In Between Days.

Thursday. 

We went into Bridgeford. Posted something back as its not what I wanted at all. Then had lunch at Caffe Nero, and then had a little trawl around the Charity shops. Didn't find anything, so we headed home again. Watched Rivals part two in the afternoon. 

As expected I had another call from the Dr could I go back Friday for yet another blood test. They've found something rather alarming that they need to monitor. No diagnosis as yet, but it looks like it just could be serious. I'll keep you posted. 

Friday.

Aforementioned blood test at 8.50 am so we were out early. We left the surgery afterwards and caught the 9.10 into the city. Once there we went to the 45 stop and went to Victoria Retail Park. We went to Next first. Had a look round the home section then we nipped to B&M and TKMAXX. Finally M&S to get some fruit, and a stir fry. 

We walked away from the retail park and crossed over as if we were going to Morrisons, we didn't, we went in Costa. We had coffee and lunch before heading back on the city loop bus and on again to home. 

In Between Days

Tuesday 

We went into the city again it was a cold misty morning. We walked from the bus station to Black Sheep Coffee. We called in M&S to get the fixings for a soup. Definitely soup weather. I also bought some fur lined tights from there. They are really thick and great on their own worn like leggings, or under a skirt. 

Then we walked to Victoria Centre and had a look round. I needed Fybrogel from Superdrug as I've had a diverticulitis flare up. I must have had some fresh tomato in something recently without knowing. 

We had lunch at Subway. I had the bean chilli jacket and Kev had the curry one. 

Then we caught the tram back to the train station and we got the bus outside. 

Wednesday.

Vampire day, or blood test day. They wanted more blood off me for a check on my kidney function. Here we go again, another stick to beat me with. Last time it was low iron, now its creatine levels. I swear to God it does my heads in. My iron is low because of the meds I'm on, and my creatine levels are high because of the meds I'm on. When will they join the dots. Take me off the meds and watch my results. 

No, its much easier if they can find something else for me to research and try and rectify myself. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that they are thorough, but it really does drive you up the wall. 

Anyway, that done we had a shop round Heron afterwards and walked back home, getting our steps in for the day. 

When we got back Kev took the washing over, and we both sat fussy cutting ephemera for my new project. A very relaxed afternoon and very productive. 

In Between Days

Monday. 

Not going out yesterday meant going out to do a lot of steps today. Despite the thick fog we walked down by the canal. I was a little disappointed as it was clear down by there. I love walking in fog. I like it when it drifts around you, or lays like a blanket just above the ground. It was strange that it was clear as usually by water its usually thicker. 

It was still a nice walk to be fair, and it was still foggy in patches around the retail park. 

We had a coffee in Costa, I have to have soya milk in there as they don't do almond milk in there. 

After there we went into B&.. I got a couple of gifts in there. So, more to cross out on my list. I only have a gift card to get now and some surprises for Kev. 

We skipped Homesense this time and went over the park to Sainsbury's. I was looking for Gingerbread dough so Kev can make me some Gingerbread men without icing. 

We got that and veg and fruit. One more gift ( for Kev) 

We had lunch in Dunelm cafe before walking over to the tram stop and getting on to the train station and then out to the bus stop. We got home around 2pm, after a full day shopping and looking. I set to and wrapped what we've got. 

I also had a Temu order come, which had my new tumbler in. I needed one so I can wash my other one and let the other one dry fully before having to use it. I drink 2.2 litres of water a day, so the big 40 oz ones are the best for me to use. 

I also treated Kev to a spoon rest to make up for the one he broke. 

As I write this the fog is coming down again now. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We went out early into the city mainly for a Black Sheep Coffee ( gone a week without one, tragic) 

We had a new gingerbread latte, Kev still prefers the pumpkin spice. He said so too, so the lovely girl in there we always chat to made his pumpkin spice as she had some syrup left, how kind. I stuck with the gingerbread one. 

We then went to Boots and John Lewis. Kev bought some gifts from Boots and then some reduced Halloween items from Lewis's. 

We then went to The Works I needed a few bits, and then Tesco. 

Then it was over to TK, I was looking for a box to put my junk journal into. That got, we fetched pumpkin puree from Waitrose, the last two it seems. 

We walked back to Black Sheep for lunch so we could try their new festive sandwiches. 

I had a cold brew this time, and the brie and cranberry panini, Kev tried the pigs in blankets one. Very good. 

We the caught the tram to the station and got the next bus back home. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went into the city on the bus to meet Sue and Pete for lunch at O'Neil's. 

It took a while because of the roadworks everywhere, ( or so it seemed!)

We got there in just enough time to shop in M&S and pop in to The Works, where we happened to bump into Sue and Pete, and we all walked to O'Neil's together. 

It was decent enough food, but it felt like they hadn't got the heating on in there, which on a cold and wet day isn't what you need. I don't think we will be going back there again in a hurry. 

Nice to catch up with Sue and Pete though. We got the tram to the station and got the bus back home from outside there. 

Wednesday.

Charlotte kindly took us in the car to Bingham for lunch at The Butter Cross. We had a mooch round the charity shop and Boyes before going to lunch. Afterwards we nipped in Lidl to get a Christmas for someone on my list, and we found some of that gingerbread Pepsi max we were looking for along with soap powder, and a treat to have with our afternoon coffees at home. 

We came back to Cotgrave and Ian picked up the car again later on. 

We were able to watch the next two Irish Traitors episodes in the afternoon and a couple of things on YouTube. Kev went into the bedroom to watch the football and I sat and finished that Charm Kitchen book. I also managed to start the Ripper Confidential book. Promising start. 

In Between Days.

Sunday.

I've had a little break from doing a blog for a few days. I still like to do this when I think I'm burnt out of writing a blog. Or when I don't want to put into words private thoughts and feelings. I learned a long time ago, that there are times I don't want to discuss what's swirling around in my head, and I shouldn't put myself into a position of "having" to write it down. Emotions and overthinking I shouldn't share. I've sometimes shared to much, to my detriment, and I don't always want to explain. 

So, back to Sunday. It was foggy when we woke up, but by the time we went into Bridgeford it had cleared. I had dressed warm, but by the time we were heading home, it was sunny and warm. 

We had coffee in Caffè Nero, and then nipped to M&S to get lunch. 

Lastly we nipped into Iceland just for a couple of things, we then walked to the bus stop opposite Co-op. We realised we had about 20 minutes before a bus was due, so rather than just sit there, we walked down to the bus stop at the cricket ground. We hadn't walked much a couple of the days previously, so it was good to get extra steps in. 

We got home, and I took the washing over to the centre. We had quite a bit, most of it was only lightly worn, so a quick wash did the trick. 

We caught up with Race Across the World, and later on watched The Others, continuing the spooky theme to our movie watching. Over the Halloween build up we have watched The Addams Family, The Witches, Last Rites, and The Craft, and Practical Magic 1 and 2. I downloaded another book too, another new Jack the Ripper one, brand new but available on Kindle plus. That'll be my next read after I finish the Charm Kitchen one I'm reading now. 

