Under House Arrest day 657

Monday.

First day of our week off. Kev stayed in bed and I got up around 8.

I did my pages in my dyalog so that I was caught up. The other book is prepped ready to start on Wednesday as with my blog I do my pages a day behind. Images I pop in advance but write and doodle only when I am on that actual page. 

By late afternoon I too was beginning to get a scratchy throat unsurprisingly... I've preemptively started taking lemon, honey and paracetamol in the hopes of keeping it at bay. Bloody typical that we are both ill on our week off... 

I did a bit more of my jigsaw today ( the Dracula one) I'm loving it, it is very challenging but that's how I like them and the subject matter and portrayal of the story in almost graphic novel format looks amazing. I definitely think it will be one I keep as a picture once done. It might mean a rejig or removal of one already on the wall, but I think it does you good to change things up a bit. 

Talking of wall hangings my other larger stage head came today. I won't post a picture yet, but will wait until he has his accesories. But I am pleased with him, he is actually a better size than the one from Amazon ( I will keep him though, just move him elsewhere) 

Under House Arrest day 656

Sunday. 

I started my day with a trip to petrol, it was Jodie and Karen over there so that was ok. When I got back I was on a check out and thankfully I didn't move again until it was time to finish. We made the 58 bus n the nick of time, and that meant we got down to market square comfortably in time for the Cotgrave.

The first of the storms predicted seems to have hit with a vengeance. The wind is howling and buffering everything loose in its path. Thankfully we are now on holiday this week, so we can hunker down at home, it will give Kev chance to get over his cold and hopefully feel a bit better. He is still full of mucus and coughing like a consumptive, bless him. 

I'm more than happy to stay in and do all my usual stuff, it will be nice to not go in next weekend,  even if we don't go far. We are away in March anyway with Sue and Pete ( who also has a dreadful cold) so I'm quite content to have some time out in our cozy little home. 

I often get the impression ( through work mainly) that there is some sort of pressure to do something while you are off, you should be doing something or going somewhere. Maybe because of lockdown, going somewhere has become more important. But for me you can't beat a bit of time out with no plans other than what you fancy doing. In my case it's great to have time to read, craft, do my jigsaw, watch a movie, sit and spend time with Willow, play with her cuddle her. I find that recharges my batteries much better than always rushing here and there. But that's just me I guess. 

Under House Arrest days 654/655

Friday.

Kev's head cold is now full blown, he sound like he he is drowning in mucus, bless him, He doesn't do bring poorly bless him. We have stocks of lemon, honey and beechams powders. Vic's is being applied to his chest, back, and soles of his feet. Bless him. One extra day in work is all it took for his immune system to allow this blighter in. Thank God we have a week off work after Sunday in order for him to rest up. So we had a quiet day. He made more beignets in the air fryer (nom) I've always wanted to try them since reading Interview with the Vampire, they are light little puff pastry parcels covered in powdered sugar ( in our case stevia) in New Orleans they are deep fried, but now we can make them in the air fryer so they are even better for you. So far that air fryer is a game changer. Chips are so lovely in it, and apple chips are amazing. Good purchase.

Saturday.

Work. I was surprised Kev went as he had a crap night sleep wise. Which also meant did too. But he did, Kev might be a lot of things but he isn't work shy. Some people will ring in sick with finger ache and do, but not Kev. 

It was really busy with less bodies around to serve them so they asked me to start earlier. Which no doubt caused a stir in a certain quarter. Doesn't like me going early that one. 

I finished at 4.30pm. Didn't benefit us much as Trent Baron decided to drop a bus as they do, so we got out usual bus anyway. Looks like from the posts online it was a regular thing last night with taxis making a killing to Cotgrave. Wonderful. 

Under House Arrest day 652/3

Wednesday.

Wash day. The door lock has been fixed over at the centre, so the key fobs have been reprogrammed. 

Kev got it done fairly quickly despite there being extra with more uniform, bedding and towels. 

Towards evening Kev started to feel a little unwell with a sore throat, head cold. So he didn't sleep that well, added to which when he got up he found the boiler wasn't on and he had to reset it, good job he knew what was doing, he soon got it going again. 

Thursday. 

We were going to go out but Kev felt too poorly, luckily Charlotte was out some shopping and offered to bring some bits and bobs for us. 

I had a card to make for Trish's Etsy shop and I prepped a few pages of images in my dyalog for the next few days. 

Other than that a quiet day spent crafting, cuddling Willow, etc. 

Under House Arrest day 651.

Tuesday.

We had a bit of a lie-in, not til late but later than we would normally do when we go out. So we eventually headed into the city for a mooch round. It was cold and I must admit it got colder while we were out. We went in TK Maxx as I was looking for a coat, but didn't find one in there. I didn't want one from Primarni as they fall apart after a while, zips break, pockets come away. So I avoided there. We got what few bits we needed and then got the bus back to Bridgeford. We got off at the TBI and had lunch there. It was quite busy and we ended up going into the back room which looks onto the cricket ground. It was very cold in there like they hadn't put the heating on. We eat quickly and headed on foot back to the bigger of the two Co-ops. By chance I had a nosy in the Peacocks in the store and lo and behold I found a coat. Not only did it fit, it was just what I was looking for, and £20! Until I got to the till, and then it came down to £12! Winner... 

We got the bus home and I removed the puffy jacket from the cat hooks that I have been wearing lately, and put it ready to be sold on vinted, in keeping with my one in one out policy.  

Under House Arrest day 650

Monday.

Kev went into work extra. So it meant a day on my own with Willow. I got up around 8. I'd been awake since Kev had been up, but I was determined to stay resting as long as I could. When I got up I did my biking. Then both Willow and I had breakfast, after a bit of fuss she settled down in her bed. She can usually sense when you aren't going out anywhere and chills out. I had a couple of phone calls to make to the council about my bus pass and one to the doctors to sort out diabetic appointments. 

Once that was done I went to my desk to colour in the stamped images from the new Alice inspired stamps by Dyan. I put some of them in my dyalog pages and continued to play around with the ones I had left. 

Amazon delivery at around lunchtime, ( new sheets) to go with the bedding. 

I had lunch and more cuddles with Willow, who was obviously loving having me at home. 

Kev got home around 5.30 pm and then we watched tv for a bit, there was a good documentary about the Dennis Nielson victims on BBC one. Interesting to see it from the victims angle. A lot of it was exploring how because he targeted young gay men how it wasn't important because it was seen back in the late 70's early 80's "as their own fault". It was and is a bloody disgrace, but not that much more disgusting than the Jack the Ripper victims being less important because they were poor and prostitutes. Same closed minds, different century. We've come a long way since then, but there is still a lot of bigotry. Putting people in to neat little boxes. I think being both alternative and disabled makes me acutely aware of how society treats anyone who won't blend into the masses. 

Going back to Dennis Nielson story though I remember when Alice lived in Hornsey and we stayed with her and her Mum, one of the trips around the area included a visit to Muswell Hill and the house at Cranley Gardens, where some of the murders ( and subsequent bodies) were committed. It was eerie standing across the road from the drains where they found a lot of the remains. Creepy. 

Under House Arrest day 649

Sunday. 

Started my day over at petrol. Wasn't too bad as it was Sue and Heather, I find them easy to get on with, and work with. There is always some drama over there though, drive-offs, carwash not working etc. My hats off to them for taking it all in their stride. I don't think that they get enough credit for what they put up with over there. I'm glad I am only a stand-in and not over there for my two days completely.

Rest of the day was fairly quiet and everyone was gone by about 10 past 4. 

We got both buses fine and Charlotte has found out what's happening to the buses in February when the roads are closed. Looks like a walk down to Manvers if we want to go on a bus. Bloody brilliant. Not. I'd say the biggest drawback to living in Cotgrave is all the roadwork. I've never lived anywhere like it as there is always a diversion or works somewhere. Our journeys are very rarely straightforward. Next weekend Mount Street is shut so I'm guessing we will be getting on/ off at Maid Marion way again.

Under House Arrest day 648

Saturday.

Breakfast club at Maccy's with Charlotte. Slippy underfoot, so bless her she came and walked me to the bus stop, she knows how scared I am of falling. I know if I fall my leg will just shatter, I think it's only holding together with super glue and safety pins (lol) that's why I appreciate when Charlotte comes and grabs hold of me when it's icy. 

So we had a chilled out breakfast and then I got the tram up to Parliment Street for the next bus. There was lots of football fans in groups heading to Spoons and other pubs. Early start for them... Think Kev said it was Forest-Derby. 

I got into work and had time to have a look round I found a top for £4.80 that I just had to buy, as you do. 

Under House Arrest day 647

Friday.

I got up before Kev at gone 8 am. He lay there until nine. I don't blame him he has a very early start to the days at work. I sat cuddling Willow and she loved that. She is a very loving little lady, and she doesn't miss a chance at a bit of love. 

It was delivery day, thankfully everything came before the weekend. My new stamps from AFTH, my Sizzix sale dies came and so did the bedding ( again sale items) so at least I don't have that to worry about whilst I'm at work. 

Kev tried some apple crisps in the air fryer which were nomtastic as far as I'm concerned. I used to buy them, but no need now... Just apple, spray oil and a bit of cinnamon... 

In the evening we watched Venom- Let there be Carnage. I liked it, I know a lot of people don't like Venom movies but I think they are a harmless bit of fun. Plus you can't beat a bit of Tom Hardy. Sometimes all you need is a bit of "fluff"

Under House Arrest day 646

Thursday. 

I woke up about 8.30 am after getting up early all week. It's strange how your body clock works, by Saturday when I'm back at work I'll struggle to get up when Kev's alarm goes. Mind you he does have to get up at 5.30 am bless him. I do try to stay in bed until 6.45 am but often get up beforehand, and spend some time with Willow. She is always up for some snuggles. In fact as I type this she is stretched out on my knee purring like a little motor boat. 

After doing all my usual stuff, revitive and bike and having breakfast I finished a card for Charlotte and then cleared my desk as Lauren was coming round for a craft session. I let her use some dies for her cards and then  Kev showed her some paint techiques with the gel press and the shaving foam one. I gave her some magazine pages to start her off doing some of her own collage in her dyalog. Kev found her some more clear stamps that we don't need, so she has plenty go be going on with for now. 

After both her and Charlotte had gone home Kev went into the bedroom to watch the football and I watched tv after doing my dyalog for a while. All in all a pleasant day was had by all I think. 

Under House Arrest day 645

Wednesday.

Wash day, and covid study day. Both blood and swab samples. My finger is black, where I stuck the needle in and quite tender. I must have been a bit harder than I thought. 

After that was done I cleaned the bathroom, then I set to and made a card then my pages. 

Kev had a good go with the air fryer and made low fat and sugar free doughnuts. Then later on he had a go at making crisps. Both turned out ok really for first attempts. He is going to do salmon fillets in it tomorrow. 

 

Under House Arrest day 644

Tuesday. 

On another cold day, we went into the city to meet up with Sue and Pete for lunch. Which as always was lovely. Good food and even better company. We shopped afterwards and it was just a few bits we needed I wanted some dividers for my filing cabinet and some magnetic sheets. 

When we got back sitting on the porch was the air fryer and my pen storage. So a bit more reorganisation for my area, it's all coming together nicely now. I put the dividers in the cabinet and then settled down to watch the new stamp launch by Dyan. 

A couple of days ago Kev bought a bottle of Fleurie ( a red wine) and we haven't had any for ages, so we had a glass as we watched tv. It was lovely and smooth and it made a nice change. I used to drink quite a lot of red wine at one time, but it had a bad effect on me. I would tell people exactly what I was thinking, Kev used to call it truth serum! It was  "open mouth insert New Rock" ( for those who don't know New Rocks are boots) so I knocked it on the head. But the odd glass now and then doesn't hurt. I drink very little compared to when we had the pub and before that. I have the odd one during the week, but I have to be careful as it unbalances my blood sugar and as I have that on an even keel most of the time, it's not worth it. I certainly couldn't do the sessions we used to have. But I don't ever think I'll ever stop enjoying the odd drink. Moderation in everything. 

Kev's happy with the air fryer ( he's the one that cooks) and I thought the chips he tried in it were good, crispy and not greasy so I think it will be a good addition to the kitchen and a better replacement for the microwave. I can honestly say, I am glad we don't have one anymore. Again this will give us options after work, be healthier, and make meals quicker without having to wait long when we get home from work. If it gets used as much as slow cooker we will be onto a winner. 

Under House Arrest day 642/643

Sunday. 

Still foggy, if lower more ground fog and today it actually lifted which it didn't yesterday. Typical when I'd fished out my thermals it was a lot milder. 

Busy right up until the last minute, but I didn't have to worry about helping Kev as he had Fran in there too... Made a huge difference. Now I finish at 4 20 pm it gives us chance to get the bus into town and therefore the last bus back to Cotgrave. 

Monday.

With no warning the filing cabinet turned up and Kev got the driver to take the bloody mirror with him. So winner winner chicken dinner! So once that came I've been (along with Kev!) Been organising and shifting all my craft stuff. It will still need a bit of tweaking but, happy so far. 

We also ordered an air fryer as we couldn't get one at work.  So that should come tomorrow sometime. 

Kev's done an online food shop to come tomorrow evening save us having to lug heavy stuff back with us tomorrow. 

So all in all a productive day. 

Under House Arrest day 641

Saturday.

Very foggy, it was lovely to travel in and see the skeletal branches poking through the blanket of mist. The horses in the fields in their blankets, looking like medieval chargers of old. 

Busy day and the fog didn't lift until lunchtime. It was freezing. I think it's time to dig out my thermals. 

Got both buses ok. And when we got home I think Willow was so excited to see us she was sick. Bless her, she had lots of cuddles and soon had more food to replace what she had lost. Little love, if she's anything like me I hate being sick and it knocks me about. 

Still no news on my filing cabinet, surprise surprise... I bet they don't work weekends.

Under House Arrest day 639/640

Thursday.

Well no show on the delivery company to fetch the mirror that isn't ours. And no contact either from Ryman or XDP. So I've contacted Paypal and let them sort it from now on. Thank God I always use them to pay online. 

So I did sort stuff out a little. 

Friday.

We got up earlyish and went into the city to see Andrew at work as he had something for us. Lovely to see him as always. We had a quick catch up and then did some shopping. Bits and bobs ready for the weekend. 

While we were having lunch I got a message to say my filing cabinet was being delivered today between 2.45 and 4.45 pm. Did it come? Did it heck! No more messages nothing. Really great... Not! Anyway, I still have an active complaint with Paypal. 

However, my sale dies came from Sizzix (Herpes) so at least I have those. 

Under House Arrest day 638

Wednesday.

Wash day. 

Was expecting my filing cabinet from Ryman online. What came was a mirror ( a 7ft one no less!) They don't sell mirrors so you can probably guess it would be the delivery company that got it wrong. It looks like an amateur outfit. You can't leave a review on Trustpilot because they have shut down their webpage because of really bad previous reviews.

Anyway rung Ryman who say that I can have a refund when they receive the item back. So they are supposed to be organising a return today. I hope they don't send the same bloody company to pick it up. People beware if you have something coming from XDP, they make Herpes look professional. 

Never straight forward, buying online is it... 

Under House Arrest days 636/637

Monday.

Foots playing up. The cold and damp are getting to it. I did my revitive and that has helped a bit. 

More deliveries, as in my Stags Head, it's lovely but a lot smaller than I thought, so I might need to get a bigger one. This one might end up in the hall. We'll see. 

Tuesday. 

Up showered and out to Castle Marina to spend our vouchers, we wanted an air fryer but it wasn't meant to be. 

Before we went to JS, we went to Homesense. They were getting rid of quite a lot of Christmas stuff decorations and gifts. We found some right bargains. 

We got two "planet" baubles that fit in with our cat astronauts perfectly.  Kev grabbed a chopping board that can be altered, as he does. And cat printed oven gloves. But I found a stack of marker pens, which would have cost twice the price. 

Then on to JS where Kev needed and got some boots, sadly I didn't find much but I was quite happy anyway as we managed to do some food shopping and I used my half on that.

On the long walk back we bought some seeds and fed the ducks and moorhens. I can't just ignore them, they have it tough and some people are quite cruel to them. So we spread seeds all along the tow path. For 90p we fed quite a few. Shame other people don't think to do it and make their little lives a bit easier. 

Under House Arrest day 636

Sunday. 

Grotty day, wet and cold, and a slow start but that didn't last long. There isn't many people there at the moment thanks to illness and holidays. So there were none to call when it got busy as it did around lunch time and just before we closed. 

Thankfully we got away in time to get the bus and apparently Trent Barton missed the 4.20 bus off because of the football traffic. So there were a lot of people at the bus stop and quite a few were angry ( rightfully so) it's bad enough that our buses are only one an hour but when they take one off with no notice it's a long time to wait to get home especially when it's cold. 

We had a chilled out night watching tv first pottery throw down and then that investigation into the Louise Woodwood trial in America. I always thought she was guilty, but when you see how the parents were, there is something not quite right about their demeanour. Certainly didn't come across as grieving parents even just a few days after the baby died, very cold and calculating if you ask me. We'll see how the documentary develops over the next couple of nights. 

After that there was also the footage taken by the passengers on the Costa Concordia when it sank. The Captain was appalling leaving the ship while there was still passengers stuck on the ship and dying. He was told by the coastguard to go back onboard and help the rescue but flatly refused Coward is too milder a word for him. I hope they've thrown him in prison with no hope of parole. He denied the boat was damaged which caused more deaths. If he had told the truth from the outset all those people would have been safe. I tell you something you wouldn't catch me on a cruise. 

Under House Arrest day 635

Saturday.

Charlotte and I had breakfast club at Maccy's. Which started the day off on the right note. After I got the tram up to the Royal Centre so I didn't have to struggle up the hill. 

Well, today there was a bit of drama as the tills and pumps went down over at petrol. I had to help marshall people away from the forecourt as we couldn't serve anyone. 

We got home and found the ivy ball had come for outside so that's complete now. Much better than having real plants to worry about. Let's hope that the gardeners don't damage them. 

The fact that I didn't manage much sleep Thursday night into Friday caught up with me and I had a fairly early night.

Under House Arrest day 634

Friday. 

Well busy day here for deliveries. I had my hanging basket come via DPD I must admit it was very good service they told me every step of the way where it was. Much better than Herpes. Then my spaceship bauble came via Royal Mail. Then bugger me my Chair came via DPD too! We spent the day emptying boxes and rearraging stuff. I've ordered more storage too, a filing cabinet to store more of my stamps and dies in. I've outgrown the unit that is there at the moment and it will match in with the living room much better. 

Hopefully I'll have enough space to arrange my stamps/ dies into some sort of seasonal order, but I might get rid of a few too. 

Under House Arrest day 633

Thursday. 

Bitterly cold and slippy underfoot as we walked into the village to go to Blu for my hair cut. I had to cancel last month due to not being well so, it was getting out of control. 

Amanda did a cracking job as always and was training someone else to do my style of cut. 

When we got back Charlotte picked us up to go with her and Lauren to Hobbycraft the Range etc. It was a miserable day weather wise and there were a few flakes of snow. 

I got a few bits myself and Kev was able to get a bulk pack of water which will save him both money and lugging it back from the shops. 

Under House Arrest day 632

Wednesday. 

Cold start to the day. The centre roof thick with frost. 

Kev goes over to start the washing while I get dressed and start the tidying and cleaning. Still sorting and putting away stuff from Christmas. Found a replacement chair for my craft area so have ordered that. It'll come next week, so we'll have another item to sit outside with the wall unit, until we have enough to warrant paying the council to come fetch it. 

Made a couple more cards from my list. Not happy with that Tombow glue, it's not a patch on the Art Glitter Glue from Darkroom Door which is sadly out of stock. Hopefully I'll be able to find some online elsewhere. 

Under House Arrest days 630/1

Monday.

So we took the decorations down ( leaving the outside lights up) So poor Kev was up and down the ladder. Wrapping stuff and removing pictures and wreaths off the walls. It all looks very bare. 

We've ordered a couple of things to replace the Christmas outdoor hanging basket and star. They won't be here until next week. 

I'm still waiting for my metal stag's head too that wont come until the 13th at the earliest. 

We kept finding stuff we had forgot like the bauble hanger and the light up houses from M&S, but I think we have it covered now. 

Tuesday.

We went into town to meet Sue and Pete for lunch and a quick look round the sales. We found a few bits in The Works and Wilko's just stuff to put in the boxes for next year like napkins and a projection unit that was half price and has some Halloween slides with it. Along with the tree we found on Amazon cheap they all went in the loft. 

As always we enjoyed our catch up with Sue and Pete. I'm just so relieved that Boris hasn't bought in any more restrictions so we don't have to stop our meet ups. We don't go out that much but I look forward to our Tuesday's. 

I was supposed to receive a parcel yesterday ( Herpes) it came today instead, and is a large set of lacy rectangles. It means I can mat and layer on some A5 card blanks. 

Under House Arrest day 629

Sunday.

Well confused with the days as it was back to work today. I got in a muddle on Friday thinking it was Saturday, these holiday periods throw me out. At least it's all done for another 12 months. As much as I like Christmas now we have people to spend it with I'm always glad when it's over. 

Work was steady to begin with, but went manic in the afternoon. That last push to get everyone through was horrendous. 

We got the bus in time and got home ok. Pottery throw down started tonight and they seem a good bunch, the right one went home in my opinion. 

Discovery of Witches ( final season) starts again on Friday. Yay! 

I think we are taking down the decorations tomorrow depends on how Kev feels, after all, it his him that needs to climb in and out the loft. 

Under House Arrest day 628

Saturday. New Years Day.

Got up just after 9 am. Decided to have a pjs day. 

We watched a drama on Jack the Ripper ( more death! Lol) 

Kev did the Turkey crown we bought from Asda ages ago with all the trimmings.

We then watched the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary. It was quite moving, especially the tribute to Alan Rickman, there will only ever be one Snape as far as I am concerned. I fell for him watch truly, madly deeply. He was the thinking woman's crumpet.

I don't do resolutions, as I don't stick to them and that makes me feel that I've failed. But I do set a couple of goals. Things I'd like to change about me, but goals can be more flexible and can be works in progress with no date. 

The first thing I'd like to learn is to set boundaries, the trouble with me is I'm a giver, it's my nature, and some people take more than they should. I need to stop letting that happen without feeling guilty. Learning to say no without agonising about it, and stop crosding oceans for people who wouldn't cross a puddle for me.