Under House Arrest day 518/19

Monday. Had a chill day. As I tend to do after weekend at work. I concentrated on my craft projects (namely the fully handmade journal) We woke early and I got straight to it making pages. I even gessoed the ones I made last week ready to be painted. The cover is complete, the book rings are in. 

Tuesday.

We went into town and got what we needed, then met Sue and Pete for lunch, we went to Larwood and Voce. We then walked to the Co-op in Bridgeford and got the bus home. It was lovely to see Pete and Sue and we gave her the vampire figure we actually bought for Christmas, but we wanted her to have it for this Halloween. I'm happy to say she loved it. I've managed to get the latching salt and pepper pots to match the mummy cookie jar Kev bought me. 

Under House Arrest day 517

Sunday.

Strange day all in all, quieter than a normal Sunday and a lot quieter for a Bank Holiday Sunday. Until about 3.30 pm then everyone decided to come shopping. I didn't serve my last customer until 20 past 4. And believe me she was the customer no one wants anytime let alone your last. Her child had opened the strawberries, grapes and Ice lollies. She didn't tell me of course. Waiting until the contents of each were almost tipped onto the belt. My quick thinking saved them. But you do ask yourself what these people are on? What possible kick can you derive from making someone's job harder? Honestly sometimes I despair. 

Thank God the Sunday crew are a good crew, we all pull together. Although I must admit if I've learned one thing from this weekend, the less you do, the more you get your own way. Flog the willing horses, those that do a shift and work hard. Those that skive off rather than get told, just get their hours changed, so that they don't have to dealt with directly. I would interject here that while the bolshie side of me says, I'll pull back, not work so hard, don't be so nice to idiots, you know it won't happen. For two reasons, one, I'd be told straight away, because I've never been the sort to get away with anything less than my best, two, it just isn't me, I have always given my best at work, tried even when I've hated the job given. I can't be lazy, skive off or "disappear" when it's busy. But, life isn't fair, and people will always look after themselves and that will never change. 

Under House Arrest day 516

Saturday.

Back to work. Strange day, not really busy, but not quiet either. But it went ok. We got home and Kev watched the football I went to watch the Idea-ology launch from Tim. There were some amazing makes, but I don't really buy much of that stuff as I don't really make that much 3D stuff for Halloween any more. I used to do a few dioramas for people instead of cards, but for the time effort and cost and lack of appreciation of those things I knocked it on the head. 

But I'm still blown away by what the makers turn out, and I was thinking the little pumpkin pails and cauldron would look good set among the girls. 

Under House Arrest day 515

Friday. 

My third and final parcel came from Art from the Heart. I was more than happy that this time it was the right stamp set. 

I set to and stamped and coloured them ready to be put to use in my dyalog and cards that I still have to do. 

I can't believe it's back to work tomorrow that week has flown by. I know we only do two days but believe me when I say that's more than enough. I enjoy going to work much more than I ever did at Burton, but, even Arnold is changing, and not for the better sadly.

Oh well, like I say two days a week won't kill me, hopefully. 

Under House Arrest day 514

Thursday.

Got all excited because my Art from the Heart parcel was due. When it showed up it was the wrong stamp set. As always though the customer service is fab, sent me a post office prepaid label by email to send it back and they'll send the correct one. 

So I watched the class from Wednesday night, and then the last one last night. So now I'm going to start my book. 

I find it easier to work after I have seen all the classes rather than work along with her. 

Under House Arrest day 513.

Wednesday. 

Wash day, Kev got done without any issues. I did some more sorting out and tidying up. 

Later on we went to watch the 20-20 cricket at Trent Bridge. It was absolutely heaving as it was a complete sell out. 

We had food at the TBI first, which soon became rammed, so we drank up and headed for our seats. We sat in the stand on Fox road. The atmosphere was buzzing and several groups of lads in fancy dress, one that kept us entertained throughout with their singing and banter. 

It was a good match, very close, and it looked as if the Outlaws would pull it off. But then then the team was batting and the collapse began. Right up to the last strike it was on a knife edge and they finally lost by two bloody runs. What a disappointment. The crowd fell silent and left the stadium crestfallen. The few fans from the Hawks weren't even singing, I think even they were shocked. 