I've readjusted my target on the diet app down to 10.3 and we were both back on it today. Both of us got a small loss on the scales this morning, which given the treats we allowed ourselves over the past three days, I'll take as a win. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Up early as it was diabetic annual review. 8.30 am so nice and early. The nurse was lovely and very encouraging about my weight loss and found diet plan. 

I won't get the results for a month. Hopefully they'll be good. She wants me to get down further another 5lbs, and if I can stay there for the next 6 months, she will take me off my medication. Something to work towards. 

We went into Bridgeford afterwards, for a coffee at Caffe Nero. Not needing a huge shop we nipped into Iceland and then came home. In the afternoon we watched The Addams Family.

Kev went into the bedroom to watch the match and I did some more pages in my journal, then read, I'm reading "The Last Recipe at the Charm Kitchen" the second book in the Briarwick series by Justin Greathouse. I really enjoyed the first one, and as it a kindle plus novel ( was kindle unlimited, but they now call it kindle plus) I pay £10 a month but can download the books that would cost me 99p a time, and I can get through quite a few. Yes, I still have to buy some ( like my Ben Aaronavitch books, or Alice Hoffman, or Richard Osman ones) 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

A bright but blustery day. So once again we headed down by the canal. Thus time we walked.

We had coffee in Costa, so I could rest before going round the shops. We went to B&M first, I got a fair bit, including a Christmas gift.  A craft project for Kev, he does like one on hand. A couple of gift bags, Kev got some more storage bins for the kitchen cupboards, and a tier tray ornament ( Christmas)

We skipped HomeSense, going into Lidl instead. I wanted hairspray and theirs is as good as Elnet but a third of the price. We got the fixings to make the creepy cauldron mac and cheese for the weekend, and the ginger biscuits for the pumpkin pie. I also found some blood oranges and a bottle of clementine mulled wine to go in the stash for Christmas. 

We walked back over the bridge and crossed over the road to the tram stop.

We got off at the station and grabbed chicken tikka naan wraps from Tim Tim's on the station forecourt. We both love them, and they are good value. While Kev ordered those I went in Co-op and got a bottle of water between us to have with the wraps. We sat and eat those before leaving the station and going to the Cotgrave bus stop home. 

My step count was over 6,000 again today, after 8,000 yesterday, so, I've made up for the lazy day Sunday. 

I have my diabetes review in the morning so we will see what we say then. I am still hovering around target weight wise so they should be pleased. 

Now the hard part, maintaining. Although, this weekend, I'll be having a few treats, but it is Halloween, so I will allow myself a break. So long as I'm not silly and go too far. To be fair, I don't go as mad as I used to. Mainly because I feel crap if I do, but I have booked a weekend off on the eating app, and so long as we stay active I'll be fine. 

In Between Days

Monday. 

Despite the rain lashing down we went for the ten to ten bus. We got off the bus at the station and walked up to the tram. Only to find out that the trams were once again were not running because of a car hitting a tram. This is becoming a regular thing.

We walked out and into town instead of going down by the canal as we had planned. Being a little peed off by this point we went in coffee #1 and had a warm drink and a treat. 

We then walked up towards Victoria Centre. I bought some gloves from Primarni as the ones I had on were soaked. I found some faux leather ones that had a fleece lining. 

We had look round Victoria Centre, then TK, before heading to the tram stop at Theatre Royal ( the trams were running again by now) We got off at the train station and caught the bus home. 

Now, while I was adding my bag onto Vinted I came across a couple of annuals of an old comic I used to buy out of my pocket money when I was younger. It was called Misty and was full of paranormal spooky stories, and really lovely artwork. They were listed for £2.70 each, so I bought them. I will be able to scan in the images and use them in my junk journals or flip through them. I was so happy to find them and it was a trip down memory lane, and this is from someone who didn't have a very happy younger life. But it was perhaps a rare happy memory, a moment in time when I had something to look forward to, a little bit of something for me. So, I'm looking forward to them coming. And it shows that even at that tender age the spooky life had already found me and given me refuge in a world that wouldn't accept my differences. Being disabled in those days was no picnic. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

A bleak and stormy day, not a day to be going out, but of doing cosy things like journaling and reading and watching favorite YouTube offerings. 

Willow was in her element. She knows when we are settled for the day, I put on my comfortable clothes. I have a joke with Kev that she thinks I dress like a homeless person, or pj's. Once dressed like that she knows I won't be moving anywhere. 

The wind nearly blew Kev over when he went to the corner shop, so he he said anyway. We had Cottage pie for lunch with green beans and carrots, homemade naturally. They'll be enough for tomorrow too, which is good. 

I finished another book, and did a few pages in my junk journal. Kev covered a box with wrapping paper for me to stash all my ephemera in and made a great job of it. 

He cleared out some cupboards while he was making lunch, and reorganised what baking stuff he has. 

It's a year since I handed in my notice at work, and I was thinking, obviously we have less money coming in, but, I really love not working. Getting up early, getting buses, dealing with contant roadworks, and awkward customers. Choosing to stay in ' because we can' or going out for exactly the same reason. 

The peace it's bought us both is wonderful. Yes, there are a few people I miss, but not many that miss me enough to stay in touch. I learned a long time ago, out of sight out of mind. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

We got up quite early as we wanted to go shop before the storm took hold. We went to West Bridgeford, first off M&S. Got fruit and food for the weekend. Then Iceland, Kev was putting a low carb, low calorie rocky road together.So some of the ingredients he needed were better bought from there. We had coffee in Costa. Soya milk latte for me. 

After that we got the bus home. In good time too. Half an hour later it had started raining and the wind picked up. One of the glass lanterns fell in the night, obviously yanked about by the galeforce winds, it hit the garden and smashed. Kev went out and cable tied the metal ones to the hooks so we don't lose any more. That must have made our 3rd disaster of late, a plate, a spoon rest and now this. 

I got home dyed my eyebrows, and then did some junk journal pages. Cosy activities, for a cosy rainy afternoon. 

I tried out my new bag. I love it. It has plenty of room for all my crap, lense pots, lip balm, hand sanitizer, brush, mirror and tissues. Along with purse, radar key and bus pass. 

In Between Days

Friday.

I've had a day where I haven't felt entirely well. I can't put my finger on what wrong, a bit of a fuzzy head, a bit of a jippy tum, a cold sore and a couple of sneezing fits. 

We stayed in. 

I was expecting my new bag. And I placed one on Vinted. 

The one I've had is a Loungefly and the one I'm selling is also a Loungefly. Both crossbody Disney Parks ones. 

I am really happy with the new one as I honestly think it will be my go to bag. I prefer crossbody bags to backpacks now, but I love my two backpacks so I won't be parting with those. However, there are a few cross body ones I can edit down now. 

I'm plowing on with my Halloween junk journal. I only have about 12 pages left in this one, which is for me. The next ones will be gifts, a couple of Halloween and definitely one for a Christmas loving friend... 

