In Between Days

Monday. 

Chill out day. We always try  and dothe least on Mondays gives us chance to recover from the weekend at work. Kev had a bad weekend in particular, being left on his own in the bakery to cope. By the time he got home he was in a bit of pain with his knees and legs. So it helps him if we don't plan much for a day. 

So we watched the cricket. England drew 2 all in the end. I quite enjoyed it. Then I watched  the start of Dyan's second doodle class. Really good and such a good laugh. I also prepped the new dyaloog for August and did a couple more cards for Halloween. So it was a productive rest day. 

In Between Days

Sunday. 

Strange day, some lovely people to begin with, chatty and pleasant, then the zombies arrived, if you don't follow my blog let me explain Sunday ( and Saturday sometimes) brings in the customers who when you say hello etc, look at you like something nasty they've stepped in, they don't answer and either scan their card or chuck their money at you. Most are either on their phones, or chat among themselves and ignore you altogether. I try to not let it affect me and treat every customer the same. I did have a laugh though, as one nice lady asked how my Sunday was going, I replied, good so far I haven't had to hex anyone yet. She was most amused, and funny enough all those next in line spoke... I wonder why? Lol... 

The other funny bit was as they locked the bottom doors at 3.45pm ( they can still go in and out the main entrance) a woman went past moaning about the inconvenience of it all. The lady I was serving raised her eyebrows at me, and I said, never mind some people have miles to walk to get water in some countries, she'll get over it. Honestly how entitled are some folk? The lady I was serving said she works in Co-op and some of their customers are exactly the same, self absorbed and entitled... Nice to know it isn't just us... 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Work. Started off slow, but picked up as the day went on. I saw Margaret a regular who's daughter died a couple of months back. She said they'd had the post mortem results back and her daughter died because she was misdiagnosed and given the wrong tablets, which caused her heart to fail at 42. What a bloody shame... I've told her to sue their arses off, medical negligence. The thing is she used to come in shopping with her Mum and you could tell she wasn't well. They repeatedly went to the doctors saying this but they said it was depression and gave her pills sent her on her way. It's disgusting. The people you trust to get you well letting you die because they couldn't be bothered to investigate properly. 

In other news, we started watching Good Omens 2 on Amazon Prime. Very good. I love those two together, not just in character but as people they seem to bounce off each other. I've seen them on videos together just as mates and they are like a double act in many ways. Great actors. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Busy day delivery wise. The TK Maxx clock that the guy on Halloween watch UK found me came. I was nervous in case it got broke, but he had packed it within an inch of his life. I sent him a real good review, as he didn't hesitate to find me one, charged exactly what he paid for it plus postage. Rather than pay scalpers, it's not the first time I've used the 'in search of' section, and people are really good. If they see one of the items you want, they pick it up for you, you pay them and then they post it. It's a cool community thing to help stop people being ripped off by scalpers. 

Also the parcel came with the stuff I ordered from Hobbycraft, not bad for saying I only ordered it Tuesday afternoon. A two-day turnaround is pretty good. This had all the stuff in for Kev to make the graveyard in, this is to go next to the haunted manor house on the bookcase. Watch this space as he will be starting that next week. We are retiring a few bits and bobs this year and I'll be popping some on the Halloween site, and gifting some to those who I think will love them as much as we have. But that will be after the party as most of them will be used for decor over at the centre, like one last fling... 

In Between Days.

Wednesday.

So, my morning was spent running back and forth to the loo because they've given me a different brand of meds that aren't slow release and it's made my diverticulitis flare up. So a relaxed day, watching more classes from Dyan and reading. 

I barely eat anything allowing my gut to clear itself. It looks like another phone call to the pharmacy to ask for the enteric coated pills... 

Watched the final of the sewing bee, it was a foregone conclusion that Astmaa would win. Don't get me wrong, her sewing skills deserved it, and some of her stuff was amazing, but it was a one horse race from week one. You could tell by the way Esme and Patrick gushed over her work, that she was going to win. I like it when it's not so cut and dried who is going to win. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Pj's day, so I watched another of the doodle classes. Then I did my own version. This was after doing my pages, and some Halloween cards using the new dies from Tim Holtz. So a crafty day, with a quick chat online with a friend. 

I've started reading a book I got cheap on Amazon 99p I think, called Murder by Evensong. Its by  the Reverent Richard Coles.  Its OK, but slow moving, and it's taken until chapter 9 to actually have a murder. Don't think I'd buy another if his no matter how cheap! 

Tuesday.

