In Between Days

Tuesday.

My new boots came, so, I could wear them to go out in today. I said goodbye to my old feather ones, and have now relegated my day of the dead ones to occasional wear. I'm really pleased with them. 

We went into town to shop and then meet Sue and Pete at O'Neils for lunch. We haven't been there since back when it first opened and I must admit I was impressed with the food and service. It had a few people in but it was a pleasant enough atmosphere, better than when it was the Bank, that could get a bit rough. Mind you, it always seems to get busy at weekends. 

It was lovely to catch up with Sue and Pete, and chat about our next break away together... And plan others. 

We got the bus home afterwards and unloaded the shopping we'd bought. I'd got some new insoles for my boots ( I have to have some extra help with orthopaedic insoles, as without them my left foot can suffer with being too flat) and that can be painful. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

I went back to work feeling like I did when I went back after the fall. A few customers thought I'd left, a few knew, and it was much the same with the staff... Most had asked Kev that know us both and the ones that read my blog obviously knew what was happening. Anyway the day went well, and I enjoyed serving the majority of the public who seemed reasonably happy. 

Monday.

A rest day. I woke up fairly early, a hangover from getting up early for work, and I set my sights on prepping the next dyalog. Even though I'm using a predecorated background one I used stamps for the borders this time by way of a change, so it still took best part of the morning. Then I did colour in what I'd stamped, and partially dated the next couple of weeks. I'll start putting images in from Wednesday.

In the afternoon we watched The Invitation, a Vampire movie we had noticed a trailer for. It was a B movie at best, but not the worst I've seen. But good that they still want to make them. I'm guessing the Interview series might have provoked an upsurge in vampire related interest. But I do wish they make a movie or series where the Vampires actually win for once. It can't be any more of a stretch of imagination than some victim, getting lucky and killing a supernatural being by waving a bit of garlic and pointy sticks about. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Last day of my holidays, back to work tomorrow. 

I got up around 8.30 ish and fed Willow, then did my exercises and showered, dressed and did chores. Once done, I finished a card and prepped some dyalog pages. 

I stopped for lunch and gave Willow extra cuddles, and just as I'd put the pots in to wash the door went and Charlotte was here. We had a nice afternoon putting the world's to rights. Kev was home before we knew it, we had tea and then he went to watch the football while we played games on the Xbox. Nothing to watch on the TV now masked singer is done, we played board games ( console versions) until a grumpy Kev emerged to say the game wasn't worth watching. I don't know what's worse, when they win or lose. When they win it gives him false hope, when they lose its the end of the known world. 

Earlish night ready for the working day tomorrow.

In Between Days

Friday.

Ian bought our shopping round ( the heavy stuff and the stuff that is too expensive elsewhere) 

Then we got ready and went to M&S in Bridgeford for the weekend stuff. I had a voucher so the shop only cost about £6. 

I had a parcel to post, so we walked up to the post office and then to the little craft/hobby shop next to Boots. I wanted some black card and I didn't want to wait while Amazon dropped it off late Saturday, so I got some from there to tide me over. 

After that we headed back to the bus and were back home by 11.30 ish. 

We did all our usual stuff, and then settled down to watch stuff we had recorded as I had missed The Apprentice and we had a new episode of Wolf Pack to watch. We finished watching Chemistry of Death the day before, and I must admit it was a bit of a shocking ending, a it either sets it up for a new season or, it could be the end full stop. I didn't realise they were based on a book, so when I'm down my to read list I might add them to my kindle. 

The last day of my holiday is Saturday, I go back to work Sunday. I've had a lovely three weeks ( nearly four) off and I could quite get used to not going. Sadly, I have another 7 years before I can retire. But, a lot of that will depend on if I can manage physically that long I've worked 43 anyway, so we'll over to qualify for full stamp. I certainly won't be working beyond 67 I can tell you. If I'm still around that is. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Petes Birthday.

Wash day rolls around again. So while Kev did that I did my usual exercises and chores. Once done I got my pages up to date in my dyalog. Then I began trying out those new dies that came Tuesday. Bunny Stitch and Tailored. So I set to and did a couple with each set.

My face stuff came, from Ayurveda, I was so impressed with the eye cream I'm giving the face cream a go. 

Thursday.

