In Between Days.

Tuesday.

We had a lie in until 9am. Later for us, but as we weren't going out, we had parcels coming and to be fair yesterday was enough of a trip out. 

Kev nipped to Sainsbury's to get us something to drink tomorrow night to see the New Year in. I cleared the bathroom window ledge of the decor and cleaned it spraying the whole area with mold and mildew cleaner. We have since we moved here battled with it, having had practice in the all the rooms at Gedling Road, this is the only room we get it here, but it is a constant battle during the winter months. I do the prep and Kev climbs up and gets as much of it off as he can. Once that was done we put everything back and he did the medical cabinet too. He is going to get some anti fungal paint and put that on hopefully that'll help, at least for the rest of winter, even if we have to repeat the process. 

That all done we settled down to a cosy day, I read mainly finishing that vampire book I was reading, and began Richard Osman's The Last Devil to Die...

I'm not into Resolutions, as I always think it sets you up for failure. I just always try and change for the better in some small way. I have had my health scares this year, so I plan on sticking to my routines of treadmill and being a bit more thoughtful about what I eat. I could also do with letting a few things go on a more personal level. A lot of mental baggage that I shouldn't carry around any longer. I don't mean forget it, that's not going to happen,  and lessons learned, but it's time to stop beating myself up for the old me. I can't change things, but I can move on. I'm not perfect, but no one ever is. I acknowledge I've had my moments, been a bitch, been an angel, been something in-between. But, often mistreated and reacted to that badly. I hope this coming year I can put that behind me and enjoy this new peaceful and happy phase of retirement. 

In Between Days

Monday.

We decided to go out today instead of tomorrow. I wanted a walk out and so did Kev. 

We caught the bus into the city and got the tram up to TKMAXX. We were checking for teir tray stuff for Valentine's day as we'd seen some on the YouTube channels we watch. No luck, but there was some bargains to be had. Kev bought a cinnamon candle half price and a Santa tea pot ( with tea bags in it) again half price he bought that too, to go away for next time. It will look good next to my tier tray. He had a couple of gifts cards so, he used one of those. 

We got the makings for that creamed mushrooms recipe for tea time. Which was by the way, delicious. We got back and he fitted the sofa cover I'd ordered. It was hard work, but its brightened it up a bit. I'm just waiting for the chair cover to come. 

I wore some of my perfume that Charlotte bought me along with the earrings Sue bought me. The perfume is a copycat one of a scent I used to wear in the late 80s early 90s called New West. Its a lovely smell fresh and clean. Its nice to be able to have some again. The earrings are solid silver skulls and really comfortable. I struggle with earrings. If they aren't solid silver they can cause my ear lobes to go 'manky' as in turn black, and worse case scenario go black and pus filled. I can only wear them for a short while even then and can't sleep in them at all. 

I have a couple of pairs and they are my go to ones. Perhaps its payback from all those Pat Butcher efforts I wore in the 80s! 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Another grey miserable day. Willow and I got up and I fed her and myself. 

After that and I changed, I had some cards to make. I embossed some backgrounds, inking the folders to create a letter press effect. Stamped and heat embossed some of the Curiosity Shop stampset by TH. They are so detailed I dont need to colour them once glossy. Heat embossing is always magical to watch. And since digging out my heat gun I've done a lot more lately. 

I stopped for lunch and gave Willow some fuss.

Charlotte came round with Ian to bring the water they'd got us from Aldi, and then she stayed, keeping me company until Kev came home. We had tea together and then we watched the last two episodes of the Night Manager, so we have had a recap ready for the new series that starts on New Year's Evening... 

In Between Days

Saturday. 

A day when I didn't feel like doing anything, so I didn't, Willow and stayed in bed until 9am. 

Once up and dressed etc I fed Willow and had breakfast myself, then I read, played my word game and eventually started tidying the rest of the gifts away... I did my page in my journal, and then planned and made a card. Trying to get a jump on what I need for next year.  

