Time

is simply whizzing past me in a maelstrom of days that have no set pattern and it is confusing me!
Dates and days are now one and the same and I have lost at least one week this month….my head is telling me it is the first week of December and not the second which is rapidly moving towards being the third and Im shocked!! I think it is because I have not decorated the house this year so have no reference points to hang the days on:

no tree day with Tim
no advent calendar to open
no decorations to hang
no menu planning and scouring of my Christmas recipes
no presents to put under the tree
no flowers on the table
I have not played my Carols CD yet

I have been making Mince Pies though which are disappearing as fast as I bake them!
I have made and posted the cards
I have made all the presents I set out to make apart from the round hat….but I am stalling on that!
I have made the usual December Daily album but it will be a Christmas one only this year Im thinking
Im practicing wearing dresses for Christmas!
We are having Christmas meal together as a family next week
I have watched one Christmas Film The Holiday which I adore

So, I think it is time for me to make another batch of Mince Pies and read through my recipes so we can discuss them this afternoon together, my beloved and I.


Still thinking about my ONE LITTLE WORD for 2014…………..

Sue xx

Yorkshire Airlines

Misty morning

As the light begins to break it is possible to see the whole world outside my window is sheathed in thick mist this morning. I already knew that it was cold:  -2C at around 7am and that there was fog,
and asked to stay home in the warm, but I had not realized how thick it would be!!! First real sign that the weather is turning colder, and the arctic winds are heading our way. I was so hoping they would hold off til January!!!! Time for the heating on in my little snug - yesterday it was so nice I didn't need it, with the sun shining directly in at me, what a difference a night makes!!

Today I need to concentrate on the last Christmas Cards. Hence the heating being on in here already!
My designs this year are varied and still don't make me 100% happy if I am being honest, but I need to get them out at the weekend, so the pressure is on!

I am also loving James Martin's programme about changing hospital food and make sure I am there to watch it. I watched the original series set in Scarborough hospital, and now this is in Birmingham at another large hospital. It is so important that things change. Watching James's frustration with the waste, and non-business attitude of staff and the views of patients and staff really brings home the need for change and what can be done in relatively no time, if there is the WILL. He is going to rope in a number of other top chefs to get to other hospitals in the episode today. Being an avid fan of Saturday Kitchen I recognize them all, which adds to the enjoyment. Brilliant series and desperately needed.

I suppose I ought to get a move on now……..enjoying radio 2 this morning!!
Sue xx

In need of more than….

a bottle of wine, Chinese takeaway and a good film, Becci!!!
My daughter writes that this was just what she needed last night, and at the time I might have agreed with her. However, this morning, I need so much more!!!!

Talking to my friend the other day we discussed Murphy's Law. Y'know - the disaster one!
If it can go wrong, it will go wrong.
Waiting for a bus for ages and then three come at once.
That sort of thing.
Sod's Law is how I know it too!!! Though I think that refers to the grass…………….ha, ha.

In my case, something I really, really, really wanted to happen, has, and it coincides with something
I have to do and cannot avoid. On the same day, I ought now to be in two different countries for two different appointments/events. I am sitting here thinking 'out of my box' and keeping fingers crossed that when I make the call on Monday, someone else is prepared to do the same thing, and give me a chance.

I don't want to be specific as yet - bit superstitious like that - but really, why does this happen to me?!!

I was just saying the other day that I do believe in fate, destiny, soul mates, reincarnation and so forth, and that life has a path that is predetermined for you. However, I never anticipated that mine would be like climbing Everest without any kit!!!
I always liked the myth about the Clashing Rocks which Jason and the Argonauts have to sail through, and the phrase ' caught between a rock and a hard place'; now I know why!! My life is in exactly that spot right now, this morning, this hour, this minute and second, and I need to find the secret way out…………………

I'll go and ponder it in the shower. Jason would be proud!!!
Sue xx

Ups and downs here we go again!

This week was full of promise when it started off. We'd had a wonderful time at the Christmas Fair and I was in the mood to continue with the decorating having planned time for it etc. I gaily drove down to Zoetermeer on Wednesday to take our annual tour of De Driesprong Heavenly Homely Christmas Show with Ineke, and felt the weight of my worries were temporarily alleviated. Sigh……..

We were walking and talking through the various displays, taking our time, admiring so many beautiful things, when my knee went. It gave way for no reason I can think of. Oh and the pain!!! Excruciating!!
I felt like the Little Mermaid when she first got her legs and walked as though swords were piercing her. Weight-bearing was temporarily impossible so I just stood and waited for it to pass. When it was ok to walk again, we continued our day. I got home and into the house when it went again. Just like before my operation really. I can only think that I must make a certain twisting movement that causes instant irritation and pain for some reason. We are thinking its the ligaments . . . . .maybe a stretch too far or?
So I saw my GP yesterday and have made the appointment to see the Orthopaedic Surgeon who did my op on 10th December. Until that time I have to rest, and rest, and rest, and avoid doing things like driving, walking too far, stairs, lifting etc. Boy oh boy, this couldn't have happened at a worse time!!!
Right before important events next week, the run up to Christmas, work, the usual daily grind….all on hold now.

So what am I doing? I am moving with such care and attention to NOT twisting my knee!!! I am sitting as much as possible - or sleeping - and not lifting anything. I am hoping it is just the least worse problem it can be. Fingers crossed everyone!!!
Sue xx

Christmas Fair at Haarzuilens

It was a glorious autumn day on Saturday for our trip to the Christmas Fair!! The trees were abundant with a russet and gold canopy over the lakes, and despite the air being filled with Christmas music, the atmosphere was just so lovely for the time of year. And so different to last year when it was icy and cold and I fell on the ice and ruined my knee!!  We had a good time. Lots of people milling around the stands of course and sometimes hard to get in and see what was on offer, but for the most part it was fine. I did miss the fudge man!! No-one really selling chocolates and bonbons and fudge or truly handmade items - and masses and masses of items to decorate the house over the festive period. Did get a bit 'samey' after a while I do admit. I miss the really craft oriented stalls as that is what I like to buy as presents for friends and family given a choice. We did not spend much money but came away with some small items that we were happy with so that was good. I did finally find some washi tapes for my wrapping which pleased me no end!!! Ah, the simple pleasures in life . . . .

