tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54064039697166445132024-03-04T22:02:52.912-08:00In a Spin!I like to think it describes my crafting habit, but it's probably a more accurate description of my state of mind....Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.comBlogger199125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-12964026848610480942024-02-19T08:30:00.000-08:002024-02-19T08:30:47.019-08:00Yes, We Have No Bananas..<p> When I first taking some snaps for this Getting It Sorted train of thought I took a photo of my breakfast choices. Among them was this..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaUGvunt2Wmc8xT8tLzVskqZdPOHHp6ND0zXBHIh-omXCA4YSqbrzwL57YpJTlKbaRfNF2DPXQh9W9eu2IF72Khvt57zbNSlvIt2TDW4jx9v28oYqGSvw-pF0Xm7fPLuZqRGCHr_Q__WeobXfqnvGeQ6lnlKeCrSIY57P7DFLq_a-wrkb3hsD42kwhXE/s2048/IMG_2192.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidaUGvunt2Wmc8xT8tLzVskqZdPOHHp6ND0zXBHIh-omXCA4YSqbrzwL57YpJTlKbaRfNF2DPXQh9W9eu2IF72Khvt57zbNSlvIt2TDW4jx9v28oYqGSvw-pF0Xm7fPLuZqRGCHr_Q__WeobXfqnvGeQ6lnlKeCrSIY57P7DFLq_a-wrkb3hsD42kwhXE/s320/IMG_2192.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Yes, I do like bananas and was happy when I read about the health benefits for the heart of the potassium they contain. However, since that long phone call with my doctor they're now only making an occasional appearance. It seems that the potassium rush has to be balanced with the effect on my cholesterol levels! There are times when it all the advice feels a bit complicated to steer round. So, bananas are only allowed immediately before exercise. I can have them on Saturdays (before ParkRun) and Thursdays (as I play tennis early) so I'll have to be content with that. I can, however, indulge in apricots and get my potassium kick from them!</p><p>The other culprit in my breakfast that I've already touched on is porridge. Again a big surprise as I thought I was doing the right thing with it. Luckily I'm a fan of Greek yoghurt and according to the doctor that's okay - along with the chia seeds and berries (or apricots). Phew!!</p><p>On a creative note - I did finish the Valentine's card..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodgT9VW5QkthGWxZwaaWxrX9QGD4lCDp9yVTJ-4r_PV5jTAZ6WU5NAIK1OEXqpYPd2vnzqnmQkeRiFSO9KqK3748sYc5phtRpqN_U7TBG2UibvAe6Pty1O1RWlovHthdFl938x_ZLzTcoTLKY4IS_apR80ARzlMblJW3IE2ne6UlUqO_PpEWV-uDxj4I/s4032/IMG_2844.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodgT9VW5QkthGWxZwaaWxrX9QGD4lCDp9yVTJ-4r_PV5jTAZ6WU5NAIK1OEXqpYPd2vnzqnmQkeRiFSO9KqK3748sYc5phtRpqN_U7TBG2UibvAe6Pty1O1RWlovHthdFl938x_ZLzTcoTLKY4IS_apR80ARzlMblJW3IE2ne6UlUqO_PpEWV-uDxj4I/s320/IMG_2844.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>I was quite chuffed with it - some thought now on a 7 year old card. I can't find one for our March birthday girl. The other seven year old was easy - she loves unicorns and princesses and I found a card with them both. The March one though... unless I can find a kick boxing pianist on a card I'll have to create something.....</p><p>I have also been putting away some of the Christmas makes and finishing off some that weren't done in time - they'll be all ready for next year. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWHzDa3X8y3KzkQARG9TpRdLm_hnoJJ4YVSnHOSiCLZa3HllGJPaFmAzXjay8Z98HuPq_dI18vJOLxU5aSr8Ldk9ZOy7mf_n9iVZjOfUQAJlZuJDtxMJ85m62BPoLzMpD4evakbnuFAIedE-Nm3WCA44ijZNXtC2oErhKkL8bW5wS2tb4MVfgQtasVOc/s1600/IMG_2486.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWHzDa3X8y3KzkQARG9TpRdLm_hnoJJ4YVSnHOSiCLZa3HllGJPaFmAzXjay8Z98HuPq_dI18vJOLxU5aSr8Ldk9ZOy7mf_n9iVZjOfUQAJlZuJDtxMJ85m62BPoLzMpD4evakbnuFAIedE-Nm3WCA44ijZNXtC2oErhKkL8bW5wS2tb4MVfgQtasVOc/w197-h197/IMG_2486.jpeg" width="197" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUzR5u0raev83D8FGGIJ2DI4S7ABVvVaZxbFLtJPpZBHS7h67pXxnWxkt_BX6w0vCCdnVJIXCUiS3LHNoVn_ENxYeau-6bL85X-pZRGcLHF9wAs9C76wgsLat8O6S5-hdDsvF12qJHkZtWJ1bYT4SF0K70AMl4wyJySFRfNziloQGoJwfYgspLeSNM3w/s1600/IMG_2487.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="203" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQUzR5u0raev83D8FGGIJ2DI4S7ABVvVaZxbFLtJPpZBHS7h67pXxnWxkt_BX6w0vCCdnVJIXCUiS3LHNoVn_ENxYeau-6bL85X-pZRGcLHF9wAs9C76wgsLat8O6S5-hdDsvF12qJHkZtWJ1bYT4SF0K70AMl4wyJySFRfNziloQGoJwfYgspLeSNM3w/w203-h203/IMG_2487.jpeg" width="203" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYA4upYpZkVSpkVuhj3FjVXuRGB9nrkHCxD-wGPE2-lQ2d0EoYeKyem6GOORvDq_PHSc74geGulgsYC7ibjnkHQrmGdE70n2zVT-IZ2vKcTZa7XbYaw1j3IRPj2Xght8GZs2jxWKg3CbGbU0-aseIXydzxQRbGNcw_5VKMDg0GjGqwwNU8AFUpe4P0X0o/s1600/IMG_2489.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYA4upYpZkVSpkVuhj3FjVXuRGB9nrkHCxD-wGPE2-lQ2d0EoYeKyem6GOORvDq_PHSc74geGulgsYC7ibjnkHQrmGdE70n2zVT-IZ2vKcTZa7XbYaw1j3IRPj2Xght8GZs2jxWKg3CbGbU0-aseIXydzxQRbGNcw_5VKMDg0GjGqwwNU8AFUpe4P0X0o/w242-h242/IMG_2489.jpeg" width="242" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>These were really easy.. double sided squares with a line of stitching across the corners. Then a ribbon through the channels created, joined and decorated with beads and voila! gift bags, jewellery pouches, call them what you will...</p><p>So now I'm off to get my Substack offering for this week done - all about my inability to just do one thing at a time.. until next time...</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-38980363747068550502024-02-12T10:49:00.000-08:002024-02-12T10:49:43.816-08:00New Skills and Old Habits<p> While trying to tame my craft stocks in the Getting Sorted stakes I decided to tackle some of the yarn mountain in the loft. Going up to Christmas I’d looked at some online tutorials (as you do when on task avoidance) and found some good ones on crochet.</p><p>My nan taught me to crochet when I was little, but I’ve only ever to be able to go round and round with added corners to make blankets…</p><p>There is, however, a limit to how many doll’s blankets you can make and pass on I’ve found. So, I bit the bullet and tried going back and forth instead. My first two attempts were hats - I’d show you if I’d been organised enough to photograph them! Then I moved onto a cowl with this lovely soft chunky wool.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY6CY8iTFLEpuqBFVnjiH1tXFUGBCS9MmqQz-JcsK45LQSmN-adq8lVcxZeLsPKQkmRK-YBxgyWM3Yp0HEJmujY-6b2JDnEkb_94IyR8gogFUBa8F6JeykmX2WGCBwvIncIrCFqAKMKDV2MrebYnG3G1_Plc_m6GywFdfDa1Ne8Rx_TNGWAREK2aydLM/s4032/IMG_2777.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrY6CY8iTFLEpuqBFVnjiH1tXFUGBCS9MmqQz-JcsK45LQSmN-adq8lVcxZeLsPKQkmRK-YBxgyWM3Yp0HEJmujY-6b2JDnEkb_94IyR8gogFUBa8F6JeykmX2WGCBwvIncIrCFqAKMKDV2MrebYnG3G1_Plc_m6GywFdfDa1Ne8Rx_TNGWAREK2aydLM/s320/IMG_2777.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Then it was hand warmers - <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDVMoO302N_8iUq3mb-DwGy1X7hoiPJohnuWiVr-nqDaCZR8AKgJfuEEZpCCx8Dr_N_o_wLRwn2nTtVnR3JaawtTsXbOzEb9umUzv89DYqiwIxNAv86jXJYLmLBvCDnDx76x7UBu63gKl42ip4thMtNplDdMw_3ZPUGagsNNEbpxPWYWSCs4xRO3MTuM/s4032/IMG_2818.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDVMoO302N_8iUq3mb-DwGy1X7hoiPJohnuWiVr-nqDaCZR8AKgJfuEEZpCCx8Dr_N_o_wLRwn2nTtVnR3JaawtTsXbOzEb9umUzv89DYqiwIxNAv86jXJYLmLBvCDnDx76x7UBu63gKl42ip4thMtNplDdMw_3ZPUGagsNNEbpxPWYWSCs4xRO3MTuM/s320/IMG_2818.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /></div><div> Think I’m (sorry about this) hooked….. I've even seen a pattern for socks - must get that...</div><div><br /></div><div>As far as old habits go I still need to practice sorting and throwing out… I’ve started with the spare bedroom drawers.</div><div><br /><div>I wish I could say that I instigated this myself but it’s down to the fact that a spot of decorating is afoot so they need moving and that would expose the amount of random stuff inside! Hey ho… tidying alert….</div><div><br /></div><div>From this... (excuse the foot in shot!)</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2JXCWjtHtiYlEtC-UpMZSoheF-4iUHQ6ZI3u4Z8Q8hZS7GgiYH0VWOZ_3aGYzLjZqbkOrmk6lPI5yd7YsKTNmEDbIJ4pEP-68gQXjLnnzecQGuOtb_C0yy56qqkZonkTT59aF49gbt_erzsPiIAB3Axm1BDWCiGri9PnKTnUPmwYzGmNjlrEFx92I2w/s2048/IMG_2112.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu2JXCWjtHtiYlEtC-UpMZSoheF-4iUHQ6ZI3u4Z8Q8hZS7GgiYH0VWOZ_3aGYzLjZqbkOrmk6lPI5yd7YsKTNmEDbIJ4pEP-68gQXjLnnzecQGuOtb_C0yy56qqkZonkTT59aF49gbt_erzsPiIAB3Axm1BDWCiGri9PnKTnUPmwYzGmNjlrEFx92I2w/w161-h216/IMG_2112.JPEG" width="161" /></a></div>To this...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDaRKAouuUQN_GB5v6UV3YH-0W67KsW_gpZhS9jIgWuykTyPf8VB2lRbl9wOegQOxEJMyf7Eacelis1twdONry-87BodyK6sgBsUGhd8lOWxIos6T7kbkCKFantvsJWkyVVpT6Kemfg2xYzBBS6CrddbyZEVwKTF77EaEPdx6N5qPq8vlTlytBj5Cr6s/s2048/IMG_2114.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUDaRKAouuUQN_GB5v6UV3YH-0W67KsW_gpZhS9jIgWuykTyPf8VB2lRbl9wOegQOxEJMyf7Eacelis1twdONry-87BodyK6sgBsUGhd8lOWxIos6T7kbkCKFantvsJWkyVVpT6Kemfg2xYzBBS6CrddbyZEVwKTF77EaEPdx6N5qPq8vlTlytBj5Cr6s/w162-h216/IMG_2114.JPEG" width="162" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sigh.. just the rest of the house to go then...</div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-26032599666208445742024-02-01T06:43:00.000-08:002024-02-01T06:43:32.635-08:00Last Christmas? - What about next Christmas?<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Phew - back again, sorry about the pause, but you know how it is?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway.. In the Getting Sorted stakes Christmas is one of those occasions that I promise myself I'll be all ready for by starting early and yet then find myself chasing my tail as the time evaporates. So, this year I'm going to get going with plenty of time!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did strike lucky a couple of weeks ago with some bits and pieces I picked up on sale. There didn't seem to be as much around as usual so maybe stock control in the ships has tightened up - or perhaps I'm getting a bit more picky. Still I was very pleased with my haul, especially the kit which I can use as a pattern for multiple decorations. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The fabric I didn't understand. There was no pattern or obvious Christmassy design to the pack. It was just in green, white and red. I don't suppose anyone will inform the authorities if I use it for any sewing project other than Christmas and it was stupidly cheap so just had to be bought.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBerbqyCP5JDklioRrZiLpxEvYRa1xZ5fAiFk2folKTQAetnKn7mAfjVjY1rmtcTdkHZyIkP_XsoGZR0_ltdj1VtUADMWMG2lJQLXrNm9acVtjpz4YJbrSCq3TaZLZJW9KYImusjW3U4oQTL2XvlL5rl4V0f9AJ_eC1obZIdFr9xn3e1xBLl7l_MAChg/s4032/IMG_2588.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFBerbqyCP5JDklioRrZiLpxEvYRa1xZ5fAiFk2folKTQAetnKn7mAfjVjY1rmtcTdkHZyIkP_XsoGZR0_ltdj1VtUADMWMG2lJQLXrNm9acVtjpz4YJbrSCq3TaZLZJW9KYImusjW3U4oQTL2XvlL5rl4V0f9AJ_eC1obZIdFr9xn3e1xBLl7l_MAChg/s320/IMG_2588.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've posted these cards before - they were so simple (thank you internet videos) and quick that I'm aiming to make a number for 2024. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpCgJyoMPP6yPhERKYoy1CO8J21vnJhG-NsGQH-UwYKuJbNZWjQvAnn4GmYRX5naDDuni33JX70OrvhFen-3vq11mgncuu_6n0EmlGlSolLIgQSW4o0Nr_eiiM3P86uax2f4Xiauf8whMKdLz-tebye0SgVna3Jw86U3Oej5fmu0l9T6DRUzcMM6fU5Q/s4032/IMG_2527.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpCgJyoMPP6yPhERKYoy1CO8J21vnJhG-NsGQH-UwYKuJbNZWjQvAnn4GmYRX5naDDuni33JX70OrvhFen-3vq11mgncuu_6n0EmlGlSolLIgQSW4o0Nr_eiiM3P86uax2f4Xiauf8whMKdLz-tebye0SgVna3Jw86U3Oej5fmu0l9T6DRUzcMM6fU5Q/s320/IMG_2527.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They also prompted me thinking about other shapes I could use such as heart cookie cutters for Valentine's Day so I've been experimenting. Then I saw some designs like this online too so it looks like I'm well on the way with that task. Just a few final touches - I'll post those after delivery so as not to spoil the surprise if he sees this (he won't, but then again you never know).</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitp5p1mPgDDvr3DBCLFL0XytbnvFJaxJbsaEHqPA_CiOlHWAL_WKou-O64NdWp9S8zvUWgc2361X0UUL2WIoa8LQrAEiEq8i5t0uMRrw0mglnJvi0oERzCWEtWmCxFCqnHy7e4nEpEtRBqy-toQiHB5aZU4Egwd6NZmXX1Ijz4rELhIF4Kfvxah2_8Ey4/s4032/IMG_2774.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitp5p1mPgDDvr3DBCLFL0XytbnvFJaxJbsaEHqPA_CiOlHWAL_WKou-O64NdWp9S8zvUWgc2361X0UUL2WIoa8LQrAEiEq8i5t0uMRrw0mglnJvi0oERzCWEtWmCxFCqnHy7e4nEpEtRBqy-toQiHB5aZU4Egwd6NZmXX1Ijz4rELhIF4Kfvxah2_8Ey4/w187-h250/IMG_2774.jpeg" width="187" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Onto other matters, now I've banished my cold I'm trying to back into the swing exercising. After all the doctor was quite approving of what I do - although she did have some added suggestions that I'll have to schedule in. First I need to renew my club membership and get going again. It lapsed while I was snuffing into my tissues and I haven't got back up there yet. Then I've made an effort to put all my swimming gear ready in a bag so I can just grab it and go. Well that's the theory anyway...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqfC89umcbW4i5L6VOSVTQwsj8vN0qXApmog53u7LTErWuxdDyxI4va2Y4HLMVhRO0dQZLRYKiiM8JEAxKqmcy7Uj6kML4NSy25OxuZWOMVbfaOqxvjhNyyufOZa3F0NGP6PRH5VmWMapJNxPkpIsnHW0H9K-BsUc4yhzYdaM2j2Wg944vD_2L2ZG5PA/s2048/IMG_2183.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinqfC89umcbW4i5L6VOSVTQwsj8vN0qXApmog53u7LTErWuxdDyxI4va2Y4HLMVhRO0dQZLRYKiiM8JEAxKqmcy7Uj6kML4NSy25OxuZWOMVbfaOqxvjhNyyufOZa3F0NGP6PRH5VmWMapJNxPkpIsnHW0H9K-BsUc4yhzYdaM2j2Wg944vD_2L2ZG5PA/s320/IMG_2183.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm trying to kill two Getting Sorted birds with one stone here as I've packed a load of odds and ends of samples of body wash, etc. to take and use up. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll check in next week to see if I've made it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh and over on the Substack this week I decided to publish one of my short stories - someone might enjoy it - take a look and see if you do....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />Till next time then.</div><br /> <p></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-22713411373447290332024-01-11T06:50:00.000-08:002024-01-11T06:50:06.261-08:00Getting Sorted - Loving Betwixmas <p> Now I did start this when it WAS Betwixmas, but somehow the posting slipped and I am now coughing like it's an Olympic sport and brandishing a nose that would do Rudolph proud! It's only a cold, nothing too serious, just irritating and producing the sort of brain fog that makes writing crazy...</p><p>Anyway, Christmas having been and gone has bequeathed out household with lots of yummy stuff...</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a8PNOqekpeaDeJ_gq66fF9bLyK1H_W8N9siVuYnF0QIT45GOjIfqNZi0I992pgGTtIBEXdUSRrt9b1-8bNQZFYAlmOtfqH9UsXwRKOg_Wg5EqhUoe0-LUAydYHA6bNwd4hRkH1mUD_kCWkiojAyenVqJ33Eqn6Cyk_OhcD3yVIbMCwpVpybNQ5FYxN4/s3283/IMG_2559.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3283" data-original-width="2945" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7a8PNOqekpeaDeJ_gq66fF9bLyK1H_W8N9siVuYnF0QIT45GOjIfqNZi0I992pgGTtIBEXdUSRrt9b1-8bNQZFYAlmOtfqH9UsXwRKOg_Wg5EqhUoe0-LUAydYHA6bNwd4hRkH1mUD_kCWkiojAyenVqJ33Eqn6Cyk_OhcD3yVIbMCwpVpybNQ5FYxN4/w193-h215/IMG_2559.jpeg" width="193" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wPgpzMnyz_NJMeSeVECCvDJcqkjM56RHe3wrATIjhSJayHCe1GZQHCGHPOwHD2RG8vEaLpMAoGfruD6sJRNkzzxiksSByAXj_wjvzScsfzeYYKv6XiLJmxgoBgdD1OPsgCBdkJHJHuDSLHH8HRdCxKU3SzgxzcS5e8pV1BoIctX22UShkiG8IZ7GVB0/s3692/IMG_2560.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3692" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wPgpzMnyz_NJMeSeVECCvDJcqkjM56RHe3wrATIjhSJayHCe1GZQHCGHPOwHD2RG8vEaLpMAoGfruD6sJRNkzzxiksSByAXj_wjvzScsfzeYYKv6XiLJmxgoBgdD1OPsgCBdkJHJHuDSLHH8HRdCxKU3SzgxzcS5e8pV1BoIctX22UShkiG8IZ7GVB0/w225-h184/IMG_2560.jpeg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2E8SFMFWu_N8LRkTpxddUND9b4iA3jIxDFsMCcs-LVcHZwCPGqrTQ78ylLVMufKlcWM7OAJLPs2_JnORzr8xzlkBodeh83pbgBGin02EqsQh5_cAY2f4EzdTYiVrY4TZtAiEwioAmNMq8yTSnM_U5zj5N2FXZ3eeBIs-QCcs12_nQ6lZWY3dhfdQOnE/s4032/IMG_2561.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK2E8SFMFWu_N8LRkTpxddUND9b4iA3jIxDFsMCcs-LVcHZwCPGqrTQ78ylLVMufKlcWM7OAJLPs2_JnORzr8xzlkBodeh83pbgBGin02EqsQh5_cAY2f4EzdTYiVrY4TZtAiEwioAmNMq8yTSnM_U5zj5N2FXZ3eeBIs-QCcs12_nQ6lZWY3dhfdQOnE/w204-h272/IMG_2561.jpeg" width="204" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GDyE_wxTq6eOTn5nXAwaZoIsASTc860UDxgiCERBIcsE2UhscqywbY8CUMV1cfy5EI0ZzG3040kVn0jcWQ_RTXbNl_TJn7ExRxheA7Hh100-nNfHqgRf0cOzr8dZ3zHKQXBV2DKTIGvuAGcrzRJSIAxmc_HU2cR3jT9Lz4Inz1vLpSLPV5gsrOnyrMA/s3895/IMG_2562.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3021" data-original-width="3895" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GDyE_wxTq6eOTn5nXAwaZoIsASTc860UDxgiCERBIcsE2UhscqywbY8CUMV1cfy5EI0ZzG3040kVn0jcWQ_RTXbNl_TJn7ExRxheA7Hh100-nNfHqgRf0cOzr8dZ3zHKQXBV2DKTIGvuAGcrzRJSIAxmc_HU2cR3jT9Lz4Inz1vLpSLPV5gsrOnyrMA/w204-h158/IMG_2562.jpeg" width="204" /></a></div><br /><p>And there's plenty of leftovers awaiting us in the freezer too.