Unexpected finds

Oh the luxury - a whole day indoors.  Truthfully it's just as well since we are having a four seasons weather day!!  It's cold, wet, sunny and sleety!!  The forecast is for 2 - 5 cm of snow overnight - I am hoping that it's now too wet to settle - I am off early to Leeds for the day tomorrow and don't want to miss that one.

So - today was a day to spend indoors getting on with the "Christmas clean".  It started with finishing off the lounge and shutting the dogs out whilst leaving the window open to freshen the room up - brrrrr! Whilst I was sorting a couple of bags out, I came across this pair of gloves - just the type that I need for my trip tomorrow - those train stations can be rather cold!!






After giving the shower screen another go, I then sorted out the kitchen and took some items out of the freezer for tea tonight and tomorrow (Cowboy stew and sausages since you ask) before stripping the bed and doing a couple of loads of washing. Bed re-made and room hoovered I could finally settle on some "me time" (well - it was lunchtime by now!).  First up was sorting out the advent calendar (after I had been in the loft, found it and ironed it).  Wendy and I exchange some advent calendar presents so I wanted to get them in position before Friday.  I also had a "bright idea" a couple of years ago to complete a row by row hanging for the hallway - doing a  row every day.  Well, that never happened but I have come across the components so have loaded the calendar with those in the hope that I can actually finish it this year!

That done, I then lit the fire and settled in front of an old Midsomer Murder with some hand sewing on my lap - it's what days like these are for - surely?  The hand sewing was the binding on a Christmas present - so that's another one finished - just two left to go!!

Exciting news!

  Mum and Dad have been thinking for some time that they would like a conservatory.  After receiving widely differing quotes they decided to go with the chap that friends had recommended - ad today was the day that he would come around, talk through the plans and, if happy, Mum and Dad would sign on the dotted line.  Given programmes such as "Rogue Traders", I thought that I should be there - but I wasn't needed - he seemed a really trustworthy chap and building will start early March!!  The visit also gave me the opportunities to take a pair of "faux silk" curtains that I have had for a couple of years - just in case!  They were new from Dunelm and reduced to around £7.  Given that they were big enough to fit a double set of doors I thought that it was worth the punt - they actually look really good up in Mum's dining kitchen, will keep some of the chill out and will stop their dog randomly barking at animals in the garden at night.  Truthfully, they are only a stop gap until Mum and Dad redecorate the kitchen - but a bargain is a bargain!

After he had been, Mum and I nipped out to the shops - I needed some mount board for my sewing box, some shopping from Tesco's and a piece of dowling to hang this lovely panel (after I have quilted it etc of course) that I bought in Norfolk.  I also bought a descaling product that had been recommended to remove the limescale on my shower screen.  I sprayed it on, left it for 15 minutes and then wiped it off and - WOW! is all I can say - a product that actually works!

Once home, and after the bathroom shock and a very late lunch (3pm!!) it was time to tackle today's allocated room for its Christmas clean - the lounge!  Given that it involves moving furniture, I was not convinced that I would get it done in the short time left - but I am pleased to report that I now have half a clean and tidy room to relax in - well, for a few minutes anyway!

Tonight is my last Tuesday night sewing class (the teacher is retiring) so all I need to do is gather my stuff together and her present (plus Wendy's advent presents) before collapsing on the sofa - that way any mess I make will be sorted in the final sweep tomorrow!

Well - I didn't spend tooooo much!

So yesterday I went to the Knitting and Stitching show and, with a couple of exceptions, I stuck to my list and we had a good time - browsing, coffee, shopping, lunch,shopping, coffee - you get the picture?  What did I buy then?  Well, fabric for a couple of Christmas presents next year (yes I do mean 2018), wool to knit a waistcoat (merino cotton eh!) a couple of buttons, a kit (well, it wouldn't be a show if I didn't buy a kit) and a silver pen (I know - but I needed it to write two gift tags for tomorrow night).  So, all very good I feel.  We won't talk about the couple of items that have since been bought online after giving it some consideration now will we?  Jean's daughter and friend went to Betty's for one of their famous afternoon teas and kindly brought me back a "fat rascal" so that's something to look forward to after tea!


