Friday 22 January 2021

The Distancing Diaries - 21st & 22nd January, 2021

 Storm Christophe was in the midst of his final fling when I got up on Thursday, the window panes rattled and the rain bucketed down. The lads sat by the open front door and waited patiently and, by 7am, all was calm and they were finally able to escape the confines of the house. I did my Wii Fit workout, wrapped the overnight ebay sales and, whilst waiting for Jon to get up, managed to buy myself a pair of leather ankle boots I didn't really need but were too much of a bargain to resist.  

Thursday's sunrise was somewhat ominous

Jon dropped the parcels off at the post office and returned home reporting that he was the only customer.


Wear:Sleep:Repeat continued with the reappearance of Wednesday's Kashmiri wool work waistcoat, worn with a 1970s Ayesha Davar block printed midi skirt & a polo neck jumper (both eBay buys) and Mum's Biba boots.


The details: Earrings from an Afghan refugee charity (via eBay); a white metal cuff (charity shop) and articulated Rajasthani bracelet from India; vintage leather belt from a charity shop; Victorian Ruskin ceramic brooch c.1890 (a jumble sale find donkey's years ago).


It might have snowed on Wednesday night and the temperatures are hovering around 5°C but look! Jacob's out of hibernation. 



Don't worry, he won't be going outside for months yet, from past experience he'll amble around the house, find a warm spot under the curtains and go back to sleep for another couple of months. 


It turned out to be a beautiful day, if a little on the chilly side. I took some stock photos and, after a break for noodles and a walk around the block, uploaded a few more listings to eBay.


 Sheila, Vronni, Gisela and Kezzie have all posted lists of the books they'd read in 2020 which is something I've also been meaning to do, so after I'd finished my ebay listings, I went through my blog and made a note of everything I'd read. I'd expected to read loads but, like with everything else during lockdown, I've learnt to slow down and take my time. I haven't included any books I abandoned halfway through reading or Queen's Gambit which I started at the end of December as I didn't finish it until 2021.

  1. The Runner - Peter May
  2. The Blue Nowhere - Jeffrey Deaver
  3. Speaking in Tongues - Jeffrey Deaver
  4. The Likeness - Tana French
  5. The Coffin Dancer - Jeffrey Deaver
  6. Personal Injuries - Scott Turow
  7. The Vanished Man - Jeffrey Deaver
  8. The Winner - David Baldacci 
  9. Triangle - Jeffrey Deaver
  10. Tuesdays with Morrie - Mitch Alborn
  11. The Stone Monkey - Jeffrey Deaver
  12. Faithful Place - Tana French
  13. In The Woods -Tana French
  14. A Small Town in Germany - John Le Carre
  15. The Kashmir Shawl - Rosie Thomas
  16. Arthur & George - Julian Barnes
  17. A Rising Man - Abir Mukherjee
  18. Our Game - John Le Carre
  19. I'm Travelling Alone - Samuel Bjork
  20. Devotion - Louisa Young
  21. The Stationery Shop of Tehran - Marjan Kamali
  22. The Memory Box - Margaret Forster
  23. Snow Blind - Ragnar Jonasson
  24. A Good Place to Die - James Buchan
  25. The Distant Land of my Father - Bo Caldwell
  26. The Alienist - Caleb Carr
  27. In The High Pyrenees - Bernard Loughlin
  28. This Night's Foul Work - Fred Vargas
  29. Red 1-2-3  - John Katzenbach
  30. Fashion Victim - Michelle Lee
  31. All Greek To Me - John Mole
  32. The Greek For Love - James Chatto
  33. Spanish Lessons - Derek Lambert
  34. Exile - James Swallow
  35. The Lacuna - Barbara Bolsover
  36. Doors Open - Ian Rankin
  37. Night Blind - Ragnar Jonasson
  38. Wild Thyme in Ibiza -  Stewart Anderson
  39. A Man Called Ove -  Fredrik Backman
  40. Life in a Box  -  Sarah Jane Adams
  41. Don't Look Back - Karin Fossum
  42. The Fourth Passenger - Mini Nair
  43. Midnight Blue - Simone Van der Vlugt
  44. Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows -Balli Kaur Jaswal
  45. The Ministry of Utmost Happiness - Arundhati Roy
  46. The Cairo Diary- Maxim Chattam
  47. The Given Day - Dennis Lehane
  48. The Devil in the Marshallsea - Antonia Hodgson
  49. The River King - Alice Hoffman
  50. The Mountain of Light - Claire Allen
  51. The Cathedral of the Sea - Ildefonso Falcones
  52. The Chemistry of Death - Simon Beckett
  53. Love is Blind - William Boyd
  54. A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
  55. Begging to Die - Graham Masterton
  56. Sanctus - Simon Toyne
  57. The King's Witch - Tracey Borman

