Saturday 31 October 2020

The Distancing Diaries - 30th & 31st October, 2020

On Friday morning my first task was to turn on the PC and book next week's National Trust adventure.Before I went to bed I'd put some of my houseplants in the bath to soak overnight and left a few more in the utility room sink, as the central heating was starting to dry them out. This confused Jon immensely as it's a job I usually do on a Friday night. After my final Wii Fit workout of the week I gave them all a misting and put them back, replacing them with the rest of the collection. I mopped the utility room floor and wrapped the latest eBay sales before joining Jon in the kitchen for fruit & yogurt.


Mindful of extra restrictions Jon popped to Pets at Home on the way back from the Post Office for another bag of cat litter whilst I caught up with blog comments as I waited for the washing machine cycle to finish so I could hang it up in the utility room.


Friday's outfit was a 1970s embroidered kaftan by Ayesha's and a vintage Kashmiri wool work waistcoat (both eBay buys). We'd been warned that today would be the calm before the storm, mostly dry, overcast and unseasonably warm day and, at 17°C it was warmer than most of August. 


Jon came back, having got to the post office and realising he'd left the parcels in the lounge. He decided to kill two birds with one stone, buy us a printer from PC World using click and collect and pick it up on the way to the post office after lunch.


While he got the noodles on I ironed some stock and photographed it after lunch. I spent the afternoon measuring, writing descriptions and saving my work as a draft. Jon successfully dropped off the parcels and picked up the printer but left the job of setting it up until Saturday.


Tea was a sweet potato, spinach and chana curry with half a nan bread and a bottle of pale ale. Later we watched a couple of episodes of Spooks, accompanied by lashings of rum and coke.

On Saturday Jon was up first, made tea and brought it back to bed where we lay and read until 8.30am. The predictions for strong wind and torrential rain in the form of Storm Aiden were spot on and the lime tree was all but stripped bare of leaves when we opened the curtains. Jon made a start on breakfast whilst I changed the bed & loaded the washing machine. I ate my veggie sausage sandwich whilst watching BBC Breakfast, the big story was of a leaked government report of a four-week lockdown in England starting next week. Was it true? We'd have to wait and see.


I pickled the nasturtium seed pods I'd been soaking since Wednesday and Jon decided to set up the new printer so I made myself scarce, heading upstairs and repairing both the patchwork bed cover, which was starting to come apart at the seams and patching the vintage eiderdown which was hemorrhaging feathers at an alarming rate.

I'm running dangerously low on thread. Normally I'd have topped up my supplies with tins of vintage sewing notions bought for pennies at car boot sales, sadly all cancelled due to the pandemic.


The reviews for our new printer had mentioned it took a while to set up so I stayed upstairs for a while longer, epilating my legs, deep-conditioning & plaiting my hair and stripping off last week's nail paint.

SATURDAY: Vintage Alpnani kaftan (eBay), Hindu deity belt buckle (present from Liz)


Ta-dah! The new printer all set up and ready to go. I can't believe how quickly it prints compared to the previous dinosaur or how small it is. 

Our very bedraggled postman, Izzy, turned up with a parcel (there were two but Jon whisked the other one away and said that I wasn't allowed to look at it, he's obviously starting my birthday present shopping early). It's another ex-M&S Heatgen to add to my winter repertoire. Who knew thermals could be sexy?



We didn't watch the final Gardener's World of 2020 last night, we saw it on catch-up this afternoon instead, accompanied by a packet of crisps. Daytime telly & snacks - such decadence! As the rain had finally stopped we decided to walk around the block, something we hadn't done in ages. Two more neighbourhood front gardens were in the process of being dug up and replaced by ugly paving. There were several skips on people's drives, although it looked like they were following our lead and getting rid of garden rubbish rather than anything interesting.


It looks like we'll have to phone the council for help with our London Plane tree, a passing lorry must have clipped it and there's a large branch hanging at a very awkward angle. With a preservation order on it, we can't touch it unless we want to risk a £2000 fine.


BoJo was due to address the nation at 4pm which was put back to 5pm and it's now gone 5.30 and there's still no news. We're expecting non-essential shops to close so I'm hoping we can squeeze in a trip to the chazza tomorrow, forget stockpiling loo roll & pasta, if I'm in lockdown for the next four weeks I'm going to need books!


Tea was half a posh pizza with salad, including the last of our homegrown tomatoes and a liberal sprinkling of poor man's capers. Tonight we'll be cracking open the rum and catching up with BBC 4's Danish drama, DNA (thanks for the heads up, Annie)

Stay safe and see you soon!


74 comments:

  1. Good evening Vix! well we are still waiting for Bojo's announcement at 6 o'clock! Now people like us can content themselves but I am really feeling for those that can't. Anyway back to your glorious post. Loved the close up of the nasturtium. So pretty and who knows I might try poormans capers next year? I love the thermal sexy indeed. You look great in both shots but the dress cinched in with the belt from Liz really shows off that figure of yours! Anyway a really horrible wet dull day here today so just lots of housework but hey I get my zen on too when cleaning so musn't grumble. Have a great Sunday and good luck getting your reading stash. Shazxx ps maybe try ebay for sewing threads saw a vintage sewing box the other day and thought of you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Afternoon, Shaz! Yes, another lockdown won't make much impact on our lives, will it? I do feel for people without outside space although Jon's best mate who works in retail is rather happy at having another month off work and not having to deal with non-mask wearing covidiots on a daily basis.
      I do recommend the poor man's capers. Who knew seed pods could so tasty?
      I'm wearing my sexy thermal today and I love it. the sun's shining but it's far too windy to contemplate leaf sweeping. Not that there's any rush! Have a fab day and eBay is a great idea, why didn't I think of that? xxx

      Delete
  2. Three more days here in the USA until I and most people I know are out of our minds with happiness or just out of our minds. Isn't it odd that both of our "leaders" had Covid-19? The 2 people that should be the most safe. I think I'm in love with the pom pom slippers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're all keeping everything crossed that the polls are accurate and that there's an end to the madness!
      Yes, if our illustrious leaders can catch Covid, what hope is there for us commoners?
      Those slippers are from Greece, aren't they the best? xxx

      Delete
  3. Just heard the announcement. I'm sorry, but I'm also secretly envious. The US will just keep going until we're all dead (I almost think that's policy). I'm sure at this point 4 weeks will go quickly.

    I'd send you some reading and thread but it would probably take longer than a month to get there. Hang in there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I have to admit that I'm somewhat relieved, the numbers are creeping up by the day. Hopefully a "circuit breaker" will at least slow down the spread for a while. xxx

      Delete
  4. Can't imagine hearing 'you look swell' ever gets dull - but: That waistcoat/gown combination is not only beautiful in itself, it sets off your coloring wonderfully & even the needlecase/thread/carpet composition delights my eyes. Thanks again, from across the pond, for keeping up appearances & Happy Samhain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy Samhain to you, Elizabeth! Thank you for your lovely words and support. xxx

      Delete
  5. The golden and black embroidered kaftan is gorgeous and I love the golden vest you paired with it. Such a gorgeous look on you! The red dress looks gorgeous on you as well.
    I hope everything works out well with your London Plane tree. Shame about the lorry breaking the branch. I'm not up to date with the restrictions in Britain, there's many changes in many countries right now- and who knows what the future will bring?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are kind, thanks Ivana!
      England are expected to go into lockdown on Thursday for a month, it shouldn't really make much difference to how we're living at the moment except we can't have visitors to the garden and all non-essential shops will close. xxx

      Delete
  6. Another day, another beautiful outfit on you. New printers are so much better now, and cheaper! I am so so sorry to hear of another dreadful month down lockdown for you, I've just heard. We are headed there too, certain parts of the country are in lockdown but for now we are not thankfully as our cases are very few on our Island. I never thought living on an island would come in so handy but apparently in a pandemic we are safer. We are tightening up our exposure though, I don't want anything to jeopardize possible surgery if it comes. May the thread ferries bless you (I'd mail some but your lockdown would be long over before it would get there). Your posts really do cheer up people who wait to read them, thank you for doing them.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, dear T!
      I think lockdown was inevitable, sadly the scientific advice was to do it three weeks ago but nobody listened and the numbers are rising at an alarming rate. I wish our islanders were as sensible as yours! xxx
      I think you're being really sensible to lessen your exposure, it's a tricky balance but your well being comes first.

      Delete
  7. You might find some sewing stuff at the chazza? Ours occasionally has it. We managed to get to several car boots this summer, how frustrating that your local ones were all cancelled. But on the plus side hopefully it means good stock in your local charity shops.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Funnily enough, my retro sewing box packed full of sewing notions and thread did come from a charity shop! The clearance chazza, the only one we've visited since March, doesn't have much rummage-y stuff sadly.
      I'm very envious that you managed to get to a few car boot sales this year! xxx

      Delete
  8. Looking at the English newspapers online - it does look pretty full on. Love the clothes, I so enjoy looking at them. And those slippers? where did you get them from? They really look cute and so different.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's starting to look like April all over again. A lockdown is the only way to get things back under control.
      My slippers are from Greece. They're ridiculous, aren't they? I treated myself to an another pair when I was in Crete, I shall have to share them on the blog! xxx

      Delete
  9. I'd only booked next week's National Trust visit this morning, but I guess that's not going to be happening now. I'd been looking forward to it for ages as well. Never mind. I just hope the weather begins to improve so I can get out walking. X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh no! What a shame about the NT visit. Ours was booked for Thursday as it's the only day it's open so I had to go online and swap to somewhere else for tomorrow instead, get in whilst I still can! The weather is looking slightly better for later this week, it will be a long month if it doesn't improve soon although we'll all have tidy houses! xxx

      Delete
  10. How lovely you look in your kaftan! Oh dear, commiserations to friends south of the border. How tough to be facing another month of lockdown. After my earlier whingeing, Jason Leach has said that it is still ok to visit extended households even if in another zone. See how long that lasts - I hope long enough to celebrate my sister's birthday. Afraid your chazza shopping is going to be on hold, Vix. Time to focus on the kitchen again? I'm really looking forward to seeing it finished.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Catmac!
      That's great news from Jason Leach, I always enjoy it when he's on tv, he's such a positive & no-nonsense chap. Your sister will have to follow the queen and have two birthdays just in case of any restrictions. I'm going to have a word with BoJo and ask that lockdown really can end on 2nd December as I'd quite like a National Trust day out on my birthday on the 6th!
      I've suggested that Jon gets the shelves sorted this week, then the kitchen will be ready! xxx

      Delete
    2. She would SO love that as she always milks the birthday she already has! Her birthdays always seem to last weeks!

      Delete
  11. Y'know for the first time I actually feel rattled by Covid-hysterics. Gah - I hope I feel less anxious tomorrow. Will try and stay away from news outlets and get the sewing machine out.

    Oooooh - your new stock pix - is that white kaftan-y garment on the bottom left, an embroidered Kashmiri beauty? Ooohh. Ahem.

    Beautiful outfits as always Vix - I have been trying to dress well - lots of forgotten-about stuff coming out of the attic. Now I need to channel some housekeeping routines or at least try and find some joy there lol I do find tootling about in the kitchen and tidying-up (in a pottering fashion) to be quite comforting.

    Our Spring bulbs have started showing already - I don't know if it was because it was so mild today - but most cheering.

    Stay safe xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Elaine! I know what you mean, that long wait before last night's announcement made me really jittery despite pretty much knowing what the new measures were going to be.
      Funnily enough I thought of you when I dug out that Kashmiri wool work kurta. I'll let you have the details before I list it.
      I do think taking time in the morning to create outfits and slap a bit of make-up does wonders for the soul and the self-esteem. I'm really enjoying the sense of calm I get from mundane activities, dusting, raking up leaves, beating rugs and the more i do it the less it feels like a chore and the more a form of meditation.
      Funnily enough I spotted a green shoot in one of my pots, it really is a happy sight! take care! xxx

      Delete
    2. Will never feel the same way about Aari again after watching these demos - fabulous!

      https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXhE6R8ys0SfkDTTQXhUHOg

      Delete
    3. Wow! That's a project for lockdown if ever there was one! x

      Delete
  12. Your two kaftans are amazing - so beautiful. I love that sexy thermal bodysuit - only you, Vix!

    We got a good printer a few years ago, but they tend to go through the (very expensive) ink cartridges at an alarming rate, FYI.

    The COVID measures here are still moderate (aside from only allowing our "Safe Six" in our homes now), and masks are recommended although not mandated (I wish they would! I still see people in the grocery store not wearing them!). We haven't been hit too hard, but our gov is still warning us, as we're getting frustrated/complacent/exhausted and if we get hit hard with cases, it'll overwhelm our health system. I'm worried about the next couple of months, as people move indoors.

    Stay safe, my dear! If you need anything, I'd be happy to ship it to you from Canada! Hugs to you and your fur-boyz.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are sweet, Sheila! Thanks you for such a kind offer.
      Kaftans and sexy thermals, my new normal!
      I think this is where we went wrong, the daily government bulletins came to an end and people just assumed Covid wasn't a threat any more. Masks indoors are mandatory here but there's hardly anyone enforcing it and the 10pm hospitality curfew led to house parties and mass gatherings in the streets. I do despair of humanity sometimes.
      Our printer is toner rather than ink, it's got rave reviews, I shall have to wait and see!
      Stay safe! xxx

      Delete
  13. Your second kaftan is so beautiful! Part of why they look so good is, of course, that you are wearing them!
    I am so glad we had such a lovely week in Northumberland getting to eat out and shop and walk whilst we could. Distancing is very easy up there! I went and took a big bag of donations to our charity shop locally and I picked up three books whilst I was there. I have masses still to read at home though (and er....came back from Northumberland with about 30 new books...) so I will be fine!
    Good luck with the changes!x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kezzie! You are kind.
      Doesn't having a break away from the norm do you the power of good? You couldn't have timed your trip to Northumberland better, it sounds like you're in for a tough few weeks. I bet it would have been a lot harder to socially distance in The Cotswolds.
      30 books!! That is impressive. I love a bit of charity shop karma, dropping off a bag of donations and leaving with a few well-chosen purchases! xxx

      Delete
  14. Lovely velvet kaftan and waistcoat, Vix!

    I didn't know you could make capers out of nasturtium seeds. I'll have to mention this to my mum as we've got them growing in the backyard too.

    Vix, I'm curious to know how you deep condition your hair. I put heaps of coconut oil on the ends of my hair on the day I'm going to wash it. What do you do? X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Jess!
      Poor Man's Capers are delicious, really peppery and great with a Greek salad.
      I usually use coconut oil, too - when you wash your hair rub the shampoo (or the foam if you use a shampoo bar) into the end first before wetting it, it'll get rid of all the oil. xxx

      Delete
  15. hope you can get sewing stuff on ebay. I like that velvet waistcoat. Even your utility area looks glamorous! My plants are being eaten at an alarming rate by our new kitty! had to ditch my spider plant as poisonous apparently - cacti seem the only things to be undesirable and she keeps eyeing even them!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure I'll find some cotton in the end, in the meantime I'll just sew in clashing colours, it keeps it interesting!
      What a naughty girl munching your houseplants. You'll have to grow her a pot of cat grass! xxx

      Delete
  16. Oh I just love the kaftan and wool work waistcoat on you, what a fabulous outfit!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! I've not worn them together before but they just seemed to go when I looked in the wardrobe. xxx

      Delete
  17. Well the lockdown has happened as predicted. Philip is only going out to the market now and for walks so it won’t bother him. Mum went down to my sister’s yesterday for a few weeks.
    Keep us all going with your beautiful outfits Vix.
    Love to you both and the lads xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That will be a treat for your mum to stay with your sister for a while.
      Sadly Walsall market never recovered from the first lockdown, luckily we've got Johal's on the corner and Jon's secured an Asda delivery slot for a week tomorrow. I can't see any National trust visits happening after Wednesday so it's back to trundling round the block but we'll be fine, won't we? That month will fly by!
      Stay safe! xxx

      Delete
  18. Yup mum confirmed it in a zoom call, I fell for you guys . At least they are banning international travel, japan has banned it since March , unless you are going home and never comming Back that is . As one of my friends found out to her dismay as she tried to re enter and they promptly sent her back . Ohh business only as well. I think we are only allowing 500 a day in.
    Looking fab as well. I love a good and fast printer. We get our inks Monthly on a subscription. It’s as cheap as chips.
    I love a good bodysuit. Take care and keep safe love and huggs allie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello, Allie! No, the government are only "advising against" international travel. It's not banned.
      I can't believe the speed of that printer. This one uses a toner cartridge rather than inks I did read up on why they were a good thing but after an hour of studying tech websites I was beginning to lose the will to live!
      I'm wearing my bodysuit right now and am as cosy as anything!
      Loads of love! xxx

      Delete
    2. Ohh I thought they had banned it like us. That’s why our infection rate has been so low. Paul is technology buff in our house, I took me ages to work out how the new microwave worked as it was in Japanese and Paul had to translate it for me. If our Romba has a fit or loses its way he always fixes it. Only because it’s a bloody robot hoover.
      I had my thermals on as my joints were sore but they soon settled Down. You cannot beat them!!

      Delete
    3. I must admit I leave it all to Jon, I'm useless at following instructions in English let alone Japanese!
      Those thermals are the best. I went out today without a coat on because I had my new bodysuit under my dress, much easier to rummage without being impeded by excess clothing! xxx

      Delete
  19. Such a lovely read to start the day and a prod or two. We've had a new printer sat in its box for a very long time. I can set it up if I want which I think means that it looks complicated! I've been putting off some repairs and I haven't started a sampler that I'm intending for a friend. Those things will remain on the long finger but the charity shops are definitely calling me to get some books. I'm not sure if any of ours open today. It's an extra outing but definitely essential. Hope your NT visit is booked in for the beginning of the week so we can all enjoy it. Have a colourful day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ruth! If it had been down to me to set that printer up I think ours would still be languishing in the box this time next year!
      I think getting down the charity shop for a good supply of books is the main priority. With a month at home with the weather like it has been you'll have loads of opportunity to crack on with that sampler and any mending.
      We had booked our NT visit for Thursday, I've now swapped it for tomorrow!
      Have a lovely day. xxx

      Delete
  20. Now that you've got a top-notch printer, you'll have to change that mop too!! One of those Vileda (other makes are available!) mops would be much lighter and easier and they clean just as well. Ask me how I know!!I love the first kaftan on you and how the colours mirror the leaves underfoot. The lockdown decision could still be overturned when it goes before Parliament on Wednesday but somehow, I think it's a given already. 'DNA'was rivetting last night. Charlotte Rampling is really good in it. Good Sunday to you. 'Roadkill' tonight, Hugh Lawrie's an absolute barsteward in it!xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jon's got a Vileda, I'm holding on to my string mop for dear life although I know it could do with a replacement head!
      I do love a kaftan, with added thermals.
      I've not problem with another lockdown, if that what it takes to flatten that curve. I'll miss our National Trust outings and our weekly charity shop jaunt but other than that it won't make any difference to our lives.
      We haven't seen Roadkill yet, I wasn't keen on Hugh Laurie in The Night Manager, it's put me off him. xxx

      Delete
  21. the golden tones of the first outfit and the red of the second warm my heart on this dark and wet day!!!
    thanx!
    but jon in shorts make me shiver.
    congrats to the new printer - we too have a dinosaur, inherited from BW senior ages ago.... but knock on wood, it still works. fabulous thermal undies! and 2 interesting folkwear pieces in your stock - do you know something about them?
    yummy food as always - should make up a tradition of english breakfast with sausages on sunday too :-D
    stay warm! xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It sounds like you've got the weather we had yesterday, so dark and dreary! Jon loves his shorts, he's mad!
      Sadly our printer worked but the Post Office scanner couldn't identify the bar codes and we also had trouble at the airport with the etickets. We shall donate it to the charity shop in the hope of some good karma!
      You're right - there's a Balochi dress and a Kashmiri wool work kurta in my stock photos. If they fitted me they'd be in my wardrobe! xxx

      Delete
  22. Lovely Kaftans Vix. Oooh, that sweet potato, spinach and chana curry looks lovely. I could eat that for breakfast! I do love a good Belfast sink and copper tap too – proper stuff. We have awful mock metal, plasti-coated taps that peel and are impossible to clean. Shame about the neighbourhood ugly paving. I’m a firm believer that when done properly, a front garden can be practical and beautiful. Have fun at the chazza! I’ll hopefully be doing my last chazza shop on Wednesday before the lockdown. Lulu xXx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Lulu! I do love a kaftan! That curry was delicious, I'm really going to miss having the real thing in India in January. We'll have to use lockdown to perfect our techniques!
      Both the Belfast sink and copper tap came for car boot sales, how I miss them - although I must admit the house is a lot less cluttered without me bringing stuff home all the time.
      Jon's making me wait till this afternoon to visit the chazza, I'm twitching with excitement! xxx

      Delete
  23. Printers are brilliant these days aren't they, so quick and logical, the only thing is the actual ink for them is usually dearer than the printer was in the first place!!

    I reckon Boris didn't appear until so much later than he was supposed to because he was watching the end of the Six Nations Rugby match ;-)

    I think I'm going to miss the charity shops more than anything else for the next month.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That was another problem with the last printer, the ink cost a fortune. This one runs on a toner cartridge, we'll have to see how that fares, although the reviews seem good.
      That's a very good point about Boris's tardy announcement. He seemed very jolly, I thought he might have had a couple of drinks to settle his nerves.
      No National Trust visits and the charity shop closing are probably the only two things that'll affect the next month. Jon's making me wait till after lunch before we go, he's so cruel! xxx

      Delete
  24. Well done, Jon, remembering to lay in an extra bag of litter! Given the kinks in the supply chain we've encountered this year, it's a prudent plan to stock up in case of lockdowns. Not the least of items on the absolutely essential list are the provisions for the felines: their favored canned gushy food and kibble, and their preferred brand of litter. The cats and I well remember being housebound during the Great Storm of xx, when the litter ran out and they had to make do with potting soil...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Those cats have to come first! We can go without but a whingeing cat, that's a different matter altogether. xxx

      Delete
  25. I hope you'll still get your Heritage Trust property visit, but I' guessing if everything non-essenital goes into place, that will be scutted. I like your new printer-with al your e-bay sales, an essential. I think curry will be on my menu this week though I'll need a back up for myhusband, so on aleftover night for him. I'll freeze portions ready form y daughter who will be home in three weeks. I like your new balck short-I wish I could wear body suits comfortably as theylook so sleek under skirst and slacks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lockdown is happening on 5th November - the day we'd booked our next NT visit. The first thing I did after watching the update (other than pouring us both a large glass of rum) was to go online and rebook another property for Monday! I shall miss our visits but it's only a month, we can make do with walking round the block if needs be.
      It is curry season. Isn't your husband a fan? xxx

      Delete
  26. Hi Vix, who needs glossy magazines when they can look at your pictures, love the kaftan and as as for the slippers I’m a slipperaholic, first thing I look for when I come in the house. I hope that man of yours got you to the charity shop for your fix and book buying session? Like you I can’t think of anything I will miss in the next four weeks apart from a quick nod round our three local charity shops, I have only been out of our local area once since March 20th and that was to Brum on the train. Another dark wet day but I’m not complaining as we have a good roof over our heads, new roof a couple of years ago! and all we need to keep happy and healthy. Enjoy your next N.T. trip, but most of all Keep Warm and Well. Love Brummie Sue.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Sue! We've been spared the rain today but it's dark, windy and downright gloomy.
      A kaftan, skippers and thermals, my new lockdown chic! I bought those slippers in Corfu last year and bought a replacement pair in Crete just in case. Can't beat a lovely pair of wool slippers!
      You were wise investing in a new roof, I'm looking forward to new windows although there's a big delay with the window furniture due to the last lockdown, they may take some time!
      Take care and stay safe! xxx

      Delete
  27. I wonder if it will be the council's responsibility to remove the damaged tree branch and clear away any mess x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a minefield, Flis. I can guarantee that if Jon got his ladder and chainsaw out someone would be round in minutes to fine us! xxx

      Delete
  28. If I could find Kaftans like that gorgeous red one you are wearing with the belt, I would wear them to work from home instead of sweatshirts. COVID numbers are going up in Canada and in the province of Ontario where I live, but the largest number of cases is in Toronto, where I don't plan to visit anytime soon. Although, according to the news this morning, 150 people attended a Halloween party up near the University (where I work) last night, so who knows if there will be more cases from that. Sigh. Right now I'm trying to stay on an even keel until the US election results are in. Even though I'm not an American, we are close enough to the states that the decision will affect us in Canada, and as a Trump-hater, along with most of my friends in the US, I will be devastated if he wins again.

    I've been trying to find some thread for some mending projects and as most of the fabric stores here closed over the past years, I'm having a devil of a time finding any. The one small store that is still open is selling giant spools of thread for $15 and I'm not paying that! I hate to have to resort to Amazon - any other online suggestions?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kaftans are the best, I love how easy they are to wear.
      Gah, 150 at a Halloween party? It's been like that here. Most people are responsible and stick to the rules and then there's the freedumbs who think they can do anything they want.
      We're all holding our breath for the outcome of the US Election, another 4 years of the same doesn't bear thinking about.
      I'm not an Amazon buyer either. The best thread you can buy is by Gutterman's, I've had a google and its available in Canada. Might be worth looking for a Buy It Now on Canadian ebay. xxx

      Delete
  29. Seems we're both in the same boat, as our so-called lockdown starts tomorrow, for six weeks! Only essential shops can remain open, but I was pleased to hear they include garden centres and book shops! They've finally seen sense!
    Friday's outfit is a delight, how amazing do the embroidered kaftan and waistcoat work together.
    You retiring upstairs while Jon installed the printer made me chuckle. I'm doing exactly the same if anything needs to be fixed or installed, only coming out of hiding when the coast is clear :-) I'm glad to hear it all went well and the new printer does what it has to do. Sometimes we wonder why we've waited so long! I do hope you were able to top up your reading pile at the chazza today! Good luck and stay safe! xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We're in sync, aren't we? They've already said that 2nd December might not be the end of it and it could continue in different areas, lets just hope everyone sticks to the rules this time!
      Isn't it funny how you can own things for years and suddenly realise that they go together?
      I can't be doing with all the huffing and puffing and swearing,. I'm far better upstairs with the radio and the lads!
      That's very civilised having both bookshops and garden centres remaining open. We're okay for books now (I hope) and I shall have to make do with the plants, I'm glad I splurged in B&Q a fortnight ago!
      Stay safe! xxx

      Delete
  30. Thought of you when I heard the announcement that UK is going into lockdown , hopefully this time people will comply . The 7 week lockdown recently in Melbourne has worked and there have now been several days with no new cases, hopefully it will be the same for you.
    Now to better things, your kaftan and vest are such an amazing perfect match. Only you could find and wear for that matter a sexy thermal bodysuit.
    Glad to hear you found plenty of books and that the lads are taken care of.
    Seeing you home grown tomatoes recently spurred me in to buying some heirloom ones to plant.
    Take care . xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Australia looks like they've got the Pandemic under control. Here we were really impressed with your tough measures and strict enforcement. This is where the UK goes wrong, too many people hell bent on breaking the rules just to prove a point, it drives me mad! xxx

      Delete
  31. I will be doing the same this week. Stocking up on books from the charity shops and seeing if I can do some early Christmas shopping in a couple of local independent shops that dont have websites.
    My yoga classes have been cancelled but I can still teach in schools and online so I expect I will still be busy.
    Have a good week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Good luck with the book restocking, I feel a bit panicky if my shelves aren't heaving! xxx

      Delete
  32. Lovely kaftan and waistcoat, such a delightful combo!, looking fab in them!. Also lovely red kaftan (another favourite of mine!)and fab accessorizing!.
    I'm amazed to hear that thermals can be sexy! and comfortable!. I've hated them since my teens, they were so damn itchy and bulky then!. Glad that you purchased some fab stuff!
    Sorry that you're running short of sewing supplies. I've recently visited my local haberdashery and bought a lot of things, just because of the lockdown threat. Thankfully, shops have not been closed this time!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Monica! Red is rather mood enhancing, isn't it? It's a colour I often reach for when I'm in need of cheering up.
      Thermals have come on a long way in the last few years, I'm really impressed at how warm they are without being too hot. They're not baggy these days either.
      Good idea to stock up on sewing supplies, I should be fine although my thread probably will clash rather than coordinate with what I'm sewing! xxx

      Delete
  33. Just catching up on blog reading, you were right about the lockdown. I'm trying to work out what I need to buy before it starts, fat balls for the birds and dog chocolates on the list so far.
    I like your slippers, you're right, we live in a world where a bag and daytime TV is decadence!
    Such a shame when front gardens are paved over. We've slowly been unpaving the front over the years, I do like swimming upstream.
    Hope your week has started well. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bird food is always in he cupboard since we ran out at the start of lockdown. Heaven forbid you don't get Ziggy his doggy chocs before Thursday!
      I've never worn slippers as much as I have since Match this year. I'm was worried I wouldn't be able to go to Greece and restock. I never see any nice ones in my price range here. xxx

      Delete
  34. Oh dear, you won't be able to do your NT visit now with this lockdown - what a shame. Hope you've managed to find enough books to keep you going!

    Love the outfits and slippers were fab; they looked so cosy.

    Poor tree - hope you can get it sorted soon.
    Take care
    xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did - we squeezed one in yesterday! xxx

      Delete
  35. Wasn't it annoying that the address to the nation didn't come when expected! I think it's the right thing to do, but as it doesn't disrupt my life to much it's easy for me to say, a second lockdown is going to be so hard for some.
    Your Vintage Alpnani kaftan is gorgeous - what a fab array of colours!
    xx

    ReplyDelete

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

Lots of love, Vix