Back to school

 Summer Term - this one will be last one for my very good friend who also happens to be the Head. She’s retiring from education early. Lots of good things planned for the next part of her less stress life. Being brutally honest, I am jealous as hell. I’d also been plotting and planning to reduce my hours and to possibly resign from my sideline post, which I do love and enjoy mostly. I just don’t feel like I can give it my best when the job is to advise schools on strategies to try before permanently excluding pupils- when my cup is full from dealing with different issues entirely at my own school. Anyway, being staff governor I was part of the team, in the process of securing a new Head. Which, I think, she will be an excellent fit and although quite different to the current one, I think she will be brilliant to work with. The big BUT is, I felt it unwise to forge ahead with income reducing for the foreseeable until we see after the settling in period, how she wants the school staff to operate etc. 

Also on the horizon is the  possible devolution of Lancashire County Council which could mean change re pensions and working conditions so for now, against my will, I’m staying put as is, 35 hours and really will change my mindset to thinking I am lucky to have a job in this day and age and maybe all will be well. All the children will return to school having had no major upsets and happenings. 

Although there were two local separate awful fatal road accidents on Easter Sunday  where two families lost an 18 year old and a 14year old and I did actually have a little cry for them when I’d read about it. 

Gosh this is a bit gloomy. 

In other news, yesterday I did a little bit of gardening and tittivated the very end of my garden border. It was where I used to have a giant compost tardis and when we gave that away because I’d got rid of the veg bed and we started the garden waste scheme with the council. Anyway, there was a huge mound of soil at that end and it was used as a bit of a rubbish storage area. So, I dug it out and levelled it. I put some wood in as a bit of an edge to try and prevent the soil spilling onto the path. I used the soil and compost to repot and refill some of my pots and I planted some of the new plants I had got. I also bought some organic wool slug pellets. You put them on the soil, water it and they are supposed to swell and form a mat they they don’t like, apparently. We will see. It stank to high heaven! Maybe it’s the stench that will repel them! 

Bluebell found the smell irresistible. 

I might remove the wood actually and just use the large peppers I have. I am preferring to use pots which might not be best for the plants, but it has deterred the local cats from using my border as a toilet quite well now. And the pots are easier to weed - like a raised bed! 

Next, I will try and move up a bit but as the perennials are starting to come through, I may have to wait now. 

It was our son’s birthday yesterday, can you believe he is now 28! The same age as me haha. I made him a plain Madeira cake with a layer of jam and buttercream and some water icing on top. We had the HG’s Mum round for lunch. Roast pork, roast potatoes and parsnips, steamed carrots and cabbage and broccoli/cauliflower cheese, stuffing, yorkshires, gravy and really good crackling! We had the cake for afters.   I put candles in his cake and we sang but I’d done it for her benefit really. She didn’t know the song, she said but she enjoyed the cake and told the carers when we’d taken her home ( she didn’t know it was her home ) that she’d had a good day out. Saddest part of it all for me was when we were taking her back, she said to Mr 28, nice to meet you today love. Dementia is a cruel thief. He used to spend so much time with his Nanna when small. He’d go for the weekend, she’d take him to the slots on the prom, make his favourite meals, take him to her friends. We still have those memories even if she doesn’t. Nobody really needed or wanted any tea so we relaxed watching the last episode of Vera we’d been saving . Before that, we had a lovely long video call with baby Oliver who we mostly sat watching him play. He’s at that empty all the toys out of the toy box phase, then put them back in and take them out again! He’s very bright and funny to watch. He waved bye bye to us. 

Well, after school, I may settle down to rewatch that last episode of Vera hahaha - I got comfy, snuggled under a blanket as it went cold and promptly fell asleep! 

Right, I best get a wriggle on. Start the day and see what it brings. Hope it’s something good for your tea tonight. We’ve leftovers to have so easy but delicious here! 

Rachel. 

