Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside My Window ...sunshine and a breeze. Also aeroplanes flying over, why are there a few planes by day and then just as we are going to bed about 10.30.pm the flight path changes  and the jets fly low over our house?

I am thinking .... that I need to finish this before I go to the local history library and work (voluntarily) on the digitilization of planning applications. Really enjoyable and sociable.


From the learning rooms ...silence as Ian has gone to his U3A art class.

I am thankful ...  for being able to walk 6 miles last Friday withthe Strollers group. I was amused by the cows in the River Thames near Cookham.

From the kitchen ...smell of fresh bread, made yesterday by Ian.

I am wearing ...CC dress, it has linen coloured background and red and brown patterns. Was purchased in Glasgow when we visited one Spring to celebrate Ian's birthday.



I am going ...to Richmond by train.

I am reading ... just the daily paper at present


I am hoping ... to get back into my reading groove now life is less busy.

I am hearing ... aircraft

Around the house ...silence, apart from the clock

One of my favourite things ...freedom of retirement

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ...Wednesday: Measuring for new kitchen floor, meeting of Breathe Easy Group; Induction of new vicar. Friday: hair cut and highlighted: Saturday: marriage of Stuart and Tanuka.

Thoughts from the dining room

Why from the dining room? Because that is where I use my laptop as Ian has the use of the study as he is now the student in the house. I have dared him to say that is what he does if he is asked by our new vicar or his wife. They are joining us next week, well the installation is next Wednesday but they moved into the vicarage at the beginning of the month.

I could set the laptop in the kitchen, our bedroom or the study but none of these locations seem right although we have internet access available in all rooms except son's bedroom and the lounge.

Anyway, reflections on the last couple of days. Yesterday was greater achievements than today as did much laundry, made a loaf in the evening whilst Ian was at OU tutorial. The bread meant a late night as the dough took a long while to rise, which made for a very tasty loaf but has made us tired today. Midnights are not us anymore. Today I played on my laptop, especially spending time on Archers websites and reading other people's blogs which are so fascinating, clever and absorbing.

This afternoon went off wearing my volunteers hat to the Local studies library where planning applications dating from 1880s are being prepared for scanning, indexing and adding to a data base. I so enjoy this work, some of the older plans are beautifully coloured, some are mainly concerned with drainage and others with the provision of new roads. Quite often look at the houses  on Google streetmap to see what they look like today.

Before I went to the library I bought purple socks for Ian to wear at our son's wedding next month. Purple is the theme colour for the wedding and I thought it would be fun for his socks to match his tie and my dress. When I came home he had a gift for me too, a string of pearls and earings in purple. They are so beautiful, I will feel so glamorous. Did I record that I bought a pair of L.K. Bennett shoes in Selfridges and then searched the West End for a hat? However, found the perfect hat in local M & S! That store had the largest range and variety of hats and other accessories compared with Oxford Street.

So, I'd better finish this, I feel so guilty when I have spent much time 'playing' here earlier in the day when there are so many other activities to be done. At least there is no ironing to be done now, but I have this so called Protestant ethic that I should be on the go all the time. We have much sorting out of family papers rescued from a loft, for although we cannot keep all the material we can offer it to relevant institutions. None of it is suitable for here or another  blog but will be of interest say to those interested in education in the early 20th century.

I missed many of the activities for Adult learning week so will see if I can be fitted in for something. Why wasn't I organised when the email came through a few weeks ago?

Would be pleased to have criticism, comments, views from anyone who reads this.

Midweek musings from PixieMum

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook: Wednesday 12th May

Outside My Window ...cold wind, still dry but so chilly. Have just been outside to retrieve recycling boxes so house looks loved.

I am thinking ...about all manner of things - in what fascinating times we live, lunch, when I will buy my Mother-of-the-Groom hat, chores to be done, how to be disciplined with myself and more motivated. Thinks perhaps laptop is becoming a good servant but a bad master.

From the learning rooms ... does this apply? Ian is awaiting results of his OU Maths TMA; daughter is attending an eight day course as part of her solicitor's training. I attended AGM of our local history society and heard an interesting talk about riots in Teddington against Patronal festival processions about 100 years ago. Talk accompanied by good illustrations. The arguments about high versus low church still reverberate now.

