tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16039229733226345242024-03-12T21:47:18.945-07:00Crafty KiwiKiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-26688993326684939302014-02-09T08:41:00.003-08:002014-02-09T08:41:36.869-08:00Trying to look for the postiveHiya.<br />
The last few weeks have been a bit rough and I havent really felt like blogging. I got caught in the negative thinking spiral and ended up doing what my dear old Dad called 'navel gazing', ie; feeling sorry for myself.<br />
Ive not been doing any crafting, boxfit has now been cancelled and its been too cold and wet to get out walking. Ive been a bit fed up, sick of being skint and generally wanting to hibernate.<br />
The decluttering challenge has been slowly moving forward (apart from the odd thing that I was getting rid of finding its way back into the house - thanks to the OH!), but the sealed pot challenge has suffered a bit of a setback. I had to break it open this weekend for next weeks busfare and things like bread, milk etc, - yep things are THAT tight!<br />
However, I did manage to get out for a walk today and have had a serious talk to myself, so am determined to focus on the good things that are happening. Ive done it before and have managed to turn things around and get myself out of a funk and start good things happening again.<br />
OK, the good things...........<br />
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- I have finally got my start date for my new job - 24th Feb. Ive had mixed feelings about this as I dont want to leave the place where I am now, but as its a 'temp' assignment which is coming to and end I dont have much choice.<br />
The new job is permanent and I will finally be able to start to move forward again, so I WILL look forward to it, and its still within the same site as my current one so I will still see the colleagues that have become my friends.<br />
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- The days are starting to get longer, its no longer dark when I go out to the bus-stop at 7.15 in the morning, and its still light when I get home at 5.<br />
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-Ive got some lovely bulbs flowering in my garden already!. My tulips and daffs are coming up, but the snowdrops and dwarf irises are flowering, and they always make me smile.<br />
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So, there you have it. There are some good things happening and will be more to come.<br />
Laters.<br />
Jo<br />
x<br />
<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-15437783661057525712014-01-19T09:43:00.001-08:002014-01-19T09:43:24.922-08:00January update<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hiya.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of my goals for 2014 was to blog more ofte, so here's a rundown of what the first few weeks of 2014 have thrown my way.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The sealed pot challenge is still underway, things have been a bit tight but Ive not been tempted to crack it open. The decluttering challenge has got off to a good start, about 40ish items have been chucked or gone to the charity shop, still got a long way to go on both.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ive bitten the bullet and joined <a href="http://instagram.com/kiwijo95#" target="_blank">instagram</a>, and Im over on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/kiwijo/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></span></span> <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">as well. Im not on them that often but am quite enjoyng them (I get a bit fed up with Twitter and Facebook sometimes).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ive started on my Xmas 2014 crafting. Ive decided to make lap quilts for all the ladies on OH's side of the family. There will be 5 or 6 of them and they will be approx 4ft square. Ive made a start on the one for his Mum, which is the fiddliest as its got lots of small bits on it. Ive just got to add the border, and then I can sandwich it together.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Im really quite pleased with it so far.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ive also decided (as Im not a big housework fan) that for every hour I spend crafting, I will do 30 mins domestics. This can be cleaning, cooking, sorting bills, decluttering etc, Im classing them all as housework, a bit of a stretch I know, but my rules!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> Ive been really good with making my own lunches so far this year (mainly due to being very skint and trying to have more control over what Im eating). Ive been making soups, fritters, fritattas and low cal macaroni cheese, some have been more sucessful than others, but its an ongoing attempt to stop myself getting bored with making the same thing over and over again. Its also a good excuse to take some next door for the Mother in Law to try and make sure she gets some hot food. She's having a few mobility issues at the moment and cant stand at the cooker to make herself any hot meals, so we are keeping a close eye on her. Hopefully she will be a bit more agile for her 80th Birthday party next month!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lastly, but by now means leastly, Ive bagged myself a new, permanent, full time job! I will be going to work as a Clerical Officer in the Medical Records department at Sheffields Specialist Cancer Hospital. Not sure when yet, I have my pre-employment meeting this week and should get my start date soon (I hope), but Im looking forward to it. Hope to share more on this at a later date.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, thats about it at the moment, Ive spent the afternoon making lunches for next week, and letter writing, so think I deserve to read a few chapters of my book now with a nice coffee. Sorry about the shortage of pics, but Ive not really been inspired to snap away, maybe next time. :o)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Catch ya later.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jo x</span></span><br />
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Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-6676920611017211302013-12-29T06:57:00.000-08:002013-12-29T06:57:02.063-08:00Is there Anybody There??????Well, I havent been inspired to blog for a while, I just feel like my lifes not the most exciting, and I havent really got a central theme like most blogs have. So I guess this is more like an open letter to my friends and rellies overseas ( I know at least one person reads it!). If I pick up a follower or two along the way, then cool, but Im not gonna get lots of traffic and Im OK with that.<br />
So, whats been happening since we were last here.......<br />
well, the remainder of the money we had inherited went on two things, replacing our car (which we were gonna have to do before June anyway as it wouldnt have gone through another MOT without a huge amount of work and £££ being spent on it), so we now have a lovely tidy Ford Focus.....<br />
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hopefully we wont have to replace her for a good few years as she is in great condition and very lovely to drive.<br />
The other thing was the replacing of the kitchen roof. The original roof was a bit knackered and leaked quite badly, so OH and his builder brother did it over a weekend at the end of November.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Old roof taken off</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">OH's brother demolishing the chimney</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The old joists coming out - note the only bit of insulation we had in the roof void!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">New joists going on</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">OH starting the tiling</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">All done - isnt it pretty (well I think it is)</span></td></tr>
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Now that the roof is done, we are planning on taking the ceiling down and opening up the kitchen to make it look much bigger that it is (and OHcan finish my kitchen). Hopefully, this will add to the value of the house.<br />
<br />So, after a few years with things standing still on the house, we have managed to get a few things done this year, we've still got a long way to go, but we are managing to get the major stuff tackled.<br />
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Workwise, Im still temping at The Royal Hallamshire Hospital and still enjoying it. Not sure how much longer my contract will run for as there are departmental changes happening, but am keeping my ear to the ground and fingers crossed that I wont be out of work one way or the other.<br />
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We've had a nice Xmas with OH's family next dor and will do the same on New Years Eve, Ive only have the stautory days off, but I dont mind.<br />
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Ive started thinking about 2014 and what I want to acheive. I dont make resolutions as I think they dont work for me, so I make a list of goals to aim for instead. Ive also joined in a couple of online challenges as well just to make life interesting.<br />
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- <b>Im aiming to loose (at least) 2 more stone </b>in 2014<br />
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- <b>Im aiming to declutter 500 items from our house</b> (not including normal household waste) - I keep loooking at things and asking myself <i>would I take this to New Zeland with me when we move</i> - its amazing the stuff I am happy to let go of !<br />
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-<b> Ive joined the - <a href="http://sftandthe101challenge.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Sealed Pot Challenge</a> </b>! Every £2 coin I get, all the change in my purse at the end of the week, and any extra coins (found or given) are going into a sealed pot for 12 months. Then at then end of the 12 months its opened and counted, and (hopefully) there is a decent amount in it! <br />
