In Between Days

Tuesday 

We went to the city with Charlotte, who hasn't been to the city since before Christmas. We wanted to take her to Black Sheep Coffee. Which we did. Excellent coffee, we nipped to Holland and Barrett for Stevia drops. Then we went to Tesco for the apples so I can try the recipe I mentioned yesterday. Then we went on the hunt for a frame for the picture. Couldn't find one, so it looks like a trip to The Range. 

We investigated the Easter stuff in Jessops ( John Lewis, but old habits die hard) and it was all half price I picked up a rattan egg wreath and some hanging egg ornaments for our tree in the unliving room. Charlotte found a cute little plaque. Those purchased we made our way to Flying Tiger where Charlotte snagged a ceramic egg for her tier tray. We both resisted the other teir tray goodies on offer and egg purchased we went to meet Kev who had nipped to the loo. We sat on the benches in the clocktower dining bit and had some drinks before heading to TKMAXX where as previously stated wefailed to find a frame. 

We got the tram down to the market square, trying not to inhale the stench of weed in our compartment. We had lunch in O'Neil's, then got the next available Cotgrave home. All of us were worn out, a lot of steps had been walked, and both Charlotte and I were done in. 

Kev did the washing and we sat watching almost all of the remaining episodes of The Sinner. I believe there's one more. 

Once Charlotte had gone we had bagels for tea and watched throw away stuff on YouTube. Kev put the eggs on the tree. My new dies had come from Sizzix and I opened them. Still unhappy about the packaging change, it's really buggered my die storage up. So I feel suitably aggrieved. I will just have to find some new idea for storing these ones I guess. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Do eff all day. Apart from my treadmill half hour of course. Kev suffering from his weekend at work, he has such painful legs after being stood on them for two whole days. He got home last night hobbling. So this morning while I did my walk he got the Revitive out and did a half hour on that. He said its helped a lot. 

I had my eye gel come. I'm very pleased with it. Its very cooling and soothing. 

Kev had his new Dr Facilier tee shirt come ( his old one was losing the decal on it, so he got one from Temu, its very nice in fact so good I've ordered one too)...

Kev made a keto lemon cake, and my food has been very tasty today, usual breakfast of porridge yogurt and chia jam, lunch of a sweet potato, cheese and baked beans, and a slice of the lemon cake. Dinner was scrambled egg on keto bread, so a really low carb, low calorie day that I really enjoyed. I've also seen something I want to try, a apple and cinnamon mix cooked down and put on a baked sweet potato with some almond butter. Kev is willing to make it for me. I'll let you know what its like when I try it. 

In Between Days

The weekend...

I may as well just post about my weekend rather than two separate days, both sort of blend and are a same experience. Not that I am complaining I'm really not, I love my weekends. Me and my bestie Willow have the best time together. I obviously do my treadmill walk ( the earlier the better, as then it doesn't become something I put off) I do my scrabble games, keeps my brain cells active. I have a little dabble on my desk when I feel like it, interspersed with kitty cuddles naturally. This weekend I have been playing with Tim's Alphanumeric Bulletin dies, I got one card done as they are quite labour intensive. I watched a YouTube video to remind me how to make DL card bases ( slimline) as I'd forgotten, it's a long time since I made one) always a good resource for tutorials. After I made a few to get my hands back in, I watched my regular favourite content creator's. I cleaned up, washed up, took the rubbish out to the bins, had a quick natter to Denise next door ( the weather was dreadful, so I wasn't outside long) even though the nights are drawing out now I still like to put the candle warmers on and all the electronic candles and side lights on to make it cosy around fiveish. It's funny but as soon as I switch all of these on Willow gets on my knee and snuggles down while I read awhile. Before I know it Kev's at the door. Kev was worried when I first finished work that I wouldn't have enough to keep me occupied and would be bored. It's actually the opposite, the days whizz by, I love having the chance to read again, do a card, my journal, a jigsaw or watch a guilty pleasure on Netflix or indulge in my YouTube favourites. And I'm looking forward to Kev being off next Sunday. I forgot to mention that I have dropped another pound or so I've lost 10kg since coming back from Disney. I do feel much better, and at 62 I think it pretty good, because your metabolism changes as you age. I know it will get harder now, but I will keep plugging away at it. I can't not, this is for health reasons and not just vanity. 

In Between Days

Friday.

