Thursday 2 April 2020

Love In The Time Of Corona - Day 13 & 14



Yesterday was our Never-Had-A-Wedding-Anniversary, a day marking 28 years of unmarried bliss.


Love's young dream, eh?


In previous years we've spent our anniversary on the beach in Goa or wandered around National Trust properties, we've had pub all-dayers or indulged in a spot of charity shop tourism. This year we cleaned out the kitchen cupboard! If you're wondering about the huge pile of rice cakes, the pots of instant porridge and the profusion of flasks, we'd bought them for the days we trade at vintage fairs and obviously, these have all been cancelled now. A lot of our fellow vintage traders used to laugh at us for bringing food and drinks as they popped out to nearby cafes or took advantage of the discount offered by whoever was running the tearoom at the venue. We never spend a penny.

WEARING: 1970s Tori Richard of Honalulu rainbow maxi dress (£4, flea market find), Vintage silverYemeni neckplate (Facebook selling page)

Anniversary or not, the day started with the usual Wii Fit session and fruit & yoghurt for breakfast. Jon went round to a friend who is isolating alone and left a bag of provisions on his doorstep while I got dressed and caught up with the blog world.


This is our kitchen when Stonecroft was featured in Your Home magazine but, five years later, it's looking distinctly shabby. We'd planned to decorate it in the run-up to the festival season but hadn't anticipated lockdown and, when we tried to order some paint from the DIY superstore, we soon realised that, like seeds and compost, the rest of the world had the same idea. In desperation, I googled Where can I buy paint from during the lockdown? and discovered that posh British brand, Farrow & Ball is still selling online. We've used their paint before and although it's not cheap, a little goes a long way and, even better, they have exactly the right shade we wanted, a wonderful heritage shade of arsenic green. Due to high demand, there's a three-week wait for delivery but it's not like we're going anywhere.

Not our house but it's Georgian so the same age as Stonecroft Source

I loved Diana's commented that she had decided to be a "human being", and not a "human doing" so, after eating the remainder of our slow cooker dhal for lunch I followed suit, abandoning my plans for more cleaning. I took myself off upstairs, switched on 6Music and spent the rest of the afternoon sewing.


I found a ridiculous pair of 1970s Mr Men cotton curtains in the £1 charity shop last year, thinking that they'd make a fab festival dress. Obviously, there's very little chance of going to any festivals this year but that didn't stop me making the dress. I can always wear it in the garden.



I used this 1971 Style pattern (bought from a charity shop, obviously!) The pattern number is 3142 and it's a brilliantly straightforward make with just three main pieces and no fiddly zips or buttons.


My machine of choice these days is this adorable Frister Rossman Cub4 which I bought for a tenner from a car boot sale a few years ago. There were no instructions but after an on-line search, I managed to download a manual for free. It was made in Japan in the 1970s and is tiny compared to my other vintage sewing machines but works like a dream.

Source

Jon cooked halloumi with roasted vegetables for our anniversary tea and we spent the right drinking rum and watching Stockholm Requiem


On Thursday (Day 14) after my Wii Fit session, I wheeled the bins out. Jon had left a note taped to the top of each, thanking our wonderful bin men for all their hard work. We had our usual fruit and yoghurt breakfast then, in preparation for the kitchen re-do, Jon removed the old lampshades as he'd tracked down a far cooler alternative and then drove to the DIY superstore to collect an order he'd placed yesterday.


After a scrub down in the bath, I took them outside to dry. The magnolia might be out but it feels more like winter than spring although we've been promised warmer weather by the weekend.


I tipped the lampshades upside down, put a few pieces of broken crockery in the bottom to block the holes and used them as planters.


After some rather lacklustre noodles for lunch (Jon had tracked some down but they weren't up to the usual standard) I went out to check the post box and the job lots of seeds Jon had won on eBay had been delivered.


After some internet research, Jon planted a few up.


It's been another cold, grey day. Stephen Squirrel went to bed at 8am and didn't bother getting up again till 2pm, lazy beast.


It's Clap for the NHS at 8pm but I thought they deserve a bit more noise so I've got my clothes dyeing pan and a wooden spoon out instead.

