Total Pageviews

Monday 20 December 2010

Simple woman's daybook written 20th December

FOR TODAY Monday 20th December

Outside my window...cold, grey, icy, messy.

I am thinking... about writing the last few Christmas cards to be hand delivered, already temperatures are dropping so won't be till tomorrow.

I am thankful for...being able to stay indoors, but have missed church, Nine lessons and carols and a party yesterday but just know it would not be wise to venture forth on the ice and in such low temperatures.

From the kitchen...haven't done so much Christmas baking this year. Ian for some reason I cannot fathom doesn't wish me to make mince pies so he has bought them instead. Will make trifle, brandy butter but they are not really baking. Only made cake, and that was Waitrose's Delia Smith with all ingredients ready measured. The banana loaf I made Saturday was a great success, added sultanas to recipe from my mother's All colour Cookbook. Such a classic, with lurid colour illustrations. The index is good, it is by recipe number rather than page number.

I am wearing...old warm grey trousers; blue striped Thomas Pink shirt, navy blue round neck M & S jumper and blue, pink and white socks. One day I may wear socks I have knitted myself, well that's the plan.

I am creating...pink beret with Rowan alpaca yarn left from jumper.

I am going...to be helping with Christmas lunch at our church hall for guests who would otherwise be alone. Either I or daughter will collect and return a client; Ian will drive a lady who will be happier in the Picasso, easier to get in and out rather than in a 14 year old Corsa.

I am reading...nothing at the moment, took two days to read the Saturday papers.

I am hoping...the temperatures will rise suddenly and so all those who wish to travel may.

I am hearing...husband talking to son on phone. Son's business closed early at 3pm, he works in a hilly area, transport is difficult.

Around the house... tree up and decorated; lights on when curtains are open.





One of my favourite things... yesterday evening as Ian out singing at church so it was a Mummy-and-Martha evening. She looked after me very well, we drank tea, she made toast from home made bread which we had with home made jam and watched TV including the tear jerking Noel Edmond's Christmas presents. Not my usual viewing, but loads of feel good factor and do gooding. Could knit at same time too. A good, relaxing evening.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Gas fire to be fitted tomorrow then tidying up and preparing for Christmas. Plans depend on the weather.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing...






View from back bedroom window, shows the pruning our trees had last week, completed just before the snows came.  Does make the downstairs lighter.

May I mention the Simple woman's daybook blog and offer a link back to the main page of this blog.http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/ 

Christmas greetings to all, PixieMum

Sunday 12 December 2010

A week just gone.

Just a few thoughts about the past week as it has been a good one.

Good because the weather, although cold, was not bad enough to keep me indoors so have been out and about.

Tuesday was an Advent Quiet Day spent at St. Michael's Convent, a place of retreat and reflection where our group joined the Sisters in worship, we thought about St. Ambrose whose saints day it was and we had opportunity to walk in the garden or find a peaceful area in the house or library to reflect, plan, or prepare during Advent.

http://www.sistersofthechurch.org/csc/About_Us.html should give more information.

Next day was such a contrast, but no less enjoyable for it was a Christmas lunch with a group of fellow librarians all of whom at some time have worked at MOD library in Whitehall. Lots of frivolity, chat and laughter, I didn't stay long in town, emerged from tube by St Martin in the Fields and returned via Piccadilly station. Didn't feel like facing shops, crowds or cold.

Whilst away further progress was made with fireplace when the chimney was lined; we look forward to Tuesday when work will be completed, I hope. Am a little weary of the muddle and untidiness.

Out again to knitting group on Thursday and for birthday and Christmas shopping on Friday, our son's 30th birthday was yesterday and we had expected to see him today. Instead we had an extra visit yesterday evening as his wife was at her works 'do' and we were able to give him gifts then and chat with him.

They both visited today, we took them out for lunch, came back here and it was apparent he was tired so they had cake and tea before departing early. Fortunately both of them have this week off from work and they need the rest. It has been a busy time, their marriage, other friends and family weddings and all the adjustments of setting up home together. It all seems good vibes though.

At church was relieved that my decision to relinquish my sidesman role had been accepted without acrimony, it helped that I will assist in an emergency. Even now not sure why I wish to stop, just that I do and that is my way. Instant decision, if it is a wrong one I worry after, if right, I don't.

