Crafting

 I was extremely pleased to see an email from the publisher I use with a great discount, so I checked 2024 blog for the last time, uploaded it and paid for it to be made into the book, the saving was over £40, so waiting for the right discount is always worth while. November is always a good discount month, Black Friday is best, I am doing well with 2025 and will send it for printing then, which I have said would be my last printed blog book. I am happy with 2024, so far I can't find any mistakes, there are normally one or two, which is OK, I'm not perfect.

I decided to stitch the whole of the top line to enable me to gage the size of my work, the line should be straight, but the frame has pulled it wonky, I am enjoying this part, it's an easy design to stitch, this is called counted cross stitch, the linen is blank, I have a printed pattern to follow, I have to count the stitches to ensure they are placed in the correct position, sewing one stitch in the wrong place can cause huge issues, with a smaller repeat pattern it so simple. 

This is the first of three stars in the middle, they will tumble down, it helps ensure there is no clash in the designs, often when putting patterns together they can cause issues where there are not enough space for the whole design, so if I pop a 'star' in the way it hides any issues. 

Look what I found in B&M, at £5 each these smaller plastic pots were not such great value and slightly a different shade, still perfect for my tulip display next spring, I will order from Farmer Gracy, I got bulbs from them last time and they all grew, I will NOT purchase anymore pots. I need to cut holes in the bottom for drainage.

I did get my sewing machine out, I had a bit of mending to do, I prefer to do it and not let it mount up, plus Molly unicorn rucksack's strap required mending, she does love it, so I wanted to get it back to her. Most evenings now I have a video call from George and then sometimes another from Molly, Friday night she wanted to tell me she made a giraffe for the man's 100 birthday, I said oh Sir David Attenborough,  bless her she said 'do you know him'.

We are staying in an apartment with hubby's younger sister and her husband, his older sister is on a trip with her daughter, staying in a local hotel, older sister is 80 this week, so we decided to join in the fun and ensure she has a good birthday. We have visited Llandudno a few times, it's a lovely town and beach, we have been to the top of the Great Orm, sharing a space with his younger sister is very different, she does love to read, and shop. Plus we get time away from the work in the garage, which is coming along nicely. 

Our local councils have not changed much, most people know when something is working its best not to change, the area is a mixture of Tory and Lib dems, most of them had less votes this time, hopefully we should not see many changes. The cities of Portsmouth and Southampton have had the biggest changes.

How many years

 It's February 9th, 

not a huge date in the world, here it's the anniversary of my blog, I wrote my first post back in 2009, seen here. I had no idea where it would lead, my daughter was enjoying blogging and suggested I try it. At one point I had 3 blogs, one for photography and another for my dolls-house, both are still there, I don't use either, hubby tried a blog, but lost interest, daughter no longer blogs. 

I still prefer the gentle medium of blogging, I have a great list of people who I follow and love to read, everyone living around the world, often with similar hobbies, views and lifestyles, I adore how we are all very close in our opinions, but very different in our lives. 

Each morning I sit at my desktop and catch up with my world, emails and blogging, I no longer post on Facebook, I still use my Instagram account. In these turbulent times it's good to have a space which feels safe and friendly.

 How long have you been blogging?

Blooming

My first amaryllis has two buds on, this will have bright red flowers, I can't wait for them to bloom. I have a second white one which has started to grow, and a couple more old bulbs which only have leaves so far.

I have left out my silk flowers from Christmas, 

I do love to see blooms, these all look real and add much needed colour to my room, tucked back far enough to look good.

I struggled with this book at the start, people on a aeroplane, lots of different characters, it felt very bitty, but it was worth sticking with it. This author has good and bad plots, I have before given up on her books. Would you want to know your future, when and how you will die, what will you do with this knowledge,  give in or fight it. Huge book 485 pages, book 2 read this year.

Hubby has been chasing the delivery of our new air-fryer, following the courier Evry, once the parcel arrived at the local hub, it sat there not moving, finally he contacted the seller, who did some checking and sent another parcel via DHL, which arrived the next day. Our plumber is due to replace the mixer bar on the shower next week. Wednesday hubby was using his desk top computer, it frozen and then shut down, it's too old to be repaired, so we have our local guy building at new model and retrieving as much data as he can. Hopefully that's the 3rd thing to break in the past two weeks. Pricy start to this year.