WEARING: Another 1970s Tori Richard dress (which I got in a swap)
On the way back from the DIY shop this morning Jon noticed that the Co-op was empty so popped in and bought this posh pizza. He was planning on making one from scratch tonight but thought it'd be a good anniversary present (it is!) We'll be eating it with salad later.


I'm spending the rest of the afternoon catching up with my blog reading and maybe I'll squeeze in another chapter of A Rising Man which I'm absolutely loving - post-WWI India, a gory murder and a flawed hero, that's my kind of read.

Big love to all of you reading, commenting and for just being there. Stay safe, positive & healthy!
See you soon.

86 comments:

  1. I wish I was a cat....

    How exciting to be decorating your lovely kitchen and the colour is simply gorgeous. I love F&B paint colours and have my dining room, one wall in the living room; and study painted in one of their colours. There is a paint company in Bedford that makes up the same colours as all the posh paint brands (but much cheaper) and the lovely lady who did my decorating got me the paint from there. I hate decorating.

    I love the Mr. Men dress, the striped dress was amazing and I adore the colours and print on the one you got in a swap.

    By the look of those seeds you and Jon will be able to set up your own greengrocers business in the future!

    I like the sound of your book; I;m reading; 'Motherwell'by Deborah Orr. She was an excellent journalist and editor for the Guardian but she sadly died last year. The pile of book TBR gets higher...

    Stay safe and well.
    xxx

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    1. Cats have to best lives, don't they? Sleeping late, always glamorous without the need to get dressed, food on tap! They won't be happy when we're banging pans at 8pm, I don't expect!
      I don't think Jon expected to get quite so many seeds, maybe we'll changing careers after summer!
      I used to love Deborah Orr's column in The Guardian, another book to add to the list.
      Keep well, Vronni! xxx

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  2. Oh my gosh! That Mr Men dress is fabulous!!!!! Such a lovely splash of colour. Happy "sort of" anniversary!

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    1. Thanks, Liz! It was a lot of fun to make! x

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  3. I know I said it yesterday on Instagram but Happy Anniversary. x
    We aren't tight, but when we go on a day out hunting the charity shops or go out selling at the car boots we take our own refreshments, not good to squander the profits on non essentials when taking your own only costs a fraction of the price. When we go on holidays and days out we do splash out, being thrifty in everyday life allows for a good time when we are away, that's why we do it. Love your dress, very unique. That is a very impressive haul of seeds from Ebay, hope you have a good crop. Your home is gorgeous I can see why it was featured in a magazine, I am still busy ready your archives I am reading a few posts everyday, I just love your blog. xx

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    1. Our sentiments exactly, Marlene, you can't have it all, we scrimp on some things so we can spurge on others. It makes you appreciate those treats all the more! xxx

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  4. Thanks for the link from Facebook. This is just the ticket.

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    1. Happy to be of use - hope you find the blog a pleasant diversion from the madness! x

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  5. I still chuckle when l see the word Corona..
    Reminds me of the Corona lorry that use to come
    round, like milk float..you went out, took what
    Corona flavours you wanted, paid a deposit on
    the bottle..which you got back on it's return..
    They were a nice fizzy drink..! :).

    ooooO! Mr Men..Mr Men..! I've got ALL the Mr men..
    AND..The Little Misses books..AND 380 Ladybird books...
    AND..And..Well, to be truthful, l bought them for
    my daughter, some years ago now, as she's just
    turned 43..and raising her on my own for 14yrs,
    made me do a few turns myself..Bless her!x

    I've just had tea..I've consumed 26 mussels...
    I know..l counted them..11 males and 15 females,
    HeHe! No! No! Mussels can be both sexes..How boring! :).
    Oh! And two thick slices of garlic bread..I do eat a
    lot of garlic..love it..It's a Sicilian thing!

    I was admiring your Frister Rossman sewing machine,
    when l returned to this country in 73..l bought my
    then wife an Elina sewing machine..as she is a
    seamstress, and very talented in making cloths and
    things..she is still using said sewing machine to
    this day..she made me a couple of nightshirts for
    Christmas..don't wear silly pyjamas..never have,
    never will..! When l was a lad, l used to be called,
    Wee Willie Winkie..! :).

    Best get on..Settling down to a couple of episodes of
    'Last of the Summer Wine'..couple war documentaries
    on later, finish up with 'Ice Cold Killers'..on CBS.