</p><p>Somehow I, rather perversely, love this in between period when there's lots to finish up. It reminds me of when we were small and Dad got the mincer out to grind up the leftover meat and produce rissoles and so on. I always enjoyed times when we got cheese and potato pie, or mini cakes or pastry. It wasn't till I was much older when I found out that these were always at the end of the month when money was running low! </p><p>Getting things sorted often means shopping at home. Not the internet version. The type of shopping where you go round the house seeing what needs using up and making menus based on what you find. It's not just the food either. I love using the presents that arrive - bath stuff, moisturisers, whatever - far too good to put in a cupboard for 'later'. The only things I keep for another day are the small sizes or samples that I take on holiday to lighten the luggage load.</p><p>It's also a good chance to go through my clothes, sorting out those things on their last legs or the items that no longer fit. Previously it's been because they've got a bit tight, but since my new health kick inspired by that chat with the doctor, some are now too big - hooray! Some of the older stuff I'm again keeping for holidays - journeying in older, yet comfortable clothes makes sense, especially if that's the last wearing of a t-shirt that can be binned rather than transported home and washed, etc. I'm also acquainting myself with newer (to me) selling platforms to pass on clothes that are no good to me, but in good shape. And no I haven't forgotten the pleasure of passing on good quality gear to charity shops either.</p><p>So, this Betwixmas has allowed me the space to start a good clear out, making the most of what I've got and enabling me to save a bit of cash in not buying too...</p><p>Long live Betwixmas - and hopefully the clear out will include my coldy germs and I can get on with enjoying what 2024 has to offer!</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-27071348221984323092023-12-24T02:14:00.000-08:002023-12-24T02:14:47.784-08:00Getting it Sorted - It's beginning to look a lot like...<p> Nearly there..</p><p>I've managed to get everything to where it should be for the big day. The house is finally looking festive, the food is bought and we even got a little tree. Phew!</p><p>I'm not sure how it all came together as I lurched from one task to the next, but it did.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwonsDPrgv4vl7dNq1xaSdvuoQxi6WL1Ar_6oggWrxzCghRoEMp6jKZbj_K8YzjO2QuOzlsiQ0AfPC6ppBWsTacTukvm67dASjhaw2y6X87gMleoFxouV2e1qgyeWy_dVfJQ8tQmMGmvZ5WQtMTg59GtE6GVcNTI4Noo1-pIPVegjuhqpplGcAmBI-zo/s1756/IMG_2527.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8DQsZ4Z8U92VFWSg44ikdf8ZxEvkW8Ek71grAYh5I7sYxuBFkX3j3YnytxGY7VTpER-nQ2J0Lc68SWU3jTsVmnzA6c3Qe_PwD3ESdVMfSlYzIFrV7k16agsG4CzChpO6ww-fxAkAa760GDficEoNncajIYD-cVuhxRuaNBS87GjsEa06-PMDNqgGVyk/s1608/IMG_2524.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1318" data-original-width="1608" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT8DQsZ4Z8U92VFWSg44ikdf8ZxEvkW8Ek71grAYh5I7sYxuBFkX3j3YnytxGY7VTpER-nQ2J0Lc68SWU3jTsVmnzA6c3Qe_PwD3ESdVMfSlYzIFrV7k16agsG4CzChpO6ww-fxAkAa760GDficEoNncajIYD-cVuhxRuaNBS87GjsEa06-PMDNqgGVyk/s320/IMG_2524.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In amongst all the preparations was a long session on the phone with the doctor. The surgery made contact to suggest I went onto more medication. This time for cholesterol. To cut a long story short...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Earlier this year I was invited by my doctor's to a well woman check up. Until then I'd been feeling fine. Once they'd checked me out apparently I wasn't - high blood pressure it seems. I then had loads of tests (my arm looks like a pin cushion) and ECGs and so on. The upshot was that it was decided I needed medication. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Compliantly I took it and felt worse and worse - the weight loss stopped, I got breathless, I won't go into everything, let's just say I no longer felt fine. After our Roman holiday where I forgot to take the tablets with me I felt so much better. So I decided on a trial of my own. I stopped taking the tablets and returned gradually to full health and felt great. I carried on checking my blood pressure - there was no difference to when I was taking the pills.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I reported in to the doctor who said a different drug might suit me better. Once again I behaved and took it. Once again I felt worse and worse. Then came the invitation for more drugs and the offer of a phone call. I took the phone call and found a doctor who was willing to try other methods to address the problem.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Over a few posts I'll chart what I'm up to with her suggestions and see what difference it makes before I'm due to be reassessed in 6 months time to decide whether I need medication or not. All I know is that once again I'm feeling fine, the weight has started to come off again and yesterday's ParkRun was completed without the laboured breathing that accompanied the medication!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The first thing I need is more nuts and seeds apparently, so I investigated and these little fellows...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_luWJImaE9tsaveyyoLPMLxjuSpTa7-2wmycs6sIFF2JCg2M_I81M_PpbHoWfmvqZO_lvbVEMG2td2pQJdaPIxZEygVnj40y7_XoEVzskmnkBM23iK43VpJ9Gt0btD6nnEIL34O1tCbRSLb1VKacHSq2UNX2k8kIhIXBFcOg6sNo2G9Jugzum776q5Yc/s1719/IMG_2461.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1719" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_luWJImaE9tsaveyyoLPMLxjuSpTa7-2wmycs6sIFF2JCg2M_I81M_PpbHoWfmvqZO_lvbVEMG2td2pQJdaPIxZEygVnj40y7_XoEVzskmnkBM23iK43VpJ9Gt0btD6nnEIL34O1tCbRSLb1VKacHSq2UNX2k8kIhIXBFcOg6sNo2G9Jugzum776q5Yc/s320/IMG_2461.jpeg" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">are now a regular part of my breakfast. The porridge has had to go and fruit yoghurt and chia seeds have replaced it until I hunt down some lower oat alternative.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll let you know how it goes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Back to the festives... I ran out of time for my usual hand sewn decorations to exchange with friends (old tradition between us) so took to scrolling through the internet. It garnered a quick and simple pattern that doubled as a card!</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu6yIO7QdG2T5-TcmjC_Jw9a3x8ansgkFC34KgSVBQYTuVc8fG1zGj1prUEK-gkVe5BW36jt_7gaCmcuLCCiSGt68Jb5VvpBIT4WsaOMeUXfPZ6zo-KZeCgLlLPzcm8ByXded0BwkNxz0XbwbIM-h3IT6OS7MR5ZvRO1opCs4eJ9B3rAfKwK6RgvcZBs/s1659/IMG_2520.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1659" data-original-width="1468" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeu6yIO7QdG2T5-TcmjC_Jw9a3x8ansgkFC34KgSVBQYTuVc8fG1zGj1prUEK-gkVe5BW36jt_7gaCmcuLCCiSGt68Jb5VvpBIT4WsaOMeUXfPZ6zo-KZeCgLlLPzcm8ByXded0BwkNxz0XbwbIM-h3IT6OS7MR5ZvRO1opCs4eJ9B3rAfKwK6RgvcZBs/w235-h266/IMG_2520.JPEG" width="235" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It also led me to some videos demonstrating water colour painting to make cards. As my search for nice children's cards had proved fruitless these were a gift!<div><br /></div><div>The painting took minutes and I was well pleased with the results...<br /><div><br /><p> <img border="0" data-original-height="928" data-original-width="1756" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwonsDPrgv4vl7dNq1xaSdvuoQxi6WL1Ar_6oggWrxzCghRoEMp6jKZbj_K8YzjO2QuOzlsiQ0AfPC6ppBWsTacTukvm67dASjhaw2y6X87gMleoFxouV2e1qgyeWy_dVfJQ8tQmMGmvZ5WQtMTg59GtE6GVcNTI4Noo1-pIPVegjuhqpplGcAmBI-zo/s320/IMG_2527.JPEG" style="text-align: center;" width="320" /></p><p><br /></p><p>So I guess that just about wraps it up (sorry couldn't resist the wrap bit) and it only remains for me to say..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7scAXM3BylYiQiAHbdrOxBQUtjJH3dZkHlTFSe5pO5ZDZ-zXFW8OEuFie2ALGDJ6NbT5yTVGnXY_OVAHkIKc1wEPQOpApA2vIFGfYxZm0wUQbBdYN8gpTSu6d5CjckPVDoXqoDziWibMy34Da6PIG765JIsodiYzUPnWhhTCwEojXPfHCRunBp9NuwI/s2232/IMG_2556.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2232" data-original-width="1408" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT7scAXM3BylYiQiAHbdrOxBQUtjJH3dZkHlTFSe5pO5ZDZ-zXFW8OEuFie2ALGDJ6NbT5yTVGnXY_OVAHkIKc1wEPQOpApA2vIFGfYxZm0wUQbBdYN8gpTSu6d5CjckPVDoXqoDziWibMy34Da6PIG765JIsodiYzUPnWhhTCwEojXPfHCRunBp9NuwI/s320/IMG_2556.JPEG" width="202" /></a></div><br /><p>HAPPY CHRISTMAS... may your days be merry and bright!</p></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-47671100912263289692023-12-01T02:00:00.000-08:002023-12-01T02:00:34.525-08:00Getting it Sorted - Rather Sweetly!<p> If you read last week's post you'll know I'm stealing my sister's tips and hacks - last time it was keeping the hand cream close, now it's the attack on my waistband.</p><p>I attempt at regular intervals to control my weight. It's not that I'm overly above where I should be healthwise - it's just that a few pounds would make a difference to my blood pressure readings. Often I get caught out when I've made a firm resolution about what I'm going to do and then don't have what I need with me.</p><p>Take these,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzEP_EmkVaRTpOrF_MTXKigSbTYPK9bTeAqY_HSGEH4j1OlnNvh7Ci8rpSkwMnb8JyE1Rlar1jMmiAGuETn1nv3-Bi4Ii4pdNgYAGdSQbbT3J5GYNBqmmzwQrcHnvT6e-5V_2JsE8VvXj-NbINHo4wHlE-y1mckTzgyvrlR4rdtX1iXCLUZye6lzj9R8/s2048/IMG_2117.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMzEP_EmkVaRTpOrF_MTXKigSbTYPK9bTeAqY_HSGEH4j1OlnNvh7Ci8rpSkwMnb8JyE1Rlar1jMmiAGuETn1nv3-Bi4Ii4pdNgYAGdSQbbT3J5GYNBqmmzwQrcHnvT6e-5V_2JsE8VvXj-NbINHo4wHlE-y1mckTzgyvrlR4rdtX1iXCLUZye6lzj9R8/w174-h232/IMG_2117.JPEG" width="174" /></a></div><br /><p>I'm trying to cut down on sugar. I have tried tea without sweetening. The problem is that as I can't stomach (quite literally) milk in tea I feel the need for something in the hot coloured water! I do use sweeteners to try and help me at home, but don't aways have them with me. These have now appeared at my sister's. Yes, the solution is not to rely on remembering to take mine out of the kitchen, but to have more than one supply. So now there's one pack on my sister's work surface and another in my handbag. No excuses now!</p><p>Craft wise I'm sort of repeating the bag making session. I made some tote bags for my mum and sister a while back which they find handy when out and about. Then, just recently, there was a book sale in the library and my elder niece's two bought up a stock of reading material. They then had nothing to put their books in and so commandeered the two tote bags. That's fine, but they don't want to give them back as they reckon that they are handy!</p><p>Hence these....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH90J-F2Kmkn9iUR8nRJqNXtLY7U0iutR-6lZeuZFX5PMmDieTMUnrxvkPiduS_sV9sntyBfgb8mu6b3YxqEMDD_DY4GUwzfLigCwgaCxkfu4NBgah1RKYi8KopVZgS2DfySSIhP3IXYvG7GQSbVMXFMc22iOpx8FYRuHMZgcnhCXVP0mEWEBzPwxWYrc/s1783/IMG_2302.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1783" data-original-width="1763" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH90J-F2Kmkn9iUR8nRJqNXtLY7U0iutR-6lZeuZFX5PMmDieTMUnrxvkPiduS_sV9sntyBfgb8mu6b3YxqEMDD_DY4GUwzfLigCwgaCxkfu4NBgah1RKYi8KopVZgS2DfySSIhP3IXYvG7GQSbVMXFMc22iOpx8FYRuHMZgcnhCXVP0mEWEBzPwxWYrc/w274-h277/IMG_2302.JPEG" width="274" /></a></div><br /><p>I feel another set of instructions coming on as these are simpler than the Bluey bags. They are unlined so are a bit quicker to make, lighter and fold up smaller....</p><p>Once I get to the instructions part of my Substack they'll have to go on it too.... Like the Bluey bags they started life in another guise. The orange bag started out as a curtain! Nice and sustainable eh? I feel some recycling posts coming on!</p><p><br /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-74478864555315543582023-11-27T06:48:00.000-08:002023-11-27T06:48:11.257-08:00Getting it Sorted - Smoothing and Soothing<p> I was in my sister's kitchen chatting about nail polish and stuff! She, my nieces and my great nieces all enjoy a spot of nail colour. They also like smooth moisturised skin - I usually forget, or apply nail polish just when the garden is calling and it chips off immediately! I've never been able to keep my nails in any sort of shape - I guess all those years in the classroom removing wall display staples without using the right tools didn't help....</p><p>Anyway, I noticed that on the windowsill, right near the sink was a handy tube of hand cream....</p><p>So guess what I felt the need to do on the way home - yes, buy handcream and (even more importantly) put it right where it's required.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloBQt5cP9YmqyiIkpGuWcETVjbryyWHsZUjrtsGlG1gzbJ5e0HaROvjyufRSZADutQ0RGaIT6kyBCYgCocP0axS7K2PyeTgYW7hZLr7W-m9ch3B_wX2DidrxT_v6KMtKC2Rd0NK_HOWZeznP5n7gT5pSrgiEMbqU79l6arsWxJxb3h3nuTKIcr5o42dM/s1541/IMG_2091.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1541" data-original-width="1181" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloBQt5cP9YmqyiIkpGuWcETVjbryyWHsZUjrtsGlG1gzbJ5e0HaROvjyufRSZADutQ0RGaIT6kyBCYgCocP0axS7K2PyeTgYW7hZLr7W-m9ch3B_wX2DidrxT_v6KMtKC2Rd0NK_HOWZeznP5n7gT5pSrgiEMbqU79l6arsWxJxb3h3nuTKIcr5o42dM/s320/IMG_2091.JPEG" width="245" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So now I have it staring me in the face to remind me to use it. In fact, I got two - one for the kitchen and another for the bathroom.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let's see if it galvanises me into action - mind you it doesn't solve my inability to flash gorgeous nails around, but one step at a time I say!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've also raided the loft after last Saturday's coffee morning/craft fair to see what I've already acquired for the looming festives. I uncovered the pack of cards I found in a supermarket clearance for 10p that I knew was up there and also two lovely cards that I bought last Christmas Eve at a fraction of their normal price. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some of the decorations I had ready to give as mini gifts needed some extra embellishment so I turned to videos online to work out how to add to them. Low and behold there were some tutorials on making tassels...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBXYiBYJj383L5juX2OA7rPyOEon-wONDqzyLbOuB0Xxw9RW4q5UncXscpqUtWa-kd1s57r5mtHVG3iLZ0V5H2_Vf4yfDy3ejxm_ZavvrRnSmt0pU2TsfmIe0JBP2n_-0CP3QfU4Gwp5TL2b8Q-vNh0Y_jVVUZMYiAN-WbwNOe0Rxf531HuBpPeA-UiE/s1110/IMG_2330.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1110" data-original-width="1020" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBXYiBYJj383L5juX2OA7rPyOEon-wONDqzyLbOuB0Xxw9RW4q5UncXscpqUtWa-kd1s57r5mtHVG3iLZ0V5H2_Vf4yfDy3ejxm_ZavvrRnSmt0pU2TsfmIe0JBP2n_-0CP3QfU4Gwp5TL2b8Q-vNh0Y_jVVUZMYiAN-WbwNOe0Rxf531HuBpPeA-UiE/w229-h249/IMG_2330.JPEG" width="229" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh my goodness, I'm addicted. These aren't quite finished and neatened off. They are so simple and satisfying - even better than pom pom making and use up odds and ends of yarn and beads! They may even make an appearance alongside the gift tags on presents this year.... More reasons not to throw away ANY yarn........</div><div><br /></div>Another set of instructions for when I get round to them on my Substack....<br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-45002299311280831842023-11-20T07:25:00.000-08:002023-11-20T07:25:19.318-08:00Getting It Sorted - Read All About It<p> This week I really am going to focus on my reading! I keep getting sidetracked online and with my Kindle, but the real issue is the pile of magazines that I seem to be building!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziIJ6-_iQp-eVMjXA3oUEOOVrswACvVcw9xVCMdD5aaqaibACebXFIuR5oBx8wPTuF51SCgD4fnQOWbgASxE1rSoD1BPKNLu4NW18sQ3BEvMyJvNcREW4wfxfWLCOh4Lf7Ddesv53_mpLZuRsmRimDQIHG0XN8-BeOj0ZTqp7x3gWpBgIFONg4HP_vCI/s2048/IMG_2108.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziIJ6-_iQp-eVMjXA3oUEOOVrswACvVcw9xVCMdD5aaqaibACebXFIuR5oBx8wPTuF51SCgD4fnQOWbgASxE1rSoD1BPKNLu4NW18sQ3BEvMyJvNcREW4wfxfWLCOh4Lf7Ddesv53_mpLZuRsmRimDQIHG0XN8-BeOj0ZTqp7x3gWpBgIFONg4HP_vCI/w191-h255/IMG_2108.JPEG" width="191" /></a></div><br /><p>This lot were loitering in a drawer under the TV and I've found some more in the garden room. Most of them I've skim read and dived a bit deeper into one or two articles. All of them sit accusingly of.. well I was going to say a task, but it's not, it's supposed to be an enjoyable pastime, The thing that stops me enjoying it fully, I suppose, is the number of unread issues. So.... this week I'm going to carve out the time to finish them all (yes, even the one from April!) and indulge the fun of reading before moving them off to new homes....