We decided to go to Lady Bay. So we got the bus to the embankment and walked from there. We went for a coffee in Greggs for a coffee so I could have a sit down before we shopped. They really should have seats there, but there are none, and no walls to perch on either. Anyhow, after a sit, we went to the Range and Hobbycraft. Couldn't get what we wanted, so we went to the Navigation for lunch and while we were there I went online and ordered what we couldn't get. This gets quite regular, we go out, and end up getting what we want online because the shops don't stock it yet, or even have it at all. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

It was dreadful day weather wise again almost  muggy but with black heavy clouds threatening something. It held out until we were at the bus stop coming home. Then the cloud burst and down it came, so hard that it made a river of the road in front of us. It hit the street so hard it bounced up again. 

The really strange thing was they had hardly had any when we go to Cotgrave. 

Work had been busy, but had tapered off quite quickly at the end. 

Charlotte came round for a coffee and we finished watching the Australian Traitors. Without spoilers, the one thing I will say about the whole concept of these type of shows is that basically it boils down to what some people will do for money. And ultimately when a Traitor wins it would make you ( in real life) not trust that person, because you've just watched that person look 24 people in the eye and lie to them. Quite the deceiver.

In Between Days

Saturday.

Raining as we headed into work and it kept it up all day. I felt sorry for those heading to Splendor, not a good time for anyone that, standing watching bands in the pouring rain, having paid an arm and a leg to do so.

Thought it might be quite, wrong! They came in their droves, no let up all day. I was glad when my shift was over. We managed to get the Calverton coz it was a few minutes late. And because of that the tram down to the square in time to catch the 33. Lovely bloke on there, the driver. Always cheerful, helpful and friendly. We didn't have to ask for our stop, he pulled up! 

We got home to find the parcel that I asked to be delivered Monday already sitting waiting in the box on the shelving by the door. 

It was my cracker barrel ghost light. And thankfully in one piece. It looks lovely, very pleased with it. 

In Between Days

Friday.

I had a blood test appointment again at 11.20am again to determine if I can cut my meds for my cholesterol. I'm onna high dose and they said it was only temporary so we will see. I have my theory but we shall see.

Whole I was there I discussed the pain I'm in my leg, and told her what I was taking. She advised me to ring for an appointment with the nurse practitioner and they'll give me some low dose pain meds I take more often rather than the high dose once a day. I'll ring next week. She was lovely and went through things Stage by stage which was very useful. 

After that was done we got the bus to Bridgeford and did the food shop for the weekend and I had post to send. We went for lunch at the Stratford Haven. Very nice. We got home and Kev watched the cricket and I did my pages and made a couple of cards. I'll do the rest of the doodle class next week. I like being able to pick it up and leave it when I like. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

When we went to bed my right leg was very painful. I'd had people tell me that the metal in my leg would hurt really badly. It does ache a bit, but not as much as my left, which I've dealt with from a child. But this was another level. I didn't know where to put it, and would happily have sawn it off

 So when we got up, I did my revitive for half an hour which seemed to help. It is just a low pulse now in the background, like an indistinct hum.

By the way, before anyone rolls their eyes, I'm not looking for sympathy this isn't a pity me post, I'm just stating it as it is, this is my blog a place to put my thoughts. You chose to read it. You chose to follow the link. So no need for get well soon etc, it's just a new experience for me, having both legs play up on me. This was the first time it stopped me sleeping so its bound to figure in it as it affected my day.

So I had a chill day, I did part two of the doodle class, and had a go myself. Really relaxing and just what I needed. 

In Between Days

Wednesday. 

Kev got up early and did the washing. We had a lazy morning because we were meeting Alice in Derby at five. So we had coffee with Charlotte at home and then got ready to get the half two bus. 

We got into town and walked to where the Red Arrow bus picks up. We got on (£7.30 return) and got off at Derby bus station. 

I was so shocked when we got there, the city centre has changed so much, so many shops shut, the assembly rooms boarded up, city centres are dying. It must be at least eight years at least since we were there, it's so sad. We moan about Nottingham city and its empty shops and boarded up areas, but it looks to me like it's a disease creeping throughout the country. I dread to think what a few more years will bring empty dead spaces where once places thrived. 

Anyhow we met Alice in The Standing Order, that hasn't changed a bit, and neither has Alice. We have matching canes, she broke her ankle around the same time as me! 

Jet was with her and has grown up to be a lovely young woman. She is alternative, and works for Cats Protection. Kieran turned up and he too is a great lad. He graduates tomorrow which is why Alice is over from the Isle of Wight. He wants to stay over in the Midlands somewhere, as jobs are pretty scarce where they live. I hope he manages to find what he wants. 