Photo is of my new Loungefly bag... 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We met Charlotte at the bus stop, we got off the bus and went to the S1 bus stop to get the 48 to Home Bargains at the Riverside retail park. It was nice to have a look around somewhere different. We didn't think much to their Christmas displays and in general compared to those walk through videos we watch on YouTube it was pretty poor. I did manage to get a few things however. 

We got the bus back into town and went to The Roebuck for lunch. And then caught the tram to the station to catch the Cotgrave home. It made a change if nothing else. 

In Between Days.

Wednesday.

Lazy gits we are! We didn't wake up till gone half 8! So, we were later going out, dreading what the buses would be like by then. But, for once the one we wanted came on time. We got off at the station and caught the tram as it looked like it was going to chuck it down with rain any moment. We got off the tram in Market Square and went straight to Black Sheep Coffee for our regular fix. While we were in there, the heavens opened. Kev dug the brolly out and we went to Victoria Centre. We got what we needed from there including pumpkin and other veg for soup. We went to TK, and found a soup mug for Charlotte, and a Halloween gift box in the sale for me. We had lunch in Subway, jacket spuds for us both. Waitrose for canned pumpkin, always handy for both savoury and sweet dishes. It's the only place that sells it. 

Then back to the tram and the railway station, we got a bus back almost immediately for a change. Our lucky day transport wise. 

When we got home, we both had a busy day, Kev did some box shuffling to give us a spare box for a gift, the new pans came, giving us more room in the cupboard as they stack down and have a single detachable handle that fits them all. Kev put the soup on and I cleaned the bathroom and hall floors. 

Later on I did a couple more pages in my junk journal. I also took out some of the excess signatures so that its slightly less bulky. 

In Between Days

Tuesday. 

Sue and Pete picked us up from home to take us to Bingham for lunch. 

We went to The Butter Cross, a Wetherspoons. And a very nice one at that. I had the Butternut squash and spinach curry and Kev had the Chicken Tikka version. 

We had parked at the back of the little shopping arcade, so we went into the charity shop opposite Boyes and Sue spotted the wonderful tins shaped and painted like Frankenstein and Dracula. They were on sale, so we naturally bought them. 

Once we got home, we put spaghetti (dried) in Frankenstein and our straws in Dracula ( so he could "suck" your blood, lol).

In Between Days

Sunday. 

Well it was a strange Sunday all round really. We got up around 8am, and had a lazy start sitting in pj's and watching fave YouTube channels. I then heat embossed some images for Christmas cards, cutting them out and putting them ready to put together when I have time. Then I got ready to go out, out to Monster Mash up Halloween concert at the Theatre Royal. It felt weird going out late afternoon. We went to The Three Crowns for food, as its just across the road from the Theatre. We took a trip down memory lane and had a drink in The Tap and Tumbler. It's a long time since we had a drink there. 

We left there when it was time for the doors to open. We had another tipple in Yarn, and then took our seats ( front row) which was good as we had more leg room.

It was exactly as we expected, a lot of cheese, a lot of fun, and some that you think what the hell is that doing in there? Loved The Rocky Horror section, great tribute to Tim Curry. It was very Vampires Rock. But we loved every minute of it. They kicked off with The Music of the Night, which made me want to go watch Phantom of the Opera again. In fact I am looking right now at booking a Theatre trip for us both next year... 

Anyway, the show finished at 9.45pm. A little later than it should because they had a minor hiccup equipment wise. 

We got a taxi more or less straight away, getting home around 10.30pm.

It was really strange being in the city late at night, and not in a good way. There was a shooting in the early hours of the morning and there was still a large police presence. I was, I admit happy once we were home. But it was a good night out. 

In Between Days

Saturday. 

It was a lovely autumnal day bright and sunny, but cold and crisp, enough to keep your jacket on weather. 

We went into the city, saw Sheryl at the bus stop and had a good natter. 

It dropped us off at Beastmarket hill for a change, so we went to Black Sheep Coffee first, then we got the 58 to Sherwood to go to Lidl ( I needed more hand soap and I like their dupe of L'Occitane's) they also do a dupe of Lush's Rose Jam shower gel. I got both of those and a tub of sweets for Halloween trick or treaters. 

We got back into the city and went to Bill's for lunch. Haven't been in there in a age, last time was with Elle, back when we had Minimates meet up. 

I had buttermilk pancakes, Kev had a burger. Both very nice. It was a bit pricey, where isn't? But when you get good food and service it's worth it... 

We then got the tram to the station to go wait for a bus. 

We bumped into a lovely couple of Americans with a little girl at the station, who commented on Kev's Disney tote bag. When we told them it was from MNSSHP last year they asked us if we had enjoy our time in Florida. The little girl had a Halloween dress on... See, the nicest people love Halloween... 

That little chat made us smile, and made up for the 40 minute wait for a bus. We eventually got the 12, and when we got to Morrisons Louise got on. 

In Between Days.

Friday 

We accompanied Charlotte when ahe went to the Doctors for her M.O.T, then all three of us went to Bridgeford. We had coffee and lunch in Caffe Nero. Then we went to the charity shop where I got some refresher oil for the pot pouri in the hall. Charlotte found a spoon rest with a Highland Coo on it. Both really good priced items ( Charity shops are NOT cheap any more by the way)

Then onto M&S for bread and fruit. 

We got the bus home. The route to the bungalow is fraught with obstacles as they are digging up the road between the car park and the corner shop. With no thought to how the hell us oldies are getting out/into the cul de sac.

In Between Days

Tuesday. 

We went into town. The buses are now going back through Bridgeford. 

We had coffee at Black Sheep Coffee first off. The rain had abated, but the pavement was still slick and I was slipping quite a bit. Kev looked at the soles of my trainers and the grip has almost worn away. So I've ordered more. I can't risk slipping and falling, so replacing them is the best option.

We nipped in Boyes. Kev needed a few bits for projects he has on the go.

We went into Vic Centre and bought Traitors doughnuts from crispy cremes. And that was my big mistake. Thinking I could have something like that with no consequences. We went into TK and Kev managed to get another reduced cat scratch post to replace the posts Willow has wrecked. It's made her old tower like new again. 

Anyway, back to the doughnut. I ate it when we got back.

 At first, I felt alright, then half an hour later, I had a hypoglycemiac episode. I felt awful, and couldn't eat another thing. I slept a while, my own fault I know, but scary nonetheless. 

Wednesday.

We decided to go to The Range with Charlotte. We got the bus to the station, then got the tram into Market Square. We then walked up to the 45 bus stop opposite Tesco. 

We got to Lady Bay Retail Park around 11.15, and went to Greggs ( only choice there I am afraid) for a coffee. I had their PSL but, its not a patch on Black Sheep. We then went to Hobbycraft, I found a tub to hang on my craft trolley and a Halloween ribbon for my junk journal. 