I have also been for a wander with Gloria around De Boet and Intratuin, and their Christmas departments. I prefer our local Intratuin to be honest, somehow it didn't do it for me once again at De Boet . . . Gloria was taken with the 'living stall' though! Even a camel in there!!!!! I loved the dear little donkey myself. So, just the one in Zoetermeer to go and I will have had my lot for this year. I am hoping to find some Hyacinths in a nice bowl……………..white preferably!! I love Cyclamens but so does Will. I love Roses but so does Finka. I am pinning my hopes on Hyacinths. Just need to charge up my old Tom Tom as there are ridiculous traffic jams along my normal route to Z'meer that I wish to avoid, so need to find an alternative route if I am to be on time for coffee!!!! I've had instructions but so far they don't make too much sense to my visual brain as I cannot picture the whole route in my head. I get as far as the road to Ikea and then blank!!!! Wonder why . . . .so today is my chance to get it right.

My car Sooty went in for repairs yesterday as part of my preparation for tomorrow. Two new tyres on the back - all -season this time. Hoping they will make a difference once the winter takes a grip. Also the coolant was leaking so I needed a whole new thing for that. I had seen it was, and commented on  it a few times, but didn't realize what the problem was. Also a couple of other things needed doing. Unavoidable sadly . . .but as in all cases, safely must come first. Especially in a car.
Talking of safety - I bought Will and Finka new mousies for Christmas treats at Intratuin yesterday. Will was delighted and ran off with his up the stairs and threw it around for a time. It then landed on the coffee table and I noticed something shiny sticking out of its head. A closer look revealed it to be a needle with thread still on it!!! SHOCK HORROR!! I pulled it out without it having harmed either cat, but how bad is that? Someone obviously had sewed the mouse up and left the needle still inside the body. I will report it to Intratuin of course, and just hope they believe me. I took a photo of it but not until it was out on the table. It is a fluke, I am sure, but it needs to be addressed.

Ah well, its now only 5.45am in the morning and I am up and at it already. I hear Tim leave for work when he goes at 4.30am and then find it impossible to get back to sleep. Good for getting things done early doors, but bad for my tiredness in the evening. Not to worry, right?
Sue xx

Its already Friday!!!

This week has flown by, what with one thing and another and we are now just under 5 weeks til Christmas!!! The whole year has been faster than most, and I have no idea why, except that it has been full of ups and downs, and not all of them positive, and certainly not yet behind me. So I am facing these last few weeks of 2013 with some trepidation; some longing; some hope; some fear; some excitement; some worry and anxiety mixed in with the usual Christmas Spirit.

I have started to think what my ONE LITTLE WORD for 2014 will be. One came to me the other day but I forgot to write it down, and now it is gone. I need something positive and encouraging. A word that describes change and hope and daring. Ideas?

My shoulders and arms and elbows are aching dreadfully from my obsessive knitting this week. I have embarked on a scarf for my daughter and want to finish it in time to do another for someone else. It is going well, but oh boy do I notice it in my joints!!! Knitting is not a good hobby when one is older unless undertaken in small irregular bursts. That was my plan, but once I start, well, I get carried away and want to see the finished article as soon as possible. But I am suffering from it now. Resisting the temptation to get another ball of wool already…………….I have other things to do as well. The bedroom wall is on my list for Sunday and next week. I have to do it!!! I so want to have the new bed by the end of the year but I am not sure that will happen. Sooty is off the the garage for two new tyres and some other small work on Monday, and that cost has to be set off against the longing for the bed. We want a smaller size - with a large quilt on it!!! I am so happy underneath the winter weight one we now have, plus hot water bottle for the feet - but I want to wait for the new quilt cover etc until the room is ready. I might give in for Christmas and do the new set on just to celebrate, right? Why not?

Christmas card making is going slowly. I have not felt that inspired this year and have got some left over from last year that I think I will use. Too many things on the go at once, that is my problem!!!
However, my present list is becoming more concrete and I have more idea what to make for everyone, and thank goodness for Amazon!! What would I do without that possibility of free shipping directly to our family and friends?!! A godsend that's what! I hardly need to visit the shops, doing most things myself or online…quite nice really. I see all the harassed people scurrying around and am thankful I am not one of them. I am looking forward to next week though, and my visit to Inekes. I will need to re-think my route however as there are nasty holdups on the ring around Amsterdam that I want to avoid.
I must seek advice………………

but now I am going to rest awhile and drink tea and have a bite to eat, and no doubt do some knitting . . .
Sue xx

Busy busy

This morning I decided it was time to put the winter weight duvet on the bed!!! I slept with a hot water bottle last night too…..
all because there is Siberian Winter on its way!!! Apparently. Who knew?

This morning it feels soft weather as the Irish say. No wind, or very little any way. A dull sky but not heavy. Washing out on lines. A typically nice autumn day.

What am I doing? Making Christmas present labels amidst all the other chores I have on my list this week!!! I'm sitting here because I am letting the floors dry downstairs. I'm saving the upstairs til tomorrow. I am pacing myself. Ha!!!

