Under House Arrest day 431

Monday.

Quite a nice day, not that I went out, I had some sorting to do, I edited some books, and my underwear drawer. It's amazing even with a new in old out system that you can still gather so much stuff. 

Once they were done I did my dyalog pages. I'm all caught up again now. 

We watched Tremors 2 later on, as there wasn't much on tv. But it was a nice chilled day after the weekend working. 

Going through my few remaining books was like seeing old friends. I really should make some time to re-read some of them, especially some of Storm's and Tanith's. 

Under House Arrest day 430

Sunday. It was a decent day weather-wise so the morning was busy, the day went quick enough and most people seemed in a good mood. 

We managed to get the 58 as it was running late so it saved us the manic panic down the hill to the Cotgrave bus stop. We had time to sit and watch the full to bursting Market Square. It was lovely to see all the kids playing the fountain. 

We both used the revitive foot pad when we got home and I must admit it made a big difference to both of us.

Under House Arrest day 429

Saturday.

Work was busy. Mainly because of problems with the scan it yourself bit, so more people had to come through the regular tills, Technology is brilliant until it goes wrong. But it made the day go quicker. 

Got home earlier because we made both buses. Instead of an hour and half it took an hour. It might not sound much, but it makes a huge difference. 

Waiting for us was a parcel. Kev had found me a copy of a Brom book I had, but when we left the pub I had to sell. I loved the pictures in it and it's nice to be able to flick through once more. His artwork is stunning. A little weird, but I love it. 

We watched The Rite an oldish movie about exorcism and the Vatican. Very good, in the sort of Omen genre ( one and two, not the later silly ones) I like that sort of thing, something that makes you think. 

Under House Arrest day 428

Friday. 

I finished my painted collage pages after watching the class online. I'm very happy with how it turned out, she isn't perfect but I'm happy with her. 

The thing is I do this art for me, no one else, yes I show other people I post pictures on both Dyan's site and on here etc, but even if no one liked it or gets it because it's a bit odd ( like me!) It doesn't matter. Its for my mental health. I found out way too late in life that the only validation I need is my own. Its great if others do like it, but I do it to absorb me, take me away from the anxiety and stresses that before that would consume me. If I'd had this to hand when we were at the pub, or in Burton in general things might have been different, but then again the outcome might have been different too. We might never have moved away and found the happiness and friendships we have now. But, it might have given me an outlet, like it does now. 

Aside from that just a regular humdrum day in the life. Getting ready for a weekend at work, as you do. 

Under House Arrest day 427

Thursday.

Kev was feeling a lot better. So we went into town. It turned out a half decent day in the end. I had done my revitive for 30 minutes before we went out and I must admit it made a difference. I will usually need to sit after about 10 minutes walking, just for a few minutes, but I managed about half an hour. Then when I did sit I whipped out my paingone pen and zapped my knee and lower back just for 30 seconds. This enabled me to carry on again, until we got home. This for me is a huge difference. I am hoping in time to increase the amount of time I can spend on my feet.

When I got home my "W" magazine had come, so I was able to find an image to start my painted collage pages from the class. You need big magazines for larger images, but I manage to combine some of it from my Gothic Beauty magazines and some from the new one. It does mean that they'll be others from them I can garner. 

Under House Arrest day 426

Wednesday.

Kev did the washing and as it was wet and miserable he dried it in the tumble. You can only have one person over there at a time, in a mask so it's not worth us both going. 

He feels and looks much better his face has gone down. I'm relieved as I was quite worried. 

My Revitive unit came. Blimey, it definitely works. You can feel it pulse through your feet and legs. I have a tiny nick ( cut) on my big toe, Jesus it felt like a thousand needles going into it, I had to position my feet so it wasn't on the foot plate. But I'm hoping that the combination of that, my paingone pen and flexiseq cream ( that's a drug-free massage gel) I can stop taking pain meds altogether. I have never been a pill popper and as I often said I would have been burnt at the stake had I been around during the witch hunts. If there's an alternative way around my disability or illnesses I'll find it. Menopause? Sage. Diverticulitis and Diabetes? Diet and exercise. High blood pressure? Sage and Fennel. Chronic pain. Tens and Ems therapy. Can you imagine how many pills I'd be taking for that little lot? Not to mention the pills you have to take because you need to counteract the pills in the first place! It's not for everyone and sometimes I have had to give in and take some, but if I can find an alternative that works I will. 

