In Between Days

Halloween.

We had the most perfect day and evening.

We met Sue and Pete for lunch, we chose The Pit and Pendulum in the city, where better to eat drink and be scary in. Wonderfully sinister decor at any time of year, but made more so at Halloween... 

As we walked back afterwards with Sue and Pete we saw Ecto1 the Ghostbusters car, parked at the edge of market square, where they are sadly constructing Christmas already... They give a nod to Halloween with the inflatable monsters, but Christmas is more financially viable. I just think it's sad that they couldn't wait until the first of November to build an ice rink and cabins. But, that's just me. 

However, that didn't spoil our fun too much. We finished our shopping and headed home.

Kev put the pumpkin out and switched on the big plastic Jack Skellington pumpkin. Around 4.30ish we had our first trick or treaters, a cute little witch and her parents. Then another group of kids with their Dad I presume. All very polite and they had to be told to take handfuls of sweets each, rather than just grab. Lastly we had one pre teen girl, dressed as a vampires victim... Again, very polite... That was it, but we are off the beaten track, but more than last year... 

We settled down to watch another good old Tim Burton movie Dark Shadows... Classic, and played for laughs by the one and only Johnny Depp. We had a bottle of prosecco, and a chilled night together, like I said perfect really. 

I'll always miss Whitby at this time of year, but I know it would be too much for us now, and as much as it pains me to admit it I wouldn't manage to get about, and that would spoil it for both of us. 

We've heard from others that used to go up when we did that it isn't the same these days, there are more peacocks (pretend for a few days, that they are goth) rather than the hard core that used to go. Sure there are some, but, I think we went when it was more about being with like minded people, the music and meeting friends old and new. People like Trish and Sarah and Alice, who mean the world to us. And although we don't see them often these days, when we do it's like we've never been apart. 

Now the sort of day and evening we had today, plus the party on Saturday is more than enough. One thing is certain though, I will never not celebrate Halloween as long as I can at least. Even if I only put a plastic light up pumpkin on the front porch and a bowl of sweets out for them to help themselves too... 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Up around nine, after a luxurious lie in, so nice to wake up when the alarm would go off, turn over and go back to sleep. 

We got decent and went over to the centre to clean and fetch certain bits back that we'd left over there. We left some bits so the place has a bit of Halloween cheer there for the oldies lunch on Tuesday. 

After that a relaxed day, chilling and watching old movies that we love watching at this time of year, including the new Haunted Mansion movie again as it is very good and very true to the actual ride at Disney. 

Monday.

Kev put Jack outside ( the big white pumpkin) and cut the real one! 

We put the gorgeous banners up that Karen made us. 

I did a bit of online shopping ( as you do) for bits and bobs that are now finally reduced for next Halloween... Lol, I'm like the Mayor in Nightmare Before Christmas, there's only 365 days left till next time, we need to plan! 

We put the pumpkin spice wax melts we got from Lush in the warmers and brewed some lovely pumpkin spiced chai latte that we got from Bird and Blend last week... 

All ready, and relax... 

In Between Days.

Saturday.

It was lovely to wake up at our own pace instead. We got up and got dressed, had breakfast, not rushing, then went over to the centre and started adding decorations to the place. We took the booze and food over, so one of us stayed over there at all times to make sure none of it "walked" as you can't tell who is coming in and out of the place. 

Anyhow we came to ready, me and Charlotte first then we let Kev come over to get ready after. We had only a vague idea who was coming as only a couple had actually replied. As it turned out we only had two who didn't come, we had invited 26, two couldn't make it because they couldn't bring the dog which we knew about previously so we had deleted them off the list, the maybes we considered as not coming. Those that simply didn't reply won't be invited again. But 18 is a good number and it was great fun, Karen, Scott and Jen, Liz's little one and her partner dressed up. Charlotte wore something Halloween related, so it was all good. I think everyone had a good time. I know we did... The quiz was well received and it nearly went to a dance off to decide the winner, lol... 