Easter Sunday 2025

 It’s a glorious Sunny but cold morning here. I’ve pegged out the washing and set some more off. I’ve watered the new plants I got at the garden centre - clockwise it’s a Jacob’s Ladder plant, a Honeyberry fruit bush - I went to buy a Blueberry plant - and a honey berry is a type of blueberry. It’s mostly because Oliver loves them. I am very dubious that I will get any fruit in the cold North of England. But it will go in the sunny spot next to the rhubarb. We are going to get the lawn returfed. I’m having  border along the fence and once it’s been painted, I’m planting some controversial black stemmed bamboo to screen the fecking neighbours away a bit. Then I bought another blue bushy thing to go with the one I got last year and some cute anenomes that were 3 for £12. I also bought some wool based slug pellets to try. They ate so many of my new early mini iris bulbs. I was very cross with them. 

I’m with EDF for my gas/electric and they are running a scheme where if you reduce your peak time energy use, you can earn free electric on a Sunday. At first this had me in a frenzy ! It’s very clever to the Marketing Man’s Dream that I am. So for example I had reduced my peak time use enough to earn free electric last Sunday between 8am and 8pm. It makes me think like I’ve won the lottery and it’s going to be like £100s! 

I saved my washing and used the drier a bit. I cooked and we charged ALL the things. I did some baking and hoovered etc 

I think it was £8 tops for the day! Better in my pocket than theirs to be fair 

The only gas thing I have going is the boiler and everything else is electric. I try to be economical with it but peak time they class as 4pm -8pm 

We all get in from work and I will be making the tea - my oven is electric! It’s a fairly new one so is energy efficient and I do use my air fryer when possible. Anyway I am on track so far for four free hours next week. There’s also a refer a friend scheme on a the minute so if anyone wants to switch - they get £50 free electric and so would I ! 

I pulled back the knitting as I’d made an error with the stitch number/wrong needle size and I wasn’t happy with it ( top photo ) but I’m back on track now having restarted it from the beginning, ( bottom photo ) and it’s much neater and correct. The wool is Sirdar crofters - I’ve knit with this brand/style before and in different colour ways. I just really like it! 

I am being a very good diabetic and have not eaten or bought one single Hot Cross Bun. There only me in the house that likes them so I would eat them all but also I don’t really eat any type of bread, gluten free or otherwise anymore as it makes me feel so very poorly. Before the medications, I could seem to override this and eat it anyway despite knowing the ramifications. But now, I have no interest. I won’t be having any Easter Eggs rather except some real ones, gently poached! I’m not even bothered! There is a real bonus to being diabetic as it turns out! 

I have a joint of pork with crackling for the Easter feast, there will be broccoli and cauliflower cheese, roast potatoes and cavelo Nero and carrots and parsnips. I have some lamb in the freezer for another day. 

The HG has put up a new dartboard and we are having fun playing. Well he is. I am shocking at it. Mostly due to my height - so we bought a step for me to stand on haha and my badly arthritic shoulders and pathetic arm strength. I managed a fluke treble 20 the other day and thought I should quit while I’m ahead! We have a good laugh though and I have said we both know who would be answering the questions on that TV show! I’ve not decided what my darts name is yet or what musical anthem I will walk on to! We used to play it years and years ago before children on his old dart board. It used to be on the back of the bedroom door and thanks to how shocking I was - the door looked like it was riddled with woodworm! The new board has a fancy silicone surround however x marks the spot of my very first throw… hahahah

I plan on taking the dog to the shore for a run, go see parents, do some jigsawing, sewing and knitting. 

But first, another coffee. 

Hope you have something good for tea! 

Love Rachel 

Zapping away

 I’m here early morning as per. Bluebell is fast asleep next to me. The HG has been off this week and we’ve been out to her favourite ( mud ) hunting grounds! 

She had a car park shower and got in her dressing gown before we set off to the garden centre for brunch. 

The bluebells were beautiful. 

This is my second week off work. We were thinking of going over to see Daughter and Oliver but she is coming to us the first week of May so everyone is staying put. 

On Monday me and my sister had a very very enjoyable and fun day out! It brought us joy haha  - we first went to the tip with a car load of her stuff to responsible sort and dispose of and then came back for a carload of mine! We then went to that big shop of bargains for the Home and bought some new solar powered pretty lights for our gardens! 

