Little things add up

There are some days when I feel I haven't achieved very much at all.  It's unusual (and unlikely) that I don't do anything during the day, but sometimes even lots of little things don't seem to add up to very much.  I thought today I would think about what I have done, and feel good about those things.

I started off this morning by making tea for N and I (we share this little task) and as usual we sat in bed and chatted.  I started a bit of hand-sewing on one of N's jackets - he'd asked me if the pocket flaps could be sewn down as he never used them - and the job was finished before breakfast.

We sorted out some clothes we need for the party tomorrow and N ironed the shirts he's taking.  Meanwhile I altered a pair of my trousers that gape a bit at the back.  I've been meaning to do this for ages but never quite got round to it.  I had to undo part of the waistband, take in the back seam, then take in the waistband to fit.  It wasn't difficult, didn't take long and now the trousers fit much better.

I did some washing.  I vacuumed and tidied.  I folded and put away lots of pieces of fabric that had 'moved' from the spare bedroom/sewing room into the lounge, so both those rooms now have some order back in them.

I've also finally added the finishing touches to the cutlery dividers I've been working on for a while.  I used a laundry marker to make some fabric labels, then I hand-sewed them on the appropriate bags.   These, and the beautiful veneered box N made are my son's belated birthday present and we will take them with us tomorrow.

N has got a wonderful shine on the box lid

We had a lovely tasty Fisherman's Pie for dinner, made from scratch, and then the grandkids and their mum and dad came round for a hour or so, and we did colouring, and sums and had hugs and cuddles.  Brilliant!  And we got Easter eggs :)

So nothing monumental, but lots of little things.  I could do the clothing alterations because I know how to sew.  I didn't have to pay someone else to do those things for me so I saved money.  And I enjoyed doing them.  N and I have had great pleasure from hand-making a birthday present, again we haven't been tempted to buy something mass-produced.  We hope it will be appreciated and cherished as a very personal gift.  The time with the children was great fun, and we all enjoyed being together.  

All in all, a pretty good day.

Patchwork koala bag

I've finished the sewing project that's been taking up quite a bit of my time over the last few days.  It's a shopping tote, but with a patchwork block.

My daughter has a thing about koalas.  I've been meaning to make something koala-related for her for a while and I'm really pleased how this little bag has turned out.  The pattern is based on the front cover of a patchwork book entitled "Quilt a Koala" by Margaret Rolfe, which I saw on the internet.  I have another of her books (Patchwork Quilts to make for Children) but that doesn't have any koala patterns in it.  I had to enlarge the pattern, but as it's based on straight lines, that was fairly straightforward.  I had fun picking fabric from my stash - I knew there was a reason I had collected all those fat quarters ;-) - and I think it's come together well.  I hope my daughter likes it - she's having to find a new flat at the moment, and I know it's quite a stressful time for her.  

I did , however, have a momentary disaster first thing this morning, when I tried to iron out some creases in the fabric I intended to use as the lining.  This happened:

More haste, less speed.  Note to self, check the temperature of the iron first!

I had coffee with my friend this morning - she also gave my hair a trim (it had got so long at the back that I had ringlets LOL) and I will be making some new chair covers for her later in the year.  We had a good natter and caught up on each other's news.

It was brighter today, still cold but the sun did put an appearance.  N is finding it really difficult at the moment with the weather.  However, a bit of really positive news is that I have an interview for a job!  We got the phone call this afternoon.  It's a part-time position, just a few hours a week, but I think I could be of use and that the job could be useful to me.  The money would be nice, but I think it's more than that.  We talked about it after the phone call and we both feel it would help to give some structure to our days, and give us a little time apart from each other to do our own things.  I'm really pleased to have been called for an interview as that suggests that I might be the sort of person they are looking for.  When we come back after the weekend, I will spend some time researching so I have a better understanding and knowledge of the project the position will be supporting.

Bean seedlings reaching skywards

   

This is my 50th post - ta da!!  The blog seems to be evolving a little life of it's own.  I look forward to sitting down and documenting what's happened here.  Nothing earth-shattering, just a few thoughts, what we've been doing and making, things that have caught my attention.  Taking the time to write it down helps me see that we are settling into our 'new' lives at home.  There was always going to be a period of adjustment between leaving full-time work and feeling at ease with a life at home.  Last year we did some travelling (other people buy new cars or have a conservatory built) and that certainly helped us wind down.  Now we look back and we can't believe how much we've changed since we were at work.  Yes, we have uncertainty at present with selling (or not!!) the flat, and the possibility of moving, and will I get another job or not, but we have definitely got a different outlook on life now than when we worked.  We've slowed down, we appreciate the little things, we are happy to step away from the consumeristic bandwagon that seems to dominate many peoples' lives.  We spend very little yet eat very well, cooking from scratch and enjoying it.  We had no idea our lives would change so much, and I think we still have a lot more to discover.

