Under House Arrest day 627

Friday. New Years Eve.

We were both in work. So we went in together. I wasn't due to start until 9am, but I was asked to start at 8am as it was busy and they were short of cashiers. 

It was busy. 

I did finish at 3pm and waited for Kev. I went to Maccys and a coffee as our cafe was shut. It was busy in there but not with a lot of kids. I just got my coffee and chilled out. Met Kev when he was done and we got the bus into town. We got home around 5.30pm. 

We had bought cobs from Greggs so we had those and snacks for tea. Then settled down for a quiet night in front of the box with a couple of cocktails. 

I watched a fascinating documentary on Fred and Rose West ( what better way to start the new year than a bit of death and torture) 

We did make it to midnight ( after a bit of a nap around 10 pm) and watched David Guetta at the Louvre in Abu Dhabi ( didn't know they had one there) beautiful building. Kev was envious of his decks... Like most of the world this was live on screens but with no crowds watching... 

Under House Arrest day 626

Thursday.

I spent the day prepping my January Dyalog and then watching the live free class from Dyan. I couldn't believe that there was a couple of moaning Minnie's in the class! What do they want for Christs sake it was free, and she was giving up her time to teach us something. Even it was similar to a paid one I did a while back I always learn something. People are just so rude! 

About halfway through Charlotte  Lauren and Finn popped over.

Lauren set to doing some stamps and die cuts... When we sat chatting and watching sewing bee ( I stopped watching class as I can put it on again when I can concentrate)

Under House Arrest day 624/625

Tuesday.

I spent the day making a few cards I like to get ahead if I can and, after this year where I didn't make enough for my list, I've started doing a few now for both Halloween and Christmas. I've done the Valentines ones and I'm now starting my Birthday ones.

Later in the day we watched Drag Race Canada, and then Kev went into the bedroom to watch Liverpool. They lost. 

Wednesday.

Kev was at work, like me last week, so he'd done the washing yesterday afternoon, allowing me a to do what I wanted to. Which was kind of him. 

So I had a break from cards and started my new jigsaw The World of Dracula. I've got the frame done. 

Under House Arrest day 623

Monday

Quiet day at home I made a couple of cards and did my dyalog pages. 

Charlotte nipped round for a coffee ( while we still can!) I can imagine after New Year that restrictions will be in place and visits from anyone won't be allowed. Mind you, the way I feel about the government and it's two-faced one rule for them one for us, I've a good mind to take my chances. No one that comes in shopping to our place seems to be flowing anything anymore and we still appear to be the only ones on the buses wearing masks. I have no faith in what they tell us anymore. 

Under House Arrest day 622

Sunday. Boxing Day.

We stayed over at Sue's. We could hear the rain pouring down outside. It was actually like having one of those sleep apps running with rain sounds.

Went got up and went downstairs and was given copious amounts of coffee and bacon sarnies ( yum!) 

Pete bought us back home around 11am, because we wanted to check on Willow. I don't like her to be on her own too long bless her. 

When we got back as well as giving her lots of fuss and snuggles we found homes for all our gifts and I had the grand unboxing of Elvira. 

I then tried out my Tim Holtz dies that Kev bought me and made a card. Did my dyalog and we watched "Ghosts" and a movie on Netflix called "Don't Look Up" which is actually a disaster movie, with a strong theme of the stupidity of the powers that be, the media and social media and huge idiots like Elon Musk types who have more money than actual sense. Sadly, what happens in the movie could and would happen. It was very sad because it highlighted just how stupid the world is in lots of ways. 

Under House Arrest day 620/621

Friday. Christmas Eve.

A pjs day. Relax and refresh. Last few presents to make tags for, Willow to snuggle. Pages in my Dyalog to do, all the lights to switch on. It looked and was very relaxing. Just what we needed after a couple of hectic days at work. Nice to be off work for a change, as we usually have to work so we made the most of it.

Saturday. Christmas Day. 

Up early to shower and pack for our stay at Sue's.

We opened presents while having breakfast and gave Willow lots of fuss. She had a lovely couple of gifts from Charlotte and Ian. 

Pete picked up at around noon and we got to Sue's where it looked and felt very festive. We had a great lunch as always and were joined my Karen and Steve too. 

We played a kazoo game ( which I didn't get the hang of!) Which gave us plenty to laugh at. My nephew Justin came round later and we played quizzes and chatted, I only really get to see him once a year and it is always great when we do, he has always been the easiest person to get along with. I never forget that we had many years without family and I enjoy every Christmas we get to spend together. We are grateful that they invite us and look forward to the next adventures we go on throughout the year, despite of covid spoiling our travels now and then.