I had lunch which meant a cuddle with Willow naturally and washed up. Then I tided my desk area and hoovered. The rest of the afternoon I read. I'm reading The Unauthorised Vampire by Iris Beaglehole. Its a spinoff from her Myrtlewood books, set in the same modern timeline as the witches ones, but not just in Myrtlewood. A female lawyer gets attacked walking home from her divorce party with friends and wakes up the next night to discover it was a Vampire how attacked her and turned her without consent ( and by that I don't just mean hers, apparently this lot of Vampires are more bureaucratic than the Vogons!) She has to deal with all this along with the changes happening to her body and mind. Quite entertaining, and at least this character has a backbone, unlike the witch in the Myrtlewood series had, which irritated me almost much as Louis irritated me in Interview with the Vampire... I will see if I enjoy it enough to read the next in the series or not. Ive bought a couple of murder mystery novels that I might read next. I will see how I feel. 

Kev got home at a reasonable time, though he said three buses were following each other again. Honestly, Trent Barton are a useless bus company. They are only good in areas where they have competition from other bus companies, as soon as they get an area to themselves they don't care.  

In Between Days.

We had the luxury of a lie in until 8.30am and bacon rolls on our arrival downstairs. We sat and chatted with both Sue and Pete, getting our stuff together and Pete bringing us back in his car. Once home we unpacked and we fed Willow giving her lots of fuss insuring we made her aware we were both hanging around all day. She soon curled up comfortable and well fed.

We had lunch Kev did another roast dinner with all the trimmings, but this time lamb. While we eat we watched Sinners, a new take on the Vampire myth. It was very good. We had heard mixed reviews, but both of us found it well done and they left it open for a sequel we thought.

I put a few of our gifts away, and later on while waiting for the Pottery Throw Down Christmas special, we watched one of the Stranger Things newly released episodes. 

Kev went to bed after that as he is back at work tomorrow, and I sat and read for a little while until my eyelids started to droop of their own accord. And just like that another Christmas is past, now the days stretch out in limbo while we wait for a New Year to begin. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Christmas Day.

We got up around 8am, Kev put the joint on to roast, and took the gateaux out to thaw, We had Bucks Fizz ( actually Nosecco and Mango juice!) And fruit and yogurt for breakfast, while we opened our gifts. Kev sorted Willow out, filled her water nom noms and cleaned her tray while I showered and changed. We packed all we were taking to Sue's and before we knew ita Pete was here with Steven to take us to theirs. In Steve's posh electric car, which was very comfortable. 

We had a lovely relaxed day, a gorgeous meal, a collaboration of Kev and Sue's cooking,and a few drinkies along the way. We watched TV just anything on in the background while we chatted. 

Justin came up and he has fallen at work and hurt his knee, quite badly, it was a right mess, I hope he goes to the walk-in centre tomorrow and gets it sorted.

Later on the four of us played Charades with much laughter and frustration, but great fun. 

As always we love our Christmas Day together. So thanks go to Sue and Pete for making us comfortable and welcome. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Christmas Eve.

With no washing to do, we could both have a little lie in. Eventually getting up around 8.30 am. 

We had a leisurely breakfast and I dressed warmly as we had plans to go out, just down to the village, a few little bits we might find useful, and lunch at Strezza. Our usual fried chicken, something normal before the next couple of days. We got back having walked, packed a bag for staying at Sue's gathered the gifts together in bags and switched all the Christmas lights on, settled down to hot winter spice ribena with Fireball in it, mince pies and a movie called The Pale Blue Eye, which was despite us not hearing about it anywhere previously, was very good and a brilliant twist at the end. We carried on watching TV quizzes after that while having a couple of Baileys and Bucks Fizz. We also watched The Ghost story for Christmas. Very spooky. Kev went to bed not long after, and I stayed up reading for a while, giving Miss Willow a bit of fuss. All in all a enjoyable day. 

In Between Days

Tuesday. 

Another grey miserable day where it barely got light, it was a day for full Christmas lights on, right from when we emerged from our beds. 

