Monday 14 October 2013

Time Difference


Jon and I live on separate time zones, he's a night owl, living on musician time and I'm up & about by 6am. By the time he's surfaced I've fed the cats, done a Wii Fit workout, worked my way through the laundry, dead-headed & cleared the terrace of slugs and caught up with my blog reading.


This morning, though, he needed to be up before 8am to deal with an engineer who'd come to do the annual boiler service so I was banished upstairs as my incessant cheerfulness and love of loud music before breakfast drive him mad.


 With Radio 1 blasting out I did the inevitable, packed away my backless dresses and Hawaiian mini dresses and retrieved the velvet, fake fur and thermals from the suitcases I stack on top of the wardrobe.


Away went the sandals and out came the tights. Much to the amazement of many, I've had most of these pairs for years. They get stuffed into a pillowcase, chucked in the washing machine at 30 degrees and either line-dried or thrown over a clothes horse in front of the fire. If I'm wearing boots I'll wear socks on top to stop the zip damaging them. They're either Marks & Spencer, TopShop or Dorothy Perkins (and nearly always come from 99p bargain baskets in the Summer or from charity shops).

 

I rediscovered this dress which I'd inadvertent packed away at the start of Summer - yeah, it's sleeveless and it's bastard freezing out but that's the beauty of thermals (and a newly serviced boiler).


We went to a jumble sale on Saturday morning and I managed to update my wardrobe for £1- vintage suede espadrilles, a 1970s patchwork leather tote, glitter belt, metallic gypsy shawl and a tapestry clutch bag. True to Vix's Law Of Wardrobe Maintenance there's a bag destined for the charity shop in the morning - if it ever stops raining!

1970s psychedelic maxi (20p, jumble sale, 2010), 1960s St Michael scarf (10p, jumble sale, 2011), Suedette platforms (£5, off the market)
As he's a couple of hours behind me Jon's just gone upstairs to pack his shorts & flip flops away - not for too long, hopefully -  we'll be in India before too long, as soon as I've decided where and when.

See you soon!

73 comments:

  1. It's a shame to pack away the sunny outfits but you have some glorious autumn/winter stuff - can't wait to see those velvet platform boots again :D

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  2. It's a shame to say goodbye to summer garms, but I love winter and it's chance to layer.
    I only found thermal tights last year and they changed my life (dramatic but they did!)
    Gorgeous dress, and I love that little tapestry bag.
    x

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  3. Small consolation (probably NONE actually!) but I spent the afternoon getting my Summer dresses out of hibernation and packing away my faux furs and boots.

    You look absolutely beautiful, amor. I love that forgotten maxi and your dressing corner is so frickin gorgeous (love your revamped poodle shelf).

    Love you more than sunshine and beaches!

    Sarah xxx

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  4. dear lady, you're even more awesome because you can be cheerful before breakfast!!, that's a superpower!!
    and you're looking gorgeous!, lovely dress and lovely colors!
    I also have my tights years ago, they're used to be machine washed and they're still nice!
    But I'm happy with autumn, particularly because our autumn is being still sunny and warm!
    besos & sun

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  5. Can't see your pics due to my crap internets but I know you always look fab in every season! Must admit I'm with Jon on the timing thing tho.xx.

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  6. You look so lush, you cheerful morning sparrow, you! I have done the same thing. I had to get some jumpers out because we went off in to the middle of nowhere on Friday and it was a bit brass monkeys. I'm not nearly as organised as you though petal...I must get my knitwear off the floor!! Loves ya.xxxxx

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  7. I love the belt and shawl and tapestry bag! Such super finds!
    I'm busy putting away the winter clothes and dry cleaning my coats for storage, but there weather here is schizophrenic - yesterday 38 today 20. silly weather i cant quite put my jumpers away

    Gosh i wish i could wake up early! Im just a zombie in the mornings

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  8. I love love love this frock & scarf combo! Absolutely fabularse! And how cool is that patchwork bag!!! I honestly wish I could wear tights all year round! I'm coveting those green ones in your drawer. Xx

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  9. I have to say I am a bit of a night owl by nature. Though I guess with being a mum for nearly ten years it has altered my inner clock somewhat. Though I can still easily stay up into the wee hours if the mood is right. Bit harder getting up mega early though! lol.

