Project 366 week 30

Been a rather frustrating week for a few reasons. Have had little or no time to craft and even less time to blog.

Sunday

Something snapped inside the toilet cistern last night. Toilet will not flush. So there is now a jug in the bathroom with which to put water into the bucket that is also there as the bucket wont fit under the sink tap and we don't have a bath.
As I am now at work with nobody else on the same shift I have been using a staff well being room to take my breaks. A nice relaxing space.

Monday

Phoned a plumber three times, third time left a message.

.

Tuesday

Phoned a second plumber, a relative of a neighbour. After discussion with him about cost etc as ours is an ancient bathroom is going to only cost £10 more to buy and replace with a new toilet than sort the other one, so a new toilet it is.
Ordered it, headed to Irvine to walk the dog and pick it up, cant pay in the shop got to be click and collect, and went to pick it up. Little did we realise that they had closed a road 200 yds before the industrial estate we wanted to get to, so had to follow diversion signs. Appeared to be two different sets of diversion signs and just ended up muddled up going round in circles. Tried google maps on the phone but she just kept trying to send us back the way we could not go. Cue 20 mins in the car with me trying to get us there. google maps telling me one thing, hubby yelling louder and louder and more aggressively  at google maps and at me while I am trying to concentrate on getting us there safely. Totally lost the plot with hubby and swore and yelled at him which is not like me and told him if he did not shut up he was getting thrown out of the car. Eventually stopped and spoke to a DPD driver who gave us the name of a road to head to instead and that got us there. We then needed to pick up something else from a different place on the same industrial estate but it was across a new road they were building and we needed to head back to the centre of the town. Decided that was not happening and it is still not picked up.

Lots of fields of thistles out and looking and smelling amazing.  Spotted this bee working hard.

Wednesday

Finished off an Anna I made for Ziggy. It went wrong on all levels, wrong wool for hair, looks rather scary. Then once I had the arms and heads on the head looks wrong as the neck is only 4 stitches wide so looks wobbly and then when I sewed her skirt up realised the seam was down the front and her head and arms should of been round the other way but hey ho its finished. She is an upside down doll. I have now started a crochet one instead. Will pass her to Ziggy anyway, if she does not play with it fair enough but no point in binning it

Thursday

Plumbing day.

One new toilet fitted. Still need the parts to get our own coloured toilet seat back on. Also got the radiator taken off the wall and new taps put on the sink, they have only been dodgy since we moved in seven years ago and just never got round to it. Going to be fitting a heated towel rail instead.

Managed to get the wall where the old cistern was cleaned before the new one was fitted. New shiny taps on the sink.

I spent the morning working on the assessment I need to put in for The Carbon Literacy course I did. Not sure if I was making to much of it but it took a lot longer than I had thought.

Nipped into town to pick a few bits up later in the day and went to look at tiles for the bathroom floor. Sadly nowhere seems to have much as they have not been getting supplies in. Guess the floor will have to wait another few months.


Friday

Up early, just after 6am, to finish off the carbon course.
Nipped into town to pick up a few bits and pieces and walk the dog.
Spent over an hour on the phone to the bank, an hour of my life stuck in 3 queues as they escalate the issue further up the layers of security. Trying to do a few jobs while on hold, was not to sure how well the battery would last on the cordless so I also had the corded phone off the hook so if the cordless one went dead I was still in the queue. Manage to get it sorted so can use my debit card again.

There is a series of these along the river walk.

Saturday

First day back on my normal hours. Ended up learning a new job role which I enjoyed.
Home just before three, showered had a sandwich and took a run to pick something up in Irvine. Walked the dog first, then back home to empty the car and go into Ayr to pick up a shower, home again via the chip shop. We knew the shower base was longer one side than the other but the longer side was on the wrong side and it wont fit behind the bathroom door. So that screws that plan up.

Bought the dog a new bed while we were out yesterday, so here she is lying on our quilt which is folded on the floor when it is to warm to have it on.