Under House Arrest day 619

Thursday.

We were both in work until five. As you can imagine it was busy, not as bad as last year, but I'm glad I'm not on Christmas Eve. With it being an extended weekend if you will, people will leave it all to the last minute so it will be murder on the shop floor. 

Most people were pleasant, a couple non-verbal, as in you say hello how are you and get no answer, can't even be bothered to say thanks or if they do it's begrudgingly. But most were at least happy to chat. I had some more flowers from one of my regular customers ( and this time not lilies so I can enjoy them myself for once) Lilies are poisonous to cats so I can't have them in the house because of Willow. 

Who by the way is loving her new tower scratching post, as I write this she is curled up on my knee having lots of cuddles. She is such a good girl and so loving. 

Ian and Charlotte got us some of the heavier stuff like water and pop save Kev having to lug it back. They dropped it round and Charlotte had tea with us while Ian did some errands, it was better than her eating on her own and was nice company for us too. 

So that's me done until next Friday, NYE, thank God, Kev in on Wednesday next week so Willow and I will have a cosy day in ( I'll do the washing) 

Merry Christmas 

Under House Arrest day 618

Wednesday. 

Well I was in work, Kev wasn't but he came down with me and we had breakfast in Maccy's which we haven't done since the first lockdown. It was very cold and frosty. The sky was streaked with red, 

Work was busy, with a lot of big orders. I was on 33, right next to the doors, so it was a bit chilly. Most people were in good moods and the day went by quick enough. One down, one to go. 

Charlotte and Lauren popped round tonight and we had a bit of food and a drink ready for Christmas. 

Our Madame Leota crystal ball finally came from Disney. It's better than I thought it would be and when you add water it adds a mist to the ball, giving it even more of a creepy look. 

Under House Arrest day 616/7

Monday.

Chill out day, with a little organisation and Kev putting Willows new scratching post together ( her Christmas pressie) I also made sure my dyalog pages are prepped for the coming days at work. 

But I do need my "rest" day. 

Tuesday.

We got up early and went into the city to meet Sue and Pete for lunch and get some bits and bobs. 

It was a lovely lunch. We have to make the most of these meet ups because we never know when they'll be stopped again. I'm convinced that after Christmas they'll be more restrictions to come perhaps even another lockdown. 

I had a lovely gift come today from a friend that is no longer on Facebook or even in this country anymore. It's a jigsaw ( I do love a good jigsaw so long as the subject matter is cool) and is called The World of Dracula. It's stunning. 

Under House Arrest day 616

Sunday. 

It was lovely and foggy in the morning as we both set off for work, if you know me well, you'll know that it's my favourite weather. I always call it vampire weather, you could imagine creatures of the night being able to lurk in its shadowy depths, and it reminds me of Prague which was beautiful in shrouded in fog. If I hadn't been at work I would have gone for a walk in it maybe to the village and back. 

Anyway, off to work we went, I've finally sorted my hours for New Year's Eve and that weekend. 

Work was fine, most people were in good humour, there was a couple who had so obviously been to the pub, loud, obnoxious and brave thinking they could say what they liked, ultimately, they just looked stupid. As I posted on Facebook, until you work in retail you never know that level of stupid exists. 

 

Under House Arrest day 614/615

Friday.

After the hustle and bustle of yesterday, I had a quiet day crafting and sorting out things for the weekend. We had a couple of deliveries one from Disney ( they sent the wrong thing so we had to sort that out) and one for my craft stash. 

Later Charlotte and Lauren popped round Lauren had made us a beautiful folded book Christmas tree... It's lovely. 

Saturday.

I got into work and Debbie asked me to start early at 9.30 am. I thought it would have busier than it was but it was steady and the orders were big. I finished at 4.30 which gave us chance to get the earlier bus, but because of the football traffic we got stuck on the bridge and again just before Gamston Lock. 

Watched Rose win Strictly, well deserved but John did well to come second. Loved him and Johannes together. 

Under House Arrest day 613

Thursday.

We went to do the Christmas food shop ( minus the fresh stuff naturally) at Arnold Sainsburys. I had a gift card and our points too so we got it all for £13! 

We did smart shop as it was easier, all went well. 

Then we had to go to Trent Barton travel shop to get Kev's annual saver topped up. Not so great, I have never known such incompetence. It took 45 minutes. First off the woman couldn't log on, so she rang IT and they didn't ring her back, then another lady came to help and she didn't know how to use the computer. She rang IT and they had to talk her step by step through the process. My God I'd given up the will to live by now. It costs £890.00 you'd think they'd have someone on hand that knew their way around a computer taking that kind of money wouldn't you? 