(The books in bold are the ones I most enjoyed)

Tea was haloumi with roasted vegetables and cranberries (unusual but a success) accompanied by a cheeky beer. Later we watched the rest of Monster which I thoroughly recommend if you like your thrillers dark, icy cold & bloody and aren't offended by full frontal nudity.

On Friday morning I woke to a heavy frost. I did my final Wii Fit workout of the week, caught up with Blogland and, after checking the contents of the bathroom shelves, placed an order with Superdrug before breakfast.


My Wear:Sleep:Repeat challenge continues!


Today it's the turn of Thursday's trusty black polo neck jumper, worn under a vintage block printed Phool midi dress (Second To None, 2019) along with my handmade Ilse Jacobsen rubber boots (retail), me-made crochet hat and the 1950s leopard print sheepskin coat (borrowed from the Kinky Shed)


The details: A vintage bracelet with semi precious stones (gift from a fellow vintage trader), a fabulously chunky bejewelled cuff (charity shop), a Rajasthani enamel pendant and some silver bell earrings (from our much-missed festival neighbours Shilpa Silver aka Silver Bubble)

It was a glorious day, icy cold but who cares where there's sunshine and blue skies? I took advantage of the light and took some stock photos. Who says menswear has to be boring? A 1950s drape jacket, a 1970s velvet blazer featuring a fish print and the type of vintage sheepskin-lined antiqued leather flying jacket most of us cash-strapped students in 1980s Britain could only dream of owning.

It wasn't an easy task, next door's crazed tabby, Kitty, appeared on brick wall and tried to pounce on my pom pom. 


We have it on good authority from Rob & Morgan, Kitty's humans, that Frank and she regularly sleep together, the saucy minx!

If you're wondering why I'm wearing wellies, it's because after I'd downloaded my photos, I met up with Liz for a socially distanced walk, whilst Jon & Al did the same. I'm not quite sure why I feel the need to keep emphasising the socially distanced bit, I'd like to think that everyone who pops over and visits my blog does the same.


If you don't live in England let me clarify our lockdown rules. We can exercise with one person from another household in an open public space but we must stay at least two metres apart from each other at all times. We are allowed to exercise once a day but must stay in our local area ie., the town or village in which we live. So we adhered to all the rules, staying in Walsall (although you'd be forgiven for looking at this rural vista and thinking we'd escaped from our industrial town!)

Vintage sheepskin, 1970s sunglasses (Kinky Melon), Pom pom hat (crocheted by me!)

We were looking for something for Liz to capture for her series of mini art pieces she's selling on her website HERE .


I can't wait to see what she creates with this winter bouquet.

 
Back at home we lit the fire and had a deliciously lazy afternoon. We cracked open a beer, Jon lit the fire and we had Indian food for tea. 


And talking of India this was a year ago today....


Standing on the roof of Jaisalmer Fort, looking out over the Thar Desert. Whilst neither of us can complain about living under lockdown or not living our lives as best as we possibly can despite the restrictions, I CANNOT fecking wait to get a jab, get on a plane and escape! 

Anyway, it's Friday, it's rum o'clock and there's a dark Scandi Noir awaiting. Stay sane, stay safe and see you very soon.....