This coming weekend the girls and I are off to Kasteel Haarzuilens to the Christmas Fair there. I went lots of years ago now, and thoroughly enjoyed it so we have decided to give it another go. It's Ann's birthday this Wednesday so it is her treat I suppose one would say. Last year is when I fell on black ice and did my knee in, so not wanting a repeat of that incident please! Guess that is why I am watching the weather like a hawk . . . . .luckily I am not the one driving so I can relax, sit back and enjoy the ride.
Before I make any journeys in my car there is a visit to the garage booked. I am going to Zoetermeer at the end of the month but not before I have parted with barrel loads of cash to the mechanics at Kwikfit!!
I need two new tyres which I did know about, wipers, which we can do ourselves, and then goodness only knows what with the other problems Sooty has! I am preparing for the worst case scenario and hoping it will be a better outcome than that. PLEASE.

I am wanting to knit something at the moment. I know I have several other on-going projects but like another friend of mine not too many kilometers from here . . .no names please . . .I like to start new ones before the others are completed!!! I suppose with Christmas coming up I am thinking what I can make as presents, and Becci is always appreciative of something in the clothing line. Arm warmers are on my list for her. Or a cowl . . .but then round needles are not what I am used to at all. Hmm….more thinking required.

But first - coffee and lunch.
Suexx

Rain again

it really is a damp autumn day, isn't it? Waking up to drizzle and cobwebs on the bushes and that damp, sogginess in the air.  Brr!!!
Taking a tour on the web I found these glorious images of the perfect autumn and scenes we all hope to see - enjoy:

The colours are amazing and I have to admit I would love to visit New England in the fall and see this for myself. I am not a huge fan of America but there are parts on my bucket list that I would really like to experience. Alaska tops my list, and has done for years, but I think the older parts, more historical places appeal to me more than the Grand Canyon, for instance. I love the wooden houses with their verandahs and the huge 'back yards' as they call them. I love the shabby chic-ness of the home interiors.
Pinterest holds me in its thrall when it comes to searching out homemade home ideas and images, and I dream of a home that looks like the very best of my visualizations.

Winter is getting a grip on the UK, in the northern parts, and I am hoping that it will not prevent my plans from coming to fruition this Christmas. I am not travelling until Christmas Eve, so leaving it to the very last minute might not be wise……or we might get snow earlier and it all be gone by then!!!
Hey ho, what will be will be.

So today I am staying indoors in the warm, indulging in a delicious curry evening with the samosa's and other delights I have found in the freezer………….nothing better on a damp, autumn day.
Sue xx

11-11-11

At 11 o'clock, on the 11th day of the 11th month we remember them.

Something we all need to do,

for without their sacrifice, our lives would not be what they are today.

And that goes for all the men and women who are still serving in our armed forces in 2013.

NEVER FORGET.

If its not one thing, then its the other!!!

Not being a person with extensive knowledge about cars or anything that runs with a battery and has wheels…I took my car today for the free winter check at the garage where I bought Sooty two and a half years ago.  I go to these checks with heavy heart because I know it is going to cost me lots of money every single time. This time was no different. They told me several things that are in need of repair, replacement or re-fitting. They estimated the cost of doing it. I said I would think about it at home.
I enjoyed the coffee and biscuit!!

I know it needs attending to, but really, I have to find the best price possible and look around for where I can find that.  I have to do it with everything in life, so actually, I am getting rather good at it! Perhaps it feels wonderful when one doesn't have to check the price first, or double check where it is cheaper, or watch how full the kettle is before boiling it and so on, but it does make one more appreciative of what everything costs, and how to save money whenever possible which I suppose years ago, I did not do well at all. I do not consider myself to be a mean person at all. I have a generous spirit and I do like to do things for others when I can. I am also old enough to realize that this can be done in so many ways without breaking the bank and thinking that the price tag is what someone else cares about. We live in a disposable world where things are out of date and old before they are off the rack!! Every new item we buy is soon in the news headlines as being replaced by version 6.1. or such like. Repairing things is no longer worth it as a new one is cheaper in many cases. Well, my motto is "Make do and Mend" for the foreseeable future - that's for sure!!!
Sue xx

Hard to think straight

at the moment. It's as though a giant jigsaw puzzle is trying to make itself in my brain but I cannot find the outside edges on the pieces to even begin to frame it!! Poorly explained but this fog enveloping my aging little grey cells one by one is wearing me out.
I feel like the ubiquitous Chicken and Egg. What do I do first - this or that? Which has the best outcome - this or that? When is the right time - now or then? Who do I ask - you or them? And so it goes on, an never-ending debate in my head.  I know the sensible thing is to take stock; re-group; analyze; order and plan. On the other hand advocates of 'mindfulness' would advise to just go with the flow and not think beyond the moment. Make no decisions until faced with the choice itself. Mind-boggling stuff!!

So really, I am procrastinating and doing very little.
I have lots to do and am doing none of them.
I need to find a point to start and start there.

Ok…I can do that at least.
Sue xx

Taxing the old brain rather . . .

I am finding myself sitting at the computer more than I really care for at the moment but on the other hand there are so many things I like looking at!!! I can see in England that the preparations for Christmas are fully underway - adverts such as M&S are fairytale-like in their presentation - films are being advertised - food and drink magazines are on display - so I started with my present wrapping yesterday!!
I try to make my own cards and labels every year so that is something I can do again. This time I am using Ikea red - brown parcel paper so that is also keeping to my traditional colour scheme.  I have a teeny tiny Christmas Pudding in the cupboard for nearer the day, but this year I am being spoilt and have absolutely nothing to do!!! We mums are able to put our feet up, lay in bed longer, drink Sherry, go to the pub...and not worry our heads with thoughts of turkey basting and sausages!!! Wow, I won't know what to do with myself?!!!
My cards are coming on slowly. Not yet hit the jackpot with a design I really favour, but I am working on that one. I need a trip over to the hobby store at some point soon and that will fix that problem. I am lacking in paper!!!

