Day 54 (Wednesday) started off cold and wet. After my Wii Fit session I caught up with blog comments and once Jon was up we had breakfast & made a list for the weekly grocery shop which, once again, he did alone. Lockdown might have eased in England but he wasn't taking any chances.
After getting dressed I searched through our stash for aubergine seeds as our second attempt had failed yet again but there weren't any so I trawled eBay and bought a packet for 99p (including postage).
Both my friend Gaynor and SallyC had suggested I submit my last blog post for the 12th May, 2020 Mass Observation Survey so I copied it to a Word document, removed the photos and our names and forwarded it to the organisers.
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Both my friend Gaynor and SallyC had suggested I submit my last blog post for the 12th May, 2020 Mass Observation Survey so I copied it to a Word document, removed the photos and our names and forwarded it to the organisers.
Jon returned home with the shopping. Along with a full freezer and well-stocked cupboard that should keep us going for the next week or so. You'll be glad to know we're okay for rum, too.
I decided that Wednesday's mission was to scrub down the kitchen radiator. I would have taken a before photo but you'd probably have disowned me, it was in such a state. I removed ten years of dirt with a coconut scrubber, an old toothbrush and some baking soda. Now it's all ready for painting whenwe Jon gets round to decorating the kitchen.
I'd expected to be scrubbing that bloody radiator for the best part of the day so was amazed when I'd finished by lunchtime - which, by way of a change, was Ray's bread with a tin of carrot, lentil and coriander soup from our festival stash (which I doubt we'll be needing this year). After we'd eaten I got all the stuff down from the railway sleeper shelf above the cooker and gave it a wash. Not as bad a chore as it could have been as I'd only done it six months ago.
I moved on to the plate rack, washing my collection of Beefeater plates and 1960s ceramics.
Whilst I was scrubbing away, Jon was measuring and drawing up plans to box in the boiler and the pipes in the utility room using wood from his never-ending stash. Once the sawing started there was lots of swearing but it's starting to look really good considering he's using scraps most people would probably chuck out.
I harvested some of our curled cress and mustard to garnish our tea.
We braved the biting wind and bitter cold for a walk around the block and rewarded ourselves with a bottle of beer on our return. I wanted to sit outside at the new table but that'll have to wait till the weekend, it's bastard freezing out there!
I'm not the only scrubber in Stonecroft. Jon gave the shower a good going over after he'd finished in there.
Tea was roasted vegetable pizza with salad and, with it being a Wednesday, we cracked open the rum & cola.
The previous evening we'd discovered Fenix, a gritty Dutch thriller on Channel 4's Walter, and loved it. We watched another couple of episodes before switching over to The Great British Sewing Bee. The last couple of weeks have been themes in which I have zero interest, childrenswear and sportswear, hopefully, next week's lingerie episode should be a bit more inspiring.
This morning (day 55) I had difficulty taping our thank you notes to the tops of the wheelie bins as they'd frosted over, in fact, it had been so cold last night that I'd gone to bed with a hot water bottle. I did my Wii Fit session and at 8am on the dot, submitted my claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and was immediately told the amount we were due and that the money would be paid into our bank account within 6 working days. I wasn't expecting it to be so straightforward.
After our fruit & yoghurt breakfast and once we were dressed, Jon sawed more wood for his project whilst I watered the patio plants for the first time since Tuesday morning. To our delight, it was deliciously warm in the sun, a real treat after the bitter cold of the last few days.
A wander around the garden led me to discover one of the catmint plants that I thought Frank had destroyed last year, lurking beneath a hydrangea, so I dug it up and moved it to a better position in the border. The red & blackcurrant bushes had started to bear fruit, the lemon cucumbers I'd planted in the cloches last week were looking remarkably healthy and the Penstemon the garden centre had delivered a few weeks ago amazed me with its gorgeous electric blue flowers.
Meanwhile, in the greenhouse...
There's radishes, beefsteak, Alicante & heritage pink tomatoes, French beans, peppers, gherkins...Thai basil, purple cauliflower and Californian peppers. Jon took a break from his hammering to water them.
After our lunchtime noodles, I decided that enough was enough, I couldn't bear to look at our grease-smeared range cooker any longer. I'd run out of Wilko's bicarbonate of soda, my usual go-to cleaning product, but Jon had found this Manchester-made alternative in Johal's yesterday. That's my year-old coconut scrubber, still looking quite perky. Did I mention they're brilliant for cleaning baths and kitchens, too?