We got ready to go out, just into the village, neither of us fancied going into town, so we went round the market they have on every week at the Manvers car park ( used to be at the Rose and Crown, but  they moved when it shut and didn't go back once it re- opened. We got loads of fresh fruit and I even managed you find some russet apples. 

After we nipped to Sainsbury's and got a few basics so that we dont have to venture out once we get home from Sue's. That done we went to the Pig and Pudding the cafe opposite Sainsbury's, We decided to have Brunch and I had creamed mushrooms on toast, while Kev had a breakfast bap, both very nice. In fact I've downloaded a recipe for the mushrooms as it was not the tinned version, but freshly made and gorgeous. 

We timed it just right to get the bus home, another new driver, moaning about being dumped on this route. No wonder we have a crap service none of them want to do this area, because its such a tight schedule. 

Kev didn't want to wash tomorrow with it being Christmas Eve, so when we got home,  he checked there was no one using the laundry room and then took ours over. There was only a bag and a half, as there is less now I'm not bringing home uniform, and my home uniform is comfy trousers and t-shirts, or if its cold sweatshirts. Yesterday I had a pj's day as we didn't go out. Kev baked gingerbread, mince pies and cookies so the bungalow smelt amazing. That lingered to this morning, but now I have the candle warmer on giving off a woodsmoke and bourbon scent wafting through. 

I had some dies come from Simon says Stamp in the USA and so after I'd hoovered and tided up, I made a beeline for my desk, made a card ( would you believe for Valentine's day!) Then catalogued my new dies and put them on magnetic sheets and clear wallets inside the corresponding stamp sets. Sometimes having slight OCD is a blessing... 

Photo is of Sadie being very naughty and hiding in Christmas trees waiting to scare little kids away from the presents ( she insists its a community service, helping Sandy Claws) 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Got up not long after Kev had gone as I was awake. Did my Epcot walk on the treadmill. Fed me and Willow and had cuddles. Outside over by the woods it looked gloriously foggy, I love fog. If Kev had been off we would have gone for a walk. 

I finished the projects I started yesterday and then had lunch. Had a bit of a diverticulitis flare up ( too much chia pudding, so I need to cut it back to once or twice a week!) So fybrogel it is for a couple of days and pain meds. 

Later on after lunch, I did the jigsaw, its coming on now I reckon will be done this week. 

Kev came home a little later as the bus was flipping late ( as per) 

Charlotte came round later to watch Game of Wool it was the final, and predictably Holger won. Then we carried the game on from the night before, and it didn't end, so we have it to back to on Tuesday night. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

I got up and went straight on the Treadmill, just started my walk round Epcot, and the lights flickered, spooky I thought, and as I did the lot went off... Power cut for all of three minutes. I checked with Ian to find out if it was the area and not me plugging something in and blowing a fuse, after the shower incident I'm a bit unsure. Anyway, local Power cut it was. It meant all the light timers that plug in went haywire, so I left those alone for Kev to reset when he got home. I finished my treadmill walk and then started on a couple of projects I had on, and my page for week 51 in my ledger journal. I am not sure if I'm going on with the once a week page yet or not, maybe just do a page when I feel like it. I'll make up my mind as the year advances. 

In the afternoon after lunch and extra cuddles with a very happy little Willow, she's gone back to being as she was when I was off with my ankle, loving having company, and knows that if I'm at my desk I will still come and fuss her when I'm taking a break, bless her. I did some of the Christmas jigsaw, Ive finished the tree and it is looking great, it's definitely a good mid century image in all the colours that I like from that period. 

Kev got home around 5pm, he manages to get out quicker without me and if he is lucky gets the 4.25 Cotgrave if it's running of course. He hasn't got me slowing him down so getting from one bus to the next is easier, he doesnt need the tram down the hill like I did, so he can get to the bus stop quicker. All helps. He watched the match while I did some of the jigsaw and then we had dinner. 

We had just started doing the jigsaw together when Charlotte and Ian popped round bearing a lovely homemade Christmas cake from Dorothy  ( Ian's Mum ) it was very kind of her as she is a good cake maker and makes Kev quite a few. I will have some minus the icing and marzipan, but it will keep Kev going for ages. 