Kev went in extra today so me and Willow snuggled down and went back to sleep, woke up at 8am by the letterbox going as some advertising stuff was pushed through. 

I got up exercised, fed me and Willow washed the pots, hoovered up and then had to put that on charge. I had more cards to make, so I got on with that, switched my scan and cut on and did some sentiments. I had lunch and Kev messaged to say he was on his way home, it took longer simply because there were a couple of buses missing, just for a change! I swear to god that Trent Barton are slowly trying to leave this village without a bus service, and I think that they are only doing a route now because its one of the services supported financially by the Government. Once that funding is withdrawn so will the rest of the service. 

In Between Days

Monday. 

I got up feeling like my stomach had been kicked by a donkey. So I had a quiet day, eat light, and watch some serial killer documentaries on sky ( always a go to) lol. 

Tuesday.

Pancake day, so what does one do on pancake day? Have pancakes! But we mixed things up, got ready and went out early, and went for a good old fashioned coffee club breakfast at Maccy's. We had their pancakes and maple syrup... That was instead of having lunch, so then we shopped afterwards. I got what I needed and we came home, I didn't eat again until a salad around 7pm as didn't feel hungry until then. Still aware not to overload my stomach. 

Got home and my new dies had come. More of Tim's from Art from the Heart. 

I will play with those on Thursday while Kev is at work on overtime. 

Charlotte nipped round and her and Kev had pancakes, as I said I wasn't hungry so I'll have mine for breakfast instead on Wednesday. 

Kev watched the football ( enough said) and I watched the final SAS Jungle Hell. 

In Between Days

Sunday. 

Hello stupid o'clock in the morning, it's been a little minute since I was up writing my blog at this ungodly hour, but here I am. Bad gut again, wonderful. Its one of a couple of reasons, diverticulitis bout, something I've eaten, or more than likely because the brand of medication has changed again. I know its not always possible for you to constantly get the sane brand of pills, but them not being the same does affect my gut. 

So I'm up with Kev, who always gets up for at least an hour every night, Willow on my knee, purring like a motor boat, happy to have her hoomans up and around while she is at her most lively.

I'll give it half an hour and see how I go, before resorting to anything other than water, sometimes it just needs it's bout out. I don't like taking meds unless I really have to. 

Anyhow, my last Sunday off was nice, Kev went to work and Willow and I had a lie in. After which I did my exercises, a few chores then had a few hours at my desk doing some pages in both dyalog and my square art journal. 

Willow had cuddles after lunch and I watched a couple of videos on the Dandelion club. As usual time evaporated and Kev was home by six pm. 

Pottery Throw Down was on and Charlotte nipped round, we watched that together and chatted, then had a quick couple of games together. We didn't go to bed until 11pm, and here we are up again at three thirty am... Hopefully my gut will settle in a bit and we can both get more sleep. At least we haven't got to be up early so we can lie in to make up for any hours of sleep we lose. 

In Between Days

Friday. 

I was waiting for a parcel from Art from the Heart and one from Evri for Kev so while he went to Bridgeford to food shop I stayed here and started doing a bit of rearranging of my craft stuff. I wanted to separate my Tim Holtz stamps from my Dyan Reaveley stamps so I can easily get to stuff I use most often. That done I also went in the baskets under the table and began sorting those out. I'm a nightmare for keeping scraps of cardstock and some times it pays to go through and edit it down by using them up or actually binning them. I'm sure it is an actual crafters malaise hoarding useless bits that once in a box or folder get forgotten about... So every so often I scrap bust and force myself to use what I have collected over time. Doesn't stop me cutting fresh sheets when I'm on a project though. Lol. 

So those little jobs done and the parcels arrived. I could then shower and dress ( I dare not go before, as you can guess the post would arrive just as I stepped under the stream of water. 

Kev was back soon with his haul from M&S and Iceland. All set for his weekend at work and mine not ( yippee!) I could get used to this, this three weeks have been lovely so far. And yes, I did have six months at home, but that wasn't entirely pleasant, recovering and all it entailed. 

Saturday.

The alarm went off at 5.30 am, I woke up sort of, just while Kev was pottering round getting ready but snuggled down with Willow after he had gone and we stayed there until after nine. 