We are not doing much, my WI meeting was postponed last night because of the weather, I did pop outside earlier in the week and skidded all around the icy patio, it was pure luck I stayed on my feet. Even hubby has just hunkered down, it's warm here, we have everything we need. It rained most of Thursday not as hard as we expected, overnight the rain and wind was heavy. This morning is grey skies more rain and wind, but not so strong, our gardens are alright, no damage, I just hope where ever you are you are safe, dry and warm and have electricity. I've not spoken to my brother, I sent him a message, he has electricity and is home.

Thank you for all your comments regarding my printed blog books, just a couple things to think on, firstly you work at your own pace, the book remains on your computer until you upload it and then payment is required for the printing, secondly I always wait until there is a good offer, normally 50% off or a smaller discount with free shipping. the company send regular emails, not too many to be a nuisance, I always aim for November, at the moment there is a 40% off deal on offer. 

In hardback

Steve was asking about my blog books which I print through Blurb, The template for books is free to use, just download it, payment is only when you send the book for printing, I always use a photo book style. 

With my first book the printers had a template to allow you to import your whole year to a book format, I found it very hard and would only import a month at a time, each photo was a full page, which I did not want, as on average I have 4 photos per post, and I wanted each post on just one page, as you pay by the number of pages it made economical sense. I do find it much easier these days as I input the words into my created text blocks and then each photo, keeping everything away from the pink sections, over the years it has got much easier as I have created a system which works for me. I don't add any comments, just my post.

 I do ensure all the tops of the pages are level, the side line up, I am a neat freak, then I check the written content, having to change a few words here and there to make them flow better, then spell check and image resolution to sort. I then read through twice, just to be happy. I always choose the same covers and paper quality, so the books match as much as they can, when I read through once printed I do find at least one small error, but that's OK as I am only human, and nothing should be perfect. 

The cost of the books have not really changed much, always waiting for a good discount, Black Friday in November is always good, they allow you to print as many copies as you wish, I only ever print one copy. My last book purchased last November was with 50% off so I paid with postage £65.20 with 189 pages and hard cover no wrap. They are very quick to deliver, never waiting more than a week.

Doing at bit of maths (so very me), I worked out on average it takes me about 6 minutes to complete the post into a neat template normally on one page, so in 2024 I have 179 post so importing took me about 19 hours. The editing I do in 3 sessions, taking anything up to two hours each time. Therefore I think each book takes about 25 hours to sort, most of the work can be done over months, an hour here or there does not feel to busy. 2024 is now finished, just 2025 to do.

I have done other post in more detail here and here or click on the link my books.

I do love these book a real indulgence for me, the younger grandchildren like to see their photos in my books, I also love to pick up a book and read, they are also a very quick reference point when I want to remember when something was done around the house and garden. 

Now is the perfect time to stop printing them, we see less of the children now they are all at school and all the major changes inside and out have been done, I do aim to keep blogging which I love, I also can be found on Instagram, my Facebook page I no longer use, I do check it to see how nieces and nephews are doing. Who knows I might relent and print 2026, but I'm not planning too.

Hibernating

 I love this author, she always writes a great plot, the story has two main timelines with a 3rd added for a short while, not at all confusing. An historic disappearance, a new issue puts Dani back in a place she wants to forget, I could not put this book down. First book read this year.

I am back working on my 2024 book, just a few more post to put in, then loads of edits, I try and check everything twice, should soon be ready for printing, I am happy to wait for a good discount. I have already set up the template for 2025, this will be my last book to publish, all the grandchildren are now at school, so less photos of them. I will have 15 books covering 16 years, that's enough, plenty for me to look back on quiet times.

We are eating my Christmas cakes, it feels slightly dry, not overcooked, I think it was too near the radiator fan, whilst it was getting its brandy soaks. It still taste good, but not as moist as previous ones.

I spent most of Friday with daughter, her younger cat was found by a neighbour, he was the brother to Lily, he had no marks on him but had died in the night, needless to say she was very upset as were the children. Molly is trying to process everything, but with so many questions, George does not understand and Will is not saying much. They came to us on Saturday, it was good for them all to be away from their home, Lilly had loads of cuddles. Sunday is going to be a lazy day inside, again no snow, heavy frost and very cold.

Locally everyone is very happy the work creating the tunnel under M27 at J10 has finished a day earlier than expected, the motorway was reopened early on Saturday. The dry weather helped as the contractors were able to work non stop, watching their progress on Facebook, with loads of drone footage has been very interesting. So our little village and local town are back to normal traffic, it was busy and loads of drivers taking risk in how they drive on our roads.

