to the dozen!
We meet up once a month so there's always plenty to talk about and I've known Val since our families were very young - she was the first visitor when I moved out of the 'family home' into where I am now.  I've must realised it was forty years ago last month - oh, my gosh, such a long time ago!
We have November and December's dates sorted and in our diaries so that's good.

In the evening, it was my third social chat of the day, my online chat with my Slim Win buddies.  We had a general natter and shared favourite soup recipes.  Mine was Roasted Fridge Rubble Soup!
By that time, I was fading out rapidly and my voice was definitely the worse for wear but it was all really nice, all the same.

The new vacuum arrived and . . . it doesn't work properly.  Whenever I try to turn it to one of the higher suctions, it cuts out.  I've read the instructions and there's nothing I should be doing.
I decided I didn't want to faff around with the company so I am doing a return - it's pretty easy on Amazon although I've never returned anything before - and there's two returns shops close by.  I kept all the packaging intact so it should be a simple enough experience.  I just have to clean out the dust container because, of course, I did start using it - and was horrified with the amount of dust/fluff it collected.

So back to square one again!  Maybe I need to go for one of the better known names, even if they cost a bit more . . .
What a disappointment!

Today, being Friday, is a bit busy. Slimming World first and I'm not looking forward to what the scales say after three weeks or so of feeling a bit rough and going for easy options.  Oh, well, better to know that not to know, I suppose,

Then I'm doing the weekly shop.  I have my list and it contains what I will need to make that cake.  It also contains a chicken because . . . 

. . . finally, Alex is getting his roast chicken lesson, bless him.  I usually use my aur fryer but today I will use the oven because that's what he will use at home so fingers are crossed for sunshine and co-operative solar panels!
While he's doing the chicken, I can set my dried fruit soaking in Cointreau (don't like brandy!).  The house should smell like Christmas!

Once I drop Alex home, the rest of the day is my own and I will probably chill.  I'm still fading out as the afternoon progresses so it is only sensible to take it slowly when needed.

Wishing you all a lovely Friday, packed with happy things.  Take care, all the best and see you tomorrow.  xx

12 comments:

  1. Glad you were able to have a good natter to balance the disappointing hoover. I always think that you often get what you pay for and I am very cautious of what I buy from any of the cheap shops like B&M or the like. You can strike a bargain but for some items it can be immediately obvious why they are cheaper. Having said that even cheap goods should be fit for purpose. Onto plan B then?

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    1. To be fair, I had a very good personal recommendation, it wasn't just price. Apart from the problem, I like the product but I can't be bothered to be faffed with stuff when I can just return it - if that makes sense.
      Plan B is buying local . . .
      xx

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  2. Sorry to hear about the vacuum cleaner-what a disappointment. If you go onto Vax’ own website, you will find some good deals. Hope Alex enjoys cooking and eating his chicken-it always smells delicious when cooking. Have a restful weekend and hope you are soon back to full strength. Catriona

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    1. It is disappointing. I like the product except for the fault (obviously).
      Alex roasted an amazing chicken and was super proud of it. xx

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  3. How disappointing. Maybe you could hang on until Black Friday, which can be over a week long these days once it arrives, you might get a good deal on a really good make of hoover.

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    1. I had forgotten about Black Friday. I might be adding stuff to my wish list . . . Thanks, Sue. xxx

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  4. I am sorry the vacuum isn't working properly. Hope you find one that you like the cost of and that it works well.
    What fun visiting you had.

    God bless.

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    1. I had a lot of fun - I really appreciate my life. xx

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  5. Glad you had a good day - apart from that silly vacuum!

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    1. < grin > Mmmm - silly is the right word. I need to get it packed up again and sent off. xx

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  6. We've recently bought the Uninell Home Cordless rechargeable cleaner from Amazon, it's truly very very impressive - it seems expensive but there's a £30 voucher to reduce the price, then they contact you and offer a voucher or a pack including another battery etc - all in it works out at around £100 and the bonus is that the cleaner works. It actually works better than my plug in upright big brand cleaner. If you try it and don't agree you can always return it - but I bet you won't. No connection with amazon or Uninell but as I've tried and failed with cordless stick cleaners before, I wanted to tell you about one which actually does a good job. Glad you enjoyed your chats with friends, shame about the cleaner............Elaine in Portsmouth

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    1. Thanks very much. I will take a look and appreciate the info. xx

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