</p><p>I have, however, been busy with the sewing machine. A while back I needed some fabric with the characters from the Bluey cartoon series to make one of my great nieces a picture for her birthday - I've shared that photo before. The fabric seemed very expensive so I bought a duvet cover at a fraction of the price and had plenty left over. I made some fabric pots with Bluey and family on them and a tote bag for each of the great nieces - there was still quite a bit left so I've made a few more bags and put them on the local sales page.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrw8cr7rDoyfhpIY4uUJUwKtYKapK-LfkND8yq0Fl8e8cx0l7fyiF-012rgfIXA3QRrIp1vLYHvYgI_QaS-pPHmM5WeSjq34yTdWMMB5Z_4XC5H2FXRtjhV8BMlVFyZlzijSVxBtGQ2CMXbwMUc-ZvEj4p-0Uv2Iqt1WgcJJ-vAMQQpbOJAxl2omrYlY/s1950/IMG_1974.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1950" data-original-width="1612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrw8cr7rDoyfhpIY4uUJUwKtYKapK-LfkND8yq0Fl8e8cx0l7fyiF-012rgfIXA3QRrIp1vLYHvYgI_QaS-pPHmM5WeSjq34yTdWMMB5Z_4XC5H2FXRtjhV8BMlVFyZlzijSVxBtGQ2CMXbwMUc-ZvEj4p-0Uv2Iqt1WgcJJ-vAMQQpbOJAxl2omrYlY/s320/IMG_1974.JPEG" width="265" /></a></div><br /><p>Amazingly they sold immediately and paid for the original duvet cover! I've still got some fabric, but the characters left are a bit big for bags so I'm off into town for some wadding. The girls can all have mini Bluey quilts for their dolls/teddies this Christmas!</p><p>I really ought to organise myself enough to take photos and write out instructions to show how to make these bits and pieces. It certainly spreads the cost of presents! I'll put it onto my to do list. Maybe I'll get around to sharing some of the 'how to make' ideas on my Substack once I've finished with Phonics!!</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-68892537436606613552023-11-12T09:59:00.000-08:002023-11-12T09:59:01.018-08:00Getting It Sorted - Smelling Sweetly!<p> <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now this one's a bit of a luxury, I know...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I seem to have gathered a whole collection of odds and ends of rather nice perfumes! Most are the last knockings of presents. I know I ought to finish one bottle before I start on the next, however, it only seems polite to wear a gift when it's given. Then the others sort of get moved down the finishing up line.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As a result I've a number of these with the remains of the scent sloshing about at the bottom of the container.</div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEim2-4LgjJWCzu4pdQOzgXtdon7PMKvGZT7hzF7lFVsgY3Oy34BAB_zlxpKzHKktJL6wCCeN1Z-UZsHudXN08JBh0_R_9rO1o2xt-CnuhgIu0xtRLY2l68rzkuvgIDkLVmskXTD_jZO3Fz17YFWacAywjnT2p8MAWr7Q4Z-iP32hggCKlPyh6d3oakc/s1318/IMG_2087.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1291" data-original-width="1318" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEim2-4LgjJWCzu4pdQOzgXtdon7PMKvGZT7hzF7lFVsgY3Oy34BAB_zlxpKzHKktJL6wCCeN1Z-UZsHudXN08JBh0_R_9rO1o2xt-CnuhgIu0xtRLY2l68rzkuvgIDkLVmskXTD_jZO3Fz17YFWacAywjnT2p8MAWr7Q4Z-iP32hggCKlPyh6d3oakc/s320/IMG_2087.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also know that they should be used up before the air/light gets to them and spoils the smell so it's time to get going and use one at a time till each is finished. After all, Christmas is coming and you never know what Santa might have in mind.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've also accumulated a number of samples, some of which I've used part of when on holiday (saves lugging a big quantity around in my luggage. Again, they are now on display to remind me to use them up. The newish, unopened ones are ready to go into our Christmas Eve lucky dip/tombola/treasure hunt (I can't remember what we're doing this year - or perhaps we haven't decided yet). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is a task I'll enjoy - definitely - now what to do with all the lovely bottles once they're finished?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm back on the card creation for a while. Firstly, because I've a craft fair looming next weekend and they always sell well. Secondly, it'll get me in the right frame of mind to start on this year's Christmas versions.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd seen some rather like this one in a magazine a long time ago and fancied having a try.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90sF5Do_5V1lV6KFh_g8AosLZZam2jOiNpsxSQh_DJX1-CEttNKkXrKJDNQbLPdN8JRYPyc3jXCcZ6UUSO5VFGpm5ZxmtUbsd-JlryL8JEtzNkMatfp7hyphenhyphen396lIA9nZr20HzEEQZUBqlYHAoadIeG0BA9oi2-x1GB5UYblnGIn9fF4ZbZ_8gJ5d_sdfY/s1698/IMG_2170.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1698" data-original-width="1517" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90sF5Do_5V1lV6KFh_g8AosLZZam2jOiNpsxSQh_DJX1-CEttNKkXrKJDNQbLPdN8JRYPyc3jXCcZ6UUSO5VFGpm5ZxmtUbsd-JlryL8JEtzNkMatfp7hyphenhyphen396lIA9nZr20HzEEQZUBqlYHAoadIeG0BA9oi2-x1GB5UYblnGIn9fF4ZbZ_8gJ5d_sdfY/s320/IMG_2170.JPEG" width="286" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Once I'd worked out the template it was great fun fidgeting about with different fabrics to get the effect I wanted and to rummage through the button box for the 'cherry' on top.<div><br /></div><div>What do you think?</div><div><br />Right, on with a bit of discipline now.. My next Substack post is due - all about Deadlines this time. I'm trying to be good about posting on time so it's probably the right subject... Perhaps you'd like to pop over there to have a look?<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-65667075044978146002023-11-05T05:48:00.002-08:002023-11-05T05:48:35.076-08:00Getting it Sorted - Best Foot Forward<p> It was daft really. Writing about my sister and her shoes and not starting from there myself. After all, they take up far more room than nail polish and the choices about what to keep and those to throw are far more straightforward.</p><p>So, this week the shoe rack has been emptied...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1uiUQgibcb8HWoD7Az_PswJabhLmsgepiPFIIjf5HuEUzoI7e95HuJHQHt6POV3ru7Ec8fp2rgC4Puiv9m02nWA4qeLUpV1TvYixRehR5G51ds0-sLlWt3kIJbtCYRGMtIZNFh3-rezisDz7xAjfgAlKIlNmPxn108AcNka-lEvnbUrzXNnfSrpoF3U/s2048/IMG_2160.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij1uiUQgibcb8HWoD7Az_PswJabhLmsgepiPFIIjf5HuEUzoI7e95HuJHQHt6POV3ru7Ec8fp2rgC4Puiv9m02nWA4qeLUpV1TvYixRehR5G51ds0-sLlWt3kIJbtCYRGMtIZNFh3-rezisDz7xAjfgAlKIlNmPxn108AcNka-lEvnbUrzXNnfSrpoF3U/s320/IMG_2160.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6JaEurQDeuk8J90nVNFhc7tbTwt7s2YIb_DkBSxSorTujAG9zo0bSlJ2sokQrv4q6nA2JQ6Wb-H_mGU76KZX2DtYPoyurDkMdghFInxN1PkzIccmjVgKJS8iUFLN_iR_MMnuNcW_Vi17c3rWnvxrnPt7fRFTEEFNdHSMgCErPMw0ShyXiX8-Q4CKbmYc/s2048/IMG_2162.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></a></div>What made the task easier was the fact that the weather has definitely changed so the summer stuff needs storing away - and at least one pair that have still been in use, while only just surviving the ravages of use (and age) isn't worth saving till next year!<div><br /></div><div>I've sorted, thrown and given away some and still have plenty to wear - result - I'm very happy and they are all organised and ready to go.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also delved into the loft a while back to unearth some rather nice boxes and old wrapping/craft paper. During the recent half term these made it over for one of my sister's childcare occasions when all the relevant parents were working.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>They all had individual approaches to covering their boxes with a patchwork of scraps creating their own personal storage boxes. It was not only a fun way to while away a rainy afternoon, but it also cost absolutely nothing as I had the scraps, boxes and PVA glue and found some wooden letters in my card making stores.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34U3cVw366GHDukZgu8G5RBshHq1P0pwOXFYm-Qu7oui77pL_pt8EVe4HHyntEPg_-4tb76MH8xHbYz1uhwdoT917QK37RXLDfBERxXYBBu3UINoiFMQJq2jHoT14aMrV-nVvIbZvesMcQ01eYbDJUGn_Vy_fTE8RTyHbaxRV9Bg9Z68GrEYIeHrt6cM/s2048/IMG_2329.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh34U3cVw366GHDukZgu8G5RBshHq1P0pwOXFYm-Qu7oui77pL_pt8EVe4HHyntEPg_-4tb76MH8xHbYz1uhwdoT917QK37RXLDfBERxXYBBu3UINoiFMQJq2jHoT14aMrV-nVvIbZvesMcQ01eYbDJUGn_Vy_fTE8RTyHbaxRV9Bg9Z68GrEYIeHrt6cM/w186-h248/IMG_2329.JPEG" width="186" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT8uVzO-ETIE5xK_GloW3ALKC6hL7ieZ37z_3qltbTGtLWNKvuWxao4Knb8juLbpE8NmCG3BbZgyqBbNBjSRlyyolzpqVN7mMFlLXfLgxxqwuqTxOVvcQWdS40k16t0FG3w1sihyphenhyphenbB5goz9mmvufoEYTO8F0HeILEelKR4eNbuuE_NyBvqPImU1xBy3Q/s2048/IMG_2326.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitT8uVzO-ETIE5xK_GloW3ALKC6hL7ieZ37z_3qltbTGtLWNKvuWxao4Knb8juLbpE8NmCG3BbZgyqBbNBjSRlyyolzpqVN7mMFlLXfLgxxqwuqTxOVvcQWdS40k16t0FG3w1sihyphenhyphenbB5goz9mmvufoEYTO8F0HeILEelKR4eNbuuE_NyBvqPImU1xBy3Q/w179-h238/IMG_2326.JPEG" width="179" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCqJRrT_pruYF4cOGb8CDKl9FK-kP5j9jBuQ6dCmxFZpUJB7LTKVYcs_iBY61sZsuswjgs_7H-LOSD9wn7NfI6TIkjgRL9qs4aVqsQSYC9BamZGHenqMwbWmfxMvy8V6Yuuv6t64IhAiSo7v4m6JoRmLtYBB2xZeR8W66BfwskOblbkxWe7dlMehQf-o/s2048/IMG_2327.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="161" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCqJRrT_pruYF4cOGb8CDKl9FK-kP5j9jBuQ6dCmxFZpUJB7LTKVYcs_iBY61sZsuswjgs_7H-LOSD9wn7NfI6TIkjgRL9qs4aVqsQSYC9BamZGHenqMwbWmfxMvy8V6Yuuv6t64IhAiSo7v4m6JoRmLtYBB2xZeR8W66BfwskOblbkxWe7dlMehQf-o/w215-h161/IMG_2327.JPEG" width="215" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><p>One great niece chose to cut small pieces choosing the pictures she liked, another decided to go for strips, whilst the 4 year old watched them use the PVA on the paper scraps and they position them onto the boxes. She decided there was a better method. First she pasted a small area of PVA onto the box, then cut out a shape or picture to fit and finally put it onto the pasted surface. It was quick, efficient and far less messy than the other two!</p><p>When it came to sticking their coloured, wooden intials onto the boxes, the oldest pair put theirs on the top of the boxes, but the littlest one went for the front 'cos that's where you look to open it!'</p><p>(I know the Z is reversed, but that's a normal trait for this particular great niece - as I say, they are all very individual!)</p><p>Right, now to tackle this week's Substack offering... I hope you get the chance to check it out. Last week I added the first in the series about helping the process of learning to read with phonics as a building block....</p></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-89513372973660861222023-10-27T05:48:00.009-07:002023-11-05T05:14:25.586-08:00Getting it Sorted - Nibbling at the Edges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p>I know it seems like I'm obsessed by 'small steps' as well as eating - all those bites of elephants from last year's project! I'm blaming my sister for this one...</p><p>She's been soooo busy - mainly with helping others that she hasn't been able to get to a whole list of tasks for herself. Recently I was over at hers when she managed to whisk through half a dozen quick tasks in a small time window and we've taken, now and again, to grabbing the odd bit of time to get a job off her list.</p><p>Not too long ago she decided it was time to examine her shoe situation and we very quickly emptied her shoe store, cleaned it and put back her definite 'keeps'. She tried on some she thought she liked and discarded many that were either worn out or uncomfortable and went through the others for passing on, sale items or dumping.</p><p>It didn't take us long and so I've decided that 'Getting It Sorted' needs to be a series of quick gains to keep my momentum going! Thanks Sis...</p><p>Here's my first...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpfLlKyCcMZECiReFOeBISGY61wYarOEBTvFt0ztgA5-vzP0PsTgKE3rSi0ZiESHjHohQvPpiyM7F-zBaGQsLyX5442DEX1z30R7PC8tlmQx5iPwsvh0IKY0fQocwZplZMD2JhLLgnyvbKhbIu-qAatpaAUBDTkR3as2Uvb13FhfckOWLHsKnALj0-0I/s1536/IMG_2090.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1242" data-original-width="1536" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYpfLlKyCcMZECiReFOeBISGY61wYarOEBTvFt0ztgA5-vzP0PsTgKE3rSi0ZiESHjHohQvPpiyM7F-zBaGQsLyX5442DEX1z30R7PC8tlmQx5iPwsvh0IKY0fQocwZplZMD2JhLLgnyvbKhbIu-qAatpaAUBDTkR3as2Uvb13FhfckOWLHsKnALj0-0I/s320/IMG_2090.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've emptied my drawer of nail polishes, thrown away the dried up ones and selected these (above) to go back. There are one or two that I'm not sure about, so I'm about to try one of them out and then leave the others somewhere obvious so repeat the process so that I can make decisions about each one and either add it to my stock, throw it away or even perhaps add it to the craft pile as I remember an article about marbling using nail polish......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The second task has been longer, but I have decided against prevaricating any longer over Substack. So... (fanfare and drumroll) I've launched my Substack. It's going to be in the form of a weekly (fingers crossed) newsletter where I can empty my brain and try and organise my thoughts. Alongside that will be a series of second weekly posts on a particular subject which will change over time. This second string will start next week with phonics and helping those learning to read. Eventually there'll be a paid subscription too with extras - the weekly posts will stay free for all subscribers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you'd like to come along for the ride (the newsletters will be different to this blog so not all repeated stuff although there will obviously be bits of overlap with introducing myself there and the general run of life) then you can go to substack.com/@sueburton the newsletter is called 'And this is me .....'</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally I wanted to decrease my making to-do list. I've a number of things stopping me getting to my wish list of projects so I'm concentrating on the small step of finishing one each week.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week it was the turn of some cushions that one of our tennis ladies asked me to make from a suite covering that had worn out. I've finally got to grips with the task so hopefully she'll be pleased with the result. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For once I remembered to take before and after photos...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9ZqC89CCxf7KQLGZEWUeaK8JmD_iiI01vaDPHt63sq6xF8nejkm6AmrjvkoozLMYHgRkYJbf2uCHnQK1YiweE8K703-Ujx_w5OV2RRAPSEbEMFz6i5_RhdzuLO35c5nNBHVcEIqrCOoS0FKb9u1-iwkojSSUPFDfuc2L6FbWhewTPsoRwBpGkrKMb9Q/s2048/IMG_2097.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv9ZqC89CCxf7KQLGZEWUeaK8JmD_iiI01vaDPHt63sq6xF8nejkm6AmrjvkoozLMYHgRkYJbf2uCHnQK1YiweE8K703-Ujx_w5OV2RRAPSEbEMFz6i5_RhdzuLO35c5nNBHVcEIqrCOoS0FKb9u1-iwkojSSUPFDfuc2L6FbWhewTPsoRwBpGkrKMb9Q/w181-h241/IMG_2097.JPEG" width="181" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3idEwX7v3JRc5FSN1DkKxPgXfDlKD5cJPgtTxCPPswcOlfktpfWhACBlvtyZKtnUZAWe0BaRqkcIPLCi2RmcsewLVvMULJUWhVGiQmJgylAqCY_NCJ2hlRL_wM8gheyMJPrckbF2TGG7vtG8JILg0SUEnh0IK8PEQu1jn7bSid8Eyhq6JOnNqsDgp34/s2048/IMG_2260.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3idEwX7v3JRc5FSN1DkKxPgXfDlKD5cJPgtTxCPPswcOlfktpfWhACBlvtyZKtnUZAWe0BaRqkcIPLCi2RmcsewLVvMULJUWhVGiQmJgylAqCY_NCJ2hlRL_wM8gheyMJPrckbF2TGG7vtG8JILg0SUEnh0IK8PEQu1jn7bSid8Eyhq6JOnNqsDgp34/w170-h227/IMG_2260.JPEG" width="170" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">as well as some 'along the way' shots, so I'll be able to do a step by step set of instructions on Substack later on!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's me done with nibbling around the edges for today - last task - get the next Substack post done.....</div><br />Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-30701814973754233142023-10-09T06:21:00.009-07:002023-10-09T06:21:51.994-07:00Right, so why can't I settle to write?<p> It's a mystery to me that with all the thoughts buzzing in my head, I'm finding it so difficult to get down to recording some of them! I've also been a bit all over the place with my blood pressure and anxiety, not to mention lack of sleep and have been searching for reasons for it all....