31st December 2015
What about this... remember when your kids were squeaking away on a school recorder and you listened with clenched teeth... and then came the quiet relief when the cacophony was over... http://www.classicfm.com/music-news/videos/czardas-recorder/?cmpid=E.Classic_Solus_15.12.31&cmp=EMC-SAIL#yPDbg4Q87MxUBj6Q.97 Follow the link and then click on the second picture down for the video. You'll find a bit of the score on the right. |
I've sauntered round Facebook this morning and it seems everyone is lying low, only Carol and Andy are back at work. Last October Lesley and Jay gave me a Jackson's Art Supplies voucher for my birthday - this morning an exciting parcel arrived containing yummy oil paint (blue/black, olive green, Davy's gray), a new brush, cartridge drawing pad, oil paint medium, and a little handbag sized travel box for watercolour sketching. Exciting stuff!
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I'm going to pop over to the Writers' website now to post details of some 2016 writing competitions. Then I'll need to put meeting dates for our art group's Thursday meetings. This blogging business certainly keeps me busy and stops the old grey matter seizing up altogether.
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Next time we chat we'll be in 2016... if you're partying tonight have a wonderful time... I look forward to talking with you tomoz. (Horrible word, it's as bad as lol - but you gotta be cool to have cred these days!)
P.S. I'll probably start a new page (clean slate and all that) tomorrow so it'll be Betty Blogs 4. |
30th December 2015
What a wet one - mustn't grumble considering how they're faring in the north and confronting the havoc created by Storm Frank. I guess elsewhere folk are gearing up for another bout of eating, drinking and general merry-making on New Year's Eve. We usually pass on this event and will be quietly creeping into 2016 with decorum. Right: Ian and Jenny (yesterday) heading for the sales in Birmingham. I think wedding wear was on their list - they arrived home with big bags so I suspect they had a successful trip. |
28th December 2015
I keep having to remind myself it's Monday today - I've somehow lost track of the days. When I was at the hospital last week the rheumatology nurse gave me some info about a little gadget I should get to help keep my hands warm. Bern ordered one from Amazon and it arrived yesterday (Sunday - crazy world no wonder I'm confused). Anyway, I charged it up this morning - you have to do it via a USB on your computer - it's just brilliant - a tactile little palm-sized thingy and it's the best thing I've found to date for bringing my hands back to life. It's called Hot Rox. Well worth getting one if you suffer from Raynaud Phenomenon. I wonder why the medical people stick the word 'phenomenon after it - we don't say measles phenomenon or anything else phenomenon. On the right... my little gizmo charging up as we speak. |
I don't know if they're short of news but on the BBC website they've come up with some dark facts about the origin of Jelly Babies - yes the yummy little sweets, the ones that once you eat one you just have to keep going. Have a look at this.... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35100612
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27th December 2015
Had a fab Christmas Day at Andy and Rajni's and before the day was out and with most of the assembled company well-wined we had a session of Banga Dancing and laughed our socks off. Apologies to their neighbours as we were rather noisy. Boxing Day: we did it all again at Lesley and Jay's. We're all happy to flock there as Lesley always comes up with super food beautifully presented. (She's a chef by profession). Tom and Elaine (Gill) joined us with son Matthew and house guest Val - and a wonderful time was had by all. Boxing day noise was created by our "guess the tune" game using kazoos - we were loud, horrendously out of tune, and tickled pink. |
Audrey Jack David James and Lesley called in this afternoon. They'd been out for lunch and as everyone was fed up of eating we only had to produce cups of tea. I think we're all at the stage where it will be good to get back to normal.
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25th December 2015
We've been to visit Bern's 99 year old Mum at her care home this morning - she was fine but we had difficulty convincing her that it's Christmas Day. It scares me no end when I see the possibilities of life at that age. On that cheerful note I'll say have a happy day everyone while I try to avoid contemplating the future. We're off to join some of the family at Andrew and Rajni's in Pattingham for turkey, tinsel, and paper mountains... following which I'll be glad to get back to normal. |
24th December 2015
Sorry I didn't make it yesterday - we were at the hospital all morning followed by a trip round the supermarket and on arriving home I promptly fell asleep on the sofa (as you do...) I'm such a wuss these days - no stamina. Anyway we finally had some answers to my constant complaints about feeling rubbish. They say I have Systemic Sclerosis which comes under another banner called C.R.E.S.T. syndrome which means a number of weird conditions... here's a bit of the medical jargon.... "...CREST syndrome, also known as the limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis (lcSSc) is a multisystem connective tissue disorder. The acronym "CREST" refers to the five main features: calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia. So now we know: it's an ongoing thing and I'll be up and down to the rheumatology clinic for the foreseeable future. Moan over and feel free to yawn. |
What a wet morning for Christmas Eve - not very Ho-Ho-Ho at all. Lesley's mum and dad (Audrey and Jack) have arrived in Pattingham so we'll be catching up with them at some stage.
I found this cartoon on Facebook - it made me smile |
I know I'm a seasonal cynic and given to bah humbug because of my feelings of distaste about the money-making and greediness that happens in the name of Christmas and that's why my faithful wooden Santa is a bit of a meanie. I let him out of the box every year to sit on the mantelshelf for a few days with his empty sack and deflated bedraggled appearance.
Bern and I got to thinking (and it made me laugh) about how much he and wooden Santa have in common.... i.e. long, thin, grumpy! And would you believe it... together they grudgingly sang a rather lack-lustre "Ho-Ho-Ho!" |
22nd December 2015
Yay! it's Winter Solstice Day, I've been round the garden and cut some holly and ivy to satisfy my pagan inclinations. It's in the porch now accompanied by some red baubles so it's a bit Christmas and bit Yule. I've found a little BBC video that demonstrates the lengthening daylight hours. Here's the link... http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/feeds/35073017http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/feeds/35073017 I'm debating whether or not to send a moan to South Staffs Council. We haven't received the usual waster collection calendar and have no info relating to bin emptying dates since November. I Went to their website and found the appropriate information having waded through loads of waffle telling me to reduce waste. I printed off their online calendar. Said calendar had obviously been produced by someone who enjoyed creating a decorative document with pictures of little bins of the correct colour to line up with the collection dates. Very nice indeed, it was also well spaced and aesthetically pleasing. Their caption said "printer friendly". Blimey, talk about reducing waste and printer friendly - the information ran to 14 pages. Bugger the spacing and little bin pictures - I'm supposed to be reducing waste and I don't need a work of art to tell me bin emptying dates - that's my planet-friendly good intentions done for and I'll not be in the Pagan Holly King's good books now.