    Stephen Squirrel looks lovely..You should try putting
    dickie~bow on him..he'd look great with that white furry
    waist coat of his....! Bless!x
    ✨ 🎼 ✨ 🎶 ✨ 🎼 ✨ 🎶 ✨ 🎼 ✨ 🎶 ✨ 🎼 ✨ 🎶

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    1. I do remember the Corona Pop Man, he used to visit my Grandparents' house every Friday.
      Finding that Mr Men curtain took me right back, my favourite was Mr Bump as he was as accident-prone as I was.
      Wearing anything in bed is just wrong!
      Enjoy your dinner and your TV. I've suggested to Stephen Squirrel that he accessorises his dinner suit with a bow tie but he just looks at me like I'm mad!
      Take care and stay safe, dear Willie! xxxx

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  6. Great reuse of the lamp shades as pots - I've been looking around our house for things to plant in. We do need some more dirt but hopefully will be able to get some soon, I've got a little in the mean time. We bought paint a couple of weeks ago to finish our house but oddly enough are extremely busy with the business right now so it's just sat. I think we will be attempting to paint on Saturday though. I hope your pizza was good, again, happy anniversary of not being married :)

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    1. I'm always on the hunt for likely plant receptacles. On a friend's advice I went to the most grown over part of the garden and dug up a pile of soil from the undergrowth beneath the trees, it's probably more nutrient-rich than the commercial stuff (which I'm saving for our edibles!)
      I'm so glad business has picked up! xxx

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  7. Having killed my free 70s Singer in somewhat spectacular fiery splendor , i dug out grandads Frister that had sat unused since the day it was born in the 80s , then i find out of dozens of packs of needles , i dont have the right one ...lol ..its just been one of those weeks

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    1. Damn! I usually get my sewing machine needles from Wilko but there's a few sellers doing universal needles on ebay for under £3 with free postage, might be worth a try? xxx

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  8. Happy Anniversary! For me you are a model couple. I loved seeing how you live, the photo are so cute. The first dress is fantastic, I seriously want it for me!

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    1. And a happy birthday to you, dear Lyosha! Thank you so mch for your kind words. xxxx

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  9. Happy Anniversary!! Those Tori Richard dresses are incredible! Your Mr Men dress turned out awesome. Cool that you got some sewing done. I worked on my floral tank top yesterday afternoon, but had to stop when my sleepy time of the day (3:00pm usually) hit me. Sleepy sewing never turns out good for me. Our lazy beasts are still sleeping. They had some food, ate some grass and went back to bed. Must be nice!

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    1. Thanks, Cherylene! I do love my Tori Richard dresses, I've got a third but it's sleeveless and I'd freeze to death in the current conditions!
      Liking the sound of the floral tank (and the mid-afternoon nap!) Our cats have just gone back outside after another nap. They're not going to be happy with the saucepan bashing at 8pm! xxx

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  10. Happy Anniversary. I'm beginning to think celebrating with the ordinary and a spot of extra is far more enjoyable than a big splurge anyway. I'm actually looking forward to starting seeds-since I'm not a gardener, anything that grows will be a win. I don't regret some of our major spends like our trip with all five of us, getting my son home for Christmas, supporting my daughter relocating back to our hometown, but I also am grateful for all the times we saved and put money in our savings account instead of easy purchases.

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    1. Thanks, Sam! I'm with you on the spending, we can't have everything, we just have to prioritise what's important to us and I think we're all discovering that what's important has changed in the last few weeks.
      We've often tried to grow veg, sometimes with success, sometimes without but it's a bit like charity shopping, if you did brilliantly every time you visited one it wouldn't be half as rewarding.
      Take care and stay healthy! xxx

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  11. That dress is amazing! And the cute print on the one you made is, well, cute. I'm still in wait and see mode about summer, is no news good news? With classes and graduation canceled, I can't see summer stock starting up the next week. The next couple of months should be interesting, fingers crossed our stupid politicians don't kill us all.

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    1. Thank you!
      Some of our festivals stuill haven't been in touch about the Summer but I seriously doubt they're happening. I'm just writing off the next three months.
      I despair of our leaders, I really do. xxx

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  12. really love that shade of green for your kitchen. We are getting snow and ice again tonight but then summer like heat later in the week. Guess I'll put the fleeces over the garden, just to be safe. Can't wait to see what all you have growing this year.