</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPNDkG-NI0Ofok411uPE5eAfc-xtr2JrCnvsd0HoF_B9OthWpAqd-a9PLnb-6wPJ_Kaip-H_vQ1H1h2VxHaDbLSbzrzDLEbdnBzhTcbcakjl1b2Czn4nZEftcDDUzsQgmuBRiYBQ3TM6zEVp6_TfSNEq4M4Fo-u8Th8mkSgAlwFPDGXGCIn-flIMVV1c/s4032/IMG_5227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtPNDkG-NI0Ofok411uPE5eAfc-xtr2JrCnvsd0HoF_B9OthWpAqd-a9PLnb-6wPJ_Kaip-H_vQ1H1h2VxHaDbLSbzrzDLEbdnBzhTcbcakjl1b2Czn4nZEftcDDUzsQgmuBRiYBQ3TM6zEVp6_TfSNEq4M4Fo-u8Th8mkSgAlwFPDGXGCIn-flIMVV1c/s320/IMG_5227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Not my usual thinking space I know, but local enough to use....</p><p>I've been taking a bit of a break from being so organised. Trying to go with the flow.. opening the fridge/freezer just before dinner to decide what to have, nabbing bits of time to jot down ideas, not sticking to a rough schedule for housework and so on. I think this might be part of the problem!</p><p>I mentioned last time about grouping, sorting and organising (even if putting things away could be a bit of a trial) and now I realise how important my routine, rituals and planning are to me. I'm one of those people who can't work unless their desk space is tidy, not as a delaying move, more a 'I can't operate my brain with all this mess' kind of move. There are those around me who don't see my tidy space as they would like theirs - whatever works for me I say.</p><p>Anyway, I've decided to get back on track I need to regroup and refocus in order to get working efficiently (or at all) again. I also think this drifting has left me feeling without control and added to the aformentioned anxiety and blood pressure problems. So, it's back to the roughly planned menus, the cleaned up house and goodbye to the 'I'll wait till there's a pile' ironing and the 'I'll clean up when we've finished this next task' mentality.</p><p>With that in mind I'm off to finish the ironing, clean the bedrooms, hang up the washing that's just finished and then, with mind clear, properly plan the forthcoming blog posts, Pinterest boards and Substack..</p><p>The creativity black hole might also be due to another little health question - all about hearing aids that one, but I rush ahead here - more later.... Back to the chores.</p><p>I'll be back soon with the grand plan all ready and raring to go..</p><p><br />Watch this space!</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-53990195828945925572023-09-14T07:09:00.003-07:002023-09-14T07:10:54.526-07:00Back to the office...<p> I didn't intend, way back in March, to take so much time out before settling once again in front of the keyboard, but here we are in September and not a single new post in the intervening months! It's not that I haven't had any ideas, rather too many, in fact, I just haven't managed to sort them into any cohesive order...</p><p>I'm well overdue on the time to get back to the office - so here I am...</p><p>I've done a lot of listening to podcasts and researching Substack and it feels like it was built just for me. I can start in one place and wander off with one connecting thread - me. I'm not quitting this space at all - I've had a number of in-depth planning session as you can see....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_ks-syZvnU4y1N-OIustddgT_sgLmCbKnAPobATKr0haPKDMwM8vS9Ct7wXQi8imKGpujX-N3E6flIeYfeujvTbwuk5IM6PsMT3dSAAIACODCF8qs_jy5ovjcV2rlJOoFBi8SrfWy2vnhQxU3-1L5NnN8VOOwxp832u0xWQ6XD_AQIb_BE6pj1wLFJ4/s2048/IMG_2214.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha_ks-syZvnU4y1N-OIustddgT_sgLmCbKnAPobATKr0haPKDMwM8vS9Ct7wXQi8imKGpujX-N3E6flIeYfeujvTbwuk5IM6PsMT3dSAAIACODCF8qs_jy5ovjcV2rlJOoFBi8SrfWy2vnhQxU3-1L5NnN8VOOwxp832u0xWQ6XD_AQIb_BE6pj1wLFJ4/s320/IMG_2214.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know what I'd do without my special office space - I'll be there again tomorrow.</div>Mornings at the seafront with a coffee and pastry help me to order my thoughts and pretend I'm going to be good all week at getting stuff down. (I would show you the pastry as well as the coffee, but I found it necessary to eat it for the sugar rush).<div><br /></div><div>The planning has been going better than the writing action, but there it is.. hey ho. I'm hoping my nieces will be able to kickstart my plans - one to teach me Canva to get my graphics all blinged up and the other to polish my English, guide my random outpourings and generally beat me up about keeping on track.</div><div><br /></div><div>Gazing out at the view isn't really helping me decide on titles, subtitles, short introductions, explanations about what I'll write about and so on. I've got some ideas and I'll make a decision this week - promise.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmd7-d3JbBFaxNrLePBV4uwYKxGs0gPXAvflePQ4O9xw2nll-DkoDGptXwuaiLLBnmextdfi8ZQ2DNsx223PtEz4vdBQ28mdzKwiZGIFvL5aLy3apZIINDgTDeIvcsge6EMm-pGqxE5Bv80ekfGf8TEkK4pbEEDTxqj50MIqc6MBEMcot12CCRGUgUUU/s1686/IMG_2215a.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1686" data-original-width="1249" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLmd7-d3JbBFaxNrLePBV4uwYKxGs0gPXAvflePQ4O9xw2nll-DkoDGptXwuaiLLBnmextdfi8ZQ2DNsx223PtEz4vdBQ28mdzKwiZGIFvL5aLy3apZIINDgTDeIvcsge6EMm-pGqxE5Bv80ekfGf8TEkK4pbEEDTxqj50MIqc6MBEMcot12CCRGUgUUU/s320/IMG_2215a.JPEG" width="237" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following on from last year's attempt at an ongoing theme of order and organisation on the finances front I've uncovered a number of other aspects of 'life, the universe and everything' that I need to address in the same way. These thoughts won't be quite so 'in the flow' and may well be whatever random improvements I hit on as they arise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't think the randomness will be a bad thing (!).. Firstly as I may well sit and jot things down more often and secondly because tackling small steps as they present themselves is usually my best way of solving problems and challenges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I was small my main way of tidying up and organising was to empty everything I owned (mainly toys), group and order it and then intend to put it all away. I usually got the grouping and ordering done and then ran out of steam for the putting away. Fine if it doesn't affect anyone else, but as I live with Mr Tidy it just wouldn't work!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The working title (and knowing me - the title it'll end up with) is Getting Sorted.... whether that's health, crafting, cash, decluttering, Christmas (there I've uttered the dreaded word and the sky hasn't fallen in yet) or whatever else I alight on. I'm thinking of creating some Pinterest Boards to gather them together too.. who knows a book or thread or Substack vertical might emerge. At least they'll all be roughly organised so I know where to find them all.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, enough of that.. I'll be back when I've wrestled with my welcome page and introduction (and found a title) for the Substack and let you know how to find it all - along with the Pinterest links if I ever work it all out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See you sooner rather than later (fingers crossed)......</div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-30343823529290412372023-03-30T08:36:00.003-07:002023-03-30T08:36:13.478-07:00Consolidating My Thoughts!<p> Hi Again,</p><p><br /></p><p>I've taken a bit of a breather. After blogging the equivalent of a post a day - rather rushed and garbled as it was towards the end of the year - I'm happy that I met my (self-imposed) target, but know that it's not a sustainable thing for me..</p><p>I wanted to have a think about where to go next, both with the blog and with how I spend my time and energy in particular. </p><p>The past few months have been a bit of a whirlwind in our family and it coincides with me trying to work out the best use of my time - purely from an enjoyment point of view I might add.</p><p>So I took to my usual thoughtful place </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4MG1SOY_uurbTDJAEJmPlxPqEwc-ECrieV-paEsBzwE_RvOPztVjgO7RsOS7GnEZv-UGlAZhrVg05FOeLfCj-1IYlX-ljlZLgBwq8ZBFvhgs6nN2KIvY9TtqIThdQn4wkzrfrGynw9E4cXfS3VOJ2jZTv1XUVK5an45Vp2hAgYNXYM7Yy-9g2ezz/s2048/IMG_1601.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4MG1SOY_uurbTDJAEJmPlxPqEwc-ECrieV-paEsBzwE_RvOPztVjgO7RsOS7GnEZv-UGlAZhrVg05FOeLfCj-1IYlX-ljlZLgBwq8ZBFvhgs6nN2KIvY9TtqIThdQn4wkzrfrGynw9E4cXfS3VOJ2jZTv1XUVK5an45Vp2hAgYNXYM7Yy-9g2ezz/s320/IMG_1601.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>There's been so much going on I just had to stop and make space.</p><p>I want to carry on with the blog and pushing on with being creative, but, butterfly brain aside, I can't keep shooting off in all directions however much fun it feels.</p><p>There are practical issues at play - helping with a flat move in the family - curtains and upholstery seem to be my contribution.. (excuse the socks in view!) ..</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneiCOAyQKHdkzDlfQ0-sSQZBiYAVAXcwrpRXO9FGUZmu1OfBFGbRaxsI7v3f0Q9r1NCXUjQOII9rWe8F4bXM_cWZwxQsUnzOsInZyOqP1GL__XikmoS2BB7ehMWrsD51nmgwmAsqusvGlJKZJXc5suVLakBRL0-cEcvs7ejNiA_EQXU_sXusITSMk/s2048/IMG_1637.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjneiCOAyQKHdkzDlfQ0-sSQZBiYAVAXcwrpRXO9FGUZmu1OfBFGbRaxsI7v3f0Q9r1NCXUjQOII9rWe8F4bXM_cWZwxQsUnzOsInZyOqP1GL__XikmoS2BB7ehMWrsD51nmgwmAsqusvGlJKZJXc5suVLakBRL0-cEcvs7ejNiA_EQXU_sXusITSMk/w136-h182/IMG_1637.JPEG" width="136" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzwJ6AtNbfx8zWDdZsblaVlk3QRPQOYYBj3kMq0inSVqR3XGLxQQfK084CnpzqX5U_97TgFZONjNbPZ2pkcWBh5xgNIoFnoeEo1t14qCGLDLzLmy85JrakkwJcVvmpiwxbynveeRzQOOnigCCj6joUAXtPa5AXdeFmZaAAm4LajOO2i42ZcmfJLbH/s2048/IMG_1638.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzwJ6AtNbfx8zWDdZsblaVlk3QRPQOYYBj3kMq0inSVqR3XGLxQQfK084CnpzqX5U_97TgFZONjNbPZ2pkcWBh5xgNIoFnoeEo1t14qCGLDLzLmy85JrakkwJcVvmpiwxbynveeRzQOOnigCCj6joUAXtPa5AXdeFmZaAAm4LajOO2i42ZcmfJLbH/w138-h185/IMG_1638.JPEG" width="138" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Gathering of finances for forthcoming needs also need addressing - so Ebay has been duly filled with bits and pieces...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVwMpmfPM_6q2qHd6jpB5dI6y-WhO99Q5b2fsIdNwsU5GyqLVCbtS_BwKRI4IK7MxYH0E6rNzPEVuO573dg4nBFce_QL0Uw69w2HRZ4WAcrdgDFRNcy7F_X-igpouWaKTIPHu1UWc8-LY96eFi76B6Bdlb9hCRdoMKPsjVgSOmrFyR_pptjqI02rP/s2048/IMG_1643.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaVwMpmfPM_6q2qHd6jpB5dI6y-WhO99Q5b2fsIdNwsU5GyqLVCbtS_BwKRI4IK7MxYH0E6rNzPEVuO573dg4nBFce_QL0Uw69w2HRZ4WAcrdgDFRNcy7F_X-igpouWaKTIPHu1UWc8-LY96eFi76B6Bdlb9hCRdoMKPsjVgSOmrFyR_pptjqI02rP/w209-h157/IMG_1643.JPEG" width="209" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kFOuqGOiz8DZX1wcmPgjku-srt2Rx9fi41NuLZ2VvnHo5AkS9r_sqBeMANjGnE8xlEIdoeEdG-jGjiD06QmKYrubm042awjiMWOYo0c5QDq9x6wDSOcfcmxeZUG6iMmeU3tj_m83WaabTvhHMO1rCDkR7W6X2i3fDFudv78IHtM95ZAWJAA5bTft/s2048/IMG_1693.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0kFOuqGOiz8DZX1wcmPgjku-srt2Rx9fi41NuLZ2VvnHo5AkS9r_sqBeMANjGnE8xlEIdoeEdG-jGjiD06QmKYrubm042awjiMWOYo0c5QDq9x6wDSOcfcmxeZUG6iMmeU3tj_m83WaabTvhHMO1rCDkR7W6X2i3fDFudv78IHtM95ZAWJAA5bTft/w202-h151/IMG_1693.jpeg" width="202" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">as well as a start on some small items for a table/craft sale...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdOgGYOPeTE01glW4x9A3Pk1jHLbwjxzSA4Bvo6-2nu_Ay96gOTO42_LYRiQcNMBm_SY1_LaJUY83C62j1SJiWDv0FyRc6Caml_JjT1V0A8vfFqMseRjyhfWRAi7ib0F5ng8PPh_rcUfSBflb8LVBTi5NDx2Y3_gVFFZfj-qJvMxN65kE8h15dorN/s2048/IMG_1630.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtdOgGYOPeTE01glW4x9A3Pk1jHLbwjxzSA4Bvo6-2nu_Ay96gOTO42_LYRiQcNMBm_SY1_LaJUY83C62j1SJiWDv0FyRc6Caml_JjT1V0A8vfFqMseRjyhfWRAi7ib0F5ng8PPh_rcUfSBflb8LVBTi5NDx2Y3_gVFFZfj-qJvMxN65kE8h15dorN/w171-h229/IMG_1630.JPEG" width="171" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx6ECf1wpsI9f6z0uDrSk0vydY6LxsKjxYlv-ZkA2Het9hXA72t0QZHtvvqTux8JrtQXFMhQgayF9_bieMYdfhcri1jvO2yBultla3TB-OVrqDKg2fnc-b_HD_urZd1FrGM9RF3VEypeCgR-uHOqo0sWkf9h78_EAfa6KVo3MhK9FVnD21_MDqclE/s2048/IMG_1631.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrx6ECf1wpsI9f6z0uDrSk0vydY6LxsKjxYlv-ZkA2Het9hXA72t0QZHtvvqTux8JrtQXFMhQgayF9_bieMYdfhcri1jvO2yBultla3TB-OVrqDKg2fnc-b_HD_urZd1FrGM9RF3VEypeCgR-uHOqo0sWkf9h78_EAfa6KVo3MhK9FVnD21_MDqclE/w165-h220/IMG_1631.JPEG" width="165" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRlftRkVqnGNmSMOCzQTIsxpWybqIvhwnEdChS1RHVDbPIAEf6yAc9jkvSs3s6bXuzi_6jWkOOUWVL7-Pv3_PGasI1DgmVggqC4bwa1hoxr9Ahvm91g-r3NqqfXAWmOji4-5WDqRXomAYNGuWLUgWpE0UE9OwK7M6d61I1rS8sphsY_DSPQZJ0YtJ/s2048/IMG_1632.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDRlftRkVqnGNmSMOCzQTIsxpWybqIvhwnEdChS1RHVDbPIAEf6yAc9jkvSs3s6bXuzi_6jWkOOUWVL7-Pv3_PGasI1DgmVggqC4bwa1hoxr9Ahvm91g-r3NqqfXAWmOji4-5WDqRXomAYNGuWLUgWpE0UE9OwK7M6d61I1rS8sphsY_DSPQZJ0YtJ/w157-h209/IMG_1632.JPEG" width="157" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNHxICUbJ9ttaXhgOG05AvlK4AogCPOEBnuGMduEwlq_MVDwHIk5IAj79HcmDTnWQ8JFoRHHDaxZgCsSYE6KQ85ZGR3FDhAnfXs1qhkYThGSYzc5im3oVCP2ZXH8ffGKTXAO_o_xWR_ke9ekNkk2O8vDNlBre7of4cRMq8bOS5uAxWgQlwNM56ACA/s2048/IMG_1644.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJNHxICUbJ9ttaXhgOG05AvlK4AogCPOEBnuGMduEwlq_MVDwHIk5IAj79HcmDTnWQ8JFoRHHDaxZgCsSYE6KQ85ZGR3FDhAnfXs1qhkYThGSYzc5im3oVCP2ZXH8ffGKTXAO_o_xWR_ke9ekNkk2O8vDNlBre7of4cRMq8bOS5uAxWgQlwNM56ACA/w231-h173/IMG_1644.JPEG" width="231" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>There's been fun stuff with birthday presents needed too..<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYFV-EJkY5wSd006NcHnliKlrDuU4bMOZZ6KnPw2ayd2eB4kI0LfA8AvcLxg5L01TkwI9vpaTg-w2DfDVJgNB1R9Fkp4aKypjEE3_OUGVJqpfzmBhEB8GIZn5Eud_rad2cxE7eV_EDJzp6R8a_LB6rIX0CodPlC11G6M4HYu-8-9N3Zt4lUPESsXX/s2048/IMG_1612.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhYFV-EJkY5wSd006NcHnliKlrDuU4bMOZZ6KnPw2ayd2eB4kI0LfA8AvcLxg5L01TkwI9vpaTg-w2DfDVJgNB1R9Fkp4aKypjEE3_OUGVJqpfzmBhEB8GIZn5Eud_rad2cxE7eV_EDJzp6R8a_LB6rIX0CodPlC11G6M4HYu-8-9N3Zt4lUPESsXX/s320/IMG_1612.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p>And a Quiz to be won...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5HxKzB0CP0PqfsFjlliwqO2hA9_B6m4-_G_sfohpX_5sZZW38k5xWXHX0OHqoiKK2BHB-hYgNh1Kc8gZeomT-J8JtVZA9oRleu6eLCYYk1GCnu_f1aAhqPLXkIQyl7vdaCgmxzG-sTxvg25qrAU6P8HVIYatpStpBSp1QXBhC3IJ_6_CSSxXQcof/s2048/IMG_1614.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz5HxKzB0CP0PqfsFjlliwqO2hA9_B6m4-_G_sfohpX_5sZZW38k5xWXHX0OHqoiKK2BHB-hYgNh1Kc8gZeomT-J8JtVZA9oRleu6eLCYYk1GCnu_f1aAhqPLXkIQyl7vdaCgmxzG-sTxvg25qrAU6P8HVIYatpStpBSp1QXBhC3IJ_6_CSSxXQcof/s320/IMG_1614.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then tennis, swimming, running .... well - life I suppose!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So where do I concentrate my time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hence the consolidation...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking back over 2022 and the advances I made with money need to carry on bedding in and consolidating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What also needs consolidating is where my main focus lies...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I still want to make things and there's plenty of scope in the loft for using up materials. However, I'm basically a writer at heart. It's largely how I've made my living at times and in various roles. So, that's where I must start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My big issue at the present is what I write and which platform I use. The blog, of course, stays. There are other ideas floating round the brain at the same time - I'm researching Substack so I'll get back to that when I've more information.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm still doing some freelance ghost writing too - good fun and manageable chunks of time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other consideration is about what I write and the best place for each theme...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The short stories I've amassed could be a Substack 'vertical'.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The Phonics book for parents I'm part way through is probably an ebook, but it could belong on Substack too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'd like to do some step by step instructions for craft items and I guess the blog is the best place for that - YouTube videos are so not my thing - I love following other crafters' channels, but me, in front of a camera, nooooo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ideas about organisation and sorting various of lifestyle could sit on the blog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The novel is only is research form so no decision there..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The serial writing I've started - one set in Italy another written from a cat's point of view - well, who knows!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">See the butterfly thing extends into my writing too - just too many threads..