80 comments:

  1. Hi Vix, thanks for posting your reading list, looks very interesting, you certainly read a lot and the list is very varied.! Believe it or not we had 40cm of snow here in Northern Catalonia 2 weeks ago which has just started to disappear now, freezing cold, 6 degrees below zero almost every night last week!! (Should say we've moved out of the city and are living in the hills for the time being-a dream I've had for years and we're loving it!) Love the Phool midi dress, wonderful colours. You put a smile on my face talking about Frank's antics! It must be amazing when Jacob comes out of hibernation each year. Let's hope by this time next year we'll have been able to hop on a plane and visit some exotic destination! Stay safe, sending you lots of love and positive energy!! xxx

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    1. Hello Diana! We saw your snow on the BBC news. I think it's reached us now. It was really strange to see children on sledges on the empty roads earlier, we rarely get much snow. It makes lockdown a lot prettier.
      How exciting that you've achieved your dream and are living in the hills and even better, you're loving it!
      I cannot wait to escape these grey skies and head fro somewhere tropical although, at the moment, even a bus trip to Birmingham would be exciting! xxx

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  2. You made me laugh talking about your reading list from last year. Like you I felt I was distracted last year and only read about 52 books, probably about half of a normal year, which I am sure for most people is a lot of reading I think it's an age thing, as I find myself unable to sit and read for hours like I used to and fall asleep quite quickly after picking up my books.

    Julie

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    1. I'm glad it's not just me, Julie! Unless I'm basking in the sunshine on a beach I only pick up a book at bedtime and often find myself falling asleep after 30 minutes.
      I don't think we've done too badly with our reading though especially as you have a stressful job as well. xxx

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  3. Jacob looks adorable albeit a bit confused after hybernation. I wouldn't be surprised if he sleeps some more. Beautiful outfits as always. Great photos from India, I remember that panorama shot. Great to see your reading recommendation. You read so many books last year.

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    1. Thanks, Ivana! Jacob does look confused, the silly boy. He's snoozing under the curtains now and hasn't moved since Friday night! xxx

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  4. Oh that waistcoat, Vix . . . gorgeous! I have had a mini crisis. There is a moose, loose aboot this hoose!!! I am absolutely phobic about mice - and, no, please don't suggest a cat. Cats bring presents and I am as phobic about a dead mouse as a live one. It's embarrassing to do the Tom and Jerry act but I did when the moose ran across my living room. I screeched and ran one way, it screeched and ran away the other. They do shit loads of damage, gnawing through pipes and electrics so I need to get rid of this visitor - no one is allowed in your house, for heaven's sake!!! Anyhoo, it's all I can think of at the moment. Pathetic, but there you are!

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    1. Oh Catmac, I feel your pain. I remember when I lived on my own and found a humongous spider in the bathroom, I had to ask the chap at the off-license up the road to remove it for me! Can you order a couple of humane traps (they've got them in B&Q) and ask your friendly neighbour to check them for you? It;'s not pathetic at all, I wish I could come and help you. xxx

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    2. You are such a darling! It would be delightful to see you whatever the reason, even for a mouse!

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    3. An incentive for a road trip once lockdown is over if ever there was one! xxx

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  5. LOVE your blog but totally cracked up at your saying " The Lacuna " was by Barbara BOLSOVER instead of Kingsolver. Giggle. Were you thinking of good old Dennis ( the beast of Bolsover ? ) If you enjoyed that ( shes one of my favourite authors then I heartily recommend two more of her books. My absolute fav is THE POISONWOOD BIBLE which is just incredible and ANIMAL VEGETABLE MIRACLE about her own life on the land attempting to eat only what they can produce or buy very locally.

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    1. Hehe! The moral is don't drink and blog! Thank you so much for those recommendations, in the absence of any charity shopping for the foreseeable future I've bookmarked both those Barbara Kingsover books in my Kobo account and shall download them when my book pile runs low. Thanks you for reading and commenting! xxx

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  6. Lots off lovely outfits and accessories, it’s better than any magazine reading your posts Vix.
    Talking of reading that’s a fabulous list of books you’ve read. I used to record what I’d read and what I wanted to read in a little notebook and take it to the library with me. Maybe now I’ve started getting books from there again now I’ll have to restart it.
    Hello to Jacob. I wonder if he will sense there’s something amiss in the world. Wouldn’t it be good if we could all curl up somewhere warm and come out when it’s all over and the sun is shining again.
    Have a nice weekend you two. Mind you weekends and weekdays don’t mean a lot now do they haha xxxx

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    1. You say the nicest things, Lynn!
      I never used to bother making a note of what I'd read, hence the reason I keep buying the same books from charity shops. I bet there's some gadget we could add to our blog side bars to keep a note of our reading. I'll have to investigate.
      You're right, weekends don't exist any more. xxx

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    2. Let me know if you find a gadget for Our book reading habit.