I decided a pj's day was in order so after doing my exercises I set to at my desk and did my pages and tidied away all the new goodies I got from AFTH. That kept me busy well into the afternoon with a break for lunch, and before I knew it Kev was home. He watched the football and I went into the Bedroom out the way after I'd eaten. Luckily it was a Liverpool win so at least I didn't have a sulky Kev to deal with. We watched the masked singer final, we got four right this time. Martin Kemp and his Mrs, Richie Sambora, Ricky Wilson and Charlie Simpson. The rest we were miles off with. I was just disappointed Ricky Wilson didn't win. After that we

watched the new episode of Wolf Pack, I really like it, and obviously Kev does as it has Sarah Michelle Gellar in it, and he has never quite got Buffy out of his system. But for a teen wolf type storyline it's quite good add the Bush fire element to it and it's quite dramatic.

In Between Days

Wednesday. 

Up early not just for wash day, but because the heating check was due, and they could come anytime after 8am. 

Typically he came at lunchtime. Took all of 15 minutes. Signed us of as safe and boiler in good nick, so that's a relief. Once he had gone, Kev started defrosting the freezer, it took an age, but it badly needed doing. It got forgot in all the time I was recovering from my fall, so, now it's done we can go back to a regular timeline for doing stuff like that. Kev will do the fridge on Thursday. 

I got chance to do a couple more cards. 

Thursday.

Up early for a blood test at the doctors, I swear to God those nurses are vampires, I've given more blood in the last 13 months than I ever have in my life. Actually this nurse was nice, for a change, and even though she hurt and bruised me was very apologetic.

After that we went into Heron for a few bits, then walked to Colston Gate to get the bus. We'd just missed one, so we had to wait for the next, it was miserable and cold. And I was glad to get home. 

Kev started doing the fridge and Ian bought the shopping for Aldi. 

I was worried about my sister all day, as she was having a big operation at the dentist, and was relieved when I heard from Pete that she was OK. 

In Between Days

Monday. 

Kev went and did a bit of food shopping while I started some cards I needed doing. I caught up on my pages too, and Kev did the cooking, he made us a little pre Valentine's meal, steak, chips a bottle of prosecco and peppercorn sauce, being as we would be out for lunch on the actual day.

He watched football in the bedroom later while I sat with Willow watching my stuff. Thankfully Liverpool won for a change, which was nice... 

Tuesday.

Got up, and got ready to go into town. A few roadworks dotted about Cotgrave again. So, obviously we were a bit slowed down by that. We met Sue and Pete in the Loxley. The last meet up for a while as Sue is having a big appointment at the dentist on Thursday, and won't be able to go out for a few weeks. Bless her, she is brave, I'd be in a right state as I hate the dentist. I know she is a bit concerned about it, and I must admit, I am too, I know she's my big Sis, but I do worry whenever she has to have anything done, either at the dentist or the hospital. So Thursday I'll be checking my phone for updates until I hear from her or Pete. Pete's got to have a couple of teeth out soon too, his is at the hospital... Brave pair... 

After we left them, we got the bus to Arnold and went to Wilkos, we needed new bins and that's the only branch that has the ones we wanted in. While we were up there we got a few bits from our shop, and noticed a few road works round there too, which might affect Kev at the weekend bus wise. 

My hair dryer has been playing up for a couple of weeks now and Kev very kindly bought me a new one along with some lovely flowers for Valentine's day. I made him a card, I didn't buy him a gift as I paid for the recent holiday we had and that's how we work it now, if I buy gig tickets, or book a trip, that counts as a gift. Unless there is something he needs. I think it's a better way of doing things as we get older there is less that we actually want. A holiday, gig, or event tickets makes much more sense. 

In Between Days

Saturday. 

So nice to snuggle back down after Kev had gone out to get the bus. Willow came and snuggled up to me, just like she did all the way through my recovery. Bless. We eventually got up around 8.30 am. I fed her and myself and did my exercises. Changed into my comfiest "home" clothes and went to my desk, and did a bit of prep work on my dyalog once I'd done my pages. I was going to start some cards, but I stopped for lunch, Willow got comfy on my lap, so not wanting to disturb her I put the TV on and watched some Netflix. I found a series on paranormal investigations and got into that. Kev was soon texting to say he was on his way home. 

Sunday.