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How to Shine a Little Light in Someone's Life

It's always nice to do something kind for someone else, but it's an especially good idea during the current

situation. Many people are still trying to keep their distance from others as much as possible,

which means they don't get to see their friends and family as often. Even when times are a bit

more normal, it brightens your day when someone you love does something for you just

because they're thinking of you. If you want to cheer someone up, you can do something to

shine a light into their life and put a smile on their face. So what can you do to show someone

you're thinking of them?

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Have a Chat

A good chat can cure a lot of ills. A lot of people have recently been keeping in touch with their friends and

family over the phone or through video calls. When it's safe to do so, meeting in person for a

chat is always a nice idea too. But with modern technology, you have lots of ways to talk to

each other, including texting or messaging. Sometimes a chat with someone you love might

be scheduled, but on other occasions, it's nice to just strike up a conversation when you're both

free and have time to talk.

Pay Them a Compliment

Getting a compliment can feel like something you don't get enough of, especially when

it's spontaneous. You might compliment someone after they do something special or

make something for you, but when was the last time you complimented someone just because?

A simple compliment can brighten someone's day and make them smile, whether you tell them

that their outfit is nice or let them know that you're proud of them. It could be even better if it's

written down, maybe in a card or in a nice letter that they can keep and treasure for longer.

Surprise Them with Flowers

Flowers are a traditional gift to send someone when you're thinking of them. They're most often

sent on special occasions, but it doesn't need to be any particular day to send flowers to

someone. You don't need to wait until their birthday or until they're celebrating a promotion to

send flowers. And you can send flowers to men too! If you're not sure about flowers,

consider sending a plant that will last longer. Some people feel that flowers can be a little

wasteful, whereas a plant can be nurtured and kept alive instead of being thrown out after a

few days.

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Send a Tasty Treat

Who doesn't like something tasty to eat? You don't have to meet up with someone to give them something delicious.

While it can be nice to cook or bake for someone yourself, there's also the option of simply

buying and sending them something tasty. A surprise package of Postal Brownies would put a

smile on anyone's face - as long as they love chocolate. In fact, you can find lots of sweet treats

that can be sent straight to someone's door. They're packaged to survive the journey so that they

will arrive at their destination intact.

Do Them a Favour

Doing a favour for someone can always help to lighten their load. There might be something

that you have noticed that they need to do. Maybe they've been putting it off or just haven't had

the time or money to do it. By helping them out, you could save them some time and make sure

they have all that they need. Maybe you could drop off some food for them or pop by to mow

their lawn. It's great if there's something that you know they need, but it's also ok to ask them if

there is anything that you could do for them.

Donate in Their Name

Giving money to charity is a nice thing to do at any time, and it's especially kind when times are tough.

As well as giving to charities that you support, you might consider giving a donation in someone

else's name. Ask someone which causes they would like to support or pay attention when they

share things on social media and talk to you about the things that concern them. By making a

donation in their name, you're doing a good deed on their behalf. It's a nice thing to do for them,

and you will also be helping another cause at the same time.

Send a Care Package

A care package could consist of various things, and it's a kind thing to send to someone at any

time. People can especially appreciate a care package if they're feeling homesick or need

some cheering up, or if they might not be able to run out and get things for themselves. You

could put some food and drink in a care package, whether it's purely practical or full of special

treats. A care package could also include some favourite toiletries or bath products, or maybe

some makeup. There are lots of things that you could include, depending on what the recipient

might like or find useful.

Recommend Some Entertainment

Enjoying something entertaining is often a great way to lift your mood. When you recommend

something to someone, it also comes with the benefit that you can talk about it with each other

too. It's fun to share something that you love with people you love - even if it's a bit

disappointing when they don't like it as much as you do! Recommend a film, a TV programme,

a book, a podcast, an album or anything else that you have enjoyed recently to someone you

know. This also works the other way around; if someone has given you a recommendation, check

it out and let them know what you thought of it.

Be There to Listen

A casual chat is fun, but sometimes people just need to have a cathartic rant or to let out

what they're feeling. Being there to listen to them, without offering any judgement or even trying

to offer advice, is a great way to be there for them. Sometimes you just want to tell someone

about what's making you feel sad or angry, or whatever else you might be feeling. Be there as

a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on without necessarily having to be an agony aunt.

