In Between Days

Friday.

Finally a day at home, it's been a busy week with one thing and another. 

Kev put the new curtains up in the bedroom, which has completed the new look. 

I had a bit of a rest day after doing quite a bit of walking this week. 

The nurse rang me today instead of last night. She did apologise for not getting to me last night as she had a backlog of calls to get through. Basically, she just wanted an update of how things were going with both my diet, and exercise. Satisfied that I had things under control, and had clear goals to aim for. I also told her about finishing work, and why I had, she was appalled at the treatment by such a big company after so many years. And agreed that the stress of all that could have raised my blood sugar levels, so is leaving it to me to continue my journey of diabetes management until August and my next check up. Hopefully by then I'll be nearer my goals. 

In Between Days.

Thursday.

Another day another trip to the Vampires aka the Doctors. Another blood test this time to check if the ferrous sulphate has sorted out my anemia. 

That done we headed on the bus to Gamston Morrisons. Did a bit of shopping, had some lunch in the cafe, then crossed the road to Lings Bar and popped into see Dorothy who is in there recovering from a nasty fall which led to a bleed on the brain. 

We found her ward fairly easily and sat chatting to her for a good hour, before heading back on the bus to Cotgrave. 

I was supposed to have a phone call from the nurse about my blood sugar results at 4pm, but they didn't ring. No message to say why, or anything. Well, I'm not chasing them. I'm doing all I can my end. I'm sticking to a lower calorie/lower carb diet, making sure I hit my exercise targets either on the treadmill or by actually walking bigger distances. I don't actually think I can change much else. I am sure they'll be in touch. If not I'll keep doing my best to keep my numbers low. 

In Between Days.

Wednesday.

A day of reflection and of quiet tears, we went to Joe's funeral at Rushcliffe Oaks. It was lovely, very moving, but a perfect celebration of a life. Tastefully done. 

We thought a lot of Joe. He made us welcome here, when others did not. He made us laugh. The times before covid when we used to go over to the weekly exercise classes at the centre and He and Kev would play up like two naughty schoolboys. Anne and I would shake our heads, but laugh at their antics. Vowing to split them up and not let them sit together. But really, loving what soon became the weekly entertainment. 

Then Covid happened, those initial weeks of glorious sunshine and clear skies sitting outside, chatting at a safe distance. Again he would have us in stitches with his down to earth humor. Bless him. His and Anne's gentle encouragement when I started by rehab for my broken ankle. Learning to walk again on the path round the bungalows and later on round the block. 

We got the bus down to The Shepherds, and crossed the road. We were a bit early and sat in the memorial gardens for a little while, after all it was a lovely day, slightly warm and sunny.

As we walked towards the crematorium we heard a hey, and Linda Hallam, a friend from work, called us over, Joe was a relative, we had no idea. We went in, took our seats in front of Denise and Janet. Its quite a nice building and at least they don't do that awful curtain or sliding door thing at the end of the eulogy. The coffin just sits there on the plinth until everyone has chance to walk past and pay their respects. Pretty tasteful if you ask me. I never did like that horrible " disappearing "  bit if I'm honest. We all know its the last goodbye, without making slightly creepy, (says me who loves creepy!) But you know what I mean. Goodnight sweet Prince, may hoards of angels wing you to your rest.

Afterwards Denise and Janet offered us a lift back and we went over the community centre for the wake. We had a chat to those who turned up,  Anne and her Daughter, And Jean and Isobel, after a couple of cups of coffee we came away. Got the bus and headed back to the Shepherds for lunch. Two main reasons, one we had exhausted all our polite chit chat, and two Mr Busy turned up, no doubt to fill his plate at the buffet, and see what gossip he was missing. Really can't stand the man, and I avoid him at all costs. I find it hard to be civil to someone who made our first few months living here a bloody nightmare. Kev chats to him, out of politeness, he good at that, me I'm like my spirit animal the octopus, I bear grudges and throw shells at people I don't like. It's obvious with me if I am not keen on you, and there's no mistaking my intolerance. Sorry, not sorry. 