We walked to Rye Hill street in order to avoid the queues for the bus. It worked perfectly, the bus was empty and only filled up as we got to the cricket ground and the Co-op. 

We enjoyed it though, as much as we were disappointed it was a good night.

Under House Arrest day 512

Tuesday.

We were going to go out, but, after we looked at the weather we decided to stay in. My other space-saving bags came so I did some more sorting out. Like getting my fur ( not real fur) coat in one and being able to remove the hangers on the back of the door, which means I can now shut it when I watch the tv in the bedroom. 

It was the second day of the class online. 

Apart from that I made some more cards, including one with the new Colorise candles/ lantern. That took a good five hours, which is why I no longer make the amount of cards I used to. I would rather make one that looks stunning, than 10 that are basic.

Under House Arrest day 511

Monday.

So because the new bedding came we had a massive clear out in the linen cupboard and found some space saver bags from one of the many moves, which we put to use for the sets we kept, towels etc. In fact it's given us much more room in there that I've ordered another pack so we can put the duvet in and some of the clothes I want to keep but are out of season. Space bags protect anything like that and as the name implies save you a lot of space. We used to use them to go to Whitby when our packing was of epic proportions. We haven't used them here because we hadn't got a vacuum cleaner to suck the air out of the bags, as we only had a air ram. However, just before Christmas, I bought a handheld duster buster vacuum for crevices and skirting boards etc. Now that does the job of sucking the air from the bags.

Apart from organising and getting rid I did some more cards, I am mostly done now for Halloween, that is until I get my hands on the new TH stamps etc. Then I got chance to join in a live class by Dyan. Making a journal from scratch. Certainly a different approach to it. 

Under House Arrest day 510

Sunday.

As we had a rare Sunday off work we decided to go out for Sunday lunch. And we saw Larwood and Voce do Sunday Lunch we gave it a go. You have to book though, you can't just turn up. We were one of the first there, but it soon filled up, and we could see why. The food was delicious and plentiful. It wasn't a carvery but there was plenty of choice. 

Usually Saturday and Sunday are fast days for me, I have my meal replacement shakes ( Fast 800) and that's it apart from a salad. So this was a bit of an epic meal for me. It finished me. I had no room for dessert, and had to give in and leave a third on my plate as I couldn't eat another thing. Kev did manage the apple and raspberry pie, but couldn't move afterwards. We walked back to the Co-op bus stop in Bridgeford in order to walk off some of it. But, it didn't help much. By the time we got home we both fell asleep and didn't eat another thing all day. I did drink plenty of water though to flush it all through which helped. It was lovely though. And I would recommend anyone to try it. I would ask next time for the junior plate as I think there would be enough on there for me. 

We will have a fast day tomorrow instead. 

Now that our new bedding has come we also need a good sort out in the linen cupboard. There are a few sets we can retire now. So that's my plan for tomorrow, along with a few more cards with my new TH colourize dies.

Under House Arrest day 509.

Saturday.

So nice to wake up and roll over because we didn't have to go to work. Had some post to take to the office, but it started to rain, so Kev kindly took it so only one of us got soaked. 

So, I stayed in with Willow and found homes for all my new goodies. 

Once everything was away I started creating again and finished the Mummy card I started yesterday. 

Tim came on live at five pm, and I sat and watched and got some great ideas for stuff I've got. 

My thought for today is this, the best revenge is no revenge, just be happy. Those that did you harm or wished you harm don't want you to be happy. Those who secretly want you harmed while being nice to your face hate seeing you happy. Just be happy, and that will drive them crazy. It's hard sometimes to not wish harm back at them, but just wish them the life they deserve. 

Under House Arrest day 508

Friday. My Birthday. I kicked it off opening my gifts from Sara and Trish. They buy and make some really unusual things so I'm always guaranteed a surprise. Then it was delivery central. My other pre-order dies came from Art From The Heart, from where I've ordered a lovely set of stamps from my Sis, courtesy of her giving me some birthday money. 

Kev had already given me my Mummy Cookie Jar, but he had bought me a gorgeous book of Dyan's artwork. 