Indoor gardening

The continuing harsh weather has put any thoughts of gardening outside on hold.  The ground is just too cold to even consider putting seeds in.  N has put some mulch on the raised beds but that's all.  However, we're having great success germinating bean seeds indoors.

This was how our beans looks exactly a week ago - little rootlets  and tiny green shoots.  Well, just look at them now!

We have proper runner bean plants :-)   We've started a new batch of seeds off in the boiler cupboard and hopefully they'll flourish as well.  Now we're at home, we can harvest the beans when they are young and tender.  We found in the past that we left them on the plants too long and some were tough and stringy.  No excuse for that to happen this year.

This time last year the temperature was nearly 20 degrees C.  Now it's barely above freezing.  It snowed here this afternoon, a ten minute flurry so nothing like the awful conditions that have hit the country further north, but snow nevertheless.  Add in the wind-chill factor and it's bitter.  What with the weather, nil interest in the flat, and one or two 'family' concerns, we feel a little down at the moment.  The weather and selling the flat are out of our hands, we have no control over those things.  The family concerns - well, to be honest, we can't make people behave in a way that we might feel they ought to.  The only things we have any control over is how we react to their words and actions, and hopefully let them know that we are thinking of them, and care about them.  If our help is asked for, we will give it readily, but if not, then we also need to acknowledge that's their right, and accept their decisions.  We are here if needed.  Sometimes stepping back is quite hard.

I've been sewing away today, trying to finish a patchwork project in time for the weekend.  It's looking great, and hopefully I'll finish it tomorrow and get some photos taken.

New bread recipe

A little blue-tit in the garden this morning

The kitchen has been put back together after the leaking pipe episode.   We had to replace some boarding that the fridge had been standing on, but luckily N was able to  find another piece in the shed that just needed trimming down to fit the job perfectly.

Bread proved and about to go into the oven

I tried a new bread recipe yesterday which has produced an excellent loaf of white bread.  I think I'll stick with this recipe for a while and see what kind of loaf other types of flour produce.  Here' s the recipe I used:

500g strong white flour
1 1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
15ml vegetabel oil
7g fast action dried yeast
300ml luke warm water

Mix flour and salt in a bowl, stir in sugar and yeast.  Add oil to water and add to dry ingredients to form soft dough (I found I needed a bit more water).  Knead for approx 10 minutes to form smooth, elastic dough.  Shape dough and place in oiled 2lb loaf tin.  Leave to prove in warm place - I always place a damp cloth over the dough - until doubled in size.  Place in pre-heated over 230C / gas mark 8.  Bake for 15 mins then reduce oven temp to 200c / gas mark 6 and bake for further 15-20 mins.  Bread should be risen, golden and sound hollow when tapped on base.  Turn out to cool on wire rack.

Perfect slices!

Poor N continued to have real problems following his dental work last week.  Now he has an tooth/sinus infection to contend with ;(, but fortunately we had some antibiotics so he was able to start on those over the weekend.  We're hoping it will have cleared up by next weekend as we have an engagement party to attend :)

I was pretty pleased I managed to link to some other blogs yesterday.  And I even posted a comment on Down to Earth.  BTW, it makes me smile to myself that being in the UK, I read the post for the 25 March on the 24th!  When I checked to see if my comment was there, Rhonda had put a little reply to it.  Big grin :))

Housework, emails and things ticked off list yesterday and today.  

Latest sewing project under way

The weather around the UK has been terrible this weekend - freezing cold, drifting snow, ice bringing power lines down.  I really feel for all those people affected by the bad weather - it can't be much fun to be without power in these temperatures.  This winter seems to be never-ending.  We rarely get much snow this far south, but we've had far more this year than I can remember for a long time.   Spring still seems a long way off.

Learning to link to other blogs

Although setting up my own blog was a bit step into the unknown for me, I came across the blogging world in earnest a couple of years ago.  I was aware of their existence before, but I hadn't really ventured into blogland properly.  

