Under House Arrest day 400

Thursday.

I managed a lie in, helped by the bleak and windy weather looming large outside. We were going to go out, but we decided against it. So we cracked on with projects including dyeing my hair. A couple of parcels arrived, both gifts for other people as it happens. 

We've started to regularly watch grand designs both the UK and the Australian version lately. I find the fascinating, most don't have a happy outcome, they end up ruining the people doing it financially and sometimes marriages have collapsed under the strain. It is truly a case of be careful what you wish

for. The completed ones tend to be stunning, don't get me wrong, some you wonder why they even do it at all. They usually think they can do it cheaper than it actually costs. Perhaps because we've faced being homeless we need very little, and now we live in a small place, you realise that the bigger the place the more crap you fill it with. I could never live in a minimalist place, I love my collection of dolls and Halloween ephemera too much. And of course all my craft stuff! 

Under House Arrest day 399

Wednesday.

Wash day. We got up fairly early and Kev got the washing done with no interference. 

Sue and Pete nipped round to pick up the washi tape Kev had ordered for her. And a movie we are lending them. 

I've been suffering for the long walk yesterday. I've started to get like a pins and needles feeling in my right thigh, and although I rarely google my symptoms it turns out to be a common complaint with diabetes there is a technical term for it, one of those long unpronounceable ones. Another bloody side effect of that blasted thing. Anyway as usual the cure is to lose weight and exercise regularly ( boxes checked, I am trying to the former and daily do the latter) so we will see if it stops when my weight comes down to what they want it to be at my next round of tests. 

Under House Arrest day 398

Tuesday.

We walked from the embankment to the Lady Bay retail park. That around 4.5 km there and back. It's quite a way for me these days. And on the way back I had to sit down a little while I get a tingling "pins and needles" in my right thigh which they say is a symptom connected to diabetes. Once I've rested up a few minutes it stops. 

We were really disappointed with the range they've changed stuff round and sadly put the craft area upstairs, in the process they've reduced the range and it's very poor now. We won't bother again. If we go down again I will just go in Hobbycraft. 

Got home and Dyan did a live launch of a few sprays and paints, all shimmers, but I did need some regular paints so I popped them in an order. 

Also when we got back there was a parcel waiting. It turned out to be a lovely gift from Mel... A board with some words on that we can both relate to. Very nice of her. 

Under House Arrest day 397

Monday. 

It was a beautiful day again. And if we hadn't been at work the day before we might have ventured out. But as usual on a Monday we didn't feel like moving far, one of the curses of advancing years, you don't bounce back like you used to. I can remember being work for 39 hours a week, and still pack everything into the few hours I had away from the place. Now I might have five days before we go back, but I need it. None of us like to admit we slowing down but we do. 

My post on Dyan's Dyary and Dyalog page yesterday got a message back from her! How lovely. One it shows she follows her pages and two that she appreciates her fans. She is very down to earth though which is why I like her. She's from Yorkshire, so she says what she likes and likes what she says. I find that refreshing in a world where most people have more faces than the town hall clock!

On that note, I've been thinking, I know, dangerous that. I have a few people on my Facebook that I never really interact with, Some are there because of sentimental attachments, from the past, where we used to be close. But you do have to think at some point what is the point? Also, you have to remember that not every friend request is there for any other reason than surveillance. Some people don't even like you, but they do like to have a source of gossip. To that end, I'm going to do one of my culls. I only want people on my pages who like me not that are just nosey... I do it every so often, you'll know that if you know me well enough.

Under House Arrest day 396

Sunday.

