Despite it not being his turn, Jon felt sorry for me & my gammy hip (yes, it's back) and insisted on getting up and making tea and we read in bed until 9am when we tuned into the Andrew Marr Show in the kitchen, ate toast and swapped a few more plants over to soak in the utility room sink.
Jon popped out for groceries, then continued with the hard drive file swapover. Meanwhile I swept the downstairs rugs, boiled some sad looking spuds for turning into potato salad later, painted my nails and finished my book in the lounge.
Wear:Sleep:Repeat continued with Saturday's 1970s polo neck, worn with another of my Afghan dresses (bought from a trader friend at a vintage fair in 2018), a charity shopped vintage leather belt and my me-made pompom hat.
The details: Barry M's Evergreen nail paint, Afghan Kuchi pendant (bought from pals, Old's Cool Traders), white metal earrings made by Afghan refugees and Frye Campus boots (bought new in their box from eBay for £35, the retail price was £335)
After noodles we sat for an hour and did the Big Garden Birdwatch, something we've wanted to take part in for years but have always been away in India. Typical, isn't it? Normally our garden is jam packed with birds but on the day of the count we hardly had any - a gang of magpies, some clinically obese wood pigeons, Robin S, Mr & Mrs Blackbird and a gaggle of long tailed tits.
Our birding hour paled into insignifance compared to the birdwatching adventure we had in the remote and almost lunar landscape of Kutch in Gujarat back in 2018 (HERE).
Despite Jon's pleas for me to take it easy I insisted we walked around the block. I always feel better after exercise. Back at home I wrapped my eBay parcels ready for Tuesday's post office run and went through the book pile for this week's bedtime reading. I've read quite a few of Anne Tyler's books, A Spool of Blue Thread being the most recent.
Tea was corn on the cob, homemade potato salad (I managed to find a few chives in the border outside that had survived the snow) and a slice of No Bull vegan Wellington.
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| SOURCE |
We finished watching The Investigation on Saturday night and discovered Finnish thriller Bullets on Channel 4's Walter Presents. Produced by the team behind The Bridge, The Killing and The Millenium Trilogy films, if you're a Scandi Noir fanatic, you won't need to ask if it's any good.
I could hardly sleep on Sunday night. We had eye tests booked on Monday morning and the excitement of having something written on the calendar was almost too much to bear. I did my Wii Fit workout, Jon joined me for breakfast and we headed into town, getting to the opticians at just before 9am. Our checkups were a couple of months overdue and we'd been wary about booking but when we'd walked past on our way to Stafford Street on Friday we'd been reassured by the Covid measures. Appointments only to be booked online, no entry without a mask, perspex screens...all the usual stuff. Being frontline healthcare workers all the staff have had their jabs. If you're worried, please don't be, Specsavers are brilliant.
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| My obsolete specs collection - I can get them reglazed in India when I'm allowed back |
Both of us have a family history of glaucoma which entitles us to free NHS annual eye tests. I thought my near vision had deteriorated and it had. Typically, I'd only splashed out on new glasses and prescription sunglasses in November 2019 although I can't really complain as I've worn them constantly. Leaving Jon to his examination I browsed the frames on display - tricky to chose wearing a mask and having to put every pair I tried on in a plastic crate for the store to disinfect made me feel quite guilty despite the assistant reassuring me that it really didn't matter as long as I'd found the right ones. Once I'd selected my new frames & been measured up, Jon handed over two exisiting pairs of glasses he'd opted to have reglazed - his prescription had also changed. The optician had commented that my eyes were really dry (too much screen time) so leaving Jon to pay the bill I popped up to Boots for some eye drops.
We walked back up the Hill of Doom where, back at home, a package was awaiting Jon, a tin of Sex Pistols plectrums, a little treat I'd found him on eBay.
My Wear:Sleep:Repeat challenge saw me rewearing Sunday's Afghan dress backwards....
