There I was thinking that the last year of my 50s would be fabulous but not only I have I lost the ability to walk but we woke up on Saturday morning to discover that Walsall had binned our Tory-led council (hooray!) only to replace it with something infinitely worse, Reform. God help us.
Anyway, onwards and upwards. On a more positive note, on Saturday I learnt that our ward was one of the few in the borough who didn't vote Reform (I knew we had the best neighbours). After a lie-in and a late breakfast, I donned the vintage wraparound skirt I'd altered the previous day and walked down to the Relay shop to pick up a Vinted parcel. The remainder of the day was spent gardening.
Browsing the latest National Trust magazine I was salivating over the recipe page and, as luck would have it, we had all the ingredients for this delectable carrot, parsley and mint salad with toasted pine nuts and raisins so Jon made it for tea.
On Saturday night, after watching the final installment of The Perfect Spy, we went through the films on the BBC i-Player and came across Bird, which we'd not heard of. As Jon quite rightly pointed out pointed out, Barry Keoghan doesn't do crap films so we weren't disappointed. It's a quirky coming-of-age film with shades of Kes and has a fantastic soundtrack featuring Fontaines DC, Blur and Sleaford Mods and had a surprise cameo from the marvellous Jason Williamson, frontman of Sleaford Mods.
My Vinted purchase was a recycled sari silk maxi dress from the fairly traded, ethical online boutique, Ian Snow. As these dresses retail at £55 I couldn't not buy this at £6 but, when I tried it on, it was more of a midi than a maxi so I had the genius idea of using the trimmings from the skirt I'd shortened on Friday along with the section I'd cut off another Indian block printed skirt I'd altered a few weeks ago - I never throw away fabric!
So not only a secondhand recycled sari dress but also a recycled skirt dress, you can't get more sustainable than that.
I couldn't resist posing in it on Sunday morning, although I changed into something more suited to gardening after I'd filmed my TikTok video.
Stephen Alley, as this pathway is known (after our beloved tuxedo cat) was virtually impassible until I got my secateurs and trowel out over the weekend. Walking might be a challenge, but sitting on a cushion, shuffling along on my arse whilst dragging a bucket behind me, I can manage.
It's getting there!
On Sunday night, on The Guardian's recommendation, we caught up with Widow's Bay, a comedy horror about a mayor (played by the always excellent, Matthew Rhys) who aims to turn a superstitious, haunted New England island into a tourist hotspot. It's seriously creepy and marvellously good fun. Jon reckons The Sea Hag is based on me, a supernatural entity who lives in the water, scratches men and with the scent of their flesh beneath her long fingernails, pursues them on to dry land, eventually consuming them.
Monday kicked off with an early morning swim. It was bitterly cold walking down to the pool and, to make matters worse, after we'd finished it started peeing it down and we were trapped in Spoons for almost an hour.
In hindsight, a floor length maxi wasn't the best choice for a soggy morning but I tied a knot in one side when I walked home to keep the hem from trailing along the pavement. As you can see, I treated myself to a gold cane (aka Pimp Stick) which compliments my gold Adidas trainers beautifully (not visible, you'll just have to take my word for it!)
With the weather too damp for gardening I touched up my roots (with Jon's help) before getting stuck into my next read. Good Me, Bad Me is a psychological thriller about 15 year old Millie, in foster care under an assumed identity after reporting her serial killer mother to the police.
I'm meeting up with a friend I've not seen in far too long tomorrow. I'll be back later in the week with photos.
