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... 

Back Under House Arrest day 206

Today saw us back at The Haunted Garden, this time with Sue and Pete and inside this time in the palm room, we were the only four in there until we were leaving another four came in ( all young, very loud and seemingly drunk) they kept calling Kev Halloween boy because of his outfit. Harmless enough but I'm glad we were going as they would have got annoying.

The room was decorated well, and we showed Sue and Pete the garden area and cinema area, both as busy as last night. The food was great, we had chips and dips to start, then flatbread pizzas, followed by a spooky Eton mess with jelly snakes hidden it... Because we had bottomless Prosecco they bought orange juice, and some little apothecary bottles with flavours in to add to it, there was passion fruit, elderflower, citrus and strawberry... We had the same waitress as last night. I honestly think the service was a little less haphazard, maybe because being inside and the only ones in that room we didn't have to wait and the bottles were replaced as soon as they were empty. Both nights were worth every penny and I really hope this is one business that survives this plague and we will certainly do and support it when we can... 

Back Under House Arrest day 206

We put Grim out today, and as you can imagine he caused quite a stir. I love him though and I think it's a bit of harmless fun, and only for a few days, people can have effing reindeer and snowmen outside for bloody weeks, at Christmas, no one bats an eyelid, but put a grim reaper in a retirement block of bungalows... lol... 

Also tonight we went to The Haunted Garden in town for food and cocktails. Both of which were lovely. They've made a real effort putting tables, heaters, and canopies over the garden so you can enjoy the decor... 

I will say it was rather busy by the time we left ( thankfully, we had an early sitting) and at the risk of sounding like an old fogey you can see why the students are getting a lot of flack for not following the covid guidelines. There were large groups of them milling around town, most not bothering with face masks, not doing any form of distancing... 

We are there again on Thursday night ( even earlier) with Sue and Pete, so we will see what difference the impending tier 3 makes if any to numbers roaming about. 

Back Under House Arrest day 205

We went to Morrisons today to do the shopping before tier three kicks in on Thursday, we got a couple of bottles of Dead Mans Fingers rum, a bottle grenadine and pomegranate juice to make a few cocktails... We got a gorgeous white pumpkin to go with the orange one. Kev is going to paint one and carve one, and stack them outside. 

It was fairly busy. But there was virtually no organisation in the store, people were queueing  willy nilly with no direction from the staff. But we got what we needed and came straight home ( via Bridgeford) and didn't hang around. 

Back Under House Arrest day 204

We started decorating the outside of the bungalow ready for Halloween. We tried out the grim reaper to see how he inflates. He is bigger than we thought and will need to be anchored down well. Plus we will need an extension cable so he can stay inflated. 

It was really windy and wet, so we had to weigh the wind sock ghosts with a rock in each so they didn't get ripped off the hooks and damaged. 

Even if we can't do anything other than the Magic Garden Kev and I will enjoy ourselves, because tier 3 is not stopping me... 

Back Under House Arrest day 203

Today's blog is bought to you by the song This girl is on fire, and the letters F and Y... 

We went to Macdonald's for breakfast the little one on Angel Row as they let you eat in. First time in ages we saw the young lad in there that always speaks and does a great job in keeping the place spotless... He never stops and is always cheerful despite the crap he must face... 

Work was busy and full on as per usual on a Sunday right to the end. 

Everyone was pleasant enough apart from one young lady. Let me set the scene.

We have all seen them, six inches of makeup, fake bake, false nails, false eyelashes, pushing a kid in a pushchair. Reeking of stale cigarettes and phone up to ear. Her mask was round her neck like a chin strap. I politely asked her to pull the mask up to protect others. She stared at me mid flow on her phone and then barked "No, why should I care if you die" I carried on serving her, smiling, which obviously unnerved her as I think she wanted to upset me. Finally, she barked "What's making you smile, are you simple or sommat?" I looked at her ( still smiling) and said " I'm imagining you on fire"... The bloke behind snorted trying not to laugh. She was about to say something when one of my regulars went past and said Happy Halloween, as you'll be off next week, won't you? I said "Yes, you  know pentagrams to draw, people to curse." The "lady" I was serving went as pale as she could under her fake bake, quickly packed her stuff and paid sheepishly. I gave her reciept, smiled and said " blessed be"... She couldn't get away quick enough. The bloke I served afterwards, was nearly crying with laughter. He said that "She deserved that"... 