Amazon order arrived next, along with my TKMaxx order ( this time gifts for other people not me for once) 

Charlotte came round mid afternoon ready for our jaunt out to Via Fossa for a meal, she bought me a beautiful goblet, all sparkly and delicate, and a copy of a book I have in paperback that needed replacing she managed to get it me in hardback, so I can retire my battered old copy. It's a good one to re-read I do every so often return to certain books like turning to old friends when you need the warmth and familiar company. Hence why the paperback is falling to bits. 

So we went into town, Lauren met us later as the pair of them were off to see Grease at the theatre. Kev and I went for a few more drinks in town ( a rare occurrence for us to be in town of an evening these days. We tend to go out in the day, but it made a nice change. All in all a lovely day was had. 

Under House Arrest day 507

Thursday.

So, my new colourize dies came from Tim Holtz, The Count, Costume Party and The Vault. After working out the colours of cardstock and the assembly( they are very intricate, with lots of layers) I set too and put some together. It took a few hours, I love them but the work it takes to put a card together and the time, is why I only do cards like these for a few, It pains me to think they'll end up in the bin, a lot of people don't realise or appreciate how long they take to put together. I can lose a whole day on one card. But I love how they turn out. 

Under House Arrest day 506

Wednesday.

Wash day, no problems today we didn't have much as Kev did a lot Friday when we got home. 

I did a bit of rearranging in the bedroom packing some stuff up so that there is room for some of the new items we have acquired. I'm thinking after Halloween this year I might sell a few bits of the older stuff and only keep what I really can't part with. 

Cathy and Jason sent me and Kev an early Halloween gift a lovely little oil burner hanger. It's shaped like a cauldron and looks like the one Sara bought me last year for my Birthday. Lovely of them to do that. We miss those two, and a meet up is long overdue. 

Under House Arrest day 505

Tuesday.

We went into town before meeting up with Sue and Pete for lunch. We called in on TKMaxx and Kev bought me a lovely cookie jar in the shape of a Mummy. 

All four of us caught the bus to Bridgeford as we had a table booked at Larwood and Voce. I wanted to go there after we went past it when we went to the cricket a couple of weeks ago. 

It was bloody lovely to food was stunning and the surroundings were great too, it reminded me of an gentlemen's club similar to the Abbey in Burton in it's heyday as a Berni Inn. Obviously with modern touches. But I felt at home there, which doesn't happen often these days. The staff were friendly and although it was a tad pricey you could tell the food was freshly cooked and done to order ( no ping food there!) I can definitely say we will go back, as we booked a table for a couple of weeks time. It's nice to go somewhere nice and different. Going for lunch with Sue and Pete is always something to look forward to... 

Under House Arrest day 504

Monday.

Full on rest day. Scruff's on, glasses on, feet up ( on our new footrest, I might add!) Giving my knee a chance to recover from last weeks exertions. 

Sue and Pete nipped over for a visit, they bought Kev some cider, and we were able to sort out plans for our meal out together tomorrow for my Birthday. Looking forward to that. 

I've ordered some new tea towels as TKMaxx don't seem to be getting any Halloween ones in, I usually replace last year's with new ones from there, but I haven't seen any at all in there. I found some online instead. I also found a sheet and duvet cover with skulls on, again to replace an old one that has seen better days. I do love being in the position to dress up our home as we like, instead of having to make do like we had to for so many years. 

Under House Arrest day 503

Sunday. 

So a bit better day moving about, I still took my stick but it was a little easier than the day before. It was a strange one in the fact that it was on and off busy wise, as usual there were the late comers who didn't expect the shop to shut around them. 

We had a bit of a mare with the bus from Arnold. I think the driver was recruited from a funeral home. He couldn't drive much slower. We made the Cotgrave by the skin of our teeth. But at least now we are on a weeks holiday, so we can go out for my Birthday on Friday without having to worry about getting up. 

Under House Arrest day 502

Saturday.

Well it started ok and went down hill I was just washing up when I got a call to say the bus was 10 to 8 not five past as I had thought. So I bolted out the door in order to catch it. I was lucky as Charlotte had asked him to wait a minute. 