Work. I had an epiphany of sorts yesterday. Due to unforeseen circumstances I had to work closely with someone who doesn't like me, she doesn't know me, but there you go it happens. But, as she arrived, I clearly heard in my head Dyan Revealey saying "I am an acquired taste, don't like me? Aquire some taste" and you know what, I didn't let that person get to me once. See, it's not just my art that benefits from listening to my crafting idols... I quite often hear my self quoting Tim Holtz " If you can't say something nice, find something nice" 

In other matters, there was a bit of a creepy moment while I was serving a male customer, my skin actually crawlled. He said "You have an early start on a Sunday" I looked blank and he continued"I saw you and a fellow worker getting on the 58 bus at 8.30 am this morning" Bearing in mind this was 3.45pm by now, 

It took me a minute, and I said "yes, that was me with my husband we both work here". I don't care if it was just an innocent remark, it felt creepy. It just goes to show, you never know who is bloody watching you, not all serial killers just grab random bods off the street you know. Be safe. 

Under House Arrest day 395

Saturday.

Work. It was busy especially as it drew closer to afternoon, people are perhaps getting up later, or doing other stuff first now that they can. Hard to tell really. Made the first bus by the skin of my teeth, but because of the increase in traffic missed the Cotgrave. So, we had to hang around town. It's not a nice place again on a Saturday night, the lockdown easing has bought out all the idiots, the square was heaving, lots of police and police cars hanging around. Kev had a bright idea, next time we miss the Cotgrave bus we are going to get on a Mainline and get off in Bridgeford, then wait there for the next Cotgrave. It will take us away from the city centre, waste a bit of time so we aren't just sitting at the bus stop kicking our heels. So we will give that a go if it happens again. During the week isn't so bad, but Saturday's are horrible. 

Under House Arrest day 393/394

Thursday.

It was a beautiful day, we were undecided whether or not to go out. But after a bit of thought we decided to stay home and maybe go out tomorrow. We both had things to do, I had some training pending and I wanted to go through and edit my clothes down. 

So I filled a bag of stuff some for charity and some for Kev to cut up for cloths. We recycle in our own way. I've decided to return the kneeling chair to Amazon. It's just too big for the space under my desk. It did help my back but it meant once I was in it Kev couldn't sit in his chair or get past. So, I have contacted Amazon and they said I have a month to return the item. 

Friday.

Another summer-like day so we went into the city and replaced the gargoyle that the gardeners broke. We got lunch and sat outside in the square to eat. We weren't out long, but it was a nice change. It was busy even though the kids have gone back to school, but I guess people are making the most of the lowered restrictions and the good weather. It was nice to see a lot of the places that can open busy. 

Under House Arrest day 392

Wednesday, wash day which went ahead without a hitch for a change, it was nice enough to put it all outside. 

When we got back yesterday afternoon, I forgot to say that the gardeners had been. And not for the first time in their careless attitude to strimming they broken a corner off one of those lovely gargoyles we bought last week, they also (God knows how) ripped the cover on the rotary dryer. In the past they've broken a solar owl ( which they put back together and it was only when the lights didn't come we noticed) and the same with the gargoyle they put it in the middle of the trio hoping we wouldn't notice. It's annoying and puts you off-putting anything nice in your garden, just because they don't watch what they are doing. 

In more pleasant news my new kneeling chair came and Kev put it together for me, it took a while but once it was done it looks ok. I sat on it later on in the evening and I'm sure when I have had a bit of practice my posture will realign. It's nicely padded and sturdy.  

,

Under House Arrest day 391

We woke up to clear blue skies and sunshine. It wasn't hot by any means, but it was pleasantly warm, with a little chill when the sun scuttled behind the odd cloud. A perfect day for heading into the city to meet Sue and Pete for lunch at The Magic Garden. We hadn't been out for lunch since October with them, but it was worth the wait. It was fairly busy there ( it's not the cheapest place) but they had it spaced out perfectly. It's outside but covered in tent-like awnings, each table had an overhead heater if needed but we didn't. We ordered and chatted and laughed, drank wine, the boys had lager, and I had a cheeky cocktail. It was perfect, we all had burgers, mine and Sue's being vegan, Kev and Pete had cheeseburgers. It was so nice to be out, and I felt safe, as everything had been put in place to make you feel that way. The staff there are young and friendly, hardworking and helpful. You order and pay on your phone for everything and you have a two-hour slot at your table. Almost normal, apart from the obvious masks, spacing and table service. A really enjoyable afternoon. So much so we've booked again in two weeks. I missed our catch-ups, and so have Sue and Pete. After we'd done just shy of our two hours we went our separate ways to shop or catch buses and we got a few bits we needed before heading home, a tad squiffy, as we haven't drunk alcohol at lunch for ages right lightweights compared to the old days, but it was a nice gentle little buzz not falling over drunk. Much deserved after this lockdown, which I think was perhaps worse than the other two for many reasons not in some small part to the mental strain of working with no fun attached. 

Under House Arrest day 390

Monday.

Had a lie in which sorted out my lingering tiredness. What woke me was my back. Just lately I've had a toothache sort of twinge in my back when I stand or walk for long periods. This morning it was quite sharp and I got up and did my yoga which helped. But even then it still niggled at me afterwards even when I put muscle rub on. I'm thinking of ordering a kneeling chair to replace the one at my craft desk in the hopes that it realigns my posture thereby curing the problem. I'll continue with the yoga too as I can tell the days I don't do it. Losing weight should help too, and that seems to be coming off ok again now, so it will all contribute. 

Tonight I went in the bedroom while Kev watched the football and listened to an audible book based on the stories in the haunted mansion at Disney, that was one of my favourite rides when we went. It's quite amusing and a nice "fluffy" listen after some I've listened to lately. I quite like having both my kindle and audible, as you can read along if you want or, like tonight lie back and be read to! 

Under House Arrest day 389

Sunday.

I had a really hard time waking up this morning. I thought a shower would help but it didn't and I was tired for quite a lot of the day. Didn't help that work was really quiet. You can tell that people have other places to go to now. 

I'm so glad that I only work two days a week now, I don't think I could handle more. Physically or mentally. There was some really odd customers today, one woman got her knickers in a twist because we no longer put meat into bags, which we haven't done for 18 months or so. She practically threw the chicken at me. What is the deal? Why the anger? I don't know... Some are just ignorant you say hello really cheerful like and ask them how they are, you either get no response or they look at you like you've just killed their grandma... The worst is the people who carry on their phone conversation while you attempt to serve them... One word... Rude

Under House Arrest day 388

Saturday.

Work. Prince Philip's funeral. The shop was very quiet. Combination of the lovely weather, the fact that people can go to shop, eat out and drink at other places now, and the funeral and FA Cup. 

Janet Windley gave a little resin coffin she found at her Dads while she was sorting out his stuff. It's lovely. Someone at work ( who shall remain nameless) remarked how could anyone have something like that in their home. And that they would come in to my home. First, I wouldn't invite you, second, have you not done your inclusion begins with I training. I don't judge your choice of decor or what ornaments you have ( but I bet they are hideous) so back off bitch. 

But I thought it was lovely of Janet to think of me. 

When we got home we watched Prince Philip's funeral highlights. I'm a sucker for a good funeral. And he was a nice old gent. I don't really buy into this generational let's bash someone because they weren't politically correct nonsence, he was a man of his time, he said like a lot of our elders what he thought, it was acceptable in it's time. Ok, some things have moved on, and attitudes have changed, not all for the better, people are too easily "offended" whilst being cruel in there own way. People preach being kind, but aren't any kinder. But for all his perceived bad he did a lot more good. More good than I'll ever do. 

So we settled in and watched it, it was a very moving and beautiful send-off... I wanted to hug the Queen she looked so frail and diddy, and so sad. 73 years together, you can't imagine how devastated she must be feeling, and seeing her sat there with her head down was heartbreaking. Well, for me anyway. 

The highlight for me was the catafalque that sent the coffin down into the vault below. I have a thing for catafalques after I saw the one at Kensal Green years ago. That was a steam-powered one, this one was electric, stunning. Such an elegant way to transport the remains. Sleep tight Sir... 

Under House Arrest day 387

Friday.

Got up a little later than usual, it's strange how we find that towards the end of the week our bodies suddenly get the hang of a lie in just before we head back to work, typical really... 