Today has had the normal Monday feel.  We were depleted at the Textile Group -Linda has broken her thumb and Jean went back to bed!- but I managed to start the last Christmas present (well, the last one to be started you understand).  We were also visited by a gentleman who had promised his dying mother that he would try and get a donation for her church by getting rid of her sewing supplies.  I had spoken to him yesterday morning as I waited for the coach and told him about our sewing group.  Truthfully there was a lot that we would not use due to the age and inability of our machines to cope with the threads etc - but he accepted a donation of £20 and we said that if we raised anymore money than that we would offer him it back.  After he left Carine and Ev had a good sort through and we have raised over £10 already!!  Carine may never have to buy another zip - well, we agreed a price of 20p per zip / item/ metre and she just couldn't walk away from that deal!

Back home and I spent the time cleaning the bathroom ( I want to do each room thoroughly before Christmas).  Being in a hard water area there is a fair amount of limescale on the shower screen which always needs some elbow grease.  This time I tried, then tried salt after advice on the internet and will now be visiting B & Q for a recommended product!  I also managed to de-clutter 4 empty shampoo bottles (oops) and have finally replaced the dead battery in the clock.

By now it was time for Slimming World.  You may recall that it was my goal, this week, to crash through the stone barrier.  After a week of being good / mixed with the Christmas meal out on Friday and eating out yesterday (ocean pie / brownie / flapjack) I wasn't too hopeful.  So I guess that I should be pleased to report that I NEARLY made it!  I lost 1 1/2 lbs - which leaves me still in that stone bracket - just!  Another half a pound will see that mission achieved -ah well, I need a goal for this week I guess!

By now I am dropping -and looking forward to a much easier week ahead.  Let's hope that I can drop off to seleep quicker than it took me last night (too much coffee was the problem there I feel!)

Three down, three to go - getting there!

Let's start with last night - our Book Club Christmas party.   The mug rugs went down well and we all received lovely presents from Jenny -all personalised!  The food was really nice - but not exactly slimming world!








Today was one of my Scamblesby sewing days - and an opportunity to get on with those last few presents.  First up was some stocking filler coasters which will form part of a bigger gift.








Then was a heart that we were invited to make for our sewing teacher who is retiring at Christmas.  I went for a design which utilises the selvage that we would normally throw away.








My final task of the day was to sew together three blocks for a charity quilt that our sewing group sends over (with others ) to Mali each year - everyone does a block and quilts it - then volunteers add the sashing to bring it all together.




Tonight is my monthly theatre duty selling sweets and ice creams and so I left early - to walk the dogs, prepare and eat tea and prepare for tomorrow.  I have cooked some chicken thighs to take with me - although Wendy and I will indulge here, food when you get back onto the coach and face the 2 1/2 trip home is, in my humble opinion, essential.  Cooked meat is both free on SW and filling so should see me straight!  If I don't blog tomorrow night then you know that I am:-
a) shattered
b) spent up and embarassed to admit it, and
c) in a food stupor!!

"It's all about the lists - no trouble"

After what has seemed like a very busy week (I can hardly remember Monday!) and which doesn't let up until next Tuesday, Today was an "oasis of calm" -well, not quite but a chance to catch up on a mountain of jobs!  So, naturally, I started with a list and worked my way through them.  First up was taking Daisy to the groomers where she behaved impeccably and came out wit her Christmas bow in place!  Bless.

On the way home we popped into the local farm for a bag of potatoes (well, it will see me through the promised hard winter give Millie something to pinch and snack on) some sprouts and a bag of kindling.  I then settled down to the most important task - getting ready for tonight.  It's our book club's Christmas meal and I tend to make a present for everyone - so they needed to be wrapped and the menu choices written out on slips (they can never remember what they have chosen) -as well as packing the bag with a couple of items I need tonight - a book Wendy wants to borrow, a cheque to give to Chris etc.




After the kitchen had been sorted and the dogs walked, I could then move on to sorting out my craft projects for tomorrow's sewing day at Scamblesby.  I have changed my mind so many times but have now settled on some smaller projects that should see the Christmas present list depleted still further.  If nothing else, I have created the kits to make them so won't be starting from scratch.  It does bemuse me that I end up with 5 / 6 "kits" from my own stash and then go and buy kits from a show - go figure!!