Widow's Bay is brilliant, Hena, you're really going to enjoy it. I blame the rise of populist politicians, they say anything to get a reaction which uneashes all manner of hatred in their poorly educated followers. Hope not Hate. xxx
Really sorry to hear about the hip, Vix. What can be done for you? I want to watch Bird as the Fontaine's 'Bug' (up there with my fave songs) featured in it. Just to let you know I bought a halterneck top from a supermarket...and even more controversial... a blog came up on Youtube about a woman trying on a supermarket haul and I really liked it on there so guess I've been 'influenced' too! Argh! Whatever next! Absolutely love the sari dress and your garden is looking fabulous! Louise (Mids) X
Hello Louise and thanks! Influenced, eh? Mind you, a supermarket halterneck is far better than being influenced into Botox and you can't beat a halterneck, I love them! Bird is excellent, disturbing, strange and uplifting in equal measure and the soundtrack is perfect. I'm going for X -rays next week and they should show whether its a labal tear or a knackered hip so either a guided cortisone injection or a total replacement but I suspect the latter. xxx
Ooh, love how you lengthened that dress. I did something similar with some lace on the bottom of a Laura Ashley dress I got from a chazza. I really liked the dress, but it was that little bit too short for my liking. Adding the trim made all the difference, just as it has to yours. Can't wait to see you tomorrow. We shall have to commiserate on our appalling Council results xxx
Hello Annie! An excellent idea to use lace to lengthen something, too! I've used braid from Mrs Kaur's shop in the past, I'll take you in later, it's like being in a sweet shop! I can't wait to put the world (or at least Black Country politics) to rights over a lager or two! xxx
Thank you! I've not got that far yet, I'm going for x-rays next week and time shall tell! I suspect that'll be the outcome as I can't weight bear and my range of movement is pathetic. It's the last thing I want but if its offered then yes. I was really pleased with how that dress turned out! xxx
Some gorgeous outfits as usual and how clever of you to re-use the cut off part of the other dress to add to the hem. I hope your hip will improve, you lead such an active life it's a shame for it to be slowed down in any way. JanF
Thanks so much, Jan! I can deal with the pain, it's the lack of mobility that gets me so frustrated, it makes me angry about everything - especially reform running Walsall council (and the people who voted that way). xxx
Vix, we are in the same boat at the moment, our equivalent of Reform (One Nation) just won a seat on our Parliament. I try not to dwell and focus on things I can change. I love your upcycled dress, and it's a great idea to keep any fabrics you chop off. I've been volunteering on Saturdays at a charity that runs a foodbank and that keeps me focussed on helping my community.
Hello Diane! Thank you, I'm really pleased with how that dress turned out for such minimal effort. Oh no, One Nation are just as bad as Reform, I'm so sorry, the rise of these far-right, hate fuelled populist parties really are a concern. I think its an excelent idea to get involved in a worthy charity and do something to benefit the community. xxx
Aw Vix, I’m so sorry a) that you have a Reform council, we do too, it’s sickening and, b) that your hip is causing you such problems. If it’s any consolation you still look amazing. I now want to watch Widow’s bay too, it sounds right up my street. Take care xxx
The dress is even more beautiful now, thanks to your sewing skills and the leftover fabric. You're so brave for clearing the path despite the pain. You wonderful thing!
Sorry to hear about the hip (and about your local council! wtf!). Love your wraparound skirt with cute waistcoat and magnificent sleeves, what a fab ensemble!. Also love that you don't throw away fabric so you could use it to 'extend' that midi dress (which has some beautiful colours and also magnificent sleeves!). Looking fab posing in your garden! Lovely beautiful green shades in that last outfit, sorry that the weather was not collaborating!. We're missing Spring here too! besos
Thanks, Monica! I was starting to get really angry last weekend but I've calmed down now! It feels a lot better knowing that all our neighbours rejected Reform and we're surrounbded by like-minded folk. xxx
Hi Vix, sorry to hear about the political debacle in your council area. The level of political debate these days is so poor that it positively encourages parties on the extremes to get in I believe. On a more positive note I love your new acquisition and the tweaks you have made to it. Your shortened cotton skirt too is lovely and a real keeper I think. A bit of Slade too! As a girl I remember dancing away to Slade at parties in a local institute. That same building was later transferred brick by brick to a museum of Welsh life near Cardiff and is still there today. It's a bizarre feeling .