    I quite like putting away the few really summery stuff I have away. To be honest though if I can layer it up with tops or jumpers it stays out! lol.

    Loving the funky tights and cute bag too.

    P x

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  10. I know the tights have been out for a while here too
    One day warm, the other cold!
    D and I are early birds
    I get my tigths too at the cheap places or charity shops, why pay high prices for tights i ask you!

    Nice dress, lovely when you find something you had forgotten
    Wishing you India very very soon!

    Take care

    Ariane xo

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  11. 6am! you are a morning wonder, I cannot and never have done mornings well! great scores and gorgeous dress, I dug out my tights too! which is pretty much my contribution to my 'winter wardrobe'!! x x

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  12. Hi my dear!! Wow, great minds think alike, I've just finished my post on sorting out my wardrobe too! I love the items you picked up-those espadrilles and the tapestry clutch are gorgeous! Wishing you a good week ahead xxx

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  13. I'm an early bird too. Though 6am is my new goal :P I get so much done while everyone else is asleep! x

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  14. My natural body clock tends to be more like Jon's but I've adjusted it over the years to be more like yours but one thing I can't change and that is being cheerful in the morning - no one talks to me unless they have to in the mornings!

    That's a gorg. outfit! I love yellows/mustard with blue or purple - really rich. Can't wait to hear about your Indian getaway! xx

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  15. I can't remember the last time I saw 6am! I have yet to pack away my Summer things, but will follow your lead soon :)

    I love the dress you're wearing in this post and your dresing table is really cute.

    Have a wonderful afternoon xx

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  16. My husband and I have very different clocks too - he gets creative and inspired after 11PM! Love your shopping finds - that patchwork bag is a treat, and your re-discovered dress too. xoxo

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  17. Vix, I love the tights you have with the new espadrilles. They remind me of this dress (which has matching socks) which im contemplating once I see how bad the knee replacement scar will be! http://www.gormanshop.com.au/clothing/dresses/bengal-bandit-dress.html

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  18. Oh I am so NOT a morning person, I'd rather stay up late, and often do, then feel knackered in the morning... You'd think I'd have learn by now.
    Now I don't think I've ever seen that frock, has it been on the blog before and I've forgotten? That's entirely possible - but I love it, and layered up, I don't see why you can't wear it all winter!
    Yes, I am back in tights too, all of mine are bargains and seem to last well. Why would anyone pay loads of money for tights? It beats me. Also like you, we are due a boiler service, so you've reminded me to sort that out, thanks! You scored better at your jumble than I did, love that patchwork bag.
    Good luck with your search for cheap flights - the thought of India will keep you going through the cold and the rain!
    Love ya! xxxx

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  19. I'm glad the tights and thermals will have us seeing you in colorful clothes all winter long. I'm planning my UK wardrobe and mostly thinking about staying warm. It gets colder hear in Boston than in London, but we have the sun. I've learned from Curtise and Jennie about doubling up on tights, which I plan to do this winter.
    Love the tapestry clutch and your forgotten maxi.

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  20. I can sew craft and make beautiful things , but can I heck as like manage to dress myself...lol..Its like im colour blind with clothing , I really would turn up at a grand event with pink fluffy slippers on , so i have great admiration for someone who always looks spectacular

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  21. If only I could adopt Vix's Law with discipline! I'm working on it though.

    Lovely dress that you discovered, and the scarf is the perfect accent. And of course the new suede espadrilles.

    Excited for you that India is in the near future!

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  22. I need to do the same packing process here.our weather has finally turned chilly and I need my cozy sweaters to stay warm. Sending you love from St Louis now I'm off to drop off my donations.

