Slightly Under House Arrest day 95

Monday. We were waiting for a couple of deliveries today. One came ( my sandals) the other didn't but not surprised as it's being delivered by My Herpes. Why companies use them is beyond me.

Anyhoo the sandals are fine so far I've worn them for most of the day and they seem comfy enough, the real test will be when we walk a distance outside. If they pass that test I'll order some more. 

I did start the waterfall pages technique in the new journal today and will continue with it tomorrow. 

I also edited my shoes down and surprisingly I haven't that many. So, my new in old out theory has worked. I don't keep any footwear that isn't used now, and like with clothing, if it hasn't left the wardrobe for 12 months it goes. The only exception to that is I have two dresses both occasion wear that will see me through any functions  ( weddings etc) that I don't wear often but are there just in case. But I also don't buy occasion wear now like I used to. In the days of us going to goth events, I would buy new stuff each event. Now I don't. Gone are the days when I would worry that I had been seen in that outfit before. Amazing the things I've learned by having nothing. Now the only person I need to impress is me. If someone judges me on the fact that they have seen me wear that outfit before, they are too shallow for me to worry about. Hopefully, those people are no longer in my life and my only regret is that I wasted so much time and energy on them. 

Right, that is it for today, Catch you later...

Slightly Under House Arrest day 94

It was lovely to be off again today... I know we only do two days a week now but you still need a break from even that as it is as the moment. It is still quite a stressful environment working in retail at the moment. It takes its toll on you even in that short space of time. 

So, we had a bit of a sort out. Kev has put the spare paintings in the back of the wardrobe and I went through my clothes and got rid of quite a few I don't wear now. 

Then we set up the laptop so I could join in the online class ( Dyan's) it made a nice change to be able to actually watch a live class instead of watching it after it has on. I'm still playing catch up on her others. 

Tomorrow I will continue with the week-long class and transfer what I've learned into my new ( decorated now) journal. 

Other than that a quiet day at home, a quick visit from Charlotte and Lauren, with the dogs tonight, and that's about all for now... Catch you later... 

 

 

 

Slightly Under House Arrest day 93

We went out into town yesterday, dodging the rain showers and got what we needed. We still grabbed the chance to eat out, sushi from Waitrose.  It was still warm despite the rain and wind. It made a change and seeing as we don't get many Saturday's off it would have been a shame not too... 

Obviously, we still have no tv, so watching a movie was out. Kev set the laptop up so we could watch All Stars 5 and Untucked from season 12 is now on Netflix so we were able to watch a couple of those. I did my dialog page and started to decorate my new dylusions journal cover. You could tell it was slightly cooler because Willow was more active and seemed more comfortable.

About all our news for now... Catch you later...

Slightly Under House Arrest day 92

Wow! What a scorcher of a day... I'm sure I melted... We have been sat outside for most of it,  Charlotte came over this morning as it was her day off and we sat catching up. While we were sat there my Dylusions Journal arrived... It was so hot I couldn't bring myself to start anything in it or for that matter my day by day dialog. I'll catch up when it cools down... Poor Willow doesn't know where to go for the best bless her... I think behind the sofa is favourite at the minute... 

Having no telly isn't too bad, but it is weird, as most of the time it's background noise if I'm honest. It's made me read more, and while it thundered I went into the bedroom and did a bit more to my jigsaw. 

The eternal quest for sandals continues,  I've ordered some from Hotter via Amazon, let's hope these are comfy enough to walk in. I'm having to constantly wear my Docs at the moment because my ankle swells in the heat, and I need support, so hopefully, these sandals will fit the brief. It's the same pain every summer, I should really just get some old Docs and cut the toes out and maybe semi-circles in the side panels and be done with it... Pray to whichever deity you believe in that these are the holy grail of sandals ( and believe me if they are I will buy another pair to have for next year at the ready) I will also go through what sandals are lurking in the wardrobe and remove them to the shoe bank in the leisure centre car park! 

Right catch you all later... 

