Under House Arrest day 257

I have no words, The PM has announced that we are in tier 4 which is lockdown bar name. 

We weren't going anywhere for New Year anyway, as we were in tier 3, but I'm thinking we will never go anywhere again apart from work. Where the public will no doubt take it all out on us. Get nasty because they have to queue, get even nastier when you tell them to stand back and still refuse to wear masks ( or not wear them properly). We can go to work because we don't matter, we are replaceable as we aren't skilled and you can robots to do our jobs eventually... 

I can't write anymore, I'm too strung out at the moment and I can't focus on anything else at the moment. I'm at work tomorrow as is Kev. 

Back Under House Arrest day 256

It snowed before we got up. Which made what we did today already decided. There is no way I'd be walking miles in that. I'm far too scared of falling. Nothing was urgent or my money isn't burning a hole in my pocket so, it isn't that much of a loss. 

So I spent the morning watching Portrait Artist of the Year and weaving. I'm only practising but the process is very relaxing. I'm not bothered if I make something useful, just learning the process and enjoying it. I think too many people put pressure on themselves to make an item to keep or give, instead of just being prepared to learn and enjoy the process. 

Back Under House Arrest day 255

Not a lot happening here. I had a full-on PJs day today. I did the page from Dyan's class last night and today's dyalog page.

We watched Mars Attacks as you can't beat a bit of Tim Burton. We were going to Hobbycraft but the buses are still on Sunday service until Tuesday so we gave it a miss. 

It's really cold and they say it might snow. 

I love human optimistic post from folk who think 2020 will just go away when the numbers change to 2021. I hate not to be positive, but I don't think the first half of 2021 will be any different. We will lurch from lockdown to lockdown and the vaccine we do have will take an age to roll out, and I am almost sure this new strain will make it as ineffective as last year's flu jab. Sorry folks, I just don't have the faith any more. And the government have got a taste of true power now to keep us all in line and subservient and they aren't going to relinquish that in a hurry. I truly feel as if we are indeed just "waiting for God" or the coming of the great white handkerchief... And that for anyone who doesn't know is a quote from Douglas Adams Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy... The nearest I will ever get to having a Bible. I find it hard to imagine any of my friends not knowing that... If you don't I strongly advise you read it or listen to it on audible ( if you don't read!) 

Back Under House Arrest day 254

We woke up fairly early, and got up, ready to find homes for our gifts and edit a few areas, moving some stuff and getting rid of some too. I set to and did a card order for Etsy, and my dyalog pages. 

We had a lovely Sunday style roast, being as we aren't usually at home. We watched War of the Worlds on YouTube, it was part of the show must go on series so it was recorded live at the O2 pre covid. 

Later on, Kev watched Liverpool play and I watched a movie on Netflix ( Dark Tower) not bad. I can take or leave most Stephen King movies. Not all of them are good, but not all of them are bad. 

At six pm I put the free live class on by Dyan, very nice of her to do a free class to say thank you for supporting her and her family during the pandemic by buying her products and online classes. I haven't bought them all, but I have done quite a few. And I've certainly ordered quite a bit from Art From the Heart ( her shop) I've changed my habits and no longer buy from Hochanda or Create and Craft. I try to support the smaller craft outlets and AFTH are very quick delivery wise. Plus they carry a lot of Tim's stuff. 

Back Under House Arrest Boxing Day Edition.

Yesterday I wrote that Pete and dropped us back home in the morning. We had a quiet day, Willow was very fussy and didn't leave me very far. She was camped out on my knee and took all the love I wanted to give her. During the night she called out to check we were there and when I shouted her name she came on the bed and slept on my legs. 

Kev assembled my weaving loom, it's only a small one to see how I get on, and I'm quite pleased with how it came out just using the little bits of wool that came with it. I think with practice I will enjoy it, you can see it is a very mindful craft as you have to lose yourself in the process. 

If as I predict this is going to be another year of lockdowns and other Covid related crap then I will need all the help to keep busy as I can. Learning something new keeps your brain active. 

Christmas Day Freedom.

We had a lovely day at Sue and Pete's we got up around 8 am, Kev put the meat on to roast ( we had beef) we opened our presents and got changed and ready to go. Pete picked us around 11.30 and we had a lovely lunch with all the trimmings, followed by the black forest gateaux. We had a lot of laughs and played a couple of quizzes and Cluedo. Our Nephew's Justin and Stephen came round for a couple of hours ( Simon is away in Lanzarote) and my great-niece Abigail and her Mum are away abroad too... It was lovely to see them both. It was a lovely happy day made even better by the fact that we haven't been able to see them much this year. It certainly makes you appreciate it more. 

We stayed over and Pete has just bought us back home, to feed and look after Willow. I don't like leaving her too long on her own. We know cats are self-sufficient but, if you have one and you are a responsible owner you should devote some time to them too. 

All in all it was a jolly little interlude in a year that has seen us unable to do what we really would like to. 

Back Under Christmas House Arrest day 250/251

Kev was at work yesterday so I had a day to myself. I cleaned and took delivery of the black forest gateaux. It was a bit touch and go I had to ring DPD and make sure that they got the right bloody house this time! 

Kev got back around 5.45 and we eat and sat and chilled. 

Christmas Eve was an early start for us both, up at 5.30 am. An 8 am start at work for us both. 