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If you're nipping to the Co-op today think of the 'Rochdale Pioneers' - a group of people who opened the first Co-operative shop on this day in 1844, paving the way for the worldwide co-operative movement.
On the right... The Rochdale Pioneers - the guys responsible for the idea of sharing the profits which they called "dividend" - and the word was soon became a colloquialism and one would hear housewives referring to their "divvi". |
19th December 2015
We've been to Sainsbury's this morning and judging by all the loaded trolleys things are hotting up with folk preparing for the big calorie intake next weekend. I'm still not very enthusiastic about food so we didn't earn many Nectar points this morning. The day started with more brown hospital envelopes arriving with three more appointments for early January. I was a little alarmed as I wasn't expecting any more. We did Facetime with Jon this morning - he's now moved on to Indonesia. We met his new friend Zara (on screen). She's from Rotterdam and is attending university in Japan but currently roaming around in the same region as Jon. Crikey - when I was small a Sunday School trip to Kingswood Common was a bit of an adventure! It's all of five miles away. We were all invited to Andy and Rajni's place today (just round the corner from Jay and Lesley in Pattingham) - they were holding what I think is called a running buffet - i.e. people popping in throughout the afternoon and evening for drinks and nibbles. It was lovely to see everyone and meet up with her parents again. The occasion was their 1st wedding anniversary. They were well twinkled up, indoors and outside, ready for Christmas. While we were there Ranji's Mum made a little video on her phone which was transmitted to her extended family in India. Feels like this family is continually crossing continents in real time and virtually these days. |
Get this for exciting: you can subscribe (free) to this website to receive an e-mail notification to tell you when the International Space Station will be visible in your area. Here's the link http://earthsky.org/space/how-to-spot-the-international-space-station
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I've heard it rumoured that this will be the warmest Christmas season for over 100 years. Rene has a lovely clump of daffodils flowering in her garden. I went round the garden this morning and was surprised to find these marigolds coming into bloom. Right now there's an item on Radio 4 saying the plants have been tricked into thinking it's April because of the warm, wet weather. I reckon the birds will have built their nests by New Year the way we're going. Everything seems to have lost the plot these, even me!
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15th December 2015
Final writers' meeting today - bring a poem and waffle about why you like it. Sorted. I've 60+ poetry books so no excuse for not finding one. I've opted for an amusing one by A. P Herbert. The title alone makes me smile.... "Lines for a Worthy Person who has drifted by accident into a Chelsea revel" I didn't know a thing about APH and therefore looked him up to discover he was a humorist and a super-brain who'd had a distinguished career and was also a "Sir". And that's just for starters. An interesting guy. I found this quotation worth noting. With his words in mind, I reckon next time you have a bit of spat with whom you share a roof, you can rest assured you're not a sheep. |
Do you fancy a little story? - it's called "The Tale of This Year's Christmas Tree". How seasonal, I hear you sigh. Here goes... There's usually a contentious moment in the Pattingham household at this time of year when it comes to acquiring a tree. They were in the middle of such a moment when we popped in yesterday afternoon (Sunday). Now Lesley likes a big tree. For big think enormous as she has a lovely collection of decorations, nice old-fashioned items such as tin soldiers with moving joints and dear little painted wooden things, twinkly lights and some splendid baubles. This year they agreed to compromise and settle for a "medium-ish" tree. Jay reckoned that when viewed in the spacious area at the garden centre their chosen tree didn't look so big but when they got it home it moved to the "very big" category i.e. larger than they thought. So... as happens every year... (will they never learn?) it had to be trimmed. I believe Chrimbo trees are priced relevant to height so at least ten quid's worth has ended up in the green bin! All rooms were in turmoil as they were moving things round to find room for the "medium????" sized tree. Sofas shifted, rugs rolled up, and a big debate about where to put what. In the middle of the melee we all retreated to the kitchen, perched on stools, and partook of mince pies and tea. I don't know the end of the story just yet. as we left them in the same muddle that existed when we arrived...
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Where are they going to put me? Next to the coffee table, in an alcove by the log-burner, in the bay window, next to the bookcase, dining room, sitting room?
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9th December 2015
I have to submit to the Christmas frenzy now - there's no getting away from it is there? I attempted to concoct a tree last night... I tried to do an arty-farty thing with some twigs and the odd bauble. I'll take a pic later to show you. We had a great time at the writers' 'do' yesterday. Council Offices Cafe did an excellent job... 3-course Chrimbo lunch, crackers, paper hats, decorations, etc. excellent value. Then we retired to our meeting, donned the home-made hats and laughed our socks off trying to work out all the film titles. Here's mine... can you guess? |
Here's Sue, Jose Cora, Carol, Rene, Jan, and Maggie I tipped up after they'd eaten and scrounged a cup of coffee. Other members arrived for the meeting and we spent the afternoon playing word games. David organised a session of Countdown, he even played the "hurry up" music just like on telly via his iPad so the pressure was on. He once appeared on the actual TV show - (respect: the maths bits are impossible in the allotted time). We played in teams and Maggie and I both won a Mars Bar.