Now there are a few blogs that I follow with interest, and many others I 'find'  or see being recommended.  I've found there's a bit of a danger in following up on too many blogs; I could easily spend hours on the laptop engrossed in fascinating stories of interesting lives lived in far-flung places around the world.  I can't justify that amount of time, so I have a handful of blogs I follow regularly, and a few more I dip into from time to time.  

As I'm trying to learn how to create links in my posts, I though I'd share some of the blogs I enjoy reading.

The first is  Down to Earth written by the lovely Rhonda Hetzel in Queensland, Australia.  Rhonda inspires us to slow down and change to a more simple but sustainable lifestyle.  I absolutely love her blog - it's full of straight forward, practical ideas and it make so much sense to me.  It was her blog that made me realise that I was attracted to a simpler life (although I didn't know it actually had a name) - but it seemed to be the direction we were drifting towards.  BTW, I actually plucked up the nerve to leave a comment on this blog today, so 2 bloggie things learned :-).

Another blog I love following is Life on a Small Island, describing life on a very small island in the Orkneys, off the northern coast of Scotland.  N and I visited the Orkneys twice last year, and have another trip planned later in the Spring, and we have fallen under its spell.  Such a wild, beautiful place, with 'big' skies (and a lot of wind and rain!).  Graemsay, the 'small island' in question, has just 27 inhabitants, but there is such a sense of community that comes out of this blog.  The photos are great, too.

Plain and Joyful Living documents the life of a family in northern Vermont, USA, who embrace simplicity, working with nature through the seasons, and share their faith.  I find this blog quietly inspirational, and it's also interesting for me to read about a family who homeschool their seven children.  

So , those are the blogs I keep up to date with.  There are lots of craft blogs I find while searching for something specific - maybe a quilt block, a pattern for a garment or information on yarn weight.  I am always curious to find a little about the person/people behind the blog, so I inevitably read through a few posts, and then another link catches my eye, so 'click' to investigate .....  no wonder I seem to have fewer hours in my day than I should.  LOL.  So I try to not get too carried away with adding loads of blogs to my reading list.  I have too many other things to do.  There are a couple of craft blogs that I do drop in on from time to time, and I'll post about those another time.  

Adding a link seemed a big deal to me, but as is so often the case, it was actually quite simple.  Who knows, I may manage to put a photo or two on the banner soon ; ).

A plumber in the house

I'm quietly making progress with a number of projects and things on my 'to do' list.  I'm a great believer in lists; I always have several on the go, and there is a sense of achievement when I can cross something off.  My new list for the weekend had several things crossed off by this evening so that's a definite feeling of accomplishment.

These are my Mothers Day flowers, still going strong after two weeks

However, not all went according to plan today.  Half way through this morning there was a shout of concern from the kitchen, where N was putting something away in the boiler cupboard.  Something was leaking - never, ever good news.  In my experience, a little water can manage to go an incredibly long way.  Well, N rolled up his sleeves and investigated.  Water turned off, doors were removed, cupboards cleared out, plinths taken out, fridge unplugged, emptied and moved into the middle of the kitchen (not a very big room to begin with), lino rolled back and, sure enough, there was evidence of a leaky pipe.  N took some time to have a good look at the pipework, that way he could understand what the problem might be.  A quick phone call to his dad, who's very knowledgeable about household repairs, and he set about disconnecting the water conditioner (I didn't even know we had one!).  I helped out cleaning the parts, one by one, holding torches to provide better light, mopping and sweeping up when I could.  Then we put the bits back together again, and N made sure the joints were sealed as tightly as possible.  The water was gingerly turned back on, and thankfully, no drips were evident.  Phew!  It made me very thankful that N is not fazed by this sort of calamity, and approaches problems with a very methodical attitude.  He has probably saved us a good few pounds today, and I appreciate that :)
We'll keep an eye on the area for the rest of the weekend, just to make sure all is well.

The pigeons on the shed - they're comical birds and often make us smile with their antics

Yesterday I made another date and walnut loaf (I keep saying I'll try something different, but this always bakes up so well), and N took it to a friend of ours that he had arranged to meet.  We had a phone call in the evening to say the cake was very tasty!  I had a feeling it would be well received.  I also made scones, but they were a bit of a disaster, so much so I couldn't even bring myself to take a photo of them.  I could blame the oven (and I think it may have something to do with the problem), but I will have another go and take a bit more care over the recipe.

Whilst N was out I finished off the sewing project I had underway.  Even though I had measured so carefully before I cut all the pieces out, I found that one piece was too small for what I needed.  A bit of creativity was required, and I managed to use it for something else.  I just need to make some labels, and then I shall be able to share the completely finished article.

