Under House Arrest day 458

Tuesday.

I woke up about 8.30 am, did my yoga and biking, then and showered and let Kev dress my foot where one of the blisters are being stubborn healing. 

Lunchtime we went out with Sue and Pete to the Golf course. The food was lovely as always, but the service was so slow. We ordered drinks and waited for ages even though we were the only ones dining in there. 

So we will give it a miss for a bit. We always vote with our feet if we have bad service or food we go somewhere else the following meet up. It's a shame when places get complacent about your custom.

After Sue and Pete dropped us off Kev watched the England game and for once they won! Which means another game on Saturday night. I set to and did my dyalog pages. Playing catch up from our return from Brighton. I'm nearly done. 

Under House Arrest day 457

Monday.

I was watching Steph's Packed Lunch ( something that is on in the background before Countdown comes on for Kev) and they did an article on Friendships. There was a fairly young girl on there who admitted she had no friends. Her boyfriend and her dog, lots of people she talks to at work, but no "mates". She seemed ok (Kev immediately said well there's got to be something wrong with her!) But, I didn't think so, she was just one of those people like me who doesn't find it easy to connect to others. It got me thinking. I know loads of people, but how many friends ( and by that I mean how many people do I actually see or spend time with) Charlotte, Andrew and Adam. Yes, a lot that is down to me, I cut out a lot of people after we left the pub, for obvious reasons, and I don't trust easily. But think about it, who do you have? Really? Part of me felt sorry for that girl, part of me didnt, I didn't because sometimes having no one is preferable to having loads of " hangers on" 

Don't dismiss this post as a solicitation for "you've got me" posts, it's not, it was just a thought provoking article on a daytime tv programme that actually made me think for once. 

Under House Arrest day 456

Sunday.

We got home around 9.30 ish. Delays in London because of protests so we missed one connection and had to book on another, no extra charge but because of covid you can't just jump on the next bus as the seats are limited. Lucky for us there was an NX going to Hull calling at Nottingham, and they got us on that one. It is lovely to come home I must admit, the holiday was fantastic and much needed after all the lockdowns etc, but wonderful to step in your own home and see Willow waiting, spoilt over the week by Charlotte who was also there to greet us. I'm so glad we had today off too, loads of time to get unpacked and sorted. 

Kev got the washing done once the laundry room was free and I sorted the incidental bags, I have a bag of just travel toiletries and when we've been away I edit it down and refill bottles etc. I also have a mini first aid kit ( well sort of a puncture repair kit for my feet) which I do the same to once we get back from anywhere. Very OCD of me but I can't settle until they are done. 

Under House Arrest days 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454 and 455.

Sunday.

We got up around 8ish, I did get up around 4 am as I was too warm and thirsty. I went back to bed around 5 and then slept through until Kev got up. After breakfast we got the cases out and did the packing. It didn't take long as we aren't taking a great deal. Probably more than we need, as usual. This time we have to take masks, and I'm only taking one pair of boots ( which I'll be wearing) and my new sandals. Last time I took "in case" footwear and didn't wear them you always learn. Other than packing we had a chill-out day. I gave Willow lots of fuss. The only downside to going away is leaving her. Little love, although I know Charlotte will look after her. 

Monday.

Travel day.  Originally when we booked the coach it was due to leave Nottingham at 9.15 am We had an update a week ago saying that it wasn't going until 11.15 am It's no hassle and I let the hotel know we would be arriving later. It's only 5 mins walk from the bus station in any case so hardly a problem. 

We got into London to rain and it set in for the rest of the journey. We went to Heathrow and Gatwick airports both of which we have travelled from before, we couldn't recognise either as they have changed so much since our days of going long haul. 

Fascinating to see the planes most of which appeared to be grounded. 

We got into Brighton around 6.30 pm. Checked in and because it was the first night we booked for the hotel restaurant and bar. Which as it turned out was rather lovely. The service was exceptional and for saying we are at London by the Sea, reasonable. Much better than the hotel we stayed at last time.

Tuesday. 