Later I set about tidying my craft area. Putting everything away ready for the weekend. But, as always I got distracted and started prepping pages in the dyalog. Eventually, I got done and it's now ready to start again on Monday or earlier if I get home a bit stressed. I find if I have a bad day at Fraggle Rock ( as I affectionally call work) I find doing my pages, our making a card relaxing. I was asked earlier on in the week if I still make cards, yes I do just not as prolifically as I used to. One because I had way too many kicking around, two, I have cut down how many I send, and three, because I art journal. The trouble with making cards is you don't get to keep them. And you know they end up in the bin. So you don't see how your style has changed, improved etc. 

With a journal or dyalog, you can flip through and see the changes and it never stops evolving. Also its for you, so you can play. With a card it's always forsomone else. Either to give or sell so it's not perhaps what you feel like doing. That's why I love my journals. 

Under House Arrest day 386

Thursday.

We went into town and got a new kettle, although it isn't the same as our old one it is pretty similar and matches up better than I thought. An added advantage is it works, so no need to boil saucepans for a coffee or tea anymore. 

It was a half-decent day weather-wise, cold in the shade or when the sun went in, but other than that manageable in a t-shirt and short jacket. 

We sat in Trinity Square with take out and watched as they got ready to open up The Glasshouse. By the time we had eaten it was filling up and it was nice to see actually, I think any place that has hung in there during the lockdowns will have a decent chance of making it, as people are desperate to go out and eat and drink. 

We didn't stay out long, and when we got back both of us set to and finished the "tv" for the girls we had started yesterday. I'm happy how it turned out. 

Under House Arrest day 385.

Wednesday.

Wash day and nice enough to put the clothes outdoors. Once Kev could wash them that is. Usual problem. 

He tried out the Nona pegs and was very impressed with them.

Sue and Pete popped over for a quick visit. We had coffee and chatted. 

The strange thing was later on in the day Kev went to use the kettle again for a drink for us and bloody thing broke, no warning! So it looks like a trip into the city tomorrow to get a new one. I think we've only had it 2 years... And it was a Morphy Richards, so not cheap, they don't that style now ( matches the toaster!) So, it looks like once again it's mismatched appliances world again here... I'm not buying another set when there's nothing wrong with the toaster. 

Under House Arrest day 384

Tuesday.

Up early as I was booked in at Blu hairdressers at nine, plus we were having the boiler serviced and they could have come anytime after 8am. So while Kev waited for them to show up I walked into the village to get my hair cut. 

I was their first customer since lockdown as they didn't open Monday. Instead they cleaned the shop and sorted out each others hair as well as friends and family. 

Emma's done a great job on mine taking it a wee bit shorter than usual, which it needed. Once I got back home the guy came for the boiler service and was gone by 10.30 am. Which Want we could get on a bus into meant Bridgeford for a wander round. After a good peruse round the Charity shops we went to Ohannes Burgers that's opened up on the Avenue and got take out which we took to the park and eat. I had the vegan one and it was gorgeous. They come with seasoned chips good chunky ones. Can recommend them. They gave you so much I didn't manage all mine. 

We then nipped into Marks and got their cordial and stir fry veg for tomorrow. 

The bus was a little busier, but not overly so, but central avenue was very busy, and all of the outdoor cafes were full, to be honest I felt safer doing it our way. The park wasn't that busy, so going there was a good choice. 

Under House Arrest day 383

Monday.

 I suppose I should alter the title of my blog again to slightly under house arrest, trouble is I'm not confident that it will last long or go to stage three. Seeing reports of the crowds in the city centre for Primark etc, makes me a little anxious about how the numbers will increase. We will see. 

I have my hair booked for in the morning at nine, and we have a boiler inspection tomorrow too, so I will nip to Blu while Kev stays in and waits for them to come. 