I sat on the bus and couldn't remember if I turned the tap off. So Charlotte got Ian to pop round and check. Thankfully, it was off, but it was very good of him to go round. 

My knee was being a mardy bitch after all the weeks walking, so I took my stick, and good job I did as I was a bit unsteady. 

We made the first bus but missed the second due to me not being able to rush down the hill. Oh well, on holiday next week so I can let my leg get back to normal. 

Under House Arrest day 501

Friday. 

We had to be up early 6.30 am to have showers, and pack, for a 8.45 am start back home. Luckily for us ours was the first port of call. Thankfully the driver Chris, was savvy in the ways of the M25, and we avoided being caught in Friday morning traffic. We got back into Nottingham around 1pm. We got home around 1.45 ish and because it was a decent day Kev got the washing on as soon as we had unpacked. It was still on the line until late evening. 

It was lovely to cuddle Willow, of course, the nosey gits at no.4 collared Kev for information on where we had been. They won't ask me because they know I won't tell them. 

Under House Arrest day 500.

Thursday.

Our last day of our mini break. Today we went to Kew Gardens. The weather wasn't brilliant to be honest and it threatened rain most of the day, although it held off until we were just about  to leave. Boy, that place is massive and I well exceeded my step count, and am paying for it. My knee is screaming, and to be fair we did have lots of sits along the way. We even had a little train ride from one side of the parks to the other. It was very beautiful though, and its good these places exist, to preserve endangered species of flora and trees. We looked in vain for a Banyan tree as we got married beneath one, we found out later that it was in the Orangery. But we couldn't go in there because there was a wedding taking place. Banyan trees are reportedly good luck to get married beneath, which is perhaps why it is housed there where they hold their weddings. Mind you it will cost anything upwards of 20,000 for a basic ceremony at Kew. The one today was far from basic, so I dread to think how much it was. How the other half live eh? 

It was a good way to round off our little break away. I've loved spending time with my sister and her husband Pete. It's nice because I don't have to explain when I'm getting towards the end of my limits mobility wise, and also we all get on so well and laugh so much at the same things. 

Under House Arrest day 499

Wednesday.

Day two. We went to Bath. We were a little late into Bath due to the driver taking a wrong turn, but it was beautiful when we got there.

I think it's one of those places like York that you need longer than a day to really find your way around. The place was heaving and we all commented on how busy it was and how strange it was since lockdown to see anywhere that packed. 

To be honest we didn't do any of the tours etc as the queues were horrendous for all the attractions we fancied. It did give us a taster, so we ( Kev and I ) might put it on our holiday list to do   perhaps at least three days so we could get some of the main tourist attractions done.

We did find a Spoons after a bit of a Pops mystery tour. 

Under House Arrest day 498

Tuesday. The day dawned nice and clear so we set off on the coach for Hampton Court. 

When we got there it was about a fifteen-minute walk to the actual palace. You couldn't see it until you were right on it. The first glimpse was stunning, so ornate and so huge. It took my breath away. All those memories of Tudor dramas, movies and David Starkey documentaries, there was a lot they have managed to save and restore a lot more than I thought, the  tapestries though faded were still gorgeous and the great hall was massive and you could imagine the fire pit in the middle roaring away. The clever thing is they have what I call smelly vision ( it's something we learned at Alton Towers, they pump relevant scents through the rooms like wood smoke roasting meat, spices and even in some instances rotting flesh) so you get a real feel for what it would be like during that period. 

There are two distinct eras covered at the Palace Tudor and Georgian. But, it still listed as a Royal Residence today, and our Queen can still decide to stay there today. I think I would, but then I guess it would be a bit Spartan by our standards. 

But I thoroughly enjoyed the whole visit. 

 

Under House Arrest day 497

Monday.

It rained almost constantly on our coach trip down to Basingstoke where our hotel is located. 

But, it didn't matter as we were just grateful for the trip going ahead. Last year Skills cancelled a similar trip which we had paid 1for and forgot to inform us. 

This time it was full steam ahead and as it's been a bucket list wish of mine to go to Hampton Court I was excited. 