There was bugger all on TV and we have watched all our series for now, so we finished our Monopoly game from Friday, Charlotte won this time, and set up another for Sunday night after the Game of Wool has been on. It is so much easier to play on the Xbox, you don't have to hunch over the coffee table and have to end a game and pack it all away, just put it on hold and pick up where you left off. It's good fun and we get to chat and catch up whilst playing. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Not wanting to go out of the village until its all over shopping wise, we walked to the Precinct and went in Co-op and Heron. 

We had a coffee and mince pie in Streza, again it was busy in there, mainly Ash Lea School students. Nice to see though, when so many places struggle. It's a good place, the lady who runs it is very friendly, and the food there is good. The mince pies were homemade and delicious, not had that good a pastry for many a year. Shop bought ones on the whole have hard pastry, so it was a real treat. 

We then walked down to Sainsbury's to pick up the ingredients for that brussel sprout stir fry that Nigella Lawson made on the TV  the other night. I downloaded the recipe on Pinterest. 

We eventually got the bus back with all the shopping hopefully we only have the fresh to get now and some of that Charlotte and Ian are picking up for us. If we do want anything we will walk down the village and get it Tuesday. Again staying local to avoid the madness really. Now I dont have to be part of it, I am quite happy to stay out of it. In fact its lovely after 45 manic Christmases, it is great to able to see it from a different angle, no stress, no nasty or "merry" customers to deal with. It's nice that Kev only has the weekend to do,

so that he can enjoy some of it too. Mind you, he will be back after Boxing day bless him, no peace for the wicked. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Charlotte came round about 10ish and we went out for the half 10 bus onto Bridgeford. We went to Marks and Spencers for party food for our pre~Christmas fuddle. We also nipped into Iceland and Grape Tree. 

We went into Costa for a coffee. Then we got the bus home. We watched Tinsel Town on Sky  while Kev cooked all we had chosen, had a Prosecco and Mango juice, and then helped ourselves to what we wanted to eat. 

It was just a nice chilled afternoon/early evening. We played Monopoly and I won!

They've updated the game on the Xbox and it was like learning the game all over again. 

Later on when Charlotte had gone we went and did a bit more to the Christmas jigsaw. 

Once we started to ache from stretching over the portapuzzle we packed it up and I read as there wasn't much on TV. 

All in all a nice pre-festive day. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Our day to meet Sue and Pete at O'Neil's for lunch. We weren't sure if Sue would make it, her back was bad the day before, she has a crumbling spine, which means when another bit of her spine disintegrates she is in a great deal of pain. It settles down eventually, but it must be hell to live with. 

But make it she did, still in some discomfort, but she was very cheerful. 

We had a lovely lunch. I chose a set of little plates ( I still dont often feel like a full meal) so picky food is sometimes the best choice for me. They were very good, I had chicken strips, beer battered mushrooms and cheeseburger spring rolls. All very nice. I also had a slice of Sue's pizza. 

We had no shopping to get, but we did get a couple of candles from TKMAXX for the candle warmer. And a jigsaw, just to add to our pile.

I did however start to separate the edge pieces of the Christmas one. Something I can do over the weekend when I'm here alone. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Kev's Birthday.

We had a trip out to Gamston Lock for lunch, we both had the festive menu and a bottle of wine, it is a bit pricey there, but worth it for a special occasion. Almost as expensive as Cote in Bridgeford, but again for a one off meal worth it. 

I bought him some Dr Squach soap and deodorant. He had them a while back, but really likes them. You can only get them online. So I've ordered some more for him. 