Along with a mirrored Banjara waistcoat I bought from Colaba Causeway in Mumbai back in 2015 and Mum's original Biba lace-up boots.
The details: Indian block printed mask, Frida Kahlo earrings (festival neighbours, Shilpa Silver) and Indian silver pendant (Goa, 2016)
After our lunchtime noodles I repotted a few houseplants, wrapped up more ebay sales and took photos of pretty dresses in the garden which I uploaded to ebay. I did question the wisdom of listing party frocks, five weeks into lockdown, but got an offer minutes after I'd uploaded them.
Walsall's made the national headlines today, we're one of eight places in England where the new South African Covid variant has been found, with no links to any international travel. So far it's not in our part of town, just Tony's and he's not allowed to leave the hosue until he's been tested - as if having a lockdown birthday on Wednesday wasn't bad enough! In addition to all that excitement we've been issued with weather warnings for snow & freezing rain tonight. 2021, the gift that keeps on giving!
Tea was a veggie burger on crusty bread with some melted blue cheese, salad & the rest of yesterday's potato salad. We'll be watching more of Bullets later.
Stay safe, stay sane and see you soon!
Lol my calendar only shows medical appointments. I left the house for the first time since my last in hospital stay Jan 8th yesterday - we managed a short walk with Buddy. It felt good to get fresh air - almost normal although it was nice out and many had the same idea. I had to walk into the street and/or onto the grass many times to give people a wide enough birth (12-20 feet lol). We have to new strain here in BC but not sure where, they don't like to give out the information specifics on that which seems silly to me. Glad you got a sale on a party frock, I think you will see good sales as people are planning for "when things return to somewhat normal"
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy that you left the house for a walk and I bet Buddy was even more excited having you by his side. That's the trouble with lovely weather though, everyone has the same idea and not all of them are as thoughtful regrading social distancing.
DeleteIt makes good sense to share the areas where these mutatations are being detected, doesn't it? I'm not hapy with them being two streets away but at least I know. xxx
How exciting to have your eyes tested! I had mine done in September and got two new pairs; I agree Specsavers are brilliant.
ReplyDeleteI love that you have a dress that you can reverse; in fact thinking about it why can't can't a lot more of our clothes be reversible? Your Afghan dress was beautiful and I adore the embroidery. All the accessories were fab, too. What a lovely surprise present for Jon!
Anne Tyler is one of my favourite authors. Have you read 'The Armchair Tourist'? I've read all of her books and have almost all of them. I do find the earlier books better than the more recent ones.
I did the garden birdwatch too; for the first ten minutes there wasn't a bird to be seen but they soon came and went and came again...I usually do it with the grandsons but both are too 'grown-up' now to do it.
We're on to Series 2 of 'All Our Sins' and OH has his eye 'Bullets' next.
Take care and stay safe
xxx
It was exciting, I could barely sleep! I'm now impatient to get my glasses, not so much having them but having a reason to walk into town...the things that make us happy these days, eh?
DeleteI wonder why more clothes can't be reversible or multi tasking although a lot of the stuff is made from such cheap fabric it would probably disintegrate after a few wears.
I haven't read The Armchair Tourist. I'm starting a list of books to download on my Kobo account so when I do manage to travel I'll have a really good reading list of friend's recommendations.
I loved All Our Sins, let me know what you thought of the second series.
Stay safe! xxx
I loved the second series possibly better than the first!
DeleteOh dear, I saw today's press conference but did not know where all the affected postcodes were. With the promise of mass localised testing, have the government finally woken up to the fact that they have to move quickly with this virus?
ReplyDeleteSo sorry your hip is still playing up, hope that turmeric, or glucosamine/chrondroitin, or whichever direction you decide to go will help a bit until whenever you can no longer put off going to the NHS.
The Walsall resident with the South African variant tested positive in December! Apparently they are tested regularly as part of their job and they isolated immediately but you do wonder why it took almost two months to act, don't you? xxx
Delete"Rolls eyes" in agreement.