I've also booked a table at the Magic Garden for lunch next week with Sue and Pete and us, my reasoning is it might be a bit quieter by then and it's tucked away a bit there, as well as heaters outside they provide blankets if it's cold, and they have huge canopies covering the massive outdoor area. It's where we went for the Halloween events last year and we had both excellent food and service. We want to try and support the independent venues and those that have throughout lockdown adapted to every change. It might be slightly more expensive than some places, but you get what you pay for.

Under House Arrest day 382

Saturday.

Work. Busy. Think people are planning garden parties, lots of blankets going through, garden decor and alcohol. As sunny as it looks they'll need those blankets. I think we will give town a miss this week as I think it will be manic, there were a lot of youngsters already in the square last night as we waited for the bus. You can imagine what it will be like Monday. 

Sunday.

Again Work, more of the above, and we were especially busy around closing. I didn't get my last customer through until 4.15 pm. I then went and gave Kev a hand because he wouldn't have gone done. 

Lots of people about in town, it will be interesting to see which places actually open this week. I think there will be more shut than you can imagine. 

Under House Arrest day 382

Friday. 

Once again we were disturbed this morning. Same guys as yesterday come to fit a new pull cord in the bathroom? Yesterday we were told we didn't need them any more, today you'll need one in the bathroom because you can't wear your call pendant in the shower. Got news for you mate,  not going to wear it anywhere. It's hanging on the call box and there it will stay while I can still get about, thank you! 

That done we cracked on with our routines, settled down to watch something while we had lunch and lo and behold the bloody gardeners came. Sign the council has some money again... 

Sadly it was at this point that the news broke that Prince Philip has died. Good age at 99, shame he didn't get a telegram from his wife. I always thought he was a good laugh personally, mainly because he liked what he said and said what he bally well liked! You could always guarantee he would say something dodgy. 

I feel for the Queen, as we tend to forget that even though they are Royal, they are basically old people who don't get to retire, yes they can pull back a bit, but the Queen especially has to do the big stuff. I just hope she has the strength of her Mum to carry on without him. I'm not a fan of Charles and the Horse after what transpired with Diana, that car crash was a little too convenient for my liking. I was hoping they'd pass him by and put Wills on the Throne instead. I don't mind being an Elizabethan but I don't fancy being a Charlie! Lol.

Under House Arrest day 381.

Not a good start to the day I was just sat down after breakfast when the doorbell went. Thinking it was no.4, Kev pulled a face and went to the door. It turned out that it was in fact workmen from Metropolitan to remove the alert pull cords and alarm call box to replace with a wireless version. Unannounced.

True to form Mrs Busy was going past "walking" the dog, stopped and asked the workmen what they were doing. Nosey git, not surprised, you can't fart here without them knowing. Half the time it's because they are frightened someone is getting something they're not. But as they are doing the whole of Thurlbeck and East Moor, each bungalow will be done. It would have been nice to have been warned though. So no more pull cords in the bungalow to get accidentally pulled, and the new alert box is tiny compared the other. They put it up and just put like a piece of card to cover the area the old one used to sit on. So, Kev had to adhere it properly to the wall and get some paint to blend it in with the colour of our walls, it still looks a bit bodged, but we will figure out how to cover it up properly. 

Other than that my leggings came from Unwonted and they fit like a dream. Plus I love the design. And they came quick will definitely be ordering again from them. 

Under House Arrest day 380.

Isn't it funny how things go? A couple of weeks ago I ordered some new clothes pegs to replace ours that are constantly breaking or rusting. I saw this advert for eco-friendly ones made from recycled fishing nets. They are totally plastic and extra storm strong with no metal to rust and mark your clothes. They came today. Just as we started to watch a documentary on Netflix called Seaspiracy... The guy on there was explaining how the real truth behind the pollution of the oceans was down to discarded or lost fishing nets. And less so the plastic we have come to think of as the majority straws, bottles and bags. Of course, this is covered up to a certain degree by the fishing industries ( and by them read large scale fishing,  not your small fishing vessels) I had ordered those pegs without knowing all this, but now I'm even more happy that I did.

