In Between Days

Saturday.

A busy day at work, It must be payday for most people this weekend. The first payday since Christmas. I can't think why else it would be this manic otherwise. 

Then a quiet early night at home. Much needed, as we had an early start and another one the following day. 

Sunday.

Thank God we are holiday next week. It was a bitch of a day. Very few of us the front end, and it was just as manic as the day before. When the shop closed I had six people in my queue with trolleys piled high. Sue closed me and took half my queue with her to go through self scan. Thankfully, we made the bus, and therefore the Cotgrave after it. And that's us done for a week. 

I'm still amazed at how many people leave their shopping right to the last minute. And the amount of bullshit they come out with. They play the I forgot you shut at 4 on a Sunday card, ffs, it's bad enough you are still here at 20 past expecting service with a hundred quid or more sitting in your trolley, but don't play the I'm so sorry card when you clearly aren't. What you are is thoughtless and selfish, and I'm not just saying it from my point of view, but all supermarket workers face this every last shift at night, And Sundays. I would never consider going into a supermarket after a certain point to buy a large shop late night or Sunday. You have all day, just nip in for a few bits sure, but a full shop is just ridiculous. You know if you go in at 3.50pm you have ten minutes, ten minutes until we will heard you to a till to get



you through so those that serve you can make their own ways home to their lives. Stop being so bloody self centred. Rant over. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Slept like a log with the new electric blanket. It was on just long enough to take the chill off the sheets and it did help us both drift off sooner. We have changed the bedding too, to the brushed cotton bedding and that's helped too... 

Hair day, just a top up on my colour and a trim before our weekend break next week. 

As always Amanda did a cracking job of it. 

A good two hours relaxing too.I always used to feel uncomfortable at a salon, too much whispering going on, but, Blu is very different in the fact that the girls in there are genuinely lovely. I always feel welcome.

In Between Days

Thursday. 

We went to Lady Bay. Just for look around. We ended up with a new washing up bowl and drainer, you might go out not wanting anything, but you always find something... However it was nice to walk around at our own pace. And have a coffee and a sit down when we needed it. We went for a burger for lunch and then walked back, I did well, I managed 5000 steps. With a couple of stops. There aren't any seats at Lady Bay, so we have to plan, a coffee and a sit when we get there, and one again when we've done. But I can do a bit more, and my cane is a godsend. I feel more confident with it. I do walk around at home now without it, but outside I still need that reassurance of it keeping me balanced. 

A big part of Cerebral Palsy is a lack of balance, no matter what level of it you have, thankfully mine is level one, but it explains why keeping my balance has always been a challenge for me. That's why I've always fallen a lot. But now I know why, and using a walking stick doesn't bother me... If it bothers others, that their problem, and none of their business quite frankly. They have a choice if they don't want to be seen with me, fair enough they can just eff off, to be honest... 



In Between Days

Wednesday.

Woke a little later ( but still only 8am. Still someone had put their stuff in before Kev. It clearly says on the list, Wednesday is our day. We are usually done by lunch, so they could do theirs then. So annoying... 

So. Kev waited and then ours in. Whoever it was never went back for theirs until Kev had done, it makes you wonder if the *bleepers* do it just to mess with us. 

So I sat and cut out lots of collage putting them in a box ready to tip out and play with. 

In the evening we watched a programme that was recommended to us called The Rig... Very gripping, slow to build, but once the action started, it certainly seems a cross between James Herbert's "Fog" and " Fortitude"

In Between Days

Tuesday. 

So we will try again shall we? Another stroppy email sent to Blogger saying that the site kept crashing. Hopefully they've fixed again for a while. 

We got up and went into town waiting for the frost to clear before venturing out. 

We went in search of an electric blanket, trouble was we went into the city and there was none to be found. I didn't think until after we should have gone to The Range etc at Lady Bay. Anyway we gave up and sat in Victoria Centre and ordered one online. We don't have the heating on in the bedroom, I can't sleep properly in a warm room. But we like the chill taking of the bedclothes. Just warm enough to snuggle in and drop off. It's also useful to have on when you've put fresh bedding on to help air it. The other one broke ages ago and we honestly thought we wouldn't bother getting another but, I do think we miss it. 