All this is lovely, but today I need to focus on housework and cats. Finka is off to the vet this afternoon and fat Will will come along for the ride and possible sweetie from Nynke, our lovely vet. It keeps Finka calmer having Will there, and he is just so nosey, he will enjoy the trip. Neither of them love the travel basket though, so getting them in it will be the main problem. Both skiddaddle as fast as they can once it is spotted in the hall. Time for tactical measures....

Right now I have just got time to glance at Pinterest before I go off to the shops for something for dinner!! It's a glamorous life I lead . . ..
Sue xx

Its a bit wet here!

The rain has been lashing down this evening with hailstones and wind thrown in for good measure!
The day itself was better than forecast so I suppose it had to come later. So far this autumn is proving to be damp!!  Lets hope it means that winter will be wet and not frosty and snowy . . . .keep it mild all year I say.

I have got a printer with a particular taste in paper it would seem!!
Hema paper was rejected. Kept jamming and not going through to print stage.
On the other hand, Xerox paper from Action has been accepted and I now have one beautifully printed page! Since it is imperative that I can print this week, this is a good sign. Now all I need to do is find all the paper work for printing and set to. Phew!! I think I am seeing too much of my computer at the moment and not enough of the bedroom decor! Time to move on to the second wall and get it papered and painted. We have filled the holes with green oozy stuff that squirted everywhere and refuses to come cleanly off my hands still. And we got the computer cable neatly wrapped in a skin of protective plastic casing so that it would be ok in the hole in the wall. My job this week is to tidy it all up!!

Having no work to go to does not mean having nothing to do. My days are filled with small tasks and things to do, and I am kept busy with everything and nothing it seems. One thing to remember is that having no fixed timetable to adhere to during the week makes losing track of days and dates very easy!!
They all have a tendency to blur into one another and before I know it, another week has flown by.
Given that it is now only two months to the end of 2013, I can truly say I don't know where this year has gone to................
Sue xx

"Heavenly Homely"

I just couldn't resist peeking at the title of the Christmas Show at the garden centre. Sorry!

My friend Ineke and I go annually to see it as I have not found another one quite so spectacular as this one. It is the perfect excuse for a catch-up on our lives, have lunch and pick out some new Christmas
baubles.

Now that Halloween is virtually over....and not really celebrated here anyway, it is countdown all the way to Christmas!! It will be strange for me this year not putting up the decorations nor cooking Christmas Dinner or sharing presents with Tim........no, instead I will be going to my daughters and she assures me that I won't have to lift a finger to help!!!!  Going to gaze at the wondrous spectacle
"heavenly homely" will be my way of getting in the seasonal spirit this year, so bring it on!!!
Sue xx

Better space!

Having got used to a tiny table top to craft on since moving here three years ago, I felt it was time I treated myself to a new and better space! It is limited in my hobby room, but Ikea came up trumps as usual with a low-budget solution. I bought 4 legs for 2,50 each and a top for 15,00 and now I have all this space to craft on!! Tim kindly assembled it for me last night so I sat and tried it out for size by doing some more Christmas Cards. Much better than the tiny yellow ( I hate yellow as a colour for me ) table I was using. See how neat and tidy I can be?!!!

My printer has decided to go into retirement. It has served me long and well, and now it has given up.
I will retire it gracefully by seeing whether there is anyone prepared to re-home it, do it up and perhaps give it a last gasp.....Tim and I are off shortly to MediaMarkt to suss out a replacement.

And we are back!! Printer bought - a bargain deal - plus an external hard drive (finally) so that I can take all those many, many photos off the computer and store them safely. It is a tiny thing!! I was expecting something so much bigger, and far more expensive, but this was ok actually. We toyed with the tablets in that section; we held the iPods tenderly in our hands; we scoured the place for a glimpse of a pretty KitchenAid............Tim got what he needed and so did I. The wish-list remains, but the practical one is fulfilled. Just got to wait for it all to be installed please.
Sue xx

Darker days

I've had a little "time out" week.
It has done me good.
I wish I could say that my head feels clearer and my plans are firmer and the future more definite, but I don't think that is the case.
Small first steps have been made, however, and taking it just one step at a time is making the whole thing feel more possible somehow.
I think it is that all this just makes my heart feel so heavy and sad.
My pragmatic self sees no choice in terms of survival and recovery in the longer term, but my emotional self breaks apart at the seams and this conflicted state continues.

Perhaps it is the Pisces nature to always walk two paths simultaneously?
Swimming against the tide but oh so desperately wanting to be sweep upwards with it!
Trying to please everyone all of the time but least of all oneself?
Having a wish list of lovely things one yearns for...and then going and doing something nice for someone else instead!

Take me, for example. Everyone knows a KitchenAid tops my Christmas Wish List year in, year out.
It is within my grasp this year, thanks to an unexpected opportunity, yet what do I do? I think about the boys wish to learn to drive, and about his disappointment at 18 when it couldn't happen, and the unfairness of it all (reasons I don't wish to divulge) and I lean towards helping his wish come true, and leaving mine for some other time. Seeing him happy is worth it, wouldn't you agree? Knowing that being able to drive would help him in the future so much more than me being able to whisk a cake in no time at all!! Seems a no-brainer really when I put it like that....................

I think doing something nice for someone else takes priority as usual.
I feel good about that.

I will plan a day out with Ineke instead!! When shall we m'dear?............

Sue xx

Hating dressing up!!

It's only when you come to go out somewhere different and need to haul an outfit from the back of your wardrobe that one realizes . . . . . 'I have nothing to wear'!!!!

