November round up

 

I finally sold my wormery, £30 exactly what I wanted for it, I had a few cheeky people offer me much lower, but I just waited, the guy who collected it, wants it for making seedling compost, so he can stop buying it in plastic bags, perfect for that. I've taken the money off my stash spend, I did add it when I purchased it. Not much spending, just bits locally for Christmas gifts. 

Christmas is coming in on budget, no stupid mad purchases just because it's the season of good will, all I see is far too much stuff, too much plastic and waste. I have made loads of gifts, only for people who understand the value of all the crafting involved. I did purchase my snow globe and a glass tree, I do like most years to have 1 new item.

As for Black Friday which last for a month now not a day, we purchased nothing at all. 

I have purchased clothes, £53.99 well spent, trousers, bras and a chunky cardigan, I will need new slippers, but can wait until the January sales. New reading glasses purchased, a cost which can't be helped, at least I know I have healthy eyes, used my bus pass for 1st time. 

We did not expect to have to purchase a new TV and sound box, we did have a conversation about not bothering as it is turned off most of the time, but decided it is useful to have. We did manage to sell on our old sound box, so it is being used in another home. We have also packed up our Wii, and sold it, we never use it and hopefully again it can be used rather than just disposed of. Our bread machine also stopped working, so another small purchase, my steam mop is not working correctly, I'm hoping it will last a bit longer. 

No weight loss this month, I did have a full weekend of my birthday, but happily I am not eating much chocolate. My pre diabetic blood test result was brilliant, back down to levels 2 years ago. 

Wet outside, busy inside.

We did look around a few shops when in Fareham on Friday, I like TK Max at this time of year, I have often looked at snow globes, the ones I like often are expensive, whilst the cheaper ones have naff things inside, this one was a good price and I love it. Hubby surprised me, he picked up these 2 mugs, we already have Christmas mugs, but I'm not complaining, he never buys items for Christmas. 

 Another brilliant book, I have read a few by C L Taylor, everyone I have loved, this is just as good, a who dun it, but with a twist it's not the police who are looking, again I did not want to put it down. This being my 45th book read this year. 

Mick's 1st sock is almost done, I'm up to size 7, need to reach size 10, I will knit the toes blue to match the top. 

We don't get too many weather warnings here in Hampshire, Friday night was very windy, the garden was strewn with leaves, no damage, Saturday was cold and wet and then cold and sunny as the storm clouds rolled through. Sunday was cold and blue skies, the wind was bitter. I'm not complaining as we miss most of the winter weather here, the havoc in the north with snow was shown on TV, we are lucky none came our way.  

Friday we went into town on the bus, both using our bus passes (free journey) apart from heavy rain as we walked to the bus, we had no problems, the nearest bus stop is 5 minutes walk from home, the bus comes through every 12 minutes, we are on the main route from Fareham to Portsmouth. Both buses were packed, it's good to see our route so well used. It was a shock to have heavy cold rain, it been dry here for weeks, the storm went through in about 10 minutes and it stayed dry the rest of the time we were out.

Saturday we did not go far, only to the village, its just so cold suddenly, and with the rain, it's best to stay inside. I made loads of items, using my sewing machine, I can lose myself for days sat sewing. Sunday was much the same inside, it did look nice outside but was bitter cold, I had a bad tummy so no sewing, just resting.

Today has started very frosty, everywhere is white and cold, not planning to go out, I hope to finish my sewing, I'm feeling much better, no plans to go out. 

Along came three

This blanket is finished, here it is on my king size bed, I love the colours, very me, it's made with a fine cotton purchased in Spain a few years ago, I used 3 x 200 grm balls, and I'm left with just 14grms. I do have one 200 grm ball left in a pale cream, not sure why I did not use it, I do think these 3 colours work well together, I just made the design up as I worked on it. 

