Under House Arrest day 68.

A decent day at work, it was busy early on, with people queuing up to half an hour outside. But by the end of the day, we managed to get everyone through at about 10 past four. 

People seemed friendly enough. I did have to nip over to petrol and do breaks, but that wasn't too bad. 

I swear to God that the bus driver on the 58 was a hearse driver in a former occupation! He couldn't drive any slower! I thought we would struggle to make the other bus, but we made it thankfully. 

I 've finished my first dialog insert book, and have my next one almost ready to start for June I'll finish prepping the pages in the morning. The May book was pre-done backgrounds, but this next one needed the pages painting, the backgrounds and borders painting. It's best to do them before you start any journaling so that's what one of my jobs will be tomorrow, I also have a couple of cards to make. 

We noticed that a few more places in Bridgeford had opened up selling drinks to takeaway and the park was busy again. The city centre had a fair few folk in the square and kids playing in the fountain. At least it's starting to feel a bit more normal. 

We've been watching some of the riots on the news in America. Scary times. Right that's all for now, take care... 

Under House Arrest day 67

Saturday 30th May 2020.

Another scorcher, which meant long queues outside the shop. There were lots of people about down by the embankment and the park in Bridgeford was packed. The Parlour had an outside bar/ takeaway service on as did Copper and Zinc. It looks weird, and I'm not sure about the parks, didn't look to me like there was much social distancing going on. I want lockdown to end, but I'm not sure about the timing, the death toll still seems high, and I'm wondering if it might be too soon... I guess time will tell. Table care 

Under House Arrest day 66

It was a scorcher again today, the only time I went out was to sit with Charlotte this afternoon. Another good delivery day too, my Art from the heart parcel came, with my spray inks in so next week I can start class four. 

Andrew asked us to go up next Saturday but they still haven't changed the buses yet and the last bus home is still 5.20 pm which would mean we couldn't get home, so we've had to say no for now. As soon as the buses change again we can go up after work and see them. 

Other than that was much like any other day, I feel faintly sad, for whatever reason, can't quite put my finger on why, but it'll pass, these things do. 

Take care.

Under House Arrest day 65

Quite a busy day today really all things considered. We had a visit from Sue and Pete, she bought the trousers back that she had altered into shorts for me. She has done a great job on them. 

We took delivery of the grave creeper for the garden. I love it! And my dyary stickers came today, tomorrow I'm expecting my Art from the Heart parcel... 

Charlotte came round this afternoon, it was very hot out there, and I was a bit glowy when I came despite the factor 50. We will have to make the most of her visits, because she will soon be back at work.. Last night was the last ever clap for our carers, and I'm hoping people turn out in droves, as a final thank you.

 I've dyed my hair today with Kev's help. I'm hoping that Blu will open soon so I can get a good cut. Thank goodness I bought that hygge band as it's been my saviour during this lockdown period.

Monday sees the lockdown ease a little so that you can see family members. Albeit outside with distancing in place but it's a step forward, I think the majority of us have been doing that in any case. So long as you are sensible.

Oh, and I've decided that I really can't stand people who don't normally speak to you, try and make conversation with you just because you have visitors. I wish you could hold up fake people and see through them like fake money. My trouble is,

I can. 

Under House Arrest day 64

Wednesday 27th May 2020.

Hello readers... Another beautiful day in lockdown. I spent the morning sorting out my stash ( again) it gets very messy as I use it. And as I had bought some new folders for my stamps and stencils yesterday I needed to put them in order. 

I also bought an eco-warrior shampoo bar and shave bar, the latter ostensibly for Kev, but I do have legs and underarms to de-forrest every so often so, I could make use of it too. I usually buy Lush, but as it's shut and the p&p makes you put more in your basket than you actually want online I thought I'd give these a go. I have jute shampoo bags that I pop the bar into so the "soap" dries out after usage and you don't get that wasteful gunk that you do with bars of any sort. These bars smell very good and at £4.50 a pop are competitively priced.

