In Between Days

Thursday.

Up early as I had an eye test in the city. Which meant a walk into the village to outside the school to catch the bus. 

Luckily, it was a nice morning, warm and sunny and we set off in plenty of time so I could take a steady stroll down there. We got there earlier than we planned, so we got the 9.10 am bus ( too early to use our bus passes, so for once we paid) but that got us into the city for around 9.50am. 

Having a bit of time to kill we took the tram up to the theatre, crossed over and walked to TKMAXX at Liberty Square. Fatal. We went downstairs on the lift and yet again they'd moved the Halloween display. First off Kev found an iridescent purple cauldron planter and as we had one to replace in the kitchen window that was added to the basket, soon followed by another vintage style bucket this time a bat one, complete with fangs, so cute. It hangs up near to the cat one. Kev made it a party hat similar to the cat one. I had a voucher to spend from my birthday ( thanks, Sis) which easily covered them. So not so naughty after all. 

We grabbed a coffee in Maccy Ds before getting the tram back down to Market Square and went to the opticians.

All went well with my eye test, no new glasses needed, but I did want some new lenses. The ones I have are two years old and that's about their maximum life for gas permeable ones. Not wanting any problems in Florida I thought I'd replace them, and to be honest while Im still working too... 

That was when I got handed over to a young girl to set up a subscription so next time my lenses will be paid for. She was beyond useless. What should have been a ten minute job, took 45 minutes in total. I nearly walked out at one point. She hadn't a clue how to do this task she'd been set. And had to keep disappearing to ask someone else. It would have been so much easier had she admitted she didn't know what she was doing and fetched someone else who did. The catalogue of errors was so unprofessional, I was embarrassed for her. 

Eventually I got out of there, only to get a phone call ten minutes later to say she had "forgotten" to book an appointment to pick up and try on these new lenses. For God's sake... I was not impressed, and if it wasn't for setting up a subscription for my lenses,I might not have gone back. Kev went to sit outside because he was getting more and more angry at how incompetent the whole thing seemed. I just hope they get my lenses order right, if not they can shove them where the sun doesn't shine... 

Anyway, we had lunch at O'Neil's afterwards then got the bus home. It poured with rain as we headed towards the railway station, dreading the long walk home, we lucked out as it was dry here in Cotgrave for the time it took to walk back from the village. We had got home before we got the cloudburst here.

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Kev got the washing done early. So it could go out before the rains came. And boy did it come down when it did! Luckily everything we had out was dry around midday. We decided to go to Strezza for lunch, as we hadn't been out for a couple of days. 

We did some shopping at the precinct while we were there, and once the rain slowed down we walked back. 

The roadworks are now at the bottom of Woodview, moving their way towards Owthorpe Road. They still have no road markings as such, so I doubt they'll be done when they say they will. 

Other than that, we had a visit from Charlotte when she had finished at her clinic appointment, and later on we did some more elements ready for starting my Christmas cards... I will be doing less this year, but I want to put a bit more into them because of that. All my Halloween ones are done, so I can move on to Christmas now. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We didn't go out as we normally do on a Tuesday, mainly because of the roadworks, to go into town or even Bridgeford would have meant a walk down to the school at least to catch a bus and that would also mean the same walk back. So, as I have to go out Thursday for my eye test we thought we could leave it until then. There isn't a lot we need so, we stayed home. 

Kev went outside and cleared the ivy that has gotten a little out of hand as well as the virgina creeper on the lattice. I had hoovered and cleaned the kitchen, bathroom and passage floor. Then it was back to doing what we normally do once we get back from town on a Tuesday catching up on YouTube and programmes we may watch. It turned out warm again by the afternoon, so I sat and read some more, I'm re-reading Never the Bride, its a long time since I read it originally, and I needed something a bit lighter after reading the one I've just finished by Lucy Worsley Murder Most British. It was very good, just a little heavy going in some places, so a good frolic of a read that is set in Whitby, and has a little paranormal to boot was just what I need at the moment. I think picking up a book you've read before, is like seeing an old friend, and there is always a little you forget from the first time you read it. In this case with it being set in Whitby, I can see the places described in my head. The names of the hotels, shops, and restaurants are changed, but you know which ones they are. 

The Christmas Hotel is the Grand Hotel facing the Sea, the one with the Christmas tree permanently in the bay window at the corner promoting the Turkey and Tinsel parties they have every year. The Miramar, the pink Hotel with the disco downstairs is The Resolution in the main town area, where we had our Goth nights back in the day, and Cod Almighty is The Magpie Fish and Chip shop on the promenade. It brings back a few memories, not all of them good, but its nice to picture it as it was when we would go every year. Still one of my favourite places to visit, but I wouldn't cope with the hills and cobbles these days. 