Oh, other good news! I have finished pink jumper, it's a little more fitted than I may have liked, perhaps up the needle size. The up size of this is I have yarn left over and am attempting to knit a beret with it. Promises have been made to daughter never to wear beret with matching jumper. Fashion suicide.


Picture taken by Ian shows jumper looking more mauvy pink, not a dusty pink, not sure about colour on his camera!

Another view. Plus is that it is very warm and if necessary can wear gilet over it without looking like michelin mum.

Well, I think I'm off to have another go at the beret, am using circular needles not 4 double ended ones. Meant brim will be stocking stitch not garter but it's an experiment. More info in Ravelry wip bit.

Byee for now, looking forward to reading your comments.

Will be back to let you know how pulmonary gym session goes tomorrow.

Madeleine

Wednesday 8 December 2010

Books wot I 'ave read

"The Bookworm"  has seen this meme on both Facebook and the internet recently.Quote from Bookworm follows:-  "Melanie has done a bit of research and established that the list is an urban legend, but never one to miss a good book meme, I'm going to play anyway ...

The BBC claims (supposedly!) that most people haven't read more than six books on the list. How many of these have you read?

Instructions: Bold those books you've read in their entirety. Italicize the ones you started but didn't finish or read an excerpt. (I skipped the tagging bit - play if you want to play!)
Many thanks to Bookworm, I have emboldened, italicised and lightened my entries so will my readers add their twopennorth?

Madeleine
who has been out to play the last two days, both events so different. 


Instructions: Bold those books you've read in their entirety. Italicize the ones you started but didn't finish or read an excerpt. (I skipped the tagging bit - play if you want to play!)

1. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen
2. The Lord of the Rings – JRR Tolkien
3. Jane Eyre – Charlotte Bronte
4. Harry Potter series – JK Rowling
5. To Kill a Mockingbird – Harper Lee
6. The Bible
7. Wuthering Heights – Emily Bronte
8. Nineteen Eighty Four – George Orwell
9. His Dark Materials – Philip Pullman
10.Great Expectations – Charles Dickens
11. Little Women – Louisa M Alcott
12. Tess of the D’Urbervilles – Thomas Hardy

13. Catch 22 – Joseph Heller
14. Complete Works of Shakespeare 
15. Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier
16.
The Hobbit – JRR Tolkien
17. Birdsong – Sebastian Faulks
18. The Catcher in the Rye – JD Salinger
19. The Time Traveller’s Wife – Audrey Niffenegger
20. Middlemarch – George Eliot
21. Gone With The Wind – Margaret Mitchell
22. The Great Gatsby – F Scott Fitzgerald
23. Bleak House – Charles Dickens
24. War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy
25. The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy – Douglas Adams
26. Brideshead Revisited – Evelyn Waugh
27. Crime and Punishment – Fyodor Dostoyevsky
28. Grapes of Wrath – John Steinbeck
29. Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carroll
30. The Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Grahame
31. Anna Karenina – Leo Tolstoy 
32. David Copperfield – Charles Dickens 
33. Chronicles of Narnia – CS Lewis
34. Emma – Jane Austen
35. Persuasion – Jane Austen
36. The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – CS Lewis
37. The Kite Runner – Khaled Hosseini
38. Captain Corelli’s Mandolin – Louis De Berniere
39. Memoirs of a Geisha – Arthur Golden
40. Winnie the Pooh – AA Milne
41. Animal Farm – George Orwell
42. The Da Vinci Code – Dan Brown
43. One Hundred Years of Solitude – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
44. A Prayer for Owen Meaney – John Irving
45. The Woman in White – Wilkie Collins
46. Anne of Green Gables – LM Montgomery
47. Far From The Madding Crowd – Thomas Hardy
48. The Handmaid’s Tale – Margaret Atwood
49. Lord of the Flies – William Golding
50. Atonement – Ian McEwan
51. Life of Pi – Yann Martel
52. Dune – Frank Herbert
53. Cold Comfort Farm – Stella Gibbons
54. Sense and Sensibility – Jane Austen
55. A Suitable Boy – Vikram Seth
56. The Shadow of the Wind – Carlos Ruiz Zafon
57. A Tale Of Two Cities – Charles Dickens
58. Brave New World – Aldous Huxley
59. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time – Mark Haddon
60. Love In The Time Of Cholera – Gabriel Garcia Marquez
61. Of Mice and Men – John Steinbeck
62. Lolita – Vladimir Nabokov
63. The Secret History – Donna Tartt
64. The Lovely Bones – Alice Sebold
65. Count of Monte Cristo – Alexandre Dumas
66. On The Road – Jack Kerouac
67. Jude the Obscure – Thomas Hardy
68. Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding
69. Midnight’s Children – Salman Rushdie
70. Moby Dick – Herman Melville
71. Oliver Twist – Charles Dickens
72. Dracula – Bram Stoker
73. The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett
74. Notes From A Small Island – Bill Bryson