I also use Jungle solid hair conditioner from Lush, but I bought a couple of those just before lockdown. I have one still wrapped up in the drawer when I need one. I try not to over condition my hair as it gets too soft and unruly. 

The rest of the day was pretty much like all the others in lockdown really. It was nice to see Charlotte in the afternoon. As regular as clockwork Mrs Busy came outside as soon as Charlotte came. Today however she also had a visitor who it must be said doesn't live there but did come out of her house! A bit like Dominic Cummings one rule for them, one for us... Unlike her I didn't ask any questions, what they do is their own lookout, but woe betide her (or him) for that matter if they quiz anyone coming here again!  

Right, that's all my news for now, 

Take care...

Under House Arrest day 63.

Tuesday 26th May 2020.

Today was a mix of cloud and sun, we set off on the bus into town, getting off at the station and walked down to Castle Marina we went the canal route as it is quite pretty. The only problem is all the bloody cyclists that speed past you, the more considerate one's ring their bells, but more often than not you have to jump out of the way because one comes hurtling past you as if a pack of wolves are chasing them. 

Anyhow, eventually we made it to the supermarket there and queued up ( as you do) to be fair for a big queue it moved fairly quickly and must have taken roughly 10 minutes.

We made the most of the fact we could shop properly for once and stocked up, we were hoping to use our vouchers given us, but the cashier said because the wifi was out we couldn't. Personally, I think it was because she couldn't be arsed to tap the numbers in manually if you ask me. But, hey ho, we will use them another time. We say it every time we go that we never get good service there, and we should avoid it. But I think today was the straw that broke the camels back. I think in future we will get the bus into town and then get the bus to Arnold and shop there. 

It was nice to see a lot more places opening up, and apart from the social distancing measures, it felt almost normal. 

By the time we had walked back to the station to get the bus, my leg was starting to hurt and stiffen up... I'll bike in the morning in the hopes of loosening it a little. I might even take pain killers before I go to bed to make sure I can sleep.

Today is the anniversary of Bram Stokers Dracula being published, 123 years to be precise, and in honour of that, I'm re-reading it for probably the 20th time. I still love the way the story grips you and transports you to the Carpathian mountains, and I can hear Gary Oldman say certain lines in my head like " to you there will be many strange things" 

Right, that'll do for now, take care... 

Under House Arrest day 62

Monday 25th May 2020

It's been a beautiful day today. Really hot and sunny. We had a chill day today after work. We sat outside in the afternoon with Charlotte. 

Later on I had a chat to Anne on the phone she is back at Lings Bar nursing home after her infection. It sounds like she is doing well all things considered. It will be lovely when she can come home. I know Joe misses her greatly. I miss our crafty get together's on a Wednesday, her Jean and Isobel and Lillian too... Hopefully it won't be long before we can start that up again. 

Right that's all for now. Take care. 

Under House Arrest day 61.

When I started this blog I had no idea that it was going go past 60 days. I thought maybe 30 max, yes some restrictions have been eased, but we are mostly in lockdown. So here we are, staying in more often than not. Work was busy today, people were saying that they were queuing for about 20/25 minutes to get in. 

As usual we were both shattered come the end of the day and were not long out of bed. Kev isn't feeling too well, but I know he has had hay fever really bad this week and gets very congested. 

Right that's all my news for now, take care.

Under House Arrest day 60

Hello there folks who read my blog... Yesterday, was a workday. On the whole not too bad, although you can see more people in the square now as you pass through so it's slowly getting less like a horror/sci-fi movie. More folks on the buses, the 58 by the way nearly sailed straight past us. He obviously wasn't looking. He pulled up when he saw us running. 

I was in petrol for the last hour, I had to do some training in the morning and that included some hands-on, so I finished off my day there. Definitely more people buying petrol. 

Other than that we got home and as usual watched Ru Paul ( after watching the last bit of Finding Dory) I love that movie. It was an early night as I had to be up ready for work again today. 

Right, catch you later, take care.