Ah Tuesday will be forever known as two soups day! Nice old dear at breakfast reception, totally useless, but nice about it. I was expecting to wear my baked beans! In the end it was self serve thankfully. 

It started wet but brightened up later, mild and dry. We walked miles, I did 12414 steps! We found that shop I wanted, and we found Quadrophenia Alley  (the one in the film of the same name) I am sure if you've seen the movie you'll know the scene. 

We also found lots more of the street art that we found last time. 

We went for lunch at The Bright Helm and then headed to the pier, after sitting watching the sea, we went to Bar Revenge. We were pleased its one of the few to survive. I feel comfortable in there. I had a pitcher of cocktails and Kev had couple of pints of neck oil and a whiskey. 

Places showing the football were beginning to fill up as we walked back to the hotel. We decided that was the best place to watch it, and it was. My legs were starting to scream at me after all the walking. So, I rested up listening to my audible while Kev watched the match. 

I'm really enjoying this break, even more so than before, one because we know where some stuff is and can navigate to where we enjoyed before, two because there is a lot yet we want to do and explore. Three, we missed having a break last year, and I think we appreciate it more. And four, this hotel is so much better than that God awful Royal Albion. 

Hot and Sunday. Wednesday.

We got up and went for breakfast. Manuel from Faulty

Towers was in charge today. But he did sit us in the window. We set off and did the i360. We did it last time but it was cloudy. This time you could see for miles. Then we set off for the Marina  which is at least two miles down the beach.

We got a fair way down the concourse when Kev spotted the VER ( Volks electric railroad)  For a few pennies you can get on and travel to the Marina. It runs by the side of the beach and has been running since 1883.its the oldest running electric railway. 

We got to the Marina and past the huge Asda. The we headed to the West Quay. 

We found the Wetherspoons and had lunch. It was hot and you could see Kev getting a bit of a colour. Me it bypassed like " don't burn the goth" 

We eat then wandered back. Caught the train back and then sat on the pier. Kev wanted to come back to the hotel and we both dropped off. When we woke up, we got changed and headed to Bar Revenge for Happy Hour. 5-8pm.

I had cocktail pitchers (2) to myself hic... 

Thursday. 

Got up and Manuel was again serving breakfast. He greeted us with a cheery Gooda Mornink...Ow are you today? 

As soon as we had eaten off we trotted to get the bus to Eastborne. It took just over an hour. Beautiful weather again. We remembered the sun cream because you know how I said it had gone round me? No, it hadn't.  I have a nice pink nose and my arms are a glorious shade of red. Not sore thank god. We spotted the ruins of the hotel that burned down last year.  The Claremont. It's a bloody shame they couldn't save it. A grade two listed facade gone for good.

So we walked to Eastbourne Pier and sat for a good while watching the sea, and people and just chilling in the heat. We bought a sun hat for Kev as he forgot to pack his cricket hat. We walked up to Beachy Head almost, then went for fish and chips. We strolled back through the town after an ice cream break and then got the bus back to Brighton. 

I did 12125 steps today which is good going for me. But I can actually tell.  So I've had a paddle to cool my feet down and I think a chill out evening is planned in the hotel bar. Not far to stagger. 

Friday. 

Woke up to drizzle. But still warm, I have a few blisters from yesterday on my feet, so it will temper what we get up today. But I have got blister plasters and theyll help. 

We saw "two soups" as we left the breakfast room, and she asked us if we had enjoyed our stay. Lovely old dear, as we said. In fact the whole staff are very friendly and you don't usually hear that for down south... We find some of the guests a bit bloody rude more than the staff if we are honest. One woman this morning was a right frosty knickered bat. She gave me the once over, and you could see her lip curl. I just smiled and waved. It might be my Frankenstein leggings, my skull t-shirt or my day of dead doc martens. I couldn't really give a fetid dingoes kidneys... I wear what I like for me, bonus points if I upset someone in the process. We booked tickets for Sealife aquarium and set off to sit on the Pier until our slot was due. I love watching the sea. And today it was pounding. I really enjoyed our Sealife slot. There were a few screaming kids that I wanted to feed to the sharks. I don't get why parents allow them to scream like banshees, with a half hearted shush or apathetic stop it. If I made a row when I was out I got a withering look from my Dad which would shut wolves up howling. Although, later we saw a woman completely lose it with her daughter, who was being an ungrateful little git. She pinned her up against the wall of one the kiosks. She shouted at her and let her go, but the kid was unrepentant and petulant. It's a good job I haven't got kids because I'd have slapped her through to next week. 

