Tuesday Talk.

I didn't feel like going for a walk this morning, I had a little sleep in instead...I had planned on taking the dogs out later in the day, but by the time I had got other chores done, I ran out of daylight.  

We had to go to one of our local garden centres today to sort out our club card as although we had renewed it, and fortunately had the proof, it was saying it was expired when we last went.  Fortunately they managed to sort out the glitch and gave us a refund from the meal we had at the previous time it wasn't working.  We had lunch out which was nice and a welcome distraction.   

I had to post an eBay parcel. Slowly selling things, but only for a few pounds, I do sometimes wonder if it is worth the effort.

I went down the road to have a look at glasses and may have chosen a pair, very different from what I normally have, but should hopefully increase the actual usable field of vision so I can actually use the variofocals for the purposes I want to use them for, i.e. reading music, but also being able to see the conductor... reading books if I want to, without having to move my head, and walking around wearing them.  Same price approximately as the previous place, so still not cheap.  I have gone away to think about it.

I also went to try a bike out that I saw in the local bike shop.  It is second hand, but the sort of bike I have been wanting for a very long time.  You sit upright, there is no downward pressure on the shoulders and arms which will suit me much better.  So I have asked family if they would like to contribute towards it for my Christmas present.  Probably not the best time of year to get one, but it is a very good price, and you don't often see them.

I manged to get a lovely pack of pure wool also which I am really pleased with as it is a thin ply.

Lovely colours!

Thankful Thursday

A mixed bag of things to be thankful for...

Some sewing accessories, trim & fabric plus a ball of wool at reduced prices - most at least 50% off.  I needed some more press studs and needles and the Christmas fabric will come in handy later on in the year.  The wool is already currently 'on the needles'.  

A lovely yellow jug, a 'just because' purchase, yellow being one of my favourite colours (yes I have more than one!)  I thought this would be useful for custard.

I believe this dates to around the 40s and 50s from what I have been able to find out, but I could be wrong.

A cute fun mechanical watch - yes an actual wind up watch in great condition found in the local charity shop.  I have been wanting a 'tick tock' watch for ages.

The lovely Stanley, who is growing into a beautiful dog with a lovely nature.

Cleaning, Clearing, Shredding and a Wool Winder!

This last week I have busy tidying and clearing and shredding!  Inspired by the following book that seems to be the rage at the moment and that everyone is talking about and perhaps with good reason! At least for me it is the only book out of the many on similar topics I have bought that I have sat down and read from cover to cover.  Some of it is a bit 'raise your eyebrows' at, but on a whole it makes perfect sense and although I can't start in earnest until I get back from New Zealand, I am applying her techniques to my 'getting the house ready before I go'.  It is quite simple really.  When looking at each item you have, you just need to ask yourself  'Does this bring me joy?'  Most of my stuff has just bringing me stress as I try and work out where to store it!  So this is somewhat of a simple but effective process.

In the last week I have filled the paper bin and have four extra bags full of papers for the paper recycling bin.  I have four black bin bags full of shredded paper - was it working in the bank and insurance industry all those years ago that has made me feel the need to hang on to papers that really are not needed and just taking up unnecessary space?  I mean why hang on to insurance and registration papers for a car that was scrapped several years ago??

The kerbside charity bag collection collected five bags of clothes and linens the other day - and popped a thank you note through the door. That was a first and a very nice token, makes you more inclined to do so again.

A boot load of books, bags,  toys and some soft toys and dolls went to the charity shop this afternoon.  

It feels good!  I estimate though that when I get back and start this in earnest it is going to take a couple of months at least as I also want to go through the loft and do the same.  

I have been refolding clothes in the drawers and the result is - the fit in better, you can see at a glance exactly what you have and what colours are there - for example my scarf drawer.  My husband has never seen his clothes in his drawers so neat and tidy...I wonder if he will be able to keep them that way.  I did discover though that he has over 40 pairs of socks!  I mean is that REALLY necessary?! Of course it is not up to me to throw any out, but I pointed out that it really is rather OTT.

By doing this clearing, already the load feels lighter, even though I know I have a long way to go...after all, there is about six years of me not really getting anything done - sure there have been attempts but I have always ended up failing!  This time I don't think I will.

I did bring something into the house today - but at £1.99 I was not going to walk away from a wool winder and some gorgeous soft alpaca wool.  I knit a lot, so this will be really useful.

I had a wool winder in NZ but it was sold along with my knitting machine and I have always wished I had kept it, so was very pleased to see this today.  It will certainly be put to use as I have a couple of balls of yarn that are no longer balls, due to Percy having a bit of fun with them!

A lovely rich colour, I already have plans for this.