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Tuesday 29 May 2018

Discomknackerated

The great Doddy used that word (he probably invented it) and it describes just how I am feeling.
Yesterday was a brilliant day.

I managed to sleep till 6.
The sun shone.
I had washing pegged out by 7:15.
It was in, ironed and put away by 12:30.
The dogs had a long leisurely walk along our favourite lane.
We planned to  leave for Carmarthen at 2:00 and made it 5 minutes early.

The lovely people at Pizza Express let us decorate the table, and found us some scissors as we had forgotten ours.

The service was second to none and the staff donned party hats to join in with the fun.

Junior opened his gifts with delight the, other 2 loved their little gifts as well. They did the job of keeping bums firmly on seats and little fingers busy. 

The food was delish, I had the Super food salad and loved every mouthful ( I did have to allow James and the SO a taste). I did have a fairly naughty starter and a very naughty dessert (I shared both with the SO, who ate his own as well)

The promised rain held off until the minute that we were in the car and then it hammered down. We were just approaching Cross Hands when it stopped and from then on it was dry.

My garden has has a soaking and once Francesca has returned to Beckenham I will be getting my new plants into the ground.

I am weary today, and a bit achy, it will be a day of gentle contemplation. Haha, as if. The dogs will have their walks, there is washing in the machine and Toad in the Hole to be made for dinner.
It is national biscuit day, or so I have been told, and Oaty biscuits and some fruity cookies have been requested.

I will be taking it as steady as possible though, just ambling along at whatever pace I wish to.

I have some photos but have not put them in the laptop yet, hopefully tomorrow.

The washing machine has just stopped, and beeped to tell me to get my body through and empty it.
The sun is shining from an almost cloudless blue sky so I better comply.

                                 TTFN                                Pam

Sunday 27 May 2018

Time for a quickie.

What a difference a couple of hours can make. 
It was sunny when I got up, it was still sunny 2 hours later when I walked Ben and Herbie.
Right now, 2 hours after that it is raining quite steadily, too much to walk Rufus and Herbie.
I did have washing pegged out, that is now languishing in the basket while I decide whether to wait and see or throw it it into the dryer. 
Breakfast has been cooked, eaten and cleared away.
The new coffee maker has been put through it's paces and gets a thumbs up. 👍
The Welsh Coffee?....what can I say? 👍👍👍
I have been on to the website welshcoffee.com and made my selection.
The Dragon Roast will be appearing in my kitchen soon....very soon.

The weather should clear later so nothing will be planned. I was thinking of a trip to Wyevale in Llansamlet but there is a music festival in Swansea so had to draw a line through it. Sitting in traffic queues gives me the heebiejeebies.

I think that a lazy day is on the cards, I have downloaded some free books onto the tablet. One is a knitting book but I have 3 projects on the needles already.
I may use the time to lay out the quilt blocks and get them stacked into columns ready to start assembling.

The carpet needs a vacuum, Ben and Herbie decided to have a rolling game last night, and Herbie really has got the Pug double coat.
Most of it seems to be on the carpet.

That's all I can think of now, that's because I posted twice yesterday.

The SO had a long day at work, he didn't get back till gone 6, but he got plenty done so that he will not have to work until Wednesday.
      
The only question left is, can I cope with another coffee or will it be caffeine overload?

                        TTFN                                                Pam


Saturday 26 May 2018

Rain? What rain?

We had a smear of drizzle that lasted about 5 minutes, the rest has been sunshine all the way.

The SO is busy working today so Fran and I have made the most of it. A gentle shopping trip to Tesco, Lidl and Home Bargains went smoothly, no SO to slow us down while perusing things that we never buy... It must be a Man Thing as my Dad was just the same and so are both of my brothers.

We picked up some bits and pieces for the Grands, it is Junior's birthday on Tuesday but we are all meeting in Carmarthen on Monday. A table has been booked and a Birthday Tea ordered, there will be gifts for the "Man of The Moment" plus a little something for the others to  keep them in their seats.

Remember that squishy parcel that arrived for me,

looky looky at what was in it.