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  7. That's the first I've know of Jacob - I love him so much! Your outfits are as gorgeous as always. You sure got a lot of reading done this year. I started out strong with 20 books in the first two month of the year but once the pandemic came along I couldn't concentrate and became a complete new addict instead. I need to get back to reading this year. Have a fantastic weekend Vix!

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    1. Thanks, Martha! Jacob doesn't do a lot but he's kept me entertained for years! xxx

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  8. Hey Vix,

    Your meals always look delicious especially what looks like this chickpea curry. Could you give us the recipe please?

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    1. Hello Martina! I've posted it before, I'll go back and find a link later this week! xxx

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  9. Oh how I'd love to travel again too. Our plans for summer are post chemo week away at an ocean front house with Buddy - money be damned.

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    1. You so deserve a holiday! That ocean front house break sounds perfect. xxx

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  10. I'm looking forward to a trip to Cornwall. I've never been but it looks so pretty. Roll on those jabs.

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    1. I've only been once and it snowed the whole time! xxx

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  11. I love the picture of Jacob and Frank, and Frank *gasp* gallivanting around with that hussy next-door kitty! Shocking! :-P

    Loving your outfits - I can see you are having a lot of fun diving into your closet to mix and match new things. I am in love with your bracelets with the coloured stones/gems, Vix - just ship those right on over to me!

    Our weather today is the same: crisp, clear and cold, but I'll take it! Just seeing the sun makes me happy/happier! I know, I always stress that "we're distanced", as I don't want readers to think I'm one of "those people" who don't follow the rules. We are only allowed to go for a walk with a person outside our bubbles/households, and I've done that a few times, but my friends are leery. Happily, our pal Nick is joining us for lunch tomorrow - he has a zero bubble, so we feel safe with him and vice versa.

    I enjoyed your book list, and we have ONE book that we've both read: The Alienist by Caleb Carr, which I read when it first came out and have no recollection of at all. I've dived into my science fiction in my library and am re-reading a massive series by Julian May - love her books.

    Have a wonderful weekend, Vix, and much good vibes to you and your fam.

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    1. She's a gorgeous girl, Frank just can't help himself!
      I am enjoying delving into the jewellery drawers and trying different combinations, with so little going on exploring my stash is a real adventure. I don't like sparkly stones but those opaque semi-precious gemstones make my heart beat a little faster.
      I'm so glad you're able to have Nick in your bubble. It is daft though, isn't it? I'm sure all our readers know we're sensible and law abiding but I feel like I need to make a point of reiterating it, just in case!
      The Alienist was a cracking read! xxx

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  12. I feel your travel pain. I should be packing up for annual Spanish get away.

    I second the recipe request. I think a few of us are looking for food inspiration.

    Keep well, stay healthy. Even when we are vaccinated, I dont think travel will be as easy as it once was.

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    1. I remember you mentioning your Spain trip and how you didn't think it was be going ahead, such a disappointment. I'm still amazed - and eternally grateful - that we were able to go to Crete last September.
      I shall work on the recipes - or get Jon to write things down.
      Stay safe & healthy. xxx

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  13. Love your dress challenge you are doing Vix! You come up with a variety of outfits and all are great! It was so funny when I popped on your blog today and saw Jacob, as I had been wondering if he hybernates in his new home Jon made for him this past year, or just what and where he goes! I did not know he goes inside for a few months, that is precious! I remember in one of your long past posts that you have had him since your 11th birthday, so wonderful! Weather has been colder here, but still not a trace of snow here on the coast yet, lots up in the mountains tho. I would not mind a day or two of snow, when I was a kid my Mom used to say it purifies the air!!, and after the 3rd snowfall she would make us kids Snowcream, (after the air was purified!) I have been doing the #52 tag challenge from AnneBrooke blog. Made my 4th one today. It is so fun, and great to use up lots of scraps in my art room! Stay well and safe

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    1. Hello Chrystal! I've seen that #52 tag challenge on another blog, what a fabulous idea combining creativity with using up your stash!
      Yes, Jacob hibernates in the unheated utility room and crawls out when he wakes up, usually just heading to a warm place where he'll sleep for another couple of months. Then we really will be in Spring (I hope!)
      We've got really deep snow today, so usual for this part of the UK which doesn't often get any extremes of weather. I like the sound of snow cream! xxx

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  14. Ah, Jacob ventures forth! A sure sign of something! His reappearance prompted me to Google Hermann's tortoise -- and so I learned he's now listed as an NT (near threatened) species, perhaps because the mating rituals can endanger the females. Reminded me of ducks, and a violent bunch they are. Perhaps it's as well dear old Jacob is a solitary bachelor.
    Speaking of ducks, I'm looking forward to the new normal when you can ship Kinky Melon garments to the U.S.A. Like the jacket with the Mallards! (What is the story behind the white coat with red trim?)

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    1. I didn't realise that Hermann's were on the endangered list, that makes me feel like advertising for a mate for him this year!
      I thought that crazy duck jacket would catch your eye! xxx

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  15. I envy Jacob-at this point a couple months of sleep would be a good start.
    I've barely read anything this year.
    I'm ready to get out too, but suspect it might be a long time before anyone throws open the gates.

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    1. Oh to curl up under a curtain and wake up when all this madness is over! xxx

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  16. Your kashmiri vest is so gorgeous - a definte forever work of art. I love dark tv series and crime - british (or european) only if it wasn't made in NZ. Which is quite hilarious as I'm a healer and can be very love and happiness in my life - but we do need a balance......

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    1. Thanks, Ratnamurti! I think you're right about needing a balance, I think that's why I love foreign travel so much, you can't fully appreciate your own life until you've experienced how other live theirs. xxx

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  17. You have a tortoise! So cute. <3 I'm not getting the vaccine, seen too many videos of neural damage (got epilepsy 3 times from polio vaccine so not taking any chances) but most people seem to deal with it quite well. Missing travelling but then again staying at home and travelling in Finland only is quite relaxing. We have a much better situation here so life is easier - no lockdowns so far. Hope things get better over there as well!

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    1. We do, Jacob has been my pet since 1975!
      I'm sorry you developed epilepsy from a Polio vaccine. I hadn't heard of that or of any worrying side effects from the Covid vaccine either. It looks like people won't be able to travel abroad unless they have the vaccine so my arm is already out and awaiting the jab! xxx

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  18. Jacob is adorable, I love the idea of him just bumbling round the house as he feels like. The blue skies of the last few days have been lovely, but I really want to feel some warmth in my bones - the photo from your travels was just so evocative - I can imagine the noise, the smells but most of all that heat that goes right into the core - even though we've a lovely warm house and I've been lighting the fire each day I don't feel properly "warm" if you know what I mean. I think I might be semi reptile myself - perhaps I'll take a leaf out of Jacob's book and find somewhere to hibernate until it warms up and gets better!!

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    1. He's such a character!
      I'm with you on being chilled to the bone, Julie. Sometimes the only thing that warms me up is sitting in a bath and adding more and more hot water until my skin tingles. Nothing beats that delicious warmth of the hot sun on your skin, it's better than a hug.
      Hibernation sounds like such a tempting option at the moment! xxx

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  19. Poor Jacob he must have got is clock confused!!! bless him. I am waiting for the koi to emerge but nope! Paul thinks another 3 and they should start to come up. You are still comming up with beautiful outfits I see. I got some fab jelly bean leggings off eBay for a steal. And they are fab sadly though it’s from a company who is going out of business which saddens me.
    I had to get rid of another book this one was by Karen rose, it kept going through the begging it was giving me a headache 3 days in and I felt like I had no clue . So that’s on the pile to go.
    Never mind. Glad you got to see Liz she always looks so happy. Junko my friend took willow to the park I wanted to go but I had work to do. So next time I’m going!! Take care and keep safe.