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looks like I need to get back to my thinking space this weekend and come up with a plan...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kovBODbc9ParcCKpDgAKB6CkylNdHpHADhJdYuPeTcj6bWPiDsuZ8qUjGa7AagkfKlx74LjpCRKZJ1k5XfniG2enRASebRyLctCuUKMtEf3_f3tmBfiwSM515ESqUI-G4Tqck06QyHT3-plaM1fnM2EPvj3Hzw3Nju3oxoDkp8P56noGX2NAU0Aq/s2048/IMG_1600.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kovBODbc9ParcCKpDgAKB6CkylNdHpHADhJdYuPeTcj6bWPiDsuZ8qUjGa7AagkfKlx74LjpCRKZJ1k5XfniG2enRASebRyLctCuUKMtEf3_f3tmBfiwSM515ESqUI-G4Tqck06QyHT3-plaM1fnM2EPvj3Hzw3Nju3oxoDkp8P56noGX2NAU0Aq/s320/IMG_1600.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Let me know if you've got any thoughts, won't you?.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />See you next week.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-86372019171752739632023-01-24T02:47:00.004-08:002023-01-24T02:47:44.735-08:00Home Run<p> This has got to be the very last word (or words) on the old year...</p><p>Just a few more bites to finish it off and I can look towards the next ideas!</p><p>So...</p><p>Month 12 - Bite 23</p><p>The spinning group I go to usually has a Christmas Lunch out. Obviously we couldn't during the restrictions and then when they ended last year we were unsure about crowded restaurants, especially as a number of members are older and more susceptible to bugs, germs and illnesses. We decided to eat in and each bring something alone.</p><p>It was such a success that we did the same again this year - here's some of the spread after we'd already started to tuck in!!</p><p>Not only did it leave those who act as carers the flexibility to turn up when they could and provision being made for those with specific dietary requirements, but it also allowed us to move around chatting - not necessarily our experience when sat at a long table.</p><p>I have a feeling we'll be doing the same again next time round!!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrDPxnEyapX6C6xLgzajxca_lGe4A7552waESvFAmwdjr345tUrHfHZ8FNbo1kvWPoPeWXY9FwaAt5bbeeTvNU911uak_tM14-16PrdI8Hn1RL4Xog-baRIHpOUQUj8ukXP_NNT502dx5CTWYIWnRoQOesMgI3zXlhuuZOJm4k4bkd52QDAJQBf15/s1263/lunch%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1263" data-original-width="1212" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnrDPxnEyapX6C6xLgzajxca_lGe4A7552waESvFAmwdjr345tUrHfHZ8FNbo1kvWPoPeWXY9FwaAt5bbeeTvNU911uak_tM14-16PrdI8Hn1RL4Xog-baRIHpOUQUj8ukXP_NNT502dx5CTWYIWnRoQOesMgI3zXlhuuZOJm4k4bkd52QDAJQBf15/s320/lunch%202.jpeg" width="307" /></a></div><br /><p>Month 12 - Bite 24</p><p>I've just finished wrapping 90 presents! It's not what it seems... The presents were all collected cheaply or free over the year (perfume sample anyone?) or handmade. The wrapping paper was that collected from unwrapping last year. It provided great fun and entertainment during our family get-together without too much cost or waster!</p><p><br /></p><p>Month 12 - Bite 25</p><p>Time for a bit of reflection on the festivities. This year we've all cut back - some of that is to do with the present financial squeeze that everyone is going through, but much of it is because so many of the family were bug stricken so we were a bit more cautious in food buying and so on. Do you know what? We hardly noticed! So a rethink for next year while we still remember what went well and what could be ditched is due.</p><p>We've collectively made a note of what got eaten or leftover and what needs to be budgeted in for next year. As a family we'd already decided to cut down on sweets and treats as we always seem to be 'finishing up' well into January and invariably waste some of the leftovers. There was still plenty left so next Christmas we'll cut back a bit more and probably won't notice it even more!!</p><p><br /></p><p>Month 12 - Bite 26</p><p>Planning for next year now while there's a lull in the frantic nature of everyday life. I love a blankpage, a new notebook or a pristine diary so mine's all ready...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzCV0j1U71VH2rEVQ94HWxf-j9t3pKJk15VZNEihMXICA7EKSHoH1N1G9K7pCxEyTJ3xyDOQjvpTpYsdZXYsfxr6iac_dd8Jm2mB04ufQCiuGmcpmIuinT-h0JycKhPNScFT_xSFGqK8_3WfrHyfo2qab6Xr6UL0YC8gOdMvcsNdOd6foUdBh_Xyb/s1661/diary.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1267" data-original-width="1661" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbzCV0j1U71VH2rEVQ94HWxf-j9t3pKJk15VZNEihMXICA7EKSHoH1N1G9K7pCxEyTJ3xyDOQjvpTpYsdZXYsfxr6iac_dd8Jm2mB04ufQCiuGmcpmIuinT-h0JycKhPNScFT_xSFGqK8_3WfrHyfo2qab6Xr6UL0YC8gOdMvcsNdOd6foUdBh_Xyb/s320/diary.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>First in go all those dates and reminder, appointments and birthdays. I usually pick up a free calendar from some supermarket or another, this year none were around at the same time as I was looking so I've just printed off the twelve months as individual pages using the calendar app on the phone.</p><p>Looks like it could be another busy year!</p><p><br /></p><p>Month 12 - Bite 27</p><p>I'm ready to venture out again. Not too much to restock, just one or two essentials and a quick look at the post-Christmas stock clearance. </p><p>I know I've made a number of cards for next year already, but there were some ridiculous reductions (24 cards for 10p anyone?) on these and on wrapping paper too. I have however resisted the urge to splurge on too many mini gifts so that I don't have a storage and cluttering problem before we put our heads together about what next years get-together game will be - lucky dip, tombola, tree presents - decision yest to be made!</p><p>Month 12 - Bite 28</p><p>Revisiting the budget I set at the beginning of the year is today's task. I've randomly noted spending for some weeks and I've got all the bills for the year. I'm going to settle down with a nice cup of tea, a pencil and paper and some soothing music to see where I kept to my intentions and where things may have gone awry before I go any further.</p><p><br /></p><p>Month 12 - Bite 29</p><p>With all those facts and figures and the dates in the diary for birthdays, occasions and renewals known so far it's time to plan for finances for 2023.</p><p>I know there'll be some changes to the family pot - positive ones as I'm due my pension - I never thought of myself as being a pensioner one day!! We're also planning for a holiday or two and there's new pressures round the corner, but overall looking at the finances this year looks like fun.</p><p><br /></p><p>Month 12 - Bite 30</p><p>And finally - never thought I'd type that and mean it!</p><p>The last act of this month is to take some time to think and plan generally. The past year has given me plenty of food for thought and some surprises too. The house is clearer and I can see a path for the home budget. More writing looks possible and I'm going to take some time to form a plan for my next projects...</p><p>In all a happy new year looks set ahead....</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-70588898073453454852023-01-13T09:26:00.004-08:002023-01-13T09:26:56.715-08:00And Finally - yes I hope so..<p> Okay, I know it's January and this should have been written almost a month ago, but as I mentioned last time the events of the end of the year caught me out.</p><p>This then is a sort of rapid romp through what I intended to write with photos showing some of the ideas in their making stages as I had to speed up to get them off to the right people and places as I went along!</p><p>The idea of making so much for the festive period is twofold. Making something specifically tailored to a person and spending time and care on it can make a gift special, it can also cost far less than a hastily bought 'pressure to buy' present. </p><p>Here's the last elephant to see out 2022 (even if it is 2023 now) - good thing he's got a good memory aided by my notebook and photos!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL4_keQ5ikLHEt70DCOx3VFaMs2KfKuzTz_1FzVlT5D7t5z1kBvHtWm8E69JzgrSBysYlFaJivJBCc-TFTejG-w8CfW5erh4m9IHhQmgAPghe_CHV3wTZmDR9rszeJDsKAafgoZ8MWrP0SvD7RJ6VJxcRpetbKx85pJN7w7pHyWxUDbX1bsbs72Jy/s1907/elephant%2012.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1651" data-original-width="1907" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmL4_keQ5ikLHEt70DCOx3VFaMs2KfKuzTz_1FzVlT5D7t5z1kBvHtWm8E69JzgrSBysYlFaJivJBCc-TFTejG-w8CfW5erh4m9IHhQmgAPghe_CHV3wTZmDR9rszeJDsKAafgoZ8MWrP0SvD7RJ6VJxcRpetbKx85pJN7w7pHyWxUDbX1bsbs72Jy/s320/elephant%2012.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Month 12 - Bite 1<div><br /></div><div>With my Card and Present Lists all present and correct the countdown is on. Obviously the more time I allow myself, then the easier and cheaper things will be. Well, it should work like that, if everything goes to plan (you know there's a 'but' coming now don't you?)</div><div><br />Best laid plans and all that means that this is more of a list than a blog in an effort to note all the 30 bites for the final month of the 12.....</div><div><br /></div><div>I did at least manage my first bite which was to stock up on stamps. If I'm honest this belongs to earlier in the year. Once I heard that the price of stamps was going up I took the precaution of buying ahead to make sure that all my Christmas posting would be at the pre-price rise level....</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6BVQBoOxUUzX0zGt03YTQuduDZtnl9d7Whk4m40ZrmnCoSi4K_93RrrkrK5TmiEWNEVl6DIPXuZl3FdNKwGK8xb-e6O4xR4YO0PUu-9ealXfsXeEiZZcuvXhuRdzc5w_CwbJtAvhX0R_87DxvoKybWAK4JOd7OEId4sHQKQ5BkRnpjz1mqN2GHNY/s4032/IMG_0684.HEIC" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6BVQBoOxUUzX0zGt03YTQuduDZtnl9d7Whk4m40ZrmnCoSi4K_93RrrkrK5TmiEWNEVl6DIPXuZl3FdNKwGK8xb-e6O4xR4YO0PUu-9ealXfsXeEiZZcuvXhuRdzc5w_CwbJtAvhX0R_87DxvoKybWAK4JOd7OEId4sHQKQ5BkRnpjz1mqN2GHNY/w302-h227/IMG_0684.HEIC" width="302" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Month 12 - Bite 2</div><div><br /></div><div>My husband always buys too many cards - not dozens too many, just a few. I'm off into the loft to find out what's up there from last year so that I know exactly how many I need once I've used up his 'last year's stock'.</div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3e7DcApQe51UUNLMFSZ9Z09A0rF7YU51PU4LBK7rrtWxc1XP9iprC2NH7BLAIB0sbVxulnTDjsJ97AFazQeJS-nfQOzsgCCRH_Z8QHNzA_kl2LOLYWZGOSc6cJGzGQldIM9anVwseqQ8JO5VmYZ1D3KLCXwuV4jAcP3CCOEnM6WrlPtJ0DGXa8dsV/s2048/IMG_1459.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3e7DcApQe51UUNLMFSZ9Z09A0rF7YU51PU4LBK7rrtWxc1XP9iprC2NH7BLAIB0sbVxulnTDjsJ97AFazQeJS-nfQOzsgCCRH_Z8QHNzA_kl2LOLYWZGOSc6cJGzGQldIM9anVwseqQ8JO5VmYZ1D3KLCXwuV4jAcP3CCOEnM6WrlPtJ0DGXa8dsV/s320/IMG_1459.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Month 12 - Bite 3</div><div><br /></div><div>Now to make the rest of the cards I need.....</div><div><br /></div><div>If you remember I went on a fern picking trip and pressed the ferns when I got home. </div><div>These are now nicely dried and have worked well so now all I have to do is dress them up with some sparkle and a star, mount them on Christmassy backing paper and pop them onto card.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq-QrMNEOA4cgcNahIhpSLixGP2yPJpPtuJV7PhzfFAbbG-4AuQyN-ER8FkbvdILo3WXjqM1d48MQe_khzZJ7vvgAppKwOUFFvyKyVTpkc_TgMuUZky3YVKUXEovqXf-819aSCJU2oE0klQWW5CpDq_DxgQ6LBEpnn53kbjoDAP1urpE_iU1wa9up/s2048/IMG_1451.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmq-QrMNEOA4cgcNahIhpSLixGP2yPJpPtuJV7PhzfFAbbG-4AuQyN-ER8FkbvdILo3WXjqM1d48MQe_khzZJ7vvgAppKwOUFFvyKyVTpkc_TgMuUZky3YVKUXEovqXf-819aSCJU2oE0klQWW5CpDq_DxgQ6LBEpnn53kbjoDAP1urpE_iU1wa9up/w174-h232/IMG_1451.JPEG" width="174" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2C1Hu5_zj9sqzvWnvrD5KcLvvKEBcHDiuAxpWbejLaUUisULrRcfjPjLoSkzPoGJG55JwbuzRBnH74VAcUldKo21AzwMld_Iy8uamEQXxIDGS6pzJj7J0kKcdJDC4sD8gkWmilgrHLJftr7JkjjV3C5g5WUFABwgT7KVzUYaeSFWAynSebwTPgh5/s2048/IMG_1540.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH2C1Hu5_zj9sqzvWnvrD5KcLvvKEBcHDiuAxpWbejLaUUisULrRcfjPjLoSkzPoGJG55JwbuzRBnH74VAcUldKo21AzwMld_Iy8uamEQXxIDGS6pzJj7J0kKcdJDC4sD8gkWmilgrHLJftr7JkjjV3C5g5WUFABwgT7KVzUYaeSFWAynSebwTPgh5/w173-h231/IMG_1540.JPEG" width="173" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Apologies for the lack of before and after photos from now on... with the clock ticking I took shots when I could so that I could get the finished products in the post or wrapped or.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 4</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For family I tend to make different cards to the ones for friends. For the children I found a few wooden letters that I bought a while back at really silly sale prices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">For each of them I'm decorating their initial by pasting on Christmas tissue paper left from last year and attaching a hanging string before putting them onto the card. That way they get a card and a decoration too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPMWvUImjGFM1ERHn2o88RK-dx2MLJp9LIX2KhKOdRa0fQpBYSnG-iYJw-jyiLRXU-tLJQLKM9zeXdmT-jvwFzO8g-FmaGjqiV1GiIpK321Ahszj90L1xSGKm9rsCZDzwRrG4TRrZ_Ccqe_YkQlluAYyXjNcNoYG_0EHXAVz1hBw2tmCKQCVfVYrS/s2048/IMG_1455.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjPMWvUImjGFM1ERHn2o88RK-dx2MLJp9LIX2KhKOdRa0fQpBYSnG-iYJw-jyiLRXU-tLJQLKM9zeXdmT-jvwFzO8g-FmaGjqiV1GiIpK321Ahszj90L1xSGKm9rsCZDzwRrG4TRrZ_Ccqe_YkQlluAYyXjNcNoYG_0EHXAVz1hBw2tmCKQCVfVYrS/w163-h217/IMG_1455.JPEG" width="163" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahMX1BXnKb1svEr2NPKpTFJX1obJQAeLWqYtIDj_emHiP0jK-Bm_03XnBAolU-MP3eOc6F8tBmZFebrJA-mCXTW9KTZmPQhMAi0D8K9iLrNC5aEBodm1ogVyk_Oshv9-vS1UTiqcUJq3Q468qj3MpCZnoUkY-E3mUw_Qbf3ZyjMviaZrVhzZH0A5v/s2048/IMG_1454.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjahMX1BXnKb1svEr2NPKpTFJX1obJQAeLWqYtIDj_emHiP0jK-Bm_03XnBAolU-MP3eOc6F8tBmZFebrJA-mCXTW9KTZmPQhMAi0D8K9iLrNC5aEBodm1ogVyk_Oshv9-vS1UTiqcUJq3Q468qj3MpCZnoUkY-E3mUw_Qbf3ZyjMviaZrVhzZH0A5v/w159-h212/IMG_1454.JPEG" width="159" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjQ7UUktims_oIKwXv7bvKh9qYINfVhvuAsonfUaLyPK2wgbMKurNXJQ3bD-ExKgSSJ6G_s8uJemh8tq5h0-qZ5wGzW5akPuELDRtPmtnz6qJ0F9jTcQsSGCzEp5rLss5lgL7Jl_A0aPoKwkLGv6QJz6TN2VUk-H12qoyyLYh8v53mX6W9Hn805TW/s2048/IMG_1457.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWjQ7UUktims_oIKwXv7bvKh9qYINfVhvuAsonfUaLyPK2wgbMKurNXJQ3bD-ExKgSSJ6G_s8uJemh8tq5h0-qZ5wGzW5akPuELDRtPmtnz6qJ0F9jTcQsSGCzEp5rLss5lgL7Jl_A0aPoKwkLGv6QJz6TN2VUk-H12qoyyLYh8v53mX6W9Hn805TW/w164-h219/IMG_1457.JPEG" width="164" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA1su-dF4vvAMO5w461bN1t3BmMvz1hIqJYgcKjDR-QKfj8vuRZ47Jxy0-FSyQMtrzCVjr0iBojKU3Vo0YSXhvmxODskiF4OncB-1FLG9cN7QxzVBbB1EADvq2D_9ZDvY4Mw4dD-FPpOO1RYA3g17BawIPzroiQ52Ddx88B3CK094IJ5NkVEBbUh0/s2048/IMG_1456.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXA1su-dF4vvAMO5w461bN1t3BmMvz1hIqJYgcKjDR-QKfj8vuRZ47Jxy0-FSyQMtrzCVjr0iBojKU3Vo0YSXhvmxODskiF4OncB-1FLG9cN7QxzVBbB1EADvq2D_9ZDvY4Mw4dD-FPpOO1RYA3g17BawIPzroiQ52Ddx88B3CK094IJ5NkVEBbUh0/w188-h251/IMG_1456.JPEG" width="188" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N20VEbDYo3stD1y7dp9i8pXJRwbxQE3C9p_unDpd4isKXTklCNzRmV8I-bdlDRs4WISgXHRh8yh8Q2bAABVfwjCH3Ol_hNlteY_kzeLlALvbBOPF2l_pEWqGG-Mb8bE1UlfFH8I6SJNf6c08Vneb6o-sSdS7PXVsZPG3rrqVFj-vntwXxq0W9_mJ/s2048/IMG_1458.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9N20VEbDYo3stD1y7dp9i8pXJRwbxQE3C9p_unDpd4isKXTklCNzRmV8I-bdlDRs4WISgXHRh8yh8Q2bAABVfwjCH3Ol_hNlteY_kzeLlALvbBOPF2l_pEWqGG-Mb8bE1UlfFH8I6SJNf6c08Vneb6o-sSdS7PXVsZPG3rrqVFj-vntwXxq0W9_mJ/w236-h177/IMG_1458.JPEG" width="236" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other family cards get the handmade treatment too..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A spot of simple cross stitch embroidery with sparkle and beads always looks effective and is pretty quick to do...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvwrLYms9BLWcGpSxg528sHnkL3GcoV03TVqU2HyjEqoAMX1nxvE5C4VbjRRhfmyTJsyCZK95o-ygGKF0-X28uAhuduHtkMmzebJK7pXtT1Oj4uGmPS3kw0eiyUZqbxfh8gc1cMiQ4y3cFQ1L72FpJohNNhObyZL7z-Kqi-rl6VWo40sZYJmTvZVU/s465/tree%20card%20(2).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="465" data-original-width="363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnvwrLYms9BLWcGpSxg528sHnkL3GcoV03TVqU2HyjEqoAMX1nxvE5C4VbjRRhfmyTJsyCZK95o-ygGKF0-X28uAhuduHtkMmzebJK7pXtT1Oj4uGmPS3kw0eiyUZqbxfh8gc1cMiQ4y3cFQ1L72FpJohNNhObyZL7z-Kqi-rl6VWo40sZYJmTvZVU/s320/tree%20card%20(2).jpg" width="250" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 6</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Following on from the Christmas card stock I rummaged around in the loft to unearth the bags and boxes from previous years. We tend, as a family, to recycle these between ourselves. I can't tell you how old some of these are, but it becomes a kind of game when giving presents or bags for each household to try and remember who gave which to whom the year or two or three before!