After a lunch of homemade vegetable soup, I then settled to a couple of phone calls that have been on my "to do " list for some time - repeat prescription from the doctors and checking some details with the travel agent for our cruise next year - before clearing out my blue bag ready to take to the Knitting and Stitching show at Harrogate on Sunday.  I am helping out at the theatre tomorrow night so won't have time to do that then.




With one irritating job on my list to do ( the beauty of going out is that you don't even have tea to think about) I set about reversing a job that I did earlier on in the week.  Having ironed on some stabiliser and tracing a redwork design - I then realised that I had traced it onto the stabiliser rather than the fabric.  Time to iron the frixion pen off and start again then!




With a huge feeling of satisfaction of all jobs completed, I managed to sit down with my feet up and do some knitting - remember that wool that I bought on the retreat?  Well, the shape is now beginning to be obvious and the pattern doesn't need such close scrutiny anymore - phew!





As I said before, tonight is the annual Book Club Christmas Party  so I just had time for a couple more boxes sorted from the loft before packing the car up for tomorrow and unpacking from Spindle Cottage so that I could get my passengers in.  Today feels as if its been a very satisfying day!


PS - remember the velcro saga?  well I have just been to my ribbon box and, guess what, velcro is now classified as ribbon!  Go figure!!

We have velcro!

 I can't tell you how happy I am to report that piece of news - at last I can make progress!

So, back to yesterday - I didn't blog (many apologies) because, quite frankly, how many ways can I write about gluing and sticking a box together?  Truthfully the morning was spent at the monthly workshop assembling the bottom box of my sewing case and then continuing with the outer embroidery.  We are now one third of the way through this project and have been given more homework to do over Christmas!



Today I had my 6 monthly check up at the hospital (good blood pressure - always good news!) and so dropped the dogs off at Mum and Dad's before my appointment.  Whilst I was in Grimsby I popped into Boyes to buy the much wanted velcro!!  I was due to help Mum to sort the utility room - but she had other ideas and wanted help outside.  No problem - if she had told me and I had brought appropriate clothing!  Instead I set up her second echo (for upstairs) and battled with iTunes until I gave up and brought their cd's home to sort.  They are buying a new car which doesn't have a cd player so I am trying to load her phone with music that she can then play via the usb port.  Blind leading the blind might be an appropriate phrase!

Of course, being home early meant that I could get on with that wretched Christmas present that needed velcro!!  I wouldn't mind but I needed about half an inch!  Anyway I can now proudly announce that said present is now completed (apart from some hand sewing of binding (oops does that info give anything away?) and the strategic placement of a button!  I am now nearing the end of my marathon present making - just 6 left I do believe and some of them are in progress and nearing the finishing straight! Now they just have to be wrapped - but that's another tale.

Tonight is a church meeting so any craft will have to be set aside for a while - do you think anyone would mind if I took some sewing with me?

On a totally different note, and with 38 days to go until the end of 2017, I passed the 900 miles today!!!!!  I now need to average 2.63 miles each day if I am going to make the 1000 miles in a year - I'm getting close!  This could be one new year's resolution that I actually keep.

Who hid the velcro?

Last night was a nightmare!!   No matter what I did I just couldn't get to sleep - so, in the end, I gave in and got up - more craft room tidying and sorting then!  Finally, at around 1:40am, I tried again - and managed to drop off - at last!

Consequently today has been, err, challenging!  I started with an enjoyable WI meeting - one where I seem to have come home with a number of tasks!  How did that happen?  Suddenly I found myself volunteering to demonstrate box making from recycled Christmas cards at the next meeting - just the right size to hold one of Carine's chocolate truffles.  This was something that was all the rage some years ago and occupied many a Christmas maths lesson at school.  Let's hope that the wi get to grips with it as well as the young people did.

Back home, and after a rather soggy dog walk, it was back to the Christmas present that I started a few days ago.  This should be a quick and easy project - so why am I finding it so tough going?  Must be the lack of sleep I guess!  All was going well, and heading towards completion, when I just couldn't find that velcro tape that I just knew was in the room - somewhere!  Instead, and after a break to start making tonight's tea which needs nearly two hours in the oven (a lamb and sweet potato hot pot) I improvised and tried to use a popper instead.  All looked good - until I realised that, with a popper, "it" wouldn't go through what it needed to go through (all vague I know but I can't say - with it being a present and all that!).  Time to give up and walk away - I will be able to pick up some velcro - either tomorrow or on Sunday at Harrogate!  All that was then left to do, craftwise, was to prepare some fabric, and then trace off, an embroidery design that has just popped into my inbox  and that I have fallen in love with - you can never have too many handsewing projects on the go!