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From what Ive read, people have managed to save hundreds this way. Im hoping it will pay a big chunk off a credit card, or maybe even pay for Xmas 2014, or (if Im really lucky and we have a good year) maybe go towards OH's NZ visa! Oh, its very exciting.<br />
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Ive got several other goals/aims as well (blogging more often being one), but Im not gonna bore you with those. Im hoping to get a lot more sewing and cafting done this year and (hopefully) the results will be worth sharing.<br />
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Well, thats my lot for now, Im off to put some stuff on eBay and to sort through some more stuff to go to the Charity shop.<br />
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Hope you have a wonderful New Year and looking forward to sharing lots with you in the year to come.<br />
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I'd really love it if you left me a comment to let me know what your goals are for 2014.<br />
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Laters<br />
Jo<br />
x<br />
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Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-46550679084698054062013-10-20T10:00:00.000-07:002013-10-20T10:00:31.168-07:00Catch upHere we are almost at the end of October and weve bitten the bullet and put the heating on (at last). Weve got all the windows in and Phil has finished off the sills and sides, just needs to get the plastering done now.<br />
Here are a few pics......<br />
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Before</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7mg_umIqnBhl8u31kJ1SwXFQbD0XhkqqEnYFhpiWkW2_HJNP-BgZnd7vzdUxSr355rjcWBrN1OVR8FtNtlhKGS6Syej5sbqfQ8dITRo4w7bwI2_dxwsr1Hl2c6N8CE-Y8pBYa0bQcc0b/s1600/before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE7mg_umIqnBhl8u31kJ1SwXFQbD0XhkqqEnYFhpiWkW2_HJNP-BgZnd7vzdUxSr355rjcWBrN1OVR8FtNtlhKGS6Syej5sbqfQ8dITRo4w7bwI2_dxwsr1Hl2c6N8CE-Y8pBYa0bQcc0b/s400/before.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUcytOrCPqnqkJhnnN5vVfIixCMC8dBLghCeQ0nkN-x40UNcPJn0O_58IFxUpjwuZiwcTwgQojAKPVy42ekaAtU0kURkAf3Yv2ddGZRYsPmXqmCRiWPgLr7_X1BzuhQJuxMeWTxVHU-Eu/s1600/back+of+house+before.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFUcytOrCPqnqkJhnnN5vVfIixCMC8dBLghCeQ0nkN-x40UNcPJn0O_58IFxUpjwuZiwcTwgQojAKPVy42ekaAtU0kURkAf3Yv2ddGZRYsPmXqmCRiWPgLr7_X1BzuhQJuxMeWTxVHU-Eu/s400/back+of+house+before.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom and back bedroom/office</td></tr>
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During<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUrrZGQ9_toPRZObttA-rq6HDL3rktLOwECWyzAHDqN214tKDyt0erLaDu8Mnut4ABqnIZYlmgjt2B66GuGPFlR4P2WSSUwE-jwlGwlRn83V2XZKaLKeXZiihaG0a_u8Y0BS8gYjCmDM0/s1600/bathroom+and+office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSUrrZGQ9_toPRZObttA-rq6HDL3rktLOwECWyzAHDqN214tKDyt0erLaDu8Mnut4ABqnIZYlmgjt2B66GuGPFlR4P2WSSUwE-jwlGwlRn83V2XZKaLKeXZiihaG0a_u8Y0BS8gYjCmDM0/s400/bathroom+and+office.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Office and Bathroom</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMeX9RQAY9gDHjHB2AgmT1xTauhchD_HHLr2wKGsSE8PXL_Upr2XTo3DHKvz6ZiT1khQfppKqq7fz7m6IiSRqSv0J-OadUP-JsctedFIU9iOfRhyN1K0q4y_I6DJIG9NlF2RkwUHEZHoj/s1600/bathroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKMeX9RQAY9gDHjHB2AgmT1xTauhchD_HHLr2wKGsSE8PXL_Upr2XTo3DHKvz6ZiT1khQfppKqq7fz7m6IiSRqSv0J-OadUP-JsctedFIU9iOfRhyN1K0q4y_I6DJIG9NlF2RkwUHEZHoj/s400/bathroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bathroom</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2WWKUAsXdff1ZMAVHkkNxczPpx3KGEf7rfkdzJzQZJpCBDv9lbcCUfsSoqRwoxRzUwQXrDrvrci5MKJxST4Fiizc4n6cnhflcKg79uCxRgT5VLRQmzLhmbAcxYITTpqnpMkGDxvZhR9n/s1600/hole+in+dining+room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ2WWKUAsXdff1ZMAVHkkNxczPpx3KGEf7rfkdzJzQZJpCBDv9lbcCUfsSoqRwoxRzUwQXrDrvrci5MKJxST4Fiizc4n6cnhflcKg79uCxRgT5VLRQmzLhmbAcxYITTpqnpMkGDxvZhR9n/s400/hole+in+dining+room.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dining Room</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLz9ai6ZduwK1pmuAuRjMGCvSkHvztTq_R9hHzT_HM9WQRoXoxlkpRknBFetJhfuByNEL82_zf9GP7z4W92_Sb5Kw4x9wZ09fZ1AaCmNsQmn5RMA2m7UsPLWmTau-tnnZmt0VxcAVbAdR/s1600/back+in+progress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwLz9ai6ZduwK1pmuAuRjMGCvSkHvztTq_R9hHzT_HM9WQRoXoxlkpRknBFetJhfuByNEL82_zf9GP7z4W92_Sb5Kw4x9wZ09fZ1AaCmNsQmn5RMA2m7UsPLWmTau-tnnZmt0VxcAVbAdR/s400/back+in+progress.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back - struggling to get the old bathroom window out</td></tr>
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After </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS4FqJ-nFbh7RA4s9wPdJ35NxnPYRz-iTD-UTugqQqTNnKlXQdVCxy-wpsBP78jPC69XM8F5X7ujOc3JwIzYZ9-c_oiO-Xy0W9K8ZNS8ziAgmX9cQcjVd2H0HUnc9CmHxDEYqXdAOAqe-/s1600/dining+room+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyS4FqJ-nFbh7RA4s9wPdJ35NxnPYRz-iTD-UTugqQqTNnKlXQdVCxy-wpsBP78jPC69XM8F5X7ujOc3JwIzYZ9-c_oiO-Xy0W9K8ZNS8ziAgmX9cQcjVd2H0HUnc9CmHxDEYqXdAOAqe-/s400/dining+room+done.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66p0VGKyTwTGc-o98bV-ALNu9P6ww0UNTfrLKT2Wb-oW0GQuzOWnmPkpIBhZTda0wvqCAoImtcDhtQZX8gusoZM3rWHjXdoa9Qks_ez7foiPhYzgoZX2YYePYiv9fa9C82tZzpWkKxy_5/s1600/front+done.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg66p0VGKyTwTGc-o98bV-ALNu9P6ww0UNTfrLKT2Wb-oW0GQuzOWnmPkpIBhZTda0wvqCAoImtcDhtQZX8gusoZM3rWHjXdoa9Qks_ez7foiPhYzgoZX2YYePYiv9fa9C82tZzpWkKxy_5/s400/front+done.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhg-pl5NCzuHj0usHGOoCukqqE4UfXJTqIc2NdDZddd-AndLkRXyVC-U9eSX_-YTC5Ag6cJjhuG9yfvTc-sswU1eNAxrT4uvMyfjmxohwNSsM-UO1VxLQ2QEqskWqx0-_zKrxUo16CEje/s1600/back+of+house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlhg-pl5NCzuHj0usHGOoCukqqE4UfXJTqIc2NdDZddd-AndLkRXyVC-U9eSX_-YTC5Ag6cJjhuG9yfvTc-sswU1eNAxrT4uvMyfjmxohwNSsM-UO1VxLQ2QEqskWqx0-_zKrxUo16CEje/s400/back+of+house.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
So with the new boiler that went in back in April and the new windows the house is beautifully warm (which it has never been while weve been here), I no longer see my breath in front of my face when Im in the dining room. We are prediciting (based on what we are using so far) that our combinged energy usage (Gas and Electricity) will be less than we were paying for Gas alone last year. Sounds like a win to me.<br />
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Work has been a bit interesting in the last week. My job will shortly cease to exist, but I will be moving within the department (tho still as a temp). Im a bit nervous about the move and sad to leave the office Im in as I have been really happy there, but will still be spending a few hours a week in with them (but doing my own work). I get on really well with the guy I was teamed with (he's almost become like the younger brother I never had) and we've worked really well together, so will miss our daily banter. In this new role, I will be a more on my own and have a bit more involvement with patients, but it is more secure (for the moment) and thats what I need.<br />
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Craftwise, theres not much going on, Im gathering bits together for Xmas little by little, I have a few ideas but possibly wont reveal them until afterwards (I dont think any of the recipients read this, but you never know).<br />
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I had a request from a friend who I used to work with to post more about our surrogate cat.<br />
Kizzy belongs to Phils Mum (who you may remember lives next door), she is getting on a bit and spends most of her time at our house (to get away from the bombhead dog), we reckon if we fed her she'd never go home! She's the most vocal cat I've ever known and we love her to bits.<br />
Here she is......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTQJI7ZjMr6nn0m2GRLJWCdsl-hIUqgnfQ-bPRc890eeB5bhVHkgMf_2Z_zIg4Cd-5WCLzgmBmRRdmBYfuONxO1wymTZiTiPWM5WpiLABYSR6qxN6CFELHK-cBOo-FE9c0PcCaPwExS9G/s1600/IMG00155-20120714-1100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxTQJI7ZjMr6nn0m2GRLJWCdsl-hIUqgnfQ-bPRc890eeB5bhVHkgMf_2Z_zIg4Cd-5WCLzgmBmRRdmBYfuONxO1wymTZiTiPWM5WpiLABYSR6qxN6CFELHK-cBOo-FE9c0PcCaPwExS9G/s400/IMG00155-20120714-1100.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ignoring the dog (her default setting)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr9abuXRIrOkvTn190D-xlsamR6A-jOY2BAq4I0-3g6TmWu5zSLoWddAZ9lLZf6g3z-UfvkKaiRXILp53OsMPf1dcCv1ZOsUfb7_YowT2qbTkpKFOsQrZwEdy-NRgMDatGeTXH1CpNToP/s1600/IMG00544-20131009-1120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJr9abuXRIrOkvTn190D-xlsamR6A-jOY2BAq4I0-3g6TmWu5zSLoWddAZ9lLZf6g3z-UfvkKaiRXILp53OsMPf1dcCv1ZOsUfb7_YowT2qbTkpKFOsQrZwEdy-NRgMDatGeTXH1CpNToP/s400/IMG00544-20131009-1120.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Checking out our new windowsills</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FxG7xDVJ-4_NUMTJXnxbExjUMg9d4F8ZCEQCn7bFMVhj-PS_dPsnzp9nVF666vraLnz5jQ2JqJNmW8hyphenhyphenyJCU9LzSWj4ZdEy78BPoAsFAOw4bmYNFrcTpbWMEF8MNgx0zDiPsj20GyXkG/s1600/IMG00511-20130818-1053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_FxG7xDVJ-4_NUMTJXnxbExjUMg9d4F8ZCEQCn7bFMVhj-PS_dPsnzp9nVF666vraLnz5jQ2JqJNmW8hyphenhyphenyJCU9LzSWj4ZdEy78BPoAsFAOw4bmYNFrcTpbWMEF8MNgx0zDiPsj20GyXkG/s400/IMG00511-20130818-1053.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chilling in the sun</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyJ-f2m-KsCLlJflLvau2uTEAGEXoGgUd4aC2QPoN2FmLUVJDbVmo-07ojqYA2nHgxrv-stI5kQ5lI4Kbt4cipnemWB_JvBypH3r6RnUfZyAZztXss-RxmwRqf0eDld7tNlHmBJxqC63u/s1600/IMG00466-20130604-1833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnyJ-f2m-KsCLlJflLvau2uTEAGEXoGgUd4aC2QPoN2FmLUVJDbVmo-07ojqYA2nHgxrv-stI5kQ5lI4Kbt4cipnemWB_JvBypH3r6RnUfZyAZztXss-RxmwRqf0eDld7tNlHmBJxqC63u/s400/IMG00466-20130604-1833.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Keeping the soil in the planter warm</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkOOcX55QDDHvp5j_uyiauxoZuY-sg3xKUnompquiC5P_24wAFISV0iBUmA_BjCQowVQsTQ3740EJ4kaQ4MnYFjWRzi5b_eX_8oeCh00yZ2k9lUXRObaIPbNSvgnmf-2nMc_FqSHlj8P5/s1600/IMG00199-20120827-1126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBkOOcX55QDDHvp5j_uyiauxoZuY-sg3xKUnompquiC5P_24wAFISV0iBUmA_BjCQowVQsTQ3740EJ4kaQ4MnYFjWRzi5b_eX_8oeCh00yZ2k9lUXRObaIPbNSvgnmf-2nMc_FqSHlj8P5/s400/IMG00199-20120827-1126.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not impressed</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ8TbIsy2WbgRgojysfvXWi5nAKLorqV5JufQTp0hHgm5wzmU5lYroaSxOz7GKjjTWMypeS2PkukCuEKBl9zkbuFRXfFVdvemZW2z5qRfoQWCKh_4KGQ4J00tgiFA2EGMWW1CulHpe4WY/s1600/IMG00257-20121020-1540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLQ8TbIsy2WbgRgojysfvXWi5nAKLorqV5JufQTp0hHgm5wzmU5lYroaSxOz7GKjjTWMypeS2PkukCuEKBl9zkbuFRXfFVdvemZW2z5qRfoQWCKh_4KGQ4J00tgiFA2EGMWW1CulHpe4WY/s400/IMG00257-20121020-1540.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiding</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Thats all for this time. Thanks for reading.<br />