I'm still full of cold, getting these bugs twice in just a few weeks has been hard, hubby's back is much better but he's still in pain. Life is getting back to our normal, laundry has all been done, house is clean, well just don't look in the corners, I have been outside in garden and greenhouse, not much to do, it's cold and frosty here but no snow.

2026 please be kind.

Tired

My 2023 book arrived this week, the printers are always very fast, I got another copy of my older brothers book, his has gone missing, he does look at it, so a replacement should make him happy. I have done loads on my 2024 book, it will be finished soon, I have also started the template for 2025, I do like the cover to match each year, the only different is the date and photo's.  

I popped into Dunelm for lunch and a quick shop and this star fell into my basket, I do love these lights, its not too big and looks good, it did not take me too long to break my 'no new decorations this year' rule, in my defence it was only £12.

I also got this pretty candle from Tesco, I have two, the led lights work when the candle is lit and looks very pretty, Christmas is creeping in here.

It's school photo time, we already have Wills, we have to decide which ones we like of George and Molly, George is easy as he is smiling in one, both of Molly's are lovely. George has finished his antibiotics, yesterday he was much better, more himself, but tired much quicker, hopefully by Monday he will be OK. Molly has announced she is a star in her school Christmas performance, she will shine in her role. Will also has his lines to learn, I'm not sure if he can read them or needs to know them, he is practicing.

I'm having a restful few days, I will put the tree up in hope Lilly will ignore it, and then decorate the following day, my housework was not done, the corners will have to wait until January. It has been a shock getting up and getting out early, all I do once at daughters is sit with George, he has wanted so many huge cuddles, I have seen The Christmas Chronicles movie so many times, thank goodness is a decent film. 

I am planning to marzipan the two smaller cakes, they both need to be finished earlier than normal, our cake is having a final drink of brandy, I will also finish the small individual cakes, I don't want a last minute rush to get things done this year. I have a small gift to get for hubby, still no idea what to get him, and as yet daughter has not given any hints, I have asked her a few times. Monday we will post some cards, not too many the cost of stamps is so high, its a shame, Christmas cards are always a delight to receive.

Preserving

 It's that time of year when I start to prepare for Christmas, last year I was given a brilliant recipe for mincemeat, a fruit based (no meat) slightly spiced filling for mince pies, which here in UK are a much enjoyed treat. This year I want the jars to mellow for much longer, so I have just made mine, I did cut my apples into smaller diced pieces, and did not fill the pots with too much coconut oil, draining and removing the excess, I now have 2 large and 2 small jars.

Hubby decided to make minced pies, 'just to test my mincemeat', he made shortcrust cases and used ready to roll puff for the tops, he also made apple puffs. A couple of the tops burnt, but it flakes off these are lovely and the mincemeat is a success.

It so dark in the evenings I have popped out autumnal decorations some with lights to help cheer up inside, its only in recent years I make seasonal displays, these are out much earlier then previous years. Hubby said it was too early for Halloween, but as I explained there are no skeletons or spiders, so just autumnal. 

Molly on Monday her first half day at school, she was really happy to go in, this week has been a mixture of mornings and afternoons and then full time next week. Molly had her first school dinner on Thursday, she has various allergies which make her ill, the school has set her allergy menu which worked she ate and was happy, each evening she has told us what she has done. Daughter is used to going home to a children free house this time she said it was different. We have through George come to know the school is very good at dealing with children with added needs, and we are not worried about Molly's allergies.

I am back working on my 2023 book, it's much better than sat looking at my phone for ages, I have finished inputting and now need to proof read it a couple of times, with almost 200 pages, not a quick task, then I can get started on 2024, I have until mid November when the Black Friday discounts are offered, this being the cheapest I can publish my books, I did say I would stop a few years ago, I have decided I will publish the two stated and 2025 and then stop, as Molly is in school, so they won't feature so much on my blog and therefore my books. My first book was 2009, so 15 books, 16 years, 2009 and 2010 were made into one book, not so many post. I still plan to keep blogging, its a medium I love. I have received an email it's the printers 20th anniversary on Monday, they are having a special, if its a good discount I will send 2023 to be printed. 

Nothing much is happening here, the weather has been dire, today is promised sunny and warm, I will spend time in the garden, cutting back wind damaged plants and deadheading, the strong winds and heavy rains have battered my flowering plants. I can plant my brassicas in their final bed, I got my onions, I have popped them into smaller pots and once they show growth I will plant them out, I will do the same with my broad beans, starting them at the end of the month.