Slightly Under House arrest day 91

We had every intention of going down to the river today and sitting under a tree etc, but things always get in your way. In this case, it was that the tv has broken. No warning, just kaput... So Kev spent most of the morning trying to sort it out. They are coming on Tuesday to hopefully fix or replace it... So by the time that was all done, (and I must admit I was impressed with the customer service because as soon as Kev had sent them an email with the purchase details on) they rang him back!) It was a bit late in the day to be heading off for a picnic. Instead, we walked into the village and got picnic-style food and we sat outside with it. It was ok as the front of the bungalow stays in shade until very late afternoon. The busy's were about as per, but avoided us thankfully, as I've made a concerted effort to moan about them on purpose to the right people, knowing they'll tell them.  

Kev was able to watch the Football on his laptop and I set about doing my dialog. I'd watched the third class and was practising what I had learned. My square journal should be here Friday so I can start them properly then. My other set of paint pens came (early) and I love them! People say they are hard to work with, but I am more than impressed with them. They work very well for doodling etc in my dialogue. Next month I'll buy the third set. 

Going back to the Football for a second, Kev is so happy because after the Man City game today Liverpool were crowned Premier League Champions. I'm happy too because I know what it means to him... It'll boil some people's piss but who cares... 

So we stayed up late and had a drink to celebrate, but we are up again at 5 am because of how sticky it is, so we've got up and put the air-con back on ( it's on a timer, so switches off after four hours) and so once the place cools down again we will go back to bed for more sleep hopefully. Willow is behind the sofa, it must be cooler there, but she pops out for a fuss now and again. It's light outside and it looks very much like the rain and storms they've predicted might come. As we all know it can change at the drop of a hat in this country. 

Back to bed for me now, sleep for another four hours hopefully... 

Slightly Under House Arrest day 90

I woke early, partly because it was already starting to warm up and partly because my legs had gone numb because Willow was fast asleep on them, these days she's no lightweight.

I got up and sat reading for a bit until Kev got up. 

After breakfast I nipped some card making stuff over to Anne's, she was sat outside in the shade, it was good to see her being able to do that. 

I did my dialog (practising the class pages) before it heated up. 

Kev did the main wash and I did the hand wash he put the towels out to dry on the rotary and I added the hand wash stuff. I cleaned the bathroom and then we nipped to the shop as I didn't want much for dinner, I never do when it's this hot. 

We didn't do that much later on, Kev's easel came so he put that together. I then came outside to read when the football came on... It was a lovely evening to be sat in the fold away chairs with a g&t ( I normally sit in the bedroom but it was way to warm) and it was peaceful for once as I had my don't bother me look on my face. It's nights like this I miss the swing seat, but at least you can fold these down. 

By the way, when I was talking to Anne and Joe they told me Barbara had gone into a nursing home. I'm not surprised, but I am relieved... It now means there are two empty bungalows in our little group. 

Sitting in the garden as the sun sinks, I am reminded how lucky we are, I wouldn't swap this place for anything, despite the drawbacks of nosy neighbours and it's travel problems, it's a lovely place to live and we've made some lovely friends here. As well as having the peace and quiet we deserve after all those years of upheaval and uncertainties... I do so love my life now, and our little slice of paradise. The bungalow is comfy ( thank God for the air con) and has everything we need. We have full stomachs ( too full sometimes, but we are more sensible than we were) and we still have each other. When you think the hell that we went through, it could have torn us apart, but I'm glad to say both of us know where our bread is buttered. And we are stronger together. I wouldn't wish what we went through on anyone, but I'm thankful it showed us the way to a life we can now enjoy for as long as we have... Anyway, that's all my musings for now... Catch you later...

Slightly Under House Arrest day 89

We woke up to bright sunshine, and Willow running around like a whirlwind. We decided to venture out into town (we can't really sit outside here as you know in peace) and we had thought of going back to Bridgeford, but the nimby brigade have complained and you can't take alcohol into the park anymore. So we thought you know what we will sit in the market square instead and watch the fountains. At least then we can wander around the shops if we get bored. In Bridgeford there aren't that many places to wander too, and if you can't have a glass of wine with your picnic what's the point. We are on holiday after all! 