Anyway, it's done hopefully, she didn't fill me with much hope when she said at the end, "come back if you have any problems". I bloody hope not. I've given Kev the receipt just in case so that if it doesn't work he can show the driver if needed. 

We came straight home after all that. Standing that long just about killed me so the sooner we got home the better. 

Next year I'm going to do it myself online ( only trouble is it takes 7 days for the card to get reactivated, so we will have do it before it actually runs out) which means they'll have my money sooner than I would like. 

Under House Arrest day 612

Wednesday.

Kev's 64th birthday. 

As usual it was wash day, lucky we didn't have much today so Kev was able to get it done fairly early. 

The covid study came and took our samples. 

Then a visit from Sue and Pete for Kev, lovely to see them. 

At lunch Charlotte and Lauren picked us up and took us to East Bridgeford Garden Centre.

We had traditional Christmas lunch together before walking round the garden centre itself. We couldn't resist buying another piece of our village scene ( a church) some Christmas oil to refresh the potpourri. 

We got back and had some prosecco and a craft lesson and session with Lauren. 

It was a lovely day. 

Under House Arrest day 611

Tuesday.

Phew! Busy busy day... New bookcase came and that meant taking the old one out and emptying it and Kev put the new one together. It looks lovely and is fantastic quality ( it is Habitat though) 

Then the meteor shower lights came to add to the outside ones. We wanted to buy them earlier but missed out, only to have them waved at us in the sale, so we got them and Kev put them out they look fab.

It meant a day of putting stuff out, rearranging things and tidying up after but well worth it. 

Under House Arrest day 610

Monday. 

Woke up with a nagging back ache. Not major just "there" I did my biking and I used my revitive. It could be the way I slept it could be just one of those things I'll see how it goes, I will do some yoga to see if that helps, it does usually. I hand washed the face masks before Kev stitches the new brackets in them. He ordered new ones as a couple of them have broken after being in the washer. From now on I'll just hand wash them. 

Other than that and cleaning the bathroom it was a chill-out day. I didn't even do much crafting. I did watch the new Kirstie Allsop Christmas programme and later watched the David Baddiel documentary about social media. That was quite interesting, he was trying to understand some of the anger, and hatred that some people face online. I find it quite interesting, a little disturbing too. There are people that even I know go online just to argue with or wind up other people. What I really dislike is when you have a genuine opinion about something you will get shouted down like your opinion doesn't count, isn't valid just because it is different to theirs. It's all very sad. 

Under House Arrest day 609

Sunday.

Started off busy, stayed pretty steady all day with the usual rush at the end. I had a decent enough day all in all, no dramas. I was surprised as I'd had a crap nights sleep. We made the bus by the skin of our teeth, 

I got my payment through Vinted from selling that top. Now I know how easy it is to use I shall go through my wardrobe and sell other items I may have lurking in there. I like it because there isn't any hassle like eBay. And I got the amount I wanted for it. With no fees. 

The photo is of Anne Rice who passed away at the age of 80. I love her books apart from Memnoch the Devil, so it threw me a little when I heard she'd died.  

Under House Arrest day 608

Saturday.

Very busy. The crazy has started early. I'm wondering if people are preparing for the worst thinking there might be a halt to proceedings like a mini lockdown? 

I personally think they won't announce one until after Christmas as they think they won't be listened to after the Christmas party disaster. I don't think they dare stop people celebrating. 

Under House Arrest day 607

Friday.

Well it was damp and miserable so we stayed in and braced ourselves ready for what no doubt will be a busy weekend at work. I got a few UFO's finished ( unfinished objects) and cleaned and tidied my desk area ready for the weekend. If possible I like to leave it clutter free over the weekend. Nothing worse than walking into a mess after work. I got a few bargains in the Sizzix sale a few Tim Holtz dies and one that looks like a wax seal for the envelope backs... I have a wax seal but it is messy and this will replace that, so I can get rid of that now, I will take it into a charity shop when I get chance. I'll have a good sort out after Christmas and make a bit more room. I'm always evolving my craft stash... 

Under House Arrest day 606

Thursday.

Another busy day. We delivered the neighbourhood cards, as usual, I had miscalculated and was one short, so I made another. That'll get taken tomorrow. All parcels are posted, so hopefully, we are getting done. My light-up hanging basket came and it looks lovely, so all my decor is now complete too. 