Again, a lie in after Kev had gone, Willow came in again and joined me for the couple hours, until I got up. I put the TV on and watched the rest of that series I started yesterday. Once I'd done those, I got up and did all the usual stuff. At my desk I began doing some cards. I got three done, mine take a while. After lunch and cuddles with Willow I tided up washed pots, cleaned the sink area and then hoovered.Kev got home and we had tea before Pottery Throw Down with Charlotte. Then we started a game of Monopoly on the Xbox and the beauty of that is, we can pick it back up whenever we feel like. 

As it was the Superbowl later we got ready to watch. Close game. 38 to 35 to the Chiefs, good game both deserved the win to be fair. Its using a landslide by halftime and we stop watching, but this was end to end. 



In Between Days

Thursday. 

Surprise phone call from work to tell me not to go back to work until the 26th February. I still had 23 hours holiday to cram in before the start of March, I always thought ours ran April to April. Oh well, not complaining. Kev is at work, but I can find plenty to keep myself busy. 

Other than that a quiet day. Caught up on our shows, including Wolf Pack on Netflix and The Chemistry of Death... 

Friday. 

Up early, as Ian was bringing the Aldi shopping. Then we got ready to meet Elle for lunch at The Slug and Lettuce. 

Haven't seen her since 2018... With Covid, and everything else, but it was lovely to catch up, can't believe how the kids have grown, and how easy it was to drop back into our friendship as though no time had passed.

In Between Days



Tuesday.

We stayed in, mainly to let Willow know we were here, and for Kev to wash a day earlier. He waited until late afternoon so as not to jump in on anyone else's day. He got done around 6.30pm. Charlotte came round and we were able to give her the little gift we'd bought her to say thank you for looking after Willow.

Wednesday.

We got up and were going to head into town. Before we got ready, I decided to put a pair of Docs on Vinted because they are now too tight because of the change in both my feet since the fall. I had literally just put them on there and they sold! No quibbling from the buyer, just paid up and sent the postage label. So Kev packed them and took them to the parcel shop located at the corner shop. Hopefully they'll get them by the end of the week. 

The lady I sold my old Sizzix machine to has received her parcel today. Happy with too, by the message I got back from her. All good and a bit more clutter gone from the bungalow. 

In Between Days

Monday. 

We woke up early and lay talking before eventually rising and packing as much as we could. Once done, we headed for one last breakfast. The place we usually went to was closed. So we found one nearer to the apartment that did a buffet style one. It was very nice and set us up for the trip home. Making sure we had the place that was home for three days empty and ready for the cleaning crew. Who we

 gave our keys too. 

The journey home was uneventful and pleasant really. Thanks to Pete for driving us there and back. 

Over the weekend someone bought my old Sizzix foldaway machine for the asking price. So, when we got home Kev parcelled it up and took it to get picked up at the parcel shop round the corner. He timed it right as the collection driver was there and took it straight away. Hopefully she will get it by the end of the week. It was good because the lady in question was really pleasant to deal with, didn't quibble on the price and paid straight away. I like transactions like that. 

While Kev got my prescription from the Hub, and some food, I unpacked and tided what I could away. I then went for a long shower, climbing into comfiest clothes and giving Willow lots of fuss. She was happy to see us and was all over the pair of us. We know Auntie Charlotte does a great job looking after her, so we don't worry about her, but we miss her lots when she isn't with us. 

We then watched recorded programmes to catch up with what we'd missed, not all of them just a couple for now. We'll watch some tomorrow after chores etc, as we will have a day at home tomorrow and stay with our lady so she knows we are home again with her. She is such a good girl, we don't want her fretting. We are after all responsible pet parents. Cats might be independent but, they do fret if they think they've been abandoned. Something we would never do. 

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. 

We got showered and dressed comfy. Finished packing and made sure Willow was set with food and drink ( until Auntie Charlotte was popping round later) Sue and Pete picked us up not long after noon, and we set off, our suitcase wedged between us because like numpties we hadn't thought to buy a holdall and just took our regular case between us... Doh!

We got to Butlin's in Skegness in plenty of time to check in to our basic accommodation for the weekend.

It was OK, serviceable for our needs for the 3 days we were there. Shower and loo, two bedrooms and coffee and tea facilities. 

