In Between Days

Thursday.

Good delivery day. My Minnie Mouse Vampire flameless candle came from Shop Disney. We first saw them on one of the live streams that we watch from the parks in Florida. Only theirs looked plastic and this one was resin. 

She really is pretty and has tiny fangs and a bat shaped cape. If we were going to the parks this Halloween it's the one thing I would've bought. I will seriously have have a cull of some of my older pieces. I have some that I love and will only part with them when oblivion calls. But some we have had a long time and have seen better days. I'll wait until after the Halloween party so we can use them as decor on the night then they'll either get sold off or donated to a charity shop. 

We will see. We've also culled the crockery. I'm a bugger for buying mugs. Especially Emma Bridgewater, but I've been good this year and not bought any. The only things we've replaced is the bowls I bought on Tuesday and we did need those. 

The weather is very changeable at the moment, one minute very Autumnal the next a heat blast like mid summer.

The virgina creeper is slowly turning red, it would have been fully red by now but the bloody gardeners butchered it right back to the sticks. So all the new growth is still mainly green. Now there are two reasons for them cutting it back both very possible. One the gardeners are incompetent ( and as they've broken our ornaments before, we know that's likely) clever enough to hide what they've broken. Or one or a couple of neighbours complained that it was overgrown, and instead of coming to us told the gardeners to chop it back. That is also possible given the moaners we live near. And not just no.4 as we hear them complaining about how much stuff Mariola has outside. Mind you, she doesn't exactly help herself, putting swing seats and benches that she doesn't use on the communal ground next to her bungalow. 

Strangely enough, Mrs I work 12 hours had a wooden bed frame outside hers for over 8 weeks, no-one said a word, but you could guarantee if it was ours they'd be round to the super like lightning to complain. We didn't though, because that's not who we are, Kev moans and rants, like he does about things, but would never make an official complaint about anyone unless they were being dangerous or acting suspicious. Sad people they really are. That's why we keep to ourselves mainly, we speak and are pleasant. But I personally don't trust any of them. We remember all to well how unfriendly they were when we first moved here. I neither forgive or forget, I've not got dementia or am I Jesus.

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Kev did the washing late afternoon Tuesday. Which meant we could go out. We set of to the huge Asda at the Forest fields area on the tram. We saw online the Halloween stuff was out online. So we went to investigate as we code orange fans do. 

I was very impressed. I got new pj's ( always a must) Kev a shirt, and a mask ready for the party. Also some new pumpkin bowls to replace some that got broke. 

After we went back on the tram and visited Forbidden Planet to see if they had any new Living Dead dolls, alas no, but Kev did spot and buy me ( well, Sadie actually, a new deady bear) 

We had lunch at Sobar, the alcohol free cafe. I can recommend it, food and service was great. Friendly place and a good choice of drinks and food. We had smoothies and all day breakfasts ( I actually had a kids meal, plenty big enough for my appetite these days) with no hassle. They do a smaller version of all their meals and have no objection if you're not a kid, like some places. If more places would realise we aren't doing it to be cheap, just not into wasted food, I can't eat huge meals now... They'd save food, and to be fair, I'd be more likely to go back. Kev always has the bigger meals in any case, so it's not like we both want smaller meals. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

It was raining hard when we got up and after the other week when we got drowned we decided against going out. We weren't meeting Sue and Pete this week in any case. Giving her mouth time to heal after the dentist last Thursday. No good going for meals you can't eat.

So we stayed in and I caught up on my pages and a few other jobs around the house. 

So, what have I learned this week, some people will dislike you no matter what. You can be as nice as pie to everyone and something about you rubs them up the wrong way. So forget being nice to those people. They aren't worth your time. 

Also, some people will argue with the devil. They'll take what you say and find a reason to argue with it. It's like walking on eggshells. So, instead of wasting your breath trying to explain yourself, I've got to learn to not respond. Let them get on with it. It's more to do with them being angry at the world, and less to do with you. If you don't know where you stand with someone start walking... Away. Let them stand and argue with their own shadow. 

In Between Days

Monday.

It was the day you dread, the phone fall you know is coming but you don't want to hear it. We lost a family member on Friday, and they decided to phone with the news on Monday, because they knew we work at weekends and didn't want us to worry while we had work to get through. 

It's a sad time, but even more sad for the family left behind. 

As this part of the family is back in Burton, it will mean a trip back for the funeral. We can't not go back, as this part of the family has always supported us and been there when we needed it. 

So we had a quiet day in, to rest up and get our thoughts together.

In Between Days

Sunday.

Very Autumnal. And not a good start to the day bus wise. Bus driver said we are missing out Bridgeford. Fine by us, what he didn't say was we are only going as far as Broadmarsh bus station! So we had to walk from there to Parliament Street. My leg was hurting before I even got to work! We had to go at a pace in order to make that 8.31am 58, it was torture. But make it we did, just remind me next time to book next year's marathon off. 

We got home and we were both shattered. Falling asleep in front of the TV we gave in and had an early night. I think Kev did his usual and got up during the night, but I'm not sure as I was well gone. I know Willow came and curled up with me a couple of times. A good indication that its turned colder, she's like a hot water bottle and radiates heat onto my legs, bless her. They say cats lie on or next to where hurts and try and heal you through their purrs and warmth. I know she always makes a beeline for my legs and I love her dearly for that. I love her dearly anyway, it's always so lovely to come home and snuggle with her whenever we've been out. She's such a pretty, loving little baby. Here she is sat on my knee as I write my blog.

In Between Days.

Saturday 

Well, it was one of those days, you know the ones where the world conspires against you. Started off OK in the morning and work was alright if busy.

Then for some reason it all went to pot. 

We got out of work and despite putting our hand out the Calverton sailed straight past us, the bus driver wasn't even looking. Luckily the 58 came a minute or so after. We got the 33 by the skin of our teeth, only to find that loads of cars cut the bus up and we got stuck behind unloading vans at the cricket ground. Then as we were going through Tollerton there was a prang between two cars that the driver had to skirt round as well as those road works as you turn into Cotgrave at the top end. We just put it down to one of those days in the end. Happens sometimes. 

Other than that Charlotte came round, both of them had a lovely few days away in Bath and surrounding area and they bought us a lovely skeleton flower pot man back with them very cute it is too, and very kind of them. 

In Between Days

Wednesday. 

Finally a day in! A real rest day apart from the washing. 

We sat watching stuff and chilling put. It was much needed. 

We did watch the new Disney Elemental movie. 

Thursday.

Sue finally had her teeth out, thank god, that's all over. She is doing OK, just a bit of bleeding and swelling, and a bit of pain where a new absess was forming. She is so brave. I was worried they would fob her off again. Hopefully this will be the end of her pain and suffering with her mouth is at an end. 

I put some sandals on Vinted yesterday and they've sold. Kev took them to the corner shop and sent them. I hope some more sell. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Another busy day. I had to pick up my new glasses, and it was our wedding anniversary. So we got the bus into town, as it happens Charlotte was meeting her Mum and Dad on the bus too. So we sat with them. Lovely to see her Mum, and meet her Dad for the first time. 

We got my glasses. I'm very pleased with them. I'm never confident in glasses, I was bullied quite a bit when I was younger about having glasses, as well as my disability. So I tend to withdraw when I wear them. I posted a picture of me in them and got some lovely comments for a change. I probably will only wear them at home, or when I have no choice, like when I go for my diabetes eye screen etc. But they are comfortable and lighter than usual. 