It was one of the strangest Christmas Eve's I've worked. I'm used to not seeing the floor and just a sea of faces. It was just steady with long stretches of serving no one. 

We both finished at four and made both buses. 

We are home now and watching Bake Off... 

Back Under House Arrest day 249

This might be the strangest Christmas for everyone. And there is no guarantee that things are going to improve in the new year, in fact, it's looking rather bleak, what with France blocking the passage of lorries etc at their end so that nothing is coming or going, the new strain of Covid running riot through the population at an alarming rate. If you believe what the government are saying. Sadly I'm beginning not to. I'm not saying there is no such thing as Covid, and I'm not one of the freedom nutters. I'm just not sure anymore that they know what the hell they are talking about. They couldn't run a bath, let alone the country. I think the media are scaremongering and the government have got a little too comfortable having us all under lock and key. 

One one hand they were blowing their trumpet about a vaccine. Then people started to relax thinking we were all ok again.

So, along comes this virulent new strain. Or is it just that the powers that be need another stick to beat us with. Keep us locked down mushroom style, kept in the dark and fed on shit. 

Regardless of all of that I'm going to try and enjoy Christmas. I'm at work Christmas Eve then done until New Year's Eve. 

Back Under House Arrest day 248

Ah, Monday our chill out day. Kev went down to pick up a couple of parcels we missed over the weekend. One was from Trish, and the other was from Skinny Food. He also picked up the fresh we will need, When he got back he defrosted the fridge. I did the bathroom, and the hoovering. So, we should be ok now. My earbuds came so I can now pair them with all my devices and listen to music or audible when Kev has the footie on the telly. I'm always catching the wire on my headphones and pulling them out, so hopefully, this will be a better option. 

 

Back Under House Arrest day 247

Work was less busy than I imagined I think the click and collect and the smart shop are doing their work in taking the pressure off us at the checkouts. Most people were in good moods the new restrictions were the main topic of conversation and you can see people buying smaller turkeys etc as we can have fewer people around and for less time. 

There was one woman who was very grumpy before she even put her shopping on the belt. The main gripe was a box for her wine ( we had none) her husband told her to get a grip, and that there were bigger problems. They spent around £370 in all and had no bags. My point of this is, a shop like that is not an unplanned shop. So why come with no bags and then complain when you have to buy them... By the time she went she had brightened up, mainly because I wasn't having any of it. Plus I did ring to see if I could get her a box, but there wasn't any. I just let her husband sort her out. He was nice and quite apologetic on her behalf. I think eventually she could see herself that she was moaning unnecessarily. Come on people we understand things aren't brilliant this year but they are the same for everyone, so like the bloke says get a grip... 

Back Under House Arrest day 246

More Covid news first. London and it's surrounding area has gone into the new tier 4 ( lockdown basically!) Because of this new strain of the virus. 

Another pall of doom to hang over us, just as they produce a vaccine this one mutates thus possibly making the vaccine useless. 

In other news, my day was made special by a customer who bought me some roses and a box of chocolates. How lovely, I got emosh again, I'm just not used to it. Two in the same period of time. I must be doing something right. It restores your faith that there are indeed some decent folk out there.

When I got home my stamps had come ( I'm finding some right bargains on a craft selling site locally) all Dyan Reveally ones. I'll have plenty to carry on with as they lock the door and throw away the key after Christmas. Everyone is hanging onto 2021 being better than this. I'm personally not convinced... I think we will be lucky if we aren't doing this again next Christmas. 

Back Under House Arrest day 245

I will start my blog by saying that Nottingham is remaining in tier 3. And that the furlough scheme is going to run until April... Make of that what you will, but to me it says we won't be out of this until then at the earliest, if then. Bloody hell. 

So to keep me sane, I've been researching weaving. I had kids weaving loom when I was about 8. And a few months ago I watched Kirsty Allsop on one of her lockdown craft programmes use one. I thought then that it would be fun to have another go. So, I've been looking into it. Mainly people make their looms out of picture frames. So after Christmas, I'm going to have a bash. Yes I know, I have my card making, journaling and diamond painting already. But, variety is the spice of life and if we aren't going to move far next year too, I will need all my crafty projects to keep more from climbing the walls. 

It's what I did as a kid when I was unable to go out and play, I had my books and jigsaws and even then I would make stuff. My Dad bought me a set of Wombles plastic finger puppets ( I still have them!) I remember spending hours covering boxes in torn newspapers and linking them together to make a working burrow. Sadly, I also remember my Mum in a fit of temper squashing them flat and putting them in the bin. When she had calmed down a couple of days later she offered to help me make more, but I hadn't got the heart. I put the figures in a box and left them there until when I left home to move in with Kev, I found them. I have them still in that same plastic box in a drawer in the bedroom. Funny what you hold onto. 

Right, I still had some money left from my 40 years award to spend so I've got myself a lovely new handbag. It's by Killstar and is called Never Trust The Living. So, I need to go through my bags and edit them down. This one is roomy and also has the strap to make it crossbody. 

The other purchase I've made with it is to buy a new mp3 player and ear buds. Because I go on the bus on my own again I want to pop on my ear buds and drown out the world. 

