tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-61417756335676124872024-02-20T23:40:00.157-08:00Dear Diary........Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-81048673142351715452020-10-22T13:28:00.003-07:002020-10-22T13:31:41.447-07:00Decluttering, heads down and carrying on carrying on!<p> Still decluttering. Surely every home has a box of mystery keys for who knows where? Or what about a box of shoe polishes which include unusual colours for shoes which were thrown out years ago? And what about multiple copies of the exact same photo, or blurred photos with the person's head chopped off? We are slowly working our way through such horrors. </p><p>Today's joyful decluttering escapade was old paint tins, each containing a tiny amount of left over paint. We took advice from the local recycling /waste disposal centre about how to safely throw them away. So two grown ups (allegedly) stood mixing soil into the paint dregs to make a thick paste which apparently is then safe to chuck it into the recycling skips at the tip. As I stirred the paint/soil gunk I pondered upon how the 7 year old Lynn would have loved this, and how the 57 year old Lynn was also enjoying the mess.</p><p>All in all, it has been a tough week. We are both in pain; Steve has bursitis, mine is the usual Parkinsons stuff and we are both tired. My blood has been too thick so I have had to inject anti coagulants. </p><p>The washing machine has been broken for 3 weeks so I had to use the local laundrette again. The engineer mended it on Wednesday but didn't install the seal properly but I managed to get that right - took me half an hour and a lot of naughty words. </p><p>The house survey was done, a bit stressy with the surveyor wandering through the house jumping up and down on floorboards, knocking walls, whilst making notes. At one point I looked out of the window to find him up a ladder inspecting the conservatory roof. We both jumped in surprise.</p><p>On Friday we spent the afternoon in a freezing cold storage office going through paperwork from Steve's business ... keep, chuck, file, store, repeat. Saturday we delivered my mother's shopping.</p><p>It all seems a bit relentless, to be honest. But we tell ourselves it will all be worth it. The irony of it all is that we are moving to be near family. But they are all in local lockdown and likely to remain so for a while, so we will move and still not be able to see them!</p><p><br /></p><p>So let's find some happy from this week.....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhHEGSamccpT583desd-Z_akTdQU-x8yN8zXMQfIFZfSTZ25RwWLf8LiTKEWLrjnTxRs1lJklvH04f6VXRbI77buz5s1fNN5hgW2x3Nd4NkwcazHW9xCMz9yKUsBK8BZDROc54OOpEas/s1197/20201022_204834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="1197" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbhHEGSamccpT583desd-Z_akTdQU-x8yN8zXMQfIFZfSTZ25RwWLf8LiTKEWLrjnTxRs1lJklvH04f6VXRbI77buz5s1fNN5hgW2x3Nd4NkwcazHW9xCMz9yKUsBK8BZDROc54OOpEas/w640-h482/20201022_204834.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>On Saturday evening Strictly Come Dancing returned on TV. It would appear that the nation's hoarding tendencies remain focused upon toilet paper and pasta. Sequins and fake tan supplies still seem good to go, each celebrity sporting an orange glow and sparkling bright! I love Strictly, though I do find the first programme of the series when they meet their dancing partner all a bit OTT and cringey. But it will be good escape viewing. </p><p>7:30pm each evening we have entered the happy world of Bob Ross.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs6qh0XPpIo_qDaZvFn6nQy1RozooImZNY__shizKnxQT5ktW6KIw9J-YWK5yjN-PXOmLaaYtDcn9YiwcTn1chw4IrDcRE2Qx78l7yzBmpP7hK6p-tKZ2j9mI_9bdVQ-pBYEm8dFSqxs/s822/20201022_205429.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="629" data-original-width="822" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBs6qh0XPpIo_qDaZvFn6nQy1RozooImZNY__shizKnxQT5ktW6KIw9J-YWK5yjN-PXOmLaaYtDcn9YiwcTn1chw4IrDcRE2Qx78l7yzBmpP7hK6p-tKZ2j9mI_9bdVQ-pBYEm8dFSqxs/w640-h490/20201022_205429.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I don't care what he paints I just love listening to his gentle chatter and wise words. We have a bet how many minutes into the show he'll say one of his catchphrases like "happy little tree".</p><p>With cooler weather, I've made soups. This was carrot and parsnip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeTcUffxjKLsVh6C9KEnzOmmVglzn7an5N1UyYv7_LMMLVQTLpbOhQaD7KVCFdZwPiQCykLmKNzXnaaCAe7vk2s_S9chmGv2vNsLRo8ne7fAyWjHbOIWbeUO2dxo6sx42_i720jeznZY/s2048/20201019_115418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfeTcUffxjKLsVh6C9KEnzOmmVglzn7an5N1UyYv7_LMMLVQTLpbOhQaD7KVCFdZwPiQCykLmKNzXnaaCAe7vk2s_S9chmGv2vNsLRo8ne7fAyWjHbOIWbeUO2dxo6sx42_i720jeznZY/w480-h640/20201019_115418.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Today I made roast red pepper soup served with walnut bread and cheese. Delicious but I have made a rod for my own back here as I don't think I could enjoy a shop bought soup ever again. Even those posh soups in the refrigerator; they taste gloopy and synthetic compared to homemade. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Autumn colour and light has been so lovely. So much so that I felt encouraged to go walking. Just round the block, the first time in months. I staggered home exhausted but happy. I hope to try again at the weekend.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The garden is a mix of Summer meets Autumn.<br /> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVDFIZdODkjS_5UbmdUYYCoKiCSLzJ3hvGEujU9i4IwF6M7gYDl1vpY51ENeX-vwOBmk-YQGojz85LGckuO2mSjavo9l90lU0W9JMEMjFbAWgaJD7Ci0idD4UZbZnzcxUVL15A89m9dU/s2048/20201020_150801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHVDFIZdODkjS_5UbmdUYYCoKiCSLzJ3hvGEujU9i4IwF6M7gYDl1vpY51ENeX-vwOBmk-YQGojz85LGckuO2mSjavo9l90lU0W9JMEMjFbAWgaJD7Ci0idD4UZbZnzcxUVL15A89m9dU/w480-h640/20201020_150801.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxdr6b6D-72UNaABp-52DTI9EIHT7d1DHOS_5hqyh-a_2tq4eLEAHA3ELG-IH83JUeg_FMx0GVWkmx2bfx0JY3scFfZJzQXL3enIp0_-mUQM7xx1WVQl_WBkiq04rpilchBvcmSjHqhM/s2048/20201020_150821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAxdr6b6D-72UNaABp-52DTI9EIHT7d1DHOS_5hqyh-a_2tq4eLEAHA3ELG-IH83JUeg_FMx0GVWkmx2bfx0JY3scFfZJzQXL3enIp0_-mUQM7xx1WVQl_WBkiq04rpilchBvcmSjHqhM/w480-h640/20201020_150821.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xsukuHIF0ulQS2X9SSLTGQyO-ECdruO-xr53T9qTN4Ax6C1_zIDknrsS3Qgv6m2NOJaEIoqrIYdW4BBK6WHVm6TZEbb4rRHgbSobq3nDPiqqk4DW1rbAqgBQegshwfyCXc0pt15VTF4/s2048/20201020_150852.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xsukuHIF0ulQS2X9SSLTGQyO-ECdruO-xr53T9qTN4Ax6C1_zIDknrsS3Qgv6m2NOJaEIoqrIYdW4BBK6WHVm6TZEbb4rRHgbSobq3nDPiqqk4DW1rbAqgBQegshwfyCXc0pt15VTF4/w480-h640/20201020_150852.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IdlePqE-ULvzipXvxW9oJuC4qk9Gh6w_OzszeHUIxo-g88bsy03gsH6lWPya9bKPXblmVSjMhc56SgycgXOxirC-ZBjNpBwkJOHIrzccGvx5wC3YKjD4egc9UkV0acusVZMZENlwn9U/s2048/20201022_142625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1827" data-original-width="2048" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IdlePqE-ULvzipXvxW9oJuC4qk9Gh6w_OzszeHUIxo-g88bsy03gsH6lWPya9bKPXblmVSjMhc56SgycgXOxirC-ZBjNpBwkJOHIrzccGvx5wC3YKjD4egc9UkV0acusVZMZENlwn9U/w640-h570/20201022_142625.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvp0GooteKXGBYBFQ_6Ot3VLeh4HwHsu71CB4OlF4x7roVZrr-SO5Md3CrQPqjAsrgEM7fyB45OjJZtjd6Ch5X6zkNmlRenu1a8ZkQ28X9PB8swM9eNx3CKxFW3xIYGWWOdv3Th-zLCY/s2048/20201022_142732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1629" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvp0GooteKXGBYBFQ_6Ot3VLeh4HwHsu71CB4OlF4x7roVZrr-SO5Md3CrQPqjAsrgEM7fyB45OjJZtjd6Ch5X6zkNmlRenu1a8ZkQ28X9PB8swM9eNx3CKxFW3xIYGWWOdv3Th-zLCY/w510-h640/20201022_142732.jpg" width="510" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa8Lyq2GErCp0D_B9nKDM8_T9I9l_zgvUtObGEldWvs0DaND_Cw34w7tPGXutKu6148uKVckTykYT5fwzFg6lvd7x6KLH5qA5X7cwWeOqs6ZE68Ymi0z-Crx-Ou_DLvgC_tBrXmIhp9c/s2048/20201022_142758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1807" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioa8Lyq2GErCp0D_B9nKDM8_T9I9l_zgvUtObGEldWvs0DaND_Cw34w7tPGXutKu6148uKVckTykYT5fwzFg6lvd7x6KLH5qA5X7cwWeOqs6ZE68Ymi0z-Crx-Ou_DLvgC_tBrXmIhp9c/w564-h640/20201022_142758.