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    1. Wrapping your plants up sounds like a plan! I put a few of our geraniums out today, just because I needed to scrub the windowsill where they'd been overwintering. That probably means we'll have 6 foot of snow by tomorrow! xxx

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  13. Happy Anniversary again! You might not be doing the things you usually do to celebrate, but hey, you've got kitchen cabinet cleaning and pizza instead! Appreciating the small things is what it's all about. Both your Tori Richard frocks are fabulous, and I'm loving the cheerful Mr Men one you made. It's look at least as fab in the garden as on any festival, but when if eventually makes it there, I'm sure it will eclipse your Thomas the Tank Engine one! It was my first day of partial temporary unemployment today and although I had plenty of plans, I too decided to be a human being and have been on the sofa reading for most of the day. Fully dressed up, obviously! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Ann! I think after your traumatic few weeks you should be a human being and not a human doing for the rest of the week, catch up on some reading and some quality TV.
      I'm looking forward to frolicking around the garden in a halterneck maxi dress and barefeet although it feels like a long way off at the moment, it's still horribly cold!
      xxx

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  14. Love seeing what you come up with in your sewing room Vix. Your frock will be lovely for summer!

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    1. Thanks, Sue! I loved making the Mt Men dress, just need a sunny day now to wear it! xxx

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  15. A very happy anniversary to you both. An evening of halloumi, scandi noir and rum sounds good to me!
    I love your Mr Men dress, is a great style and using old curtains like those make it totally unique.. or you-nique!
    The kitchen will look wonderful in arsenic green it looks good already but I love the colour.
    I like the sound of the book you're reading, I'm reading 'I am Pilgrim' at the moment, a great big doorstop to keep me going for a few days! xxx

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    1. Thanks, Sally! It was a good day, a bit of cleaning and a lot of fun.
      It had been ages since I'd made something following a pattern, I'd forgotten what a lovely way it is to relax especially accompanied by Nemone on 6Music,
      I really enjoyed I am Pilgrim, I read it on the beach in Goa last year. In a similar vein, try Nomad by James Swallow if you haven't already, a proper action thriller with a likable hero. xxx

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  16. happy and healthy anniversary!!!
    love the photo of you and jon!
    very cool sundress - i hope it will warm up soon so that we can see it worn. the new color for the kitchen is almost like the one i want for mine for ages - if we ever get around to renovate...... how nice to leave a friendly note to the bin men!
    today was not very glam here @ BWH: the purification plant got pumped and cleaned - yes, we live that far from civilisation. and me was at the dentist - but it was´t a tooth - its an irritated nerve. the age.
    but thankfully it was sunny and warmed up by midday - sat in the sun the whole afternoon, reading........
    your gray weather will be here tomorrow.
    love! xxxxx

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    1. After that decidely non-glam day I bet you loved the opportunity to sit in the sun for a while. I was excited when I got up this morning and saw some sunshine but sadly it's clouded over and gone back to being grey and dull. I shall find a job to do indoors! xxx

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  17. Happy anniversary!! The Mr Men dress is sooo cute!!!! Your greenhouse is going to be amazing!!

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    1. Thank you so much! Jon's planting carrots in there today! x

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  18. Happy anniversary, Vix! I *love* your stripy frock, it's a great shape. I am definitely mostly being a human being rather than a human doing these days. I'm sure I'll be way more antsy once the weather warms up but right now all I really want to do is snuggle with the cats, cook, and watch genre TV on Netflix.

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    1. Thanks, Fig! It's definitely hibernating weather at the moment, you and the cats have the right idea. I was up this morning all guns blazing as the sun was out but it's gone now, painitng or sewing looks like today's plan! xxx

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  19. Absolutely love this blog! xx

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  20. Def. I'd recommend sending your dress pics to Tori Richards in Honolulu. They are re-issuing some of their older patterns and you looking so 'da kine' could encourage them to roll out more. Aloha

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    1. Aloha, Julie! How exciting, I might just do that1 xxx

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  21. Happy anniversary to you both. You look stunning in that first rainbow maxi dress. Not that the other maxis are less stunning but there is something about that first one.