We then went to The Range. I had a quick look round the Halloween section, but, as always I think their stuff is a bit tacky. I did pop round the craft section, I found a paper pad and a Christmas gift. But nothing amazing. We did have a good look at the Christmas stuff, but as we aren't really changing our decor for Christmas ( just the tree, and my tier tray) this year, I didn't buy anything. 

We had lunch at Subway ( I had a jacket potato with 5 bean chilli ) Kev and Charlotte shared a foot long. Learning my lesson from.the day before I had nothing sweet. 

We decided to get an uber home. 

In the evening Kev went to watch the football in the bedroom and I did some pages in my junk journal. 

In Between Days.

Sunday.

We got up and had a slow start to the day. I weighed in and am actually below target. That's taken just over 12 months. Which I am really proud of. At 63, which okay has been a challenge, but not impossible. And yes, I used to make that excuse too. But you can lose weight if you are willing to work at it, and set yourself an exercise plan. Mainly walking in my case. But this was triggered by a health concern and because I don't want to end up like Mr Busy. He will end up losing his leg, Kev says it's a right mess, and that is down to not keeping your diabetes in check and watching for changes in your feet and circulation. 

Once ready, we walked down to Sainsbury's to get the meat for lunch. 

We got what we wanted and then went for a coffee in The Pig and Pudding across the car park from Sainsbury's. 

It was very nice, we didn't know they opened on a Sunday. 

We then walked back, that got our steps in for the day easily. 

Kev took the washing over to the laundry there was only a bag, but we do it whenever now, usually later in the day. It keeps it down, and saves us from battling for the laundry against Mariola and co. 

I wrote my cards, ready to be posted this week. I'm not sending as many, not because I'm mean, but to be fair I was sending about 30 out, about half of which never I got any acknowledgement of. A simple thank you, or I got your card would suffice, but half the time I wasn't sure if they got them. I don't expect one back. I just get tired of being taken for granted. 

This year for Halloween too, we are doing something for us. Not a party, or a get together, just doing what we want to do for a change. We have a few things booked, a chance to dress up and have a giggle. I doubt I will blog either. Time for us to do something for us rather than others. After all it is our favourite time of year. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

Up showered and out by 10am, we got the bus into town, expecting it to drop us off at Broadmarsh bus station, instead he dropped us in town at Beastmarket hill. Apparently, because the construction and demolition crews don't work weekends they can drop off and pick up from Market Square. 

However, on our return journey the bus had reverted to Broadmarsh bus station, I think the option is down to particular drivers making that call. 

In any case we had Black Sheep coffee first, went to Boyes after and bought some craft stuff I needed. Then into Victoria Centre to John Lewis where we picked up decorative witches brooms to hang either side of the 'mantle' we've been hanging our nose over them a while now, but bit the bullet and got them. Not on sale, but what the heck. Then we we went to Tesco to get Sunday's food, which they hadn't got believe it or not, so we will walk to Sainsbury's in the Village tomorrow instead. 

Finally, we went in TKMAXX to pick up Kev's click and collect order ( more Halloween decor) and we saw and bought a pillow in the sale, which I bought. 

Then it was back on the tram to the railway station and we caught the bus home outside  that. 

We had a quick reshuffle of the decor and threw away one pillow, it was only a cheap Temu case we had filled, so, that gone, we had the perfect place for it, in the unliving room. 

The brooms look amazing and I'm glad we bought them. 

Later on I did some crafting and then we watched Shawn of the Dead. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We went into the city, mainly to get the ingredients for Mystical Witch Soup, its a purple coloured soup made from purple sweet potatoes, red cabbage and red onions. It looks amazing and tastes good. Full of veggies and great when its chilly. 

Anyway we had to settle for normal sweet potatoes. So it was more red than purple but still really tasty. 

We went into TKMAXX just to see if they had more bargains, but they hadn't knocked the stuff down as much as Homesense. 

We had coffee in Black Sheep and then went to M&S for the soup ingredients. We walked back to Broadmarsh bus station and got the Cotgrave home. 

We had a busy day once home, changing the bedding for the Halloween one. Kev put the washing on after they'd finished at the bingo. 

In Between Days.

Wednesday.

Despite the lashing rain we went on the bus to the station, went up to the tram stop and got the Toton lane one that goes to Dunelm and Starbucks. We had a pumpkin spice latte (hot) before going to Dunelm. Afterwards we walked up the bridge to go to B&M and lastly Homesense. 

We went in Homesense and they had reduced all the Halloween decor. Most of it half price. It had to be done, a basket was grabbed and a Frankenstein seated holding his detached head was aquired along with a witchypoo head that Kev has been hanging his nose over for a while. Then we found two pictures, one an apothecary scene ( for the kitchen) and a haunting bride one that reminds me of Lucy in Bram Stoker's Dracula, when she comes back to the crypt carrying the child. That's gone into the Hall, replacing the one I made when we first moved here. Lastly we found a pumkin scratching post for Willow it's got a witches hat on. Kev said if they reduced it he would buy it. All that lot came to £35, which we probably spent previously on one or two items. So we were very happy with our haul. We decided to have a taxi home, as it was all heavy. 

When we got home we made a few adjustments to our decor finding homes for it all. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Sue contacted us to say we couldn't go into town as there was a fire overnight and most of that area was cordoned off. So they picked us up and we tried to go to Shepherds. We got there to find there was no carvery. So we went to order on the menu but most of that was unavailable too. So we walked out. We then went to The Gamston Lock. We sat at a table and then a server. A young girl, who sadly didn't know what she was doing. She didn't know what we were saying either, Sue had to tell her at least 3 times that she wanted a gin and bitter lemon, she didn't know what a bitter lemon was, so Sue ( patiently for her, believe me) said I'll have it with orange juice. She then realised she hadn't got her note pad and had to go get it. After all that Sue ended up with what appeared to be a plain orange juice. Until she got to the bottom where the gin was, she hadn't stirred it... Pete asked what beers they had on tap, she didn't know. Kev in the end went up to the bar and looked for himself. 

Needless to say when it came to ordering the food Kev just pointed at the menu for what we wanted. 

Now the food was good, don't get me wrong. And we had a good laugh about it, She almost dropped the drinks all over us, and some of the drinks were spilt on the tray. God knows if she was employed there, or just part of the family roped in to serve. But it was like something out of a comedy sketch. Thank God we didn't order the soup! 

At £90 for four of us it wasn't cheap, I suppose we paid for the entertainment value, I kept waiting for Basil Fawlty to come and ask us how our meal was. 

Sue and Pete dropped us off home. 

In Between Days

Monday.

To get our steps in we walked down to the village and I called into the doctors to pick-up a sample pot as I have a diabetic m.o.t at the end of the month. 

We went round Heron, and had a coffee in Streza. Then down to Sainsbury's before getting a bus back home.

Once back, We watched some YouTube, checking out a couple of videos on Chester as we are thinking of having a trip there in the new year. 