I am thankful ...a political crisis has been averted and that we have a government

From the kitchen ...nothing except washing up!

I am wearing ...pale blue warm cashmere polo neck jumper and black trousers. I told you it was cold didn't I?

I am creating ...still working on the kneeler but TV and news too fascinating to allow the counting of cross stitches last night.

I am going ...to work on family history as have papers to sort out, photos to add to family tree and more research to do.

I am reading ...just newspapers at present but will start The Human Stain by Philip Roth so ready for reading group next month.

I am hoping ...that my damaged ligament is really healed and I never have such pain again.

I am hearing ...clock ticking and a plane going over the house.

Around the house ...we are having some carpets steam cleaned on Friday, especially those of very pale colour. Need to clean as our Treasure doesn't come this week.

One of my favourite things ...being home alone occasionally.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ..Ascension Day tomorrow, collecting for Christian Aid in High Street on Saturday.

Pictures I Am Sharing ...these are views from our bedroom window of the gardens we overlook. This year has been very good for blossom.

Can any one identify the blue tree in the foreground please?

Wednesday 28th April - my late Simple Woman's Daybook

Outside my window... Hazy sunshine, bit breezy but the blossom on all the trees is so magnificent.

I am thinking... how I managed to get up at 5. 15 am this morning to help Ian leave at 6am to drive north to Hertfordshire where he is working on building wardrobes, storage units and decorating our daughter-in-law-to be's home.

I am thankful for... feeling better and hoping the pain from the damaged limit will go so my right thigh no longer feels like a heavy weight as I walk.

From the learning rooms... Just Ian will be working on his next TMA for his OU maths course.

From the kitchen... Not much happening there, just some drying up but will soon be preparing a lunch for myself.

I am thankful for...finding an outfit from CC (originally Country Casuals) for son's wedding in June. Just the hat and footwear to find now.

.I am wearing... M & S black trousers and striped blouse from Thomas Pink. Really need a jumper or cardigan on too.

I am going... to meeting of Breathe Easy, a support group of British Lung Foundation. (I suffer from asthma & bronchiectasis - and I'm a lifetime non smoker)

I am reading... Susan Hill's latest Simon Serailler crime novel called "The shadows in the street"

I am hoping... to fit in climbing Mount Ironmore.

I am hearing... an aircraft flying over. The peace and clean air was so good when Heathrow airport was closed. I do have sympathy for travellers but there is a silver lining to every disaster.

Around the house... silence, apart from a ticking clock.

One of my favourite things... having the house to myself for once.

A few plans for the rest of the week: voluntary work at the local studies library, no particular plans for the Bank Holiday weekend.

 Here is a picture for thought I am sharing. This is our local suburban High Street where last Saturday our patron saint's day, St. George's day was celebrated with a procession, the street was closed to cars and there were charity stalls, food and drink and children's activities. The community has been trying to be noticed, we are a neglected part of the borough as we don't have celebrities living here and most of the properties are 1930s rather than fashionable Georgian and Victorian piles. However, the properties are good sizes, more realistic prices and there are many professional residents here who appreciate the good train service into London, the village atmosphere, the personal service in the local shops and good primary schools

http://thesimplewomansdaybook.blogspot.com/

Wednesday 21st April 2010

Outside my window... bright, sunny and chilly but for the first time in days there are a few contrails in the sky.

I am thinking... of how much time I have wasted playing around on my laptop today when there is Mount Ironmore to climb, I need to shop, send some emails and do some dusting.

I am thankful for...living in a friendly community. Whilst struggling home with shopping last Saturday friend's husband took all of it and brought it in and put it on the kitchen table.

From the learning rooms... yesterday I was at our  Local studies library where, amongst others, I have become a volunteer. The library has been given planning applications dating from about 1880s to 1950s for the three former boroughs that came together to form one borough in 1963. The planning applications are beautiful drawings of buildings that in many cases were never built, but others are still in existance today. The collection is to be digitalised and scanned, thanks to a grant from the lottery heritage fund. We volunteers are recording information for the data base. So much my interests, as a librarian, as an indexer, as a local resident whose family has been in the area for over 100 years, as one interested in buildings. I commence work next week for a couple of hours one afternoon.