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkOEVgfYK3p6lh6xWPYVWlXWJDk1e_qSlbRkXULZI5sdIDhknALIGg2FiDkb7KWgl4QZvkPUli-O0_U-f69Erwcy0Loj8tgT_n9nqafpHw9wPVS8O7cbtkw8PteNjtHsQn1DKP3ohGr9rLJcZkhjA-kaEMHdwkcG72g2pk-2peHCzWJRDYvIH3vUf/s1895/IMG_1437.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1895" data-original-width="1660" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkOEVgfYK3p6lh6xWPYVWlXWJDk1e_qSlbRkXULZI5sdIDhknALIGg2FiDkb7KWgl4QZvkPUli-O0_U-f69Erwcy0Loj8tgT_n9nqafpHw9wPVS8O7cbtkw8PteNjtHsQn1DKP3ohGr9rLJcZkhjA-kaEMHdwkcG72g2pk-2peHCzWJRDYvIH3vUf/s320/IMG_1437.JPEG" width="280" /></a><div><br /></div><div>Month 12 - Bite 7</div><div><br /></div><div>This particular box deserves a bite all of its own.</div><div><br /></div><div>It's been going back and forth for a number of years. At first it was from my niece to me for a birthday when she filled it with bath bits and treats. The following year I returned it to her so she could fill it all over again. Then we moved on to vouchers to fill up my e-book. That was when my sister took it over and so she fills it each birthday and Christmas with a selection of goodies and after each celebration I return it to her for the next time!</div><div><br /><div><br /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawMtiTdu8YJjkRNSYO969SDj7mYvoXs0UnB1qndXMIK3N2m4Pw8eNi3Fms4sH7CKRd1BZfOpXmCjI5iYX5N-3pZoDpY9jPx8TGw1zFHe4MDv7tYlcZIAZMFnHlGUd4dqmBertTgQPo__1HXS9JPMEKufARwoGGllBU5lLHS_1m68gGa-NXXCipwGN/s2048/IMG_1453.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgawMtiTdu8YJjkRNSYO969SDj7mYvoXs0UnB1qndXMIK3N2m4Pw8eNi3Fms4sH7CKRd1BZfOpXmCjI5iYX5N-3pZoDpY9jPx8TGw1zFHe4MDv7tYlcZIAZMFnHlGUd4dqmBertTgQPo__1HXS9JPMEKufARwoGGllBU5lLHS_1m68gGa-NXXCipwGN/s320/IMG_1453.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Month 12 - Bite 8</div><div><br /></div><div>And onto the other 'gift wrapping'. I found some origami pages online a year or so ago and by downloading free wrapping paper designs and printing them I can now make up some small gift boxes ready for little treats.<br /><div><br /><div> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5hrL8qim5lo_0bGmSgPY9ItblCnznrBSk-6MM4EF6k8qLzEDFVVyMdTLvnRM3OGGAb2KyPm5n9UxuSpipA7BF-mKzq0t-FSmuVaQ8oaesUwGwrF7ZMORGNQMb23MlGH845Q-B3UXHhKfqgajjycHKz5IQ5Sfda3406tETBBX77MRbh-JQwaZFJvi/s2048/IMG_1539.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG5hrL8qim5lo_0bGmSgPY9ItblCnznrBSk-6MM4EF6k8qLzEDFVVyMdTLvnRM3OGGAb2KyPm5n9UxuSpipA7BF-mKzq0t-FSmuVaQ8oaesUwGwrF7ZMORGNQMb23MlGH845Q-B3UXHhKfqgajjycHKz5IQ5Sfda3406tETBBX77MRbh-JQwaZFJvi/s320/IMG_1539.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Month 12 - Bite 9</div><div><br /></div><div>I also watched an online tutorial for making drawstring bags. Last year I made one or two so this year I'm using some of the fabric I got in the sales in January to make some more.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWFP2oz1SceoCv3TRtHBRTrIdFreTSx6U_ZUU3QxEG-lcGPKKAReT8wuvWrsL6ZFQU_LJbvz9afojVYzy8zPvSlw8ANakzngLhdiTQri1LnEZNHRAeTTHPOA0PVqd9RZApwevnc8eufLZBUH6mDvK5oLzwKKsmUWSwqwlcFzMRbkIV84MAGMekCdX/s2048/IMG_0448.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEWFP2oz1SceoCv3TRtHBRTrIdFreTSx6U_ZUU3QxEG-lcGPKKAReT8wuvWrsL6ZFQU_LJbvz9afojVYzy8zPvSlw8ANakzngLhdiTQri1LnEZNHRAeTTHPOA0PVqd9RZApwevnc8eufLZBUH6mDvK5oLzwKKsmUWSwqwlcFzMRbkIV84MAGMekCdX/s320/IMG_0448.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 10</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Enough of the wrappings! Onto the presents...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First up more makes using the sale fabric. Little fabric storage boxes - thank you online video tutorials!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG-gIKTWyQq7-Ajoz4JxD4pPiZuvRxfjzA3-zYvkgrRui9F1Smi0lcuUdHNm2IV_DKiP95Gx93H944gHdgQ2h_e8GxxiP10qhQ-BUlJdmRNdkSUH6LcxqrrbqwcemDWIcpUmPrDv3wsX-UVU28El8WMZJ9U6wHSCe5aVVZ5zEnn-9dQ2jbL4VMjJp/s1837/IMG_1435.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1837" data-original-width="1711" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSG-gIKTWyQq7-Ajoz4JxD4pPiZuvRxfjzA3-zYvkgrRui9F1Smi0lcuUdHNm2IV_DKiP95Gx93H944gHdgQ2h_e8GxxiP10qhQ-BUlJdmRNdkSUH6LcxqrrbqwcemDWIcpUmPrDv3wsX-UVU28El8WMZJ9U6wHSCe5aVVZ5zEnn-9dQ2jbL4VMjJp/w215-h230/IMG_1435.JPEG" width="215" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwWOZmT8GYfg-zceDi84lg-P98WQ5QY_tDaCFwsQqYeHcaZG6QTcJgHjl0wmIsefAM9WElORnUYrZzGvE8Ln1T2_SHp0KNbOEtkwtHiSaDCvSrPciWS6cN96jNK_VWr5QicCPgfoHMAx5t0I_pNPAixbvQMAuzhdAJWaYyvHH5qxrKCTRTAzaZ9c3/s1788/IMG_1436.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1759" data-original-width="1788" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikwWOZmT8GYfg-zceDi84lg-P98WQ5QY_tDaCFwsQqYeHcaZG6QTcJgHjl0wmIsefAM9WElORnUYrZzGvE8Ln1T2_SHp0KNbOEtkwtHiSaDCvSrPciWS6cN96jNK_VWr5QicCPgfoHMAx5t0I_pNPAixbvQMAuzhdAJWaYyvHH5qxrKCTRTAzaZ9c3/w233-h230/IMG_1436.JPEG" width="233" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Month 12 - Bite 11</div><div><br /></div><div>Once again the fabric and tutorials come to the rescue with these rather clever bookmarks...</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1HUh4rohuWOaZA54Ae5WP0GwAfrWtiM0zlrEqBg1rb0BtGGa77h9rgZ4iRLUPIjW74MRVZJrLRwqZdu0K_mWIE_NNMrDLYQaKeTo_JV3PAeqUQ_muu3kjy10Mtaqs8GG2Uzo0OSdWdHBia-d1KkBYvS1N7NxYoT7Gob20pyiTFOdT8QMEVMlnaa7/s1789/IMG_1443.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1758" data-original-width="1789" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1HUh4rohuWOaZA54Ae5WP0GwAfrWtiM0zlrEqBg1rb0BtGGa77h9rgZ4iRLUPIjW74MRVZJrLRwqZdu0K_mWIE_NNMrDLYQaKeTo_JV3PAeqUQ_muu3kjy10Mtaqs8GG2Uzo0OSdWdHBia-d1KkBYvS1N7NxYoT7Gob20pyiTFOdT8QMEVMlnaa7/w210-h207/IMG_1443.JPEG" width="210" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW-w4dDTXEs10xb3SqoWDeexSjdbGUyGmjUF_Un0ezssNA2BYT0uG1egwFYGg4RHRjNxRVp4BGcLEvBokYyOMtKsmNgDZcjzCgACcB8aGVbazXlrx8cgQONlB69x2BX64AdWz3SOu2d7UdXUDXFx2HDv7xymmjoEZDzwbQD9X127U673WN32bCUZd/s2048/IMG_1444.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlW-w4dDTXEs10xb3SqoWDeexSjdbGUyGmjUF_Un0ezssNA2BYT0uG1egwFYGg4RHRjNxRVp4BGcLEvBokYyOMtKsmNgDZcjzCgACcB8aGVbazXlrx8cgQONlB69x2BX64AdWz3SOu2d7UdXUDXFx2HDv7xymmjoEZDzwbQD9X127U673WN32bCUZd/w158-h211/IMG_1444.JPEG" width="158" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybrnOtWf3oAZgq627EmsFcfaaNkZCQPZ_Aiyd_76SrH-M_EdtzYLImeQZS0z8GDhkUXEDrjjiVciQcLWh5LbrnH-ggw3MdlKlkh5gfcFMGg677eZ5trFcwzDv_LoCJ0lOWKImlDxBYSDlKzHe1PpZFTfaMpj72Ii3OReaIOQWRGinWUF5ZtpOtxvU/s2048/IMG_1446.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybrnOtWf3oAZgq627EmsFcfaaNkZCQPZ_Aiyd_76SrH-M_EdtzYLImeQZS0z8GDhkUXEDrjjiVciQcLWh5LbrnH-ggw3MdlKlkh5gfcFMGg677eZ5trFcwzDv_LoCJ0lOWKImlDxBYSDlKzHe1PpZFTfaMpj72Ii3OReaIOQWRGinWUF5ZtpOtxvU/w160-h213/IMG_1446.JPEG" width="160" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The joy of these is that they are light and slim so don't I won't need to pay much for posting them.... One or two of my friends and I swap little gifts like this - either decorations, coasters or the such like each year that fit into the letter or (at the most) large letter category. We usually send handmade things and try to think of something new each time so these fit the bill beautifully.</div><div><br /></div><div>I've sent them mounted on photos of one in use on a book page as with the third photo above.</div><div><br /></div><div>Month 12 - Bite 12</div><div><br /></div><div>On the subject of posting - I need to check the last posting dates to make sure I can use second class posting to get my cards and presents to where they need to be (especially with the strike situation this year)...</div><div><br /></div><div>Month 12 - Bite 13</div><div><br /></div><div>One of the collections I made earlier in the autumn was of leaves. This was for a special project. I used them to make leaf prints and used these to illustrate a calendar for a nature loving friend. </div><div><br /></div><div>I matched each leaf to a month - mind you it was a challenge with some months. </div><div><br /></div><div>Where there was a simple shaped 'growth' - the acorn cup for October's oak print or the seed 'wings' for September's sycamore I printed that too...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwSKbSu7WHnD0p7MYuV_gUzWxthrtWbdY1Imsap-AIXHf3zUPrP_0nYs4ZtIB5fJq6JE-LcrDYs9sasD8V4rU-6pPzdm0XC8-eTogTQ9hIjqBEWmPIniinb6flnW2G943qODYf9B_ACwcM3-U2Tfbupy8TacQev-xgdnpkKxuD6o8AnZ497vNZr0D/s2048/sycamore.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwSKbSu7WHnD0p7MYuV_gUzWxthrtWbdY1Imsap-AIXHf3zUPrP_0nYs4ZtIB5fJq6JE-LcrDYs9sasD8V4rU-6pPzdm0XC8-eTogTQ9hIjqBEWmPIniinb6flnW2G943qODYf9B_ACwcM3-U2Tfbupy8TacQev-xgdnpkKxuD6o8AnZ497vNZr0D/s320/sycamore.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 14</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And so onto decorations. Not the shiny expensive shop bought stuff, but the handcrafted (and extremely cheap in most cases) ones...</div><div><br /></div>Firstly I'm returning to those craft kits that I found languishing in a box. The first was so quick and satisfying that I don't know why I left it so long to get on with it!<br /><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KXYAIIvOR0XaB-FGdppxHNI2FgrcU-mMfhL0JuZfSdsL2atXLSoZzYXZU2zPYldg7VBpx9-fkCG-SgQ0yj3mQN0HhzToQ0crTPb9WX0HzVsriPYPjIITiTle7D56ims_8UpI8f1tc3G7wQ5eVKgyfBWQpjzw_GA8xrJZKsrcpdB2O3BeEDlXOGn9/s2048/IMG_1529.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8KXYAIIvOR0XaB-FGdppxHNI2FgrcU-mMfhL0JuZfSdsL2atXLSoZzYXZU2zPYldg7VBpx9-fkCG-SgQ0yj3mQN0HhzToQ0crTPb9WX0HzVsriPYPjIITiTle7D56ims_8UpI8f1tc3G7wQ5eVKgyfBWQpjzw_GA8xrJZKsrcpdB2O3BeEDlXOGn9/s320/IMG_1529.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 15</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've sewn quite a lot of these over time. They are quick and simple (and have sold really well at Christmas Fairs in the past, but these are just for us).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEhjF76fYjVVkwZVGiEth5HfZAsFt4TeKPvDj4VW0emQR0d9iziIdG68eSlIGoi-IVUx0N5pvQtnBmulvcOMp6qlgxYntF7MWBjDr_TKyCEslK_mMmPkCg75KnTz7URnkrCJMr3TZc5lpXijP970UVpx5g0KjUETyCoQxBMQitR8ZnqAXOQGpAV9N/s2048/IMG_1530.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiEhjF76fYjVVkwZVGiEth5HfZAsFt4TeKPvDj4VW0emQR0d9iziIdG68eSlIGoi-IVUx0N5pvQtnBmulvcOMp6qlgxYntF7MWBjDr_TKyCEslK_mMmPkCg75KnTz7URnkrCJMr3TZc5lpXijP970UVpx5g0KjUETyCoQxBMQitR8ZnqAXOQGpAV9N/w221-h166/IMG_1530.JPEG" width="221" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3VpzgAUAiJIwGeWmph3RJAk8JxYU7QrbihKEqHEDgg4K6hsLn41KObzg5UkQFGxjNjZK7trXIVvdugjX-dm8CMzPKPE4StJb4YhevT7FN8oeXs63osmWzQouhPS78d-rWgc2faeDOluDLx9xVqBnlHVJizj2bs_ndwJgX1u6EyLDQ_cYuXtte9Q4/s2048/IMG_1531.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji3VpzgAUAiJIwGeWmph3RJAk8JxYU7QrbihKEqHEDgg4K6hsLn41KObzg5UkQFGxjNjZK7trXIVvdugjX-dm8CMzPKPE4StJb4YhevT7FN8oeXs63osmWzQouhPS78d-rWgc2faeDOluDLx9xVqBnlHVJizj2bs_ndwJgX1u6EyLDQ_cYuXtte9Q4/w206-h154/IMG_1531.JPEG" width="206" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 16</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one is folded rather than sewn - I'm making some extras so that next year they can be attached to card to make more Christmas Cards!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTkr5ziZD2pFZ2UCWlFz18uDlkxsNPVIXtZ-1iDia8sS6lsa9Dy_1Ex6b667JG1D5oZ7kDIbFgfYrWhVaiChEVWRJv-JV491fgtAnhGNxZYJzyuo5vvHiuoadSuscUmghE4xVAnH8BOV3XSCKI0ZqBU-lTztQkfOMmSCzf92l3F8uMnIbVpGaWH1w/s2048/IMG_1533.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCTkr5ziZD2pFZ2UCWlFz18uDlkxsNPVIXtZ-1iDia8sS6lsa9Dy_1Ex6b667JG1D5oZ7kDIbFgfYrWhVaiChEVWRJv-JV491fgtAnhGNxZYJzyuo5vvHiuoadSuscUmghE4xVAnH8BOV3XSCKI0ZqBU-lTztQkfOMmSCzf92l3F8uMnIbVpGaWH1w/s320/IMG_1533.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While sorting the decorations I found a number of these plastic baubles that were all faded and flaky so I'm recovering them with strips of spare fabric!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2_LUSaT3r0lK4LwQxrOr73Vp48i9ARJgiWQRmSPC91ztNC8hCqeW2AMIhqS0QYiB8jkujB_kjfqvaiWlRPmhwxdX0lxwur-qzcTLDIFhA-rufj0T8GA515EEalkKMOHYn7irsWMwU_aazZFoISinft9gJ0-oUDTecPMvCrf8MFXOxmr71D_QCBGI/s2048/IMG_1534.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2_LUSaT3r0lK4LwQxrOr73Vp48i9ARJgiWQRmSPC91ztNC8hCqeW2AMIhqS0QYiB8jkujB_kjfqvaiWlRPmhwxdX0lxwur-qzcTLDIFhA-rufj0T8GA515EEalkKMOHYn7irsWMwU_aazZFoISinft9gJ0-oUDTecPMvCrf8MFXOxmr71D_QCBGI/s320/IMG_1534.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 18</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These are for wrapping as mini wreaths to hand from the tree...</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0P_zeQFxFxHjYtZLg5l3Fm3J5GZIKdzBHrOzf043YHNmqDFB5mQEVHBJpsTFaG3hZLxh-jao9_mRzb0-Pd2k42wAVOyrcRpRNN9mFQV0cncdsU-goJbf7Sn2lk6KkesEVYHJw7ktCIu9t83XqYJmzhrxeVdBcIfeUjL07X5mvQjW47hMLohArXv4/s2048/IMG_1535.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS0P_zeQFxFxHjYtZLg5l3Fm3J5GZIKdzBHrOzf043YHNmqDFB5mQEVHBJpsTFaG3hZLxh-jao9_mRzb0-Pd2k42wAVOyrcRpRNN9mFQV0cncdsU-goJbf7Sn2lk6KkesEVYHJw7ktCIu9t83XqYJmzhrxeVdBcIfeUjL07X5mvQjW47hMLohArXv4/s320/IMG_1535.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 19</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">More for the tree - some wet felted balls with added beads and bells from chocolate treats!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6OH6M0CEBMivTgMhBjKXRUr0ay4BVzG7B68KT1GBg1MDQ7EaqAUbiK63p0zjT7U1j-fuvIhs-1bC246sFqrEPg2-bAW7_0xG0I8IC_M8UOgoWHOypECVBWKp5gB26ZuaWKLV3jAaklLR8LnMvvIdkDiOKVQP9Zl_3YyR4IAFwMpGx7Jk6c707MHA/s2048/IMG_1536.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz6OH6M0CEBMivTgMhBjKXRUr0ay4BVzG7B68KT1GBg1MDQ7EaqAUbiK63p0zjT7U1j-fuvIhs-1bC246sFqrEPg2-bAW7_0xG0I8IC_M8UOgoWHOypECVBWKp5gB26ZuaWKLV3jAaklLR8LnMvvIdkDiOKVQP9Zl_3YyR4IAFwMpGx7Jk6c707MHA/s320/IMG_1536.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 20</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Remember those pine cones I collected?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They've been dried so that they open out and I'm ready with some ribbons and sparkle to glue gun them into hanging decorations.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG98TThTwI1W9IzlxIKe_2CXOrJBJVaSiZ1DSuMIQ5yMFLxvClWM4CMoxakP0FfCqEju9fUGDFQ1464qhRsB5sF71wv38Ah-RJqKCIfX_YQKj36Vkw5xi0YPJmqGMd7GOIxAV8OjjNn89-N-mrorDJlMDZfm_WxLHMBHpIhrRqxjs9JTlCeoClQgNs/s2048/IMG_1537.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG98TThTwI1W9IzlxIKe_2CXOrJBJVaSiZ1DSuMIQ5yMFLxvClWM4CMoxakP0FfCqEju9fUGDFQ1464qhRsB5sF71wv38Ah-RJqKCIfX_YQKj36Vkw5xi0YPJmqGMd7GOIxAV8OjjNn89-N-mrorDJlMDZfm_WxLHMBHpIhrRqxjs9JTlCeoClQgNs/s320/IMG_1537.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 21</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one I've been trying to get around to for ages! I saw it in a magazine last year and just had to have a go..</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The idea is to use up some more of my yarn scraps making pom poms (a very soothing exercise) and then tie/sew/glue them to a polystyrene hoop to create a fluffy wreath with embellishments of ribbons, bells, small felted balls - you name it get it in there.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5aL4eqoOWimg9hCsSVd4CwZ98k-pV5NYWbjSC4MmqPTlmLnw-xzQb0_hvkfvHqx9HYaRxM3NfBx5-aDYHJJuIE0QXzuUtR3Xschc4bt7SLJcTA35cchjy02qNCW9l5RVjJAYR_oFvmZ5fXJ740bQ3IodTILmkXmjPf_mpe0YAYqthGCeGt4lc0Rx/s2048/IMG_1538.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5aL4eqoOWimg9hCsSVd4CwZ98k-pV5NYWbjSC4MmqPTlmLnw-xzQb0_hvkfvHqx9HYaRxM3NfBx5-aDYHJJuIE0QXzuUtR3Xschc4bt7SLJcTA35cchjy02qNCW9l5RVjJAYR_oFvmZ5fXJ740bQ3IodTILmkXmjPf_mpe0YAYqthGCeGt4lc0Rx/s320/IMG_1538.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 12 - Bite 22</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just finishing off a scarf and socks for my sister and that will be that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrexT66H8XNGfr--G6ppPP8LZYWuQZ0d3wbe04MdtTtFpPukp1IZE6OUgYd8K58gvvuUwoyoLzZ97KPRT1Y2bixKij8i3n6rEwiXBtDE3rM5Ltm1TtQvB8-0d2CyPpCLWGmvTycEP8teFjgpGxfxW46rT5WeXFYxDm7cy4SBl1QCzykXH161jm4Y8y/s2048/socks.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrexT66H8XNGfr--G6ppPP8LZYWuQZ0d3wbe04MdtTtFpPukp1IZE6OUgYd8K58gvvuUwoyoLzZ97KPRT1Y2bixKij8i3n6rEwiXBtDE3rM5Ltm1TtQvB8-0d2CyPpCLWGmvTycEP8teFjgpGxfxW46rT5WeXFYxDm7cy4SBl1QCzykXH161jm4Y8y/s320/socks.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I know they look odd like this - once the heel is knitted in they turn out more like these!</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAStJEWRkqer_c7pyfR8NhsOE0z3cOpsZTPTkbiKrOY1dBOP5Lx3dRuHIM1xp-LeKMFgTzwpml3-KD4O3lvTLT7luNhotRUce_GieVn49vpuxpCWTs85TXfXtjAN3l1s8j7wOE5YDaXNpwEvlUwuJnAU7Yy0yecI077Hu1pgQ6KXqTzRLT4xl2dTP/s1487/IMG_1355.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1487" data-original-width="1474" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuAStJEWRkqer_c7pyfR8NhsOE0z3cOpsZTPTkbiKrOY1dBOP5Lx3dRuHIM1xp-LeKMFgTzwpml3-KD4O3lvTLT7luNhotRUce_GieVn49vpuxpCWTs85TXfXtjAN3l1s8j7wOE5YDaXNpwEvlUwuJnAU7Yy0yecI077Hu1pgQ6KXqTzRLT4xl2dTP/w193-h195/IMG_1355.jpeg" width="193" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's probably enough for one post - a bit rushed, but done thus far.