Just popping out to deliver Jose's birthday card - back later and Happy Birthday Jose... I'm on my way. |
I see it's the anniversary of the very first episode of Coronation Street today (1960). I wonder if Jose knows she shares her birthday with Corrie. Back again having visited the Birthday Girl. I was deliberately early as she's going out mid-morning. I had a cup of tea with her while she ate her morning porridge. I've taken a pic of the twigs I mentioned - I picked them up in the garden, they're from our birch tree. The dinky baubles come in a box of 100 from Paperchase. £10. Probably not to everyone's' taste but it amuses me as I've a leaning towards minimalism. Time for coffee I think - then I'm going to fiddle with my "big sky" picture before Roland sees it tomorrow. Bye for now. |
8th December 2015
Hat day at writers' meeting. It's Christmas lunch day too but I'm not eating (I'm not into food these days) so I'll join them after the feast for the hat guessing game. I'll put a picture of mine later to see if you can guess the film title. I bet the excitement is overwhelming!!! Carol rang this morning - all seems tickety-boo in Shrewsbury. She'll be calling in later after work - I look forward to that. More cards through the door today - my mind wanders and I start thinking of this seasonal card sending on a global scale and I picture the millions of tons of paper on the move round the planet - I'll do my bit by hurling a couple of cards in the direction of Australia later. I guess we're all guilty of generating paper mountains; but I try to keep ours more foothill size. |
7th December 2015
Well, well, well... I seem to have let the weekend slip through my fingers without popping in here for a chat. I can't even boast about being particularly busy. I will venture a tiny toot on my trumpet to celebrate the fact that the Cards are done and ready for the posting. Oh, and I wasted Saturday morning battling with my big sky - can't show it to you as it looks decidedly amateurish - that lovely blank canvas is now a not very believable stormy sky glowering down on a totally unbelievable ploughed field. I'm dreading .Roland cast his eye over it. |
Hallelujah! Jay has finally bought another car. I hate it when he cycles from Pattingham to Harborne in all the traffic, especially at this time of year. He says the car will not alter his cycling habit... oh well, at least it'll be on hand in bad weather.
Congratulations Maggie: she's had another story in Express despite them having announced the end of their weekly story competition. Ages ago she'd submitted one with a Christmas theme and, lo and behold, they'd hung onto it and published it in last Saturday's edition. We're singing your praises Mags... ...Tra-la-la-la-la... la-la-la-la... |
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Oh crikey... did you watch David Attenborough's "The Hunt" last night. I really disliked the octopus that could walk on land. It was big, brown, and bumpy... imagine that glooping up your garden path when you least expect it. He hops out of the water and slithers across the sand to grab a few crabs for his lunch. |
4th December 2015
It's another of those "nothing" sort of days for me. Oh I know, I could be doing housework to pass the time, but how boring. It's too cold to do gardening and too early to get into a panic about Cristmas, although I did write a few cards last night, that was until I lost interest and went back to some crochet. I've started on a blanket for Jenny (Ian's fiancee) she wants a "cuddle-up-on-the-sofa-to- watch-telly" blankie. Hope you all like a sofa blankie - I love mine - never watch telly without it and it's great for hiding your eyes when there's something gory or overly violent. Right, I'm off now to do something useful... back later. |
Do you know, I went downstairs full of good intentions. I looked at the dusters and I looked at the vacuum cleaner and decided to leave them in the cupboard after all. I've just put a blank canvas on my easel and now I'm going to mess it up or maybe do a masterpiece - most likely the former. I haven't tackled my "big sky" yet as per Roland's instruction so here goes... after I've had a cup of coffee... otherwise known as procrastination in a cup. I've just looked through the window (as you do when procrastinating) and there's a beautiful rainbow - maybe it's a good omen for painterly inspiration. I'll strike while the rainbow's hot.
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3rd December 2015
I'm just trying to get myself out of the door to go to art class. I've Shovelled my Shredded Wheat down, a cup of tea, and part of today's pill quota. Also I've stuffed my bag and dug out some dried poppy seed heads - they might make an interesting subject. Back later...hope you all have a good morning. |
Back home again now... my pen and ink drawing of poppy seed heads is pretty rubbish so I'll not be flaunting it. But we had a good chat and Roland gave a little lecture on composition. Maggie did an excellent pencil drawing of Geoffrey Archer - shes' getting good at portraits.
Oh... and I've made my hat for next week's writers' meeting. My other achievement for today was forking out for a pile of stamps ready for posting Christmas cards. (We can say the word now we're into December.) |
As it's such a boring sort of a day here's a little video to get you in the right mood for the coming season: you'll need the sound on - click the link below...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p0394f0k/sprout-boy-christmas-on-bbc-one |
1st December 2015
This morning the weather girl told me that it's now officially winter - I yell at the telly "state the obvious love!" but she took little heed. Isn't this frosty old owl beautiful, and he tells the story much better than any TV presenter. Sorry I didn't turn up yesterday, I was busy getting scanned (yet again). I've had fifteen hospital visits over recent weeks but I think I'm free now until the 23rd when I have another three. However... I can boast about having done my writers' homework for today's meeting. I'm sure they'll all faint with surprise when it comes to my turn. We have a really weird brief today: it is... "Why is Edward Worthington hurrying along with a stuffed dog under his arm?" First thought was, how do I get out of this one? Maybe tomorrow I'll put it on the writing page. Don't expect a masterpiece, it just turned out to be a daft ditty. |
Ian, Gary and James
I've had to chop and crop several pictures to get these as they kept doing "funny" faces. Jon was there in spirit and we did talk to him via Facetime 29th November 2015
It's our annual family "do" at the Granary Restaurant today. Bern's treat for the younger set and the even younger set. We have instructions from Jon (still island-hopping in Thailand) to take our iPads and we'll all do Facetime so he can see what we're eating while he makes do with noodles. I might be late getting here tomorrow as my hospital appointment is at 9am and we have to out early to beat the traffic. Catch up later... |
Bern
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28th November 2015
Oh dear, we're in telephone turmoil at the moment. Bern had to get a new mobile and you know what it's like, if you're old that is. Those little technological tussles that happen when you have a new gadget - new kit is always different from your old kit. We've been doing texts and phone calls from his den to mine - sort of practise runs. Nice swish phone and the reviews online say it's easy to use. Must tell that to Bern! I thought blue lettering appropriate as it's in keeping with the mutterings I can hear as he tries to get to grips with it. |
Jay popped in at breakfast time. He's been working a night shift during the week and his body clock is all at sea. He said he was awake at "silly o'clock" this morning so he did an early run to Wicks to get materials to repair their fence.
I've just placed a blank canvas on my easel - just have to pluck up courage to make the first mark. It's always a challenge. Even Roland says he hates to face a white canvas and always sloshes on an under-painting to get rid of the white. I suppose it's like spoiling a lovely pristine layer of snow. Just off to do the shopping now... |
27th November 2015
I'm glad yesterday's (24th) hospital visit is behind me. I hate the "drink the gloop" business. Nothing to eat since the night before then I had to keep taking a mouthful of thick white minty stuff (like pollyfilla) then swallow it when the doctor gave me the nod at which point the pics were taken. We're due there again on Monday - following my Cardiology visit on Saturday they've phoned to say come back on Monday for another scan. It seems relentless, but I mustn't complain as they're getting on with investigations pretty swiftly. |
I had an e-mail from Roland yesterday, telling me about a new painting he's started. It's all about big sky, low horizon, and creating distance with perspective. He urged us all to have a go earlier in the term. I've got as far as hunting out reference material to start my painting to fit the brief. Jay has loaned me a pile of his "Landscape Photographer of the Year" books to inspire me.
Has anyone grabbed a Black Friday bargain yet? According to the media people have behaved themselves this year and there's been no scenes of the greedy grabbing hoards that we saw last year.
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I've been a little bit productive of late - well a couple of evenings anyway. I've made something devoid of glamour and sparkle, nor is it even a decent talking point. It's a jolly old draught-stopper. A crocheted tube shape stuffed with empty coffee tins. Very beige and boring but I'm easily amused these days.
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Our little 2015 poetry anthology is hot off the press and heading for the best seller list (in our dreams). It's not actually in Waterstones or W H Smith, but the library have taken a few and perhaps numerous copies will be foisted upon our family and friends, or we may blame Santa for their distribution when they appear in Christmas stockings. |
23rd November 2015
Soon comes round doesn't it? Where did the weekend go? I spent a jolly three hours at the hospital on Saturday morning, then we went on to Ikea. It was absolutely packed. Bern sent a text to Jay to say we were "walking the walk". [That's Bern and Jay speak for being dragged round a large Swedish store when they don't want to be there.] Jay reciprocated with sympathetic mutterings about candles and paper napkins. Apparently blokes think women buy mountains of these items when let loose in Ikea. I suspect they're right but I resisted on this occasion as I still have drawers full of them acquired on former visits. We did indulge in the meatballs for lunch, but I had vegetarian ones (child's portion) very nice too. They give you 15 on an adult plate and Bern managed to down the full quota plus chips, peas and gravy. |
I understand Black Friday is imminent - the day to behave badly when shopping. I guess the deals are out there if you dare brave the marauding hoards. There's loads of deals online too if you can be bothered to look for them. There's something distasteful about it all but who doesn't like a bargain? Not sure I can stand the battering you might get when joining the fray.
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Haven't managed my writers' homework yet but I've put last week's on the appropriate page here. I have to miss art class (must remember to let Roland know) as it's hospital time again on Thursday.
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20th November 2015
I just can't get my hands warm this morning despite being inches from a heater. Typing is slow and with constant errors. Sorry, I'm off again with my mega-moans. While I'm in moan mood I'll just share this with you... Following yesterday's added hospital appointment another familiar brown envelope leaped through the letterbox today bringing the grand total to six appointments before C. I'm getting spooked now - on 23rd December they have me down for 10.30, 11.30 and 12.30 sessions all with different people. Hope they're all on time as there's a danger of something going awry. It could be quite an outing and maybe we should take a packed lunch - I'm contemplating a picnic in a corridor corner somewhere along the way as I can't be doing with all that fatty stuff they offer in Greggs. OK, I'll put the lid on it now - let's get back to normal. |
Have you seen that funny little cat on the telly named Mog? I think he belongs to the Sainsbury's advert - I just love his expression - he looks quite bewildered and very worried.
I was a bit late getting here today - I had to catch up on my Facebook Scrabble games. I usually do them in bed but I dozed off last night before I'd got through them all. Rene got in touch about the aitch thing of yesterday. - she said they do pronounce it h-aitch in Wales and Jay reckons they also do so in Ireland so he wasn't totally wrong. |
18th & 19th November 2015
Oh dear, I didn't quite get here on Wednesday. (18th) I went over to Pattingham this morning to take Lesley to have her stitches checked. All's well and she's talking about getting back to work. Later on I had a strange request from Jay via a text message - "do you say aitch or haitch" for the letter H? I consulted one of my trusty tomes and it is definitely aitch. Info was required to settle an office dispute and hey ho, sorry Jay, he was on the wrong side of the fence. Talking of fence - they had a few fence panels that had took flight in last night's storm. Repairing fences is a unenviable task at this time of year especially when the timber is wet and heavy. |
17th November 2015
I was about to say there's not much happening today - then I look at the bigger picture, the one outside my little bubble. To say there's not much happening is utterly fatuous. The world is a scary place right now and there's a lot happening. It feels to me like its drowning in unhappiness. I wish I could press the 'Stop' button that would bring the world and all its people to a sudden halt. Then I'd put all the little people in their own little areas of land and give the order: "pretend this is Day One - let's start all over again without squabbling." |
I've completed the writers' programme for the 2016 spring term and printed it off this morning. Time has gathered pace in my world - the days are slipping by faster than ever, forcing me to get on with things. It's only five weeks to you know when (C) which can't be mentioned until December.
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I've been for a Monday morning stroll round Facebook (as you do). There's a picture of the Mitchell clan looking very windswept in a robust Aberystwyth breeze and a grey turbulent sea the background - Jonathan had popped in to find out what everyone had been up to over the weekend and posted his current view of the sea and a tongue-in-cheek message to say he had seaside weather just like them.
