Just when you least expect it

You guessed I would be back didn’t you, although I’m here for reasons I would never have guessed! Since I was last here it has been quite a month one way or another. 

 

It all began with my daughter in law being taken into hospital in labour three weeks early. After four very stressful days for them (and considerable worry for us), the labour wasn’t progressing and so Rosie was delivered by emergency caesarean. Fortunately, all was well eventually and we have another beautiful and very tiny granddaughter

Meanwhile, Stewart had received a call that his father was very poorly. He drove straight up to Scotland not knowing if he would get to see him. As it happens his lovely Dad hung for another week before passing away peacefully, so Stewart, his Mum and sister were all able to be with him. Not entirely unexpected but sad, nevertheless. Meanwhile the dog and I carried on at home, with one more weekend of Open Windows and then the launch of my online course. Amid all the stress and sadness, it was an incredibly successful launch and the class was full within a week. So far so good and there have already been some beautiful results, so I have started to plan and film for some more shorter classes to be launched in the autumn, although I’ve had to put a temporary stop to that for now. Read on and you’ll understand why.

Couple of the finished landscapes from my course.

Of course, we have since both returned to Scotland for the funeral, which was a beautiful send off for a much loved man, despite only being allowed twenty people, all masked. Given what a tough few weeks we’d had, I suggested we stop off for a couple of days break on our journey home. Despite what seemed like the entire country choosing to vacation in the UK we eventually found a fabulous B & B in Ambleside in the Lake District.

The town was too crowded for my liking and there was an awful amount of litter everywhere, but it was still beautiful and the weather was kind to us.  There was a lot of rain overnight, however it was dry during the day and we managed two wonderful days of walking. Until…

I slipped on some wet mossy rocks on a steep descent falling heavily on my lower back, putting my right hand out to stop my fall. After lying in the wet for what seemed like an age, I got up, brushed myself off and walked gingerly back to our B & B. After a hot shower I decided I was a bit shaken up and bruised but okay and we even managed to go out for pizza. Fortunately, I can still hold a wine glass in my left hand.

We drove home the following day and despite not having much pain in my hand it was very bruised and swollen and I couldn’t grip anything or apply any pressure so called 111 for advice. After endless questions and answers, which I then had to repeat an hour later to the clinical practitioner who called back, I was told I should not go to A & E but rest, ice, compress and elevate my hand for 72 hours. 72 hours later, with virtually no improvement, I called 111 again as advised. Despite them having all my notes cue all the same questions all over again… four hours later when I got the call back I went through them yet again for a fourth time… questions designed to ascertain if I had internal bleeding, was about to have a heart attack or had contracted an infection. All I needed to know was could I get myself an x ray! And the diagnosis… ‘I can’t tell from your answers whether it is bone or soft tissue damage’ No shit Sherlock! As a result, I was advised to call my GP who could book me in for an x ray… hooray! Except after going through it all again, I discovered he could indeed book me in for an x ray (although he was reluctant as he didn’t think my hand looked swollen enough from the photo) but because of Covid there would be a six week wait. So finally, the next morning we drove 25 miles to a walk in critical care centre, where the staff were wonderful.  I was seen within an hour, received x rays of my hand… and received the diagnosis. A spiral fracture of my fourth metacarpal on my right hand, plastered to my fingertips there and then and referred to plastic surgery to have a pin inserted, which will happen tomorrow!

I’m not complaining… when it works our NHS is wonderful and when I finally received it, my care was excellent but it does feel like the right hand hasn’t a clue what the left is doing… bit like me at the moment really. The nurse who did my plaster agreed 111 needs to get its act together!

 

So here  I am trying hard not to focus on all the things  I can’t do which are many, like write, draw, paint, knit, crochet, sew, tie my shoelaces, cut up my own food etc and instead think of all the things I can do, which are few!

 

I can type very slowly with one finger of my left hand, which is why I’ve written a blog post, although it has taken all morning so I can’t really see it becoming a regular activity.

 

I can read and fortunately have a pile of books to get through. I have just finished ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’ which I really enjoyed despite finding bits of it hard to believe. I also felt the last couple of chapters were superfluous and it could have done without all the explaining… hard to say much without giving away spoilers but I prefer an author who leaves something to the imagination. I have also read ‘The Distance Between Us’ by Maggie O’Farrell who always writes a good story and I’m currently loving ‘Moon Tiger’ by Penelope Lively.