We went home via Bridgeford and came home. The buses were once more erratic. Its become the thing now,and we try not to let it get us down too much. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

In the month since I stopped working, me and Willow have a sort of routine. Kev goes, Willow jumps on the bed for a snuggle and I either drop back off, or I lie and read. When she's had her cuddle and decides enough is enough its breakfast time, we get up. I feed her and then go do half an hour on the treadmill, this week I did a walk around Epcot, each week I put a Disney Park on YouTube and watch that as I walk. It makes the time go quicker than just walking staring at the wall, not as good as being there obviously, but almost. It certainly makes me smile. Nice memories, Epcot is my second favourite park, Animal Kingdom first and Hollywood Studios third. Magic Kingdom is my least favourite. Yes, it has it good points, The Castle, Tron, The Partners Statue and Sonny Eclipse. But it can be overcrowded and because its quite old, not easy to Navigate especially in a wheelchair or using a walking aid. To be fair it wasn't built when it was normal to take a cripple out in daylight, let's be honest here. It was built in the early 70's when it was still quite normal to hide your disabled family members as much as possible. I was lucky, when we first started going I was a little more able bodied, and Kev has always had infinite patience when I can't physically do any more. 

Anyhow, back to the day, I had my chia pudding for breakfast with cherries, washed the pots and then went to the desk to make a tag, and yet another card I'd remembered I needed. 

After I had cleaned and tided my area ( including labelling my stamps) I settled down with a background of a Christmas scence on the TV and read. I've started a volume of ghost stories for Christmas called The Haunting Season. 16 short stories from different authors. I don't know what makes me want to curl up with spooky stories at this time of year, but apparently a lot of people do. They are even bringing back The Magic Faraway Tree in movie form, that and the Wishing Chair were my go to books when I was very young. I could read and write a little from an early age, thanks to my Sisters Sue and Lynne, plus the tutors who came in to hospital, Books were a lifeline to me, and jigsaws, both habits I still indulge in when I get the chance. In fact, I have a Christmas jigsaw I want to start. I might do that later actually. 

Louise popped round, a little break from being on my own, which is nice, now she is part of the not working gang of two ( for now!) Charlotte and Ian popped round to pick up the presents that she has salted away here. All wrapped and in one of our Santa Sacks, useful they are, saves having stuff lying around the place its not like we have a lot of storage space. Thats why we have culls every so often. 

Louise went not long after they'd gone, she makes me laugh as she goes the long way home to avoid her Mum, otherwise she would see her going past her house and stop her keeping her from what she wants to do. Sadly, older parents can get a bit clingy. Not all, but a lot do. 

In Between Days

Friday.

We went to the Post Office in the village to return something to Amazon. That done, we nipped into Sainsbury's to buy a few things. Kev had 20% and a ten pound voucher to spend. So we got the wine to take to Sue's Christmas Day, and other bits and bobs for next week. Its the first time we've been in since the refit of the freezers and I must admit it does look better. It's not the nicest of shops, and remember working there one day when it snowed and I was unable to get in to Arnold, not very friendly. I never went again, luckily that was one of the worst snow days we've had since we moved to Cotgrave. The other one was when I had a day off and Kev didn't. He got into work, but then struggled to get home as they pulled the buses. He had a nasty fall in town too, luckily Charlotte was with him and she helped him. They had to get a taxi home, but that only dropped them off at the Shepherds and they had to walk from there. They didn't get home until gone 7 pm. 

After we had what we needed we caught the bus into Bridgeford and had a coffee, getting the bus home after. We did that rather than try and get in at one of the places here, the Pig and Pudding in the village was packed and Streza is too far of a walk, and walk again home with a heavy bag. So , nipping into Bridgeford was a better option. It got us out for a bit, and got our steps in, not that its a problem now I have the treadmill, if I need to move and walk I can always use that now. 

Kev did a full roast dinner, as we got some lamb steaks, as with him being at work, we dont get much chance at one. It was a shitty day weather wise, so it w

as nicer to come home rather than eat out. 

We will be out a lot next week in any case, it's his birthday on Monday so we will go out then, and then we meet Sue and Pete on Tuesday in town, Wednesday lunchtime we are having a catch up with Tracy Milano at Shepherds and Thursday is at home, but it's our Christmas "fuddle" with Charlotte. We always have one just before She breaks up, and we have a bit of a giggle and food and a drink. So a busy week ahead. 