In Between Days

Friday.

Woken up by the doorbell going off at 7.15 am made us both jump and Kev bravely went to door, nobody there. We were puzzled as to what it was until Ian bought the shopping. He then told us that there was a power cut. That would mean when it came back on it would chime. Phew! Mystery solved.

We went to Bridgeford to M&S to get the food as we couldn't get a Sainsbury's delivery slot so we split it, food first, came home, then back out to get the booze and other drinks. 

Lauren was in there shopping and kindly helped us by giving us a lift home, what a blessing! 

Kev started putting the outside decorations up. Not all, Grim will go up last as if its wet weather he won't stay upright. So fingers crossed he will be able to go up tomorrow. 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

A wet miserable day. But we needed to get a few bits for the party that we can't get from here. While we were there we decided to track down the inflatable monsters in the city centre. We found all of one bar one, which is way out down by the island near the BBC studios. Not far if you're in a car, too far on foot with mobility issues. Plus it's just another set of tentacles, which they have at the corner house. They really look cool, and apparently they light up! I think you can see it but during the day not so much. 

I've had a cold on and off since I had that jab and my lenses were playing up so we got what we needed and headed home. Kev put the haunted swing together and started putting a few bits outside like the hanging basket etc. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day so up fairly early. I did a few things I needed to including some for the party on Saturday. 

I'm watching the Let's get Spooky classes this week by Dyan Reaveley so Im doing pages for that as well as my dyalog. 

Charlotte popped over for a bit this afternoon, after taking Dorothy for her hospital appointment. So we had a natter and a coffee or two ( as you do). 

We were both fancying a chip shop tea, so Kev went down to the village ( he can get there and back quicker without me!) And I had chips and pineapple fritter with curry sauce. Haven't had that in ages and it was really good... I always think if you have what you are craving now and again it doesn't hurt. And the beauty is, even though there was loads, I just had the amount I wanted knowing Kev would finish the rest. Made it a nice treat. Well, after all we are on holiday from work this week! 

In Between Days

Friday.

The rain woke up sweeping over the bungalow. A real deluge. Lots of roads flooded. Tollerton was a no go in lots of places. 

So we stayed in at home. I got a few things finished. I was waiting on some stamps ( what, more, I hear you cry!) Yes, ones from stamping bella. Mortisha and Gomez which are very cute, and for me very useful. Sadly they'll be delivered tomorrow so I won't get chance to play with them until Monday... Boo... 

Saturday.

Extremely busy in the shop, with endless queues. I was watching a new cashier that's come from Wilkos. Very good of work to employ some of those that were affected by their shutting. 

We got out and made the bus, although it was close because I was a bit late out. 

We had to go for the Cotgrave bus as we didn't think the 33 would be running. It was, but it was late so, we stuck with the Cotgrave.

I was beyond tired after that kind of a day, plus my sleep wasn't good the night before, mainly down to Willow, who insists ( at the moment) to coming right up to my face during the night to wake me up for fuss. Then lies on my legs and goes back to sleep, while I'm then awake and usually overthinking as I do. I remember conversations and pick them apart for hidden meanings. Part of my nature is to read too much into what's said, and because I have trust issues I always question what said to me vs what is meant. I can poke holes in anyone's story, believe me. You always have to remember that people will only tell you as much as they want you know, not the whole picture. And being an overthinker means you look for the real truth. So I went to bed early to catch up ready for work on Sunday.

Sunday.

Weather was a bit better, just cold. We went to work and it wasn't a bad day. We had to close early again for more work on the building. It wasn't easy, but the Sunday team cracked it. 

Got home and Charlotte popped over so we had a nice relaxed evening. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We nipped into town really quickly to take that hoodie back. I got my money back. The only had white hoodies left with Jack on, and as you know I never wear white! Lol... 

