In Between Days

Sunday.

What a day! It started out steady then by 11ish all hell broke loose, the system went down which meant no smart shop. And my checkout broke to add insult to injury. The queues were horrendous. People were either really nice and trying to be supportive because they could see we were up against it, or silent when you said hello, nothing. I let it go over my head and acted as if they were the only ones in the queue. I chatted to those willing, and those who didn't want to speak I left alone, being polite, but not engaging or trying to in conversation. It worked out fine. 

Tracy didn't get her break by 2.30pm, so I shut my till and took her off, she needed to take meds, eat and use the loo. I know how that feels, so once she'd been she nipped onto the one I'd been using and we plowed on. I looked at the amount of people waiting and thought there would be no chance of getting away on time, but I was wrong, we managed to pull it off somehow, special shout out to Heather who even though she wasn't actually in work, came and took the hangers etc from both me and Jodie and tided up a bit, which was a big help.

We made both buses, and caught up with the little Asian guy that we see at the bus stop. We haven't seen him for a few weeks so he had lots to say, bless him. He kept trying to teach Kev to say Happy New Year in Vietnamese for some strange reason. Nice bloke if a little weird. 

Anyhow, we got home and I went for a shower while Kev did the party snacks, we had that bottle of red that Sue gave us last week, zero alcohol would you believe, but it tasted like the real deal. We were both shattered and it wasn't long before we went to bed. Waking up when all the fireworks went off. Kev got up, and I got up after a bit, but we both needed the rest. When I think back to the days at the pub how we would be open 24 hours on a NYE and work through to 7am, I don't know how we did it. Mind you, we were both 15 years younger than we are now...  Says a lot. Right, Happy New Year everyone. My phone isn't connecting properly, and I'm not able to send or receive calls or texts, so if you've sent one other than on Facebook and I haven't replied, that's why. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Hair day. Early appointment and not the full works, just roots and cut. 

Looks lovely as always. So glad I was recommended to try Blu, Amanda does a great job.

Charlotte nipped round later on, then it was an early night ready for work the next day.

Saturday. 

Started off calm, ended up really bloody hectic. We aren't even shut. 

Saw a couple of my regulars, and picked up a Christmas club card to start collecting for next year. The points we saved up were disappointing this year, didn't make much of a dent into the bill, so this year we are going to chuck a tenner each month on the card then add that to the points we will have to spend by then. That should cover what we need and then some. It's a plan at least. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

A wet grotty morning so I made shower bombs and my pages for my dyalog...

I soon dropped back into making the shower bombs like I'd never stopped. For those of you thatdont know what they are, you place them on the floor of your shower tray just where the stream of warm water hits and allow the essential oils to escape as the bomb dissolves. I used to make bath bombs and shower bombs once upon a time, but I stopped because paper crafting took over. 

But I fancied making a few for myself and Charlotte.

I really enjoyed it and I made some menthol ones for me, which will help with my blocked nose. In fact just making them helped a great deal, leaving them in the bedroom to dry overnight really helped too, so much so that I slept better and could breathe again easier. That in turn made the cold easier to cope with.  

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day as normal, I have started with a cold, thanks no doubt to the  person at work coming in when they were poorly, great! I doused myself up with meds, and wrapped up warm and cosy. 

We had a more in depth clear out and found out all my bath bomb instruments so that I can make some shower melts tomorrow.

So it was a curled up on the sofa kind of day. 

Charlotte cameround and we chatted played some games and had a laugh. 

Later on Kev and I watched the Super Mario Bros. Shouldn't have bothered. Pretty pictures and familiar sounds from the games, but really not worth watching. 

I went to bed around 10.30 pm feeling really grotty, smothered myself in Vics and tried to rest. 

      

In Between Days

Tuesday. Boxing Day.

We woke up at Sue's and went down to breakfast, bacon sarnies, nom nom... We had coffee and chatted, before heading back home. We wanted to get back for Willow as she'd been on her own for 24 hours, we knew she would be safe, but I don't like to leave her too long, and it's not like auntie Charlotte could pop round as normal as she was away. 

We got home, roads were a tad busier than the day before, but not manic. 

Kev put lunch on, and I fussed Willow lots, fed her and got her comfy, she was very happy to have us home and she got oodles of fuss... 

We sorted out more of the gifts we received from Sue and Pete, they bought us two tins of mulled cider tea ( non alcohol) from Bird and Blend that we love... So Kev made us a pot. 

We had a nice relaxed day.

In Between Days

 Christmas Day. Monday 

We got up at 8 am, which is about our usual time. 

Showered and opened gifts. Obviously didn't take as long as normal because we had mostly given each other the bigger gifts with the exception of my beautiful new loungefly backpack. A Halloween one I'd fallen in love with, and had missed out on, but Kev had tracked down for me. 

I had some lovely gifts from friends, Trish and Sarah with their usual quirky style, Charlotte adding to my NBC collection, and a fabulous collage book from Hanna Haspe, which was a complete surprise. Stamps and spooky photos from the lovely Joyce. 

We set to and put all the stuff in their new homes, before Pete collected us.

As always we had a fantastic day with Sue and Pete, we never take for granted their invite to spend the day with them. Going so long without family to share the day with ( and actually enjoy it!) Makes us really look forward to the following one. 

The dinner was gorgeous as always, the company was fun, despite three abortive attempts at playing new board  games, next year I'm thinking a less complicated quiz would be more appropriate. We watched the Pottery Throw Down and the final Ghosts episode. Now I know how the Friends fan base felt when they aired the last one! We know it's time to pull the plug, but we still just want it to go on forever. But I think it might be a box set buy so we can re watch from the start. 

The day was relaxing and after the full on work days we had before it much needed. 

In Between Days

Saturday. 23rd

Manic first off, got fed up with people telling me it was busier the day before... I wasn't there, do you want me to feel guilty about that? Because I don't, this is my 44th Christmas at Sainsbury's, I've done enough over my time, seen fights over carrots, had a frozen turkey thrown at me, reduced pork pies and thrown them out the doors to waiting customers to catch. All the things. It calmed down later, and I got off the checkouts in time to get the buses home OK.

Sunday. Christmas Eve

Again manic, mostly happy people, couple of grinches, first thing, the happy mood deteriorated as it got into afternoon. You could tell people had been out to pub, thinking they are being humorous. And then sarky, and then mildly aggressive. Lots of younger ones trying their luck with no ID for booze. But Tracy Milano and Michelle Illet made sure I got off on time to get buses home, Tracy also made sure Kev got away on time. 

Home and chill out time with nibbles and drinkies...

In Between Days.

The weather is awful at the moment and so Kev nipped into the village while I stayed here. 

I cracked on with a couple of projects like more of the globes and prepping pages in my dyalog so that all I need to do is write in them on the actual days. 

Charlotte came round with Ian's help. We made her comfortable and we watched TV, played board games on the Xbox and chatted. She's getting around on crutches ok and is doing well all things considered. I think she will be fine so long as she follows Dr's orders now and once she is back to work.

Friday.

Another grim day weather wise. Kev went to Heron for the last few bits we will need, while I sat and waited for a parcel to arrive that didn't come. DPD driver has delivered it to the wrong address. They aren't honest enough to say it isn't theirs. Oh well, getting a full refund from the company I purchased the item from next week. Bloody useless these couriers. Early night as a full shift tomorrow. Two more to do then relax... 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. Thankfully, no hassle. 

I had my letter with the results of my diabetic eye scan. All clear! It's always a relief when I get that letter, and now I can go every two years now. I hate going, as its my biggest fear is losing my sight, I would rather die than go blind. And I don't just mean that as a throw away comment. I really mean it. But I go because detecting stuff early is always better than leaving them until its too late.

Charlotte went for her knee op today and we were worried about her until we heard everything was OK. No procedure is "simple" or "routine" people shouldn't dismiss them as such. Every little invasion into our bodies is a big deal. It annoys me as much as someone dismissing what's wrong with you with, "There's always someone worse off than you" Bollocks! What happens to you as an individual is very important. It just means they don't think you're as important as you thought they did, or they just have no empathy. So before those words come out of your mouth, stop and actually listen to the person concerned. Rant over. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Up bright and early to go to Sainsbury's in Castle Marina to get the big shop before Christmas, we wanted it done so we don't have to leave the village until work at the weekend. It's too peopley out there... 

Anyway, we got most of what we wanted, doing smart shop, as the cashiers there are not very friendly or helpful. We decided to get an uber back. The logic was this, if we bought stuff for lunch as in a carpet picnic as we call it, the amount we saved on eating out would pay for the ride home. 

I must admit I've never used an uber before but I was very impressed. Very quick service, great that you have already paid, and a pleasant driver. It definitely saved Kev lugging stuff back down by the canal and on the bus. 

Later on I had booked Dyan's stripy tree class as I've never done that one before, and throughly enjoyed it. We laughed, cried, learned new ( to me) techniques. Wore pj's and silly hats and I wore my flashy bauble necklace. Not forgetting sang Dolly Partons Hard Candy Christmas... I shall definitely do it again next year! 

It's amazing that the pandemic made Dyan do these classes online, as before I would never have had the chance to join in them at all, so it was good for one thing, maybe two, as that how I started my dyalog journey. 

 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Not much to say other than the shop was manic, and the buses haywire at both ends on the way home. Fed up with it really, but not much we can do, but dreading next weekend already. Home and an early night.

Sunday.