We had lunch in the Havester opposite the Pier, and by the time we came out the sun had broken through and it was nice enough to sit on the beach. Which we did until late afternoon. Watching the sea, and people, go by. 

For our last night we went to the Sunset bar on the pier. Our hotel was a karaoke hell so we swiftly made it onto a busy prom. It was lovely to hear the Youngsters in Club Smooch singing and enjoying themselves as we had at their age. All the lads singing "it's coming home, it's coming home" and all the girls singing "no it ain't"  bless... 

We had prosecco and beer we

watched the sunset. Bought churros and dip and walked back to a quiet hotel. What a beautiful end to a long awaited holiday. 

Saturday.

We woke up to another gorgeous day. The day of us travelling back to Nottingham. Had breakfast, then packed. Chilled out for bit then left the hotel and went and sat on the pier with a coffee fit the last time before heading to the bus station. It's been an amazing week. With the weather not doing what it said on the tin. If we went by the forecast we wouldn't have come. But apart from a bit of drizzle on Tuesday, and first thing yesterday it's been glorious, sorry those who kept saying it was given as terrible. And we have the colour to prove it.

Under House Arrest day 448

Saturday.

Well, that felt like the longest day ever at work. And it was a strange one too, not really quiet, not busy either. We managed to get both buses so we were home for six. 

I had someone at work "fishing" for information about another workmate. So and so isn't very well, did you know. I shut them down with an " Oh really, oh dear" I don't like that, I don't discuss other people at work, I have my opinion and that's enough for me, but the person asking is a right shady so and so. They are the sort to ask a question to prompt a reply so they can go to that person and say I was discussing them. It's a tactic I've seen used before. There aren't many, but there is a few that I don't trust at work, this person is one of them. More faces than the town hall clock and every one of them are devious. She soon shut up when she realised I wasn't playing. Remember kiddies not everyone that smiles at you is your friend, and never get drawn into gossip about others. One, it's usually wrong, two, it's probably a trap, three, it's more than likely made up. What they think about you is none of your business, just as what you think about them should be none of theirs. 

Under House Arrest day 447

Friday.

Finally rain... Not much cooler, however... 

Had a nice chilled day before work tomorrow, watched the last if Temptation Island and was disappointed to see that they've changed the follow-up programme has been changed to the a Jeremy Kyle style programme. Very poor. 

So that's all our shows caught up with. So now I can turn my attention to my audible and kindle books. I've downloaded a few, and at the moment I'm still reading Tales from the Folly, and listening to Never the Bride. I'm hoping to be able to listen to that later when the match is on. 

Under House Arrest day 446

Thursday.

Get organised day. Dyed my hair, did my nails. Put a bunch of stuff together so I can take my dyalog with us. Cut one of my craft mats down so I can glue on the go. Started colouring some die cuts, save me taking pencils etc with me... 

I ordered some gel toe protectors from Amazon. We will be doing a lot of walking and I really don't want to risk blisters. The main area for me is my big toe on my left foot, so if I take some toe covers with me it will give me a bit more peace of mind so that my holiday isn't ruined by my bloody feet. I wonder what its like to wear shoes/sandals/boots without having to worry? I've never really craved to wear heels, I've always thought they looked nice, but I have always wondered what it would be like to have a normal walk without a limp, or not be in pain. Admitted some days are better than others, and I've found some relief with my revitive and paingone. But I've never woken up without a degree of pain or discomfort. I try not to say too much enough people moan about illness and pain. I never use my disability as an excuse, or I've never let it get in my way. However, people think because I don't mention it, it doesn't hurt. I just want to make people aware that you never know what people are dealing with. 