DeleteSA variant first detected 50 days ago . . . quarantine for inbound flights does not start until 15th February?
Stable door, horse bolted springs to mind. 😡🤬😤
It beggars belief, doesn't it? And yet people still keep saying BoJo's doing his best, like he's a toddler learning to walk! xxx
DeleteAdd over due eye exam to my overdue dentist visit and in person doctor visit! all are over 10 months over due at this point. I'm sorry that hi of yours is giving you issues-the warm, then cold, then nice, then snow and sleet can't be helping it at all. Your potato salad looks very good-my daughter makes a delicious vegan version, and now I am thinking of it. I'll add bullets t my list-still not sure what all I can access, but I have to complete my book before Friday so screen time will need to wait.
ReplyDeleteI was wary of the ye test but when I'd walked past the opticians a couple of days previously I was reassured by the measures I could see. I'm so glad I went especially as my eyes have got worse, no wonder I was struggling to read at bedtime, I was blaming the bulb in the bedside lamp. xxx
DeleteI was very amused at your calendar entry for February. Like you, I have one entry in February for Thursday and, like you, it says "Eyes" with the time. I was very surprised it took two weeks for me to get an appointment when I booked. The glasses I have are a disaster. Despite being metal, the edges touch my hot cheeks so the lenses constantly steam up. Not a great look! Still very ropey internet. Engineer comes tomorrow - fingers crossed it gets fixed. Love your outfits, great idea to have two looks from the same dress by reversing! Sorry for your hip pain - must be hellish - and sorry for Tony. It's all very worrying, isn't it? I had a lovely walk in a neighbouring village today. It was icy with a biting wind but sunny with it. There are a few heritage plaques which made an interesting diversion. Sad to walk along the High Street with shops closed (including my hairdresser!!!!). Looks like lockdown is here to stay for a while.
ReplyDeleteHello Catmac! When Jon checked online we could have got an appointment the next day, it's usually a few weeks so we leapt at the chance. I haven't had to wear my mask with glasses for ages but that steaming up thing is such a nusiance, isn't it?
DeleteI hope the internet gets sorted soon. Any news on your little visitor? Has he moved on to pastures new? I hope so.
Your walk sounds lovely especially with sunshine and heritage plaques. I hope our hairdressers are allowed to open soon, they're going to have queues around the block when they do. xxx
My guest has gone!!!!! Thanks for asking, Vix.
DeleteHow clever to rewear the Afghan dress backwards, very creative. They say that the limitations can be very freeing in the artist sense. The waistcoat is fabulous as well. Love the vintage boots as well. You look fabulous!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is great you were able to get new prescription glasses. Here in Bosnia and Herzegovina there are almost no measures (everything open, mask required only in hospitals and shops) and the cases are low- they seemed to getting lower if anything. It doesn't make any sense with the liberal measures, but hey I'm not complaining.
You're right about limiations being freeing, too much choice makes us inclined to be lazy. I know I'd fallen into a bit of a getting dressed rut during lockdown.
DeleteI'm so pleased to read that Bosnia and Herzegovina are not having to follow the rigorous measures that we are. It gives me hope that one day things will improve. xxx
Oh, how awesome, I have never noticed that your dress has a different coloured skirt on the front vs. back! That makes it so versatile! You look amazing in that fuchsia pinky colour, Vix.
ReplyDeleteL and I did the prescription glasses thing back in July and we were very nervous at the time, but we felt quite safe, and it was nice having the place to ourselves. I can't wait to see what you got.
I've been watching the birds in our trees - we're starting to see buds in the flowering plum trees. In Feb! Can you believe it? Spring is coming...
Those Afghan women were so ingenious with those dresses, so much variety in one garment. I'd been wearing it the wrong way around for years because I prefer the pinky red skirt to the black one.
DeleteWhen I tried the frames on I thought of you, I think you'll like my choice - shiny!
