In Between Days

Thursday.

It was a nice day so we decided to take a stroll down by the canal. We walked steady and I rested when I could. We went to Costa but it was takeaway only so we got coffee's and sat outside like a good many more. We went in B&M and I got a few pasta and sauces for work, along with other bits and bobs. 

We went in TK Maxx and apart from a storage container ( for my idea-ology trinkets) I resisted all the amazing goodness they had on offer, as tempting as it was! 

See I can be good when I want! Lol.

We fed the ducks on the way back as Kev had got a tub with seeds in. I love being able to help them out as nobody seems to bother and they always swim up to the side to see if you have anything. There's quite a bit of wildlife down there for saying it's busy with barges. 

When we got home and unpacked, Kev opened the window for Willow. She really growled and hissed because below the window was the black and white cat that hangs around here. She was not a happy bunny and even when it had gone she kept checking her territory. It was both a bit startling and good in equal measure, nice to know she has a bit of fight in her at least. Bless her. 

We started doing some of the upgrades to the Halloween countdown display that we had planned. The pompoms and pipe cleaners had arrived so we were able to finish the hats for the vintage trick or treat buckets in the idea-ology I bought. 

It started to come together quite well, if I remember I'll take photos tomorrow. 

Talking of photo's the ones on this blog are of a Heron that they've put down by the canal made from stuff dredged out of the water. It's very effective 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We met Sue and Pete for lunch at The Roebuck, we were going to The Gooseberry Bush but the trams aren't running at the moment. 

I wanted to get some pompoms and pipe cleaners for a project, unfortunately there was none to be had. Back home to order online, again.

Wednesday.

Wash day, I was up early in any case. Not sleeping the best at the moment. 

I started work on the table talkers for the Halloween party. 

Sue managed to get her air fryer replaced at last after crap service at the Colwick Argos, she took it to ours in Arnold and they were much more helpful. Shocking the difference in service depending where you go. That's a relief, I hate it when something we've bought for someone else goes wrong. It makes me feel guilty, I think that's just me. I think I must be some kind of empath, I pick up on moods, and feel guilty if I feel good and someone else feels not so good. I hate to see others unhappy, thing is not many in my life care if I'm happy or not. But that's my fault because I have always put others before myself, and that teaches others to disregard your feelings. I am the architect of my own misery, lol. 

In Between Days

Monday.

I woke early. It usually happens when I've got used to getting up. Rather than disturbing Kev I got up and sat quietly doing stuff on my phone and then my dyalog pages. 

After my exercises and bike we watched the Tim live from Saturday. Great makes from great makers. 

Kev helped me make some hats to go on the idea-ology vintage buckets. I just need pipe cleaners and pompoms to complete them. 

Kev put my new blade in my Scan and Cut. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Tough day. So many people queuing up at the tills, those on the back were run ragged and all of us dealing with grumpy people who don't like change. I was glad when it was over. 

We chilled out when we got home and sat chatting and playing board games with Charlotte, a nice way for all of us to put stressful days behind us. 

I went to bed fairly early, as I was shattered. 

In Between Days

Saturday 

Up bright and early 5.30 am for work. The day was a challenging one with the new till configuration. Lots of people complaining, even though you try and tell them that this is how all retail is moving forward. I understand their concerns I really do, but I really wish they would understand that we as employees 1, Have nothing to do with the decisions made at head office. 2, Even if we wanted to we can't voice our opinions about it, as employees we can think all sorts but we can't say anything negative about our work place. 

3. Nothing is going to change. They will do exactly as they  want its their company to run as they see fit.

After we finished work, we went up to Andrew and Adam's stag do at their house for a couple of hours. We had to come away to get the buses back home, but as always Both of them put on a really good do. It's less than a month now until they get married. Eek! Exciting times. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Hair day. I was at Blu for 11am and ready to have my cut and colour. It wasn't bad I was out by one. I didn't need it bleaching. 

We treated ourselves to chippy chips and sat on the wall in the precinct to eat them. They were lovely. 

Once we got home the nurse practitioner from the doctors rang to see how I was getting on with my lower dose statins. I told her OK, but that I had run out as the pharmacy hadn't filled my prescription and according them I had not had them before from them, which is rubbish. Nurse said they are bloody useless, and flanneling me to cover up they had once again got it wrong. She wanted to send my prescriptions to Morrisons, but I can't fetch them from there as we can't get there that regularly with having no car. So she sent it again and attached a stroppy note alongside it. She read it back to me and I must admit I giggled. Its nice to have one person with a sense of humour on the doctors team. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Waiting on a parcel as you do, only for it to still be in transit. So I had a card to make, one for my friends Etsy account. Now my Scan and Cut is behaving I have another to put together as a sample. I ordered a new blade and mat so that I don't wait until the mat deteriorates beyond use. 