In Between Days.

Monday.

What's my new favourite thing to do on a do eff all Monday? Put on a spooky ambience scene on the tube of you, light the candles curl up with Mr Kindle while Kev takes himself off to bedroom to watch the football in peace... Willow curled around my arm of the chair, getting the odd neck scratch as I read... Perfect...

Charlotte's Mother in Law ( who makes Kev the most wonderful cakes!) Has had a nasty fall doing untold damage to her face, broken nose, fractured eye sockets and cheekbones, you name it poor lamb. So Ian spent most of the night last night getting her checked over at the hospital. They went over again today to see how she is.

Even in the pain she is in, she sent over a big bag of apples off her tree, so Kev has been cooking them down, to make pies, sauce and crumbles. I can also have baked apples too! One of my favourite comfort foods and diabetes safe if done with honey or stevia instead of sugar. 

You'll notice that I am slowly missing out blogging on days when I'm at work, until such time as I know more definitely what is happening and when I'll be told to go. I'm not jumping before I'm pushed, but it is like waiting for the hammer to fall if I am completely honest. 

The upcoming holiday is keeping me sane and looking forward, but I still think my treatment by a company Ive worked for all my adult life is disgusting. I will never forgive them for this, and when the time comes to walk I will do so with my head held high. I've done my bit over the years, worked all sorts of hours, from 6am in morning and until 11pm at night. The one time I can't oblige and change to what they want, based solely on transport home, and they are willing to toss me aside like a broken doll, but ultimately they'll lose out. 

So in future I'll try not to blog on the days at work unless something happens or I know more about my situation. 

If you're waiting for salacious gossip then you are going to be disappointed, and if me banging on about going to Disney bores you, you have a choice, because I for one am excited about it, and the people who truly care about me will be too... I know at least one person we've upset over it, and frankly my dear I don't give a damn... Real friends are pleased for you, not pissed off because they've not made any money off you, or think that's all you talk about. I will no longer set myself on fire to keep other people warm. My happiness and my peace is what's important to me. There's a reason for a delete button on social media, use it if I'm not your cup of tea... 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

Stayed in because of the roadworks so I started a page in my Journal and started making some card elements.

In the afternoon we watched the rest of The Sandman. I loved it, beautiful and very sad. I know The dream lord becomes another as he does in the books, but the original Dream Lord is for me the epitome of how I envisioned him to look like. And in this series Death had to grow on me, as to me Death was the female version of Lord Shaper. This Death was acted well, which won me over. Nothing racist in this, just Death to me should be pale and skinny with eyeliner to die for, and the inspiration behind my solid silver ankh necklace. So her being black took a lot for me to adapt to. I am always like that with book characters I picture them and then have a hard time dealing with who they cast. Same with Lol Robinson in the Merrily Watkins tv adaptation, or some of the casting for Beautiful Creatures.

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day and My Birthday.

I got up fairly early and sat quietly, I had cards to write that needed posting later, and my page to finish. Kev got up and we had breakfast ( light one as we were going for a big lunch) I opened cards and gifts, then started to get ready while Kev did the washing. Charlotte came over and we had coffee, and I opened her and Ian's gifts before heading to the 33 bus as that is picking up from a stop that has a seat at the stop and isn't too far from Woodview. 

We went into Bridgeford for lunch. We had a lovely meal at Cote. Pricey but lovely and they made me feel really special. I chose Steak with truffle fries and for desert a Ruby chocolate éclair with lime and orange ganache. Kev drank cider, and us girls had cocktails. 

It's a nice place to go for a special occasion. 

Thank you to everyone who sent cards, messages, gifts and made my day special. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We had to walk into the village to get the bus because of the roadworks on and around Ringleas. 

Once in town we went on three tram up the hill to TKMAXX. Nothing that grabbed my fancy, which is a good thing as I really have no more room now. Even with the recent cull this year's purchases have filled every space up I created. Thats fine, as most things we have bought are year round dark decor pieces, and I'm happy with that. I am sure that they'll be other culls but for now I'm good. 

We met up with Sue and Pete at the Slug and Lettuce as usual and had lunch. Lovely to see them both. Pete's much better than last time, and Sue was doing well. 

After we left them we nipped to M&S to pick up something for tea and a few bits and bobs as apart from going out for a meal tomorrow we will stay in the rest of the week until work with the buses as they are. 