This will make a little cropped top that will go with anything.


These are new to me colours and will make socks, long or short or maybe a shawl, whatever I fancy.





2 pairs of socks from the green and orange, both colours that I have knitted before and loved.
The set of 3 will almost certainly become a shawl I have a few single skein patterns that I would like to knit a bit larger.

The SO did well.
He may get a share of the other goodies.




Chocolate Nirvana from Beckenham, clockwise from top left they are dark chocolate flavoured with toasted coconut and pink himalyan salt, salted caramel, Artisan Roast Espresso and finally Elderflower with sharp lemon pieces. These will last me for ages, I may have to hide the espresso bar.



Ooh er, I have a tablet, with a pink case, all set up and ready to rock and roll.


Last, for today, there is a wicker hamper with coffee and a traditional percolator. There was a box of Brownies and a jar of Brownie Butter in there as well.
They are in the fridge.
Well what is left of them. 
There are 3 of us. 
And W.
It's good to share.


Even better to hide the rest in a box labelled cheese.

There is another gift that should arrive on Tuesday. It really should have arrived yesterday but the courier firm could not read the Welsh post code.
 They sent it to Sheffield.

That is not important in the grand scheme of things.
I have Francesca till Wednesday and we will all be gathered together on Monday.

We are having curry for dinner, a takeaway from the next village, Fran's treat. We have never used it but some of my friends have and rate it highly. 
No "pretend Lamb" in that establishment.

I have finished making 168 x 6 1/2" finished blocks for a commission. So another "secret squirrel" project. I can tell you that it is a Jenny Doan pattern, Tumbling Charms. I have made it before as a gift for James and it is a very bright and light quilt. It is all cut from yardage and that took almost as long as making the blocks did.

I really should get my washing in, it has been blowing in the sunshine for quite long enough and I want it ironed and put away asap.

I hope that you are all having a good weekend, I hope to be in the garden for a while tomorrow. Roast pork for dinner with all the usual things so no real work entailed.
No pudding to make, we have Brownies in the fridge. 

                        TTFN                                       Pam

PS. I will get a photo of the "Maypole" Fran is wrapping gifts for Junior and it sounds a bit stressy through the door.

PPS. It has just dawned upon me that this is my second post today.
It was a very early start to my day. I did go back to bed for a couple of hours sleep.
I am a year older.
That's it, I am all out of excuses.

Another day dawns.

Remembering my Dad on this early morning.( That sounds so silly to me as he was definitely not a morning person.)
.
He was known as "The Night Hawk" by his friends, given the chance he would not go to bed till the small hours and would stay there till late morning.

He was accident prone and clumsy with it, not a good combination.
I remember watching a football match on the TV with him and in his excitement he leapt from his chair to "score the winning goal".
Unfortunately he kicked the safety fire guard. He was only wearing socks and his big toe became wedged in the mesh. I was of no help as I collapsed in hysterics.
At my wedding reception he was idly running his hand over the elaborate wood carving on the refectory table and got 2 fingers stuck. It took a slick of Olive Oil to free him.

I could write a book if I was so inclined.

It is very early, not light yet, but the birds are singing their hearts out and the door is open to let cool fresh air through the house.
Francesca arrived safe, if late, after a typical rubbish train journey.
We had a late dinner before I opened presents. As per usual I have not taken photos yet, I will.

Herbie took one look at Fran and pounced upon her, she almost vanished from sight as he and Ben jostled to get the closest.

Today we will be catching up and looking through patterns, I need to measure the Carbeth on her. I stopped knitting the body and made a start on the sleeves after humming and haahing over how long it needed to be. Once the decision is made it will be a quick finish.

We always put a theme into her room on her visits and this one had me flummoxed for a while. Christmas is easy, Easter too but May?
Then it hit me, A Maypole. Not a real one of course, I will take a photo and show you tomorrow.

Ben has come to join me on the sofa, he has cwtched up close and has gone back to sleep. Herbie is on guard outside Fran's door and is not inclined to move.

I think that it time for a cuppa (I've only had one so far) and then I might get a batch of Bara Brith dough made. We all love it and so does W, I always make the yeast version as it is wonderful toasted. It also makes the best grilled cheese sandwich in the world.

                    TTFN                                  Pam

Friday 25 May 2018

Feeling sad and bewildered

How do you reconcile yourself to the fact that a lovely person takes her own life.
Secure inside a large number of friends, real friends not just a card at Christmas ones.
People of all ages and both genders.

It was, we were, not enough.


I have been down to the bottom of the deep pit of despair but never considered taking the quick way out. I would not call it the "easy" way as it can not be an easy thing to do.

The SO has had his quota of despair and loss to contend with but he is still here. Still dealing with it on a daily basis.

Tomorrow is the 14th anniversary of my father,s death and 32 days later it will be 14 years since my Mother followed him. Both had been ill for a short period of time. We were all devastated. We are all still here.
Dealing with it.

A long time friend, as close as any sister for a long time, is now a memory. A good memory, full of laughter and quite a bit of naughtiness, mostly of the  childlike variety.

Those memories will be held safe,most of them in a group setting. 

That,s all for today.
I am glad to be back.
I hope not to leave again.  

Francesca will be here soon, she has Herbie to meet and Ben will want to be as close as he can manage.
The first 30 minutes or so will be bedlam.

Back tomorrow, thank you for all your kind thoughts.

                             TTFN                                    Pam.


Thursday 17 May 2018

A brief (I hope) hiatus

There is a Family Situation so normal service will be suspended for a while.
I hope to be back in a week.

                               TTFN                                    Pam


I may have to have an official birthday as mine will probably go missing.
Does that mean I can subtract  a year by default?

Or is that pie in the sky?

Cos it won't be in my dish.

Walking in Sunshine.

Another glorious morning today, I will mostly be in the garden.
I have more pots and planters that need some TLC and they will be my focal point.

All my seeds have sprouted so I will soon be setting more, I like to leave a while between sowing to give me a steady supply. Things like coriander, baby spinach and chard that I use almost daily.

I have started my day in trousers for pot washing and other grubby jobs, once they are out of the way I will be wearing these.


The skirt is from the Tilly and the Buttons book, the Delphine. I have made a few of these, I just added side seam pockets.



This is the cushion cover that I finished off for Francesca, I will get it into the post a bit later today.


The long scrappy socks are almost ready for the heel, I will be taking them to be tried on this afternoon.

Dinner will be Iffits, possibly something with salad. Last night we had cauliflower steaks marinaded in a spicy sauce, I had some cherry tomatoes to use, so stirred them into some finely sliced red onion and added some garlic cloves. Some salt and pepper and a drizzle of olive oil and 10 minutes in the oven and they were lush. As the oven was on for the Steaks I put a large sweet potato in and we had half each.

Now I better get my self into gear, it will soon be time to scoop Rufus up for his walk and then it will be into the garden.

                        TTFN                                       Pam



Wednesday 16 May 2018

A quickie, with photos.



This is yesterday's dress I had to take another photo this morning before it went into the wash


.


A close up of the fabric, another poppy print, again a bargain from the Fabric guild.

Once I have showered I will be wearing this one, it is cooler today and this fabric is a bit heavier,as is the lining. With a long sleeved tee shirt under it will be perfect, I may wear a belt and then again may not.





A close up showing the lining.

We took the dogs out for a walk around 8:00 last night and it was still very warm, they were happy to stroll for 30 minutes.

This is what happened when we got back, I just had time to make a cuppa....


You can just see his shortie socks, he has asked for a couple more pairs.
Poor thing only has 9 pairs!

Herbie just managed to open his eyes a smidgeon but Ben was out for the count.
They stayed like that till it was time for bed.

I had a little time in the sewing room during the afternoon and ran up some white cotton bags, no handles, just for storing bread in the bin, not That bin, the bread bin. I have put straps on a couple for hanging onions and garlic, string bags are all very well but every time that I touch them there is a shower of little bits of dried skin to deal with.

I finally made Francesca a Dresden Plate cushion with the extra block from her quilt, I will post a photo tomorrow as I forgot to take one. I also made a start on quilting the lap quilt, I will photo the back so the surprise is not spoiled.
                                  
                                       A quick break for a shower.


Now I really must get these dogs walked before they drag me bodily off the sofa. Herbie has been to sit by his lead at least 6 times.

                        TTFN                                            Pam.



Tuesday 15 May 2018

A gentle simmer.

That was me yesterday, I walked the dogs at the normal time but they were panting by the time we got home. It very warm with just a wisp of air, not enough to stir a fairies wings.
There are lots of footpaths in and around the Amman Valley and we chose to look down a favourite one.
I often walk part way but after about 10 minutes walking there is a gate, it usually has  a sign saying "animals roaming".  Even though the dogs are on leads I do not go through, I am sure that an excitable puppy barking his head off would not be good for any animal. 
Yesterday that notice had been removed and the gate stood open. There was no hesitation, through we went and it was delightful.

The rough track wound its way through meadows with waving grasses, swathes of Bluebells interspersed with white Campion and of course the omnipresent Dandelion, both shining gold discs and fluffy "clock" seed heads.

The trees were unfurling their leaves, acid green beech and Hazel and Oak leaves ranging from burnished bronze to light gold green. All around was the humming of busy insects, and over all was the herald of summer coming, the call of the Cuckoo. They have been gracing the valley with their call since I moved here.
 I do sometimes see the victims of their success on the ground but that is nature.

We also have Adders along the old railway tracks, the first 2 years after we moved I picked pounds of blackberries along there. Then the following year there was a population explosion, one walker counted more than 20 along a fairly short stretch, I have not walked the track since.

There is a successful Fox population and of course, as we have so many Beech and Hazel trees, there is a proliferation of Grey Squirrel. There was one stretch of our walk that the Greys must have missed, under some tall beech saplings there was a carpet of young seedlings. the beech mast had dropped and much of it had germinated.

In the afternoon the heat drove me into the sewing room, I had pegged out my washing so that was ironed and put away.
While the board was up I tipped out a scrap box, holy moly, I pressed till my arms ached and will have to deal with that today.
                    
                       It Is Not Going Back In The Box!

                       A crazy quilt may have to happen.

I also found a lap quilt top that needed a border, I dealt with that with a large remnant, I had to put cornerstones in to make it fit, and dug out enough fabric and wadding to layer and pin. If it is as hot today that will be quilted. I have made the binding so it could be a done job before the day is out. The finished size will be 50" ish square, it will be a gift.
 I cannot remember exactly when I started it but I know that I was intent on making a "Jelly Roll Race" quilt and cut a strip or two from  every  fabric that I had. Of course I cut far too many and this was made with the leftovers, not enough for a quilt so it was put away and forgotten. This week it will be finished and make a little dent in the stash.
I am off to have a shower and will be wearing this today, nice and cool.

Of course the picture did not load and my camera batteries are on charge. I will try again later.

                          TTFN                                     Pam




Monday 14 May 2018

Another fine day on the cards.

I spent most of yesterday in the garden, sowing seeds, emptying planters and potting on several plants. The grass was cut and all happened in brilliant sunshine without the bite of a chilly wind.

I have to 'fess up that the only item of me made apparel was a pair of socks, but they were my crazy stripey pair.

I never did find the photo from Saturday so I put my clothes onto the dummy.



The colours are washed out here, the skirt is a pink and green floral print that I made last year, the cardigan is at least 16 years old.






I have to drop the car off a bit later and then it will be dog walking. When I get back I will have a shower and put these on, with a tee shirt. Unless of course the weather forecast is wrong and it hammers down. Then it will be sofa surfing in a pair of cotton trousers, made goodness knows how long ago and a jumper.

I have started on my mission to keep in touch more and have sent a few emails out and a few messages. My sister will be online soon and we will have a chat, it is a few weeks since I did that and it is shameful.