I love the drape and weight of this blanket, I will get loads of pleasure in using this, and being cotton it's easy to wash and dry. I stitched all the ends in as I made the blanket, so I only had the finished strand to sew in. I have promised myself I will not make anymore granny square blankets, I think after this one they will all feel less worthy. Next year I hope to teach myself to follow patterns in crochet. 

I have finished my friend shawl, I still don't like the colours, I'm not a fan of yellow, but I've shown it to another friend who agrees it perfect colours. I knit these shawls up quickly and I enjoy making them, this is another Christmas gift, this friend does not craft at all. 

I really should have not cast on a pair of socks for me, but I loved this yarn, again it's James C Brett, this time just done in the main green colour, I am again pleased with the stripe match, I'm going to have warm toes again this winter. I have now cast on a pair of men's socks, not as a Christmas gift, but as a thank you for my wood turning friend, his wife has given me his shoe size. 

I'm loving putting these colours together for a pair of socks, Mick does wear colourful socks, so 🤞he is going to love these. The stripe in the bright blue is dark brown, I will do the toes matching the top, the heel I will do in the dark brown. 

Every spare moment I am crafting, I want to have everything done in the next couple of weeks, the time consuming items are finished, daughter  requested the few things for George, he is moving bedrooms, out of the nursey into a bigger room. Molly will be going into the nursery, as yet nothing from me is required, it is a small room. 

Christmas cards are all almost done, I have mainly the inserts to print out and attach, they should be in the post next week. I did cheat and buy one box for the sign ladies, I just fell in love with the simple design on the front.

It's been a restful few days, plenty of time knitting, lazy afternoons at home, we did do a big shop at our local Lidl, the freezer is now full, we should not need to shop for a while. Today I am going into town with hubby using my new bus pass, I have an eye test booked, which I'm sure will see me needing new glasses, expensive but necessary, no other plans, a treat of lunch out. The weather is now cold, with a strong wind from the north, so a weekend inside is planned, no gardening, the leaves are being blown off, but we will wait a few days in hope the wind dies down.

Last week in November

The green pot has last years Amaryllis bulb, the white pot has my new bulb, I have planted them differently, using much bigger pots and having the bulb sit higher up in the compost, which now I know is the correct way. I have re-potted another bulb, but I'm not sure it will grow, there are still 2 more bulbs in the greenhouse in leaf, but no flower stalk. 

I was given these sweet pots for a birthday present, there is a 3rd one, on the box it suggest you use them for herbs, the pot is a bit small for herbs. I love succulents, and these are a perfect size, the big plant in the yellow cup, I've had in a big gravy boat with other plants, but it was too crowded, so I have made this it's permanent home. The green pot has shoots from an expensive plant I purchased back in March, it would be nice to have more of these plants, I have 6 planted in here. 

My birthday gift from my brother, 14 days later I have lost all the bottom leaves, this has been in the office, which is warm and sunny, but sadly not enough for this plant, I have moved it in hope I can stop the drop. 

Kurt has new hair, the previous grass did not weather well, I cut the tips back as it got very long and then it just looked untidy, this grass is the 3rd type he has had, the 1st blood grass was too thin. I think this should look good, it's from my sink, I planted it in the ground, but a cat has been sleeping on it, 

The garden looking tidy, with this blue sky it could be July or August.

I loved this book, it's a real good read, twisted all the way through, so many ' he did it, no she did it' and after it was solved another twist, just brilliant, her sequel is not due until next summer, I can't wait.  this being my 44th book read this year, I already have my next lined up.

Monday morning we spent time outside, sunny but cold, we cut back the Magnolia tree, it's a necessary job each year, otherwise the tree would be too large for the garden, the top needs cutting back, but we can do that in the spring, hubby picked up all the leaves, not that it stayed clear for long, as I always say, any work on this tree is a labour of love. I have also cut back all the late fruiting raspberries, we had a bumper crop this year, the 3 decorative plant frames have been put into my shed, the back section is now clear. Everything tender is now inside the greenhouse,  the 30mins I spent in the greenhouse was bliss, it's lovely and warm inside, so many plants are thriving in there. 

Tuesday I went to sign class, it was at my neighbours house across the road, so no traveling, Shelia our tutor was unwell and did not attend (flu bugs) so it was more of a social gathering, which was fun.  Hubby and I popped to an out of town shopping place, it's our nearest M&S store in afternoon, for just a couple of things.  I treated myself to a pair of jeggings, just because I liked the colour and a couple sports bras, I am loving no-wired bras, so comfortable. I am having a much slower week this week. Today I think Molly might be have some time here, the boys are at nursery and school, mum can get a few hours on her own, then crafting, I have almost finished another item.

Thank you for all your kind comments about my finished cushion and our George, family has always been so important to us, having his family home so close has allowed us to be able to support and play with all 3 children, and help mummy and daddy. It is sad when our other grandchildren live so far away, Covid has taken all the joy of making trips anywhere, we always found time to visit our parents regularly, but this busy world their family weekend time is filled with clubs and other interests, we see less and less of our grandsons. 

Happy birthday George

Our youngest family, taken on Sunday afternoon, we had lunch with daughter and SIL. 

George is 2 years old today, we had a party yesterday, with a beautiful cake, Teletubbies who George loves, it tasted as good as it looks. 

Will had a fantastic day out with Grandpa on Saturday, even got a ride in this jeep, he is army mad and wore his combats and helmet, his face is just pure joy, grandparents know so much and so many interesting people.

 

We have had  a brilliant family weekend, how quickly the last 2 years has flown by, all the sadness of the first few weeks of his life has been transformed into joy and laughter, the fear of the unknown was replaced with knowledge, thanks to support from Portsmouth Downs Syndrome Association, they were and still are a tower of strength, George has taught us all so much. He is an intelligent, inspirational, determined little boy, some of his links are different, he is still to master walking and talking, but he communicates well, he is becoming independent, so wicked in his play, he loves to copy older brother Will. 

I had many things planned to do over the weekend, nothing was done, again I am tired, we are going out into the garden this morning to pick up huge piles of leaves, all can be put in my black dustbin, in hope of leaf mulch next year, this afternoon is going to be lazy. 

Get stuffed

This project is finished.

I have made pockets on children's cushions before for their reading books, on this cushion, I made a huge pocket on the back for patterns. I am always juggling with a pattern when knitting and often it falls on the floor, so this should be useful.

All finished, I am really pleased how well it looks, not perfect, but pretty and useful, in hope my friend will pop it on her crafting chair in her summerhouse. 

 I have enjoyed stitching this project, I found the french knots very restful to do, just stitching the same colour over the pattern on the fabric, making 'S' for Shelia. I did notice the 'S' was not straight, just a little off, but it should not notice, I used a bright blue cotton for the pocket, it was the closest match from my fabric stash, adding binding at the top of the pocket, which picks out the off white lines in the design. The biggest pain was in the pretty bobbles around the edge, I was planning to pop them in between the front and back when sewing together, but the black edging was too narrow so I had to hand sew it, I stitched around it twice for strength. The size was determined by the cushion insert I purchased, just a couple of hours to finish.

I have loads of crafting things on the go, so plenty to choose from each time I sit down, I can't sit and do nothing, I will have other finishes to show, I will post photo's soon I wanted this project as a single post as I am mighty pleased with myself.

I've had a couple restful days at home, time inside, I love my creative time, last night I slept at daughters house, with Molly and George, Will had a sleep over at Grandma's house, mummy and daddy went to a huge fundraiser in Portsmouth for the local DS group, they booked a hotel room and stayed over, they will be back soon with tales of the fun they had. I've had my hair cut from a shoulder length bob is a much shorter style, George was shy for just a few moments, Molly no reaction, Will just said 'like your new hair', I got really bored and changed my style, I also have a colour to put in, purple, rather a major change for me.

I'm home the rest of the weekend, some gardening to do, a tidy and a few last bulbs to plant, then back to crafting, no plans to go anywhere, we have everything we need. 

Another busy week

This first lot of Christmas cards are ready to be put together, I prefer the simple design, I'm doing them in 2 batches as the rest of my cards are slightly bigger. I did not have any gold or silver mirror card, this pinkie purple looks good, the pattern smaller star on top covers most of it. 

Daughters cake has it's marzipan layer, our cake had another drink of brandy. I hope to have daughter cake flat iced by end of month, our cake I don't add marzipan until middle of December, leaving it so late means the almonds don't sink much into the cake and I can eat some, I always cut off the marzipan and icing. 

This is a lovely sign, well made and a gift sent to hubby, just arrived in the post from his brother, it represents everything we try to avoid, the gift was 'I saw it and thought of you' which is lovely and very thoughtful, BUT hubby does not and has never owned a Hartley-Davidson motorbike, which are outside of our budget. Hubby had popped it up on the outside wall of the garage and sent photo's to his brother.

The garden on a dull morning, at least it's dry, most of the leaves from our neighbours trees and overgrown plants have fallen, just now a case of picking up Magnolia leaves as the fall, my dustbin in filling with the fallen leaves, so hopefully leaf mulch next year. Still flowers in bloom and our Acer is a lovely colour. I love the view down the garden, with the fence infront of the greenhouse gone it's a less cluttered view. 

Please don't think hubby was ungrateful for the gift, it is a beautiful sign, when he opened it 'why' was his thought, his brother is not rich, so we would rather they spend their money on themselves. A dear sadly departed friend told me many years ago a gift should be something the person wants, but something they would not buy themselves, I've always tried to stick with that, as we get older we have so much and want so little, so now I use it has to be useful or beautiful, I spend so much time thinking of the person and try and get a gift which is a joy to receive.

I have predicted I have 5 rows left on my crochet blanket, I weighed my ball of yarn, did 1 round and weighed the yarn again, 73grms and then 62grms, 11 grams per round, then end is in sight. I've not sewn in any ends on my shawl, I have been reading, the book suggested to me is brilliant.

I have been out a few days this week, our sign ladies went further away to a big garden centre at the edge of Southampton on Tuesday, loads of Christmas stuff and gifts on sell, with a lovely chat over coffee, it's always nice to go somewhere different. Wednesday I spent time with daughter and Molly, firstly we had tree decorations made using Molly handprint, I have the same ornament using a footprint from Will and George, the boys were at school and nursery, I managed to get a couple more Christmas gifts, so I'm almost finished.

Sadly both our Taunton grandsons have had positive covid test, same for their daddy (hubby's son), mummy has a bad cold but tested negative, they are not ill, just isolating at home.

Tell me when is Black Friday, not that I will purchase anything, I'm just sick of the loud adverts everywhere, it's been every day, hopefully soon it will all be over. 

My weekend

Daughter and I popped to our favourite local garden centre, it was mobbed, car par full, not too bad inside it has enough for space for everyone, the restaurant was full, so no lunch out, daughter got some lovely pastries to eat ah home, I treated myself to this beauty. I already have 4,  2 in leaf and going over, 2 I am going to repot, so 🤞🤞bulbs for my Christmas colour.

I can hold my hand up and state, I have history with these beautiful plants, I can kill them with a blink of an eye, my sitting room is too cool and dark at this time of year. My brother gave me this one for my birthday last week, so a change of tactics, it's in my warm sunny office space, I hope to keep it healthy right up to Christmas, when my brother returns. 

 I have done more on my scarf, today I am going to sew in some of the ends, I still am not keen on the colours, but my friend will love it. 

I have finished this book, I have read many books by this author, this one I felt was a bit predictable, 2 time lines being told at the same time, I did enjoy the story, but I didn't love it, it's a huge book, 336 pages long, this being my 43rd book read this year. I have been given a book to read, with the advice read this next it's good, such a joy to hear. 