I love picking our fabrics from my stash to begin a new project

Today I have sorted out the  fabrics I shall be using for my next sewing project - a patchwork bag.  I'm looking forward to this, although I think it may be a bit fiddly.  I also need to check out half-square triangles to make a Flying Geese border.

I can't believe it's Sunday again tomorrow.  I shall see what we have planned but I may allow myself an hour on the laptop to learn how to make links (I know it's such a simple thing, but I don't know how to do it and I would like to find out how to).  I shall promise myself not to read any blogs in the process ;-)

Crocus in bloom, and false economies

Yesterday was a lovely day,  a bit chilly but glorious sunshine most of the day.  I finally remembered to get some photos of the crocuses we planted late last year, and which have flowered in the last few days.

Despite the fact that we bought a bag of mixed crocuses, they all seem to have come up purple!  Oh well, they do look so pretty.

Poor N has been suffering since he had 2 teeth out on Monday, and had to return to the dentist yesterday for advice.   It seems that one of the roots may have punctured his sinus (ouch!) and he was in quite a bit of pain and discomfort  :( .  He's now got some stronger painkillers, and hopefully it should heal in time.

We had a bit of a disaster with some soup the other day, but learned a valuable lesson from it.  A few weeks ago at the supermarket we bought 3 bags of root vegetables that were at their sell-by date and greatly reduced in price.  It seemed like a good buy, and we made soup from one pack that day.  No problems.  The other 2 packs we froze.  We made another batch of soup using one of those frozen bags, but when we came to taste it .... ugh! the vegies had gone 'sour'.  So we had to throw both remaining bags away (via the kitchen scraps bin, so all not completely wasted).  However, it did demonstrate that we're better off buying fresh produce where possible, or at least using sell-by-date bargains there and then.  

This got me thinking about other false economies I've fallen for.  I knitted up a quick hat for N earlier this year, and grabbed a ball of yarn more for it's colour and weight (and, if I'm honest, the price)  than for the type of yarn.  It was 100% acrylic, and although it knitted up well, and N says it's warm to wear (which was the main idea), the yarn has stretched but won't return to it's original size and shape.  That wouldn't have happened if I'd spent a little more on a wool, or wool-mix, yarn.  So that's another lesson learned - cheapest is not always the best.   There are bargains to be had, but it pays to check for false economies before parting with your money.

I've been working on a sewing project on and off most of the day - a lot of measuring and cutting, pinning and machining.   Another hour or so tomorrow and I should finish it.  I've also spent quite a long time filling in forms, and following up on some emails - I'm hopeful of a positive outcome to this time spent, and I've been thinking about an alternative direction if not.  That's a bit cryptic, I know, but I need to see how things turn out before committing them to a post.

It's obvious I'm new to this blogging lark.  I was interested to see if I could set up a blog (albeit ever so basic at the moment), and I'm enjoying writing a little about our ordinary lives through the year, more as a record for ourselves.  I find it really strange when I see that other people have 'visited', and from different countries around the world, even though I suppose that's the idea of blogging. 

It intrigues me how you found this little insignificant blog, but however you stumbled across it - 'hello'.

A bit of weeding is good for the soul

I had a very purposeful day yesterday.  I started off, bright and early, sending emails and making phone calls.  Hopefully these will be the starting point for progress in a couple of areas that I feel need action.  I won't say too much more at the moment, I just need to see where this goes.

After a really misty start to the day, by mid-morning we had a beautiful day in the making.  I took the opportunity to do some gardening, not in our little plot but in N's daughter's garden.  I try to get down there when I have a spare hour or so, and the weather is kind ;), and just do a bit of weeding and general tidying up for them.  I enjoy it and they appreciate it. 

The rockery I was weeding has been left to 'do it's own thing' for quite some time, so there is a mass of matted plants, all competing for space.  I cleared a lot of grasses out and pulled lots of weeds.  In a couple of weeks it'll look really pretty when all the bulbs bloom, but in the meantime, this clump of primroses is heralding Spring.  

A quick update on the bean seeds - they're making good progress, with little green shoots appearing and lots of tiny white rootlets emerging.  

I've got a couple of craft projects to start that need completing by the end of next week, so that'll keep me busy.  We're to-ing and fro-ing quite a bit today, as the 'flatmates' have to go to Southampton.  There are roadworks on one of the main roads which means all the traffic is being diverted and consequently any trip takes far longer.