Back Under House Arrest day 244

Another busy day, washing done first then we had this month's covid tests. That swab makes your throat sore, or maybe it the fact that you retch so much because you have to shove it down your throat as far as you can. 

Other than that it was a quiet enough day, everything is done now, the cake is ordered for Christmas, should arrive next Wednesday. Everything wrapped and ready to go. I've bought Crackers this year rather than make my own. I think the amount I made last year put me off. I did make some this time but for a friend. But last year I made 48 for other people and our four, it was a lot of work. So this year I thought better of it and found some unusual ones at our place. 

I must admit though, I'm feeling a little down right now. The whole Covid thing seems hopeless, yes they've "found" a vaccine, but there is a lot of stuff that doesn't make sense. We heard a scientist on one of the news channels saying that they had been working on a vaccine since January 2020. However, we weren't told about Covid properly until March, so they knew back then that it was getting out of hand. Too much is being covered up. Yesterday Boris was going on about us all having a Merry Little Christmas with the emphasis on the little. Lovely, but can you see them ( government, MPs etc) having one? No... They'll do a Domonic Cummings and drive home for celebrations with extended family because it's one rule for them and one rule for us. 

To be honest, it doesn't affect us as we only go to Sue's and that one other household. The limit is supposed to be 3, but they are saying 2 would be safer. I feel sorry for the older generation who have spent all bloody year cut off from seeing loved ones. Only to be sidelined again, because it's safer to leave them out of it. But what if it's that older person very last Christmas anyway? Or anyone's for that matter? None of us knows this could be mine. 

And this is how my brain is working at the moment, and this is why I'm not coping well. I try and remain positive, I try not to read or watch too much news, there is a line between knowing what I need to and knowing too much. Conspiracy theorists and theories make my head spin, while most of it is in the realms of science fiction, there might be a nugget of truth mixed in. But if I go down that route I'll need a rubber room. And you can't tell some people, that while I understand their viewpoint and their right to it, I do not want those ideas and theories bouncing around in my head thank you very much otherwise it might just make lying down and shutting my eyes permanently a very attractive solution. 

Back Under House Arrest day 242/243

Monday was a busy day, I had some atc coins to finish for the holder in the hall, I had Halloween ones up and wanted to change them for Christmas ones. Kev started the canvas for a workmate and we had a few deliveries arrive. 

We should have had our covid tests but the lady who does them was having to self isolate because her husband had tested positive. Reassuring eh? But then nothing about this pandemic is reassuring really. They say now that the virus is mutating, I guess the euphoria over the vaccine was premature, and like flu we will get different strains each flipping year. Great. 

In other news today ( Tuesday) was Kev's 63rd Birthday.

Sue and Pete came over to see us and we went to Blue Diamond Garden Centre to look at the Christmas lights etc. We can't go anywhere to eat or drink, so it was an outing we could do without breaking any bloody rules. It's the first time we've seen them since the 2nd lockdown. 

Anyway, I bought a wooden light up village ( I saw them there last year, but they only had a broken one left) so, I got one this time. I'm planning on gothing it up after Christmas. 

Kev bought another wind spinner for the garden at the back.

Back Under House Arrest day 241

So, work was ok. Everyone seemed ok, you always get one or two moaning about wearing a mask, but less now we are wearing them too, and we have the perfect come back now. You wear one for as long as you are in shopping, we wear one for 8 hours. That shuts em up. 

I don't mind now I have those brackets. 

Last night I watched The Shape of Water again, brilliant film. There aren't many Del Toro films I don't like to be honest. 

I ordered some new PJs from Sainsbury's TU. It was only 50p more to have them sent here rather than the Cotgrave store, but I didn't realise they used My Herpes for delivery. I loved how it came up delivered and a photo of our doorstep ( blurry, but you could see the Jack face on our door) and the status read handed to resident! Good job they were still there when we got home.

Sunday at work went ok, no major dramas. One woman who comes in regular ( and always late) who asked me if I was ok because I looked tired. Why do people do that? Keep your observations to yourself. Yes love, I am tired, tired of your bollocks and tired of you leaving it to five to four to come in shop and do a full trolley of shopping. You've had all bloody day you covidiot... 

Ah well, never mind, off now til Saturday now with Kev's Birthday on Tuesday... 

Back Under House Arrest day 240

Quite a productive day. I found a UFO ( unfinished project/object) so I finished that, it's actually an extra gift for someone, I don't make many gifts now, too many people look down their noses at handmade like it's somehow cheap and nasty. After one project that I did for a friend in hospital who was more enamoured with some chocolates than the fact that I'd spent hours constructing something just for them I vowed only to make something for those that appreciate them or those people that mean something to me. 

As I get older my attitude changes. Gifts should be less about what's spent and more a token. You can give someone the world and it will just be thrown on the pile, and probably forgotten. 

Some choose to see it as a contest. So and so bought me this, so therefore I mean more to them, no, that person possibly spent more than they could afford and will be paying it off their credit card for the next twelve months. 

I buy what I think someone would like, or in some instances need. But, then I had a Mother who pitted her kids against each other. Never really appreciated any gift to that persons face, but using it as ammunition to the next sibling as proof of how much the other one thinks of her. I won't buy into that now. You either like my gift or you don't get another. Harsh I know but when you have lived through narcissism from a parent it makes you harsh. 