I’ve seen friends, I’ve been out daily. I’ve also been trying some indoor walking little workouts that are not too taxing to improve my level of fitness and stamina. 

I’m sat with my legs being zapped on the Revitive! It’s a great thing you know and I can tell how my leg health has improved. 

Thank you for the comments about the Diabetes. I’ve to book in a blood test for next week so fingers crossed the numbers are still nice and low and under the limit. Although I have eaten a few more sweet things these last 3 months! The medication I am on has altered my taste buds somewhat so chocolate does not taste ‘right’. But I can tolerate the chocolate on those Pick-up biscuits if I have the urge. Yesterday after our walk we went for coffee and brunch - a bacon and sausage bun for the HG, just sausages, no bun for me and Bluebell. I ordered 3, forgetting how huge they are. Should have just had two. One for me, one for her. Another side effect of the medication is that I feel full very quickly - it stops you from overeating too. Anyway I fancied something sweet so bought some ( how much???  ) artisan licorice rock sweets - the type with the bright pink and yellow sweet filling and enjoyed a good handful! Shared them of course with the HG. 

Another great treat for me is some prunes and dates with greek yogurt - love that. I also have a real penchant at the moment for cous cous with roasted veg. Love it. Have bought ready made and have the ingredients to make my own. 

We had friends round for an Indian meal on Friday night. It was really good fun. I made

Tandoori lamb passanda

Chicken tikka masala

Vegetable Balti - cauliflower, butter bean and butternut squash

Pilau rice

Naan bread

Poppaoms ( shop bought ) with dips. 

And for pud? That well known Indian accompaniment - trifle!! I used my fancy tall glass

Trifle dish like they have on the telly, I used up stuff I had in the cupboard and I tried my very best to make it pretty. 

Next time I will use my crystal cut glass trifle bowl that was my Nanna’s as I like it better! 

It was delicious. The Swiss roll was a slightly out of date M&S clotted cream strawberry Swiss roll, slightly out of date strawberry jelly ( Hartleys ), tinned peaches ( in date ) some frozen raspberries and some on the turn strawberries. 

The custard was slightly out of date Birds but I made it with channel island gold jersey milk and double cream and the topping was in date whipped double cream and in date sprinkles! 

It tasted divine. No, sorry, it tasted absolutely divine! 

I’ve been jigsawing, 

started a new knitted waistcoat for Oliver, 

been gardening and the HG has put up our new dartboard. Being the HG it’s got a fancy light and a laser light to shine on the floor where to stand! I’m still rubbish and my first dart went in the wall hahah 

It’s up in the dining room. He’s going to do some joggers pokery today to hide the fixing behind a picture because I said I didn’t want it there permanently on show. 

I’m going to meet my friends today so Bluebell is on Daddy Daycare watch. Am sure have forgotten loads I was going to record. My zapper has finished so I’m off for a shower. Glad I pegged out because the sun is shining nicely now. 

Have a lovely day whatever you are up to. Hope it’s something good for tea tonight xx 

Rachel

Belated birthday Post

 Well everyone, this last 12 months has raced by. It’s been the most wonderful year indeed. 

I am a complete sucker for a chubby cheek! His clever mum made the balloon arch ( something that looked cute but I actually completely disapprove of them - total waste and very unenvironmentally friendly ) but she said the kit had cost her about £3 from an overseas store, four letters, beginning with T ending with a big flightless bird! 

We went up, think I’ve said! Stayed in a hotel this time - Bowes Incline hotel - I gave it a glowing review on that  booking website. 

It’s the school holidays and much R&R is required. I went with my friend yesterday, to deliver her elopement wedding flowers to a lovely couple getting wed at The Cragwood Hotel in Windermere. It was a glorious day. We then strolled the grounds which were lovely. All the daffs were going over but the bluebells are poised to take over. We then went to the Lakeland flagship store for lunch and a gossip. Home to potter about. 

I finished this little keepsake which I am gifting to my friend’s daughter for their first wedding anniversary last week. As you can see, the likeness is uncanny haha. I did match the colour way of flowers and tie the best I could! 