And we're still being entertained by our little feathered friend, who is persistent in his attempts to get in the shed window.

Bags, birds and sunsets

I used my new shopping bag for the first time this morning, and it's much nicer than having a tatty plastic bag in my hand!  I made another from the same fabric yesterday and the 2 of them are hanging up on the hook by the front door.  No excuses for not using them.

We've spent a lot of time today, and indeed for several days now, watching a little dunnock out of our lounge window.

 Click on picture to enlarge

He keeps flying onto the forsythia bush beside the shed in our neighbour's garden, and tapping on the window.  We're not sure if he thinks he can get in to make a nest, or if he's confused by his reflection in the glass, but he's been flying to and fro all morning and early afternoon.  We're pretty impressed with his tenacity, but this has been going on for probably a week now and he obviously hasn't figured things out!  N and I have been kept entertained by this little bird - if we'd been rushing about we would never have noticed him in the first place, and now we look for him each morning.  BTW, I took quite a few photos but didn't really expect any to be much good, so I'm really pleased that the picture above came out so clearly - it's through a window, from quite a distance, and it was raining.

I've spent some time today trying to get to grips with the technicalities of blogging.  Writing posts is OK, but all the 'extras' are confusing to a technophobe such as me.  I do have a book that's supposed to help, but I think some of the layout has changed.  However, not one to be beaten before I've started, this morning I set about some basic additions.  I had't, for example, realised that I have to set up a 'comment' option.  I hope I have now done this.  I've also become a follower on a couple of blogs I read regularly so that shows up on my dashboard.  I seem to be on a different time zone for blogging than the time that I'm looking at now (it's 21:06 on Monday evening even though the time at the end of the post says 14:23) so that's something else I want to investigate.  I'm beginning to realise just how limited my computer knowledge is.  I may have to  enlist N to help with this as he's far more au fait at understanding this sort of thing that I am.

Talking of N, he's feeling a little sorry for himself today - he had to have 2 teeth out this morning, only a few weeks since having root canal surgery, so is back on liquid food again :( .  

There was another gorgeous sunset yesterday - N called me over to get a photo for the blog (he's learning ;) ).  I love sunsets, and the trees silhouetted against the sky made a lovely restful picture.

Baking and reflections

A productive day in the kitchen.

Melting Moments (with a touch of chocolate for a change) and Gingernut Biscuits

A granary cob loaf and some rolls - I've frozen the rolls to see how well this bread recipe freezes

Leek and potato soup simmering

I had a surprise when I opened the boiler cupboard to get the food mixer - unknown to me N has started some beans germinating, in an old drinks bottle lined with wet newspaper and filled with grit.  We can both remember doing this at school, many, many years ago.  And it works - we have sprouting beans!

It's very exciting to see the little white roots squirming their way down the side of the bottle.  The bottle is now out of the dark germinating cupboard and is sitting on the kitchen window sill where hopefully we can watch the beans develop.  We've had problems in the past getting bean to germinate so N thought he's try the old-fashioned method.  Success!

Although we don't watch TV very often now, we did treat ourselves to an afternoon of rugby (6 nations) as N is an avid supporter (and quite a handy player in his time).  I much prefer rugby to football and it makes me smile when I see N in his chair, ducking from side to side as he lives each pass and tackle ;)  However, we will not mention the England-Wales result :(

I did some sewing whilst watching, and gave a much-needed revamp to an old cotton shopping bag that was in danger of falling to bits.  I used the original bag as the lining, and used some old furnishing fabric for the outside.  The handles are strong webbing I bought from the haberdashers (I have enough for 3 bags), and hopefully the bags will stand up to good use.

The shopping bag lives on a hook beside the front door so it's always handy as we go out to the shops

I'm glad I had things to do today; I needed a distraction.  We buried our colleague yesterday.  Many people from work joined his family and friends to say their 'goodbyes', and there were tears shed, stories shared, and happy memories relived.  I have found this a very sad time, and it has made me take a good look at my own life and whether I am living it to it's maximum.  I suspect I am falling someway short.  I have a tendency to think too much, too deeply sometimes, but I cannot afford to be complacent about something this important.  

I have remembered tomorrow is 'screen-free', and I have a couple of things lined up to do.  I intend to start the new week with a positive outlook - my glass will be half-full.

Sunshine and planting

It was a glorious day yesterday - bright blue sky and sunshine.  I had every intention of starting a new sewing project but when I sorted through the fabric I had earmarked, I realised it wasn't going to do the job as well as I had expected.  I think I shall have to see what's available in the fabric shop next time we're out in the car.  All was not lost - I spent some time working out yardage which certainly used the old grey cells!