Under House Arrest day 59

Another day survived lockdown.  It was not as nice as yesterday it started out quite dull. It brightened up but was very windy. The wind spinners were doing overtime. I do love watching them though. I'd love to see some of the really big kinetic one's like the Olympic flame one they had. 

We didn't go out, not even for a walk as we are at work tomorrow and Sunday, and that's enough meeting Joe public as we need. 

Another travel company has gone bust, Shearings and National Holidays. They were the ones we booked with last year to go to Alton Towers. Good job we hadn't booked this year's trip, as we were thinking of going with Andrew and Adam. 

I think the whole of this mess will take years to sort out, and I can also see people taking holidays in this country more, if they can afford one at all. Plus, I can see it getting to the point where it will go back to just the rich who can go abroad. Take care... 

 

Under House Arrest day 58.

The only thing I dislike about living here apart from the nosy gits at number 4, is the fact that really is death valley. Another of our neighbours has passed away today. Not COVID related, she had cancer, and when we saw her outside last week we had both remarked how frail she looked. I didn't know her well, like most of the residents here we waved, said hello etc. There are a few that have taken the time to get to know us, Anne and Joe are lovely, Jean and Val are nice and Isobel and George. But mostly I get the impression that because no.4 don't like us they tell others to steer clear of us. I remember when we first moved here they tried to tell us not to have anything to do with one of the residents as they were trouble. Unfortunately for them, Kev and I make our own minds up about people, and we thought she was ok. And obviously, those I mentioned above are the same, they talked to us regardless of what they were "told" about us. 

But to get back to my main point. It is always sad when you see family coming in to empty a bungalow. And you heart sinks when an ambulance shows up, no matter that you don't know that person well, it hits you. Bless you lovely, I hope you aren't in pain anymore... 

On a brighter note we had another visit from Sue and Pete, they bought their chairs with them and we had a lovely chat in the sunshine. It's always lovely to see them. And it wasn't as hot today, but I took precautions( I'm a goth after all!) A hat shades and factor 50 is my go-to face cream in the summer months! 

Charlotte came round later she had been to Morrison's and got us our sugar-free biscuits. They are hard to get hold of here and I do like a bikkie with my elevenses. It's good of her to get them us 

Right, I'm done for today... Picture is my dialog page for the 20th,  I did a hidden pocket and a tag. The sentiment reads Be Brave enough to be bad at something new, and remember to take risks... 

Under House Arrest day 57

Blimey, it was hot yesterday, thank God for that air con unit... And thank God I bought it when I did, it almost doubled in price now. 

We sat outside with Charlotte for a bit, but it was too hot to stay there long, but you know what it like when you get chatting. 

Kev did the washing then we took a walk into the village, we were going to go to the butchers, but with the heat we didn't make it that far. We went to the hot cob shop and Sainsbury's in the end. 

Apart from doing my page in my dialog and more backgrounds, I had a pretty chilled day. We watched sewing bee and marvelled at the fact that the usual suspects escaped getting booted off the show yet again. I did like the cami set that Liz did though, we'll I would it was black! 

Under House Arrest Day 56

I'm going to start with a rant Kev style! 

Yesterday I waited in for a parcel from create and craft  (My Herpes) well it eventually came at 4.30pm. Fine. An hour before that I had an email from create and craft to say the paint wouldn't be in the parcel as it was out of stock. Now don't get me wrong, I understand you can sell out of stuff, but that order was placed three weeks ago. 1. Don't accept the order and take the money if you don't  have it then. 2. Why wait until the delivery day to let me know. 3. And finally how come you can take the cash out of my account straight away, but the refund will take 21 days. *rant over* I won't be ordering from them again unless I'm desperate. It's not the first time they have taken payment for goods they then haven't got. 

Other than that I had a nice enough day. I have been busy sorting and editing my craft stash to make room on my trolley for what I use daily. I've started class 3, which was last weeks and have class 4 lined up for when that's done, and I have pre-booked the week-long class for when I'm on holiday in June being as we can't go away anywhere. It will give me something to look forward to... 

Right, that's it for now, take care...

Under House Arrest day 55

Today I had a lie in, well until 8.15 am which isn't bad for a Monday after a weekend at work. It's the 18th of May, it seems like a lifetime since our world was turned upside down and inside out by this virus. I don't know what I was expecting, but I didn't think when the first three-week lockdown was introduced that it would be like this. Stupidly, I thought it would be just a short period of time that we would need to be locked down, now I'm beginning to think it will be for a very long time. Doubts creep in that it might not ever go back to what it was like before and I think mentally it will leave some long-lasting anxiety issues with most people. 

If yesterday I trod water,  today I had an up and at 'em attitude. I sorted out my craft trolley in the living room. The stuff that came on Saturday all put away but handy to be used when I need it. 

I have a create and craft parcel due from My Herpes, but although it said it would come today, I knew it would be tomorrow. They are really crap, I have no idea why large companies use them. I stopped using them ages ago when I was still making bath bombs and soaps. 

I've started prepping another insert book ready for next month. I don't want the pages to stick together, so I'm painting the backgrounds now a couple at a time, then I will go in do stencil work and borders. 

I think like all my art journals my dialog will be good to look back on and see how much I've learned, improved, and maybe a glimpse of how I was feeling at the time. 

On that note I'll finish for now. Take care... 

Under House Arrest day 54

Sunday 17th May 2020

I started the day tired and ended the day bone tired. My body aches everywhere, I got through my day at work on autopilot. 

We get on the buses all masked up like latter-day lone rangers. The only time I bother with a mask is the bus, doesn't really protect the person wearing them, but does help protect the person you are dealing with, in this case the drivers. And I do wish folks wouldn't wear gloves, you are actually spreading more terms around than you would with your bare hands. Just sanitise or wash your hands more often is the best policy! 

There are definitely more cars on the road and more people around  the square. 

When we got home we sat outside with Charlotte. 

I did my page, and we were in bed by 10... Shattered... 

Under House Arrest day 53

Well, another workday, another weird day, loads of husbands sent to do the weekly shop, so many without a clue! "Excuse me, Miss, do you know where the...? is?"  I almost felt like doing a Kev many years ago, and saying "Yes thanks" and walking off! But, ever the professional, I did my bit and showed them where whatever they were looking for was. 

We did have a laugh at  break though when the subject came up about bad neighbours. I amused them with stories of Mr and Mrs Busy, making them laugh with mine and Kev's responses to their obsessive nosing! Suzie has a neighbour from Hell too, but hers keeps her awake with loud music. Our little circle is at least quiet, some nights when it's so still you can hear a pin drop. 

I got home to a parcel from Art from the Heart, with my stencils and paint in! So I obviously had a bit of fun with them on today's page. 

Missed not having Eurovision to have a laugh at tonight, last year we had Charlotte round for wine and nibbles, but even that got cancelled this year. I wonder how Dean got on, he always used to say he watched Eurovision in order to renew his gay licence! Lol... 

Buses were still fairly quiet, but there were more cars on the roads. City centre still looks like a scene from 28 Days Later. I saw on TwoFaced book that Propaganda has shut permanently, which is a shame, as I liked it as a venue. I dare say they won't be the only ones to disappear. Thank God we were out of the pub business long before this hit. Yes, the outcome would have been the same, but at least now we are back on our feet again, and not just facing that uphill struggle of seven years ago. 

Right, that's all my news for now... Look after yourselves... 

Under House Arrest day 52

Another beautiful day in Lockdown. I spent most of it chilling with Willow, I had some things come from eBay a set of stamps and a set of dies. I've still got other stuff I'm waiting for. I've been told I have a parcel due from Art from the Heart tomorrow, but obviously, I'm at work. I will have to fetch it from the office on Monday. Later in the afternoon we sat outside with Charlotte and had a right laugh. 

We watched another After Life. And then later Cats ( the original stage show) on YouTube.