It was really hot and quite busy, so it was a people-watching fest. We even had a Mr Whippy as a treat as we would have if we had been on the beach. Talking of which, I wonder if they'll bother with the faux beach in the square this year... Perhaps now they are lowering the social distancing to 1 plus metres. I still think you should use your own judgement on what's best for you.

I did go in Lush and get some hair stuff and some more Ginger perfume. At least because of the social distance measures they don't pounce on you so you can look around in peace.

Tonight Charlotte and Lauren came over with the dogs and we sat outside. It was a beautiful evening, but as usual Mrs Busy was hovering around, but I think for once she got the hint and buggered off in! 

Right that's about all my news for now... Catch you later. 

Slightly Under House Arrest day 88

So, today was supposed to be the day we travelled down to Brighton. And to add insult to injury it was a glorious day weather wise...

We walked into the village to do a bit of shopping and get some fresh air. 

Then I worked on my dialog and set to practising what I learned in class yesterday ( online ) 

Later on, Kev figured out a way I can watch the classes on the tv so I can watch them other than on my phone. Which will make a big difference.

Other than having a sort out in the kitchen (Kev, not me) we've just chilled, had a gin because if we had been in Brighton we would have gone to bar revenge for happy hours! I say hours because their happy hour lasts all night! 

So not much to tell you really... Maybe we should provoke the wrath of the Facebook police and put up pictures of Brighton beach like we did a couple of years back of tropical islands... Lol... 

Slightly Under House Arrest day 87

We are all constantly changing and evolving. Hoping we can improve on who we are or were. Not always succeeding but hopefully always trying. I've come a long way, and I have a long way to go. I'm not always perfect and I still let people get under my skin. I do try, and I  avoid those people. I had a friend request from someone from my past the other day, it wasn't someone who had done me any harm, but it was also someone who hadn't done me any good either. I rejected it. I have let some people back into my life, who in same time frame had done me no harm, and had tried and failed to do me some good. I wasn't receptive at that time to any help. My fault mainly, but ( and no, I'm not making any excuses) I was dealing with a lot. But I wasn't easy to be around and I shut down quicker than the pubs did over lockdown. It left me suspicious and wary of everyone except a handful of people... Although I'm in a better place now, with a lot more people that I like and trust, I still hold back and watch and wait before I open up. Lockdown made me realise that I like a lot more interaction with people than I thought I did. It's also shown me the people I don't need, and by that I'm not being nasty, it's just opened my eyes to those I give lip service too, not  bad people, just bad for me. As my time becomes more precious, I will spend less time pleasing others and pleasing myself. If I choose to spend time with you it will be because I want to. I've wasted too much time on the wrong people. That doesn't make them bad people, just not for me. I hope this outbreak, pandemic, has made us all take stock and want to adjust our lives to benefit our own lives.

Slightly Under House arrest day 86.

It was so nice not to be at work this morning. I forgot to turn off my weekly alarm, but it was great to switch it off and snuggle back down. Willow jumped up and immediately snuggled in and off we went again into the land of nod. We didn't wake up until nine am! We showered and had breakfast at our own pace. 

Charlotte nipped round to bring us the shopping from Asda that she picked up last night for us. So we sat on the chairs outside and had a coffee and chin wag. When she went home for lunch we got ready and headed to West Bridgford bought some sushi and then a couple of pints from Copper ( they are serving take out beer ) and went in search of a seat in the park. It was very busy, which was nice to see. We sat under the tree that we sat with Charlotte when we went down for coffee... It was lovely to sit and watch kids running about and families enjoying time out in the sunshine. We had our beers savouring it, not so much for the fact that it was beer but just the fact you could get one from a pump instead of a bottle and sit out without bloody nosy gits making excuses to interrupt or listen to your conversation. 

We got back late afternoon and my Art from the Heart parcel was sitting on the shelving on the porch... More paints, stencils and other goodies to keep me busy next week. Right, that's all for now. Take care

Slightly Under House Arrest day 85

We had to stay in today because we were expecting a visit from Metropolitan to do the electric checks they do on an annual basis. Only they didn't come... Bloody typical. 