OK Jon, we get it, and we're all well jell. (That's current youthful street speak for extremely envious.) Jose phoned this morning - we compared pills, potions and hospital visits. Such fun! She rang to say she couldn't make tomorrow's meeting but somehow we digressed to wallow in our poorliness and moan (as we frequently do) about the ravages of ageing. Upside is that we're still alive with the energy to moan. |
13th November 2015
And it's a Friday 13th to boot... never mind it'll soon be Saturday. Looks like the leftovers of Storm Abigail are visiting today enticing the last of the leaves from the trees. The postman's just been - three letters from New Cross with appointments for more tests - that was quick I was only there on the 10th - and he's left the gate open - must go out now to close it. I've taken a picture of the latest jumper for the knitters to see - Bern wore it last night and seems happy with it. |
Carol called in after work yesterday - all's well on the Shrewsbury front - a recent chat she'd had with Jon revealed he's still happy wandering around Thailand.
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I've so many pills to take now that I went into Lloyds chemist in Codsall and asked if they had an idiot proof pill dispenser thing. The chap behind the counter laughed, he rummaged around and came up with one the size of garage. Setting them out for a week in the various compartments helps me get it right. The one with the longest name has to be taken in differing amounts on alternating days - a nice bit of confusion to set the scene.. The white and yellow capsule has to be taken an hour before breakfast and there's two more for after breakfast that can be taken with the one with the long name. BUT single out the pink one from that little lot and one has to remember not to eat fruit two hours either side of it. At lunch time there's another four very pretty turquoise blue ones to be taken with food. I'm not usually hungry at lunch time so that's a bit of a struggle. One more to go - it lives upstairs with the before breakfast one (i.e. not in the pill garage) as that has to be taken late at night (the pill not the garage) If and when dementia sets in I've not a hope in hell. By the way, the yellow bowl (left) does not contain my pills - it's just a pic I nicked off the Internet to illustrate my point (Jay and Carol call my "illustrations" exaggerations!
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9th November 2015
Monday again - soon comes round doesn't it. Time to worry about tomorrow's homework for writers' group and what to do for Thursday's art class. We called on Jay and Lesley yesterday - she's feeling better but still hobbling. Jenny's Mum (Carol) is out of hospital and is on the mend - I had an e-mail from her this morning to say she's trying to get back to normal. Were you glued to Downton last night - Lady Mary finally got off her high horse, about time too. And Mr Carson received a couple of put downs to quash his snobbery - a good dose of come-uppance is called for sometimes. This message made me smile because the sentiment appeals - i.e. leave Christmas in its box until December. A Facebook find (where else?). I'm already cheesed off with the constant battering we're getting on TV - everyone yelling "buy, buy, buy". I say bye-bye to the lot of 'em.
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8th November 2015
Armistice Day falls on Wednesday this year and they're doing Poppy Day events this weekend - apparently there's an etiquette to how you pin on your poppy and Scotland's poppies are different from those of the rest of the UK. Here's a link to the ins and outs of poppy pinning http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/29848595/remembrance-poppy-controversies-and-how-to-wear-it?intc_type=singletheme&intc_location=sport&avs&intc_campaign=remembrance&intc_linkname=article_poppy_contentcard1 |
Rupert Bear has a birthday today - he first appeared as a cartoon strip in the Daily Express on this date in 1921. I used to love my Rupert books when I was small - I liked the little rhymes that appeared under each picture telling the story. I've no idea if today's children still read Rupert stories - I expect they're a bit too twee for our space-age technological generation. And who can blame them, they were born into a different world? I guess they'd be even more disenchanted with Milly Molly Mandy - another of my favourites when I was very young. Those were the days... Milly Molly Mandy, little friend Susan and Billy Blunt... they tied string round the neck of a jam jar ready to catch tiddlers and sticklebacks- just like we did.
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The Mary Celeste (often wrongly referred to as Marie Celeste) was an American merchant ship that was discovered off the Azores Islands, sailing with no one on board and with her lifeboat missing. When found by the Canadian ship Dei Gratia, the Mary Celeste was in a seaworthy condition, under partial sail; the last log entry was ten days earlier. She had left New York for Genoa a month previously, and was well provisioned. Her cargo of denatured alcohol appeared undisturbed, as were the belongings of the captain and crew, none of whom were seen or heard from again. The abandoned ship was found in early December.
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6th November 2015
It's that time of year when I feel like we're in limbo. We're distant enough from the festive season and summer is long forgotten, leaving little to get excited about (unless you've won the lottery). Carol called in yesterday after work - she'd spoken to Jonathan earlier in the day - he's still island hopping around Thailand. I guess people are busy sweeping up leaves - I quite like their colourful untidiness so I don't rush to get rid of them - tidy freaks should get over themselves, it's what happens at this time of year and right now they're too pretty to be banished to the bin so I'm keeping out of the way of the Leaf Police just yet. Sweeping up leaves reminds of the joke my cousin Celia sent - it's on the Bits & Pieces page, you have to scroll down a bit, it's a conversation between God and St Francis. LINK |
5th November 2015
Looks like bonfire night will be a damp squib this year. When we were kids we'd spend half term week collecting stuff and dragging to wherever to build a bonfire - and of course, we made a Guy. Come hell or high water we'd have a great time on the night with a few fireworks, a packet of sparklers and a hot potato cooked in the hot ashes. Do you remember jumping jacks - they used to hop about and have you sqealing with fright. Maybe we were easily pleased back in the 40s. Now that I'm old(ish) the whole thing has no appeal and every time I hear a big rocket whooshing through the air I think there goes a few more quid up in smoke while people starve. [Killjoy was here!] |
4th November 2015
Hang on while I put the lid back on my nuts to stop me eating any more - I think the squirrels have breathed on me, I'm becoming a nut freak. Does anyone else eat nuts for breakfast? On this morning's local news they revealed that pine martens are living in a Shropshire woodland. They're elusive creatures. I know Rene went to the far flung wastes of Scotland to see some last summer - it's surprising to learn they've ventured so far south. |
2nd November 2015
We nipped over to Jay and Lesley's yesterday afternoon - just on a whim, as you do. No one in - so we tootled back and found them on our doorstep. Inevitably, it was tea and talk and a nibble of something calorific. Ian's currently caught up in airport angst. He's not been able to get back from Amsterdam due to a constant stream of cancelled flights. He says one passenger was so hacked off that he threw his passport in a urinal - Ian's comment, "One bloke was so annoyed with the situation he lobbed his passport in the urinal. I think he might come to regret this." Ah, now I get it, that's what they mean by peed off - with added apologies for the indelicate nature of this morning's chat. Being a bit of germ freak - I'm horrified to think anyone might pick up that passport and put it in their pocket - looks like someone's tantrum will bite them on the bum. No 1 grandson is surely psychic - I've just had a text to say he's booked on the 4pm flight today - he added a caveat, "fingers crossed." |
We've no writers' group homework worries today - Jane is coming to do a writers' workshop at tomorrow's meeting - we all enjoy Jane's sessions. I've started on the programme for Spring Term 2016 - I'm forever on the lookout for new ideas. Something I've mentioned here has just given me an idea - off to write it down before I forget.
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1st November 2015
Pinch punch first of the month - white rabbits - and all that nonsense. Little spook looked a bit happier this morning - maybe he was relieved the candle was spent. I've put him in hibernation now until next year. It's a lovely morning - I had a walk round the garden and was reminded of Dickens - a fuschia, still blooming, was heavily draped with cobwebs, it looked just like Miss Haversham's wedding cake. |
31st October 2015
We did Shrewsbury shops this afternoon. We didn't call in at the Mitchells as Carol had gone with some friends to see "Blood Brothers" at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre; and we thought it best not to disturb Gary as Arsenal were playing. I bought my next year's diary in Paperchase (I love the Paperchase shop - loads of tempting stationery) a great place if you've a fetish for paper and pens. |
Greetings at Samhain or if you prefer, Halloween. I thought I'd do a bit of witchery and light up my little terracotta ghost. Here's what he looked like in the dark (left) hovering mysteriously in the garden. You have to shove a lighted night-light candle thing up his backside and he's ready to scare anything - well wouldn't you scare off anything under similar circumstances?
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Oh well... moan over, I can't turn the clock back but I can wince at the 12, yes TWELVE, letters I've had this week trying to sell me car insurance. Who the hell has informed every insurance company on the planet that mine runs out next month? I blame insurance companies for the destruction of the Brazilian rain forests - talk about paper mountain, it's sitting on our hall table, alongside pizza, Co-op, broadband, and this week's worth of other catalogues and leaflets. Grrrrrr! I'm off to fill the blue bin with them.
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29th October 2015
Mmm... no comment on this morning's damp and gloomy outlook... nowt for it but to get out my special mug and drink hot chocolate (low cal of course!) Just a mo while I say... "Good morning Mr Magpie, how are you?" He's perched outside and it's no good tempting fate by refusing to acknowledge him: so say I who claims to be not superstitous. Anyway, back to our little gossip... I've thought of a good word to describe my home-made codged together Christmas cards - what about "artisan" - more grand than home-made methinks. I'm about to print off address labels - I can't believe this annual task is sorted before October is out- a world first. Still it gives me time to arrange a mortgage to buy the stamps. |
28th October 2015
I'm gazing out of the window wondering what to chat about but the trees waylay my thoughts - I never tire of looking at them right now. There's not much happening today - everyone's at work or hibernating - except Ian and Jenny, they're on half term and taking time to catch up with friends and family. After our chat I realised that they're taking the "catching up with friends" bit to the nth degree... and why not? In the next few days Ian is meeting up with mates in Amsterdam and taking in a visit to the Anne Frank House - I remember reading "The Diary of Anne Frank" - it's one of the saddest true stories of our time. |
And while Ian is hopping round Holland Jenny is doing a girlie meet-up in Barcelona and hopes to be seeing some of the Gaudi buildings. I remember seeing a TV programme about them and found them amazing, especially the apartments, the people who live in them are so lucky. They're also bizarre, great fun, creativity without bounds.
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27th October 2015
I've spent the morning fiddling with my latest drawing - being a cheapskate I'm trying to turn it into this year's Christmas card. If you find yourself the recipient of one of my home-made offerings try to take comfort from the fact that you'll be helping to reduce the despicable profiteering that takes place in the name of Christmas - and who knows, we may be helping to save a tree while we're at it, not to mention the entertainment element I've enjoyed in producing it. Talking of cards, I received hand-made birthday cards from Lesley's Mum Audrey and my friend Doreen - they both make beautiful ones (see pic right). |
26th October 2015
Monday - and it's blowing the washing... and the leaves. All's quiet on the Western Front after yesterday and it's back to dusting, tidying, knitting and drawing. No classes this week - it's half term in our area. Jon's overnight coach trip is done - he's arrived in Haad Rin Koh Phangan and is enjoying today's sunset around the same time as we were wondering what to have for lunch. I wonder what he's thinking about here - looks like he's taking a contemplative moment before it all kicks off. Apparently it's the gathering place for young tourists for the Full Moon Party on the beach. Seems like they turn up in droves - not quite my cup of tea - I'm glad to give this one a miss. |
25th October 2015
Barmy or what? I was up just after seven and ready for mid-morning coffee by 9.30. I'm twiddling my thumbs now waiting for 11.00. And why do I make myself wait until 11.00 for a cup of coffee - I'm either a creature of habit or just plain crackers. Moving the clocks by one hour has put me in a spin. I know just what will happen - by late afternoon I'll be acting all surprised and grumbling about how dark it is. |
Bad news is I turned 75 today - I'm now on the downhill run to the next big '0'. Despite that I've had the loveliest day ever. Dawn to dusk visitors... James, Lesley, Rajni, Andy, Ian, Carol... filled our day and a special Facetime session with Jon in Thailand. And, of course, cake, tea, and endless chat... Jon was doing Facetime on his phone and took us round a Bangkok supermarket while we chatted - he was buying bottled water ready for a long coach journey. He was lugging all his kit and mentioned how hot he was.