Later when I told my friend on the next till Jo, she started singing "This Girl is on Fire" We had a laugh about it, which took the sting out of the nastiness, that all to often cashiers all over the country face from angry, ignorant customers. 

But now I'm on holiday, along with Kev for a week, we should have been seeing Trish today in Newcastle, but obviously that's not happening. But today we are putting the decorations up outside...

 

Back Under House Arrest day 202

Work yesterday was ok, most people seemed ok, you always get the odd one, moaning, huffing and puffing about their masks. It's a bit of fabric you mardy bogger... 

Coming home you could see the day ending quickly and the fields looked bleak as the bus trundled along past them. It's no wonder that this time of year is seen as the time when the veil between the natural and supernatural is at its thinnest. Shadows grow, and sounds become louder as less people leave their cozy homes because the weather turns foul. And this year it seems more poignant, we might be heading into a lockdown winter, which will make it seem even more scary.

When we got home and I was watching Tim do his weekly class the heavens opened. You could hear the rain hiss and pommel the roof! So glad tomorrow is our last day and we are on holiday for a while... 

Back Under House Arrest day 201.

We had to get up early, my hair appointment was for nine am, so there was no lie in today, we both walked to the precinct and Kev did the shopping while I got pampered. 

When we got back my Halloween cookies arrived from Juliet Smallwood, they are so good. I'd ordered a box for us and one for a friend which should have gone straight to them. 

We finished that card and another order for the Etsy shop. I did my dyalog pages and then gave my desk a tidy. 

Rumours abound about us going into further lockdown next week, and you can guess that it's going to happen. Its bound to, the kids are off and people will have plans... Let's scupper those shall we...Sick and tired of booking stuff to have it cancelled...

Back Under House Arrest day 200

4th Covid test today. Even weirder today, they rang us with the questions first ( from the car in the car park next to our bungalow) before they've come to the door stood back and asked them, but I am wondering if they have taken the distancing further, or is it because they were hassled the other week with questions from no 4, so they thought it prudent to not stand outside where they could be overheard. 

After that, we had a couple of deliveries. One was my beautiful necklace that I've bought with some of the money from work for my 40 years. I wanted something tangible to keep but the stuff in the catalogue online was nice but not me, I had vouchers instead so that I could buy what I wanted. 

Also my tea came from Adagio, they are lovely, presented in cool little tins and are flavoured with bonfire toffee, candy apple, etc. I've also had a little teapot that infuses the loose leaf tea ( which this tea is) without the need for a tea strainer. 

This afternoon we have been figuring out a card, well, it's more paper engineering than just a card... Not the easiest one I've ever put together, so Kev has helped. We got so far with it and we will finish it off tomorrow after Ive had my hair cut. 

Back Under House Arrest day 199

Quite a busy day all told, Washing first, new rules abound and you now have to wear a mask even to go to the laundry room.

I woke up early, I was way to warm so I must have got up around 5.30am. I was going to go back to bed, but I got lto doing my dyalog and stayed up. I love doing my dyalog and I think it's because it's not a diary, it's just a snippet of my day, or it can be a quote I like. Even just an image collage or stamped and a sentiment. It's the best thing I've found. I never keep a diary ( just a blog obviously) but I never keep up writing one, whereas with this I can easily. And when they are done I love looking through them and they are very tactile to pick up and leaf  through.

Later on we met Charlotte for coffee in Bridgeford we sat outside Cafe Nero. It was raining but we sat under the awning. 

Later on after we were home, Kev watched the football and I started my Halloween watch list with an old version of Dracula. 1974 with Jack Palance. 

As that finished I started re watching Dyan's day by day videos on the tube of you... 

