Tuesday 19 October 2021

Visitors and a gig

 Your good wishes for my walk worked! The weather on Wednesday 6th October, when I led a walk  for 23 people, was glorious. The breeze was quite sharp but when it died down the sun was so warm. It was a very enjoyable walk apart from when I got entangled in a briar and fell flat on my face! My hand was scratched but other than that I just got up and dusted myself down and carried on...

I picked these lovely gladioli up at our Tesco Metro; only 1.00 per bunch with a Clubcard. In the garden there are still flowering plants. The Petunias haven't stopped blooming since Spring; the Busy Lizzies are still blooming as are the Rudbeckia and the Fuschias. There are a few roses still blooming and a couple of Salvias still have a few flowers left.

 I went to the hairdressers after my 45 lap swim on Thursday morning; then headed out to do the food shopping. I wore casual comfortable clothing; all charity shopped and all have been on the blog before.

All jewellery charity shopped.


After I'd put the shopping away I caught up with blogs and comments and then made dinner. As we've been lighting the fire most evenings one of my daily chores is cleaning out the stove and filling the coal bucket. I also do a wash almost daily. On Mondays I wash the bedlinen; on Tuesday I wash towels and tea towels; on Fridays I do at least one darks wash whilst OH finishes the darks washes off on Saturday. On Sunday; it's another towel and tea towel wash and I also wash the bath mats and kitchen mats.


It was warm and even slightly muggy on Friday. I had a variety of errands to run in the morning and when I had completed those I went for a rummage to Castle Road charity shops and to the Daycare Hospice charity shop near my hairdressers. I didn't have time on Thursday to pop in. I'm glad I did as I picked up a coatigan  in black,white and red by Country Casuals. I found a green plaid skirt by Kettlewell in the Mercy in Action charity shop and a green tunic in the Children's Society; all winter items. In the junk shop I picked up 4 seed trays and a metal pot with holes in the bottom perfect for a planter.


Everything charity shopped except the shoes bought from Sainsburys. The jacket and skirt are by Adini and found several years apart in different charity shops. The top by Talbots was picked up at the Street Jumble a few weeks back.


All jewellery charity shopped.

I spent the afternoon hanging out washing; cleaning out the fire and I made green tomato chutney using up the tomatoes which never ripened. I'd not made chutney before but it couldn't have been simpler. The house did stink of vinegar afterwards as both OH and grandson informed me! I managed to fill 3 jars and a very small jar with just over 1kg of tomatoes. I picked what remained on the tomato plant and probably had enough to make another batch of chutney soon. Next weekend Hilary is coming to stay and I was so looking forward to seeing her.  I was going to take her to Cambridge for the day on Saturday and of course we'd go for a rummage. We would probably squeeze in a walk as well; on Friday or Sunday morning. I wish I could persuade her to stay an extra day...


I woke to fog on Saturday morning! When it cleared it was overcast and then the sun came out. I had my homemade green tomato chutney with my scrambled egg for breakfast and very nice it was too.


After pottering around in the morning and putting my summer, coats, jackets and skirts up in loft and taking the winter jackets down; I decided to walk with the Saturday group in a place called Upper Dean about 14 miles away from Bedford. I wore this top with walking trousers and boots. All clothes charity shopped; trousers by Whistles; shoes by Clarks and top by Joules. I'll let you into a secret. I bought this top a few years ago from Barnardos; I fell in love with the print.; I'm such a sucker for a floral print. Whilst I was ironing it today; I read the small print on the label which I needed my glasses for and guess what? It's a pyjama top! Who knew? I don't care.


All jewellery charity shopped.

The walk was brilliant. The weather was lovely; sunshine and a bit of breeze when it was needed. We walked 7 miles from Upper Dean - Shelton - Yielden - Melchbourne and back.
This is the Norman Motte and Bailey castle at Yielden. According to Wikipedia:
A motte-and-bailey castle is a European fortification with a wooden or stone keep situated on a raised area of ground called a motte, accompanied by a walled courtyard, or bailey, surrounded by a protective ditch and palisade.