Most of all I am very excited to say I have The Cure tickets for Birmingham for next year. Thanks to a heads up from Ian Marshall I got on the pre-sale notice list and snapped them up. You couldn't choose where you sat as the fan club ticket holders get first dibs but as we have been to the arena before we know they are all great seats. Just to have tickets is enough. We last saw them at the Barfly gig in around 2002. This time it's an all-seater so that will be much better, gone are my moshing days down at the front. I can't stand that long now! I've always loved the Cure, and I had a poster on my bedroom wall of Robert Smith next to my poster of David Sylvian from Japan when I lived with my Mum until I moved out. I dare say she binned them like she did everything. But then when we moved to the pub we got Lucy to paint us a replica of it which we still have to this day. 

Under House Arrest day 605

Wednesday

Wash day so we were up early. Once the last easy was in Kev nipped my parcels to the post. Just as he left there was a bang on the door, it was my Hermes parcel with my snowflake neon light in it.  Sue came and fetched some gems I should have taken yesterday. We had a coffee and a chat. I had a card take so I got that done then spent the rest of the morning putting collage images in my dyalog because I do like the pre-done pages which lets me be more creative with my doodling and writing. 

In the afternoon we watched Landscapers. The drama about the two charged with murdering and burying the bodies of the wife's parents. It is based on a true story of events in Mansfield, they were charged and found guilty in 2014. It was filmed on location in Nottingham and it was weird seeing the city centre on TV... Olivia Coleman played the wife, Susan, and David Thewlis play the husband Christopher. They did a great job. I can thoroughly recommend it as a good gripping watch. 

Under House Arrest day 603/604

Monday. 

I had a quiet day in crafting and reading. It was quite cold so apart from Kev nipping round to the village shop to send a vinted parcel for me we didn't venture out. It's good to have a chill out day especially when I've had a bit of "wobble"

Tuesday.

We went into the city to meet Sue and Pete for lunch. The weather got progressively worse as we went around the shops and we waited for them in the space under city hall. It was bitterly cold and I expected it to turn to snow. We had a lovely lunch at Lloyds no 1 in Hockley and then we left them to catch the bus up to Arnold I want to go to B&M as I had seen something to replace my spinning candle. Luckily we found one it's a replica car with a Christmas tree on top. It reminds me of the Tim Holtz die "Home for the Holidays" that he had years ago. I've never found the die, so this makes up for it. 

We were going to Sainsburys after but, the weather was now a lot worse and we gave up and git the bus back into the city, then got down to market square to get the Cotgrave bus. When we got home we were soaked to the skin and freezing so we both had to peel of our wet things and dry off. Our coats we hung up in the shower to drip dry. Luckily it's wash day tomorrow so we can get them fully dry in the tumble if necessary. 

Under House Arrest day 602

Sunday.

Sometimes my confidence abandons me and I struggle to talk to anyone this was one of them. I put on a mask and push through it. Luckily I have a lot of regular customers who chatting to casually is easy. The rest of the time I concentrate on being as helpful and polite as I can. But what I really want to do is not be around anyone except those I really trust. It's not possible on a work day obviously so I have to push past it. I do find it exhausting though, and I was grateful for a quiet night in watching the tv. It passes and I bounce back, and I've learned not to worry if people think I'm a funny bugger because I don't feel chatty on breaks etc. Being chatty and friendly to customers is more important and staying quiet and recharging my batteries when I am on a break is even more important. I sometimes don't have the mental energy to do both. The thing is there is a good bunch of people to work with on a Sunday, the odd one not so, but there is always one. So long as you know that and smile and wave your'e fine. 

 

Under House Arrest day 602.

Saturday.

All in all not a bad day at work, busy, naturally as it always gets three weeks before Christmas. 

People seem happy enough, there is always one however, but there you go. Bus was late in town because of the football, one lady we were talking to had been there since 5.15 pm the bus didn't show until 10 to six then two came at once. The bit I don't get is that the mainline buses to Bingham and Ratcliffe always run on time ( at least three went past our stop) but go the same route... So if they can through, why can't the Cotgrave? 

Under House Arrest day 601

Friday.

And relax

After a few busy days both at home and trotting around the city getting stuff done we had a nice chilled out day before work this weekend. I did a lot of stamping Christmas images and colouring ready for my dyalog. Last month was all pre-done collage pages and this month I want to mix it up a bit. I'm doing a few images in advance, but some pages I'll do as I get to them. It's what works for me. I might do another book like the one we did in class next month, we will see. So I was at my desk a while yesterday as I had a card to make for a special birthday. But it was nice to get stuck in. Kev had a few of his crafty projects on the go including the star outside. It used to have plants in, but it wasn't easy to keep up with so he has filled it with baubles. It looks much better than half-dead plants. As well as digging out his pyrography kit ready to do some wood slices next week.  So as you can tell, we still have a few things we want to get done before we get really ready for the festive season. 

Under House Arrest day 601

Thursday. 