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Share Your Knowledge

Showing or telling someone how to do something is more than just being helpful. It can be a

great act of love. You might have someone ask you how to do something, and you can take time

out of your day to show or tell them. However, you don't have to wait to be asked to offer to

teach someone something new. You could help someone learn to do something purely

practical, such as repairing something at home, or you could share your knowledge of

something more creative, like baking or knitting.

Let Them Know They've Helped You

When someone you love has helped you out, make sure that you appreciate them. While

you're trying to be nice to them, they might have done plenty of nice things for you in the

meantime. Make sure that you recognise when they do something for you and thank them

for thinking of you. Knowing that you're appreciated can really lift your spirits. It's important

to remember that people need other people and that you can be someone who makes a

difference. By letting someone else know that you appreciate them, you can both feel good.

Lend (or Give) Something They Need

You don't always have to buy someone something if there's something that they need. Letting

them borrow something is a good way to do them a favour and show that you trust them. Of

course, there is always a chance that you might struggle to get it back! If you can afford to,

you might even just give someone something that they need. You might have a spare of

something, something you don't use, or maybe you're planning to replace an item. Consider

giving it to someone else before selling it or throwing it out.

Be Forgiving

Sometimes the best thing you can do for someone is to be forgiving. Obviously, there are

times when you need to hold them responsible for the things that they have done wrong. But

holding grudges isn't a very healthy thing to do. If someone has apologised for doing

something wrong, accepting their apology and moving on is a great thing to do. Or perhaps

they're rubbing you up the wrong way, without doing anything particularly hurtful. Instead of

letting yourself get wound up about it, you might just decide to let it go and hope you find them

less annoying another day. Being able to forgive can make your life better and can make your

relationships better, plus it can help you to be there for someone when they might need you

most.

You can make a difference in someone's life, however small, in many different ways. Putting a

smile on their face could mean that they do the same for you when you need it.

Project 366 week 29.

Housework, dog walks and crafting.


Sunday

A work day, always manage to keep myself busy and there is always something I can do.

Here is a picture of Ziggy ( taken by her mum) holding some slugs she found in the garden. Her and Dinky both love creepy crawlies

Monday

Hubby needed to renew his driving licence as had it for ten years, did run out in March but had an extension due to the current situation. So went into the post office where they do the whole process for you, take you pic and send it all off electronically.
.
Also stuck our head in one other shop and  then went and bought fruit for DD1 and the kids.

Tuesday

After the incident last week I decided I can make my life easier, and hopefully help the next person a bit quicker and easier of it happens again. In Scotland currently we can apply to carry naloxone to be used in the event of an over dose of Opiods, It temporarily reverses the effect and buys you time until the emergency services turn up. I have an online course to do before I even consider using it and hoping to tap into a real course through the NHS at some point in the future. Not only do you have to know how to use it, have to consider the reaction of the person you are using it on. I carry epi pens so will just get into the habit of carrying this as well.

Wednesday

Had a few things to do in the town including picking up a repeat prescription so walked the dog along the river while we were there.

I finished knitting this little dog and then decided to brush him to make him fluffy and feel furry.

Thursday

Started the morning doing some dusting and then ended up clearing out the corner next to my chair again which led to clearing all the stray crafting stuff back to where it should be in the front bedroom. Nearly ninety minutes later before I got back to the dusting.

Went to the recycling centre to drop off the old television and some cardboard boxes. Queue was about 12 deep when we got there but got in and out quickly enough. Staff were directing people which kept things moving quickly.

Went for a walk while there, when we  came back to the car this digger was being loaded onto the lorry so waited a few minutes so we could get out safely.

Friday

The car has had a wobble for a while and probably caused by the wheels, but when we got it MOT'd the garage did not have the facility to balance them for us. Coming home yesterday we were behind a van that offers a mobile wheel balancing service as part of what he does. So we called him today and he was cheaper than one of the other big franchises we had got a quote from. So got them balanced and all four had been off balance. Came to the door, done in about 45 mins and no hanging around a garage waiting.