The weather was setting in for dreadful so we got what we wanted for dinner and caught the bus back. There was a lot of work going on in the square for the Christmas set up. It doesn't seem five minutes since the beach was getting put up... 

In Between Days

Wednesday. 

Wash day. 

Postie bought my wig for Halloween and some baubles for the tree. 

My arm hurts from the covid jab, but my cold has cleared up. Kev has a lump where his went in and she drew blood, so that shows how quick they were being. I've just taken paracetamol and ibuprofen to help. 

I prepped more pages in my dyalog.

Later on when Charlotte came round we dug out an old favourite movie for this time of year Practical Magic ( the books good too, if you can find it) I remember going to the cinema to see it, and coming out wishing for crazy aunts who make midnight margaritas in blenders! My favourite line is "being normal rather denotes a lack of courage"

It's nice to unearth some favourite movies now and then. And the run up to Halloween is the perfect time to cosy up and do so... 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We were meeting Sue and Pete for lunch in Arnold at the Coopers Brook. We had such a lovely meal there at Andrew and Adams pre wedding bash that we decided to take them there. It's a bit more expensive than just a meal in town, but worth it. It's not like we are constantly out like we used to be, so it doesn't matter. 

Before that we needed to post something and get a few bits from Primani. A shirt for Kev to complete his Halloween outfit etc. We saw a couple of NBC items one of which is a hoodie. I got one, but it's too small, so I'll need to take it back, they look a bit deceptive and I don't like anything too tight as it actually makes you look worse. Kev got a lovely T-shirt with Jack on too... Its not often we find decent stuff in there. So I'll take my hoodie back and see if they have a bigger size if not, I'll just get a refund. 

We had to get our flu and covid jabs later that afternoon, the queue was massive. But it was in and out in about half an hour. 

It meant I'd done over a thousand steps, so it was a feet up evening and we watched a couple more episodes of The Fall of the House of Usher on Netflix. I must say it's very well done, and a little gruesome. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Not so busy, but we had to get everyone out by four pm. Not an easy task. The last guy I had was dragging his feet on purpose, then the lights dimmed and he got the idea! I don't know why they get so belligerent, you shouldn't be doing a huge shop at that time of day to begin with if you want my opinion, you  probably don't want it, but you have it anyway... 

I got home feeling a bit rough,the beginnings of a cold, I've been dosing myself up ever since, Vics for the win. 

Monday.

Rest day, so a lie in, with a brief visit to the living room during the night for more ibuprofen and paracetamol, feeling a bit better, just got to keep on top of it, and not stop having the hot lemon and honey just because I'm feeling better. 

Kev went in loft and got the tree down, and he decorated it swapped out the corner light for it. It's now sitting twinkling in its place. With Nemily attached to the top, as our chosen topper! She's loving it, because it's winding Sadie up! Lol... 

In Between Days

Friday.

Kev was at work on overtime, so I got up, the deliveroo Mr Ian bought the Aldi shopping, and then I set too and cleaned and sorted the kitchen. 

Once that was done, I showered topping up my colours ( the green and purple last about 7 washes) so I got some wash in temporary ones. 

Then I had lunch with Willow a good cuddle helps us both. Once ahead was settled on her bed and fast off I det to on my desk. Preparing stuff to post and dyalog pages. 

By the time I did one side of a table talker, Kev was on his way home. 

Saturday.

Chaos. Work on the refit has begun in earnest and so has the customer moaning. Why are you moving stuff? What me? Personally? Not touched a thing. He'll, all day. Drives you completely bonkers.

Charlotte had been out pumpkin picking, and got a lovely one for us too, and a little Frankie figure. Very kind of her. 

I'd also got home to a cute gift from Sara and Andy a bauble with Whitby Abbey in it. Lovely and will look lovely on the tree when it goes up next week. 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

We got up and ready to go out, we were meeting my niece Karen for lunch. She had a gift for us, a handmade beautiful gift of bunting. 15 metres divided in to 5 3 metre lengths. An early Christmas/Halloween present. It is stunning. Included a bag to keep it so clever and unique. I'm blown away by her thoughtfulness, and ingenuity. 

We sat and eat, and chatted until she had to go. Looking forward to seeing her at the Halloween party on the 28th. 

We got the bus back home and then chilled out, Kev being at work an extra day on Friday. We watched the series of Interview with the Vampire on BBC2, even though I've watched and rewatched it a few times before. It still takes my breath away, how good it is, the purists won't like it, but I think it's a better version than the movie, more honest, and more graphic. The story that needed to be told, the love hate between Louis and Lestat and the pure evil in Lestat that makes him the Brat Prince he truly is. Excellently played by Sam Reid... 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Miserable day, so Kev dried the washing in the dryer over at the centres laundry room. 

A chilled day, with a lovely visit from Charlotte, nice to have her back, the bathroom all done now and she is very happy with it. It will certainly help. I know first hand having a walk in shower can help when you're mobility is impaired.

Later on we went to meet Jason and Cathy and Bentley Potts at the Rose and Crown. It's the first visit since it reopened. Can't say they covered themselves in glory. They weren't doing food, then they were, the fridges and freezers were on the blink, then the chef wasn't on... Make your minds up guys. 

We decamped to the Manvers instead after one drink. 

Now that was a different story, the welcome was good, the food even better, and they had dog treats and bought Bentley a bowl of water. 

After a long while of us thinking it would be overpriced and snooty, we couldn't be proved any more wrong. Nice atmosphere and reasonably priced meals. I think we will be back. Sorry Rose and Crown you blew your chance. 

Lovely to see Jason and Cathy as it always is, they bought us some lovely gifts ( total surprise) Jack Skellington mugs, skull candle, wine and chocolates too. Really spoiled us both. 

Bentley is such a cutie, soft as butter and you can tell he loves them both already. As he is loved in return. Its nice to see. 

They gave us lift home, and promises exchanged to meet up again in the new year in Matlock. Can't meet in Derby now, the place is a dump and not a safe one by the sounds of it. And Burton is out, apart from the upcoming funeral we won't set foot in the place, enough bad memories to put us off for life. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Busy day at work, but it petered out towards the end and we got out of work easily. The 58 was late however and it was a bit scary as we only just got to the bus stop in time for the Cotgrave bus. 

Monday.

Chilled out day at home I had pages to catch up on, and other projects on the go. I'd had a bad night, so we had a lie in, I'd woken up in the night feeling nauseous and after a lot of dry heaving eventually managed to settle myself back down after an hour or so. So we didn't wake up until gone 9.30 am, which is late for us. 

I had my delivery from Dyan's Halloween release and I had a play. Light food day to rest my tum, and an early night to boot. 

Tuesday.

Upat 8am, feeling altogether better, and a nice day out there, unseasonably warm for October we headed to Castle Marina to shop. Nothing major just bits and bobs really, I wanted to look at the new pj's but they all had long sleeves and that's a no-no, I have tropical moments in the night still, and long sleeves make me even worse. I have some Sally ones which are fabulous, but I need the sleeves cutting off before I can wear them ( I got them home not realising they had sleeves! Easy to do. 

We were going to buy sandwiches and sit by the canal but the choices in there were so poor, all on white bread, all with tomatoes which I can't have, so off we popped to Maccy D's. Not my favourite for lunch, as I prefer the breakfasts. So I chose what I could without fries and then we set back off towards home. 

I watched the new stamp release by Dyan which are beautiful, but all my budget has gone this month so it'll be a next month purchase, as I have a party to pay for, drinks and food which ain't gonna come cheap. Thankfully we don't need to pay for the venue! I'm currently researching two cocktails one alcoholic, one not, for those driving or those that don't wish to drink. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Work.

A couple of customers mentioned my hair, all but one complimentary. The one that wasn't I dealt with as nicely as I could. Do you always have weird hair? Was the question. Answer: Yes, however not always these colours. What's weird for you is normal for me. One thing I've learned in life is be myself. I have my hair done to please me, no one else. 

The guy in question just looked sheepish and shut up. They don't expect you to reply intelligently or at all. Love it.

Other than that the day was OK. We got both buses by the skin of our teeth, and the tram down so that was better than having to walk down the hill. The city was busy we noticed.

Charlotte came over to see us, and give us an update on how the bathroom is coming along.

In Between Days.

Friday.

Hair day. 

I was at the hairdressers from 11am until 2.30pm. It was the full works, black dye and bleach followed by toners, this time in purple and green. Half and half. Amanda did an amazing job as always. I like it at Blu, there are no whispering girls talking about previous clients or those who have just gone out the door. They are always busy, and friendly. 

I've walked out of salons where I've felt uncomfortable, or, where they've not listened to what I want. Amanda is willing to experiment and like today was inspired by my new bag to do a green and purple mix. I might now be 60, but I'm certainly not leaving the salon with an old lady "do"!

Anyway by the time I got home and had lunch it was late in the afternoon, so we chilled out watching our favourite streams on YouTube. 

In Between Days.

Thursday. 

Expecting a parcel we decided to take a risk and go out anyway. It was an Evri delivery so we know our one for Cotgrave is pretty decent. It's the post office we have trouble with, so we knew she would leave it in the box on the shelving. 

We went down to Lady Bay. It's a bit of a trek from the embankment, but, if we take our time and go for a coffee first I can generally make it all right. 

We nipped in Greggs and they have the gingerbread bats available again of course we had to get some! Along with a pumpkin spice latte for Kev and a hazelnut hot chocolate for me. That set us up for a wander round the shops. I got the paper tableware for the party, some paper to line my cards, and some lemon tea ( which we haven't found anywhere else!) The powdered version not the tea bags is missing from the shelves in Sainsbury's and Tesco, but we found it the food warehouse that's down there. 

When we got back the parcel was waiting for us, exactly where we thought it would be.

I set to and started writing my Halloween cards ready to post tomorrow. Apart from the few we will hand out in person. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Kev got the washing done and then nipped to the post office for me. I had a couple ofthings to send. 

Later on we had a visit from Charlotte who is away from home while her bathroom is being transformed. We had lunch together and caught up. Ian is home keeping his eye on the place and the progression of the work. 

And what have we learned this week... That people will hijack your post to get attention for themselves. It's happened a couple of times of late and some of their comments have been very passive aggressive, so, I'll be keeping tabs on them over the next few weeks. I might have to block them. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Lovely day. We met Sue and Pete for lunch at Lloyd's no.1 and I discovered they do small plates on their menu too. So as I'd been craving fish and chips I had that and a pint of cider... nom nom

Later at home I watched the live release of the new Halloween goodies from Dyan... It was wicked, and of course I got the bundle. My favourite was the coffin stencils. They'll be dead useful excuse the pun. 

I joined in the chat too, the first time in an age, even on the Dandelion club chat. Baby steps at building my confidence back up online. All it takes is one nasty troll and it can put you off completely. 

Anyway, my order should be here next week, so I can put them to use in this months dyalog. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Work. It went well, apart from being cold. They have started the refit and the heating has been shut off for now. It's amazing how cold it can get on shop floor and the tills. Michelle Illet left me her fingerless gloves bless her.

I got home just in time to catch the Tim Holtz live with the Stamptember release of stamps and stencils. Very nice set. 

Sunday.

Busy from the off and right up to close. It was a little warmer, but I kept my jacket on, as it wasn't that warm to peel back to short sleeves.

Liz gave us a lift home which was very kind of her. We got home about 5.20, which is much earlier than we would do, even though we got held up in traffic because of the football.