Feel free to leave a comment.<br />
Jojo xxx Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-30164811519932100052013-10-06T06:49:00.000-07:002013-10-06T06:49:02.671-07:00SeptemberSo, here we are at the beginning of October and there is a definite chill in the air. Im really not loving the fact that its now dark in the mornings when I get up for work, and that its getting darker much earlier in the evenings. The leaves have started turning and even tho there are plenty of brambles and rosehips ripe for the pikcing, I cant quite summon up the enthusiasm for it. There are still the odd signs of life in the garden, the carrots are almost ready to be pulled, Ive still got some calendula in flower and the borage is still going strong. Its kinda threatening to take over as all these plants were selfseeded from previous years, still its good for attracting bees, and for keeping the weeds down, so I dont mind.<br />
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Ive also got one sunflower (at long last), I cant believe how pityful the sunflowers and sweetpeas have been this year.<br />
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Craftwise Ive not been very busy, am trying to get myself geared up for the Xmas crafting onslaught, but as yet I have no idea what Im going to do for pressies this year.<br />
With regards to the previous post (about singing) Ive got a couple of names of potential teachers, I just have to be brave enough to make some phone calls :o)<br />
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The exciting news (well exciting for me) is that we have finally been able to make a start on the next phase of our home improvements (finally). After being left some money by a late Uncle weve bought the new windows we have been in desperate need of for the last 10 years and the first three went in yesterday.<br />
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Luckily with OHs brother being a builder and OH his part time labourer, we dont have to pay much for labour, provided they are supplied with coffee and bacon sarnies they are quite happy. The remaining two windows should be going in over the next couple of days. The windows they are replacing were put in in the early 70's (we found some newspaper that was used as packing), but these were just screwed into the original fames (including the weights for the sash windows), so weve taken out timber thats been in place for 108 years (and not all of it rotten). Theres plenty of pastering etc to keep OH busy, but then we will finally have a nice warm house, which will make a lovely change. Ive been ripping tiles off the bathroom walls today in preparation for the bathroom window, I really love the destruction bit.<br />
So with the boiler having gone in earlier in the year and the new double glazed windows our fuel bills will be lower and the resale value of the house will have been increased. The kitchen roof will be the next step, and then the dormer window in the back roof, but at least things are starting to get going and Im seeing the return to NZ one (small) step closer.<br />
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Im still loving my work, Ive got heaps of holidays to use before the end of the year, so havent got more that 3 weeks without a week off between now and Xmas. Not sure when this assignment will end and not sure what will happen then, but theres not much point panicing about it yet, plently of time for that later.<br />
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Hope all is well in your world. Thanks for dropping by and having a read. Dont forget comments are most welcome (they show me that at least one of you is reading!).<br />
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Till next time,<br />
Jojo<br />
x<br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-71629057950958856282013-09-15T02:39:00.000-07:002013-09-15T02:39:46.845-07:00What Makes You Happy?After a rather turbulent week, a lot of soul searching (or navel gazing as my Dad used to call it) and a 'gut spilling' session with a lovely friend (Thank You - you know who you are), Ive realised I need to do something that truely makes me happy and that Ive not done for years.<br />
Ive lost a bit of weight recently (26lb and counting) and my self confidence is slowly emerging, though other parts of my life arent going so well, so I need to do this just for me.<br />
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What am I talking about? Something very few people know about me<br />
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I LOVE to sing, (and not to be modest about it), Im quite good.<br />
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My sister and I always used to sing together whenever we were going anywhere in the car as children, and my first ever teacher (bless you Mrs Scott wherever you are) wrote on one of my reports that I had a sweet singing voice. :o) When we were in our 20's we used to sit up front and sing on the late night coach journey from Oamaru to Invercargill (about 5 hours) and always got a thank you from the coach drivers for the entertainment.<br />
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On the odd occasion I sang a solo in a church production for the youth group I was part of at the time.<br />
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However, my OH (and my Father before him) have managed to make me feel like Im not good enough to perform in front of a 'real' audience. Dad was musical, but just didnt have faith in me, OH comes from a non-musical family and just doesnt think I can do it. I had a couple of practise sessions with a band once, but had never heard my voice through a mic before (I need to learn how to breathe) and didnt have transport at the time, so it didnt go anywhere - they needed someone quickly and I needed more time.<br />
A few months ago a local operatic society were looking for new members, I was quite keen to go along and have a look, but OH managed to talk me out of it by saying these groups didnt like outsiders and he didnt want me to get my hopes dashed.<br />
This is also the reason why I have never done any karaoke - no confidence in myself, so none of his family know I sing (Ive known them for the best part of 22 years).<br />
<br />
When I lost my voice for 6 months (6 years back) I was really upset that I might loose my ability to sing, and that was really scarey. Thankfully, some speech therapy lessons have taught me vocal warm up techniques and there doesnt seem to be much change (on a bad day I cant hold notes as long as I used to, but I can live with that).<br />
<br />
So, now Ive decided (even if just for me and no one else) is to treat myself to some singing lessons. Even if I dont get any further than that (I would love to be brave enough to perform in public one day) I want to do this and think I also need to do it as singing makes my heart, well, sing.<br />
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So there you have it, my dirty little secret, arent you glad you dropped by for a read today?<br />
Leave me a comment to let me know what makes your heart sing.<br />
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Till next time<br />
Jojo<br />
xxx <br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-74760549462684491592013-09-08T10:14:00.002-07:002013-09-08T10:14:50.379-07:00So thats August over and done with thenOnce again, its been an age since Ive blogged, theres been quite a bit going on over the last few weeks, and I havent been in the right headspace to write.<br />
We had an unexpected overnight visit from a fellow Kiwi who was on her way to Scotland, which was really lovely. I hadnt seen her for over 20 years, and it was great to catch up. We took her out into Derbyshire to see some of our local sights including a drive by <a href="http://www.chatsworth.org/" target="_blank">Chatsworth House,</a> ( but no Mr Darcy in the water, unfortunately), and then on to The Moorlands for a lovely meal. <br />
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We also lost a very good friends of OH's this month. He had been in hospital for a few weeks and we saw him gradually going downhill, but its still very upsetting when it happens. He didnt leave any family behind, so things are a bit up in the air with regards to his funeral, so its all a bit messy.<br />
Then, we both got nasty colds (well I got a cold, he got Manflu!), so we have had all that fun as well.<br />
<br />
Workwise, Im still really enjoying my current assignment, they are a really lovely bunch of people to work with. There are a few changes Im involved with, which always makes things interesting, and this week Im sort of being left to my own
devices as my colleague is having a week off, so its a bit sink or swim.