We held on to about 3 and then Kev nipped out to get some food in from the village, I waited here "just in case" but, no show. 

Charlotte nipped round and we had a cuppa and a chat. 

As we aren't nosy we didn't ask, but they seem to be emptying Barbara's bungalow... I'm hoping it's because she has gone into a care home... 

So a changeable day, saw me doing my diamond painting, art journal and make a card. Not a lot else, but I'm nice and relaxed, and my leg is a lot less painful. I'm never fully pain free, but this is the level I'm used to and cope with. Right then, take care... 

Slightly Under House Arrest day 84

Another wet drizzly mizzly day here at Costa del Cotgrave... So Kev started another Bob Ross style painting. And I got stuck into my projects and cuddled Willow. We also watched the drama about Waco, Texas... Which to me looked like another case of the US military going in heavy-handed like Ruby Ridge... Followed by the usual cover-up. I don't like any religion as too many people hide behind doctrine and they use it as an excuse to commit atrocities in the name of their beliefs. But, I also think each to their own, people can and have the right to believe what they want. So, no didn't understand their lifestyle choices and it wouldn't suit me, but they didn't deserve being killed by authorities for them. Let's face it, they killed Jesus for pretty much the same thing ( if you believe the Bible stories) I just believe that humans will always kill what they don't understand. Whatever you think it's all very sad that we can't just all live and let live. 

I saw a dialog page from another member that had this quote 

You are entitled to your opinion. You are not entitled to force that opinion on me. 

That sums me up. I will always say what I think, I don't expect you to think the same, or change what you think to agree with me. Just let me say it. I have that right. 

Enough ramblings. Take care

Slightly Under House Arrest day 83

I had to fetch my new contact lenses from town and after Kev had done the washing we went on the bus. It was lovely weather and the queue was only me and another lady at the opticians so, while Kev nipped to see if anyone had handed my pass/wallet in at no charm transport offices, I just grabbed my new lenses and left to meet him. We then went in Poundland ( first time since Lockdown) and got the usual bits and bobs we always get from there. 

We then went to M&S to get a bit of an impromptu picnic. I had sushi ( they and Waitrose do the best sushi) we got bottles of cucumber and mint water from there which is lovely, so much so Kev bought a cucumber and some mint to recreate it at home... 

We sat in the square, with at least another hundred people watching the world go by ( all socially distanced like the good citizens we are) It really felt like a bit of freedom. The times during lockdown we had scuttled here and there really quickly, if not furtively, feeling like we really should be there. But this time we felt relaxed enough to people watch. 

I got home to the post and low and behold there was my bus pass, waiting for me. 

It means if we want to go out later in the week we can do... 

It really thundered quite bad later on in the afternoon, I retired to the bedroom as we have blackout curtains in there which blocks out any of the lightning. 

Football is back ( yay!) So I stayed in the bedroom until the sewing bee came on. Unsurprisingly Liz went this week, you could write this script, Boring chinless Claire will win. With Nicole second. The other guy won't stand a cat in hells chance and really out of the two of them he should have gone not Liz. How can you turn out a perfect dress at the end and go home? When Claires didn't fit, the blokes had lumpy hems and Nicole had a dodgy shift underneath... 

Right that's all for now... Take care

Slightly Under House Arrest... day 82

I've changed the name of my blog as we are now only slightly in a sort of limbo between being in lockdown and just socially distanced. It's still all a bit weird, and to be honest, I think the best way to go about it is just doing what's best for you... 

We were going to go into town but decided to give it a miss in the hopes that my bus pass comes tomorrow. I also had to ring up Trent Barton as I topped up my mango card by £20 at the weekend and then couldn't use it as the chip on the card had gone! Which meant I still had to pay contactless on top of that. Then there was the £10 I put on the Robin Hood card ( plus £3 to buy the bloody thing in the first place!) And £10 to get a new bus pass... It'll make me look after the next one! 

Anne came home today, I gave Karen her daughter a card for her, I'll let her settle in before I nip round to see her. I bet she was tired with just coming out of the hospital. Im glad she home for both Joe and her...