We left around 7.15, to get the bus and we got the Red Arrow and then we caught the Vectare home, first time catching that new bus, and I must admit I was impressed

, friendly and quick, we were home in 20 minutes. Mainly because they miss out Bridgeford. We will use them again and we will still call it the Venga bus. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went out and met Sue and Pete for lunch at The Pit and Pendulum. Before that we had nipped into TK Maxx and bought a few more code orange items, and got our food from Waitrose. 

It was lovely to see them both, as it always is... 

We left them and headed for the bus. Well that was a bit of an adventure for the mentally challenged... A couple of times the bus pulled up and people got on thinking it was the Keyworth ( not only does it say Cotgrave on it, it's bluey green, and the Keyworth is pink) and The second time it happened the guy out the couple actually got on and sat down. The woman insisted it said Keyworth on the front. The driver got off and checked, it said Cotgrave... Blimey, some people shouldn't be allowed out... 

In Between Days

Monday.

Pj's day. Chillout after a weekend at work. 

So, that said nothing much to watch at the moment, so I decided to take the doodling class by Dyan on the website. I haven't had chance to do any for a bit, and for my own reasons I won't watch them live, which means I wait until they are available after they are done. 

Anyhow, it looks like fun, and I could use some more doodling skills, mine are a bit basic. I tend to use the same ones over and over again. Time to shift out of my comfort zone again, art wise. 

We did have a quick visit from Rhiannon the centre supervisor as she was checking the master keys worked for all the bungalows. In case of emergency, if they need to get in, say one of us falls etc. It's nice to know they are there if we need them. Ours was OK. I must admit at first I thought it was all a bit of a nuisance having a call button, etc but since my accident I've realised how easy it is to hurt yourself and have no one there to help you, so now being able to raise the alarm and get help is very comforting. I hope we never need it, but it's there if we do. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

A wet chilly start, almost autumnal as we went to the bus stop. Trams were working today so we didn't have to struggle up the hill. 

Work was busy, but not a bad day the usual Sunday zombies, those you speak to and they look at you as if you've crawled out from under a stone and they don't answer you. I just carry on. People are just wrapped up in their own little worlds and that is very evident when they come and shop. The one thing I don't understand is, if people who say they hate shopping and consider it a drain on their time, really hated it, surely they'd do anything so they didn't have to. Shop online for instance, or do click and collect. But when you suggest it, they say oh that's not for me, I like to see what I'm buying/getting. Well then, you don't really hate shopping then do you? You just use that as a phrase, an excuse, for you to be grumpy and awkward while you do shop. You have choices, if it's the interaction with the cashier you hate, use smart shop, or self scan... When we shop at the Castle Marina branch we dislike the cashiers there, so we use the smart shop. But if we did have to go through a checkout because its gone down etc, we wouldn't be rude or moody, even if the cashier was as they usually are there, unfriendly and  "flat"...

In Between Days

Friday.

I spent the day, watching and then doing my own version of Dyan's free class on the Dandelion club. I was really happy with the result. Once I'd done that and my page forthe day. I read a bit more of Blurred. 

Kev nipped down to Sainsbury's to get the food for the weekend. And I hoovered then got my uniform and bag ready for work.

All in all a relaxed day, ready to face another working day.

Saturday. 

Both buses were very quiet, which led us to believe work would be too, alas, that wasn't to be correct. It was busy, and there was very few of us. Holidays and illness to blame I think. But it was a very pleasant day, all tolled. We got the 33 bus back home and spent some of the evening with Charlotte, watching the Australian Traitors. Its as good as the British one, perhaps a bit more brutal. Having said that I can't wait until our new series starts. It's wrapped filming, my guess it will be on in the Autumn schedule of programmes. 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

Cooler overnight so I got a better night's sleep. We woke around 8.30 am and I showered, had breakfast and got ready to go into the city. We wanted to go and have a look at what TKMaxx has to offer in code orange stock , and we needed some fruit.

I resisted the TKMaxx offerings having a good idea what I'm looking for this time. 

We popped into Tesco in Vic Centre and got what fruit we needed, and then headed to the Pit and Pendulum for lunch, we enjoyed it so much last week with Sue and Pete, and it bought back so many memories that we decided to pay it another visit. 

We weren't disappointed, food was just as good, and I had a cocktail pitcher (A 7 deadly sins one, I plumped for Lust). The staff were just as friendly. I think if we are in the city and looking for food and a drink, it will be a good place to head to. Most of the others are really busy, and while it was busier than last week, we found a table easily and felt at home. I hate places that make you feel as if you have to eat, drink and dash off. So having a chill after eating was nice for a change. 