Eek! Some of us went out for a drink after work on Friday which makes a huge change for me as I dont usually want to socialise with people I work with, it was nice. <br />
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Gardenwise, theres not a lot happening, the only veg I have left in the ground are a few carrots, I wasnt impressed with the potato yeild this year, but they do taste delicious. Ive still got loads of weeding to do and hopfully one last cut of the grass before it gets too cold and wet.<br />
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Craftwise, I finished my Napkin for <a href="http://thenapkinprojectblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> the napkin project</a> and got it posted off.......<br />
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now Ive got a bit of mending etc to do before I start my next project. Im also making a few more owls, and am contemplating a bit more quilting as well.<br />
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So, there have been goings on, but nothing very thrilling to write about. I will leave you tho, with a pic of the lovely orchid I thought Id killed (you may remember it from a previous post), there are now 12 flowers open and another 2 to go, Im quite proud of this. <br />
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Till next time.....<br />
Jojo<br />
:o)Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-10910382544685980152013-08-11T09:27:00.000-07:002013-08-11T09:27:53.138-07:00A Little About Me
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Its been a quiet week
this week, things are ticking along quite nicely, so as I dont have
much to update you on, I thought Id copy the 'about me' list from the
lovely Suki over at<a href="http://theowlclub.blogspot.co.uk/2013/08/a-list-about-me.html" target="_blank"> the owl club </a>and give you an insight as to whats
going on in my little world......</div>
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Making – working on
my napkin for The napkin project</div>
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Cooking – Roast Pork
with all the trimmings for our Sunday tea</div>
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Drinking – Pukka
Licorice and Cinnamon Tea (my new fave)</div>
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Reading – Relics by
Pip Vaughan-Hughes (historical fiction)</div>
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Wanting – a houseful
of new windows before the onset of Winter</div>
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Watching – Castle,
The Walking Dead and Scott & Bailey</div>
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Playing – too much
Candy Crush and Farmville 2</div>
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Wasting – as little
as I can</div>
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Sewing – (soon)
dressee for the dress a girl around the world project</div>
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Wishing/ Dreaming –
about a move to New Zealand</div>
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Enjoying – the new
flowers and buds on the orchid which I thought was dead</div>
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Waiting – for the
Accountants in Holland to get their act together (!)</div>
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Liking – my new job
and losing weight (16lb so far)</div>
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Loving – my OH :o)</div>
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Hoping – the NZ move
will come to fruition</div>
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Needing – some
smaller work trousers</div>
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Smelling – Germoline
and tea tree oil (currently covered in bites)</div>
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Wearing – comfy old
slobbing about clothes</div>
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Following – some
really cool blogs</div>
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Noticing – that the
Autumn is fast approaching</div>
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Knowing – that
replacing the windows and roof on the house and finishing the
kitchen is now within reach</div>
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Hoping – that we will
be able to find the funds to replace the car</div>
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Feeling – that life
is quite good at the moment</div>
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Bookmarking – not
looking at much new stuff, sticking to the sites and blogs I know</div>
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Opening – snail mail
through The Correspondence Club and Post Circle</div>
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Laughing – with my OH
(weve not stopped for nearly 23 years!)</div>
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So, thats how things
are with me at the moment, not half bad I reckon. Im gonna nip out
and pull up the first of my potato plants while we still have some
sun, but thought Id just leave you with a pic of the lovely orchid I
have managed to revive. Im quite proud of this. </div>
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Have a great week, see
you again soon,</div>
<div class="western" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
Jojo</div>
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Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-4822599465027132332013-08-04T10:01:00.000-07:002013-08-04T10:01:58.305-07:00August BeginsWell, here we are in August already, seems the year is flying by. Ive noticed its getting darker earlier a sure sign that Autumn is on its way. Hopefully we still have more lovely sunny days to come.<br />
Im pleased to say that Im settling in to my new assignment nicely. The people in the office are a mixed bunch of ages and genders, and all seem to have a good sense of humour (phew!). The job is much more me and Im much happier than Ive been in a while. The hours are good, and its not a bad walk home (have only done it once but am intending to do it more often - its about 4.5k), so all in all it was a good move.<br />
Ive not really been up to much in the last couple of weeks, the gardening and crafting are a continuation of what Ive been previously been working on.<br />
<br />
I have been experimenting with making shampoo from soapnuts as per Janey Lee Graces book <i>Look Great Naturally - without ditching the lipstick</i>. You can read all about soapnuts <a href="http://www.soapnuts.co.uk/" target="_blank">here</a> . My first attempt was a bit watery (looked like horse wee to put it mildly).<br />
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My second attempt ended up burning (should have watched over them instead of going out in the garden I guess). I shall be trying again, but in the meantime I used the soap liquid from attempt number 1 and it did ok. There was no foam, but it cleaned quite well.Ive also used the soapnuts in the washing machine on our towels and they clean as well as our detergent does, so I am quite impressed.<br />
<br />
I got a lovely surprise during the week from the lovely Sara over at <a href="http://sewlittletosay.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/fat-quarterly-retreat-sewing-shopping.html" target="_blank">sewlittletosay</a> , she contacted me to say that I have won her giveaway, and it arrived in the post on Saturday morning. I dont win much (seems my Big Sis has all the family luck with competitions, raffles etc), so it was really nice. Heres what I won.....<br />
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some lovely fabric, a Liberty print shopping bag and some thread.<br />
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I also read about the Food Bank crisis which is quitely happening all over the UK over on Sues brilliant blog <a href="http://ournewlifeinthecountry.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/food-banks.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+OurNewLifeInTheCountry+%28Our+New+Life+in+the+Country%29" target="_blank">ournewlifeinthecountry</a> - she linked up to <a href="http://agirlcalledjack.com/2013/07/30/what-can-you-do-to-help-buy-someone-22-meals-for-the-price-of-a-3-coffee/" target="_blank">agirlcalledjack</a> and her brilliant post. As Sue mentioned Asda were hosting a nationwide collection over the weekend, so I popped into my local branch and spend an extra £5.39 on their basic range and donated the following........<br />
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A pack of spagetti, a tin of peaches, 2 tins of baked beans and sausage, a tin of ravioli, a loaf of white bread, a jar of sweet and sour sauce, 2 tins of plum tomatoes,2 tins of soup, a tin of meatballs, a tin of sweetcorn and a tin of meat paste.<br />
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I was quite impressed at how many tins were already in the trolley that Asda had put out for the collection, the notice on it said it was heading to a very local foodbank, so if it helps out a family in dire need, then Im all for it.<br />
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Well, thats really about it for now, and Id best go and get my stuff organised for the new working week (as I get up @ 7am and the bus comes about 25 past Ive not got much time in the morning at the moment).<br />
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I hope all is well with you and your loved ones, will catch up again soon, in the meantime have a good week.<br />
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Jojo<br />
x<br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-50138008961307574612013-07-21T09:37:00.000-07:002013-07-21T12:38:40.285-07:00Wow, another week over already!<span style="font-size: small;">Blimey that one went quick!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Apart from a slight wobble on Wednsday, its not been a bad week. Had a couple of days off (and enoyed some glorious weather) and am ready to sart a new assigment tomorrow. Shall be on the bus to work from now on, theres a bus from the end of next doors drive that will take me straight to my new work venue (a Sheffield Hospital) so no parking or parking fees to worry about (its a nightmare parking up there and is very expensive).</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Feeling much calmer that I have been for a while, found a wonderful new mantra during the week - <i><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;">Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it. </span></i><span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Found out this morning that friends and family who are caught up in the newest lot of earthquakes in NZ are all ok, and (thank goodness) </span></span><span style="font-size: small;">no-one seems to have suffered any property damage either. I hope the quakes will settle down for you now. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">As the week ended on a good note, I decided to 'pay it forward' on Friday as I had been inspired by Becksie and Ian over at <a href="http://ayearwithoutsupermarkets.com/2013/07/18/kindness-report-part-one/" target="_blank">ayearwithoutsupermarkets</a> . I really love what they are doing in this post, so I bought a couple of bunches of flowers and took them to one of the local Retirement homes (as per Becksie's point number 15), it made me feel great and the lady who took them from me was nicely surprised. Might have to do some more of these. Thanks Becksie and Ian.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Craftwise, Im doing some bits for Charity, we cant afford to give much, but I have time and some skill I am trying to do my bit that way. So (inspired by another post on Becksie and Ians Blog), Im making a Napkin as part of the<a href="http://thenapkinprojectblog.wordpress.com/" target="_blank"> Napkin Project</a>. Ive not tried embroidery, so am playing it safe with Cross-stitch (thats a kind of embroidery isnt it?). Here is my work in progress, its on waste canvas which means when its done you can wet the canvas and then pull the threads out so you are just left with the design on the linen (clever huh?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The other Charity project Im getting things together for is <a href="http://www.dressagirlaroundtheworld.com/" target="_blank">dressagirlaroundtheworld</a> - I have two blog buddies participating in this, the aforementioned Becksie and Ian from ayearwithoutsupermarkets - see their post here <a href="http://ayearwithoutsupermarkets.com/2013/07/13/19-dresses/" target="_blank">19-dresses</a> and the lovely Jen over at mymakedoandmendyear who are all busy organising Sewing Bees etc to get people involved in making dresses.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Ive decided that make some myself but finding pillowcases is proving a bit harder than I thought it would be! So, as we were out Charity Shopping yesterday (or Op shopping as you Kiwis will call it!) I found some lovely skirts I can quite easily use.....</span><br />
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Gardenwise, we are getting lots of peas and lettuce, and Ive put in a fresh lot of radish in a pot (hopefully the slugs wont get to these).<br />
Thats about all for this little update.<br />
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Bye for now.<br />
Jo<br />