It's a year ago today since we were in Disney. It's also a year since I made to decision to walk away from work. I was terrified of doing it but could see no other option. 45 years and they put me in a position of having no other choice. Never mind, it is harder now, money wise, especially as Kev is now retired, but I've never been happier. That burden of getting buses ( which would be a living hell given the situation right now) and travelling halfway across the city even for two days a week would drive us both mental. 

They say things happen for a reason. In retrospect, it was probably the best thing to do. 

That holiday put a lot of things into perspective. It was a turning point in a few things. My health, diet, and fitness, and my mental health. I've stopped setting my self on fire to keep others warm. I'm not doing things because they are expected of me. If people don't like me because of that, then they don't have to be in my orbit. I would sooner be on my own than be alone in a crowd. I am nobody's second choice, I will gladly spend time with those that want to, but I won't beg someone to stay. If that makes me selfish, so be it. 

In Between Days.

Sunday.

A sunny but chilly start to the day, perfect for us. I got up at 8am, weighed in, sitting at 1.7 kg below target. 

Gave Willow lots of cuddles, then collated and cut some ephemera for my junk journal.

We walked to the Precinct, getting our steps in, had a nosy in Heron sat outside with a can ( water in my case!) Kev had cold coffee, enjoying the sunshine.

We got back and Kev put the washing in, I did a few pages in my junk journal. 

Later on Charlotte came round, Ian had sent some Traitors chocolate coins round for all three of us, we watched Pottery Throw Down, and Apocalypse. Not sure what I think of the latter, it really doesn't give you hope for mankind, and is a bleak reflection on the human race as it is... Nice people get crushed or forced into not being nice to survive... 

In Between Days

Saturday.

We walked down to the village to post my Halloween cards for America. There's a big faff now to sending to the States, you have to put the senders name and address in the top left hand corner and then theirs below it. It is also £3.60 per card! This might change me sending cards to the US in future. 

Afterwards we decided to have lunch at The Manvers. Kev had fish and chips and I had the roasted veg autumn salad. Both were lovely, but very pricey. £50, which we don't mind once in a while, but not every week. 

We caught the bus home as there was one due. 

Kev baked figs in the oven with honey and we had them with greek yogurt. 

I got some more work done in my junk journal. 

Later on we watched 'Withnail and I' its years since we've seen it, and it's a classic. I can't believe it came out in 1987. I've always loved Richard.E.Grant as an actor. Even if he plays really serious parts ( and he can, and does) there is always something quirky odd about him. I think it's carried through him as he is a little odd on real life. Very eccentric. He won't be on Traitors long, but even on that he has blurted out he is a Traitor! Typical of him, you'd say. 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

I should sub-title this blog 'the misadventures of a Cotgrave bus passenger' episode 2... 

We got what should have the 9.30am. A bus turned up, not in service, that dropped people off closed the doors and buggered off. 5 minutes later another bus came ( it was now 9.45am) We were allowed on that one. Because the other bus wasn't picking any passengers up, they all piled onto ours, before we left Cotgrave the bus was full of people, standing as well as sitting. 

 We eventually got to the city, and had the mostly up hill from Broadmarsh bus station to the centre of the shops etc, so we headed straight to Black Sheep Coffee. Having had our fix it was on to Boyes to get some craft supplies. Those got, it was on to TK to find all the Halloween had been packed up and moved upstairs. Kev found two great copies of Frankenstein and Dracula. Just to display, I have copies to read and both are on kindle too. But it allows us to use them to put our objects on them to give them different heights. Why buy fake books when you can buy real ones at the same price. 

We had jacket potatoes from the van opposite the church and sat out because it was such a nice day. They were very good value and really tasty. 

We then walked back to the bus station and eventually got a Cotgrave bus home. 

Ian informed us later that there are going to be more roadworks from next week affecting Bridgeford which will make things even worse

 than they are now. 

Charlotte helped us when we got home reaching the tree with the baubles for Halloween, to save unplugging the TV and moving it. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

A bit of a dull start, which fooled us into thinking it was cooler, but we soon had to take our coats off. 

We walked down the canal and went to Homesense. Christmas is fast taking over the displays, with Halloween shoved into a corner now. I know its coming, but I always find it sad. 

Mind you, Kev did find a beautiful edition of Greys Anatomy. Hardback and perfect for scanning in and copying for my junk journal. At a good price too, and an added bonus it looks great under my Frankenstein bust on the "mantle".

We had to go to Maccy's for coffee as Costa is still shut for refurbishment. It was while we were in there that Tracey Milano rang me to let me know that Max, a friend and colleague from work passed away on Monday. It knocked me back a bit, more than I expected, we got very friendly towards the end of my time at JS, she always took me off on time so I got my bus. She came onto Sunday shifts, and we both used to joke that if we had met years before we would have been like sisters from another mister... I knew she was living with breast cancer, and her poor body had been through the mill with all the treatments, bless her. But, I thought she was winning, its such a shame

I know we are at that age, but all it seems like a constant stream of bad news at the moment. 

When we left Maccy's we went to Lidl, got some stuff we needed, mainly fruit and greek yogurt, and walked over the hill towards the tram stop. We got off at the station and went out to get the bus home. As the buses were once again all over the place, we got a Bingham and got off in Bridgeford, to wait there for a Cotgrave as at least there is seats, the stop at the station is being painted and you can't sit down. 

We got home around 2pm. We had both walked around 7, 000 steps, so it was a feet up afternoon. 

My new art journal came from Amazon with a few more supplies to start a new junk journal when this one is done. 

In Between Days

Monday.

So the chaos that is roadworks in Nottingham strikes again as they demolish the college and the NCP carpark near Maid Marion Way. We went only to Bridgeford to try and get out for a bit. It was a glorious day, almost summer like. We had a wander around the Charity shops looking for books on anatomy, that I can scavenge to put in my junk journal, I quite fancy doing a Frankenstein spread, and those images would be perfect. 

No luck, but it was good to have a nosy round them as its been a while. 

We got sandwiches and a drink and sat in the park for lunch before heading home on the very delayed bus.

Once home, Kev did the washing while I started a new spread in my journal.

I did use Dyans new stamps in my journal stuck on to torn book pages.  Used watercolour crayons to make them look a little faded, as if by time and I am quite happy how it turned out. Splat box was useful too. 

. 

In Between Days.

Sunday. 

A nice relaxed day. We got up at our own pace, had breakfast then walked down to the village to get some food for lunch and get our steps in. 

We weren't out long, and then we had a cosy day in doing a few projects. Downloading ephemera for my junk journal, and printing it off, Kev made me a splat box so I can splatter white paint on my pages and other projects and not cover my desk etc... 

I managed to get a couple more pages done too... 

We caught up on our favourite YouTube channels, and I watched a couple of junk journal tutorials... 

