+++ Whoops! Here comes the cheese! +++

Cherryfudge

redofromstart said:

  Any suggestions for simple crochet patterns or useful books would be gratefully received.  

Dorling Kindersley do a basic crochet book which I think they've published in a few different formats covering similar ground. I have a copy and keep referring back to it. Well done on persevering!

f0xh0les

I think this is where the library, or charity shop is going to useful.  There is a fantastic LOROS on Pullman Rd in Wigston that has a whole craft and pattern section. If you are ever round this way. 

debtfreewannabe321

redofromstart said:

A heads up for anyone else who plays the k1ndle un limited offers, this link (from hotukdeals) gave me three months for 99p.  My last KU subscription ended mid March so worth checking.

ooo thank you for this! My last deal had just run out and I refused to pay the tenner! I was half way through a book too how rude so I will go back to that now

PennysIntoPounds

So lovely you're able to share garden interests, and duties! And great work on the baked goods. How are they doing grieving and adapting-wise? And how are you doing? First new seasons after a loss can bring new grieving prompts so hope you're going easy on yourself when you need to x

doingitanyway

Your baked goods are being appreciated  I can't get going with mine...

Viking_mfw

@redofromstart since hearing Here Come The Girls on Pick of the Pops yesterday, I have been unable to scroll past your diary name without singing it to the appropriate tune!

redofromstart

It is funny the things we get stuck in our heads @Viking_mfw!  I have had 'All the ducks are swimming in the water, fol de rol de rol rol' stuck in my head for weeks although it becomes things like 'all the kittens are sleeping in my bedroom fol de rol de rol rol' etc.  
Thanks @Cherryfudge I will keep an eye out for that.  I also realised there is one on Kindle Unlimited (Alison McNicol) which I can access via the iPad, and that you can read the crochet magazines for free via the library app.
@f0xh0les, thank you. It is the 'wrong' side for me but sounds like it would be worth a detour.  The charity shops at Ulverscroft Grange has a good small section for craft related stuff too. 
@debtfreewannabe321 glad it worked for you.  Usually by the time a new offer comes along there are a few more things I actually want to read but I wouldn't pay full price for it.  I did hear that if you download the things you want to read and then put it in airplane mode you can read them after the service has ended, haven't actually tried it though.
@doingitanyway I find it easier to motivate myself if I am baking for somebody else but have virtually given up on cooking new things at the moment.
@PennysIntoPounds you are so right, daft things like the bluebells.  He loved walking in the woods as they developed, I think this time last year we walked every dry day, and I still can't face our favourite walk.  It'll be absolutely blanketed in them now.  They are both very reserved at the best of times, so I just try to talk about him so they have the opportunity to do so if they want to. 

Lots of planting and garden planning going on here.  The sun is shining which helps even when my head is not feeling it.  

The washing machine is telling me it needs a cleaning cycle (I did the filters thanks to a reminder from @Suffolk_lass and @Watty1!) so the dog bedding has been done and is out on the line before I run that.  

I made another cheesecake and more pretzels yesterday - love as acts of service is absolutely me - and we had omelettes to use up the open pack of ham.  It is definitely salad weather here so I need to go and gaze aimlessly at the fridge/freezer contents and work out a plan that doesn't involve tired and overpriced offerings from the village shop. 

doingitanyway

Love as acts of service 

redofromstart

I said about not cooking anything new but tonight I made a chicken hotpot loosely based on this recipe. It used up the remains of the veg for pennies and the elderly tin of green lentils quite nicely, with plenty left over for another night.  We both liked it and I would make it again.

Sun_Addict

I admire how well you’ve coped with everything. It must be really hard ❤️ Having said that I would also roll up my sleeves and just get on with it, what else can you do. Stay strong 💪