I had a fantastic couple of days with daughter and her 3 children, Will as a 4 year old was so good, when he is happy he fills your heart, but he does have a stubborn side, luckily not on show this visit, he did go for a sleep over with Grandma on Saturday. So just George and Molly on Saturday, Molly has learnt to roll, and is enjoying moving around, I think she is going to be an early crawler, George is so full of fun, you just can't be sad when he is around, we played all day, so much laughter. Daughter was out both evenings, so I managed some quiet reading and knitting time, all 3 children sleep well, by 8pm they are all tucked up in bed. I drove home late Saturday night, I wanted to wake at home on Sunday, I had so many plans.

Nothing much was done on Sunday, I was tired, Will had me up at 6.30am Saturday morning, so it was a long day, daughters TV stopped working on Thursday (I did not touch it, so no I did not jinx it), so Will wanted loads of playing time before going out with Grandma, I don't miss the TV, but it is handy to have a few quiet moments. 

Sunday was a long lazy start to the morning, hubby was out, so a peaceful time as well, I forgot to take my phone whilst away, so I had a couple days catching up in blogger land and emails, perfect start to the day. I have requested my free bus pass, everything can now be done online, so simple. I ignored my sewing machine, but did loads on my crochet blanket, which I hope to finish this week. 

It's half way through November, I am not behind with things, but I am not where I thought I would be, so Sunday I spent time working on my Christmas cards, I like to post them early, I don't see any point it letting them arrive just a few days before Christmas. I don't make as many as I have before, I now make everything, I stopped purchasing toppers and decorations a couple of years ago, I still have some left, so it's a case of using what I have. 

Crafty start and a finish

I have finished these socks, I used James C Brett, funny feetz, 4 ply, it's lovely to knit with, did not split or separate, the navy was Opal 4 ply from my stash. These are for me, I'm not wearing home knitted socks yet, but I do love warm feet in the winter months.

The french knots on this project is done, again I am pleased, my sewing machine is out, I hope to make it into a cushion over the weekend. 

The last bit, I love how the edge of the work fits with the fabric pattern, the stitches bring the colour to life. 

My last ball of cotton is much smaller on this crochet blanket, I had thought I would pass it on, but as I work on it I am loving the weight and the colours. So I have decided to sort my blanket drawer and pass some on, a lady across the road works with abandoned dogs, I'm sure they can use warm granny square blankets. 

Another new start, I love making this shawl design, this will be the 6th one made, It's Leftie by Martina Behm, and is the simplest design, it won't take long to finish, it's for a friend for a Christmas gift, I'm not sure about the colours, but my friend will love it. 

I have removed the button band from my green cardi, I am struggling to unpick the coloured edging, I might just have a plain green band, as you can see if you click on the link, this cardi has been problematic from the start, I knitted it and it was far to snug, so I unpicked the whole thing and reknitted it, so now having to do another button band is just another chapter in it's construction. 

As you can see loads of crafting time, mainly things I can do sat in my chair, all of the above can be picked up and put down easily, I do have my sewing machine out and I have projects now sorted, I hope to get a day sewing on Sunday, I am with daughter later today sleeping over, I will come home mid morning Saturday, but I'm back to babysit Saturday evening. 

We popped into Fareham on Thursday, we needed a few items, which can't be purchased in village, so we had a wander and got a couple more Christmas gifts. Town was very quiet, which allowed us to feel happy popping into shops, but I was very tired when we got home, we did have lunch out, so a lovely lazy evening in together. 
 

November garden

This small table collection is looking really good, both lamps are getting enough sunlight to light each evening, it's very pretty spot when we first come into the garden.

So much colour here, the begonia's are still blooming, giving loads of colour, along with a couple of fuchsia's and the flowers in my side bed. The autumn cyclamen are coming into their best show and the tiny violets are   are stunning. 

Other plants, acers, blueberries are changing colours adding to the overall colour outside, our olive is evergreen, and really happy in this sheltered spot. 