 

Of course, I can watch TV and we’re working through the entire ‘Line of Duty’ boxset.  I’m not sure how we missed this up until now but it is edge of your seat amazing. So cleverly scripted and well-acted, I love it.

 

Well meaning friends in the art community have suggested it is an opportunity for exploring work with my non dominant hand but I’m not really feeling the urge for that right now. Maybe in a week or so when I’m really bored.

 

So that’s my news. I’m now going to stop as I have cramp in my left hand from all this unexpected activity. I’m going to see what I can rustle up for lunch as Stewart is at work and I’m on my own today… could be interesting. And then I’m going for a walk (without the dog, who I can’t manage on my own) to borrow a jigsaw from a friend, although it now looks like it's going to rain and I'm not sure I can get my coat on. Can’t remember when I last did a jigsaw!

 

Lockdown Life

Well hello! Despite my absence on this blog I'm still here, still keeping virus free, and ridiculous though sounds for someone who is suddenly left with no work, I'm really busy. The days seem to fly by. Most days you will find me at my sewing machine where I have moved on to making scrubs and gowns for a local group that is supplying hospitals, hospices and the like. If you had told me three months ago I would have become an expert at fashioning garments from duvet covers I would have thought it a ridiculous idea... but that is what I am doing. I reckon I'd give the contestants on the Sewing Bee a run for their money! I've lost count of how many sets I have now made but enough to have given myself a whole new wardrobe should I wish to dress in old sheeting. I have the fabric waiting to be cut out for two new dresses for myself but they will have to wait. After all I'm not going anywhere so don't need anything new to wear.

I have been enjoying customising the pockets and making my own labels. Totally silly, as this probably takes as much time as the rest of the garment but it keeps me amused and hopefully brings a smile to someone else's face too.

My favourite set of scrubs so far have been this Winnie the Pooh set. Some of the hospitals only want plain garments but others are quite happy to take the patterned ones.

It seems wrong to me that our key workers should be relying on volunteers to make protective garments from cast off bedding... but they do and so I am happy to help.

When I'm not making gowns or scrubs I have been making lots more masks... over 50 at the last count. These have gone to family and friends and whoever happens to ask for them. Some people have asked to buy them but despite my lack of income at the moment, it feels wrong to profit from the current situation.... not a sentiment shared by everyone as apparently masks have been selling for extortionate prices on the internet. But I have had some interesting gifts and exchanges (as well as donations to charity) for some of the masks I have made... wine, flowers, freshly laid eggs, a chilli plant, home grown garlic... and wellies! I rather like the idea of this barter system! If you want to make your own I have a tutorial here... just make the elastic a little bit longer... about 6"

Sew Your Own Mask

When I'm not sewing you can find me pottering in the garden or painting in my studio... I'm now starting to put some of my paintings for sale so be sure to follow me on Instagram if you are interested. I'm taking part in something called the artist support pledge. Artists who have found their income suddenly depleted are offering work for sale for less than £200 and once they reach £1000 in sales they pledge to spend £200 on the work of another artist. Some artists are obviously more successful than others... I've still a way to go! 

There has also been a bit of baking. I have finally learned how to make sourdough bread and there is a jar of starter languishing in my fridge ready for the next loaf. And in the evenings I'm usually knitting or crocheting whilst watching something on Netflix or the like.

My latest make was this little cardigan for our newest arrival. Our granddaughter, Reagan, was born a week ago. It's hard not to have baby cuddles with her or her little cousin who is now two and half months already... but better to know they are staying safe at home. We are hoping by the time the third grandchild arrives this year (in August) we might be able to see them all.

So that's pretty much my life in Lockdown at the moment. We might have been asked to 'Stay Alert" but but we're continuing to 'Stay at Home' unless we have to go out. How are you doing?

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Busy schedules, changes of plans and weekends with no trains and replacement buses have meant that I've not managed to see Joe (son no. 3) since Christmas and not only that I've not actually seen his flat, where he has been living since last September. But today the planets aligned and we found a day where we were both free and the trains were running normally so we met up in North London for the day.