We checked in after letting all the old biddies get of the bus first ( yes, we are old biddies too, but some are more old biddieish than we are) 

The food, breakfast and dinner are included and we thought it was ok, not spectacular but better than we experienced at the Royal Alb  ion in Brighton when we stayed there. We grabbed a bottle of wine and sat in the bar beforehand, and again afterwards. We had a fairly early night as it was full on for the next day. 

Under House Arrest 496.

Sunday.

So it was ok, I didn't have to push heavy wheelchairs and walk for 8,000 odd steps s

o my ankle was good today. I've started to realise that I need to do things at my own pace. I think I was trying to be quick and failing to be accurate. Now I'm taking my time and hopefully getting things right. 

We got both buses comfortably and was able to chill out ready for the full on day ahead going to that there London. 

Under House Arrest day 495

Saturday. 

A busy day all tolled. The weather held out, which was a blessing. When we left we got the 58 which should have got us in town for the Cotgrave, but it was Richard ( real name Dave) he saw us but pulled off grinning like he had just won the lottery. There is a reason we call him Richard! Never mind, eh? Karma is a bitch. 

We had an early night as we were both shattered, but both of us were awake around 2 am. Kev got up, I stayed put and Willow came and snuggled up to me. I dropped back off and was rudely awakened by the alarm at 6.45 am. Let's see what delights are in store for me this Sunday eh? 

Under House Arrest day 494

Friday.

Another quiet day. We dyed my hair and did the packing( that we could before Monday) I'm not taking a lot mainly casual stuff, similar to what we took to Brighton but a bit less, as obviously we aren't going for as long. I am taking my Dyalog and photo printer. Even if we only have a little downtime between outings I can roughly put a few photos of each trip into my book and work it all out properly once we get back. 

Have you ever noticed that all of us spend most of our lives juggling? We try to keep everyone happy, we put too much into our days so that we don't let anyone down. We rush through events we love just to get to ones we feel obliged to turn up to. Instead of saying, No and risk upsetting someone, we spread ourselves thin and end up not enjoying anything. I know I've done it in the past, but I'm working on not doing it in the future. 

I'm 58 in a couple of weeks. Time to put me first. It doesn't mean that I'm "being funny" it doesn't mean I don't enjoy your company. It just means I'm not compromising what I want to do. Time to stop juggling, and stop having so many balls in the air. I want to do what is best for me now. 

Under House Arrest 493.

Thursday.

Early start my hair appointment was for 9 am. I was trepidatious as Emma left last month, and I had no idea who was about to take over cutting my hair. My relief was visible as Amanda was back. She came back to help out and has decided to stay. Thank God, I didn't have to put my hair in someone else's hands. It looks lovely or will once I've dyed it tomorrow. 

When we got back I had a parcel come which was Annabelle( living dead doll) which I've bought second hand. I got her for a lot less than she is going for new, so I snapped the seller's hand off. 

I had a card to make so I got that done along with my dyalog entry. Then Kev watched the preseason games on LFTV. So I dug out a favourite book ( as in actual paperback) that I've been planning to re-read for a while. It's called Sunshine by Robin McKinnley, it's a vampire novel that was once bought into the book club we used to run at the Appleby. It's not been converted to Kindle and it looks very unlikely it ever will. So though it's a bit battered I hold onto it because it's a great story. Sometimes reading a book you love again is like meeting an old much-loved friend. The afternoon was conducive to a curl up on the sofa read as it rained pretty hard, as usual, it relaxed me to the point of nodding off. It transported me back to those rainy days at the pub when I would get out of uniform, go downstairs and sit on the sofa under the window with a glass of wine and read until it started to get busy, or someone interesting came in. In those days I devoured paperbacks, a kindle wasn't even a thing back then. If it was it was out of my price bracket and I not gone through the trauma of having to part with my beloved book collection. 

Kev bought me a kindle after we moved to the Punch Bowl, it was one of his first purchases with his wages. The logic behind it was I would never have to part with my books again, even if we hadn't got anywhere to live I could carry my books with me in my handbag. A few like Sunshine, and those that were signed to me personally, Freda's and Storm's and of course Tanith's I kept. My Sister had them boxed up safely at hers until we had a place of our own again. So occasionally, I pull out a long lost friend from the shelf and settle down to get lost in familiar storylines. 

