The Final Furlong

Dottles1

Yes Beanie, it's all we can do isn't it?  I'm feeling a bit better today, I always say take control of what you can rather than dwelling on what you can't so I'm going to take my own advice :~
So today has been quite pleasant.  I didn't sleep well last night so slept in until 8:30 this morning which is unheard of but quite nice.  By the time I was showered, dressed and had breakfast it was around 10:00 so I got on with the weekly cleaning.  I had my click and collect groceries to pick up but as DS had the same slot he offered to pick it up for me while he was getting his.    I have had a leisurely afternoon reading and then took Tilly out for a walk.  It has been windy here but not too , I've even had the windows and doors open to get some fresh air through the house.  Also managed to get a wash load dried on the line again by keeping an eye on the odd shower we've had.
I've checked on the Christmas cards in my present drawer and I have plenty as I bought some charity cards in the sale at B**ts in January so I shall start having a look for presents now.  I have already bought a couple but I always start early and then grind to a halt leading to rushing nearer the time, well there's no excuse this year as I have the time now.
Not being sure whether workmen will still be able to work in the house I bought the outside light just in case, everything else I am gong to put on hold for now.  This is not totally due to lock down but also because I need to put money aside for the court case.  I'm hoping my ex will be awarded costs but there's no guarantee so I'm more comfortable knowing that I have it covered.
Right ten, I'm off to cook some pasta for tonight's meal and some extra for past salad for tomorrow's lunch.
Have a good evening all
Dottles x

Dottles1

Evening all.  It's bee a mixed sort of day today with a couple of cancellations due to COVID and those having to isolate though thankfully nobody ill.  At last I have received guidance regarding lock down from the governing bodies and spent a coupe of hours ringing people to move their appointments onto Zoom.  The guidance is ambiguous to say the least so I am trying to be ethical and cautious in my decision making.  I feel really grateful that though not ideal, I can move my work online, others are not so fortunate.
Tilly and I managed to get out for a nice long walk around the village perimeter this afternoon, we'd planned to walk to the DIY shop in the next village but I forgot to take my mask so that was scuppered.  It has been dry and bright here if a little cold but good weather for a walk.  I'm going to try to get a decent walk each day during the next 4 weeks regardless of the weather as it really helps me to feel good.  I'm also eating better again and that has definitely helped to lessen the aches and pains.
I'm meeting friend A in the morning for a last coffee shop outdoor breakfast and then friend P and I are meeting at the local park for a socially distanced walk.  There is a cafe in the park but I expect it to be closed so I'm taking a flask and a couple of mugs and we can use the outdoor tables.  It will be like having a picnic, I may even take some biscuits!!
How is everyone managing with the restrictions?  Does it make much difference to you or is it more of an inconvenience?
It looks like I'm still going to be busy but also hoping to get some small household jobs done like sanding and painting and some more decluttering hopefully.  It's not as though I'm drowning under the weight of rubbish in my home, it's just that I seem to have hung onto stuff that I don't need or haven't used in ages so I'm tying to work my way through it and clear space.  When you live in a small house there is no room from unused items ad somebody else might enjoy them.
The meal plans are going well so far.  I have moved a couple of meals around to take in later work finishes but other than that all is well.  You see  just needed to get my head round it and make sure that I had in everything I needed.  I will be making a trip to buy some peppers and mushrooms but nothing else is needed meaning that spends will be low for this week.
Speaking of food I think I'll fetch myself a coupe of oatcakes and a cuppa.
I hope you are all keeping well.
Dottles x

savingholmes

Glad you have been able to see relatives. We are too far away and in the wrong tiers to do that. Well done on crafting and decluttering. Good that you can move work online. Like you feeling tired and flat from lack of control and future plans