75. Ulysses – James Joyce
76. The Bell Jar – Sylvia Plath
77. Swallows and Amazons – Arthur Ransome
78. Germinal – Emile Zola
79. Vanity Fair – William Makepeace Thackeray
80. Possession – AS Byatt
81. A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens
82. Cloud Atlas – David Mitchell
83. The Color Purple – Alice Walker
84. The Remains of the Day – Kazuo Ishiguro
85. Madame Bovary – Gustave Flaubert
86. A Fine Balance – Rohinton Mistry
87. Charlotte’s Web – EB White
88. The Five People You Meet In Heaven – Mitch Albom
89. Adventures of Sherlock Holmes – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
90. The Faraway Tree Collection – Enid Blyton
91. Heart of Darkness – Joseph Conrad
92. The Little Prince – Antoine De Saint-Exupery
93. The Wasp Factory – Iain Banks
94. Watership Down – Richard Adams
95. A Confederacy of Dunces – John Kennedy Toole
96. A Town Like Alice – Nevil Shute
97. The Three Musketeers – Alexandre Dumas
98. Hamlet – William Shakespeare
99.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – Roald Dahl
100. Les Miserables – Victor Hugo

Monday 6 December 2010

December morn

MONDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2010


Simple Woman's Daybook: 6th December

Outside My Window ...a heavy frost. When we awoke about 6.40 it was green and brown outside; an hour later it was frosty, snowing very tiny icy flakes which have settled.

I am thinking ... that Adam will be 30 on Saturday, some how cannot believe that I have been a mother all that time. It is something that has not come naturally to me and I find very difficult even now.

I am thankful ... that Adam is not going to be deployed to Afghanistan. As ships are being decommissioned there will be enough regular RN personnel to go and do logistics rather than sending RN reserves. Good for a couple who have been married just 6 months yesterday.

Around the house ... we have had the tiles and all the surround to the fireplace removed in our front room/dining room. Yes, on one of the coldest days of the year. The surprise was how big the fireplace was once the tiles were removed, it would have taken one of those free standing stoves but it is too late to change as the new tiles have been fired. The chimney will be lined on Thursday and I'm not sure when the tiling and gas fire installation will happen.

A Picture Thought I Am Sharing ... 

I am wearing ... grey flannel wool trousers, pale blue polo neck, white quilted gilet and new  cosy slipper socks in pink, blue and white stripes. Two pairs for £7.00 in M&S, ok they are made from polyester but given my speed with sock knitting and price of pure wool they couldn't be bettered. The aim of the game is warm feet and according to Ian I have the coldest feet in Christendom.

I am creating ... still haven't completed pink jumper, but only a few more rows, cms, inches to complete.

I am going ... to Local history society tonight, subject to the weather. Health wise it is not good for me as my lungs are poor and the airways tighten up in the cold. Also worried about condition of the roads so will see nearer the time.


I am hoping ... I can somehow stop procrastinating. For example, for a few days we have had Whitton calendars to send abroad along with cards and in one case a letter. I don't know why but don't have the motivation strength of character to do it. We have the Christmas cards bought, I have listed recipients yet what has stopped me writing and sending them. I think it is because I worry my cards will not be suitable for the person concerned, or my words will not be adequate, interesting or funny enough. 

One distraction yesterday was my subscription renewal to Findmypast family history website so I was looking up family on 1911 census. Much more fun than card writing.

Another problem is sorting out, we need the study to be tidy as it can be a sitting room for us when Martha has friends here as well as being a bedroom when the futon is in use. I seem to have a blockage with clearing, chucking and putting away.

One of my favourite things ... watching the birds at the feeders. 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... tomorrow, quiet day and meditation at St Michael's Convent. Have been before, very good but a chilly venue; Wednesday is MOD Librarian's Christmas lunch in town when meet with colleagues from my very early twenties; Thursday is knitting group at Mrs Moon's, wonder if they have the knit-pro circular sock needles in stock.