So that done I was able to do some of "my" crafting a couple more cards for Halloween. 

Charlotte popped by for a coffee and a chat, and then we watched another couple of episodes of "only murders in the building"

I'm hoping once the errant parcel arrives we can start on the projects we have waiting, the graveyard, altered book and Halloween countdown update. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day as usual, but at least it was nice enough to put it outside. Kev fetched my prescription from the Hub and he got a few bits from Heron. 

I did my pages, and started my book by covering the spine with self adhesive canvas in order to make painting it easier. I've got to chose what colour I want it. 

I cancelled my pre payment prescription certificate, as now I'm 60 I no longer pay. 

Kev too has had his invite through to apply for his pension. 

We got all the table planners done, Kev helped a lot and it took another five hours on total. They do look stunning I will admit. A lot of work, but ultimately worth it. 

Kev put the lights that Trish bought me behind the Halloween display and they look great. I love the colours, very autumnal. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Such a lovely day we went into town early. I wore my sandals to give my feet a change of footwear. 

I needed an old book for a new project inspired by what I saw on Tim's live. We found one for a £1 in a charity shop. 

I also found a couple of bat ornaments and a Jack hand wash dispenser. 

We were heading to the bus stop when we ran into Sue and Pete, we had a quick catch up and were able to check they were recovering from the weekend then the bus came so, we had to do a quick move and catch it. 

Once home we started doing the place cards for a friend's wedding next month. We did them between us on the Scan and Cut it took six hours. We still have the table plans to do, so we will do them tomorrow. Its a bit of a ball ache if I'm honest, and I wouldn't do them for anyone else. Each one has to placed on the machine precisely in the place of the first one we scanned in. Then we had to type in the name, select the font, then drag and drop it in the space on the card, and size it to fit. Then the machine writes the name for us. They look lovely, but as I said it took six hours. We took it in turns at the machine. 

In Between Days

Monday. We got up after a good night's sleep, but my feet and leg were still hurting. So I did my exercises and my revitive in order to try and ease them. My legs a mardy bitch at the best of times.

I got my pages done and started a new project inspired by the Tim live the week before. 

After that, we watched the ideology live from Saturday, the inspiration was amazing. His makers knock it out the park every time. I was blown away by the Pirate make by Tami Baastians. Just wow. So I used my voucher that Sue and Pete bought me for Art from the Heart to buy some of his goodies. My makes won't be as stunning, but you can guarantee I'll be happy with them... 

In Between Days

Saturday.

We got up at 5.30 so we could make the same time bus as we do for work. We headed to the Maccy D's and had breakfast. We went to one on Angel Row, and boy has that gone down hill, the seats are wrecked and the tables badly chipped, it looks like that might be the next one to close, we used to go in there a lot when the bus stop was on Mount Street. 

But the food was good, cooked well etc, and set us up for our journey.

We got to the pick up point by the side of the casino and waited for Sue and Pete. Not long after they arrived our coach came and we set off. 

We arrived in London and the drop off was at Kingsway. I was annoyed to find that they were basically dropping you off there and letting you make your own way to the Tower of London. But, we made our way to the tube station and figured out the way we needed to go. 

It was a lot of walking and steps which isn't great for Sue, Pete or me, but we really enjoyed the Towers. The girl who took our tickets at the gate was really lovely and ever so helpful. 

We saw the Bloody Tower, and the execution site of Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey, and of course Traitors Gate, then joined the queue for the Crown Jewels, I was very impressed, and even more so by the vault doors that protect them. 

We saw a Raven who was almost the size of a chicken, and whose squawk went straight through you! Lovely birds like... 

The guides were very informative and helpful, and I loved the costumed actors playing out scenes of some of the stories from the fortress. It lived up to the hype and there is a really cool vibe to place, which I found just as enthralling as Hampton Court Palace. 

At this point all of us needed a sit down and a drink. Kev ever handy with his nearest Spoons Google search found us one just across the road from the Tower, The Liberty Bounds. We sat and rested, with some welcome cold pints for a while, before returning by the underground to where the coach picked us up. 