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54_hIHcLJcQ7d5dvSJ-0DEzECCWdP_O8omQ6wz2bdV30yw8rZEMTPXgvaz_OflsoZOg5W-j2knl8UjMBD6hu6fNS91dgDEEqUI-UfsyJRpzlmpiBHZfHPhumk5WvtdPPlFwQjBdv1_vw/s2048/20201022_142902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1709" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh54_hIHcLJcQ7d5dvSJ-0DEzECCWdP_O8omQ6wz2bdV30yw8rZEMTPXgvaz_OflsoZOg5W-j2knl8UjMBD6hu6fNS91dgDEEqUI-UfsyJRpzlmpiBHZfHPhumk5WvtdPPlFwQjBdv1_vw/w534-h640/20201022_142902.jpg" width="534" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pelargoniums, marigolds and salvia sit side by side with Winter pansies, holly berries, and cyclamen, each seemingly competing for attention.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The pattern of my days is declutter, cook something tasty, take note of the changing seasons, sleep, repeat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But all is good. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But in these Covid times I feel nervous/guilty saying this.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">TTFN</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">L.x. </div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-21024212209609877132020-10-12T13:26:00.004-07:002020-10-22T12:41:24.559-07:00A month has whizzed by.......<p>...... and what a month it has been; busy, busy.</p><p>Have you noticed that people say a young person "fell over" whilst an older person "had a fall"? Well I had neither but I did trip myself up going upstairs. The hand I used to save myself was very swollen and bruised to the extent that 2 days later I gave in and visited the local hospital's minor injuries department. No bones broken, thank goodness. But pain stopped play and knitting and sewing have stayed in their respective baskets. I need colour and crafts. I can't wait to get back to these projects.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jvnnCtZPdtxHOHbpmiNHfpTB-MzhosbUNIZweHOPX1K2kor-6_t-fO3Rxt3uYm236O-9A_aVgD-xfxnLPsdjLNHlYiXSGIVRQxpWqV1soUMGgwZs6Fx6MNhoL-xpYvIZZSTwGkFZMt4/s2048/20200711_184338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="2048" height="503" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jvnnCtZPdtxHOHbpmiNHfpTB-MzhosbUNIZweHOPX1K2kor-6_t-fO3Rxt3uYm236O-9A_aVgD-xfxnLPsdjLNHlYiXSGIVRQxpWqV1soUMGgwZs6Fx6MNhoL-xpYvIZZSTwGkFZMt4/w640-h503/20200711_184338.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzVTmHX_gNzFd0R-x0yWzcTntHHwdx8yw1wUGqumWS-ZwIueVG84Os9snh-7ef1chGUH6aUj3gx6NhQWS3M48JcYuBRUC31orZ7ZEdxJ5GuEyF8MY6eg-cg89Ny3_a9mokmdo8kKEF5I/s2048/20201004_165658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzVTmHX_gNzFd0R-x0yWzcTntHHwdx8yw1wUGqumWS-ZwIueVG84Os9snh-7ef1chGUH6aUj3gx6NhQWS3M48JcYuBRUC31orZ7ZEdxJ5GuEyF8MY6eg-cg89Ny3_a9mokmdo8kKEF5I/w480-h640/20201004_165658.jpg" width="480" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Grandson Albie turned 3. We couldn't see him on his birthday but dropped his present off a few days early as we were spending a weekend up there looking at houses. He loved the policeman's outfit and walkie talkie we bought him. Grandad lifted him up to see himself in the mirror in his police uniform - the look of utter joy on Albie's face was priceless.</p><p> It was good to see another son, his wife and baby girl. </p><p>House hunting did not go well. I walk with a stick. One house had several awkward steps. I am often housebound, the house was dark. I knew I would feel depressed spending time in such a dark house. The next house was also very dark. It had not been clear from the map that at the bottom of the garden was a dual carriageway. I have looked again but no it was not on the estate agent's map, unsurprisingly I suppose. The traffic noise was off putting and I could smell the petrol fumes and would be concerned about my grandchildren playing in the garden. My asthma was also complaining - <i>sigh. </i></p><p>Houses we had admired online are now sold. Our buyer needs to move quickly. So we have decided to move and rent. We may buy a brand new home due for completion next Autumn. Life mid house move, mid Covid could be very stressful but thus far we remain calm and hopeful.</p><p>Last week we had a break and spent a few days away with our son and his wife and children. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbs0hLZzM2ulLU3aC_jWCi3-3XJ23Ay4FbHFN5L8Tx2aH3Q01GfgLAunKxe7XoZvWTYsWgIYBYYYFfm78PNY-2x0N52Frf9JoGj1sQDicpZ4f08-6QbJ5Yo3giU2QLrYMrdPa1P9mmdc/s1204/20201012_204031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1204" data-original-width="1173" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixbs0hLZzM2ulLU3aC_jWCi3-3XJ23Ay4FbHFN5L8Tx2aH3Q01GfgLAunKxe7XoZvWTYsWgIYBYYYFfm78PNY-2x0N52Frf9JoGj1sQDicpZ4f08-6QbJ5Yo3giU2QLrYMrdPa1P9mmdc/w624-h640/20201012_204031.jpg" width="624" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div>Albie enjoyed the local steam train. His first train journey.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilA0FOii8stJQMyWsCbiWWWQNf7g3ZYBMlwlcJtncL7oBglO4UGPbd6fQIngCgLp4uZ8e_MPff5h8MpDMMboQGE-bN1Cncd0fBcV341OOu5qimLU81ZTSFNziwb99RsnKdKHdjQuUFneo/s1200/20201012_204136.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1123" data-original-width="1200" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilA0FOii8stJQMyWsCbiWWWQNf7g3ZYBMlwlcJtncL7oBglO4UGPbd6fQIngCgLp4uZ8e_MPff5h8MpDMMboQGE-bN1Cncd0fBcV341OOu5qimLU81ZTSFNziwb99RsnKdKHdjQuUFneo/w640-h598/20201012_204136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>He is very smiley and enormous fun. He is also at that, age when he says funny things. One lunch time I made him a picnic. As I gave him the food, he beamed, "Thank you, Nanny Darling!"<div><br /></div><div>Another mealtime as I cut up his food, he said, "You're very helpful Nanny!"</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyBDmgG_TFjjAS4upaFSl-75PI7SPOuXalcSUPGA4MLXIjC1zOJAheZX2knDnsrYnonPLfpxF7u65O41NsrHzp1MUzVDgTbiFCwjqF5DlXV61LojBpVIrNYKHXtaEhqyf4EfvjBAt20w/s1200/20201012_204317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1193" data-original-width="1200" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyBDmgG_TFjjAS4upaFSl-75PI7SPOuXalcSUPGA4MLXIjC1zOJAheZX2knDnsrYnonPLfpxF7u65O41NsrHzp1MUzVDgTbiFCwjqF5DlXV61LojBpVIrNYKHXtaEhqyf4EfvjBAt20w/w640-h636/20201012_204317.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Like many toddlers he constantly asks why, which can be a wee bit tiresome on the hundredth occasion of asking. So I once replied, "And why not, indeedy deedy?" Well that caused much hilarity and he went around saying, "Why and why not indeedy deedy?" chuckling to himself.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />Albie and I searched for </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">shells and threw pebbles in the sea. We paddled in the water. We flew a kite.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEr7LffR8QOI0TAAs-LVW7rLyAGVJPqmXP9v7fsjjTw-AR0-AB-xlESpMK4a-yrG-CD51fkpWLBP3FEzvc-lzT3FeM6qiLlnD4xF1q9nHAJjd_vMlxTJjO19ngDTCCd_lMa2O-ew5Bsw/s1200/20201010_184549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1200" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEr7LffR8QOI0TAAs-LVW7rLyAGVJPqmXP9v7fsjjTw-AR0-AB-xlESpMK4a-yrG-CD51fkpWLBP3FEzvc-lzT3FeM6qiLlnD4xF1q9nHAJjd_vMlxTJjO19ngDTCCd_lMa2O-ew5Bsw/w640-h636/20201010_184549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And there were lots of cuddles with Nyla. Such a happy baby.