We got the Cotgrave into Bridgeford after lunch as there isn't a return bus that way back through the village due to the roadworks. 

We got off the bus, went in Iceland and then caught the Cotgrave back home. They were all still over at the centre, but we didn't go back across. 

We were expecting deliveries, the curtains for the bedroom ( plain dark green to compliment the background on the bedding) and the coffee pods from Tassimo, Kev's taken out a monthly subscription of the ones we really like, saving us the hassle of trudging round looking for them, and money to boot, as you get them at a reduced cost direct from them. 

Both parcels came. We will possibly put the curtains up tomorrow when we get back from my blood test ( checking my anemia levels) and seeing Dorothy at Lings Bar. We said we'd go see her while she is in there. We will more than likely do a bit of shopping at Morrisons while we are at it, save us having to go out Friday. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We went into the city. We went into TKMAXX firstly, got a few bits and bobs including a couple of bunches of faux tulips. And some items in the sale. 

We went to M&S cafe for lunch I had a mango chicken salad, Kev had a fish finger sandwich. We got a salad to go with the quiche for tea. And then walked down to the bus station at Broadmarsh. We got home and there was a parcel waiting for us, some bedding to finish off the ghost theme for the bedroom. Its completely over the top, but I love it! 

As well as doing the washing when we got home, Kev also finished the border off in the bedroom, so its completely finished now I took the opportunity to clean and rearrange the large dresser as Kev had to strip everything off it to put the border up. I am so happy with how it looks. 

Later on I paid the price for the amount of walking I'd done during the day as my leg seized up and I could barely move. After a futile attempt to sleep I got back up and took ibuprofen and put some arnica and wintergreen cream on the area. Not long after the muscles loosened off enough to return to bed and get some much needed sleep. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Well, what a flipping day. Got up showered and decided I'd quite like a walk out if Kev was heading to the village. We did go out to go to the village, but changed our minds and got on the bus to go to Bridgeford. Big mistake. Huge. Should have stayed local. We wanted a coffee but Costa and Cafe Nero were packed. We went to 200° instead. We'd forgotten the kids don't go back to school until tomorrow. 

We went in ordered and sat outside and waited, and waited, and waited some more. When Kev had had enough he went in. Our drinks were sat waiting. The server said "just coming" and brought them out. I had a turmeric latte and had to knock it back straight away as it was tepid to say the least. Kev had ordered a normal latte, but instead she bought a cappuccino. His was as tepid as mine. We drank them, and got the Hell out of Dodge! Vowing never to go back. Shame, but there are branches in the city of theirs, so we can use them instead. 

We went to M&S got salads, and the makings for quiches. We got back home and Kev spent the afternoon cooking two large crustless quiches and some mini quiches. 

I was hunting for low carb  bread on the Internet, and stumbled across a company called Fitbakes. They do both bagels and bread, so I placed an order and a monthly subscription for both to come regularly once a month. They come vacuum sealed ready for the freezer so I can take them out when I want a slice or a bagel. There's nothing in the shops low carb, which given how many adults in the UK are type 1 or 2 diabetics is really surprising. Loads of gluten free products, but bugger all lower carb. So, online subscription it is. 

We also got home to some parcels, a couple of t-shirts, both Traitors ones, and a Snoopy Cafe one for Kev ( as he runs his own Pop's cafe for both me and Charlotte on occasion, lol) some new bowls for Willow, except the little bugger won't eat from them yet. You have to leave them there and let her sulk a few days as She doesn't like change. Eventually she'll give in and eat from them. 

In Between Days.

Friday.

We went to Lady Bay on the 45 bus, I wanted to look for a desk organiser for my bedside table. I couldn't find one I liked, but I did find a double wire basket that I did like, so I bought that instead. I also ordered a new remote control holder from Temu, to replace the plastic one I have at the moment. It's all part of the bedroom refresh. 

We had lunch at Subway, I had a jacket potato with cheese and beans. All good on the food front. 