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry - looks like there'll have to be one final, final post for 2022 before it's done.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-65082436720573500352023-01-09T07:48:00.010-08:002023-01-09T07:48:58.483-08:00And a final round up..<p> Happy New Year!</p><p>As it happens I haven't quite finished with the old one - yes, even over a week into 2023. Lots happened at the close of 2022 which rather got in the way of me catching up with all the missing posts for the year.</p><p>So, this post and the one or two following will need to rely on that notebook of mine and the photos taken at the time to race me back up to speed.</p><p>To Month 11 then - here's a random mix of the final Bites for the month.</p><p>Month 11 - Bite 23</p><p>Having passed on and sold a lot of books and DVDs earlier in the year I've now found a small stash of more. Not enough to warrant posting them off to a buying website I came across this just round the corner from where I live,,,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZQi3hl3xk6FeR6u3KU6THMw_zGxfWYAFAI1kjVunbqTQq13fQKRRFzEOKjgeUTuR09YjCKu09W8QQxug1XhlaTMNpPIc8RZg73_jf7FmG7BBPFL1cKZfmRyVjvRHBf4B5B6b5YB4U-_eqJ72r8jWqKi1tkuxkHEtRaZJLHVr5l6Pm_SNpVXvgDwH/s2048/IMG_1427.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAZQi3hl3xk6FeR6u3KU6THMw_zGxfWYAFAI1kjVunbqTQq13fQKRRFzEOKjgeUTuR09YjCKu09W8QQxug1XhlaTMNpPIc8RZg73_jf7FmG7BBPFL1cKZfmRyVjvRHBf4B5B6b5YB4U-_eqJ72r8jWqKi1tkuxkHEtRaZJLHVr5l6Pm_SNpVXvgDwH/s320/IMG_1427.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorted!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 24</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A friend has decided to raise some money from gifts that she might have received for Christmas and her birthday by asking for cash instead to be donated to her chosen cause.. Great idea - she's using JustGiving, but other sites are out there too.. another idea to consider.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 25</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A regular email arrived recently from a charity shop I often drop stuff off to as well as a newsletter from a local charity. Both reminded sponsors/contributors about registering the fact that they are taxpayers when donating. This is a great way of bumping up any donation by a comfortable percentage as an additional amount can be claimed back by the charities concerned. I need to double check I've ticked that box so they don't miss out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 26</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Knitting carries on apace ready for Christmas, but I have had time to add in some extra hats and scarves for the library warm rail so I must find time to drop them down as the temperature plunges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNtJfINPqQVPafYShA5DotSYDpLs7UfR3vq-Fa9a7XS1119xc01kDVUHgqeoXEZkLEJx7jMP1FMN5Ipj2SbiS00okOrYcGSnZxMqVj0K0QVXf_apXMVdBty4I_HhJzcplrptM1RUetixDr4kh5NEM2rarSxeJBXHobjIAFa8D0AqjvOSIKdCozKrH/s2048/scarves.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHNtJfINPqQVPafYShA5DotSYDpLs7UfR3vq-Fa9a7XS1119xc01kDVUHgqeoXEZkLEJx7jMP1FMN5Ipj2SbiS00okOrYcGSnZxMqVj0K0QVXf_apXMVdBty4I_HhJzcplrptM1RUetixDr4kh5NEM2rarSxeJBXHobjIAFa8D0AqjvOSIKdCozKrH/s320/scarves.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 27</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's nearly time for the Advent Calendars to make an appearance. Each year my sister's church does a reverse Advent Calendar. Instead of receiving something each day - a chocolate or far more extravagant gifts in some cases (!) - you put an item from a wish list into a box to be delivered before Christmas to make someone festive period a little easier. The list contents range from foodstuffs to essential household items - a tin of soup or a toothbrush for example. It's a really simple way to countdown to Christmas without adding to the more 'grabby' side of it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 28</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One or two of our neighbours live alone and are generally fine, but just recently one has had a long drawn out bug and another a trip to hospital for planned surgery. Time to pop in or message them to make sure they've got the provisions they need or to have a chat to break up their time at home until they are fit and well enough to get back to normal.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 29</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I was in the charity shop the other day I started browsing the Christmas card selection. Many of my cards I make, but when I run out of time (or inspiration) it's the charity versions I turn to. Why not use something I need to get into something that helps others too?!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 30</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Planning time now. The festive season is fast approaching and I need to start looking at the gifts I need to buy. Out with that list I made earlier in the year of Christmas card recipients so I know how many I need and a new list for presents to buy is about to be made.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By pooling out thoughts on who wants what we can make sure that the money we spend as a family goes into exactly what's required with no waste or doubling up... We've also still got time to get the requested items before panic buying and lack of time intervene...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Phew! - Sorry about the whistle stop trawl through the notebook, but I'm now only a month short on my blogging target...</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-67126783467716224472022-12-19T09:54:00.005-08:002022-12-19T09:54:28.279-08:00Buying where it helps...<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm aware that I do quite a lot of my shopping on the Internet for a variety of reasons. This next little group of ideas from my scribbled notes that I've been trying to implement look at how I've been using my purchasing power!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 18</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">First of all I needed to move on some more of my clearing out so this first isn't so much shopping as going into a shop!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been into town with my bags of rather nice bits and pieces that need new homes. I deposited them in one of our many charity shops around here ready for others to pick up and use for their Christmas lists.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 19</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While I was there I took a good look round. I can see that I've only been doing half the job. It's no good just restocking the shelves there with my decluttering, however good the items are. I need to be shopping there too and I've already bought some yarn odds and ends (yes, I know I need more yarn like a hole in the head) ready for the dolls' clothes I've been asked for.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 20</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've also noticed some flyers for local artists and makers so I'm looking out for exhibitions events so that I can support buying direct from the originators, especially where they are start-ups that need to get off the ground. There's some in our indoor market as well as around the galleries hereabouts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of our local galleries/coffee shops also donates a percentage back to community art projects too so a double whammy from them (and some really nice Christmas cards too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1gIyDKuI4XeIQMJMQjsr7lmjNvoc76onCvZZ6FqinDbArqFEEK1Cvuk3_Jh8wIUv6FkCdF5254SqtAO_Jg7_CVAg8Yo9tJUXbOkMLAs2NCIDd1YZ0E64M0TKEKVp8WXkOQxosnRJBJoLqkED33M9a0sugW9Cj60d25r_mDTWi0I9L993maN7A9Sf/s2592/557B749E-D752-4188-B492-918AACACE61F.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1936" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1gIyDKuI4XeIQMJMQjsr7lmjNvoc76onCvZZ6FqinDbArqFEEK1Cvuk3_Jh8wIUv6FkCdF5254SqtAO_Jg7_CVAg8Yo9tJUXbOkMLAs2NCIDd1YZ0E64M0TKEKVp8WXkOQxosnRJBJoLqkED33M9a0sugW9Cj60d25r_mDTWi0I9L993maN7A9Sf/s320/557B749E-D752-4188-B492-918AACACE61F.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 21</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm also checking the local press and social media pages for other craft and art fairs many of which are being held in aid of schools and charities. Good place to invest some time - even if there's not anything directly on my wish list I can always support the tea and cakes!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 22</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The last place for this section is back to online. Not a national organisation this time, but the local neighbourhood pages where people around here list things they are passing on and where I can also put some free and cheap bits and pieces to help spread the cost of Christmas for others - some of my handmade decorations, for example, can be donated using this route.</div><br /> <p></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-76146310050581046802022-12-19T09:39:00.004-08:002022-12-19T09:39:27.718-08:00Points mean Prizes<p>I forget the TV show with that as a slogan - seems to fit with the last few bites and one or two that follow here!</p><p>Month 11 - Bite 15</p><p>I've found that I've got some loyalty points for small amounts that need using up - I've discovered I can donate these too as they won't really buy anything I want .. that's next on the list.</p><p><br /></p><p>Month 11 - Bite 16</p><p>I've also got cards or accounts that I buy things physically of online that will donate automatically as a reward for buying with them as long as I nominate a charity. No cost to me and a benefit to a good cause - win-win I'd say.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedxPdLLTpxORBYwslVaNm9p-CoPMJkbSNM6tEs6ccdFxkhF6kny_az1IexdXCVp-QynRavKpHxLR-t4i326sBt_kD1CcxWQ4TZEWOKNwhDqgFJ6DguBPM-MT11U6uxPVNcChlZPTU3ktksQxI8Gv42OwG9qwayycswKS4Hi_0AMLBD0M6zBativC8/s2048/receipt.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhedxPdLLTpxORBYwslVaNm9p-CoPMJkbSNM6tEs6ccdFxkhF6kny_az1IexdXCVp-QynRavKpHxLR-t4i326sBt_kD1CcxWQ4TZEWOKNwhDqgFJ6DguBPM-MT11U6uxPVNcChlZPTU3ktksQxI8Gv42OwG9qwayycswKS4Hi_0AMLBD0M6zBativC8/s320/receipt.jpeg" width="240" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 16</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did download a couple of apps that are supposed to reward you when reaching a certain number of steps. Most of those I've tried don't seem to provide any vouchers or rewards that I want or can accrue enough points to get - even if I do the whole South West Coast Path in the next few days! Again these provide the option of donating the points to charity so before I delete the apps that's what I'll do..<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 17</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and finally (for this frantic catch-up) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Some coffee shops also make it easy for you to 'buy' a coffee to be left for someone who needs it. You just donate the amount at the pay desk or from your app and they gift it to the ext person they identify as being in need of a hot drink!</div></div><br /><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-ToxnTmolrFg2LWj6Fd_JuE8Hu9_3JYKyxHDTm1UoTSkLvGLwcHgkVf5mkDWaR3_eO2ROYjlA67tNVk4E9gLppLSC0h-sCAZRdzw02dk9xAFp6uytRnsb88vBa2jV3IoRF1wuoAqqorVy-8L4hGRnMKuain57YbZp_gtr1GI5tRD01V9208mTj8p/s2048/D33D5316-CA75-4B24-8657-8590512E446A.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8-ToxnTmolrFg2LWj6Fd_JuE8Hu9_3JYKyxHDTm1UoTSkLvGLwcHgkVf5mkDWaR3_eO2ROYjlA67tNVk4E9gLppLSC0h-sCAZRdzw02dk9xAFp6uytRnsb88vBa2jV3IoRF1wuoAqqorVy-8L4hGRnMKuain57YbZp_gtr1GI5tRD01V9208mTj8p/s320/D33D5316-CA75-4B24-8657-8590512E446A.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Phew!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll get back with the next round up soon - just got some 'paid for' writing to catch up with - watch this space...</div><br /><p></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-74452742317938614882022-11-24T03:09:00.006-08:002022-11-24T03:09:30.269-08:00Giving without spending!<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Okay, ready for some more quick catch-ups from my notes?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here goes, then.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 10</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I questioned myself last time about donating stuff I didn't need while buying two for one items. The donation bins at the supermarket were for food so I did have some toiletries on two for one along with some perfectly good items, still in their wrappings from my sort out last month.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I noticed while in town that one of the shops is taking toiletries for their hygiene bank to pass on to those who need them, so no prizes where I'm heading today with my little collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 11</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The task in hand today is defrosting the freezer and checking my food cupboards. While I know that the freezer stuff can't be passed on, there are some tins and packs in the cupboard that I bought, thinking we'd try them and we didn't! Rather than trek up to the supermarket I'm off to the local community larder that takes surplus food and gives it away to try and stem the food waste that otherwise goes in the bin.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 12</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finding out day next. After volunteering for years it's somehow gone by the wayside a bit so this is a bit of a prompt for me to start again. I could volunteer to help with ParkRun, but as I tend to decide whether I'm going or not on a fairly ad hoc basis that's not really helpful when planning dates. There are, however, other opportunities so I'm going to research a bit more and then dive in.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One easy activity is down at the beach. There's a supply of litter picking equipment by the cafe there so it looks like that'll be first on my list... and a good excuse to walk along the seafront too!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8F0sDycK4zuxol_hM1k72Mt_68esSglF9cGXm6vkS1LCJ_qa1PXEFM7jWEsMJIliIpGxNg5uTJmgeuIrDOp8JlExGu4AA2Ey6K5RejnY8lmofqZtraNLhwLHz_Hh6vfbWnvABmR-GqCLV7vn5w2TLThpBJxlpCkC-f7FpDffakYx-YqZj9GDuzo-/s2048/D7E0B4E2-2B53-4B16-8A60-4AAC0CF7F4A0.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih8F0sDycK4zuxol_hM1k72Mt_68esSglF9cGXm6vkS1LCJ_qa1PXEFM7jWEsMJIliIpGxNg5uTJmgeuIrDOp8JlExGu4AA2Ey6K5RejnY8lmofqZtraNLhwLHz_Hh6vfbWnvABmR-GqCLV7vn5w2TLThpBJxlpCkC-f7FpDffakYx-YqZj9GDuzo-/s320/D7E0B4E2-2B53-4B16-8A60-4AAC0CF7F4A0.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 13</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was scrolling through some of the surveys that I signed up for earlier in the year. Some have been pretty fruitful while others seemed to want loads of time for very little in the way of points. I want to settle down today and go through all the sites I signed up for, check how economic it is in terms of time doing the surveys and then leave those that aren't really worth it. That leaves the question of what to do about the points that I've earned so far. It'll take me a month of Sundays to earn enough points for anything, however I noticed a while back that there are much lower points thresholds for giving to charity.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I decide which survey sites I'm not going to continue with I can sift through and donate any spare or random points I've accrued. That way I'll have tidied up my inbox and made sure that the charities they support get something too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 14</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As well as signing up for a pile of surveys way back I also started sending for freebies. So far I've only registered for those I'll use or know someone who'll want the items. From today I'm going to start sending for other things that can then be passed on or donated when they arrive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /> <p></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-2346890090575108302022-11-23T01:34:00.008-08:002022-11-24T02:49:29.686-08:00Topping up the stocks<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another day, another attempt to catch up!