Well things to do, including sending pictures to the fireplace shop, washing machine to empty and reload, send off the calendars and write the cards, knit and soon some lunch. 

Would like to hear from my readers, otherwise it is like talking to myself.

Take care Friends, Madeleine




Find instructions and links to other daybooks at The Simple Woman

Tuesday 30 November 2010

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook: 30th November

Outside My Window ... snowing, windy, grey but fortunately snow is not settling.

I am thankful ... that our son is not going to Afghanistan with the naval reserve. There are enough naval personnel from the decommissioned vessels to go instead of reserves. Good for a couple who have been married barely 6 months.

From the kitchen ... Ian has just gone downstairs to make a quick lunch before he goes to U3A art.

 
I am wearing ... M & S long grey warm skirt, Uniqlo blue polo neck jumper and matching cardigan. I bought this skirt over three years ago for I thought it would be warm to wear to work. At that time I was working as a cataloguer behind the scenes at a London public library. I left before the winter, suddenly decided I'd had enough of the bullying manager.  Never regretted going.

I am going ... nowhere today. Healthwise I will stay indoors.

I am reading ... Diary of a nobody. Picked it up from reading group yesterday.

I am hoping ... that Martha's training for the London Marathon will go well and she receives much sponsorship for pancreatic cancer in memory of 27 year old Gemma. Martha's just giving website is http://www.justgiving.com/martharunsthemarathon2011 . I will be reminding you of this until 17th April and beyond.

Around the house ... house creaking, always does this with central heating.

I am creating ... last 10 cms of the neck of my polo neck jumper. Have been taught the magic loop system for using circular needles. 
Yesterday went along road to see Mel and was shown that I was knitting my socks inside out, using the needles the wrong way. Have been advised to buy Knit pro sock circular needles. Needed 2.5 size and phoned Ian who just happened to be in Kingston but John Lewis didn't have that size. Everything either side. Will try Mrs Moon our local yarn shop where I go to knit, chat and receive advice every other Thursday.



A Picture Thought I Am Sharing ... 

 
Time for lunch, so byeee, don't forget to look at Martha's website.

PixieMum


Find instructions and links to other daybooks at The Simple Woman

Friday 26 November 2010

London Marathon

Just had some exciting news and wish to share it with everyone.

Martha, darling daughter, has a place in next year's London marathon to run in support of pancreatic cancer. This is in memory of Gemma Harrison her friend from primary school and church choir days. Gemma died in August aged 27 from pancreatic cancer.

Martha has to raise funds whilst training so will be looking for ways to help her raise money for this good cause.

Off to do ironing and sew up shoulder seams on knitting before making neck. The mundane must carry on.

Wednesday 24 November 2010

Monday

WednesDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2010


Simple Woman's Daybook: 24nd November

Outside My Window ... looks a bit cold and sunny.

I am thinking ... of a good day on Sunday when Juliet and Adam came over to show us their book of wedding pictures. Suspect ours will be our Christmas gift. Beautifully done, so different from mounted pictures in album, more like all those real photo books I catalogued in my last job.
From the learning rooms ... Ian is working out how to register his new Sony Vaio netbook that is his Christmas gift from me. Will be easier to take to OU tutorials than laptop.

From the kitchen ... Ian has just made me a cup of peppermint tea; must ensure he has a drink too.
I am wearing ... long grey skirt, cream blouse and red V neck jumper.

I am creating ... pink jumper still, am well on with second sleeve. For the first time I am going to block work before knitting neck on round needles.

I am going ... to Breathe Easy this afternoon, talk on stamps. Not sure whether will be interesting but one never knows. Grateful to Breathe Easy as in January will be starting Pulmonary rehab in the gym at the local cottage style hospital.

I am hoping ... we don't have snow tomorrow, our local High Street has a Christmas event with local school children involved. Last year it was torrential rain.

Around the house ... fairly tidy as Treasure sorted us out last week.

One of my favourite things ... Ian and I doing stuff together. On Monday it was ALMA, (Angola London Mozambique Association) an initiative of the former Bishop of Kensington to help the churches in Angola and Mozambique. We are reps and main thing seems to be keep the association in the minds of the congregation and some prayer. Next time I am responsible for intercessions will give them a plug.
Yesterday Ian and I went to talks given by members of the Boroughs three local history societies around the theme of changing High streets. Fascinating how each was interpreted. 