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QFOKtKy5UpiBLHOSlk7V-vVjwP3p8l6x72B5b6sm6GKKh79gBO5iaJblyAFq-3idy9iBDVFoIEOQnyAkkCxjyosnhQuLXFv2FGjxNtNxAw3wkQCy3_3YgwkjAWRvNgAuzqt3o0M4-mA/s647/20201010_185010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="647" data-original-width="594" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_QFOKtKy5UpiBLHOSlk7V-vVjwP3p8l6x72B5b6sm6GKKh79gBO5iaJblyAFq-3idy9iBDVFoIEOQnyAkkCxjyosnhQuLXFv2FGjxNtNxAw3wkQCy3_3YgwkjAWRvNgAuzqt3o0M4-mA/w588-h640/20201010_185010.jpg" width="588" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was so lovely to spend time outside.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aKsGNIXgbwdEd7MlrHp1zlB_Uk4WpeiCdqV-NzFl8oMMWC0xMCYzQOM1A7Jsfg-LbiHP0EHRxqQQhddkLnpZVqPmOk5b8Xr8vb06gteYQhCGsjuU_vupF4NXV5XAFbQyvGZ1v93ImyM/s1200/20201012_204051.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1191" data-original-width="1200" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aKsGNIXgbwdEd7MlrHp1zlB_Uk4WpeiCdqV-NzFl8oMMWC0xMCYzQOM1A7Jsfg-LbiHP0EHRxqQQhddkLnpZVqPmOk5b8Xr8vb06gteYQhCGsjuU_vupF4NXV5XAFbQyvGZ1v93ImyM/w640-h636/20201012_204051.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And now we are back home, decluttering like mad and trying to find somewhere to rent. No pressure!</div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-63637853668131080582020-09-17T09:49:00.003-07:002020-09-17T09:54:03.574-07:00Selling a house <p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYyGoay23eFMo0L7czyNxNh2KOSjdq6lD7glEW39yQ7qbe1wHCsGBK9S_l2w2yis-Txtgl7Y_xI2PiaiMUQh2doM2kzXQeSvrQdjDPOuTsXaCsd_xLi9A63LRoWg-xu0yJjSrQYYktBc/s1280/20200917_173530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYyGoay23eFMo0L7czyNxNh2KOSjdq6lD7glEW39yQ7qbe1wHCsGBK9S_l2w2yis-Txtgl7Y_xI2PiaiMUQh2doM2kzXQeSvrQdjDPOuTsXaCsd_xLi9A63LRoWg-xu0yJjSrQYYktBc/w640-h480/20200917_173530.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>My house for sale proverb: "She who puts her house on the market 10 days before pandemic lockdown is in for the long haul." Just saying.</p><p>Deciding to sell our house was a big decision, it is for everyone. There were many reasons why living here was no longer easy and we felt we did not have years to ponder the whys and wherefores. Once the decision was made, Steve went ahead with selling his business. This in itself has taken two years!</p><p>So hurrah, the "For Sale" sign was finally hammered into the front garden and along comes Covid. The sign remained there mocking me all through lockdown. We live at the end of a small cul de sac and as lockdown eased a steady procession of cars took an awful long time reversing at our dead end whilst the passenger craned their neck to have a good look!</p><p>Steve hated the viewings. An Englishman's home is his castle and all that. Whilst he readily welcomes friends and family, he does not relish strangers wandering through, making judgements upon said castle. Neither do I really and some of these strangers were indeed a little strange. But I found their quirks and conversations fascinating. </p><p>There was the man who came ready prepared with huge metallic tape measure and asked if he could measure the ceilings! He also asked to see the fuse board in readyness for connecting his hot tub. His line of questioning was sublime .... "And what kind of sinks do you have? (stainles steel or porcelain, depending upon location) and where are they?" (in the kitchen or bathroom, I'm boring that way) . </p><p>Mind you, we did once view a house ourselves which had an avocado colour bathroom sink in the middle of the living room with a shelf over which they grandly called "the bar area" but that, as they say, is another story!</p><p>One couple told me all about their recent surgical operations, a bit off-putting, just before lunch.</p><p>One lady wistfully told me she didn't really want to leave Australia but she had come home to take care of elderly relatives, one of whom has Parkinson's which depressed me somewhat. I am not moving to become a burden to my kids. But then who knows?</p><p>One gauche young woman came in and exclaimed how wonderful, she loved doing up houses! Her partner added hastily and tactfully that this house would not need much doing to it. In the garden she found the gazebo and shouted across the lawn, "How cute, we could get married in the garden!" He looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights. I continued the tour savouring each awkward outburst. She went on to admire all my houseplants which I have propagated myself and told me I should go into business as they would sell like hot cakes. Steve by this time had lost the will to live.</p><p>There was the young man who gave me his life story right back to his childhood spent living in a house just round the corner. He said he wanted to come back to his roots. I didn't think his wife looked so keen. I wasn't sure he had noticed her concern. On leaving, he said he wanted to buy the house, she smiled weakly but her steely eyes said, "Not a chance, mate." I felt more counsellor than house vendor. </p><p>There were the efficient "charge-rounders"; in and out like a flash. And the "blimey, will I ever get rid of them?" lingerers. </p><p>But chatty or succinct, quick or slow, young or old their reasons for moving seemed very similar; the need to be near family. Many said lockdown had made them re-evaluate priorities.</p><p>We all wore masks and I wonder if the need for masks perhaps made people feel more vulnerable: naturally quiet people became quieter, chatty people became chattier? Maybe. </p><p>I enjoyed meeting them; all of them. I enjoyed hearing their stories. I learned what not to say when it is my turn to be the viewing potential buyer!</p><p>And as each left I wished them good luck and safe journey. </p><p>We were losing all hope of a sale. I had a quiet two hours pondering alone on Saturday trying to work out if we are doing the right thing. I prayed a lot; not for a sale but for guidance and reassurance. </p><p>On Tuesday our elusive buyer appeared. Whilst others had considered the house "too large, too small, too far from town, not far enough, too much work, not enough work, not quite right," our very own Goldilocks considered it to be just right. </p><p>So we are now searching for our new home.</p><p> When I speak to selling agents I am daring myself to use as many over used, tv property show, cliches as possible....... "I want somewhere light and airy. It must be characterful, modern with clean lines and a good flow. The surrounding area must be quiet and peaceful but with opportunities for me to engage in lots of social activities. It must feel right, be big enough to host Christmas for the Waltons whilst being intimate and cosy for just the two of us for the rest of the year. I want to bring the outside in and the inside out.The garden must be well manicured with a riot of colour but must be low maintenance. The house must reflect our characters but I want to put my own stamp on it with a pop of colour." Have I forgotten anything? 🤣🤣🤣</p><p>TTFN,</p><p>L.x</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-91988411473681372652020-09-02T09:56:00.001-07:002020-09-02T09:56:32.539-07:00 Contentment in hard times.<p> First of all, thank you for all your lovely comments on my last post. I have had my usual mix of good and bad nights; more good than bad this week!</p><p>My middle of the night time reading has been this book . <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3ylg8aApB2cll5xj7GuUxaMrJvUIJqXxRZiW7Pddrq9bWp7gOj4E49ZFaz0IWvsLEj4NHfhFVhYqaNrB3zKm7RyiUaPuS4qfwGLfGoD9bM6mCiwAr0XjURfgOvOgpM7iXnuuzJHiIW4/s1436/20200830_144357.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1436" data-original-width="943" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb3ylg8aApB2cll5xj7GuUxaMrJvUIJqXxRZiW7Pddrq9bWp7gOj4E49ZFaz0IWvsLEj4NHfhFVhYqaNrB3zKm7RyiUaPuS4qfwGLfGoD9bM6mCiwAr0XjURfgOvOgpM7iXnuuzJHiIW4/w525-h800/20200830_144357.jpg" width="525" /></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I think I am already a contented person. I've always remembered Paul writing that he had learnt to be content in all circumstances and I aspire to this. I wanted to read this as the author talks about finding contentment in middle age when children have flown the nest, you may lose health, loved ones, jobs etc and must follow a new path. She talks calmly. It is like talking with a friend. I found myself highlighting sections. I am about half way through and am finding it to be a very soothing read. It's very much "what shall I do next with my life ?" The author chooses a yoga teacher training course which I have enjoyed reading about too. Maybe I have enjoyed it because I am reading in the dead of the night when a soothing account is much appreciated. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My most favourite books are slow, calm reads. I may be shallow but I only read calm, happy stuff. Thrillers, suspense, drama, mysteries, blood and guts reading genres just aren't me!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So August faded gently into September. The morning and evening air is fresher and the days shorter. The evening skies have been beautiful. I have been using an astronomy app which explains the night sky you are looking at. Last night, apparently the bright cluster of lights were planets, Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto ...l amazing!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Even the early evening glimpses of the moon delight me. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdq5uiUgH-nGksWk0xB3xKnLfJEK3F0eLaR7Lt-Pc5NOICHovSXEbRljK_WyMUSquWSjr55TT2zqSxi8Um7a-p88_KvXHTHzQbL625HlI5lPDul8XDIyOyuQG6rhiYmMzH1TqSK36i6s/s1101/20200826_202349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="1101" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsdq5uiUgH-nGksWk0xB3xKnLfJEK3F0eLaR7Lt-Pc5NOICHovSXEbRljK_WyMUSquWSjr55TT2zqSxi8Um7a-p88_KvXHTHzQbL625HlI5lPDul8XDIyOyuQG6rhiYmMzH1TqSK36i6s/w1000-h305/20200826_202349.jpg" width="1000" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sky watching teaches me how small I am within the universe and thus how small my worries and concerns are too. It helps!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">With shorter days comes cooler starts and ends to the days. The heating has been on some days and we had our first log fire.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also had our first porridge breakfast. I added a swirl of lemon curd and blueberries. Comfort food. Excuse the stirring spoon plonked in the bowl! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UQ_flyPcHY6GN0MYqDylHbZTYOWhqfCe4_psksCiVzA1G7KAxYP9ZAcCyHvQRFNz3W1Dr0c-p9v9SBWpU0AAd89eKwXwa166Pu5SvIZT6RS6oJhuYDeIoC0Ywn9ckQGDAfSpZ0mdZRI/s2048/20200901_082817.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UQ_flyPcHY6GN0MYqDylHbZTYOWhqfCe4_psksCiVzA1G7KAxYP9ZAcCyHvQRFNz3W1Dr0c-p9v9SBWpU0AAd89eKwXwa166Pu5SvIZT6RS6oJhuYDeIoC0Ywn9ckQGDAfSpZ0mdZRI/w800-h600/20200901_082817.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have had a lot of rain so my gardening has been indoors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I rooted basil cuttings from a supermarket plant. Each time I used some leaves in cooking I cut the stem and put it in an old jar filled with water on the window ledge. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJGchktESwd9pFHFG8zBRbISt2I7th3LIP9cKxMl8n3N5ct0WuHburUHBIZXK1euYDREKzEVbwCe13QX-F3tNKrmutOuiTgLDLHmyGfI0VUCvycwvzfxVLeZRL-vUNb3Fc8NEtQOgVMo/s2048/20200830_142826.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1792" data-original-width="2048" height="560" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJJGchktESwd9pFHFG8zBRbISt2I7th3LIP9cKxMl8n3N5ct0WuHburUHBIZXK1euYDREKzEVbwCe13QX-F3tNKrmutOuiTgLDLHmyGfI0VUCvycwvzfxVLeZRL-vUNb3Fc8NEtQOgVMo/w640-h560/20200830_142826.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A large top heavy kalanchoe toppled over breaking six branches off. I placed them in a jug of water hoping they might develop roots. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrVZjLXoE_BspPw4R49i1g_jzHFwS0tLN3ke3nTvNXX_Jy0kukYLGuyky0zmQ4hdFNlu08dxl8V-esvRZMYwZBD0-ldxEMIc6dGTYHOnHYGrYtgrKq6Tbya3DwCR8sRWSse-ETfYfXFU/s2048/20200830_143131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1876" data-original-width="2048" height="733" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrVZjLXoE_BspPw4R49i1g_jzHFwS0tLN3ke3nTvNXX_Jy0kukYLGuyky0zmQ4hdFNlu08dxl8V-esvRZMYwZBD0-ldxEMIc6dGTYHOnHYGrYtgrKq6Tbya3DwCR8sRWSse-ETfYfXFU/w800-h733/20200830_143131.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO3GAGNL_q6JmWbKggjxLB-YWswn_DaFXFtwYul4cQO6qKrxPuqCdKY3aPedBa52twoxxeGPqhzkqax4t_gDznrgsjzNimeEZAtlKZxrwxnJ7hl92FsieNVK2EhhPko7VM6ymhSX4zkdM/s2048/20200830_143319.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They are now all potted up together with the promise of flowers budding up nicely.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tGZWaAyc1ld61L7geboAwlPrrLLKsV7FEdGs_PEy5JQHdy69FKdP9H0ebfmdBtUtfpxXR8-SCWNsIkMbOLyoKjjgCYV58v1aKmvI4B5RaKMxVdfxbBFQlHgtkMt38pmTry6lj59Lsmk/s2048/20200901_084508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7tGZWaAyc1ld61L7geboAwlPrrLLKsV7FEdGs_PEy5JQHdy69FKdP9H0ebfmdBtUtfpxXR8-SCWNsIkMbOLyoKjjgCYV58v1aKmvI4B5RaKMxVdfxbBFQlHgtkMt38pmTry6lj59Lsmk/w750-h1000/20200901_084508.jpg" width="750" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This jade plant was shedding its leaves and dying off. I read that it likes a sunny position. I had it in a gloomy spot. Now I have moved it it has grown 3 inches in just a few weeks and one of its fallen leaves has rooted!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl_LPwDhRrrOsE_QNii6o9l-aRkNPlzWttywUHoiuXx85onsu0NSYFTgteir1C5i_Skt9xTa3WUtM-qMKnAJ1jFKUAxdFN_H7FvZUjHUzwKbLIyQQZAstDqG2FnjdleLjXWR93bOSgco/s2048/20200901_084517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKl_LPwDhRrrOsE_QNii6o9l-aRkNPlzWttywUHoiuXx85onsu0NSYFTgteir1C5i_Skt9xTa3WUtM-qMKnAJ1jFKUAxdFN_H7FvZUjHUzwKbLIyQQZAstDqG2FnjdleLjXWR93bOSgco/w1173-h1563/20200901_084517.jpg" width="1173" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My sanseveira cuttings are now growing well and are ready to be potted on.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb-Z_6_cgefGGi2_ZYdRKiM0PNgw1daksLQdPV5Nhf3ZkVZlzOVKBSks78IO6isfqiS2D2KACX-EmMzrWZPylYvG-ECDk5tfAeVHIpUbhRmlCgfFSRYKeek4ORTUfO-W0MDy8y9lTG8E/s2048/20200901_084532.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb-Z_6_cgefGGi2_ZYdRKiM0PNgw1daksLQdPV5Nhf3ZkVZlzOVKBSks78IO6isfqiS2D2KACX-EmMzrWZPylYvG-ECDk5tfAeVHIpUbhRmlCgfFSRYKeek4ORTUfO-W0MDy8y9lTG8E/w600-h800/20200901_084532.jpg" width="600" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I like propogating plants. You get happy gardening results with little physical strength required, no need of a spade and you can do it sitting down too!</div><div><br /></div><div>Unusually for me, I have felt really bad tempered lately. I put it down to all the Covid stuff; people arguing about wearing masks, jobs being lost, people meeting at huge events leading to fears of virus spikes.etc. There seems to be a lack of empathy and thought for others. It just all got to me. I think I was even a bit snappy with Steve. As we climbed into bed one evening, I said wearily to him, "Do you know, you're the only person I've actually liked today." He grinned, "Well, that's good to know!" </div><div><br /></div><div>My best friend and I decided yesterday that a safety-managed meet up should now be ok. She is a retired nurse and I respect her views that we should be ok.. So she came round for a socially distanced cup of tea and a chat. We bought each other flowers! We put the Covid world to rights!