Unexpected purchase

The arrival of warmer weather has taken your correspondent by surprise, yesterday I was a little overheated in warm winter clothes so this morning decided to find some more seasonal apparel including sandals. I spend much more time at home indoors, my footwear never seems to wear out, I'm not a slave to shoe fashions, fit and comfort come first, so the ancient pair of sandals from the bottom of the wardrobe were worn in the morning when we went out and then again in the afternoon.

After much deliberation and discussion dear Ian and I decided we would buy a Sat Nav, in spite of our love of maps, and our tendency to print out directions from our computer before a journey. Our destinations, like battles, are always on the fold of the map, the centre of the page or the very edges. Of course once we had chosen a Sat Nav it was discovered that the store didn't have the model in stock, however they kindly rang the next nearest branch, just over a mile away, reserved it for us. Whilst these calls were being made it felt as if my heels were sinking into the sandals, upon looking at the sandals, large chunks of the flat heels were either cracked or broken off. Bit like the texture of a bread roll if you know what I mean. It was decided that I would go to the shoe shop to buy new sandals whilst Ian parked the car and purchased the Sat Nav.

Not sure how I made it to the shoe shop, more and more parts of the heels were coming away so it was difficult to walk. Across the cream coloured carpet it looked as if I'd brought in clumps of mud rather than a disintegrating shoe. I have new sandals, the assistant asked me if I was going to wear them then or did I want them in the bag? I was polite, showed her the remains of the pair to be discarded, where upon she said, oh, we'll put these in the bag for you instead! Then, are you going to complain to the manufacturers? Hardly, given their antiquity.

I had photographed the damaged sandals in the shop as I didn't expect to bring them home for disposal.

For any one in SW London, the shoe shop was Johnsons, a small local chain that has been trading a long time. I recall school shoes from their shop both for myself and for our children. Start-Rite anyone?

After all that excitement, and much watering of plants in the front garden, it was pleasant to knit sitting in the garden until the light went. This was the view from my seat ...

Maybe not the best photography, but I have attempted to capture the moment.

Monday, Monday

MONDAY, 27 June2011

Simple Woman's Daybook: 27 June 2011

Outside my window ... sunshine, humidity, slight breeze

I am thinking ... about all the things to do, sync my laptop and i-Pad, repair hem on trousers, email friends and think about meals.

From the learning rooms ...  does knitting count? I've learnt a new skill. Ian working hard with maths and learning to use his calculator, more like a mini computer.

I am thankful ... that everything went well for Martha at Glastonbury. She woke us as she arrived home at 7am this morning. It was her intention to be back earlier, she planned to leave after the last act yesterday but her passengers flaffed around and were not co-operative, eventually they left at 2am. Meant a nap on the way, now she's asleep after a proper shower. Not too muddy though, she had enjoyed it, met and made friends and never wants to use a wet wipe again.

From the kitchen ... in the fridge there are chocolate brownies made by Ian.

I am wearing ... re/orange/pink East dress. Very faded Indian cotton but cool and loose.

I am creating ... socks, have turned the heel on the first one, now decreasing before working towards the toes. So much faster than before, and it has helped to have copy of Ann Budd's book Knitting Socks in the Getting started series. Basic maybe, but think I will buy my own copy as there is a limit to how many times one can renew library books.

I am reading ...  Tomorrow - who knows by Alma Moore, widow of Ray Moore the broadcaster. Bought this in second hand bookshop in Wales. Also dipped into Something understood by Gerald Priestland. We had been searching through Martha's uni books and I found the book in there, not hers anyway. 

Now, why were we going though daughter's theology books? Someone at church is training to be a Reader and asked if Martha had any books on the Creed. She did.

I am hoping ... the books will help.

I am hearing ... building noises. The house next door but one is having the garage converted into a studio/study and a downstairs shower room behind so lots of noise there. Then on Saturday builders turned up next door to start extending. It was by chance we discovered the neighbours had resurrected their planning application. At the moment trees are being cut down, such a shame. They are extending at the back along the party line so we will have to lose one of our trees too.

This is the tree that will go so I will have ivy growing up the new wall, maybe clematis too. Hate trees being chopped down, but we have little choice as it is really in neighbour's way.

View sideways on. The wall on the left is being extended by 3 metres, my concern that the materials used will not match original which is pebble dash. It has never been redone, unlike rest of neighbour's property "well we cannot see it" said Mrs. S. Will look odd if we have facing brick for extension however much we cover it with plants and trellis.

A picture thought I am sharing ... 

I like the way the yarn makes a Fair Isle pattern and stripes. I find using a piece of contrast yarn attached to needle with a clove hitch is better than the fancy stitch markers. When needed, the old fashioned Ro-tally also marks the beginning of the round. Some times the old ways are best.

Hope all is well with my readers, drop by here, Facebook or in Ravelry. I'm off to keep Vitamin D levels up before the rains descend this afternoon.

Bank Holiday Monday musings

MONDAY, APRIL 25, 2011

Simple Woman's Daybook: 25th April 2011

Outside my window ... beautiful garden, sunshine, breeze. See picture below of a view from kitchen window.

Ian in the back garden contemplating the purple flowering broccoli, spinach, potatoes.