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, the cost of living is a huge issue for so many people. There are loads of ways to help without finding too much extra cash so here's my plans to try and find ways to add to the donations within my means!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 7</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Most supermarkets have donation bins like these...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_aSPA36IkeHbQi29huTws2Q3X1IK9DDrwhRxUsvLmiYOxvTYaPTPqIlWki3OG0Qw28ooQEU2EUeGMZXwuY_ky6lMqPxlU3LrDq8dQ_yj7xBYdOgpnyEQ1gVzPpqQEoQXwn8V1A_IJFPdME8-AOdhG99p-iCO3LDnJ54K5a7cCs_989grMDFq60N6/s2048/6F03647E-B90F-4222-941D-C1BEBAFE164C.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2_aSPA36IkeHbQi29huTws2Q3X1IK9DDrwhRxUsvLmiYOxvTYaPTPqIlWki3OG0Qw28ooQEU2EUeGMZXwuY_ky6lMqPxlU3LrDq8dQ_yj7xBYdOgpnyEQ1gVzPpqQEoQXwn8V1A_IJFPdME8-AOdhG99p-iCO3LDnJ54K5a7cCs_989grMDFq60N6/s320/6F03647E-B90F-4222-941D-C1BEBAFE164C.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /> For a while I've popped the odd thing in, but it's not really been at the forefront of my mind. From today (and yes, I'm off shopping - who does eat the food in this house? why does it disappear so fast?) I'm going to put buying an extra or two to go in the donating points on every shop.<p></p><div>Month 11 - Bite 8</div><div><br /></div><div>I noticed on today's shop that the self-service till is offering me the option of rounding my bill up to the nearest pound for a charity donation. I thought the odd few pence wouldn't make too much difference until I stop and began working out what would happen if everyone going through the tills added 10p in this way. Then I started looking at the numbers of customers through our local supermarket in one hour and it was mind-blowing. So, if I do this every time I shop and so do a significant number of others, it's got to help, hasn't it?</div><div><br /></div><div>Month 11 - Bite 9</div><div><br /></div><div>I had to pop in for one or two items that weren't available the other day. One of them was a buy one get one free and another '4 for the price of 3'. I don't necessarily like these as, with only two of us, we just tend to cause a storage problem - and don't get me started on the size of pre-packed vegetables where it's sometimes the only way to buy them and then it's just too much for the two of us!</div><div><br /></div><div>It was a no-brainer, and I should have thought of it before - all I had to do was donate the spare 'free' item into the food box.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hmmm.... I wonder if there are any other easy ways to donate stuff I don't need... watch this space.</div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-83527066963517615012022-11-21T02:19:00.011-08:002022-11-24T02:49:15.484-08:00Playing Catch-Up<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've got a bit behind with all my good intentions!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I don't know why that is.. I've made notes, taken photos (some of which I've managed to lose - don't know how I've done that either!!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Anyway, the next few posts will need to contain a number of bites written from the notes I made. These may well read a bit like the Strictly Sunday show - with me referring to today or yesterday when it's obviously not - be that as it may it's all in the panicked catch-up of someone who feels the oncoming approach of Christmas and all that entails....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 3</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the sorting out I did last month I did put aside a number of items to pass on to others. I mentioned the tile cutters last time and once they'd gone I took a look at what I'd stashed away in the garage.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">There's supposed to be a great photo of empty paint tins here - but it's one of the photos that's gone awol.. and I can't retake it as I've carted the tins off to a repair/art place locally that make good use of odds and ends of decorating materials to help spruce up homes and surroundings at no cost.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 4</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I did track down this picture though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's the home for retired tennis balls at our local club. People can then help themselves for practice sessions with the worn-out balls if they feel like torture or take them for dog chasing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I found two or three tubes of balls that haven't been used in a while and added them to the club's collection.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SX8mOsK0r2UxJGizYHQVTrIY7ckOhenD_YnZ8pPanh-SPD4DVpLLigB-bTaAzDOfkyadq60Q2tOhxs-SRMbhX7Oq0i4sA2p9sl5xH-eGJXSIoh7eit3H_EXR4FLdZKYyCEqZ7lxdqBaoYIzIPErGGyKfPx3GZwbdnenqXx8gSBHIwCQIj-K4emTu/s2048/IMG_1343.JPEG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SX8mOsK0r2UxJGizYHQVTrIY7ckOhenD_YnZ8pPanh-SPD4DVpLLigB-bTaAzDOfkyadq60Q2tOhxs-SRMbhX7Oq0i4sA2p9sl5xH-eGJXSIoh7eit3H_EXR4FLdZKYyCEqZ7lxdqBaoYIzIPErGGyKfPx3GZwbdnenqXx8gSBHIwCQIj-K4emTu/s320/IMG_1343.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 11 - Bite 5</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A search in the loft for some fleece uncovered more towels that I must have stored up there a while ago. Perhaps when I was exploring the airing cupboard, who knows?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMspHR0jbPEyKtg8PCgJQFSC-CvbFrejvFtH4YdliYxdY3NFKiGivZl8R_aeZzC-zwOruuYZhuKObdQYdEtGA6TQp1C65qL5Sco7ZF6MsETo6M3utii4Y0jiOUZ5Krg8qwvjpJMjnQyuRPDaYo9jXUeNMUGscpWEYAfcikLV5-mDzVSK_xZXhkzU5/s2770/IMG_0629.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2770" data-original-width="2532" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMMspHR0jbPEyKtg8PCgJQFSC-CvbFrejvFtH4YdliYxdY3NFKiGivZl8R_aeZzC-zwOruuYZhuKObdQYdEtGA6TQp1C65qL5Sco7ZF6MsETo6M3utii4Y0jiOUZ5Krg8qwvjpJMjnQyuRPDaYo9jXUeNMUGscpWEYAfcikLV5-mDzVSK_xZXhkzU5/s320/IMG_0629.JPEG" width="293" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've bundled them all up and they're off to a local pet/animal rescue centre where they'll be put to good use.</div><div><br /></div>Month 11 - Bite 6<div><br /></div><div>Time to open the coat cupboard and have another hunt through for coats I haven't used in a while. I know I did this earlier in the year, but there one or two that I thought might be useful until I realised that I already had plenty without them.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNCVmFbreNupgDO8yVVhkBAbJHhibO1u7l_O4tcdZh9ABLFrB67O_WV5FhOgBTNC6IWO8K7h6gSmaX7BW5TZGHZrNCpay7g2UmGKZ97YhHRXU7QJvNR2GVNQvOBLHoHadXK8KSFz5GsDFbkTUw9EdWGpBYIdJFsVXINmjRv5DQaD-6lLfvN4EcYpx/s2048/IMG_0563.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBNCVmFbreNupgDO8yVVhkBAbJHhibO1u7l_O4tcdZh9ABLFrB67O_WV5FhOgBTNC6IWO8K7h6gSmaX7BW5TZGHZrNCpay7g2UmGKZ97YhHRXU7QJvNR2GVNQvOBLHoHadXK8KSFz5GsDFbkTUw9EdWGpBYIdJFsVXINmjRv5DQaD-6lLfvN4EcYpx/s320/IMG_0563.JPEG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Our local libraries have warm rails where they put out donated outer layers for anyone who needs one to take. No prizes for guessing where my surplus is off to!</div><div><br /></div><div>First rapid-fire selection over.. more soon!</div><div><br /> <p></p></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-20773703292092285202022-11-15T08:23:00.007-08:002022-11-24T02:48:48.495-08:00Paying it Forwards and Giving it Back<p> So that’s another month done and dusted.</p><p>As we fast approach the season of giving and getting why not get ahead with the giving bit?</p><p>I’ve not forgotten Month 10 and its extra mouthful, but I’ll catch up with that later - more photos needed...</p><p>Anyway, here’s Month 11’s elephant to start on.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dq5BSuQw6jHJNluG40wMSmPZGFeqnkbM75D-W0v6JHHUf3gPHKVMaIxnpZtXJBgE28M7hFn6pbQyw5FrhIbX3ntmbdcZOHLv89YXIloPGhFC8Q6wIckQtqrjdM57vVI6zPeUseuZW9v0kFkgDIrpHZdWLamBh_9Ym-mlyZN9QU5dF3pwqsOBuFo5/s4032/elephant%2011.HEIC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Dq5BSuQw6jHJNluG40wMSmPZGFeqnkbM75D-W0v6JHHUf3gPHKVMaIxnpZtXJBgE28M7hFn6pbQyw5FrhIbX3ntmbdcZOHLv89YXIloPGhFC8Q6wIckQtqrjdM57vVI6zPeUseuZW9v0kFkgDIrpHZdWLamBh_9Ym-mlyZN9QU5dF3pwqsOBuFo5/s320/elephant%2011.HEIC" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Month 11 - Bite 1</p><p>I remember a story from Richard Carlson’s ‘Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff’ about motorists on a toll bridge. The driver at the beginning of the queue paid his toll and that of the following car. When the next driver found his toll had been paid, he paid for the car behind and so it continued. Everyone gave and all but that first driver received. One small act that made a whole lot of people’s day better.</p><p>In the spirit of that this month will be a whole heap of stuff I can do to contribute to others, while not breaking the bank myself!</p><p>Here’s the first...</p><p>I mentioned last minute month about how the neighbours round here tend to help each other out... well, I got a chance today. Often my next-door neighbours on either side go away. Today one of them popped in to say that they’ve got the chance of a quick break before Christmas. The only problem is that, being Christmas, they’ve ordered a number of things for gifts that would be delivered while they’re away and they are reluctant to go with so much due for delivery. So it was easy to agree to collect up their parcels and pop them indoors while they are away. First pay it forwards achieved.</p><p><br /></p><p>Month 11 - Bite 2</p><p>While chatting to my neighbour I remembered her telling me about some friends of hers that had started mosaic work. I had a brush with it a number of years ago and made a fish ornament for the garden.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SOcM3lK7-w13FU2_qnMnAijpbqDevkq7RHN5nka9UFmG76O97N1dfKsg5fEX69FZQhSMZE11W6pLThFTsHh_zXEQM6cGv2skDwb13qljm8X26VgCqiA8NYcxBU8FOi5dTIkwfNnKLLyPsjSzvGXu8tVnXjJmACOvYF9_SRE6-QaFTcwJhldZn8YY/s2048/IMG_1619.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8SOcM3lK7-w13FU2_qnMnAijpbqDevkq7RHN5nka9UFmG76O97N1dfKsg5fEX69FZQhSMZE11W6pLThFTsHh_zXEQM6cGv2skDwb13qljm8X26VgCqiA8NYcxBU8FOi5dTIkwfNnKLLyPsjSzvGXu8tVnXjJmACOvYF9_SRE6-QaFTcwJhldZn8YY/s320/IMG_1619.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Somehow I haven't got around to doing any more, but still have some of the tiles and the tile cutter I used so they are gathering dust and spiders in the shed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqH1isdtUINps545DnpehAdl_UIz_CkRMtJw_VYirIW1uFPqTxcTnrYMRtgsZRmKkcUztd0HKz5SjmoApRxlEtAdx_HWbHmy1kxLhJw_AkbuBYktzwvK9ZtXbZdwlZj0mClHPPwFLwwkTSdq0ASy_9qcy0jWvFwFxartd2NY1OSmHmPCaz-3ULvhux/s2048/tilecutters.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqH1isdtUINps545DnpehAdl_UIz_CkRMtJw_VYirIW1uFPqTxcTnrYMRtgsZRmKkcUztd0HKz5SjmoApRxlEtAdx_HWbHmy1kxLhJw_AkbuBYktzwvK9ZtXbZdwlZj0mClHPPwFLwwkTSdq0ASy_9qcy0jWvFwFxartd2NY1OSmHmPCaz-3ULvhux/s320/tilecutters.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>Time for me to pull them out and see if the friends want them - giving something away to someone who will use it has got to be better than it languishing round at mine!</p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-40321201773990141322022-11-10T15:32:00.008-08:002022-11-10T15:32:57.852-08:00Getting Together<p> To finish off this month the bites return to the idea of doing 'stuff' together and being social.</p><p>As the nights draw in it's good to have some fun in company. I've mentioned playing games before, but recently we've had a couple of sessions with little outlay, no technology and time to gather with others.</p><p>Month 10 - Bite 28</p><p>A Sunday session of a numbers game which usually leads to hilarity (and a ruthlessness that I don't always associate with particular people) was a welcome diversion from TV and the (at the moment largely depressing) news.</p><p>I've also enjoyed breaking up a never-ending train journey being taught some new (to me) by a five-year-old - so you're never too old to learn or young to teach it would seem!</p><p>Just two ways of enjoying ourselves with no energy expenses...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzWRCPwJugYOZx7b4KXTE4YuGoLWNKnZgnsReji8ngyBQNRWL8wmFBg42hY3N8rblTweLylMxyTVs74Xlw_tJreloSKbQ6YyvTJwwLSfK_zaz2owx4GoB-T9pMuNMF3jG1aL0Vab5ACB1T9uhDERntRNUW1jt6xy6mKQJrQBM8ixNuv_tNbcsUvKQ/s1923/IMG_1404.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1923" data-original-width="1633" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqzWRCPwJugYOZx7b4KXTE4YuGoLWNKnZgnsReji8ngyBQNRWL8wmFBg42hY3N8rblTweLylMxyTVs74Xlw_tJreloSKbQ6YyvTJwwLSfK_zaz2owx4GoB-T9pMuNMF3jG1aL0Vab5ACB1T9uhDERntRNUW1jt6xy6mKQJrQBM8ixNuv_tNbcsUvKQ/s320/IMG_1404.JPEG" width="272" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Month 10 - Bite 29</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was nice to be able to answer a call for help from a neighbour. We live in a really friendly neighbourhood with lots of very talented and skilled people who are always willing to help - today was my turn. A neighbour has got a new printer and is having a bit of a time of it getting it up and running. In a former life I was the ICT person in school and so am used to trying to figure out how to get recalcitrant tech to do its job. So I've had a phone call to help and I'm only too happy to - I certainly owe her for the stream of dolls that keep coming my way from her grandchildren for my nieces' girls!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This give and take is a good way of saving cash between ourselves so I'm off for a cup of tea and a rummage through an instruction book and (I guess) a tussle with her router.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmFBfLpnQ61a2W6x6qskyKnx94S94mt-6gcdJUKg9mAdZovkTN9YDEHQQa_ISjIlzBkV-tfLtmBQlHdfx7i-g8pC4jSIuTVjST7P0AIdiDj-d8KphH9dcAG3KEUDZ89pgd-S-eY0eae2zZXboBfRKOMi10ZzKebj4aNyQgLFs6XZg6_UlexULaCWL/s2048/IMG_1405.JPEG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggmFBfLpnQ61a2W6x6qskyKnx94S94mt-6gcdJUKg9mAdZovkTN9YDEHQQa_ISjIlzBkV-tfLtmBQlHdfx7i-g8pC4jSIuTVjST7P0AIdiDj-d8KphH9dcAG3KEUDZ89pgd-S-eY0eae2zZXboBfRKOMi10ZzKebj4aNyQgLFs6XZg6_UlexULaCWL/s320/IMG_1405.JPEG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Month 10 - Bite 30<div><br /></div><div>We've been chatting among ourselves around here about who can do what and how they can offer help. None of us want to deny work to specialists, but many little jobs, like my computer help yesterday, are almost impossible to get someone out to see to, or require booking a paid-for chunk of time for something simple from someone at a huge (or so it seems) cost. Where one of our neighbours has a profession - like the plumber across the road - we wouldn't dream of asking him to repair anything without proper recompense. However, helping each other with anything from putting up some shelves to checking brake lights on a car and saving a trip to a repair shop or paying for a worker in times like these makes sense. So it's time to start recognising the skills that we can offer each other....<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5406403969716644513.post-77978802271926569612022-11-10T07:51:00.002-08:002022-11-10T07:51:10.263-08:00Lighting up Time<p> Just now when we're getting used to the clocks changing and the timing of darkness falling (well, when I started writing this anyway), here's a quick one I've just completed.</p><p>Month 10 - Bite 27</p><p>Decorating meant getting the light fittings down so they didn't get covered in paint. Obviously, they were all cleaned up before being replaced. It did remind me though, that in my efforts to keep the place tidy and clean during the decorating process I hadn't been that fussy about ALL the dusting.</p><p>Today then, I'm attacking all the light bulbs - and boy, are some of them dusty! If the light and energy from the bulbs in going into their dust blankets, then I can't be surprised if the lighting is a bit dim and the bulbs are working harder to shine....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclsbM5JCNEOjVw9WXHuJT1J78KSWYdDhthcToh3Sxc9CliDnjJ1Zw7RB4mcfDJqy3avaQYIIbdjJJ2LbwgtM9VFVWhmwhk26SA5gSxdNw1f13H3NFh5wRwy_lf1xokHlFG3zcMJEYB7wo49jXhCwBN3CFJ0LpeSoa9shmaJDffM1XLEMwEIfzYyIY/s2048/bulb.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgclsbM5JCNEOjVw9WXHuJT1J78KSWYdDhthcToh3Sxc9CliDnjJ1Zw7RB4mcfDJqy3avaQYIIbdjJJ2LbwgtM9VFVWhmwhk26SA5gSxdNw1f13H3NFh5wRwy_lf1xokHlFG3zcMJEYB7wo49jXhCwBN3CFJ0LpeSoa9shmaJDffM1XLEMwEIfzYyIY/s320/bulb.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Suehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06819167063823159717noreply@blogger.com0