:o) <br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-53582875173219324182013-07-14T10:24:00.001-07:002013-07-17T06:41:43.676-07:00Well Hello Strangers!This post has been a bit long in coming (soz), but Ive found it a bit of a struggle to get going again. It felt like my weekly posts just seemed to be covering the same old ground, and I felt it was a bit boring.<br />
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Ive had a couple of rubbish months really, nothing specific (as in tragic event or suchlike) just generally feeling a bit pi**ed off with the world in general, and didnt want to blather on boring people senseless (goodness knows Ive only got a few readers anyway).Anyhoo, Im back (hopefully), so thought Id bring you up to date with whats happening in my little corner of the world.<br />
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Work on the kitchen/house has come to a bit of a standstill. We are awaiting some money from an inheritance which will go towards a new roof and windows. We have decided we want to take the ceiling out of the kitchen and open up the roofspace and are awaiting a quote from OH's bother (the builder) to see if its something we can realistically acheive or not.<br />
Ive done some digging into NZ Immigration and have found that getting a Visa for OH (when we do go) will be a bit more straight forward than first thought (expensive, but straightforward).<br />
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Gardenwise, Ive got the veggie garden looking quite good, this was it at the end of May.... the white structure is to stop the carrotfly ruining my carrot crop.<br />
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Im getting regular crops of peas and lettuce now, Ive got plenty of carrots comming up and the potato plants are huge. The only disappointment was my radish crop was completely ruined by slugs.<br />
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While the Mother in Law was away for a week on her hols, I dug over her front garden (which has needed doing for years, she is no longer able to do it), and planted it up as a surprise for her. This is what it looked like when it was first done......<br />
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This is it now.....<br />
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Also, this is her pussycat plant which we often find at her back door.....<br />
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Craftwise, things have been a bit quite on this front. I have almost got a quilt top put togther for me, its just awaiting the border, and is made of 240x 'half square triangles'. I quite enjoyed this one as it was quite straight forward........<br />
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We missed our annual trip to Mablethorpe with the rest of the family as our car decided to start playing up 25 miles out of Sheffield, so we had to turn back. It hadnt been on a run since November, and wasnt happy. It had passed its MOT the week before, and is OK for my short journey to work and back, but OH's other brother (the mechanic) has condemmed it, it wont get through another MOT without major work, so we will have to find another one before next June - yet another thing to pay out for.<br />
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So, its been a couple of months of ups and downs really, but things have got to start going our way soon, meantime we keep ploddin on, and on, and on.....<br />
Hope things have been better for you.<br />
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Till next time<br />
Jojo<br />
x<br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-32605295700605185722013-06-09T10:24:00.001-07:002013-06-09T10:24:54.635-07:00Normal Service will soon be resumed - honestKiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-70412149572870915312013-05-12T06:20:00.000-07:002013-05-12T06:20:07.189-07:00Er, wheres our nice weather gone?I cant believe how much the weather has changed over a week! Last weekend I got three loads of washing dry outside, this weekend I havent been able to hang any out. Is that it for our Spring/Summer then? I shant be very happy if it is! Having said that the local streets are full of cherry blossom and that never fails to brighten my day a little.......<br />
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Its been pretty much business as usual this week. We had a Public Holiday here in the UK on Monday, but when I found out how much I could earn if I worked it (and that fact that the MOT is due this month which is gonna be expensive) it was a bit of a no brainer really. Im doing the one at the end of the month as well. Still needs must and all that. I spent 2 days helping out in another department this week, so it broke things up a bit and adds to my skill set within the office. With rumours floating about all the time of permanent jobs within our little part of the NHS, being versatile can only be a good thing.<br />
The financial strain is easing a little, now Ive got my pay rise and we have almost halved the amount weve been spending on gas and electricity (thanks to the new boiler) we can spend a little more on groceries (phew!) tho on the whole we are still living way below any kind of comfort zone. But what can ya do!<br />
Craftwise, Ive made some more owls for ladies @ work this week (and have orders for a few more)........<br />
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Ive been playing round with making paper baskets (courtesy of <a href="http://pinterest.com/all/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> ) ......<br />
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and have been toying with possible patterns for my next quilt or cushions for Xmas pressies.......<br />
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In the garden, most of my tulips are now out, some are looking a bit worse for wear. Ive noticed that certain colours come out before others tho they were all planted at the same time (yellow, then purple, then red, then pink), weird!<br />
Ive got some lovely dark ones (which I didnt think were going to change colour when they started off green!) in a pot called Queen of The Night which I really love......<br />
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My potatoes in bags are ready for their first earthing up, my radishes and lettuce seedlings are doing well in the garden (apart from the ongoing fight with the local cats who think the garden is their sandbox), and Ive got my calendula, marigold and peas underway. My first sowing of sunflowers and sweetpeas didnt do so well, so have sown them again and they are starting to poke through.<br />
Im hoping to make a new cover for my coldfame/tiny greenhouse over the next couple of weeks and hope the seedings will be ready to go out before the end of the month, when I can get my carrots in as well..<br />
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So thats about it for this week, how do I keep up with the excitement!<br />
Im off to do some domestics now, hope you have a great week.<br />
T t f n<br />
Jo<br />
xxx <br />
<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-20363021394082637312013-05-05T05:27:00.000-07:002013-05-05T05:27:42.011-07:00Feeling Sorry for MyselfAfter a week of feeling old, boring and skint and doing what my dear old Dad used to call 'navel gazing' Ive decided not to inflict my sob story on you.<br />
Instead Im posting a wee poem (which I came across when sorting through yet another pile of junk) which made me smile and I hope it gives you a smile too.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>As I Mature</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ive learned that you cannot make someone love you</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">All you can do is stalk them and hope they panic and give in</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ive learned that no matter how much I care</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">some people are just a*sholes</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ive learned that it takes years to build up trust</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">but only suspicion, not proof, to destroy it</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ive learned that you can get by on charm for about fifteen minutes</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">after than you'd better have pots of money or huge boobs</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ive learned that you shouldnt compare yourself to others</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">they are often more screwed up than you think</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ive learned that you can keep vomiting long after you think you've finished</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ive learned that we are responsible for our actions</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">unless we are celebrities</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ive learned that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">the passion fades</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">and there had better be a lot of laughter or cash to take its place</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ive learned that the people you care about most are taken from you to soon</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">and all the less important ones just never go away</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pass this along to 5 friends, trust me they'll appreciate it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who knows, maybe something good will happen.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">If not..........tough!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thats all folks.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have a good week </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">Jojo</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i> </i></span><br />
<i> </i>Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-80260343353570687242013-04-28T09:15:00.000-07:002013-04-28T09:15:19.188-07:00Is it Blog Time already?Not sure where this week has gone and its almost Monday already. :o(<br />
It feels like I havent done much this week apart from work, Ive been on earlies which make for long days (as I never seem to get to bed before midnight (no matter how hard I try).<br />
Its been wonderful having the heating back and hot water as and when we need it. The new boiler is saving us about £1.50 per day and they will be more once we turn the heating off, so we are very impressed. We have been without a shower tho as the old hose broke, so have had to resort to baths (Im not a fan). Still, its been replaced now (thanks to a bit of bargin hunting on payday) so its all good.<br />
The garden is looking better by the day as the spring bulbs and other bits and pieces come into flower, tho the Mother in Laws is looking better than mine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">My garden on the left and Mother in Laws on the right</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Ive also got some flowers on one of the lovely little alpines I planted last year......<br />
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The flower seedlings still arent doing much (I think I put them in too ealry), but the radishes I planted out last week have almost doubled in size, wont be too long before weve got our first crop I reckon.<br />
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The Mother in Law and I went to a Farmers Market and Craft Fair at a local church on Saturday, it was quite small and is held twice a year. We picked up some plants and some<a href="http://postacheese.com/" target="_blank"> lovely cheese</a> (I got the Onion cheese for me and the Horseradish cheese for OH). We timed it well because just as we left the heavens opened and it bucketed down.<br />
This morning was a bit nicer so Mother in Law and I went along to a local garden that was open under the <a href="http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/gardenfinder/garden.aspx?search=type:advanced-dr:999-nm:fernleigh&id=20310" target="_blank">National Garden Scheme. </a>It was amazing to see how much they had cramed into their garden, and we came away with a few plants.<br />
My purchases for the weekend totalled 50p, Mother in Law bought me a lovely tiny primula as a gift for taking her out, and I bought some unusual muscari (the flowers are almost indigo at the bottom and lighten to a kind of tuft at the top).<br />
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Another (possible) bargin I found this week was coffee. Usually I buy the 100g jar of Nescafe (approx £2.50) as Im the only one drinking it at the moment, but as we are still on an economy drive, I thought Id try something different, so this week I will be trying out Tesco's Everyday Value....<br />
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Now, the only difference I could see between this and Tesco's Classic blend is the label and the colour of the lid, the jars are identical, the coffee looks the same and, according the the labels on both jars, the strength is even the same. However, Tesco's classis is £1.50 and the Everyday Value is 47p! So, I shall be giving this a try, and, if its OK, then that could be quite a saving, I just hope its not bitter, as that wouldnt be nice at all. Wish me luck.<br />