Kev bought stuff to make a lasagne for him and Charlotte. I had carrot and celery and a little houmous for mine. 

I'm not going to have chia pudding this weekend as I have had a bit of a diverticulitis flare up. So I will just be carb mindful and go with what I have. 

I have lost just under a kg in a week. I'm going to weigh me regularly on a Saturday. So I am not tempted to keep getting on the scales. That way disappointment lies, next Thursday will be the exception when I have my phone appointment with the nurse, as I want all the information for her to hand. That's why I downloaded the app. I've even linked it to my Samsung health app which came with the phone as all my exercise data will make a big difference. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We stayed home and got into decorating mode. Kev had to remove the drawers out of the chest of drawers in the corner of the room. I helped strip all the clutter from the top and placed the delicate stuff in unliving room. While Kev cleaned and prepped the walls and put the border on. Then he started the hardest bit the paper. It took quite some time, but by lunchtime we were ready to put stuff back. Cleaning as we went. 

I think it looks great. So much better than that awful striped 80s that was there previously. It now looks like "our" room. 

We moved The Bride painting swapped it out first the candle gothic arch mirror and I love it. Plus it means we see more of The Bride painting. 

It was a lot of hard work for Kev, and I really appreciate that he did this for me, as it was my idea to have one wall papered. It just looks like our personal space now, rather than just a room we sleep in. 

The Bride in her new location 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

No washing as Kev did it when we got back from the cinema yesterday. But still up fairly early for my hair appointment at Blu with Amanda. It was the full monty this time cut bleach and colour. The blonde really lifted this time and was a shame to cover, so Amanda just blended it in with pink to allow the blonde ends to show for a change. I really like it. 

We went to Streza after and I had the chicken. Naughty of me while I am keeping a tighter reign of my food, but I balanced it out by really cutting back on the evening meal. Not letting other temptations and sabotage stop me from falling off the good food wagon beyond the one meal. This diet isn't for vanity, its to support my health, and I have to remember that when treats are waved under my nose, it isn't because I want to fit into something or look good at an event, its chosing to eat better to keep me alive longer. A treat I can work around, but constant treats will put me in my coffin sooner. So long as I maintain a balance. I've always remembered the Dr Ian Marber ten principles, and more importantly the 80/20 rule, if you are sensible 80 percent of the time you can have 20 percent of fun. Its a good way to approach a diabetic diet. 

It was bitterly cold outside with a wind chill of "get the hell home and stay there" which we both did once we got home. 

There will be no need to venture far tomorrow as we have food in, and Kev wants to get the papering finished if he can. 

In Between Days

Tuesday. 

Up at eight to get the 9.30 bus, which as usual was late, in fact it got caught in the traffic on the A52 because of two lots of roadworks, one just outside Holme House that we knew about, and one just before Gamston Lock that we didn't. 

We got into the city at 10.20 am. And got to the cinema by the skin of our teeth. We waited for Sue and Pete, who were late because their bus was late too. While we waited Kev went and redeemed the free tickets we had ( one set a gift from friends, the other free from Sky) and then we went up to see Stitchhead. Kids animation, but loosely based on Frankenstein ( very loosely!) But funny and entertaining. We enjoyed it. This was the first time we'd been to this version of the cinema since its been taken over by Vue. I was impressed, the cinema as a whole was clean and refreshed decor, the seats were very comfy, reclining and with really cushioned padding. There's a big improvement for me as they have hand rails up both sides so I dont have to sit near the front anymore because I can't climb the steps. 

Not many people in, and thankfully none of the kids were screaming. 

We came out and caught the tram down to O'Neil's only to find the kitchen was closed. We then went to The Roebuck for lunch. Can't say its changed much, mega busy and the food was a bit meh. Won't be rushing back there anytime soon. 

We left Sue and Pete and went to Sainsbury's to get some bits and bobs, walking down to Broadmarsh bus station to get The Cotgrave back home. We got back around three. 

In Between Days.

Monday. 