    Kudos to Jon for being so productive with planting and gardening. I don't have a garden at the place I'm renting while I'm working here but if I had one, I might be doing some planting myself right now..the weather is lovely.

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    1. Thanks so much, Ivana! That rainbow dress always takes me by surprise when I look at photos of me in it, it's so comfy to wear I don't realise that it looks pretty good!
      Those of us with gardens are so thankful for them at the moment. xxx

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  22. Happy non wedding anniversary to you both. I absolutely love the Mr Man/Little Miss dress what a great way to re-purpose old curtains. That's one heck of a haul of seeds!

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    1. Thanks, G! That fabric was wasted as curtains.
      I can't believe that haul of seeds. Jon won two job lots on eBay, I wonder if the next lot will be quite as exciting? xxx

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  23. Many congratulations! We've been together 30 years and I thank our lucky stars that we're used to spending a fair amount of time at home at the same time and we rarely argue. Love the fun dress! Arilx

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    1. Thank you! Like you, I'm glad we enjoy each other's company and are used to sending lots of time together. I can see the divorce lawyers taking a fair bit of money at the end of this crisis! xxx

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  24. Best wishes to couple. I been married 35 years. Breakfast does sound lovely

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    1. 35 years? that's brilliant! Stay safe & well, Dora. xxx

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  25. Congrats for 28 years! Pizza for your anniversary dinner is perfect. Love that photo of Jon's face! You should frame it, it's so funny.

    Loved the sticky beak into your kitchen and pantry. The green paint colour is gorgeous. Hope you get a chance to show us when it's all done.

    Glad all your vege seeds arrived. Won't be long and you guys will be eating the fruits of your labour. As I've mentioned previously, you're the best dressed gardener I know and your new halterneck dress is just screaming to be out and about.

    On a final note, I'm definitely in the human being club. My daughters are home (hubby still working) and we're slowly going through our 'want-to-do lists'. I think now, more than ever, we need to restore our souls.

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    1. Jon's such a naughty boy, isn't he?!
      It looks like a day of gardening (for Jon) and maybe some sewing for me.
      Have fun going throught your lists (I do love a list) and enjoy being rather than doing! xxxx

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  26. Happy anniversary to you both. I am finally digging myself out from under all my packing and cleaning out. So I can finally catch up on some of my fav blogs. We sold our house and have been getting ready for a big move. Never thought I'd have to do it during a pandemic. That Tori Richard dress literally took my breath away. And the adorable halter dress you made will get a lot of use at future festivals I'm sure. Glad to see you're still looking fab despite the circumstances!

    Theresa

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    1. Thanks, Theresa. That was unfortunate timing moving house, on the bright side you certainly won't be short of things to do over the coming weeks! x

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  27. Congratulations to you both Vix and Jon on Your Anniversary and I wish you many more years of Happy unmarried Bliss xx

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    1. Thanks so much, Flis! Much love to you. x

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  28. I love the Tori Richards dresses, both of them. Happy Anniversary, you crazy kids! 28 years is very impressive! I see that Frank and Stephen are suitably impressed.

    That green paint is going to look amazing in your house.

    Glad to see you and your family keeping healthy and busy. Stay safe, my dear!

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    1. Thanks, Sheila! When it warms up I'll be able to wear my third Tori Richard dress, it's too damned cold at the moment.
      Those cats! The only thing that impresses them is food related! xxx

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  29. Congratulations to you and Jon on your un-anniversary! That was a very posh pizza, indeed!
    It inspires me to add some extra toppings to the basic frozen pizzas in my stash: extra cheeses, extra onion, extra peppers, a bit of fresh garlic. But no anchovies!

    Jon's selection of seeds is overwhelming. Did he win the lot, including some items he didn't actually want? And do urban gardeners in Walsall favor certain heirloom varieties? I've been fortunate this year in finding seeds I remember being given as a child because they were fool-proof; and this is the year for fool-proof projects.

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    1. Have a posh pizza, Beth! We need all the fanciness we can get right now.
      Aren't those seeds impressive? By the names on the packet they're obviously American -arugula, cilantro, rutabaga, snow pea (I had to Google what they were in English!) xxx

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  30. 'Love in the time of Corona' is the best title I've read in a while! But let's hope this sad, strange time doesn't lead to A Hundred Years of Solitude....Glad you're both healthy and doing wonderful things - and looking fab while you're doing it. Your Mr Men dress made me Miss Cheerful for the rest of the afternoon!

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    1. Thanks, Jo! I couldn't resist a nod to Gabriel García Márquez. Definitely not fancying a hundred years of solitude! xxx

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  31. Love the dress! A friend did something similar when she needed to practice the gown she was planning to sew for her wedding. Alas, she did not save it!

    I get a lot less done on days TBG is off work now. He's on a rotating schedule so is home a good half of a week at a time. This is sorta like our preview for retirement. However, when he's at work, I carry on being as busy as usual. It's a guilt thing!

    I absolutely can't wait to see what you do in your kitchen!!!

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    1. I bet that's weird when TBG's at home and under your feet. We spend most of the day in different areas of the house or garden doing our own things, getting together for food! xxx

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  32. Happy Non Anniversary!
    I love the colour you've picked for your kitchen, I'd contemplated painting our spare room but decided that buying paint would be such a faff that I'd do the smaller (also; boring) DIY jobs that have been on the list a while longer instead.
    Your repurposing of the lamp shades is genius! I decided that I would use old compost bags as planters this year as I plan to grow so much more - if plans go to, erm, plan.
    Look at all the seeds you got! Greenhouse life is going to get very exciting at Stonecroft!
    Hope you enjoyed your pizza!
    Take care
    xx

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    1. I think paint's become nigh-on impossible to find at the moment, it's like toilet roll and pasta was three weeks ago. Apparently Wilko have promised to increase production and say they'll have some available on their website within a week or so. xxx

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  33. cant see my comment so here's another - happy non-anniversary. you did well with the ebay seeds, I have managed to get a bag of compost and 3 tomato plants on promised delivery from marshalls but not entirely expecting it to turn up - who knows! looking forward to seeing your farrow and ball redecorations, I love decorating - love the smell of paint :)

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    1. Thanks, Betty! I think all the seed companies are snowed under. I'm glad we found some alternatives on eBay. It's annoying have to wait for stuff when we're stuck at home and keen to crack on with things, isn't it?
      I love the smell of paint, tooo! I'll be counting the days till Farrow and Ball come calling! xxx

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  34. Love the Honolulu maxi rainbow dress!(Hawaii is also on my list of places to visit!!) To say nothing of the Mr Men one, that's going to be a real conversation stopper, or maybe a conversation starter, wonderful!! The arsenic green paint will look wonderful! Belated very Happy Wedding Anniversary!! The pizza plan sounds fantastic. We'll be doing the same tonight, pizza with a bag of crisps and a glass of cava whilst sitting on the sofa watching Nettiflix,accompanied by our pets pure bliss, what more could we ask for!! Taking pleasure in the small, simple things in life which are really the things that matter as you are continually showing us on your blog!!!Take care, have a great weekend!! Xx

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    1. We've always fancied a trip to hawaii, too!
      Your plans sound like ours, booze, snacks, pets and something gripping to watch.
      Lockdown really is helping us appreciate those little things, the company of our pets and each other and all our home comforts.
      Have a lovely evening, Diana! xxx

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  35. Sorry, meant a very Happy never-had-a wedding anniversary, not Happy Wedding Anniversary. I'm a stickler for accuracy!! What's truly amazing is that you are still together and in love after so many years!! Xx

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  36. Happy Unniversary. I love Jon's face in the first pic!!What larks you two must have. It's great to have time and leisure to do things without watching the clock but then it hits home why we have so much time and leisure! I try not to become fixated on the tv news because of the saturation, even in the wee small hours, the radio talks of nothing else. Keep safe and keep well, you blissful people.xxx

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    1. In the (almost) words of Dick Emery, he is awful, but I like him!
      I'm still setting the alarm, why I don't know, the cats always have me up anyway! I've had to start rationing Jon with watching the news, he's becoming obsessed. xxx

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  37. Happy Anniversary to the both of you. You're by far the most stylish couple I know.
    I clapped last night but Lily was too wary to join in, although I'm pretty sure she'd soon be on board with the pan and spoon idea. X

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    1. Thanks so much, Jules! Get Lily a pan and a wooden spoon for next week, it's so liberating making an unholy racket! xxx

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  38. I had a laugh at Jon's facial expression in that first photo of the two of you! You are a wonderful couple, and I hope you have many more years of non-wedded bliss ahead of you! I haven't got round to any sewing yet, but a few more weeks of this and I'm sure I'll be there. It's still chilly here, although we have had three sunny days in a row! I love that you guys are giving the NHS a round of applause every night. They certainly deserve it, as do all health care providers right now.

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    1. He's terrible isn't he? That wsa the best photo of the three we took!
      Thank you so much for your lovely words and good wishes, Shelley. I'm dying for the weather to warm up, gardening isn't as much fun when your teeth are chattering! xxx

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  39. Happy anniversary! A posh pizza is the best kind of present, good one Jon!

    You and Jon have been doing so much at home. I love seeing how the greenhouse is going, all your sewing, reading and (soon) painting.

    Oh and that Mr Men dress you made is just perfect for the festival season! Take care. X

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    1. Thanks so much, Jess! Who needs lavish presents and parties when you can have a supermarket pizza? Bliss! xxx

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  40. Happy Never-Had-A-Wedding Anniversary! The Man and I Celebrated our 30th Anniversary last Month, with his TBI he never remembers it, but that's Okay, still having each other is the best Gift. Love the frock you made with such a Cheerful Print fabric... I haven't Created anything during the Lock Down... I probably should.

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    1. Happy Anniversary for last month!
      It's hard to motivate yourself when you're not feeling it but it's a great way for focussing the mind and thinking of something else rather than the horrible news. xxx

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  41. woww, Happy Anniversary!. Such a coincidence that we celebrate our Anniversary today! (27th Anniversary, if I'm not mistaken!). But Mr.A. has to go to work, so we will celebrate it later!. This is our Real Anniversary!, we never cared about getting married until legal benefits were impossible to ignore (ah, spanish bureaucracy!).
    Anyway, you're a feast for the eyes, your rainbow dress is Stunning and brings such a joyful attitude!, love it!. And also love your colorful dress (Tori Richards rocks!) and love that you look so gorgeous in it!.
    The dress you made is so delightfully colorful, perfect for summer weather and Fun!. It puts a smile on my face!
    Glad that you could get some paint in your preferred color!, Arsenic Green sounds so appropriate for a georgian building!;DD
    besos

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    1. Happy Anniversary to you both! I hope you celebrate in style later, we'll raise a glass to you!
      It felt good to do some sewing, it seems to have been a long time since I made mysef something to wear. Apparently it's supposed to reach 20°C tomorrow so I might be able to get my arms out! xxx

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  42. Happy notaversary!

    That Mr Men dress is brilliant, and there will be more festivals one day. We won't be in lockdown forever. (Though, to be honest, when I'm not worrying about my job, I quite enjoy the peacefulness and the excuse to stay at home with Pete and the cats.) Here's hoping we all get to go away somewhere nice later in the year when all this is over.

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    1. Thanks, Mim! I'm glad you're enjoying lockdown with Pete and the urchins in between worrying about the job. I can't believe it's been over three weeks since we stopped going out, the time has absolutely whizzed by. Jon keeps telling me to spread the jobs out so we've got plenty to occupy ourselves over what could be a couple of months but i reckon we've got enough to keep us going until at least December! xxx

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  43. Happy Unanniversary!!! (very Alice in Wonderland!)
    I ADORE your Mr Men dress- that is so clever, bright and wonderful! You've got Thomas and now you've got the Mr Men!! Ha ha!
    Well done on repurposing the lampshades (I was wondering if you'd turn them into plant pots! I've repurposed a broken drumstick from school as a label for my wild rocket (wrote on it in white board pen) and fished out some wooden kitsch crap from the bin from our predecessors that CBC had chucked away to make those into labels for the raised bed too!
    We recently repainted our hallway with Farrow and Ball "Pigeon"- it's soo expensive but lovely!

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    1. Great job on the labels and markers! I've got a stash of vintage plastic cocktail stirrers for mine.
      Farrow and Ball is lovely paint but yes, it's eye-wateringly dear! xxx

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Lots of love, Vix