We decided to go to Lady Bay retail park and to the post office on the way back. I had my cards to post and a couple of gifts. I try and get them done the first two weeks in December so we wrapped up and went on the hike down there. We have it sussed now so that we pass a few places where I can stop and sit if needed. 

Hobbycraft had nothing amazing and we only got a few bits from B&M mainly food items that are cheaper there. We went into The Range and I found the Christmas foliage I was looking for and Kev bought a metal wall art piece he was after. 

We got back around 3 pm and Kev put the batteries in the Christmas decs that needed them. He hung the wall art and I changed over the atc coins on the stand to the Christmas ones. I think that's us done now. 

Under House Arrest day 600

Wednesday. 

As well as wash day it was decorations day. Kev started with the outside ones that Sue gave us. They look great and with Kevs new ladder they didn't take long to do. The gutter hooks made life easier too... The other light she gave us went up in the kitchen. Then it was time to start getting down the boxes in the loft and sorting out what was worth putting out and what was going out for recycling. 

Under House Arrest day 599

Tuesday. 

The snow had gone by late afternoon on Monday so we were able to go into town. We were going to Sainsbury's at Castle Marina, but we placed an online order instead, as a lot of it was heavy stuff so it made sense to let them bring it. 

So we headed into town for a good look round. 

We went into Victoria Centre, and Lewis's they have some gorgeous ( if pricey) baubles for Christmas. But the whole section looks stunning. 

We finally managed to get the black forest gateau from M&S so that's one less thing to worry about. 

We saw a coffin shaped shelf unit in Damaged Society, it was lovely, but very overpriced. So Kev had a look online when we got back and he found one and ordered it. It will mean a change round in the living room. But it will ideal to put the tiny living dead dolls on and will make up for them not having a sleigh this year. 

I also had my Eugene die come, it's a colourize one and in 22 pieces some smaller than my fingernail. It's like doing a jigsaw puzzle, but he looks amazing when he is done. 

Under House Arrest day 598

Monday.

Lazy day. I wasn't going anywhere in that snow, Kev had to nip to the precinct for some bits and bobs. He said it was very cold and some of the pavements were a bit dicey. I set to and did my dyalog and prepped December's as it's only a couple of days away I thought that was a good idea tomorrow I want to stamp a few of the Christmas stamps for it as I want to do a blend of stamped images and collage. I also had a card to make and a tag... I want to start clearing projects now including ufo's ( unfinished objects) so that come the new year everything that needs to be done are. I have ordered Eugene the penguin ( Tim Holtz) as it's on sale and although he is a Christmas die I'm thinking he will look great for Birthday cards too... He is a colourise one so they'll be some cursing as I try him out at first. 

Under House Arrest day 597

Sunday. 

Again bitterly cold. Clear blue skies and a touch of frost over the fields. 

I got to work with Kev and in the afternoon it started snowing again thankfully by the time we got out it had all but gone in Arnold. However, it was a different story in Cotgrave. As the bus turned on to Stragglethorpe road you could see the snow more on the roof of Holme house and on the pavements. We got off on Bramble way and had to gingerly pick our way through the alleyway not just because of the snow and ice, but because of the dog mess that is down there. It's the last thing you want to be dragging in with you. 

At least we got in to a cosy home, and Willow was sprawlled out on the window next to the radiator, bless her, she knows where she is best off. 

Under House Arrest day 595/596

Friday. 

Well I really needed to address the elephant in the room and work out how many cards I still needed to make for Christmas. I wrote the ones I had then I was able to see how many more needed. In future I shall do more for me earlier on in the year so that mine are done before I do anyone else... It will also ensure I get the most out of any dies I've bought this year before Tim brings out new ones. I'm guilty of using new ones instead of digging out old ones.

Saturday.

Well, it was freezing as I set off to the bus stop. And when Charlotte and I got on the bus it started snowing. Large flakes, I swear to God it waits until I'm going to work. 

Thankfully it had gone after about an hour, it was still cold however. Time to dig out the thermals. My leg hates this weather, and refuses to work properly. I wonder sometimes if it might be easier to have a prosthetic leg. One of the doctors actually said at one of my appointments that these days that's what they would do in a case like mine, remove it from the knee down... Who knows, maybe I could have been a Paralympian! 

It definitely would stop all this "nowt wrong with her" crap. 

Under House Arrest day 594

Thursday. 

A day in finally! So I thought I'd get my cards out and start getting ready for posting. However, when I got them out I have nowhere near enough done. I've done everyone else's cards but not my own except for my special family ones. 

So I had to get cracking... I usually take a couple of hours on each card, so I did well to get five done in about 3 hours. Will have to do some more tomorrow. 

Under House Arrest day 594

Wednesday.