Right, not much more to say at the moment. Take care 

Under House Arrest day 51

Another day much like any other. It was quite nice weather-wise. It falls into a pattern. Get up, fifteen minutes on the bike, breakfast. Self care routine (or in the case if my hair) brush it and let it go it's own way! Decide what we want to eat, start crafting, have coffee, watch tv, eat. Craft some more, then tidy up. Watch a series or movie ( two episodes of any series is enough for me) I can't binge-watch, we lived with someone when we were homeless and they binge-watched a series ( all 10 seasons at the time) it has made me unable to do it now. It drove me mad. I do another 15 mins on the bike, then read before bed. Reading makes me tired so I wind down that way. Repeat daily, apart from when I'm at work. 

I saw a pin earlier, a quote, it resonated with me. It said, 

Do you ever wonder why certain people don't like you, even when they don't know you? 

Well, you should wonder why you are bothered... 

It hit a nerve, I do give people who don't like me more energy than I should. Instead I should concentrate on the one's that do like me. After all, I'm not losing out. Just saving myself from getting to know arseholes. 

Watching After Life is rubbing off on me. Lol... 

Right, I'm going to stop now. Picture is from my dyalog for the 13th.

Under House Arrest day 50.

Well, today was a real red-letter day in our lockdown world. Sue and Pete came to see us! They bought their chairs and we sat outside at the correct distance. They had a coffee and we had a good catch up! It was lovely to see them and even better to know they are well and reasonably happy as you can be in this situation. That's the first time we have seen them since lockdown. We tried video calling but it's just not for us... It really made my day, and I know Kev enjoyed it as he and Pete could talk football! 

We saw Charlotte this afternoon, for a quick natter which is always nice.

I did my page in my dyalog and prepped another couple. I love my mega date stamp, and after I'd played at my desk for a bit I had a good tidy up and found new homes for my recent craft purchases. 

We watched Men in Black 2 ( not that great) and a couple more After Life episodes. We also watched the Sewing Bee. I'm hoping my journaling block and other Dylusions bits and bobs come in the next couple of days. 

Right, time to do a bit more on the bike. Take care. 

Under House Arrest day 49

Hello. Yesterday we had a busy day, we went into the city on the bus ( yes we wore masks while on the bus!) We needed some bits and bobs that we can't get here. So we had a bit of wander around. There were quite a few people about. Not "normal" levels but a lot more than we have been seeing. There were lots of construction workers, Kev said it was like being in a game of Minecraft! 

When we got back home we had a red card from the post office saying that we had a parcel to collect from the village. We could go down between 5 and 6. The post office is shut in the village apart from that one hour, because of the flood that happened a couple of weeks ago. So, after leaving a jigsaw on the rack outside for a guy who asked on the Cotgrave Noticeboard if anyone had one for his parents, we set off for the village. We hadn't gone far when the phone rang and Charlotte and Lauren then joined us at the Welfare for a bit of a natter. They had done their dog walking earlier so didn't want to walk the rest of the way with us, so after a chat they went home and we carried on. We got there and the lovely girl who works at the post office gave us the parcels and we caught the bus back because it was due. 

Turns out it was my large Date Stamp from Studio Calico and a bag I'd ordered from Yoshi. I love my Shakespeare bag, but sometimes it's not big enough so I spotted one in the sale that I liked. The large date stamp is for my daily dyalog 

Later on we watched Men in Black ( we have the four movies downloaded) we haven't watched it for years so we thought we'd start at the beginning. 

Right, I'll stop now. Stay well.

Under House Arrest day 48

After the weekend at work, we had a chill day indoors, I paid for and watched Dyan's latest class online. I haven't started it yet as really I need my journaling block to come. But I did practice my doodling. I did my page for yesterday. 

Kev started putting the picnic table together for the girls. 

Again it was bitterly cold out there. The sun was shining to fool you, but it didn't warm you at all. 

We've started watching After Life on Netflix. It's by Ricky Gervais ( not everyone's cup of tea but I like him, I've seen a couple of interviews with him and he comes across as someone I could get on with) I like his honesty. And his character in this is blunt and says all the things I wish I could in certain situations. When you know why he is the way in this it makes perfect sense. 

