31-12-25, New Year's Eve, a lovely (spendy) yesterday and the Sixth Day of Christmas

Morning, all.  So here we are on the last day of 2025.  

On the sixth day of Christmas

I gave unto myself . . . 

stuff for my hair
one book to read ................

two smelly soaps

one reed diffuser

warm, fluffy socks

and a Jamie Oliver book

Its a big pot of conditioning mask - I spent ages looking for quick stuff as I really can't be doing with putting it on wet hair, waiting for goodness how long and then having to get back in the shower to wash it off.  The shower does a much better rinsing job than a mug in the sink!

Anyway, this is a two minute thing meaning wash hair first, mask on, wash myself and then it is time to rinse it off.  Works for me!

Yesterday was really good.  I did 2/3 of Groove (exercise still sets off the coughing), which I was pleased with and at midday-ish I set off to catch the bus into town for my Specsavers appointment.

I have to say, I am always really impressed with the way Specsavers manages their customers.  I have never had to wait all that long and today I had hardly got my book out before I was 'collected' and the process started.
I always book the extra eye health check because why not.  I have a 'freckle' at the back of my eye that is doing nothing and going nowhere but it's always good to check because it might decide to make its presence felt at some point.  I also have baby cataracts so ditto.

Anyway, the reason why I went was because I have noticed that my distance vision is not as clear as it was and should be.  I can still read car registrations at however-many-metres-it-is but it's just not sharp.  Close sight seems fine but, with all the hoo-hah about older drivers and vision, etc, I like to keep on top of things.

And, as it turned out, my right eye has stayed the same but my left has 'changed', probably cataract related but there's no need to worry about that yet.  I'm not worried, that was her word - when the time comes I will have it dealt with.
So, the bottom line is that they are making a new left lens for my usual glasses and two new lenses for my prescription sunglasses (because the tint won't be the same otherwise) and, in about a fortnight, I drop the glasses off, wear my previous ones for the day (not looking forward to that) and pick them up late afternoon.  Thank goodness for buses and bus passes!

As I paid an eye watering amount for basically three lenses (and, let's be fair, a whole lot of specialist workmanship) I reflected with gratitude on how fortunate I am.  Yes, it was an awful lot but I can afford it without going short on other necessary things - and that is such a blessing, isn't it?

As for the cataract, she said several times that I was a Very Good Girl - no, she didn't phrase it like that but that's what she meant - to come in earlier than my next due sight test date because I noticed a change; so many people don't do that (looking at the cost, I am hardly surprised - but didn't say so, obv.) and, please, if I have the slightest concern in the future, come back immediately.
Don't worry - I will.

Then I met up with Beth who trundled down into town in her wheelchair, we had coffee and a chat and then we hit the shops and the sales.

We started in John Lewis where both she and I bought a few things and I found my new coffee maker.

I've been looking for a while as my old one is becoming a bit - er - erratic, shall we say, I had been considering this one (bit too expensive though), it uses the same pods as at present and yesterday it was nicely reduced.  And, when you consider how much a coffee from a coffee shop costs, it will pay for itself.
(I know this is false reasoning but I don't care)

If I am totally honest, I would love an all singing and all dancing machine where you put the beans in one end and a wonderful mug of coffee comes out the other but I have neither the room nor the money for it and I doubt I would use many of the extra features when my height of coffee-bliss is a nice black.  When Ernie comes up trumps . . . maybe!  In the meanwhile it is Wonky Pods for me!
The nice John Lewis man ordered it for me and it will be delivered at some point.

This is it.  Nothing special and £49, less than I had been expecting to pay.
I could have had it in white but the man looked that up and . . . wait for it . . .  the same machine in white was £105!!

I wouldn't have paid that just for a different colour!

After that excitement, we wandered in and out of shops.  I bought two (reduced) tops in a new shop that only opened last week called Penny Plain; definitely my sort of shop and Beth was rather taken with it too.  It supports widows in India by donating a portion of profits.  Nice, 'gentle' clothes, if you know what I mean.  I will go back, for sure.

And just to cap a lovely time, as I arrived at the bus stop, up rolled my bus.  Perfect!

I've been pondering resolutions/aims/targets, etc; more about that tomorrow, maybe.  

I hope 2025 has been a pretty good year for you.  For me, it has been a good year, what with holidays, coach trips, friends, crafting, garden, etc

However, for some close to me it has been a terrible year with some very sad losses and I so hope 2026 heralds a change for the better for them.

Have a lovely day.  Are you partying until midnight and beyond or is it a case of beauty sleep first?  I bet you can guess what mine will be, lol.

Whichever it is, enjoy, may any hangovers be small ones and I will see you all again next year!

30-12-25 and the Fifth Day of Christmas

Morning, one and all, and welcome to Tuesday.  It's turned cold - no frost but there's an 'icy' feel and smell if you know what I mean.  The forecast isn't too encouraging either - of the opposite, if you like snow.  I used to but it's more of a nuisance now, the kind of snow we get here!

On the fifth day of Christmas

I gave unto myself . . . 

one book to read

two smelly soaps

one reed diffuser

warm, fluffy socks

and a Jamie Oliver book

I think one of you mentioned this book somewhere - was it one of the Sues?  Anyway, I liked the look of it, the reviews are good and, having finished the Richard Coles book (not a very long book), this looks perfect for snuggling in my corner under the fleece with a cuppa.

I'm in a rush.  After a very late night, I slept until half past seven and I have a Groove online class at nine.

If I will start playing the Santa Drop game at around half nine (three Santas, Sue.  Yay!!) and five minutes later it is almost midnight, should I be surprised?