A quiet day in. Kev did some more to the papering in the bedroom. He's  now just past the bedside table. There's just behind the large chest of drawers to do. But as we will have to move everything for him to get in there, it needs to be a one and done. So perhaps Thursday when he's got a full day to finish it then, apart from the border it'll be done. 

In the afternoon we watched The Irish Traitors with Charlotte. Its only on two episodes a week. 

She headed off to see Ian's Mum Dorothy. 

We settled down to a quiet evening I read, and Kev watched the Olympics. I finished the last (for now) of those cosy mystery series with Lina and Griff. 

So I downloaded a new series called The Coffee House Witch. I'll give this one a go and see if it grabs me enough. It's nice to have a read before bed. 

In Between Days.

Sunday.

So nice for Kev to have a lie in we didnt get up until nine. We both hsd showers and then breakfast, rice cakes with that chia jam. Lovely. After breakfast we got ready to go out. The buses are only by the hour on a Sunday, so we went out for the 11.50 am one to Bridgeford. It was pouring with rain and cold with it. We got off the bus and scuttled over the road to thr Portello Lounge. We hadn't been in before, briefly when it opened a few years back, but were put of by the barage of pushchairs and screaming children. There were still a few today, but not quite so bad. It seemed like most of them headed upstairs. I did like the eclectic decor in there, and the tiled mismatched tables. 

Quick service and good food. I had a chicken, bacon and avocado salad ( and they kindly left off the cherry tomatoes at my request) the bacon was crispy and well done as I like it. Kev had a steak burger and fries. He said it was good if a bit on the large side. I also had a strawberry and lemon lemonchello spritz which was refreshing. So I dare say we will go back sometime so long as the children/adult balance is good. I dont really enjoy eating when children are screaming or racing around me. Even in Disney we found the quieter quick service place to eat. 

After we left there we went to M&S to get some food. Mainly fruit, salad, and yogurt. Just a top up shop. 

We had a bit to wait for a bus, so Kev left me with the heavy bags and nipped over to Boots together some throat spray and lozenges. He got me some more blister plasters, as l was running low. I always need some to hand as my feet are rarely without blisters due to the fact my feet move so much in my shoes. One podiatry consultant said I had "mobile" feet due to a lack of grip by toes, I now know that is part and parcel of my condition. 

We came home it was drier than when we left home but still damp and chilly. We had a cosy afternoon watching our favourite YouTube channels and some of the winter Olympics.

In Between Days

Saturday. 

Valentines Day 

As I predicted Kev still went to work despite not being well at all, and having a very up and down night. 

Willow snuggled on my legs after he had gone and we got up around 8.30am. I did my treadmill walk and had chia pudding for breakfast with some blueberries. I washed upI tided up after feeding Willow of course. 

I worked at my desk for a bit writing cards for upcoming birthdays, and wrapping gifts. 

I did Kevs Valentines Day card a while back but I wrote it and I gave it him when he got home from work. At least he has tomorrow off. 

I found an app called My Diabetes which allows me to keep a food diary and calculates how many carbs I have left after each meal. Game changer for meas I am trying to keep my blood glucose levels in check. They've been a bit all over the place after all the stress surrounding my last six months at work. So now that things have settled down and I'm used to being at home, I can concentrate on getting back on the ball with my food, and exercise, not that I ever stopped exercising, just would let it slide some days. Exercising is important with diabetes and to be honest if I don't I suffer with my legs and back something terrible. 

Food I'm pretty good with, but counting carbs has always been since I was diagnosed a ball ache. So finding this app is a blessing as I no longer have to do the maths. It takes the guess work out too, so I might even lose a bit more weight. 

Another fantastic find has been that chia jam recipe. It tastes amazing and so easy to do even I can't mess it up. I wouldn't buy any preserves again. I've downloaded a recipe to do the same with marmalade. I just need to get some jam jars or if they aren't too expensive mason or kilner jars. I can put the jam in porridge or Greek yogurt. So hopefully non of it will go to waste. It has a shelf life of two weeks, and must be kept in the fridge. I can't see it lasting that long. 

In Between Days

Friday. 

Kev still wasn't well, so we stayed in making use of what we had in, he did nip to the corner shop to get milk and bread. 

We hadnt got up until 9 am so I did my treadmill walk later, We both had Temu orders delivered mine was spring bits for my seasonal tier tray, and craft items. 

Kev's was all sorts, from a tea shirt, bench for the girls sit on, and washi tape dispensers for me. 

I made my chia pudding for the weekend. Even though Kev is poorly its no good me wasting my breath telling him not to go to work because he will. 

We are also trying another new recipe chia jam. Using frozen blackberries, and chia seeds and a smidge of honey. Hopefully it'll work out OK and I can then have jam on rice cakes as a snack/meal. 

I finished the 3rd book in that series and moved onto the 4th which is called The Mystery Of The Stolen Snuffbox. Apparently no.5 doesnt come out until March the 4th, so after this one I'll have a look around for something else. I am enjoying these quick reads and can satisfy my need for a good story while balancing my creative time and my desk and household chores. I now wonder how I found time while I was at work. It might only have been two days a week, but its no surprise I didn't read as much. Now I'm whizzing through 250 pages in a couple of sittings, mind you, I do read quite a bit before bed, and if I get up in the night rather than scrolling on my phone I grab Mr Kindle and see if that puts me in sleep mode once more. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Sue and Pete popped over to bring Kev a pie they'd bought him from a shop near them. Homemade chicken and mushroom. By all accounts, very good. I dont really like pies, but Kev really liked it. I gave Sue one of my spare watch straps, as like me, the rubber ones that come with our smart watch irritate her skin as much as it did mine. Kev had a parcel come which was a gift for me, a Trap Door t-shirt. It is still one of my favourite kids programmes, not that I was a kid when it was shown, but I often thought like a lot of animations the humour went above kids heads. Plus it being a little spooky fit in with me in general. Very nice of him in any case. 

I did my walk on the treadmill 15 minutes per day. 

Kev made that tagine, and very nice it was too, and there's enough left for tomorrow too. He put quorn pieces in instead of lamb which made it lighter and easier for me to eat. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Another wet and murky day. Kev woke up with a full on cold. So we cancelled the plans to go out, and he just nipped out to get stuff for jacket potatoes for us three for tea. And get the rest of the ingredients for the tagine. Which he'll put on tomorrow. 

It was one of those cosy days where all you wanted to do was curl up with Mr Kindle. 

I did get some cards done, ones I wanted to put extra effort into, for Halloween actually. If I do them when I want rather than because I have to, I'll enjoy the process more and they'll come out better that way. 

I started that other book in that series, Thr Mystery of the Gold Rings. Charlotte has just started the first one. I hope she enjoys them as much as I am. 

In Between Days

Tuesday. 

We braved the grey damp morning to go into the city to meet Sue and Pete for lunch at our usual place. We didnt need much a few bits of fruit and veg, and the start of a base for making a tagine in the slow cooker. I think the main thing will be chickpeas rather than Lamb. Much healthier for both of us. 

Lovely to catch up with Sue and Pete, and, although I made a mistake by ordering the lasagne ( it was too rich for me to manage much of it.) I wont order it again. 

We got the bus home afterwards and the heavens opened which has become the norm for our days out so far in this new year. 2026 has become a a damp squib so far, and so dreary! I can't remember the last time we saw anything that resembled the sun. 

Once home and the shopping was put away, Kev took the washing over to the centre. While he did that, I started to put some of those new dies together that I've had lately. I've not made them into cards as yet, but will hopefully do some of them this weekend, if not before. 

Kev had dressed my blisters before we went out today, and I'm happy to report that they didnt hurt walking round the city, or when I got home. The new trainers from Fitville are comfy too, so all will be okay with my feet once these blisters are healed. 

I finished another book in that mystery series by Judith Cutler and have loaded up my kindle with the next one ready to start tomorrow. They are enjoyable little books, not too taxing and I like the main characters. I think there's 5 in total, so I might as well finish the whole series. At 99p for each book, you can't really complain for a few days entertainment. Very similar to the Maya's blogs series short books that aren't heavy subjects and feel good stories. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

I woke up at nine with a thumping headache,  which even though I took migraine meds didn't shift until early evening. And even then it was like a muted hum in the background. No idea what prompted it. I had extra water today in case dehydration is the root cause. 

Consequently I didn't do anything apart from 15 minutes on the treadmill and a shower. I sat in the quiet most of the day and read. I even had a nap after lunch to help shift it. All of this completely suited Miss Willow, who spent a good portion of the day on my knee. I eat okay, sticking to my chia pudding and loads of fruit, I had some of the homemade soup when Kev got home. Hopefully I'll feel more myself come tomorrow. 

By the way, before you think this blog is about wanting get well wishes or virtual hugs, its not, I'm just recording my day as I usually do. It's not done with a need for sympathy. Far from it. It's there as my way of saying we all have days when we dont feel 100%. But I want my blog to be honest, and reflect that instead of saying I'm fine, when I'm not. We really shouldn't have to cover things up. Bad days are just as important to record as the good. In fact more so. 

In Between Days

Friday. 

I didnt have the best night's sleep, waking up at 2am and getting up to read until 3amish. Sometimes I find it hard to switch my brain into sleep mode. However, once back in bed I did sleep until gone half 8. 

It does mean that the book I started the other day is now on my read list, that's four since Christmas, not bad going. At one time that would've been a regular thing, but, since discovering art journaling, card making etc, I rather lost the knack of sitting quietly reading. 

I did turn out my tag for the month as well as a card for a friend that's under the weather. Kev posted it when he nipped to the post office this morning and hopefully it will arrive early next week.

We had another gorgeous stir fry for lunch, as Kev split the pack we got from M&S in half as there was loads in it. 

He also put together a veg soup for the weekend, making that new crockpot earn its keep. 

He also kindly made my chia pudding for tomorrow and Sunday lunch. I only have it two days a week, as otherwise it triggers my diverticulitis. But I'm sure those two meals are helping my nutrition and most of all my anemia. Along with all the fruit and veg, tofu and other iron rich foods. 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

Awful day weather wise, wet cold and windy. We needed food shopping so it was important we venture out to stock up ready for the weekend. 

Not wanting to be out in it long we dropped off some bits for the charity shop ( again trying to thin down what we have a little) we wanted some bits and bobs from Boots, I needed foot cream, my feet need a good pamper. I have a sore spot on the arch of my left foot, and in general they are dry.My foot moves around in my shoes, due to my gait, and that causes friction. That in turn gives me blisters if Im not careful. As soon as the redness and burning sensation start I put moleskin on the area, to take the pressure off and try and stop the blister from forming.

We had coffee in Costa as the murky weather started to close in and it began raining harder. 

We then went to M&S for the fruit and veg, and again I picked up sushi for lunch. I also picked up a ready made Chia pudding just to see if they were any better than the ones I make. 

The buses were haywire again one behind the other, but you could see why as there are roadworks everywhere. We walked to the stop opposite Co-op to kill some time until one was due. 

Once home Kev ran a foot spa, we both used it, and then we had a pair of foot mask socks on each for a good hour. I used a foot file while the skin was softer, making sure not to remove only the rough hard skin and not the lot of it, I learned from a podiatrist years ago to leave some of the hard skin as it protects my feet from getting blisters. They do feel and look a lot better for it. I also wore my new trainers today first time outside and am pleased to say they are as comfy as the grey ones. Those have gone in the bin now as the soles were showing signs of wear, once that happens it can make my limp more pronounced and makes walking more uncomfortable. They didn't last too bad though, a year or so which is good for me, as I'm heavy on shoes.

In Between Days

Tuesday.

Our usual day to go out, either to a retail park, or just the city. Today we chose the latter. The weather app said there was a chance of snow, which despite the bitterly cold wind it hasn't appeared yet. 