Sue rang today and it was lovely to hear from her. If the weather improves we might meet up for a socially distant visit later in the week. 

My new glasses stand came today, my glasses case is getting a little fragile and I saw this stand and thought it would be a much better idea for store them on. Plus it reminds me of the statues on Easter Island, they have always fascinated me. 

We are heading into the city tomorrow. I want a few bits from Wilkos and Holland and Barrett ( both are still open) right, signing off now... Stay safe...

Under House Arrest day 47

I could make this post all about Blundering Boris and his uninspiring speech. But I'm not going to. He had one job, he couldn't even do that. 

Personally, nothing changes for us. We will continue as we were. Just yesterday I served a couple of fuckwits. You know the sort, fake tan, fake eyelashes, fake nails. Mouths like the gutter and faces harder than granite. I asked them to step back to the line until the person in front had gone. They laughed and stayed where they were. My supervisor then asked them to step back, to be met with a volley of abuse " you're enjoying this power" Then proceeded to ( perhaps on purpose) to brag about how they had a party for VE day. How pissed they were and how nice it was to see friends. One of them coughed and giggled. And this is what we deal with. And that's why I've had enough. If I have to work in close proximity to idiots who don't stick to any rules. Why should I? Actually, I do know why, because I love a few people. I worry about those people. I won't put them at risk because of that. That's why I am going on as before. 

It was freezing yesterday. It was like winter. So that meant fewer people were about. I feel sorry for my work friends today because it's sunny and that means they'll be busier. 

And finally, before I wind up, I'm not an expert in these matters, but, my feelings are this I think the government wanted herd immunity at the start of this pandemic. They got slammed for it because of the death toll. They are now trying to do it like they do everything by the back door. Get everyone infected. It kills who it kills, but the ones left will ( maybe) have antibodies so that they can ( maybe) make a vaccine. 

Right, signing off. Do what you think you need to do to stay safe and keep those you love safe. 

Under House Arrest day 46

Saturday 9th May 2020

It's been a funny old day today. It started with our journey on the Cotgrave bus. As we were approaching the Meadows area ( Eugene Gardens bus stop) there was a bloke collapsed on the pavement, he looked purple, and not in a good way. The bus slowed down, and we thought the driver was going to ring the police. But no, he carried on. When we got to town, Kev asked if he was going to call it in. He just said he thought the guy was pissed, and not really his problem. So I called the police myself and said that I didn't know if anyone had called it in or not. The police said they'd been contacted by another member of the public and officers were on the way to the scene. They did thank me though and said to always ring just to make someone had reported it, as often things go unreported because people don't want to get involved. I have no idea if the guy was drunk, but even so, he obviously needed help no matter what. I was disgusted at the bus drivers attitude. 

Also on our way up to the next bus, we saw a raven crouched in Debenhams doorway, the poor thing looked injured. If I hadn't been on the way to work I would have stopped to see if I could help it, but just as I was saying as much to Kev someone else had the same idea and went to see to it. I do hope they could help it in some way. We went past on the way home and the area was empty. I hate to see anything in distress like that, and yes I know it's nature, but it bothers me. 

Then tonight on the bus home a car cut right in front of the bus on the Stragglethorpe road. The bus driver only just managed to avoid it... I tell you our bus journeys are never dull. I think tonight we need a drinkie drink! 

Right, that's all our news for now. 

Under House Arrest day 45

Hi, so today was VE day 75 years since the end of the war. Loads of people had street parties ( social distancing observed) we had a coffee and scone on the front garden with Charlotte. 

The family on Cartbridge that did the lockdown disco a few weeks back did another one, we could hear it from the garden. He did a good job, I dare say they'll be some moaners online. 