We caught the 33 home ( while its still running) as that drops us off at Woodview which isn't so far to walk. 

We had a phone call from Florida once we got home, which bought home how close it is to the holiday, checking up to see I still wanted the wheelchair from the 5th to the 19th of October. 

They'll deliver it to the hotel and leave it at bell services if the flights are delayed. I will obviously ring them if that's the case, just to let them know. Nice to know that we had confirmation and they are still processing my order. That will be a game changer for me, so instead of having to give up when my legs hurt I can carry on with Kev's help get round the parks and sit when I need to. 

That prompted us to draw up a flexible itinerary for the days we are there, not set in stone, but gives us chance to plan which park/parks will be our main hub if you like. At the moment Epcot looks like our base park. As Disney Adults/ Seniors it will offer the most for us, late night entertainment as in bands to sit and watch, lots of adult food and drinks as well as some of the best views and less construction walls. 

There's a lot of change happening at Magic Kingdom, with Constuction walls up while they drain and remove Rivers of America. Thunder Mountain is being refurbished, So it makes sense that apart from the MNSSHP nights we will spend less time there. 

I'm intrigued to see what Animal Kingdom has to offer as that park was just being built when we went last. So that will be our first full park day destination. 

There will be less rushing around trying to do everything in one go, as we have 14 days in one resort and tickets for everyday we can relax and do a bit at a time. Have pool days and resort hopping time to check out a few of the other places to stay. Much more civilised than when we were there in the past. Disney Adulting here we come. Photo is of Kev back in the day on the Backlot tour at MGM Studios. When we did 3 parks in 3 days, before heading to Sea World, Universal and Busch Gardens in Tampa... Oh for that energy now, lol... 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Quite a good day overall, busy first off, I served Val and her husband, and my Eeyore man. 

Lots of Sunday Zombies. Perhaps, because they wanted to get through quick because of the football being on at two pm. But, whatever the reason, they could at least acknowledge you. Rude. 

Bus coming home was going to be 50 mins late, so, Ian picked us up from the Ned Ludd area. Very kind of him. 

Monday.

I got up early as I usually do come Mondays. I got up and read until Kev got up. He showered, then we had breakfast. I did my page, and we caught up on YouTube videos we missed over the weekend. 

We had a chilled out day, just what we needed after a busy weekend at work.

In Between Days

Saturday.

Work.

Not bad really, busy but that made it go quickly. 

Bus did turn up at the correct time and Bramble way, so that was a bonus. The roadworks move next week so we will see what happens then it looks like it should be OK but you never know. 

Kev has bought me some rechargeable tea light candles for my Spooky tree and the few things we have that need tea lights. They were not cheap but it will be cheaper than having to replace batteries, plus these have a remote control and timer, which is easier too. I was going to buy them myself, but Kev offered as with Disney coming up he didn't know what else I wanted. I have most things for the holiday now and obviously don't need anymore Halloween stuff ( yeah, I keep saying that!) 

We got home and watched the first MNSSHP on YouTube trying to plot a plan of action for our two nights there, as we are going twice I think we will split it so that we don't try and do it all in one go. I have a list of must do things, Jack and Sally meet and greet, obviously and watching the headless horseman lead the parade is another must do. We are going to concentrate on the party stuff those nights and maybe only go on the Haunted Mansion. 

In Between Days

Friday.

As I write this I am tucked in the bedroom with the gentle lighting from the various sources I have in here, the fairy lights wound round the bedhead, the skull lamp on the bedside table, the flickering fake candles of the candelabra, the glow of the haunted mansion storm lantern as well as the light from the wax melt warmer in the shape of a cauldron belonging to the Evil Queen in Snow White. 

Kev is watching Liverpool play and I escaped into here to read and relax before bed. I always love that I can make this room cozy and inviting just by the lighting and that I can read my kindle in lower light. 

It's been a strange day, hearing the sad news that a woman from where I work has passed away, several friends contacted me to tell me, because they didn't want me to walk in tomorrow not knowing. Which was thoughtful and kind of each of them. It  came as a shock, I knew she was poorly, but had no idea how poorly. I feel dreadful for her family, especially her little girl who is only 12! Such a hard time to lose her Mum. We weren't big friends, but she occasionally gave us a lift home if she was finishing at the same time as us, and they came to our Halloween party a couple of years ago. It's not something you expect. I fully expected her to be off work a long time, maybe even finish work, but not pass away like that. 