But, on a more positive note, it also taught me to appreciate everything and to be thankful for who and what I have right now. 

Back Under House Arrest days 238/239

Wednesday was a cold wet day. Kev got the washing done pretty early, and I set too and finished up all the little snagging list jobs like tags that I needed, a couple of gifts that need wrapping.

A pretty quiet day all told, the first person to have the Vaccine in the UK was on the news and apparently two out of the many have had allergic reaction to the vaccine. Which has vaccine conspiracy theorists getting their knickers in a twist! 

Mind you, by the time they get to me and Kev they'll have had chance to iron out the two heads and the fangs side effect! Lol. 

Thursday, Kev was at work so I kept myself busy at my desk and keeping Willow company. 

He got home around 6.30 pm. We ordered Willow a new scratching post for Christmas in the shape of a cactus and that came. It's not huge but it can be added to the top of her old one giving her a bit more to play on bless her. 

Back Under House Arrest days 236/237

So I was ok after my tumble, I think helped by my yoga, keeping me more active and possibly was also instrumental in my not sustaining more injuries from that fall. Three months of almost daily yoga stretches have made me more flexible and possibly stronger than before. 

Monday was as it always is a relaxing day after the weekend at work and one where we catch up on crafts etc. 

We put the Christmas bedding on, so the bed is a bit more cosy with it being quite cold, Kev took the rest of the cards to post. I bulk stamped lots of Christmas images for my dyalog and one more special card I had left to make. Kev also put the crackers together, and filled them, as well as started a canvas to go behind the tree. 

Today we went to Castle Marina to do a big part of our Christmas food shop. Not all of it, but a big part of it. 

We don't like going there to shop, but sometimes the thought of two buses puts us off going to Arnold. We've discovered if we go to Castle Marina it's better to do smart shop which means we can avoid having a stroppy cashier, and is a quicker alternative. So, we had a stroll down by the canal and although it was cold, it was dry. We managed to get nearly all we wanted. Its a good walk down there and I did 70 minutes walking, and now of course I can feel it. 

The picture is our take on the painted trees canvas from Dyan's online class. 

Back Under House Arrest days 234/235

So, the first day of wearing a mask all-day was ok. I've bought some of the mask brackets, which hold the actual fabric away from my face and make it easier to breathe, which helps. Judging by the number of people not wearing theirs or wearing them properly we are better wearing ours. 

On the way home we went past the square, there is a Christmas Market on and a big wheel and rides. It was heaving. There was no social distancing whatsoever and only a few in masks. That probably means there will be a spike in our covid figures, and we will stay in tier three. Thanks, fuckwits. You can't give some idiots any small freedom, because they take it to the bloody limit. Honestly, I found it sickening. It won't hit home until someone they love gets it or dies from it. 

Today I did an hour of petrol. Not bad, the rest of the day I was on checkouts. It was busy, and there were a lot of late shoppers. I didn't finish serving until 4.20 pm. 

On the way home I was getting on the bus and I lost my footing. I fell and landed on my back ( that'll bruise, luckily I didn't hit my head too hard!) I've taken some tablets and put some ibuprofen gel on my back and ankle so hopefully, it will help. We will see how it is tomorrow. 

Footnote:

I've got up this morning and done my yoga. A few bruises, a puffy ankle and knee,  but if I keep moving I should be ok... 

Back Under House Arrest days 232/ 233

I'll start by saying we have a tree the first Christmas since we left the pub, Willow is a good girl and doesn't attack the baubles or lights and isn't interested in the tree, so we found a black pop- up tree to put behind the tv... Kev wound the lights around the pole and we bought a light-up star ( our battery consumption this year will be astronomical! Lol) 

Yesterday I finished making my Christmas cards, Kev took the to post this morning while I had my hair cut. When I came out of the salon it was snowing! By the time we got home, it was settling. 

We set about doing all the things we have put off all week, Kev stitching mask brackets into masks ( I've got to wear one all day even behind the screens) Me doing gift card holders and catching up with my dyalog. 

So we can go to work with a clear conscious knowing that we have much more to do next week 

Back Under House Arrest days 229/230/231

Catching up a few days of my blog. Monday was a chill-out day, we started to remove some of excess Halloween decorations to make room for our meagre Christmas stuff... We doctored a couple like Audrey and Frankie and the girls all got Santa hats. Although Sadie mixes it up with Satan hats ( bless her black little heart) I did the cards on order from Etsy and finished my dyalog for November. 

Tuesday we cracked on with the decorations and are almost done. Our twig tree had broken but we've ordered one of the popup ones to go behind the tv. It's black so it can do double duty for next Halloween. 

My new boots have come, I went through the same company as before, these have the day of the dead cats on... Colourful, exceptionally comfortable... I love them. 

Today Wednesday, after the washing we went to Lady Bay. Because we could, as from today none essential shops like The Range, HobbyCraft and B and M are open again. It's a good walk down there so obviously gets my steps in, and a trek around HobbyCraft is just what I needed to cheer me up. I do put a brave face on things but I also have low periods and this second lockdown and some of the idiots it's bought out. So many people have issues during this, and everyone has their own opinions on the pandemic, theories, both conspiracy and realistic, and everyone has a right to them. I don't begrudge anyone's right to think and say what they like. What I do begrudge is being shouted down for what I think and feel. I have long known that certain people think because I'm kind, that they can trample over my ideas, dreams hopes, opinions. Just be aware that if you try that with me, while I understand and appreciate your thoughts on any subject, try and change mine and I will start shutting down and staying distant... 