 I've given up on what to expect from my garden at this time of year, nothing surprises me any more, it's just so pleasing to see so many flowers, we have had a couple of air frost first thing in the mornings, the temperature has dropped to the expected levels. Once the ground frost hit all the begonia's will die back quickly. It has rained overnight a couple of times this week, so I don't need to water my outside pots. I am hoping to cut back my late summer raspberries, they have finished fruiting for this year. 

The greenhouse is full again, my tender plants tucked in, I have never heated the greenhouse, its warm enough to suit the plants. I do water once a week for now, as it gets cooler I will water less. 

My birthday flowers are still looking good, I have 3 ornamental cabbages in the bunch, they should last for months, this is the first bunch of cut flowers this year, I am pleased I no longer need to purchase them every week, saving loads of money. My new poinsettia plant is in the sunny office, I struggle with these plants, I need to keep it well, my brother gifted it to me and he's back at Christmas and will expect to see it. 

Thank you for all my birthday wishes, I did have a fun family weekend, an update on Will, he is doing really well, no problems with this lip, he has no pain, just waiting for the stitches to dissolve. 

Official

 What do you get a person for their birthday, 

who does not want anything.

These snowdrops wind catchers will do, we were out and I saw them and loved them, so hubby purchased them for me, no chimes or bells, just a beautiful form, I'm not sure where they will go in the garden, I just popped them here because this plant is still in flower. They are hand made in Somerset, and a reasonable price each, there were other sizes these being the smaller size, which I think are perfect for my garden. 

My brother came for the weekend, he is driving home this morning , daughter and children came over on Saturday for a birthday lunch, Will does love a cake, we chose to have this a day early as we had a meal booked on Sunday evening, Will had a sleepover, he loves uncle Martin, so an early morning on Sunday. I had some lovely thoughtful gifts, flowers and money, I have asked most of the family not to get anything for me for my birthday, for Christmas, if they feel they must, just a nice bottle of red wine. It was lovely to be out again on Sunday for a meal, we have not had a meal out for almost 2 years, we have ordered takeaways to be delivered, I forgot the joy of getting ready and wearing nice clothes.

So here I am I have reached 66 years old, I now receive a government pension, and I can apply for my bus pass to allow free travel, on the down side I have more wrinkles, rolls of fat, aches in various places, more medical issues, less teeth and hair. BUT I am fit and able to get about and do things, how I look and how I feel do not match, I am vain, I do like to look good, I still often look in the mirror and think, is that really me?

Our lives won't change much, we will use the bus locally more and the car less, we have plenty of time to use slower buses, next year we will visit more of our Hampshire towns on the bus routes. I stopped working over 3 years ago, so I have plenty to do at home inside and outside. We have discussed joining a few things, local walking group, dance classes and me yoga, I'm going to just try it, if my shoulder gives me problems I can stop, it's the cooler wetter months where we don't do as much as we should. 

We do need to save, getting the boiler renewed and putting in triple glazing in recent years has sunk a huge hole in the amount we hoped to have as our backup, but they both save us money on our bills. Nothing more needs to be done in house or garden, (ha ha I've said that before about the garden) so our plans are get fitter, go out more and save, save, save. 

Keeping busy.

I am loving this project, it's so relaxing, each section once done comes alive with colour, I am always running my fingers over the work. I work on it most afternoons when the light is good. 

Just the bottom corner to stitch and then it will be made into a cushion, my crafty friend should love it, she does loads of things for other people, including teaching us sign language each Tuesday. 

I went into our dangerous shop in the village, mainly for buttons, daughter has been looking for a Christmas outfit for Molly, but can't find one, so I said leave it to me, I chose this holly fabric, I will ensure Molly has a red top and tights for underneath. The ribbons go well, better get my sewing machine out again. I have added this to my craft spend chart. 

I am busy making Luna Lupin, I will do a separate post once she is finished, crocheting my blanket, I have just started the last colour, and sadly I am removing the button band on my cardi, I have ordered another ball of the green, I don't have enough to knit the band in one piece of yarn and I don't like to see joins. Luckily I don't like to sit and do nothing, we never have TV on in the daytime, I do love radio 2 in the mornings. 