    Vintagehoneybee.blogspot.com

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  23. I just LOVE getting out the winter woollies! I feel underdressed without them.
    Your dress is beautiful and I always like to see your bedroom. It all looks so tidy! xxx

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  24. I wish I could be a night owl and not go to work at 8:30. I'd much rather be getting out of bed at 8:30, and I'd really rather not go to work at all! I sort of envy early birds because they seem to get so much done, and then still have time for shopping!

    I love those blue leopard tights!

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  25. I am also an early bird and Victor a bed love first to go at night lat to get up (never understood that in a sunny country)
    Much love, my dear queen.
    There will be a place for you by the seaside as soon as we find it.
    XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

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  26. I've got no choice I have to be a morning person, all day, middle of the night person. With three young kids there's no knowing when one will be woken. At the moment a lot of my blog reading is done in the dark midnightish hours when I'm feeding Fraser.

    Yay for thermals and that summer maxi, I love the combo with the scarf. All of our jumble sale finds are a delight. I would have nabbed all of them too.

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  27. Yes, I'm an early riser too.

    Don't you love finding something you forgot you had? What a great maxi!

    I admire how you're so organized and have your own system of caring for your things. I cull my closet and dressers in the spring and fall. As you know, the great thing about wearing secondhand is that it's so easy to let go of because it costs so little. And the vintage can always be resold.

    Happy for you that India is in the near future!

    xxx

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  28. I am pretty sure we shall all be following suit in packing away the summer wear. It has lashed it down all day here and I can't wait to get changed into my comfy clothes and snuggle up with hubby.

    X x

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  29. My Jon & I are on your same schedule. I looooove my morning time. India...ahhh...the thought of a trip to India would keep me going for a looooong time. I am green with envy. Always love the peeks inside your beautiful home :-)

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  30. I enjoy the ritual of swapping my wardrobe over each season. It is a good time to have a jolly good clean out and take stock of what I have. I am a shocker for hanging onto things simpky because I like it so I am trying to harden up and get more ruthless. At least you have India to look forward to.

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  31. I thought you two would be jetting off soon again to warmer climates. Love the dress, and I have to get up at half six to take my daughter to her new school which is further away, I always feel I've done a full days work by ten am, and then am ready for lunch!

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  32. Looking great, as always. I love those leopard tights, grrowwl!
    I did the same this weekend, had all my coats and Winter stuff in the garage, only to find that my wardrobe is over populated and I don't have room for all of them. Gah.
    No clothes shopping next year!

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  33. G is much more of a night owl than I, but is able to be up at a reasonable sort of time, generally...! I'm a total nana, and often am up really early, but in recent years I can sometimes go back to bed for another hour, which is quite nice! I do like getting a few things done, like washing, blah blah, before he surfaces, though. That quiet time before the world starts pumping is just lovely. Especially if I get a walk in around the river!
    This frock is gorgeous! Such a splendid print! Super GLAM!
    My wardrobe is the same year round; being on a tiny island makes our weather fairly erratic, so I keep it all handy! I just add or subtract tights/cardigans.Even in deepest Summer I may need a coat on occasion!
    Love Helga xxxXXXxxx

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  34. Ha ha, your tights are so loud!!! X

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  35. Love the dress and the hair as always! Does it take you long to style your hair?
    Worse comes to the worse, layer up on the thermals, turn up the thermostat and if the rum doesn't warm you all the way through, you can always try the vodka (making some rhubarb and custard flavoured, i'm so classy haha)! You'll have to let us all know when you've booked India - to Goa or not to Goa haha.
    Alas, I'm not a morning person, wish I was but my dad puts it down to the fact I was born at 4pm so I'm naturally a late riser haha.
    Love the dressing table etc, it looks so ladylike and properly done, no wonder you're always immaculate! x

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  36. Oh that explains why my closet is so damn jammed ... If you're organized like you are, you switch out the clothes based on the season! This might be the year I do that and give myself some breathing room in there. Must also pack up a bag for charity. See what a good influence you are? Well, ummm, maybe not such a good influence on all aspects of life (cough ... *party girl* ... cough). lol. Love you and your seemingly perpetual good cheer.

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  37. It's the same in our house, I love getting up early and having the house to myself while everyone sleeps. It also means I am flat out by news at ten.