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Suddenly lunchtime arrived. Then Mags popped in which was great - we were able to chew over our writers group anthology which is in the final stages of publication. I have to admit that I'm guilty of passing on one of my afflictions to Mags. She's contracted my Kipling bag bug and here's her first acquisition. Happy bagtime Maggie. It's in a lovely cobalt blue with matching monkey keyring. Then Jay arrived - I think he thought we were pretty boring talking bags, but men never do quite "get" the importance of the right handbag thing do they? I reciprocate with refusing to understand football's offside rule in football and that big round hug business they do in rugby matches - what's that all about?
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22nd October 2015
Hi everyone - sorry I'm late, I've been to my Thursday art class this morning and didn't have time to say 'hello' before I went out. We have a bright breezy day here - hope you all have sunshine too. I found this picture on Carol's Facebook page - I thought we might join in and have a bit of a boogie just for the hell of it. Come on then.... Rene... Mags... Cora... everyone... Oh all right then, back to sensible matters. I started another pencil drawing this morning. There was lots of interesting work taking place. Mary and Carol (not my daughter, I mean art class Class Carol) were doing some good stuff with pen and ink. So good it made me want to try it again. Maybe I will over the half term break.
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Today (1805) is the anniversary of the Battle of Trafalgar and Admiral Nelson's fatal injury. Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square commemorates the event. This is Nelson's famous signalled message. I don't think I could have memorised those flags to be able to decipher it - seems someone did back in those days.
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Yesterday's writers' meeting went well - I've put my offering on the Geriatric Jottings page - it's all about the over-the-counter medicines that were administered when we were kids in pre-NHS days and the early post-war hard-up years. The NHS was under discussion for many years and finally came into being on 5th July 1948.
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20th October 2015
Well, well, well, it's Tuesday again and I haven't done my writers' homework. I guess I'm destined for the naughty step today. We've a choice of topics today and I've trawled through my computer files and found an old piece that will fit the bill, it's a childhood memory I'd written ages ago but I'll only present it if there's spare time to fill as dredging up an old work is almost akin to cheating. I had an e-mail from my friend Thelma today, she'd been to Yorkshire in recent days to visit relatives and on their way home they called at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to see the poppy installation. I didn't know they'd done one there - interesting. A lesser structure than the original Tower of London one but equally effective in a lovely location. |
19th October 2015
Further to yesterday's nothingness, I didn't get beyond the thinking stage. Things looked up a bit yesterday afternoon when Jay and Les popped in for a cup of tea - but they have snuffly colds and weren't much livelier than us. I'm two thirds of the way up Bern's back - the back of his jumper I'm knitting that is. I've just been writing a birthday card for my friend Peggy - she lives in Australia. Haven't seen her for a few years now. They emigrated around 50 years ago. I first met her when I left school and started my first job at Boulton Paul Aircraft Factory - we were in the same office. Then we ended up in the same class at Wolverhampton Technical College and spent our teenage years knocking around together -the memories are clear but it was a lifetime ago. |
A Facebook find: Rajni (right) being treated to a belated birthday afternoon tea by two of her sisters. They say "afternoon tea" - I'd swear that's not tea in front of them but they do have a plate of of sandwiches and cake to prove their story... Raj is our lovely granddaughter-in-law.
I've never seen them looking so demure and "butter wouldn't melt" but those wine glasses give the game away - guess what girls, Gran's not fooled. |
17th October 2015
Just had a bowl of porridge with runny honey, then went out to plant a few crocuses, I didn't linger long as it's decidedly nippy and now my fingers are so cold I'm having trouble hitting the right keys - but never mind. I think our gang are out and about already - Carol is off to London with girlfriends to see a show, Jay and Les are on a shopping mission somewhere, Jon is still in Bali, Ian and Jen were at the 02 Arena last night for a noisy sort of gig by a group called Editors (never heard of them). Quick Google tells me they're a rock band formed in Stafford - so it looks like Ian and Jen are supporting local talent. Don't know what Andy and Rajni are doing but Bern and I will be enjoying all the thrills of the Co-op. |
Jon in Bali mode - complete with shirt and shades
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16th October 2015
How did we arrive at Friday again so quickly? And those blooming swans (14th Oct) have something to answer for - there's quite a Siberian feel in the air. I'm getting a bit worried about the garden birds - seems like they've taken a long vacation. Even the starlings are missing - anyone know where they are? I've had a mosey round Facebook to see what everyone is up to - looks like it's going to be what I call a doldrums day, there's nothing much happening and no has reported any exciting news. |
Seeing as there's nothing exiting going on to amuse us I've had a look in a book (as you do) and found some obscure information i.e. the sort of stuff that amuses me. Its all about how we came by the word "tawdry" meaning shabby or rubbishy. Ely in Cambridgeshire is where the St Audrey's Fair took place - various items such as necklaces, silk, and lace handkerchiefs were sold. They became known as Audrey's Laces, which eventually was shortened to 'tawdry'. When cheap imitations of the goods appeared the word came into use to describe anything that is showy but without quality, taste, or worth. I wonder if knowing that will enhance the rest of our lives. And dear friends, I think that was a lesson in how to keep talking when you've nothing to say.... sorrreeeeee
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15th October 2015
Art class day: I'll be back later for a proper chat but good morning for now. I'm about to make my little flask of coffee - the village hall kettle takes forever to boil so some of us have taken to bringing a flask. I bought a dinky little one in Waitrose (we shop posh sometimes) which is the equivalent of a large mug - just the job for Thursdays. We went to Joe's funeral yesterday; it was so cold up there in St Nicholas' churchyard, I quite expected the Siberian swans to come flapping by. While we were there we said hello to loads of long gone relatives - these occasions have you thinking how tenuous life is and how, in the grand scale of things, our time on earth is amazingly short. |
Back again. Finished off my drawing of last week now I need to find a new project. It's nippy again today and I wanted to stay in and hug the fire this afteroon. But the sun is shining so I gave myself a good talking to and went outside and did a bit of gardening. Cleared loads of dead stuff, some of the hostas leaves needed chopping off, re-tied the sunflowers that were leaning every which way and then took a few pictures - there is still so much colour to find in the garden.