Sue and Pete came over today as it was quite decent weather on the whole. As usual though Mrs Busy had to keep coming past, nosy bleeder... It's not like we are talking about anything important, but it would just be nice to have a visit in peace, without her or him "walking" the dog ( always a good excuse, that one) or going back and forth to the car for some obscure reason. The thing is when no one is here, you rarely see them, but as soon as either Charlotte or Sue comes, they are either doing the above or watering the garden. God knows what they think they'll overhear. Maybe I should come up with some wild plot to bring down the establishment, or plan a heist, then sit discussing it the garden sitting in deck chairs... Lol

Anyway Sue bought me a light up gadget for doing my diamond paintings and a brayer to push the gems into the canvas and they both work a treat as Im still working on my sinking Titanic picture, so I used them both on that. I bought her one of them for Christmas and now she is hooked. They are very addictive. Mind you, the last thing I need is more pictures... They do make good gifts though. 

Right that's all my ramblings for now... 

Under House Arrest day 81

The first day of our fortnight off was a quiet one, we chilled mainly, Kev fixed the doorbell, it's been dodgy for a while now, and we thought it was a wired one ( naturally because there are wires leading to it) Kev got up on the ladder to see if he could sort it out, only to find it wasn't attached to the wires at all, but a battery-operated one. So he cleaned it up replaced the batteries and stuck it back together and painted it. Honestly, before it was a right bodged job held together with gaffer tape, about as much as the lads used to use when they taped the cables down when Kev did the bands at the pub and Whitby! 

Anyhow it rings again now properly and looks tons better. 

Charlotte popped round after work and we sat outside ( it was a pleasant evening) until it started raining. Lauren came by with the dogs after their walk. It was lovely to see them both... 

It's thundered off and on and they say there is more on the way... We will see if it impacts our plans. As you know I can't be outside when it thunders. I'm not keen on it indoors, but outside I'm a gibbering wreck. 

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

Under House Arrest day 80.

I'll start with an apology,  I was a mardy bitch, my leg was giving me right jip. I always have a certain amount of pain, but every so often it spits it's dummy and won't respond to my pain meds. So if I ran into you at all and was grumpy, off it, or quiet that was why. I focused on being nice to the customers ( as is my job) and on the whole they were nice back. But I'm sorry if I wasn't my usual bubbly self. 

We've now broken up for a fortnight. We have no definite plans and we will wing it, needless to say, I had an early night. 

I'm up early now but I went to bed around 9.30ish, and I always find it hard to lie in the first day after work. So me and Willow will sit quiet and have a bit of a love in, She's crawlled up on my knee and purring her little socks off bless her, she is such a loving little soul. 

Right that's all for now... Take care... 

Under House Arrest day 79.

A day at work. I spent two thirds of it in petrol, not my favourite place to work, but you do have to do it, and seeing as someone else didn't want to go in, I went. I look at it like this, I get paid no matter what, and we all have areas of work we'd rather not do. Just suck it up and get on with it. 

I think what got me through was the thought of being off for a couple of weeks. Yes we aren't going away now, but I'm ready for a break. As Janet said at work Costa del Cotgrave can be just as nice because you aren't at work.

We both got the bus ok, and when we got home we watched Ru Paul's all-stars season five which has just started. I gave Willow lots of cuddles, as I try to after leaving her alone all day... 

I wonder how many times we say "how are you" and how many times we say "fine" when said to us, when we are anything but. How about we start saying, no actually I'm not fine. I'll start, I'm tired, in pain, and I feel worthless. We are not all in the same boat, we are in the same storm, and some are in luxury liners, I'm in a dingy, and others are up shit creek without a paddle... 

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

Under House Arrest day 78.

I'll start my blog today by saying that in the next two weeks we are on holiday from work, we should have been going to Brighton again for our holiday. But the plague doctor says no... So next week I'm going to my pre-booked week-long Dyan Reavely class that's a three-hour class each night for a week... I have all my supplies, so I can do a bit each day... We will go out a bit, see what town is like once some of the shops reopen, but only if the weather is fine, so we can put together a picnic and eat out... 