My eye was better today, so all the steps I took yesterday worked. Will carry on today with bathing it with eyebright, using the calming gel and drops. 

We headed into Bridgeford to do the weekend food shop. We had coffee first then went to M&S for stir fry and salads. Then we came home and had lunch here. 

Still waiting on the frame for the bedroom picture, hopefully it will be here for the weekend.I found a place online that still makes an eye gel with elderflower, so Ive ordered that. I finally sorted those new dies of Tim's. Sizzix have changed the packaging, and I'm not happy, it triggers my OCD, I can't bear not having stuff in matching packaging, and being able to put it in some kind of order. Why they've done this I don't know. I can't see that it saves any plastic at all... The only thing they've taken away is the paper slip in the envelope. Crazy. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

We had a rare day in. Charlotte came over for lunch, and Sue and Pete nipped over to borrow the case scales. They had coffee and a natter, Sue goes to Romania on Saturday, really exciting... She'll actually go to Dracula's castle! ( seeing the relatives!) 

We had a nice relaxed day watching The Sinner on Netflix. 

Thursday.

Up and off to the city. I have a slight eye infection ( conjunctivitis) so I needed some drops and eye gel. I went to Body Shop to get the elderflower eye gel. Sadly they no longer do it, so we went to both Holland and Barrett and Superdrug. I eventually found some in the latter. We were going to go for a coffee in Black Sheep, but the queue was out of the door. 

So we went to Victoria Centre and went to the much quiter Starbucks. Not our favourite, but it was okay. Then we went into Tiger and bought a couple of new bowls for Willow. Before we left I got a buy one get one free at Boots on the Liz Earle cloths, ( I threw my old ones out) 

We went to Boyes, I needed hand wash stuff, washing up liquid and some rubber gloves. It has certainly replaced Wilkos for us as a go to for household supplies. 

We went to O'Neil's for lunch, checking that the kitchen was working before settling in. I had the cauliflower curry. Kev had a steak sandwich. 

We timed it right for a bus and got a trainee driver... Once home we chilled out watching one of favourite YouTube vloggers at Disney. Kev made me some sugar free low carb gingerbread... So I can indulge when I need. So thanks Mr B, you're a gem...

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We got up and got ready to meet Sue and Pete for lunch. As is the norm, the buses were running all over the place, both going into the city and coming home. 

We needed a few bits for tonight's meal but not much. 

We tried the new coffee shop Black Sheep Coffee. Very good coffee. Will go again. They did a lot of good blends. Not cheap but nice for a treat.

We met Sue and Pete but had to move from O'Neil's as the kitchen was closed. So we went to The Roebuck. I had the sweet potato curry and Kev had a burger. 

We had an half hour wait for a bus home, but we got home eventually. 

Once home I had a clear out in my make up bag and threw a lot of old products away. Make up has an expiry date and you should always cull what you have. If not it can lead to infections in your eyes, skin etc. Trust me I've seen first hand what can happen, I had a friend once who nearly lost their sight because of contaminated eyeshadow. Mascara has a shelf life of 3 to 6 months, for the waterproof kind. Eyeshadow has 2 years max if stored correctly. Make sure you regularly go through your make up bags, drawers and boxes. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

I got up around 8.45am. I'd had a pretty crap nights sleep, one of those when my brain refused to switch off, where conversations from 10/20 years ago replay on the screen in my brain. Haunting me because I didn't say what I should have. 

Anyway, I got up did my walk on the treadmill, got dressed, fed Willow and myself, washed up and settled down with Willow on my knee, while I read. 

I did myself some lunch, and watched the usual stuff I like on YouTube. 

Amazon delivered the picture for the bedroom, sadly the frame was broke, so I spent the rest of the afternoon contacting the customer service team ( which ain't easy these days) eventually getting my money back. 

Monday.

We decided to go out for lunch, and headed to Bridgeford. The Trent Bridge Inn again, possibly one of the better "Spoons" at this rate we will become regulars. 

We left there and got the bus back to Bridgeford and nipped into M&S, Kev needed some hot cross buns, and I needed some frozen raspberries as I will need some more jam making soon. We had a drink in Costa and walked back to the Co-op to get the bus home. 

We got home to find Charlotte there, and we finished watching The Sinner on Netflix. So far we've watched two seasons and I am impressed with them. Apparently they were on BBC 4 originally, but who would ever watch them tucked away on there. 

