Monday 23 March 2020

The Distancing Diaries - Continued



Stonecroft in the sunshine. I suppose there are worse places to be confined to especially on a glorious day like today.


So what have I been filling my time during day 3 and 4 of isolation? Yesterday, after sorting out the cats (who have to be fed by 7am or there's trouble) I made tea and took it back to bed where we read till 8am. On Zbrioa's recommendation, I started reading Julian Barnes' Arthur and George. It's set five miles away from here in the former mining village of Great Wyrley, where my Dad was born and there are loads of references to Walsall. I'm really enjoying it so far, thank you!


Jon made breakfast (vegetarian sausage sandwiches) while I stripped the bed, loaded the washing machine and swept the bedroom rug. We watched the Andrew Marr Show then I got dressed & pegged the bedding on the line while Jon scrubbed the kitchen floor.


Yesterday was cold but gloriously sunny. I grabbed the rake and gathered up twigs from around the garden, filling our fire baskets. With no income for the foreseeable future, we're grateful for free fuel.


Talking of free, I discovered several clumps of wild garlic growing in the garden and cut off a few leaves which we mixed into our teatime salad. I'll have to see what other dishes I can come up with using what's already in the cupboard, possibly some kind of pesto that doesn't contain pinenuts or walnuts - as we don't have any - or Parmesan (it's not vegetarian). I'll let you know.


I loved Irina from Kiev's suggestion to buy seeds and grow a garden. Over the years we've tried to grow our own vegetables but, being away at festivals over the summer, our endeavours tend to fall by the wayside. We leafed through (ha!) our gardening books, drew up a list of veg we know we'd eat and ordered some seeds online and also found a really cheap poly greenhouse which will be delivered next week.


After lunch, I caught up on my blog reading & commenting and then mopped the hall floor, polished the shelf unit, washed the Morrisware vase and Burslem Lustreware bowl which stand on it and dusted the chandelier, picture frames and plaster busts.


The Victorian daguerreotype in the centre? He's an ancestor on my Mum's side who apparently lost his mind and ended his days in an asylum. Handsome chap, isn't he?

After tea we had a TV travel marathon, watching The Americas with Simon Reeve, Race Across The World and An Art Lovers' Guide to Lisbon. There's nothing like a bit of armchair travel when you're confined to the house!


Today after a Wii Fit work out and fruit & yoghurt for breakfast I got dressed and set to work repairing the curtains in the middle room while Jon cleared an area in the garden ready for our greenhouse. Once mended, I threw the curtains in the washing machine and cleaned the windows & ornaments in the middle room as well as giving the me-made patchwork lampshade a scrub down.


I weeded between the cracks in the brickwork outside the house and tidied up my pots, some of which are showing signs of life, hooray!


I blended in with the washing today!


As nobody but Jon, the cats and the tortoise (still in semi-hibernation) are likely to see me I suppose I could shlep around in jogging bottoms with 2" of root regrowth, a bare face & naked nails for the next few months but firstly I don't own any trackie bottoms and secondly, it wouldn't do anything for my self-esteem. Dressed in vintage with decent hair, lipstick and nail paint and I feel motivated and ready for anything so yesterday I spent an hour retouching my roots, epilating my legs and painting my nails. Self-care is everything.


This is where I sit to write my blog posts. I'm old school - no tablet, smartphone or laptop - just an elderly PC and some speakers from the charity shop!

WEARING: Kriss of San Francisco patchwork maxi (gift from ex-blogger Krista back in 2012)

Thank you so much to all who commented here, on Facebook, on IG or via email. It's so good to hear how this crazy new life is affecting you and what you're doing to get through it. I'll respond to all your comments very soon. Stay positive, stay at home (if you can) and keep in touch and please, if you're struggling, don't hesitate to drop me a line, I'm going nowhere.

Lots of love, Vix

xxx

77 comments:

  1. Hope you can keep these posts up as I think a lot of us are coming to rely on you! Spring cleaning is the best way to take our minds off things - great idea to get a greenhouse going and a polytunnel - and it will be so much fun to actually eat your home grown veg! I am working the next few days at home and then planning a bit of a spring clean of my own!

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    1. Upping the regularity of my postings are helping me, too! I'm loving reading about how everyone else is filling their days during lockdown.
      Yes, it's very exciting to get growing and having the time to do it rather than our usual half-hearted hit and miss attempts. xxx

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  2. Lovely to see you rocking and doing lots of things at home!. And lovely to see some pics of your delightfully colorful home!, I love your hall!, the wallpaper is stunning!. And I also love the well lit place where you put your computer, so cute!.
    And obviously I'm loving that you match your laundry!, your patchwork skirt is a favourite of mine!
    Do you know that you've encouraged me to paint my toenails, even if anybody is going to see them?! ;DDD
    besos

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    1. I'm just sitting here waiting for my toenails to dry so I can put my shoes on and face the shops - scary stuff! xxx

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  3. Wow you look very vibrant and cheery today.
    Thankyou for sharing your recipe on the last post, I made it for tea tonight and it was delicious and I have made enough to warm through and have again tomorrow.
    Surprising how many sticks you found in the garden, I guess we need to be as thrfty as we can be. We had travel plans this year, not sure what will happen yet, I had no intention of growing this year, but dug the seeds out, I will look forward to hearing about what you will be sowing and growing.
    Marlene xx

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    1. Hi Marlene, so glad you enjoyed the recipe, it's quick, easy and tasty and a great way of using up leftovers! I could live on Indian food.
      We always try and grow stuff with middling success. I sorted out my pot of seeds before we went to India and threw the lot away as they were years out of date, now I'm kicking myself, I'm sure they're have been okay! xxx

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  4. I'm loving the extra photos of Stonecroft lately (we'll ignore the reason!).
    I did want to pop in with a small education moment; the portrait of your ancestor is likely a salted paper print or calotype (this is without being able to have a closer look), and not a daguerreotype. If you ever wish a VERY academic and scientific romp through the photographic processes of history, I would highly recommend the Graphics Atlas as it an excellent resource for identification! http://www.graphicsatlas.org/

    He is still handsome though! Keep well you two!

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    1. Hello Ace! I've had a look at that very informative website and you're quite right! After reading it, I realise that do have a pile of ancestral daguerreotypes festering in a drawer somewhere, I shall see if I can find them out and share them with you.
      Stay happy & healthy! xxx

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  5. it so nice and warm here where I live....to bad my allergies are off the chart right now.

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    1. Oh no, what a shame you can't enjoy the heat. xxx

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  6. "Chalise" is my bosses name, it's Thorne Garnet

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  7. I love seeing pictures of your home - it's so colourful and cheery. And look at those furry boys! They know they are in for lots of attention, I bet.

    I'll find out tomorrow what's in store for my work - I may try to stay online and connected with work (I'll have to get one of the IT guys to show me how, if they are still there!).

    Self-care is the name of the game. Get dressed, do your face and hair - I'm saying this to myself as I look at all this wonderful brightness of your post, Vix!

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    1. Thanks, Sheila! I forget how bright our house is, I'm usually distracted by something else. If nothing else I'm learning to appreciate my surroundings a little more. Last night we opened the front door and listened to nothing - no hum from the motorway, police sirens or trains. Bliss! xxx

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  8. You're a pair of whirling dervishes! I'm doing (work) stuff, but finding it hard to be as self motivated as I'd like to be.

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    1. I'm one of those annoying people who find it impossible to sit still - it drives Jon mad! xxx

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  9. Synchronized posting again! Haven't done even a fraction of what you've been up to, but then I still have to go into work, which I find more exhausting than usual. Still, we've made a start with the garden and I did the first batch of the seasonal changeover, but that's it. I have a huge list of things to do, but very little energy. No tracky bottoms for me either. Except for working in the garden, for which I wore jeans, I'm dressing up, even if it's only for lazing around on the sofa. Self-care is of the utmost importance! I love the peeks into fabulously colourful Stonecroft, and how you match the washing! And I am just a tiny bit envious of your greenhouse, even if I haven't laid eyes on it yet. I've always wanted one, but there isn't one small enough to fit into Dove Cottage's garden! xxx

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    1. Great minds and all that!
      Too early for any wardrobe changeover yet - we've got wintery showers forecast for the weekend! Although in recent years there's only a handful of items that need to be taken out of the suitcase, I wear the same stuff all year round!
      I'm so excited about the greenhouse, I wish it would hurry up and get here! xxx

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  10. OMG you leave me in your dust with the housekeeping frenzy during this Sheltering In Place situation, I bow down to your abundant energy and exuberance to get everything ship shape by Day 3 no less! I do think Self-Care is important for State of Mind and you've now kicked my Arse into considering getting out of my Jammies some time Today and doing something with my Dreadlocks other than looking like I've already gone Mad. Sorry about the Relative that did, Bless him, we've had that happen to an Uncle, one of my Dad's Younger Brothers, too... in the Old Days people were often Institutionalized and never came out once it was established they struggled with Mental Health conditions. Perhaps you could switch to Online Sales of your Retro Treasures for now? Be Well and stay Safe!

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    1. It makes a change to concentrate my energies on housework rather than charity shopping! I'm sure the novelty to wear off eventually and I'll be slumped in a chair with a bowl of monkey nuts and a good book!
      Times were very hard for people with mental health issues back in those days, weren't they? Locked away and forgotten about. Not everything was better in the olden days despite what older people tell us!
      I did think about selling on line but we're supposed to be staying indoors other than popping out for essential food supplies plus I'm not sure how much longer the Post Office will remain open. xxx

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  11. how gorgeous you and your freshly repaired & washed curtains look!!!
    i had a smile at irina´s comment too - its so eastern european: in a non-functional economy with not much possibilities for incom & consumption is planting your own garden a necessity - and a patch of land a real treasure :-D
    for the wild garlic - just chop it very small, stir in some good oil and a bit of salt - best pesto ever!
    xxxxx

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    1. That's definitely the UK (and most of Europe) is at the moment, a non-functional economy!
      Thank you so much for the wild garlic tip, I shall be trying that with wholemeal spaghetti over the weekend.
      After their wash my curtains look and feel completely different! They've transformed the room! xxx

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    2. do not heat up the wild garlic pesto - just sprinkling over the warm pasta.... better for the vitamins :-D
      xx

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  12. looking at this really cheered me up , A lovely bright and breezy colourful post xxx

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    1. Oh good, I'm so glad it cheered you, Eileen! xxx

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  13. I love that you actually get to grow something this year. We too are facing zero income soon. My rosemary died over winter (it got colder than normal) so am picking up a cutting today from a friend, some fresh eggs and a few flowers from the greenhouse she worked at before it closed Saturday. Today my therapy is music, listening to old playlists. Our weekend was exhausting cleaning inside and outside. We got so much done though, both of us went to bed sore from the work on Sunday. I am not a sewer but the sewers around here are being asked to make facemasks for healthcare and senior care facility workers. There might be something like that in your area - they are getting the supplies to the sewers if you don't have them.

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    1. Finally having the time to grow some vegetables is rather exciting, I must admit!
      Our rosemary bush was already here when we moved in, it's huge, I have to prune it twice a year to stop it taking over. I love it on roasted veggies!
      That's a brilliant idea about sewing those PPE masks, I checked to see whether the UK was doing something similar (they aren't) but I've signed up to volunteer for the NHS so hopefully I'll be able to do my bit. xxx

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  14. A big thank you. Its lovely to read such an uplifting post.
    The place you sit to write your blogs is a beautiful sunny spot and your garden is looking great.
    On top of lockdown, my mum is in hospital miles away, any diversion is good and your blog is so cheerful. I'm looking forward to the next already! xxx

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    1. Oh sally, I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum. What a terrible situation to find yourselves in. Wishing you much love. xxx

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  15. You remind me of a beautiful colourful butterfly Vix. I love these little glimpses of your house and garden, Stay safe x

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    1. Same to you, Cherie! Thank you so much! x

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  16. Your post was filled with so much clam and control, but loaded with color, I am replenished. I am working long hours trying to help ensure both education continues for students and emergency workers have access to child care, while helping the child care ensure they are all following CDC rules=I'm exhausted by end of work day and not even commuting right now. I bought seeds the other day as well. Jon's grooming where your green hosue will go looks ready and prepared for a bumper crop.