 

Under House Arrest day 445

Wednesday. 

Wash day. All of it went outside to dry as it was a glorious day again. Once Kev was done we headed into town. To buy some bits we needed to get before the holiday. 

We went for lunch at Lloyds no.1 time we've been there since the day before the first lockdown. I remember that meet up with Sue and Pete just before Boris locked us all down. It was an eerie reminder. 

Under House Arrest day 444

Tuesday. Up early as I had a hair appointment at Blu. Sadly I found out that this will be the last one I will have with Emma as she is leaving. Why is it that I find a decent hairdresser and they either go mobile, or we move, or they have a baby never to return? The thing is I can't really have a mobile hairdresser here, there isn't enough room for one. So, we will see.

While I was having that done, Kev went in the new Heron that's opened in the Cotgrave precinct. He said afterwards it wasn't much to shout about really. Ok for a few bits but ended up going to Co-op to get what we needed. 

At lunchtime Sue and Pete picked us up and we went to the golf club. It was lovely to go back and as always the food was lovely as are the staff. It was busy on the terrace, but as there was no shade we sat inside. I had the vegetarian breakfast. And of course a bottle of prosecco between Sue and I. It is so nice to be able to do this again every other week, and I look forward to it. It gives us chance to catch up and relax and enjoy ourselves. I'm looking forward to August and going away with them. 

We usually go into town after but couldn't be bothered. We'll see how it is tomorrow. 

Under House Arrest day 443

Monday.

Humid sticky day took an effort to do anything much. Managed my biking and my revitive. I guess the bonus is I'm not hungry and I'm drinking loads. Poor Willow doesn't know what she wants. Mainly hiding in the shade behind the chair, but popping on my knee for a cuddle when it takes her fancy. 

Think the nosey gits from no.4 have gone away Joe and Anne seemed to think they were going when we saw them on Sunday. So that means we can sit outside if we want without any hassle. Extra points is we are on holiday next week so we won't see them for a couple. It's the little things. 

While Kev watched the football in the afternoon I went in the bedroom and continued to listen to my audible. It was lovely and cool in there as I intentionally leave the curtains closed to keep the heat out, plus the cooling blanket helps and little fan. 

I was hoping we would have storm to clear the air, and if you know me well, you know I'm scared of storms so that's saying something. 

Boris did make another announcement about delaying the last lift of lockdown for another 4 weeks. Come to Arnold mate it's been lifted fully there for weeks, no social distancing among my customers and filthy looks and abuse if you say anything. None to few masks on the bus, and right twats about it too... I had a bloke on Saturday that when I asked him to step back, he said he'd had both his jabs, I said well you can still get it and pass it on. He replied that if people weren't vaccinated it was there own fault. I said but these people aren't old enough for a jab yet. He said that they could buy one, as he had for all his kids, I'm sure that's not possible and he was lying, but said nothing and checked with Kev. Yes, you've got it, bullshit, he was lying and possibly lying about having both his ( even though he looked old enough to qualify) but if you'll lie about one thing you'll lie about another. 

Under House Arrest day 441/ 442

Saturday. 

The day started cool, but by lunch, it was very warm if a little cloudy. 

It got busy with everyone buying bbq stuff. The salad stuff got wiped out. 

The cooling blanket is helping us sleep, and the little fan that Anne bought me last year for my birthday is a Godsend on the bedside table ( much quieter than the big one) and during the day on my desk if I want to work. I have a bit more room on my desk due to not having a scan and cut sat there. 

Sunday.

A busy start. You only need an England match and a sunny day to bring them out early. The sensible none football watchers came between 2 pm and 3.30 pm. It was like watching tumbleweed. 

I got off tills at about 4.05 pm and went to help Kev. There was still a lot to do, and he didn't get done. His boss was there until 10 pm so she had to do what Kev couldnt. We missed the first 58 but got the Calverton and made good time so we got the Cotgrave with a few minutes spare. 

We watched Ru Paul Down Under. 

It wasn't late when we gave in and went to bed. And slept through until about 7.30 am 

Under House Arrest day 440

Friday. 