Kev did the washing, after which we set off to change the broken dinner service and swap Kev's shirt. It was very cold, but we both clad ourselves as if we were going to the artic. 

We had no problem changing the items and we were soon on the bus back home. 

Once we got in and we had lunch I started my page from last weeks class, I've never done masking with stamps before, I had the masking sheets but had never been brave enough to try it. That's the beauty of these classes they give the confidence to try new techniques. 

I'm quite pleased with the result. Yes, it's not perfect, but I can see where I can improve and for a first attempt it's not bad. 

Under House Arrest day 593

Tuesday. 

We had a lovely lunchtime meeting with Sue and Pete. We discussed the mini break I've just booked for us all for March. It's to Durham, Holy Isle and Beamish. I think we are all looking forward to it. We really enjoyed the last one we went together to Hampton Court Palace. 

We had good food and service for once ( we went to Lloyds no.1) one of the better 'Spoons in the city centre. 

We thought the trams were on strike ( that's what it said on the auto timetable on Monday) but when we got into town they were running. We would have taken those items back to Asda if we'd known. So it looks like another trip tomorrow after the washings done. 

Kev put Willow's shelf up behind the sofa ( so she can sit behind there when the sofa is occupied) it looks ok, she has just got to get used to it. 

Under House Arrest days 591/592

Sunday. 

Cold start to the day. Did a couple more training stints, but this time I was allowed to sit, which made a big difference. A more straightforward journey home was also a bonus. 

The Market Square was busy. It looks so pretty lit up. I managed to try out my new machine briefly you can tell it has more pressure as it cuts like dream. 

Monday.

Booster jab day. We went on the tram and got off at Knowle Street, to pop into Asda. I wanted to get some astronaut cat baubles for me and Hanna ( lovely girl who I've met during Dyan's online classes) I also wanted a festive dinner set and a look round the clothes. I got some new jammies and slipper socks. We did get the dinner set but when we got it home one of the plates is chipped. So we will take it back tomorrow after seeing Sue and Pete. Bloody typical. 

The queue for the booster jabs was horrendous. We waited around an hour and twenty minutes. They aren't doing walk ins either, this was all booked appointments. We eventually got jabbed at 2.25 pm, and then had to sit 15 minutes to make sure we didn't turn into Violet Beauregard from Willy Wonka, or drop dead... 

We got the tram back into Market Square. As it was nearly three we wanted something to eat so we plumped for a vegan burger at Burger King... Big mistake... Huge... I don't know what it is about us two and food out just lately but they forgot our order and it was nearly cold by the time we got it. We were so hungry we eat it. Oh well it wasn't meat so it won't kill us. I tell you, it's putting us off eating out. I hope the food is better tomorrow. 

Under House Arrest day 589 /590

Friday.

Had a few projects on a secret Christmas one, a few cards and practice from class. 

All day I was watching my herpes app waiting for my new machine to arrive. Did it buggery... 2 day delivery my arse. We watched another couple of episodes of The Lost Symbol. I'm enjoying it. I always think they can make a better series than a film because they can get closer to the book. Trouble with a movie adaptation is they don't have long to get the story across and they are usually tied down by actors who they think will be a box office draw rather than right for the part. 

Saturday.

Went ok, I was training someone again today. Nice lady if a bit of a moaner. I can see her being active in the union if you get my drift, not that that is a bad thing but I guess you know the type. I didn't have to stand, which was a big help. 

Especially as we had longer to walk when the bus dropped us off at Huntington Street and we had to walk through town because they'd closed off Vic centre due to a gas leak. Marvellous. As we know we always have an adventure on the buses... 

Oh and guess what? Herpes delivered my new machine while I was at work... Surprise?! No, and where would you leave a die cutter worth £170? On the doorstep in full view, of course you would... 

Under House Arrest day 588

Thursday. 

We wanted to get a few bits and get out of the house so we went into town. We got the half ten bus and went straight into Poundland. We had a cracked glass so wanted to replace one. When we got to the checkout the replacement ones wouldn't scan. The Assistant tried, and even she couldn't do it. She manually put them in and gave us a right bargain 2 glasses for 50p! How nice was that? We went into M&S looking for the gateau for Christmas Day but they haven't had them in yet, so we will try later. Kev went into CEX, then we went round the Christmas market, and had some roasted chestnuts! They were lovely.We then went into the Works, where we bumped into our Karen, full of cold bless her, but it was lovely to see her. 