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... Breathe Easy Group. Will try to ensure leader lets me pick her up in my car, she doesn't live far away but the journey requires two buses with poor connections, she doesn't drive and manouevres a shopping trolley full of papers. She let me give her a lift home last month so I hope I can help her again. 

A Picture Thought I Am Sharing ...

My new haircut! Have gone from almost shoulder length to very short. Had been bored with long hair, it kept getting in my eyes and as I've had two bouts of conjunctivitis in six weeks decided, in meaningful discussions with my friend S. who is a brilliant hairdresser, to have a different look.

Pictures taken by dear husband just before we went to our local history event.



Find instructions and links to other daybooks at The Simple Woman


Tuesday 16 November 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook: mid November

TuesDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2010


Simple Woman's Daybook: 16th November

Outside My Window ...fog and cold. Fog getting denser as I type so pleased didn't go out this afternoon.

I am thankful ... for all the help I am receiving so I can manage COPD. Had an appointment with local Pulmonary rehab people this morning, was assessed and will start a twice weekly exercise class at local hospital to help breathing. My lung function was 32%; severe is less than 30% nuff said. This is from one who has never smoked. I have useful self management plan booklet too.

From the kitchen ... have made pastry for quiche, have to prepare filling, also need to stew apples for sweet.

I am wearing ...black trousers, charcoal grey polo neck with matching cardigan (both from Uniqlo) and my favourite silk multicoloured Tradecraft scarf.

I am creating ... finished front of jumper so just sleeves to knit (40 rows done so far) and then the big collar. For the first time I am going to try blocking but not sure whether it should be done before any seam is sewn or to sew shoulder seams, knit collar and then block. Will ask/seek advice.

I am going ...  to Big Game 3 (Harlequins v London Irish - so a local derby) in a party of 7: 2 cousins; 2 kids + 1 DiL; 1 DH & me. We are planning to take them out for meal afterwards to keep it relaxed and the fun going.

I am reading ... The return of the dancing master by Henning Mankel for reading group but am not motivated to find out whodunnit. Also reading knitting magazine Ian bought me yesterday. Want to knit hat next using stash yarn or a light and lacy cardigan to go over black dress.

 am hearing ... Radio 2 playing nonstop oldies

Around the house ... Mount Ironmore to climb

One of my favourite things ... sense of satisfaction when stitch numbers line up with the pattern/

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... two funerals this week, both elderly ladies with links with our church; friend coming for hair cuts, both mine and Ian's.

A Picture Thought I Am Sharing ...  I read of ways of storing knitting needles, especially very old or pretty ones so have put them in a jug I made and painted. This was at the Manor House hotel near Okehampton. Hotel that can be recommended thoroughly, although main activity is advertised as golf there are all other sports plus craft centre. Learnt cross stitch there, made jewellery, pottery, glassware etc. Ideal for families where teens to young to go off alone yet don't wish to be with parents. Ours joined us just for dinner. Can do water sports, walking on moors or read quietly in grounds or lounges. Good pampering too, had massages and reflexology.


























That's all folks, enjoy reading. Byeeee, PixieMum




Find instructions and links to other daybooks at The Simple Woman


Tuesday 9 November 2010

Simple Woman's daybook: written throughout Tuesday 9th November

g Ple


Outside My Window ... rain, wind, cold, gloom

I am thinking ... that it was pleasant of my son to ring and chat, usually his calls are very brief but today he nattered away. Marriage has made him so happy. Last week his wife wasn't able to have time off for funeral but she came here after work and returned my cake tin. She said she couldn't return it empty so we have enjoyed and shared a lovely light chocolate cake. 


From the learning rooms ... Ian still revising maths for a course starting in February; my learning is picking up knitting skills again.

I am thankful ... the Stan's funeral has taken place. Don't wish to say much here but my sister and her husband cut us, and worse, made no effort to talk to the other mourners. She spoke to the carers from the home and the solicitor but no one else. As my children knew Stan they came and were of great support.


From the kitchen ... 2 loaves proving in the top of the broom cupboard, very useful place to put the large tupperware boxes in which we put the bread tins. Means no mucking about with cling film sticking to the dough. In the summer we put the boxes in the window and use the warmth of the sun. Recipe, rapid light wholemeal loaf is from The Bread Book, by Sara Lewis. It's half white flour and half wholemeal so healthy not heavy. Recipe is good as it give s quantities for three different tin sizes.

