In Between Days

Friday.

I decided to start the Christmas tier tray today. We will do the other Christmas decor next year. I've cut back on a lot of last years "place holder tier tray pieces" hence why I bought Gertie and the Gingerbread Santa this year. I also have the Rudolf tea cup that I bought a few weeks ago, and the gingerbread house we bought this week. Of course there is still a touch of spooky to it, I have Ann Marie the Matlock Ghost I bought last year in her Santa hat and holding a candy cane, and a gingerbread man. 

I have also ordered a new rug for the living room. The one we have is okay, but it has never really lay flat because it came folded not rolled. I was looking before we went on holiday, but decided now was the time to get one while the Black Friday deals at Wayfair are on. So that's coming on Tuesday. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

I tried out the new shower this morning, and to my relief it was easy to use. Setting was easy to adjust. 

We went out quite early and went to Victoria Retail Park. Looking for gift bags so I can start the gift wrapping. 

We didn't find what I wanted, but I did find a couple of items for my tier tray in TKMAXX. We also bought some fruit and salad ingredients from M&S. After which we went for lunch at Subway. I had a jacket potato with beans and cheese. Kev had the new festive sub with stuffing. 

When we got home we had a few parcels waiting for us. 

One was Kev's plush lounge  hoodie from Disney, one was my Sanderson Sisters spirit jersey ( the one I couldn't find in Disney Springs) the other was a Temu order that had somehow managed to find it's way to Bingham?!

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. No dramas there thank goodness. I think for now they've all got the "its our day" memo. There was less because I am not contributing uniform now. Still feels weird at the moment. But I can't say I'm missing it. 

The young lady from yesterday came back about 12.20 pm and with her co-worker installed a new shower in just over an hour. It took Kev longer to locate the stopcock than it did for them to install it, and it works fine. I shall try it out in the morning. 

We were both very impressed with Metropolitan and the speed of both getting someone here and sorting out a replacement shower. 

Its slightly different to the last one but, still looks simple enough to use.

Kev went into the bedroom to watch the football and I read to the YouTube ambience of a witches kitchen in a thunderstorm, with Willow on my knee, candles glowing. Heaven. I never forget that just over 12 years ago, this was far from my reality. Being homeless taught me never stop being grateful for having a home, and the simple pleasures of that home.

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Back on Sunday I had a shower, and the RCD circuit flipped out. Let me point out that at this point I had no idea. This morning Kev had a shower and it happened again. Kev explained to me what was happened and he rang Metropolitan the housing association we rent from. They sent someone this afternoon to look at it. The young lady that came said we need a new unit and will return tomorrow to fit one for us. Great service from them. 

This morning we had to go into town to collect Kev's new glasses. So we went round town, I needed quite a bit from Holland and Barratt, trying to combat this anemia by upping my nutritional game and carry on with my efforts to lose a little more weight. So, I got what I needed before we went gift shopping. 

We had lunch, and then got the Mainline and went to Bridgeford. We needed some stuff from M&S and to honest it was only early, so we also had a coffee in Costa. Nice little trip out and Kevs new glasses look very smart and more modern than his ( very) old ones.

In Between Days

Thursday 

We went into Bridgeford to shop. We weren't out long, as it was bitterly cold. We only went to M&S, Grape Tree and Co-op had a chai latte in Costa.

After we got home I started some cards. I'd had more glue and glue sticks come the day before and all I'm waiting on some American Crafts cardstock coming over the weekend hopefully ( in my opinion the best quality cardstock) for die cutting. 

I have what feels very much like a cold coming, hardly surprising really given the amount of people were coughing and sneezing last weekend, plus the cold snap. 

Really pleased I haven't got to go out in this. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. Kev got up at 7 30 to start, he washed all my old uniform ready to take back to work at the weekend. I had trousers I'd had since we were at Burton, and they were old then. 

I was at the hairdressers for 11.10am, so I caught the bus down to the precinct ready for my appointment at Blu. 

It was lovely to get my hair sorted out and chat to the girls there. I may have to cut back in some areas but, one of them won't be my hair. I only trust Amanda and Blu with my hair, and its the only salon I've ever been to that I feel comfortable in. 

It has dropped very cold, hard to believe its a month since we came back from 89° heat. 

So its time to hunker down and cosy in.

In Between Days.

Tuesday.

Went into town to shop and meet Sue and Pete for lunch. Got the ten to ten bus, which was on time, shocker! 

However, at the bus stop was a really loud woman with an even louder child. Never a good combo at the best of times, but add to that me trying to answer a call from the Dr! I gave in, and asked the Dr if she could ring me again later. It's just to see if I am getting on ok with the iron tablets and to dig a little further into why I might be anemic. 

Anyhow, we shopped once in town, got another couple of gifts sorted, along with the black forest gateaux for Christmas day desert. 

We met Sue and Pete at O'Neil's as usual and I had steak ( trying to get more red meat in my diet) I will eat it in a sauce, but I'm not keen on its own. It was lovely to spend time with Sue and Pete as always.

 We found some Swedish Fish in the American Candy shop, and it had to be done. I am glad we managed to get some. If anyone is struggling to find me a Christmas gift I am a size large in bags of Swedish Fish if you're asking... lol. 

The Dr rang again about 3.30 and asked a load more questions, and wants another wee sample, just to be sure. Good that they are being thorough. 

In Between Days.

Sunday.

First day of retirement. Kev was still up for 6 45am. He was a touch grumpy when he first got up. Understandable really, the thought of travelling to and from work on your own isn't nice, I know, I did it for years, and three days a week not two, so I get it.

Anyway, Willow and I snuggled down and stayed in bed till around 8.30am. Then I did 20 minutes on the treadmill. Ive upped the length of time, and the speed now to a quicker walking pace, slightly inclined. To stop it being boring I put YouTube on and a stroll round Animal Kingdom video. So that you feel like you are having a nice walk round the park. Its such a beautiful place, you can spend all day wandering around looking at the scenery and animals, who I must point out are not there to perform, they just are there doing what they do. They are in full veiw, but far away enough to be safe. It became my favourite park, and Satuli Canteen my favourite eating place.

After breakfast for both of us ( Willow and I) and she had a good cuddle, I set too at my desk and made a few Christmas cards ( I'm behind) so, I will do a few a day to catch up. 

The time flew by while I was busy, and before I knew it it was time to tidy up, make a coffee in the Tassimo, cuddle Willow, and wait for Kev to get home. 

He got home with more presents for me from Julie James and Judith Coombs. Really lovely of them both. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

My last shift at work. It was with mixed feelings that I went into my shift. I have made some very dear friends working at Arnold, not just from my colleagues, but customers too. 

When I got there Sharon Szeremeta had decked out the till I gravitate to, 21, with a banner balloon and a plant she had bought me. 

A lot of my regulars came in and said farewell, Tony welled up with tears, and he thanked me for listening to him over the years with his caring for and then losing his wife, Margaret. I did tear up then, giving him a hug and telling him to go chat to Kev when he goes in. Kev likes to chat and it will be a good way for Tony to stay in touch. A few others too have said they'll ask Kev how I am. 

I went for lunch, and Louise came in and asked if it was alright to give me some gifts they'd bought as management. I had said I didn't want a fuss, and I think she was a bit unsure what kind of reception she would recieve given the circumstances. Luckily Kev was in the canteen and explained why I'd said no fuss, that I've never wanted to be the centre of attention as I find it uncomfortable. That was why we had a wedding on our own in Mauritius all those years ago as it saved me from all that excess fuss. Sure we had a party when we got back, but that was a hand picked few who at the time I trusted and felt comfortable with. What I don't like is just being in the spotlight with people I don't really know. 

So I ended up with a trolley full of flowers a gift bag from both Margaret Muldoon, and Gilly Biddlestone, my plant and balloon from Sharon Szeremeta, a gift card, wine and chocolates from other members of staff and a stack of cards. It was all lovely but very emotional. 

We had an Uber home as there was no way we could drag all that lot on the bus home with us. 

As we sat outside waiting Kaci Marshall came running out with more flowers that she had bought me too. Such a sweet girl, I shall miss our Sunday morning chats. 

I was, according to the schedule supposed to be on Sunday, but Louise said that was an error, so basically I finished there and then. 

Poor Kev will be on his own to journey to and from work from now on, until he decides he too has had enough. Bless him. So that's it for my working life, the last 13 years at Arnold being my happiest, yes theres been ups and downs but apart from the last 6 months Ive generally enjoyed working there. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

The new coffee machine came yesterday so today while Kev did the washing he rearranged the kitchen so we have a coffee bar area. 

We are getting rid of the stand mixer, Sue and Pete came mid morning to collect it. Kev gave her bread mix too, so that freed up space both on the worktop and cupboard. 

I also ordered a tassimo pod holder so we can put the maker on top of that to organise things a little more. 

I did 15 minutes on the treadmill which got my steps up a lot more than usual when we aren't going out. Added to my usual exercises and routines it is definitely going to help. 

I did my pages in my journal for last week and this, and I really must start some of my Christmas cards in the next few days. 

Thursday.

Kev was at Specsavers for an eye test and new glasses at 11am, so we got the 9.50am bus ( which was late) there is a surprise! Nothing new. We had coffee in Cafe Nero before the appointment, and shopped after. Getting what we needed we then went for lunch and then got the first available bus home. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Well, what a day! The bus was almost on time from Bramble way, but as there is once again roadworks on Stragglethorpe Road, you can see how easily they got behind. 

Once we got into town, we jumped onto a 48 without thinking, it wasn't where we were heading, we needed the 45. So, we got off at the railway station and headed down to the bus station. Further up from there we eventually got the 45. We got off at Lady Bay and made it to the Range. 

I must say although we found the item I was looking for, we were both a little underwhelmed by their selection this year, nothing grabbed us and I didn't manage to find any more presents towards Christmas. I did, order a couple online once I got home. 

We got a bus from the Embankment to Bridgeford so we could finish our shopping off with the food we needed, I concentrated on iron rich foods to help my iron deficiency until my ferrous sulphate arrives, lots of fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice as vitamin c helps the body absorb iron more readily. Hopefully, this will help the imbalance, and therefore alleviate some of symptoms. 

After we shopped, we had a hot chocolate on Costa before we went for the bus. 

Despite us getting the wrong bus to begin with, it turned out alright in the end. 

In Between Days.

Monday.

The start to my last ever working week. So do eff all Monday it was. I did do my treadmill I did ten minutes working up slowly to half an hour. I weighed me and I am 11.5 two pounds off losing a stone. 

Kev ordered a coffee machine as we were missing the one in our hotel room in Disney. So we have a mixer to get rid of. Luckily Sue wants one, so that's that sorted. Kev has emptied cupboards ready to stash the pods and thanks to Charlotte I've ordered a coffee station organizer. 

We watched the Frankenstein on Netflix that Guillermo Del Toro has made. Love his movies, The Shape of Water is one of my favourites. Pans Labyrinth, brutal but stunning. Crimson Peak was underrated but beautiful. Plus that starred a very gothic looking Tom Hiddleston ( rubs knees) 

But this was the nearest to the book that Ive ever watched. Both Frankenstein and Dracula are regularly reread on both kindle and if I fancy in book form. Ive knackered so may paperbacks of both of them. Sue bought me a gorgeous leather bound version of Dracula a few years ago. It is lovingly read and stroked occasionally. Ive yet to find a leather bound copy of Frankenstein. Maybe I'll find one some day. I do have a brass bookmark shaped like an actual heart which has a quote from the book by Mary Shelley. As you may know, last summer we made a pilgrimage to her grave in Bournemouth. It was a very moving experience for us. I got chills standing there. I can recommend you watch this movie. 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

Up and ready to go out to down by the canal, it certainly got my steps in. 

We went into Homesense which was fatal as even though I had no intentions of buying any Christmas decor I bought a Christmas mug decoration to replace the pumpkin one I have out at the moment, and a new sleigh for Sadie. Oops, however,  I was good and didn't buy the remaining Halloween clearance stuff. 

We also went in B&M and got a few bits, and then we went to Sainsbury's and got a couple of gifts, the table Crackers, and Kev got a Christmas T-shirt. 

We got back home via an uber and I got a text from the doctor saying I am anemic and need to take iron supplements, for the next 3 months.She's sent a prescription to the pharmacy next to the surgery so we shall see if they actually have it when Kev goes tomorrow. 

Apparently its my meds that leech the iron and vitamin B12 out of my system. So, at least it can be remedied, while the symptoms aren't pleasant, they can be sorted. 

It explains a few things, that I was experiencing but put down to other factors, feeling cold, and tired which I put down to jet lag and coming back from Florida. Headaches which I'd put down to hormone imbalance ( I used to get migraines once a month during my fertile years) and lack of appetite down to my meds. Now it makes sense. On the upside of this I have lost almost a stone since coming back from Florida, which will only help overall. 

My treadmill has arrived and Kev has set it up for me, it will be great for me and Kev to use daily. 

In Between Days

Wednesday. 

I've not done a blog for a few days, I learned a few years back that venting my feelings isn't always the best policy. Bottling it up isn't either, but, the best way is to do an Elsa and 'let it go'. 

You aren't going to change someone who doesn't see any problem in their behaviour. All you can do is change your expectations of that/those person(s) and know what to expect. It's healthier to chuck it in the fuck it bucket than carry it around eating at your peace. Nothing will change, you can't force someone to care about you, or put you before someone else if that's what you mean to them, let them to it. 

Which, also applies to what I've just done, which is fill my exit survey in for work online. They won't like the answers I gave them, it won't change anything, they will just dismiss my points as written by an embittered old lady. Still, got it all of my chest. Named names etc. Made me feel better at least. 

It's taken me 62 years on this planet to realise the only person in charge of your happiness is you. You have to make you happy. 

In other news, I had more blood tests on Monday, I dare say they'll be in touch if there's owt wrong. Met with Sue and Pete Tuesday for lunch at O'Neil's ( Slug and Lettuce not cutting it for the price, food choice, and the fact that some of the loos are out of order still, even after a four week refurbishment closure) so we have moved our meet up venue. 

I've ordered a treadmill for the coming months when going out walking might become difficult, icy conditions are my nemesis, but, I still want to get my steps in, joining a gym wouldn't help because that would still mean having to get there in bad weather. Having something I can use at home is a better option. It should help Kev too, as if he doesn't move he seizes up after a weekend at work bless him. Getting old is no joke, but not getting old isn't an option as far as I am concerned anyway. All you can do is try and help yourself. 

We also bought new pillows as the others were past their best, I hadn't realised how long we had had them! Mind you, they weren't cheap so at least we had our moneys worth. Might take a couple of nights to get used to them.