After we left there we wanted lunch, so we got the mainline and went back in to Bridgeford. We wanted to try the Wagamama, one, because it fits the Food Doctor plan well, and two, because it's always busy in town and we were curious as to why. Big mistake... Huge... We got seated quick, it felt a bit canteen like but, we ordered. Kev's came really quick, I waited, and waited, and finally when Kev was almost finished managed to get someone's attention and ask where mine was. You could tell they'd missed mine off the order as they had to ask what I wanted and I had another wait while they prepared it Kev had finished by now and had to sit and wait for me while I had mine. I didn't finish it. as I had gone past eating by then, and also I felt a bit odd eating so behind Kev. We then had a bit of a wait until we could get someone to bring us the bill. The bloody cheek was they wanted a tip for the service. I declined as we really hadn't had any.

It was nice enough food, but we won't be going again, and it wasn't cheap. 

I watched the last class in the evening. Dyan did an amazing page that I'm going to have a crack at tomorrow. 

Under House Arrest day 587

Wednesday.

Wash day. I had a change round in my living room I've rearranged things in my craft area so that the stuff I need to get at more often are more accessible. It was hard work but worth it. I have also ordered myself a new machine, again a Sizxix but this time one that folds away. It will give me more room to work on my desk. 

I watched class again last night it was as ever very informative and I learned a lot.

Next door ( Denise) lent us her collapsible ladder so Kev could clear the guttering of moss. He was so impressed with it he has bought one. We need one to get in the loft and the steps we have are from when we lived at Grafton Road. They aren't that high and rubbish for outside. As we have lights for outside this year thanks to my generous Sis, he will be able to go up and put them up. We have also got the gutter hooks so it should be fairly straightforward. 

Under House Arrest day 585/6

Monday.

Completely different day to last Monday. Whereas last week I was in pain and dealing with a swollen ankle and foot after having to stand and trot around at work,  this weekend I was mostly sat ( apart from walking to and from petrol) so I had a chance to do my chores and exercises.

Other than that I had Class in the evening Dyan is doing another four night one on the Couture stamps. Kev watched an Xbox show in the living room and I watched class in the bedroom. 

Tuesday.

We went to Lady Bay. A steady walk down there from the embankment bus stop. A rest when needed then a gentle walk around the shops. I finished my Christmas shopping. Today being treat day on the diet I had a vegan burger and fries at Burger King. 

Steady walk back with rest stops, we got back home and Kev and I set too and wrapped the presents. 

Then I watched class.

Under House Arrest day 584

Sunday. 

Remembrance Sunday. 

The road was closed outside and at the side of the store as usual which meant the bus went the back way into Arnold. I was in petrol first thing, and by the time I got back to store things had got busy. I was serving until around 4.15 pm as obviously it had a knock-on effect of people coming later. 

We managed to get both buses which was a relief. 

We started to watch that new drama "Close to Me" quite disturbing really. At first I am thinking it's a clear case of the husband beating the crap out of his wife and throwing her downstairs only to claim she was drunk and fell... But surely as harrowing as that is it would be a bit of an easy storyline. We will see how it develops. I must admit I found it a bit harrowing and not an easy watch. 

Under House Arrest days 582/3

Friday. 

Got the cards finished around lunch time. First weigh in and I'd lost 4lbs... Not bad. 

Other than that a quiet day. Kev posted Alice's parcel ( they wanted £12.50 for first class! So we went with second) bloody Royal Mail! But at least with them they hopefully won't chuck it over a fence like Herpes... 

Saturday. 

As usual with our buses, there is an issue going home they've blocked off part of the road leading to Vic Centre and diverted round the back. So we were on the 58 for around 35 minutes. We got home around 6.45. It's going to be the same again Sunday so it's in the lap of the Gods if we make the bus. If we don't we will have to wait until the last bus at 6.20 pm. I got home to my Art from the Heart parcel tucked behind the racking on the porch, not bad when I asked them to change the delivery date to Monday... Oh well, at least I have it 

Under House Arrest day 581

Thursday.

Went for a trim at Blu and Amanda did a great job as always. We are thinking of having some slices of another colour in my hair next time, but she has to do a strand test to see if we can do it. 

When we got back I continued to assemble the cards, which is now done, all I have to do now is do the sentiments. The next job is to start the tags which will be my job tomorrow. 

Under House Arrest day 580

Wednesday,

Wash day so we got up early. Kev got it all done with nobody waiting to use the laundry after him, makes a change. 

I have an order for 9 cards and 25 tags so I set to and got them started ( well the cards first) as they are all Winston's ( that's the Tim Holtz snowman I cut them all first as there is a lot of pieces to fit together ( a bit like a jigsaw) I then spent most of the afternoon and evening assembling them all. I just have three brooms left to do then I can start and come up with some backgrounds for them. It was like a little assembly line. And harder work than you may think. At least my cranking arm gets a workout! The picture below is one I made a bit back, but these ones will be on different backgrounds, but all they are at the moment is components...