Under House Arrest day 492

Wednesday.

Good delivery day. First off my parcel from Art from The Heart cane containing new stamps dyalog insert books, dyalong bands and bigger back chat. Then our new mug stand came, it's so much safer and sturdier than the tree we had before. 

Then my Birthday pressie came from Joyce in the USA came ( which I wasn't expecting) she said something was on it's way but it came quicker than either of us thought. It's a zombie dolly... I've called her Mildew. I've got to edit down some of the stuff in the bedroom, but she will live in there with Claudia and Posey. 

I'd started making some cards when my phone lariat came for work. I'm fed up of trying to ram my phone which is quite big into my pockets at work and you constantly need it with the stock app. So I thought if I got a lariat it would be easier to carry around. 

Under House Arrest 491

Tuesday.

It looked a nice day so we got up and after watching Olympic breakfast to find out how many more medals GB had won overnight, (Aren't our team doing fabulous?) we went into town. Kev wanted some Xbox doughnuts from Crispy Cremes. So after he'd got them, we went to TKMaxx just "for a look" it was well picked over, but lurking at the back was a lovely wooden vampire figure. It was meant to be ours! He's gorgeous... I did a little happy dance as I gathered him up after untangling him from a banner from another piece!

When we got home it meant another rejig of the display so now Count Cracula ( thanks Karen Hewitt for the name) and Percy as I'm calling him because he looks a bit like Percy Shelley ( or how I imagine he looked) as he was a big friend of Byron's he was bound to be a vampyre. If you don't know what I'm on about, read Tom Holland's The Vampyre... Are now living dead in the living room... 

Under House Arrest day 491

Monday. 

After yesterday I had a nice chill out day. I gave my exercise a rest day, it doesn't hurt now and then, and it gave my ankle and foot time to go down. 

Thank God for Willow, like any animal she knows when you aren't feeling great or not well and spent most of the day perched on my knee. Just stroking an animal can lower your heart rate, blood pressure and therefore lower your blood glucose levels. I love her so much, she is so cute and comical, we bought her a new toy last week a tower of track with balls in it. She loves it, I've tried to video her playing with it but she is quick and will stop if she thinks you are watching her. You can hear her playing with it when you are in bed. Toys are very important when you have an indoor cat, they need the extra stimulus to keep them fit and active. 

One of my biggest battles is with myself I overthink. I can torture myself mentally more than anyone can inflict on me, so what can be something insignificant to anyone else I can replay in my head until I drive myself crazy. It's taken me a long time to figure out when this is what is happening, and I know that is what I'm doing at the moment. It will take a couple of days but I'll snap out of it. And no, I'm not joining the pity me party. I couldn't give a fetid dingos kidneys what anyone else thinks, I'm in charge of my metal health no one else. If my blog is an uncomfortable read, simple, stop reading. 

Under House Arrest day 489/490

Saturday.

Another fun-filled day at Fraggle Rock. 

Nothing much happened there that doesn't every shift. 

But outside of work, I saw an interview with the ex Olympic rower and medal winner Steve Redgrave. Didn't know he was type 2 diabetic. So the next person that says I'm type two because I'm fat and lazy, I shall tell them to check their facts. He is neither in fact when he was diagnosed he was still competing full time. His is genetic as is mine. It runs in my family... I have no proof but I am convinced that both my parents had it, from what I've learned about the symptoms, they fit the brief. 

Sunday.

I don't know how to describe today, it was an odd one, I went from being in the Petrol for an hour, to being on a till, to being asked to put left-behinds and hangers etc, to helping a poor guy in a wheelchair to shop. He was not in a good way. He lost his key fob to get into his flat which is across from the shop. I was asked to push him over the road, while another colleague came with. It wasn't easy, it was a hospital-style chair and they are a bitch to move. Not bad for someone with limited mobility myself eh? Anyway after a while and a phone call to the police we managed to get him home. Poor bugger. I'm paying for it now my ankle is swollen and my arm is pulling like a bitch. Oh well, it's only me being mardy. 

If you can't tell by my tone, I'm not in a good mood. A few things have made me feel like I'm being pushed to my limits. It's about time I stopped being so nice.