Today I wasn’t planning on doing much except potter about. I may see my friend later on. I do want to garden a bit. I’ve a huge crop of super healthy dandelions that need lifting! We are also going to get a quote from someone about redoing the lawn. Ours is knackered, dippy and muddy and dead in parts. Despite scarifying, reseeding and fertilizing etc it’s time to rethink. I want to put a border down the fence to plant some privacy plants. 

I’ve just read Sooze’s post about her hubby getting older and becoming less able - I feel the same. Plus we will be helping the local economy. 

This wad Windermere. Beautiful clear day. 

Have just ordered some new bedroom curtains that the HG can put up at the weekend. I might start knitting something today as it’s been a while. 

I’ve just finished listening to Bob Mortimer The Satsuma Complex. 10/10 

Very funny and a great plot twist! 

I’m now halfway through this one, and I am enjoying it as much as the first one. 

I’m just now sat with my second frothy coffee of the day in the garden.

I’ve done loads of weeding, Repotted  this plant I’ve been promising to do for ages.

I need to reassess the peony beds too. Think they a little overcrowded as the plants seem quite petite this year. My shoulders are hurting already. Will double up on pain relief before bed. When this weather is warm, it’s lovely. It then soon goes chilly! Cloudless skies! 

It is time to go in now. I’ve a tricksy little jigsaw on the table - I find though, it is a real time stealer! Luckily I’ve got time! 

Have a lovely evening, hope it’s something good for tea at yours. 

Rachel 

Almost one year old!

 My daughter really does take a good photo! Here’s Baby Oliver aged 50 weeks,  at one of his little fun classes they go to! 

We do have a chuckle that we all call him Baby Oliver and wonder if we will still call him that when he’s 15 like Baby David on the Royale Family! Nextdoor’s little girl is called Olivia. She is 3 and GORGEOUS and made us laugh last week because she said, did Baby Oliver eat all his tea at Nursery like me? 

How has time whizzed by so fast that my darling little precious cherub is almost one. I’ve decided I’m buying one ( big )  lovely birthday card with Grandson on and will write a separate little message for each year gone by that we are here for. Then will need to remember to get it back! This is after trying to declutter over 50 years of accumulated cards for myself AND the kids! 

We have bought him a few traditional wooden toys including this fox! 

Him and his Mum came over for February Half Term Week. We met up halfway in the Lakes at Pooley Bridge. Had a lovely lakeside stroll, coffee and then I had to give Bluebell my coat so she didn't get hypothermia after going in the lake about 65 billion times! 

We had a lovely week together. Except. His Mum was ill on the Tues/Wed. He was off it Wed/Thurs. I was fine Friday morning until it struck me. His Uncle came home ill on the Friday too and his Grandad, the HG, was ill on the Saturday!. 

He is fast as lightening on all fours and cruising round holding on to your legs or the furniture. But give him your hands to walk with him and he was dropping and crawling. He is into E V E R Y T H I N G. Mostly things he isn't allowed. but he is easily distracted into playing with things he is allowed so that is good. He is sweet natured happy little chap, until his Mum is out of sight! You would think she had just dropped him off at the Orphanage. He did get better and he's not clingy when she is in the room. 

Today marks the last day of her maternity leave. ( I was writing this on the 6th March ). It’s now 2 weeks later. She’s returned for two days a week in March, then three from April. He’s been to Nursery and loves it! His NE Nanna looked after him on a Thursday. If we lived there then no doubt we’d be on duty too! He’s also staying upright and walking a few steps one handed! 

By this time last year we had made the trip up to the NE with the pram and other bits and bobs and were sat thinking only a few weeks to go! 