Well, after a better nights sleep thanks to the cooling blanket, we got up fairly early. 

I did my Dyalog pages, and then did another painted collage in my new Journal. 

It was still clammy, and humid. So apart from doing my biking and revitive time we didn't venture far. A relaxing day ready before the hectic weekend at work. 

News is filtering down that the date we go away to Brighton which was supposed to be when all covid sanctions were lifted is being postponed for a month. What that means for our holiday is we might not be able to go to any of the nightclubs as they won't be open. The pubs and restaurants should be though, so we should still be able to enjoy ourselves. It will just be nice to getaway.

You may have seen that I shared a piece on my Facebook that was by Anthony Hopkins. It was a long piece so I doubt many people would read it fully, if at all, it's like this blog, really most people skim read it when it's long. But that post shook me, it was so bloody true and on point. I don't know how many times I've wasted my time and energies on someone who doesn't deserve it, doesn't appreciate it, and kept going, because I was afraid not to. Fear of people not liking me. I was a doormat, but not now. I give my time still, to those who reciprocate, because now I don't care if people like me, I'm an acquired taste, you don't like me? Aquire some taste! I don't contact people if they don't contact me. It's a two-way street. I'm not going to pander to people who can't be arsed. I'm coming up to 58 years old. My time gets more limited by the day. I'm going to stop wasting it people-pleasing. I'll be there for those that are here for me. 

Under House Arrest day 439

Thursday. 

Didn't sleep well got up at least once. I was tired but the bed was like a furnace. I've bought one of the cooling blankets to see if it'll help. Thank God we have the air con in the living room. Willow keeps hiding behind the sofa because that's obviously cooler. 

So the day was oppressive and muggy. I got my yoga and biking done early so that it would be a cooler time to do it. I did my dyalog pages. 

We then watched "Walking in the footsteps of killers." A mini series of cold cases investigated by Emila Fox and Dr David Wilson, who we saw years back doing a lecture about Jack the Ripper. It was fascinating. They covered three cases, one on two boys that went missing in 1996, and never heard of again, Suzy Lamplugh ( the young estate agent who was kidnapped ) and never found and lastly a young girl who was killed in 1963 and her murderer was never caught. They managed to uncover new evidence on all three, but the police weren't interested in looking at historic cases. Maybe because all three involved some degree of police incompetence. 

I love watching stuff like this. Later on I watched Dyan live, do a talk on the dyalog system. Some useful tips on when I want to take it away with me when we go on holiday... 

Under House Arrest day 438

Wednesday. Another glorious day. Kev got up early and got the washing done. All of it went outside. Charlotte picked us up and we went to Bridgeford for coffee and a few bits of shopping that she needed before going on her holidays. 

Then she took us to Morrisons at Gamston in order to get the shopping we needed. 

It was lovely sitting on the avenue in Bridgeford watching the world go by. Nice to sit and watch the hustle and bustle without having to join in it. It's precious little times like that, that I love, no rush, just time to chill out and reflect. 

Under House Arrest day 437

Tuesday.

Another hot and sunny day. Too nice to stay in. We went into town. I wanted some sleeper earrings as I haven't worn any earrings since we had to start wearing masks. They get caught around the straps. I wanted some that would just stay in there and wouldn't catch. Sleepers seem them best way to go. I didn't want gypsy rose lee hoops just mid-size silver ones. I found some eventually. 

We walked to The Company Inn (a good test for my new sandals) but found it is still shut, so instead we went to Fellows Morten and Clayton, had lunch and then walked up to the Station to get the bus. 

Under House Arrest day 437

Monday.

Good delivery day. My new Doc Marten sandals came, you might remember that I tried to buy some in the shop. But the shop doesn't stock half sizes and I knew a 7 would be too big, and the only 7 they had anyway was in white. So I went home and ordered online got a 6.5 and they fit perfect. And they are so bloody comfy. My others are too that I have, but they are a 7 and they have gone to big. I have to wear clear insoles in them. These are gladiator style and cradle my foot and support my ankle. 