With time to clean out the fireplace of ashes, tidy around, make a fresh batch of soup, from some left over veg, and then sort out my sewing supplies for my monthly workshop tomorrow it was getting dark outside and another day is over.  I will admit that I am looking forward to my bed tonight!

Shedding light on the matter

Being a Monday in term time, today was the usual routine -Textile group followed by Slimming World.  We were supposed to be finishing off our lampshades but I seemed to be the only one working on mine - and it needs much work still!

In between the Textile group and Slimming World I had time (after walking through the front door and asking Alexa to play radio 2 -such fun!) to scoot around and start to complete those jobs that I have been ignoring for too long - the ironing pile has gone and I have used my new pair of steps to change some light bulbs in the lounge and the bathroom (truthfully they had all gone in the lounge and down to the last one in the bathroom - tut tut!)  Then it was onto the main event - starting to tidy the craft room.  With the retreat, and my usual creative mess,  the room is suffering somewhat.  Normally it doesn't bother me - but every now and again I have to put my foot down and restore some order -  I will say that this task will take a few days though given everything else on my calendar this week!!

Then it was off to Slimming world with the hope that I had lost enough to cancel out all /nearly all of my gained weight last week.  I needn't have worried - I lost 3 1/2lbs - so that's the holiday weight gone and I can, hopefully, start moving forward.  I have been oscillating around the same stone barrier and would love to finally crash through it next week!

"Christmas in a box"

Does anyone remember when Margot from "The Good Life" ordered Christmas in a box from Harrods - and it didn't arrive?  Well, today, I paid the deposit for our "Christmas in a box" - not quite the same - just the meat hamper - but it gives me the giggles when I think about it.

Today was a workshop at Needles and Threads in Lincoln (yes sewingbuddy I was good with lunch and brought my cake / pud home with me to have tomorrow night).  It was with my embroidery teacher but was to make a fabric box - originally thinking that my hardanger work could be the topper.  However when I saw the lovely fabric hat she had brought, I quickly changed my mind and settled for this paisley design with a fuchsia pink interior - scrummy!


I also managed, today, to solve a present dilemma.  Sorry Wendy - you will have to wait - but I have got a corker to cover your birthday and Christmas presents next year!

Mum and I have also sorted our Alexa's - we can now call each other and the phone app rings - even when I was at sewing (you just need wifi access to make it work) so that's one less problem to solve!

So now I am about to put the tea on and go up stairs to sort today's loft box - I have started to take the Christmas decorations out and store those boxes in the bedroom ready for sorting / putting out on the 1st December.  I also need to light the fire - then I am sorted for tonight's TV.  Who needs Christmas decorations (check out the Wragby house in Lincolnshire if you are close) to tell you that Christmas is just around the corner when you have "I'm a Celebrity" starting tonight?

"I like you - but only as a friend"

Today has been a mixture of activities - I am on the third load of washing, for example!  So this morning started with bed stripping and airing, before remaking the bed.  Then it was onto some gluing and sticking as I assembled the sewing box that I have been making (the tins of beans are to weigh everything down - it needs to be left for at least 24 hours.  After squeezing some sewing in, it was then round to Jean's to help her husband set up a new email address.





But the main entertainment of the day must surely have been my impromptu visit to Mum and Dad's to pick up a new toy!  I have come late to the party. I know, but a good deal on Amazon's "black Friday" persuaded me that "Alexa" was a "must have".  Mum and Dad had been considering it - loving the concept that' in an emergency, they could just say "Alexa" ring Lynda and I would be contacted.  Well, today I picked mine up and tried to set theirs up.  As everyone does, I am sure, there then followed a barrage of daft questions - with Dad adding please and thank you just to be polite. He then asked "Alexa give me a kiss" to which the reply was "I like you - but only as a friend" - bless!  I asked Alexa to play music from The Music Man - and ended up with Black Lace playing Music Man and Mum and Dad doing the actions - it was like armchair aerobics all over again -we laughed so much!  We have now worked out how to call each other (thanks to a trial run with Wendy) - but only machine to machine - not the mobile phone app - if anything happens whilst I am asleep upstairs / out and about I am not sure that this will work!  Still, we persevere!