So instead I polished and dusted, then I washed the dusters and cleaning cloths, put another load of laundry through and hung everything on the line to dry.  In fact, N had to put another temporary line up for me for all the extra bits and pieces.  There is something so satisfying about washing drying in the sun.
  

Sitting in the sun after hanging the washing out.  The daffodils are slowly braving the cold. The raised beds are waiting for vegetable production to begin.

A few days ago I acquired a large clump of grape hyacinths (muscari) from one of the 'children's' gardens, and yesterday was the first day I thought it safe to plant them up.  I gave the bulbs a good soak first, then planted them in smaller clumps around the garden, just filling in the gaps between other plants.  I really enjoyed a bit of proper gardening, even if it didn't take me more than 10 minutes!  N was working in the shed with the door open, and with the warmth of the sun, we were transported to long days outside in the summer.  Can't wait :)

With the days getting longer, we have been able to (just about) have our evening meal without having to switch the lights on.   The sunset yesterday was stunning - the colours were glorious; gold, purple and orange filling the sky.  Simply beautiful.

More alterations

I've spent much of today altering one of my daughter's dresses.  It's a shop-bought one and is a fantastic purple colour, but is just a bit too wide across the back, and on her last visit here she asked if I could have a look at it for her.  I've had to reposition the zip to take in some of the fullness.  Sounds simple enough, but it was quite fiddly, and took me longer than I expected.  

One altered dress doesn't sound like much to show for a day, but when I did a quite recap, I realised that I/we had done the following:

• changed the bed
• washed and dried a load of laundry
• walked into town for fresh vegetables (round trip of 2 miles)
• checked out webbing at the local haberdashers for a future project
• made a roast chicken dinner from scratch, then stripped the chicken to make pies tomorrow, and boiled up the carcass for stock
• emptied the small freezer and loaded the chest freezer
• cleaned out the small freezer
• hoovered through the house

Now it's all written down, I feel a bit better.  I did have a list to work through, and everything was done, and one or two extras as well.  Sometimes I wonder if we are as 'busy' as we ought to be, and I know when the garden starts up there will be plenty to do again.  But projects are being completed, things crossed off lists, and progress made, even if it seems slow.  It's good to take time and slow down, especially when we look back to remember how we used to rush around when we were at work, desperately trying to get everything done and ending up tired and irritable.  That seems a long way away now, and we are able to enjoy our life so much more.  

Tomorrow I'll start off another list and hopefully work my way through some more 'jobs to do'.  

The cost of being at home

My first knitted dishcloths!  One crochet, one diagonal and two waffle-weave, all in 100% cotton.

We had a bit of a shock yesterday.  Neal checked the gas meter - and had to sit down!  Our usage has increased dramatically.  We had a chat about it over coffee because it's something that we needed to understand.  When we thought about it, obviously we're going to use more gas.  Firstly, we're at home full-time now we've both left work, and during the cold months of winter we have had the heating on, although the thermostat is quite low and the heating is not on constantly.  However, it is certainly on more than when we were out at work.  Secondly, we're cooking more.  Almost all our meals are now cooked from scratch, and while that has all sorts of benefits, it also means the oven/hob is used more.  And I'm baking bread and biscuits, which is an extra usage that we didn't have before.  (A note here - we have a slim-line oven, and it isn't fan-assisted, so we are a bit limited as to what we can cook at the same time.)  

The electricity will also be affected in that things like lighting are used more, and maybe appliances (more cups of tea, for instance ;) ).  The water bill might, fingers crossed, be the same or even less, as we don't always shower every day.  Our petrol consumption is definitely considerably less than when we were at work; the car can go several days without being used, and our food bills are down as well.

So, after a really sensible discussion, we are slowly beginning to implement a few ideas.  The first is to keep the interior doors in the flat open, rather than closed, to allow the air to circulate.  We think this may help keep a more even temperature throughout, especially in this really cold weather that we've had (more snow here yesterday and today).  To help with this idea, we had a quick move around of the settee and lighting, and I can now sew/knit/read in the lounge and still be able to talk to N without the door being in the way.  I had reservations but it actually seems to be working very well.  Next, we've turned the big chest freezer back on.  We had emptied it at the end of last year in preparation for a move, but as we need to start batch baking and cooking, it makes sense - also as the chest freezer is far more economic and efficient than the under-counter upright in the kitchen.  We'll empty that one, turn it off and use it to store goods.  The other thing we are going to try to do is to cut down on the amount of cooking that's done, in other words instead of making soup every day, make double quantity and freeze half.  It's not rocket science, and I'm sure most people do it.  We needed to be given a bit of a nudge to realise that it was the simple answer.