Under House Arrest day 426

Tuesday.

We normally go out on a Tuesday either to meet Sue and Pete or on our own. The weather wasn't brilliant and Kev still felt under the weather so we gave it a miss. We had enough food in thanks to the Ocado delivery on Monday, so it wasn't a problem. So, I continued to watch the online class, and one of my new stamp sets came. I ordered a copy of W magazine to get the collage images I will need for this, and a circulation booster unit. This combined with my paingone pen should help my legs and back. I'll try anything rather than tablets. I've been looking at one and Amazon offered me one at a decent price. Hopefully it will be here pretty soon, I also think Kev will benefit from it too... 

Under House Arrest day 425

Monday.

So Kev seemed to have a decent nights sleep, and although he had a bit of a temperature he said he wasn't aching as much. His face is a bit puffy though, and I checked the side effects online a few people have reported that they had swollen faces, but it isn't on the list of ones we need to be concerned about. As the day has gone on he has picked up a bit, but still feels shattered, like he has no energy. He went to watch some football on the tv earlier on, in the bedroom, and has spent most of the day relaxing. I think that is the best idea for now. 

I started one of Dyans weeklong classes to keep me busy. 

We had an Ocado delivery today (our first time with them) so at least we have some shopping in if Kev isn't up to going anywhere this week. I must admit I was impressed, all of it was there, no substitutions and bang on when they said they'd be there. Free delivery too. I will definitely use them again. 

Under House Arrest day 424

Sunday. 

Thankfully the loud girl was not on the bus so it was a relatively quiet and pleasant start to the working day. 

Work went well, with an hour in petrol which was nice. 

When we got home Kev was feeling a bit rough and by 8.30 went to bed. Reaction to his jab we think as it's flu like symptoms which they warned us about. I don't think a tough day at work helped. I had to go give him a hand when I'd finished otherwise he wouldn't have got finished. 

He had a reasonable nights sleep, but still feels grotty, he can rest up today and hopefully as the day goes on he will feel better. 

Under House Arrest day 423

Saturday.

Well another dull and grey day. Work. Was alright, I had an hour over at petrol. With Karen, so all was good. The person that doesn't like me for whatever reason started just as my hour came to an end. Lucky me. As they started, they spent a good five minutes whispering to Karen. Now, I don't want to know what about, and if it was me that's fine, it's none of my business who thinks what of me. But come on, the person doing this is supposed to be an adult. My age or older, this behaviour is schoolyard. So, as soon as Daniel relieved me I got out of there asap. Rude. 

Anyway, got home and watched the Eurovision. I like a good laugh, and sitting pulling the acts, outfits etc is a bit of fun. But, even we have our limits, this was a dire bunch and we didn't watch the judging. Apparently the UK got nil points! There's a shocker... We could have the best song there and wouldn't win, mind you we didn't...Give in UK stop wasting your entrance fee ( millions) and let's just sit back and watch without the worry of sending another gullible artist into a political arena. Brexit from them too... 

Under House Arrest day 422

Friday.

Another grotty day. Well I used the pain gone pen with a little success, it seems to have helped my knee, my back less so, but it's easier to reach my knee myself so that's perhaps why. If it only helps that it might have a knock on my back because I won't be altering my posture so much when I walk. But we will see, I need to give it more time. We didn't want to go out, but we had to for Kev's second jab. 

Worryingly, they were turning the younger people away from the recreation grounds because they'd run out of the Ffizor one! Apparently they don't recommend the Astra Zeneca for the under 50's and that's all they had left. Umm... That made me think... Oh well,  Better to risk a vaccine than covid. Knowing my luck I'd get long covid and as I know someone with that no thanks...

Under House Arrest day 421

Thursday.

Good delivery day. My paingone pen arrived. It's a portable tens machine and I'm hoping it helps with the chronic pain in my legs, knees and lower back. If it means I can cut back or cut out painkillers it will be worth it. 