Later on I read some more while Kev watched some YouTube stuff. We had a relatively early night, but ended up getting back up at about one am, which happens a lot with us both lately. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

What a day! It was filled with little but annoying mishaps. Two apps on my phone had mysteriously logged me out and I had to do the usual of uninstalling them and reinstalling them. Setting new passwords and all that malarkey. 

I'd ordered a collapsible bucket and some fabric dye in order to dye some jeans darker and although it was originally supposed to come earlier it didn't come until late afternoon. No good starting that then. 

I did do my walk on the treadmill, but stumbled getting off and catching my ankle on the bed, just where the scar is. Honestly, sometimes I think I'm hexed. Whoever is playing with my image in wax can stop the pins now... 

I had lost a bit more weight and in the time since we came back from Florida in October I've lost exactly one stone. Not bad, especially for a woman of my advanced age. 

I finished that Murder mystery book. Quite an enjoyable read, not too taxing, but I didn't guess the killer!

I've started one that I've had on my want to read list for a while. It's about a woman who runs away, because her life is falling apart, and her husband who outwardly appears to be an absolute saint, isn't so saintly behind closed doors. Its started off well, if a bit harrowing, at this point she is still with him, and you can see her tying herself in knots, trying to keep him happy, and dreading him coming home, not knowing what mood he will be in or what will trigger his temper this time. 

It reminds me of Sleeping with the Enemy a movie I saw years ago, around the same time as Single White Female. Both very harrowing and scary. It's called Behind Closed Doors by the way the book I'm reading... 

In Between Days

Friday.

We waited for Charlotte, who had a day off from visiting duties, and headed to Bridgeford for the weekend food. We grabbed a coffee in Costa, it wasn't as nice weather wise, got what we needed, then caught the bus to the cricket ground and went back in the TBI for lunch. I had the Mexican gourmet jacket potato again this time without the guacamole ( way too many carbs) 

We got the bus back home, and we had a chill out. Watching just throw away tv, quizzes and such. Charlotte cut Kev's hair. Ian bought the shopping when he picked her up. 

Later on  we watched some YouTube and I read. We had an early night as Kev is at work tomorrow. It's weigh day for me tomorrow, and Ive had a good week, hopefully the scales will reward my efforts. Even though its not about the weight as the keeping my blood sugar low... 

In Between Days

Thursday.

Another stunning day, foggy over the woods, cleared to beautiful blue skies. We decided to go to Bridgeford. We shopped in Boots, then grabbed a coffee in the little cafe in the park. I had an iced latte, Kev a normal latte. We then nipped to the larger Co-op. I'd seen a dress in the Peacocks there last week, which I liked enough to go back for. I actually went down a size, and I really think it suits me. 

We then walked up to Trent Bridge Inn for lunch. They have a new menu which now includes Gourmet Jacket Spuds.I went for the Chilli non Carne very nice it was too, well cooked and presented with a large side salad. There were two older gentlemen sat in our section, and we couldn't help but overhear their conversation, ss they were a bit deaf, and were speaking quite loud. Very entertaining to be honest, mainly complaining about prices in general, football, and one of their mates who it seems had let them down for their weekly meet up. Both of us chuckled to each other, especially when one of them said he needed to ho to the Co-op for a bottle of milk, and then added casual like and a couple bottles of wine! Lol. That's it lads get the essentials... 

We went for the bus round the corner near the entrance to the cricket ground and timed it just right for the Cotgrave. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

Too nice a day to waste it indoors, so we went back into the city. Kev wanted some jeans so we went to Primark. He found a couple of pairs and then we went to Superdrug for me. I needed some empty face cream pots. 

We then went to M&S for lunch, I found a lovely plant based salad which ticked all my nutritional boxes. After which we walked down to Broadmarsh and went to Coffee 1, I had a pot of Berry tea and Kev had a toffee latte. Its a nice coffee shop and very friendly shop. 

We then caught the bus from there back home. 

I have finished The Book of Magic, it was quite the finale and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. 

I've now moved onto a cosy murder mystery set in a bookshop. Part of a series, but I'll see if it grabs my interest, before I plunge into another series. 

More good weather is promised for tomorrow, so we might nip to Bridgeford and a park picnic might happen. We shall see. 

In Between Days

Tuesday. 

We should have been meeting Sue and Pete, but Sue is poorly, so we won't see her until next week, which is after her birthday. So we put her card and voucher in the post first class so she gets it before the weekend. We have more stuff for her, but that can wait until we see her next. 