A beautiful house in Upper Dean.


St. Mary's Church; Upper Dean.

I enjoyed the walk so much I'd love to do it on my own one day soon. It was a windmill sort of weekend because not only did I spy one windmill on this walk; when I went for a walk by myself on Sunday morning I saw yet another one!

The windmill on the left is between Upper Dean and Shelton and the one on the right is the Stevington Windmill. I walked from Bromham to Stevington and then along the country park path in Stevington doing just over 5 miles.

On Saturday evening we watched the first in a new series on BBC 4 called 'Paris Police - 1900'. Interesting and a bit different.
 

Sunday's charity shopped outfit; Skirt by Wallis, top by Massimo Dutti; gilet by Tu and boots from Primarni. The skirt was relegated to the charity shop bag as I don't like the way it hangs...


All jewellery charity shopped.


When I got back from the walk I did the usual boring housework and between us OH and I cooked dinner; he did chicken curry (made with homegrown green peppers) and I did a nut roast with roast potatoes, vegetables, yorkshire puddings and some homemade green tomato chutney, of course!


More brown shades on Monday; it must be autumn! Everything second hand. The linen top by M&S which I'd had it for about 9 or 10 years; originally bought in a charity shop. The trousers; by F&F were bought from Vinted and the boots picked up in a charity shop somewhere.


All jewellery charity shopped.
 I started out with brown glass square earrings but realised when I got in the car to drive to the charity shop I only had one earring in. I came back and checked the house but couldn't find it anywhere; I may have dropped it in the street. Luckily that evening OH found it on the stairs for me...


It wasn't particularly busy at the charity shop but I got a lot done; sorting , tagging and putting garments out in the shop floor. I bought myself a BHS long silky dressing gown for the summer. When I finished at Barnardo's and went home I did two washes; I hadn't managed to squeeze a wash in on Sunday, and hung them out them to dry. I spent the rest of the day catching up with blogs and blogging. No cooking as there was leftover chicken curry to finish up. Yay! I love a day with no cooking required.


I don't know what's with me and brown, lately. I still have a plain brown top I'm dying to wear...This outfit is all secondhand. Shoes by Clarks; bought on a recent rummage in Huntingdon; skirt by Per Una from a 1.00 rail; top from 1.00 rail (it's a Polish make and I can't make out what is says even though it's spread across my chest). The jacket, by Next is so old and has never fitted me; I can't do it up but it doesn't matter as I rarely wear my jackets done up anyway!



All jewellery charity shopped.
 It was non stop at the food bank making up hygiene bags and putting toiletries away. Someone donated several bottles of perfume (all opened and partially used) so as they were destined for the bin, I rescued them  instead for a donation. I got a Clarins perfume, 'Happy' by Clinique, 'Cool Water' by Davidoff (almost empty) and one I'd not come across before called 'Philosophy Pure Grace'. I swam 46 laps at the pool in the afternoon and made a sausage casserole for dinner which was just right for the wet, miserable afternoon of weather we had. I walked with the group on Wednesday; 6.5 miles Bedford - Wilden - Renhold and back to Bedford. It was a bright, dry day. I stayed in walking gear all day as I collected the youngest grandson from school after stopping at Aldi and the doctors surgery for my flu jab after the walk.


I went for a swim on Thursday morning and did the usual 45 laps. My arm was still sore from the flu jab and I wasn't sure I'd manage the swimming, but I did.Then it was home and off to do the food shopping. I went to Sainsbury's where I hadn't been for a while and I also topped up my petrol whilst there. No queues or shortages I'm pleased to report!
 


Everything charity shopped except the boots which were donated by my daughter. Dress by H&M and top by Principles. Patterned tights also a present from my daughter.


All jewellery charity shopped.

When I'd unpacked the shopping I went to the library to pick up a reservation and ran a few errands. Middle grandson came for dinner (his mum's oven had broken) and I helped him with a CV. He wants a part time job now he's at Sixth Form College. He has two days work with OH lined up for half term week but wants a permanent part time job.