We were going to eat out, but my leg was really playing up. I think it was all the walking over the weekend. So we decided to go to Waitrose and choose something nice to eat from there. It gave Kev a break from cooking, and we could have what we wanted each. I chose one of the Charlie Bigham curries for one,  I've seen them come through the checkouts at work and fancied trying them. They are a bit more pricey than a regular ready meal, but now I've tried one I can see why. They taste a lot better and have fresh ingredients in them. We don't have ready meals as a rule, but I would have another of these again occasionally. Kev had a pie, he loves pies, I don't, so it's a treat for him and he usually has one when we eat out. His was a Moo and Blue, from Pieminister. He had it with mash and peas, and really enjoyed it. 

Not your traditional anniversary meal, but there's nothing traditional about us two, but we enjoyed it. 

In Between Days

Monday.

We got up at around 8. We had packed mostly the night before and it was just a case of putting the bits we needed to use in the case. We left and headed to Maccy's for breakfast. The best meal they do in my opinion. It set us up and allowed me to take my meds. 

We got on the 58 into town not realising it wasn't quite 9.30. Luckily the lady driver said its nearly time hang on 30 seconds. Then my bus pass scanned OK. 

We got the tram down to the bus stop and had just missed the Cotgrave. So I nipped to the pharmacy and got some more pain relief and we went for the bus. 

We got home, I showered and we got ready to go out again with Charlotte to celebrate her upcoming birthday at the weekend. She goes away Wednesday so it's the only chance we've got. 

We went to the Willow Tree for lunch and very nice it was too. 

Look at us being social bats! Three days in a row... lol

In Between Days

Sunday. 

Where to start? At the beginning Chelle! We went to Spoons for breakfast with Adam and Andrew. And then we helped put the favours on the table. The guys dropped us back at the hotel afterwards and we chilled out before getting ready. It was just so damn warm, in a windy muggy way. 

We took a stroll to Arnot Park and the council house where the ceremony took place. 

It was one of the most beautiful and moving ceremonies I've been to in a long time. I even shed a tear, not like me at all, but the music and the occasion got to me. 

We ended up calling back in Spoons on our way to Emilio's where the reception was held. What a lovely place. And great food. 

We were lucky enough to be sat with Lynne Woodhouse and her friend, Pat who were both great company and another couple who live close to Andrew and Adam. 

There was plenty of food and drink, and I received a lovely gift from the guys for doing their stationery for the tables. 

The hotel by the way has been fantastic lovely room, and well placed for the comings and goings this weekend. We even got given a free glass of bubbly when we arrived which was a nice touch. 

A great weekend. And we are both extremely happy for the both of them. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Even though we are not here over the weekend we still went into the village to food shop. It was very warm and we bussed both ways. 

I had a parcel to post. So that done to we came back and packed our case for the weekend. 

Saturday. 

Weird going into work with a suitcase.

Caused a bit of a stir. Funny how many people want to talk to you when they want to know something. 

All I will say there are some very jealous people out there, that can't understand that they've not been invited to a wedding because actually, you're not a nice person! 

That besides, it was nice to finish work, go to the hotel and chill out, before getting ready to go to Coopers Brook for a meal and to meet Adam and Andrew's family and friends before Sunday. 

It was lovely food and a great atmosphere. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

All I can say is we have a plan. Kev and I have talked it through and provided both of us stay stable health wise we are going to go back to Disney World one last time before we snuff it. Its going to take a bit of saving, and planning but it's going to be so worth it. Of course it would have to be around the Halloween period, when the parks are doing the not so scary parades, and Halloween horror nights. If we don't do it in the next couple of years we just won't do it, as both of us age it would just get too hard. I would just like one more Halloween in Florida. 

Also Kev had a really good thought as I was struggling with my sandals ( what's new) my left foot is smaller than my right, most people's are, but if I buy another pair of sandals exactly the same in a half size smaller and I might find it easier to keep on and be more comfy. So I've ordered another pair of my sketchers ones ( thankfully half price in the sale) half a size smaller and we will see. If it doesn't work I'll pop them for sale on Vinted. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

A better day today weather wise. I had my second batch of Tim's new Christmas dies. The ones I thought I didn't need until I watched the live at the weekend.

That was pretty good going, Art from the Heart are always quick sending your order. 

Anyway I wasted no time making cards with a couple of them and will have another go tomorrow at a couple more. 

In the background we had the crazy Disney lady who was streaming Hollywood Studios in Florida, when we went there it was Disney MGM studios. At least having these streaming is a better option than daytime TV, which is at best dire. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went out in the pouring rain to meet Sue and Pete for lunch at Lloyd's no.1. Hard to imagine that just a week ago we couldn't walk around much because of the heat. 

It was lovely  to see them both and hear all about their holiday in Llandudno. Sounded perfect and one we might do ourselves at some point because it was flat and if Sue can manage it I know I could. 

We had a good laugh and catch up and as it had dried up briefly we headed home. Both of us were soaked to the skin so when got home we changed and then watched this week's Only Murders in the Building episode. After which we saw a live stream of The Magic Kingdom at Disney World in Florida. We've been watching a few of the Horror nights at Universal, and it's lovely to see them it brings back some happy memories for us both, and we get a bit emosh as Florida is our happy place. When I finish work if possible I'd love to go back. I don't know if I could manage it, but you can hire wheelchairs which might make it doable. It would have to be at this time of year and I'd have to be careful what I went on. But we know Disney are amazing for accessibility and help. Universal too, but less than Disney. It's something to think about. You're never too old to be part of the Halloween magic!

In Between Days

Sunday.

Work wasn't so bad today busy, Sunday's generally are, Sunday brings in different breed of customer, the early ones waiting for the tills to open are mostly friendly,  chatty and regulars. After that it tends towards the Zombies, they don't speak, are usually on their phones, or have been to the pub and are loud and obnoxious. The ones who did mention the tills ( or lack of!) I just said, yes, sorry my fault entirely, I decided myself to rip out the checkouts and install self serve one's. I said it straight faced and serious, and the response was either, Oh, I wasn't having a go at you, or, are you being sarcastic? To which I replied, no not sarcastic just giving you a space to vent to someone about it. It won't change anything, but it will make you feel better, and I'm not emotionally invested enough to be upset by what you say. That shuts them up. No one is reducing me to tears over this, I've made a promise to myself. I'm not letting someone else make me feel that way over something beyond my control. 

I did serve one of my regular guys who is deaf, we communicate by a series of gestures, I don't know ESL, but we get by. It made me think after he'd gone though, wouldn't it be good if in school's if one of the language options was sign language? I mean all I remember of French was the pen of my aunt. I never progressed to German, but there were options. How much more useful would learning to sign be? I think it would be something a great deal of people could benefit from no matter your occupation. And yes I know you can learn it at night classes, but if it was part of the school curriculum and everyone had the chance to learn just even some basics at the formative stages of learning it would stick. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

A hellish busy day from the off. I start at 8am and the queue was immediate and long. Frayed tempers saw one of the colleagues reduced to tears, I was stoic and refused to be fazed. There is nothing that can be done to change the decision by head office to remove checkouts, and to be fair to those I work for, we are perhaps the last supermarket to bring these changes in. The market leaders have removed most of their checkouts for self serve for a while now. We aren't a company that innovates any more, we simply follow. It's hard to not rise to the loud enough for the cashier to hear sarcastic and nasty comments from the waiting customers, but I found the best way to deal with it is smile (albeit through gritted teeth) and try and change the subject, not always successfully I'll admit, but if you act like an ostrich and Bury your head, they mostly give up. If they get really angry call for back up. And most importantly don't take it personally.

We got the buses OK, the 33 was one of the electric buses, and I presume it was the bus not the driver, that meandered through the route at a funeral pace. But at least the air con worked and the back roads through Tollerton are at least a tad more scenic than the Cotgrave route.

I got home to a fantastic live from Tim with the Christmas Sizzix release. As luck would have it some of mine had come and were waiting for me. The live inspiration made me want to bust them out, but I shall resist until next week. His makers always knock it out of the park. 

In Between Days.

Friday.

Hot again after a hazy start. Kev kept the blinds drawn and both chillers topped up with water and ice blocks. 

Loads to drink, and not really much to eat. Weighed in this morning having lost another couple of pounds, not so tired today, but I deliberately stayed indoors. I did a few pages in my dyalog, but found it too uncomfortable to do much more. I opted to do a bit more of the jigsaw instead. 

Charlotte popped round for a chin wag and a coffee early evening before another early ish night before the dreaded 5.30 am alarm. 

in Between Days

Thursday.

I went for an eye test to Specsavers in the city. As you might guess not a cheap purchase for me because of my complex prescription. We were there just over an hour, so we grabbed sandwiches from Marks and Sparks and sat round by the church to have lunch. We then came home as it was very hot. I got home, and didn't feel so good. I slept most of the afternoon and then had an early night. Not sure why, I just felt so tired. Could be the heat, could be wearing my specs all day, or because I've not slept properly for the last couple. 

In Between Days

Monday. 

A quiet day, it was hot so both chillers were on full tilt all day. I didn't sleep great, I never do when it's too warm even with the chillers on, mainly because the light and the noise keep me awake. So I did all my usual stuff and I even got a bit done to my jigsaw. It's the one I started last year, I just do some when I feel like it. I still have the table talkers to finish, but I like to have choices.

Tuesday.

We decided to go out for breakfast, which turned out to be a good call as it got way to hot later on. So we were back home for about 1.30pm. 

We were going to try that new buffet place but chose not to with it being so warm, and I don't eat enough to make it worth it. 

By the time we had walked where we needed to and back, my left foot was swollen ( surprise!) 

We got home and I soaked it in a cold foot spa, which helped to take the swelling down. I get so tired of battling with it. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Well another thrilling day at work. More moaning about the removal of the checkouts. Stupid comment of the week? So are you going to add more checkouts at Christmas? Duh! Yes, Madam of course, they are going to pop out of the basement like a catafalque at a funeral... They are just hiding there until we need them. FFS!

Honestly, you do wonder.

Other than that the day passed fairly quickly and yay the trams are running again! Strange that, timed just right for the students return. But I'm not complaining, as I no longer have to struggle up the hill. 

I got home to my meds having been delivered via post, its a strange but I suppose once I get into it useful system. I just have to set up a schedule on the app so that they order the next lot before I run out.

Sunday.

A warm sunny day, just in time for the kids to go back to school. I put through loads of booze and BBQ stuff, and plenty of ice creams. 

Coming home the 58 was a bit late and it cut it fine for the Cotgrave, but we did it. 

In the evening, Charlotte popped round and we had a bit of fun with a game and a quiz, Kev went for a bit of lie down as he wasn't feeling so good, the warm weather doesn't suit him these days and work wears him out. They do put on him a lot, it's always been the same in the bakery. They flog the willing horses, and some get away with doing the least they can get away with. 

After a bit of snooze he got back up feeling better. We can have a take it easy day tomorrow, and by the looks of the forecast it looks like another hot day. AC units back on it is then. 

In Between Days

Friday.

I was cleaning the girls I do them in rotation. These are the fashion victims, that live in bedroom. Sadie and Lilith were looking a bit worn their pvc dresses were looking flaky I was worried. New clothing for these dolls isn't easy, the last time I needed a outfit Cherry had to come to my rescue, I didn't want to bother her, I know she is very busy. Anyhow, I thought I'll wash them and see if I can rescue them enough to be copied. Hand washed them and the pvc crumbled away to reveal the satin underneath. Winner. So once dry they went back on and looked fine, so panic over. Turns out I don't need new outfits as they look so much better without the cheap pvc. 

Litith

Sadie

The photos of are of the dolls in their "new" dresses minus the pvc... I think you'll agree they look good...