Wednesday 3 February 2021

The Distancing Diairies - 2nd & 3rd February, 2020

 

On Tuesday I was relieved to wake up to none of the predicted snow we'd been promised. I did my Wii Fit workout, wrapped the remainder of my eBay sales and had breakfast. Jon nipped out to the Post Office to drop off the parcels whilst I sorted out some stock for ebay which I ironed and then photographed outside.

After noodles I listed my stock on eBay and then went for a walk around the block, timing it perfectly as the rain started the second we got back in the house.


Wear:Sleep:Repeat saw the return of Monday's Banjara waistcoat, this time worn over a vintage Indian cotton midi dress by Interlinks, London. I worn my hair in a fishtail plait, just by way of a change.


The details: Remember the Kuchi cuffs I scored on ebay last week? The same seller had listed more tribal jewellery and I managed to snaffle these two bangles. They arrived on Tuesday morning and I had them on my wrists in no time. The Krishna earrings are from India, the Clarks' Orincho Club boots were from eBay as were the raspberry tights, which were £1.99 for two pairs but the quality is so good I've been wearing the same pair for three years and so these have remained in their packet.


Tuesday's big news was both Jon & I had applied to be community litter pickers and that our application was been approved, we get hi-viz vests, grab sticks and everything. I think this might top even going for an eye test as exciting things to happen in February!



Tea was garlic bread with salad.


 Later we watched more of Bullets along with the first in the new series of Interior Design Masters 2021, which I loved,  there's not nearly enough interior design on the TV.

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On Wednesday I did my Wii Fit workout and caught up with Blogland before breakfast. Jon popped round to Tony's to hand over his birthday presents and to drop off some groceries. There's conflicting messages about what people living in areas where the South African Covid variant has been detected should do, so we've told him to sit tight, wait for the testing squad to knock the door and we'll provide supplies in the meantime.


My Wear:Sleep:Repeat challenge continued.....


Tuesday's 1970s Interlinks Indian cotton dress got another wearing, this time with my vintage Anokhi  jacket. At 14°C it was mild enough for short sleeves today.


The details: 1960s cranberry suede & patent leather go-go boots (car boot sale, 2010), vintage tooled leather belt (charity shop, 50p basket), Indian earrings (gift from a friend)


I sent Jon to the Kinky Shed to find me some men's knitwear to photograph which he did but, on further investigation, I discovered three of the jumpers he was hiding on his rail were womens and I talked him into keeping a 1960s Pierre Sangan roll neck for himself. 


My first attempt at photographing them on the garden wall was thwarted by a burst of torrential rain but after a break for noodles the sunshine was back and I got the job done, listing and uploading them all to eBay.


We went for our daily stroll around the block and spotted a few more signs of spring including snowdrops, which must have burst open today. We didn't see another soul, I think all this talk of the dreaded South African variant has scared everyone witless.


  Back at home I went online and was excited to see that two of my jumpers had already sold. I went through Walsall Council's list of heritage buildings and plotted a walk for Thursday morning & got an email from a lady called Linda who, in an act of random kindness had painted a picture of me and needed my address to send it on. If that wasn't exciting enough I managed to win a fabulous vintage dress on eBay. After the news of the death of the Nation's hero, Captain Sir Tom Moore to the dreaded Covid, it was a happy ending to a sad day. 

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After watching Bojo's latest press conference with our first alcoholic drink of February we had pizza for tea - I thought I'd taken a photo but alas, I hadn't. I went out and clapped for Sir Tom and the NHS along with the rest of the neighbours and once I've pressed publish I shall be pouring us a couple of large rums, raising a glass to birthday boy Tony and settling down in front of the TV for some more Scandi Noir.

Stay safe & see you soon! 

58 comments:

  1. No coverage in American news of Captain Tom but blogs informed me of the sad news. What a 100th year. You seem to keep things hopping on eBay.

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    1. He was an inspirational man. RIP Captain Tom. xxx

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  2. I was so sad to hear of Captain Tom but what wonderful things he managed in his final year. Hats off to him. Good for you picking up litter - I think that is a wonderful way to get out and help the environment. I love your new bangles, great find.