Not much else happening at the moment, so I will catch you later. 

Under House Arrest day 77

Well, it's been another wet and dull day. I did say that as soon as the lockdown was lifted the weather would go to pot. It's not lifted fully but it is lifting slowly, and Mother Nature is like "Stay in damn it" 

I had another set of stamps arrive today, I've been very lucky finding some bargains on eBay and Amazon. So it gives me plenty to play with in my dialog and any classes I do. All Dyan's stuff, as I have a lot of Tim's. 

 A memory came up of 7 years ago, on Facebook, the of when we were living at Scott's in Kirkby and I was still travelling to and from there to work at Burton. It was when Margaret Taylor put me up for the night, because I still had to do my late night, even though they knew it meant I couldn't get back to Kirkby after six pm... No one was willing to help, except her, I finished work and went to hers, she gave me some supper and I showered and went to bed. I didn't even have the money for a bus and walked from her house in Tutbury to the store for my next shift. 

I don't know what I'd have done without her help, perhaps gone to the park and found a bench, I dread to think. Thank God for good people, and thank God I got out of that miserable store. 

I know I'm not perhaps the most likeable person in the world, but, there were a bunch of people that couldn't handle that I was a bit different, and a cripple, you're not supposed to have a personality with a disability you know,  your expected to disappear into the wallpaper... Perhaps they were a bit jealous... Who knows? Who cares... There are still people out there that have goodness in them and lucky for me I met a few when we were in need. Anyone else, karma will sort... 

But I do like the fact that these memories pop up on Facebook, it reminds me what both of us have overcome. Im hoping that doing this blog will serve the same purpose and pop up to remind everyone not to take life for granted and to enjoy every last minute. 

Right, enough of my ramblings... Take care... 

Under House Arrest day 77

A wet soggy day. So my crafting came to the fore and I got stuck into a couple of projects, did my half-hour exercise on the bike ( split into three ten minute slots). My Emmi stencil came at last so I no longer have to make do with handmade silhouettes when I need one, and it has a quite handy keyhole shape on it the perfect size for my dialog. 

We finished watching "Glow-up" a makeup artists competition on BBC4 and I watched Sewing Bee later on. 

I tell you what's got my goat today, all the bloody virus experts are now bloody race relations experts. So Sharon at no 40 has packed her microscope away and is now spearheading the campaign to rewrite history so it doesn't "offend" anyone... God help us... 

I did see some of the changes announced to the lockdown, but I'll wait until it's been filtered down by the media before I change anything I'm doing at present. When Boris babbles on I lose the plot and I haven't a clue, so when it's been dissected and put into plain English instead of David Brent style rhetoric I'll understand what we are supposed to do/not do. And if I'm still not sure I can always look to the experts on

two-faced book to put me right, you never know Sharon from no 40 might take time out from her BLM campaign to put me right... 

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

Under House Arrest day 76

It was dull but not raining as we headed off to Lady Bay to go to the Range. I needed a few art supplies and they have a decent section. However, most of it seemed stripped so, although I got a few bits there are some things I still need which probably means the smiley box peeps will be involved...

Anyhoo, it's a good hours walk from the embankment and back for me, which is about my lot so, we got a bus back into Bridgeford. 

I didn't know at the time but, I must have not put my bus pass in my pocket properly and I've lost it. We figured it out while we waited for the next one to Cotgrave. I rang NCT ( no charm transport!) And they said they'd ring me back if they find it. Kev is a great bloke but, one of his faults is he has no time for stuff like this and gets angry when I lose things, which doesn't help me as I'm already mad at myself. It just makes me feel worse. Anyway, I've ordered a new one which will come in a fortnight hopefully. 

While we were in Bridgeford we had something to eat The Parlour is doing food to takeaway so Kev had an Ostrich burger and I had the veg one called Bombay bad boy... If you are in West Bridgeford I'd highly recommend them. They are a small business trying to keep afloat by whatever they can. The nimbys had complained about them serving takeaway cocktails so they can't do that anymore. ( But you can go in the Co-op and buy alcohol there) doesn't make sense, when all they are trying to do is keep afloat. 