I have not bought any new clothes for such a long time that nothing I have fits ( lost weight apparently since I last wore them/or not ); I feel odd not wearing my jeans with the holes in; wearing tights is horrid; too warm for my boots and thick jumpers; jewellry other than my usual stuff feels weird; everything looks old and worn out - do I need to go on?!!!

It is only the team evening after all. If I wear black trousers instead of my jeans, that is different enough I hope. Can't find the black socks so blue will do. A coloured scarf around my neck livens things up just a tad methinks....matches the blue socks!!! We are not going out, just round to someones house for an Italian evening but there will be photos of the team taken; hence the concern. Trying not to look poor is the whole point of this exercise in flinging things in and out of the wardrobe. I need to feel I can hold my own with my colleagues, and not look as though I never buy stuff any more. Luckily I don't think it will be a problem. We are casual people at the end of the day and I doubt anyone will have got their glad-rags on really; it's all in my head, this worry, this fear, this abiding shame. We will all just be ourselves hopefully, and be happy being together and sharing a fun evening meal. No matter what I wear I am still the same person wearing the clothes, and I think that is what we need to remember.
The substance of a person is their character, their spirit, their smile. That never changes so with that thought in my head, I have settled upon this outfit, and the rest be dammed!!!!
Sue xx

Memories

Of all the photos I pin on Pinterest, this is the one that gets the most attention. It has been re-pinned so many times that I thought I would share my memories of it with you dear bloggers.
It is of Robin Hood's Bay in Yorkshire. When I was growing up we lived in Yorkshire and went here on holiday. I was probably about six years old at the time, and my memories are of sharing bunk beds for the first time in the tiny holiday cottage we rented; sitting on bar stools to eat meals because there was no space for chairs in the kitchen! and of donkey rides every day along the beach. I don't have any more accurate memories from that time but it must have made an indelible impression on me for when I moved back to Yorkshire in my early thirties, and saw a picture hanging in a street market stall I just had to buy it! It hangs in the living room in every place I live since then, and my fondest for the place continues. I've been back many times since, with the children or friends, and it remains unspoilt and beautiful. So go there if you ever get the chance; it will impress you too!!!
Sue xx

Cher - I Hope You Find It.

Storm approaching

The wind is howling and although it is not raining heavily at the moment I suspect it will be shortly!
Last night we had so much rain in the early evening. I'd been outside snipping away at the larger shrubs in the afternoon when it was sunny, but now...brr...chill in the air.

The decorating/jobs day went well on Friday. We had to start a little later than anticipated but once we got going!!! We'd bought new taps for shower way back in April so I had the brainwave of deciding today was the day we fitted them. Idea behind it being these are thermostatic taps which allow the right temp water to burst forth and cover one within a few seconds of switching them on. Up until now it is a lottery about how long it takes to reach the correct temperature; will it stay there; how much hot to cold ratio necessary depending on the time of day and so on. Wasted water. We had a few hiccups along the way but eventually they were on, and we enjoyed a lovely, thermostatically controlled shower!!!

We had a couple of mishaps with tools during the decorating. The purfoam broke its spout so a whole new one had to be thrown out as it was unusable. Filling the larger holes in the walls impossible. We had time to paper one wall fully after treating the smaller holes and fitting the cover on the computer lead etc. and replacing the awful sockets. Not without its issues. The ones I bought were wrong - but we only knew that once the old ones were removed. This house was built in the '60's I think, so the standard of sockets in walls is dreadful. I think the girls in the DIY store had fun seeing me returning several times during the day for one thing or another!!!! 'Gezellig' was how they described it!!!!
Still, I made good use of all those coupons for discount by the end of the day! I can manage the other wall I think, if we ignore the sockets and the one hole for the lead which apparently needs a pipe around it first . . .but my challenge this week will be to paint the door. Still pink! I have never painted a door before using a mini roller and know how useless I am with them from previous experience. Still, got to try. I want this room done!!

But today, in the face of the storm I am cooking Sunday lunch for my friend Ann and I. It'll be Chicken Pie, roasted Parsnips, Carrots in Chardonney, Peas, Yorkshires and gravy....followed by Blackberry and Apple Crumble and proper Custard! We English love our Sunday dinners.

I suppose I ought to be making a start then.......................
Sue xx

prep completed!!

Im quite pleased with myself for getting the work I set out for myself all done by midday today. Yey!
It was a sale day at the local DIY store so I went along and picked up the last one of the ceiling lights I liked, some white sockets and a light switch to replace the hideously old, cream and HUGE ones that stick out in the middle of the walls (yes, they really do) and some wallpaper. I have lots of small pieces to fit around the window etc but decided it is best to be prepared with a fresh roll so as not to waste precious time tomorrow having to go out for it. I found some colour swatches too - I was pretty certain they would match my beloved curtains - and they do exactly, so I think I am just going to go ahead and hang them and go plain with the bedlinen etc and wait til we find the right one. I suppose I am more or less looking for a large throw or a patchwork quilt thing - it keeps the warmth in during the winter and we need that in this house!! I have white bedlinen already which can do for the time being, not such a worry really. But where to find nice attractive curtain rods?!! I have not taken to any in the store this morning - something not quite right with any of them to my eyes, but I expect in the end I will have to compromise once again.
The pink rad is still bothering me. It is just not white enough. More spraying is called for and if that fails then perhaps something to cover the radiator up would make sense...............
And that is where you find me now. Done and dusted, free from knee-ache and sitting comfortably in the snug considering what to do next . . . . . .
Pinterest search!!!!
Sue xx

Progress report

Slow. I think that about sums up what's been happening! I am currently revving up to do the wall with the pre-papering solution. I've been down on my hands and knees again doing the last pieces of the skirting board with undercoat this morning. It takes its toll! Must admit I hate the fact that my knee is no longer able to cope with being knelt upon, as it is restricting. Both indoors and in the garden so double blow!! Still, I keep standing up and stretching and having a little rest - still today and tomorrow to get to where I need to be. I am having trouble covering up the pink on the radiator though - what a pain! I am spraying it white but it still looks patchy pink to my eyes, even after two coats, so I know it needs more.