We left there and went to the bus stop, having just missed a bus, we had a twenty minute wait for the next, not really a hassle as it was a nice day and I was quite content to sit watching the beach in the market square being built. I'll guess they'll screen most of it off as they did with the Winter Wonderland over Christmas. I used to love it when they didn't do that and you could sit and watch what was going on. 

After we got home, I read, Kev wasn't feeling to well, he had a stiff neck, which was making him feel crap, so he went to bed for a bit. Me and Willow snuggled on the sofa and I got stuck into Blurred the new book by S.Roit. I'm only a little way in and I'm as hooked as was with Paris Immortal... 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Which means wash day, which Kev got done quite easily, I did all the usual stuff until early afternoon when I sat and finished the Satsuma Complex. Great book, really enjoyed it, a lighthearted read with a decent storyline and down to earth characters. That read, I then finished off another book I was partway through, The Scent Of Death a Dr Hunter novel. I often do that, have a couple of books on the go at once, usually one lightweight or fluff as I call it, and one more serious. Depends on which mood I'm in. I was the same when I bought physical books, the bedside table held at least six books, and I'd pick one according to my mood. Easier with a kindle, I can soon chose a title I fancy. I often revisit an old favourite, like seeing an old friend, there are a few I don't need much encouragement to pick up again. Like Paris Immortal,  A Taste of Blood Wine, The Vampire Shrink, and The Hitch Hikers Guide to the Galaxy and Sunshine. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Rest day.

Up early with a dodgy tum. So I got up and doodled in my dyalog. 

Visit later from Lauren and Charlotte. We thought the knock on the door was my Amazon order coming, that came while they were here. 

Really exciting (NOT) new loo brush system, but I'm happy with it. 

And an Evri parcel to boot, which was new bedding. For when we dig out the duvet once more. Slightly more exciting... lol... 

Tuesday 

Up and out early for a walk by the canal. Destination Homesense, as they were clearing shelves last week for code orange ( Halloween goodies, for those in the know) so we got to Castle Marina and stopped for bubble tea and a sit down for me. 

We then went to the hallowed shelves of Halloween goodness... I resisted everything but a new throw for the bed/sofa, one with potion bottles on it, and a Vampires bite candle. We really have enough, but, are always willing to demote something from previous years, but it has to be a stunning addition. I also got litre bottles of my bond pro shampoo and conditioner at a reasonable price. That should last a good while.

We headed back to the bus stop and got the mainline to Ryehill Street so we could go to the Trent Navigation for a roast lunch. Which was lovely as always. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Work. Day started badly with a walk up to Parliament Street because the trams weren't running! It gave my leg ( and me) something to complain about. 

Other than that an OK shift, the usual Sunday Zombies peppered with the lovely chatty regulars.The bonus was the shop emptied pretty quickly and we got away on time. 

We got home to another thunderstorm, again, nothing much a few rumbles and a bit of a downpour. Cooled nothing down and it was another night sleeping on top of the bedclothes. 

As you know not all my blogs are just a diary of events, sometimes they are a place to vent, sometimes a place to share my observations of things and people around me. I think it's safe to say that if you read my blog on a day to day basis, you'll realise I don't lead a glamorous life, nor do I pretend to. But I am happy most of the time, an awful lot happier than I used to be, yes, I have my moments and people test me, including those I love. But, I'd like to think I handle it better than I did, let's say back when we had the pub. Then I was unsure of everyone, and was in hindsight right as very few in the end were worth that trust. If you need any proof of that, take a look at my friends list there are perhaps no more than half a dozen that come from around that era, and for good reason. The few that are still either stood by us, or helped us in some way or proved they cared rather than stabbed us in the back while we were down. 

But, in general, life is good, we enjoy our days in the week together, doing what we want. The simplicity of our days, pleasing ourselves, and not worrying about pleasing others suits us. And, despite my now obvious mobility limitations, we have the ability and resources to go pretty much where we like. If we get up and decide we want a day out we do. Not something we could do for a long time, but we can now. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Rest day. We had bought everything we needed so we stayed in. Glad too as it was very hot. I did quite a bit of dyalog prep for the next week, as well as using my dust magnet on the shelving, both in the living room and bedroom. I must admit it made it easier than with a regular duster. Plus I needed no polish. 

Saturday.

Busy morning, quieter afternoon. Pleasant enough with no major incidents and when we left it had started raining.

Later on in the evening we had a few rumbles of thunder and a couple of flashes of lightning. Much needed rain, although not as much as we expected. 