We still went out, heading into the city, it was St Patrick's Day and the Market Square was set up for it, stalls and beer tents and a stage. Most of the pubs were heaving in the centre and O'Neil's was rammed and had bouncers on the door (they opened early too! As it was 10.30 am when we got down there and they were already open. Perhaps a good thing we weren't meeting Sue and Pete there, as I doubt we'd have got in. 

We did what shopping we needed in Vic Centre, and stayed that way on for lunch, to avoid the crowds in the Market Square area. 

We arrived home at 2pm and then sat and chilled out after a lot of walking about today. 

It was a lovely day weather wise, windy but sunny, and not too cold. Its apparently going to be even warmer tomorrow. So we might go down by the canal if it is. 

Kev did the washing when we got back, which means we don't have to stay in, and its a good way for me to get my steps in and moving gains me extra active points towards lowering my blood sugar. 

In Between Days

Monday.

Usually a stay at home day, but I needed something to add to gift I'm about to give, so we caught the bus ( running late as ever!) And headed to Bridgeford to shop. We had a stop at Costa I'd taken one of my fitbake bars with us, naughty I know but we are buying tea and coffee, and Kev always has cake. They really don't cater for dietary requirements,  and sneaking a small bar in allows me to have something while we are out. As soon as the better weather comes we will get drinks to go and sit in the park, but so long as we don't sit in front of the till area, who's to know. I am after all, not having a picnic just a little bar. Again, its another example of where businesses could extend their range to low carb or even gluten free offerings. 

In Between Days

Sunday. Mothering Sunday. Or as Sadie calls it,  Smothering Sunday. 

I got up at 7am before Kev went for the bus. I was awake, and I didn't see the point in languishing in bed, I fed Willow and got my own breakfast, I am having porridge made with water and greek yogurt and teaspoon of Kev's raspberry chia jam every day. Not only is it filling, it tastes lovely. Its also helping to keep both my blood sugar and cholesterol levels in check. I am actually feeling good at the moment, sleeping well, and have more energy than before I changed my eating habits. I'm not getting heartburn or any gut issues, so hopefully when I next weigh me the numbers will confirm what Kev has already noticed that some of my clothes are looking a bit baggier.

After breakfast had settled, I did a half hour on the treadmill, finding another lovely woodland walk to follow along with. I washed up, tided up and hand washed a cream shirt of mine. Its good and windy today and the sun is out, though it's not warm. Hopefully by the time Kev is home the shirt, which is thick cotton, will be dry. 

I had a tassimo coffee and one of Kev's gingerbread men for elevenses, a nice little treat. 

Sadie very nicely got Pops to buy me a couple of lipsticks for Smothering Sunday, I think she was disappointed though, I think she thought that they would stick my mouth shut, bless! Lol. Willow just gave me a huge cuddle on my knee as watched my regular stuff on YouTube. 

I did myself another bagel for lunch and then sat and read for most of the afternoon. I'm making good progress with "The Book of Magic" about just over halfway through. Its a hefty book, but as mine is on kindle, I have no idea how many pages there is. I am taking my time with it, I don't want to rush it, as I don't think I want to end my journey with the Owens women just yet. I definitely think they'll all end up being re-read at some point. Even though I do want to read more of her novels at some point. But I think after this I might fancy a good old murder mystery or two, by means of a change. I do hope that the upcoming Practical Magic 2 movie is based on this last novel, and that they do it justice. They did a good job on the first movie, so I'm praying for more of the same. 

Kev bought a second candle warmer for the bedroom, he was so happy with the unliving room one, as am I. So now I have Rose and Clove simmering in there, and Fig tree melting in the bedroom. They blend lovely together and the whole bungalow smells gorgeous. I may get rid of my scentsy wax melt warmersor at least box them up. I love the ease of being able to swap out the candles with my mood, and I also love how much safer it is rather than lit candles burning around the place. All our decor candles are the battery operated with timers type now. Safer, and because we found big boxes of affordable batteries from Home Bargains and Amazon basics we always have some on hand for when they die on us. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

A day for me and my buddy Willow. I got up around 8, fed her and myself. Did the pots and then did my treadmill half hour walk. This time was an autumn walk through a wood in Ireland. Very pretty and soothing. I hoovered, and cleaned up. Washed some of the cloths from the kitchen, and hung them out. I hate seeing grubby cloths hanging around the sink. Usually I'd put them in the wash basket, but while I had time and it was a nice morning, why not? 