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Craftwise, Ive been making owls (again) for some more ladies at work. Ive also been having a play around with some more quilitng (trying to practice my techniques) with the possibility of making some Xmas pressies for the ladies in the family. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Possible pot holders</span></td></tr>
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So, thats about it really, and I quess Id better go and check on the casserole. Sometimes I just cant believe what an exciting life I lead (not!).<br />
Hope all is good in your world.<br />
Till next time.<br />
Jojo<br />
xxx<br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-24325636864145740532013-04-21T10:44:00.000-07:002013-04-21T10:44:58.405-07:00Productive WeekIts been a rather busy week.<br />
Ive been on lates (10am-6pm) this week, so I decided to still get up at the same time as I do when Im on the other shifts (7am) and have tried to get a few bits done before I go to work. On the whole its worked quite well, but a couple of days I got side tracked whilst on the interwebs (which Im sure you will agree is very easy to do!). Im on earlies (7.45am - 3.45pm) this week, so theres no way I will get stuff done before work this week!<br />
Ive done a wee bit of gardening, tidying up the borders, chopping back some old growth on some shrubs and planting out my radishes. The sight of the daffs in my front garden makes me smile whenever I get home at the moment.<br />
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Craftwise, Ive not done much at all, but I have sold the last three Owl cushions I made last year (and have orders for another 4) and have also been asked to make a quilt for a lady at work (eek my first comissioned piece!). I love my garden. :o)<br />
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The big happening this week has been finally getting our new boiler installed. Weve had it for 4 years and its been living under the kitchen table for all that time. We couldnt move any further forward with redoing our kitchen until it was installed and as OH wasnt confident enough to do it on his own, things were at a bit of a standstill. OH's brother came up with a wonderful idea for an Xmas pressie for us, a gift of his time, materials and expertiese and offered to fit the boiler for us (with OH acting as his labourer). So we have been waiting for a good time for all concerned. When the old boiler curled up its toes last weekend, it seemed a perfect time, so I am very very pleased to say it has been done this weekend, and we can now move forward with getting the kitchen (and dining room) finished! So we now have a combi boiler (which is much more economical than the old one), have lots of copper pipe (and a water heater) to weigh in for scrap, and have added a bit of value to the house.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">After- just needs pipework boxing in now</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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Then just to finish off the weekend nicely, I have picked up some fabric on freecycle (will collect it tomorrow) and have given away my old sewing machine.<br />
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So all in all not a bad week I reckon.<br />
Hope yours has been a good one.<br />
JojoKiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-15063055466950888202013-04-14T08:34:00.000-07:002013-04-14T08:34:53.377-07:00An update and a bit of a rantOnce again its been a bit of a mixed bag of Yay's and Boo's this week thats gone something like this.......... the boiler has finally given up the ghost - Boo, Ive finished the first of the quilts I was making for my nieces - Yay, some of the stuff Ive been reading had been making me mad - Boo, even tho the evenings are still cold, the weather is finally feeling Springlike - Yay, etc etc (you get the picture!)<br />
Because I dont want to finish the post on a downer, I will tackle the Boo points first<br />
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<i>The boiler.</i><br />
Well, its looking like its finally packed in, OH has had it in bits and the fan is kaput. At the moment he is scouring the attic (he thinks hes got another one he can adapt to fit somewhere), so we have been without heating since Thursday evening. We have got an imersion heater, so hot water isnt an issue, but weve had a few rather cold nights and both end up sat in front of the telly wrapped in rugs. One of OH's brothers is gonna help him put the new one in (its been under the kitchen table since we bought it about 4 years ago) at some stage but we arent sure when yet. OH's brother is giving us his time and skill as a brilliant Xmas pressie (OH isnt confident enough to do it on his own). So, I reckon its well timed, we are both very relieved it didnt happen last month!<br />
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<i>What Ive been reading.</i><br />
Ive got a bit of a bee in my bonnet about the globalisation of food production and the effects it has on the poorer countires which produce food for the richer ones. This week I read that because of the increasing popularity of quinoa, the price has tripled since 2006, which means the locals in Bolivia and Peru who grow it cant afford to eat it! It was once a staple of their diets and in Lima, <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/western-quinoa-demand-raises-prices-in-bolivia-2013-1" target="_blank">quinoa more expensive than chicken</a>. I was also made aware a while ago that in countries that produce food for some or our Supermarkets, food which is less than perfect is destroyed rather than released for sale to the locals. It really makes me see red and makes me more determined to grow my own veg as much as I can. <br />
Also Ive picked up Janey Lee Grace's book Look Great Naturally (again) and get a bit fired up about all the chemicals and cr@p that go into cosmetics and beauty products and the harmful effects these can have when the accumulate in the body. If you are at all concerned with what goes into your food, then you should seriously take a look at this book.<br />
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Right, now on to the better stuff.......<br />
<i>Crafty stuff.</i><br />
Ive finished the first quilt! Its far from perfect, but hopefully one of my neices will like it!<br />
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Ive also been covering some playing around with different coverings for some Steampunk masks, in fabric and leather to see how easy the materials are to work with.<br />
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<i>The weather</i><br />
Although weve had some cold nights, they days are getting brighter and a bit warmer so things are starting to lokk a bit better in the garden, the daffies in the front garden have expolded and are looking really cheery, a lovely sight to some home to.<br />
As it was a beautiful day yesterday I took a detour on my walk home from the local shops to cut through our local woods and took the opportunity of foraging for some wild garlic. Normally it would be in flower by now, but as this year has had a cold start its only now just getting going, tho it still looks lovely and theres plenty of it! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is all wild garlic!</span></td></tr>
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OH wont try it, but I love the taste. Its milder than the garlic we are used too and is great with eggs and cheese. It smells just like the culitvated stuff. It likes boggy ground, so grows well in woodland near streams. Its well worth trying, just remember, if you are going out foraging, take an identification guide with you.<br />
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So, all in all, thats about it for now. Hope all is good in your world.<br />
Feel free to leave a comment , its always nice to hear from you.<br />
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Take care.<br />
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Jojo<br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-61661443753282268432013-04-07T09:16:00.000-07:002013-04-07T09:16:43.454-07:00Is It Spring yet?Ive not felt much like blogging lately, due to a number of reasons, so I guess you are due a bit of an update. Hopefully we have now seen the last of the snow (!) and Spring can now get going. Ive been itching to get seeds sown and potatoes planted and get my veg patch going and have finally been able to make a start this weekend. The potatoes have been planted in bags and Ive sown some radishes and lettuce. I sowed some Alliums, Sweet peas, Sunflowers and Calendula last weekend, so they are now all sitting in the cold-frame just waiting to grow. I also picked up some minature daffodils from our local B&Q, (the plastic pot was broken so they were half price), they cheer up the windowsill beside the back door.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Flower Seeds planted</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Lovely new daffies</span></td></tr>
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Im now two months in to my temp job, its a lot more phone work that I would like, but these days thats pretty much they way things are. The finances are taking a bit of juggling, but ater 3 months my hourly rate goes up 50p, so that will make a wee bit of a difference. At the moment we are living hand to mouth, and this wont change even with my pay rise, Im not sure whats gonna happen when the MOT and tax are due on the car in June, but if I start thinking about it I panic, so Im choosing not to!<br />
Craft wise, Ive almost completed the first quilt. I got the quilting part done over Easter (it was quite a job!), so am now handstitching the binding on.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Putting the layers together on the Living room floor</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Ive also made a few more owls to order for some of the ladies at work<br />
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There has been some crossstitch happening as well.<br />
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Thanks kind of been about it really. Weve not been doing much due to the weather and financial restrictions, hopefully now I can get out in the garden I will start to feel a bit better. Ive also been a bit homesick as well (it surprises me that I can still feel like that after 22 yrs!) but it comes out of nowhere and hits me like a sledgehammer.<br />
Anyway, now that we are starting to see the sun (and its slowly getting warmer) things will start to look up and I will be too busy to feel sorry for myself! Well thats the plan anyway.<br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
Jojo<br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-62510450103656265332013-03-17T09:25:00.000-07:002013-03-17T09:25:21.335-07:00Do Ethics or Economics Dominate Your Spending?This has been a bit of a concern for me for a number of years now. In an ideal world I would be able to shop ethically and do my bit to live a cleaner, healthier, greener life without impacting on our planet, but in reality, when hard times bite some sacrifices have to be made in order to stretch the budget. I have given up and gone without some things, but struggle not to feel guilty about other choices I make when shopping.<br />
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There are some marvelous bloggers out there that are really doing their bit - 2 of my favourites are the lovely Jen and her family over at <a href="http://mymakedoandmendyear.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">My make do and mend year</a> who is not buying anything new for a year (apart from food, some toiletries and underwear for her family) and The Pughs over on <a href="http://ayearwithoutsupermarkets.com/" target="_blank">A year without supermarkets</a> who are doing exactly that. Both of these familes are a true inspiration and are well worth a read. <br />
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I guess the big question is "<i>Can you shop Ethically on a tight budget</i>?" There are lots of websites telling you how you can slash your bills,<a href="http://www.frugal.org.uk/" target="_blank">live frugally</a> and have cheap food etc, but how ethical are they?<br />
I was watching Superscrimpers on TV during the week and they tested 3 shampoos to try and work out which was the best value for money, buget (supermarkets own brand), mid range (Herbal Essences) and a designer brand. They worked out the best value for money was the Herbal Essences, but I was sitting there thinking I wont buy that because of their <a href="http://www.uncaged.co.uk/news/2011/herbalessences.htm" target="_blank">animal testing record</a> coupled with the fact that I try and avoid products with certain ingredients. So, shopping can be a bit of a minefield and I thought Id share some of the dilemas I face on an almost daily basis while trying to juggle <i>Ethics vs Economics.</i> As a one wage family who currently have very little to spend on food each week (as prices increases in Gas, Electricity and Petrol are really biting) , we need to get the most out of every penny.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Toiletries and Cleaning Products.</span><br />