I have been searching around for bedlinen we might love. not like, but love. I swing between duck egg and multi-bright reds and greens etc. I look around on Pinterest and see so many ideas but still the colour issue haunts me. I suppose it has to do with mood - season - the a'sphere - the furniture: black or white bed frame; black or white curtain rod; white or wood furniture etc. I have not reached a definitive conclusion. The word 'money' has a lot to do with this hesitation to be truthful. Where to spend the small budget we have for the largest effect? Where to cut corners or pick up for peanuts at the second-hand store - where to re-use what we already have - so it goes on. I know it will all be fine in the end. It  always is really, isn't it?

Tim and Amber have landed safely in Morocco - I was relieved to get the text during the night. I imagine them waking up this morning to a bright sunny day, walking down to breakfast, eyeing up the pool, looking what the hotel complex has to offer.......sunbathing, swimming, enjoying the bar!!!!
How lovely for them. They will not want to come back home!

Me? I just have to wait for my turn next year. Nothing so exotic as Morocco but the prospect of a week in The Lakes with Jackie is just as nice. We had such a great time last time we went, and now have a couple of 'dead certs' we will want to do, as well as finding more unfamiliar places to walk and explore.
Mmm...better start a search on Pinterest then!!!

Or continue with another stretch of decorating........

Going to see "About Time" this evening with Ann. We have had such awful news the last week or so, that we need cheering up, and this romantic comedy looks like the perfect antidote. Ladies Night, here we come!!!
Sue xx

Ho hum...

We have been 'going to find the time' to carry on with the bedroom re-decorating, for over a year now
and finally now that summer has warped into autumn its time to do just that!
I am not keen on this stage.
I am more into searching for inspiration on Pinterest and planning what we need and where to get it from on a thrifty budget!!! I cannot decide on colours since in this house I favour the reds and greens, and am absolutely in love with one duvet set by Joules!! I am being practical about what we have and how it can be re-used - on one condition: the bedroom set GOES!!! I am so over it!
I have saved a pair of curtains that last hung in my house in Yorkshire about 18 years ago - I made them with material from Ikea and have just always loved them. I refuse to cut the length, in case I can use them somewhere else in the future, but they are the right width for this window I suspect. They have not faded and are as good as ever, so you never know; perhaps this time I will actually agree to hang them!
The walls are awful. I suppose they ought to be re-plastered but no time to do that and no skill either. So we will use the super-sticking strange wallpaper that ends up just giving a structured look to the walls. That way I can paint it and know that others who live here in the future can change it easily.
As you can see, I am 'resting' from the work. My knees are not able to stand long stretches of kneeling on them y'see, so all legit excuses. Hmmmm......
time to do a tad more before lunch break!!!
Sue xx

Feels strange

already, and Tim has only just gone to his girlfriends before their holiday to Morocco.
Yes, I thought I would be happy to be here on my own with the cats! But seeing him get out of the car
and go - no kiss, not his thing apparently - I realised it was the first time he has been so far away from home without me - ever. We did the last minute question time: have you got your passport? have you changed your health insurance? have you got your money? have you written down contact details in case of emergency? is your suitcase locked? and so on. He assures us that given his age and the fact that he is going with Amber, who will organise him no doubt too, we are sure he will have the time of his life. But I will still miss him.
To combat this 'loss' I stopped at the supermarket and bought ingredients for a Chicken Rogan Josh this evening!!! I do love a good curry. Some Quality Street simply to have them in the fridge for the moments only chocolate will do, and some of my favourite soft cheese spread. What treats!!!
The plan is . . . .get up in the morning and start on the bedroom.
Ok, Ineke - any tips for us?!!! As you finish we are starting off, so apart from making sure I have music to listen to, I have got my work cut out for me I suspect. We are doing two walls first before moving the
furniture around to the other side so we can do the other two walls. Now son is away I have no qualms about placing some things in the landing as they will not be in our way there, so that is the reason for starting now. My tasks before Friday when my other half will come to help, is to clean all the unwanted stuff away, hopefully clean the ceiling, put the special stuff on the wall to prep for wallpapering, and sand and paint the skirting and doorframe. I have bought a spray paint especially for the radiator - at the moment it is a horrid pinky colour/shade which we hate, so white is going to replace that as soon as possible. I know I have to be disciplined this week and get my head around actually doing it, because what I love is actually the moment we are ready to paint and decorate - once all the preparatory work is done. I love watching all those house renovation programmes but it is the decor side of things where my interest lies. I have a rental house so what I really, really would love to do I am not going to do. We need to make it simple and clean, and appealing to anyone moving in here after us. I want to spend the limited money on the portable items - but mostly a new bed. I would love a new bed frame!! And curtains - wouldn't that be fab?!!!!! Though I love to look at the stars during the night I will be glad to hang curtains and feel the security of them in the coming months of winter. No expensive lights either - I still have two wall ones which just need new shades (Ikea), and if we move the socket up a tad I can have low level bookcases running all along one wall (Ikea)...a paper lampshade in the middle, and finally, finally, we can put up the wall decoration I bought several years ago, and have been saving for above our bed. And we already have the picture frames with my printed texts on them so hey - we are almost there!!! New wardrobe and chest of drawers; touch up the rattan chair that is in the shed, and we will be shabby chic in no time!!!!
Looking forward to seeing the photos of your completed room, Ineke, by the way!!! Wish us luck.
Sue xx

Christmas card designing

My beloved acknowledged the fact that as of 1st October my thoughts include CHRISTMAS!! He was not in the least surprised when I sent him the trailer for Saving Mr Banks, to his email with the tag ' want to see this together' under it! He is not a fan of Christmas and finds my obssession with it amusing. I am tolerated and humoured by him so that is fine. I can live with that!!!