Having lived in Stoke Newington, gone to school in Stamford Hill, worked in Wood Green and frequently spent nights out in around Finsbury Park when I was growing up, it was like a trip back in time. We started from Finsbury Park with a walk across the park, where I immediately recalled going boating on the lake. Joe wasn't sure there was even a lake never mind boats but sure enough, there it was! It started to rain so our first stop was back to Joe's flat for a cuppa and to dry off. Joe lives in an upstairs flat in a typical north London terrace house and as we walked upstairs it felt so familiar. The smell of the house was just like my grandmother's, difficult to describe but it was a woody, 'old' smell that seems more to do with the fabric of the house than anything in it. After a quick cuppa we ventured out onto Green Lanes where there were a plethora of Turkish restaurants to choose from although we opted for some amazing salads at a lovely little coffee shop.

After lunch Joe suggested a walk or a bus to some of the places I remembered. The rain had stopped so we decided to walk and head down Green Lanes to Clissold Park. By the time we arrived it was pouring!

Not to be deterred by a spot of rain we crossed the park to Newington Green, where I have memories of going for school swimming lessons.

From there we headed down Church Street towards Stoke Newington. I lived here very briefly when I was about 10-11 years old and attended the William Patten junior school which was every bit as grim as I remembered! Our playground was actually on the roof! I was in Miss Pinkington's class and I probably have a photo somewhere if I could be bothered to look.

We lived in a rather ghastly top floor flat above a greengrocers shop, now the Anglo Spice Grill... one bedroom, tiny kitchen, no bathroom and just one shared toilet with the flat below. My brother and I shared a bedroom and my Mum and Dad slept on a sofa bed in the living room. We washed at the kitchen sink and once a week we went to my uncle's flat in Dalston for a bath.... don't worry, I'm not going to go all Monty Python on you! We weren't there for very long but I do remember watching the  first moon landing whilst we lived there and singing The Beatles song Obladi Oblada so I guess it was 1968-69. Isn't it strange the things you remember!

A surprise memory was walking past Abney Park Cemetery. There is something quite special about urban cemeteries like this one that feels unique to London. Crowded, overgrown and steeped with history they evoke an atmosphere of times gone by.

From Stoke Newington we made our way on to Stamford Hill, where I remembered my grandmother working at the local Sainsburys... in those days it was a shop with beautiful separate display counters for meats, cheeses and groceries and lovely tiled walls and floors, nothing like today's supermarkets. Today the same store occupies the site that used to be cinema where I remember going to Saturday morning pictures! A little way up the road we passed my secondary school, for which I have mixed memories many of which involve bunking off to miss going to weekly mass!

From there we ventured to where my grandmother lived, but her London terrace house has long since been replaced by rows of flats. I probably have a photo of me sitting outside her old house somewhere too! It looks nothing like it does today.

After that we wandered back to the main road and on to Seven Sisters where I caught the train back and Joe walked home.

It was quite a trip back down memory lane and I was surprised by how much came flooding back. Things I hadn't thought about for over forty years suddenly popped back in my head, street names, old school friends, places that used to be but are no more! Such a lovely unplanned day.

In other news it was my second trip into London this week. On Thursday we ventured south of the river (when it also rained and we got very wet) to meet my new grandson. He arrived last week on what would usually be the last day of February, narrowly missing being a leap year baby. He is called Sokratis and weighed a very healthy 8 lb 3 oz and although I might be a little biased he really is gorgeous with a head of dark hair, just like his Dad!

My December so far

I never intended to go AWOL for quite so long, but you don't need me to tell you how life sort takes over at this time of year.

The decorations went up earlier than usual as I was hosting our book club party. It was only as I was putting out all the usual bits and pieces that I started to feel  quite sad that this is probably the last time I will decorate this house for Christmas.

And it does lend itself to bit of decorating!

It's a great house for parties too... and boy have there been parties over the years! There have been birthday parties and barbecues, fancy dress parties, post production parties and of course lots of Christmas parties. But it is ridiculous for two of us to be rattling around in all this space just so we can throw a good party or two so I'm trying not to feel sad.

As well as parties there has been shopping and except for food I have mostly finished Christmas shopping, even managing to treat myself. This little cactus makes me smile every day with its cheery blooms. It's the best £3 I've spent this month.