It’s been World Book Day, parents either love it or hate it! A good few years ago now, there was a child at school who hated dressing up for WBD. Unfortunately, his Mama LOVED it and her amazing costumes were out of this world. In Reception he was the most perfect little oompa loompa with orange makeup to a T. I would stick my neck on the line now actually and say she had been growing his hair to style it perfectly because he did not have a wig on. He cried so much he had big white stripes down his face where the bitter tears had cut through the orange face paint! Another year he came as a perfect bunch of purple grapes - not even sure what the book reference was but in he came - not the easiest costume to manoevre as he was in a purple unitard and an amazing array of purple balloons in different sizes, perfectly mimicking a 3D bunch of grapes complete with a green felt stalk hat. Well, when he had a temper tantrum, things started popping. We of course soothed him and helped the poor tortured little soul but on the inside I was laughing my head off, it was so funny. The more he paddied about the balloons popping, the more popped! 

My own child number 1  LOVED to dress up. I effing well hate WBD with a PASSION if you are wondering what side of the fence I sit on. The year she wanted to go as Hedwig the bloody owl. 2am I was up till, ( last minute as per ) , cutting into one of my feather pillows, uhu gluing them onto massive owl wings made out of stuck together cornflakes packets. Can you even still get uhu glue? ( Goes to look ) Yes you can! Anyway off she went, loved the day, didn't win the prize, I think a Mary Poppins pipped her at the post! Thankfully, child number 2 was never arsed. 

Thankfully, this year our school day was themed, 'read your way' be it in costume, uniform or whatever you are comfy in reading! The children and families who love it are amazing and I have to admire those who do go all out. I despise the sentiment but understand those who buy home made tat costumes so their children can fit in but they lack time and resources to create and it s a thing, but it is so hard to recognise the children when they are not in uniform! I could usually name all 208 children in school , but I  struggle on dress up or mufti days. 

I’m blogging from my sick bed -today March 17th  without going into too much detail - I don’t think my chicken chow mein. ( home made ) settled well because I was up from 2am in the bathroom. Have let my boss know and am just trying to distract myself from the innards pains before trying to sleep. It is very annoying as I’ve got so much to do at work but just not today. I do wonder if it was the noodles - I’ve been avoiding any wheat in bread, biscuits, crackers etc but of course, egg noodles are made with flour. 

I cannot recall now if I recorded here that since a random blood test in July 2024 - went convinced I was going mad/early onset dementia - showed that I was now a type 2 diabetic. It was an awful shock/realisation. Still not properly come to terms with it. However, my initial HABc1 score of 63 has now fallen to within normal parameters so says my diabetic Nurse Vicki. She is a darling. SO supportive and kind and helpful. I went on a full day Type 2 information course which was fascinating and I leaned a lot including my what I thought was too high score of 63 was nothing compared to the bloke across’ score of 105!!! . After being indoctrined for years now to eat the SW way and more recently the F800 way. The diabetic stuff blew my mind a bit  with me being MOST brain boggled by the fact I should portion control CHEESE not for the fat as such but the SUGAR! I mean, it makes perfect sense if you think about it, but I never ever have thought about the sugar content of food. So for years of knowing portion sizes etc for losing weight, I’ve needed to shift my mindset a little. Also, type 2 IS hereditary and not something to be ashamed of. I was probably always going to develop it, and admittedly, I COULD have prevented it, MAYBE. But my pancreas is damaged from when I was yellow all those years ago and my insulin is not efficient and I am insulin resistant. The fact being fat and fifty something contributed too. Anyway, I am now eating way less, way less sugar and have to also keep my cholesterol low. It did go up but then came back down. Vicki said that if you eat a lot of pies and saturated fat just before a blood test, it does effect your cholesterol score. Anyway, was a reality check. I’m doing ok. My eyes and feet are fine. I’ve lost a good chunk of my SW regain. ( went to SW Aug 2017 at my heaviest ever ) - lost weight every single week and hit target in Dec  2018 - before and after pics on the blog I think - anyway 

Stayed at target for about 6 months, crept up a little. Was ok with that then COVID and lockdown. Did zoom SW but allowed a couple stone back on. Could live with that because I was still ok. Hovered there for about 8 months then gradually year on year, regained. Tried and failed. Tried and got a couple stone back off thanks to Intermittent Fasting and F800 combined with SW then last two years, NOTHING was working. Willpower was weakening and before I got back to where I started in Aug 2017 - which I am proud of myself, that I never regained ALL the weight lost - I went to GP in July 2024, cried and declared myself useless. She was lovely and explained how the perimenopause was partly responsible for my lack of results - oestrogen loss is to blame. 