The Cotgrave driver was lovely because I had to ask how much it was on the bus now and he said "you have a pass" When I said I'd lost it, he let me on anyway without paying. 

It also meant that I have lost my cardholder which came with my Shakespeare bag from Yoshi. So I went on their site and they do sell them separately, and I put one in my basket to check out. When I got to pay, it came up with a little box that said I had previously got this item and had it broken? I replied no I'd lost it and they promptly knocked £2 off the cost. How lovely, really great customer service! 

Right that's all my news for now... Take care...

Under House Arrest day 75.

A nice Chillaxing day after work this weekend. Willow was sleeping on me most of the night again, bless her she must miss us when we aren't here. Kev treated her to some tuna but she only had a little, she does love her munchies though. She is a very good girl and never bothers us when we are eating, on the contrary, she usually has something to eat when we do. It's quite amusing really because when we have a coffee around 11 am, she automatically jumps down from the sofa to her bowls and has a little snack. We both love her to pieces. 

I had a day mainly crafting. I finished my page from the last online class I took of Dyan's. I still have the week long one to do but am waiting until I'm on holiday to do that as I can do a daily one then properly. As we would have been in Brighton it will take the edge off not being able to go away. 

Talking of going away we had a bit of news, The Hampton Court palace trip is back on for September and hopefully, it means we can go all being well as I managed to change the weeks off at work... Yay! 

Right, I must stop now as I need to go do the rest if my biking for today. Take care... The pictures are of the pages I've done today...

Under House Arrest day 74.

That's another weekend at work complete, mostly enjoyable, a few idiots, but that, unfortunately, is life. I think this pandemic has highlighted the basic lack of common sense in a lot more people than you would imagine. 

I'm not saying anything about the riots here, I have my opinion, but whatever I think it's out of my control, and I'm trying not to get wound up by stuff I can't control. I was watching the news and I was ranting... So I had to stop, admit that what I think won't change anything, me getting upset is detrimental to me, not the sheeple. I do not judge people on the colour of their skin, their religion or appearance, I judge people only if they are nasty to me... I don't believe you should fight violence with violence, but that is obviously just my opinion and heaven knows my opinion only counts to me. 

I'm glad I'm at the age I am now, I'm not looking back with rose-tinted specs, but life now is horrible and I wouldn't want to be starting off in life and I feel sorry for the next generation, by the time they are my age, God knows what they will have had to live through. 

Right, that's all for now... Take care 

Under House Arrest day 73

Another day of work done in semi lockdown, I say that because it is only semi now, many people are going back to work businesses are opening up slowly.

Charlotte is back at work this week, it's been a big help to us during this lockdown having her keep her eye on us, and keeping us company. Albeit at the correct distance. But, having that regular chat kept us both sane. And her and Ian have both got us the odd bit of shopping especially when it was really tough at the start. Friends like that you don't find often, and we have had our fair share of people who have left us when we were no longer useful. So, it makes you appreciate it all the more when you have someone who genuinely cares. 

I'm glad that she is going back to work though, as I know now much she loves her job and let's face it, there will be a lot of people without jobs to go back to. 

In other news, we had a decent enough day at work. The bus driver was saying no changes to our buses as yet as not enough people are catching the Cotgrave or Calverton to make it worthwhile for them to run any more frequently than they do. So I guess we will still be in the same situation bus wise until more people go back to work. 

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

Under House Arrest day 72.

Friday 5th June 2020.

Here we are another week gone by, still in semi-lockdown, and a wet windy day with the odd clap of thunder thrown in for good measure. We got up a bit later because the rain was sweeping across and there was no reason to get up early, Willow was snuggled down on my legs and I wasn't going to disturb her. 

When we did get up I set to making a card for Charlotte's nephew and then doing prep for my weekend pages.

As I will be at work it helps keep me on track otherwise I'd get behind and perhaps not carry on doing them. I like to do them as stuff happens or my thoughts on the day are still fresh. 