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There are any number of <a href="http://overacupoftea.wordpress.com/2008/12/04/toiletries-killing-us-softly/" target="_blank">chemicals and nasties</a> in these that I try to avoid, SLS, parabens, irritants, surfectants and these can be harmful not only to us, but also to the marine enviornment, as they all wash down the sink and into waterways, rivers and the ocean (even if the water is treated). <br />
I have given up nail polish all together because of the formaldehyde in it ( and I refuse to pay stupid prices for the stuff that is formaldehyde free). I do spend a bit more on shampoo which is SLS and paraben free, but use coconut oil as a moisturiser on my face, hands and body, use a crystalised antipersirant (aluminium free) and make some of my own beauty preparations.<br />
I also tend to use home made cleaning products and avoid harsh chemical products. Sure, you have to use a bit more elbow grease, but it seems a small price to pay.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Food</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTw7GkRTRXDlHKABiEYW79q4nVkVoIoViJehJsyxkFNqe0XFeFZBHYq0qfCxSTJY_xCvKRS4wJFaNQejUgT0NRAYOl86yRZQ7DEN-LZg9qWRp6IQjkoDIyAoZdBNdIlq14c_Orxa-9SWi/s1600/Supermarket-Food-Shopping.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOTw7GkRTRXDlHKABiEYW79q4nVkVoIoViJehJsyxkFNqe0XFeFZBHYq0qfCxSTJY_xCvKRS4wJFaNQejUgT0NRAYOl86yRZQ7DEN-LZg9qWRp6IQjkoDIyAoZdBNdIlq14c_Orxa-9SWi/s400/Supermarket-Food-Shopping.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Firstly, I really hate the term ' Organic' , I prefer to use 'free from' meaning free from pesticides, herbicides etc. Now in an ideal world I would shop at a Farmers Market, and support Local Farmers, buy Fairtrade products etc. In reality tho, Sheffield's Farmers Market is only once a fortnight in the city centre on a Thursday (not realistic when you dont work in the city centre and only get 30 mins for lunch). I love the idea of a veg box from local farmers, but as the cheapest one they do is about 3/4 of our weekly shopping buget, that aint gonna happen. Local butchers are also more expensive (tho the meat is much, much tastier).<br />
The latest bee in my bonnet is with the price of milk. As a Farmers daughter, I know how hard it is to for them to make a living and I dont like the idea supermarkets selling milk for £1 for 4pints. I can see how a family on a budget who go through a lot of milk can find this a great saving, however, I really dont mind paying £1.29 for our milk.<br />
So, with food, we are shopping and <a href="http://www.eattheseasons.co.uk/index.php" target="_blank">eating with the seasons</a> (dont even get me started in the use of the Greenhouse Gas methane to ripen tomatoes in greenhouses!). Im also growing some of my own veg but havent got enough of a veg plot to be able to keep us in veg year round (and then theres the whole 'peat free' thing if I have to buy any compost for containers as we dont make enough of our own).<br />
I dont tend to stick to one place for my food shopping. We are luck to have lots of shops near us, so we can chase the bargins round to some extent. Our local Tesco (sorry Team Pugh!) have the scanners you take round with you now and this is great for seeing exactly how much youve spent, but then the Lidl at the end of the road is great for fresh veg as well, so in that respect we are very lucky.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Clothing, shoes and gifts</span><br />
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Im not a fashionista, I really dont like shopping for clothes. Im an akward shape and I know what I like (which never seems to be in fashion). Sizewise, I dont seem to find stuff to fit (that I like) in Charity shops and I do worry that stuff from cheap shops and websites (Primark, Everything £5 etc) might not be produced in a way that pays the workers a fair wage, so I dont buy many clothes. I tend to shop on eBay (but that can be a bit hit and miss with sizes), so I kinda wear things to death. The OH tends to get t-shirts, undies and sox for pressies, so we can pretty much keep him kitted out from out local Asda (sorry again Team Pugh).<br />
Gift wise, I tend to make lots for the ladies in our family myself. I love the idea of supporting charities like Oxfam, etc and buying gifts made from recycled stuff, but these are a bit thin on the ground in Sheffield and If I buy these online (from the UK or abroad) there is the added cost of P&P and the effect the goods are having by being shipped around the globe. Does buying an item produced in a Third World country to help support a community (for example) have a better or worse effect when you take into account the 'carbon footprint' the shipping of the item produces? <br />
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So, as you can see, I do have concerns about how I spend and what I spend on. I will admit that when economic times are tough, there are some principals which go out the window and I do worry about these.<br />
Im trying to do my bit, recycling, reducing and reusing etc, but I get a bit disheartened as I think we all should be doing more to look after ourselves, our loved ones and ultimately, our planet.<br />
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Id love to hear of any ways you have found to live ethically on a buget, and of any tips and hints you can share as to how I can improve the way we live. <br />
Thanks for reading.<br />
Jojo<br />
<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-65877391487871891202013-03-03T09:18:00.000-08:002013-03-03T09:18:28.347-08:00Wahoo - its Spring!!!!The days are now noticeably longer and its not quite as cold as it was (althought the wind can still bite). We are having the odd frost, but its wonderful to see blue skies again and be able to dry the washing outside.<br />
Ive had my first visit to my favourite Garden Centre (we are lucky as
there are three within a 15 min drive) and could have gotten very carried
away. Luckily I restrained myself and came back with these.....<br />
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Isnt this primula beautiful! I have just the spot for it.<br />
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Ive spent the afternoon tidying some of the flower beds and have put the edging stip into whats going to be my veg patch and have dug it over as well. I hadnt intended to get that done today, but I got a bit carried away, :o).<br />
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Its not huge, but should be big enough to keep three adults in lettuce, radishes and carrots for a while. The potatoes will be in bags at the back to the left and right. So Im a bit knackered, but feel like Ive acheived something today.<br />
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Craftwise, this week, Ive cut out two more Owls, ready to start sewing. Ive got 6 to make, but have to source some more fabric as am getting low on some colours (mainly pinks and browns) - I feel a Charity Shop trawl comming on. Here are the two Ive cut out.<br />
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Ive also finished another small cross stitch design for a card.<br />
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I have finally been able to order the quilting foot I need for the quilts, I just need the batting for the second one and I can get them finished. <br />
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The pics this week have been taken with the digital camera instead of my phone, as I havent been happy with the quality for a while. Ive not picked up the camera for a while, so its taking a bit of getting used to again.<br />
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As for the rest of the week, works going well. I was on 8am - 4pm this week, the early starts werent nice, but the early finishes were. Still, dont have that again for another 4 weeks, so I can sleep in a wee bit later now.<br />
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It was the Mother In Laws Birthday on Thursday (she did like her card - phew!), so 18 of us piled in next door to help her celebrate, it was a bit rowdy, but fun - with an age range between late 70ish (Im not quite sure how old she is) and 6 months.<br />
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So all in all its been a good week. There was one blip, which had my head spinning for a day or so. I have heard since that there are a few people who have had the same thing happening to them this past week. Its to do with online friendships (virtual friends perhaps). When you make chat to someone online you dont have the usual body language signs and voice intonation signals that we rely on in every day conversation. Things can very eaily get misunderstood and this can lead to people being hurt or offended (even when this is not the intention). Both have happened to me and its not easy to deal with. I thought I had made peace with one such incident, but it came back to bite me on the b*m this week, and did upset me a bit. Its not nice, but I guess thats one of the consequences of putting yourself out there on the interweb!<br />
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Anyhoo, thats it for this week, hopefully things are great for you and yours. If you would like to leave a comment, I wont mind at all (Im not gonna beg).<br />
Take Care and have a good week.<br />
Jojo <br />
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Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-17015182649827504772013-02-24T08:42:00.000-08:002013-02-24T08:49:25.083-08:00Still got a long way to go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning I was contemplating putting my washing out, but then the sun went in (surprise surprise) and I cant believe how much the temperature has dropped! Its been trying to snow all afternnon, so I guess Spring is still some way off!<br />
Its been another mixed bag this week . Work is going well, Im starting to get the hang of things and getting to know the ladies I work with. Im still not sure about one or two of them, but I guess Im gonna get that wherever I work.<br />
There have been a few financial hiccups tho, the DWP still havent released my final JSA payment (its only been 3 weeks!!!) or my P45 so Im paying emergency tax (boo). Ive been trying to get through to the DWP all week, but get so fed up of being held in their queueing system that I give up after about 20 mins - this has happened 4 time so far. No wonder they get shouted at so much! Weve sat down and crunched the numbers and had to rebudget as Im now getting paid weekly and its a pretty grim picture. We desperatley need OH to get some work (tho his brother is currently not working himself so theres not much chance of anything in the near future) or we really need him to get the Etsy shop going. He is working really hard getting his stock built up, but as hes making stuff on a budget sourcing materials can be a bit hit and miss. So the tough times are with us for a while yet. :o(<br />
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On the gardening front, I can almost see the Spring bulbs growing each day and it never fails to make me smile.... <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Snowdrops (and tulips) in the front garden (ignore the weeds)</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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And Ive also noticed a poor broccoli plant that I put in last year (that got hammered by slugs) has produced a wee floret :o) Not enough for a meal tho!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Broccoli (almost)</span></td></tr>
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Im itching to get going on the veg garden, but its still a bit too cold yet. Im tempted to get some seed potatoes to start chitting them but the budget might not stretch to any compost for my containers (and mine isnt ready yet). Im pondering wether to ask the Mother in Law if I can have some of hers (shes been making it for years but hasnt used much over the last couple due to mobility problems), but not sure if this will offend her or not. Hmm, not an easy call that one. <br />
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Elsewhere, on the craft front, I have some orders for Owls from some ladies at work and have been working on another card. Ive finished off the Mother in Laws for her Birthday next week (but still have to think of a gift for her).<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mother in Laws Birthday Card</span></td></tr>
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Also, the wonderful Jen of Make Do And Mend Year Fame posted the second part of <a href="http://mymakedoandmendyear.wordpress.com/2013/02/21/part-2-of-kiwi-jos-guest-post/" target="_blank">my guest post</a> on her fabulous blog, so that was quite exciting! <br />
So, thats really about it for happening this weekapart from the usual working, cooking, cleaning and vegging out in front of the telly of an evening . It has been a week of online comment chats with lovely people on Twitter, Facebook and Pick & Mix and great to catch up with some peeps I havent chatted to in ages. I still, however, have some emails to write and then start thinking about putting some food on the table this evening. <br />
I hope a great week is in store for us all, and thank you for reading. Btw, I think I might have solved the problem that some of you had when trying to comment, you could always try and see if it works now!<br />
Have a good one,<br />