Just a lovely cosy crafty day which is ideal, the Robin Hood run was on so we had no intention of leaving the village. Now we don't need to negotiate through it to get to work it is much better, and we certainly didn't want to deal with if we didn't have to. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

I woke not long after five with cramp in my left leg. Happens now and then, I get up move around, drink some water. Once it had settled down enough, I went to my desk, and dug out my junk journal. Its Halloween themed, and I don't add to it enough. So, I sat and did a couple of spreads. Both themed to poisoner's, a bit like someone had created a dossier on one. That's what I like about it, you can use anything in your stash, anything you find and no affiliate links need to be used. Because while you can use branded stamps etc, you don't have to limit yourself. I'm about halfway through it, and I will keep it once it's done. I will do another, but will more than likely gift it to someone I know who will enjoy flipping through it. People sell completed junk journals on Etsy, but I don't want to go down that route. Selling stuff opens you up to all sorts of hassle, and for me kills the fun out of doing it. I would rather just enjoy putting one together for me or a friend who would enjoy it... 

At 12.30, Lauren picked us up to take us to the Air Hostess at Tollerton for lunch with the family (Dorothy, Ian and Charlotte and of course Lauren) for Charlotte's Birthday. 

The place itself is lovely, busy but not heaving. The food was very good too, I had butternut squash rissoto, Kev had Lasagne, both really hot and tasty. 

We had apple and blackberry charlotte for desert. Again really good. 

In fact Charlotte and Ian booked for Boxing Day and New Year's Day while we were there. Apparently they don't charge any more for the festive lunches than they do now, which is a bit of a refreshing change. You just have to book in plenty of time. I think its because its a community pub, and they encourage locals to work there, and everyone to pay a fair price for drinks and food. 

All in all a lovely day out

In Between Days

Friday.

Hair day. So up and out walking to the precinct. As always Amanda did an amazing job and I am very grateful to have a decent hairdresser that knows exactly what I want and how to do it... 

I chose red again for the accent colour. One of the main reasons I enjoy going to Blu is that I actually relax, they don't 'gossip' about their clients, no going in huddles whispering and giggling... 

We came home after and had jacket potatoes, for lunch. 

I set too and made another Christmas card. And lined all my Halloween cards ready to send them soon. 

Watched a couple more card tutorials by Pete Hughes for Sizzix and Tim Holtz dies. All giving me ideas for mine. 

Sometimes all I need is to read my kindle in a quiet room with candles as the only light. That heals my soul just as much as getting lost in a creative project with no interruptions. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Charlotte's Birthday.

Both Ian and Charlotte had invited us out to Trowell Garden Centre, we haven't been to one since we went to Vicki's leaving do at Brookfields near Arnold. That was last year.

So it was lovely to  have a good look around, they had some Halloween decor and we bought a few bits. They had a huge selection of Lemax Spooky Town, oh my gosh, if I had the space... And the money... It was stunning. Kev did buy a little light up tree to fit in the cloche behind the house, which in the end was too big, but at the moment its next to witches... And a couple of mini pumpkin stacks for outside the haunted house 

I also bought lantern with pumpkins on it. Very pretty with lights in it. 

We had lunch in the restaurant I had veg lasagne and Kev had Bacon and Brie quiche. Really great food. 

Now to the silly story. As it was Charlotte's birthday I had wrapped her gifts and put them in a gift bag, or so I thought. When She came to open the bag, the box inside the bag was empty. The candle was in the bag next to an empty box!. I had obviously thought I had put her main gift in the box but hadn't. It was still at the back of the cupboard, once we got home. 

Oh well, we all had a good laugh about it and I will no doubt get an empty box for Christmas and my next Birthday... lol... 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

We decided to have a day in the weather looked gloomy and dull.

So, Kev borrowed Denise's ladder ( its taller than ours!) And then he bought the boxes down from the loft, just the ones labelled Halloween... Actually we haven't got that much now in the loft and we edited it down even that. I am happy with the decor we have now, so I trying to keep it as it is, with a few additions but less now we know what we are looking for. 

The bedroom decor is less goth, more whimsy with the cuter pieces in there... Although that too is being thinned out and certain loved items being kept on display. Eventually all the stuff not on the must display list will be edited down. 

Charlotte came round in the afternoon after getting back from Skipton ( they'd gone for a few days to celebrate both their wedding anniversary and Charlotte's birthday tomorrow!) She and Ian went to a really cool place called the Forgotten Corner, and bought us a beautiful little ornament to hang on our tree a bat! 

In Between Days

Tuesday. 

Got up and read on the book of face that there was a bad accident on the A52, which closed the road from Holme House to Gamston island. So we got ready and left earlier than we otherwise would, so we got into the city and went for coffee at Black Sheep. 

We then went to Superdrug as I had run out of eyeliner. 

That got we went to TK. Sadly the Halloween decor has declined even further. So I think our time visiting is coming to an end. There was Christmas stuff lurking, and as the only Christmas decor we are going to do is the tier tray and tree, we won't be buying anything new, in fact I'll be putting some up for sale.

We met Sue and Pete at O'Neil's for lunch. 

After which we came home on the first bus available. They were all over the place. Understandable given the circumstances. 

In Between Days

Monday.

It was almost a summers day, so we walked down the Canal and had a look in Homesense. Sadly, the Halloween decor is being moved, and Christmas decor is replacing it. I know its coming, but I always feel a little deflated, even though we have a whole month before Halloween itself. 

We found nothing we needed or wanted, so then we walked over to McDonald's for a coffee as Costa there is shut for refurbishment. We then went to Lidl before heading up the hill to get the tram back into the city. 

Once we had got off the tram we nipped to get the bits we couldn't get from Lidl from M&S. 

We got back home and Kev did the washing. I started a card, using one Pete Hughes came up with as inspiration. A Christmas card. 

In Between Days.

Sunday.

We decided to get out the bungalow for a bit and caught the bus to Trent Bridge and then the 10C to Asda. We wanted some food, and a mooch round. West Bridgeford was busy because of cricket

We got what we needed and came home. 

Asda is not my favourite place to shop. But we fancied a change. Like most supermarkets these days it looked low on stock and messy. Like all the others it indicates a lack of staff. Nothing being filled and no one around to help.

There's a Costa in there, and we had a coffee. I doubt we will go again. And we no longer go to the Wolds pub as the last time we did the food was awful. 

Once home I made some cards using the new stamps from Dyan.

I packed up and away in the early evening and then chilled out. I gave Willow lots of cuddles. 

In Between Days.

Saturday.

Our 31st Wedding Anniversary.

We headed to town after a stay at home and chill day the day before. 

My new stamps had come of Dyans, so I had spent a good while stamping them out and cutting them out placing them in a box ready to begin using them as and when I need them. 

We went first to Black Sheep Coffee for our fix, then up to TK. I saw a beautiful cloche which Kev bought me, he was offering to buy me some flowers, but I said I would prefer that. 

After which we got some food from Tesco and then decided we might go to lunch at Bistrot Pierre. We walked in and enquired about a table for two, believe me when I say that the place had 8 people sat at tables and there was at least 20 not occupied. 