The clutter clearing is going OK.  AT least I can now get to some of the surfaces to dust!  The maple leaf blanket is also going well and my whole corner feels much more organised again now the unnecessary yarn (is there such a thing???) is up and away.
OK, so the living room table is a right mess but I don't want to bring the boxes in until everything is ready to put away in them.  Then they can go straight in the garage until next November!

Today is more of the same really.  No wonder the days are just smerging into each other.  

Must go or I will be late for the start of Groove.  Stay warm and cosy, have a lovely day and see you tomorrow.  xx

Edit:  Ooops, nearly forgot - I have an opticians appt today - glad I remembered that!!

29-12-25 and the Fourth Day of Christmas

Morning, everyone.  Welcome to Monday and I hope you had a lovely weekend.  It's turned quite a bit colder here, cold enough for me to get out my lovely electric fleece - much more economical than turning up the heating and twice as effective!

On the Fourth Day of Christmas
I gave unto myself . . .

two smelly soaps
one reed diffuser
warm, fluffy socks
and a Jamie Oliver book

The soaps are the floral fragrances I love so much - English rose and lavender.  Good timing too as I always use bar soap in bath and shower and I was nearly out.

I didn't do a lot yesterday; this virus isn't leaving easily at all which is a right nuisance.
I did get to Beth's with the loaf and stayed for a coffee and quick chat.

And I did start sorting out the yarn.  This pile is going into colour sorted containers and the only remaining yarn downstairs will be what I am using for the maple leaf blanket which is going nicely.

Today is housework day, of course.  I will do it in dribs and drabs through the day so by the end of the day it will all be done.  To be fair, apart from some tidying up (including that yarn), it really isn't so bad.

I think I need a Little List so . . .

housework

yarn away

break up jigsaw puzzle

put away decorations on dresser

maybe sort out and list contents of a couple of freezer bags

That'll do!

Are you a Twelfth Nighter like me or do you like to get everything away again after Boxing Day?  

Have a lovely day, everyone.  Stay warm and keep well.  See you tomorrow.  xx

28-12-25 and the Third Day of Christmas

 Good morning again, everyone.  Welcome to the Third Day of Christmas.

< clears throat >

On the Third Day of Christmas

I gave unto myself . . .

one reed diffuser

warm, fluffy socks

and a Jamie Oliver book.

I like reed diffusers and usually have one on the go upstairs and down.  It's nice that one can get top ups as well, and separate reeds, to make-your-own.
This is already in action; it's a very pretty bottle, Christmassy, and I might keep this one for next year (empty, I mean) because I like the decor on the outside.

And while I am on the subject of smelly things, I caught a less than pleasant whiff when I came downstairs this morning - that kitchen bin will be emptied as soon as it gets light!  Phew . . .

I think I got quite a lot done yesterday, one way and another.
I made Beth's loaf and I need to find out when it is convenient to take it over.  
I did a fair bit of washing (and all the ironing in the basket).  One load to go - I could have done it yesterday but the drying rack was full.
I did the SET class - OK, I was done in afterwards but I did all that I would usually do.  I'm definitely picking up again now.  Circuits on Monday!
I started off the replacement blog - it's not public yet, but it exists!
I put away some Christmas clutter
I dealt with the cheap festive veg and now have a bag each of blanched parsnips and carrots ready for taking out and roasting when needed.  The Christmas cake is also sliced and frozen and the freezer is looking fuller again.  Good and bad - good because any food storage is reassuring and frugal but bad because I really need to get a different shaped freezer.  

By that I mean that, due to builder error, my freezer didn't go into the shed the way it was meant to and takes up more room that it should (I'll explain why another time).  I think what I want is an  upright, two door affair that will hold plenty but also be much more easily accessible than my current chest one.  I have to think ahead and, while I prefer chest freezers, upright ones are more elderly-friendly.  It has to be self defrosting, of course.  Mine isn't and I so wish it was.

And while on the subject of freezers, we're heading into a cold spell so I will have no excuse for not doing a good old defrost (and sort out), will I?

And I finished that Advent blanket.  
I'm not 100% happy with the border corners but I'm not frogging it, just making a note in my book.  The Spike stitch (if that's what it is, there seems to be several versions online) is nice and would make a lovely (if boring to make) baby blanket in its own right, using soft yarn and the right colours.

One of my aims for this coming year is to get a bit better with  my colour choices when knitting/crocheting.  Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't, I'm blowed if I know why and I would like to know.
Anita's book deals with this and I have ordered a colour wheel, one of those rotating ones where you can try different combinations.
It might help, it might not, but at least I am giving it a go.  

Today I am having a day of rest.
By that, I mean doing what I fancy, when I fancy.  I will do some more sorting, etc, because the clutter is starting to get me down, but only as the spirit moves.  I have a book to read, don't I, and some meals to plan.  There won't be much of a shopping list for a few weeks, I am sure, but I need to begin one - loo rolls for a start!
Tomorrow, Monday, is housework day, so I feel no particular urge to dust, etc, today!  To be fair, I won't tomorrow either but that's just me!!

Well, time passes and I need to get going - starting with that bin!!  Have a lovely Sunday, everyone, stay warm, take care, and I'll see you tomorrow.  xx

27-12-25 and the Second Day of Christmas

Morning, everyone.  Hoping you are all well and able to chill after what was probably a busy few days one way or another.  

Altogether now . . .

On the second day of Christmas I gave unto myself . . .

Two pairs of socks

And a Jamie Oliver book!

I think I got the socks from Home Bargains and it might possibly have been in the sale after last Christmas?  Anyway, these are lovely and fluffy and I have a pair on as I type.  My toes get cold quite quickly and cold feet are a misery so these are most welcome.

I didn't get all of yesterday's list done but that's OK.

I got to Morrisons just after it opened yesterday.  I was looking for reduced stuff really but not any reduced stuff.  As it was, things like pigs in blankets and party nibbles were the same (extortionate) price which wasn't a surprise as there's still New Year to come.  I didn't want them anyway/

What I did find was that their turkey crowns were reduced significantly to a third of their original price.   I got three and they are now in the freezer.  They might reduce more, I suppose, but that's OK, I was happy.  Both Alex and I like turkey so he was pleased too, when I told him.

The one we had for Christmas was OK.  Not the best turkey we have ever had and not a patch on the Kelly Bronzes we used to get but it wasn't dry, it had good texture and I like turkey.  It is good at taking on flavours like spice,  citrus, etc.

The other thing I got was a couple of bags of the frozen honey cooked parsnips because we really liked them.  Must look up a recipe.

I sorted out the remains of the cooked turkey and now have several pots of turkey in stock in the freezer - I doubt they will be there for long!

I did one load of washing and that's as far as I got so it's in the middle of a short cycle to refresh it!  Bad me!

The Christmas cake is now sliced, wrapped and in the freezer.  Yes, it would keep but temptation would always be there!  I did treat myself to a slice with some cheese and, though I say it myself, it really is a lovely cake this year!

I also did some crochet, watched telly and tidied the kitchen.  

I I went over to Beth's where, after we had enjoyed a leftovers lunch, there really wasn't all the much to sort pout so we were patting ourselves on the back.  She had a wodge of the cake and I came home with some veg and some cheese - oh, and two cans of diet coke.  The rest was all stuff that Beth and Alex will use up.

All in all, a pretty successful day, despite not doing everything on my list!

Today's list (sorry about all the lists) is:

washing, etc,

dealing with the cheap veg (I am so glad I made room in my freezer)

making a loaf for Beth

SET online with Lindsey

some food planning (and looking through my new book)

maybe starting to rebuild my other blog

finish the Advent blanket

sort out the yarn

put a couple of bits of Christmas clutter decoration away

I probably won't get all that done but I can get some of it done anyway!

Goodness, what a boring blog today!  Never mind, it's my life and it's not as boring as it sounds.  I'm looking forward to it.  
Time for my second coffee.  Have a lovely day, one and all.  What do you do in the Twixmas period?  Do you keep going up to a big old New Year celebration or is it all chill, relax and sort out time?

Have a lovely day anyway!  xx

26-12-25, Boxing Day and the First Day of Christmas . . .

 Good morning, everyone.  Did you have a lovely time yesterday?  I did but more of that later.

We are now into the Twelve Days of Christmas.  I looked it up.

The 12 days of Christmas signifies the time between the celebration of the birth of Christ on Christmas (December 25) and the celebration of the arrival of the three wise men, also known as the magi, called Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day (January 6), according to the traditional church calendar. No one really thinks these are the days these historical events happened; rather, the church began celebrating certain biblical events around the calendar both to teach illiterate Christians about biblical events and sometimes to replace pagan festivals. 

So there you are.  While I do start putting some of the Christmas clutter away, the Christmas tree and certain meaningful decorations do stay up till Twelfth Night and I treat myself to gifts (not quite like the song though!!), bought at points during the year that I wrap and try to forget - not always successfully but at least I try.

So, here we go.  All together now . . .

On the First Day of Christmas

I gave unto myself . . .

A Jamie Oliver book.

(no rhyming here - modern poetry doesn't have to.  😆)

I bought this when the programmes came out and decided it would be an ideal Twelve Days present - great self control was needed not to read it straight away, I assure you.

Not that the healthy eating will start for a few days.  It will probably be Sunday before the decks are clear enough and the freezer contains more again!  At least there's not as much leftover food as usual.  Beth and Alex have that joy this year!

So that's Day One.

Did you have a good Christmas Day?  I had a lovely time round Beth and Alex's with them, J and I (Beth's friends).  Everyone liked their gifts, J and I loved those stylish champagne flutes I showed you a while ago and I have come back with a stack of useful, enjoyable and/or pretty gifts.  I will mention just one.

I already had the other two card decks - the granny square one and the stitch square one and when I was at the Knit and Stitch show I was sorely tempted but, because I had an idea that Beth might be getting it for me, I resisted.

It wasn't from Beth, though, it was from Alex, and I am thrilled to bits.  
Such a lovely gift!

 What did you receive that you were really happy about?

One more photo.
I fancied making some blinis to gave with cream cheese and smoked salmon for breakfast yesterday and I wanted to use sourdough discard because it was building up a bit.

So I searched around and found the perfect recipe on Veronica's site, La Recette du Jour.  You will remember that Veronica reads here sometimes and was a great help when I was starting my sourdough adventure.  She is very knowledgeable and her site is a recipe treasure chest.

I'll link the blini recipe here but do have a wander round.

https://www.larecettedujour.org/2023/10/sourdough-blini-2.php

Thanks, Veronica!

As I said, I had the best time at Beth's and, of course, we applied the ancient principle of 'She who doeth the cooking doeth not the washing up!' so Alex and I made short work of getting stuff cleared and in the dishwasher or done by hand, leaving a few things in soak.  It was a delight to see Mum and Dad's 'best' china in use as it used to be when they did the family Christmas.

Once home again, I settled down with a glass of bubbles and the Royal Ballet's 'The Nutcracker', recorded earlier in the day.  Fantastic dancing and such glorious music - it was an absolutely delightful end to a lovely day!

Today I hope to . . .

• pop round to Morrisons when it opens to see if they have any post-Christmas bargains
• slice a fairly generous amount of turkey left from the crown and get it in the freezer - there was a lorra meat on that crown!
• do some washing, drying and ironing (it doesn't go away, does it?)
• go back to Beth's for lunch (leftovers) and to help her sort out stuff - a role reversal because usually she and Al come to me to sort out . . . etc  I will take some plastic storage pots with me and I am sure both our freezers will be fuller than the are right now
• slice, wrap and freeze the Christmas cake 
• sew in a few ends and lightly steam press the Advent blanket - yes, it is finished
• read some of my new book
• continue with the maple leaf blanket
• sort out all the yarn leftovers
• watch recorded stuff
• tidy the kitchen
• start a leaven
• chill

(not necessarily in the order, of course)

Have a really good day, everyone, whatever you have planned.  Stay warm (it is cold round here), cosy and safe and enjoy.  

Happy Boxing Day!   xxx

Christmas Day

 

 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world.  (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

(Luke, ch 2  NIV)

Another card because it made me smile.  Sound up.  https://jlcards.com/uC7Gk8

The Christmas Day music has to be this, doesn't it?  

And, finally, here's the link to the whole playlist!  

Blogmas, day 24

And we are here!  Welcome to the last day of Blogmas, 2025, December 24th, Christmas Eve.  It's turned quite cold here but the chances of a white Christmas are pretty much 0%.  A frost would be nice though.

Yesterday was really lovely.  I enjoyed Groove very much although it did set me off coughing a bit and, again, I did 2/3 of the class which I was pleased I managed.  As Sharon commented yesterday, it can take quite a while for the after effects to go and I get that.  Fortunately, I can take things easy and I will.

I added a couple of things to my Christmas tree.

This lovely little chap was filled with a bag of chocolate coins, no longer in this world.  Chocolate is good for all sorts of things, Madam Pomphrey says so.

The bag is cute and clever and I think I will be working out the pattern and nicking the idea for next Christmas.  Thanks, Pam and Mick.

And then this popped through the door (wrapped, of course), from Lindsey, plus a dear little keyring which I have to find a use for.

Both these will be Christmas tree fixtures from henceforth.  :-)

Later on, Val popped over - she and Mike had to be in town and, as she has been unwell and we couldn't meet up (and anyway, I was unwell too so if she hadn't cancelled, I would have), she brought my Festive pressie and I was able to give her hers too.  One down!

She didn't stay as she had other gifts to distribute and I was about to pop out.

The cake is iced.  I may not use those decorations, given that it is an adults' Christmas; I have a poinsettia flower I could lay over instead and I might very well do that.  The only thing that's fixed is the ribbon.

What else?

Oh, yes.  Sharon came, did the usual, I gave her the little gift Beth and I always like to get for her and my next appointment isn't until February!

John's beer arrived at his.  He has a pretty obscure address without house number or street name and technology always queries it, despite the post code being clear enough.  But they got it right this time so now he has some 'designer' beers to enjoy.

I pootled off to Morrisons again - I decided I wanted to treat myself to my absolute favourite tipple, Campari.  Anyone else remember those old adverts with Lorraine Chase?
Here's one to refresh your memory.

I like it either with prosecco or tonic so I got some slimline tonic too.  It will see me through to New Year and beyond, I am sure.
I like a negroni cocktail but no way was I buying gin and vermouth as well as the Campari!  There are limits!

There's a few things to do today, none of them in any way a hassle!

Chris and I are having an online chat as we won't have it tomorrow.   That will be very nice.  Online, not face to face, because I think she is still not sure how 100% I am (fair enough) and doesn't want to catch anything.   I totally understand that.

This morning, I plan to roast the turkey and boil, glaze and bake the ham.  I'm using a very simple glaze of maple syrup, grain mustard, Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce which should taste great and I am doing the turkey crown in the air fryer because I can!  :-)

This afternoon, I will prep the carrots and the sprouts and that, I think, is the very last thing that needs doing.

Then, this evening is Carols from Kings and Together at Christmas, both of which I love and I don't think they clash.  If they do, they will be recorded anyway so no worries.

I feel very relaxed, very ready for Christmas.  I bet Beth doesn't though!!  I mean, she will be ready but maybe not so relaxed, bless her.

Here's the last stuff.  All the same, the mini jar is apricot jam and the Advent of Change is Baby Lifeline, the mother and baby charity.

The site says:

Baby Lifeline is a unique national charity whose mission is to make care safer and better for every pregnant woman, pregnant person, and newborn baby all over the UK and worldwide. It does this by supporting and working with NHS professionals at the heart of care – buying equipment, developing and providing critical training and conducting research.

The calendar says:

Today you have helped deliver a Christmas baby! by providing the specialist training needed by paramedics to attend an emergency birth.

Very appropriate for the season!

https://www.babylifeline.org.uk/

I've treated myself to a couple of Kindle Christmas reading things.  One is Rickard Coles' Murder under the Mistletoe and the other is Dylan Thomas' A Child's Christmas in Wales which Sue mentioned in her blog a few weeks ago - thanks, Sue.
I will enjoy reading those over the coming days.

I've finished neither the blanket or the cross stitch but that's OK.  Next week is very quiet with loads of time for self indulgent stuff.

Here's a New Year's Eve card for you all.  

https://jlcards.com/Pm3eN3

I haven't mentioned it much but I am loving this year's Jacquie Lawson Advent calendar and have become quite addicted to the Santa Drop game.  I'll look at today's bit once I have send this.  :-)

Today's Advent music has to be this . . . 

Could it be anything else?  xx

Blogmas, day 23

So close!!

Good morning, everyone.  Welcome to day 23 of Blogmas.  Eeeek!  I'm not quite so rushed this morning as I woke quite early; proper woke, I mean, not the 'I need to get back to sleep' waking.

I've done the advent stuff, made a coffee, tidied a few things away in the kitchen and here I am!

I'm definitely on the mend!  I joined Lindsey's circuits class and managed a full half hour.  OK, so not the full time, but I am so pleased I managed 2/3s of the class.
I did some tidying, etc, and when Kay came, I left her to it and walked round to Morrisons to get the 5p bags of parsnips plus a few other bits and bobs.  What I didn't do was ice the cake because when I got home again I did feel a bit done in.  Ridiculous - Morrisons is only round the corner!!  But I did it, I got some fresh air and a bit of exercise and the coughing is much reduced.  So all good!

It was nice to see Kay - the last time she came, I was just back from Edinburgh and, most likely, full of germs, but neither she or the friend I had coffee with that morning seem to have suffered and John has been OK too.  A great relief.

Then the Amazon things arrived so I had fun wrapping them up.  They will have to be New Year gifts now but that's OK, no worries.

A few days, I went through the Christmas schedule of programmes and set loads of them to record.  Some, I suspect, are absolute rubbish but I can always delete.  I deleted one I tried last night - something about Harrod's top gifts (or was it Hamleys?)  Anyway, if it had just been segments about different toys with a voice over and clips of children playing with them, etc, it would have been interesting.  Instead, they had 'celebrities' let lose among the toys, basically messing about trying to be funny.  I'm afraid I gave up after ten minutes.  Not my thing at all.

Here's today's stuff.  The same old.  

The little pot is chunky onion chutney and the tea bag is 'Christmas Night' (whatever that is).
I've really enjoyed all those regular bits and pieces which will all get used over time.  I've flattened the bags after that day and will store them safely away for repeated use next year (assuming I remember).

The penultimate Advent of Change focus is Emmaus, a charity that works to end homelessness.  Today, you have redecorated a room to create and welcoming, safe place for a formerly homeless person to call home.

That's brilliant.

https://emmaus.org.uk/

 

I'm continuing to work on the border of the blanket.  I guess the reason why I made such good progress was actually because I was poorly and was sitting for quite long stretches of time instead of doing the usual bouncing from one thing to another.  Looking at it now, I can see bits that I would never have tolerated, had I been 100% but it's not a problem, quite the opposite.  It was a gift in that I had something to do and it stopped me from feeling quite so sorry for myself.
Another idea that I may very well repeat next year.  Not the same thing but the same idea.

On to today.
The online class is Groove.  I love Groove and will do as much as I possibly can.  Around midday, Sharon is here to work her usual magic on my elderly locks.

I need to get the turkey crown and the ham out of the freezer for cooking tomorrow (actually, I will do it now - hold on a moment) . . .

slicing and taking round to Beth's in foil trays on Thursday and between Groove and Sharon, I will ice that cake.
I know I keep saying it but, much as I love all the Christmas prep, it is also lovely to just be prepping what I have been asked to prep and not worrying about the big picture.

Right, well, the frozen stuff is in the kitchen, the Advent candle is burning, the candle in a tin is also burning and I feel all relaxed and relieved.  Nice.
Take care, everyone.  If you're feeling unwell, get well soon; if you're feeling stressed I send you positive vibes and remember - it is just one day(or two/three, depending)!  See you tomorrow!  xx

Almost the end of the Advent music calendar.  Two more day after today because I do one on Christmas Day and I will also post a link to the complete playlist for you to enjoy.

Today's is the beautiful Coventry Carol, the original version with the wonderful dissonance and flexible time signature that other versions have tidied up.  I prefer the original.  

Blogmas, day 22

Good  morning, everyone.  Just three days of Blogmas to go now - thank you for staying the journey with me so far!  :-)

Tis might be a bit rushed.  I'm doing my first fitness class for weeks (because of this bug) online at nine.  Lindsey is doing an online block, just for two weeks but a wide variety of live classes.  If I cough, I cough!!   :-)

Well, I was right about The War Between the Land and the Sea in terms of the main event but wrong about other bits and I'm not sure how I feel about the character development of one person in particular (not giving anything away but if you know, you know).
It was a good old watch though!

Earlier, Alex was round and we did our planned prepping.  Beth came to pick him (and lots of stuff) up and stayed for coffee and a little chat.  It was really nice because I've been a bit isolated over the last fortnight.  Under my tree looks a bit bare now as Beth took the Christmas Day gifts with her and then I took Dave and Anna's round to them.

There's still a few friends' things to do (should be arriving today, thank you, Amazon) but it's pretty much done and dusted and I am really liking the feeling of not having the overriding responsibility.  I wonder if Mum felt like this when I took over or whether she secretly resented it.  I don't know but I hope it was the former.

I worked on the blanked and decided that the spike stitch would work for the border so now the question is can I finish it in the next three days?  No worries if I don't but it would be nice.

Here's today's Advent goodies.  The usual plus a little tube of body butter and a wee pot of marmalade.  The tea is called Holiday Boost.

And the Advent of Change today features Food Cycle and says

Today you have given a healthy hot meal to someone struggling to get by this Christmas.

Good!

https://foodcycle.org.uk/

Today starts with the online class.  It is also a Kay-day; she's coming at two.  Before then I need to tidy up and the big task is icing the Christmas cake.  Nothing fancy, just a simple icing and I have fimo figures to decorate it.

Should be a nice day!

One of my favourite carols today - O Little Town of Bethlehem.  It makes me feel all festive!

Blogmas, day 21

Hello, all.  We are so close now, aren't we?  After a lovely frosty morning yesterday, today isn't so wintry but it's not raining.  That's a bonus.

I wanted to start with this lovely thing.

I saw it on Catriona's Facebook page and I think it is gorgeous.  So simple in concept and materials but - well - just beautiful.
Thanks, Catriona.  So clever.

I looked up the fourth Advent Candle.  It is called The Angel's Candle, it represents love and it reflects the good news from the Angel Gabriel of God's love through the birth of Jesus.  That's what Google told me anyway.  Nice.

I'm trying to remember what I did yesterday.  All the days are sort of smurging into each other at the moment!

I worked in the blanket.  I'm going to try a spike stitch as party of the border, which is a new one to me but looks very pretty.

I started a leaven for Lindsey's loaves.  I'm making two so she can freeze one for Twixtmas week.  It was lovely and bubbly by evening so I started the dough and left it in the fridge for an overnight ferment.  It is now out, looking nice and healthy, and is warming up before I do the next bit.

Oh, yes - I decided to brave Morrisons late afternoon and do The Shop.  I had planned to do it Monday early but I seem to be sleeping later at the moment (I hope saying that is not tempting fate) and I felt OK to do it.  There were plenty of people there but it wasn't rammed and I didn't have to wait for a checkout any more than usual.  The only thing is that they didn't have the cheap parsnips - no fresh parsnips at all, in fact.  I found some roasted in honey frozen ones and I think I'll try some this evening and maybe walk round tomorrow during the day to get some, if the frozen ones aren't great.

Apart from that, I think I got everything and, because I'm not 'doing' Christmas Day this year (Beth is), I didn't get that sense of absolute panic about have-I-got-enough.  Nice!

When I got home, there was a box on the doorstep, a Christmas gift of cake, mince pies, cheesy biscuits, crackers and cheese.  How very lovely!

And, of course, it was Strictly.  I enjoyed it so much and it was too close to call really.  I split my votes and was happy with who won.  And wasn't that a lovely tribute to Tess and Claudia from Queen Camilla.  I know she loved dance of all kinds and is a Silver Swan.  And Sophie talking about the inclusion of Ellie in this years line-up was lovely too.

What will I do on Saturday evenings now, not to mention week day evenings not watching It Takes Two?

I'm rambling, sorry.  Moving on . . .

Today's Advent stuff is . . .

Candle in a tin, bath bomb, body lotion, some chutney, a tea bag . . .

The tea bags are all strange names now.  Today's is Seasonal Siesta.

I'm working through the second puzzle now.  I do a bit every day and you definitely get into the style of it.

I've neglected the cross stitch - maybe I will do a bit today.

I've already mentioned the blanket.

And today's Advent of Change window is for Project Harar.  I've never heard of this so looked it up.  I'm sure we have all seen those pretty harrowing appeals to help children with cleft lip/palate.  It's a simple procedure, I gather, if you have the right skills but expensive.  Anyway, it says:

Today you have helped change the life of a child in Ethiopia by funding access to cleft lip and palate treatment.

https://www.projectharar.org/

I'm starting the day off slowly but have a few simple things to do.

A bit of tidying up - isn't there always!

I will make Lindsey's loaves and Beth's loaf (meant to do it before but didn't)
Alex is round at half past eleven and we will do the potatoes  and make the stuffing balls - well, he will, I will watch!
Then Beth will pick him up and take with her as much of the Christmas stuff as she can manage plus a little table she borrowing.

And then I am popping round to Dave and Anna's with their Christmas goodies.  I probably won't stay but we will see.

After all that, I reckon I will just want to sit down, crochet and watch the final of Game of Wool and the final episode of The War Between The Land And The Sea.  I have a few ideas as to what will happen but we will see but I'm looking forward to it.

So I had betted get started, it is nearly nine o'clock!  Have a lovely last Sunday in Advent.

Today's Advent music is the beautiful 'Gabriel's Message', sung by the Beatus Choir.  I often sang this with the choir at school and always loved it.

Blogmas, day 20

Good morning, all.  Happy Saturday to you!

I have a question to start with, please, if anyone knows.  I know Craftsy is an online subscription tutorial thing that covers all sorts of crafts but is it good and does it work for UK crafters?  If you know, I'd really appreciate  some info.  Thanks.

I got onto Amazon yesterday and ordered what I hope is the rest of my Christmas presents.  A bit of a cop out but at least I've done it now.  Phew.

(As I typed this, I remembered someone else - a quick visit to Amazon and it's all sorted)

Usually, I would go to somewhere like Lathcoats or Longacres but I just don't feel up to pushing through the crowds.

The pigs in blankets are now in the freezer but I didn't do the rest because Alex didn't come but asked could he come Sunday instead.  He really seems to want to spend time with his old Nan.  It gives me a warm. cosy feeling.  

And I made the mince pies.  Lovely pastry but - I managed to overcook them.  I just can't win with mince pies.

I started the border of the blanket, using the shiny yarn but two rounds down I frogged it and tried with ordinary.  That doesn't sit right either so, today, more frogging, I will do some more dc stitches round first to make it a firmer edging and then, perhaps, I will try a cluster every fourth stitch instead of every third.  I will get it right - I have time.
(If you have any good border ideas, please do say in the comments)

It does also need a very light steam bit I will do that when it is finished and steam the back, not the front.

My head is buzzing with new ideas but I will get this finished and then the maple leaf blanket done before I start anything else.
I want to have a go at Dorset buttons, I want to make a virus shawl with a yarn cake I have had for years and I want to make that crochet cardigan for Beth although she said wait until middle of next year for that.  and then there's maybe a concentric  circle blanket - and other ideas from Anita's book.

Here it is with a link to Amazon - if you enjoy crochet, it is well worth considering.

Here's today's advent stuff - all the usuals plus the last Jo Malone freebie (another hand lotion - my hands have never felt so good), the tea bag is 'peachy keen' (no idea) and there's a pair of Santa earrings.
These earring have all been part of a stupidly cheap set but, luckily, they don't seem to have caused any irritation or reaction so far.  I will store them in a couple of those wee tins for use next Christmas.  😀

Today's Advent of Change charity is Shout, which offers free, accessible and confidential support for people in crisis.

Today you have helped someone in distress have a conversation with a trained volunteer who could save their life.

Wow!

https://giveusashout.org/

On my Little List today - I want to make Beth's vegetable crumble and get it in the freezer and I need to make some loaves of various kinds.  I'm getting my sense of smell back more and there's something a bit whiffy in the fridge so that needs a good clear out.  I'd need to do it anyway - I will be doing my Morrisons Christmas shopping early Monday morning and, I gather, with the points card, selected veg is 5p.  Somewhere down the line, someone loses out there, probably the farmers*, but I'd be foolish not to take advantage.  I gather it includes carrots, parsnips, sprouts and swede while their best roasting potatoes are also on offer

I also need to do some washing, I've driven a coach and horses through my pile of hankies again this week.  xx

And later on, it is the annual sparkle-fest that is the Strictly Final.  I always enjoy this one - usually I have a very strong desire for one celebrity to win but this year I don't which makes it feel less personal but I will still vote and I will still enjoy it very much.  And probably shed a tear or two when they say goodbye to Tess and Claudia.

Well, better got going, I suppose.  My coffee is cold and I need another one.  And I need to light the candles - the Advent one and the tealight in the tin.

Have a lovely Saturday, everyone.

* having said that, I found this on their site:

Morrisons has announced that its festive vegetable offer has been developed in close collaboration with UK farmers, ensuring that seasonal savings are delivered without compromising the price paid to producers. By protecting farmgate prices while reducing the cost for customers, Morrisons reaffirms its commitment to providing exceptional value during the Christmas period, alongside its dedication to quality, fairness and strong partnerships with British farmers and suppliers.

Interesting and, if true, good for Morrisons!

Here's today's Advent Calendar music.  It's two versions of the Carol of the Bells.

Libera . . .

. . . and Pentatonix

Blogmas, day 19

 . . . and another very good morning to you all!  Friday already and this time next week, the Big Day will all be over and just a very happy (I hope) memory.  And my Twelve Days of Christmas will begin.

Chris and I managed our chat yesterday.  It was kind of cough-laden but we got there and it was so nice.  Then I drove over to Marriage's Mill Shop because I discovered I was totally out of  plain flour and very low on various bread flours too.  I came back with three strong wholemeals, two strong whites, two dark ryes and a plain.  I use the rye for Bubbles and I also add some to my wholemeal loaves.
As I hoped, the shop was pretty empty and I didn't get too close to anyone.

By the time I got home, I was a bit wiped out so rested up before using the link that Veronica sent to find Paul Hollywood's sweet pastry recipe.  Dead easy and it did seem to make a nice pastry although I didn't make the mince pies, it's been resting in the fridge.  I will make them this morning.

Advent stuff

I got a text from Dave - Anna seems to have gone down with a something similar bug so they wouldn't have been able to come anyway.  Hopefully, she will feel better soon and fingers crossed that Dave will be OK.

And I think Alex will be cancelling today - as he said, he doesn't want to get what I've had and how do you know when you're not bug-ridden any more?

A friend came round with a gift and card.  I didn't have his ready because I've had two weeks put of commission.  If I had known it was going to last this long, I would have done something through Amazon.  I might still do, in fact, as shops will be rammed and I doubt I could cope.  

And, finally, I did get all the joining done.  It will need a bit of a steam - you have to be so careful with cheap acrylic yarn - and I have started the border.  There's going to be just enough gold to finish one round and then it's darker red and darker green and I can make it as wide a border as I want to frame all the little pictures.

That's enough rambling.  On to today's Advent stuff.

It's day 19 - all the usuals; 

candle in a tin, bath bomb, tea bag (it's called Christmas in Ceylon!), freebie Jo Malone sachet (my favourite English pear and freesia hand lotion) , a mini pot of cherry jam which sorts out my breakfast, the puzzle section and . . .

. . . today's Advent of Change is for Well Child, a national charity for sick children.

Today you have helped a seriously ill child enjoy quality time outdoors, by contributing to a garden makeover at their home.
https://www.wellchild.org.uk/

Today, assuming Alex doesn't come round, I will make those mince pies, make the pigs in blankets, stuffing balls and prep the roasties and get them all into the freezer.  Oh, and make Beth's loaf for this week - and maybe start Lindsey's started as it all goes so much more slowly than in summer.
If he does come round, we will do it together!  😊

Finally, today's Advent Calendar music.  I've chosen another by another favourite, the lovely 'The Three Kings' by Peter Cornelius, favourite with choirs everywhere and, here, sung by Kings College choir, of course.  Who else? 

Blogmas, day 18

Morning, all.  Still feeling rough but that is all I am saying about it.   Positivity rules, OK?  :-)

We've had a fair bit of rain overnight and I gather there's more to come today.   What has it been like your way?

I did quite a lot of crochet yesterday (what a surprise, eh?).

Poinsettia.

Holly.

Reindeer.

This was a pig of a pattern - it's weird how some YouTube tutorials are so much easier to follow than others.

Three efforts went in the bin before I cottoned on to what I was doing wrong - and it was me, not the pattern.

And then I realised I had one extra picture (two really because I did two of each) as I hadn't planned in the holly.  So I looked at them all and out went the robin!  Poor old Robin!

And here we are, all laid out apart from the central one.  There may be some black involved in that so I am waiting for daylight - Rudolph's antlers, worked in black, were nearly as much of a nightmare as the actual head.  

I have started the joining though and you know what - when they are joined, it is so much neater and it's starting to look better.  Neater and coordinated.

Still pondering on the grannies, maybe a circular centre might look really good another time - a bit like Kandinsky's 'Concentric Circles'.  

Oh, now that's an idea . . .  I have so much stash again.

I think I must see if Beth could use her super whizz sewing machine and make me a tape that says 'Christmas 2025' or something similar.

Here's today's advent stuff.  The tin, the candle, the tea bag (turmeric, ginger and lemongrass), the Jo Malone freebie (peony and blush suede handwash), some really cure earrings and a bath bomb - a nice little cluster of cheapies!

The Advent of Change supports Winston's Wish, a charity that gives hope to grieving children.  

Today you have funded a memory box, helping a grieving child treasure the special memories of someone they love.

https://winstonswish.org/about-us/

And while on this subject, I mentioned Kazza, whose vlogs I watched.  Sadly, she passed away yesterday afternoon.  Please, spare some thoughts and/or prayers for her husband, Warren, and her three boys, McKenzie, Jaxon and Dexter.  It's never a good time but it is so close to Christmas . . .

I saw a couple of people yesterday, proper saw them, I mean.  It was nice after isolation (apart from the show, that is).  In the afternoon, Lindsey was in the neighbourhood taking a class so she popped round to pick up her loaf and her little gift from me.

Then in the evening, Beth came in on her way to the girls' meal to drop off her gift and to pick up my gifts for everyone.
I'll show you what she gave me in another blog.

Today will start with an online chat with Chris and then the day's my own.  I plan to make Beth's loaf - not sourdough - and, perhaps, some mince pies as I have an unopened jar of mincemeat and Beth has put some on my list.  Pastry is not my strong point, but I can try, can't I?

And it would be nice if I could get all the joining done - there's no ends to sew in as I do all that as I go and the joining doesn't actually take that long, you just have to make sure corners match and, with this pretty inexpensive yarn, that you don't split the stitches as it would really show.

I need a coffee so I will love you and leave you.  Have a lovely day, whatever you have on your Little List!  Bye.  xx

Advent music calendar, day 18

Today I have chosen Sir John Rutter's lovely 'Star Carol'.

Enjoy.  xx

Blogmas, day 17

Good morning, you lovely lot!  We have a cold and frosty morning here and it is so lovely to see a bit of sunshine too.
Quick cold update - still not great and feeling rather low so I am mustering all the positivity I can find and counting my blessings after some very sad news about someone whose vlogs I always watch.  If you follow Kazza, you know what I mean.

Moving on . . .

I thought it was time to change the banner so here's the cross stitch I made during lockdown, I think.  I've only just had it properly framed (the frame you can see in the banner is a fake Paintshop one) and it looks great as part of my decor - well, I like it anyway!!  :-)

I changed my mind and did candy canes instead of Rudolph yesterday.  Rudolph is for today.  Then I only have two more pictures (two of each) and one stable in the middle and that's all the squares done.   I don't mind getting ahead and it's been such a help during this flippin' cold to have something to do that doesn't involve too much activity.

I can say the same for the puzzle.  All finished now and I will leave it on the board for a few days and start the other on on a tray.  When I break up this, I can more the new sections over.

I'm not a great puzzle maker but I've enjoyed this and you definitely get into the style.  Suffice it to say, forty eight pieces is enough at a time!!

Here's today's stuff.

A Ceylon cinnamon tea bag, a bath bomb, the candle in a tin, the puzzle (in the photo just for the number now), a wee pot of onion chutney (I will use that today) and a freebie sachet of Jo Malone body and hand lotion.

I love Jo Malone fragrances.  If I ever get the golden draw from Ernie, one of the first things I will do is go into town (on the bus, obv.) and stock up.
And pigs might fly!

Today's Advent of Change supports the National Autistic Society and it says:

Today you have helped and autistic child access their right to education by offering their parents the support needed to advocate for them.

https://www.autism.org.uk/

I'm afraid today is another nothing day.  I've cancelled personal training and will be pulling out of our girls' Christmas meal - but I will tell them to carry on, send me some photos and we can have another meal come the New Year.
We always exchange gifts, not a Secret Santa thing, nothing of any great value but it's just really nice.  I know none of them read in here so I can safely say that the fudge I made yesterday (it's delicious for such an easy Thermomix recipe) will be part of my offering along side some toiletries, a Sophie scarf and a few bits and bobs . . .

Two of the four of us have compromised immune systems so it has to be.

So it's more housework and whole lot of crafting, I think, plus updating my action plan as I made the cranberry sauce.  It wasn't too sweet, it was just right!

Have a lovely day, everyone, take care, stay happy and keep warm.  See you tomorrow.  xx

I've chosen a really nice, jolly carol for the Advent Calendar music today.  Kings College Choir singing 'Ding, Dong, Merrily on High'.  I could never manage the long line in one breath but altos don't have to!!

Nowadays I wouldn't even try!