What I did today No.2

Did some cleaning - boring but needed doing. What I thought was a top up food shop turned into a trolley full. Oh dear. Communed with the calendar to re- jig plans to help with childcare so a daughter in law can go to a family funeral. Cooked and ate a sausage bake lunch (very nice), phoned a friend. Went off to a local garden centre for a couple of hours, had a coffee and would you believe only bought plants! Phoned another friend, did some ironing, had a snack, prepared food for tomorrow. Sitting with a glass of chilled white. Now, I thought I’d had a quiet day, it seems not .

Evening all.

Put some Tradescantia pallida cuttings into potting mix for my homecare lady who admired the purple leaves and pink flowers

Oh thank you BradfordLass. THAT’s the name of the beautiful plant out here in Malaga that I love! It’s so pretty isn’t it? The leaves as much as the flowers!

Marydoll I’d love to be out and about with you - every trip is an adventure!

I’ve not done much (yep, Lazygran suits me).

Hot sunshine on our balcony at lunchtime so I’ve slapped sunscreen on, read some of my book, spent too long (again!) browsing Gransnet ....

Then around 4pm the clouds came over si I showered.
Made a cuppa and some cheese & biscuits.
Around 7pm a lovely FaceTime from family - the two grandchildren were having a shared bath and giggling. Too cute.
Then we dressed and went out to eat.
I had fish, chips & mushy peas and himself enjoyed a rack of ribs.
Taxi home.
Pj’s on now with a cuppa and biscuits.
Life’s good.

My visit to the opticians today was entertaining to say the least. DIL booked me in (she works there) and I gave her my prescription sheets to scan into the system, as it takes forever to type them on the PC. A few minutes later I toddled off to get photos and scans done of my eyes etc. I then remembered I had left the prescription list on a table, so went back to find it. It was no-where to be found. The whole place was upside down with staff looking for it.
I later discovered it in my bag. ?

After the initial tests were finished, I couldn’t find my glasses and of course, couldn’t see to search for them! Trying to get off the stool, after sitting at the camera, I got stuck, (I was very stiff due to the cold.) I think the optician thought I was a crazy, old woman and DIL and DH were pretending they didn’t know me.

According to the ophthalmologist, I needed a new prescription. Great news! That meant I could choose new glasses to go with my new haircut ( potential, squeaky leather trousers and cerise pink Doc Martens, as suggested in the Good Morning thread ).

DH’s face was a picture, he knew I wouldn’t settle for boring pairs, they would need a bit of bling and of course bling costs money!! ?

Everything I tried, DH turned his nose up at. I muttered “You have absolutely no taste”, as I stomped away, thinking he hadn’t heard. A voice from the corner replied, “Well, I married you, didn’t I !!” All the waiting patients started laughing. Hoisted by my own petard!

Of course, when you try on glasses, you don’t know what you look like, because you aren’t wearing your own. One of the customers advised me to use my phone to take selfies. I gave up on that plan, as a haggard, dithery, old woman, with drooping jowls kept looking back at me.

DIL then had the bright idea of using an iPad to take pictures of me. That was a great idea, until I realised I had an audience and the patients were all sniggering , when I said to DIL, DELETE, DELETE, DELETE! The 1Pad revealed even more wrinkles, crevices and broken veins than the phone and no amount of bling was going to detract from that.

I then picked up a pair and said that I really liked them. They were exactly the same glasses, I’m wearing at the moment! DIL shook her head in despair.
Thank goodness it’s only once a year and the good news was that my medication has not affected my eyesight so far, much to be thankful for.

Went to have my hair cut this morning. I thought I had plenty of time, but in the end had to hurry. I drove my car for the first time in 6 weeks, and as it's a new one, it did feel a bit odd, but nice.
Went to post a parcel to my DGS, and took my specs back to Sp............s, as I haven't been at all happy with them, so I got a refund..
Popped into the chemist to see if my prescription was ready to collect. I had ordered it online, but no it wasn't, maybe in a day or two.
Painted a picture frame, or rather, a colour wash.
Defrosted the fridge and cooked supper.
Now, feet up, watching TV and doing a bit of knitting.
Oh, and I've popped in and out of GN.

dragonfly46 My dear friend, Kathy has just decided the same. She looks very soignee in her turban.

grandtanteJE65 I made a log basket just like yours, with twigs for logs. Doll housers are very inventive

After yoghurt and strawberries for breakfast, I went to Communicare. It is a social/craft club for elderly and intellectually handicapped persons.
Coloured some pre-printed designs, cut them out and made them 3-D.
They will be Christmas cards eventually.

Came home and got 2 machine-loads of washing out, then wrote a humorous letter for my grandson.

Knit a few rows of a lilac scarf while listening to an audio book and picking at a salad.

Put some Tradescantia pallida cuttings into potting mix for my homecare lady who admired the purple leaves and pink flowers.

Emailed friends in the USA.
Looked at the price of whole salmon with a view to buying one as a birthday gift for my dil. Chocolates are so passé

It's 9.07pm on 13th as I write and I have promised myself I shall be in bed before midnight as I am up and away early to my elders group tomorrow.

Wishing everyone a peaceful day........

Less energy today but managed a fair bit. Made some meringues and cleaned a bit this morning. Soup for me and a ‘proper’ meal for Mr C before quick trip to town for some mini throws for the sofa and a cuppa in a comfortable cafe. Tidying later and some much needed sorting before more soup Masterchef and Holby. Not a bad day.

Woke up at my usual time, but rolled over and went back to sleep! Up at 9:07, showered dressed and went downstairs to discover that DD had been and left her keys as they are away overnight and the goldfish need feeding.
I made lunch, did some washing, and then did some baking. DH got a surprise when he came home from work, I hardly ever bake.
Sat down with TV and crochet and made 3 more elf ears.
Didn't know what to have for supper so set to and made broccoli soup which I are with 2 slices of toasted ciabatta followed by some of the date slice I made earlier.
I'm now watching Alan Titchmarsh on ITV+1. I'll end my day with Dr Pimple Popper, and then bed.

Very interesting reading everyone’s day
Horrible morning drove to daughters usually walk with dog but too wet, stayed with granddaughter as she was working, passed over to my son , he had a day off as I work lunch times at local school came back took them to the park,picked up daughter and took her shopping, went to pub,

Still suffering from a horrendous virus so spent most of the day on sofa.Friend brought paper and a sandwich but wisely didn't come in in case she caught it too.
Did the puzzles then watched a box set,Vanished by the lake.
Rang son to say I can't babysit and found he's off sick too after visiting me on Sunday.

Thanks Phoebes - what a little ray of sunshine he is

Thanks for the tip about the Ant and Dec programme, I avoided it as I'm not a great fan of theirs but may watch it on catch up just for the family history interest.

Love the grandson, Phoebes! Today was my first day back at the local library, where I volunteer every Tuesday morning. I have been out of action for four weeks with a dreadful cold and hacking cough. As I didn't want to pass it on, I have tried to remain at home for much of the time, so this week is my first week of "normality". Lovely to get out and about and meet people other than my DH (great company, but I needed a change!). This afternoon collected our car from fixers, expensive bill with more work needed, and as usual these things come along just before Christmas. Made a Delia recipe for winter vegetable pie, just the job as it's very cold here in Cornwall. And now to watch Rick Stein in France; despite being a vegetarian and not eating fish, we love his programmes. Goodnight, children, everywhere!

PS Don’t know how that photo of our gorgeous baby grandson got in there, but I’m sure he will cheer everyone up!

Got up to find the electric shower was leaking water so had to have a cat wash this morning. Sorted out some things to drop off at the animal sanctuary shop later, then went to my art class for 3 hours. Went out in the break at the middle and got my coffee and a few other things from M&S.
I’m painting a Tuscan landscape at the moment which I will turn into cards and then hopefully sell at our Art Weeks exhibition in the spring.
My husband picked me up from Art and we dropped off the bag to the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary shop - they are always short of funds.
Went home & cooked lunch, then tried -successfully - to find a plumber to fix/replace the electric shower before we get on smelly! He’s coming tomorrow morning.
Phoned my friend in Belgium to tell her that the husband of the couple who have just moved in next door used to teach with her in Brussels - how’s that for a small world?
Then settled down in front of the telly to watch the second part of Ant and Dec’s DNA journey, on catch-up, which was well worth watching. More fun than Who do you think you are? I can recommend it.
Then we watched the Junior Bake Off and now I’m just going to cook something for supper.

Went to the gym at 9pm. Walked home, had a shower and washed my hair. Then undid all the good work I did at the gym by having afternoon tea with my DD (her belated birthday present to me).

....there is life after retirement.... or so I’m told!!

Still ‘doing ‘ my day...which started with me waking at 4.30....reading till 5.30.... shower...breakfast with pills.... out the door at 6.30 to walk to my son in laws ( 3 miles) to look after grandkids while he goes to work . Get kids ready ...feed them.... supervise ablutions... see eldest of to school. Take youngest to school . Get home on two buses. Make sure disabled husband is up dressed and ready for day...get him lunch...shive in a wash-load...run hoover around ...leave home for bus rides to sin in laws again ...this time to pick youngest up from school, wait for eldest to come in and cook the tea for them , wash up. SIL comes home about 6-6.30 and I start my homeward journey 3 miles, which takes 1 hour in traffic... get home about 7-7.30 and cook for husband and me. Sort him for evening ...fall into bed by 10.... and awake at 4.30 to start all over again . By the way I’m still at SIL house as he’s had meeting after work and I’ll be lucky to be home by 8. That’s my day , three days a week only thankfully!

Well mine is pretty mundane but quite a good day as I went shopping this morning (just Sainsburys) which I haven't felt up to for a few days. Got a seat at the bus-stop (they've installed new benches, just where you can't see the bus coming but I'm glad they're there). Had a friendly chat with a stranger on the bus about the problems of online deliveries. Found a parcel of wool from Deramores on my doorstep when I got home which was quicker than I expected. Had a nice lunch. Watched TV/YouTube while doing competitions and other things online. Quite a few jobs that need to be done in the flat but I'll hopefully start some of them tomorrow. Best I'm likely to manage today is getting a list made.

Up at 7.30am, but slobbed around in my dressing gown until 9.30.
After I'd showered and dressed, had a coffee, sorted out what I needed to get to make the Christmas puddings, and put a Bolognese in the slow cooker.
Early lunch then went to my health walk, followed by a sociable coffee and chat afterwards.
Picked up DGD from school and have just fed her with Spaghetti Bolognese. She is being picked up to go to Brownies in about half an hour.
I shall then have a wee glass of sherry! Followed by Bolognese for tea.
Then will watch Masterchef and Rick Stein.
And so to bed...

Got up and went to work (Secondary school) where I work with SEN students. Got out around 4 and decided I wasn’t a bad daughter for not going to visit mum today (96 and just gone to a nursing home) as she doesn’t really know I’m there and I need a bit of a break. Home now, catching up on this. Will have a bath, then carry on writing (fiction) and perhaps have a short spell on the PS4. Will try for an early night with a book.

Shopping in our nearest market town this morning, also had lunch there, as we’re out this evening ( always nice to not have to cook....any excuse.)?
To GP for flu jabs this afternoon, now relaxing with a cuppa.
Cold, damp windy weather today.

I'm reading this on Tues.12th Nov. SO.... yesterday, we had a house viewing booked for 3.30 - and after toast for breakfast, went to Lidl (19 miles distant) for Groceries. They have a Bakery, where we buy Sourdough bread and Low GI bread buns, plus petrol at ASDA (much cheaper than our home town). Made a light lunch, and waited for prospective purchaser. The house has been up for sale since February. Appointment time came and went - no one came. Range the Agency who said they would try and contact the person. Still no response received. Today - made porridge with Oat Milk for breakfast and later took the Ctas (Jack & Bella) to the Vets for regular flea treatment and a check-up. Jack has a persistent cough, Bella seems to have trouble with one ear. Jack has a low level infection, not yet worthy of anti-biotics, and advised to keep watch to see if this worsens. Bella - still can't find any problem (she has been seen for this several times already). Again, keep a watch on her and return if this worsens. £60 plus vet bill. Sat catching up with emails now, as the house is still sparkly clean!

Guess it’s just me shovelling the snow from a huge snow storm Monday night!

Went to a new exercise class this morning Qigong similar to tia chi and loved it. The people were so welcoming and i will be going agin. We had coffee afterwards nd it was lovely to chat to new people and hear their thoughts on different subjects. then i drove to Sainsburys to look for a dressing gown for my DGD but sadly the choice very limited so ended up trying on a couple of christmas t shirts for myself but didnt like the fit so came home with only a newspaper. HAd some lunch, then took photos of ites i am going to try and sell on Market place on facebook our local selling site. Now just browsing GN and keeping an eye on the weather as i have a few bits on the line as its so windy. Will probably get my knitting out soon as i have a project i want to get finished for our knitting group sale beginning of Dec.

Yesterday I went to the Churchyard War Memorial for the 11 o’clock Remembrance service. Only 9 of us but there had been a good turn out on Sunday. The Vicar asked me to read. Easier said than done as I hadn't taken my specs. Luckily I have long arms and managed with a squint.?. Today I drove to the next village to the shop and had a chat with our prospective MP who was campaigning outside. I then discovered that he wasn't mine, as my village is in a different constituency. Oh well. He was a bit of a plonker with a triple barrelled name!! Since then I have been searching high & low for a box containing Christmas cards/addresses/very important stuff. Each year I put it somewhere safe and each year I can’t find it. I am now in a very bad humour and have consoled myself with nursery food - fish fingers and peas. I’m contemplating opening a can of Ambrosia Chocolate Custard for ‘afters’. My head wants it but my body certainly doesn't need it.....

Yesterday was a lovely bright autumnal day so got some bulbs planted and leaves swept up. This morning started the same so I thought I would finish the job but remembered that OH was out for the morning and thought I'd better take the opportunity to sort his birthday gift for later this month. By the time that was done the weather had changed. Now bitterly cold and raining. Not looking forward to waiting in the playground for grandchildren as the wind seems to whip through there like Siberia. They will be here occupied and fed till collected this evening. Possibly some family tree research after that and some knitting but I think hibernation is more appealing!