We were then taken to our Hotel at Heathrow. Very nice thank you very much it was too! Walk in shower room, comfy bed and air-con that was both quiet and controllable. I could have a cold bedroom, which made for a great night's sleep. 

Before that though we had a good meal ( included in our package) in the restaurant. We had drinks in the bar, before an early retreat to bed, as we were all worn out. It was a cloudy but hot day, and all of us were a bit footsore to say the least. 

Sunday.

My 60th Birthday. Or level 60 as I like to call it, it sounds more sassy to say I've reached level 60 etc. 

Breakfast at the hotel before being dropped off in Park Lane to explore London however we felt fit. 

As it was agreed, I got to go back to the V&A, I went 18 years ago on a trip to London to pick up my 25 year award at work, and vowed to go back. 

I could spend a week there, the exhibits are stunning, especially the fashion section. They have a good few pieces of Vivienne Westwood there, to drool over, and a section called Diva, which is all stage costumes of iconic stars. Fabulous darling! I did buy a magazine that covers it ( the hardback book was nice, but I wouldn't cut that up for collage like I will the magazine. 

Again I reached my limit walking as did Sue, so we got the bus back to Hyde Park and got refreshments and sat in the sunshine watching the world pass by. The boys went for wanders, leaving Sue and I to enjoy the rest and the sunshine. 

We went back to the coach for 3.30pm and then we set off homeward. It's been a perfect weekend away to celebrate my reaching level 60. And I got to cross another couple of items off my bucket list. 

So we are now sat at home with throbbing feet and aching legs. Knackered, but happy, telling Willow and Sadie all about our adventures in that there London. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Red letter day delivery wise as my new living dead doll Wednesday arrived. It was a worry because when you pre order these dolls you are never sure if it's a genuine seller or just someone scamming. I took the risk and it paid off. Really pleased to have one. 

I also had a couple of parcels that are from friends that are for Sunday. We won't be here as we will be in London. I might open them before or after we get back, I haven't decided yet. 

Friday.

We went to lunch with Charlotte to TGI Fridays to celebrate my birthday early as we will be away. 

Lovely meal, they bought me a balloon crown and a free dessert with a candle in it, and sung a little birthday ditty. All very charming... unexpected and sweet. 

I did enjoy it. 

I got home and opened cards and gifts from Charlotte and Ian, Trish and Sarah. All gifts are more than I expected, and perhaps deserve. 

Later on, we packed our case, as its only a short trip we are taking the smaller one between us. 

Early start tomorrow so, that means an early night for us both. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day as usual, which meant early start. I had those cards to finish as well as the prep for my dyalog to take away with me at the weekend. Kev hung the clothes outside. I'm wondering what to wear for that there London, and the entry tickets for The Tower have come. 

I've finished my Halloween cards at last, so now I can concentrate on the table talkers and other projects. Kev has started painting the mausoleum for the grave yard next to 13 Creepy Grange. Also when we shopped on Tuesday I found a couple of gifts for friends for their upcoming birthdays, so I can make tags for them. I can go creepy with these as both of them are friends from our WGW days. 

In Between Days

Monday. 

Rest day. A pj's left on, feet up day. I got my pages done, and some more cards done. But other than that, not a lot else. We watched the last Good Omens. I also finished my re reading of Paris Immortal. So onto the next in the series. 

Tuesday.

Up and out to meet Sue and Pete at the Pit and Pendulum. We did our shopping first, a quick trip to TKMAXX to see if there was any new stuff in. And there was, we bought a set of Halloween toys for Willow, which she loves, and played like a little kitten with them. A lovely little wobbly house to match the other, and a cat, very similar to one we saw in Torquay by Nemesis Now, but bigger and the eyes light up. I'm definitely going to have a cull, but after the party, so that I can use them as props over at the centre. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Hot and humid. 

Busy around 10 am onwards, but you have to take the fact that the kids are off and they tend to come in later. 

Showers, so heavy that the drops bounced back up. 

Luckily by the time we left it held off until we made it home. We again made the 33 a much nicer ride home... That's thanks to Jane Dawe for shutting my checkout in time, as we wouldn't have made it if not.

We had an early night as both of us were knackered. 

Sunday 

A mixed bag of a day, slow start, hectic at the end, we made it just in time for the bus, but I forgot my flowers that one of my regular customers had bought me, it was too close to the bus coming in order to go back, so hopefully Jane can have them if they are still there in the morning. 