This month there have been some lovely walks too with some beautiful sunsets... although I got rather wet and muddy this morning. The downside of having a dog is you can't really choose when to walk, although I often think that is the good part too, as it makes me go out and walk everyday whatever the weather.

And of course there has been plenty of baking... all the usual mince pies and Christmas cakes, as well as Rocky Road and chocolate orange brownies for the afore mentioned party. I think they might just be my favourite ever brownies

Youngest son is still finding life a challenge at the moment and I had to bring him back home again at the weekend. I wouldn't have minded quite so much if I hadn't managed to get a parking ticket in the process. My own fault... I was collecting him from his brother's  where it is resident only parking. I took a chance as I knew I was only going to be ten minutes (plus it was pouring with rain) but as bad luck would have it I chose the same ten minutes that the warden decided to wander up the street. It didn't seem fair under the circumstances but there was no point arguing so I've paid up!

But I guess  the biggest news of all since I was last here is that we've sold our house this week, so it definitely will be our last Christmas here. There are an awful lot of memories here aside from parties... twenty nine years of memories. My children all grew up in this house and Stewart and I held our wedding reception in the garden, but I'm being positive and thinking of the exciting times and adventures that lie ahead in 2019. 

And I'm trying not to think about all the clearing out involved in moving from a large five bedroom family house to a three bedroomed cottage... we can worry about that after Christmas! Anyone want a piano?

It's Starting to Feel a Lot Like...

Yes, Christmas. So now we are here in December I cannot help myself feeling a lit bit excited. Already I imagine I can make all the presents, cook everything from scratch, decorate the house with homemade garlands etc. etc. but it's not going to happen because the truth is I'm already exhausted! This week began with a long overdue trip into London to catch up with a friend. I went in early not wanting to waste the opportunity of being in town and I saw the Anni Albers exhibition at the Tate Modern. It was good, but if I'm honest weaving is not really my thing and so after the first few exhibits they all started to look the same. Coming out it was lovely to see the city lit up on a cold but sparkling evening, already looking very festive.

Jude and I met at Comptoir Libanais, London Bridge which was a feast for the senses, a riot of colour and decorative detail. The fabulous Lebanese food was also a treat for the taste buds full of wonderful flavours. I had an Aubergine Fattet ( a sort of Moussaka) followed by an Orange blossom Mouhalabia ( a traditional milk pudding with a dried fruit compote). My Insta worthy photos of my half eaten food weren't really that good so I won't share them with you. Trust me... it was excellent!

Back at home there has been baking as I have made a start on the Christmas cakes... yes, that is cakes not cake as I have six to make this year. I'm not complaining as they are all orders and I enjoy making them. If we are lucky we might get to keep one of them too but I'm not that bothered. I can take it or leave it as I find I'm too full of everything else to want cake at this time of year.

There were also a batch of mini Christmas cakes too, made for the church market on Saturday. They usually sell like... well, hot cakes... but not this year. So if I don't get to keep a large cake for us there could well be several small ones instead.

The reindeer cookie pops however were a big hit and I sold out of those.

There was also a day this week looking after this little chap... it's hard to believe that he is almost two. He is on the move constantly and so busy and interested in everything. I think I must be getting old as I'm sure I never used to get this tired when my four were small! He's an absolute delight though. Maybe I wouldn't get so tired if I wasn't crawling around on all fours pretending to be a lion!

Stewart got a treat this week as I made him an advent calendar filled with twenty four different beers. Well I think they are all different but I did start to lose count of what I had already bought. It's a bit rickety and the doors don't quite fit but he was happy

This was me at the market yesterday, held in the local church. I have been doing this market for several years now and it feels like the start of Christmas for me. It's always a lovely morning catching up with lots of friends

Today I have been at work in the cafe, mostly in the kitchen where it has been non-stop all day. Back home I made another couple of Christmas cakes this evening, plus a pan of soup from all the veg lurking at the bottom of the fridge (it tastes much better than it sounds), a batch of granola for some quick breakfasts as well as tonight's dinner. Should keep us going for a few days I hope as I'm back in the cafe again at 8.45 tomorrow morning.

So bit of a boring post really as I catch up on this week. Plans of shorter more regular (and more entertaining) posts just don't seem to happen. Well they do in my head but as you can see there is too much else going on. At least I wasn't silly enough to attempt a daily post in December as in previous years! How are your Christmas plans going?