I'm so over everyone moaning,  bloody well go out if you want, the death toll rises every day, but you go... I want to go to work, ok, then go... You are the same people moaning about it being Monday... I wish weekends were longer... Yeah, well now is one long bloody weekend. Honestly, some of you don't know what you do want. Shall I tell you what I want? I want them to find a vaccine so we can all bloody move on. I've had enough of people, this virus and rules. The longer it goes on the more our normal disappears and will never come back. And if I've got to live like this perhaps I don't want to live any longer. Constantly feeling the need to justify where/ why I've been out ( except for work, because they still send the cannon fodder like me out to work, coz we are expendable) and it isn't the staying in that's getting to me really it's people. Petty attitudes, nimbys, the whole shebang. 

On that note, I'm signing off, and no I'm not looking for a load of chins up, hang in there posts, I'm not looking for attention. I'm angry, venting and just getting it off my chest. That's what a blogs for, and you don't have to read it. Done. Go out if you want to, do whatever you want. No one will ever be safe until they find a vaccine. So just please yourself. 

Under House Arrest day 44

So,  the thoughts yesterday that lockdown measures might be lifted might have been premature, Nicola Sturgeon( the old trout) has said they have another three weeks of it in Scotland. And I don't think Boris will do anything other than that here. Things just might stay the same.

We walked into the village yesterday and we saw a lot more people moving about both on foot and loads in cars. 

There were even a few more on the bus that went past us. 

Lots of houses had bunting up for VE day. We are planning a socially distant tea party,  a flask of coffee and scones and the folding chairs across the great divide of the car park. 

I did my dialog and then we watched another of those Disney documentaries there was nothing on tv so we played Vampire the Masquerade on the Xbox together. It's a text-driven adventure game which we used to play a lot on the older systems, I prefer those, to be honest, that some of the shoot em ups. 

Right enough rambling from me. 

Stay in, stay safe and stay sane.

Under House Arrest day 43

Let's start this blog post with good news, it looks like we might have a few restrictions of the lockdown lifted on Monday. We have no idea of the extent or content yet, but news that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 

In other news, I completed my class pages. I'm quite pleased at how they've turned out. I'm so grateful to both Dyan and Tim for doing their lockdown classes, I've learned so many new techniques and have a lot more ideas for art journal pages, cards, etc. I think it's made them realise too that they could continue to do a few online so they can reach more people, and spend less time travelling. It's how they make their money teaching, so doing remote workshops for a decent price would be so worth it. There's another this Sunday from Dyan so I'll do that Monday. 

 Both Kev and I seem to be suffering with hay fever, I get it anyway, but this year it seems worse, as far as I know Kev has never had it... Strange... 

Right, that's it for today's musings. Stay in, stay safe and stay sane ( no breaking lockdown until we are told, right?!) Pictures are of the class project... I thank you...

Under House Arrest day 42

Tuesday 5th May 2020.

Today we went into Bridgeford, mainly to post that card, but also to do a top-up shop. We went down on the ten to ten bus and caught the ten to eleven back, not bad going really. You won't believe what we are struggling to find, of all things Quorn mince and pieces! Is everyone turning veggie/ vegan? I find the weirdest stuff out of stock. Getting flour is harder to get hold of than cocaine. 

Anyway once we were home I started work on the page for today's dialog and once that was done I started on the class page... That's going to take a couple of days. 

My stencils came from the smiley box people, so that will make the project easier. I will post a picture of it when it's done. 

I'm trying hard to avoid all but the COVID briefings on tv, the numbers and the stories make me panic. There are so many things that don't add up, so many contradictions in what's reported. Take today, for instance, the news was lead by a story that the Chinese among others had tried to hack into our research into the virus. Straight after they did an article on how hate crimes have risen exponentially against Chinese and similar ethic people living here ( most actually are more than likely born and bred here) how bloody irresponsible is it to say on one hand that there is hacking going on possibly by China and then wonder why xenophobic idiots are singling out that race to vent their stupid rage on. If that hacking is going on ( and I think that's a big if) it would be the Chinese government NOT the Chinese people behind it. But as we know some people can't separate the two. This is why I can't take too much info on all this. There is already a horror story unfolding without adding to it by inciting bigots to single out more innocent people to beat to death, just because of their race. Right that it, end of rant. I'm signing off now. Stay in, stay safe and stay sane. 