I am thinking ... what I will say when I have to talk about the Breathe Easy group to the congregation at Church as Breathe Easy has been chosen as the local charity for May. Rather short notice, the Church Warden told me at the start of the Good Friday Walk of Witness, said she was glad I was there as it saved her an email. Have contacted the development officer at the British Lung Foundation. Am a bit weary with fund raising, generous folk supporting Martha still after the marathon.

From the learning rooms ... Ian working on maths. ready for tomorrow's tutorial.

I am thankful ... we can dry all the washing in the garden. everything has dried so well, even the duvets. Ours are from Tchibo, machine washable and have a detachable summer and winter weight. Last summer we never detached the winter duvet.

From the kitchen ... Fairly clear, just some drying up to be done. we have a full fridge after a visit to the Farmers' Market.

I am wearing ... light cotton red/orange/pink patterned East dress, nearest thing I have to a sun dress.

I am creating ... Socks. so pleased as I've passed the heel and working steadily down to the toes. Think I have understood what I'm doing now. Next time I'd like a pattern written for magic loop rather than DPNS.

I am reading ... still Eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert. We are in India now and have till May 9th to finish. It's book v. socks at present.

I am hoping ... Adam and Juliet's house hunting is successful. They have decided the kitchen in the new house in Leighton Buzzard would be too small so are starting looking again. Haven't heard much more than that.

I am hearing ... aeroplanes from Heathrow as we have high pressure. Not bothered we are so used to them. When I was at school (and that is a very long time ago) lessons were interrupted by planes.

Around the house ... Shop has told us that the very latest for sofa deliveries is end of May. So will be watching the Royal Wedding sat in Lloyd Loom or black leather office chair.

One of my favourite things ...  making bread. These loaves were made on Saturday evening using recipe from A taste of health a BBC cookery book.

They are a mixture of white and brown/wholemeal flour so not heavy but healthy.

A few plans for the rest of the week ... writing to all the girls in my class to tell them that Hazel is coming to the UK in June and where she'd like to meet with everyone. Have sent emails to some, but those without emails will have to have a snail mail letter. Will send snail mail also where no reply from the emails. 

So, any Kneller girls out there who knew Hazel and me, love to hear from you.

Also off to Local studies, Breathe Easy group and maybe knitting on Thursday at Mrs Moon's.

Find instructions and links to other daybooks at The Simple Woman

Trying again.

TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

Simple Woman's Daybook: 12th April 2011

Outside my window ... afternoon it is cloudy, sunny and windy and chillier than yesterday. Now need some gentle rain for all the gardening Ian has done. He's not just added new turf, but tidied up, edged and this morning went to the tip with all the rubbish.



I am thinking ... what a lovely person Joy/Thimblina of http://aknitasknits.blogspot.com/2011/04/and-winner-is.html#links  must be.

To quote her

I spent a long time reading through four years of posts the other day and decided I'd missed my blog a great deal. So what better way to return to blogging that to have the almost obligatory bloggiversary competion. So I've put together a little package of goodies which could be yours - all you have to do of course is leave a comment here on my blog during the month of March. And every comment made will earn you an entry into the draw. Simples!




Even more exciting I have won some goodies. So each afternoon I will be rushing to check the post.

Today's post was  my new passport, arrived less than a week after my online application was posted. So impressed with the speed. Admittedly it was a straight forward renewal as nothing has changed except I'm even more ancient of course. We have no plans to travel abroad for a while but passport is a useful ID, my driving licence is still paper only.

On the other hand, I may hop on a train to Wales to visit my [English] rellies so it's good to Be Prepared. So says this Girl Guide.

From the learning rooms ... Ian doing maths while I do this, silent companionship in our study. The estate agents would call it a master bedroom.

I am thankful ...  for a good day on Saturday. We went north to Leighton Buzzard to see the house that Adam and Juliet would like to buy when it is built! New development, how sensible for them not to be embarking on DIY. My disappointment that they will be so far away but given property prices it's the only way as they don't want to move up the ladder in little steps every couple of years but rather buy something that will suit them for a long while.

Had a brief look at the centre of L. Buzzard, bought this tray of plants, such good value at £5.00 to brighten our front garden.

Did look around an excellent yarn shop in the town, Nutmeg needlecraft , if my stash box wasn't so full could have bought more wool. Pity I didn't have pattern for a cushion cover I want to make with me, I saw the right yarn but I didn't know the quantity.

I am going ...  to miss our associate vicar as she announced on Sunday that she is moving to another parish, one of the attractions is that she and her husband will be provided with a house. Great for them as she has a long drive to reach our church (she's not paid so there is no obligation to live in the parish) but we'll miss her, both at a spiritual and personal level.

I am reading ... Eat, pray, love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Reading group choice, haven't got far, but am enjoying it. Better than vampires, but then I don't do fantasy.

I am hoping ...  Leighton Buzzard will be a good town in which to live. Any comments from my readers would be appreciated, it's personal knowledge that makes the difference.

Around the house ...  still awaiting the sofas/settees. What's the difference? Another change is we are considering getting rid of our big laptop, it is painfully slow and really its only use is as I understand it is linked with the broadband modem. Advice will be taken.

A few plans for the rest of the week ... nothing unusual, Local studies, knitting at Mrs. Moon, last Lent group.

Again, my thanks to Joy/Thimblima for her bloggiversary.

 Find instructions and links to other daybooks at The Simple Woman