That sort of led to us having a quiet day in, watching TV, doing a couple of projects and relaxing before the weekend at work. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We decided to go back to Victoria Retail Park for another mooch around, we went into TKMAXX obviously 'just in case' and found a mini Halloween cake which sits nicely on the newly rearranged top shelf where my family of 'girls' live. ( We never call them dolls, they get offended, and if you've ever seen a horror movie with dolls in it, you'll never offend spooky dolls, lol) 

We had lunch at Maccy's as it was too warm for a jacket potato in my opinion so I just wanted a snack really.

I wore one of my new 'disney' dresses, which are knee length short sleeve with shorts underneath, not built-in like the thigh length ones, but shorts I've bought separately to go with them. I wanted to see how comfy and cool they are, because I plan to wear them round the parks. 

I have to admit, the one I wore was lovely and cool and really comfortable with trainers. So they'll be great for walking around Disney. 

We also did a shop at the Morrisons just across the way from the retail park for a change and got the food the weekend at work. 

We timed it well for the bus back and just had to wait for the Cotgrave back home. 

And believe me, we were lucky to arrive back in one piece. Another erratic bus driver, that pulled up sharp, I was OK, as Kev sat at the end of the front seat and stopped me from falling put my seat, however, the woman opposite fell off hers and the little girl who was sat on the seat next to her fell and cracked her head on the pole between the seats and buggy bay. Driver wasn't even bothered, didn't pull up, just shouted sorry, and the child was naturally screaming loudly, he was unconcerned and continued to tear round the village as though he was being chased by the devil. We got off at Woodview shaken and grateful to be in one piece. Yet another complaint email headed to Trent Barton. I tell you, those buses will be the end of us. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. Kev caught Mariola trying to get her clothes in before him. He told her she would have to wait until ours was done. Crafty sod knows full well its our day, but continues to try and get in before us... She only has to wait until around 11, and like Kev says she is over every other day. We are certain she is doing her daughters washing. She even had the nerve to ring the doorbell later on in the afternoon, asking Kev if he knew who else goes over on a Wednesday as some of her washing powder had been used. She is a bloody nuisance, if you ask me, and its a good job its Kev deals with her because I would lose my temper. 

It's been scorching hot the last couple of days, so we kept the curtains closed the chillers on and stayed in doing very little, but drink loads and watched Crime dramas. I finished my page early morning and even though I had a parcel from Art from the Heart, I didn't play with the contents as it was way to warm to be at my desk. 

As the dusk fell we had a bit of a move around on one or two of the shelving so that we could display some of the cute Halloween figures that we've purchased recently. 

Willow has been sensible as always tucked up in her bottom bunk where its coolest. Later on in the evening she emerged as the sun went down, clever girl. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went into town I had a TKMAXX order to pick up,  (a butter dish and spoon rest) they match the utensil holder that Kev bought and canister. 

Those collected,  we went to Primarni to get Kev some jeans ready for the holiday. 

He found some, so that's perhaps the last thing he needs, we've been buying bits all through the year, cooling towels, neck pillows and the like. I'm not taking much clothing with me the aim is to buy what I need there. Same with toiletries. Hoping to do an instacart order from Walmart just before we arrive at the resort, so bell services can keep it for us until we arrive. 

We had lunch at O'Neil's, it was nice and quiet in there, being as the kids are off we didn't want to use any fast food places. We had a nice relaxed meal, and as its just in front of our bus stop we could watch for our bus coming. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Up and ready to go out with Charlotte to the canal and the retail park there. We went looking for the few bits we are missing. We had no luck, but we did find some hats to fit Dora and the Sadies... 

We also went into Sainsbury's and got food for the weekend at work. We also bought sandwiches to have once we got home. 

We had an uber home. 

We got home and watched The Fortune Hotel from last night, but we had to watch it on catch up as the power cut we had last night had affected the recording. It was only brief but long enough to mess up the replay. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Ians Birthday.

We got ready early and headed to the city and the 45 bus that takes us to Victoria Retail Park. It's a nice ride out. We went straight to TKMAXX in search of a couple of things, but sitting on the shelves was one of my most sort after item last year, a vintage inspired cat candy bucket. I'd given up ever getting one, as I was not going to give in and pay the scalpers prices, which for a £10 bucket was upwards of £60... 

I held tight to the handle, not prepared to put it a basket, because I've seen "dippers" operate before. They wait until you are preoccupied looking at other items and dip into your basket for major items. So after doing a happy dance, I didn't relinquish my grip.

So, so happy to finally have one. Now Kev is making a vintage party hat for her, and we have named her Dora ( after our little cat Pandora who passed away while we were at the Appleby) We never forget our babies and always try and name something after them. 