One of the most enjoyable things about this lockdown is no one is banging on about "Thank God it's Friday" nothing more annoying when you work weekends! Well, all those living for the weekends have got what they wanted, only now it turns out they didn't really want that either... 

Those stamps I got on eBay came, I tried them out and batch stamped them ready for when I need them. I like doing this, it means I can grab images when I'm working on a project more times than not... 

Under House Arrest day 71

Lovely day, not weather-wise but, we had a lovely visit in the morning from Sue and Pete. It's always lovely to see them both, and means even more now, after all the weeks we couldn't see them. 

After they had gone we headed into Bridgeford with Charlotte. She might be back at work from next week, so we tried to go get a drink ( some of the bars had been serving  take away beers and cocktails over the weekends) but, the good old nimbys had complained again and they had been told by the police they couldn't do that, they can serve soft drinks and coffee and food. So we made do with coffees and headed to the park.  However it was nice to see some businesses trying to open and the avenue resume some kind of normality, not long after we'd sat down it started raining, and it was quite cold. Typical... The one day we had planned anything away from our own garden the weather kicked us in the teeth. Also typically as soon as Charlotte went home the sun came out.

On the news today, they reported that from next Monday masks/face coverings will be mandatory on all public transport. Good job Kev and I already have ours in use. 

That's about all for now. Take care.

Under House Arrest day 71.

Wednesday 3rd June 2020.

Rainy day the first one for a while. And typically, the lockdown restraints are lifted to allow seeing family and friends in small groups ( max 6) outside. About right really. 

So I dug in for a day crafting, I made a card, and did some faux bleaching to my main page and a tag, which will go into my dialog once dry. I also bid on and won some more stamps by Dyan, old sets that are rare to find. 

I also had some training to do from work, I try and do as much as I can at home without the time constraints put on you at work. It takes me a while to navigate the website, so I'm best doing it at my own pace. 

Other than that a quiet day overall, I'm feeling ok, I'm waking up quite early and my sleep isn't that great at the moment. I seem to be waking up a few times in the night. Nothing I can put my finger on, just a little out of sync perhaps. You wait come the weekend when I'm at work I'll want to sleep the clock round. 

Right, that's all my news for now... 

Take care.

Under House Arrest day 70.

So today being a rather cloudy one we headed to do our weekly shop. After our rather shoddy service last week we decided to head to our own store. It was worth taking two bus journeys, we got better service and everything we needed. 

On the way home, we ran into a friend of ours, we hadn't seen her for a few weeks and it was nice to have a good catch up. 

We got home and put everything away. I'd bought a new sunhat ( donkey hat) and some new short PJs. I must own more PJs than going out clothes these days! Our bins go out more than we do, lol...

I tried the hat out while we sat outside with Charlotte, it is quite comfy and will save me from getting a headache from too much sun. 

Mind you, according to our weather girl Charlotte, it's going to change from tomorrow onward, rain and colder. Blame me for buying a sun hat! 

Right that's all for now, take care.

Under House Arrest day 69.

I woke up really early this morning, as usual when I've been to work I find Monday and Tuesday I wake up as if I am going to work. So I made good use of my time up alone and got cracking on finishing my May dialog book and starting the June one. 

Also, I finally got a chance to watch Class four and because my inks had come I was able to have a go at my own take on the pages Dyan showed in the tutorial. It's a faux bleach effect, a little messy but totally worth it. 

The weather wasn't as nice, to begin with, a bit overcast and sullen. In fact, I thought it was brewing up for a storm, my gut has been out of sorts all day which is usually an indication that there is a storm on the horizon. I've said many times that I would have been burned at the stake if I had been around in the time of the Inquisition, who knows perhaps I was? 

In the afternoon the sun broke through and it became very hot. We sat outside later with Charlotte, and you could feel it searing your bones. Other than that we didn't go anywhere, Lockdown may have lifted slightly, but I think for us two,  it's not going to alter for us much. So long as I can see my Sis and Pete, and a few friends I'm happy. 

Right enough for now. Picture is of what we learned in class...