Kev helped me sort out my Tim Holtz stamps collection, I got some more protective sleeves to save losing any small stamps that might come adrift and also makes them easier to organise. I have a few with die sets, so I pop the dies in the same folder and that keeps everything to hand. After Christmas I think it's time for a bit of a cull of my bigz dies in the bottom drawer of my filing cabinet. There are some I wouldn't part with for the world, but I do have others that never see the light of day so I think its time to let go. 

Mind you, I do always say that my greatest superpower is getting rid of stuff just before I need it, so I might have to think long and hard before I do. 

In Between Days.

Thursday.

We had the roof repaired today. There was minor damage when we were on holiday, we reported it the other week when we had the shower problem, and they came this morning. Luckily it wasn't much, but catching it now means it doesn't get worse over the winter. Didn't take the chap long. So, once he'd done, Kev nipped into town to get a few things. I stayed here as we had parcels arriving. I got my pages done in my journal and made Kev's Christmas card using the new stamps that came yesterday. 

The pillow I think I can say has completely helped my neck and shoulders, and today I had a coffee flavour chia pudding for lunch with some fruit, we also had a large bowl of fruit for tea ( basically to stop it from going over) We found just lately that non of it keep long, so its best to use it up and quickly. But we will see what difference it all makes to the scales come Monday. 

Parcels came, so that us done now, just the Xmas food to get now, hopefully we can get some of that ticked of over the weekend. We aren't buying too much extra, and we already have the dessert for Christmas day. We've scaled back what we used to have as most of it is just a waste. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Wash day. 

And the day I always dread, diabetic eye scan day. I wasn't there until midday, so Kev got the washing done, and Charlotte came with us down to the Doctors. 

As always the drops really upset my equilibrium, making my vision blurry. 

We went for lunch at Streza after, by way of a treat for me for getting through another eye scan. 

We came back and Kev and Charlotte did some gift wrapping while I had a nap. By the time I woke up my eyes had adjusted and my vision was back to normal. 

My order came from Amazon  ( Tim's stamp set Mr Frostie) and new ink pad. 

Might seem strange ordering Christmas stamps now, but, I couldnt get them before and I still want them for my journal and other couple of other mini projects, and after the race to get the Christmas cards done this year, I will definitely be doing some on a more regular basis to get them done. 

Kev had bought a new wreath for the door outside, our old one fell apart last year, so it was time. Its one from Lakeland and is very pretty. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

The weather was dull rainy and wet, we didn't need much, and I would sooner not go into the city for no reason at this time of year. So, we went to Bridgeford. 

I had the cards to post and the tag swap tags too, so that done and gift cards bought, we then went to Boots and M&S and Grape Tree, before getting the bus to the TBI for lunch we haven't been there for ages, so it made a nice change. We both had the Christmas lunch, if I honest it wasn't that great. I wouldn't have it again.

We came home after that being out in that wasn't fun. 

I prepped some pages in my journal, and we had a move around in the kitchen and got rid of the paper rack in the corner which became a dumping ground. The cook books went in a cupboard and the rest of the stuff filled a bin bag. Slowly getting rid of stuff, and it looks a bit less cluttered.

In Between Days

Monday.

Do eff all day, which actually didn't turn out that way.

In good news, both the pillow and the neck massager have done the trick, and its a relief to get up without pain. Its also helping me sleep longer, and as I do snore if I lie on my back it has stopped that too! Winner! 

Chia pudding seems to suit me, no diverticulitis issues, and seems to be helping with my other health issues, plus I really like it... I am making the key lime one today. They are great for my lunches when Kev is at work. Hopefully will help me lose weight too. 

Louise popped round, which was lovely we haven't seen her since just before the holiday, and we had a lot to catch up on.

Surprised and delighted to hear that she too has finished work too. She was struggling when we saw her last time on the 33 bus. I understand completely and with her having Parkinsons she shouldnt be working in any case. Hard enough to deal day by day with that, as we both know from Kev's Dad. Yes they can have good days, but the bad days are awful. 