The documentary was harrowing and to be honest I'm not a big fan of eating  fish, now I'm even less inclined to eat it. None of labels claiming to be sustainably caught or dolphin friendly mean a damn thing. As usual its a money-making scam by the industry and the linked governments. 

I already eat a lot of vegetarian/ vegan foods but I am thinking I shall be eating a lot more. Yes little old me can't change the world, but I can and will do my little bit regardless... 

Under House Arrest day 379

We got up and went into town as we needed a couple of bits. We were going to eat out, but it was bitterly cold. So we got some lunch from M&S and bought it home to eat instead. 

When we got home and after we eat my stuff came from the fast 800 came. I need to drop some of the excess pounds put on during lockdown. Dr Micheal Mosely who came up with the fast 800 for diabetics has come up with a meal replacement system which you can replace one to two meals a day. Low carb and low sugar. I'm going to replace one meal. Lunch on the days at work, and either lunch or my evening meal when at home. You can do complete fast days with it too, but I doubt I would go that far. 

Tonight while Kev watched the football he had his new headphones on so I could have the door to the bedroom open, so Willow could wander to and fro without disturbing me. She normally waits until I'm comfy or at a crucial bit of a movie and then wants in or out. Now I can't hear the match and with my earbuds in I can't hear the shouts, groans etc when they score, miss or get a shit decision. Heaven. 

Under House Arrest 378

Monday.

It actually snowed first thing, nothing more than dandruff flakes, but it did. 

By mid-morning, it was bright and sunny, but cold. It was freezing as we had this month's Covid test. We have to stand at the door and go through all the questions. It was a guy this time, probably only the second guy we've had in the 12 months we've been doing them. 

That done the day settled into our usual routines and I got into some journaling and collage. 

Boris came on the tv this afternoon and announced that he is giving the green light for the next set of lockdown lift rules to go ahead. From the 12th we can go sit in pub gardens, with people from another household in a max of six people. That isn't actually a problem for us anymore the maximum number of people we actually see outside of work is below six in any case. None essential shops, hairdressers, and gyms can re-open and I would imagine that includes nail bars and beauty salons. 

Under House Arrest 377

Sunday.

Lovely to be off, nice chilled day, we both stayed in PJ's and for once I didn't exercise. We caught up with our recorded shows. As well as watching a Tim Holtz live on the tube of you, and Dyan on Create and Craft. I never watch the craft channels any more unless Tim or Dyan are on in some capacity and that's because they don't give the guests time to properly demo their products. I think since watching the lives and classes online now it's spoiled me a bit. 

We actually had a Sunday roast, which we don't usually with the full works and a glass of wine with it. 

All in all a lovely day... 

Under House Arrest 375/6

Good Friday

I wrote that because I can't believe it's Easter, it didn't feel like it at all, normally we would be doing something going somewhere ( and yes, I know we didn't last year because of Covid!) But I thought we would be out of this by now back then. But for all the vaccines etc it doesn't look like we are any further forward. It doesn't. 

It was just another grey rather chilly day. I got on with sorting stuff out for work, and doing all my usual ho-hum daily stuff. 

Saturday.

Weird day, the shop felt busier, but there were long periods of switching my till off and cleaning, followed by queues, then boom, dead again. As you can imagine, it always gets busy just before you finish and it was only because one of the supervisors shut me that I managed to get away in time to get the bus. 

I was surprised how quiet city was as we went through. I expected to see more people out and about 

Under House Arrest day 374

We had planned to go grab a coffee and sit in Bridgeford park, but it was quite dull and cold so that put us off, as did the reports that there had been huge gatherings at the arboretum and forest fields. Idiots. So I decided to do some stamping, I tend to batch stamp which gives me a few images to play with for my dyalog. I got a bit collage happy last month and want to break it up a little with the plethora of stamps I have to hand. I also started to rewatch Dyan's day by day videos again as this time last year I hadn't got a dyalog so, it means I can do some of the early pages this time around. So, I got out my stamps, platform and inks and began two pages full of images. I then sat and coloured them in using my polycromos  pencils, very relaxing.