Jojo<br />
:o)Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-60568641243730541642013-02-17T08:20:00.000-08:002013-02-17T08:20:55.423-08:00Its Blog O'clockWell I guess its time for another update.<br />
Tbh the last couple of weeks havent been very exciting. Ive been trying to settle in to my new job (going quite well I think) and get back into a routine. With the recent snow I have discovered if I do have to walk to work, it takes me just under an hour (its about 3k), so thats quite do-able. Im also now being paid weekly so am having to juggle the budgeting around a bit, which is taking a bit of getting used to!<br />
So, Ive not really been doing much, rather than going through the motions. <br />
Craftwise, Ive been x'stitching, working on some Birthday cards.....<br />
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Gardenwise, Im loving seeing my bulbs coming through, and cant wait to get going on my veg garden. The veg patch was on loan to my Mother in Law for a good few years and she was growing beans on it. However, its kinda sat idle for the last couple of years, so she has decided I can have it back. Its got three compost bins and a wooden coldframe (which is rotting) so I can only use just under half of it, but its a start. Ive marked it out and reckon Ive got about 1m x 2m to play in. So thats lettuce, radishes and possibly carrots, with peas in the flower border and potatoes in tubs. Not much, but will keep us in salad leaves for a good part of the Summer. :o)<br />
Ive also had my first Blue Dwarf Iris come out this week, and so far (touch wood) the slugs havent found it!<br />
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The only other thing worth mentioning this week is that I have finally taken the Halogen Oven out of the box and decided to give it a go. It was purchased last June by the Mother in Law as a replacement for a small oven she had which broke. However, she decided it was too much for her (new technology to master etc), so we bought it off her, and its sat in the box ever since. Ive read some great things about them and as they are a great electricity saver, decided it was high time to give it a go. Being the adventurous, rock n roll, live by the seat of my pants type of gal I am, my first experiment was to make chips! Oven chips in 15 mins with only a splash of oil - and they werent bad at all.<br />
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So, the quest is on for more recipies etc, who knows I might even start (gasp) baking in it!<br />
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Well, thats about it for the mo, Ive hung some washing outside for the first time this year (its been great to see the sun this weekend), so Id best go and get it in. You cant beat the smell of line dried towels I reckon.<br />
Hope all is well with you and yours.<br />
Take Care.<br />
Jojo<br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-8772701019400227432013-02-03T06:24:00.000-08:002013-02-03T06:24:55.172-08:00Rollercoaster WeekWow, what a week its been! Im not sure even where to start.<br />
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Monday - found out that the job I had an interview for last week (and really, really wanted) had been given to a friend of someone who worked for the company - I was gutted and more than a little upset. I started freaking about not being able to pay Januarys bills.<br />
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Tuesday - got a possible lead on a temp role and spent another day waiting for the phone to ring (the agency had to confirm some details with the company).<br />
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Wednsday - Agency confirmed that company wanted me for a trial day on Friday and managed to find funds to cover months bills, things starting to look up.<br />
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Thursday - spent the day sewing. Got the quilt pieces put together, now waiting for some supplies before I can get the next phase done.<br />
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Friday - days trial @ Single Point of Access (an NHS service dealing with referrals from Doctors and Hospitals). All went well and I am going to be temping with them until November, and then we shall see what happens.Yay - I have a job!!!!!!<br />
Also on Friday, my first ever guest blog (part 1) appeared over on the lovely Jen's blog <a href="http://mymakedoandmendyear.wordpress.com/2013/02/01/a-guest-post-on-green-cleaning/" target="_blank">my make do and mend year</a> . Jen and her family are not buying anything new for a whole year (apart from food that is). They are 5 months in and are doing a brilliant job of making gifts etc, and finding some great bargins in Charity shops. etc. Shes a real inspiration.<br />
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Saturday - spent the afternoon shopping for a new kettle with the Mother in Law, and the rest of the day trying to get myself organised for going back to work. :o)<br />
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Sunday - its 2 years since my lovely Father-in-Law passed away, so today is a bit emotional. Still really miss him.<br />
Also, today is the Pagan Sabbat of Imblog (Chrisitan Feats of St Bridgid), its all about celebrating the first signs of Spring. Im really enjoying seeing the first snowdrops in my garden and the other bulbs (Tulips, Iris', Narcissi, Bluebells, Crocus',and Hyacinths) poking through and am thinking about what veg Im going to plant this year.<br />
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Things are on the whole feeling more positive (having a wage coming in is such a relief), and its certainly not as cold outside (tho that wind has a bit of a bite).<br />
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Onwards and upwards I reckon!<br />
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Jojo<br />
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<br />Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-90179746818493473522013-01-27T07:42:00.002-08:002013-01-27T07:42:13.840-08:00Wow, its nearly the end of January already!It seems like only a minute ago it was Christmas! Such a lot has happened since I last blogged that its hard to believe it was only 10 days ago.<br />
Ive had two job interviews, the first was a group interview (which I hadnt done before), which I didnt like much at all and needless to say I wasnt invited back for a second one. Then on Thursday I had another - luckily the lady from the employment agency told me a bit about the lady who was interviewing me, so I was able to use that to my advantage. The interview went really well and I should find out tomorrow if I am being invited back for a second interview with the Head honcho (fingers etc crossed as this sounds like my kinda job!).<br />
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Weve also has a bit of snow! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was the depth on the garden</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the Mother in Laws bird tables</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Mother in Laws garden</span></td></tr>
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<br />In the middle of all the snow, we had some visitors.<br />
A good friend of my sisters and her son (who live in New Zealand) are doing a bit of a world tour.<br />
The week before they had been in Costa Rica (thats where James was born) in the lovely warm sunshine.<br />
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They flew into London and came up to us for the weekend and this is what they found....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">James and Phil (my OH) building snow creatures</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">The snowman and snow dog with a fresh coating on Friday morning</span>.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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While they were here I took them out to Chatsworth for a drive. James
wanted to go sledging, but all we had was a sheet of plastic which didnt
work very well.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">James getting instructions from his Mum</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Edensor (Chatsworth)</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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We saw them off on the next leg of their journey (up to Inverness) at the train station on a very snowy Monday - luckily we were able to drive, otherwise it could have been a very long walk! They are now in the Orkney islands until mid-Feb (they have family up there), then they will be off to China.<br />
It was lovely to meet James and see Jud (last time she stayed with us was about 13 or so years ago), but they did find our house very cold.<br />
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I have also finished the blocks for my quilts! Now I just need to get them laid out and put together (tho I only have enough batting for one so the other will have to wait until Im working again). Ive had so much fun making these, I shall almost certain be doing more quilting in the future, I really hope my nieces like them. :O)<br />
Here are the final blocks.......<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Ohio Star</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Double Star</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Drunkards Path</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Cleopatras Puzzle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Friendship Circle</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Circle of geese</span></td></tr>
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Well, thats it for now, weve had a lot of rain overnight, so things are thawing out quite nicely, I can see my lawn again and the bulbs which are starting to poke through, so hopefully theres some nicer weather on its way.<br />
All things being well I will have some good news on the job front soon (and we will be able to catch up on some of the bills etc).<br />
Hope the year has started well for you.<br />
Bye bye for now.<br />
Jojo<br />
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Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1603922973322634524.post-52122842388653384862013-01-16T03:23:00.000-08:002013-01-16T03:23:14.521-08:00And On It GoesLife is settling into a bit of a routine now that the 'Silly Season' has gone, and not much has happened since I last blogged, so I wasnt sure if an update was needed or not.<br />
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My little job a day list came to a halt when I hit the job I loathe even more than ironing - cleaning the oven! Having said that I did all the other jobs for the week, and its been too cold to have the windows and doors open while the oven cleaner does its job. I tried the baking soda method, but it didnt get the oven as clean as I would like, so there, thats my excuse! I will pick it up again as soon as I can summon up the enthusiasm.</div>
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We had a bit of snow on Monday, it didnt come to much, but apparently there is more on the way.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">View from the spare bedroom</span></td></tr>
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Craftwise, Ive been playing about with some Steampunk ideas. We got some silk flowers to use on fascinators and hats, so Ive been experimenting with changing the stamens........ </div>
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Also, Ive been cracking on with the quilt blocks.......</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Greek Cross</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR7nOP0zwdz9P8f9D8gSLKNXGbtydRKfpBd6Vun5YMBkFjVfd_GYCelv01AoCDeMNRS6dx8XmWplbV4rlPHtcep5N1eMeRiy1pN5zNYIc-oZK5NaQJHUbNDn17O67roZa5NEMG0uMxf0a/s1600/IMG00353-20130116-1036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaR7nOP0zwdz9P8f9D8gSLKNXGbtydRKfpBd6Vun5YMBkFjVfd_GYCelv01AoCDeMNRS6dx8XmWplbV4rlPHtcep5N1eMeRiy1pN5zNYIc-oZK5NaQJHUbNDn17O67roZa5NEMG0uMxf0a/s400/IMG00353-20130116-1036.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Dresden Plate</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMQ5hG3gWZmwf5f7kR8eviGAIOfnr0ecP709yVGp16vOPMWUP9J9guclVyL0ggiGM_0RavYSEWq_pBmU6KE6U26HATfc_TRwzZ6QFegdfM8xlgQD_0hO0hUo86c6zvMgWx2yTCXi2V9UY/s1600/IMG00352-20130116-1036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMQ5hG3gWZmwf5f7kR8eviGAIOfnr0ecP709yVGp16vOPMWUP9J9guclVyL0ggiGM_0RavYSEWq_pBmU6KE6U26HATfc_TRwzZ6QFegdfM8xlgQD_0hO0hUo86c6zvMgWx2yTCXi2V9UY/s400/IMG00352-20130116-1036.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Modern Dresden Plate</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Ive only got another 6 blocks to do of each colour and then the fun starts of putting them together! </div>
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So, as I said, not the most exciting of updates, but things are quiet here at the moment. </div>
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<br />Hopefully next time there will be something a bit more exciting to 'chat' about.</div>
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Byes.</div>
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Jojo</div>
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Kiwijohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09645291282643330450noreply@blogger.com0