Back Under House Arrest day 198

We had a lovely lunch with Sue and Pete, we went to the golf club restaurant and as usual the food and service was exceptional. Sadly we were the only diners, it's such a shame that this pandemic is killing places like this one, They always serve good food, and the waitresses and waiters are very friendly. It is just so sad to see the place empty. 

They kindly dropped us off in Bridgeford as we needed the post office and a bit of shopping. We weren't around long and soon headed back home. 

This afternoon we subscribed to Shudder TV so that we could watch The Boulet Brothers Dragula Resurrection... I must admit it was fab, as much as love Ru Paul, I do love Dragula more, possibly because the artists are all alternative and I love to see what creations the Brothers wear,they are both stunning anyway, but they have that old style glamour to them... i would love to see them live, Cherry has and she was not disappointed. But I guess that it will have to be post covid, if we make it, and perhaps be a few years down the line if we do. 

Shudder it seems has a lot of good old horror movies on, which given the time of year will suit us. Worth 3.99 of any ones money... 

Back Under House Arrest day 197

So my order came from Art from the Heart, I have now all her paints, which means more creative play! And a set of her Christmas stamps as well as her Christmas postcards ready for my dyalog for December.

And, I also had two card orders for Etsy to make they will be posted today. I don't have my own shop, I just sell on a friends page, it's a good collaboration between us both. Her stuff is amazing and she does her own cards too, so I'm honoured to have a tiny part in her creative empire. 

Kev wasn't great yesterday he had a stomach bug, but after peppermint tea, lorepamide, and light eating, he is ok again now. 

I've noticed the difference with my support pillow, and doing my yoga. I'm able to sleep better, my neck doesn't feel strained, and doing the yoga is certainly helping my back with added mobility in my knees. I've gone from not being able to kneel down at all to being able to lower myself down onto my knees and do the cat cow pose and the child pose. Anyone with lower back pain I would reccomend doing gentle yoga stretches, even just 5 mins can make a big difference. 

Back Under House Arrest days 195/6

Playing catch up again on my blog. A weekend at work gone by and as usual  I haven't had chance to note down what's happened or my thoughts. Work was ok, a couple of idiots who have never heard of social distancing let alone practice it. But such is the world and it's people. I think for what it's worth that some people are looking for an arguement over anything, because they are angry and want to lash out at anyone and anything. They'll pathetically argue online instead of just ignoring a post that they don't like. I don't understand it, but then I'm not like that, I'll stand my ground, when I need to, but I pick my battles, and sometimes you have to let some stuff wash over you because if not you'll take the joy out of your life. Yes, I moan when I leave work, because that's my way of getting it gone out of my system. But I don't really have anyone who wants to listen. So I let it out, and try not to take it with me... 

In other news, Ian managed to pick me up a squishmallow vampire from Aldi, I'd given up on finding one, but he snagged me one. He took pictures of him riding in the trolley and when he was in the seat belt of the car for the ride home. I am very grateful to him for grabbing me one. 

Back Under House Arrest day 194

So we were having a lie in, damn it, the smiley box people bought my posca pens at 8 am... Rang the bell, the promptly shoved the package through the door... Great... That'll be one more parcel that the nosey beggars at no.4 will have spotted no doubt. 

 So we got up I did my yoga and biking and I showered and got ready to go out for a coffee with Charlotte in Bridgeford luckily it wasn't too bad as we sat outside. We got a few bits we needed, and got home around five ish. I got home to my pillow waiting on the doorstep, another smiley box delivery... 

All in all a lovely day... 

Back Under House Arrest day 194

Today we had our 4th Covid test, still just as unpleasant, but we had recieved notification that all our others so far had been negative. We know they contact you straight away if you are positive, but it was nice to see in black and white that we were ok. 

I've been doing a spot of online shopping ready for Christmas, getting things that I think people will like and easy to post if we don't get chance to see them. 

I'm turning away from the news at the moment, it might be burying my head, but I can't deal with it. I'm as bad now as I was in March. When I get this despondent it isn't good to let too much in that can pull me even further down. 

So I spent the day doing Christmas cards, and funny ones at that.