</div><div><br /></div><div>And now September is here and my equilibrium is happily returning. I realise that I am constantly learning; this week about planets, plants and people. I feel calm again and contented with life. I think Covid will not only continue through Autumn but escalate too. But I must follow advised precautions and then just carry on carrying on, happily and contentedly. </div><div><br /></div><div>Much love,</div><div>L.x. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-76852705460613965352020-08-24T21:11:00.003-07:002020-08-24T21:23:23.531-07:00Dear Diary in the dark<p> 4 am</p><p>Parkinsons insomnia has returned full force tonight and I have already been awake for several hours. I've drunk my water, plumped pillows and read. I am grateful yet again for the gentle Kindle glow which allows me to read without disturbing my bedfellow.</p><p> I read to distract my worrisome thoughts and silent wittering. </p><p>My physical pain may be bad but mental pain seems far worse in the wee small hours. I push away the fears that surround me, reminding myself that they will not feel so powerful when dawn breaks. The light will sap their strength, their overpowering force will diminish. I will sip tea, watch the birds in the garden and plan my day with a lighter heart. It was ever thus. </p><p>As my eyelids become heavy and sleep seems possible after all, I close Kindle down. Its glow is suddenly gone and my eyes adjust to the black depths of the bedroom. Gentle night noises reassure me; my husband's steady breathing, the hum of the boiler warming the water for my morning bath, and the distant rumble of the night train. </p><p>Outside torrential rain is gushing through the gullies and drains. The tricky bit of guttering outside the bedroom window which rebuffs all attempts at repair is doing its worst again and the rain splashes, overflowing triumphantly. </p><p>The breeze ripples through the open windows, cool and fresh.</p><p>I thank God for the beauty that surrounds me in this pitch black place.</p><p>And I patiently wait for sleep or the morning light to break the spell. </p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-89964687732517936742020-08-23T10:41:00.003-07:002020-08-23T11:20:07.528-07:00Another week whizzes by.....<p> I would have thought that, with the restricted life we are living right now, time would drag but here we are, another week has whizzed by.</p><p>On Thursday we went to visit/help our daughter in law. With an energetic 2 year old and a newborn, she is busy! The motorway traffic was a bit better this time, though I still find the travelling exhausting. </p><p>That day our son started work at 3pm so we were able to spend an hour or so with him before he left. Then we visited a nearby farm. We offered to take Albie (aged 2) to give our daughter in law a rest whilst baby Nyla slept but she was happy to come with us, which was great. We met our other daughter in law and grand daughter, Georgina, there. </p><p>It was a lovely afternoon out. Three grandchildren aged 7 weeks, 9 months and 2 years enjoying an afternoon out in their own way; dozing, babbling and feeding the animals respectively. Social distancing etc was well organised and Albie fed the animals via a non contact shute contraption. I do feel very anxious when I am out and about but I doubt I am the only one and we must just soldier on. We enjoyed ice cream and I counted my blessings once again!</p><p>We had taken our evening meal with us to quickly re heat; sausage, beans and mash with a leek and sage gravy. "Ooh sausages," Albie sighed with pleasure as he climbed onto his chair at the table. But his rapture soon turned to dismay as he saw the finely chopped sage. "Oh no, I don't like pips in my sausage," he explained. "Don't worry, they're not pips," his mom reassured him so he tucked in. "Mmmm Nanny I do like pips in sausage!" He beamed, as he ate everything on his plate! Pudding was strawberries and jelly. I was politely informed that nanny can bring jelly again next time, lots of jelly! His mommy said they can put it on their shopping list, Albie is in charge of "writing" the shopping list and ticking off the items in the supermarket!</p><p>We helped with bath time and bed time; a glorious concoction of bubbles, splashes (I got a bit wet!) milk and story. Albie loves books and can recite his favourites as you read them. But his present favourite is a baby weaning cookbook his mom had got out to share a recipe with Georgina's mom a few weeks ago. He loves it, looking at the pictures of the recipe ingredients and the babies eating them. So Grandad and Albie read a cookery book at bedtime!</p><p>Three days later I am still sleeping away the after effects of a day spent with a 2 year old!</p><p><br /></p><p>The garden has been battered by recent storms. Steve dug up the now horizontal sunflowers and popped the flowers in a vase. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV8g3Rw4ZAFbTO_j2UeEfN4VcXhh1rBSNJJkOMAPT4ZEaXMLFX6HOs6luci4TChKgGT_gygLXqaU0o9TtYACFejGU41WDkjSCGCBXDzU21c6bJpTS2BbKgZkwLZz6_hpvFI9lB4Yz8jc/s2048/20200823_173240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="1000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisV8g3Rw4ZAFbTO_j2UeEfN4VcXhh1rBSNJJkOMAPT4ZEaXMLFX6HOs6luci4TChKgGT_gygLXqaU0o9TtYACFejGU41WDkjSCGCBXDzU21c6bJpTS2BbKgZkwLZz6_hpvFI9lB4Yz8jc/w750-h1000/20200823_173240.jpg" width="750" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I love sunflowers, every August I proclaim them to be my absolute favourite flower. But in reality I have an absolute favourite flower every month; snowdrops, daffodils, tulips, forget me nots, daisies, roses, sweet peas, sunflowers the list is endless. </p><p>And so a new week starts. I am having my B12 injection tomorrow so hopefully this exhaustion will lift. </p><p>Happy new week everyone. x</p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-22309338160236935042020-08-18T02:10:00.005-07:002020-08-18T02:15:03.081-07:00Blow out the candles, make a wish!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwy-jZzsHYKlzHuAT0Acf_CIEyWofVa3ZhoioSJKYh25X2iaGCk4qFvVLtDAvipx3HzJ34TsAplSn9RmnATfacTzFJCYnoAuN_GSupa9JMZw6IuZR29qpd-rtdazBMhdeoM81BzMUvDM/s2048/20200818_100812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="2048" height="708" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTwy-jZzsHYKlzHuAT0Acf_CIEyWofVa3ZhoioSJKYh25X2iaGCk4qFvVLtDAvipx3HzJ34TsAplSn9RmnATfacTzFJCYnoAuN_GSupa9JMZw6IuZR29qpd-rtdazBMhdeoM81BzMUvDM/w1250-h708/20200818_100812.jpg" width="1250" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Last week it was my birthday. Fifty seven, how did that happen? Another Government mix up, as we all know I am only 39 and my middle name is Peter Pan!</p><p>My youngest son, Alex, came home for a week. This is just the second time we have seen him since Christmas. When lockdown eased we met him in the grounds of a National Trust property for a picnic. We speak every week on the phone for an hour or so but seeing each other in person was marvellous. He managed lockdown alone, working from home, I think he is amazing.</p><p>We travelled to see our other sons and their families. This was the first birthday in more than 10 years that I saw all my sons together on my birthday. Work commitments and living more than 100 miles apart means I tend to see them separately throughout the birthday week. We were able to meet together for 3 whole days! The weather was glorious so we spent the days outdoors in either of my son's gardens; catching up, chatting, quizzing and playing with our grandchildren aged nearly three, 9 months and 6 weeks. It was my best birthday ever! </p><p>We had all been previously self isolating so hopefully we were as virus safe as possible.</p><p>Unsurprisingly, I am now exhausted and have spent a lot of time in bed, fast asleep!</p><p>For my birthday present from Stephen I had wanted a bee keeper's experience day. I have no intention of keeping my own hive but I wanted to learn more and actually handle the bees. Steve was going to come too. This will have to wait now due to the chaos that is Covid. </p><p>Covid 19 ....so much of life has changed, but I am so grateful we remain safe thus far. I think that, like a lot of people, I now live with the constant niggle of low level fear for the future. Will we get the virus? Will we lose our jobs in the impending recession? Can we really come through this unscathed? Those who have had the virus or lost loved ones are constantly on my mind. I pray daily for the strength to remain a cheerful support for my family, so far so good. I keep smiling. </p><p>My birthday wish as I blew out the candles must remain secret or else it won't come true!! But it was a heartfelt mother's wish, no doubt wished by many through the ages and across the world.</p><p><br /></p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-63975179623549059362020-08-07T22:45:00.002-07:002020-08-22T20:09:17.918-07:00Eat the frog first!<p> I expect you know this saying. In time management scenarios it means do the job you are dreading first, don't put it off. The idea being that with the job done, you will be less stressed and be more productive. </p><p>So there is a new blogger format. I have put off posting, Learning new stuff takes me longer these days. So here I am this morning eating the frog first!</p><p>Let's see if I can add a photo....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO5ts-Cq5eXP9r2tdARt_MSMOj-B-hXIl7Sc2Rk7ZsJ3vOJzA_42OG62y6ALk2wDqhoSEt8sKG0DXvbaU9QbUg9I9YiLlWSoVdp-gOIozH225LOv1BN05OIS0jOLQ4h4etUVk1471yDg/s2048/IMG_20200627_102217_684.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1970" data-original-width="2048" height="770" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXO5ts-Cq5eXP9r2tdARt_MSMOj-B-hXIl7Sc2Rk7ZsJ3vOJzA_42OG62y6ALk2wDqhoSEt8sKG0DXvbaU9QbUg9I9YiLlWSoVdp-gOIozH225LOv1BN05OIS0jOLQ4h4etUVk1471yDg/w800-h770/IMG_20200627_102217_684.jpg" width="800" /></a></div><p>At this point the font went funny but now it's back!</p><p>Let's see if this blog uploads.....</p><p>Edited to add: Phew it worked. I'm back! But why was it changed anyway? Waste of everyone's time!</p>Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-50044396408431270042020-07-26T09:16:00.001-07:002020-08-08T01:24:19.198-07:00A week of trying to be normal.<br />
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This week we had a visit from my eldest son, his wife and daughter. Aged not quite eight months, Georgina is crawling, pulling herself up and toddling around furniture. She is a very smiley baby and it was a happy visit.<br />
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On Friday Steve had to pick up books from clients so I went with him just for the ride and a change of surroundings. I love to look at gardens and houses as we drive past. It seems some people just have a knack for home making. On the outskirts of the city several flat dwellers had created the most beautiful balconies. Small areas filled with beautiful healthy plants they were a sight to behold. In one area of the city we were caught in traffic outside three sari wedding shops , all next door to each other. The colours of the silk and the bead work was just exquisite. I'd love to properly visit the shops before we move but this may not be possible.<br />
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Although I am still being extremely careful with regards to staying away from people other than family I do feel ready to go out a bit more. So today we went to the garden centre. Social distancing was well accommodated, everyone wore masks and we felt happy and relaxed to be there. I bought horticultural grit for my propogating, a terracotta pot and a small rosemary plant for my "fiddle garden" I have herb pots around my garden chair where I pick herb leaves and just sit crushing the leaves and smelling them. So Steve christianed it my fiddle garden!<br />
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I have completed my first fiction book in a long while.<br />
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A gentle lyrical book with vivid descriptions of the natural world. A young 16 year old boy adventures away from home during a post war Summer. He meets Dulcie, a woman mourning a loved one. He spends the Summer working for her. She introduces him to poetry and shows him that he has great potential to learn and travel and be whoever he wants to be. Meanwhile he helps her to come to terms with her loss. Some of Dulcie's language made me cringe but it was still a good book. Throughout the book, across all the characters there was not a romance in sight, which was refreshing!<br />
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It has been a quiet, gentle week. I have very little to show for my week. Steve has taken over much of the cooking. I was always the cook of the house but I can not do it now. I have to say that, although he has never been called upon to cook, Steve's meals are delicious and cooked much better than mine!<br />
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So a quiet week spent trying to get back to some form of normality. Quiet is good. Our new normal is very different. But life is still good.<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-12902529923473474682020-07-16T08:59:00.000-07:002020-07-16T09:06:04.016-07:00Not quite out of lockdown.We continue to live a near lockdown lifestyle.<br />
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Yesterday was our grocery delivery day.<br />
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I also order in for my mother, 89 years young and fiercely independent. Up until lockdown she still did her own shopping refusing our help or deliveries. It has taken a lot for her to accept support as she says it is "giving in" and she likes to be independent and not tied down to doing things on a certain day. But life is different right now.<br />
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On Wednesday afternoons we drive over to Mom's house with her shopping and for the past few weeks we have been able to go inside for tea and cake which is lovely. On our first allowed visit she asked me to cut her hair which was funny. She said she preferred how I had done it because I had listened to how she wanted it done and then did it for her. Mum thinks her hairdresser does it her own way regardless!<br />
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Mom is an avid reader so her order usually includes some magazines and I sometimes slip in a book too.<br />
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By the time we got home I was so tired I sat down; reading and watching tv for the rest of the day.<br />
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We had a fun hour long phone chat with our youngest son. He lives 100 miles away and has lived alone through lockdown, working from home. We were more than happy for him to come home but he decided to stay at his home and carry on, for the duration if possible, and he did it. I am so impressed by his fortitude and mental strength. He is planning to come home for a week next month. Something nice to look forward to.<br />
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Tea was delicious - prawn and scallop bisque with new potatoes, samphire and some crusty bread. I was so exhausted we ate this on a tray, not bothering to leave the sofa! I feel a bit guilty/lazy about that but never mind.<br />
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We are concerned that we have both noticed a decline in my health over the past month or so. We both cheerfully blame lockdown, reassuring each other that it is a temporary set back. But I think we can both see through this jolly facade.<br />
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But life is still good. I continue to buy flowers; an orchid this week. It is easier to care for than flowers at the moment.<br />