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    1. I must admit to shedding a few tears when I heard the news about Captian Tom. xxx

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  3. I'm sorry to hear about Captain Tom, I didn't see any coverage here, but then again I've been so busy I haven't paid much attention to the TV. Love your outfits and accessories, I need that midi dress in my life! I love seeing those signs of spring, it's been way too cold for me this year! Enjoy the rest of the week :)

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    1. You'd hate it here now, -5°C - vile! I was born in the wrong country! xxx

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  4. Love the wee vest and outfit - just gorgeous. Amazing how a centarian selflessly became the National Hero - what a man!!

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    1. Thank you! I know, we all took Captain Tom to our hearts. xxx

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  5. The Doctor got one of those pick stick for his birthday last year. We live on a corner and lots of trashed gets tossed out of cars. He does the whole front and side almost everyday.

    Rest in Peace Capt Tom!

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    1. Nic one, Doctor! I usually pick up the rubbish tossed in our avenue but have been a bit scared of the masks, now I can handle them at a safe distance with my stick! x

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  6. Poor captain Tom it even reached here in the National news, I did shed a tear for him, he did one thing on his bucket list that he wanted to do and it killed him that broke my heart even more and those trolls shame on them all. As for that idiot trolling your fine health adviser in the street ! Poor mr Whitty what on earth has the UK come to, we’re are those boys parents. I hope they sling him in a young offenders institution see how he likes that !
    It’s funny in our area it’s our duty to keep our area clean, we have a rota to keep the street clean and tidy, there’s no bins in Tokyo because of the risin attacks so you have to take your rubbish home. But there isn’t a drop of litter, I don’t fancy a £5,000 fine!
    We take great pride in keeping our areas clean and tidy even the children clean the schools after their lessons, it gives them a sense of responsibility and pride which I agree with. Looking good as always. Still going through my wardrobe but it’s hard work.
    Take care and keep safe

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    1. Littering is just palin stupid, I don't get it at all. It's always Mc**** bags stuffed full and left on the pavement here, I suppose if you're thick enough to eat that kind of rubbish you probably haven't got a brain cell anyway!
      Keep up the wardrobe recluttering! I've bought loads on ebay recently, I'll be needing another rail at this rate! xxx

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  7. Brilliant that you two are litter pickers - what a great idea! I love that dress, inky black/blue is a great backdrop for all your accessories. Those bangles are superb and your fishtail plat really suits you. Looking forward to seeing the portrait.

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    1. What with my hip, Jon's knee and the weather we haven't been out litter picking yet. Strange as it might sound I am looking forward to it when I do! xxx

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  8. How ironic that Captain Sir Tom died of COVID. His family, however, must be bursting with pride at his late achievements and the legacy he leaves. That must bring comfort. Great outfits, Vix. I have recorded the Interior Design Masters so pleased to hear of your recommendation. I'm not a fan of Alan Carr which had put me off somewhat. My phone line and internet FINALLY have been fixed. What a hoo ha that was and the solution has left Heath Robinson wiring which is not the most attractive feature round my front door. Well done on volunteering to be litter pickers. My lovely neighbours have done the same off their own bat. It is gobsmacking how much litter is strewn. Folks chuck it out of cars, the bin lorries create lots of mess and even walkers drop a fair bit. It's very windy here. Snow forecast. Brrr. Eye test for me today.

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    1. I know, so sad that Covid killed Captain Sir Tom, but what a fantastic man, his family must be so proud and it must be a huge comfort to know that he was loved by all.
      I'm delighted to hear that your internet and phone line has been fixed, I bet you could have kissed the engineer.
      You should see us at festivals, I'm on my hands and knees when the punters have all left picking up fag ends in an effort to leave no trace. I'm excited about my grab stick although we're being hammered with snow at the moment which has put paid to any outdoor fun!
      Hope the eye test went well! xxx

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  9. RIP captain tom! he was one of the good.
    and 100 years is quite a number!
    chapeau to that you had applied to be community litter pickers - thats real love for the home town. in spring we will see a lot of plastic waste at the riverbanks and hope to get the community mobilised to collect it.....
    love the black midi dress with boths toppers - and again bangle/cuff sisters - the thick one of the newbies
    :-D and ooohh this red boots - so very very chic!
    we had a storm with +10°C last night - but it will change in the evening to ice & snow......
    xxxx

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    1. searched for the punk docu: "the true story of punk" is the original title.... i too adore iggy pop.
      xxxx