Thanks, Alysia! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine our wonderfully diverse borough voting for Reform, as if we haven't suffered enough under Tory leadership! I much prefer that dress now it's maxi length and the addidition of vintage fabric gives it a bit more personality, I think. Slade were a huge influence on Oasis (but I much prefer Noddy to Noel!). Dave Hill's often spotted out and about in the area, I'd love a rummage in his wardrobe, apparently he's still got all his 1970s gear! xxx
They got in where Iive too. Absolute cretins. Also sorry your knee was playing up. The new dress is very vibrant! What an excellent way of making it your length! Well done on the garden maintenance also. The books and films all sound a bit scary for me!! Xx
I saw that Essex had fallen into the wrong hands, Kezzie. Our council leader doesn't believe in climate change and thinks speed limits are stupid. She's a solicitor yet represents a party who wants us to opt out of the ECHR. You couldn't make it up! That dress is a lot brighter than it looked on Vinted, Jon won't lose me in that! xxx
We've been 'reformed' too sadly. They only got 30% of the vote and although I can't remember what percentage of voters actually turned out (very low) it is definitely not proportionally representing the country yet they are in - - on another much happier note - lengthened dress is definitely chefs kiss!
Thank you so much! Oh no, another area with a Reform majority. Our turnout was dismal too but I was delighted that the Reform candidates in our ward barely scraped their desposits. xxx
You're so clever to figure out a way to make the dress work...gorgeous. My hip is still sore and I added a pretty bad rib injury on Sunday in a stupid fall. I wish we could figure out armour on aging bodies, when our mindset is young. Well, you have a young and joyful mind. I'm feeling every year this week. I don't understand the growing and increasingly evil ultra right leanings. We have a state leader which is genuinely a good guy, cabinet that cares, but they're human and every misstep has been cause for him to be vilified, extorted, and leaves room for the likes of Trump sycophants a step in.
Thanks, Sam! I'm so sorry to hear of your fall and hope you're healing. Like one of my friends said the other day, you know you're getting old when you have a fall as opposed to falling over! I'm appalled by the rise of the far right and the susequent hatred, my parents and grandparents always opposed rascism and would be turning in their graves. xxx
Wow, I love the waistcoat and hat! You've inspired me to get out my denim waistcoat (and other waistcoat) and I already have similar hats. I really love the way you added to your dress with fabrics you already have. We all need more of that kind of creative sustainability.
I'm so sorry to hear about your hip - I had minor hip issues last year, and that was bad enough. As for Reform, I don't know what to say... one of our neighbours was a Regorm candidate but the Greens got in - karma!
Hello Tanya! I'm so happy to have a denim waistcoat back in my wardrobe, they really do work with anything and add a bit of welcome warmth at the moment. Yay! I'm so pleased that there's pockets of sanity in the UK and the Greens are in by you! Fancy having a Reform candidate as a neighbour, that must be rather awkward! I hope your hip issues are sorted now. I live in hope that mine's a labral tear as opposed to a knackered acetabulum and it can be srted with a cortisone shot! xxx
Beth here, feasting on that calorie-free but energy-enriching midi/maxi's pink!, sharing your dismay at the political landscape, and reassuring you that whatever medical adventure lies ahead, you and Jon are well fitted to cope! * Ahem. Now whispering as ye voice of experience: An option for sleeping comfortably on the lower level might become desirable.
Thanks for that, Beth! Noted! Yes, it's a dismal time for politics at the moment but I'm heartened by how many young people are prepared to stand up and protest against the rise of the right. xxx
So sorry your having trouble walking, I hope if surgery is needed it will be soon. Im glad we dont live near enough to come to blows over politics, but I would have been ecstatic if our local elections had given us Reform instead of Liberals, maybe we should do a house swap! We're in Corfu, its lovely will be doing some bus rides but so far have not been further than the pool. your dress is very pretty and the skirt length works perfectly. Betty
Thanks, Betty! I've got X-rays next week so I might have news soon. I don't know about a house swap, my ward isn't Reform (we're the bohemian, Guardian-reading, university part of town) but I'm pretty sure Liz & Al would be delighted - they've gone turquoise! I hope you're having a wonderful time in our beloved Corfu. You must go to Corfu Town and have a beer at Aegli for us! xxx
Absolutely Cherie, we can agree to disagree, can't we? It doesn't seem like five minutes since you were having yours done. Its been 20 years since my first hip replacement! I've got xrays next week! xxx
Beautiful outfits. I think I heard about Bird film, but it's been a while since I watched any film. I will add it to my list but it will have to wait summer. This is the busiest time for me. Let us know how the xrays go.