Anyway For timeline memories

July 2024 initial blood test and diagnosis

Oct 2024 1st 3monthly blood test - nurse bruised my arm badly

Feb 2025 2nd 3monthly blood test ( delayed because my scheduled January appointment was cancelled ) took 3 attempts! 

I need to ask for a butterfly needle next time. I have wobbly veins. 

End April 2025 3rd 3monthly blood test scheduled

I’m back now halfway to target. Back in smaller clothes. Feeling older but better and my control of what food goes in my mouth is driven for concrete health reasons. Being Type 2 is probably the best thing to happen ! 

Anyway the other surprise is I now get free prescriptions for life. I’ve never had free anything! It blows my mind that I get free medication for something that I can control ( hopefully ) but my friend who has asthma and could literally die every time she has an attack, has to pay for her life saving medication. 

Well, I am feeling suitably comfortable enough to go to sleep and hopefully back at work tomorrow.

There’s big change coming because my lovely friend who is also my boss, is retiring early from education in July and I am jealous! I was also contemplating reducing some hours ( work 35 at the minute ) but will now just hang fire as will wait and see what a new Head brings. Being Staff Governor I am also part of the process in appointing a new Head. Exciting to experience too. 

 Hope all is well in your world. I do read all my favourite blogs just don’t always comment. 

Love Rachel *sick of being sick* Radiostar xx 

Doing the books…

 Yes, it’s that time of year, the time where I do my absolute bestest procrastinating ( exhibit z - this blog post ). 

The HG’s Annual Tax Return. 

It’s our Tax Year 13. You’d think that it would get easier. Nope, even though it’s all online banking etc, I do like paper statements to highlight and annotate all the comings and goings ( sadly more goings ). Each year there’s at least one month missing. This year did not disappoint - two months! However, it didn’t take me long to locate them but I also found a handful of other receipts too. 

NEXT YEAR I WILL DO THEM MONTHLY*

So my week at work and home was still productive and I did enjoy the Monday night bath. I still have one big cupboard to empty, stocktake, tidy and sort. I have a fancy pants electric pressure cooker and I am going to put it on the worktop next to my Air fryer. There’s room and I will use it more if it’s out. Back in the 70s my Mum used her prestige pressure cooker all the time and so did I in the 80s/90s when I used to cook the main meals as I got older. I was a dab hand with the pressure valve and sink of cold water to plunge the pan into but my new one is a SAGE. I say new, I e had it a few years and have used it a fair few times but nowhere near enough. It’s all pre programmed and super easy to use. Currently I am using trusty slow cooker at least once every ten days or so and probably use my air fryer more than anything. 

I made a new recipe as requested by the HG  this week. When making from a book for the first time, I will follow the recipe. NExt time do it, I’ll do it my way! It was very tasty and quick to do. 

Almost finished the little cardi for the girl at work’s baby boy due in February. It has a sweet little bobble hat to go with.

 I just need to find some buttons for it later. Next thing planned is a couple of waistcoats for baby Oliver. 

My daughter messaged me at 5.10am this morning with the happy news that he had slept through for the first time! She was much earlier than his 9.5 months but he is his own sweet little thing. She said she snuggled him in her bed and he slept further until 7.30! I took she must feel human again! He’s standing on his own now, finding his balance. It’ll not be long and those first steps will happen! She was 10months old when she walked. It goes far too fast

Right, have put one of those cheat roast chickens in to roast for tea ( in a bag, ready seasoned, in its foil tray ) and not ashamed to say I have cheat mash and cheat goose fat roast potatoes to go with. I’ve got some lovely cabbage and parsnips to quickly prep and that’s tea tonight. Tomorrow will be easy tea, leftovers. 

So back to my Accounting I go. I need to charge for all this time! 

Hope all is well in your world. 

Rachel

*ABSOLUTE PACK OF LIES

Finally sorted!