First steps towards this years Christmas cards!! I need to do something different each year so have made
a start with this punch and some inks and my dove stamp. Not sure I like these colours - I usually go for
something brighter so might change that. I have been lucky in that my inks are really old . . .and still enough in them to last through this years batch as well! I look after them well. Coddling them upside down to keep the ink in the pad and not in the top. I have loved my punches especially the one or two
larger ones I possess - the snowflakes ones go well with my snowflakes stamps I'm thinking as I write this down....
The hardest part this morning was trying to remember where I had stashed my Christmas leftover products! Everything had been neatly put away - but where? I had made so much room for the wedding invitations (now on hold as I have completed the save the dates which are needed this year) and moved aside. I notice that I forget these things (worrying or natural?) but fortunately my recent tidy up enabled me to recall sooner than normal where everything was! I am trying not to buy any products apart from some paper for my album December Daily, and my cards. The rest I have in house - ribbons ( though I hate using my prettiest up), cards and envelopes, glue dots, buttons, beads etc. So shall I go extravert or shall I go simple? Who knows; at this stage I certainly don't!!!
Sue xx

Christmas movie!!!

Just watch the trailer..

this looks like being the 

Christmas Film of 2013.

I so want to see it!!!

Tom Hanks is one reason;

Emma Thompson another..

the whole fairy-like quality of 

Disney and what more could

you possibly want?

Sue xx

Saving Mr. Banks - Official Trailer (Tom Hanks)

Attic but no cash found!!!

Well, 5 cents is all so far!

I decided to make another foray into the attic

and find the courage to part with long held 'treasures.'

I found the kingfisher ceramic pot that my first

ever Head OT gave me in 1982 when I left my first job.

Can't part with it after all these years!!!

I found even more children's books ...keepers too.

Any grandchildren I have will be able to come

along to Oma's personal library and be read to!!

(No, Becci, not handing any more over to you)!

Between us we must have a huge collection as it was my 

favourite present choice when mine were small.

I would spend hours around Christmas in the various

bookshops, giggling at the funny ones, smiling at the

nice pictures and hugging the ones I wanted to take home.

I have found things I ought to have thrown out years ago

and things that I knew were up there somewhere

but not just quite sure in which box.

I will be going to the charity shop with some things

and the dump with others!

Once I have done the attic I have to start in the kitchen

and decide which things I could pass on to Tim when

he leaves home and which I still use and like. 

More and more I am sure that it will be a good thing for him

to move out and start the independent life that awaits him.

Time to grow up and find the things that matter 

out for himself.

21 next year . . . .would be a good time to aim for.

Sue xx

Slow progress

Son has sorted out his school issue.

Phew.

I think we are more relieved than him!

He did not want our help or intervention.

No, he went to his boss!!!

It comes to something when work is allowed

to help you and family are not.

Do we feel peeved?

I suppose a little.

Is this son standing on his own two feet and 

making tentative moves towards independence?

I certainly hope so!

It is not all sorted out as we know there is 

more to come but unless we are 'in the know'

I hope son will come up trumps with another

solution without us having to worry again.

What have we learned?

Information, information, information.

Be prepared to answer all dodgy excuses with facts.

Hard facts.

Arguing the 'white is black' with him is exhausting.

All he has to do now is pass that final exam!!

And tonight is my first night shift!

Wish me luck guys.

Sue xx

Letting go

..how hard is that?!!!

Letting a child decide their own future

even when you think it is a bad choice?

Standing by and doing nothing

while your heart is breaking and you

want it to be different?

Not being able to make your point of view

known, heard and respected?

Hearing one thing and feeling another?

Oh, being a parent is heart-breaking at times

....isn't it?

Young adults have ways totally alien

to us oldies with different values

and ethics,or so it seems to me.

I am sure my parents felt exactly the same

about decisions I made when younger.

Back then I had no choice but to do what

they said had to happen.

It proved disastrous in some cases.

In others they were probably right to intervene.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

Foresight is a different matter entirely.

Do we expect too much from them?

Do we expect too little?

I have no idea, truly.

One thing I do know is that burying ones head in the proverbial sand

does not lead to solutions.

It makes things worse in the end.

Those dreadful words

" I told you so" 

will be uttered.

"Why wouldn't you let me help you"?

I find harder to come to terms with.

Should I be more open and see the positive way ahead

then?

Or does my old-school belief that education matters

just fly out of the window and never be heard again?

I am at a loss to understand, comprehend and support

an action I cannot agree with in my head and heart.

Keeping my mouth closed and my opinion to myself

is getting harder and harder to bear.

Sue xx

Saturday

breaking in some shoes whilst staying home

is better than getting sore feet whilst walking!!!

I am having a tidy.

Each week I promise myself I have to make a start

and this afternoon I actually have!

In my snug.

I have my table covered with wedding items

and need to make room for Christmas Cards;

yes, it's that time again!

I was going to just send messages over 

the internet . . . 

but that's not me.

I was not going to bother at all . . .

but that's not me either,

so making some will be what I just have to do.

But no inspiration as yet.

Started looking around on blogs and 

pinterest for some ideas but really

and truly I have not found it yet.

I have sorted all my papers out

and know I need cardstock at some point.

I have found all my stamps but the one I want...

of course; what else?!

I have still got inks that are good enough to use.

I have got plenty of other stamps I could use

but I want THAT one!!!!