Once unpacked we donned our wristbands, and went to find some food. We plumped for Burger King as we wanted just something quick. 

The first night was all about finding our feet, and getting used to where the stages were for the first line up of bands. We went to Centre Stage... All tribute acts Amy Winehouse, Ed Sheran ( meh) and The Killers... we couldn't get seats, so, we went to the Skyline Stage where the djs were on so I could sit and chair boogie in support of Sue who was giving it some on the dance floor. 

I must admit, I was very impressed with the accessibility for the disabled wheelchairs, walkers and like, something that is important and often overlooked. Lifts for the venues upstairs. Really friendly helpful staff and customers. There were a couple of times when people helped me down the few steps there were to the loos, and let me know where the disabled loos were located. 

Saturday. 

Found somewhere for a full English breakfast. Set us up for the day, and we wandered around looking at the site as a whole. We played adventure golf and then Pete went off for a bit, bless him he is 72, and as long as I've known him he always has a bit of a nap in the afternoon. That's why I like going away with Sue and Pete we all do whatever we like without thinking that we will upset anyone in our party. Sue came with us to Reds to see the afternoon bands. Pete joined us later for fish and chips, and then we joined the massive queue for Reds to the to see the evenings bands. I went up on the lift and we got a table. Some of the fancy dress was stunning. Gnomes on toadstools, 

Homer and Marge Simpson, and plenty of Freddy Mercury's. Addams Family members, and the list goes on. We didn't try to get many photos as we were to busy laughing, drinking and singing our heads off. We didn't want to be those people who live vicariously on the phones. We saw lots of people just watching the bands through their phones, sorry, I'd sooner put my phone away and watch them properly thanks. I don't need to prove I'm enjoying myself. I actually do. Great night. Slightly sore heads the next day. 

I do think that Butlin's could tone down the prices for the drinks a little as they did rip you off a bit. I know they have to make money, but they had around 6,000 there and £2.50 for a 70ml bottle of pop. And that was at the supermarket. At the bar it was double that. Greedy. We however, bought bottles of vodka and pop and mixed our own. It saved going to bar, and a bit of cash. Good selection of eateries, prices were a bit steep, but, we don't mind that as we don't want to self cater. 

Sunday.

We had a cooked breakfast again at Coastliners to set us up and had a chill out afterwards. We didn't want to go to bingo, so we had a bit of a mooch round, changed and went to have an Italian before going to the Skyline Stage. I may have had a drop of red wine, I may have got a bit loud, red wine is not my friend. I certainly slept well. 

It was a really fun weekend. And certainly a good break away for us all. Not sure I'd go again, but I'm not sure I wouldn't. You never know. We

weren't the oldest there by any stretch of the imagination and it was nice there wasn't any kids around too. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day, guess what? No drama, thank goodness, Kev got in and got done, possibly his rant last week has had an impact. Not holding my breath mind. 

Halfway through the morning I got a phone call from the doctors could I book another blood test appointment. Here we go again. I spend so much bloody time going to the doctors for more blood tests than anything else. Ffs it dives me nuts. At least this isn't a fasting one. Anyway, thankfully it's after our weekend away. 

Thursday.

A quiet day. I got projects finished in prep for not being here and tided my craft area. We packed and organised stuff, ready for the off. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Well, our week off started quietly with a Netflix and chill day. I had a card to make so I got that done along with my pages in my dyalog. 

Having finished Traitors US last week, I'd found a recommendation for a similar series on Netflix called The Mole. We thought, yeah let's give it a go... That was it... hooked. 

It was a good way to relax after a busy weekend at work, and something we try to do one day a week, it doesn't hurt. People are a little judge about that sort of thing, but, bugger it, I'm not not going to stop doing something I enjoy just because I'm worried what people will think. 

Tuesday.

We met Sue and Pete at the Shepherds having not been there since way before Covid. Can't say it's improved much, food was good, service was slow and basic, we didn't feel welcome. It wasn't expensive granted. But, it wasn't cheap either, not as cheap as it should be given the poor service. Won't be going again. Back to the hunt for a decent place to eat that we can get to by bus. 

The company was good though, and we had plenty to chat about.

When we got home I made a couple more cards, and did my pages. Another Dyalog done after tomorrow... amazing how quickly a cover fills.