 I've been working on a little embroidered picture for my mother's birthday.  I sketched the design and then used a water-soluble pen to trace that onto some calico I had (I did look into linen but it was a bit pricey, and I thought the calico would probably do the trick just as well, and it did).

I didn't have to buy any extra threads, I just used what I had to hand.  When the embroidery was done, I removed the pen marks with water and pinned the calico out on a towel to dry.  Then I trimmed it to size, added some thin cotton to line it, wadding and backing, and a narrow binding around the edge.  I'm pleased with how it turned out, and I really enjoyed stitching it.  Embroidery is not something I do much of, but I shall certainly be doing a lot more.

The finished stitchery

Today I took up the hems on the trousers of N's new suit that he bought in Manchester.  It was a planned purchase, in fact he has been looking for the 'right' suit since he left work.  I like that N has enough confidence in my sewing skills to let me loose on a suit.  I took time to make sure the job was done to the best of my ability, and I'm pleased with the result.  I also learned a little about tailored trousers.

I had a lovely phone call from M's future MIL at the weekend, and as one Mum to another, we chatted about the happiness M and J's engagement has given every one.  N and I are looking forward to seeing J's family at the party at Easter, and seeing the holiday photos.

And finally, another bit of good news.  One of our 'brood' (and her flatmate) have just been given permanant work contracts.  This is such good news.  We hope that this will give them both some financial stability throughout the year.  Big smiles all round :-)

Belated Mother's Day

I have a confession to make.  I actually forgot all about 'screen-free Sunday', and I was on the laptop before I realised =:o .  However, I feel there were mitigating circumstances (I had to send an email to my mother), and I also wanted to keep up with posts (but obviously that didn't  actually happen *sigh*).  I shall try to remember next Sunday!

However, I had lovely phone calls with both my children which made me very happy indeed.  I also received some beautiful flowers from my 'grandchildren' which brought a tear to my eye.

I shall be back later this evening with a round-up of the last couple of days.  I seem to have got a bit 'out of synch' with days and posts - my time-management skills are not what they should be.  I think that's something I should pay a bit more attention to.

The first daffodils ... and stocked kitchen cupboards

Our first daffodils have bloomed!  In the sun yesterday they positively glowed and really cheered me up.  The crocuses are just showing some colour - another couple of days and I think they will be in flower, and the dwarf tulips are on their way, too.  It was lovely and sunny in the garden, the washing dried on the line in just a few hours, and yet we have been forecast snow in the next day or two.  It's bizarre!

My son and his girlfriend are back from their holiday and are now sleeping off the jet-lag!  I'm so looking forward to hearing about their travels - and seeing the ring ;).

N and I had a really successful trip to the supermarket to do a 'big' shop.  We made the effort to be organised.  N is a great cook but if I ask him for a recipe for a meal, he usually just says " well, I just used what we had".  Not so helpful.  However, we actually made a list of as many meals as we could think of that he makes on a regular basis, and then went through each one and jotted down the ingredients we needed.  By checking what we already had in the cupboards (and they were getting a bit bare) we were able to make a comprehensive shopping list of the ingredients we know we use often.  I don't always enjoy food shopping, unlike N who will happily mooch around the aisles looking for inspiration, but yesterday I went with a different attitude, and have to say I enjoyed the process far more.  We had a good look at different flours for baking, costing out different brands, comparing prices/weights with what is available elsewhere.  We don't have a problem buying the store's own brand and/or value range of products if we feel there is little or no difference in taste and quality.  We shop wisely, looking for bargains and deals on products that we use and need, but don't get distracted into buying things we don't use.  I'm still keeping a record of what we spend from our joint account monthly allowance, and it's working really well.  

I have also started to make a list of all the ingredients and products in our store cupboards, partly as a reminder to me what we use.  I want to keep an eye on prices, too.  A lot of pricing information can be found online nowadays, and that's really helpful in finding the best buys and price comparisons, and therefore planning shopping trips and what to buy, and where.  It's just a question of being organised and being prepared to put a bit of time and effort into planning.  Now we're not at work, we've certainly got the time, no excuse!

