In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. 

Val said the dryer wasn't working but Kev got it to work. The fault must be intermittent. It's about time they replaced it methinks. Like Kev said, we have people who have carers come to their homes and might need to wash bedding etc, how the hell do they cope? Unless they go use the ones at Spring Meadow, as they have 2 there apparently. Not good enough when we all pay for it... 

I got some pages started and a couple finished in my ledger journal. 

Kev went to watch the football in the bedroom but before he did he used his Xbox credit to buy me Beetlejuice Beetlejuice.  So I can watch it whenever I like. Obviously I put it on and sat giggling watching it, it so funny, I love how Delores staples herself together and how Lydia looks amazing... 

Thursday. 

We had a lie in until 9 am, the sun was shining, but it was still bitterly cold. We went out to The Shepherds for lunch as Kev had another voucher, so we decided to go. I wore my new sunglasses, a free gift from Temu, so I went out looking for all the world like Magenta Devine. If you don't know who she was, check online. Back in the 80's she was a style icon and presenter on The Tube and other shows. I'll pop a picture below of her... 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Despite the rain we went out. We ventured down to Lady Bay as Kev had spotted a few bits in the Range and he wanted to see if they were still there. And they were. All Christmas things but good bargains that can be stashed in the loft boxes and will come in handy for gifts etc next time. Pennies compared to what they were before they went on sale. I also got my Temu package when we got back. That had a summer dress in ready for my holiday and a makeup bag again for our holiday, and the make up brush dryer. All useful stuff, and I was most impressed with the dress, the first piece of clothing I've risked. It's just a cotton sundress, but it looks ideal. 

Later on I watched the new release from Dyan some gorgeous new stamps,and I had to order those. 

Charlotte came round in the evening and we started watching the US Traitors. Exactly the same format as ours, but they have former reality stars in their version. Obviously we don't know anyone of them. Z listers the lot of them, and all the women are face lift victims, been stretched more than lycra. One black woman has been so surgically enhanced she looks like melted chocolate. I do wish people would realise how awful they looked. Plastic surgery should be there to correct disfigurements, burns victims and the like. It'll be interesting to see how it all plays out. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

After a lie in we headed to West Bridgeford for Breakfast out at 200° coffee house. It was really busy, but we timed it right to get a table. It was so nice to have the Sunday for ourselves. We then went into M&S to shop, we got what we needed and headed back home. It had gone cold and wintery in the time we had been out, and it poured with rain once we got home. Making us glad we had come home when we had. We cosied up and watched some TV which we don't get the chance to do normally. I've started a new book The Highgate Cemetery Murder, so I read a couple of chapters of that before it was time to watch Pottery Throw Down. The potters on that are amazing this time, with the odd exception, and the stuff they turn out is just stunning. It was lovely to have a Sunday off. 

Monday.

I watched the Tim Holtz live from Saturday evening, and it gave me a few ideas for cards and projects. I've started a few, but now I want to start making a few backgrounds using my oxide inks. Now I'm not doing a daily dyalog, I'm finding more time for my card making, and I'm really enjoying it again. I have had periods where I don't want to make cards but, the bug has bitten me again, and I'm trying out some techniques and digging out some products I've got buried in my stash. I love how Tim encourages you and inspires you to play with the stuff you already have, and although part of me is sad that he isn't going to be designing any more stuff, you can see he is enjoying being able to create what he wants again instead of having to promote what he has just bought out. He will still be doing lives, but just tutorials using products that are already out there in his range. I know I have enough stuff to keep me going for years. 

Kev's knee is still playing up, and I can tell he is in a lot of pain by the wincing when he moves without thinking. You know he is hurting when he takes tablets and uses the revitive to get the circulation going. However, trying to persuade him to go to the Doctors is another matter. We will see. 

He did manage to repot the succulent plant from Gertie into the freshly blood splattered Regan. I'm very pleased at how She looks. 

In Between Days

Friday.

A windy stormy day. Kev did me a huge favour by going to Hobbycraft to get me some Posca pens, I'd run out, and ordered some on Amazon, but as has happened before they didn't come. I sorted out a refund. So Kev said he would go for me. While he was there he got a few other things we needed like cat food and lunch for us for the weekend. I made a few cards.

Later on we watched the Traitors final and Uncloaked the after show which is like the one they have on after the Apprentice "You're Fired". It was a great final and although she put up a good fight, I'm glad the Faithful won for a change. 

Saturday.

We decided to stay in. Kev has hurt his knee somehow, twisted it, or jarred it. So we didn't want to put it under any more strain just in case. Like Kev said it was a good job we are off this weekend as he would have had to call on sick if he had been. I know that pain. So we stayed in watching YouTube and cuddling Willow, as we normally have to leave her alone all day, bless her. 

The planter I'd ordered from Killstar had come so we just need to get the potting compost so Kev can move the succulent ( the only surviving plant we have) so we have to order the right stuff, as shock horror all compost is not the same. 

In Between Days.

Thursday.

What a day! Up early because they were going to put the smart meter in anytime between 8 and 12 noon. 

It was a good job we were up as before 9, they came to clean the drains outside the community centre. We heard an awful gurgle and Kev went in to the bathroom to check because  it sounded so loud. What he found was disgusting, the room was sprayed with filthy smelly water! He went outside and told the guy doing the drains who came in and took photos of the damage done... He did come in and clean up the mess, the stench was awful. He did a good job, but we had to ventilate the room, and wash any soft materials in there. Kev did another deep clean after he had gone, the smell still lingering on, so we put all the wax melt warmers, candles etc on around the bungalow that we could. Eventually the smell subsided, thankfully. All you can smell now is bleach, cleaner and candles. 

In the interim the guys came and put in the smart meter in. 

When they were done, it took roughly half an hour, we caught the bus to The Shepherds and met Sue and Pete. We had a voucher for cheaper carvery, so we made the most of it and had a lovely lunch. Which we really deserved given the morning we'd just had. 

Lovely as ever to spend time with the pair of them, added to which we ran into Louise and her Mum in there. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. Dryer was working so no drama there. 

I made some cards and did a page in my ledger journal. 

Later on in the afternoon we watched The Popes Exorcist. Very good. As always the Catholic church coveri

ng their arses and sending an expendable into to do their dirty work. An enjoyable watch and I didn't know, that the priest concerned was a real priest and has written a few books on the subject. I find exorcism fascinating, that why I liked the Phil Rickman Merrily Watkins series as he was only one that wrote about a Church of England exorcist. Even though by the end of each book he would always find logical explanation for the events that unfolded as well a little nod to the fact it might not be completely explained.

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went into the city to meet Sue and Pete for lunch at the Slug and Lettuce. We went shopping first, so that when we came out we could jump straight on a bus, or that was the plan. We had a lovely catch up with them and good food too... 

When we went for the bus afterwards it said a 41 minute wait for a Cotgrave. So we kept warm by walking to M&S and getting a few extra bits. We then walked down to the bus station via the gardens they opened last year, where the old Broadmarsh was. It's the first time seeing it, and I was very underwhelmed. It looked like a building site. What a waste of time and money. 

Eventually we got on a bus home and what is normally a 30 minute trip took (with waiting) and hour and a half. Bloody ridiculous. 

In Between Days

Monday 

Pjs day. And do nothing Monday. Only it wasn't exactly do nothing I went through the bathroom cupboards and got rid of lots of half bottles, cleaned the sink and loo. Then used my new make up brush cleaner machine and liquid. I bought one for a gift last year and thought it was about time I got one for myself. It worked great, the only thing is this one doesn't dry them, so I have bought a dryer too. It will mean I can clean them more often without having to wait an couple of days while they dry. If you're in the market for one yourself, make sure you get one with a dryer included. Having had a clear out of my make up earlier this month, it was time to bin or clean my brushes and sponges etc. The maximum shelf life is two years for powers and creams of anything to do with your face. Don't let it sit there used or unused. Especially if you have sensitive skin, or contact lenses. 

My next task for this week off is to empty the wardrobe and get rid of some excess clothing either on Vinted or Charity shop. Like most, I only really wear certain pieces so, time to clear and sort what's left.

In Between Days

Saturday.

Work.

Not so bad underfoot and when we left Cotgrave a little warmer just a smidge, but when we got into the city the wind chill made it a lot colder. Customers were saying how cold it was all day. I kept my work jacket on all day, which is unusual for me. But it was a pleasant enough shift and although we missed the 33 we managed to get home for 5.30pm. Early night for us both as we both were knackered.

Sunday.

Cold from the start, I layered up and once again worked in my jacket. As I'd slept well the day flew by and was pleasant enough shift. It wasn't as busy first off but it did get busy around lunch. Thankfully it was a decent finish with customers clearing off early ( perhaps because most people were watching the Forest match) so we got out in plenty of time for the bus. 

We did have a bit of a scare at the Cotgrave bus stop as the timer said 46 minutes. But, Kev booked an Uber, then cancelled it as the bus showed up not long after. For once Trent Barton had the sense to put an extra bus on, again possibly because of the match, and the one that was running late passed us on the motorway with the lights out and saying not in service. Well done for once Trent Barton! 

And that's it we are week off now. Not doing anything amazing or going away, just having time at home, which we love. And so will Willow... 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We went out down by the canal to have a nosy round B&M and Homesense. We had coffee first at Costa on the Castle Marina site so I could rest my leg. After which we went to Homesense first. I couldn't believe how much reduced stuff in there, a lot of Christmas and even bits of Halloween! I found a skull candlestick for an unbelievable price ( £1.10 ) to be exact, in fact I took it to Kev at first to check it really was that price, and what's more it was intact! Winner! Then I spotted a jar we had our eye
on before down from £18 to £3! A slight bit of black paint missing on the knob on the lid, but nothing that Pop's repair shop couldn't fix... Last but not least 24 napkins with a cartoon Vampire on them for 70p! Even though there won't be a gathering for Halloween this year as we will only just be back from Florida, they'll come in. When I got to the checkout there must have been a further percentage off as I paid £4.10 for all three... Happy days! 

We then went into B&M and got a few bits like eggs, granulated sweetener and powdered spices we needed. We also found three of the baubles we bought full price before Christmas knocked down to 50p each , so we got those too, they'll go in the bauble box with the others, replacing the one we broke and a couple extra just in case. So a good day bargain hunting was had. We had an uber to The Shepherds and had a carvery, Kev had a voucher so we got those for £6 also... 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. For once the dryer was working! So Kev didn't have to trek to the Bridgeford launderette. 

So he got done. And we were able to get on with projects. Cards in my case, and pages in my ledger journal. 

Sadly this morning I dropped and smashed my ceramic Jack Skellington hand wash dispenser, I actually cried. Gutted as I was Kev found another one one online, so I was able to order a replacement. I dried my tears, and did so. My stuff means an awful lot to me, perhaps because when we were homeless I lost so much, so anything I have now I love so much and appreciate it all. It was a huge life lesson losing everything, and a wake up call. So now I have a roof over my head and in a position where I can have nice stuff again, I cherish all that I have. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Which felt like Wednesday because we went out yesterday and it threw me out. Obviously apart from Kev going to the Doctors at lunchtime we didn't go anywhere. I did dome shift round, the hall radiator cover now has the mini grandfather clock, headless knight, black cat and doug on it ss well as the peony flower vase arrangement on it. The "mantle" in the unliving room has Sadie in her peacock chair, faux fireplace, Poe with his Raven poem book stand.The other section has the raven candle holders, and three wick candle holder in the middle of those, plus Dave has returned with Vilbur the mild mannered Vampire to complete the look. The cute Halloween kids have been scattered between the Vampire shelf in the unliving room, and bedroom... On the whole I'm happy with how it looks for now, but you know me, I always move stuff around. Our nod to Valentine's day decor is limited to a cute little heart bearing ghostie ( thanks Kev!) And my skeleton hands forming a heart shape. Both of these reside under the wire spooky tree. So for now job done... 

In Between Days

Monday.

We usually stay in on a Monday, but as Kev is at the Doctors tomorrow lunchtime we decided to go out so we didn't have rush our day out to get back in time. 

We got the buses to Home Bargains at the Riverside retail park. We had a good look round there, Poundland and Food Warehouse. Got a few bits we needed, then we got the bus to Riverside Farm and had a carvery. We then got the bus back to the station and got the Cotgrave back home. It made a nice change, and tomorrow I have plans to rearrange the moveable decor

around in the unliving room and hall. I've had a few ideas... I do like changing things around... 

In Between Days.

Friday.

In true hermit fashion I hunkered down and didn't move far today. It was white underfoot and it never lifted at all. I'm going to have to go out there early morning and I'll admit I'm scared. I have Kev to hang on to and we will set off out to the bus stop early so I can take my time. 

So I started couple of pages in my ledger journal. Just the basics but it's a start. I also read a little. This morning we had a smashing little visit from Sue and Pete. As always it was good to see them. 

Kev managed to make room in the outside lean-to for the wreath box. He also emptied a box to use on the rack outside the door being as he couldn't find one to buy to replace the one we used in the loft. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Despite a heavy frost we ventured out and decided to go somewhere different. We get bored just pottering round the city. So we took the route we take to work and went to the Arnold area. We went in the B&M at the Madford Retail Park, and the Homebase that's closing. I found a few bits in B&M but not the candlesticks I wanted. So we nipped into the Aldi further up. We didn't find much, but it was nice to look around somewhere else for a change. 