It took the best part of two hours and you'll have to take my word for how horrible it looked before I started, but I can see my face (and Jon's legs) in it now!
Talk about perfect timing, just as I'd finished cleaning the postman arrived with our National Trust magazine so I sat outside in the sunshine reading it.
Boiler pipes boxed in, we had a coffee in the garden and then went for our daily walk around the block.
When we got back we had a bit of a swap around, moving the bench that normally sits beside the pond up to the wall of mirrors.
Don't adjust your screens, I'm wearing the same boots, midi skirt and sunglasses as I did yesterday. The skirt is part of a suit and I've hardly worn it, I'm not sure why not, I love the fit, the quilted hem and how it makes me look really tall (or, at least, taller than my usual 5' 3 1/2").
You've seen the recycled silk sari top and 1960s Sheffield stainless steel & snakeskin choker by Alfred Tricker Crafts Ltd., many times before. After yesterday's bright orange lips and lockdown plaits, I'm rocking rosewood and loose locks.
Tonight we've had a mushroom and mixed bean Rogan Josh with garlic & coriander nan for tea. Hopefully, we'll be able to squeeze another couple of episodes of Fenix between clapping for our carers at 8pm and The Real Marigold Hotel at 9pm.
Stay positive, safe and happy & see you soon.
I decided that Wednesday's mission was to scrub down the kitchen radiator. I would have taken a before photo but you'd probably have disowned me, it was in such a state. I removed ten years of dirt with a coconut scrubber, an old toothbrush and some baking soda. Now it's all ready for painting when
I'd expected to be scrubbing that bloody radiator for the best part of the day so was amazed when I'd finished by lunchtime - which, by way of a change, was Ray's bread with a tin of carrot, lentil and coriander soup from our festival stash (which I doubt we'll be needing this year). After we'd eaten I got all the stuff down from the railway sleeper shelf above the cooker and gave it a wash. Not as bad a chore as it could have been as I'd only done it six months ago.
And moved on to the shelf where we store our collection of tea & coffee.
Whilst I was scrubbing away, Jon was measuring and drawing up plans to box in the boiler and the pipes in the utility room using wood from his never-ending stash. Once the sawing started there was lots of swearing but it's starting to look really good considering he's using scraps most people would probably chuck out.
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| WEARING: 1970s Indian block printed midi skirt by Phool (IG sale), trumpet sleeved top (charity shop, 2017), 1960s suede waistcoat (Xmas present from Liz, 2012), 1960s-does-Edwardian leather & suede boots (car boot sale, 2013) |
I harvested some of our curled cress and mustard to garnish our tea.
We braved the biting wind and bitter cold for a walk around the block and rewarded ourselves with a bottle of beer on our return. I wanted to sit outside at the new table but that'll have to wait till the weekend, it's bastard freezing out there!
I'm not the only scrubber in Stonecroft. Jon gave the shower a good going over after he'd finished in there.
Tea was roasted vegetable pizza with salad and, with it being a Wednesday, we cracked open the rum & cola.
The previous evening we'd discovered Fenix, a gritty Dutch thriller on Channel 4's Walter, and loved it. We watched another couple of episodes before switching over to The Great British Sewing Bee. The last couple of weeks have been themes in which I have zero interest, childrenswear and sportswear, hopefully, next week's lingerie episode should be a bit more inspiring.
 |
| Source |
This morning (day 55) I had difficulty taping our thank you notes to the tops of the wheelie bins as they'd frosted over, in fact, it had been so cold last night that I'd gone to bed with a hot water bottle. I did my Wii Fit session and at 8am on the dot, submitted my claim for the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme and was immediately told the amount we were due and that the money would be paid into our bank account within 6 working days. I wasn't expecting it to be so straightforward.
After our fruit & yoghurt breakfast and once we were dressed, Jon sawed more wood for his project whilst I watered the patio plants for the first time since Tuesday morning. To our delight, it was deliciously warm in the sun, a real treat after the bitter cold of the last few days.
A wander around the garden led me to discover one of the catmint plants that I thought Frank had destroyed last year, lurking beneath a hydrangea, so I dug it up and moved it to a better position in the border. The red & blackcurrant bushes had started to bear fruit, the lemon cucumbers I'd planted in the cloches last week were looking remarkably healthy and the Penstemon the garden centre had delivered a few weeks ago amazed me with its gorgeous electric blue flowers.
Meanwhile, in the greenhouse...
There's radishes, beefsteak, Alicante & heritage pink tomatoes, French beans, peppers, gherkins...Thai basil, purple cauliflower and Californian peppers. Jon took a break from his hammering to water them.
After our lunchtime noodles, I decided that enough was enough, I couldn't bear to look at our grease-smeared range cooker any longer. I'd run out of Wilko's bicarbonate of soda, my usual go-to cleaning product, but Jon had found this Manchester-made alternative in Johal's yesterday. That's my year-old coconut scrubber, still looking quite perky. Did I mention they're brilliant for cleaning baths and kitchens, too?
It took the best part of two hours and you'll have to take my word for how horrible it looked before I started, but I can see my face (and Jon's legs) in it now!
Talk about perfect timing, just as I'd finished cleaning the postman arrived with our National Trust magazine so I sat outside in the sunshine reading it.
Boiler pipes boxed in, we had a coffee in the garden and then went for our daily walk around the block.
When we got back we had a bit of a swap around, moving the bench that normally sits beside the pond up to the wall of mirrors.
Don't adjust your screens, I'm wearing the same boots, midi skirt and sunglasses as I did yesterday. The skirt is part of a suit and I've hardly worn it, I'm not sure why not, I love the fit, the quilted hem and how it makes me look really tall (or, at least, taller than my usual 5' 3 1/2").
Tonight we've had a mushroom and mixed bean Rogan Josh with garlic & coriander nan for tea. Hopefully, we'll be able to squeeze another couple of episodes of Fenix between clapping for our carers at 8pm and The Real Marigold Hotel at 9pm.
Stay positive, safe and happy & see you soon.
I'm amazed at Jon's safety measures for shopping and then still return home with everything on his list :-) As for before photos, I'm trying to avoid these for much the same reasons. Domestic goddess, I am not! That mass observation survey sounds interesting. Didn't they do something like that in the war? I'm drooling over your collection of Beefeater plates and 1960s ceramics. I had to chuckle at Jon's swearing, I guess Jos would be much the same. That is, when I can get him to do anything at all. That roasted vegetable pizza looks delicious. Glad to hear the Self-Employment Income Support Scheme turned out to be straightforward. It was much the same with my partial unemployment pay. Together with my wages for my office days, it has turned out to be bad at all, so all good. I'm afraid to say that they only way we would ever get our cooker to look even half-decent again is buying a new one. Well done on getting yours sparkling again! Oh, and did I tell you that I'm loving both of your outfits? xxx
ReplyDeleteJon says that nobody disregards social distancing by leaning across his trolley to get to the cheese like they used to!
DeleteI woke up this morning full of enthusiasm to scrub the kitche chairs, I was going to do them outside but I'd hate for anyone passing by to see what a state they're in- definitely no before photos for those things!
Those Beefeater plates are such fun, it was a steakhouse chain in the 1970s (I think it might still be going) but a strange thing for a vegetarian like me to collect!
I'm glad your income support scheme claim went smoothly, too. xxx
Seeing as you enjoy Scandi shows, I'm wondering if you've heard of a Norway set show called Beforeigners? I've watched it on HBOGO International. It's sort of a crime show, but Vikings appear in Oslo harbor coming from the past. It's funny and says a lot about "foreigners" and immigrants. My favorite lines are when the Viking woman are being yelled at: Go back where you came from. They answer: We came from here and we where here first.
ReplyDeleteBeforeigners sounds like a good watch. I haven't seen it on Freeview but the Walter Channel, which specialises in European drama is always adding new series so I'll keep my eyes peeled. xx
DeleteA bit shocking there's anything left to scrub there :) I love baking soda, that and vinegar are my 2 goto cleaning agents. I will have to investigate the coconut scrubber though. You look lovely as always as well as your plants. Won't it be wonderful when you can start harvesting things to eat?
ReplyDeleteThere's plenty more to scrub, today is the turn of the kitchen chairs, they're truly shocking!
DeleteThose coconut scrubbers are so good and a percentage of the purchase goes towards providing clean drinking water to communities in need, too.
It's so exciting to eat something you've grown from seed. I'm hoping it won't be too long before we're having radishes with our salad. xxx
Hello Vix, I too was pleased with how straightforward the claiming for Self Employed Income Support was!! had to do it for my hubster. That pizza looks scummy! Love that skirt on you. Loved the pics of in the house(as always) what gets me you like your stuff and collections but everything always looks so tidy! and as for the shine on the oven and the shower well I wish lol also liked the idea the other day about your "spiderlings" I may copy as I have a very large nearly 20 year old girl who has lots of babies at the moment. Take care and a great post as always. xx
ReplyDeleteHello! I envisiged a bureaucratic nightmare, I was up before 6am getting twitchy about it. I'm so glad you managed to submit your husband's claim painlessly, too.
DeleteWhat's that saying, everything in its place and a place for everything? It's far too easy to amass huge amounts of stuff when you see groovy retro stuff going cheap secondhand but I try and be disciplined. If I have no room for it I leave it for the next person, it's good karma!
You must be a houseplant maestro with your 20 year old spider plant, that's really impressive! I love potting up the spiderlings and watching them flourish!
Much love to you and thanks for commenting! xxx
Your radiator is awesome. I love old boiler radiators and that is something I miss from our old brick house. You have shown those plates before and each time I drool. One of the many things I envy about your decor, is how much of your cool pieces you are able to display. Now that we are in a small house, so much of ours sits in a cupboard until we are ready to use it. Your blog is just the eye candy I need!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I loved that radiator as it looked more like a design feature than a part of the central heating system. Jon's thinking of painting it with cast iron paint when we get round to recorating the kitchen to give it more of a Victorian vibe - it'll be a lot easier to keep clean, too!
DeleteI love having room to display my collections but as soon as those areas are full I stop adding to the collections. It's no good having stuff if it's hidden away in a cupboard. xxx
I'm very pleased to know there are two scrubbers in Stonecroft and even more pleased that you have rum stocks...
ReplyDeleteJon looked liked someone out of a sci fi movie!
You have been so busy with your cleaning regime; I know how good you feel when you've done it. We are about to embark on a deep clean of our ovens; something I dread but they need it badly. I once paid a cleaning company to do our old one!
Jon has done a great job of boxing the pipes in. One day that supply of wood will run out and then what will he do?
Thank you for the heads up on Fenix - I'll be checking that out!
Love the skirt - I can't imagine you wearing a suit!
xxxx
I've seen those oven cleaning vans parked outside houses in the neighbourhood, I don't blame you for using one, I wouldn't want spend 2 hours cleaning the cooker regularly!
DeleteMy lockdown mantra is if I only achieve one thing a day then it's fine as long as it's done propely and not in a half-arsed way. Today is the turn of the kitchen chairs, I'd like to do all four but judging by the state of them I'd be happy if I make just two of them look respectable again!
Funnily enough our friends G&T messaged last night offering us a pile of scrap wood. Once lockdown's over Jon's stash can be replenished.
Fenix is really, really good. The Dutch do some really good TV. Black Widow is fantastic, I think it's still on Walter.
I know, I thought my suit days were over when I quit corporate hospitality but it's not pinstriped, polyester or grey! xxx
I’ve caught up again now with your lockdown posts. I need to read them more regularly as you two are so inspirational on your approach to the new norm of life.
ReplyDeleteWe’ve been furloughed and our accountant has done it for us as they do our wages. I did do the small business relief grant on the workshop and that came through in a couple of days. It’s the first time in our working lives we’ve received anything of the government.
I’m going to get some of the coconut scrubbers that you use. They seem much more environmentally friendly.
Don’t mention cleaning, like Ann I’m not a domestic goddess either haha.
I’m glad you’re writing such a great record of life in lockdown Vix, it’s a precious piece of history xxx
Yay! Lovely to hear from you. I've got into the routine of posting every other day, it certainly helps keep me active, if I do nothing I've got nothing to write about!
DeleteI'm glad you've mananged to get all the bureacracy sorted, too. Yes, it does seem strange getting something from the government, being self-employed I never expected any help and it was most welcome.
I'm so into domesticiy at the moment, I stand in the garden and look up at the house and it looks more loved and cared for than it has in our 15 years of ownership. My Grandma would be beaming with pride. xxx
I got a discount on the scrubbers and because I said you’d recommended them I think you will get a discount on your next order. Thanks for the tip xxx
DeleteEveryone's cleaning makes me feel lazy. My brain is on overdrive, but tomorrow I am logging off work at 4:00 and actually getting a weekend. I hope to spend it putting in some hostas, and fingers crossed, getting vegetable sin the ground. I love wearing clothes that make me feel good-if a repeat, who cares!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're finishing work early and having some "you" time, Sam. I absolutely love hostas, they are something I'll buy if I'm ever brave enough to face the garden centre again. Jacob loves them, too! xxx
DeleteI haven't resorted to goggles for shopping, but then I have rather large specs. I went today too, and it was largely empty of people, which was a relief. No coriander to be found anywhere, strangely enough. Figures it was the one herb I didn't bother to grow figuring it would be easy to find.
ReplyDeleteMy stove would never get that clean! Cleaning radiators is the worst. I live in a house with forced air vents now, but memories of cleaning (and painting) them are enough to know that you really put in some hard work.
Fingers crossed for your aubergine.
They did say you could catch it through your eyes so he's taking no chances! He bought those crazy vintage ski googles from a charity shop years ago and always insisted they'd come in useful one day, now they have.
DeleteI've tried growing coriander and have had no luck whatsoever, I might give it another bash in the next few days - that's if I have any seeds left.
Radiators are such an awkward thing to clean, that'll be it for the next decade I think! xxx
coriander sucks parsley&garlic rules!
ReplyDeleteCoriander is gorgeous!! Liking the sound of parsley and garlic though, very Middle-eastern. I'm growing some parsley so I might give it a try on my next nan breads! xxx
DeleteVix, I just want to thank you for literally opening your home to us, and letting us peek in every corner! I just love seeing all the little bits and bobs you have, from your plates, to your shower (love those mirrors), to your garden. Jon has the right idea: I wore a mask to the grocery store today and people gave me a very wide berth - it was great!
ReplyDeleteLove that skirt - and why not wear it two days in a row? That long a-line is so nice on, and I also admire its lengthening properties - I am .5 of an inch taller than you at 5'4".
We get our cleaners back tomorrow, and I am so excited. I loathe cleaning, and my stove never looks that clean!
That diary project is so cool! I have a year of my life (grade 12, 1984-85) in a giant 3-ring binder, handwritten, that I've often thought of transcribing. I have never re-read it. It's practically an historical document!
Happy rum day to you and the boyz!
Thanks so much, Sheila! As the house starts to cleaner there's no corner I shan't share. I'm really nosy and am forever fascinated by people's homes, I don't think I'm alone.
DeleteHow exciting to get your cleaners back, my brother is missing his desperately but he's got a while to wait yet, sadly!
I love that you've still got your Grade 12 scribblings, that really would make for a good read, those halcyon days before computers and social media (and great music!)
I might wear that skirt again today, that's how much i like it!
Loads of loev to you, have a happy Friday. xxxx
Love Jon’s safety measures!!! He looks like a 90’s harajuku trend setter!!! I have very funny ears as my lobes are streched so the mask wont stay on ! So I bought an adapter from daiso it does the job. My mum had those beefeater plates how I could cry now !!! I use Klin craft Bacchus dinner set, I bloody love that we had it as a dinner service as child. So when I saw it cheap in a second hand junk shop I grabbed it.
ReplyDeleteYupp I am a member of the vintage freak club, I collect dailene and vintage tins.
I did my wardrobe about 70 percent I don’t wear so I will sell it back to work and friends. It’s a shame as I am a bit of a hoarder. I don’t mean to be. I just love fashion I guess. You need to watch akira that is a good anime film it is about neo toyko in 2020. It almost feels like akira predicted the future now back in 85. Jon would like it.
Hello, Alison! Ha! I'll tell him. Jon spent about six months in Japan back in 1990, he'll know exactly what you're talking about.
DeleteGreat idea with the adapter for your mask, a friend has been sewing buttons on cloth headbands for her nurse friends to attach their mmasks to and stop them rubbing their ears raw.
My Grandma had the Kiln Craft Bacchus set, you've taken me right back to the late 70s when she'd serve coffee made with hot milk with a Morning Coffee biscuit balanced on the saucer!
That's the great thing about being in the vintage business, you can always move your clothes along and, even better, meet theur next owner and know that they're off to a good home.
I shall investigate Akira.
Stay safe! xxxx
Wow as someone who loves housework I am super impressed with your cooker, what a sparkling beauty. if you mix bicarb with lemon juice or vinegar you get a nice fizz for cleaning too. my pagan mother/grandmother used to do salt and sage ritual at this point - salt in corner of each room. sweep out and then burn the dried sage..windows open. I like your skirt a lot and would wear it often too. Eating your produce already! I put my name down for an allotment - full of hope :) I like ironwork furniture a lot, your bench is so pretty.
ReplyDeleteI keep going into the kicthen just to look at the cooker! I was horrified when Jon suggested curry last night but he managed to make it without messing up the hob, thank goodness!
DeleteI shall try the bicarb with vinegar trick. Vinegar's brilliant on glass, I bet that'll be great in the bathroom and sorting out the Belfast sink which gets really grimy with tea and coffee.
Fingers crossed for the allotment, that would be so exciting! xxx
drop a hanging basket over the catmint and let it grow through , it keeps the root growing while they slaughter it .
ReplyDeleteWhat a brilliant idea, Kate! Thanks so much for that.xxx
Deletei always wear glasses for shopping because of price tags and not perfect vision but I start thinking of wearing something more protecting.
ReplyDeleteI am crazy about your vest, the color is perfect and actually pretty much everything about it!
And your plates are so very adorable! I mean it, it looks like a goal. I do need new pretty plates
I'm the same, Lyosha. I can't read price tags in shops without glasses these days.
DeleteVests/waistcoats are the best, they can transform an otherwise boring outfit and add a bit of much needed warmth, too.
Stay safe! xxx
I love seeing your garden,it's so inspiring. you mention you have noodles a lot. what kind. please share your receipe. stay safe. much love from USA.
ReplyDeleteHello, Leigh! We eat pre-packaged Ko-Lee noodles, they are MSG free and we have the "Xtreme Hot and Spicy" flavour. I love food with a kick! xxx
Deletei must have a lookout for such a kokos scrubber!
ReplyDeletei remember the block print suit - but with the waistcoat its perfect too - love this red-brownish tones. jon did wonders with the old wood scraps - it looks almost as if a german handyman did it ;-D
what happens with the aubergine seeds every time? i must read in my big garden book about...... your gas stove looks fabulous - so shiny - but the thing itself too - many burners! (have only 3) - from where comes the gas - pipe or flask?
must make some pizza soon!
xxxxx
I rememeber you loving the suit! I might have to wear it together soon, I don't want the skirt to fade with overuse!
DeleteThe first lot of aubergines were in a try in the greenhouse, got waterlogged with condensation and rotted and the second lot failed to sprout. I have grown them in the past so I'm hoping different seeds might bring success.
The oven is electric and the hob is mains gas. It's a real luxury having so many burners, they all cook at different speeds, too! xxx
Hello Vix. Lovely to see your garden brimming with goodies. Won't be long and you'll be reaping healthy herbs/veges.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good man you have. Having him do the shopping, gardening and repair work is a real godsend.
Your roasted vege pizza looks delicious. I'm also intrigued about the noodle dish you mention regularly. Have you posted about it in previous blogs? And you serve all this yummy food on those glorious beefeater plates! They're gorgeous.
Glad to hear your application for support income wasn't a minefield. I worked for many years in employment/income assistance and I know how winding the process can be.
Your outfit is lovely and lastly, you and I are exactly the same height. How freaky is that!
Jon's a bit of a catch, isn't he? I hope he isn't reading this or his head will be tripling in size!
DeleteThe noodles are ready-made packet ones, quick and easy and something I have to admit we don't make ourselves. They started off as camping staples but we love them all the time now especially as we've cut back on bread and rarely have sandwiches for lunch.
How brilliant that we're the same height, you look much taller! xxx
Love the kitchen and the bathroom with all the plants, as well as your collection of plates!! The greenhouse is really coming along, well done! The midi skirt looks great on you with your slim figure! Started back to work this week, 20 hours of classes online, doesn't sound much but I'm completely exhausted after 2 months enforced holidays!!Surprising how quickly you can lose your mental agility! Looking forward to a couple of glasses of cava and...... "SHANTARAM" Will start reading it this evening!I'll let yiuvknows how I get on.Have a wonderful weekend!! XX
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of you this week, Diana, and wondering how you were getting on. I'm not surprised that you're tired after those long weeks of lockdown. I think I'd struggle with concentrating on anything any more, my attention span seems to have hugely decreased.
DeleteHope you enjoy your cava - and that you don't stop at two glasses - you've earnt the bottle.
I'm dying to hear your thoughts on Shantaram!
Much love to you! xxxx
Sound like I've started on the cava already!! Should read
ReplyDelete"I'll let you know.." 😂
I've already started so I missed the error! xxx
DeleteJon looks very well protected for his shopping run! I am wearing a mask when I go out, but I don't have any fancy goggles ;). I look forward to your daily updates just because it's nice to see that some people are getting so much done during lockdown. Just look at how shiny your stove is now!! I have found that my cooking has improved, and my repertoire expanded, and have also cut my hair myself, so at least I've acquired some new skills.
ReplyDeleteYou need some retro ski googles like Jon's, let's start a pandemic trend!
DeleteI'm really impressed that you've cut your own hair, well done! xxx
Better not to take any chances, I understand Jon's point of view. I wore gloves and a face mask to a shop recently. I was driving a friend who doesn't own a car, we went in together. First time I went into a shop, up until now it was always my husband who did the shopping. It is lovely to read about what you've been up to. I saw one episode of some British sewing show some time ago (a year? two years?) and it inspired me so much I sewed a dress by hand in a day. I should watch it again. I'm not sure if it was The Great British Sewing Bee but it was a similar concept as this show (maybe an earlier version with different hosts) but it was definitely a British show. I liked that it was actually about sewing and not like those horrible reality shows where it is all about drama and arguing. I watched some fashion themed reality shows about fashion design (Project Runaway) and they were about anything but fashion, just drama basically.
ReplyDeleteThat midi skirt is gorgeous and I like the flared sleeves you paired with it. It is a great look, one worth repeating.
Even though your country looks like it's got a grip on coronavirus it really does make sense to keep taking precautions, doesn't it?
DeleteI think it was sewing Bee that inspired you, it's a lovely programme and really does inspire you to have a go at sewing although I'm not keen on categories like children's clothes or sportswear, it's well worth a watch. I hope you manage to track down the other series. xxx
That skirt is so flattering on you, and yes, it does make you look different somehow. It's a wow look with those tops, vest and boots. Love the pottery small coffee cups. Myself and a daughter hunt for 70s ceramics in op shops but gosh thay can be so expensive here.
ReplyDeleteMidi is a length I avoided for years, I always thought I looked a bit mediocre in it but looking at photos it makes me look much taller - if I could change anything about myself it would be my height!
DeleteMid-Century ceramics are so desirable here, too. I much prefer them to the dainty older stuff, they're sturdy and cheerful to look at! xxx
I wore a scarf and gloves to a corner shop (called a dairy here) for my 1st shop outing in 5 1/2 weeks. The lovely little Indian lady there gasped and fled behind the counter. I realised that it was a dodgy neighbourhood and I had scared her, maybe I was a robber? So I pulled it off, smiled, and said how silly I was, that I wouldn't need it in her shop.
ReplyDeleteBless her! WShe must have been terrified, the poor dear! xxx
DeleteI think it's very sensible that Jon wore goggles.Today I went to stock up on dog food and the 2 ladies in the queue in front of me turned round and chatted to me.They were both wearing perspex goggles,disposable gloves and masks.I was wearing gloves ,homemade mask but no goggles.They said that the virus can get in your eyes as you said Vix-I hadn't heard of this before.I do have some wrap around sunglasses.It is a bit worrying.I am happy that since Wednesday I have been able to walk my dogs for 1 and half hours in the countryside again dailyI do avoid people as well as I can though or chat to acquaintances at a large distance.Most are sensible but there are still some to be avoided x
ReplyDeleteHi Flis! Wrapround sunnies would be ideal, opticians always recommend them if you have hay faver as the shape stops any pollen getting in your eyes, so I imagine they'd be ideal for keeping yourself protected from the evil virus.
DeleteI thought of you as soon as BoJo mentioned unlimited exercise, I'm so happy you can take the dogs out to lovely places any number of times you like without worrying about being stopped and questioned. xxx
OK, Jon is a scary sight to behold -- but even THAT looming behind me wouldn't prevent my standing on tiptoe to get a better look at that fabulous (and complete?!) stoneware coffee set on the upper shelf of your coffee & tea cabinet.
ReplyDeleteWhat a pleasant surprise that the business booster claim went through so smoothly! That is not often the case here. Some of our States are still using ancient COBOL systems which are swamped by the deluge of claims, and some of the neediest claimants lack online access.
I promise to do a better photo of the coffee set, Beth. It was my parents' wedding present in 1966, an Arabesque coffee set made by Denby, who were a Staffordshire-based pottery. Mum must have chosen it as she loved anything exotic and Eastern-looking.
DeleteI'm amazed how strightforward the business claim was, we were really sceptical as our benefits system & tax department are notoriously slow and inefficent. Still shan't be voting for them in the next election though! xxx
You guys are looking great! I'm amazed at all the cleaning and scrubbing. Also, blown away that your self-employment help is so quick and straightforward--- it sucks over here!
ReplyDeleteWe're amazing ourselves Becky, both by our productivity and by how much we're enjoying ourselves.
DeleteI still can't get over getting any help from the government, it's unbelievable that the Tories are embracing socialism! xxx
just love your posts as always Vix, love to Jon, love Caddy xxx
ReplyDeleteMuch love to you, Caddy! Sending you a massive virtual hug from both of us! xxx
DeleteLove your outfit, Vix, and the snakeskin choker (as always!)
ReplyDeleteJohn looks freaky, but well prepared to venture out to the shops. It reminds me of a Youtube video Naomi Campbell made at the start of the corona virus period. She emphasised the need to cover your eyes to protect yourself.
I am freezing over here in Australia, wearing turtlenecks and my velvet culottes for warmth almost every day. How do you keep warm? X
Thanks, Jess! i know you like the choker, I'll leave it you in my will!
DeleteI hadn't seen the Naomi Campbell video but we've been aware from the start that the eyes are a main infection point, I 'm never without my sunglasses when I leave the house and Jon's taking no chances!!
I hate being cold, I find it so hard to stay motivated. My daily Wii Fit session gets the blood flowing, it's all about keeping moving! xxx
At the risk of repeating myself, thanks for sharing your fabulous blog. xxx
ReplyDeleteI'm delighted that you enjoy my ramblings! xxx
DeleteI love your white Dala horse and that coffee set, it belongs in my house :)
ReplyDeleteYour Rogan Josh looks yummy...my tablet has tried to convert that to organ and for once I actually noticed!! xxx
Not sure if I fancy an organ curry!!
DeleteI thought you'd appreciate the coffee set, it goes wonderfully well with your colelction of retro ceramics. xxx
Love the collection of beefeater plates. I always enjoy seeing what is in people's crockery collections.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I'm always amazed at how colourful and funky 1960s and 1970s ceramics were. xxx
Deletewoww, I admire all the scrubbing you've done!, I hate most house cleaning tasks particularly both radiators and blinds and I usually scrub them once in a blue moon. Love your Beefeaters plates and ceramic collection!, so cute homeware!
ReplyDeleteSorry that the weather has been so freezing, but you've managed it well, looking fabulous in your gorgeous blouse and skirt!, so lovely!
And Jon rocks in his shopping attire!
besos
I've treated myself to a coconut bottle brush so I'm hoping that'll make the radiator cleaning a lot easier in the futur!
DeleteIt's glorious today. I might have to get changed into a bikini in a bit! xxx
I love that outfit, keep wearing it! Yesterday, I wore the same white top I wore on Sunday along with the Madras check rainbow dress I'd worn on Friday (you remember that dress I'm sire as you were the one who told me it was Madras check!)
ReplyDeleteYou are good with your shopping. I can't say I've wiped anything really though the loose veggies (which make up the majority of our shopping do get a wash. I probably should...
Yes, the cold weather was so uninviting- if we hadn't had such a glorious April, I think it would have felt fine! Now, it's BOILING outside!
Isn't it glorious today? We had loads of rain last night and the veg is looking very healthy!
DeleteI love your Madras check dress, I'd wear that on repaet if it were mine. xxx
I've fallen behind with blog reading so please forgive me for my late comment. It does feel good to give things a really thorough clean doesn't it? So then I wonder why I leave it so long until the next time. My theory is that I get much more satisfaction when I can see a big difference for my efforts. I was on a roll yesterday and spent ages cleaning the bathroom from top to bottom, then all the houseplants were taken outside to make the most of the rain and allow the leaves to enjoy a rinse.
ReplyDeleteYour pizza looks delicious. X
It's lovely to hear from you no matter how late the comment, Jules! xxx
DeleteYou're putting me to shame with all your cleaning, your oven looks A-mazing!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear the Employment Income Support Scheme was an uncomplicated affair, when I first heard about it I thought it would be a long drawn out process. Luckily I don't have to worry about applying as work is rather busy, lockdown doesn't seem to have put off any of my clients (authors, publishers, literary agents) so work continues as normal.
It was nice when the weather picked up again but we're back to windy and dull, but I'm sure it will pick up again. Duller days help me stay at my desk and work :)
Love your outfits, I wear skirts for three or four days in a row sometimes, I don't agree that clothes need to be washed after just one wear - think of all that laundry and ironing!
I love those Beefeater plates - they look really contemporary, as well as looking vintage.
Now I'm off to catch up with GB Sewing Bee :)
Take care
xx
It turns out my brother worked on the software for the Self-Employment Grant thingy, he's a dark horse!
DeleteI'm glad work is busy for you, some good news for a change.
These last few days have been glorious, long may it last! xxx
Ha, I felt the same as you about sportswear and childrenswear weeks on Sewing Bee - lingerie week was a definite improvement.
ReplyDeleteYour vintage ceramics are ace, especially the Beefeaer plates.
That sleep set was lovely, wasn't it? If I wore stuff in be I'd have been tempted to try making one myself! x
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