Much the same, more buses delayed, and even trams not running as they should. We ended up getting a taxi home because the bus was going to be so late that it made more sense to get home than hang around town. The town was busy, especially the ice rink and sky skate. 

Monday.

Kev was in work again extra, so me and Willow had a lie in after he had gone in. I did a few chores, caught up with my pages in my Dyalog and made a few cards, I always forget someone. So they're all done now. 

The post came with the parcels they couldn't deliver on Saturday. All gifts to go into the sack for Christmas morning. 

My leg was playing up today, my right one this time,  some sharp pains in the ankle that made me catch my breath every so often. Guess I've just got to learn to live with both legs hurting at one time or another. 

So plenty of cuddles with Willow helped as always. She is such a good girl and always up for love and purrs are healing ( I believe they are anyway) I swear that's why I healed quicker.

Kev left work early as he wasn't needed as long but again he had to battle late buses so it took him awhile to get home. 

We watched the new Indiana Jones movie, The Dial of Destiny 

In Between Days

Friday.

Kevs Birthday.

We went for lunch with Charlotte to The Manvers to celebrate. Once again we had a lovely lunch. 

They have it decorated for Christmas very nicely and sat us by the tree... Kev really enjoyed himself, and the waitress even bought him a rum in honour of his Birthday, how nice!

We went to Sainsbury's afterwards and got food for the weekend and sandwiches for tea so Kev had a complete day off. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. 

I set to and batch made Walter. Then I made a few things like a snow globe, and a card or two... 

Great fun, bar a bit of swearing! Tim's small dies are beautiful but can be a little frustrating to put together. But I do think batch making is the way to go... 

Thursday.

Although it was dull, we went on the bus, Kev using his bus pass! To the embankment and then the walk down to Lady Bay. Plenty of rest stops and a hot chocolate at Greggs and a sit down in there to boot. We started at Hobbycraft. Must say I get more and more disappointed with them. Nothing out of the ordinary and apart from their own brand basic tools and packs nothing new and exciting. At one time you couldn't drag me away, now sometimes I can't be arsed to go in... 

We went in the food warehouse to find those ginger oaty biscuits zero sugar ones by gullon. And yay! They had them... 

There is a one below where pound stretcher was now, so we popped in there, got some more candy cane style baubles for the tree, and a gumball machine that we have a joint project planned for... Watch this space for updates... 

Got home as the rain started to come down, and luckily the post came after we got home with my set of books I'd ordered from Waterstones. The Mayfair Witches, as they were some of the ones I couldn't replace on kindle after having to sell them when we left the pub. After watching the series on I player I wanted to re read them again. So I got all three for £15 brand new with free p&p. So when Kev went in to watch the football I sat with Willow on my knee and started reading The Witching Hour... Old books you've read before are like seeing an old friend. A gentle reminder of the parts you've forgot, and bring back some very poignant memories. Like the last time I read this one was one winter when we were living at Grafton Road in Burton. In those days I spent a lot of evenings on my own, as Kev was on nights, and would curl up on the sofa with Rouble and Molochai and read for hours. Both beautiful cats, sadly gone but not forgotten. None of them are... We've had some amazing cats, all with their own unique personalities... 

In Between Days

Monday.

Kev was at work extra. I settled back down and me and Willow cuddled up and drifted back off to sleep until 8ish. I got up showered and dressed, getting my dyalog up to date was my first task, along with having breakfast feeding Willow and washing pots.

Charlotte popped over later to keep me company. Poor lass is struggling and in a lot of pain. I'm hoping they get her in for her knee op soon. 

My Diecember Walter came and I'm happy to say he is so cute and I love him. I can see a production line coming on... 

Tuesday 

We saw Pete and Sue for lunch at The Manvers, and very nice it was. The food was really good. Its really thanks to Jason and Cathy that we started going in there. But I'm quite impressed with the food and service. 

The next time we see Sue and Pete will be Christmas Day... Kev has already bought the desert, we only have the fresh to buy now. I can't wait, we always have a lovely time there, nice and relaxed and fun. 

We got back and I finished my first card using Walter and I have plans for more... 

In Between Days

Saturday.

The decent in to madness that is work. 

Big orders and queues at each till. 

But it made the day go by really fast, and most people were in good humour. 

The Calverton whizzed past us as we went to crossing. It was early and had no intention of stopping so we got the 58, that meant we missed the 33 and had to wait for the Cotgrave. 

Sunday.

Another hectic day, It was hard to get everyone out.Again big orders, lots of people taking advantage of the offers on gifting and wine. The clothing stunt finished on Saturday but there were still plenty of takers for it though... 

The Cotgrave was 10 mins late so obviously we were late home. 

Kev's in tomorrow, so he went to bed fairly early. Silly boy has agreed to do all the Monday's now until Christmas... Sooner him than me... 