It's poured with rain on and off all day. I've done a lot of art journaling today. As well as catching up on programmes we've recorded. 

Later I listened to audible another chapter from Never the Bride. 

Under House Arrest day 420

Wednesday.

Wash day. Went well enough, weather was good enough to put one load outside. I was worried that because no.4 have just come back from holiday so I thought they'd be hogging the washer like they used to when they had control of the keys. But they must have got it done, Monday or Tuesday. They do make me laugh though, we saw them when they came back and Mr Busy was going on about how hot it was where they were ( which was Mablethorpe) he must think we are thick. It's not that far away from here, they would have had the same weather we had. How do you know he's lying? His mouths opening... 

Anyhow we had our gas check, the guy that did it was telling us he had covid a couple of months ago and almost died. He has only just gone back to work, he still gets very tired, and there are limits to what he can do. He said he'd never been so scared. He comes across people in his line of work who don't believe it's real, and it gets to him. I can imagine how he must feel. I think these people who don't believe it's real should be made to speak to someone who has had it to his level.

 

Under House Arrest day 419

Tuesday.

I had to be at the hairdresser's at nine am. So it was an early start, but Emma has done a fab job, my usual short angled bob, but it's how I like it, and they always get it so shiny. 

After we got home we got changed and Sue and Pete picked us up to go to Gamston Lock for lunch. It was nice to be able to sit inside a pub again. Little wins, little normal things. I chose the veg burrito which was perhaps not the best choice as it was huge. Delicious but way too much for me I had to leave more than half. When we go again I'll choose something smaller. However, I enjoyed what I ate. 

A post popped up in my memories tonight on Facebook. It was the last one before we had to leave the pub, 8 years ago. It bought it all back, all that pain, fear, and hopelessness. I know we are alright now, but it never really leaves you. You keep waiting for it all to go wrong. I have nightmares sometimes, I guess it is a form of PTSD. 

Under House Arrest day 418

Monday.

Had a lie-in, not sure if it's a side effect of the jab, but I've been very tired this last couple of days, and I didn't wake up fully until 8.30ish which is late for me at the beginning of the week, because usually I've got used to being up early for work. I went to bed fairly early too, admitted I did listen to a couple of chapters of Never The Bride on audible. I read the actual book years ago, but like so many it was one of the ones I had to get rid of in the period we left the pub, so I had a credit to spend and thought it would be good to hear it this time, rather than just buy it on kindle. It's set in Whitby and although the names of the streets and businesses have been changed ( to protect the innocent? Lol) you can if you've been there as often as we have picture where the author means. The most poignant is the mention of Woolies, or Woolworth's. Obviously no longer there as none of them are now, but I remember always nipping in there for the odd thing we needed like a towel, ( you always need to know where your towel is!) Or a kettle if you blew up the one in the holiday cottage. Or more importantly Lucasade to cure the raging hangover from the night before. Ah, those were the days. I couldn't do it now, even with three days notice. 

So once I was up and I'd made a card I needed to, caught up with my dyalog pages. The day settled into it's usual routine. There was new stories about the reopening of pubs and cafes, restaurants and sports venues. Let's see how long it lasts this time shall we?

Under House Arrest day 417

Sunday. 

Sunday's are turning into a nightmare first thing. We have Mrs Gob almighty and her wonderful child screaming on the Cotgrave until the station. Then, this morning Kev was verbally attacked my a God botherer at the bus stop. Kev gave as good back mind, and the bloke came up in his face. Kev asked him to step back as we still need to stay distant 2 metres ( lots of people don't ) but it a perfect excuse when you want your personal space. He did step back, but then said he wouldn't shop in Sainsburys and shame on us for working on a Sabbath... Honestly, that's what I dislike about religion. The people that hide behind it. It's all very well you being a Christain mate, but act like one. Not a nasty git using your beliefs to beat us with. I don't believe in God or the Devil or any deity for that matter, but I do have a code, and common decency. Shame some of these religious know all's don't have the same. 