Later on I had a low carb bagel for lunch with peanut butter and chia jam, some popcorn and a couple of mini gingerbread men we got from M&S. It makes it much easier now I have scales to weigh stuff, meaning I can be more accurate with my carb allowance. 

In the afternoon I watched a couple of The Gilmor Girls episodes ( a guilty pleasure of mine!) And later read. I finished in time for the Tim Holtz live that was on, he has bought out some new dies ( vault releases) I was only interested in one set as I have the old ones. So that ordered I transfered some of the savings across to pay for the holiday. I initially pay for them on my credit card, then pay off that immediately its an extra layer of protection, as you get the credit card insurance on top of the holiday insurance. Before I knew it Kev was messaging to say he was on his was home. Before I finished work I thought that they'd be long days to fill on my own, but it isn't that bad. I have plenty to do, and lots of time for Willow cuddles. 

In the evening we watched the latest Jurassic Park movie, which to be fair wasn't as bad as the reviews would have you believe. 

In Between Days

Friday.

Up, showered and out to Bridgeford, it was very windy and cold, I risked wearing my new cape and I am pleased to say it is very snuggly and warm, the wind did whip up underneath it, but on a calmer day it will be fine. But I'm definitely sold on getting a winter one. 

We went shopping in M&S for the food for over the weekend, and the fixings for Kev to make crustless quiche for today ( stilton and broccoli) with fresh salad. 

We went for a coffee in Costa ( I had the spiced apple tea) Kev had the Spanish latte, which he likes. We walked up to the bus stop opposite The Co-op as its easier to get on up there, the stop on Central Avenue is a ball-ache with people jostling to get on Bingham and Gamston buses as well as our Cotgrave. The one opposite Co-op nobody waits at much so there's not so much pushing and shoving ( I kid you not, some of these oldies are feral! Lol) 

We got back around lunchtime, and while Kev made quiche for later on, I made a call to Shearings and booked us a trip for later on in the year. Western Super Mare, Bath and Wells. 5 days.  4 nights with breakfast and evening meal included. I've even booked their door to door service which means they send a cab to pick us up from home and take us to the coach pick up point, and drop us back home after the trip. 

In Between Days

Thursday.

We went into the city. Mainly to look in the new Boyes that's where the Wilkos was. We actually got some good stuff, some solar flame torches for the garden, the lamps are out back and front and it looks like they aren't being mended anytime soon. Nottingham city Council are responsible for doing them, they ain't rushing, so we thought we would get them to help put a little light around the path. Along with that we got a new daylight bulb for the bedroom as the one we had went dim, which means it was on its way out. They had the bottle brushes I needed to clean my water bottle, and a glue pen ( that I got from Amazon for £4.99, for £1.99!)

So at last we have somewhere that's on a par with Wilkos. 

We then nipped into Vic Centre, we went in Taco Bell and I had a veg taco for lunch. 

We came back on the bus and Kev went out and used his new secateurs ( from Boyes) and cut all the Virginia creeper back, then added the new solar lights. 

My cape/poncho came and I tried it on. Very pleased with it, in fact, I'm thinking of getting a coat version too... 

In Between Days

Wednesday. 

So, while Kev nipped down to the village to get a few bits we needed, I set to and went through my wardrobe and drawers, culling a few things that I will no longer wear, t-shirts and tops that have been lurking unworn in the back of the wardrobe and drawers. Another bin bag for him to Lug to the recycling banks when we go down past the leisure centre. 

I'm a bit more ruthless than I used to be, as there are only certain things I wear now. It's still predominantly black, but all my going out "goth" clobber is gone now, I loved wearing it at the time, but we rarely go out anywhere like that now if at all, so, it was wasted sitting in my wardrobe when it could be being used on a regular basis. 

As I said yesterday, I'm working towards having a capsule wardrobe of clothes, that reflect what we do now. Going out these days is more smart casual, maybe a little nod to my gothic interests, and I will always choose black for the main of my favourite outfits. Do I miss wearing my goth stuff, yes and no, I miss being young enough to clomp about in New Rocks and romantic dramatic outfits, but I don't miss being uncomfortable just to look good, restrictive corsets ( no matter how fab they looked) and trying to go to the loo in them. 