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    1. So you're on the front line Sam, keeping your country going. You must be exhausted.
      In times of crisis I always go into a frenzy of activity, I have so much nervous energy to burn off and at least have something positive to show for my efforts,
      Stay safe and well and get planting. xxx

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  17. Wow, what a whirlwind of activity!Just reading this post has made me feel energized!! Such lovely colourful photos. Absolutely agree about making an effort with our appearance, even if no one's going to see! Essential for self-esteem! You've opened my eyes about wild garlic, loads around here, never entered my mind that I could eat it!! Take care, looking forward to more posts! x

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    1. Hello, Diana! How are things with you? Wild garlic is delicious - Beate had commented that it's lovely served finely chopped in a good quality oil and salt. The leaves are great in salad and apparently great in cheese scones. When you're allowed out again you'll have to go foraging. xxx

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    2. Sure will, thanks!! Xx

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  19. Thank you Vix, I love your posts. We are properly quarantined due to my partner being immunosuppressed from a life saving drug he is on, so we are grateful nonetheless. We are very lucky that we can both work from home and we have the space and resources to do so. Yesterday here in Australia 1 million people became unemployed. It is heart breaking. Take care and thank you we all need to maintain our physical distance but maintaining social connection is essential. Your blog is an important part of that for me.

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    1. Hello, Lynette. We're lucky in that we have savings, there's five million self employed Brits here and many are having to put their own and their families' health at risk by having to continue working just to pay bills and eat, it's awful. Apparently the government are offering a solution later today, I shall keep everything crossed.
      Stay safe and well, both of you and do keep in touch. Being quarantined doesn't have to means being alone. xxx

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  20. Of course you are a fashionable laundress, I would expect no less! We are having a preview of our life in retirement as TBG is now working on a weekly rotating schedule. He started in the garden too. I am actually imagining ways he can put in a few raised areas for planting edibles. Nothing lasts planted in the ground!

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    1. You've got a resourceful and practical man there, I'd love to see your raised beds when he gets round to it! xxx

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  21. Your home is so charming Vix. And even more so with the addition of your kitties.

    Love the cheerfulness of your post!

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    1. Thanks so much, Sue! The boys are loving their parents being home all the time - they've forgiven us for abandoning them for 5 weeks to swan around India now! xxx

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  22. I see lot of bloggers and such is cleaning and stuff. Your garden is way cool.

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    1. It's the perfect time to get all those boring tasks done! xxx

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  23. Your house is looking great, Vix, I too have been getting into the cleaning and am also cleaning out one or two drawers, cupboards or shelves a day. I am gradually getting through the mending and we have both made big batches of soup, tabouli and pesto (freezing the last two) mostly using what is in our vege patch. You will love growing veges, they are so fresh and delicious. I will send you my two vegan pesto recipes via email, nuts are optional. Love Alli, Australia xxx

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    1. Thanks, Alli! Lockdown is a good opportunity to get all those mundane tasks out of the way, isn't it? My desk drawer is in a right state, I tend to open it and hide stuff inside it when i can't decide where else it should go. That'll have to go on the to-do list.
      Please send me your pesto recipes, they'd be most appreciated! xxx

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  24. Lovely to see all the things you and Jon have been getting up to.

    I like the looks of your greenhouse. I’m going to be spending lots of time in the garden too.

    I hope I continue dressing up, putting on a bit of lippy and not staying in my PJs all day whilst I’m home. Theses bits of self-care do wonders for my mental health.

    I loved having a peek at where you write your blog posts. What a perfect spot, with a glorious view of your garden. X


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    1. Thanks, Jess! It helps to stay motivated by writing about our days!
      I'm excited about the greenhouse although I'm not sure when it will arrive, it already feels like an eternity since we ordered it (only 4 days ago!)
      I hope you share you gardening adventures on your blog! xxx

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  25. It's obvious that we're all going to end up with spotless houses, all DIY jobs done, and flourishing gardens.
    Andy is still working so my life looks very much the same, but it feels weird. I keep trying to do things that make me smile, relax me, or keep my mind busy, but a little uncertainty creeps in here and there, it all just feels so strange.
    I agree continuing self care, a good hair day, or lovely outfit really can make a difference. I think I'll be stepping into my wedding dress again soon...
    take care, have fun!
    xx

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    1. I do hope we see a wedding dress post soon, they are such fun!
      It's hard to get your head around what's going on outside in the real world when the sun's shining, the cats need feeding and life feels pretty much the same as normal. Jon has to keep popping into the house to check the news just in case we've dreamt it all up (I wish!) xxx

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  26. Goodness! I used to pick up your posts usually
    on Sophie's Blog..then she went off on Instagram,
    and lost contact..l never put myself on as a follower,
    though always impressed with your posts..colour,
    presents, photos etc..etc..
    So l hope it's o.k. l'd like to put myself on your
    following list..Thankyou..!

