"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