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