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    2. Thanks for that, Beate! I need more Iggy in my life!
      Captain Tom was such an inspiring man, we do need more selfless people like that in our lives not all these vacuous celebrities incapable of stringing a sentence together.
      Our litter picking group has just won a national award for the best community litter group. When restrictions ease I'd love to join them on a mass tidy up of the town centre and the canal network. xxx

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  10. Good morning lovely lady! well yes the news of Captain Tom passing added to the saddness but what he acheived esp. in his last year was amazing! Yep I agee just like you two to volunteer to litter pick your walks will have another purpose now and you must feel good about that. You are showing us all how to adapt to this new world and I have nothing but admiration. My funk is lifting and like you said in your reply we do have control over our own little world. I love your hair in the plait. As I said to Sheila I am an interiors nut so yeah can't get enough of it on TV. Glad you snagged some more beautiful jewellery. have a wonderful day and keep being fab! Shazxx

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    1. Hello Shaz, yes Captain Tom lived a good life and achieved so much, a truly inspirational chap.
      I've read a few blogs where people mention their lives being put on hold and it makes me really cross, nobody should be waiting for nomality to return we all need to adapt, live differently and find other ways of enjoying life.
      Interior design rocks - I can't wait for tomorrow night and another interior design fix. I bet the shops will be running out of paint again! xxx

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  11. Litter pickers... sounds like something you & Jon would do, to be of service to your town. God bless you folks for your generosity! ~Andrea xoxo

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  12. Oh, so sorry to hear of the news of Captain Sir Tom - he was an amazing man.

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  13. There were 4 of us applauding Sir Tom and The NHS-I think some may have wanted more notice.One lady was just returning from work and joined us-when we enquired she said she was a scientist and had recently visited the Oxford lab x

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    1. I think you're right, Flis. I had to dash out in my dressing gown as we didn't know anything about the clapping until BoJo announced it at the press conference.
      How interesting to meet that scientist lady! xxx

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  14. That is so sad about Captain Tom, but if I could end my days by raising millions and by inspiring the world, I'd take it.

    Lovely outfits - I love the short-sleeved jacket over the dress. Thanks for the good look at those vintage boots - they're in awesome shape, and so beautiful. John Fluevog totally borrowed that look for my own raspberry lace-up boots!

    I loved the first season of Interior Design Masters! I wish there were more shows like that (I watched Trading Spaces back in the 90s, but I prefer the more purposeful professional design). I'm in love with the blown glass competition show "Blown Away" - it's amazing what the glass blowers create! There are 2 seasons on Netflix, but you might be able to find them online on your side of the pond. I think you and Jon would enjoy it.

    Litter picking sounds either great or awful. Goodness knows what kind of stuff people toss? But maybe you'll find a treasure? What's the policy on keeping garbage? Ha!

    Happy mid-week, Vix!

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    1. Captain Tom certainly lived life to the full. What a legacy.
      My boots are so much like yours, aren't they? I do respect a designer who takes inspiration from the past without blatently copying it.
      There were so many interior designer shows back in the 1990s and now it's all cookery programmes which mostly bore me to tears. I like the sound of Blown Away. I accidentally watched a bit of The Great Pottery Throwdown last week and loved it, I bet you would too if you can find it.
      Most of the litter round here is laughing gas cannisters, masks, disposable gloves, beer cans and McDonald's wrappers - what charming neighbours we have. xxx

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  15. Sad news about Captain Tom indeed, but how lovely that you are having a nationwide clap in his honour!
    That midi dress looks gorgeous on you, and is the perfect length to show off those amazing cranberry suede and patent leather boots! And I'm absolutely loving your hair in pigtails or fishtail plait!
    Well done on becoming community litter pickers, although with your wardrobe I'm not sure what you'll need hi-viz vests for :-))
    I was amazed to see so many signs of Spring when we went to the park on Sunday. Not so much yet in our garden. Lots of green shoots are coming, but I'm not sure which is which as I can't remember which bulbs I planted where! xxx

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    1. I had to giggle when we were clapping, someone in the house behind us kept shouting "Come on, Tom", I wasn't sure if they were praising Captain Sir Tom or trying to get their cat in.
      I'm not sure how I'll work the Hi-Viz vest but I'll find a way!
      I'm the same with my bulbs, I thought I'd marked them but I keep seeing strange shoots appearing. xxxx

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  16. I am loving the men's jumpers and must check them out...