    Yes! I'm on my forth day of isolation, though l plan
    to go out on Thursday..! :). And..l plan to have lunch
    out on the patio for the third day running..with my
    friend and neighbour Fudge..Oh! Pussy~cat Fudge..Bless!x
    ☕🍰☕🍰☕🍰☕🍰☕🍰☕🍰☕🍰☕🍰☕🍰☕🍰☕🍰

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    1. HaHa! I've just read your profile..Brilliant!
      I'm very much a sayings person..AND..One of
      my favourites...
      "Every street is a catwalk"...And, l've been
      on a few since the age of five..(5)..! :).

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    2. So lovely to hear from you, Willie! Your cheerful comments always used to make me smile when I read them on Yvonne's blog!
      Hasn't it been a joy to eat lunch outside in the sunshine? It's almost like being on holiday except we can enjoy the company of our cats!
      Every street is a catwalk? I love it! xxx

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  27. I don't know if you ordered any seeds for them, but cherry tomatoes look great in hanging baskets, as long as you can keep on top of watering them.

    Ah, hair regrowth! I have one box of dye, so I'm saving it till I'm likely to be going out more regularly... though I'm also wondering if isolation is the opportunity to change my hair colour I've been waiting for. I'm still dressing properly though. Google Hangouts with one of my teams are a good motivator!

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    1. Now that's a good idea, decorative as well as practical. I'm happy to see that B&Q and Wilkos are still open so I might brave one of them in the next couple of days!
      I stocked up on hair dye and mascara the other day fearing lock down. Did you know that if you've got a Superdrug card orders over £10 are delivered for free? xxx

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  28. As an elder in my circle of friends, I'm now fielding odd queries about survival tactics. This week the prize biscuit is awarded to a young couple contemplating chickens. I told them my paternal grandmother (a double for Ruth Mott) favored Plymouth Rocks and dispatched them with an swift twist. My maternal grandmother doted on Rhode Island Reds and was known for shrouding the doomed with a sock over its head when it sat on the roost. The bird literally never saw the axe that hit it at dawn. Which explains why my parents kept Buff Orphingtons as pets that died of old age. If you or any of your readers is envisioning a hen house alongside the greenhouse, I offer this advice: raise, make or gather something to swap for eggs instead.

    Love the pix of your toms, color-coordinated with the kitchen tiles! My lads also insist on punctuality of meals, and they do not recognize day-light savings time adjustments.

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    1. Wise words, Beth! Jon always wanted to keep ducks (we certainly have the space for a few) but after reading up on it decided not to go ahead, far too much of a commitment for travellers like us!
      I love the idea of swapping eggs though, our festival family often swap things amongst ourselves rather than buy - there's always something we have in abundance, isn't there?
      I'm dreading the clocks going forward this weekend, Stephen had me up at 5.40am this morning, I can't cope with a 4.40am wake-up call unless it's a trip to the airport or a vintage fair! xxx

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    2. We did have ducks, Pekings that city friends acquired as cute Easter ducklings and then forwarded to us when they fledged. They irritated the horses by hogging the big water trough. Mum preferred their eggs for baking: nothing like a duck-egg-yellow yellow cake! Ducks are 2X messier/smellier than chickens. Tell Jon I said so. :)

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  29. It's great you have been so productive during these trying times. I love your maxi, the way you style match your washings is priceless. That's a great shot. You look lovely. I've been too occupied with online school and teaching to notice that I'm self-isolation.

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    1. Thanks, Ivana! That's brilliant that you can continue to work as normal, far better than having too much spare time to dwell on what's going on in the world in these strange times. xxx

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  30. My you have been busy , your house will be spotless and the garden overflowing with produce. Totally agree about dressing well, doing the hair and make up , always so good for making us feel better. Wishing you both all the best in these challenging times. xx

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    1. I know! I'm not sure how long I can sustain this flurry of activity but the novelty of all this domesticity is fun at the moment! xxx

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  31. Loved reading your post today to see what you have been up to. Wow, have you been busy, good girl! Your energy level is an inspiration to us all and just the kick up the bum I need to get motivated to do some work in our garden. My house is generally tidy as I do a bit everyday, but our garden is often neglected so my attention will be there. Good on Jon for setting up the area for your greenhouse. Looks like there'll be lots of people growing more veges and fruit, which is a good thing considering the bumped up prices in the stores.