So I will persevere a while longer with the 

sorting out 

but right now I am going back to hunting

down INSPIRATION.

Sue xx

Out of nowhere

came Rain!

It had been nice up until about a minute ago

I even walked to the shops without a coat

this morning,

and now rain. More rain.

It never seems to stop.

Tomorrow Gebke and I are going to enjoy a 

days 'mini holiday ' so very much hoping 

for at the very least a dry day, please?

At the moment I am in bake-off mood

trying out Paul Hollywood's recipe

for my all-time favourite

CUSTARD TARTS.

I've made them before but to other recipes using 

single cream etc but this was just milk and eggs.

They don't look too great so no photo!

but so long as they taste great I will be satisfied.

I watch it on Sundays so no idea how they

fared yesterday.

But it was cookies and biscuits I think and I 

just love baking those!

It is all part of my stress-busting strategy actually.

Filling in application forms day in day out,

which take hours if you apply in the UK,

and then finding other activities that one 

must do to fulfil the criteria for the cash -

whilst all the time thinking

"give me a chance"

and not really believing that anyone will.

Sort of soul destroying which is where the

baking comes in.

Always therapeutic 

and since that is my trade....

better put it to good use on myself, right?!

Have a good one yourselves.

Sue xx 

Pyjama Day

Not feeling too well this morning.

An upset tummy making me feel cramps etc.

A headache making me feel tired.

A hot feeling all over ....

think I might have a bug!!

So it will be a day of settee hugging,

tea drinking,

cat-napping,

TV watching,

cat cuddling,

soup eating,

weather watching,

home staying

quietness.

I probably need it.

Sue xx

Weekend in sight

So yesterday I went to the unemployment office here in town

for a talk about it all.

It started ok, a full room etc and overheads . . . .

It was rather noisy due to building work going on. . . . 

then someone noticed water dripping from the ceiling.

Then dripping from where the light was . . . .

then part of the ceiling started to bulge and buckle

and eventually within a few seconds 

it fell down with water cascading everywhere!!!

Ok, end of chat!

They had given us all a folder with the information

from the overheads all in so no problem really.

It was quite interesting to see the wide range of ages 

and people at the meeting.

I suppose when you are at home trying to find work

it is easy to think of yourself as being the only one

with the problem.

But we are not.

There are so many people seeking work, being made

redundant, losing jobs they love,

struggling to survive.

It was a salient lesson.

So today back to writing application forms!!!

It's hard to know what to do for the best as I am torn between

two lands and applying in both.

Trying to spread my chances but not knowing what

I really want the most.

I wish there was  'a sign ' telling me what was 

going to happen and when and where I will end up!!!

This is one time I wish I knew the future...............

all I can do is ask the question and throw it

out to the universe and wait for the answer.

Sue xx

Change in the Weather

Oh boy, has the weather done a U-turn!!

From the fabulous sunshine of last Thursday to 

the torrential rain today.

I've put the winter duvet on the bed and the top quilt!

And a blanket for the cats who appear to relish

lying on the bed whilst I am out.

I lit candles this evening on the coffee table.

It got dark as I watched TV.

I made delicious roast tomato and pepper soup for

my dinner.

It's a curry tomorrow!

The garden is soaked through and through so

Gloria is banned from any more rain dancing.

She wanted it to water her garden . . . .

now we are drowning in the stuff!!!

I've swopped my house sandals for my warmer slippers.

There is a real bargain rug under the coffee table since

this afternoon where I can warm my toes upon - yey!

Wanted one for sooooooo long already.

Now I am on the look out for bargain bedroom

furniture.

And reading how to paint wooden furniture

in shabby chic style so that when I find what we like

I can make it look as we want it to.

The second-hand shops here are great for these

bargains. I take my old stuff to them, browse around

and bring home someone else's old stuff.

How cool is that?!!!

Like Ineke I am wanting to get the bedroom done.

Similar colour scheme I suspect as we like the same

colours though we have gone for the duck egg blue

and white.

She has started and is moving rapidly towards getting it 

completed. 

We have been doing odd bits for the last two years

and still never have the time to tackle it in one go.

This autumn I am determined.

It has to happen.

So let it rain and get cooler.

Let the days close in so I light candles

and snuggle under the heavy quilt.

Let the leaves fall . . . 

I quite like it really!!!!

Sue xx

More photos from yesterday.

Yesterday

was glorious. We cycled from here to Andijk to Medemblik to Enkhuizen and back which is about 35 miles in total. We took 8 hours so there were stops!!! We had our ice cream first, then a wander around Medemblik and the steam train was in - then the shops, and painfully back on our bikes for lunch in Enkhuizen. By now it was getting on - around 3pm - so there were seats by the water at the harbour restaurant. Even more painfully back on the bikes towards home for 5.30ish. I am sunburnt. I am stiff. I am not sitting on a saddle until tomorrow!!! Yey! It was a really good end of summer cycle ride. Super!
Reality today - a day of working in a new situation as cover - hoping I am up to the task!!!
Sue xx

A treat day

Something that I am really looking forward to!

Gloria and I are heading out on the bikes for a lovely, sunny days

cycling along the dyke towards Medemblik.

There is the castle there and Queen Emma's Garden and lots 

of nice places to sit and admire the view.

Oh and of course there is the extremely popular

ICE CREAM SHOP!!!!

We are definitely visiting it. 

Not been all summer so I think I deserve a treat today,

don't you?

The sun is promising to shine its best today

with temperatures reaching 31C in the south.

Here we have a little breeze off the IJsselmeer

naturally . . .one way or the other we will be cycling

into the head wind then....

apart from that with the schools all being back it will

be quieter than during the summer holiday period 

and a gentle 50+ km jaunt.

So I'd better get the bike out!!!

Sue xx