It's more than seven years since my op and I can't believe where those years have gone. Hopefully you get the pain sorted as I know how debilitating it is.
Because of you, I started watching "Widow's Bay," and I loved it!!! I've seen all four available episodes now, and I'm eager for the next one to be released. I remember Matthew Rhys from "The Americans," but I was unfamiliar with Kate O'Flynn. Imagine how surprised I was to read her bio and learn that she's from the UK! Her American accent was flawless.
The way they styled her for this show makes me think of Shelley Duvall in Stephen King's "The Shining." Whether that's a coincidence or a deliberate homage, I don't know, but I like it. Her character, Patricia, has a meek and neurotic quality about her, but you can tell that she can rise to the occasion and be courageous when the need arises, just like the Shelley Duvall character. I look forward to seeing how the show unfolds.
Oops, I may have accidentally deleted some of my comment before posting it. I hope all goes well for you at the hospital so that you can soon get back to your normal activities without any worries.
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I have Widow's Bay on my watch list. I don't understand what is wrong with people and I can not for the life of me understand the way they vote.
ReplyDeleteWidow's Bay is brilliant, Hena, you're really going to enjoy it.
DeleteI blame the rise of populist politicians, they say anything to get a reaction which uneashes all manner of hatred in their poorly educated followers. Hope not Hate. xxx
Really sorry to hear about the hip, Vix. What can be done for you? I want to watch Bird as the Fontaine's 'Bug' (up there with my fave songs) featured in it. Just to let you know I bought a halterneck top from a supermarket...and even more controversial... a blog came up on Youtube about a woman trying on a supermarket haul and I really liked it on there so guess I've been 'influenced' too! Argh! Whatever next! Absolutely love the sari dress and your garden is looking fabulous! Louise (Mids) X
ReplyDeleteHello Louise and thanks! Influenced, eh? Mind you, a supermarket halterneck is far better than being influenced into Botox and you can't beat a halterneck, I love them!
DeleteBird is excellent, disturbing, strange and uplifting in equal measure and the soundtrack is perfect.
I'm going for X -rays next week and they should show whether its a labal tear or a knackered hip so either a guided cortisone injection or a total replacement but I suspect the latter. xxx
Ooh, love how you lengthened that dress. I did something similar with some lace on the bottom of a Laura Ashley dress I got from a chazza. I really liked the dress, but it was that little bit too short for my liking. Adding the trim made all the difference, just as it has to yours.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see you tomorrow. We shall have to commiserate on our appalling Council results xxx
Hello Annie! An excellent idea to use lace to lengthen something, too! I've used braid from Mrs Kaur's shop in the past, I'll take you in later, it's like being in a sweet shop!
DeleteI can't wait to put the world (or at least Black Country politics) to rights over a lager or two! xxx
I am so sorry that your hip has deteriorated to this point - are you on a waiting list for another replacement?
ReplyDeleteThe additions you made to the recycled sari dress are pure genius - it looks fantastic.
Thank you! I've not got that far yet, I'm going for x-rays next week and time shall tell! I suspect that'll be the outcome as I can't weight bear and my range of movement is pathetic. It's the last thing I want but if its offered then yes.
DeleteI was really pleased with how that dress turned out! xxx
Some gorgeous outfits as usual and how clever of you to re-use the cut off part of the other dress to add to the hem. I hope your hip will improve, you lead such an active life it's a shame for it to be slowed down in any way. JanF
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jan! I can deal with the pain, it's the lack of mobility that gets me so frustrated, it makes me angry about everything - especially reform running Walsall council (and the people who voted that way). xxx
DeleteVix, we are in the same boat at the moment, our equivalent of Reform (One Nation) just won a seat on our Parliament. I try not to dwell and focus on things I can change. I love your upcycled dress, and it's a great idea to keep any fabrics you chop off. I've been volunteering on Saturdays at a charity that runs a foodbank and that keeps me focussed on helping my community.
ReplyDeleteHello Diane! Thank you, I'm really pleased with how that dress turned out for such minimal effort.