You might think yawn, she does go on about her shoes, but if you know me well me finding good footwear is my holy grail. So finding some is as important to me as someone finding a diamond ring they love. But, as we know some people don't like you to be happy, and jealously comes in many forms it comes in judging, or avoiding being pleased for someone. So if it bores you or you are judging what I spend my money on stop reading my blogs.

Under House Arrest day 436

Sunday. 

So glad I had this day off booked. Kev was at work so I got up as he was leaving around 7.30 am, mainly because I was hot and congested. I still managed to do my biking and yoga, and I went to the corner shop for water, and pop. 

I was going to sort my wardrobe out but gave it a miss, and I sat with Willow giving her cuddles, which she loved. Listening to audible, which made a nice change in the background. Later on, I did my pages in my dyalog and I did the cover of my new journal. 

I've developed a love of altering magazine images, and I enjoy doodling over them altering how they looked in the magazine. I spent quite a bit of time painting the hair and other features it is so relaxing. Just what I needed, art therapy. 

Eventually, I did switch the tv on and flicked round until I found some true crime documentaries on. 

Before I knew it, Kev was home and we had quorn chilli while we watched this weeks Drag Race Down Under. I'm loving the Aussie Queens, they are pretty direct with their brand of shade, and can be very cutting when they "read" each other. 

Under House Arrest day 435

Saturday. 

Work. It was warm and sunny which meant it was busy. We were looking forward to the evening when we were going to friends for a birthday bbq. However, it wasn't to be as I didn't feel so good. I had a brooding headache all day and felt vaguely sick. As I was leaving, I had a bit of a wobble, and we decided to go home instead. I don't know if it was the heat, or what, but I still feel a bit groggy like hungover without the booze. Hopefully, it will pass. 

Under House Arrest day 434

Friday. 

We went out for lunch to the Gamston Lock again with Charlotte this time. Lovely food as before. It is just so nice to do this sort of thing again. Sit and eat have a couple of gins and laugh and chill out on an afternoon, like we used to. Of course, there are measures in place and masks etc, but just nice to have some normality no matter how small. 

When we got home my parcel that should have been delivered yesterday had come, finally. It's my new art journal. A4 in size. And a stack of glue sticks ( I get through a lot and Dyan's are the best!) 

Then it was a case of preparing my stuff for tomorrow for work etc. An early night because Kev is up at 5.30 am and I'm up at 7am. 

Under House Arrest day 433

Thursday.

We were going to go into Bridgeford today but it turned out grey and humid, so we scrapped that idea and Kev just nipped down to the village to get a few essential foods shop. 

I did a few chores and then got some pages prepped in my dyalog. 

I was supposed to have a parcel from Art from the Heart but I then got another email saying they couldn't bring it today from the post office. God knows why, No expliantion, just that it might be here tomorrow. 

Not much else cracked off, 

Under House Arrest day 432

Wednesday. 

Wash day. All went outside to dry, even the duvet cover and sheets. It does smell and feels lovely after too... 

It was warm but gusty so ideal. I'm suffering from hay fever bad at the moment as I would imagine most are that suffer. I'm going to try some local honey ( when I can find some!)as they say taking local honey can help reduce the symptoms. 

The revitive unit I bought is doing some good to my feet and legs and I can feel a difference. Add the paingone pen and I've been able to knock some but not all of my pain meds. Even Kev is finding it useful. 

Under House Arrest day 432

Tuesday. Beautiful weather. The start of June is sunny and warm long may it continue. We met Sue, Pete and his Daughter Karen at the Gamston Lock for lunch. It was lovely, good food, and even better company.

After we headed in to the city. I wanted to go and have a look at some new sandals in Doc Martens. I tried them on but they only had the 6 in black, she offered me *shudder* white! Oh but you could order them online and pick them up here, she insisted! Er, no love if I'm ordering online I'll have them sent to me thank you very much. Then they wonder why people shop online so much. Not only did they have black they had half sizes online so I've ordered a 6.5. A 7 would fit for a bit, but the leather stretches and then go big on me, making it hard for me to keep them on my feet. I know this from the last pair I bought. 

At least I guess I got to see what they were like.