We also found two Eli plus Ana mugs to compliment the bowls we got Tuesday. 

We had lunch at Subway  ( jacket spuds) and then we went in B&M. We got another tub of electrolyte powder, and some toiletries as well as Willows food. 

We then headed back to the bus stop and the ride home. Happy with our little trip out. 

In the evening Kev changed all the batteries in the candles ( all timer controlled) and I lit a a honey butter apple real candle once the sun had gone down the unliving room looks cosy and creepy, just how I like it. 

In Between Days

Wednesday 

Wash day. Kev got up early to get our washing in before Mariola jumped in, he had to pick up a click and collect item in town, so he wanted it outside on the line drying while he was out.

While Kev was out I washed the dishes, and hoovered,  before settling down to make a couple of cards.

Kev picked up his parcel got us something for lunch and headed back. 

We had a nice chilled out afternoon, watched a bit more of Sandman. 

I had a bit of an accident ( dropped my glass of pop) all over the table, so after cleaning it  up, Kev gave the table a deep beeswax treatment while it was clear, it looks great now... 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went into the city to meet Sue and Pete for lunch. I was concerned to hear Pete had been really poorly since we last saw him and that he was that ill, both of them were thinking he could die. It sounded awful and the symptoms sounded close to covid, which is still out there. There is also a Respiratory infection from Australia doing the rounds. So it could've been that. Nasty by all acounts. 

It was good to see them both. 

We found a couple of things in TKMAXX  a cocktail glass with a little sexy witch sat in it, and three Eli plus Ana bowls, I wanted four, but three is what they had, so they'll do. We will keep looking,  you never know we might find another... 

 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Work. 

A very stop and go sort of day busy one minute, quiet the next. But, overall a good day. Still struggling to be able to face the management who have been interviewing me over the hours change. I'm being honest, I can't find it in my heart to be civil, so in the spirit of if you can't say anything nice the best option is to say nowt. At the end of the day the sooner I can walk away the better, but, in my own best interests I have only 62 days until my holiday, if I can just hold on until then we should be fine. This is the first time in the 12 years of working at this branch that I can truly say I hate it. Even now, its not as bad as my previous branch. It's just a shame that its come to this. 

Mentally its draining me, still having nights when my brain won't switch off, and my guts keep letting me know that I'm in fight or flight mode. I wake up when I do sleep, with stomach cramps. Diverticulitis at its very best. 

Monday.

A day of rest and crafting. Doing my journal page, making a few elements for cards, lining cards and watching stuff we missed over the weekend, we finished watching Patience ( really good crime series, with the main character having Autism ) and we started watching Season 2 of The Mayfair Witches. 

I had a really old Tim Holtz bigz die that I found online that I had been searching for, for years! That came in the first post. It's a spooky tree and is just what I need to add to my collection. I still can't believe I've found it. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Hair day, but not until 1pm, so we went to Streza first for lunch, and then I went to Blu. Amanda did a great job as ever! It looks sharp and glossy and that will be the last time I have it done before the Saturday we are off before we fly. 9 weeks! Leaving it longer so that it is freshly done before we go. 

Saturday.

Work. Wasn't a bad day, saw most of my regulars, and it was quite slow, it did have manic bits earlier on but I guess its the main holiday to take the kids away. 

We have started selling beignets on the shop floor in bags of six so we can get our fix before we go. We obviously bought a bag to try, and I must admit they are lovely, I can just imagine them hot and fresh and Mickey shaped, dusted in powdered sugar! We managed to get the bus both ends which was a blessing ( apart from a two year old girl having a melt down on the 33 because she couldn't havea seat to herself. Personally I don't need that noise after listening to it all day in the shop. I'd  have got slapped legs for nothing like that behaviour, but now they dare not do it, which is why ladies and gentlemen is we have unruly kids doing what the hell they like, because they have no consequences when they act up. Recently we had an incident in the city, when a group of young lads got on the roof of the old Debenhams and slung tiles of the roof. Luckily they didn't hit anyone. But I bet they didn't get more than a telling off! 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We were sent on a mission to get another tentacles cup for Dyan Reaveley. So, challenge accepted and we went back to the TKMAXX at Liberty Square. We secured said item then went for Brunch at the Pudding Pantry, round the corner, we had American Pancakes ( getting practice in!) Very nice they were too. 

I didn't manage all mine but Kev had his and some of mine... 

He also bought me a candle, Honey Apple Butter, smells wonderful. 

After buying food for the weekend we came back home.