WE're nearly in Spring! It was light at 7.30am this morning...yay! xxx
Love the outfits but was the backwards one uncomfortable? Glad you both got your eyes check out. I haven't been in years and am way overdue. Please be super extra careful with that South African variant in your area! Stay warm and stay safe Vix!
ReplyDeleteHello Martha! Afghan dresses are made without darts, just a front and back panel, wide sleeves and no fastenings so no, not uncomfortable at all.
DeleteGet your eyes tested and I promise to stay safe! xxx
Your food always looks so nummy.
ReplyDeleteThank you! xxx
DeleteHubby was frantic to get a calendar and we have nothing on it (apart from my birthday later this month) either! I thought of you when we saw the news about the new strain of Covid in Walsall. Wasnt The Investigation good - I loved it. Your waistcoat is absolutely stunning - I imagine cleaning something vintage, heavy and detailed must be slightly scary though. Thank goodness I got my dangly earrings as the website seems to have closed - can't find them on ebay now - was going to get another pair. I noticed those 'No Bull' in Iceland, they look a bit too 'meaty' for me (I don't like the texture of meat) but I bet they are packed with protein. So sorry about the hip thing, have you tried aromatherapy massage before you get up? to warm the joint - Body Shop do a lovely one. Stay safe xxx
ReplyDeleteJon's written all the bin collection dates on his calendar so he looks like a right social butterfly!
DeleteThe Investigation was wonderful, wasn't it? Jens dedicating so much time to finding that poor couple's daughter that he nearly lost his own. Proper gripping stuff.
I've never eaten meat so the meat substitutes rarely appeal but that No Bull was lovely, lots of red cabbage, caramelised onion and balsamic vinegar, nothing chewy or weird.
I haven't looked at Body Shjop fo years, thanks for that, I shall investigate. xxx
Your quite right about the gift that keeps on giving ! It’s over here as well . So they are not to happy at all. I had some vegan smoked bacon, it was ok but the only problem was it tasted like smoky bacon crisps!!! But it was still lovely though.
ReplyDeletePaul is quite suprised at me sticking at it but I don’t really like meat as I have problems swallowing so going veggie was only option for me.
We get our glasses from jins eye test and glasses all done in under two hours !!! Take them home the same day. They only cost about £70.00. When my friend used to come pre covid, she would get her eyes tested in the UK and glasses here as they are way cheaper. Tax free.
Have you tried heat patches, have one on now, it’s huge but it lasts all day, the hospital give me them for my EDS, Paul nicks them. I have to have a bath to ease my joints as I wake up and they are all out of shape, my toes look like Voldemort’s fingers!! and I can’t put my socks on until I have a bath it’s painful as well.
Hmm, potato salad I could go for that!!! Take care and keep safe you lot!
I know, every bit of good news get followed by another set back, you can't win, can you?
DeleteI've never eaten bacon so I don't know what it tastes like but Jon tried that veggie bacon once and said it was like Frazzles, remember them?
Jon's always got his glasses made up in India, there's a lovely optician on the beach road in the village we stay at in Goa and I think last years's bill was £45.
I have myfacial pain syndrome, a posh name for having pain in the areas that aren't the problem - my ankle, knee and groin kill me but my hip never has. I could do with heated leggings rather than a patch.
That potato salad was delicious, even if I do say so myself!
Stay safe & well! xxx
Ha ha, my calendar was very empty until I started writing down retrospectively anything worth noting - from a distance it looks like a very social calendar until, once close enough to read and it says ... work. walk dog. post letter. shopping. and other such thrilling and exciting expeditions out of the house!
ReplyDeleteHa! I like that! If the calendar continues to be this empty I might be tempted to put stickers over the dates and reuse it next year! xxx
Deleteuuhh - your poor hip. must be the weather. keep it warm and eat almonds - recommended my yoga guru in such cases.
ReplyDeletecan´t wait to see your new glasses! good that the trip to the optician felt safe. but poor tony! that with this mutations is frightening..... vaccines going very slowly here in germany.....
that dress is one of my fav´s - anyway how you wear it. but with the little colorful waistcoat its extra fabulous.
your treat for jon made me smile a lot - lately i saw a 3 episode documentary about punk - produced by iggy pop. just wow! maybe you can find it on the net: "history of punk" or someting similar..... german TV likes to change titles.
stay safe and warm! xxxxx
ps: i´m in for a blog date with snakeskin boots - any ideas for the clothes? and when?
I've put almonds on the list, thanks for that! I'm an awful nurse and an even worse patient, I'm starting to annoy myself now.
DeleteI'm excited about my glasses, anything new is a novelty, isn't it?
What a birthday for Tony, as he lives alone it's not much of a celebration although now he's 55 he moves into tier 8 of the vaccine rollout so he should get his Covid jab sooner than us!
I adore Iggy Pop, I shall find that documentary and watch it. He does a show on BBC 6Music and his taste in music is impeccible.
I'm all for a snakeskin boot party, let's do it! xxx
Darling Viv,
ReplyDeleteWell, you have certainly added a new word to the reuse, recycle, rewear list....reverse. If in doubt about what to wear, simply reverse what you were already wearing and, hey presto, a new outfit!! How fabulous is that!!
Walsall seems to be making the news for the wrong reasons at present. Take the greatest of care, hunker down and stay safe until Spring! All will be well.
It's lovely to hear from you both, what a lovely surprise! xxx
DeleteI turned the page over on my calendar yesterday and wrote stuff on it just to look like there was something happening. Actually you’ve given me an idea. I could fill it with daily bulletpoints. That could be interesting to look back on.
ReplyDeleteI should have had my eyes tested in August but decided to wait. It’s a lovely family run opticians in Bacup, I’ll give them a call and get it done with.
Sunday’s outfit is a corker, it’s those jewel colours that suit you so Vix. Hope the hip isn’t to bothersome. Mind how you go when you’re out walking Missus.
Lovely morning read with my cup of tea. Thank you. Stay safe both of you xxx
I'm glad I've started writing my blog every other day to recall all the mundane stuff I get up to, if I wasn't able to go back and read it I don't think I'd be able to distinguish between the days.
DeleteGet your eyes tested, Lynn! I can't speak for any other practice than Specsavers but they really were excellent. Noone could get through the door without a mask or an appointment.
Looking back at my ever growing collage I can see a pattern emerging of colours that are most me. xxx
Something written on your calendar.... I could feel the excitement through my computer screen and understand totally. I'm glad you both got your eyes checked and remain on top of that, for your own good health. Eyes are precious. I'm so sorry to hear your hip is giving you fits, Vix. I pray that the bother leaves you soon. ~Andrea xoxo
ReplyDeleteI know! I've started to get excited about Bin Eve, the night we wheel out the bins prior to their fortnightly collection. That's what my life has become! xxx
DeleteGah! to the gammy. Ooh that kind of pain must wear you down Vix - I hope things buck-up soon. Your outfits and jewellery are just delicious, none-the-less.
ReplyDeleteWe bloody well had SNOW this morning. I have adopted the habit of wearing a swishy evening gown with a chunky old jumper over the top (to cheer myself up) - it looked quite fetching with my ankle-wellies when I went out to fetch the milk in at 6am (someone call Vogue, lol).
I've never had much luck with our local Specsavers. Last time I went in it was full of Gok Wan (that tells you how long ago) letterbox frames (which are fab if they suit your face shape)- they don't suit me - and so I ended up in the gent's department trying on horn-rims. I used to have glasses for work - but now I only need them sometimes for reading and I have some distance glasses to give my brain a rest (because my brain is something of a diva lol). I've often wondered about the tints that are supposed to be good for screen-related issues ...
I don't have a full calendar as such - but I do have a diary - full of exciting stuff like "Booked a Tesco delivery slot - yessssss!!!!" and "Flu jab @ 2.30pm".
I know - try not to hate my social whirl. When Mae West said "Keep a diary, and someday it'll keep you" - she so lied.