Under House Arrest day 579

Tuesday. 

After a bit of a restless night due to my back hurting and my leg, We slept in. 

We got up and got ready to go into the city to meet up with Sue and Pete. We went to Lloyds no.1 Hockley fit lunch and we made the food almost fit the plan. They didn't have the quinoa, so we had plain steak and a jacket potato ( of which I had half) I drank Kombucha (sugar-free fermented fruit tea and water) Kev had the same but he drank alcohol-free Erdinger. Proving that you can go out for lunch without giving into temptation. The hardest part was walking past Dunkin Doughnuts and resisting the cinnamon crullers! Which we did. In Florida all those years ago they were our go-to breakfast before heading to the Disney parks, back in the days when I could walk miles and burn it off. 

It was lovely to see Sue and Pete our catch-ups are all the more sweeter since lockdown. We truly value them, and our little mini-breaks together of which we are planning another one. 

We managed to find a mini tree for Sadies Fire top and we used tiny lights to wrap round it ready.

Sue gave us some outdoor lights she ought but didn't use so we have those for next month when we will decorate for Christmas. If we can borrow a ladder that is. 

We got home and I managed to get Dragula tickets for the Rescue Rooms in March. Yay! 

Under House Arrest day 578

Monday. 

I didn't do much, I rested, read watched tv. My leg was badly swollen and my back hurt ( because I overcompensate and throw my weight off that leg as I walk to make it easier) I'd had to get up a couple of times to take pain relief so I was knackered in any case. 

I did get an appointment for my booster as did Kev thanks to Ian giving a heads up that there was a link online to book...

Under House Arrest day 587

Sunday.

It was cold first thing, as we headed off to work. My leg always the weather vane was creaking like an old mast. 

It was an ok day, I had to stand for large parts of it in order to train some newbies. I dare say I'll pay for that tomorrow. Just lately my two days at work actually become three as I can't really do much on a Monday but recover. I dropped down to two in order to manage my pain and discomfort in the first place. We'll see how it goes when I have my next disability assessment. 

Fireworks weren't too bad the main display at the Welfare didn't last that long from the sounds of it. We must have missed most of it travelling home, I'm not sure what time it started. 

Willow was hiding when we came in, she isn't too bothered when we are in, but when we are out it must be scary for her. Next time I might leave some classical music on for her as they say that helps. 

Under House Arrest day 586

Saturday.

Started out ok with coffee club with Charlotte at Maccys ( I had tea, no coffee for the first 7 days!) A few changes to report, slight headache (caffeine withdrawal) extra tired so I went to bed around 9.45. Slept well though and only got up once briefly. Good thing is I'm not hungry, hopefully in the next couple of days things will even out and the headache will lift, it did last time.

Work was busy, I had to put stuff back on the shelves later on, by the time I had done my knee was screaming, I'll wear my support tomorrow just in case, as I have no doubt I'll be trotting round the shop floor again at some point given who's in. 

Not too many fireworks ( though the ones that did go off sounded like bombs) but they weren't on long no doubt because they are so expensive... I think they should price them out of pocket so they have to go to proper displays... 

Under House Arrest day 585

Friday.

Well we got through day one of the Food Doctor plan. Tempers on both sides were a little frayed as we all know switching from having more food to less is always a bit emotional. Kev has a short fuse and I hold a grudge better than Sweeney Todd... 

But we got there with nothing more than a raised voice and the odd sulk ( that would be me then!)

We caught up on a few bits of tv we've missed over the last couple of days. 

Kev has finished the headstone repair and is just waiting for the varnish to dry. I think he's done a cracking job on it... You wouldn't know that it was as broken as it was now... And any bumps on it look like a real headstone with year's of wear on it. The genius move was sticking fake ivy on it and painting it grey so it looks like it's been carved onto it... 

Under House Arrest 584

Thursday. 

After much deliberation Kev and I are going back to the Food Doctor Diet after a week of Halloween indulgence it's time to reign it back in so we can fully enjoy Christmas. It's the one we always turn to and is less rigid than the fast 800 and it works.  So, with that in mind we set off to shop. We aren't keen on Morrisons but it's the easiest ( in theory) to get to.

We set off on the 33 and there was a diversion, so a mystery tour it was then. We got there did the shop and went back to the bus stop only to find that the 33 had for some reason stopped running. We then got the 5 city loop and went to Bridgeford and got the Cotgrave, not easy with five bags but we did it. 

You have to admit our bus journeys are never boring. 

Later in the afternoon Anne popped round for a catch up and a coffee. It was nice to see her and she looks well...