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  38. Ditto! Packed away my summer stuff today too and out came the woolies...quite a lot went in a bag destined for the hospice shop as I've bought a few things lately. Fabularse frockage but making me shivery looking at those bare arms... even if your boiler is firing on all cylinders! I still wear a pair of thermal tights I got for xmas when I was 18, that makes them errr.....quite old.
    xxxxxx

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  39. Hubby and I seem to live in different time zones too ... but I'm the night owl and he's the early bird .... it's a wonder we ever actually met in the first place ;0)
    xx

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  40. Amor,
    You know I never pack away my Summer stuff. I am Jon time zone. Sleep late wake up late sometimes.Adore your Maxi dress the colorful scarf is the icing on you.Where you going on holiday this time? I am hoping to leave this month. Ma lord you always find bad ass stuff at the jumble sale, I have one to go on Wednesday.

    Besotes

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  41. If I had a choice I would sleep until 9, I'm not a morning person at all...
    Love that tapestry bag! x

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  42. Packing my summer things away is on this weekend's to do list, and i do love digging out forgotten winter stuff and having what feels like a whole new wardrobe to dress up in. Your poodle shelf is looking fab.

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  43. My dear you are always a breath of cheerful inspiration! I hope to hear all about your upcoming India trip... you exotic one you!!

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  44. I must say, Gorgeous Husband and I are also at different time frames when it comes to being perky. But he is good at getting up in the morning if necessary. Why are larks and owls attracted to each other? Is it some sort of weird cosmic balancing out?

    Cheers from Rosemary
    www.foreveronthecatwalkoflife.blogspot.com

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  45. love love love that on you! x

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  46. I loved reading about you and your night owl.

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  47. My guy goes to bed after me and gets up before me. I am the lazy wife. But if I knew that one thing I'd have to face in the morning had to do with slugs, why I'd never get up!

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  48. Loving your psychedelic maxi, definitely brightens up a dark autumn day! I love my loud music in the car on the way to work but not sure I could cope with it before breakfast.

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  49. I'm a morning person too, although maybe not a 6am morning person. I usually handwash my tights but I'll have to try the pillowcase thing. You look gorgeous in that dress. I love the espadrilles from the jumble sale.

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  50. I too like to wake up at 6, though have to say that in winter, when it is just 10 C in the house, it is much harder to do. Nice dress and that printed scarf adds even more charm to it.

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  51. I'm an early morning person too, love the peacefulness, though I don't get as much done as you, I tend to laze about drinking tea and reading or on the computer. I like late nights too sometimes, but I'll still get up early even if I'm tired. That's a lovely dress, it's great finding stuff you'd forgotten you had, and I love your finds, the patchwork bag and the blue leopard print tights especially.

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  52. I just love your Life outlook so much! I need a little Vix 'devil' on my shoulder to sort me out!
    Those blue leopard tights are magic!
    Z xx

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  53. PS
    What do you do with your slugs????
    Z xx

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  54. I do like that feeling of being up and out early but I must admit I am more of a night owl! x

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  55. Think this is the first time I ever posted here but have been reading your blog for awhile now. I love it! Love your style, your house and your attitude about living your life the way you want and not worrying about fads and others' opinions. It's so refreshing to read that. I don't have anyone in my life who doesn't think that being an individual is good. They all follow the fashion trends. I also have some friends who just never seem to take any time to look nice when they go out. So I look forward to reading your blog to see what you've been wearing and what you have bought at the shops. Another thing I should mention is that we don't have many charity shops/thrift stores around where I live in the No. east US. One shop near me is called a "second hand" shop but the prices in there are not cheap. Everything is priced high and there is no bargaining with the owner. I bought one thing in there awhile ago but probably won't go back again. Thanks for your fabulous blog and please keep blogging!

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  56. I'm a morning lark and Lauren is a night owl too. LOLOL He always says I'm way to perky for him in the morning!!

    Love the dress-- it's a gorgeous print!!

    I've pulled out my tights and sweaters--bring on the cold weather!!!