Right - time for a brew - much love to all. Big love to Maryland and cinnamon pastries xxxxxxxx
Thanks, Elaine! I'm sure it'll calm down eventually, at the moment it's like there's a mistuned radio going off in my head and I can't concentrate on anything ...grrr!
DeleteI love the sound of your glamourpuss snow outfit. I hope one of the neighbours saw you.
I've always had my eyes tested at Boots, taken my prescription away and ordered online but when I was waiting for Jon to have his eyes tested in Specsavers last time I'd been quite impressed by their array of own brand funky frames. As we could bubble up for eye tests we both went to Specsavers this year and I think you might like the ones I've chosen - they're metallic and shiny!
Jon went through his calendar and wrote the bin collection dates for the year so his is a lot fuller than mine!
Loads of love. xxx
Look at all your lovely, healthy plants - my track record with indoor plants is not great although at the moment I have about 5 that are several years old which is good for me. However, the poinsettia my eldest gave me for Christmas is just a stick with a couple of small leaves on - every time I looked at it another leaf had dropped off! we have sunshine after days of heavy rain so I shall round up the girls in a minute for a nice long walk. A bit of fresh and air and exercise makes all the difference these days. Stay safe with this awful new variant x
ReplyDeleteHouse plants are really temperamental, if I get a sick one I'll repot it and move it to a different place every week until it finds the right amount of light and cheers up. I think poinsettias are notoriously tricky.
DeleteThat hour of permitted outdoor excercise feels so good, doesn't it? xxx
You and Jon are setting good examples by keeping the appointment with the opticians! A family history of glaucoma is nothing to ignore, even in a time of pestilence and foul winter weather. The local healthcare facility where I volunteer has begun contacting patients to "encourage" them to catch up on tests they've postponed during the pandemic. As you point out, proper precautions do mitigate the risks.
ReplyDeleteYou're also spot on in noting that aching joints and the prospect of falling on icy pavement is very discouraging. Let us hope Punxsutawney Phil, the Prognosticator of Prognosticators, and his Inner Circle, get it right on his 134th attempt to forecast change from his tree stump on Gobbler's Knob. (Yes, I'm watching a ground hog surrounded by men wearing top hats...this is a big event here in the States.)
We've had it drummed into us about how vital these regular eye checks are. I was a bit wary but the opticians were so well set up and I'd urge anyone else due an eye test to get it done.
DeleteI haven't heard Phil's forecast yet, I shall have to investigate! xx
I agree, The Bridge was very good.
ReplyDeleteSaga was the best! x
DeleteHi Vix. I get my glasses from the local Specsavers as I don't want to lose them from the town. However I also bought 2 extra pairs for a total of £20 (incl p&p) from Glasses Direct - really straightforward. I keep one of the pairs permanently in my work bag and the other on a pile of books next to the bed. Saves hunting around for them!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, that's really kind of you to suggest Glasses Direct. I'm going to pop over and have a look, I could probably do with a couple of spares. xxx
DeleteHey there Vix, hope your hip settles again! felt a bit glum with the news of the variant in your town and also in a town not far from us but took it out on the living room yes there was hoovering of crumbs from under sofa cushions (blimey I do share too much lol) then just taken delivery of ours and also the elderly aunties groceries so that had to be sorted. Whew anyway my reward as ever is to drop by Vix land. Not dissappointed. That dress is so lovely and the fact it can be worn in reverse - love it. Glad you are not neglecting appointments and like you are calender is rocking er no just dental appointments! Now you have to be the best plant parent ever I took a leaf out of your the other day and gave mine (including the 20 year old spider plant) a good soak they seemed to love it. Love the earrings by the way. Phil and I just got some fresh air and the honeysuckle has some green, bulbs coming up everywhere will not be long and we will be enjoying your gardening posts again. Stay safe dear lady and good luck with the sales hugs Shazxx
ReplyDeleteBig hugs to you, Shaz. The news of the spread variant is really worrying and hearing that Captain Tom had died made me very sad indeed.
DeleteNothing like a brisk housework session to get things back on track We might not be able to control the outside world but we can control how tidy our homes are, were not completely powerless in these crazy times.
A 20 year old spider plant? You are the best plant parent ever!
I love hearing of you and Phil and your springtime spotting. I saw croci, snowdrops and primulas today, we're getting nearer! Take care! xxx
I love your hair plaited Vix, you should do it more often.
ReplyDeleteI am almost through Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows that you recommended in your 2020 booklist, what a fabulous novel it it.
It makes the wet days worthwhile as I have an excuse to sit in and read.
You have reminded me I need to soak and re-pot some of my plants.
I look forward to your next post.
X
Thanks, Jane! I wore it plaited during the first lockdown but like everything else, I've got lazier and lazier as time progresses.
DeleteI'm so glad you enjoyed Punjabi Widows, such an interesting and absorbing book. I love having a good book on the go . xxx
woww, you're growing a forest at home, your plants look so lush and fantastic!. This greenery is such a joy for the eyes!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your afghan dress both ways!, and love the way you accessorize it, your waistcoat is a beauty and your jewellery makes a difference!
Glad that you could have your eye tests safely, I did it some months ago and it was like walking into a lab, everything was proffessionally made!. I can imagine that prescription glasses are cheaper in India and that they put them in whatever frame you already have. I really miss the times when any optical shop had its own workshop to repair or custom make glasses, so I could make them reglaze any cool frame found in second hand shops!. I admire your collection of frames!
Sorry for your hip!, hope you feel better soon.
besos
A forest! I really am! When Stephen sits on the kitchen window I struggle to see him these days.
DeleteI was so impressed with the opticians, so well planned and safe. Prescription glasses are absurdly cheap in India, I shall save the frames and get mine reglazed when we're allowed to go back (hopefully next year!) xxx
For someone with a gammy hip, you're still doing a lot more in a day than I do. Mind you, it's probably best to keep moving if you can.
ReplyDeleteYour Afghan dress looks absolutely fabulous both ways, and how stunning is that mirrored waistcoat!
We had something similar to the Big Garden Birdwatch on Sunday too. Unfortunately, it rained for the better part of the day, so we only saw a handful of blue tits.
Ooh, a date in the diary! How exciting! Your trip to Specsavers sounds perfectly safe, and I can't wait to see your new frames. You've got quite a collection already!
I am really amazed at your vaccination strategy, which seemed to be progressing much faster than it does over here, and in the rest of the EU. Perhaps there is a silver lining to Brexit after all? xxx
I'm huffing and puffing like an old lady but I'm determined not to let this hip defeat me!
DeleteI'm outraged by the bahaviour of our birds, normally we're innundated with them. The next day we had blue tits and sparrows and Jon shook his fist at them in disgust!
I'm excited about my frames, I'm not sure if they suit me but they're shiny and new and hopefully allow me to see!
xxx
I know how you feel with the bird watch....Saturday there was loads.....Sunday nope! Sorry to hear the latest Covid news for your area. We were in one of the areas with the soaring numbers that had come in with the Kent variant last month. Things are thankfully calming down now we're back on barracks again, but am still being very sensible. Arilx
ReplyDeleteGah! Where did all the birds go, all my friends said the same apart from a lady on facebook who saw 17 starlings! xxx
DeleteI'm loving your mask! That's a beauty. And the wonderful glasses collection! How exciting to have a trip the opticians! I need to also go to the optician at some plint as my sight has definitely got worse over the last few years and I only have one working eye so I need to take good care of it!
ReplyDeleteWe also did the Bird count and didn't have all our usual visitors. My mum had ONE solitary rotund wood pigeon trudging round the lawn. She was disgusted.
The plectrums are cool!
Thanks, Kezzie! I got two beautiful freebies when I bought that embroidered poloneck from East!