In Between Days

Friday.

Diabetic eye scan. Yuk, hate it beyond words... Glad it's over. Lauren kindly took us down in the car, waited for us, nipped us to the post office and kept me company as Kev went and posted stuff, because I couldn't see properly. Then bought us home. 

Very kind of her, bless her, and much appreciated by me. It helped a lot as was a bit keyed up.  

I got home, my vision didn't comeback properly for about six hours. The stuff they used has made them very dry, or dryer than they were. Glad it's done with and hopefully the results will come back OK... So I did bugger all once I got home. Just chilled out... 

Big news, Kev got his bus pass today and can use it right away! It's a big deal, it will save him £915 a year to start with for not having to buy a saver card for Trent Barton. Then £15/20 a week for NCT buses and Trams... He'll notice a big difference... I'll notice a big difference not having to loan him the £915 annually to buy the saver card, which he paid me back monthly... Plus now, he can get any bus, even the 33 without having to pay a bean! 

In Between Days

Wednesday. 

Wash day. Another heavy frost and really cold. So Kev did the washing and hunted for the missing decorations. We eventually found everything apart from Jack and Sally's hats. God knows where they are hidden. 

Kev went down to Heron to get a few things and found two new santa hats for them. We will probably find the old ones now. Anyhow, these new ones look OK if not. 

I got some more cards done and caught up in my dyalog. As well as some chores. 

Thursday

Despite it raining, I hadn't left the house since Saturday, so we got ready and went to Asda at forest fields on the tram. Straight there and shopped, then back on the tram, and then back home. We managed to get quite a bit done that we needed including batteries, so that all our light up decorations do exactly that for the few weeks they are up. 

I finished my cards once we got home and we wrapped the postal gifts we need to get in the post this next week. 

In Between Days

. Monday.

Kev was at work, luckily it rained overnight and washed the snow away, some still clinging on but not anywhere important like the roads, so he got buses OK. I had loads to do,  finishing prepping my new dyalog for this month. I also wanted to write my cards, but I didn't get very far. I'll do them tomorrow. Time flies and it was soon time for Kev to get home. 

Tuesday.

Still raining, so we stayed home, plus Kev needed to rest up from the day before. We didn't really need much in the way of shopping and what we did need Kev got from a walk into the village. I got my cards written, and Kev bought stamps so I could post them tomorrow or Thursday. 

I need to make more cards to hand out here so I'll start those while Kev does the washing. I've ordered some warm winter tread boots. Since the operation on my right that leg feels the cold. So along with thermal socks if I have fur lined boots it should stop some of the pain the cold causes. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Again bitterly cold, I layered up, tights, socks, thermal cami, t shirt and Christmas jumper. Work trousers and big padded coat, ear muffs and fingerless gloves. 

It was cold on the checkouts but, luckily it was mega busy so I didn't have chance to think about it. 

We made the Calverton by the skin of our teeth, and walked down the hill in the hopes of catching the 33. We did, but again, by a hair! 

We got home, Kev put jacket potatoes in while we got changed and thawed out. Hot mulled cider tea. 

We watched another couple Mayfair Witches episodes and then an early night ready for work.

Sunday.

The alarm went off, and we got up and dressed. Kev opened the curtains to find a blanket of snow. We had breakfast and did all the usual routine before work. Only then did Kev check the bus times. Only to discover that not only were the buses in Cotgrave not running, but the NCT weren't either. 

Snow day it was, Kev called in work and told them we couldn't get. The last time Kev and Charlotte got stuck in town and Kev fell, looking for a taxi to get them home, found one who charged them the earth, and then refused to take them any further than the Shepherds leaving them to walk all that way to the village. They got home around 8.30 pm. Not willing to risk me falling again, or the weather to get worse leaving us stranded, I'd rather lose a day's pay, and a possible reprimand. 

Luckily we had food in thinking we'd be at work, so we changed and did the indoor Christmas decorations. 

In Between Days

Friday. 

Really bitterly cold with a heavy frost which made me careful as we went for the bus because of falling. We were heading into town to me Karen to give her our present and have lunch. 

The Roebuck was heaving but she had snagged us a table in the back room. 

We had lunch and chatted, eventually we left around three, but only because of getting the bus home. It was lovely to see her and spend time with her. 

In the evening once home and showered, Kev put Mayfair Witches on iplayer. We've been waiting to see this since last year. I've read the books, Lasher, The Witching hour and Taltos. 

Hopefully if the first episode is anything to go by it should be good... 

In Between Days

Thursday 

Big delivery day, Argos bought our new air fryer, early too... Then the cat clock came, which took a bit of time to set up, it's done now and I love it. We started some of the decor, but I think the bulk of it will get done Monday. 

I can't believe it's December already. We have a candle advent calendar to start and I have a new dyalog to start.