Under House Arrest day 416

Saturday. Well, I made it through the night and feel ok. I slept well, and so far no side effects from my second jab. They said it wouldn't be in my system for 7 days, so I'll keep my eye on how I feel. No second head... Just yet! I've seen some nasty anti vaccine jokes on social media, keyboard warriors at it again. I don't mind that some people don't want the vaccine, it's their choice. I think they are wrong, but it is their choice, I just wish they'd make that choice without being nasty to those that do choose it. They'd be the first to start bleating if we took the Mickey out of them... Can you imagine the uproar, but it's "just a joke" when they do it... Once again proving that we live in a very self-absorbed society. Sad isn't it? My "turn the other cheek" stance does not come from me being a goodie two shoes either, it comes from having an overbearing Mother who's opinion was law. You went against it you got punished. I vowed not be like that, if someone's opinion differs from mine I respect their right to have that option not vilify them or try to change that opinion. It's called being a decent human being. 

Under House Arrest day 415

Friday. 

A day sort of spent in limbo.I was booked in at 7.10 pm for my second covid jab. So we just pottered about doing our usual stuff. We caught the 4.30 pm bus in the city, we went for something to eat, and then got the tram to the Asda at Hyson Green. Got what we needed and then headed back to the recreation grounds to the vaccination tents. They let me go in early as there was a queue, so we were able to go in and be back for the 7.20 pm bus. The Cotgrave had moved to Maid Marion Way, because of work to the bus stops and roads near them. But we made it ok. 

They warned me that this time I could feel a little unwell, to take paracetamol and make sure I stay hydrated. So far so good, a bit of a sore arm and a bit tired. I'm sure I'll be ok xx 

 

Under House Arrest day 414

Thursday.

We woke up a but later, possibly due to the fact it was gone 12 when we went to bed. The time gets away from us of a night, I get to journalling or card making and Kev kills zombies, you know how it is...

Anyway, Kev weeded the garden while I scrubbed my table and rearranged my trolley. Kev varnished my new wooden box we have decorated to keep my Dyalog ephemera in the cardboard one started falling apart on me...

Tonight Liverpool we're playing so I went into the bedroom to watch Dyan's live. Then I watched Van Helsing. It's ages since I've watched it and I'd forgotten how good it is. I also didn't remember that it was made in 2004 which makes it 17 years old. God, I can remember going to the pictures to see it with the old Vampire Group. Blimey that feels like a lifetime ago, when I was a very different person. Ah, if I only knew then what I know now... But then hindsight is a wonderful thing. 

Under House Arrest day 413

Wednesday.

Kev did the washing and actually got some out on the dryer. Just as he did the bloody gardeners came... Luckily, they did seem to take some care around it so it wasn't sprayed with clumps of grass. 

While he was doing that I set too and stamped a load of images out ready for when I need them. I've got a fairly decent stash now ready for any pages I want to do. Watching Dyan's live streams have given me a few ideas like that. Have some pre-cut and ready to go so you can just rummage through and come up with a few more random images rather than a set planned page. 

Tonight we watched her live again this time it was a look through her inks and quote books in her fabulous new kitchen. 

Under House Arrest day 412

Tuesday.

We got up and headed for the city there was a few bits we needed and it was nice to get out and about.

Saying that, we were back home around lunchtime. It was overcast but warm, but as we got back the heavens opened and it didn't stop. We even had a few of rumbles of thunder. 

Then I did my dyalog and Kev put the bulk of the work into my storage box for keeping my dyalog stuff in. I did have a cardboard one but it's falling apart so we've bought a wooden one. 

Later on we watched Dyan do a page in her journal another live stream she kindly put out for mental health awareness week. I'm impressed with how she gives her time when so many people in her situation wouldn't. Mind you, Tim does the same putting lives on at least once a week. It must be something about Ranger as a company that gives them the go ahead to do it. 

Under House Arrest day 411

Monday.

After a good lie-in I set to and did some cleaning and then catches up on my dyalog. I got some more supplies from Art From the Heart on Saturday including some stamps and spray inks. So it was the first chance I had to play with them. I stamped the new images out and this time I coloured them in using the inks with the brush I'd bought last week. I think they turned out pretty well for a first attempt. 