    Love your dress,waistcoat and the short sleeved Anokhi jacket - all fab. The fishtail plait is lovely.

    Respect for the litter picking! I am both saddened and outraged when I'm walking in the countryside and see bloody litter everywhere. I pick what I can but I'd need to carry a huge bag or two with me to pick it all up. Hope your neighbour has his test soon.

    Congratulations on your ebay finds; can't wait to see them. Agree about the lack of interior design programmes; where did they all go?

    I keep seeing Spring everywhere!

    Take care
    xxx

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    1. Those jumpers didn't hang around for long.
      The great thing about the litter picking is that you get a good supply of huge bags with official stickers and you just need to email the council with a location and they'll come out and get them or we can put them next to our bins on bin day and get them collected from home.
      We need more interiors shows, don't we? Forget all those boring cooking programmes, paint and fancy wallpaper is way more interesing! xxx

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  17. Miss Vix, as always, thank you. Your aesthetic is a joy. I'd like to ask how you care for your vintage gear in general, and most particularly, your boots. In addition, if you haven't, a pompom hat/beer mitten/handicraft etc tutorial would be a treat.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Elizabeth. I've added a link o the tutorial I use for crocheting pom pom hats in yesterday's blog post, I hope it helps! xxx

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  18. I love the blue dress and are jealous of how fabulous you look. Awesome that you and John are going to pick up litter. You're good people.

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  19. News of Captain Sir Tom Moore's passing made it to Australia too. 100- quite an achievement. I sure hope I get to 100!

    Good on you and Jon for applying to be litter pickers. X

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    1. Captain Sir Tom proved that you can still have fun at 100, didn't he? xxx

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  20. 14 C in Winter? Who would have guessed it? The weather is really hard to predict these days. We have to adapt as we go. I do like your short sleeve jacket and the dress. With temperatures this high (for Winter), it makes sense to wear a lighter jacket.
    I love your first outfit just as much. Both ways of braiding your hair work well for you. I liked seeing the single braid look, it's a nice change and it shows your thick is your hair. The cuffs you're wearing are lovely. It's great you're able to extend your cuff collection, they really do look perfect with your vintage and Indian outfits.
    Have a great weekend ahead!

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    1. It's not always that warm in August! Mind you we've got temperatures of -5°C today, you never know what to expect with the weather in the UK! xxx

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  21. Good on you both for becoming litter pickers! I will never understand why people chuck their rubbish on the ground, take your rubbish home and put it in the bin people!
    It really fills me with dismay when you see face masks discarded. I posted pics on FB of birds who have face masks caught up around their necks etc. It was so sad to see.
    I loved the Interior Design challenge, would love to see more on TV, so entertaining.
    Good luck with the litter picking. Stay safe!

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    1. It beggars belief what goes through their heads, isn't it? The number of face masks and disposable gloves we see abandoned on our walks is appalling but now we have sticks and bags we can dispose of them safely.
      I can't wait for tomorrow's Interior Design Challenge, a welcome bit of colour and fun between all the bleak Scandi Noir we watch! xxx

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  22. I love your blue dress, it's a lovely colour.
    I was sad about Captain Tom too, he lived to a very good age but it's sad he died of covid.
    The weather is feeling spring like isn't it, a false dawn no doubt but still very welcome, I've just got back from a Ziggy walk and like you I've been noticing all the flowers.
    I'm impressed at your volunteering, it's a lovely community minded thing to do.
    Have a happy Friday. xxx

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    1. I think you were right about the false dawn, sally. It's evil out there today! xxx

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  23. I was so saddened to hear of the death of Captain Sir Tom Moore, what an example he set to us all, and what a hero.

    Well done on becoming official litter pickers, I despair of dropped litter and really don't understand why people think it's okay to throw their trash around for others to deal with. Back in Wales we frequently had bags of empty McDonalds meal boxes and drink thrown onto our driveway as people went past in their cars. Here I make sure that I pick up at least one item each day, I'm going to the bin with a poo bag anyway I might as well take something else with me.