This was Friday's outfit. I went to B&M and Home Bargains in the morning for bird supplies then I came back home and waited for Hilary to arrive. I had been so looking forward to seeing her. The last time she came to Bedfordf was 2019 but I had been to Devon several times since then. Unfortunately, she had a horrible journey. Road closures and no diversion signs. She doesn't do Google maps or Sat Nav so tried to work it out the old way using her road map. She finally arrived after 4pm having left home in Devon before 10 am. It was good to see her and after she'd had a chance to recuperate we went out for a walk along the river to the marina and around the lake walking 5 miles in total. On the way back we stopped at a restaurant and had something to eat. There was a lot to catch up on!


Dress by Zara, jumper underneath by M&S; both charity shopped;leather jacket from a Dublin charity shop in 2016, Brown boots and tights also charity shopped. The bag was bought from Barnardo's a couple of weeks back.


All jewellery charity shopped.

On Saturday I took Hilary to Cambridge as she had never been before. She really loved it and all the beautiful old colleges and buildings. We had a good old rummage visiting both Burleigh Street and Mill Road which are good charity shopping places. I got very lucky and found a denim A line skirt; a pair of walking boots; 2 bangles and 2 brooches. We also stopped at the RSPCA bookshop in Mill Road where I found a green Virago book I didn't have in my collection. The last time I visited this bookshop I found 3 Viragos but one was a duplicate. We had coffee and cake in a plant based cafe; where I ate the best Bakewell Tart I have ever tasted. I promised Hilary the next time she's down we'll go back to Cambridge and I'll treat her to a punt down the River Cam; steered of course by a good looking Cambridge under-graduate!



Sunday's outfit all charity shopped except boots bought online. The cardigan came from our independent charity shop which sadly closed due to Covid-19. The earrings were bought in Co. Donegal and were made by a local artisan.


As is always the way we were too busy chatting to take any photos! We stopped at St.Botolph's church in Cambridge as they had a book sale; I did take a photo of this simple but very effective floral display as I have none of my own this week to show you.


We chilled out in the evening and on Sunday morning went for a 5 mile walk along the river to Great Denham and Biddenham. Hilary left around midday and next time said she may come by coach as she hates driving on long journeys more and more. I'm lucky and quite enjoy a long drive, still - but it may change in the future.


At Barnardo's on Monday I picked up a new William Morris calendar. I had several appointments to add to 2022 - already! We weren't really busy at the shop but had a steady stream of customers and a few donations. On Saturday they had over 40 bags donated. Next week the new manager starts.


It was an overcast day and it rained off and on but it wasn't cold. I didn't really need this Viyella jacket picked up from a 1.00 rail somewhere. The jumper by Seasalt, the skirt by Kettlewell - a recent find. I think the boots were charity shopped too, but I can't remember. That's the trouble when you buy a lot of stuff. To be honest I have cut back quite a lot as I just don't need anything in the clothes line and I'm constantly filling the charity shop bag with rejects from my wardrobe.


All jewellery charity shopped.


In the evening we were off to see brother Julian performing at 'The Stables' in Wavendon with Steeleye Span. It was a wonderful gig. OH's work colleague was there and had brought his 80 year old Dad along as a birthday treat. The original plan was for us all to go backstage and for the 80 year old to meet the band. Unfortunately, Covid regulations didn't allow for that but several of the band members came out and said hello. The band has been in existence for more than 50 years now although Julian has only been with them since 2010. 

The latest album.

Julian came back to stay with us and it was lovely to spend some time with him. I didn't go to the food bank but got up quite late (for me) and made breakfast for us both. We then went for a walk around Bedford and along the river to the marina. I wanted to show Julian what Bedford was like as he didn't really know Bedford well although the band performed here in 2011, but we didn't meet up until 2013. Once I'd dropped him at the station I went back home and got on with putting the lightest summer stuff away and bringing down the winter clothes. It took a couple of hours but it was a good feeling to have done it. The weather was unseasonably warm so I hope I don't regret doing it! I'll leave you with my latest read; a reservation from the library.