Dottles1

Hang in there Savingholmes we WILL get there. 
I met up wit friend P in the park this morning and spent a pleasant couple of hours strolling, taking pictures of the trees and catching up.. It was a misty start but we were wrapped up and the sun eventually broke through.  It was so good to be out in the fresh air seeing all the autumn colours and watching the squirrels run up and down the trees in search of food and felt almost normal.  I went prepared as I had filled a flask with "proper" coffee, a box with chocolate biscuits and wrapped up 2 mugs, teaspoons and a tea towel to enjoy at one of the picnic benches.  The little coffee shop run by the "friends of the park" was open for take away so we had a second cup to support the business and I bought a pack of 2 masks for £3.  
After a salad wrap for lunch I swept up the fallen leaves on the front path and discussed heavy pruning of some shrubs with the gardening man.  He is coming around to do them next week.
I have sent out emails to all my clients to confirm that appointments will be online until lock down is over and have so far received positive responses.  I am still able to work face to face (I have checked with governing body and insurance) but am keeping that to a minimum and only when there is no viable alternative.   I have completed another PA survey, the total is creeping up again, and ordered DD2's birthday present.  I really need to give some thought to Christmas presents though so maybe that's something I could do over the weekend.  
Right, I can't decide whether to do a bit in the garden or start a knitting project..... I'm thinking knitting so better put the coffee on.
"See" you all later
Dottles x

Dottles1

After a lovely lazy day yesterday I was up early this morning as the electrician was booked in to do a few jobs.  I now have a new outside light and the bathroom fan is working though will need some bricks taking out and redoing at a later date.  The other job couldn't be done without making holes in the ceiling so I have left it for now.  It seems that when I try to get work done a botched job is discovered, not dangerous in any way but annoying.  It's as if somebody just couldn't be bothered to do it properly and has cut corners.  Still I suppose it could be worse and the work didn't cost as much as I was quoted due to not being able to compete it.  Everything was socially distanced and cleaned up afterwards so I will definitely keep his number for future use. 
It as been damp and misty all day today so no washing done and not much housework either, though I did take advantage of having cleared the bathroom for work on the fan to wash the walls down and give it a good clean before putting everything back.  I did tackle a mound of paperwork that I've been meaning to go through, and threw out a pile of out of date papers etc., I just need to file what's left now.
I am shortly going to make food and see if I can find a film I'd like to watch on Netflix.
Speak soon
Dottles x

MikeBcn

Yes I agree

beanielou

Always good to get these wee jobs done  x

Dottles1

Crikey it's been 5 days since I last posted, how time flies.
 Well I've just signed off from a very busy week.  I had Tuesday off but other than that have worked every day.  Almost all of my clients have moved onto online working so life has been a daily round of Zoom calls this week.  However I took myself and Tilly off to the park on Tuesday for a walk around the lake and a sit with a take away coffee.  The weather was sunny and quite mild and we managed to get plenty of steps in and spoke to a number of other dog walkers on our way round.  I started on my Christmas gift knitting project and have completed my first pair of fingerless gloves - well I still need t sew them up but they are looking fab so far.  I'm using my stash of left over wool and that which my friend sent me so I am trying out different stripey combinations.  These are cream and purple.  It i ages since I knitted so thought I'd stat with some small pieces first.  In the evening I decided to walk to the local supermarket to get some sweet chilli sauce and get my daily steps up at the same time.  I called in on DS on the way back (we are in a bubble) and had a beer and a chat before wandering home to find Tilly fast asleep on the sofa.  She was obviously worn out from our exertions and I sometimes forget that she is an old girl.
Anyway we are going out for a wander in a few minutes then I am going to whizz around with the duster and hoover so I don't have to do it over the weekend.  I am off to meet friend P for our weekly socially distanced walk.  This week we are going to a local museum that has large grounds and a river walk.  Hopefully the rain will hold off for an hour or so as I'm not sure if there is anywhere to shelter.  I do know that there will be take away coffee and she is bringing chocolate wafers so all will be well.
I'm off now to rouse Tilly from her afternoon nap so that we can get started before it gets dark.
Speak soon all, take care
Dottles x

Chrystal

Your walks with Tilly sound lovely Dottles, and your local Museum reminds me of Preston Park, which I haven't been to for years.
Have a lovely relaxing weekend.  X

beanielou

Have a good weekend 😊