We had a few things to get, some from Primark, for someone else, and I wanted some more of the hand cream from L'Occitane, so we went in there. It's a tiny shop just up from Fat Face and is almost on the edge of the alleyway where the entrance used to be for The Fountain pub, a long time ago, a favourite watering hole of mine in the 80s. As I said its a tiny shop. When we walked in I knocked into a table display ( stupid place, right as you walk in!) And the adverts on it went flying. I felt a right idiot, but the lady serving was very nice and was understanding, but given that I was buying something she would be, I got 10% off if I joined membership to their promotion emails( of course I joined ) I can always unsubscribe once the emails come flooding in. 

That done we went to M&S. Bought food to cover in case the weather does decide to turn bad. And lunch, rather than eat while we were out, so we headed home. 

When we got home I had a parcel waiting for me. A set of Whimsy stamps. Hugs Edward they are of Edward Sissorhands. Really cute ones. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

So I wasn't feeling like doing anything, but that wasn't what was planned for me. Being disappointed that only Sarah and I were the only ones to put our names down for the tag swap, I was considering pulling the plug on the group. So after a bit of a conflab with Sarah we decided to change the basics of the group. No actual tag swap, just make one and post a picture on the group, the theme will be chosen once a month and although you still have to be a member, you can join in if it appeals to you. It also means you dont have to be from just the UK anymore. And I don't have to dish out partners either. We will see of that encourages a few more people to join in. Hopefully it will. 

So by the time we had it ironed out, I made the changes to the group page, accepted a few new members and changed the group description, most of my Sunday was done. Sarah did the adverts on both The Dandelion club page and Dyan's  Dylusions page. It helps if you have someone to help, running things can get a bit time consuming, and yes I do have more time now, but I'd like to do a few more classes and a bit more creating. 

I finished that Hallie Rubenhold book and started another called The Mystery of the Missing Book, by Judith Cutler. 

Monday.

Kev started the wallpapering in the bedroom. Its going to take some time as we are having to do it in stages, pulling furniture out of the way a bit at a time. He's got two strips up and done, but we have the big job of moving the bed next, so he'll do behind that next. Thank God we are only doing the one wall. The rest will get refreshed with a coat of fresh paint, and a new border to cover the old one. It will look lovely once its complete. 

Similar to what we've gone for... 

In Between Days

Saturday. 

Fairly sunny start to the day if a little chilly. 

I was in a mood to clean, so I started on the bathroom and passage ( a narrow little strip, that passes for a hall!) I mopped both and cleaned the newly repaired loo, and the sink, finally the shower area. I've found a lovely smelling cleaning system from M&S wintermint and cedar. Makes the bathroom smell fresh and clean. I do have to be careful on the floors as we have Willow, so I always choose Asevi ( pet safe) floor cleaner. I dont want her picking up harsh chemicals on her paws then licking them. Room scents and sprays I also choose carefully, but since we've had the candle warmer I think has definitely changed the game. 

After that was done and I hoovered throughout. I had lunch, chia pudding with raspberries and a pear for afters. I treat myself to a latte from the tassimo, which again has been a good purchase as far as I'm concerned. We still do have a large regular coffee now and then, but a smaller speciality one when I'm here on my own with Willow on a weekend, feels like a treat. I know Kev is very pleased with it too, especially now he has those refillable pods so he can use the ground coffee. Such a good idea. I wish we had known when we were in Florida I'd have bought some Joffrey's coffee back with us. I love their coffee. It was that coffee maker in our resort room that set us off on having a coffee maker when we got back. You can stick your Starbucks, I wish we had a Joffrey's here ( or, a Gideons Bakehouse and Coffee house) as their nitro cold brews were to die for. 

Anyway, that finished I did a page in my art journal. The picture is on this blog header. It came about because I found a magazine cut out head stuck in my square journal that I had forgot about. So I sat and painted hair on it, then doodled all over that once it was dry. 

I tided up washed brushes etc, then spent the rest of the afternoon reading with Willow either on my knee or by my side in her bed gently snoring for all the world like a little bear. It's amazing how chill she is now she has got used to me being here at weekends. Bless her, she's a little wingless angel...