From the kitchen... not much. I'm eating ham salad for lunch so no cooking.

I am wearing... black trousers, pink and black spotted pleated blouse

I am creating... This latest blog.

I am going... To Whitton to buy carrots!

I am reading... nothing, but will start Joanna Trollope's 'The other family' collected it yesterday from library.

I am hoping... my friend and her family will be able to fly from Luton Airport to Lanzorotte tomorrow. She needs and deserves a holiday so much.

I am hearing... One of the first aircraft to fly over our home since Heathrow was opened again last night. Usually we would have so many planes and much noise as it is high pressure weather at present.

Around the house... It is very quiet as I am home alone. Ian has gone to build in wardrobes in our DIL 2B's house and add more storage for her. It is so good he is practical but needs to fit it in with his Open University maths. studies. He has a tutorial on Monday, but is well ahead and understands the work.

One of my favourite things...Time in the morning to read the daily newspaper and attempt the quick crossword. Difficult one today.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Attending a talk tomorrow evening about how Christians can live a green life and care for His world. on Saturday there are celebrations for the Silver wedding of Caroline and Nigel. There is a service of thanksgiving and a bit of a do afterwards. C & N went to Seychelles as a celebration and because of the Volcanic ash were in Zurich for a few days before travelling on a ferry and reaching home four days late. They were well treated by Air Seychelles so this airline is to be commended.

To anyone who reads this would you please comment? Even if just to tell me that some one has read this!

Many thanks, PixieMum

Monday 12th April 2010

Monday, April 12, 2010

Simple Woman's Daybook: 12th April 2010

Outside My Window ... a clear, dry chilly morning, rather windy. Suburban street where postman has just delivered the mail.

I am thinking ... will this be the week when the damaged ligament heals and the trapped nerve is released.

From the learning rooms ... Husband still enthusiastic about his OU maths course for which he has a tutorial in Camden this evening.

I am thankful ... that I managed to go to church yesterday although still in pain.

From the kitchen ... chaos. I haven't washed up the breakfast crockery yet.

I am wearing ... underwear and acquamarine dressing gown as breakfast was ready and no time to select outfit.

I am creating ... nothing but must continue with cross stitch kneeler

I am going ... to see the physiotherapist today, hope she can help some more.

I am reading ... nothing as haven't started another book since finishing "Girl with dragon tattoo" for reading group next Monday .

I am hoping ... . for all to be well

I am hearing ... Sarah Kennedy's Radio 2 programme on i-player originally broadcast between 5 and 7am, far too early for us retired layabouts.

Around the house ... tidy house as our Treasure was here last Thursday and we have tried to keep it like that..

One of my favorite things ... my computer so I can catch up on programmes broadcast at inconvenient times

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week ... Today (Monday) physiotherapist and local history society talk this evening; on Thursday a  talk and demonstrations about living a Green life as much as possible. Plan to contact friends so I can resume a social life even though still in pain, it would be a distraction.

Constant pain

Well the drugs haven't made much impact on the pain of the ligament damage and nerve pain in my lower right back and leg. Additionally the side effects of the pain killers have added to my woes, needless to say constipation was one of them so Lactalose was added to the cocktail. Think it is helping but has meant another day housebound.

What made this worse today is that is is Darling Husband's birthday (he shares it with Elton John) and I was not able to take him out for a meal as planned. For hygiene reasons I didn't think it wise for me to be in the kitchen so he even cooked the supper on his birthday.

Now he's come back from Home Group but actually there wasn't one, so he chatted to the leaders (who are friends anyway). I think they were better company than me, given my sudden shrieks of pain. I have done my physio exercises, first time I have remembered them all without recourse to the printed instructions.

Neither of us could finish the quick crossword today. On the plus side our house looks lovely as our treasure came today and after we had eaten lunch together she zoomed around. If only we can keep the standard up before she comes again in a fortnight. Sent her home with three slices of the Marmalade cake.

Off to bed, DH has made coffee so will post and shut laptop down.