We did have a bit of a drama when we were tested. Willow decided to run out the open door, luckily the wind blew on her and she ran back in. I think the little bugger was just coming to see where I was. We have to have the door open because the ones collecting our swab samples don't come into your home. Next time I'll shut the living room door just in case she gets curious again. It's the first time she has ever done that, I know Rouble was an escape artist but he never got far. It's like they forget themselves then come belting back in like the devils after them. Trouble is we know that there are cat haters among these bungalows, and have been known to lob bricks at cats wandering around. Willow has had enough physical damage in her short life, I don't want her to suffer again. I can understand people not liking cats, but that doesn't mean they should hurt them. I always think that how you treat animals is more important than how you treat humans. 

Back Under House Arrest day 193

Yesterday I woke up with a stiff neck, so I've ordered an orthopaedic pillow from the Prime day deals. I'm not sure it was the way I slept or if I pulled it doing my yoga. Which is definitely working by the way, mobilising my back and has the added benefit of helping my knee. I wouldn't say it makes it pain free, just easier to manage. Its certainly better than it was. I'm still doing my biking as well, so the bedroom is becoming a regular work out zone. 

I had a lovely parcel from Trish with a wicked little iron scarecrow in it that you can attach to a fence or gate. Subsequently it has been added to my wire spooky tree, so I can look at it. Also my blanket came that someone from Halloween Watch uk picked up for me from TL Maxx. It is mainly for me and Willow so she can snuggle on my knee without me having to disturb her doughnut bed by taking her blanket out of it. Its grey cobwebs design and is lovely and soft, big enough to go on the bed too, if needed. Kind people on that site, willing to look for anything you are struggling to find. 

Back Under House Arrest day 192.

So we went into town yesterday to get a few bits. We went in Poundland and got everything we needed. Never usually happens but, we got lucky I guess. I'd given up on finding the ceramic dolls head tealight holders. Lo and behold I walked past a whole shelf of them! I stood for a minute thinking how many I needed. I got two. Yes, I do have more than enough Halloween stuff, but I like to refresh my display and I like having stuff that can stay out all the time... These fall into this category, plus you have to remember that I had to lose a lot of my Halloween collection when we left the pub. A lot of people got a lot of stuff from us for pennies that some ( not all!) resold for a lot of money. Now I can replace them with even nicer stuff... And if the lockdown becomes a full one in Halloween week we need to surround ourselves with what makes us happy and allows us to enjoy our favourite spooky season, even if it does end up being on our own. I'm already buying cocktail ingredients, we have a few movies lined up ( scary and of course the favourites Hocus Pocus, NBC and at least one Vampire classic)

Back Under House Arrest day 191

A very sad day all considered. New restrictions are in place that cause no end of mental torture for everyone. I can still go to work and sit and serve idiots who wont wear masks/or wear them properly, won't social distance and treat you like muck on their boots because you ask them to step back. But I can't see my friends and family unless I catch my death sitting outside all winter. None of this makes any sense. 

And of course we will do what we are told, we always do because we are decent human beings, but there are some people who really aren't. I've highlighted them in my blogs before so I'm not going to repeat myself. 

I'm sick and tired of all this like everyone else is I know, but there is a growing despair that I am finding hard to shake, and yes I've been here before, when we were homeless, and I thought there was no hope of getting sorted. But I hung on, and things got sorted. But this doesn't even remotely seem like there is any hope of a cure, or solution. Even if eventually life does resume some version of life pre-covid the damage to the economy and to the vast populations mental state will be irreparable... I'm not religious, but maybe we are actually heading into the end of days scenario, or the coming of the great white handkerchief -HHGTTG

Heading Back Under House Arrest days 189/190

I'm catching up on the weekends blog. I try to get one done but time slips by once I get in from work and I end up doing a twofer ( two days for the one post)

Work has been ok, busy because everyone is expecting the worst, and lockdown measures to resume. 

Kev finishes later than me on a Saturday and he said that as he waited for the bus home he saw two fights. Youngsters who can't hold their ale, and obviously cramming it down their necks before the 10 pm closing. 