DeleteYes, you do need to look after your sight. I was really impressed with the set-up at specsavers, I normally go to Boots but thought it would be easier if we went as a couple bubble to Jon's optician instead as his eyes are more tricky than mine.
Your mum and her solitary wood pigeon made me laugh. I think there were a few cheats in the neighbourhood laying down trails of bird seed leading to their gardens and stealing our regulars! xxx
Not at all surprised those frocks sold immediately-they're gorgeous and I suspect everyone's ready to dress up this summer.
ReplyDeleteI never thought of wearing my Afghan dress with a belt-there's a new idea. Turning it around might work too as mine has a velvet patchwork on the back-I'll have to try it and see.
I hope your hip behaves.
We all need something to look forward to, don't we? It's beginning to feel like a long hard slog now.
DeleteWith no darts in those Afghan dresses they feels the same worn both way round. I hadn't thought of adding a belt to that one either, Wear:Sleep:Repeat is making me think about my clothes a bit more. xxx
Sorry to hear that troublesome hip is still acting up. Glad to hear all went well at the optometrists , keen to see your choice.
ReplyDeleteClever you wearing your gorgeous Afghan dress both ways.
We are hearing some of your Covid news , not good that another variant is in your area. Hopefully soon the news will turn around. Take care.xx
Thanks, Jill! Just when we think we're getting somewhere with the vaccine roll-out this comes along and knocks us for six. We'll get there in the end, I hope! xxx
DeleteI hope the hip's behaving.
ReplyDeleteWe did the birdwatch too, we do it every year and without fail the birds disappear from the garden just before we start - how do they know?!
I have dry eyes, I use drops through the day and start the day with a gel, it lasts longer. I can always tell when they're too dry because my eyes feel tired.
The new covid variants are worrying, it just feels its unending. There's a man here servicing our boiler at the moment and it feels so odd not to be able to offer him a cup of tea. Stay safe Vix. xxx
What is it with those birds? So many said the same about them going into hiding over the weekend!
DeleteI shall get myself some of that gel, thank you! xxx
Mmmm corn, now I'm hungry!
ReplyDeleteWhat a collection of glasses you have, Vix! A good reminder to have less screen time. I too get eye headaches when I spend too much time on my phone. X
I think we'll all be needing new glasses afer this past year and spending so much time online. xxx
DeleteSophie said the same thing about her Big Garden Bird watch - all the usual birds stayed away. Perhaps they don't like to be watched and monitored!
ReplyDeleteLove your collection of glasses. I'm very overdue for a check up but don't feel like venturing out just yet...
These new variants are a concern, it feels like this is going to go on for the rest of the year, the only glimmer of hope is the continued rate of vaccinations.
Stay safe
xx
I said the same, the birds were all put off by us gawping at them armed with notepads and pencils! xxx
DeleteI get quite excited when I have an appointment booked too! I need to get my eyes tested again as I think all the extra screen time is damaging my eyes, and my prescription likely needs changing. You have a cool collection of frames!
ReplyDeleteI'm already excited about my Covid vaccine and it's a couple fo months away!
DeleteMy eyes have definitely deteriorated since lockdown, it is too much time spent online, isn't it? xxx
I'm sorry to hear your hip is bad again - does the cold make it worse?
ReplyDeleteI couldn't watch The Investigation; knowing it was based on a true crime put me off. I have got well stuck into Spiral though. (Is it me, or is it waaaay more brutal than the Scandi crime dramas?)
Yes, Jon's knees are terrible, too. It's the first winter we've spent exclusively in the UK for over twnety years, we nor mally break it up with some Indian heat, the cold is definitely a factor in our creaking joints.
DeleteI was horrified by the submarine case when I heard about it on the news but The Investigation is wonderful, it concentrates on the efforts the police and navy made to find the poor journalist's body, often to the determent of their own family relationships. It's sensitive and beautifully handled.
Spiral is relentlessly brutal (but so watchable!) I shall miss the team terribly but was happy with the ending. xxx