Tuesday 5 October 2021

Autumn is most definitely here

I forgot to include some holiday photos in my previous post. 


In the mobile home. 
Everything charity shopped except the shoes bought online. Skirt bought in a West Drayton charity shop a few years back; the denim jacket was bought in a Sligo charity shop for 5 euros. Tee shirt part of my caravan wardrobe.


Earrings bought 2 years ago in Donegal and made by a local artisan. Necklace charity shopped on a recent UK rummage.

Here we are at cousin Linda's in Co. Kerry. OH and I had just got back from Tralee where we went rummaging. I only bought a couple of books...


Everything I'm wearing was charity shopped.

Back to the UK now; holiday just a distant memory! I was very lucky on my walk with the walking group on Wednesday. The weather was lovely. I drove 34 miles to Harpenden where we walked 6.5 miles; much of it through the Rothampstead Estate which is an agricultural research institution and one of the oldest in the world; established in 1843.


This is Rothamstead Manor house first recorded in 1212 and extensively re- built in the 16th century.


Some of the lovely houses and cottages on the estate.


I had never seen one of these before - a huge bird feeder containing seeds in a large field .

There were only 5 of us on the walk including the walk leader. We both thought the very large group walks of 50+ people at times pre-Covid; would not return. There were a number of reasons for this. During the lockdown people formed small walking groups or pairs and continue to walk with them rather than the Ramblers group walks; some people don't want to book by email or text and some people are still avoiding groups and group activities. The last  Wednesday walk I attended before going to Ireland had 30+ people on it. As a walk leader myself  I find it much easier with 30+ people than 50+ people! I suppose only time will tell if we ever get back to the exact way we used to be.


Thursday was another beautiful day. We seemed to be having an Indian Summer and I for one was very grateful. There'd be enough of long, dark cold days to come but at least we can light the fire in the evenings!

We brought back some bags of turf from Ireland. Ireland is stopping commercial peat/turf production as it's a fossil fuel and we found it very hard to buy turf. Eventually a friend of a relative gave us some bags. He had just collected his supplies for the winter from the bog. In Ireland many houses came with 'turbary rights'. This allowed people to have their own plot in the bog where they cut and dried turf for their fuel supplies. As a child I helped my maternal grandad in the bog; driving the ass and cart full of turf home; where it was stored in the turf shed. Both sets of grandparents had turbary rights. I assume that those who still have turbary rights and want to use them will remain able to do so. 


Trousers bought in a Matalan sale many. many years ago. Top by F&F; charity shopped from my Barnardo's and faux clogs bought from Sainsbury's. All jewellery charity shopped.


My new tripod arrived and I experimented taking photos around the house. The kitchen has the best light and I shall continue experimenting. I went for a swim in the morning and set a new personal record; swimming 46 laps (1.5km) in 60 minutes. It was pretty busy at the pool so it must have been down to me swimming lots of laps of breaststroke. After getting ready I set off to Aldi and Lidl and did the weekly food shopping. Once it was unpacked and put away and I'd hung a wash out to dry in the breeze that had developed; I took middle grandson for his Covid-19 vaccination. Luckily, he only needs one jab. 

Since we've been back we've been catching up with programmes we missed whilst on holiday. We watched all the episodes of 'A House in Time' and were up to date.  The same with the Danish BBC4 Saturday night thriller 'Hunt for A Killer' and starting on Thursday evening we caught up with 'Vigil'.


Another lovely day on Friday. I had a free day with no commitments so I went into town in the morning to return the first tripod that wasn't suitable. These photos were taken with the second tripod and I was very pleased with it. I was also happy to be able to continue wearing my summer wardrobe. Skirt by Rapp; tee shirt by Dunnes Stores and denim jacket by Tussi; all charity shopped. Yellow shoes charity shopped in Ireland a few years ago; one of the straps was not sticking to the Velcro very well and I feared I might soon have to relinquish them to the bin...