DeleteOh no, One Nation are just as bad as Reform, I'm so sorry, the rise of these far-right, hate fuelled populist parties really are a concern. I think its an excelent idea to get involved in a worthy charity and do something to benefit the community. xxx
Love the altered sari midi/maxi. Very innovative xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you! xxx
DeleteAw Vix, I’m so sorry a) that you have a Reform council, we do too, it’s sickening and, b) that your hip is causing you such problems. If it’s any consolation you still look amazing. I now want to watch Widow’s bay too, it sounds right up my street. Take care xxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Louise! You will love Widow's Bay, it's terrifyingly good! xxx
Delete
ReplyDeleteThe carrot salad with mint sounds delicious.
The dress is even more beautiful now, thanks to your sewing skills and the leftover fabric.
You're so brave for clearing the path despite the pain. You wonderful thing!
Awww, thanks so much, Andrea! xxx
DeleteSorry to hear about the hip (and about your local council! wtf!).
ReplyDeleteLove your wraparound skirt with cute waistcoat and magnificent sleeves, what a fab ensemble!. Also love that you don't throw away fabric so you could use it to 'extend' that midi dress (which has some beautiful colours and also magnificent sleeves!). Looking fab posing in your garden!
Lovely beautiful green shades in that last outfit, sorry that the weather was not collaborating!. We're missing Spring here too!
besos
Thanks, Monica! I was starting to get really angry last weekend but I've calmed down now! It feels a lot better knowing that all our neighbours rejected Reform and we're surrounbded by like-minded folk. xxx
DeleteHi Vix, sorry to hear about the political debacle in your council area. The level of political debate these days is so poor that it positively encourages parties on the extremes
ReplyDeleteto get in I believe. On a more positive note I love your new acquisition and the tweaks you have made to it. Your shortened cotton skirt too is lovely and a real keeper I think. A bit of Slade too! As a girl I remember dancing away to Slade at parties in a local institute. That same building was later transferred brick by brick to a museum of Welsh life near Cardiff and is still there today. It's a bizarre feeling .
Thanks, Alysia! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine our wonderfully diverse borough voting for Reform, as if we haven't suffered enough under Tory leadership!
DeleteI much prefer that dress now it's maxi length and the addidition of vintage fabric gives it a bit more personality, I think.
Slade were a huge influence on Oasis (but I much prefer Noddy to Noel!). Dave Hill's often spotted out and about in the area, I'd love a rummage in his wardrobe, apparently he's still got all his 1970s gear! xxx
Wow! I’ve always loved Glam Rock since I was a little girl.
DeleteSorry to hear of your Politics, we're going thru it across the Pond too. May the next Decade's Journey for you be Amazing.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Dwn. The world has gone mad! xxx
DeleteThey got in where Iive too. Absolute cretins. Also sorry your knee was playing up.
ReplyDeleteThe new dress is very vibrant! What an excellent way of making it your length!
Well done on the garden maintenance also. The books and films all sound a bit scary for me!! Xx
I saw that Essex had fallen into the wrong hands, Kezzie. Our council leader doesn't believe in climate change and thinks speed limits are stupid. She's a solicitor yet represents a party who wants us to opt out of the ECHR. You couldn't make it up!
DeleteThat dress is a lot brighter than it looked on Vinted, Jon won't lose me in that! xxx
We've been 'reformed' too sadly. They only got 30% of the vote and although I can't remember what percentage of voters actually turned out (very low) it is definitely not proportionally representing the country yet they are in - -
ReplyDeleteon another much happier note - lengthened dress is definitely chefs kiss!
Thank you so much! Oh no, another area with a Reform majority. Our turnout was dismal too but I was delighted that the Reform candidates in our ward barely scraped their desposits. xxx
DeleteYou're so clever to figure out a way to make the dress work...gorgeous. My hip is still sore and I added a pretty bad rib injury on Sunday in a stupid fall. I wish we could figure out armour on aging bodies, when our mindset is young. Well, you have a young and joyful mind. I'm feeling every year this week. I don't understand the growing and increasingly evil ultra right leanings. We have a state leader which is genuinely a good guy, cabinet that cares, but they're human and every misstep has been cause for him to be vilified, extorted, and leaves room for the likes of Trump sycophants a step in.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sam! I'm so sorry to hear of your fall and hope you're healing. Like one of my friends said the other day, you know you're getting old when you have a fall as opposed to falling over!