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    1. He's a silly boy, isn't he? He's fast asleep in the lounge curtains now, hopefully we won't get another peep out of him until March.
      Those leggings sound fabulous!
      Life is too short for bad books, I haven't got the patience to persevere any more.
      It was lovely to see Liz and yes, next time you must go out with Jinko and Willow. Stay safe. xxx

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  20. lovely looks again - the dress is a beauty and the waistcoat really shines against the black and dark red..... liz wears the pompom hat very well! your walk in the sun looks gorgeous - and how wonderful are this watercolors! liz is so very talented!
    had to smile about the cat trying to catch your pompom :-)
    i have the sister of that chunky bejewelled cuff - but broader and brought home from india 2009..... had to cover the inside with fabric as i´m allergic to white metal. i guess you may have saw it on my dressing table pics....
    impressive reading list - i fear i only made it thru 2 or 3 books last year - it feels as if i have read every story on earth already......
    stay warm and safe! xxxxx

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    1. Thanks, Beate! I have seen the twin of that cuff on your dressing table. good idea with the fabric lining. I used to react to white metal but seem to have grown out of it, I used to paint my earrings with clear nail varnish which seemed to work well. xxx

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  21. Looking at your book list and love of crime fiction Michael Connelly might be an author you enjoy and there are lots in the charity shops. We are now on the third generation of family reading his books all of which I kept. He is still writing so there are lots to go at. Edu x

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    1. Thanks so much, Edu! I have read a couple of Michael Connelly books and really enjoyed them, I'd forgotten all about him. I shall keep my eyes peeled when the charity shops reopen. xxx

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  22. I love seeing Jacob in the house!
    Some interesting books on your list. I read A Fine Balance just after you. What a book.I was so overwhelmed by the ending and it has stayed with me, I often find myself thinking about those characters.
    Keep safe and continue being fabulous!

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    1. Hello Carole! Every house needs a tortoise in the curtains!
      I'm so glad you loved A Fine Balance as much as I did. I really loved those characters and lie you, I still think of them. What an exceptional talent Rohinton Mistry is.
      Much love to you! xxx

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  23. Oh hello Jacob! He’s very handsome Vix. I just love tortoises, I know they don’t do much but I could watch them all day long. Frank’s catfriend is a looker isn’t she. You and the ladies are really putting me to shame with these reading lists. What a phenomenal list! Thank you for highlighting your favourites. After having a break from Scandi Noir (don’t know what could surpass The Bridge really) we started watching The Investigation last night. I’m off to take a look at Liz’s beautiful paintings… Lulu xXx

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    1. Hello Lulu! Tortoises are such fascinating creatures, You should watch him go when the sun's on his shell and he's got a mountain of wild rocket to plough through.
      You've got enough going on to keep you occupied so don't ever feel guilty about not reading enough. I shall research The Investigation. We've got a Norwegian heavy metal film to watch, I shall keep you posted! xxx

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  24. Hey Vix! I told Phil what you said lol Now I was stopped in my track by the BEAUTIFUL blue of that Victorian brooch! Love how you used it. How cute if the photo of Frank peeking over Jacob.Blimey that was an impressive reading list. My youngest set me a challenge of a book a month(nothing really) but with keeping an eye on my husbands elderly auntand helping hubster with the business well I spend more time on here than reading to relax. Love the Phool midi dress. I might invest in a black turltle neck as it certainly is a ersatile piece. Your friend Liz is so talented what a pair you are. Glad you got to walk with her. My bestie and I check in on each other once a week via phone just to make sure we are still sane! hugs Shazxx

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    1. Hello Shaz (and Phil and Amy!) Isn't that brooch a wonderful colour? Don't go Googling Ruskin Ceramics or you might get obsessed with his incredible blue glazed pots!
      Reading blogs as just as good as reading a book, you get such brilliant insight into other lives, something we can't experience in reality at the moment.
      I'm glad you're still able to chat with your friend regularly, I hope it won't be long before you can meet up with her. Loads of love. xxx

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  25. Will your Boys just ignore Jacob in the house Vix while he sleeps a while?,My thatch dog loves my pom pom too and he made a cheeky grab for it and looked surprised when it popped off it's popper and scarpered with it in his mouth.I'm always mentioning social distancing too and if I chat a moment with a neighbour of anyone I'm always walking backwards and repositioning myself-it's very odd x

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    1. Hi Flis, they mostly ignore Jacob at this time of year when he's sleeping but come the Spring when he's properly awake he gets out of his box and eats their cat food, which upsets them a great deal.
      I know, we keep emphasing the social distancing at every opportunity, we'd never even heard of the phrase a year ago and now we say it at least three times a day! xxx

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  26. Flippin' love this post. It's got everything in it. You're so lucky to be able to spend time with your friend. I'm really,really missing being sociable. It's all too easy to become a hermit. I loved the new Danish drama last night and am tempted to watch more of it but am trying to pretend I don't watch too much telly!!Anyway, it's Spiral Saturday, yippee. Have a good weekend. xxx

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    1. Thank you!! I was so lucky to get to see Liz, we talk on the phone every week and "chat" on Facebook but nothing meets a proper face to face does it?
      We're terrible, we can't just watch one episode and wait for the next, we polished off an entire Norwegian crime series over two nights this weekend. we are TV addicts! xxx

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  27. Interesting the list of books, I love to read and the late evening is perfect for me. John Le Carrè, Jeffrey Deaver are also among my favorites! I love your combinations and your fantastic jewels .. I worked in a goldsmith's workshop in my city. A master goldsmith who created jewelry by hand ... I learned to recognize stones and I loved the ornaments of different cultures. Jakob is adorable! I smiled when I saw Kitty! Beautiful cat! Here too we stay at home .. but it's cold and you really don't want to go out. I looked, admired, Elizabeth Whitehouse's website! Thanks for talking about it! Beautiful ... Bamaluz, St. Ives is extraordinary !!
    Hugs, Carmela

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    1. I love that we have similar taste in books!
      How fascinating about your past in the goldsmith's shop, I bet you learnt so much and saw some beautiful things.
      Elizabeth is supposed to have a show in St Ives this year, I hope it happens! xxx

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  28. Thought of your Jacob when I saw this yesterday lol
    https://twitter.com/changed_gear/status/1352607571165720578?s=20

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  29. My earrings came, yay!! thanks for the linky xxx - will blog them to death next week :) that vintage brooch is beautiful/love the colour and simplicity, trying not to be jealous of your superb phool dress, it has those distinctive colours/patterns that I love. we had a tortoise but he sneaked off into the woods years ago (everyone says they can't climb but I am sure they do; either that or someone nicked him. I used to stroke his little head - does yours like that? That is an impressive pile of books - I just can't settle to read a whole book very often - ocd/adhd who knows!

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    1. Yay! I'm looking forward to seeing your choice of earring on your blog very soon!
      Jacob had a brother (Jaws, my brother's choice) who ran off, I bet both yours and Marcus's are still around living a few yards away, they aren't the niftiest of movers! xxx

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  30. I'm not sure if it was down to Storm Christophe, but we certainly had stormy weather too this week, with lots of rain and a gale force wind! Phoebe hardly went outside at all, and I can't say I blame her.
    I'm loving the Kashmiri wool work waistcoat, and that block printed midi skirt is gorgeous too. And, unlike me, you don't half suit a polo neck! Swooning over the Ruskin brooch!
    Hello Jacob! Does he usually come out of hibernation this early?
    I've no idea how many books I've read, but I'd be surprised if it were as many as you. It's only since the last month or two that I've come into my reading stride!
    I can't believe that 1950s leopard print sheepskin coat was hiding in the Kinky shed.
    The weather couldn't have been better for your walk with Liz. I am admiring her amazing artwork on Instagram! xxx

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    1. I bet we were sharing weather! Storm Christophe wreaked havoc in some parts of the UK and lots of the North west and Shropshire were flooded. Now we have snow! I'm sure the weather gods are sending us all this challenging weather to stop us being bored during lockdown!
      Jacob usually emerges after we get back from India in mid February and goes back to sleep in a warmer part of the house. He's very early this year.
      I would have listed that leopard coat on ebay but my excuse is that it's far too heavy to post! xxx

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  31. I had a long chat on the phone with a friend today and we talked about what we miss, friends, going places, seeing peoples faces, will festivals be the same. I could go on and we talked about lots of good stuff too. Anyway, here on your blog you mention missing getting away, seeing friends and I think we all just miss other people a lot by now. Like you, we're having the best time we're able to, and not complaining but looking forward to a day when normality returns.
    In the meantime it's good to read your blog and 'comment chat'!
    Have a good weekend. xxx

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    1. I can't wait for normality! Most of us have done so well but these last few weeks have been a lot harder as the weather hasn't been at all conducive to going outside or getting stuck into any gardening.
      Thanks goodness for telephones and blogs so we can stay in touch with our friends! xxx

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  32. Vix, I love your Wear:Sleep:Repeat collage. It shows how creative you've been with mixing and matching your outfits.

    I also kept a 2020 book list and am proud I read 29 books as I'd read considerably less in 2019.

    Do you know when you'll be getting the jab? They haven't started it yet here in Australia. X


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    1. That's great that you read 29 books, it's such a great way to relax and switch off.
      I'm surprised that the vaccinations haven't started in Australia yet. As I think I mentioned before it's over 80s, then over 70s, over 60s, the clinically vulnerable & carers then us, the over 50s which will probably be the end of May. xxx

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  33. Such a great pic of Jacob! He looks quizzical!
    I am glad you posted your book list- you read some really interesting ones!
    I always love seeing your ebay listings (I've perused a few times!)
    That waistcoat you wore in outfit 1 is wonderful! So bright and attractive!
    So good you got to meet Liz for a walk.
    I know EXACTLY what you mean about adding the disclaimer phrase 'socially distanced'- I have STOPPED myself from doing it on so many occasions because I feel exactly the same about it as you do- it seems ridiculous that any reasonable human being wouldn't be doing it! Like last Sunday, I met my friend Christina in the woods for the end of my walk- and of course, we kept our distance, but you do feel the need to reassure people that you are adhering to it, like the blogging anonymous face is judging us for daring to meet someone without confirming that it was SD!
    xx

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    1. He'd got halfway across the kitchen floor before he'd opened his eyes, I think he was as surprised as we were!
      It was lovely to meet up with Liz. I can't imagine anyone who reads your blog or mine would expect anything other than us being caring people and following the rules. It will be very odd not to socially distance after almost a year of it, won't it?
      xxxx

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  34. The storm sound little on scary side, although usual after a good storm there is a rainbow. Right? I keep here we here in North Idaho might get light dusting of snow. Haven't had much this winter.
    The jewelry is sure pretty.
    Coffee is on and stay safe

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    1. You're right, no rainbow but the sky was beautiful afterwards, crystal clear. xxx

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  35. Love to see your challenge and the way you accessorize every single outfit!, and love your photos of magnificent pendants and earrings!, I have a weakness for your jewellery!.
    Lovely to see you well wrapped for a walk (your dress and coat and pendant, so fabulous!) and your friend's sheepskin coat (love it!). And She's so Talented!.
    Totally agree that sunny yet cold days are glorious! and perfect for a walk!
    Thanks for sharing the list of the books you've read, and your preferred!, I'm telling Mr.A. to have a look and pick some titles (I think your tastes are similar!).
    Glad to see Jacob getting ready for his (long) nap, and lovely photobomber Kitty!
    besos

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    1. Jewellery makes outfits so much more interesting, doesn't it? I love it, too - I'd be in India buying more if it wasn't for this pandemic (thank goodness for eBay!)
      Aren't Liz's pictures lovely? I shall share her latest as she's finished them now. xxx

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  36. Great pictures of the cats and Jacob. Where does he go when he hibernates? Does he choose a spot or do you keep him somewhere? My tortoise knowledge is limited as you may tell!

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    1. We pop him in a box lined with shredded newspaper under a cupboard in the utility room (which is unheated), he climbs out when he's awake and makes his way into a warmer place in the house 4 - 5 month later. We do put him outside in his run in April if the weather is warm enough but he comes in every night until the danger of frost is over and then he stays outside until the end of September! xxx

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    2. Thanks for explaining. It must be lovely to see him again on the day he first wakes up.

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  37. Hello Jacob!
    Andy now says that watching TV and seeing people stand close to each other makes him feel really uncomfortable, he's so used to being 2m away from everyone now. It will feel very strange to have our freedom back, I don't know what I'll do first - take some bags of donations to the charity shop I suspect :) (I know how to live the high life!).
    xx

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  38. Hello Jacob now we know spring is on it's way. I hadn't thought of doing a book list I use Goodreads and set myself their yearly challenge.

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  39. Love the Photo of Jacob and one of the Lads and of Frank's Girlfriend. The Vintage Cuff Bracelet with semi-precious Stones... swoonfest!

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  40. I can imagine you're desperate to get away - I know I am!

    Good to see Jacob looking so happy.

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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