I have pickled my homegrown beetroot, almost a jar full, I am looking for shallots so I can pickle them, I don't like pickled onions but hubby and daughter does. 

Good random stuff

 I have the book I created for my older brother, I will visit him in his new placement later this month with my brother Martin, so far Martin has been unable to find many photo's in Derek's house, his wedding album has disappeared, family have sent me copies of photos to use. Derek has settled in better than we hoped, it is a secure place, but within the grounds there is plenty of freedom. He still wants to go home which is impossible for him, he is much stronger now he is eating better meals and taking his medication. 

Molly had her 4th birthday on Wednesday, hubby and I collected her from pre school, which she loved, back at her house, she opened our gift, it was dressing up as Elsa from Frozen, one of her favourite films, and birthday cake for everyone. Daughter always makes a collage of birthday photos. She is sharing a birthday venue on Sunday, her pre school friend's birthday was the same week, so a joint party.

We are not drinking enough water in the day, by the evening we start to drink more, which leads to nightly visits to the loo. Our water bottles are years old and needed replacing, daughter recommended these metal bottles, she purchases the same brand, George chews all his straws in his bottles, this brand sell the tops of their bottles separately. I am now filling ours each morning and we drink the contents, almost a litre by mid afternoon, the metal bodies keep the drink cold, a perfect solution. 

I had a surprise parcel arrive this week, hubby chose the design and made it to look like me (I wish), it's always lovely to get a surprise, I just have to decide where to hang it. 

Daughter sent us a copy of George's end of year school report we have often spoken on how he has grown in confidence, speaking more and showing determination, so to get a report mirroring our thoughts is wonderful. He loves going to school, most mornings rushing out of the house to see his friends. Daughter is extremely proud of him, he may have a disability, but it's not going to hold him back for long.

The tennis has been top quality games, we watched both men's semi finals on Friday and ladies final on Saturday, sadly a very one sided match, later today we will watch Sinner and Alcaraz battle it out. 

We were up early on Friday, went to Lidl before 9am, laundry on line by 10am, I cleaned our bedroom and shower room on Thursday evening, it was still too hot, but it's done. Saturday we had Will, George and Molly here, daughter sat and relaxed whilst they all played. Hubby and Will did boys/army things outside and Molly and I crafted inside, I got her a new stencil where she could sketch clothes and colour them in, George decided he wanted to dance, later I babysat whilst mummy had a night out, I watched the Live aid concert from 1985,  still wonderful to watch 40 years on.

Random stuff

 I always love every story by this author it's another tale with DCI Roy Grace based in Brighton, he really does find believable people and plots to create a story, this had a very clever start, no one is invincible, this is his newest release in paperback, I could not put this book down. Book 44 read this year.

Another author I love reading, she too is the master of putting people together in believable stories, loads of 'he done it' moments and a final twist I did not see coming, her stories are very easy reading, no gore, clever words. Book 45 read this year.

For a while our community centre has been running a repair cafe once a month, you pre-book your item, it's very popular in the village, and fantastic use of the community centre. We have lived here 16+ years, the centre was rebuilt just after we moved in, now it's always busy with loads of classes and other events.

 

We have summer knitted displays in the village, two of our huge trees have been wrapped, a line of bunting, the post box topper and some of the bollards have hats, all knitted, it's fun to see, and loads of hard work. There is the artisans market here this weekend, loads of lovely things planned, it should be a good time.

I'm making another photo book, this time for my eldest brother, Derek, he has just been placed into a lovely secure home, Martin has been collecting photos, which he was copying and placing into a photo album, I suggested I made a book with thick paper, which can't be easily ripped, I can always order another copy if needed, I have also added everyone's names, it feels good to be able to help, I don't live close to them.

I have been waiting for the postman to delivery my first Kitchen Garden magazine of my renewed subscription, by the end of April it had not arrived, on checking I could not find any confirmation of my payment, checking the bank account no payment had been taken. I found the original email and was very happy to see I could still access the offer, a good price with 50 packs of seeds, mainly veg and herbs and the promise of 3 packets with each monthly magazine. My seeds arrived I will keep 33 packets and donate to school 17 packets.

I've done very little this week, my mouth has been sore rather than painful, we have had a few bits collected and a couple of deliveries, so we have stayed close to home, resting, reading and making plans for my next sewing project. Thank you for kind comments, they were well received, hubby is very good, I'm managing soft food, I'm maybe a bit less chatty and a bit moody, sitting around doing nothing is very tiring. 

Here's Lilly

1st book read this year, I have had it for a while, not sure if I wanted to read it, but with no other choice I fancied, I picked it up, told as if talking to her therapist after her freedom, I found this book compelling, much easier reading her telling her story when 'free'. A super twist at the end, which I did not see coming.  

I had treated myself to a new book for New Years Day, I did not read the first few lines in the bookshop and therefore was not aware I had a copy which I had already read, very annoying mistake to make. I do like his style of writing, he writes what he knows.

Lilly is settling into our home, she is tiny but very brave, she loves this igloo bed, but prefers to sleep on top, she spent most of Wednesday (New Years Day) watching the rain outside, she is very interested in the garden. We have no intention of letting her out until after she has had all her jabs, is chipped and neutered, between 4 and 5 months old.

She loves this new toy, it bongs with every touch, so she plays here for ages, I have started sitting on the floor, she is already sitting on my legs, once she has jumped up onto my lap whilst I was reading. She is finding her way around the house, following us into our office space, we have opened all the ground floor doors now, giving her plenty of spaces to discover.

With these long dull days my thoughts are again with my blog books, which I have not touched for months, I plan to try and get most of 2023 into the book format by the end of January, I am up to July. Giving myself February to edit and spellcheck. I don't expect any massive discounts so I'm happy to wait before pressing the publish button, It would be nice to get 2024 done before November, which is when the best discounts are offered, if you want more details pop here. I have promised myself I am going to put my phone down and do more, it is so easy to have a quick look, which never is quick, the issue is on days we don't go out, I have time to spare, to waste. 

I'm full of bugs again, I had this before Christmas, and  felt better, but it did not go away, so I'm coughing with a sore throat, hubby now has it as well, not really ill just not well, we are staying in and keeping ourselves warm.

Thursday was bright sunshine, we needed to walk to the village to the pet shop, Lilly is not eating her kitten food, so I needed more mousse meals, daughter also wanted a toy like the one above as did hubby's sister, which we have now posted to Newcastle. It was too cold to be outside too long, all the housework is done, hubby made a red velvet cake for Friday. 

Reading

 I have read this author before, I was not sure what the plot might be, it's not a thriller murder story, your child you had adopted comes back into your life, she's a teenager. I enjoyed the plot, it's clever, it did not grip me as other books have. Book 73 read this year. 

Another story involving David Raker, investigating a missing couple, this story was more involved over 400 pages, gathering pace and uncovering details from a triple murder case 30 years previous. I did not want to put this book down, book 74 read this year.

Hubby found this title on his Kindle apt, I thought I had read all his books, as with all his books they start simple and twist around a plot, well told, I guessed the guilty person, but he does then make you doubt yourself right to the end, I enjoyed every word.  Book 75 read this year

I do love the David Riker stories, so I decided to go back and read from the start of this series, this is book one, it gives insight in to why he became an missing persons investigator, a good plot, not your normal runaway, each book is a stand alone story. Book 76 read this year

The second book in the series,  another good plot, parents ask him to find their missing daughter, the police have stopped talking to them. The trail he follows leads him to a bigger case, and a few characters have come into the story, people who feature in later books, another great read, book 77 read this year.

Another new author to me, I really enjoyed this book, she killed her baby son, but does not remember any of it, she had done her time and is free again, how to live your life with the darkest of past. It was very enjoyable, again a book with a second story alongside, I guessed the plot, not the twist at the end, book 78 read this year.

This is the third book in the series, it's an involved tale of a missing husband, the wife is clueless to who he really is, I love the clever way Riker finds clues missed by the police, who are not looking too much, a cliff hanging ending, book 79 read this year.

Importantly for me my 2022 book arrived, I always ensure they looks identical on the outside just changing the year and the photo's, I now have 13 of these books, I do like to read through them, so many memories and photo's. Soon I will get 2023 ready to be published and then wait for another good deal to be offered.

I spent most of Saturday thinking it was Sunday, on Sunday I was just confused, when the alarm woke me up on Monday normal life started to return to me. I will catch up this week, and the days will settle. Spain was one hour ahead of us, so having the clocks change here a few days after returning, is messing with my body, I'm tired all the time, even though I'm sleeping really well. October is almost over, another fast month, I don't expect the final two months of this year to slow down.

We made a trip to town on Monday, hubby had an eye test, I popped into a few shops, we got just a few things, B&M had glass tree baubles for just £2 each, I got a couple. Tuesday hubby worked on our stairs, they are almost done, I worked in the garden, I used my own leaf mulch on one bed, and collected leaves to make more mulch. My onions have shoots, which make the bed look great, I want some FYM to pop on top, I will have to purchase a couple bags, the broad beans are not showing yet. I would love to use some chicken poo pellets, but with foxes in next doors garden, I worry the smell will draw them into our garden, so far we have kept them out. 