 Well that was a long week but I made sure I was productive. Every single day, I got up and sorted something! Work has been ok and not too horrific! Every single afternoon after getting in, I did something productive. 

 Monday, I didn’t sit down, I came in and sorted and cleaned the dreaded Tupperware drawer. Emptied, all washed, scrubbed and then lined the drawer and then wondered why I had so many spare lids. Then I remembered, I’d ‘borrowed’ the tubs when I was sorting a jigsaw haha. 

I then made tea, cleaned up and had a bath. I’ve also deemed Monday nights from now on, as bath night ( whether I need one or not )! 

Tuesday was slightly less productive but I did make sure I sided some things. Due to the de Christmassing taking longer, boxes and things were still out. So, as you probably know, we kept everything ( well most things ) from when the children were little. I bought some new storage boxes when my daughter was pregnant and we got down the baby clothes that I’d kept. They were all washed and bagged up and then the boy stuff was given to her for Oliver and the baby girl stuff that was hers was re lofted ! Anywayyyyy, Christmas came down in its boxes and afterwards, I’ve switched boxes and downsized just a little more! 

So now my Christmas decs are in 7 clear boxes, clearly labelled. There’s just one box of treasures I’m not ready to part with yet that won’t come down next year. Minimalists, hats off to you but you do you. My stuff isn’t hurting you! Honestly, I do not understand people who don’t hold on to things the same way they won’t understand why I do - I have read recently something on the art of death cleaning! Basically you get rid of all your crap so your loved ones don’t have to. I tend to find non hoarders really try hard to convert hoarders to their way, never the other way around. We are not at Channel 5 documentary strength yet though with all the boxes around at the minute, maybe I could be on TV!  Pssshaw to that! I am being more ruthless though and slowing down the amount of stuff coming in and periodically keep going through my things. I can see the cathartic effect people experience BUT not for me. For example,  I did throw a lot of my children’s birthday cards ( each child, Christmas and birthday cards from everyone plus Christening and confirmation cards etc ) away when the baby stuff came down out of the loft and it has affected me because I then found some of MY childhood cards and had a happy happy time re reading ones sent by beloved relatives long since departed and I denied my children that. Sigh. Well, I kept some of them. 

Fortunately, I raised heartless creatures and they are really not bothered! It’s a strange one isn’t it. 

So Wednesday’s job was more Christmas box sorting out. Thursday I was up early, shoulder of pork in the slow cooker, washing done. Work. Home again, veg done and I made a roast dinner which was absolutely delicious, even if I do say so myself. Cleaned up and more sorting. There’s a mountain of cardboard for the recycling which I was breaking down. 

Friday I went to town straight after work and picked up my new glasses which I am pleased about. I got three pairs, all readers. One for my upstairs, one for downstairs and one for work which will live in my work bag! My old ones will be kitchen ones purely for reading the back of packets etc haha. I get fed up of hunting for my glasses all the time but as they are for reading only, I can’t walk about in them as I’d fall over! They are normally on the top of my head but that splays the arms and I’m not ready for an old lady chain yet. Last time I got the cheapest frames on bogof but this time I went up a price bracket, but with a great deal using my Blue Light Card and an existing store discount also applied it was very reasonable and I am worth it! I nipped into Iceland on the way back to the bus and bought some Harry Ramsden’s chips and scampi for tea. Which we enjoyed with mushy peas. Delicious. I’ve also been knitting a little newborn cardigan using a fabulous pattern I got from Suzanne if anyone remembers her great blog Life at No. 38. It’s almost finished but had to put the needles down as after a week back at the keyboard, my shoulders were really protesting. I do love a new notebook and this was was a bargain £1.00. I always have a notebook to mark off every row these days! I wish I’d kept all my notebooks now as a record of things I have made! I always planned to write the date knitted, the wool used, the pattern, the recipient and a photo. Never happened! Putting the baby girl clothes away, there are so many hand knits from myself, my mum, my Mum in law and darling loved friends and family it caught my emotions at how I longed to speak to them and say aww look what I still have.  

Saturday and I finalised all the box sortage and labels. I put some ordinary stuff back in the lounge and dining room ( including a new bought in the sales plant stand. It’s faux wrought iron, two tiers - it’s literally like a giant cake stand but I’ve put my plants on it. I swapped my different vases round with some fake flower arrangements I have and that’ll do. Hoovered through and put down a new doormat in the kitchen! The HG had gone to the club to see his Uncle and he has just come home now telling me he was crossing the road on the green man and a car came round the corner, cutting the corner and he nearly got ran over - he said the driver looked like he was driving at him! Well I’m glad he had his wits about him and wasn’t too many pints happy! He only goes twice a year. I made him a beef burger for his tea and I had a lovely frothy coffee and then I was going to settle and do some more knitting but we put the film The bank of Dave 2 on which I was enjoying until the HG signalled he was watching through his eyelids!  So through the snores, I turned it over, and found an old Celebrity Goggleboxwith Jane Macdonald in - I love her -  but soon went up to bed. 

Now Sunday, It wasn’t at cold and this morning, up at 5.30, the grass has lost its pretty white coat. I do enjoy a cold snap but I was thinking how really lucky we are that we can afford to heat our house and keep warm without too much hardship. Yes, we work hard to pay for it and have the luxury of health and jobs. I really really felt for those people who will have been really struggling over the last few days to keep warm. 

I’m keeping warm in my new dressing gown, I bought it in the sale using Christmas money off my Mum. It’s made out of THE softest fur I’ve ever felt. It’s silvery grey and I feel like an arctic fox in it! Look more like an arctic seal mind you hahahah. 

It’s so comfy and warm. 

Because I worked so hard yesterday sorting and cleaning, there’s not much I need to do today. Think I’ll scrub the bathroom out later on so it’s spotless for my Monday night bath tomorrow! I got all the washing done yesterday too. I’ve some shin beef which I will stew today for tea tomorrow - I’ll just have to make the dumplings. Bit of a cafe tea planned tonight. There’s stir fry and salad in the fridge along with pizza and chicken that need using. I’m fairly relaxed about cooking different things too, it does not bother me in the slightest. As it’s Sunday it’s our day to go do Ma in law’s lunch. I hope to finish the little cardigan so I can start on something for baby Oliver. We had to laugh at Christmas up at the daughter’s, we were all sat on her sofa watching TV and I said we are just like the Royale family. I’d be Barb, The HG, Jim. Son, Antony, son in law Dave and the daughter, Denise although she is NOTHING like her but we do all tend to call Oliver, baby Oliver like they do Baby David. 

My lovely real life friend, who might read this,  - hello there !, and I,  have called each other Barb for years based on quoting that programme at each other for ever ! We even sign Christmas cards to Barb from Barb and her Mum who calls me that lovely lady who makes cakes even thinks I’m called Barb! Next time I bake, I will send her a cake as it’s a long time since I have. Me and Barb separated last Christmas, felt horrible like we did split up!!!!  after I left the after school club and it has been awful as I miss her and our chats because we do not text as much as we always say we will. I do not miss working the after school club at all though. The brain space and freedom it gives me is brilliant but I do still

miss you Barb err rah! 

Time to have another coffee and do some more knitting until the rest of the house gets up. 

Hope all is well in your world, 

Rachel. 

Last day but one

 Just a short post for now. I may be back.  I’m dismantling the decorations. It’s a bit of a to do. I’m being ruthless again this year and disposing of some bits and bobs. Heirlooms will be kept of course but I’m switching over storage so will be a bigger job. 

I’ve been up since 6, enjoying the twinkles of the tree whilst I have it. Knitting a little cardigan for a girl at work’s baby due in Feb. Then I’ve a couple of things planned for Oliver. Speaking of heirlooms, some gorgeous fabric Rose and Hubble  half price just arrived for a project I’m planning. Also speaking of heirlooms, the needle felted robin in the photo was made for me this year by my friend and he is flanked by my pair of Russian Santas who are over 30 years old now. 

It’s cold but not freezing and raining not snowing but according to the news last night, it was to resemble a scene from the North Pole today.  No plans to go out anyway due to dedecorating! 

Hope all is well in your world, 

Rachel