Back home, and with the novelty of being able to say "Alexa play me Michael Ball" from the sewing room (my Alexa is in the hall) it was time to settle down and sew some more - this darned Christmas present!!  I just knew there was a reason that I have kept putting it off!  However, as the temperature dropped, its been nice to light the fire and settle down to a good evening's TV viewing - such bliss!  I've turned down an invite to Fish and chips from my brother - it's just been too hectic a week and its not good for the diet you know!

Oh and yes, I did sort out another couple of boxes and bags - found some things that I had "lost" and a couple of pairs of curtains that I had bought cheap in dunelm (just in case) a couple of years ago.  One pair could work out well for Mum's french windows whilst they are trying to sort our colour designs etc for the new kitchen / conservatory.  IT just goes to show the value of a "stash"!!

Another string to my bow

Last night, the WI went out for supper at our new favourite restaurant.  I have to say that I loved the starter (Sadly n picture - it went down too quickly!) of pork belly on black pudding - but the fillet steak was as wonder as usual.  However I was good and resisted the puddings - just had a coffee - but they did look good!

Today was my turn to  help the aged pop round to Mum and Dad's - in theory it was to start organising the garage which has been a dumping ground since they moved in.  However the task had changed into a shed demolition - just a ten minute job!! Oh yeah - with about a hundred people - maybe.  We only started to make a dent in the job when Dad came over with a crowbar (he had been painting The Lodge prior to fitting it up with electrics and heating).  Several hours later and we had the shed mainly demolished, sawn / hacked into car size pieces and one load transported to the tip.  We then loaded the dishwasher into the car ready to do a tip run tomorrow - and they will add more shed to the car in the morning (there are too many creepy crawlies running all over the wood to risk it being in the car over night - remember your experience TT&T?






In fact we worked so hard that we didn't sit down for lunch until gone 3pm - but Daisy is in training for perfect begging dog!








Back home and I just have time to write this blog and pop a jacket into the oven before settling down for the evening.  I don't know about you but the temperature is dropping here so keep warm everyone.  I picked up some ham knuckles today - it won't be long before we start on some serious soup making!

A new literary challenge

Over a week ago, The Mail on Sunday published a story by Jeffrey Archer that consisted of exactly 100 words.  They then challenged you to write a story in exactly 100 words and submit it.  I am no writer, for sure, but the idea appealed to me so, this morning, I wrote one and submitted it.   As I said, I don't expect it to be one of the top 10 that will be published but I had a go!  My effort is at the end of this blog - you have been warned!



Today was a "stay at home" day ahead of the WI supper club tonight - so it was one of "catching up".  First up was the usual housework and hoover round to square up - closely followed by finishing this mini  sew together bag for a Christmas present (The last step had been hanging around for nearly two weeks - yet only took 30 minutes or so!)





Then it was onto making a start on a present that has been on my "to do list" literally every week since September- well, nothing like working to a deadline is there?







Whilst I was in the Christmas mood, I wrapped 10 advent presents for Wendy - we buy each other small things through the year and then swap them in time for our advent calendars!








It was also day 3 of my attic clear up - so a third ( and fourth!) box was sorted and dispatched!









I even managed to make some soup from my raffle prize of prepared veg - with some "smash and cottage cheese" scones to go with them - should last me a few days!  That was just before ringing the Breast Screening team to rearrange my appointment - and to tell them of a "mis-spelt" address at the top of their letter!

So, all in all, not too shabby a day!  I am gradually ticking things off my list for Christmas - but, as soon as one gets crossed off, another "good idea" pops up!!!  You should see some embroidery patterns that came through today - lush!!




And my story effort - well, be kind!  Here it is:-

The look, the smile, that’s all it took across the crowded room.  Once it had been their secret, a message between lovers.  Now she stood back and observed - her affair was over – he had moved on.