I had training to do, and I sat and got that done. Before you know it was bedtime. Another marvellous day of work lies ahead tomorrow. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We woke up late and by the time I was ready we had to go for the the 10.30am bus. Another different driver who made us laugh as we got on, as there was a couple of oldies who kept shifting seats, he said that was the fourth time they'd moved since they got on, was it musical chairs on this route? Lol. 

We got off at the station and walked steadily down to Castle Marina. We looked in Home Sense for code orange stuff, it's been sneaking in according to Halloween watch UK, but while they had a few bits in nothing I wanted. We had a coffee at Costa so I could have a rest, actually I had a bubble tea, which I've been meaning to try for a while. Really quite refreshing. Kev had a cappuccino and a lemon tart, I didn't fancy anything to eat. 

We went to Sainsbury's after and I got myself a lovely jumpsuit in a ribbed crepe fabric. I'd seen the trousers before but not the jumpsuit. It will look lovely for Andrew and Adams wedding in September. I was going to wear the Jersey one, but this will look smarter, especially with that lace caplets over the top. It's lower at the sides than my other but I can easily wear a cami or satin t shirt under it. And for the daytime I have a short black moleskin biker style jacket that will look great with it. 

Kev got a really nice shirt for the wedding, black with gold baroque swirls on it, work shirt style. He just needs to find some nice trousers to go with it. He also found a new t-shirt today in the TU range, so all in all a productive shop. We got food for the weekend while we were there so we don't need to go out tomorrow. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

I didn't have a great night. I woke up dehydrated and a banging headache, along with the usual jippy tummy. Great, I realised I hadn't drunk enough water yesterday. So sitting at 5am drinking water taking ibuprofen and imodium sorted me out, I went back to bed and slept until Kev got up. No chance of sleeping in past that, so I got up and had a fairly easy day of it, including food, which I cut back on and made sure I drank plenty. The headache went away eventually around lunchtime. By then I had a nice online with a friend.

I made sure I had an afternoon nap, and was well gone until a certain little Willow decided she wanted to sit where my head was residing! So she shoved her face into mine purring loudly until she had roused me. Bless her... 

I've started reading The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer and keep chucking at it, mainly because I can "hear" him reading it. If they do it in audible I hope he is the narrator. I've definitely read more since having this kindle, and I'm still only on my second charge. I think it goes to show that what was putting me off reading was the fact that the fire tablet would run out of charge before I got to the end of a chapter. Now I can read a whole book basically without having to charge it, and I no longer have to wait while it downloads from my library. Successful purchase. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We got ready and went out to see Sue and Pete for lunch. We didn't need a lot of shopping, and halfway round we bumped into them. So we waited while they got what they needed and then we walked up to the Pit and Pendulum. It was a little too early, so we went to Lloyd's. But soon realised that what we wanted to eat they hadn't got. Kev made the executive decision to go back to The Pit and Pendulum. Which, on reflection was a good move. The place was as good as I remembered, and the food was lovely. 

As always it was great to see them both and it was a walk down memory lane for us both to the late 90's, when we still had the Vampire meetings once a month there, going to goth gigs locally and of course Whitby Goth Weekend. Good times. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Another busy day. I was partnered with a young kid again ( She is under 18, so I have to authorise the alcohol she puts through) really quiet kid, I think she finds it a bit uncomfortable because we don't really have much in common, so my attempts at conversation fall a bit flat. Nice enough, but it must be like being lumbered with someone's daft nana. 

Anyhow, the day was pleasant enough, the bus ride less so, as the Cricket at Trent Bridge had finished and that meant a full bus and a slow journey as the bus battled the traffic. So we were later home. 

Thank God its Monday tomorrow so we can have a lie in and a rest up.

In Between Days

Friday.

We nipped in to Bridgeford to get the food for the weekend. It was literally a quick stop and back on the next bus back. I had deliveries coming from Amazon and hoped to intercept them before they made it over to the community centre, where certain drivers seem to drop off our packages! Bloody useless, it clearly says on the wall nos 2-10... Mind you, I dare say reading isn't a requirement... 

Anyway, we must have had a decent one in our route because they came to the actual address.

Saturday.

Work, on the way there we saw our first walk of shame in a long time. Getting off the tram in what she wore the night before, in heels she couldn't walk in properly. Hair looking like it started out OK, but now looked like a haystack. Nice to actually see one, they've been far and few between since Covid. 

Busy day, payday for most, and it was pretty dull and grey. Mind you, the kids break up soon and that's always a precursor for bad weather. Plus I bought that parasol, which was bound to put the lid on it...