I then set off for B&M and Home Bargains to see if they had any plants but they didn't. Only cyclamens,  pansies and violas and we already had enough of those. I did pick up a pot of Nemesia for 1,00 on the reduced plants shelf and I replenished the bird food supplies. When I was crossing the road to my car a woman wound her window down and told me I looked stunning! What a lovely compliment.


Headscarf and all jewellery charity shopped.

Taking advantage of the weather I went for 6.8 mile walk in the afternoon. It's the one I'll be leading shortly and I wanted to remind my self of the route, as on the actual walk I'll be reversing the route. 

I'd been disappointed by the lack of car boot sales this summer (thank you Covid-19) but very pleased to see that on Sunday there were to be not one but two 'jumble trails' in Bedford. These are like car boot sales but the stalls would be outside people's houses; there'd be a number of streets involved and the money raised would go to a range of charities. A win, win all round I'd say! Roll on Sunday...


This was Saturday's outfit. I did a short walk to the sorting office in the morning and in the afternoon made a trip to Pells which is a farmshop and nursery in one.  There were queues everywhere outside petrol stations as the supply of petrol had been affected by the lack of HGV drivers across the country. Luckily, I had over half a tank full of petrol and wasn't in any need. At Pells I bought some wall flowers; some lavender to replace a pot that had died; some ferns; another sedum and a partridgebury plant which has bright pink balls on it!


Sedum Fosteranium Oracle


Everything I'd been wearing for the past few days had been blue and/or yellow for some reason. Cambric trousers by Be Beau; top by Wallis and blue baseball boots all charity shopped; the boots picked up on Monday along with the yellow Matthew Williamson bag. Jacket from Bedford market.


All jewellery charity shopped.


I spent the day doing not very much. I wrote some letters; sorted out my holiday photos into an album, caught up with blog reading and read my book. It was a cooler and cloudy day on Saturday and I had a break from walking; although the weather was fine for walking I just didn't fancy it. OH had gone to a family meeting in London so I had no one to cook for except myself which I enjoy;  I'm happy with simple meat free meals like baked potato with cheese and salad, or as I had on Friday; a sardine and boiled egg salad with a roll. I eat less and less meat. I've never liked lots of meat on my plate and it seems I like it less as I age. Vegetables on the other hand I could eat all day, everyday. It's the vegetables I enjoy with the Sunday roast and I'd be making one tomorrow after I'd been to the jumble trail.


I was up early on Sunday to walk round the first jumble trail. As it turned out I was too early; it was supposed to start at 11am but I thought it was 10am. I walked around the area and as I did a few stalls started setting up. There were 55 stalls in total and I probably only visited about 8. I bought home made cakes for the grandsons (they weren't very nice - made from a packet mix, I suspect). I also found a Sedum plant;  two tops; one green from Talbots and one yellow from Next; some body lotions for me and a chess set for middle grandson. 


It turned out to be a lovely sunny and warm day. I wore these green trousers from New Look; charity shopped in Ireland; top by PEP & Co (a Poundland label - who knew?) from a 1.00 rail somewhere. White pumps also by New Look and charity shopped.

 Scarf and all jewellery charity shopped.

I then visited our local jumble trail which had 40 stalls in total but confined my visit to two streets. I bought another plant, an Ajuga; a preserving pan to use as a planter;  a ceramic Buddha to add to my front garden and a cheese grater. Pleased with my purchases it was back home to do the housework and cook dinner. OH planted up all the newly bought plants and tidied up the garden whilst I  cooked.


Youngest grandson stayed over on Sunday night but wasn't feeling very well on Monday so didn't go to school. I went to the charity shop as usual where it was very quiet until about 11.30 then the donations and the customers streamed in until it was time for me to leave.


I was still trying to get some of my unworn summer clothing worn. It wasn't a cold day but on my way to the charity shop it absolutely lashed down for about an hour non-stop. Someone had left an empty glass out on the garden table on Sunday evening and when I got home the water level from the torrential downpour measured 2.5 inches! An hour later after the rain the sun came out and it remained dry and pleasant. Harem trousers; no label, top by Next and kimono by Myhailys; shoes by Clarks; everything charity shopped. I hung out the washing; took Grandson home after collecting his new bike from the shop on the way. Then I came home and cooked dinner. I spent the evening reading as it was nearly the end of the month and I hadn't got much reading done...


All jewellery charity shopped.


At the food bank on Monday I made up hygiene packs and put toiletries away. So far this year we have fed over 1,000 people. With the end of our National Furlough scheme and the removal of the 20.00 per week uplift during the lockdown for people on Universal Credit (a UK social benefit payment) the numbers of people using foodbanks will only rise.


Trousers bought from La Redoute; tunic by Tu, bought in a Cornish charity shop; top underneath  by Next, picked up at the jumble trail on Sunday; shoes charity shopped.


All jewellery charity shopped.

I went for a swim in the afternoon and swam 45 laps (1.5 km). I needed to go to town as I had errands to run but decided to go on Wednesday after my group walk instead. I read for a while and caught up with blogs before making a casserole for dinner. We started to watch 'When the Dust Settles' from Walter Presents; a Danish thriller and it was pretty thrilling. There were 10 episodes to watch in total.

Hydrangeas from the garden.

You may have noticed I haven't mentioned or posted photos of my weekly flower displays. That's because the food charity where I always stopped to pick up bunches of flowers was closed down suddenly overnight by Bedford Council; a few weeks before we went to Ireland. I don't know why and I miss them. The premises are shuttered and I've heard that it may reopen but at a location that is not on my route into town. It was good while it lasted.

On Wednesday the walk started at Paxton Pits near St. Neots. We walked 7 miles mostly along the river Great Ouse. In or two places the winds had blown branches, and in one section a tree down. We were able to get over the fallen tree and cut back (lots of us carry secateurs) smaller branches and obstacles. The weather was fine; breezy but bright and sunny and it was a most enjoyable walk.
River views.


The church at Offord D'Arcy.


A thatched cottage on the Thornhill Estate.

I wore this top with walking trousers and just added the leggings and cardigan when I went into town to do my errands. Everything charity shopped and I wore charity shopped black pumps with it. The weather this week required cardigans and layers and I need to start thinking about bringing my winter stuff down from the loft quite soon.


On Thursday I wore ankle boots for the first time! After a swim of 46 laps (1.5km) on Thursday morning I changed into this to do the food shopping. Everything charity shopped except the boots from Primarni. Top is by QED and skirt by Betty Jackson.



All jewellery charity shopped.

After putting the shopping away I had a dental appointment and had my teeth cleaned thoroughly. Oh, it did feel good. I had two dental check ups during the lockdown but as I didn't require any treatment they wouldn't clean them as they would normally do. I didn't need any treatment on Thursday but the teeth cleaning was back as routine - thank goodness.
Middle grandson came to dinner. From next week both grandsons will come for dinner on Wednesday and I'll drop the Thursday dinner slot. My daughter has started an MA at the university I used to work at and her day at uni is on Wednesday. So that she can stay on and study in the evening; I will be collecting the youngest grandson from his dad's house; making him dinner and taking him home after. It therefore made sense to have both grandsons to dinner or Wednesdays. They also come for dinner on Sundays but the youngest grandson won''t be staying overnight anymore. Thursday evening was pretty chilly; I think we'll be lighting the fire soon.



This was Friday's outfit. I bought the dress in a Belfast charity shop; the boots were bought online. They are getting a bit shabby now and I will put them in the charity shop bag. The zip at the side of the boots makes a noise when I walk which is very irritating so I probably won't miss them. My first wearing of tights for some months...


All jewellery charity shopped.

I had another lazy day on Friday. I went to Barnardo's in the morning as I'd left my umbrella there on Monday;  I also had a couple of books for the deputy manager. She's a crime book lover and the two books I had just finished were pretty good. Whilst I was there I picked up a long denim dress which, with discount, came to 3.20! I am looking for a denim skirt with pockets and belt loops; I have a dark, plain, dark blue denim skirt but want a lighter blue one. Normally on a free day like today I would have got into the car and driven to a nearby town for a rummage but the petrol situation was still a bit tricky where I live. When OH came home from work he said he had tried to get diesel at Morrisons but they had run out although they had petrol and there were NO queues. I can't tell you how fast I ran to my car and when I got to Morrisons there was a queue but it didn't take long to get filled up. Phew! Ok for the next couple of weeks. We lit our fire for the first time in the evening but at least we waited until it was October - just!


Saturday was a day of torrential rain. We decided to go to Huntingdon for a rummage as it had been quite a while since we were last there. They had a total of 8 charity shops including a large British Heart Foundation furniture shop but two of the shops were closed. One; MIND, had shutters down so they may gave closed for good; whereas the Salvation Army was closed as they had no volunteers.


This is Huntingdon's Town Hall.
Left; the entrance to a one time inn; right Huntindon's War Memorial.


Despite the rain I was still trying to get a wear of some of my summer clothes. These African print trousers were homemade (not by me) but charity shopped; as were the Pepperberry top and the brown boots. I later added a brown glittery headscarf and wore my brown leather jacket for outerwear.

All jewellery charity shopped.

I found some wide legged, cropped denim trousers by Toast for 6.00 and a pair of grey ankle boots for 5.50. I also found some brand new towels for 2.00. I didn't find a denim skirt or a red cross-body bag; two things I need but I will keep looking. We finished watching 'When the Dust Settles' on Saturday evening and highly recommend the series; although I did wonder about the sheltered accommodation for the elderly  - anyone and everyone wandered in off the street willy nilly! Most places like this have security doors and codes etc so this part didn't ring true to me. Nevertheless, it was just a minor flaw in a great series.


Sundays are always a busy day for me. I nearly always go for a walk, I do the housework and I usually, but not always, cook dinner. I walked 5 miles in the morning  along the river to Great Denham which was bright and sunny but a bit cool.  Everything charity shopped. Jeans by Next, top by Papaya and Kimono by New Look. Boots donated by my daughter. They're a greeny gray colour. I just swapped these boots for walking boots and socks.


All jewllery charity shopped.


There was great excitement in the garden as all week I had been seeing a rat. It was after the bird feeders in the hibiscus tree outside the backdoor so I moved them up higher and out of reach. It still kept hanging around and on Sunday I showed the rat to my youngest grandson; who kept up a 'rat watch' for most of Sunday, whilst doing his homework. OH had baited some traps. The clever rat managed to remove the Mars bar bait but didn't trigger the trap! I do not like rats at all although I don't mind mice. At the time of writing this post I hadn't spotted the rat again...


This was what I wore to Barnardo's on Monday. This was the dress I picked up there last Friday. Worn with charity shopped striped tee; boots bought online last year.


Headscarf and all jewellery charity shopped.


Barnardo's was quite busy and the time flew by.
 I didn't need to cook on Monday as OH and middle grandson were going to the cinema to see the new Bond film and were going to get a takeaway meal. I spent the evening finishing off a very gripping Swedish thriller called 'The Sandman' by Lars Keppler. Very gory!


Tuesday's outfit; everything from a charity shop except the white pumps from Primarni. Wide legged cropped trousers by Toast bought in Huntingdon last Saturday; top by Misguided and cardigan had no label but is many years old.


Scarf and all jewllery charity shopped.


We were a woman down at the foodbank so I spent my time there making up food parcels; lots of food parcels. The donations kept coming in thick and fast. That's because they were Harvest Festival donations and we get lots from schools and organisations at this time of year.

In the afternoon I went for a swim and swam 42 laps (1.4 km). I'm leading a walk on Wednesday and am praying for decent weather. Wish me luck!



















A weekend visitor and an exhibition

 Hello!  I'll soon be off to Ireland  so let me tell you what I've been up to over the last two weeks.  I'll start with a whinge...