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My love of books continues on my Kindle, Audible and buying real books. I recently added these to my book shelf.<br />
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To lose myself in books is therapy and medicine all in one.</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">I cut the final bunch of sweet peas this afternoon. The plants have produced blooms abundantly this year but they are looking very bedraggled now. Steve pulled them out for me; we want the garden to look tidy as we have some house viewings over the next few days.</span></div>
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And so the days, Ã la lockdown, tootle happily along. </div>
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I think Cicero had the right idea......</div>
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TTFN<br />
x<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-30555532772540395562020-07-14T03:15:00.000-07:002020-07-14T06:12:39.086-07:00Lockdown made me do it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Normally (I can' t really remember normal times!) Steve and I visit our hairdressers once a month. Our hair grows quickly and we hate to look untidy. Several of my meds warn, "may cause hair loss" but thus far I still have very thick, wavy hair that needs taming regularly. So early on in lockdown I knew that we would have to learn to cut our own hair. So I did some research and put in an online order.</div>
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Steve was horrified! "It's ok - the colour is for me," I joked.</div>
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But needs must and all that and we have been cutting each other's hair regularly throughout lockdown. I have to say, we have done a good job; so much so, that we are happy to continue for a while longer rather than risk visiting the hairdresser. I am supposedly more at risk of Covid and quite frankly, even with all the measures in place, I think a hairdresser's appointment would no longer be the fun experience it once was nor worth the (no doubt, small) risk. </div>
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Cutting our own hair has been an experience. Saying mid hair cut, "I think I'll put my glasses on," does not inspire confidence apparently. Such a fuss about nothing! Steve does not talk about holidays, fashion, weight loss nor put the world to rights as he cuts my hair as he says he can not talk and cut like a real hairdresser can. The look of concentration on his face reminds me of school and teaching the children to read or write! He told our son that he'd never had a cup of tea at the hairdresser's before, though he did have to make it himself! Oh and his new hairdresser was still in her pyjamas (I was saving showering/hair washing/ dressing until after he had cut my hair) which he thought a bit casual! </div>
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My Dad was a hairdresser. He hated it when people chopped their own hair and he had to put it right. Sorry, Dad!</div>
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-25726906416225692622020-07-13T11:18:00.000-07:002020-07-13T11:25:49.783-07:00Monday againThe weeks do seem to be flying by.<br />
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Monday, bin day. 2020 the year my bin goes out more than me!<br />
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I woke to a bright day, with a lovely cool breeze coming through the open window.<br />
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It was only 5:30am. Steve was still fast asleep so I quietly read, thinking of all the lovely things I could make for breakfast.<br />
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So at 8am I got up and made breakfast burritos. I think the last time we had these our boys were still at school so that's at least 10 years ago. This is the first time I have made breakfast for several weeks. I am out of practise.... I set the smoke alarm off and we had to have the windows open all morning! But the burritos were delicious.<br />
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I was then totally exhausted, went back to bed and slept soundly. This fatigue drives me nuts. Steve is working part time now, he has sold his business and will retire early in November so that he can care for me. So I slept whilst he worked.<br />
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When Steve finished his work we ate a light lunch of toasted currant bread, fresh fruit and drank hot tea. We then went to the pharmacy in Sainsbury's for my medicine. Sadly they do not deliver and as they are the only pharmacy in our town prepared to order in one of my newer meds then I must stay with them. This wasn't a problem before Covid. But now this is one of the few occasions we leave the house. So we go together and whilst there we get anything we can not get in our online delivery. I also always buy napkins and flowers to cheer myself. Though I found out a few weeks ago that I can get flowers in my online order. I had then bought several bunches and made up a beautiful arrangement in a vase for my daughter in law who had just given birth. Today I bought an orchid plant in lieu of flowers.<br />
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Far more people were wearing masks in the shop. We have been wearing masks whenever we are in shops as I am considered more at risk. It was good to see that more people are wearing them than last month when we were in the pharmacy.<br />
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Our tea...<br />
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(Where we live the evening meal is called tea rather than dinner. This is a contentious issue in England! Similarly is the mid day meal lunch or dinner? Dinner where I live. Though our house is on the market, who knows what they call it where we plan to move to. )<br />
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Chilli salmon, crushed, herbed Jersey potatoes, with a warm salad of samphire, peas, rocket and smoked salmon. It looks a mess but it was very tasty.</div>
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And so the day is done. The promising sunny start deteriorated into dense cloud and rain showers but it was a good day. I think I will do some tapestry whilst watching University Challenge or flick through a cookery book or magazine. A cup of tea and a piece of chocolate sounds good too!</div>
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Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-87533632785737473152020-07-12T12:20:00.002-07:002020-07-12T12:41:09.741-07:00A sign of the times. Steve went to post some letters. In order to catch the last post he went to the box outside the small local Tesco shop.<br />
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"I went into the shop and bought us some treats for when we watching tv later. Oh and they'd just had a delivery in."<br />
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I looked in the bag some sweet chilli crisps and a bottle of wine and......?<br />
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I shrieked a bit if I'm honest.<br />
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"Oh wow, that's lovely. Thank you so much, just what I wanted......"<br />
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Flour is rarer than hen's teeth in these parts!<br />
<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-34009723864490135292020-07-11T11:33:00.000-07:002020-07-11T11:37:44.413-07:00The day after....Not surprisingly perhaps, I am exhausted after our day out yesterday. Chronic health issues (Hughes Syndrome, autoimmune B12 deficiency and Young Onset Parkinson's Disease) do affect my energy levels. So today I have slept a lot.<br />