Saturday

Last week of late start at work. Spent the morning preparing something to eat at work, organise tea for tonight and tomorrow and then doing some knitting.

I asked Occ Health about hand splints but as this was during lock down then no clinics running to measure and make them. So got sent generic ones until such time as others can be made. Not very elegant, not very comfy but if they delay a carpal tunnel op then well worth wearing. Bigger side effect for me is they add to the general overheating of a menopausal woman!!

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Project 366 week 28.

Sunday 

Some knitting before work and home showered, fed and bed pretty much. 

Spotted these a while ago and decided to treat myself to a piece of history. Including postage it cost me £21, and for that it is a good quality fleece. Asked for the NHS to be in blue as Scotland uses the blue rather than the white they showed on the samples. If you fancy a piece of history then you can buy one here 

Monday 

Lilly dogs third anniversary today. 

Puttered around the garden and walked the dog, did some knitting and some tv watching in the evening as well as a few hours with an audiobook during the day.  

The garden is coming on well that hubby has been working in over the last few months while I sit and craft.  

Tuesday 

Dropped off at DD1 to pick up her empty shielding boxes, hubby is replacing some of the older many times reused cardboard boxes in the loft with good quality newer ones. This time the boxes were not empty, her shelves are rather full so we benefited from a few tins and some pasta.  

She had also run out of “cheapy piriton” so I stuck my head in the chemist, picked her a box up, open her front door and tossed them on across to the table without going in and left again. Took her a while to work out where they had come from as she did not see me do it.  

We were going to walk the dog down the woods before tea but it was still too warm, so left it until after tea and went somewhere different as far too many midges down the woods in an evening. ...life works in mysterious ways.....ended up using a defib on somebody, they make CPR a lot less scary as it monitors what you are doing and tells you press harder etc., an interesting experience but not one I wish to repeat any time soon. A 19 min call to 999 with one person putting my phone onto loud speaker and holding it for me and another passer by helping with the CPR. He was alive when he got in the ambulance. Once the emergency services turned up we prepped the defib machine for the next person who might need it and informed the responsible person that we had used it and it needed another set of pads to be added. 

The first aid training I had back in Feb all kicked in and the training gave me the confidence to take control, issue orders to people and get on and do what needed doing.  Thanks to the Active Travel Hub for the free training. 

We then carried on with the dog walk.  

Wednesday 

Hubby went to cut DD1 grass for her. I did a pile of housework and some knitting.  

Flipping heck my stomach muscles don’t have ache, taking it that it was the CPR that worked them.  

DD2 messaged to ask would I go and pick up something she had seen on a local Facebook selling site. Walked the dog while we were in that area. Nipped to find condensed milk as Fifi is wanting to make things with it and Asda has had none for weeks. Picked up a few reduced items for the freezer while I was there as well as some well reduced fruit for us and DD1.  

Loved this log, almost looks like a shark so had to get the dog to pose for us. 

Thursday 

 Tuesday night now seems so surreal. 

I am doing a carbon literacy course online and had one of the tutorials today, third of four. Struggling with the google classroom side of things, as are others, a new platform for ever one involved, but the course itself is proving to be interesting.  

Took the dog for a walk round a local country estate, a lot of it is getting rather overgrown.  

Nipped round to a friend on the way back, she was clearing some of her cupboards and found a bag of knitting wool and was kind enough to rehome it with me. I swapped her it for some egg boxes.  

Made a bread and butter pudding and a fruit cake.  

Had a phone call from DD2 and we are trying to arrange a date to go visit. 

This is part of my latest creation, but not showing any more at this stage. Looking good though. 

Friday 

Now we are allowed to travel further I decided to nip to Glasgow to spend the £50 Waitrose voucher I won a while back; we don’t have any here in Ayrshire. Picked up  main meals with it, enough to do a fortnight or more, as well as a few wee treats. 

Took the dog as well and went for a walk round a nearby park. The car park was nearly full and all the walks were very busy but everyone was very conscious of social distancing.  This is a load of padlocks on the fence at the waterfall. 

Saturday 

Mileage for the year is sitting at 968.67 miles, should make the 1000 by the end of the week.  

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