We got home and I had a card to make, we had a foot spa afterwards and then watched something on Paramount plus called The Chemistry of Death. A series, it started well, and reminded me a bit of Hannibal. Bit gruesome, but infinitly watchable. 

In Between Days

Friday. 

Up at 8 am ready for Mr M to bring us the shopping he git us from Aldi. 

Once he had dropped it off we got ready to go to Bridgeford to M&S and Iceland to get food in for the weekend. 

Now we went in got we wanted and then headed toIceland to get what we couldn't from M&S, then headed home. 

Once home we got stuff sorted for the next two days and my dyalog prepped. Charlotte nipped round and we sat and chatted, playing a couple of games, halfway through there was a knock at the door. Malcom ( no.4) who told us Jane had passed away that afternoon. Sounds like as awful as it is, a blessing poor lady. 

We as I said, didn't get on, but to be in that much pain must be awful and I wouldn't wish illness on anyone.

Saturday.

Work. A cold frosty start very slippy underfoot which is a nightmare for me. Ijust clung on token to get me to the bus stop. Once in town it was OK and I could walk by myself. We got the tram up the hill and the other bus easily. 

Very busy, I think a lot of people had Bern paid so they were doing the first large shop after Christmas. 

Struggled to get off the tills on time and made the bus by the skin of our teeth. 

Got home and shoved my oodie on and we settled down for a quiet night in. Cuddling Willow to make up for leaving her on her own all day.

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. Kev went over at 8 am and put the first load in, he got done fairly easily and even had chance to do some towels before he was hassled for the dryer. Trouble is when it's wet even those that have their own washers want to use the dryer, which is fine so long as they allow the person doing their full wash/dry to finish first. We very rarely go over to use the laundry any other day other than "our" day, and if we do need to we wait until late afternoon/ evening when we know no one else is over there. 

Anyway, that done, we settled down and finished watched The Traitors US. The basic game is the same as ours, but instead of Claudia Winkleman hosting they have Alan Cummings hosting theirs, at the same Scotish Castle though. There's was won by a Traitors and as you might guess they were a lot more ruthless that ours. Which to be fair, was hard as I thought our lot backstabbed quite a bit. The woman who won had everyone convinced she was a faithful. I actually enjoy this show, but it really doesn't bring out the best in human nature. You can see that there are some people purely motivated by greed. This one would have sold her kids to the highest bidder. She did get $250.000 for her trouble. I think the British one a lot less than that. Knowing the BBC they probably got a naff badge like on Ru Paul... 

Thursday. 

We had an early night, as we were both tired, but the down side of that is I then wake up early and despite it being cold I put my oodie on and got up at around 7am and sat cuddling Willow. It was very frosty out so Kev nipped outto get some food in as If I really don't have to go out when it's slippy, I don't. If this is still as bad at the weekend when I'm back at work that will be enough for me, so I set to, and cleaned the bathroom, then started prepping dyalog pages. 

in Between Days.

Monday.

My passport came. It said on the email that it needed to be handed to the resident. Liars. The courier shoved it through the letterbox! The tracking even said handed to resident. You should be able to say, no actually it wasn't. 

So at least now I have ID. Two forms. And we can in the next couple of months start looking at holidays to Disneyland Paris. I wouldn't cope with Florida now, but I think I could manage Paris. Cooped up a plane for a long time with my legs would be too uncomfortable. But I think I could handle train or eurostar to France. 

And there are a few more trips in the pipeline with Sue and Pete. Butlins big weekender in Feb and then we fancy The Tower of London and Windsor.

Tuesday. 

Frosty. We got up and got ready to go into town we had a small list, but all stuff we needed. We met Sue and Pete for lunch at Lily Langtrees opposite the Theatre Royal. They do a selection of pieminister pies and decent ales for Kev at discounted prices for January.

Anyway they were nice. It's hard trying to find places to go different. There are a lot of fast food and high end restaurants in the city, but not a lot of mid priced places. 

Now, something you might not know about me, I have a big capacity to forgive even the most grievous things done across me. But, I don't forget. Never. I let things go, more for



my peace rather than anything else. But, do the dirty on me and it will always be there. And people I no longer have in my life are gone for a reason, my own self respect and preservation, you can talk about those people in front of me, but don't expect me to give a damn. It's not holding grudges, it's called having boundaries. 

Take for example a neighbour who is sadly on end of life care. Which is very sad, and awful for those who will be left behind. But, I have to be true to myself, and honest, we never got on, I was always polite, and spoke when we saw each other, but I'm not going to say anything other than I am sorry that that are passing, or suffering. But to say anything else would be false. And to some people, that's harsh and unfeeling, but I can't do it. I can't say someone was a wonderful person when I don't believe it. They probably were, just not to me. 

I wouldn't want someone who dislikes me, talking as if they were my best friend on my death bed. Its also like people turning up to funerals of people who they couldn't stand in life and saying nice things about them. That doesn't sit well with me. Reminds me of the Judy Tzuke song, Liggers at your funeral. That's just the way I am. Honesty is not always popular.



In Between Days

Sunday. 

Early hours of the morning saw me running back and forth to the loo again the stomach cramps were so bad I was waiting for a face hugger to burst out of my stomach. Its left me with a sore gut all day so I've been careful and not eaten much. I'm not even that hungry in any case. 

So I got up at 8 after Kev had gone, and skipped my exercises this morning as I hadn't the energy to do them. I've concentrated on making cards to take my mind off feeling crap. I shall ring the doctors again tomorrow and see what they fob me off with this time. This is the first time it's lasted all the next day. Before I had it overnight and bounced back albeit with a sore gut, they can shove these pills where the sun don't shine. 

Other than that I've pottered around fussing Willow, and reading a bit. 

Tim Holtz actually liked my card pictures on Instagram and included me in his story on there! Wow... I must admit though these new dies he has come our with this chapter are very usable and versatile 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Kev was up at 5.30 am to go to work. It was so nice to snuggle under the covers and go back to sleep. It was a nasty day out there, by the sounds if it. Willow realised once Pops had gone that I was still here and jumped on the bed to join me. We both fell asleep and didn't wake up until nine am. 

I got my self up and moving as I had a text saying my Emma Bridgewater parcel was on its way. It came around 10.30 am. Those unpacked, and kept out so Kev could see them. 

I set to, and cleaned the sink area and washed the pots before settling down to some serious card making with my new dies. I got two done which is good for me really. I usually only get one done because I fiddle and faff about or have to hunt down card stock etc... I love a dedicated craft room where everything is together. But, alas, unless we win the lottery I will have to put up with my area and having stuff stashed here there and everywhere. I need to have a cull really, but, my superpower is getting rid of stuff just before I need it. 

I watched Tim live on YouTube and as Kev was home by then he had to suffer it too, bless him. I only want to see the makers stuff for inspiration, so as soon as he winds it down I'm off, so Kev can have the TV back. I'm not usually home and watch it back later but it was nice to see it live. They kept me going while I was stuck at home, Those and the Dandelion club videos were a god send. 

In Between Days

Friday.

I stayed at my sisters overnight. I woke up as usual at 8 am. I went downstairs again taking my time but I did it. We had breakfast then they bought me home.

Willow had missed me she was not settled all night. So I gave her lots of cuddles and she soon curled upend caught up on her beauty sleep. It will be nice for her because I am not at work this weekend having the last of my holidays. I should have had them all after this week. 

I had a few deliveries. My pick up tool came to help me with the fiddly pieces in Tim's colorize die sets, my skincare, and my new phone case. Plus my issue of Daphnes diary. So all that's left is one from Emma Bridgewater. Plates.

I have started doing this years cards, and obviously I had my dyalog to catch up on. As I am at home tomorrow I can concentrate on doing the dies I haven't tried yet, and prep pages in my dyalog for this week. A nice relaxed couple of days ahead. The weather is awful so, I'm glad I haven't got to venture far

In Between Days

Thursday. 

More rain and some hail mixed in. As I was out in the evening I had a relaxed day. I made a card with the gent dies. 

I got ready to go out. Trousers and a shirt, and the obligatory Doc Martens... 

I met Sue at the station and we went to the canal house for drinks. My niece Karen joined us there

 We headed to the Glee Club to join the queue. I did really well if a little slow up the stairs, three flights. But the view was worth it. We had seats and a bench so we got a bottle of wine and shared. It was a lovely girls night. We had a right laugh. Jimbo was OK, entertaining, but I preferred Blanche. Personal choice. But I do enjoy a drag night. Such good atmosphere and so many nice folk. Very patient with me as I took my time down the stairs. I was very proud of myself for getting up and down three flights of steps. First time since the fall.I must thank Karen for buying the tickets, and for a great night. And Sue for putting me up overnight and Pete for running me home this morning, despite not feeling 100%. Bless him 

In Between Days

Wednesday. 

Up early, wash day Kev got over there before anyone else. He saw Malcolm ( no.4) who said Jane was back in hospital. We didn't know she'd come home! No surprises there as we don't ask and wait to be told. We hardly see anyone to ask in any case. 

I might not like them, but I wouldn't wish illness on anyone. 

I was waiting on the post, my dies came from Tim latest collection. I've cherry picked the ones I think I'll use most. 

The other thing that came was my citizen card. I now have photo ID! I also had notice from the passort office that they'd received my documents so I must be on the way to getting that done. The aim here is to update it (if I'm lucky to around in ten years) rather than let it lapse. Kev is still waiting for them to notify him that they've received his old passport, but there's no rush. I will look for a holiday once we have them. 

I had another gift from a friend who isn't on Facebook much and I knew something was coming because I'd been told but, not what it was. It turned out to be a gorgeous key chain with charms inside it, all very apt for me, a jack o lantern, a sugar skull, a cat, a take out coffee cup, and last but not least a skull and crossbones! 

Once the post had been we got ready to nip out, we needed some food and I wanted some fresh air after being cooped up yesterday. We went into town, and as we got there the heavens opened. So we made it a quick visit got what we needed and came home. Once back I had a little play with the new dies ( only a couple of them as they are a bit involved. I'll play with the others over the weekend. 



In Between Days

Tuesday.

Usually our day to go out, we woke up to the rain lashing down and The wind making the spinners outside the living room window go like the clappers. Deciding it wasn't worth venturing out into the city, not enjoyable and neither of us fancied getting soaked to skin and catching our death. So Kev went on the bus to post the documents off for the passports, and get food for lunch. He got the bus both ways but still had to change once he got home. His big coat had to be hung in the shower to dry off. 

I set too and did some cards after showering and exercising.

Now a little observation and a little guidance if you will. If I post something on my timeline, that is a good indication that is more than likely what I think about something. This is on my page, you don't have to agree with it, you are always entitled to your own opinion. Please do not try to change my opinion. If you disagree, fine, post your comments on your pages not mine. The sooner we all do this the better social media will be. My thoughts on certain subjects are mine, I will state them, but I won't force them down your throat please give me the same courtesy. I cannot be arsed anymore with people who think they have the right to tell me that mine is wrong theirs is right. Take your keyboard warrior skills elsewhere. Thank you. 



In Between Days

Sunday.

Quiet day at work, even the end fizzled out rather than having to drive them out. 

Home fairly easily and we got settled in Oodies and watched Pottery Throw Down with Charlotte. 

Monday.

Got up around 8am after a fairly settled night, And I got my new machine set up and started cutting some of my new dies. I'm starting my new card lists and working on the ones I need done first. 

Really pleased with my new machine. Also delivered today are my set of remote controlled candles and tealights. Bought in the sale on Amazon, I saw Tim use them in his house tour and thought they would be much better for us than the normal ones as we often leave them on by accident because they are high up on the bookcases after trying them out today I'm impressed. They have timers on too, which means we can set them for up to 8 hours. The tea lights look fabulous in the spooky tree, and are a hell of a lot safer than having naked flames around. We do have some real candles in obviously scented, just in case, as they were threatening power cuts. Hopefully, they won't happen now, but I still like to have a few around. These new flameless ones though help to brighten the place up now the decorations are down. Combined with the wax melt warmers the bungalow has a nice comforting glow and scent to it ( currently using the snow fairy melts from lush) it's the small stuff like this that make me happy. Being able to relax in our own home, with Willow and our own decor reading, watching TV, or crafting. All stuff that we take for granted, but, having it taken away once, stays with you, you constantly get a little tug that reminds you that not so long ago you'd have sold your soul for the peace we have now. 

I was talking to a woman I was serving at the checkouts a couple of weeks ago who works with homeless people, and she said that most people don't realise how easy it is to become homeless. She is dead right. 



In Between Days

Saturday. 

Work. 

I was expecting ot to be busy, bit it was a very quiet start which did get busier after lunch. The weather was dreadful though and I must admit if I hadn't been at work I wouldn't have gone out. 

Day went fast enough and we were soon on our way home, I was tired as I had little sleep the night before. Those tablets are giving me an upset tum again. No point in ringing the surgery until Monday as its emergency only over the weekend, but they need to know that they aren't sitting well with my stomach. I think I've found the cause, last set of tablets were enteric coated which made them slower release into my system, the ones this time aren't. So they need to prescribe the enteric ones all the time, which needs stating on the prescription so they don't just give me whatever they have to hand. 

Kev watched the football while I had a snooze with Willow on the sofa. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Busy day, Kev went to fetch my meds, and the shopping for the weekend. Then Kev started taking down the decorations. Long job, hardest part is finding places for it all. We edited it down as we went. So much we find hard to part with, but the rule is one in one out. We will seriously have to think long and hard before buying anything else. Going to have another cull next week top.

My new machine came from Sizzix, my Tim Holtz foldaway. So I've put my other up for sale. 

So unpacking that amid all the other stuff that was going on was a challenge, but it had to checked over before I could then box my other one up, ready in case it sells.

in Between Days

Thursday. 

Well, what an adventure. We went into Bridgeford to get passport photos. We'll, that was an interesting premise. Kev did his really easily in the booth. Me, not so, after six attempts to get a compliant pic I gave in and we walked to The Test Match for lunch to be met by the barman cleaning the windows saying they had no chef today. 

Strike two... Lol, then we walked past Timpsons who advertise passport photos taken on the premises. Lovely bloke took a photo or two, then checked online to see if it was compliant with the gov.co website. Job done, we walked back to Stratford Haven for lunch. Never been in there for lunch before, but I have to say it was lovely. We had steak and chips and peppercorn sauce. For a reasonable 12.50 each. The steak was well cooked and the chips were chunky and freshly cooked. Not ping food. It had a few punters in but no music or tvs it was heaven. A real treat to get a traditional pub ( Castle Rock) so decent beer for Kev and cider for me. No one bothered us, service was good, not splash and dash as you had to wait while it was cooked, but pleasant, I think we'd go again. The only other time we'd been in was at night when it was fairly packed. I can see why. 

We got back home and low and behold my rant at FedEx proved fruitful and my parcel was through the door. Along with a rather nice gift from Phil Roach who sent us a couple of CDs. They are another couple who we miss from Burton, Phil and Jackie. 

We were supposed to start taking down the tree today. But we were too knackered from our tramping up and down Bridgeford. I still have to remember that although I am walking more than I did before Christmas I still have to pack up when I've done enough. 

Oh, one more thing, we nipped into Peacocks like last year and found some January sales bargains. A set of pj's for Kev and one for me,very snazzy elf ones and no, I won't save them for next year... I'll pop them on tonight and see how comfy they are... For saying I hate elf on the bloody shelf, I shall mostly be goth turning into a sloth... Lol



In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. So an early start. We were going to nip out and go to Bridgeford but the weather was dreadful really windy and wet. So we set too and did various projects. Kev used his mixer and made a loaf, some mince pies and some gingerbread. I'd bought him some new biscuit stamps and they turned out lovely. 

We were going to start taking the decorations down now that the tree bag has come, but we will leave it until tomorrow or Friday. Trouble is we are really happy with ours this year ( it's an ever evolving display) and it will look so bare at first, so we are loathe to take them down, lol. 