    Thankyou for the tour of your charming home. I love the wallpaper in your hallway and the spot where your desk is with garden views is beautiful. Your patchwork curtains are magnificent as is your patchwork maxi.

    Thankyou also for boosting the importance of self care during hibernation. I, for one, easily fall into the no make-up/tracksuit pant category if I don't have to go out, but I'm making up bit more of an effort nowadays. I had an awfully embarrassing experience not that long ago, where I had to drop everything one morning and dash to the hospital because a relative was critical, and I was as grotty as they come - hadn't showered yet, greasy hair, tatty tracksuit, no make-up, bad breath to name a few. Had to speak to the doctor like that! The embarrassment of it all taught me a thing or two!

    Anyway, your cats look well, say hi. Have a lovely day.

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    1. Hi Suzy!
      I'm usually a domestic slattern, ignoring the dust, mess & general disorder in the house so I can tazz off to the charity shops. It's a bit of a novelty all this spring-cleaning, I can tell you!
      I'm hoping to get cracking in the garden once the greenhouse gets delivered although we've got a cold snap and "wintry showers" forecast for the weekend.
      Your embarrassing situation made me giggle. After 15 years of being on call with Grandma (who had Alzheimer's) and Dad (who had dementia) I learnt to always be dressed and fit for human consumption.
      Stay safe! xxx

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  32. You are so inspiring, although I lack motivation these days keep them coming, I am thinking of getting the sewing machine from up in the craft room (AKA the loft) as I feel a bit isolated up there lately so the dining room it will, have a few unfinished projects wish I had a quarter of what you have and that's not material things take care make the most of being confined then when comes the time you can get on the road again and make merry x

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    1. Thank you so much, Yvonne! Sharing what I'm up to on my blog really helps me to stay motivated.
      It's a good idea to bring your sewing machine downstairs, don't be more isolated than you are already - but keep the news watching to a minimum.
      Loads of love to you! xxx

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  33. I think you've got a fab balance of 'work', leisure and exercise, Vix. Good for you getting dressed and made up everyday - me too!

    Love those cats!
    xxx

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    1. It seems daft not to wear the clothes we love, doesn't it? I don't feel like me without nail polish and lipstick either. xxx
      PS The cats send their love.

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  34. Hi Vix! Took a break from tax work to do some cleaning,too. Wow...so nice to have time to make things bright again. You have inspired me to make some new curtain valances for our master bathroom for a new summer look! I also am a cat lover,have Fuzzy 5 yr old 10 lbs, Tinkerpoo 4 yr old 10 lbs, 2 sisters rescued over a year ago..Sugarpie and Kikiweki. Living in the country...has one drawback...another stray popped in 2 months ago, this one I feed well but lives outside and sleeps in the shop, couple of friends are interested in taking her or him!! A good thing! Super to see your Jacob again!

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    1. Hi Chrystal! I'm glad you've taken a break from the number crunching. What cute names your cats have (and they sound pleasantly chunky, perfect for a cuddle!) I'm always leaving food out in the garden hoping to attract more foxes and cats. Our pets will keep us sane over the next few weeks!
      Take care of yourself! xxx

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  35. I've eaten wild garlic like a spinach. tasty! I also used any old nuts to make pesto and any old hard cheese. I'm so gutted I'm not going to be able to find Wild Garlic in Northumberland this year and make pesto. I wish we had more room in our garden to grow more. We are really gutted we didn't make the raised beds I wanted to last year. If only we'd got on and done it! Grr!

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    1. I'm going to be reeking of it soon, we've got a right glut! I've tried feeding it to Jacob but he's having none of it! xxx

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  36. Self-care is so important! I put on a little make-up every day. I did that even when in hospital after having the baby, it made me feel better!

    Regarding pesto, I use seeds instead of pine nuts or walnuts. Sunflower or pumpkin seeds work well.

    I love seeing what you get up to around the house. Makes me feel motivated to do a few jobs myself. X

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    1. We're planning a stroll to the Asian supermarket at the bottom of the road tomorrow, I'll see if they've got any seeds avaialble - thanks!
      I was the same after my hip replacement, it's like restoring a bit of order when you're finally able to put lipstick & mascara on. xxx

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  37. I think I just deleted my comment rather than submitted it. Here goes again: try sunflower or pumpkin seeds in pesto instead of nuts! X

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix