Such a gas bag

Such a gas bag

garden village life walking

Hello. I seem to have done a lot of chatting this weekend. That's what happens when you live in a village and know a lot of people. I popped in to see Angela, she is into furniture refurbishment. I don't know how she does it but she always drops lucky in finding things that people give away. Someone wanted to get rid of a full set of cane furniture which is suitable for a conservatory. Settee, two chairs, coffee table and footstool. The cushions were shabby so she has made new ones from some curtains she bought for £1 from the charity shop. She has made a good job of them. I don't think she will have any trouble selling them. 

I had a natter with Bob, he was at the bowls club having a practice to get in shape for the start of the season. I had a go but didn't do too well, my right wrist is a bit achey. Probably too much time on the mouse that causes that. 

I took Bailey dog a walk today and popped in to see Jane, she has not been very well. We sat in the garden and had a natter. The sun has been shining all day, it's been lovely and warm. 

My three mile walk took a bit longer this afternoon, my fault, more chatting. Because I walk the same route all the time people are getting used to seeing me, and the sun was bringing people outdoors, so they say hello. Sometimes a simple greeting leads to a lengthy conversation, that's mainly down to the fact that I like chatting. Truth is I can't resist a good looking fella, especially one with a gorgeous smile :o)

I've got a few snaps for you. On Friday I changed my routine and did a six mile walk, I've done this one many times before. Walking past the woods it looks as if this tree has come a cropper and been blown down in a storm. The woods are in pretty poor shape at the moment. When I first came here I thought it was magical,  there are steep steps down into it and it's on a steep slope. Over the years it has been wrecked. I used to do a lot of litter picking here, mainly beer cans and bottles, but it is disheartening to find it is just as bad a couple of months later. There was only one path through it, now there are several unofficial paths where the ground has been trampled on. 

Further on past the woods it opens out and there is a good view of the river. It's beautiful at this time of year with the yellow gorse bushes, and the oil seed rape fields over the other side.

This is a new bench, I haven't seen this before. A nice place to rest and take in the view. A bit further along I came across three men flying their model aircraft. I don't know how they manage to get them back if they crash land them in the river. 

I thought I would give you an update on the yellow sticker plants I bought. Three packs at 20p each. Look at them now, they look fantastic. I put four plants in each long container, I think I could have spaced them out more and put three in each. They have filled them. What a bargain.

We are supposed to be having a cold spell in the next couple of days, I hope it passes by quickly because I want to test out the erm campervan.

Thank you very much to the kind reader who sent me a parcel of goodies. I am chuffed.

Relax time. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

I made a card

I made a card

crafty stuff village life

Hello. What a miserable day it's been outside, overcast and dark all day. We had extra food at Crafty Club this morning, it was our Christmas Party. I took a bottle of sherry, only one other person, and me, had some, the rest were happy with coffee and tea. Our club Christmas Tree which we made for the charity exhibition is now installed in our village church. I didn't get to see the exhibition, so I'll take a photo some time this week when the post office is open in the church. 

I stopped sending Christmas cards a few years ago. The postage is so expensive now, it costs more than the cards. There is one exception, I do send one to my friend Carol, this one will be going to her new home. I don't like using glue on cards, in fact I hardly use glue at all for anything. I prefer to stitch pictures and messages onto blank cards. A scrap of fabric frayed at the edges, a piece of sticky back silver foil, and two pieces cut from old cards. 

Neat stitching on the inside.

I put a blank piece of paper inside to hide the stitching and to write the message on. It's held in place by embroidery thread tied into a bow inside. 

People are getting their Christmas lights out now. I posted a picture of this display last year, and I see a few more characters have been added. I like this one because it's not over the top, and doesn't look quite so tacky as some of them. It's the best one in our village. 

No news on Bugsy tonight, he is comfortable. I had arranged to have lunch with my sister on Wednesday but I have cancelled that. I don't want to leave him.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

All the fun of the Village Christmas Fair

All the fun of the Village Christmas Fair

crafty stuff village life

Hello. I can breath again today after two busy days. The Christmas Fair was a great success for the village  residents, and visitors from neighbouring villages. A very good turn out all round, the place was packed. The children did their singing and dancing on the stage and all the proud mums and dads looked on. Santa was there of course, and there were lots of stalls selling Christmassy things, nice things to eat, and tombolas to win things. 

Our Chat and Craft stall had a good selection of hand made items to show, and some to sell. Only four shopping bags sold, I tried my best with a lot of humour, to get people to buy one. Those left over will be given away. I have a talk in January to do, so some will be donated there as raffle prizes. 

The two patchwork bags sold, and a few of the felt hearts and stars. I was able to make a £15 donation to our cat rescue. For me it wasn't all about selling, it was about the community coming together, it was great to see so many people, and chat with them. I think I have lost my title of, 'the bag lady', I am now known as, 'the shed lady', ha ha.  

I took the photo's before the official opening time, to show some of the colourful stalls. The Cat Rescue stall was opposite me this time. looks full and ready to go.

Today is sunny, I've got a line of washing out, and I will potter around the house and garden. I don't need to do my regular walk as I've got some walking in Derbyshire coming up soon.

Enjoy your Sunday. We'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

Healthy eating for one.

Healthy eating for one.

food healthy eating village life

Hello. It's been a week since I did that massive shop at Tesco. I was really low on food so had to stock up on almost everything. I still have lots left, mainly tins and frozen, but my fresh stuff is getting low again, so I went to Aldi today and did a small top up shop. I needed vegetables and salady stuff, and eggs, and bananas, and bread, and cheese, and more nuts, gotta have nuts. 

This is the lunch I had today. Mushrooms, tomato, cucumber, potato salad, pickled onions, brie cheese, Quorn sausage, and a cheese and onion crispy bake. Very nice it was too.

 Tonight was my usual steamed vegetables with a sprinkling of grated cheese. I could scoff broccoli every day, I love the taste of it. Still got some home grown beans in the freezer.

A leaflet came through the door the other day, from the church. It is a thank you card to show their appreciation for the support they get from the parishioners, and has a list of services for the following weeks. . Everyone gets one regardless of whether they go to church or not. A large part of the leaflet is taken up with a list of ten churchyard rules which go into great detail about what is and isn't acceptable regarding the decoration of graves. I think quite a few people will be upset by this because such a lot of things are not allowed. There is a detailed list, plastic flowers, pot plants, statues, garden ornaments, lights, windmills, pottery and glass, are just a few of the things.

I can't see the harm in a few plastic flowers, people can't afford to put expensive fresh flowers on their grave all the time, and if the relative is not able to visit on a regular basis, plastic flowers would be ideal. There are some people that have gone right over the top though, with their decorations. They are going to be mighty upset if they have to remove everything. I do think it is a bit harsh of the church, some of the rules are a bit over the top, there should be some wiggle room in some cases. There is a grave alongside the wall on the edge of the graveyard which is a small child. The mother has been coming almost every week for years to tend it. She takes the soft toys away for washing and brings them back, she adds cards for the child's birthday and Christmas, and swaps the old toys for new ones. I shall be very sad to see this go.

It's the weekend again, the weeks are flying by and it's getting colder. Nowt else to tell you so I'll buzz off. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip.

Happy Birthday Joyce.

Happy Birthday Joyce.

friends fun village life

Hello. I've been to a party today, a 90th Birthday party. Joyce had an open house day and invited all her friends to drop in. Her little bungalow was packed to the rafters all day with a steady stream of guests. I was invited to join them for a bite to eat, and then take Bailey the poodle for his afternoon walk and to give him a break from all the noise. 

I think most of the village had turned out, it was full when I left and even fuller when I got back. Joyce is a very respected member of the community,  a regular supporter of the church, and an eager fundraiser for good causes. 

Joyce's grand daughter (standing), was on hand to supervise the food and drinks, there was a lovely spread of home made nibbles, pastries, and cakes. Joanna from the 1939 house turned up (seated on the floor), with Celia, one of the elderly ladies that she looks after. It was a smashing village get together.