It Just Wasn't my Day!

Having delivered these four paintings for a small local exhibition last week, I was looking forward to seeing them in situ. Although I have had textiles in many exhibitions over the years, paintings are still new territory for me and I wasn't feeling too confident. But on Saturday morning we set out, collecting my Mum en route, to visit the exhibition.

Imagine my disappointment to find two of my pictures hung together like they had run out of time and space. I wouldn't have minded quite so much if the whole exhibition was badly hung but every other picture had lots of space around it and looked very professional. The chances are I wouldn't have sold anything anyway but I knew there was no chance of selling them looking like this. I felt like I had been an after thought.

It was disappointing but there wasn't much I could do at the time (I have let the organisers know what I felt since) so we left and went off for some lunch before returning home to carnage! Our very naughty dog had managed to get into my studio (he likes it because it is the only room downstairs that has carpet on the floor) and take six embroideries out of a bag, destroying them all, along with several reels of thread. I'm not sure how much of it he swallowed but so far has shown no ill effects (Suffice to say some of it has reappeared!) He had no concept of having done anything wrong and was really excited to see us and wagged his tail enthusiastically when we got back, keen to show us the new toys he had chewed! I wasn't quite so enthusiastic as him as you might imagine.

Taking the philosophical approach that it is only stuff that can be replaced, we had a quick cuppa and I took Mum home. When I got back there was a message from Stewart that he had gone out to collect his son from the station but was unable to start his car again so was stranded at the station. I had to go and rescue them leaving the car there for the weekend until we could get it towed back. It's a very old car. Originally mine, it was the first one I bought for myself after I was divorced. That might not sound very significant but was actually the first car I had ever bought or chosen for myself, having always had cars chosen for me, (don't get me started on the subject of control) which at the time seemed a huge step  towards my independence. After four days without it, our local garage have got it working again for the time being but its days are definitely numbered. I know it's only a car but I will be sad to see it go.

By then, we didn't  think anything else could go wrong. In the evening we were going to a village social fundraising supper to celebrate Thanksgiving. I decided to wear red, white and blue so put on my special dress that I had made for Kirsty's wedding, along with red shoes and cardigan. As the first course was served I suddenly had a whole cup of pumpkin soup poured over me... accidentally I might add, the poor chap serving us was mortified. It mopped up and the dress has been washed so there was no lasting damage but I couldn't help thinking I should have stayed in bed on Saturday!

I know I have not replied but thank you if you commented on my last post. I really appreciated your kind words and thoughts but didn't have the energy to answer. Jacob seems to be in a better place and dare I say it, life is returning to normal... well as normal as it ever gets if you have just read this post!

The Final Celebration

It couldn't have been better weather or a more perfect setting for our final wedding celebration in this summer of weddings!

 

At the Royal Tay Yacht Club on the bank of the River Tay in Dundee in the most glorious warm sunshine we gathered for a blessing of Kirsty and Adrian's marriage. I think it was the first time I've ever been out without a coat and scarf, never mind a cardigan, on a visit to Scotland!

The very happy couple arrived hand in hand for a short service to celebrate their week long marriage. It was lovely occasion for Scottish relatives and friends to share their special day.

Although this week a certain little someone decided to get in on the action...

And almost, but not quite, stole the show... peepo!

After drinks on the terrace we had yet another delicious meal, although I ended up sharing mine with this little chap, who once again was giggling and happy all evening until he finally flaked out in his push chair.

The meal was followed by some lively dancing to a ceilidh band (lots of men in kilts!) but it was also a chance to catch up with family members - Stewart with his Mum and Dad and sister in particular.

And of course there was cake... a rather well travelled cake having come 430 miles in the boot of our car the previous day, but it seemed to survive. So another perfect day and a very happy Kirsty and Adrian.

We were back home again on Sunday after another 9+ hours on the road and now I need to get back to some sort of normality, whatever that may be! It really has been the most wonderful summer although I seem to be suffering from post wedding exhaustion... three weddings and five celebrations in the space of eight weeks have left me feeling just a little tired but perhaps I shouldn't be surprised when I think of all the travelling, baking, sewing and entertaining it has involved.

Now if you'll excuse me I'm going for a lie down but I'll be back in a day or two with my exciting news.