Did any of you watch the Eurovision Song travesty, I think that it is past it's sell by, best before and use by date. Having said that there are hundreds of thousands who love it, horses for courses and all that.

I have seen the odd, very odd, snippet of the winning song, mmm an experience I hope never to repeat.

I have also seen the trailer for the new film The Book Club, it reminded me of The First Wives Club and I will be watching for it on cinema.

Breakfast will be overnight oats that have been layered with Greek yogurt and frozen berries, I love it and may have to eat it early. 
I am feeling a touch peckish, thanks to the birds who sang to me till I threw in the towel and got up.
Come the Autumn though and it will be hot porridge all the way.

I have finished the top of a scrappy quilt, just lap size, it is a gift for someone who reads the blog so no photo. I gulped when I looked at my scrap bins yesterday, they are overflowing. Those naughty Elves who keep hiding yarn in the stash seem to have changed to scrap fabric. Tut Tut.

The washing machine is doing it's thing and it will be rinse and repeat as all the gardening clothes need to have a whirl this morning.

I have not given much thought to dinner tonight, possibly something on toast. I may get creative and marinade some cauliflower steaks, I will see how the day pans out.

I am off now as my sister logs on at 6:30 and it is almost that now.

                             TTFN                               Pam







Sunday 13 May 2018

Sadness and good intentions.

My heart goes out to Sue, The cottage at the end of the blog.
I have followed her from day one of blog reading. At that time she and her hubby Colin were living on a small holding in Suffolk. They retired to the said cottage and Colin has been battling cancer for what seems like a long weary while.
Sadly I have just read that he passed away yesterday. Yes good men die every day but to the people left behind it is Their good man and the loss is total and overwhelming.

Sue regrets that the grandchildren will never know Colin, but while she and her children talk about him and look back at photos he will still be there.

I never met either of them but through reading the blog I feel I know them as, I am sure, many more do. 
I have just read Sooze's at "Her Indoors, Him Outdoors" post and it is so pertinent.
It is all too easy to let things slide, put that phone call off to tomorrow. decide to call in another day when time is not so pressing and so on.

I have my days mainly free to do as I wish but have to make a conscious effort to keep lines of communication open.

To log onto Facebook and just send a few messages out, to drop a comment onto every blog post that I read. It is such a simple thing but I seem to have one eye on the clock and put it off "till later".

In all honesty, no matter how I vow to do better I am certain that I will backslide. There is always "just one more row" to be knitted, Just 1 patchwork block to finish and press, and " I'll just make a cuppa" or "I must just have 30 minutes in the garden"
These things are important to us at the time and take over. We all know that The Road to hell is paved with good intentions, I am going to try very hard to dig some of that paving up. (Of course I could always use it in the garden)

I will be back tomorrow with a Me Made May catch up.

                        TTFN                                       Pam

Saturday 12 May 2018

Oh For Goodness Sake.

Back from Llandeilo, eaten, showered and in PJ,s. Sat down to download todays Me Made May photo and Pftt, it has evaporated.
I will put the gear onto my model in the morning and try again. There are times when I think that technology will take over the world, just like a bad Syfy movie. I saw the blasted photos but they just disappeared into the ether.

I was good, no fabric was bought. Much was looked at longingly and some was stroked. 

I was lucky to have some customers who wanted to do some fabric matching for quilting projects.

The sun shone most of the day and the shop was warm enough that I might have nodded off, if I had been sitting down.

I hope to spend lots of time in the garden during next week, which is perhaps a good thing. The engine warning light came on in the car today, so on Monday it will be going off to the garage. Fingers crossed that it is something simple.
I do not use it every day but you can bet that if it is in overnight I will be aching to use it.

I will keep this short as I am weary and an early night is on the cards.

                               TTFN                                    Pam

Friday 11 May 2018

Another day done.

It has been a busy one. The day dawned fine but a bit chilly so as soon as the dogs were walked it was into the garden.

Gardening clothes were the order of the day, jogging bottoms (albeit nice velvety ones) with a baggy jumper. One of the first things that I knitted with yarn from Deb,s Wool Shop.


I worked till lunch time and then showered and changed ready to do a "friend crawl", much nicer than a pub crawl any day of the week.

I felt that these were more suitable to wear for a stroll round the village.



Just as I walked out of the house the heavens opened so I nipped back and hauled the washing in off the whirlygig, luckily I was in time to get it practically dry. Of course, by the time I had flung it in the house and grabbed a coat, the rain had stopped. Mind you I did get soaked on the way home. 
I had a quick visit with a friend who is not very well and it is getting her down, I also had a lovely chat with a neighbour, about nothing in particular, and 30 minutes sped by.
I spent a lovely hour or so with a fellow blogger and her young daughter, I was given a stack of animals, a colouring book and a crayon.
 I was straight back to playing with my siblings, my son and grandchildren. All young people are different and all are the same.
 I know that it wrong to generalise but every child that I have met has been an individual and at the same time almost clones of each other.
I am in Llandeilo tomorrow and looking forward to it, I will be wearing fabric blinkers though. I must not even think about buying any more, I am sure that there are Elves who sneak in every few days and leave more hidden in the stash.

I have made a start on a sampler quilt of sorts, I will be repeating some blocks to make a large quilt. This is part of a sew along for a 12 block lap quilt, I will be making 35 x 12" finished blocks. This is mainly because on my last tidying session I found a pack of fat quarters that were hiding under my vintage linen. They have been there since we moved to Wales, forgotten and sad. It is their time to shine.

Now I think that it is time for a last cuppa and bed.

Enjoy your weekend, where ever you may be.


                           TTFN                                          Pam









Thursday 10 May 2018

Whoops! I did it again.

Not true, I had a post all ready to write and post and was just too tired.
The weather was fine and dry yesterday morning but there was a band of rain forecast for later.
'nuff said, it was dogs walked and out into the garden. Much tidying up and sorting of pots and planters happened.
A whole community of spiders was evicted along with a few wood lice and the general detritus that gathers in gardeners storage.
I went through the seeds, washed and dried the pot labels and even wrote some out.
By then it was almost 2:00 and I had a sock fitting to do. Of course that included a cuppa and quite a bit of chatting. When I got home it was time to walk the dogs and then get dinner on the go.

I did change out of gardening clothes into a me made skirt and top.



Dinner was a slimming world kebab with loads of salad and a jacket sweet potato, absolutely delicious. I did a little knitting but was nodding off so I went to bed at 9:00 and slept through till 7:00.


This is the kebab raw, I simply forgot to take a pic when cooked but it was very close to a "real" kebab. Not the donner variety.
I spotted a boneless leg of Pork joint reduced to £2 in the local shop on Tuesday morning. 
 I only went in to get stamps, but was not about to miss out.
There was very little fat and skin on it, that was roasted till the fat had melted away and broken into little bits,. treats for the dogs. The meat was then sliced and put into the marinade, I pushed skewers through a potato and then fed the meat onto them, 90 minutes in the oven and it was ready. Oh Yum. 

BTW I never made it to knit and natter, I was searching the house for some paperwork, by the time that I found it, in the first folder that I had looked at, it was gone 3:00 and far too late.


I have been in the garden this morning and set lots of seeds. I will be going back once I have had a cuppa and a sandwich.
I am enjoying the slimming world recipes and have the 50 free green recipe book now so will be working and eating my way through that.
I got on the scales this morning and over a Kilo has gone, early days I know, but no hunger pangs. In fact quite the opposite, I could not eat the sheer volume of food that some do.
I have watched a few you tube videos and was amazed at how much some eat, and why on earth they make sure to have all their "syns" everyday is beyond me.
I know that we are all different but surely it is better not to eat the syns if you don't need them. However if I was presented with a tasty piece of cheese I would have to reconsider that. Cheese is my weakness, much as I like chocolate and cake I would give them up forever without a qualm. I find it hard to envisage a life devoid of cheese though.
That is the main reason that I am not vegan, meat, eggs, fish and dairy are all fine but I could happily never eat them again. Cheese though is something else, I love it and it would have to be a health issue for me to give it up.

I am being a "posh gardener" today, this dress is so comfy to wear and I love the fabric but the pattern was wrong for it. It just hangs rather than being a bit floaty.


I received a big squishy parcel today, from Wool Warehouse.
There is an extra label upon it that says "Do NOT open until May 25". No indication of who ordered it, I am almost squirming with anticipation.

Herbie has just launched himself at me ready for a game so I will see you soon.

             TTFN                                                Pam

Tuesday 8 May 2018

Slip one, Drop one.

Well, I seem to have lost a day. I was just getting into bed last night when I realised that I had not posted. Oh Dear, Never Mind.
I will make up for it today.


This is what I wore yesterday, made in 100% cotton, the style has almost become my "uniform" or what I have seen called "secret pyjamas" as it is so comfy and easy to wear.






This is my favourite print, the same style as yesterday but I decided to wear a belt today. I have lots more of the fabric and need to decide what pattern to use.


And now for something completely different.

Long Socks. BTW I totally failed on the toe up cast on. It will happen but I cast on a pair of scrappy socks for the SO as he was positively drooling over this pair.


These are for a friend and they need  a fitting before I start the leg shaping.



These are the next 3 colours ready to be used in no particular order.




Herbie is poised for action, I am not sure what is claiming his attention.


He is trying to persuade Ben to play, no chance. Ben has had his walk and breakfast and just wants to rest for a while.

It is knit and natter today and I am hoping that the promised rain does not happen. The mountain is wreathed with mist that shows no sign of dissipating. It is a touch cooler and there is not so much as a glimmer of sun shine so far.

I have been  watching Rip Off Britain and this morning they were talking about shopping bags. Some chap complained that he had to buy a separate carrier to put his raw meat in (this was Waitrose!). He was buying Fillet Steak and Salmon so I assume that he could afford the bag.
When I shop I use a clean me made cloth bag for raw meat (and would not put meat and fish together anyway) every time. That is pure common sense but as I have said so many times "that is as rare as Rocking Horse manure"
It used to be taught in school as Domestic Science or Home Economics or in my day Cookery Class. 
Although my Granny had already instilled it into my head.

The program waffled on about food safety and the risk of cross contamination and I had to turn it off it was so preachy.
I see people throwing their shopping into bags, willy nilly every time that I shop. Some people will not learn because they simply have no interest. Mostly I think that it is the race against the clock that stops all conscious thought, the pressure is on to get it bagged, paid for and into the car as fast as possible. 
That pressure comes from both supermarket and the never ending list of "things that Have to be done today" that many of us carry in our heads. That is not taking into account any children that are with Mum and adding pressure of their own.

You may have gathered that I do not like shopping, for anything. I see it as a necessary chore to be done as infrequently as possible.

No, I do not shop online. I am far too much of a control freak, I like to select my own food. I check sell by dates, freshness and size. 

Why would I buy the smallest cabbage, cauliflower or broccoli when I can pick the largest  for the same price?

Off the soap box now, it is past time to dog walk and besides I need to "go", too much tea this morning. 

                          TTFN                                   Pam





Sunday 6 May 2018

Me Made May day 6.

Another glorious day, the dogs had an extended walk this morning. The sun had brought lots of new dog walkers with new dogs to meet and greet. Herbie was beside himself with joy, he wagged his tail non stop and was very enthusiastic and friendly with his greetings. He did have to take a step or two backwards upon meeting a very long legged Doberman but they had a play. He went off his lead for the first time as we were in a secure area and I knew many of the dogs there and all of them are quick to return when called.

We have a date for tomorrow morning as more fine weather is forecast.

As it is a sunny Sunday I pulled clothes out from the back of my wardrobe.


A few years ago I saw butterfly fabric in shop windows, made into dresses, skirts, tops, shorts etc. But no matter where I looked for fabric I could not find it at all.
Then when shopping in Asda I spotted duvet cover sets in shades of blue, in a butterfly print. Of course I bought one, after touching the fabric to see if it was good or just cheap and nasty. It was not bad at all so once cut in halves, I washed and pressed it and set to drafting a circular skirt pattern. I was too impatient to get it made to line it but made a petticoat later.
Then because I did not want to waste any fabric I made a little bolero style jacket, I did fully line that. I have worn them many times, both together and as separates.
I did use most of the fabric as it made linings for bags and the remainder went into a patchwork cushion for the grandchildrens tee pee.

I am knitting a pair of long scrappy socks for a friend and loving it.

BUT.

I caught a you tube video showing how to knit toe up, two at a time socks with the Fleegle heel. That heel has been on my to do list for a while soooo this evening I may just cast on a pair for myself.

Photo,s tomorrow of whatever I manage to do.

It is getting close to lunch time so I am off to cast my eyes over the fridge contents, I have no idea what dinner will be, something light with salad probably..
I am off to Tesco later so may have a look at the RTC shelf.

                              TTFN                        Pam







Saturday 5 May 2018

Me Made May Day 5




Almost human today.
 I hate being ill, it always seems to happen just as I have a list of things that I WANT to do, never when the list is NEED to do.
Another case of "Murphy,s Law" I suppose.
Anyway I have abandoned the PJ's and today am wearing a dress made from a self drafted pattern. It did start as a Frankensised mix of 2 bought patterns, but it has been modified so much that you can not see any of the originals in it.
The fabric, just like the PJ's, came from the Fabric Guild and was very, very bargainicious. It is cream with a tiny black dot, I bought about 12 metres in 2 separate orders and now wish that I had bought double. It has backed a quilt, bound another 2 and featured in many makes. I do still have some fairly large scraps and every piece will be used.




The jumper came from BHS before I moved to Wales, it is paler than the photo and goes with many of my me made clothes.
I do miss BHS, I used to drive to Norwich from Diss, and later from South Lincs, just to shop in the store. It was slap bang in the middle of the city, a short walk from Castle, Market and the almost as good C&A. There was also a Littlewoods, M&S and a wonderful Woolworths with a cafeteria on a Mezzanine floor. I spent many a wet Saturday ( as a teenager) in Woolies, listening to the top ten singles in the record booths, eating in the cafe and leaning on the Mezzanine rail people watching. There were hot roasted peanuts and cashews, if you were flush, and lots of things to "window shop from the inside" over.
When the sun shone we used to eat hot peas with mint sauce or chips with tomato sauce on the market. watching the stall holders was good free entertainment, the crockery sellers would arrange a dinner service on a tray and then flick the tray so the china jumped into the air. I never saw so much as a near miss never mind any breakages.
When that palled we would walk up to Chapelfield gardens and generally muck about, burning off some energy before heading to the ABC or the Odeon to watch the latest film. The Odeon was quite a walk but we knew all the shortcuts, there was one through a garden that we would take if the car was not in the drive. The back of the house opened onto a different road and saved us about 10 minutes walking.
After the film it would be a rush to get home for tea and then with any luck I had a babysitting job that would give me the money for the next Saturday,s adventures.
Life was so simple then, I felt safe walking through the city on my own at any time of day or night. Now I would not venture into most of it on my own at midday.

Ooh would you look at the time, my meander down memory lane has made me all behind. (or would that be too much cake?).

Enjoy the weekend. 

                                TTFN                           Pam

Friday 4 May 2018

Me Made May Day 4

Feeling sorry for myself today, it is another me made PJ day.


Yellow today, I bought this fabric at the same time as yesterdays, at the same bargainicious price.

No dog walking this morning, luckily Ben and Herbie were happy to have a play in the garden despite the drizzle.
Rufus will probably do the same later,possibly with Herbie.

What ever this is the SO has got it as well, much worse than I have. I can  not say "man flu" as he is not whingeing at all, I do not think that he has the strength to whinge.
He was working late yesterday and rang me to come a fetch him, he was only a few minutes walk away but just could not manage it.

I am off to the kitchen now to make more tea, we both have very dry throats. I may make some porridge, I do not think that my throat will take to a slice of scratchy toast.

                       TTFN                                              Pam