The waiter who came to us said (after looking us up and down like we were trash!) That there were no tables free until 1.30pm. 

Kev immediately said no thanks, and we walked out. Now I know, we were only in jeans but, I thought we both looked smart/casual. I hate that kind of discrimination. We've had it before, when we would dress full goth. It's not big and it's not clever. I'm not into walking around shopping in designer clothes thank you very much, and I'm not about to start now... You should never judge a book by its cover... 

I wouldn't thank you for a table there after that. The food probably wasn't that amazing, its only a jumped up eatery. 

We didn't bother looking for anywhere else, got some chocolates from Hotel Chocolate, Halloween ones, skulls and a yumpkin for me. And came home. 

Instead I had a lovely lunch that Kev cooked us, a bottle of Margarita from M&S, and as a treat one of the chocolate skulls. 

Never ever let anyone treat you like shit just because aren't wearing the right 'uniform'. Sad little snob of a waiter, with a false outrageous French accent. Hopefully its one of the chain restaurants that will go to wall, I doubt it, but you never know. Karma's a bitch, and I am one when I'm crossed. 

Despite that, we had a nice day, and in the evening we watched the new Wuthering Heights movie, not one we fancied going to the pictures to see, but one that is alright to stream once available. 

I was overall impressed with the version, but as always I much prefer the book. I must also point out that I always disliked the characters in the novel, Catherine I always considered over dramatic and spoiled, Heathcliffe cold and severe, the only person he ever loved was himself. And I always thought that Nellie's part in Catherine's unhappiness and subsequent demise was both in the novel and adaptations of it on screen, rather down played. Her jealousy of Catherine and her revenge for her own circumstances, being fallen from weath and in servitude, never fully explored. Not a favourite gothic novel for me, if I'm honest. But then, I'm more a Charlotte Bronte than Emily  when it comes to classics. You like what you like. Give me Jane Eyre and Mr Rochester anyday... 

In Between Days.

Thursday.

Despite being desperate for a cosy day at home, Kev had his glaucoma appointment at 1.30pm, so we had no choice but to go out. We started the day off gently, chilled out a bit before going out later than we normally do. 

We had coffee at Black Sheep, and then walked down to M&S to get some food in. After a couple of days away and not eating well, fast food and the like, it is now important to reign our diets back in. So we needed lots of fruits and veggies back on the menu. 

Before that, we dropped into Waterstones. I wanted to see if they had the new Alice Hoffman book in. Sadly, no. So I'll just get it on kindle, I would anyway, but I do like to see them ' in the flesh' so to speak. 

We got the i4 to the savoy cinema area, where the clinic is, and were lucky enough that because we were early Kev got seen almost immediately. Looks like the drops are working and he can have them for the next six months, before they see him again. 

We got the bus back into town and caught a Cotgrave, instead of going directly home we got off in Bridgeford, as there was a few bits we still needed we went to Iceland, then up to Waterstones, where they did have a copy of The Witches of Cambridge... As always they were charging the full price for it in hardback, so it is still a kindle edition I'll be buying. But it was nice to see it and part of me still wants a book turret with a window seat and book nook. Maybe in the next life...

We had another coffee in Caffè Nero, before walking back to the bus stop opposite the Co-op. 

Once home, Kev started the washing, and once that was underway, he set too and rearranged the wall above the shelves that houses the girls ( you never call them dolls, be warned!) In order to put the Count up, where he belongs next to the wicker bats and his castle... 

It looks good, but I'm thinking the bats might have to move as we can't get them how we want them to look, but it might change again. 

We had stir fry, Kev had pork, and I had tofu. It's nice to go back to healthier eating. I did notice while we were away. I feel much better when I fuel my body with the right food... 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Travel home day. We got up around 8.30, I had a shower as the bathroom was a wet room, so no climbing over a bath, and very nice it was too. Good heat and pressure for a hotel one. We packed and then went a walk into the town to grab some breakfast. We plumped for M&S cafe. Then we nipped to buy a bag big enough to transport the picture home. We also bought Charlotte a small candle to say thank you for looking after Willow. And I couldn't resist buying some bat tea towels. 

We headed back to the hotel and got everything organised. They haven't got a luggage hold at that hotel which meant dragging it around with us once we had checked out the hotel at 12. 

So as it was quite pleasant we gathered our stuff and sat in the library park for a while. Then we made our way to the bus station and got the 36 to Leeds. 

We had quite a while before our National Express coach was due, but again no luggage lockers there so we found decent seats and out came my kindle we got some lunch from Greggs and sat chilling.

There was a bit of drama when a small rat/mouse scampered across the concourse. As usual, they did what humans do and overreacted, security spraying it, with what we couldn't determine, then one of them chasing it with a dustpan and brush. Eventually catching it and taking it outside. Poor thing was terrified. I don't care if it's vermin, but it's a living thing. Yes, I understand completely that it needed to be shifted, but honestly they could have been a little bit better at handing it. 

That drama over we carried on entertaining ourselves until our bus came.

We left at 5.30pm and got back in Nottingham at 7.15pm. Not bad going. We managed to get the 7.20pm Cotgrave and that was the end of our pre-anniversary get away. It was a nice couple of days, and we would go back. Hopefully next time we can find time to find Art from the Heart's shop. 

In Between Days.

Tuesday.

Up around 8am. Not a great night's sleep, My first night away from home is never brilliant. But compounded by the bed. Let me explain. Twin beds, not a problem, but they aren't standard size singles are very narrow, and I had to check myself for turning over in case I fell out, I woke Kev once because he nearly did. 

Anyway, we got up to the rain lashing down so heavy we doubted we could venture far. By 9am, it had stopped, the wind got up and it was chilly. Change of plan, instead, jeans and sweatshirt were what I chose to wear. We walked from our hotel to the shopping centre and found TK, we found The Count picture from my 'wanted' list. We had all but given up on finding him. There he was hanging around on a bottom shelf. I snatched him up and a candle I'd been looking for, and we went to the checkout triumphant at locating one after months of searching, and friends searching on our behalf ( thank you Holly and Boo!) 

Now just the small matter of getting him home! 

We were meeting Trish and her friend later and after a Mcmuffin breakfast and a coffee in Costa we decided to give finding Art from the Heart shop a go. We had started out there, when Trish let us know they were on their way. A quick re-route was needed and we met up with them at the bus station. We went in Caffe Nero and preceded our catch up. Lovely to see Trish, and meet Aneria, the time soon passed and we parted company. We then walked to the Winter Gardens pub for a late lunch, early tea. 

That done we made our weary way back to the hotel. Having done over 10,000 steps, which is a lot for me, even with lots of rests, I was done in. We got comfy in the room, and I had a bit of a doze. 

We had a lovely evening relaxing and recovering from our days excursions. 

I am very much impressed with Harrogate and will be coming back. Its great for a short break. Just need a couple of visits to get more done. The architecture is stunning, the countryside gorgeous. And still so much left to do. 

In Between Days

Monday. 