Later on the lady that I'd sold the kneeling chair to came to pick it up. There was some very dodgy activity going on in the car park, as we were out looking for her to arrive. We wouldn't have noticed if we hadn't been out there. A white van and a black car came into the community centre car park both at some speed. But as we were out there, both turned round and left. Very strange. Kev said they were possibly dealer and client and usually the car park is out of the way and unobserved. We obviously put paid to that. However, if you think about it, we have often heard cars and car doors slamming in the evenings, and just put it down to carers coming and going. But the more you think about it, there isn't anyone left now that needs carers now Stella and Barbara have gone. 

Anyhow, she fetched the chair and was happy with it. So that's ok. 

Then I watched the Dyan live chat on Facebook. She was talking about her mental health and it was both thought-provoking and insightful. I like the way she doesn't shy away from talking about her issues and the fact that she says it's what makes her so creative. If I get a chance I'll share the video on my page so that if you would like to watch it you can. I think most of us have a few mental health issues we tend to ignore and this lockdown and pandemic have heightened the need to look after ourselves. 

Under House Arrest day 410

Sunday. 

Not a bad day all in all very busy, I was on a till all day. Managed to get the 58 so we got into town in enough time for Kev to nip and get a few bits from the local Sainsburys in town. Despite the 58 driver taking their time. We were both tired, and went to bed quite early at 10.30 ish. And slept straight through until nearly nine. We must be needed it. I think both of us are grateful that we only do two days. I hate to admit our age is catching up on us, but it really is... 

Under House Arrest 409

Saturday. 

I ended up over petrol. I wasn't scheduled, but they were short. I was there until lunch. It was very busy there and in the shop. 

So apart that regular Saturday really. 

Got home ( we got the Cotgrave by the seat of our pants and a kind driver that pulled up for us!) And Kev watched the football while I watched a movie... Hereditary... If you've never seen it, don't bother! I'm still trying to work it out. I've seen some weird shit in my time but honestly that's 2 hours of my life I won't get back. The thing is I kept it on thinking it would make sense in the end. Suffice to say I'm more confused than I was at the start of the movie... 

Under House Arrest day 408

Friday. 

We got up a little later around 9 am which is quite a lie in for us these days, and once we were up and I'd exercised and showered we headed into Bridgeford to do some food shopping. It was reasonably busy, but we didn't hang around long got what we needed and got the bus back. We didn't want to eat out so bought stuff back to have here. Kev did some mask repairs in the afternoon and we caught up with stuff we needed to do before the weekend at work. 

Finally been able to book the coach to Brighton with National Express, I was beginning to panic a bit because they hadn't got anything down until this week. So hopefully, that's the holiday sorted now, it's only a month away, so it will soon come around. I've already had notice from the hotel that everything ok that end. It will be nice to get away for a break. There was so much we didn't get a chance to do last time, so there is still much more we can explore. I'm hoping some of the bars we found last time have made it through the pandemic, so we can revisit them. We also want to take a boat trip if the weather is good enough, out to the wind turbines which we couldn't do, and maybe get the bus into Eastbourne. At least this time it won't be organised trips so we can do what we like when we fancy it. 

Under House Arrest day 407

Thursday.

We got up and went out early to vote. It bloody hailed... Can you believe it? Only in England in Spring, and would you believe that our electric blanket broke! Last night it switched on ok but when we got into bed it wasn't on. We've only had it three months, so Kev got in touch with Amazon who said we need to get in touch with Morphy Richards. Amazon are getting very crafty like that just lately. At one time you just contacted them and they'd sort it. Now it's all "you must sort it with the company it's made by. Cocky now they have us by the short and curlies, with over 80% of sales of homewares. Anyway email sent we will see how long it takes them to sort it out. That's the kettle, the fridge light and now the electric blanket. They say it goes in threes. 

Under House Arrest day 406

Wednesday.

Wash day, no hassle this time Kev got it straight in and put one lot outside to dry the rest he tumbled. Mainly because the weather was changeable and not worth risking it all. I set to and had a stamping session so that I have elements ready to go when I want them. After that I started the Sunflowers page from the recent class. I had to improvise a little as I don't have some of the stamps I needed, but Dyan says to go with what you have. I'm happy with the result. 

In the evening we watched our usual stuff including sewing bee, I don't sew ( I can cross stitch) but I do enjoy watching that format type of show. I think there are a few that can't sew on there too, some of the silly mistakes they make and I think there is one Farie ( sic) who makes pigs ear out of each round but saves herself on the last challenge. Every time. You do wonder. But it's a bit of entertainment.

Under House Arrest day 405

Tuesday.

We had to go to the post office, first of all, to pick up my parcel that couldn't be delivered Saturday as we were at work. Then we headed into town to meet Sue and Pete for lunch, we did some shopping beforehand, and then went to the Magic Garden again. It was windy, cold and mizzly but they have outdoor canopies over the outside space and heaters over every table. So it was fine. The food and drink were lovely, and we used up all the time allotted to our booking. It's just so nice to meet up with Sue and Pete again. We don't go out much and very rarely at night, but having the freedom to go out when we do want is something I won't take for granted ever again. There was a time when we couldn't afford to go out, or go anywhere nice, then we got straight financially, just before covid struck. So, now some restrictions are lifted we make the most of it when we do get a chance to go away or go out. I'm not the night owl I once was, that lost all pleasure to me after being at the pub, but I still like to go out, have a few drinks, a nice meal and see a few people. People that matter. 

After lunch we parted ways with Sue and Pete and went to Victoria Centre to finish what shopping we needed and we grabbed a coffee at Cafe Nero on the edge of Trinty Square. After that we headed home. 

Under House Arrest day 404

Monday.

Bank Holiday and just like last year it was a washout. Unlike last year we aren't in full lockdown. But now we are rained in not locked in. So I started my new dyalog, the first book of the new year ( in that) and we watched Red Bull Soapbox. There was a post on their page that they are planning to restart them again next year. I hope so. As we both fancy going. We also had our covid tests. Yes even on a bank holiday they came. But the guy who did it this time was very efficient and we were done and dusted in about 20 minutes or so. It's the questions that take the longest. So that's done for this month. 

Under House Arrest day 403

Sunday.

Well, it was a bit quiet at work until the last half an hour then we couldn't get rid of them! The regular suspects, those who don't care that you want to go home. 

But when we got out, that was when the fun started. We made the bus by the skin of our teeth, but it was a good job we did, because ( and we weren't told by the bus driver!) , there was a diversion because, as we found out later, someone had been knocked down by a bus near the corner house. So we had to sit tight as he went round the back to Parliament Street. 

As we had got the 58 we had time not to have the panic to get the Cotgrave. 

I tell you, it's never a dull trip to or from the city for us... 

Under House Arrest day 402

Saturday.

Work. Not much to say just a run of the mill ho-hum day. Not exceptionally busy just ticking along nicely. I think the emphasis on coming to any supermarket has changed now that other places are open. 

At the moment I can't be arsed. You know I put the other day about how in some incidents I find interactions with certain people hard, I think it's a phase with me. I find myself shutting down and withdrawing. Sometimes for my sanity and sometimes for their safety. I saw a quote that resonated with me. 

Maybe she isn't shy, quiet or reserved, maybe she doesn't want to interact with idiots. That's how I feel at the moment, like I begrudge the breath. It perhaps has to do with how much you have to tolerate at work, I put 110% into being pleasant to customers who don't always deserve it that I have very little left for fuckwits elsewhere. It's a good job thoug

ht bubbles don't appear over your head! 

Under House Arrest day 401

Friday.

I woke up early and got up. Did my yoga and my dyalog. I havewouldn't do my cycling until Kev got up as it would have disturbed him. Once he was up I got that done. Then I was playing wait for the postie as I had notice that my Art From The Art parcel was due. Not bad going when I only ordered Tuesday. My Sunshine girl stamp set was in that parcel, so it meant I could watch and then start the Sunflowers class. As usual I enjoyed the class and learned some new techniques which I can use in my journals and dyalog. I love the way she

teaches and the fact that she doesn't insist on you being perfect. A lot of artists make you quite scared of showing your version of their class work but she doesn't she tells you to embrace the imperfections. Life is hard your art shouldn't be. 

So, I set too and started. I don't do them along with the video I do them after at my own pace. I don't enjoy rushing and I don't learn well under pressure. So I take my time and enjoy the process. The beauty is you can go back to video whenever you like once you've bought the class so it's always there to redo or remind you when you need it.