DeleteI'm appalled by the rise of the far right and the susequent hatred, my parents and grandparents always opposed rascism and would be turning in their graves. xxx
Wow, I love the waistcoat and hat! You've inspired me to get out my denim waistcoat (and other waistcoat) and I already have similar hats. I really love the way you added to your dress with fabrics you already have. We all need more of that kind of creative sustainability.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your hip - I had minor hip issues last year, and that was bad enough. As for Reform, I don't know what to say... one of our neighbours was a Regorm candidate but the Greens got in - karma!
Hello Tanya! I'm so happy to have a denim waistcoat back in my wardrobe, they really do work with anything and add a bit of welcome warmth at the moment.
DeleteYay! I'm so pleased that there's pockets of sanity in the UK and the Greens are in by you! Fancy having a Reform candidate as a neighbour, that must be rather awkward!
I hope your hip issues are sorted now. I live in hope that mine's a labral tear as opposed to a knackered acetabulum and it can be srted with a cortisone shot! xxx
Beth here, feasting on that calorie-free but energy-enriching midi/maxi's pink!, sharing your dismay at the political landscape, and reassuring you that whatever medical adventure lies ahead, you and Jon are well fitted to cope! * Ahem. Now whispering as ye voice of experience: An option for sleeping comfortably on the lower level might become desirable.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that, Beth! Noted!
DeleteYes, it's a dismal time for politics at the moment but I'm heartened by how many young people are prepared to stand up and protest against the rise of the right. xxx
So sorry your having trouble walking, I hope if surgery is needed it will be soon. Im glad we dont live near enough to come to blows over politics, but I would have been ecstatic if our local elections had given us Reform instead of Liberals, maybe we should do a house swap! We're in Corfu, its lovely will be doing some bus rides but so far have not been further than the pool. your dress is very pretty and the skirt length works perfectly. Betty
ReplyDeleteThanks, Betty! I've got X-rays next week so I might have news soon.
DeleteI don't know about a house swap, my ward isn't Reform (we're the bohemian, Guardian-reading, university part of town) but I'm pretty sure Liz & Al would be delighted - they've gone turquoise!
I hope you're having a wonderful time in our beloved Corfu. You must go to Corfu Town and have a beer at Aegli for us! xxx
We didn't see this as were out in corfu town today, if we do go back b4 we go will remember to pop in!
DeleteStaunch Reform voters here Vix but we don't have to agree on everything. Sorry to hear that hip is causing you bother. Been there, done that.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Cherie, we can agree to disagree, can't we?
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't seem like five minutes since you were having yours done. Its been 20 years since my first hip replacement! I've got xrays next week! xxx
Beautiful outfits. I think I heard about Bird film, but it's been a while since I watched any film. I will add it to my list but it will have to wait summer. This is the busiest time for me.
ReplyDeleteLet us know how the xrays go.
It's more than seven years since my op and I can't believe where those years have gone. Hopefully you get the pain sorted as I know how debilitating it is.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely call you a fabulous sea mermaid with your fabulous colours and long braided hair. Enjoy your week, Vix. X
ReplyDeleteBecause of you, I started watching "Widow's Bay," and I loved it!!! I've seen all four available episodes now, and I'm eager for the next one to be released. I remember Matthew Rhys from "The Americans," but I was unfamiliar with Kate O'Flynn. Imagine how surprised I was to read her bio and learn that she's from the UK! Her American accent was flawless.
ReplyDeleteThe way they styled her for this show makes me think of Shelley Duvall in Stephen King's "The Shining." Whether that's a coincidence or a deliberate homage, I don't know, but I like it. Her character, Patricia, has a meek and neurotic quality about her, but you can tell that she can rise to the occasion and be courageous when the need arises, just like the Shelley Duvall character. I look forward to seeing how the show unfolds.
Emily from the U.S.A.
Oops, I may have accidentally deleted some of my comment before posting it. I hope all goes well for you at the hospital so that you can soon get back to your normal activities without any worries.
ReplyDeleteEmily