We sat listening to so many booms on Friday night, the huge houses behind us had firework parties, Grace sat on my lap all evening, Purdy slept in her basket, Purdy is not frightened by the noise, Grace was unhappy. 

I have started to think about my Christmas cards, I have enough stuff here to make them without purchasing anything new, I am running down my card stock, it's not something I make often. I am also getting my glass fusion stuff out to make a couple of items, again this is a seasonal craft for me. 

November I like to clean before the decorations come out in December, I am planning to clean the tops of the kitchen cabinets, plus I want to clean the cabinets in our dining room. I always feel happier once these are cleaned, it then feels right to pop the decorations around the dining room. 

I have done very little in the garden, just picking up leaves, the cold mornings are ensuring my begonias are now fading, I love their colourful flowers. I still have colour outside, but the bare patches are growing as everything is fading. My dogwood stem are bright red and do look good infront of the water but, very colourful. We have had a couple of mornings with air frost, the garage roof has been white a few times, the wind is again from the north, so it's much cooler. 

What a week

 Nursery photo's are online to choose a image of George, I love this one, it shows his fun, he is a cheeky happy little boy. I love how he plays, he is very inclusive with baby Molly and follows anything Will is doing, typical middle brother, loves music and cars. 

I found some reading time, this is the latest DCI Roy Grace book, set in and around Brighton, this is my 42nd book read this year, I have not read as many books as last year, it is nice to be out doing things again. The 1st book has been shown on TV with John Simms playing the lead role, I enjoyed watching it and hope they make more. This story line was brilliant, he kept you way into the story before he revealed important information.  

So our TV in the sitting room (it's the only TV we have) switched on looking like this on Tuesday evening, we checked everything, the TV is broken, so off we go to purchase another, this is 40 inches, we wanted the same size, 'why so small' asked the man in the shop, WHAT to me it's so big. So new TV and sound box, because our perfectly good sound box won't work on newer TV's.

I finally decided to get some buttons for my lovely cardi I knitted last year, I did not wear it last winter as we did not go out much. I like these simple buttons. 

I am livid, in 2 places on the button band the yarn has been chewed, Purdy our cat brought a mouse into the house and our bedroom, it was a while ago, hubby caught it and released it outside. I had found a couple things chewed in my wardrobe, this was stored in the same area. I am now unpicking the button band, which was knitted in one piece, in hope I have enough yarn to redo the band. I'm not happy. 

Hubby was away last weekend with a few motorbike friends, one messaged on Wednesday, he's positive for Covid, hubby tested negative that evening. We both had another test this morning, both negative, phew that was close. 

The past few of weeks I have spent loads of time at youngest daughters house, I have various sleep overs, which are fun but tiring, I will do everything I can to support my daughter, I get the bonus of being with her 3 young children, Molly's 1st year is much harder for her as George is not walking, so she has 2 in pushchairs and nappies. With Will and George she struggled to get pregnant, Molly she became pregnant much sooner than expected, I keep telling her by next summer things will improve. George want's now to be more independent, he wants to sit at the table and feed himself, which is really messy, but so good to see him improving, his signing is very good, he can ask for many things, including what he wants to watch on TV, he is making a good range of sounds and a few simple words, everyone is expecting him to speak when he is ready. George will now walk around the furniture, and will walk if you hold him up, daughter has been advised not to push him on his walking, his lower body strength is not great, he will walk, but he crawls on hands and feet, his knees don't touch the floor (a bit like big apes), and he is very quick. Will is loving school, which is good, most morning he will happily get dressed, have breakfast and go to school, he has not missed any days due to his operation, which happened in half term, his stitches are still showing, they will eventually fall out, he has no problems and the swelling is almost gone.  

We were in a shop this week and bloody Christmas songs was loudly playing, I muttered to hubby and a stranger walking past agreed, if they start to early we will become bored with them way before the big day. At home I never start playing them until 1st December, same with decorations, they come out on the same day.