My colour palette hasn't changed, colours tend be purple or red. But since my fall I tend to wear more trousers and long dresses. And since I no longer have to wear a uniform for work, I live in jeans and tees at home. My t-shirt collection grew exponentially when we came back from Florida as we bought a lot out there, we really only took shorts with us, and to be honest I'd do it again. Going out there we were well under our allowance weight wise and when we came back we were bang on the limit. The only thing I wouldn't do again is bring back the sippers and popcorn bucket as although they were light, they were bulky and rook up so much space. 

In Between Days

Tuesday.

We had a lovely day. 

We went into the city, to meet Sue and go to the Cinema to see The Bride. 

First we nipped to M&S, I wanted some of their good leggings, while I was there I bought that tomato red cardigan I've had my eye on for a while. They only had one left in my size. So I thought if I don't get it now I won't get another chance. It will look great with black trousers and my denim jacket, or over a nice black dress. I've also ordered a black fleece poncho/cape that should come Thursday. I was in need of something I can wear while its this mix of chilly then warm later days,and will carry me through autumn too. Nice plain black leggings and either boots or trainers. 

I am going to thin my wardrobe down a little more, I will basically have just a core of separates that can work together. So a few more things need to go. 

Anyhow, on to the movie, it was brilliant, a completely different take on Frankenstein and his Bride... I loved the fact that the actress who played the Bride also played an unhinged Mary Shelley too. Very clever. I'd say unless you're a purist, you would enjoy this take on the classic horror we all know, it takes a good nod to movies in that genre that have come before, Young Frankenstein, The Rocky Horror Picture Show as well as the black and white Boris Karloff version. Skillfully intertwined with a dash of Bonnie and Clyde. A serious dollop of feminist uprising themes and sprinkles of tongue in cheek humour in the dance routine number. Definitely "putting on the ritz" don't let the critics put a dampener on this movie and put you off, it's worth every minute of the two hour plus run time. All three of came out of the screening entertained. 

Afterwards we went for a late lunch in O'Neil's, Sue and Kev going for the steak sandwich and I had the rump with pepper sauce and fries. This is my weekly treat day, and even then I didn't go mad. I didn't have anything sweet, and just wine and pop to drink. 

We got the bus almost as soon as we left the pub. Sue only had to walk up to her bus stop near Soulville Steakhouse. 

Kev did the washing once we got home, we only had the one bag, so it didnt take long. 

In Between Days

Sunday.

I had a very disturbed night. My own fault, after 21 days of as little to no sugar I gave in and had two chocolate biscuits that Charlotte bought from Dorothy. They weren't even worth it if I'm honest. I felt the rush of sugar, and it made my heart beat faster. It resulted in a dry mouth, a couple of trips to the loo and a bit of a headache once I got up. I know now somewhat of what a hit of a drug must feel like after going cold turkey! I'm obviously a sugar addict! 

So, I got up at 8am did my stretches and 45 minutes on the treadmill, hoping to squash the sugar craving "hangover" I was feeling. I had breakfast and some "courage" tea, fed Willow, and then went for a pamper session, shower deforestation ( shave, if you are unfamiliar with my vocabulary) face and foot mask, body lotion, and foot cream to finish off. I felt much better after that, hopefully I will learn a lesson from this and start the sugar detox again. Sometimes I am my own worst enemy. 

While I was on the treadmill I put one of those woodland walks on again. Very pretty, and quite calming, I'm so glad people have gimbals so that they can film these places, they are good to have on when you just want to chill, read or workout. 

I was thinking this morning as you do, dangerous hobby! I buy a lot of my diabetic foods online, my bread, bagels, fitbake bars to name a few. Wouldn't it be great if there were actual shops that was like a one-stop place for everything diabetic friendly. Given how many people are type one and two in this country you'd think it would be a winner for someone. Yes, health food places stock the odd thing but, don't have a whole section that you could go to and find everything you need in one area. They do gluten free in most supermarkets, some better than others but, low sugar low carb is almost non existent. 

As I say, you can get most of it online, with subscription offers etc, but all come with p&p unless you buy in bulk, which I can't do in most cases as we only have limited storage. 

Thankfully, I do have Kev who will try to adapt most recipes to suit, when he has time, or can be bothered, which I do understand. On my weekends here alone with Willow I do opt for something I can put together myself, chia pudding (maximum two days a week or it triggers my diverticulitis) low carb bagel with peanut butter and his homemade chia jam, which is bloody lovely, again though, too much and my gut kicks off. I suppose its a first world problem in the end, it is because we all want convenient food that is why food intolerance and diseases like diabetes is on the rise. I've even read that they are finding more "types" of diabetes, bloody hell, can you imagine how many people they could affect. Scary. 

In Between Days

Saturday.

I woke up with Willow snuggled on my legs so we got up slowly, relishing the fact that we had nowhere to be. As always I made the bed, did my stretches and then went and did breakfast for us both and pottered about at my desk, wrapping a gift, tidying up and washing the pots. 

Kev had filled me a couple of tea infuser balls so I made a cup of that and read a couple of chapters of Practical Magic. Its always comforting to re-read a favourite, like chatting to an old friend. 

I did my walk on the treadmill, this time I chose a walk round an old Irish Castle. There's loads on YouTube if you want to look. Sometimes I would sooner watch YouTube than tv. There's bugger all on most days, and its mainly for background noise as anything. 

Couple of parcels came, Kev's new trainers came. Fitville ones of course, like me he can't believe how comfy they are, I'm glad he tried them when I suggested, I know how much better my feet are, and for saying my feet are a constant pain, that's something. Yes I will still get blisters, and I'll always have hard skin ( I've learned overtime not to remove too much hard skin as its a protection in some areas, so long as its not rough, and regularly moisturised its all good. 

In Between Days

Friday.

We headed to Bridgeford, in order to go to lunch, but Bridgeford was heaving, for saying the kids are back at school, there seemed a lot of people milling about. It is Kev's payday, so I guess that means it must be generally payday all round, so maybe that's why. We went to Okende for coffee ( I had mint tea!) I'd taken one of low carb bars with me so while Kev had one of their yummy Danish I could at least have something. 

We shopped at M&S then got the bus home. Kev had sushi for lunch and I had a sweet and sour chicken lunch pot from Slimming World. 

After lunch Kev made some chia jam and marmalade, the kitchen smells amazing. I began re-reading Practical Magic again as its the third book in the series, and I wanted to read them in the order the author intended. There is one more, that comes after this, which I will obviously read once Ive finished this. 

Kev dug the teapot out of hibernation the one with the inbuilt infuser in it, so I had some of the mulled cider tea when we got back home it tastes like autumn in a mug, I had completely forgotten how much I love a good herbal tea and intend to substitute at least one mug of coffee a day for a mug of these teas, I also have some campfires and vampires black tea with rosebuds which again I forgot we had. Time to bring them out of hiding. I can always call it courage tea like the Aunts brew in the house on Magnolia street, and buy some black soap to wash my face in, lol... 

In Between Days

Thursday. 

Another beautiful day. Too nice to stay in. We got the bus and headed for the canal. We walked down and I had a spiced apple tea in Costa, then we went in B&M. The shop was a mess, we hardly bought anything we wanted, even the new stuff they'd had in was all over the shop. I was going to buy a hanging basket but the ones that were out were damaged in some way. So we went over to Lidl and had a mooch round there. Got a few bits including a carry out cup so I can put the tea in it rather than use Costas awful glass mugs( I struggle to hold them) We went over the road to Sainsbury's to get some food for the weekend. We were looking for a product that was on the frozen department called greens and grains which will make a great side for me when we have quiche etc. I keep being told by my food app to add more grains greens and pulses into my diet. So, I'll give these a go. I also bought some ginger shots to have in a morning to boost my immune system. 

In Between Days

Wednesday.

What a beautiful day, it started out a bit gloomy, but the sun came out and it was quite warm. As it was so nice we popped to West Bridgeford just for a mooch round the charity shops, we ended up taking the old curtains and a bag full of jigsaws we had completed and no longer wanted. 

We had a nosy round Oliver Bonas and Waterstones ( I don't buy books anymore except for gifts usually for Pete) I prefer reading my kindle, but I wanted to see if they had the Practical Magic books in a set, can't say I'm surprised that they didn't, I remember the assistant saying when I asked where the horror section was and he said, we don't have one here, no call for it. Not that Alice Hoffman writes horror, but, it strikes me that they don't stock anything in the Bridgeford shop even vaguely witchy or alternative. I did see a leather bound edition of Frankenstein however, but it was in the classics section. And that was more to do with it being a film tie in than anything. 

Anyway, we walked up to the bus stop past the library and got the bus home. 