We grabbed a quick drink and some lunch at the Maccy Ds and then headed home. It was bitterly cold and when we got home we had a hot winter spice ribeina with added fireball to warm us up. 

The temperature dropped overnight to minus five. Kev put the heating on constant in order to help Willow keep warm. We tried covering with a blanket but she wouldn't stay in it... At least we bought everything we needed so we won't need to venture out on Friday... 

In Between Days.

Well, wash day again and once again the dryer wasn't working so Kev had to go to the launderette in Bridgeford. I'm getting that I get cash out on purpose so that we can do that. It obvious that the dryer has an intermittent fault, so until they either replace it, or the weather gets better we have to accept that we will have to do that. We haven't got room for a dryer, or dry buddy, so that's not even a consideration. It was icy underfoot so I stayed home, and I'm glad I did because Kev fell. He was OK, but later on he started to ache. He went into the bedroom to watch the football while I sat with Willow and watched the Traitors. 

In Between Days.

Tuesday.

We met Sue and Pete early for lunch as Sue, Kev and I were going to the cinema at 1.10 to see Nosferatu. We had a nice lunch as always at the Slug and Lettuce. Pete went off home, he wasn't feeling great and didn't think he could sit through a whole movie at the cinema. Anyhow, us three went in and got settled. Two women came up and said we were in their seats, which we weren't as they soon found out! Then after all the adverts. Two blokes came in and sat my side in the empty seats. Asian guys, the one nearest to me, dropped his drink, luckily in a bottle, proceeded to be a nuisance by having his phone out, Bluetooth headset on that flashed every so often, and if he wasn't cramming his face with food, sweets or pop was texting. Pain in the arse. I did look at him daggers at one point and he put his phone away. 

Besides that I'm really glad we went. The movie was stunning, great acting from the cast, the cinematography was fantastic as we're the special effects and make up they used to bring the monster to life. And believe me, a monster he is, not your dinner jacket cape wearing Vampire, an ugly, rotting corpse with no redeeming features whatsoever. The mess he made feeding was revolting and in places stomach churning. How Lily Rose Depp managed to kiss him was beyond me, I'd have thrown up... But it's supposed to be that way, the original Dracula was a horrific monster, the dapper gentleman came later with Henry Irving and Bela Lugosi's portrayal of him on stage. Even Count Orloc was ugly in the Murnau movie, and Hertzog one was of a similar ilk. So Eggers has taken it a step further, making him the very essence of a rotting plaque bringer... I throughly enjoyed it, yes I'll always love my dapper gents with fangs, but, to convey the true horror of any monster you need a true warts and all image. It was well told, brilliantly acted and maybe the best version I'll see, alongside the portrayal in The Last Voyage of the Demeter... So that's my review of the movie and I've already stuck a pre order in for the blu ray when it comes out. In the meantime I'm going to watch Both versions that I have (Murnau and Hertzog) for comparison and Shadow of the Vampire ( Wilem Dafoe plays Max Shrek playing Nosferatu, in the 1920s movie) Also a great portrayal if you have never seen it, you should. 

It was even nicer to have Sue along with us, we had a good giggle in some parts, only us two and Kev would find what we did amusing! 

We left Sue, to get her bus, and we went  get the tram down the hill, nipped for a few bits in Poundland, then got the bus home. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Full on de-Christmas of the bungalow. Started with Kev getting all the boxes out of the attic and sorting through them. Then once we knew where we were, we began taking all the decorations down and it took awhile. And always we missed bits here and there, things we found while we had moved on to another area. Only one casualty, a bauble. Not bad on the whole. I've shifted stuff about as well, leaving all the vampires together on the wall unit, putting Poe and the black cat in the hall with headless nic and the tall clock... The trick or Treat kids are back out of the window in the bedroom. Kev has his astronaut collection back out. It feels fresher, if a little subdued we still have the twig tree and orange lights and a collection of candles ( fake) and one real which is burning as I write on my new crow light up candle holder... 

So, we still have way too much stuff, it moves around to highlight what we have at given times. Will we get rid? maybe, maybe not. Will we buy more? Well, we are going to  Disney, you can be sure that some stuff will follow us home. I'm not fussed, we will sort it after the fact. If it annoys anyone else, not my problem. I can live without approval.... 

In the evening we chilled out and Willow settled down, she really doesn't like things changing and it bothers her boxes coming in and out. So she can rest easy now until the start of October. No more decor changes until we come back from Disney...