Today the bus home was busy, a lot busier than it has been for ages. And our driver thought he was Lewis Hamilton! I'm not kidding you the speed he went down the A52 made me cling on to the seat back. He showed no signs of slowing down on Stragglethorpe Road, and Morkinshire Lane... If we were to crash, there would be no bloody survivors... 

I have no idea what's going to be announced tomorrow, and I don't know how I feel about it either. I think this feels worse somehow, perhaps because last time it was clear cut, this time feels like they are throwing stuff at the walls to see if anything sticks...Its all a bloody mess... When this is all over, is starting to sound like when I win the lottery... 

Heading Back Under House Arrest day 188.

Today was our third Covid test day. They were running a little late but kept us informed all the way until they got to us... Bugger me the nosey gits from no.4 were around, they were passing as she was at the door doing the paperwork, ( they don't come in, they stand back at the door, had the kit over and we go in the bathroom to do them) if that had been me, passing someone's door I would have moved away asap. Did they? Did they buggery! They hung around so they could hear what was being said, until I gave them a filthy look and they went and hung round the gate... No doubt they collared the poor girl as she headed to the car park. They'd pretend to be concerned, a usual ploy, when all they want is information. I know they can't have much of a life, and it gives them a sense of importance knowing everything that goes on here, but it drives me up the wall. I've had to deal with people like that all my life, and they annoy me to hell.

At least like Kev said they wont get much out of the girl doing the tests as it's all strictly confidential being medical studies and all. 

After that was done Kev got the boxes down from the loft containing the few bits of Halloween decs we pack away, we don't take much down, but we change it up, some stuff gets packed away and other stuff gets put out... It's nice to change it up a bit. We have taken the Blair witch star down and put the Dracula's pub sign up got the spell books out and moved the lanterns to the window. The hanging baskets are full of pumpkins in every hue, and Sadie, Hollow, Frankie and co are slightly in awe of Jack in the corner of the room... The spooky tree has its ornamental baubles on it ( witches hat, pumpkin and two flickering lanterns) the hall has the table talkers we made last year along with the blood dripping candelabra and mini coffins ( again last years projects) so the only things we need to put out now are the outside bits and Bob's. The blow-up grim reaper, witches legs in the cauldron and so on will go out towards the start of Halloween week... Though to be fair, I might just get Kev to put some of it out a bit at a time... Even if this area goes back into lockdown of sorts, Halloween will still happen in this house! This means as much to us as Christmas does to others, we might not be able to party with others, but we can party on our own. Cocktails can get made and drunk, food can be themed and scary movies can be watched... 

Heading Back Under House Arrest day 187.

So the lockdown measures we feared have struck again, this time only advisory from the local councils, but I dare say they'll be made official soon enough. It is in my opinion bloody ridiculous that we are being made to suffer because they've messed up by letting the bloody students go back to college. The vast majority of which go to party not to learn... They think it's not going to affect them as it's an old people's disease, but sadly it isn't it can kill or destroy the life of anyone of any age. I know a couple of people who have had it one is receiving treatment for the after effects of having it and one who has recovered but, finding the recovery isn't as straight forward as they thought, long term issues have arisen that they didn't have before. Plus they don't take into consideration that they could just carry the disease and at the risk of sounding like a moaning old biddie they are to self centred to care. Not all of them, but a lot of them. 

So it looks like having visitors is a no-no... Here we go again. 

In other news the yoga seems to be helping my back still hurts but not as bad. The mat is good and I put my TV on and play the naturescapes channel so that I'm working out in nice surroundings... Today it transported me to Hawaii near a waterfall... 

Heading Back Under House Arrest day 186.

We went for lunch at the golf club with Sue and Pete today. Great food and company as always, and the staff are lovely, the two that served us today especially, as they were the first ones we met when we started going there. They made us really welcome and that's why we go back time and again.  If only more places would learn that good service really does pay off... 