Back Under House Arrest day 228

Work was ok, I had to do an hour in petrol, and managed to not cause chaos. My leg was playing up with the damp, also I've knocked off my pain meds as they were causing me gut problems. I think I'm going to have to just take them on work days. I had a couple of covidiots in this afternoon. Thinking it was funny to say that they had tested positive but ignoring it. I didn't rise to the bait. Once they'd gone I sanitised my hands and the whole area, just in case, I doubt they were but better safe than sorry. I think I handled it quite well, but it upset the ladies behind them, but I reassured them and gave them some hand sanitizer after they had put their shopping through. Honestly some people... People like that are part of the problem not the solution. I would rather do what it takes to try and end this pandemic ( like taking the tests we do, having a vaccine when available) I think some people need to get over themselves. 

Apart from that, I watched my online art class with Dyan when I got home. I have card orders to do tomorrow but will practice what I've learned Tuesday. 

Back Under House Arrest, days 226/227

Friday we walked into the village. We needed food for the weekend so rather than dragging it back with us from Arnold we shopped locally. It was a clear but crisp day for a walk and it certainly got my steps in. 

Other than that it was a quiet day. Kev needed a chill after work the day before, and I booked another online class with Dyan for Sunday night. I'm hoping we are at least on our way home when it starts. 

Saturday Kev was on his new job and in ahead of me at 8 am. So he had to get the bus at 6.30 am to get there on time. It did mean he was able to travel home with me, and we missed one Cotgrave, so we had a coffee from Starbucks to waste some time until the next bus came. You obviously can't sit in, but being able to grab a take out is better than the first lockdown when you couldn't get anything. The next bus arrived a bit early and it was one of the decent drivers who let us sit on the bus even while he went to grab a coffee himself. He was saying that he had only taken £14 on his rounds that shift, which is worrying, as that might mean they'll cull some buses on our route again... Oh joy!... 

I watched the Tim live class on the bus and finished watching it on the tv when we got home. He has certainly given me some ideas for cards in the future. 

Back Under House Arrest 224/225

Busy day on Wednesday. Bloke came to do the electricity check in the bungalow. Cheryl dropped off some cardstock for me, knowing how much I get through it is more than welcome. Sue and Pete came over for a socially distanced visit and before anyone starts screaming they are our bubble. We don't have anyone else we see during lockdown. It was lovely to see them, I miss our get-togethers, and I'm looking forward to Christmas. I never forget the many Christmases we spent on our own, it's lovely to have family to share that with once more.

Moving on to Thursday. Kev was at work until lunchtime. So I got up, exercised, and set to making tags and started the gift wrapping. I like to get in done when I'm in the mood, not when it's a chore. Tag making is always fun and I have to stop myself from making too many. 

The new curtain lights came last night and after much cursing because they were tangled Kev put them up. As it was dull and grey I put them on and sat happily working my way through my gift pile. Kev took over when he got home, doing the larger or awkward ones. We even watched Kirsty Allsop's Quick Christmas Crafts, I love her shows especially when they aren't just repeats of her older one's. This one was brand new. 

My new credit card came today, and I had a financial health check, so I've moved to a free account ( which saves me some money, and it's a rewards one so they pay me rather than me pay them. So sorted for whatever 2021 wants to throw at us... 

Back Under House Arrest days 232/233

Monday was a chill-out day after work. We had a lie in until 8.30am, and I did my yoga stretches ( I miss doing them when I'm at work) followed by the bike. I set to and caught up my pages in the dyalog. I made another couple of cards and wrapped a gift ready to go into the post ( it's one of my far flung ones so I wanted to make sure it went in plenty of time!)

In the afternoon I had a message on my banking app. Someone had registered a new device linking my credit card. I hadn't done this, so I rang immediately to sort it out. The good news is I keep my cards locked when not in use, so that's why the bank knew there was something amiss. They had requested a £120 withdrawal from my card which was refused so no money had been taken. It did mean however that my credit card details had been compromised, so they cancelled that card and are sending me another. That means both me and Kev have been targeted in the last month. My advice is keep tabs on your account and pay online with PayPal where possible. The last thing I paid for on my card was to Create and Craft, and the fraud guy on the phone said it would more than likely be the last transaction that would be where someone had gained the information... I tell you, it makes you paranoid. 

Today, Tuesday we walked into the village to pick up a

stamp set I'd ordered came, but I had to pick it up from the post office as there was duty to pay on it. Then we popped into town to do a shop. We weren't gone long. When we got back we started sorting out some of the decorations. Taking a few of the Halloween ones down and replacing them with Christmas ones. We still have a lot more to sort, but will do it gradually, over the next week.  Tonight we watched the Bake Off final, I think the winner was about the best of a mediocre bunch if I'm being honest. Then I'm a Celebrity was on which I'm really enjoying. 

Back Under House Arrest day 230/231

Another Saturday, another day at work, which was ok, I had to do an hour in petrol which wasn't bad as the one that doesn't like me wasn't in until it was time to go ( always a bonus)...

