Saturday 16 January 2021

The Distancing Diairies - 15th & 16th January, 2021


Finally, after days of miserable weather, I awoke on Friday to a morning with no frost, snow, rain, black ice, high winds or freezing fog. I did my final Wii Fit workout of the week, caught up with blog comments and after our fruit & yogurt breakfast we hurriedly dressed, anxious to fit in a walk before Jon cracked on with painting the window frames.


We walked through Caldmore to Walsall town centre, less than ten minutes from our front door. At the bottom of Caldmore Road, at the junction with Bradford Street, you'll find a Grade II listed building, Belsize House, which was birthplace of writer and humourist, Jerome K Jerome (1859 - 1927), best known for his comic travelogue, Three Men in a Boat. Once home to a small museum, it closed down in 2008 when the premises was sold.

SOURCE


 The reason for the morning jaunt was that when I was researching Whitehall School I'd gone off-tangent and become engrossed in an article about the Black Country Zeppelin Raids which took place on the 31st January, 1916. L21, the zeppelin that devastated the Black Country that fateful night, was a mammoth 536 feet long, 61 feet in diameter and had a top speed of 60 mph.


 The German military had intended to bomb Liverpool but the 45 year-old pilot, Max Dietrich (Marlene Dietrich's uncle), made a navigational error and ended up flying over the Black Country, dropping his deadly cargo on Tipton and Wednesbury before moving on to Walsall where the bombs destroyed a church, a leather works and blew a huge crater into the street directly outside the Science & Art Institute in Bradford Place (photo above). In total the Zeppelin raids that night killed thirty-five people and injured many more.

The crater outside Walsall College SOURCE

One of the buildings opposite still bears the scars, along with a memorial to the mayor's wife who succumbed to her injuries several weeks later. 


 Sadly the building the plaque is attached to is now a seedy strip joint (only in Walsall!)


 Walsall's WWI Cenotaph, unveiled in 1921, marks the spot where the zeppelin struck.


We were freezing by the time we got back home and thawed out our hands with mugs of posh frothy coffee, a rare treat.


Continuing with my Wear:Sleep:Repeat challenge, I rewore Thursday's embroidered polo neck from East this time combining it with my 1970s Phool Indian block print midi skirt from an online vintage seller and a 1960s Suede & Leathercraft maxi coat from a charity shop. The beer mittens were handmade by Liz, the hat crocheted by me and the British-made 80 denier opaques were from eBay.

The details: White metal & carnelian earrings handmade by Afghan refugees (eBay), Clarks X V&A limited edition 1970s-reissue Cass Day shoes (£10, outlet sale) and a beaded thong necklace Mum used to wear when she was expecting me in 1966.


After a cheese and salad roll, Jon set to work on the window frames while I listed the dressing gowns. I'd photographed them the previous day but wasn't happy with the indoor lighting so took them again outside. It's not like I've got anything else pressing to do with my time!


After tea (an odd but tasty mixture of roast potatoes, carrots, sprouts, roast parsnips and a vegan Moroccan pasty), BoJo and a beer, I did a load of washing, stripped off my nail paint and caught up with Blogland before adjourning to the lounge with rum, cola and watching all three episodes of The Pembrokeshire Murders. We don't usually watch much stuff on ITV but this was pretty good. Claim to fame - Keith Allen's a Kinky Melon shopper.


On Saturday morning Jon got up first, saw to The Lads and brought mugs of tea back to bed where I continued reading Our House and Jon snoozed. After he'd got up I stripped and changed the bed, using the new bed linen for the first time. 


The upstairs plants had been soaking in the tub overnight. I gave them a boost with the shower nozzle before draining the water away, putting them back in their rightful places and scrubbing out the bath. I loaded the washing machine & joined Jon for our Saturday morning sausage sandwiches.


Once dressed we took advantage of a gloriously sunny morning by taking a long walk around the block,  walking back along the main Birmingham Road (not quite so much traffic today, are people finally taking heed of the Stay Home message?) In line with my Wear:Sleep:Repeat challenge I wore yesterday's Phool midi skirt, this time with the matching jacket. Normally my Anokhi riding coat would be accompanying me around India (sob!), but today it only saw the delights of South Walsall.


I co-ordinated the piping on my riding coat (bought in Jaipur) and alpaca beer mittens (from End of the Road festival, 2015) with the Snag Beach Bum tights Liz & Adrian bought me for Xmas. (Monica's also wearing them on her latest blog post.) The rainbow Aran pom-pom hat was crocheted by me, the muddy vintage boots were from a car boot sale.


The details: 1970s sunglasses (eBay), Malachite & silver earrings (Rajasthan), the first coat of Barry M's Black Cherry nail paint and the rings I always wear on my left hand.


Six days in and I'm loving my challenge. For once in my life I'm planning an outfit the night before although I do hang up a few possibilities, just so I've got a choice.


Jon spent the afternoon lying on the settee with the lads watching TV whilst, accompanied by 6Music, I did some mending, restitching the buckle on a waistcoat I'd forgotten about, replacing a couple of buttons and substituting the strap on a bag with a belt. Yes, I'm wearing Mum's crochet coat, the heating doesn't get turned on until the evening.



I had another leaf through the Sarah Jane Adams book my lovely friend Lynn sent me for my birthday. I just love how she combines Western gear with Indian clothes (like me she's travelled there for years) so thought I'd create an outfit inspired by her.....


....Afghan-style dress made by me, vintage British army camo jacket nicked from the Kinky Shed, a bag made for me by my friend Sarah and some Rajasthani enameled brass earrings bought in Goa. Sarah Jane Adams favours Adidas trainers, I prefer Doc Martens (these were brand new in their box from a chazza three years ago, it's taken that long to wear them in!)

I wonder how many days it'll be before I can wear the whole outfit in my Wear:Sleep:Repeat challenge?


Tea was a vegan Sri Lankan curry (made with some frozen Morrisons' plant-based chunks found in the depths of the freezer) and vegetable rice, my lips are still tingling. Tonight we'll be watching Spiral and drinking rum. Cheers!


Stay healthy and see you soon!

56 comments:

  1. love the colour of those docs! And I really love those clarks shoes - I am so sad about the fact I can't wear heels anymore (hurts my knees too much - and now I'm so out of practice I look like bambi on iceskates with anything that isnt flatter than a flipflop. Love black cherry nail varnish too - that proper takes me back - I had the nail varnish and a similar (may have even had the same name) shade of lipstick. I think I probably looked quite scary but at the time I thought I looked super fine. Have a good weekend. xx PS Roads here are noticibly quieter too, but our local chief of police keeps popping up on the news saying they will stop and fine anyone, so perhaps he's getting through to people.

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    1. Hello, Julie! My thighs were throbbing on Saturday morning after walking into town in those Clarks' shoes, I haven't worn anything that high in ages! Bambi on ice skates, love it!!
      I wore black lipstick (Miners) in the 1980s for a while, until I saw a photo of myself.
      That's good that your roads are quieter, too. Jon did the Post Office/ supermarket run this morning and said it was really quiet. xxx

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  2. Your Anokhi riding coat is a thing of absolute beauty and utter gorgeousness. If you ever thought of finding it a new home . . . just saying ☺️ {and knowing that you are far from daft and never likely to want to part with it!). x

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    1. Thanks, Jayne! I don't think I'd ever part with it, we've shared too many adventure, including wearing it to ride across the Thar desert on the back of a camel a year ago this week! xxx

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  3. Oh my gosh, Vix.... I felt like I had just stepped back in time for a moment! Those were MY sunglasses from the 1970s... mine indeed! I wore some just like that, to take after David Bowie, of course. *lol* I had the rooster haircut like his too. Uhhh-mazing! :-D I miss those days of frivolity and carelessness, without worry. I was just thinking in bed last night about how I wish I could step back in time for just a moment... just one moment... to feel and experience all that again. Logic tells me I'd never want to return, I suppose. ~Andrea xoxo

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    1. No way! I spotted them on eBay and loved them, I'd never seen that colour combination before. We've obviously got great taste! xxx

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  4. I was engrossed with learning about the Zeppelin raids. Now I will look up and read more about them. I like that you are showing the details-it helps me perhaps develop a better eye, when and if I shop. I'm curious for spoilers for Spiral-eventually I feel lik eI'll be able to see the next season but th eposter is giving me at least one clue. I'm still grieving a character.

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    1. Not many people knew about the zeppelin raids, the authorities banned the national press from reporting on them for fear of damaging moral. Can you imagine hoe frightening something like that must have looked looming overhead in 1916?
      Spiral was incredible, I hope you manage to catch up on all 8 series. xxx

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  5. It’s so nice you’re enjoying the book so much Vicky, you’ve made me smile. It’s been a real mixed bag day of emotions with it being auntie Gladys’s birthday. I’ve been up, down and up again. I ended up going to the cemetery in the rain. I did feel better afterwards.
    You two will have to start doing tours of Walsall when we are allowed out again. There’s so much history there.
    The new bedding looks lovely. I’m looking forward to getting our guest bedroom done and seeing all the new bedding and lamps and pictures in place.
    Oh yes and those Clarke’s shoes are fabulous. Don’t know how you walked in them heels though haha.
    Happy weekend lovely friend xxx

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    1. I'm glad you managed a smile in the end, Lynn. Those anniversaries are really hard especially the first ones.
      I loved that book, I followed her on IG but hated the bitchy comments she'd get, why do people feel the need to be so negative?
      I'm amazed I walked so far in those heels, they were lovely on my feet but my thighs weren't quite as ken! xxx

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  6. Thanks for the history lesson, that was so interesting to read about. Your outfits just amaze me. I would love to come raid your closets! I really love your Mum's crochet coat too, it's beautiful. I think I'm going to try to find a copy of that book. Oh and your new bedding looks great! Enjoy the rest of the weekend, cheers!

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    1. Thanks so much, Martha! Sarah Jane Adams' book is excellent, I want to be just like her when I grow up! xxx

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  7. Vix I just LOVED your tribute to the war losses in your town and to its people, very moving. Didn't know Jerome K Jerome was a Walsall boy. Confession. I have tried three times to read Three Men in a Boat and just couldn't get into it. I know it's a classic and my loss but I do feel a failure. Further to dig my grave, although I loved Monty Python, I just didn't get Fawlty Towers. My sister has always said I have "an under developed sense of detachment". I just don't laugh at slapstick, always feeling sorry for the scapegoat/victim. Confession over. My word your outfits are stunning. Lipstick was the badge of courage, yours is being you and keeping your standards high with your creative and stylish outfits. Well done, Vix

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    1. Thanks so much, Catmac. Lipstick, I don't know what I'd do without it, I have to have a reserve of each one I wear in stock just in case I run out overnight and am unable to answer the door to the postman! I'm happy you enjoyed the tour. Confession time, I've never read Three Men in a Boat either. I'm a bit funny with comedies, too. I can only think of Phoenix Nights and The Royale Family as ones that have really made me laugh. I don't like people being made fun of either, so your sister would probably say the same about me! xxx

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  8. Zeppelins are utterly bizarre. It must have been pretty terrifying seeing one approaching back in 1916. Hull was also susceptible to Zeppelin attacks, as even with blackouts, the natural moonlight reflecting on the Humber gave away the location of the docks. One hit the beautiful Holy Trinity Church in the old town, but the guards managed to put out the resulting fire, not before all the lead in the stained glass windows melted. I think it is so important for buildings to show their scars.

    (Monsieur’s gran lived through the WWII Coventry Blitz in 1940 (in Wyken). When she looked out the front in the morning, she found the whole row of houses opposite had been flattened.)

    Your mum’s necklace is truly unique and I can’t wait to see you in the Sarah Jane Adams inspired outfit. Lulu xXx

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    1. I can't quite get my head round one of those huge zeppelins floating overhea. You're right, it must have been a terrifying sight. there was an awful account of how one woman rushed outside to look up at the sky and watched her house with her family inside being totally obliterated.
      The Coventry museum is absolutely incredible, it brought years to my eyes when we visited, how the city id twinned with Dresden and the friendship between the two. xxx

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  9. I have been reading the autobiography of the lady who appeared in fabulous fashionistas and she mentioned the zeppelin in there. God why can’t I think of her name. Catalog lady that’s what I will call her! She has had a very interesting life and I’m only half way in! I know the Germans attacked Hartlepool in WW1 and they went for the gun battery there which to my knowledge they are trying to restore.
    There’s lots of history In Stockton shame it’s a dump I hate visiting when I am home, birth of railways and of the match. I have the sarah jane adams book I love the way she has Listed her life as lots Very clever!! And Very interesting who knew she dated Dave Stewart!!! how odd life is.
    Now on to sorting accessories out man do I have a problem!! how many does a girl need!! my friends are going to be happy. Take care and be safe.
    I remember her name now it’s baroness trumpington still prefer catalog lady!

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    1. A lot of people would say the same about Walsall (about it being a dump!) but it's an interesting dump.
      I was surprised that Sarah Jane Adams was a Brit, I'd assumed she was Australian. I thought it must have been the Dave Stewart, he ended up with one of Bananarama, didn't he? xxx

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    2. Yeah I think so the odd ball and the other half of eurthymithcs sorry my spelling sucks

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  10. Came over for my Anokhi/Phool fix then soaked up that Afghan dress you made it's amazing, you could do a book of me-made dresses, you've made some absolute stunners over the last few years. There's so much history in your town... We are shouldering creepy Crawley so now have a claim to fame as we are famous on the news every night for lack of employment/proximity to the airport. Wasn't the Pembrokeshire Murders gripping? I loved the way those khaki shorts got him in the end - you couldn't make it up, very sad to see how his son's childhood had been.

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    1. Your lovely comment has inspired me to have a bash at making another dress, I'm really short of fabric thought so it'll be a right old mish-mash.
      Creepy Crawley! We stayed in a hotel there when we flew from Gatwick years and years ago, there were toenails in the bathroom (and they weren't ours!)
      The Pembrokeshire Murders was utterly absorbing. I wonder what his wife though when he asked her to shorten those ladies shorts for him to wear and yes, I really felt for the poor son, no wonder he changed his name. xxx

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  11. war. ´nough sayd.
    the anokhi suit made into a "complet" with the riding coat is a stunner. total perfection!!
    that book is very inspiring indeed - just got many ideas only by looking at your photos of it. especially in this isolated times we need inspiration from books, films and the blogging friends more then ever. (see my post today)
    your curry looks yum - can almost taste the spices! made a southeastern asia one in the wok yesterday......
    stay cosy! xxxxx

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    1. Thank goodness for those memorials to remind us of how utterly futile war is.
      One of these days I'll wear the skirt, waistcoat and jacket all together. Who needs thermals?
      Blogging is a constant source of inspiration and keeps me motivated to. xxx

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  12. Thank you for the local history walk, Vix - I love your travelogues so much! We are staying in at the mo - my walks are around my yard, inspecting the progress of Spring bulbs lol.

    We were notified that my Mum has tested + for Covid - so my head is all over the place - still no signs of vaccines yet - but then I think you have to wait a month after infection to have the jab. Gawd. Thankfully she is as fit as a flea (for 86) and has no underlying health probs - so we're hoping she'll remain asymptomatic.

    I love your Eat:Sleep:Repeat challenge - I try to do this as much as possible anyway - because I think we're encouraged to wash our clothes to death! However, I'm missing the airing-out of yesterday's clothes outdoors. I put things on hangers as I take them off and hang them in my airing-cupboard overnight. Lots of dried lavender in there - but still, not as good as fresh air and sunlight. Sometimes garments get a quick steam to refresh any crinkly bits. It's a really good habit to get into - plus you spot any repair jobs - and if you have a donation box by your clothes rack, fairly painless pruning (of course I do wash anything that's going to be passed on).

    I'm getting the sewing machine out for a spot of remodelling, later. I also need to pull out all my hieroglyphic course notes - I was able to sit in on a 'translation' group who are trying to read the walls of the tomb of Nefertari. Very brain-stretching and just what I need at the moment. It's amazing how you forget everything so quickly if you don't practice it - and it was lovely to be allowed to watch the session.

    Anyhoo ... thanks once again for the brain food and eye candy! Your DIY Afghan dress is a triumph! Sarah Jane Adams is an inspiration in many ways - did you see her on Stylelikeu? https://tinyurl.com/y2x7v7to

    Maryland - helllooooo!!!!! I hope you're doing OK - big love to you xxxx

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    2. Lest you think the 'translation' group is actually IN the tomb of Nefertari - it isn't. They are a group of local boffins who meet up on Zoom to do this. I feel a bit thick in comparison as they've got years and years of practice between them; but they're so nice and made me feel very welcome! Learning LOADS.

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    3. Hello Elaine. I'm so sorry to hear that your Mum's tested positive for the dread Covid. I hope she continues to stay well. You must be so worried.
      There are loads of green shoots appearing in the garden, I think the Magnolia isn't far off blooming and even Jacob is creaking around in his box, he's slowly coming out of hibernation, he must know something we don't!
      Like you, I always air my clothes when I've worn them and tend to spot clean rather than chuck them in the machine for the sake of it. My sewing stuff is stored in the same room as my wardrobe so there's no excuse not to mend as I go but you're right, by rewearing it has to be done immediately and not chucked on the mending pile.
      The Nefertiti meeting sounds absolutely fascinating, a wonderful distraction.
      Ta so much for the SJ Adams link, I'd never heard her speak before.
      Love to you, Maryland & your Mum! xxx

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  13. I feel like I'm getting to know a bit about Walsall, I love the fusion of history and current photos you give us.
    I've seen quite a lot of Sarah Jane Adams on Pinterest, I love her use of colour in her outfits and her natural white hair, she really owns her age with confidence doesn't she? xxx

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    1. I feel like I'm getting to know Walsall a bit better too, I'm looking harder for things now we're confined to home.
      Sarah Jane Adams is fabulous, I bet you'd love her book, it's a visual delight. xxx

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  14. Imagine that Zeppelin appearing in the sky and causing such devastation. I'm going to stick my head above the parapet and say I don't think the cammo jacket does your very pretty dress any justice.There I've said it! I absolutely love your new bedding and it looks dreamy in your bedroom. Great choice. Spiral is very good. I miss Le Judge though and I wonder what Gilou is playing at? Also, Josephine's getting on my nerves!! Have a good week, both. xxx

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    1. The sight of that zeppelin must have been absolutely terrifying.
      I like the mix of camo and embroidery, I did think of stitching some braid or something on the jacket but Jon talked me down. The bedding would make a lovely kimono if I ever tire of it.
      We really missed The Judge in Spiral. I shan't give you any spoilers but I could hardly breathe during the last episode. I can't believe it's all over. xxx

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  15. Thank you for taking me on another intriguing walk around Walsall. My Dad used to own a copy of Three Men in a Boat, which I distinctly remember being on our shelves from a young age onwards, as he'd apparantly acquired it second hand and in a bad state, and had given it a cover and spine of his own. It's in my collection now. Those Zeppelin raids must have been truly devastating!
    Friday's purple based outfit is heavenly, and I'm particularly swooning over the suede coat and those shoes!
    The Pembrokeshire Murders sound intriguing ...
    I can't imagine not having the heating on until evening, especially as Jos is always cold! I try to postpone putting it on when I'm working upstairs on my own, though.
    Can't wait to see you wearing the Sarah Jane Adams outfit in full and wonder if you can make me overcome my aversion to army camo :-) xxx

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    1. I'd love to see your Dad's copy of Three Men and a Boat. Fancy him being into bookbinding in addition to carpentry and design, he was a talented man.
      Those zeppelin raids give me chills, I can't get over the size of the things. How awful to see those overhead and not know whether to stand transfixed or run for your life.
      I hope you get to see The Pembrokeshire Murders, it was an excellent watch. xxx

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  16. OMG Vix! I am so glad that you are blogging over January ... it's so different (with you usually being in India as you say) but SO nice for your readers! As usual, your decor, clothing and style enchant. I have exactly the same knitting bag thingy pictured in your mending pic! Love all your posts, please don't ever stop blogging!

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    1. Thanks so much, DeeJay! I'm sad about not being in India but kind words like yours make staying at home a little easier. Fancy you having my knitting bag! xxx

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  17. Loving all your outfits, and how you're carrying over one piece a day - so fun! Your new bedding is gorgeous! What a lovely duvet cover! Your inspiration outfit looks fun - I'm in for the camo as something new to try. I like that you're constantly trying new things, Vix - it's very inspiring!

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    1. Thanks, Sheila! It's quite exciting to actually plan an outfit rather than create a chaotic mess every morning when I get dressed. xxx

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  18. Morning there Vix, thank you for still posting as I know you would rather be in India but you are still keeping us all entertained. Love the tours and although I love living in the country as a former city girl many many decades ago I can see the appeal of town living. To have all you have on your doorstep! as the lockdown proceeds you always come up with new things - the repeat challenge on the clothes, the history tours an inspiration as ever. Better get some work done but a sneaky peek at the Clarks website first ( another one I didn't know about) have a great day Shazxx

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    1. Evening, Shaz! I keep boring Jon by saying this time last year....
      I'm be dreadful in the countryside not being able to drive although I thought I'd go mad staying at home for a fortnight ten months ago.
      Hope you had a lovely day. Keep your eye on that Clarks' website, they have some amazing stuff. xxx

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  19. Wow the photo of your Repeat collage looks fabulous. I am almost tempted to join you with the challenge as I am hopeless at forward planning and I am sure it would make my life easier.
    I am abig fan of Clarks and your £10 bargain is something I dream about finding.
    The history of the zeppelin is interesting. I remember when I worked as a reporter at The Liverpool Echo in the early 2000s I interviewed people who had lived through the blitz and their stories were so harrowing.
    I am glad you enjoyed the Pembroke Murders so did I.

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    1. You ought to give it a try, Jane! I'm hopeless at advance planning as well but it's fun to have a bit of an idea of what to wear every morning, rather than the usually chaotic wardrobe shuffle!
      I read a fantastic book about the Liverpool Blitz, The Rescue Man by Anthony Quinn. I couldn't imagine what it must have been like to live through that.
      The Pembrokeshire Murders were really good, fancy those shorts revealing the killer. xxx

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  20. woww, so interesting to read about some local history, no wonder you get engrossed in this theme!. The signs of past events are still visible everywhere even if most people don't notice them. This is the historian inside me!.
    Love your midi skirt with those violet-purple accessories and suede coat, such a fab ensemble. And also love the matching jacket and the cute riding coat, looking so gorgeous!. I'm delighted to see that this book is bringing you some inspiration, it looks so fabulous, and looking forward to see your outfit 'in action'. Such magnificent colours!!
    Besos

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    1. Thanks, Monica! The blue plaques are really helpful. I'd been aware of the zeppelin raids because of that wall but never researched them until lockdown. Thank goodness for the internet. xxx

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  21. Studying the photo of the people standing about the bomb site, one can't help speculating about the world views of the children who then lived on through WWII. (I heard some of their "in-jokes" about the brotherhood of mankind when I was a child.)
    Your homemade Afghani dress was made for those boots! What sort of boots do Afghani women wear with traditional dresses? I'll wager the younger women could earn a L or $, breaking in Doc Martens for the older ladies! Especially if they were sold in that brilliant blue!

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    1. What a thing for a child to witness. You're right, I wonder how both those wars impacted on their view? I believe there are eyewitness accounts in the local history museum from locals who were children at the time, once it reopens they really would be a fascinating read.
      A lot of the photos I've found of women in traditional Afghan dress are barefoot, definitely not a great look in a British winter. I like your idea of paying someone to wear new boots in, I swear that's why mine were in a charity shop, talk about "tough as old boots!" xxx

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  22. I guess you might have to wait until at least March to wear that fab outfit inspired by Sarah Jane Adams; but at least you have it to look forward to!

    Love the Phool skirt and jacket and the earrings are all fabulous. Isn't the weather dismal? I am finding this lockdown much more difficult as I can't go out when I want but it will be fine when the weather gets better.

    I enjoyed seeing your blue plaques re the Zeppelin raid and Jerome K Jerome's birth place. I've noticed at least 5 or 6 new ones where I live. I think they're such a good thing for towns as they tell everyone about their town's history.

    You are good waiting to put your heating on until evening I usually cave in about 3pm and switch ours on!

    Take care
    xxx

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    1. You're probably right, Vronni! After a couple of mildish days there's a definite nip in the air tonight.
      This lockdown has been a lot tougher than the other two, the dreary weather really does sap any enthusiasm but I did have a look for the green shoots of Spring and I've spotted signs of life.
      Someone needs to do an I-Spy type book with all the blue plaques in towns, we could keep ourselves entertained and stay local at the same time.
      Stay sane! xxx

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  23. I absolutely love the new bedding! I've been trying to resist putting the heating on too much but as I can't really do zoom calls swathed in blankets I've had to on occasion. I'm loving the round up pictures of your challenge.

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    1. Thank you! La Redoute do some gorgeous stuff and their sales are excellent.
      I'm giggling at the thought of you under a mountain of blankets trying to have a businesslike Zoom conversation! xxx

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  24. Your 'Eat: Sleep: Repeat' challenge is going brilliantly ... didn't it start off as Wear: Sleep: Repeat though? Either way I love the outfits you are creating.

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    1. You're right, I've changed it I must have got Flatboy Slim on my mind! xxx

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  25. I DO like that East polo neck- I think of that shade as Vix purple (reminds me of your lovely cape!) I loved hearing about Walsall's WW2 history- so interesting! I like the preserved brickwork, even if it is on a less than salubrious establishment!
    oYour Sarah Jane Adams is gorgeous! She'd be proud!

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  26. Vix, I love your matchig skirt and top as well as your Clark shoes and suede jacket. So much to adore!

    That Sarah Jane Adams book looks right up your alley. You'll do a great job paying homage to her style. X

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  27. Yay! A montage :) Your East polo neck is really lovely.
    I do like Sarah Jane Adams style. I’d love a nose through her book, I’m going to see if they have a copy in my local library as I’m not allowed to buy any books this year. Love the SJA inspired outfit you put together, the only thing I have that would look even remotely like hers is a pair of Adidas :) I’m looking forward to seeing the outfit appear in your challenge.
    xx

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  28. I enjoyed the history lesson about the Zeppelin raids - it's rather said that the commemorative plaque is now on a strip club! I got a copy of Sarah Jane's book back in the fall and really enjoyed it (of course, I've always loved nosing through other people's stuff). The outfit you put together is definitely Sarah Jane's style - I'm sure the two of you would find plenty of things to love in each other's closets.

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  29. Three Men In A Boat is hilarious; I had no idea Jerome K Jerome was from Walsall.

    I think I've seen photos of Sarah Jane on Pinterest. She's got a unique sense of style.

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

Lots of love, Vix