I've been having a bit of back pain lately, so Ive been doing some gentle yoga stretches to ease it. Only ten minutes worth, but it is enough to get the muscles to loosen up. I also bought a yoga mat as lying on the floor wasn't helping much. It is quite funny though as Willow comes and looks at me as if to ask am I ok? It will be interesting tomorrow to see if she hugs the mat before I have chance to use it... I'm sure she thinks that everything in this house is bought in for her... 

Today we have noticed a few reports that say Nottingham has had an increase in covid numbers. I'm sure they are building up to an announcement of tougher measures lockdown style. It's almost like they "leak" information out before they announce anything so you aren't surprised when they do. 

Heading Back Under House Arrest days 184/5

Sunday 4th October 

Work was horrendous... Not enough staff and it was very busy. Loads of customers complaining, not at us, but to us about the long queues etc. I was surprised we got everyone through in time to close it seemed never ending.

We did though, which just means they'll know we can cope and do nothing about it. 

I watched Vampire Diaries when I got home while Kev watched Liverpool play their worse game to date. Kev wasn't to bothered as all the top teams seem to have got beaten this weekend so it cancels it all out.

I watched the Vampire Diaries when it came out but, haven't watched it since so although I know the basic story theres lots of episodes I'd forgotten. I haven't forgotten how sexy Damon was though, I always preferred him to Stephan and couldn't understand why Elena went for him, but then I've always liked nasty vampires. As cute as Louis was, I couldn't cope with his soul searching angst. I much prefer Lestat ( but not Tom Cruise, as good as he was in the movie, he just doesn't rock my boat) the Stewart Townsend version was sexier, but Lestat when evil and vicious is how I prefer my Vamps... 

Monday 5th October 

We got up early and went to do the shopping. We couldn't be arsed to get two buses to Arnold so we went to Castle Marina. We really don't like going there but we wanted to get the Halloween stuff before it got picked over so it was a necessary evil. 

We did smart shop so we would be able to do it without too much interaction with the unfriendly staff. That however backfired as we needed a rescan. Their smart shop area is a chaotic and they aren't efficient at dealing with it. But we did get what we went for which was Jack, the cauldron mugs and a neon sign we liked. 

Heading Back Under House Arrest day 182/3

I've had a quiet day on Friday sorting out my dyalog for this month, and various other craft tasks like doing all the die cuts for the Halloween countdown ( advent calendar if you will) display, that Kev put together. It's done now and looks fantastic. 

I had a couple of things come again today my journal stickers and notepad from Frankengoop on Etsy. 

Kev also had the new storage unit come for the bathroom and his Halloween suit ( day of the dead style) and it fits perfect. 

Saturday I was at work, it passed pleasantly enough, no real drama. Gregg's have started selling the chocolate bats again so we obviously had to buy them... They haven't put the Halloween stuff out yet at work, so it might mean a trip to get the few bits we still need in order to finish our outside display... 

I have ordered  some pumpkin spice liqueur for our Halloween libations it won't come until Halloween week but that will be fine...

Heading Back Under House Arrest day 182

Today was our second Covid trial testing. Not any more pleasant than last week. But at least we knew what to expect. There are so many grey areas of this virus that I just don't get, so much conflicting information that it leaves you wondering if anyone understands it at all. I certainly don't think the powers that be do. I still don't understand why the country it originated  in has completely eradicated it, while the rest of the world is struggling. I don't get how if you are asymptomatic you can't have a test, ( unless you are in a study like Kev and I) but by the time your symptoms are clear, you've already infected everyone around you. No one can explain what you are meant to do, except self isolate. Even that is up for debate, is it 7, 10 or 14 days? This whole thing might be the death of us all... I still think that where possible we should learn to live with it, and carry on as normal as we can. Do what is needed to stay safe, but in a way that life is only impacted if you have a positive result. Anyway enough Corona talk. I know no more than the so called experts, and from what I can tell that's very little...I nipped to see Anne this morning before the test person came. It was lovely to see her looking a lot better. I love to pop round and have a chat, we don't really mix with many people here and perhaps even less so since lockdown. 

Tonight I watched the Tim Holtz live, I've pre ordered the dies I want. His live presentations are awesome. The makers are so skilled. 

I've started my new dyalog today and ordered some more insert books and a cover.