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Breakfast in bed was lovely and very gratefully received but meant I just fell straight back to sleep afterwards, the next thing I knew it was 1pm!<br />
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I got up and made us spicy Mexican beans and rice with tacos for a late lunch. I then cleaned the bathroom, did some laundry, watered the houseplants and greenhouse plants and looked over my propogating to see if I have roots coming. I can't garden much these days but potted plants and propogating satisfy my love for gardening.<br />
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I then made a chicken curry in case Steve is hungry this evening, if not we can have it tomorrow or I can freeze it. Nothing goes to waste here. 😊<br />
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It has been a beautiful sunny day here though I have felt a bit chilly. But a bright and sunny day is to be savoured.<br />
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This evening I am going to do some of my tapestry hearts.<br />
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I just love playing with the colours and I should miss it, if it ever got finished!</div>
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And so that was my day; mundane to many but filled with things that bring me joy and contentment.</div>
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"<i><b><span style="color: blue;">Surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies." Laura Ingalls Wilder</span></b></i></div>
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-8591498216864245482020-07-10T14:26:00.002-07:002020-07-10T14:26:59.894-07:00Ps follower buttonI have been asked about a follower button. Sorry, I'm really rusty at blogging 🤣 I've just added a follower button at bottom of page. 😊😊😊Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-83461155672111393672020-07-10T13:30:00.001-07:002020-07-10T13:54:46.683-07:00Sunny days I woke late, 8am, and it was a sunny day!<br />
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I can't remember the last time we had a sunny day. So I asked Steve... he couldn't<br />
remember either. "Maybe a week ago?" he suggested.<br />
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So today we woke to sunshine and my heart sang. If you live in England you are used to rain. I can, and do, sing in the rain but sunshine is fabulous. 😊😊😊<br />
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Today was the day we visited one of our sons and his family.<br />
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We were on the motorway just after 9 am. Lockdown is easing here so traffic is increasing but we still had a good run and ran into just one traffic jam.<br />
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Two hours later our 2 year old grandson was thrilled to see us...... melts my heart. We met his newborn sister last week and in just a week she is so changed; feeding well, looking at you and just so aware of everything around her. She snuggled down in my arms and had a good long nap. I was thrilled, utterly thrilled. We are self isolating so we can see family, as part of their "bubble" - one of our Government's weird and wonderful terms. Our family is similarly self isolating to keep us safe.<br />
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We took lunch and tea with us. "Thank you, nanny," said a little boy at each meal time. My heart melts again!!!<br />
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I sat there holding a sleeping newborn, watching Grandad with an excited 2 year old building a train set, with my son and my lovely daughter in law tired but happy and thanked the Lord. You know, one of those moments when you just sit and soak it all in and think, "I will always remember this moment, forever."<br />
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And now we are home. Tired but happy. Grateful for all our blessings. God is good. Life is good. Happy weekend all 😊xx<br />
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<br />Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-13372809982600592592020-07-09T10:46:00.003-07:002020-07-09T15:15:32.646-07:00Catching up and getting ahead<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We woke to yet more rain. As I waited for the kettle to boil I watched the birds at the feeders, they were wet and a bit bedraggled and apparently starving. The garden looked battered, water dripping from leaves and branches, flowers bowing their heads under the weight of the water. But the garden seemed happy nonetheless, no longer parched and dry as it was a few weeks ago. It all looked lovely and lush.<br />
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Later in the morning the rain slowed somewhat and the gardener arrived and cut the grass in the drizzle. With the window slightly ajar I tackled a backlog of ironing to the gentle buzz of the lawn mower and the smell of cut grass whilst listening to Nella Last's Peace on Audible. It was a pleasant half hour.<br />
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Tomorrow we are travelling to see our son and his family. Their second baby is just over a week old. We will take lunch and tea with us to save them, they have enough to do! So I cooked sausages and then put them in a leek, thyme and chicken stock gravy. I added baked beans and then topped it all with mash which I browned off.<br />
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I try to cook once and eat twice (or more). So I kept back some sausage and we had sausage,egg, beans and chips for lunch. So no need to cook this evening!<br />
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I reserved some of the leek, thyme, chicken gravy and froze it. It is lovely added to microwave rice with mushrooms, bacon and or chicken and eats like a risotto without the effort - so another win, win.<br />
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After all this I am tired so this afternoon I have rested up. July 9th and we are sitting here in front of a log fire. Don't you just love an English Summer !Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6141775633567612487.post-71820114398103106442020-07-09T02:43:00.000-07:002020-07-09T05:44:33.164-07:00I'm usually useless at writing a diary........I have never kept a diary. I am not good at committing to writing every day.<br />
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I still remember the overwhelming feeling of dread when, aged about 11 years, I received a 5 year diary for Christmas. It was faux leather bound, red I think, and had a flimsy key to lock it up. To be honest, I felt like I was being locked up and the key chucked away. I felt doomed to five years of painful writing or disappointing the gift bearer. I can not even remember who gave me the diary. I dutifully managed a few painful entries and then the wretched thing languished in my dressing table drawer along with other unused items..... cheap scent so strong it was scary, packs of American Tan tights, boxed linen handkerchieves and my tiny silver but tarnished Christening bracelet.<br />
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Now some 45 years later we are beginning to come out of Covid 19 lockdown. During this time I have enjoyed reading other people's diaries of the simple daily round whether that be via contemporary blogs, the Mass Observation diaries of Nella Last or the fictional daily doings of Miss Read's characters. I have enjoyed escaping into their worlds finding courage and calm in the everyday.<br />
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And so now, quite surprisingly, I find myself wanting to record my own simple days. I don't know why or even whether I shall be able to maintain this. But here I go, the adventure begins.Lynnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07832021443447502646noreply@blogger.com4