Under House Arrest day 598

Monday.

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

Under House Arrest day 597

Sunday. 

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 595/596

Friday. 

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

Saturday.

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 594

Thursday. 

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

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

Under House Arrest day 594

Wednesday.

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

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 593

Tuesday. 

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

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

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

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

Under House Arrest days 591/592

Sunday. 

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

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

Monday.

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 589 /590

Friday.

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

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

Saturday.

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 588

Thursday. 

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

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 587

Wednesday.

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 585/6

Monday.

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

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

Tuesday.

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

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

Then I watched class.

Under House Arrest day 584

Sunday. 

Remembrance Sunday. 

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

We managed to get both buses which was a relief. 

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

Under House Arrest days 582/3

Friday. 

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

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

Saturday. 

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

Under House Arrest day 581

Thursday.

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

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

Under House Arrest day 580

Wednesday,

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

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

Under House Arrest day 579

Tuesday. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 578

Monday. 

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

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

Under House Arrest day 587

Sunday.

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

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 586

Saturday.

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

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

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

Under House Arrest day 585

Friday.

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

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

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

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

Under House Arrest 584

Thursday. 

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

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

You have to admit our bus journeys are never boring. 

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

Under House Arrest day 583

Wednesday. 

Washing day obviously. After that was done, we took down the Halloween decor that we were putting away until the next time. I had a sort out and have parted with a few bits that I doubt will see the light of day again. We've had our fun with them let someone else enjoy them for a bit. 

Kev set to repairing the headstone, he is doing it in stages to make sure it is a good repair. 

I finished the dyalog prep from the class I took last week. So all I need to do is work on the pages day by day. 

Kev watched the football, he was able to go and watch it in the bedroom now we have Sky Q so I was able to stay in the living room and craft/ watch what I wanted. Thankfully they won... 

Under House Arrest day 582

Tuesday. 

We usually go out early on a Tuesday but we had tickets for Grayson Perry at The Royal Centre in the evening so we did go into town until about 5pm. 

I had a message from DPD that a parcel was coming first thing excitedly it was an online bargain I'd found of a light up resin headstone for the garden, it was about 40% cheaper than before Halloween. Well it arrived and it was broken. I don't just mean a bit, I mean as in smashed one side. I took pictures emailed the company and I must admit they were very quick and we got a full refund straight away. They said to bin it rather than send it back. 

You know Mr Fix it Kev he wasn't going to that. He got his repair stuff out and started doing the jigsaw of sticking all the small bits back together. He is waiting until it's set then he is going to coat it in liquid resin then do a paint job on it! It won't look the same as it should have, but it will look like a headstone in a crumbling graveyard! Pictures to follow.

Grayson Perry was very good, funny as well as thought provoking. And it was very busy, we did however bump into my niece Karen and her Husband Steve at the interval... 

We went for food at Yarn first which again was very busy. 

But a nice change out. Shame our tickets for the Addams Family have been refunded ( we were going to the matinee but it's been cancelled, and all the tickets for the evenings are sold) 

Below are the pictures of the broken headstone. I'll post pictures more when its repaired. 

Under House Arrest day 581

Monday.

A nice chilled out pjs day after the hustle and bustle of the weekend, I'm always surprised at how exhausting social events are now for me. I couldn't imagine/how I could cope with a WGW these days. I need at least one day chilling out after going out now... 

I started my new dyalog. I am using the techniques I learned in the recent online class so this months book will be all collage. Last month was mainly die cuts and was for the most part themed. This one will be more random. I'm seeing which style suits me best. I always do my images a few days in advance in any case but at the moment I'm enjoying "the Dyan way"

I've also started getting some bargains ( Halloween stuff) online the first week after Halloween is the best time to pick up some stuff half price or less. I've done it a few times but after watching Tim's live and him saying he looks all year for both his Halloween and Christmas stuff, it's prompted me to look for stuff now and either store it or as we are looking for outdoor stuff put it out. Our garden is spooky anyway so it won't matter. Also as we are packing away some of the Halloween stuff we are having a sort out. I'm getting rid of some of the pieces we no longer display. We've had our fun out of it, so time to let it go. There are some pieces I will only part with via my will, like my spooky tree and my 13 Creepy Grange dolls house. To some people my stuff is clutter, tat and ugly. To me it what makes me happy. And as Tim said in his live, do what you want if it makes you smile and hurts no one. His house is piled high with junk as be puts it, but he loves it. I think it's if you are creative you like having a lot of "visual" clutter

Under House Arrest day 580

Sunday. All Hallows Eve.

It was so wet that when we got up Grim had deflated. So Kev had to give him a good shake set him up again. We weren't surprised as it was very heavy rain. But righted he stood up again alright. 

We watched Tim's live tour of his fall decor in his home on Youtube from the night before. Then we watched the dancing on catch up. It was so nice not to be at work and to be able to chill out with Willow. Kev put the food on around 5.30 pm and we got ready for Andrew and Adam and Charlotte to arrive. 

We had a lovely night, played quizzes and eat drank and chatted. 

When everyone had gone and Kev had taken Grim down ( there had been trouble with some teenagers trashing displays that were on the pumpkin trail, throwing eggs, damaging property) so Kev thought it best to remove what would be the biggest target. Honestly, it's the little kids that suffer out of this, all the bigger kids are bothered about are themselves and their entertainment which usually includes smashing stuff up. This is supposed to be the woke generation, traumatised by Covid and the state of the environmental damage "we" have done on the planet, really? Just selfish little shits who get a kick out of destroying stuff that isn't theirs. I say stamp on their effing phones that'll teach them, they won't be able to talk to anyone then because they can't communicate without a screen. 

Sorry rant over. 

We stayed up past the witching hour was reading Haunted Highgate some more and we both went to bed as the veil stretched between the worlds...