Under House Arrest Day 41

Hello there! Another day in lockdown survived. Yesterday was quite good though as I had plenty to keep me busy. I took the class that Dyan Reaveley ran on Sunday. I watched, rather than tried to do it at the same time. It's going to be a challenge, but hey that's why I take part because you want someone to push you and your art further. No good paying for a class if you aren't going to have a go. 

I did do a page and it was ok, not my best but, I learned from it.

My posca pen came ( white, I'd run out) smiley box peeps to the rescue. 

Gave Willow lots of fuss, after I got the card I needed to do done. We finished watching The Mandolorian appropriate on May 4th really. Kev wants to watch the new Star Wars one, I 'll find something else to do, I'm afraid I only really like the first three, they lost me after Princess I'm a nana ( I'm not stupid I know her name but I always call her that)n

Right that's all for now, you know the drill, stay in, stay safe and stay sane... 

Under House Arrest day 41.

Well, another weekend at work done under lockdown. Things seem to have settled into a routine. There are still those ignoring the lines, but most look shocked when you remind them, and only one woman got shirty when I asked her to wait behind the line until the other person had gone. 

Other than that the day went well enough, it was nice to hear Lynne ( petrol station manager) is doing better, a long way to go, but almost off the ventilator. 

We got home ok, and Charlotte nipped round, it's good to know we have a friend that cares enough to come and check on us, I'm not used it, I must admit, but it's nice. We may stand apart her in the car park and us behind the fence at the moment because of distancing, but she make sure we can get certain things like my pain meds and sugar-free biscuits. 

But other than that I was extremely tired ( catching up on me from not sleeping well Friday) and I had an early night. Which means I'm up early. But hey ho I can have a nanny nap later on if I need to. 

I have a card order to make today, but I need to go to Bridgeford tomorrow to post it as our post office is shut for three weeks. So I will have breakfast and crack on, plus I have Sunday's page to do in my dialog and I have yesterdays live class to join in with from Dyan. 

So that's it for Sunday's round up. Take care, stay safe, stay in and stay sane. 

Under House Arrest day 40

Saturday 2nd May 2020.

Hello peeps, the good news is today wasn't as bad as I imagined. In fact I had a lot of very nice customers and even when I helped over petrol it was ok. I had to stand outside and direct customers in to pay for their fuel, maximum two in the store at one time. Everyone was only too happy to wait. 

We made the bus home ok, as both of us got out on time.

I'd prepped my page for today last night I'd done the date and background, so I completed it after I'd watched Drag Race. Other than my usual shower and decontaminate routine and cuddling Willow I've not done much else tonight. I might read for a little while before bed. Right, that wraps everything I have to say for now, stay in, stay safe, and stay sane. 

Under House Arrest Day 39

Friday 1st of May

I made myself go out today, I needed to post a card. So we ended up walking into the village as I don't trust them emptying that post box on the corner. 

It was quite pleasant, and I got my steps in. I notice a difference when we walk, my leg is easier to cope with at night. Biking is ok, but it doesn't seem to have the same effect as walking. Well, they do say its the best exercise apart from swimming.

I got back and did my page in my dyalog. I prepped another couple as I am at work. I let it reflect the inner anxiety that always accompanies going to work at the moment. It's a bit stressful as I've explained before. Everyone says, oh well, at least you are still working, without thinking of the fact that you are dealing with the public and they do not always appreciate the fact you are just as scared as they are. 

I know I didn't sleep well, and poor Kev had to get up at 5am in order to be in for 7. Bless him, he text me to say there wasn't a bus until after 7 in town so he wouldn't be able to get there. I just think they sometimes don't listen at work we both try and keep them informed about the bus situation. They are very erratic both ends. Our buses aren't great even usually, but now it's murder. 

Right, time to sign off, stay in stay safe and stay sane.