Our Spanish friends have sent videos showing huge flooding in the town, Valencia area has had heavy rain and loads of flooding, they are without electricity,  their block of flats are in the higher part of town, so they are safe. This is the first time the heavy rain has produced so much flooding. In most buildings the ground floor is garage space, so most of their processions are safe.

PS, my daughters cat had her kittens tonight, so out Lilly has been born.

This week

 It's been a week of getting by, we had George on Thursday, which was wonderful, except, he has Downs Syndrome and does not like change, therefore he searched the whole house looking for Grace, daughter was worried, but I found it helpful, in a strange way. He will do the same for the next few visits, Molly was at nursery.

I have spent loads of time on my computer, I have finished my 2022 book, it is ready for printing, I have started on 2023, it is time consuming but fun, a great way to look back on my simple life. If you want to know more, click on My books on my side bar. 

I have struggled with this book, I know it's me, I'm not in the mood to read, but I need to do anything rather than sit here and feel sorry for myself. It's a good plot, old friends on a wedding week break, what could go wrong. Well loads, it was a huge book, 564 pages, Book 27 read this year.

Today is special, 40 years ago hubby and I became a couple, he moved in with us, (me and two young daughters) and started our lovely journey together, our 40th wedding anniversary is in a couple of years, we had to save to afford to tie the knot. We are not doing much, it's a normal day, laundry is on the line, it's sunny and no rain due, I will be outside, I don't have much to do, but will spend all day outside. 

I am wearing sandals and long shorts, I am fed up of being wrapped up, I will need to change later as it cools down, but for today I can hope May is giving us some nice weather. I did not realise until last night it's a bank holiday here, which makes no difference to us, we never go anywhere at the weekends, preferring to go out in the week, when places are not so busy. 

Sunshine and sandals

 Friday, Saturday and Sunday I wore sandals they were sunny warm days, I'm back in socks and shoes now the cooler weather is back, I do love having my toes out, hopefully the warm days will return soon. It was so good for my soul to sit outside listen and watch the tiny birds, slowly relaxing for more than one day.

Saturday we had a BBQ, daughter came with her 3 children, daddy was working, 1st BBQ of the year is special, and we could all sit around our new bigger table. Hubby has a new spot to cook from as we use the new garden layout, still loads of room for the children to run about. We sat outside for ages, listening to the little ones laughter, Will checked out my wildlife ponds and agreed they looked good, still waiting for frogs. 

The tulips in my cider jar are looking good, the two red ones have been blooming for days, I can't wait for the others to bloom, these were a pack of mixed colour frilly ones, planted with some tall snowdrops. The tulips have done much better than the snowdrops, this photo is taken from the back of the garden, it sits behind the railings in my veg section, but can be clearly seen from the house and our seating area.

Molly randomly asked mummy if she could ride a horse, we don't know where she got the idea from, we don't have any interaction with horses. So she had a trial on a lovely Shetland pony, she patted and brushed the pony before riding. Quickly daughter could see Molly was not enjoying herself, and when Dinky did a poo whilst she was riding, Molly was very unhappy, she does not want another go.

I have finished importing all my post for 2022 into my book, it is a lot of work, I do enjoy the process, 183 pages, I did 168 post, so a few went over 2 pages, I have checked the placing of headers, titles and dates, to ensure they are all looking right, I have also checked the spelling. Now I need to read each page and have a final check of the layout and it will be ready for printing, which won't happen until they offer a great discount, normally in November on Black Friday.

Every day I do a bit outside in our garden and say that's it for now, and the following day I find more to do, Friday I did loads outside, we had lunch outside enjoying the sunshine, Saturday was a day off, family time, they went home just after 3pm, so relaxing time for hubby and I. Sunday I did not do much outside, a short time was spent in my greenhouse, the rest of the day was on here and knitting, I have finished one side of the jacket. Monday was another day at home, we did not pop into town, back to another wet blustery day and much cooler, I did some housework in the morning and I chatted with my sister in the afternoon, we often chat on a Monday.

I have an aching back again, a mixture of gardening and playing with George and Molly, and just for a change I have another cough, which is irritating me already, I hope I can shift it quickly. We are now half way through April, how quickly this month and year is going, days seam long and leisurely, but weeks, months fly by.