It's nice to know we are on holiday next week and this time next week I will turn 60! Blimey, where have the last ten years gone? I know something though they've been a lot calmer than the ten before that, and I'm certainly happier, yes we've had some hard moments, but on the whole we made the best decision to leave Burton and come to Nottingham, and although I wish we'd come sooner, the time was right, because it worked out for us. We have the peace we didn't even know we wanted. I saw a quote online that struck a cord with me and it made me think about what time I have left on the planet. 

You are responsible for how long what hurt you haunt you. It's time to put all that we've been through in the past to rest and enjoy the time we have. I liked it so much I've put it in my dyalog as a reminder... 

The other quote I found is more along the lines of self empowerment, but is just as relevant for me, as its one of my worst traits. I always have been a people pleaser, putting other peoples wants and needs above mine. I guess that stems from a childhood tip toeing around a mentally unstable Mother. The quote reads, You are not required to set yourself on fire to keep others warm. It's something I need to stop doing. I need to stop putting others first now and do what suits me. There are very few that would put me first, and that's my own fault. I've always taught people that I come second by my natural put others first trait. Time for me to learn to stop doing it. It's going to be hard, because it's ingrained in me, but this next year if I'm granted it, I will start doing stuff for me, and less of what is expected of me. 

In Between Days

Friday. 

So we had a quick nip out to shop, just into the village. I needed to post office, something to send a friend in the States, and a tag for this months tag swap. 

We nipped in Sainsbury's and got fruit etc for the weekend at work. 

When I got back I finished my gothic tag for a friend, and my page images in my dyalog. I want the images in ready for taking away with us next weekend... 

I gave Willow lots of fuss as I know she hates me going to work, she loved it last year when I was home all the time, so I try and give her lots of cuddles on Fridays. 

In Between Days

Thursday

Got up and ready and met Charlotte at the bus stop and went to Bridgeford for a coffee and a mooch round. We went to Cafe Nero as the new 200° was packed. 

I had a cold cherry frappe and a Danish watching the world go by on one of the outside tables. Still busy,  despite the new one opening which shows the area can take it. The Costa up the road is shutting though, but I think that has more to do with the rents rather than the takings as it still looks just busy. 

We did a few bits of shopping like glue for me 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day, Kev got done quickly as it was nice enough to hang the clothes outside. I had a bit to hand wash. I did that and that too went outside. I hoovered up mainly debris from my craft corner, doesn't matter how careful I am, I still manage to get cuttings on the floor!

I did pages, and made my tags for swapping this month. I finished those Halloween cards I started cutting elements for last week. 

Kev went into the Bedroom to watch football, and had throw away TV on until Charlotte came round for a natter. We made plans to meet up Thursday for coffee club in Bridgeford as it says the weather will be nice tomorrow,  finally... 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We needed new pans, because Kev had burnt the others, trying to do too much at one time. Two dead in a row, so we took a trip to where we work to buy some more as we knew they had some in. 

They also had a smaller steamer so we got one of those while we could. It meant when we got home Kev could have a sort out. He got rid of quite a few. 

We need a new air fryer as ours has gone faulty so that can be next months purchase. We will get a better one this time, bigger, now we know we will use it a lot. And, one without digital settings as that's what gone wrong on the one we have now. 

We got home and I did bit more work on the cards I'm making and obviously my pages in my dyalog, later I started doing some more of my doodle pages in my journal. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Chill out day. We went nowhere, as is our usual Monday after working the weekend. I watched the last class in the doodle classes for now, then did my pages as well as put a few headstones and urns together for future makes, I'm waiting for my luminous paint to get here so I can do some moons, after seeing Tim's live on Saturday it gave me an idea, I know pebeo do a glow in the dark acrylic, so I'm going g to give that a go. 

My Art from the Heart order came that too was paints, but we've used a lot lately, so that will keep me going for a while. I only ordered them Friday, so that's good going. 

Kev watched the preseason match while I watched Trixie's Motel on Discovery plus. He/She bought a run down motel in Palm Springs, and is doing it up, room by room. Each room will be a different theme, then it will open in time for Pride ( or did as it was filmed last year) of course, being Trixie, its very pink, and kitch, but it's being done to a very high standard and they've spent thousands on it. The good thing is each week they bring in a different drag queen each week to give it the final thumbs up. It's a bit of light entertainment. Let's face it there isn't much else on TV at the moment. 