I have now finished my Christmas shopping officially, as I picked up the last thing I needed. All I need to do now is wrap and make tags, and my special cards... 

I was knackered and by ten pm I went to bed. I went out like a light and only woke when the alarm went off this morning. 

I was in petrol for the first hour and finally, I was given a proper high viz coat, I've ordered one on and off for 12 months, each time I went in to find it has been "acquired" by someone else...

Today, Louise gave me a new one! I shall wear it on my way to and from work too while it's dark.

A lovely thing happened while I was on the checkouts, one of my regular customers came to my till and we had the usual chat, she wanted to pay for her flowers separately, and when she had, she handed me them with the receipt and the flowers saying they were me because I was always so patient and nice to her. Tears came to my eyes as I thanked her, how lovely to be appreciated like that. It makes up all the horrible " covidiots" customers and those that think you are beneath them. I was touched. Bless her. I always make time for my older customers as I know that especially now cashiers and other shop floor workers are probably the only people they see or talk to all day, perhaps all week. But to be thanked for it like that is humbling. I just hope that if I'm still here at that age, someone is like that for me, but I doubt it, the next generation won't have time or respect for anyone, they don't have now so by that time they'll have spawned a lot more selfish, entitled, over-indulged kids. 

Back Under House Arrest day 229

Isn't the brain amazing? I never cease to be amazed how it stores and uses the information it's fed over time. Even after all this time, the events of 9-10 years ago get replayed and sorted via my dreams. It was probably one of the most unhappy periods of my life. Not the hardest, that came a year or so later. But, I was at my loneliest, lowest ebb, with no one to turn to, and no friends to speak of. Even now my mind sorts and stores and heals it all by giving me some closure in dreams. The thing is, now is the most peaceful and happy periods I've known. Despite the pandemic and lockdown crap. I have a few good friends, family and a couple of friends that feel like family. I saw a couple of quotes this week that resonated with me. One was by Kurt Cobain... It is better to be hated for who you are, than loved for who you are not. The other was just a quote... The people who bad mouth you for what you did to them, you did good things for at one point, but they won't mention that... 

Back Under House Arrest days 227/228

I've decided on our quieter days to combine my blogs to cover a couple of days unless something major happens. Yesterday we did the washing and I cleaned throughout. Once the chores were done I started to organise and sort my handmade cards for Christmas. I still need to make some. But I've done the ones for other people, so now I can do other things, like crackers and tags, and my special cards.

Apart from that, we haven't been up to much, just the usual day to day stuff in lockdown. 

We've only been watching I'm a celebrity and bake off this week ( on that note, who else was shocked that Hermine went and bloody Laura stayed? I've never seen anyone else make such a mess and get away with it! ) 

Back Under House Arrest days 225/226

Catching up with my blog from yesterday and today. We had a chill-out day yesterday and didn't get up until 9.30, but I was up at about 4 am for about an hour. 

So we got some craft-related chores done and my new Tim Holtz oxide colour came with my new stencils from Art from the heart. 

I'm enjoying the new I'm a Celebrity in Wales, I think it is better actually than it is in Australia, but I guess the contestants don't. It's in a castle in Wales, which looks well spooky! 

Today as obviously we can't meet Sue and Pete we went into town to get some shopping we needed. It was, go into three shops get what we were missing and come home, job done. And while I'm on the subject, there is nothing locked down about this lockdown there was still just as many people about, just all the shops, bars and restaurants closed. It's a strange one alright. Oh well, I'm sure they know what they are doing. 

Back Under House Arrest day 224.

Work was ok, busy because of the double up stunt running ( it finishes on the 17th, so they only have a small window to use their vouchers) that's why we did ours on Thursday. But apart from the few covidiots ( those who won't wear a mask, or wear it slung round their necks, or under their nose, or won't stand two metres from anyone), the majority of people were pleasant. 

I managed to sort out my hours for Christmas and that pesky training that I was struggling with. 

As usual on a Sunday we got home shattered. I was watching the Tim Holtz live and I could feel me shutting my eyes, which is always a double-edged sword as that means that I go to bed early and then I get up early or like now at stupid o'clock... Oh well, lazy crafting day on Monday methinks... 

Back Under House Arrest day 223

Another same old, same old day here. Quiet lockdown day spent making cards, cuddling Willow, and doing work-related training online. 

I woke this morning because I could hear the rain pelting the roof and hitting the drainpipe. 

At least that's one week of the four completed. 

It doesn't feel like the last lockdown, although people aren't moving far round here, it is hardly a bustling metropolis here in any case. The buses are quiet, but not as bad as they were last time. Town isn't as desolate as it was, although the time we go though it can be eerily empty. 

Back Under House Arrest day 221

Yesterday we took the two bus trip to Arnold to use our double- up vouchers. So that's all our wine got for Christmas, a couple of gifts ( I think I'm done now) I've just got wrap, make tags, finish cards and make crackers and money wallets. Should keep me busy for a couple of weeks. 

I was grateful to Julie Hunt at work who helped us suss out the scan and go ( it's only the second time we have used it and using vouchers for the first time can be a bit daunting to say the least) but we got there in the end. 

When we got back I had a message to say my DPD delivery had come, they'd taken a picture of it outside the door, trouble was it wasn't our door. As we had this issue with Amazon and DPD before I recognized the door, they taken it to no.2 Eastmoor. So I had to leg it down there and retrieve it. I got back and tried to ring them and they put the phone down on me. As you can imagine it won't end there, I have sent a strongly worded email in their direction. They probably won't even answer that... But it made me feel better... Good job I knew the door... Especially as it was one of Kev's gifts. I don't know, don't they have bloody GPS in those vans? 

Back Under House Arrest day 220.

Another quiet day here. Kev got the washing done, the new dryer takes an age compared to the old one. I would love to slap the person who broke the old one... You can have as many LED lights, bells and whistles as you want, but you can't call this an improvement on the bog-standard twist the knob and leave it be. I will give it six months before this one breaks. 

We watched the remembrance service on the Beeb ( you can't beat the BBC for that sort of thing!) Is it even a Royal Wedding if you don't watch it on the Beeb. Quite moving and eerie with their only being a few there. It was 100 years since they interred the unknown soldier. Shows you how poor our history lessons were on that period, I always thought that tomb was empty.

Back Under House Arrest day 219

Today has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. Kev's new Xbox series X wasn't coming, then it was. It did come early afternoon. I had my flu jab, and actually had a really nice nurse for once. 

Then this afternoon Kev got an email saying "thank you for logging on to online banking" which he hadn't, so he got in touch asap to the bank who locked down his account, so no money was taken. Cancelled his card and are sending a new one. Really strange, as the only shopping he had done was at the Co-op, and he hadn't bought anything online, really odd when you think about it. It happened to me once when we were in town, I'd paid for food in Squares and when I got home there was £50 pending on my phone for 02. As neither of us uses 02, I was immediately suspicious... I got my account locked down and they refused the £50... So be careful peeps, keep checking your accounts and lock your card ( if you can) I do it whenever I'm not using it, it might mean you can't use contactless on your first purchase but the peace of mind is worth it. 

 

Heading Back Under House Arrest days 184/5

Sunday 
Sunday 

Back Under House Arrest day 202

I was coming home from work tonight just as it was turning dusk, it had a bleak look that reminded me that as we are approaching Halloween, the time when the veil between the natural and supernatural gets thinner and 

Back Under House Arrest day 218

We had our usual Monday chill out day, but that doesn't mean we didn't do anything, I got cracking on making some Christmas cards, they were quite involved ones and took some time to assemble. I did my dyalog to bring it up to date, Kev was busy framing something for a friend. 

I also did my yoga ( I'm finding that I'm am slowly getting a little more flexible so have increased the amount of time I do them slightly, holding positions for longer etc) 

Perhaps because I had ten hours sleep last night, I'm struggling to sleep tonight, or it could be the antibiotics disturbing my natural rhythms. On that note, they've done the trick and the pain has now gone from my side. As much as I would rather cure myself there are times when only modern medicine will cure me and I'm glad I gave in and rang the doctors.

Back Under House Arrest 216/217

The antibiotics are kicking in and the pain is subsiding. I managed work ok, the odd twinge now and then, had an okay day really no major dramas, bad attitudes aside.

The fog never really lifted all day and it was miserable. I was glad when we got home and were able to cosy up. We had an early night, there was bugger all we wanted to watch and we are always tired on a Sunday because it is an early start for us ( we don't start early, just the buses means a 6.30 am get up in order to get into town. The life of a bus wanker... 

Back Under House Arrest days 214/215

Catching up on my blog for Friday and Saturday. Friday I gave in and called the doctor (at 8.30 am) I finally got a call back at 1.30pm. He prescribed antibiotics and have me a list of things to watch out for which could indicate things going awry.

He told me that he would pop the prescription next door to the pharmacy and to after 3pm as it was important to start the course asap. 

We walked into the village and to the hub where the doctors and pharmacy are. 

There was of course a queue, and when my time came I gave  my name and explained why I was there. ( I'd waited 20 mins at this point) Surprisingly there was no such prescription for me, the pharmacist rang the doctor and lo and behold he was able to pass on the script over the phone. I love it when a plan comes together. After a further 15 minutes wait I then had to pay £18.90 for a grand total of 10 tablets 5 of Metronidazole and 5 of Trimethoprim! Great! 

I started taking them straight away and although I still have some pain/ discomfort, I can feel it less. It's a weird pain, very much like stitch when you've run too hard, but this is constant and sharp when you breathe.

Today was back to work after our week off. It was quite busy. You know how it goes ten minutes back and it feels like you haven't had a holiday. 

Back Under House Arrest day 213

First day of the second lockdown. So we were good girls and boys and stayed in. Kev nipped to Sainsburys but that was it. I did my yoga and my biking.

I have had a twinge of diverticulitis pain in my left side, mainly because I forgot to check that burger on Wednesday for tomato! 

Anyway, if it doesn't ease I will ring the quacks and ask for some antibiotics to knock the infection on the head. I hate having to do it, as I do my hedge witch remedies first peppermint tea, liquorice, sage.. 

I gave the bathroom and bedrooms good bottoming and had a mini clear out.

Later on after I had done my page and other crafts, we watched The Invisible Man. I remember the David McCullum one, this one was way darker and quite harrowing really. If you've dismissed it, give it a go. It reminded me of Sleeping with the Enemy. 

Back Under House Arrest day 212

We did the washing yesterday and then went into town to get what we needed no essential wise. This was for me craft supplies ( although to me it is essential for my mental health) and other little things like cleaning materials so we can keep our little bungalow clean and tidy. 

And yes, we were part of the problem, but town was heaving, it looked like a Saturday before Christmas! We got what we needed from three shops. Then went home after a quick bite to eat in Burger King. This was where I witnessed the worst abuse I've seen by customers to a service assistant. A group of people came in and asked like us if they could eat in. The young lad ( who was on his own on the front end) told them they could provided they scan the nhs app. The loud woman at the head of the group exploded in rage and refused. He said if you don't scan it I can't let you sit in. She then proceeded to call him all sorts and said he wasn't serving them because they were black. I told the young lad to call the police. Suddenly, gobshite woman turned to me and gave me the evil eye. But, they walked out... If I thought the young lad was indeed being racist, I would have stood up for her, but he wasn't he was just asking her to do what we had and checked in  he even offered to do it for her. Poor lad. Please don't take out your lockdown rage on the people still working. 

 

Back Under House Arrest day 211

We met Sue and Pete for lunch today, it will be the last time until this next lot of lockdown is over. So we made the most of it... I really felt for the young girls who served us as they seemed really glum, they were friendly enough, but you could tell that they were concerned about what was going to happen. At the moment it looks like Golf clubs are shutting along with gyms, which seems daft when they want you to keep the weight down and for you to keep active... 

We were talking to Sue and Pete at lunch and a lot of this is just not making any sense, a lot of what they are telling us to do this time isn't making sense. How come it's worse this time but they aren't asking the vulnerable to shield? Wouldn't it make more sense to pour more money into the NHS and its staff instead of ruining business and lives by another lockdown. The only reason the NHS isn't coping is because it was seriously underfunded in the first place...

 

Back Under House Arrest day 210

We got up and Kev took the rest of the outdoor Halloween decorations down that we aren't leaving out. Some like the glow in the dark hand we are, and the bucket/planters are staying in the garden. 

Later my new stamps came from Art From the Heart.  Two sets, one based on the pandemic one on quilts ( hexagonal shapes with images within) so, I stamped them all out, colouring them in and cutting them out. So relaxing. Later we watched the original Witches ( Angelica Huston) 

Back Under House Arrest day 209

Yesterday was a chill out day, a rest up after a few drinks the night before, when I think back to how we used to be up to all hours partying right up until my late 40's I definitely can't do it now, and I don't force myself to either. When I've had enough, that's it, I'm done. I used to stick at it regardless of how I felt for other people's sake. Or more importantly because I was worried about what they'd think of me, now I don't. It's strange how you get older and start doing what you should have done all along, which is do what makes you happy. And by that I don't mean have a total disregard for others, just learn your limits, and learn when to walk away without guilt, because that's not what you want.

I spent a long time people pleasing ( and yes there are times when I catch myself doing it even now) and it got me nowhere. You cannot change what someone thinks of you, but you can change how you let influence your actions. 

As we head into Lockdown two, I'm going to use this time to do do more stuff for me, my mental health needs a recharge, and my emo post yesterday was the warning sign that I am dwelling a little too much on the stuff I can't control. Again. 

Time to stop watching the news so much and maybe a time out of social media, ( by the way I write on a blogger app, which gets posted on to Facebroke automatically) Doesn't mean I'm on SM constantly so if I'm not responding to your posts it could be I'm not reading them, and if I do respond it means I've popped on to see what's happening on my creative groups... 

Back Under House Arrest day 208.

All Hallows Eve came and went with the news that we are in another Lockdown from Thursday, for at least a month... We could guess it was coming, leaks abounded ( which I believe are leaked on purpose) but it all seems so bloody scary, I am beginning to think we will always be doing this from now on, lockdown, slightly free, lockdown. Do I want to carry on living like this? Or those people who have died had the lucky escape? I do think like when they announced Sean Conery was dead, lucky bugger, at least he hasn't got to put up with this bloody lunacy... 

I'm not at work until next Saturday but I'm already dreading it, the nastiness of a certain portion of the population, and the despair from the others... 

The only bright spot is the news that my new stuff from Dyan's release should be here tomorrow, so at least I can lose myself in my crafting... Sorry for the gloomy emo post, but I'm not really feeling anything other that sad old goth at the moment, perhaps is post Halloween depression... PHD...

Back Under House Arrest day 207.

55

Tier 3 restrictions came into play today. So we did our bit and stayed home today... We eat light to counteract the food and drink yesterday. Kev lit the pumpkin tonight and we made sure all the things we have that light up were lit up. Grim still looks awesome in the garden despite the wind and rain. I really love how all our stuff has evolved since we moved here, including the outside decor... 

I hopefully got some of Dyan's new release from AFTH winging their way over the next few days and I can't wait to have a play. I'm still waiting on a few more of Tim's chapter 4 stuff and I didn't realise I had only pre ordered it. Typical me, never read the small print. Well, not much to report I dare say that after tomorrow I will perhaps blog a couple of days together as there won't be much to say as we prepare for our "sort of" lockdown... Obviously I use my dyalog to chronicle the pandemic but, I also love how its keeping a diary without the need to write tons...