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  57. I'm a morning lark and Lauren is a night owl too. LOLOL He always says I'm way to perky for him in the morning!!

    Love the dress-- it's a gorgeous print!!

    I've pulled out my tights and sweaters--bring on the cold weather!!!

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  58. I started putting away some of the summer sandals and clothes this weekend, even though the weather was gorgeous. Haven't got the tights out yet, but have been wearing knee sox!

    I'm not a morning person either, although I have to get up early to go to work. Would much rather stay up late. Your early morning cheerfulness and loud music would probably drive me nuts too ;)

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  59. Yesterday blogger was buggy and would not let me leave a comment:( That just means I get to look at you twice, YAH! We must be a week behind you because the sun has come back and this entire week will be almost 70! Why my knees are even showing today!

    Your chest of tights is like a rainbow on a shitty dark day, what a lovely thing to keep you warm and looking bright! Enjoy that newly serviced boiler a must have for the coming season. India calls you as does Portland always! Lets try and chat on Thursday if you are around.
    LOVEYOU!!!!!
    XXOOOXXOO

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  60. I am just chiming in on Keamygirls post. I too live in the norheast US and the few thrifts we have are ridiculous. Right now one is running a Halloween sale. They put out racks of regular clothes as "Halloween costumes". I spotted several vintage "Vix dresses" But at $15 I wouldn't buy them even if they did fit me.

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  61. O and I are the same way - split time zones. At least you know your winter stock will only be temporary, until you fly East. Your feet surprised me - I love those polka-dots with those cool flats. I'm so used to seeing you in sky-highs. Fantastic maxi. Gorgeous.

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  62. Robert and I are the same. Although after years of living with him it seems I am slowly becoming more of a night person. I prefer the morning though. I seem to get much more accomplished.

    Your patchwork drapes and that vanity table are fabulous.

    Thanks for the tip on the tights. Mine never last more than a couple of wears.

    I love the way you've added a scarf to this outfit. Very Joan Holloway of you.

    bisous
    Suzanne

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  63. I am another morning person - although if I go on holidays, I turn into late night, late morning Annie. But recently, I have been walking the dog in the park at 7am at weekends - it s beautiful and misty - and deserted.

    I am a fellow tights-hoarder. If they are woolly or thick and you wash them in a net or a pillowcase, they last forever.

    Best of luck booking your holiday - and getting a good deal! Xx

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  64. Muy bonito el vestido!!Me gusta la combinación de color!!
    Besos
    http://judithbysucre.blogspot.com.es

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  65. I'm a night owl like your hubby. Apparently it's a genetic thing!

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  66. Joey's a night owl too. There' something about that musician time. I'm not a real early bird, and I do take awhile to get going in the a.m., but I require a lot more sleep than he does. I've been doing some moderate clothes shifting, and can't wait to pull out the jackets and woolens. I love your finds. Hope the rain stops soon!!!

    XXOO

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  67. I get maybe a couple of seasons with my tights so yours are impressive! India sounds beautiful right about now.

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  68. Same here! Your description of living in different time zones could be about me and my Tomas. About a year ago I heard an interview with a Swedish actor who told us about her love to her husband that she had lived with in about 50 years, "I still don't know him. He live his life in the night and I during the day. I still get shy when I'm naked in front my husband. Sometimes we meet and it's always exciting."I recognized myself in that description aswell.

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  69. I really love that dress your wearing. I too have to pack away the summer clothes. It's starting to get quite chilly here at nights.

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  70. That dress is SO stunning Vix - I keep forgetting you folks are in for cooler weather. I actually went out without tights today for the first time in MONTHS! Also I am glad I'm not the only one who wears tights for years on end - sometimes people look at me like I'm mad when I say I don't remeber where I bought my tights as I've had them for so long ;)

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  71. Love the tights tips! I can't seem to ever get through a day in a pair without snagging them, unless they are really thick!

    Age and I are just the same as you and Jon-I like to get up at the crack but Adrian will stay up drawing til the small hours and lie in till later!
    xxxxxxx

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  72. meet me when you come to india!! :)

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Lots of love, Vix