Sad news

I received some sad news today.  A colleague of mine passed away last night, after a long, hard fight against cancer.  Even though it was expected, it is never easy to deal with.  He was younger than I am.  I don't think in all the time I worked with him, I ever heard him moan or complain about his illness, even though I know he was frequently in pain and discomfort.  At least his suffering is now at an end.

I was able to spend some time this afternoon with another colleague who is still at work.  Sometimes it is good just to talk.  

Over the past few years, N and I have attended funerals of too many colleagues who have not made it to retirement.  Sadly, we will soon attend another.

RIP Kev.

Engagement card

I've spent quite a bit of time today working on an engagement card to send to my son and his girlfriend.  It's made from scraps - oddments of fabric and wadding, beads and embroidery thread, and the card was left over from mounting photos.  I haven't spent a penny on it; the only cost will be the postage.  Now I have time to make cards rather than buy them, I think I shall have to work on my calligraphy skills to add that finishing touch.

The weather has returned to being damp and grey, and the foghorn has been going this evening.  The forecast is for a return to cold weather, possibly even snow in some places.  So much for Spring having arrived!  

N decided to revert the spare bedroom back to a sewing room this morning.  As and when we get any viewings, it will only take 10 minutes or so to put the bed back again, and this way at least I get somewhere to work, and the desk is freed up for Neal's woodwork.  It makes a lot of sense, and gives us the feeling that we're in charge of our little flat again.  This evening I have made a list of all the sewing and other projects I have on the go or waiting to start.  Mmm ... I didn't realise it was going to be so long!  Some serious organisation is needed; perhaps it's just as well the weather is turning wintery again, it'll be a good excuse to sit at the sewing machine for a couple of days!

A few days in Manchester

We've just returned from visiting N's father in Manchester.  The weather was really good - usually we expect grey damp days up there, but this time the sun shone and we were able to get out and about.  

The Lowry Centre 

Media City - the BBC'c centre in the north - at Salford Quays

We enjoy riding on the tram system, and don't have any problems catching a bus to get into the city - we reckon transport costs are very reasonable compared to where we live.  Manchester has some wonderful buildings reflecting it's industrial heritage, and I have a special fondness for the old railway buildings - the interior of Victoria railway station is just beautiful.

The original ticket offices in Manchester Victoria station

Bridges over water and for rail - taken in the Castlefields area of the city by the canal

It was also good to spend some time with G - he's 85 now and we all appreciate the opportunity to get together when we can.  There's always a good deal of reminiscing done on these visits.

Father and son - I love this photo

I had a wonderful surprise phone call from my son while we were there; he and J are having a fantastic time in NZ, and he was still bubbling with excitement over the engagement, as am I ;)  They are hoping to have an engagement party over Easter and wanted to check we were free.  It will be lovely to see them and share in their happiness.

Although we quite enjoy wandering around the city, we're not shoppers.  I think we are probably in a minority!  We will shop if we actually need something, but neither of us 'needs' the buzz of collecting shopping bags.  However, it is fascinating to see so many young women all looking the same; 'clones' of the latest fashion trends.  Clothes, hair, make-up, shoes - it's all the same look.  It seems there's no individuality nowadays, everyone has to conform.  Whenever we visit Manchester, I do get the feeling of being different, both in how I dress and my attitude towards money and spending.  I am conscious that I don't cake my face in make-up, have extensions in my bleached/dyed hair, and wear the fashions and labels that I apparently should.  I have decided, however, that there is a certain freedom in bucking the trend, and that is fine by me.  

I am going to make a confession now.  Although we didn't eat out at lunchtime, we did indulge in a hot chocolate.  When we thought about it afterwards, we realised that we had willingly spent almost £12 for four mugs of chocolate!!   That's unbelieveable!!  

We always have a look around the food market in the Arndale Centre on our visits.  There is a wonderful fresh fish counter which has us green with envy.  It would be fantastic to have that range of fish available here, and at those prices.  At the market in Bury (we always take a trip on the tram) there are fruit and vegetables, and fresh meat and fish, all at great prices.  And at Sainsbury's, we saw a wide range of flours and rice available in bulk, again at really good prices.  We can't get that here.  Every time we visit, it reaffirms our belief that we could live very well very cheaply there.  Next time I think we may take a spare bag for goodies!

Now we are back home and picking up the reins where we left off.  I managed to do my monthly accounts, bake bread, make another batch of biscuits, and do a load of washing.  N let me be his assistant chef this evening, and together we made jeera rice, Bombay potatoes and chicken curry, all from scratch.  Delicious!