I didn't get anything done in the garden today, so no more progress to show. I did ask Bob if he would come and cut down the last two trunks with his chain saw. He said he would but can't come for another two weeks because he is busy with visitors. Oh well, I might have them down by then.

I see the troll has struck again on yesterday's post. I have published it just to show how bitter and twisted they are. The comment doesn't bother me, but I do wonder about the state of this persons mind, as they have been coming and going over quite a few years now, and yes, I do believe all the comments are coming from the same person. It is someone who is obviously jealous, someone who has no sense of humour, and going by their persistence of keep coming back to attack me, they surely must have an OCD problem. Sad really.

Anyway, must dash. dinner time. Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

Watch out, there's a thief about

Watch out, there's a thief about

cheap food food vegetarian village life

Hello. There has been a bit of talk in the village about some recent burglaries. Robbers are breaking in houses in broad daylight, people have had jewelry stolen. A dark green Vectra has been spotted, it appears they are climbing over fences and getting into people's back gardens and forcing windows open. It's usually a very nice village to live in but this news is a bit disconcerting.

I think we need to be a bit more vigilant and look around when we are out and about. Be nosy and notice things out of the ordinary. I am always looking out of my windows when I am moving about the house because I am a nosy beggar. We sometimes get police patrol cars visiting, but not very often. Most of the time nothing happens for ages, then we get two or three in quick succession.

There are some very expensive houses here, so I am really hoping that they don't want to break into an ex council house owned by a pensioner that has no valuables whatsoever. There are some houses still owned by a social housing association, so I expect the occupants further up the street to be in a similar position as myself. I don't think anyone has won the lottery and has all the dosh stashed under their bed.

I am taking extra precautions, just in case, like keeping the back door locked even when I am in the house. Not leaving my keys in full view, hide them, and take them to bed with me. Also taking my purse and mobile phone to bed. I'm keeping all windows closed from now on, and putting a light on if I go out at night. And always be nosy and look out of the windows. Best to be careful.

Two very similar meals. Yesterday was a veggie burger, onion, left over steamed veg, and scrambled eggs.

Today was two Quorn sausages, sweetcorn and broad beans, in a garlic sauce over a microwaved spud.

I'm putting off going shopping, I've got enough for a few more days.

A new craft programme started last night on More4, it's called I Made This. William is one of the presenters. It was quite good, I watched it this morning on catchup. I don't know if it is a one off, or there are more to come. Worth a watch.

Thanks for all your comments yesterday. The kids are all ok. Heidi is back on one tablet a day now, she was getting a bit lethargic on half a tablet, so the vet said best to get her back on full dose. It seems to be working, she has a bit more energy now. I have to ring the vet tomorrow with an update. Rocky is soldiering on, he is eating well. Old boy Bugsy cat is amazing, he loves lying outside, and yells at me when he wants food. And Mayze is still scatty, dashing around everywhere.

Thanks for popping in, page views are on the up, more people reading, and welcome to the new followers. we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip.

Open Gardens, more pics.

Open Gardens, more pics.

garden growing flowers growing veg village life

Hello. And now for the rest of the photo's from yesterday. Every garden had a veg patch, from a few raised beds at a pensioners bungalow, to a large allotment size plot in a one acre garden. Every one of them were full of healthy plants yielding an abundance of  vegetables and fruit. Not one slug nibbled leaf in sight. 

There were little nooks and crannies to explore, beautiful cottage gardens, with secret half hidden sheds.

I did say to the man that he could enter this in Shed of the Year, but he said no.

Another hidden shed in the same garden.

We saw some quirky garden sculptures and ornaments.

Bee hives at the bottom of this garden, the bees seemed very busy coming and going.

Some of the houses were very large.

I like this sign, seen inside a shed.

This was stunning, a huge pot of equally huge flowers. Don't they look fabulous.

This was the last garden, and I'm sure they saved the best for last. Mind you the waterfalls and ponds were also fantastic, oh it's virtually impossible to say which one was best.

Thank you very much to the people of Winteringham for opening their gardens. We really enjoyed it. Great value, only £4 for an afternoon out. It's the first time I have done this, I shall be looking for some more Open Gardens now.

Thanks for popping in, we'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip