Monday mornings herald the return to my weekday routine, up at 6.15am, a Wii Fit workout, a mug of tea taken upstairs to wake Jon and breakfast of fruit & yogurt at around 8.30.
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| WEARING: Vintage Anokhi midi dress, 1970s Janet Wood for Monsoon Afghan waistcoat (both eBay), Gujarati amulet pendant (India), 1960s Go-Go boots (car boot sale) |
Watching the local news we learned that Walsall was now the second worst place in the West Midlands for Coronavirus cases, with an R rate of 138 per 100,000. After I'd wrapped up the latest eBay sales Jon drove them to the post office and then popped round Tony's house. With new Covid measures to be announced later, Jon thought it may be his last chance to visit for a while.
The weather forecast was for a cold, wet and dismal day with the same predicted for Tuesday so I rescheduled our National Trust booking for later in the week and took some stock photos under the shelter of the lime tree. I know I moan about the bloody thing but while it's still in leaf at least it allows me to work outside.
I was just cropping my photos when Jon arrived back, along with some pickling vinegar from Morrison's which Asda hadn't been able to supply. After our noodles Jon sorted out the stash of vintage Kilner jars which we keep stuffed in a cupboard in the utility room.
While I uploaded my photos to eBay and listed another 20 garments, Jon pickled some cucumbers (some with yellow mustard seeds and oregano and others with black pepper and chilli). I'd like to say that they were homegrown but our attempts at growing conventional cucumbers were a disaster. We'll stick to the crystal lemon variety next year.
After I'd wrapped up the sold pieces on eBay it was time to eat. Monday's tea was a vegetable balti with wholegrain basmati rice, a vegetable samosa, a pakora and some lime pickle.
Afterwards we watched the government update and learnt that Walsall was now classified as a High Risk Area (Tier 2). We are allowed to have guests in our garden, as long as the total number of people does not exceed six, but we're not allowed to invite people inside or to meet friends in pubs and restaurants. Travel is also discouraged. This won't make much difference to our lives, we've had nobody in the house since March and, other than Darren's funeral, haven't set foot in a pub or restaurant in the UK for seven months. The measures will be reviewed in a month.
We watched another episode of Spooks (season 2, episode 5) which we hadn't seen before, we must have been in India when it was first aired. We also caught the first of the new series of Who Do You Think You Are? with Jodie Whitaker.
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| WEARING: Vintage Dollyrockers maxi (gift from our lovely pals, Lynn & Philip), 1970s Phool block printed jacket (part of a suit, IG buy), Reiss felted wool hat (eBay), Mjus metallic snakeskin ankle boots (charity shop) |
This morning (Tuesday), after my Wii Fit session and breakfast, I got dressed and cracked on. I was a bit annoyed as the weather was glorious and we could have gone on our National Trust visit after all. While Jon fiddled with Gilbert I sorted out the Kinky Shed, packing away the summer stock and starting a bag of charity shop donations.
Next up were more photographs as there was still no sign of the torrential rain the Beeb had forecast.
Following my friend Tammy's advice I've included a few photos of me modelling some of my stock on the listings. I couldn't resist posing in this 1970s wool prairie dress and now I've seen it on I'm rather tempted to borrow it. (Too late, it sold within 30 minutes of listing it!)
After a break for noodles I cropped my photos and attempted to upload them to eBay but halfway through I started being bombarded with error messages. After much swearing it transpired that I'd reached my limit for the month so I saved my listings as drafts and putting the rest of the stock away.
Jon wasn't having much luck either, after attempting to fit a new distributor, Gilbert packed up altogether. Deciding to worry about it another day, he did the post office run and reported that a man stood behind him huffing and puffing about having to wait (I pay for the postage on-line and print the labels off at home, so it's just a matter of the counter assistant scanning the bar codes). Needless to say the rude man wasn't wearing a mask....
On a brighter note our Empress of India nasturtium is still blooming madly. I gave it a trim, gathered the seed pods, gave them a thorough wash and left them soaking in salt water. Addicted to capers ever since eating those incredible Cretan salads in Greece, I want to make the Poor Man's Capers (real capers are seed pods from the caper bush).
Also in the kitchen, Jon got to work preparing tonight's tea, roasted haloumi with vegetables.
What will tonight's viewing entail? We started watching Samuel L Jackson's Enslaved documentary on Sunday night and still have part two to catch up on. There's also more of Grayson Perry's Big American Road Trip or, more likely, another couple of episodes of Spooks.
Stay safe and see you soon!
Hi, you should definitely keep the 1970s wool prairie dress. It really suits you and looks great. I love those early 70s styles and am drawn to them at vintage fairs, kilo sales etc but some of my friends, even one who has her own vintage clothes shop, think I am a bit mad!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alysia! Alas, it sold within minutes! Ah well....
DeleteI've always loved prairie dresses but they are an acquired taste, loads of people are appalled by them! xxx
TV is such a godsend in these times! I have all sorts recorded to watch at all sorts of times! Managed to get a cupboard for my narrow kitchen from a reuse furniture shop. It's the wrong colour but it will do until it's furniture painting weather. Spent the afternoon reorganising - an unexpected treat for the kitchen! I used to pickle nasturtium seeds but stopped when I had umpteen jars I didn't get round to eating! Love your Dollyrockers maxi. I have an exciting day planned tomorrow - a visit to an art gallery followed by a visit to the coup (Scottish word for the tip. Sometimes spelled "cowp"). It will be my first coup visit since before lockdown! Had to book for both events! These times ...
ReplyDeleteHello Catmac! There's so much good stuff to watch, what would we do without our TV?
DeleteGreat result with finding a narrow cupboard for the kitchen. Hopefully we'll have a few dry days and you can get cracking with it.
I'm excited about the nasturtium seeds - we're only doing one jar as I've given most away to the neighbours.
I hope you had a fantastic trip to the art gallery and the coup (thanks for teaching me a new word. I wonder if you managed come back with anything? Jon often does! xxx
I have had a jar of capers in my cupboard for a couple of years. No idea where they came form as I never bought them. No idea what they taste like either.
ReplyDeleteI wonder where they came from? Capers are used to make tartare sauce, they're tart and peppery. I loved them with fresh sheep's cheese in Crete! xxx
DeleteHey, just seen that you're back from your trip!! Will catch up on your blog posts tomorrow, something to look forward too!! Here in Catalonia the government has just announced that all bars, restaurants and universities will be closed for the next 2 weeks, all sporting events cancelled and everyone to work from home again! Thank goodness I have about 100 books on my tbr shelf plus Netflix! Always look on the bright side! xxx
ReplyDeleteHi Diana! We are! It fled by. A lot of people are demanding that the government does the same and we have a complete lockdown for two to three weeks. I'm glad we kept topping up the book pile every time we went charity shopping, I'd go mad if we have another lockdown and I've nothing to read! Stay safe! xxx
DeleteOooh, that prairee dress is dreamy! You look superb! Wool too.
ReplyDeleteIntrigued by the caper idea- I haven't had many flowers from my Nasturtiums- only a few now!
I love pickled cucumbers- my friend Sarah sells a cracking one where it's all sliced small- it's SOOOO tasty and now I'm down to my last jar as I haven't seen her since March! Tempted to try and make it like you!
I hope that your lockdown works for your region. I hear that even if everything else locks down, I will still be at school teaching my 540 children. I hope it all stays ok!
Thanks, Kezzie. the quality is outstanding, the new owner will be very happy, I hope!
DeleteThe cucumbers are gorgeous, we had them on our cheese sandwiches at lunchtime. i like that you can eat them straightaway, no waiting!
Yes, whatever happens it looks like you poor teachers will still be working. Stay safe! xxx
The other week I was deep in the prairie/Granny dresses at work sewing the new bar code inventory tags in. All of them (about 20) were size smalls. No wonder I never had one when I was a girl. They are pretty dresses. Take care in the danger zone, I'm pretty sure Florida is do for an up tick, which means we're not far behind.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, I've never come across a prairie dress that wasn't small.
DeleteIt's a really weird situation in England at the moment, it's like someone's drawn a line across the country. I've no idea what's going on there but it's not good. xxx
Oh my gosh, that prairie dress takes me back! I had a red and blue one that I adored for years before I decided it was old and to be despised.
ReplyDeleteLook at all that lovely vintage - I hope it all sells quickly for you! Sorry to hear that Walsall is back in lockdown. Although I'm still going out, I'm super careful with wearing a mask and keeping distance. We'll see how things are looking after the past long weekend - that tends to bring a spike in cases.
Happy week! I hope you get more sunshine (other than the liquid variety!).
We all have those crazy moments! I hope your old prairie dress found a happy new home in the end.
DeleteWearing a mask, keeping a safe distance and washing/sanitising our hands, its so sensible and easy to follow yet there's far too many people out there who just don't get it. We'll never get back to normal at this rate. xxx
I love that dress as well! I'm learning more about E-bay by reading so many blogs-and I think how the pictures look really help. You have a nice eye for the photos and cropping. I'm a horrible photographer.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sam! I used to hate my photographs but after eleven years of blogging I think I'm getting much better. It's amazing how much cropping improves a photo. I love PicMonkey for editing, it's free and easy to use. x
Deletedefinitely worth modelling some of your EBay sales - it really brings them to life. Sorry you have lockdown - I don't know how businesses will survive. At my son's office they have 3 confirmed covid cases, he was sent home yesterday while they deep cleaned to make it safe for everyone to continue working. I wear my masks all the time when outside now and paid for my flu jab as there's a shortage and despite being over 60 am low priority at the mo - getting CV19 and flu together would be best not to think about. I'm glad you got your lovely holiday in and are thru your quarantine, it's encouragement to us all that, with careful planning and sensible care, we can still do these things. Look forward to the National Trust post, Betty x (p.s. second hand but new to me kitty arrives Sunday, Yay!)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could model more but it takes so long!
DeleteThe high risk thing was a bit of a shock, Coventry has exactly the same R number and they are still in the medium risk area. Nothing makes sense any more!
You were very wise paying for a flu jab, we've suggested one of our friends does the same, he works in retail and is on the front line. Good health is worth every penny.
I'm so excited about your new kitty!!! xxx
That curtain of scarlet ivy is a splendid backdrop for the intense colors of those block prints. It's also been a grand year for nasturtiums here, so "poor man's capers" is now on the list of things to explore during yet another lockdown. (We, too, are seeing a second surge and since like Betty, I fit in the high-risk category, I opted for both the high-dosage flu jab and the 21-varieties pneumonia jab.) I had only 6 cucumbers suitable for pickling this year, so they were eaten freshly sliced with onions. Shall definitely try the lemon cukes in 2021!
ReplyDeleteIt's a very picturesque wall at the moment. Jon was tempted to cut it back but I wasn't having any of it.
DeleteLike Betty you're being very sensible with the jabs. I'm considering getting the flu jab as well, they say that the over 50s should have it and although it won't be provided for free by the NHS as we're not in a vulnerable category it's worth investigating.
I'll let you know how we get on with the poor man's capers. I tried one before i soaked them and the pepperiness nearly blew my head off. xx
I believe that wool prairie dress sold quickly... it's darling! Yes, some people are so impatient, aren't they? Whenever I have to wait in line and if the cashier or person ahead of me apologizes, I always say: "Oh, it's ok. I don't mind in the least. It actually feels good to stand in one place for longer than 10 seconds!". Then everybody laughs and it seems to get rid of the tension. Life is too short to act impatiently or to take anything seriously anymore. ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteThanks, Andrea! It is a beautiful dress, I should have kept it a while longer but it's not like I'm short of clothes!
DeleteI love your friendly response to the cashier or person ahead in the queue. Why can't everyone be as nice? xxx
Wow some people are so rude !, havent they heard patience is a virtue, I would have asked him did he have somewhere urgent to go! Good job I live in a country we’re everyone is patient in everything they do.
ReplyDeletePickled cucumbers sounds like kimchi!!! But that’s pickled cabbaged and it’s very spicy you would love it.
Poor Gilbert, Paul was sat in his car turning it over, I know he is dying but I keep telling him to wait it’s only a week. Take care and keep safe
There are some vile people around and they seem to all be crawling out of the woodwork at the moment. Jon goes to the post office at a quiet time to avoid the angry pensioners (it's always them that moan and complain).
DeleteI like the sound of spicy and vinegary but the cabbage bit puts me off, I don't mind pickled red cabbage but I'm a funny sod when it come to the green stuff!
Poor Paul, tell him to be patient, not much longer to wait now! Loads of love. xxx
Love that prairie dress. <3 Corona is spreading again here too, especially in the capital area where I live - and I work in a thousand pupil school... Well, all I can do is cross my fingers and hope NOT to die. Trying to wash hands and avoid the crowds, but we don't have masks at school so it's pretty useless to just wash hands because it's airborne.
ReplyDeleteOh dear, no masks and a huge school. That's worrying. I think we're in for a tough winter. xxx
DeleteYou look lovely in that dress and it's so seasonal for now ... sod's law that it sold straight away!!
ReplyDeleteAt least the rude mask-less man only had to wait for your parcels to be scanned, I'm been behind people who are getting everything weighed and paid for, but I always treat it as a time to people watch and relax, no problem at all.
Thank you! You're right, it would have been a great dress for now. I am an idiot sometimes.
DeleteI can understand getting a bit peed off with the people who don't sort out the postage before they get to the post office but like you, I do love a bit of people watching! xxx
the BW came back from supermarket yesterday evening, extremly exhausted and telling me that the people acting like mad there and the displays where empty in many cases. will this ever end?
ReplyDeletebut lets talk about nice things!
as your fab maxi dress - the waist! - with lovely blockprint jacket and wide brimmed hat - so chic. love to see the bright colored anokhi dress again!
no wonder the prairie dress sold so fast - its gorgeous and modelled by you even much more!
feel with you about the ebay restrictions and gilbert......
need to cook some soulfood like you do.
much love! xxxxx
Oh no, are the Covidiots starting to stockpile again? Didn't they buy enough last time they all went mad? I'm so glad we've had supermarket deliveries for a few weeks, Jon really enjoys not having to deal with badly behaved, rude, non-mask wearing fools.
DeleteI can't believe I hadn't worn that Dollyrockers dress for two years, what was i thinking? Having less than usual in my wardrobe really is a joy, nothing is getting overlooked.
Sending you, BW and Lisbeth lots of love in these strange times! xxx
Lovely to see this Anokhi midi dress, one of my favourites ever!, and looking so fab with the addition of a waistcoast (and Red Lipstick!). You Rock!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder that your eBay shop is being so successful, you sell fabulous clothes!. Totally agree that a photo of you styling the clothes will encourage more ladies to buy, even if it's dangerous to try the clothes on, as you can fall in love with them! ;DDD
Sorry that you are now in a High Risk Area and have to deal with restrictions. We're doubling your numbers here, even if we are not allowed to be outside without a mask (for months). But people have been gathering at their homes with family and friends without a mask. And pubs and restaurants are open months ago too.
All we can do is be sensible ourselves, dear Vix.
Love your Dollyrockers maxi and love how you've styled it adding fab accessories. You're absolutely brilliant adding belts and waistcoats which enhance your figure and make everything more interesting!. Admiring the Masters!
I'm also a huge fan of capers, but never seen these Poor Man's capers!. We usually make some pickled Green chillies as they're very typical here and considered as a delicatessen!. Sadly I can't send you some jars!
besos
I always think of you when I wear that red Anokhi dress!
DeleteI'm sorry that your numbers are so high as well. I wish the government would make it mandatory for masks to be worn in all busy area and not just indoors. It certainly seemed to help in Greece where the numbers are so much lower. You're right, we just have to be sensible, keep our distance and keep washing our hands.
The good thing about colder weather is that all the waistcoats can come out to play, my favourite things to wear.
I wish I could try your pickled green chillies! xxx
The weather's so changeable, after a sunny start its pouring down now. Shame you missed your NT trip, especially after two weeks at home. Fingers crossed for good weather next week.
ReplyDeleteI like the look of your pickled cucumbers. I love your capers too bug I've never heard of poor man's capers before.
That man in the post office was so rude, I can never understand why some people feel they have the right to tell you what to do in a queue.
I'm glad the Ebay selling is going well. xxx
Hi Sally! It's been gorgeous here today, it stayed dry the whole time we were out and didn't start with the torrential rain until this afternoon - exactly like the BBC forecast, just for a change!
DeleteThe cucumbers are delicious, we had some on our sandwiches earlier.
I can't stand those huffing and puffing types especially in these Covid times when they aren't wearing masks and breathing all over you. xxx
I've made some mock capers with wild garlic seeds. I might have a go with some of my nasturtium seeds too. I buy pickled onions from a friend who has a small business selling her homemade pickles and jams. I really don't think I've got the patience for pickled onions!
ReplyDeleteI shall have to check your ebay shop again. My purchases have arrived and they're just fabulous! Will put some pics up on Facebook. :) xx
Hello Annie! I'm so excited that the parcel has landed and you're happy! I'd love to see photos.
DeleteI love pickled onions and if I knew someone who made them I'd be buying them, too. I didn't know about the wild garlic seed capers. xxx
I forgot to say before what a brilliant series Spooks is. I used to watch it faithfully every week it was on.
ReplyDeleteThe eBay selling looks as if it's going quite well; I do hope so. I know it's not as much fun as selling at festivals but at least you can make some money out of it!
I think it's a fab idea to model your stock you always get a better feel for a garment if a human being is wearing it...
And your outfits as always were fab; the first dress with the waistcoat is a stunner. I loved the Prairie dress, too.
I always look forward to 'Who do you think you are' and watched the episode with Jodie Whittaker. It's funny she seems like a lovely person; but I have never been able to warm to her; not even when I first saw her in the first episode of 'Broadchurch'.
I do admire you making poor man's capers out of Nasturtium seed pods; I am so fecking lazy I couldn't be bothered! I was planning on gathering sloes and making sloe gin but still haven't gathered the sloes....
Take care and stay away from Covid twats!
xxx
Spooks really has stood the test of time, hasn't it? We're still on the edge of our seats with each episode. Did you see the film of the series, The Greater Good? Not sure if it's on the IPlayer but an excellent watch if you can find it.
DeleteI do miss the interaction of real life customers and the joy of seeing someone try something on and it fits perfectly but until life resembles some semblance of normality it's something.
I agree with you about JW, I've not liked anything she's been in but earlier this year she was DJing on 6Music and came across as such a genuine person with excellent taste in bands.
I'm just as bad as you, I had plans for chutney with my green tomatoes but couldn't be arsed. They've nearly all ripened now so laziness has paid off!
It's hard to stay away from Covid Twats but I'm trying my best! xxx
Preserving jars are scarce in Nebraska-you could sell those jars for a small fortune! Pickled nasturtium buds are a very good dupe for capers-in some ways they're better. Love all those dresses and the vintage waistcoat you're wearing is lovely.
ReplyDeleteI'm in a covid hot-spot now as well, but they're leaving everything open (schools, pubs, etc) at 100%. Madness. I hope your level II precautions work to knock the cases back a bit. Fingers crossed for you.
Really?! We bought a box stuffed with them from a car boot sale for a fiver ages ago, the lady seemed delighted to be rid of them!
DeleteThe government are adamant that schools and universities won't be closing and pretty much everything is still open. I hope the cases slow down a bit and that your area improves soon. xxx
The whole of Belgium seems to be a Covid hot-spot lately, though in reality it is mainly concentrated around Brussels and in Wallonia now. But still. We can only keep on doing what we're already doing in the vain hope that everybody else will be doing the same. I'm not surprised you eBay sales are going well, with all the gorgeous stuff you're listing. That 1970s dress is stunning on you. Not sure how you'll be able to part with it now! Monday's outfit is stunning too, those colours are perfect to brighten up the bleakest of days - in both senses of the word. As is the vintage Dollyrockers maxi! I'm loving those vintage Kilner jars. It looks as if Tuesday wasn't Jon's best day: problems with Gilbert plus huffing and puffing at the post office. People seem to have even less patience than usual. xxx
ReplyDeleteBrussels got a mention on the news last week with the shutting down of bars. I wonder how long it will be until ours are? They keep telling us that the transmission is mostly happening indoors and even though people can't meet up with friends indoors they're still going to be in fairly close contact with strangers, it does seem daft.
DeleteI didn't think that dress would look as nice as that, I hope the new owner loves it!
Lynn shared a photo of me wearing that Dollyrockers dress with me the other day, I can't believe it was four years ago, so many clothes, so little chance to wear them!
I agree, everyone seems to be getting grumpier and more unpleasant although that might just be Walsall, everyone at Hanbury Hall yesterday waved and smiled and greeted us warmly! xxx
Thank you my friend. You are such a beautiful model, such a shame not to use that for a selling feature. So happy to see you are having some success on selling on EBAY. I am sure it will only skyrocket with your increased listings. Your pickles look yummy.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, dear Tammy! I need to sweet talk Jon into tearing himself away from Gilbert and taking more photos of me. Those cucumbers were delicious! xxx
DeleteI've decided not to trust BBC weather from now on. I missed out on what would have been a lovely walk last week because of a dreadful forecast, which turned out to be completely wrong.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry your area is now classed as high risk. I do hope these local restrictions help stem the surge in cases. X
Oh no, you too! isn't it frustrating? I'm sure the more advanced technology becomes, the more inaccurate our weather forecasts are! xxx
DeleteHi Vix and welcome to the high risk zone! More lovely photos from you always a pleasure to view. Now Bab, pickled onions are so easy to make, you could do them blindfolded with one hand behind your back, just do them in small batches and then it doesn’t get tedious, or too tearful. Apart from onions done in spiced vinegar you can do red cabbage too and shallots in balsamic vinegar, bit more expensive but very tasty, and all much nicer than shop bought ones. Keep Well, Brummie Sue Xx.
ReplyDeleteHello Sue! At least we're in good company with our lovely Brummie neighbours. Jon has made pickled cabbage before back in the days we used to buy all our fruit & veg off West Brom market - how I miss our weekly chat with the lovely chap who owned the stall! Now you mention it maybe I should give pickled onions and shallots a go, it's not likr we're going anywhere!! Stay safe! xxx
DeleteI have been seeing on our news that Covid cases were increasing in the U K and wondered if your area was affected , so sorry that you are.
ReplyDeleteYou two have been busy with the pickling , they look delicious. I must remember the Nastursiums as I have planted some recently.
Glad your ebay sales are doing well, easy to see why with all your great stock. Love your outfit photos with the Autumn back drop. Hope the Autumn sun shines this week. xx
It seems to be going from bad to worse, Jill. I'm happy that we were able to escape for a bit, it could be a very long time before we can again. Let's hope these new measures do something to stop the dreaded Covid, our hospitals are apparently on the brink.
DeleteIsn't that Virginia Creeper a joy? Some people regard it as a nuisance, I love it. xxx
hey Vix! so much going on but have at last had a big session at catching up looking at my blog buddies . I thought you may go to selling on ebay what with no festivals and like everything you do you just get on with it and go for it. Good on you. You look fab in the autumn colours (you are like Sheila every colour seems to suit you) love the outdoor entertaining area too. Am going to make a point of checking in because I count it as all important me time lol Take care and stay safe Shazxx
ReplyDeleteShaz!!! I'm so happy to hear from you, I didn't know how to get in touch with you and was starting to worry.
DeleteI was dreading going in the stockroom, it's so packed full I didn't know where to start! Now I'm starting to enjoy the photos and the listing process I've reached my limit for the month...arghhh!
Do stay in touch, I've missed you! xxx
You look sensational in that prairie maxi dress. No wonder it sold out within a minute.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Ivana! xxx
DeleteVix, how great that an eBay listing of yours sold so quickly. 30 minutes-wow!
ReplyDeleteThe stock looks fantastic as does the flash of red leaves on the tree you are standing in front of.
The pickled cucumbers look so good too. I bet they'll taste delicious.
X
How do you workout before breakfast? I’d fall over.
ReplyDeleteSeeing your pickled cucumbers reminds me of the cucumber relish/chutney recipe you shared a few years ago. I have a craving for some now, it was the most delicious accompaniment to quiche.
I’m glad the new restrictions won’t make much difference to you, it most be so hard for some people.
I watched the last part of Jodie Whitaker’s Who Do You Think You Are rerun this morning, it looked really interesting.
People who have no patience seem to make me take my time, I usually don’t hang about but those who think they’re more important and shouldn’t have to wait bring out my wicked side. It amuses me.
xx