So, we caught up with the fact I had left work too and the ins and outs of claiming Pip and other benefits. I really hope Louise gets Pip as she really deserves it. There are some people out there getting it for bugger all. 

In Between Days

Sunday 

So I got up around 9ish, and had plenty of stuff to do, I had more cards to do for round here, as I miscalculated. I also wanted to make a card for Kev for his Birthday next week. I got those done. 

Then I tided up and had my second bowl of chia pudding I made a chocolate one using cocoa powder ( sugar free) and it was delicious. No problems with my diverticulitis as yet, perhaps because they are high fibre they are keeping everything normal, I would usually have a flare up in 24 hours so fingers crossed. I wrote the Christmas cards after lunch and got them addressed and stamped ready for Tuesday when we go out. Get got home around normal time despite the bus being ten minutes late. He said the driver pelted along like he was in the grand prix! 

In Between Days

Saturday.

I got up and decided to clean the kitchen floor, so I pulled everything out and set to, took me about an hour but it looks so much better. I really wish they'd do the kitchen if I'm honest, a light floor is a pain in the arse and the basic storage isn't brilliant. But, we keep it as good as we can. 

Then I started on my desk, I had the cards to write, and a couple of tags to do for the swap group. 

For lunch I had the chia pudding, and yes I enjoyed it so I will be trying others. I just have to wait to see if it triggers my diverticulitis as seeds can. I'll know within 24 hours if my gut can tolerate them or not. My main trigger is tomato seeds, so we will see. 

I got my stuff done and got tided away to a point, when the Amazon stuff came. Its quite handy having me home when they send stuff. 

Pillow came, and Ive put it on the bed. Along with a neck massager which I hope helps too. Kev's parcels came and he has a couple more for Sunday apparently. All stuff for the home, Shower storage and candle warmer. And a scarf for Mr Skeleton Sir. 

In Between Days

Friday. 

For the last few days Ive had a really bad neck and shoulders. So acute was the stiffness and subsequent headaches that it was making me feel sick. 

Thinking the headaches was anemia at first, then by the process of elimination working out that the new pillows aren't suiting me, as it eases once Im up a little, I've ordered a neck pillow for just my side of the bed. We will see if that helps, if not it will be back to the doctors for another prod and poke session. If at all possible I'll try and find a solution myself, all they seen to do at the doctors is write prescriptions rather than dig to the underlying cause. I've figured out the root cause of my anemia myself, so I'll sort this. I've always preferred natural remedies in any case, and keep an arsenal of herbs, essential oils and recipes to hand. I tell you, years ago I would have been burned at the stake! Not all of us perished in Salem. 

Those stamps Joyce sent me are beautiful. I used them on some gift card holders and they look fantastic. 

In other news I've made a chia seed pudding again to boost my iron intake, lower my cholesterol and blood sugar spikes. Ive found a simple recipe online for a basic one, which if I like it can be adapted to various fruits to add a bit of a change from boring vanilla. One that peaked my interest that needs a few other ingredients is a key lime pie flavour one, and as that is a favourite of mine I think it will be the next one I try. I'll update my take on it once I try it. Kev got me a huge bag of the seeds and some almond milk and honey, do I had better bloody like it! Lol...

In Between Days

Thursday.

Despite the grotty weather we headed out with Charlotte to Riverside retail park  and Riverside Farm Restaurant for lunch. 

Was really surprised at how poor Home Bargains was for Christmas stuff, either they'd been picked over or, which I suspect, they didn't have it in to begin with. Once again, we ended up coming away with just a few bits and ordering what we were looking for online. The main thing was we managed to get Willow some of her munchies enough to last her the festive period and at a better price that previously. 

We had a carvery at Riverside Farm and caught the bus back to the city. Dropped lucky for a Cotgrave bus back. We got home to an array of parcels. One from Joyce, with some lovely gifts inside. Stamps journal papers a gorgeous mug by the artist Chicken Lips ( Tim Holtz has quite a few of his weird and quirky pieces) a tea towel and a set of Tim's stamps. Lovely of her to send me them, very kind and thoughtful. 

I also had a couple of Temu parcels. Some of the items were for Charlotte's Valentine's tier tray and some were bits and bobs I'd ordered. A sweatshirt, another of the wooden boxes to hold some craft stuff, and various bits and bobs. 

Yesterday we had a bit of a rearrangement of my craft area, my teir tray with all my tools on was unstable, so we swapped it out for the smaller one in the kitchen which stands much more securely on the space I have for it. But, being smaller it meant less room for my larger tools. Kev took the wooden box and stuck it to the side of the storage unit near my desk making a useful shelf to put above my work space. 

The larger teir tray in the kitchen works out much better, allowing me more room to display my favourite pieces. 

With a weekend of crafting ahead of me, hopefully the new arrangement will help me get some much needed organisation. 

In Between Days

Monday.

We had another busy day getting the decorations down from the loft. With Charlotte helping Kev do the humping and lumping while I removed some of the Halloween decor, some the more robust stuff went into boxes to put back in the loft, the more delicate stuff I put in the window of the bedroom and on display in the bedroom. Pieces like Dave and Patricia, Frankie and Bride are safe until after the Christmas. Mr Skeleton Sir got a Santa hat and a move into the kitchen to guard the coffee machine. 

We got some of the Christmas decor done including the tree, but there's more to do, it takes us longer the older we get ( like everything!) But we also had the new rug come which we wanted to get done. I'm very pleased with it and once again Wayfair came through with the goods. I only ordered it Friday and it was here by today. I'd definitely recommend them. 

Tuesday. 

We went into town to meet Sue and Pete for lunch a O'Neil's. We had a lovely catch up and laugh. I was looking for some taper candle holders in TKMAXX but couldn't find any, as luck would have it, we nipped in Poundland to get some munchies for Willow, and although they didn't have any, we did come across a couple of glass candle sticks shaped like trees. I hadn't wanted glass because when we pack them away after its a Shame if they break, but to be honest if these break at a pound its not the end of the world. 

After we left Sue and Pete we went up to Tesco to get lady some of her dried food. Even they only had one sort, so we will have to get some more on Thursday when we venture to Home Bargains. I think by then we will be done. And will pretty much avoid going into town

except for seeing Sue and Pete. We still have to get the food shopping, but will just go to one of the bigger supermarkets and be done with it. I hate it when the city gets too mad just before Christmas. Everyone has a short fuse by then and I'm no exception.

We came home and there was a box on the racking just a small one containing a ghost bauble for the tree, turns out it was too heavy for the branches so I have added it to the tier tray. 

I ordered a couple more bits from Amazon, some more of the flickering candles with a timer for in the window, much safer than the days of having loads of real candles burning everywhere. Kev has even ordered a candle warmer lamp, you place your scented candle underneath it and it warms the wax without you having to burn the wick. Again cleaner and safer all round. 

Later on we started watching the new Anne Rice Universe tv series on Netflix, Talamasca. It's by AMC who do the Interview series. We watched two episodes, and its very well done, its a bit of a slow burn, but they've got to introduce the characters first, so its to be expected. I was always fascinated by the underlying story running alongside the Witches and Vampires in her book and often wished for a dedicated book based on them. Let's hope the other four episodes live up to what promises to be as good as the Interview series, and hopefully will tie in quite nicely with the Mayfair Witches and The Vampire Lestat. 

In Between Days.

Sunday

Busy day for me, I got up when Kev did and set to, making tags, and cards. I based them on Tim's Fresh Baked Christmas cookie dies, So I cut four of each style including the layers which took quite some time. So I paused for lunch and had a shower. When I came back the inking had dried that I had put on the bases and I was able to layer the die cuts up, cut and line the tags and then put the faux cookies on the tags and card bases along with the sentiments, line the cards and voila 10 tags and thirteen cards done. 

Kev got home around 6pm, luckily the 4.20 bus was running very late and he and Charlotte managed to catch that one, otherwise they'd have had to wait another hour for another one, similar to us a few weeks back. I certainly don't miss that hassle with the buses...