Up at 7am to get up ready for our short break to Harrogate, We got the National Express to Leeds at 10am (after coffee at Caffe Nero) We arrived in Leeds at 12.15 and got the bus straight to Harrogate from the same bus station the number 36. It was a lovely warm day, and we went through Harewood and surrounding countryside. Very pretty we got into Harrogate around 1.30pm, and had a short walk to find the hotel. We went past the Everyman Cinema and because we had time to kill before we could check in we went in and made a booking for Practical Magic 2. Later that evening. Once that was sorted we wandered into the pub opportunity hotel The Tap. We had a couple of ciders and chilled out basking in the sunny afternoon. We checked in unpacked, and freshened up, then made our way back to the Everyman for dinner. I had a mini flatbread pizza, Kev had a burger. We of course had to have a couple of midnight margaritas (cocktails specially on the menu to compliment the movie!) 

It was a darling little theatre, with rows and rows of real sofas, really comfortable. Plenty of leg room and you could order food and drink while you were sat watching the movie. We had ours in the restaurant instead beforehand, but a great idea. 

We came out from there and made our way back to the hotel afterwards. 

We both loved the movie, Kev thought it was a stronger story than the first one. I thought that about the book too. I read them in the wrong order, as I read PM when the movie came out in 1998, not knowing it was the third one in the series. Earlier this year I read them all in the correct order. This movie is based on the fourth novel. Alice Hoffman is a wonderful writer, and I also loved her Bookstore family series too. If you've never read any of her books I recommend you give them a go.  

I thought this was a good adaptation of the 4th book, as much as a movie can with any book, but I always think the book is much better than the films anyway. This is a happy-sad story, in the same way that The Cure is happy-sad music. You will need tissues, and love every minute of the emotional roller coaster it takes you on. 

The hotel is decent, typical Travelodge, basic rooms, but great location for everything. We will explore a little further tomorrow. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

Prep day for going to Harrogate tomorrow. We packed after Kev got the case out, not taking much mind. We are only there two nights. 

Just jeans and a couple of shirts, a pair of leggings and that new dress. 

That all done, I did my tablets. I'll need to take three pods worth with me. I dropped a jar on my foot, which has caused a bruise and grazed area. Typical. I'll have to keep my eye on it. 

Later on I made a card, another Christmas one. One with a fair bit of detail. 

Then I showered and washed my hair, saving me time and effort in the morning. 

We had a fairly early night, as although its not a really early start, I know I will struggle to sleep like always before a trip anywhere. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

A trip to Bridgeford, Kev had ordered a dress for me from M&S click and collect, so we had to get that. We had a coffee in Caffe Nero. Sat outside as it was busy. 

We went around the farmers market, and a couple of the Charity shops. There was a big wedding on in the park, with an old double decker bus picking all the guests up. 

We fetched my dress and got a few other bits and bobs including some ready made margaritas to have with us for the pictures on Monday night when we go to see Practical Magic 2.

We got home and I started making a card. I have the basic ones done, now I can do the more fiddly ones. I like it when I can do one at a time and enjoy the process. I really don't enjoy 'deadline' cards. I like having the time to let my creativity free. 

In Between Days.

Friday.

There's a little witch in all of us...

We got up and got ready to go to the city to meet up with a couple of friends from work, Gilly and Vicky... 

We went for a coffee when we got to the city, and then we walked to M&S passing by Body Shop on the way. I nipped in to get the pumpkin shower gel and came out with that the body cream and hand cream. 

We got food we needed from M&S after that, then headed to The Roebuck to meet the girls. 

We had a lovely afternoon, and a good catch up. I had margaritas, well you have to, don't you on Practical Magic 2 release day here in the UK. Not Midnight Margaritas, yet it seemed fitting... And yes, we will have them on Halloween night at Midnight...

We came home Charlotte was here keeping Willow company, she had somehow conned her into giving her two Lic e lix,  little bogger... 

In the evening we watched Practical Magic 1 ( again!) In readiness for watching it Monday... And don't come at me with poor reviews, because it won't stop me watching it, or enjoying it. If I had believed every poor review of a movie, I would never have the favourites I do have... So don't even bother... I will love being back in 1998, when we watched it at Derby Showcase... So there! 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We had to take something back to Tiger that didn't work. 

So we got ready and got the  bus to the city. Of course we had coffee first, before returning the item, the girls working in there didn't know how to do a refund back onto Kev's card. So after a bit of a curfuffle they eventually gave him the actual cash. 

It seemed like that was the order of the day, as I went into Lush to pick up a body spray, with a money off voucher from joining their online club. Well, again they didn't know how to take the amount off my purchase. The actual store manager had to come over and do it for them. Nothing is ever simple.

We came home and I did some crafting for a little while even getting a page or two done in my junk journal. 

In Between Days.

Wednesday. 

A bright morning, so we decided to walk down by the canal while we still can. We had a little rest on the benches when we arrived at Castle Marina retail park, then headed to Homesense. They still have a lot of Halloween on offer, and we found the beheaded Vampire in the library chair. Had to be done. I called him Giles ( think Buffy!) 

We will have to do a bit of shifting about, but I want him in the unliving room. 

Kev also found two candles which are almost identical to the ones from Anthropology but a third of the price. One scent is Witching Hour and the other Ghostly Domain. The latter we have under the candle warmer as I type. Kev had another strop at the male cashier, who refused to wrap Giles ( He is the most unhelpful cashier over the two stores we shop in) all the others try and help get some packaging to help us transport stuff home, all he says in no, we don't keep any. Kev and him often clash. Today, however, Kev lost it, and said to him don't bother we will figure it out with no help from him. It must have shocked him because he did in the end find a carrier bag to put Giles in. 

After that drama we had iced lattes in Costa because it had gone warm out. 

A quick visit it B&M which was Christmas item heavy, so we left quickly and went to Lidl. 

When we got in there, we got fruit, stocked up on nuts, and Kev needed ginger nuts for the pumpkin pie base, that was a real eye opener. £1.25 for one pack in B&M, we got 2 packs from Lidl at 59p each pack, same weight. Shocking really that one shop can charge almost double for the same item. 

After we left there we went to the tram stop. We got off at the train station, down in the lift, and onto the platform level. There is a street food vendor called Tim Tim's we wanted to try, Indian food, so we both had Naan wraps with chicken masala, and a huge onion bhaji to take home. It was bloody gorgeous and it will possibly become a regular go to for lunch when we are that side of the city. Again, not the cheapest lunch but very tasty. And with the added bonus of just having to walk out the door and be at the bus stop. Nice chap serving too... And there was a queue, always a good sign. 

We got home eat lunch and then had a shift round, Giles now resides next to Daddy on the crafting corner shelf and is lit up by the accommodating Dodo lamp. Kev will at some point make him a stack of mini books... 

Willow soon decided that my knee was looking way too vacant and that was it, she demanded my lap and cuddles for the rest of the day. Bless her, I can never resist a snuggle fest with my little lady...