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    1. He really was an inspiration and a shining light of positivity, he brightened my day whenever he was on BBC Breakfast with his wise words and cheeky smilr. RIP Captain Sir Tom.
      It's always McDonalds meals here that get dumped which says a lot about the intelligence of their customers. I always pick stuff up too but can up my game with my grab stick and jumbo bin bags! xxx

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  24. Well done you two for volunteering for the litter picking. It’s a great thing to do and a legitimate reason for being out and about.
    We watched the interior design show. Am I wrong in thinking there’s been previous series of it or is it something different. I don’t think I’d like to work alongside someone else when you’re both buzzing with your own ideas. Do you watch the transformations on Love it or List it, they are usually good.
    Our snowdrops will disappear again this weekend, apparently we are in for heavy snow. Still a good excuse to do a bit of binge watching. I still haven’t looked at The Serpent.
    All ok so far with Philip and his jab, no side effects xxxx

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    1. I shall feel rather important in my Hi-Viz vest, I might even let it gop to my head and start shouting if I encounter any litter louts!
      We really enjoyed the Interior Design Challenge and you're right there's been a bit of format and name change. Most of the designers got on really well but wasn't that Charlotte awful? I wished she'd have gone. I haven't heard of that Love it or List it. It sounds good (except Kirstie really irks me).
      So excited that Phil's had his jab! Us next! xxx

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  25. We got your snow over here, so thanks....;) it's also quite cold with a predicted high of -19 with the windchill tomorrow. Kudos to you and Jon for taking on the role of litter pickers. I've cleaned up messes from ripped garbage bags on our street, and as long as I don't have to touch it with my bare hands, I'm fine picking it up.

    That was such sad news about Captain Tom, although, he did accomplish a marvelous thing in his final year that will be remembered for a long time.

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    1. Gah! I don't know how you can bear those temperatures. It's -5° here at the moment and that's bad enough.
      I've always fancied taking part in a community litter pick, although we can't do it in groups at the moment there's a lovely facebook page where we all show off our picks!
      Captain Tom certainly led a good life and achieved so much in his final year, so sad Covid got him. xxx

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  26. Beautiful photos, Vix! I love the wonderful colors of the Banjara vest on the blue of the dress ... and the charm of those jewels .. Yes! Always many inspirations! Even though I don't know the story of Capt. Sir Tom, I was sad that he was taken away by Covid ... Sadness for so many extraordinary people...
    Hugs, Carmela

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  27. I love your dress both ways, it's amazing the way some accessories, waistcoat/jacket and boots make it look different!. And love your embroidered waistcoat and the cute short sleeved jacket (it's nice when the weather is warm for this!)
    Glad that you got those cuffs, they're beautiful. Love that your ebay shop is having so much activity!, you're rocking it!
    I was saddened to hear the news about Capt. Tom, and sorry for my english friends. He was really inspiring.
    Great idea to join the litter pickers, and I totally agree that any activity has become an exciting event these days!. I saw some almond trees in bloom near my home and I almost squealed with delight!
    besos

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    1. Thanks, Minica! I wasn't sure if that dress was a bit boring initially but it turned out to be a perfect backdrop for jewellery and waistcoats, a proper work horse.
      We've even written "Bins" on the kitchen calendar and get quite excited once a fortnight when we wheel them out. Jon put them out a day early last week as he can't remember what day of the week it is. xxx

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  28. I think Tony is right to stay home- you are right. My childhood bestfriend posted yesterday to say her auntie and cousin (45) who were both vulnerable caught Covid and died 2 days ago after they caught it standing in the queue for Ilford town hall to get their jab as there were idiots not socially distancing in the queue. It's shocking!
    Well done for your litter picking signing up! You get to use one of those cool grabbers!!!!
    The crocuses are looking lovely! I meant to plant those corms I pinched from my MiL's kitchen cupboard (when I was cleaning it out for her) and I'm sad I forgot!

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    1. That's awful about your friend's auntie and cousin. What is the matter with people? Jon says he always has to tell someone off for invading his space when he does the grocery shop.
      I'm excited about my grabber and Hi-Viz vest although any litter is currenty buied under snow! xxx

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  29. An official Litter Picker - what a wonderful thing to do. I’ve done a few beach cleans (when we were allowed) and it’s a very satisfying thing to do!
    A like a fishtail plait, yours looks lovely!
    I was very saddened by Sir Tom's passing too, what a legend he was.
    I can’t believe I haven’t visited your blog since early Feb! I’ll be catching up but perhaps not commenting on all posts I’ve missed in the meantime, life has just taken up so much time recently, which seems impossible when you consider the fact I’ve hardly left the farm, but here we are…
    xx

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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