I've finally got my notification from Sizzix about my new machine etc being delivered. DPD so hopefully that won't be over the weekend, at least I can tell them to bring it Monday I guess. 

I always thought FedEx were supposed to be a good company but they've had a parcel since last Friday and all I keep getting is notifications to say it will be delivered the next day. Well I've got in touch with the company I bought the item from to chase it up. And I'll ring FedEx if it hasn't come tomorrow too. God help them, the mood I'm in at the moment is a don't mess with me one. Trouble is these companies have you by the short and curlies, you can't get stuff in shops so you order online then the couriers are so useless that you end up waiting for stuff past when you should. Catch 22. 



In Between Days

Monday.

We had another quiet day. I got on and did my pages, starting my first dyalog of 2023. 

We had stuff on in the background and later watched Stardust. We have ot on DVD but when it's on it captures me and I sit enthralled as if I've never seen it. Neil Gaiman stories have that effect on me. 

Tuesday.

We went into town and met Sue and Pete for lunch. We went to Lloyd's no.1, it wasn't too busy, but they forgot our food order so we had to wait awhile. No real problem as we can chat till the cows come home, when it came, the food was OK, nothing amazing, but good for the price. When we came out of the pub we ran into my nephew Simon and his girlfriend Kim. They were heading to another place for their lunch. It was nice to see him. 

We walked down to Poundland with Sue and Pete and parted company. Kev and I nipped to M&S for a few bits, and then walked to Broadmarsh bus station and dropped lucky for the bus.

It had started to rain by the time we got back and the wind had picked up. Glad to get home. 

In Between Days

Saturday. New Year's Eve.

Work. 

Slow to start with, then by 9.30ish it was as busy as it had been before Christmas, a lot of people didn't know we were open New Year's day, or that we were open until nine pm that evening. 

Anyhow we got out and got both buses fairly easily. 

We got home and got changed Kev did some Indian snacks, and we had some bucks fizz. We watched Batman the new one with Robert Patterson in it. Very good, but very dark. If you think the Tim Burton one is dark this is darker. 

We saw in the new year and then went to bed. 

We slept like logs and only woke up at 5 am because a noise woke us. It sounded like the front door handle had been tried. After some investigation Kev found it was my oodie had fallen along with the hook on the bedroom door, that would account for the door handle noise as it would catch that on the way down. 

You just never know chancers trying door handles to see if they are open was a common problem when we lived at Gedling Road. At least here we have chains on and with it being so quiet most of the time they'd get spotted. Let's face it nothing gets past the nosy gits we live next to. 

Sunday. New Year's day.

Lovely not to be at work on a Sunday together. I had a shower and put fresh pj's on and we settled down to a quiet day, I did my pages, and played with more new stuff we started the year quietly. I've not made any resolutions. They don't work for me. As I never stick to them and there's not much I want to change. I can't change who I am as I'm too set in my ways. I can try and be kinder, but also know when I'm being played. There are a couple of people who misinterpret my kindness for weakness. Or lie thinking I buy it, I don't but I don't call them out anymore. I can't be arsed. I just let them get on with it and allow them to think I'm aware of nothing. You don't always have to show you're hand. You don't always have to defend yourself. Let people believe what they like about you. Let them think they know you. It's taken me a long time to figure that out. Just be you, the world will adapt. They'll judge you in any case give them something to judge you for. 

In Between Days

Friday.

So I got up feeling OK and better than I felt the night before. Just out of precautions I sat in my pjs and oodie until it was time to get ready to go meet Jason and Cathy. 

We met them at four pm at Lily Langtrees. They'd been to the panto at the arena. 

It's been a few years since we got together. But felt as if we hadn't missed a day, as it is with good friends. Cathy looks well, already benefitting from retirement.

As always, the time passed quickly and it was time to part ways. All to soon we went on our separate trams and we dropped lucky and made the bus back home.

We had to get stuff ready for work when we got home and Kev watched the football while Charlotte and I watched throw away telly and chatted about those and that.