Denise next door dropped us some cake and bud round from her nephew's wedding which was nice of her. We didn't know he was getting married... 

It's amazing how much this place has changed in the last year. Denise and Janet ( Mrs I've just worked 12 hours) are big mates and sit out when it's nice having coffee, which you would never have seen at one time, and it feels a bit more friendly. We see next to nothing of Mr Busy at number 4, which I think is a big reason the place has improved. He hasn't got his information gatherer anymore, and he knows people won't tell him anything, and avoid him. 

It's nice compared to when we first came, but even though I'm 60 in a couple of weeks I still don't feel 'old' enough to include myself in a group of them. I'm lucky enough to have Kev and of course Charlotte, but it's good to see the rest of them pal up and have  bit of company. I never thought just taking one person out of the equation would make such a difference. Not a nice thing to say, but it's true. 

In Between Days

Saturday. 

What a miserable day, it never stopped raining, not once! It was cold too, you could tell, I wore my bloody jacket all day, not like me at all, I usually have at least one tropical moment per day... Not once did I feel warm enough to take my jacket off!

So it made the shop busy, because there was nothing else for them to do, or take the kids. I bet Riverside was a wash out, mind you I can remember one year going with Sue and Pete when it rained constantly and we got soaked through, still had a laugh somehow. 

We got home and Kev let me watch the Tim Holtz live, which is the start of the 

Halloween lives... Nice to know he has code orange on his mind too, he's already been shopping ( a fellow Halloween addict) and I can't wait to see his decor tour of his home on YouTube... Its set me off, I need to get my sprays and paints out to do some effects!

In Between Days

Friday.

Kev went to get the food shopping and my prescription from the pharmacy in the village, while I carried on with my doodling from class and my pages. 

When he came back I watched the next class ( I have one left!) Then Kev watched the cricket. 

I had a shower late on in the afternoon. My Temu order came ( a crossbody phone bag) which hasn't taken long and is really good quality. It might be worth getting the odd bit from. It's the first time I've used them and I'm fairly impressed. 

I've started reading an old favourite, Paris Immortal. It's been awhile, and it set me off after reading Blurred. Re-reading a favourite novel is like seeing an old friend. There's always some part you've forgotten, that delicious moment of remembered story, a reason why it's a favourite. A story so well told its like reading it for the first time, but knowing what comes next in parts makes it even more enjoyable. An old welcoming friend, who knows you just as much as you do it. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We went down to the canal to walk to Homesense. I tried to get a resin vampire to go with Amber Lynn and Frankie, but they had sold out online. So we decided to try there see if they had one. 

We had a bubble tea in Costa so I could rest up after the walk down there. 

We went in Homesense and all I can say is Wow... I was like a kid in a sweet shop, there was absolutely loads of stuff, some of the bigger pieces ( we couldn't carry those) and a mahoosive outdoor arch not an inflatable one a metal one, it was beautiful bigger than the bungalow, but in my dreams it would be outside my 13 Creepy Grange. Lottery win required. I managed to buy vampire, along with a day of the dead mermaid for the bathroom. My head was spinning, there was so much stuff... 

Eventually I made my selections and we made our way home after a pit stop and Maccys for a bite to eat. Very happy Halloween bunny right here. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Today I weighed me, the first time since I was weighed at the doctors back in December. Back then, the nurse who weighed me gave me a lecture and was really patronising. I had explained that for six months I'd been unable to walk or exercise daily and that's why the weight had gone back on. She just said well you won't lose what you did previously. Oh no? Today I weighed on 2 stone lighter than I was in December. Because I'm walking and able to exercise again. My walking is aided, but I do as much now as I could before the fall. Honestly these medical professionals need to be more encouraging and less disparaging. 

I knew once I was able to get going again in my own limited fashion I could do it again. Don't ever let them talk down to you, they aren't perfect themselves. Most of them are overweight and eat rubbish. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went into the city and started out at TK Maxx got a couple more Halloween pieces, then we got the tram to meet Sue and Pete. We went to the Gooseberry Bush pub near the University. We can't go in term time as it's packed. The place was quiet, which was lovely for us. It meant the food was good. We had a good meet up and put the world to rights, Sue is still battling with the dentist, and I'm still having issues with the doctors which along with our upcoming trip to London gave us plenty to talk about. 

After we got back to the tram we went our separate ways and we went to the bus stop home. 

I started making cards when I got back. I made three as they are colorise ones and quite detailed.