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14th October 2015
Brrr this morning's weather news had my blood running cold. I quote: "Britain faces longest winter in 50 years after earliest ever arrival of Siberian swans. The arrival of winter, traditionally heralded by the migration of Siberian swans has come early as 300 birds flock to Britain." Apparently this is their earliest arrival time on record. It hardly warms the cockles and certainly sets one thinking about winter woollies, thermal undies, and horrific heating bills. I could do with taking a leaf out of the swans' book by migrating to warmer climes - i.e. swanning off to the sun (pun intended). |
By the way, remember the string bag? (see 10th October) I gave it a test run in the co-op. Ignore all my comments about stretching and not stretching - as soon as it was loaded it hit the deck and I had to hoick it off the floor - giving one an air of prize prat and inviting folk to meet the local plonker. There must be a secret about string bags that I don't know... clues anyone? Jay came up with one solution: he said only use it when buying large packets of crisps, candy floss or popcorn. Another thought comes to mind - maybe my bag reached the floor because my legs are too short plus the fact that the handles are longish - I concede there's an element of "design fault" on my part but I have yet to master the stretch factor.
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13th October 2015
Writers' group day - not sure if I'll get there as I didn't sleep last night and just as getting up time approached I went out like a light and now I'm all behind. Not fat behind, time behind. Talking of time - I've been reading about how Greenwich Mean Time came about so it's over there on the right all in Green. I've started another knitting project - a jumper for Bern this time in a brown/ginger colour - a sort of toffee colour aran yarn. Sounds like it would be better to eat than to wear.
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On13th October 1884 Greenwich, London, was adopted as the initial meridian of longitude from which standards times throughout the world are calculated. It was chosen because the Prime Meridian (the line of 0° Longitude) runs through Greenwich. Greenwich was a royal park and palace on a hill to the south of the River Thames east of London. In 1675 the great race to create accurate maps for navigators had begun and Charles II offered the land to The Royal Society for Britain's first national observatory. Christopher Wren was commissioned to designed the domed building and John Flamsteed was appointed Astronomer Royal. British mapmakers began to set Longitude from Greenwich and in 1884 it was adopted as the international meridian or starting point. Every 15° longitude represents one hour's difference in time: (24 x 15 = 360, the degrees of a circle). You can work out the time at every location on earth if you know how many degrees it is east or west of Greenwich. A useful little formula for me to work out what time Jon has in Bali - or maybe I'll just look at the world clock on my iPad. - See more at: http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/what-is-gmt/#sthash.prLtXHfm.dpuf
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12th October 2015
A beautiful morning - not a cloud in sight. Carol rang - they're back on the work treadmill. They arrived home to a bit of happening... remember that mega downpour we had last week, well the deluge had brought down some tiles from their roof smashing her car windscreen. Roof repair and new windscreen called for. I think Jay will be in seventh heaven - I saw a trailer last night telling us that the Bernard Cornwell Viking novels are being made into a drama series - "The Last Kingdom" set in the year 872 - all about King Alfred the Great, the Saxon and invading Vikings. The hero in the books, Uhtred, who is torn by his loyalites to both sides, is played by Alexander Dreymon. You know how little boys like trains or cowboys, well Jay's thing was Vikings. I have read one of the books despite the blood, guts and pillage; Jay stands waiting and has read them all hot off the press before the ink dries, so I know this new series will get recorded. |
My friend Ann recommended a book in an e-mail of this morning. Author Kent Haruf, title "Eventide". I've not heard of him so I had a look on Amazon. He's an American writer who died quite recently. The reviews are good and Ann said she's 'gripped'. I note that "Eventide" is the second book in a trilogy. I've ordered the free sample chapter of book 1 of the trilogy, "Plainsong". I've acquired the "sample chapter" habit from Carol - it helps you decide whether or not to cough up for the book. If you like it one touch of a button has the entire thing winging onto your Kindle in seconds. I'll report back when I've read it.
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11th October 2015
Welcome home Carol and Gary - they flew back from Spain yesterday. Safe journey Jon - he's off to Bali today. I want to scream at them all, "get under yer own roofs," but I know they won't listen. James and Lesley were up in Derbyshire yesterday visiting old friends from their RAF Regiment days - I expect the rose-tinteds were in evidence and much time spent "yarning" as they call it. The "yarning" has nothing to do with my knitting and crochet - it's a term they use for raking over the "good old times" that military folk always talk about. Per Ardua guys - hope you all had a great weekend. |
I see Facebook is having a shake-up. As well as the thumbs up icon we'll be able to click other emoticons to express our thoughts. Mmm... moot point. I always say I dislike social media, the concept of it anyway, but then I just have to give it a go so that I know what everyone is talking about and where else is there to go snooping? It's like reality TV - obnoxious idea but you just have to have a gander - I'm a bit of a hypocrite if the truth be told.
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Back to the old lady stuff... I've done a bit of string bag research in the interest of not paying 5p for a carrier bag and to satisfy my mean streak. I didn't get my hands on a pattern but having looked at a few pictures on Pinterest and rummaged through my collection of yarn I've come up with this conconction (right). You have to use mercerised cotton yarn so that it doesn't stretch. The bag stretches every which way to accommodate your shopping but the actual yarn doesn't stretch. Which reminds me.... years and years ago when my sister was at college - it must have been the 60s or 70s when we were happy to look hippy and she wanted a trendy stringy thingy to put her books in - I crocheted her a large string bag. It was very a-la-mode at that time. But, I'd used ordinary wool and day by day her bag got longer and longer until it was scraping the floor when loaded. If she wanted to keep her books out of the mud she had to wind the bag a few times round her arm to shorten it. Dragging her text books along the pavement didn't do much for her street cred and the poor old bag with its scraped bottom had to be abandoned to make way for something more robust and sensible.
P.S. I've put a bit of a "how to" note for this pinky-purple one on the Crafty Page. |