In the afternoon we chilled out, I continued reading The Rules of Magic, some books stay with you years after reading them, little things remind you of a line or a scene. These books are in that category, they flesh out the Practical Magic story, giving that history and that base I had no idea it needed. 

I had another text from Dr Field at the Cotgrave Hub, saying my iron was still low and that she was sending me another free months prescription of ferrous sulphate. So, not knowing if she's sent it to the pharmacy in the village or the Well online I will give it a day or so and wait for Well to contact me to say they've received a prescription. If not, I'll pop in to the pharmacy in the precinct to see if they have it. 

In Between Days

Monday.

We decided to head into Bridgeford. We needed some essentials and so we caught the bus instead of walking into the village where we might not get what we wanted. 

We stopped off for a latte at Costa, before going in Iceland and M&S.  Having got those O nipped into Specsavers as I've seen a pair of frames I like, so I might ring up and book an appointment. Ive not long had an eye test and would be able to just have prescription put into those. Fingers crossed I could have the reactions lenses in so that I could benefit from not lugging my sunglasses around with me when I wear them. We got back home and settled down to relaxing afternoon watching something that had been recommended to us by Pete, Small Prophets. Very funny. 

Tuesday.

We woke up around 8.30am, showered, changed and headed out to meet Sue and Pete, we didn't need much shopping so after we left them after a lovely lunch, ( I was very good and had salad, but I did allow myself a red wine!) We caught the bus and went to Arnold. We wanted to go to the large Aldi there, to pick up some of the special buys they had in the middle aisle, they have loads of beauty stuff because its coming up to Mother's Day so, I got myself some of the offers on the basics. I also grabbed a couple of candles the hotel collection ones that are dupes of the Jo Malone Lime Basil and Mandarin ones. I got Kev a dark chocolate Easter egg ( because if you don't get them now the choice will get worse as it gets nearer Easter. I also got some red and green lentil pasta, which hopefully be lower carb than the regular pasta. 

Not at Aldi but I did pick up a Clinque mascara in town this morning. I'm fed up with cheaper brands, they don't do what I want from them and I think its about time I realised this, stop buying cheaper stuff and get something that I know works. Clinique have always been one of those brands that I've used for years. Reliable and I can guarantee they do what it says on the packaging. Plus wearing lenses means anything that close to your eyes needs to be gentle and non irritating. Ive even tried the brands supposed to be for more mature ladies ( not cheap by any means, but still find that they don't exactly do as they promise) I dont wear anything remotely like the amount I used to, but I still like to wear some make up when I go out. 

In Between Days

Saturday. Kev went to work and Willow and I snuggled down, eventually getting up around 8am. I did my stretches made the bed, gave Miss Willow her breakfast, had mine then went to walk round Epcot. Once that was done I washed up and settled down to finish Magic Lessons by Alice Hoffman.

It's a prequel to Practical Magic, and is just such a beautiful book. It transports you to locations, so good is her descriptive prose. If you loved to Movie ( I do!) You'll love the books even more. It's set in the time just before the Witch trails and its the best fictional account of Salem at that time that I've read. Your heart goes out to all those wrongly punished women who perished just because they either knew how to cure the sick ( in mind and body) or could read, or just had a mind of their own. Just living in a wood, as an old lady minding their own buisness was enough to get you burned at the stake. I know if I'd had been born then I would've been one of them. Being in England would not have saved me, we had our own version of the Witch hunts. Anyway, of you've not read any of Alice Hoffman books give them a go... 

Charlotte and Ian bought the shopping last night and I'd asked them to pick me up a candle from Aldi from the middle aisle, Rose and Clove. They managed to get me one, and I have it on as I type, it smells gorgeous, I love the scent of roses, it reminds of when I was little and would try and make perfume myself picking up fallen petals from the garden next door to my Mum's, the clove added gives it a rich warm scent that takes the cloying scent away and makes it spicier and freshens it more. I shall try and get another before they sell out. I like having a stash of candles and even more so now that we have the candle warmer, as you can just swap them out when you see fit. 

I'm sitting here having cuddles with Miss Willow waiting for Kev to come home, the soup is on in the crock pot, plenty there for all of us today and tomorrow. There is also some chilli left from yesterday so we have a choice if we fancy something else. I had one of the low carb bagels for lunch with peanut butter and chia seed jam on it, and half a cup of popcorn. 

I weighed me this morning, glad to see the numbers coming down a little at a time, but that's the best way to lose it.