I am wearing ... blue M & S jeans, Earth collection cream wool and silk blouse and navy V neck cable Crew Clothing jumper


I am creating ... my roll neck sweater in Rowan Alpaca cotton, have got as far as top of the back.

I am reading ...   The return of the dancing master by Henning Mankell. Not exactly  losing myself in it, will keep trying but it is slow going. If it wasn't a reading group book would never have started it.

I am hoping ...  
to be organised, clear out more stuff, ruthlessly clear my wardrobe and try to have the study clear. Need to file correspondence too.

I am hearing ...  very little, don't even have the radio on.

Around the house ...   smell of the bread baking

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...
home group on Thursday evening, will attempt to go to Mrs Moon to knit and chat. Will take abandoned sock knitting along. Will there be 2 minute silence at 11? After that meeting former colleague for lunch, gossip and catchup.

Pictures of my stash I am sharing ....





Amo

Tuesday 2 November 2010

November



Just a brief resumé for my readers: good and not so good stuff.

Firstly, have finished scarf made from black acrylic from stash. (I know there is some dislike of acrylic in posh knitting circles but it is good for avoiding itchiness with real wool)

Anyway, some pictures taken of Ian in our hall before he went out yesterday, wearing scarf with coat.

As detail not clear, the scarf is knit 2, purl 2 rib and is a long as the two balls of yarn.

Haven't done much of my jumper yesterday as was trying to put words together about Stan for the funeral tomorrow. The minister who is taking service rang about lunchtime, rather short notice,  and yes, I knew I may have to do something like this but didn't. It was all in my head. Ian has been brilliant sorting pictures of Stan to accompany the notes to be emailed to minister.

Now have to find a CD with suitable music to play as we leave chapel for the grave, given Stan and his wife loved ballroom dancing something Victor Sylvester would be appropriate.

Need to plan meals too, family back home after funeral, joined by DiL so will have to have meal prepared. 

all very stressful, I'm so good at procrastinating, like doing this.

Will go now, report back. 

Madeleine PixieMum

Tuesday 26 October 2010

Birthday week

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook: 26th October: Daughter's 28th birthday

Outside My Window ... cold, dank, wet, windy; yesterday's weather was so beautiful today I feel the cold creeping into me.

I am thinking ...about the friends of Stan who have contacted me following his death and how we all have a different vision of a person. So true for Stan and his wife who lived their life in separate compartments.

I am thankful ... for the old fashioned knitting patterns that Martha bought back from Edinburgh for me. She said she rejected some as the styles were so bad. What could she mean?

From the kitchen ...veggie soup & bread, both homemade for lunch; for supper we will have haggis that Martha brought back from Scotland.

I am wearing ... jeans, cream warm shirt from The Earth Collection and red V neck jumper from Uniqlo. Will add multicoloured Tradecraft silk scarf to this later. Jeans are so good as I keep Ventolin inhaler & phone in pockets instead of rushing around like a banshee looking for them.

I am creating ...a Dr Who style scarf using donated black acrylic yarn. Have knitted almost all 50g but will use some of second ball as the scarf is just 40 stitches wide, knit 2 purl 2 rib and will not be long enough for Ian to wrap around. As it is narrow wrapping will be essential. 

Not clear that the yarn is black in these pictures, but photos show the pattern.



I am going ... to Local studies to help with digitalisation project, either will be stuffing returned plans back into packs or preparing plans for scanning.
I am reading ... well, have just had phone call from friend in local library to say the latest Maeve Binchy I reserved has come in and she will pop it through my door. Not highbrow reading but just the thing for chilly days and escape. Still not really able to knit and read at same time but have hopes when I start jumper which is largely stocking stitch.

I am hoping ... all the fireplace work will be completed soon. The chimney stack pointing estimate has been accepted; the contract for chimney lining is to be checked and liaison with the fireplace company organised. Thank goodness Ian is qualified to project manage all this.

I am hearing ... study clock ticking and house creaks.
Around the house ... creaks and groans. The house is so noisy when the heating is on.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... joining the other knitters as Mrs Moon, maybe they can show me where I went wrong with the socks. Strollers walk on Saturday, weather and health permitting.
well guess that is it my friends. As usual as soon as I've sent this missive into the ether some brilliant thought will occur to me. Anyway, let me have your lovely thoughts, hope life is good for everyone who comes by here,
Madeleine