Head held high, she left the party.  He noticed, eventually.  Mentally, he had already moved on, physically there were possessions to retrieve.  As he went outside, his car had gone.  “To be expected” he thought.  Hailing a cab, the drive home was swift.  As he entered the house, the silence was deafening.  The body – incriminating.  He agreed -  the affair was finally over

Painting in the dark!

Last week, in Norfolk, I treated myself to an egg coddler.  I must confess that I had been given one years ago and never tried it out.  Now that I am following SW and can eat eggs freely, I wanted to try another version.  This morning I tried it out for the first time, with some added smoked salmon in before cooking - and loved it!  I certainly will try that one again!






The plan for today was to go over to Mum and Dad's before heading over to Brigg garden centre to meet up with my brother, Phil, and his wife, Chris.  When I got to Mum's I couldn't help but notice that the painting of the lodge had advanced somewhat - the look on Mum's face said it all.  Apparently Dad has been out painting up to 7pm - with Mum having to "dance" around on the patio to activate the sensor lights so that he can see!!!! 




The garden centre was fully geared up for Christmas.  For a mere £350 you can buy an awful looking plastic olive tree complete with flickering lights,







or for free, you can enjoy watching and listening to the "coolest" band in town playing you Christmas music!












Upstairs the Christmas decoration floor had expanded and had this huge "train" in place - Polar Express maybe?  I liked that it was coming out of a book.








It was Chris' birthday today and so I was able to give her the finger puppets she asked me to make.

After a mooch around the shop, plus the inevitable purchasing of several "bits n bobs", we were then able to have a good catch up over lunch (I took a SW Caesar Salad and hoped that no one would object!)



Back home, and after a dog walk, it was then back upstairs to sort out box number 2 from the loft -my old school books which are now in a safe place rather than being left to the mercy of a cold attic.  Tonight I am actually in all evening - what bliss!  More handsewing then eh?

It's Christmas time!

I woke up late today (after 8am ) and aching all over as if I had done some really tough physical exercise (I haven't of course).  Naturally you push past the discomfort but I am really hoping that some lurgy isn't lurking around the corner!

Anyway - it was an excuse to take things a little easier today, so my first job was advent presents!  My brother and I swap 24 wrapped presents - and then open one each day in December.  For some reason we didn't swap them last year so are meeting up tomorrow to swap last year's presents (is this making sense at all?)  This morning I spent some time just sorting them out and making sure that all 24 are in the bag.  I have totally forgotten what they are after all this time but, hopefully, he and his wife will like them!

Next up was some kitchen cleaning and food prep.  For tea tonight, I am having "campfire stew" - a slow cooked gammon joint in baked beans, veg and stock.  I have found, in the past, that the gammon takes longer to cook than you think so I put it just in water and cooked it on low overnight - before emptying it out, adding everything and then cooking on medium.  By the end of the day, and served with a jacket potato and more veg, the gammon can be shredded and tastes fantastic!

With a swish round of the hoover, my jumble sale bargains washed and the dogs walked, it was then time to start on a much longed for task - sorting out the loft!  The loft has the kind of entrance that you have to crawl through on your hands and knees so I tend to just push something in (I have taken a "before " picture but daren't show you yet!  Since I will be looking for Christmas decorations soon, I wanted to start sorting through the rubbish up there and tidy up as I go - one box at a time though!  Today I tackled my first box (baby steps eh?) Well, truthfully it was a large bag that has been untouched in the loft since I emptied the upstairs bedroom ready for decoration.  As ever I had forgotten what was in it (would you believe fabric?) and so sorted through it - ending up with a bin bag full of useful scraps, three fleece blankets, some cotton that may be useful and so has been decamped into the craft room and a bag of fabric that I will take to the Rock Foundation tomorrow - this is a charity cafe where they also sew the products that adults with learning difficulties make.  So, project "loft sorting" has been started!

With a lunch of left over rice  veg from last night - with bacon, onions and egg mixed in (don't fret it was better than it sounds)- it was sofa time.  I had a project with lots of lose ends to tie in and, well, if a power nap came over me, who would know!!

Tonight is my sewing class so there's a little bit of getting ready to do - we are continuing with a table runner and I am up to the quilting stage.  It's not my favourite stage - but it allows you to sit and chat!