Hobbies
HOME TOURIST – Bempton cliffs
A few weeks ago, we got a new (for us, not new new) car. It’s so not-uncomfortable! And has AC and the seats don’t actively try to harm us! Huzzah! It’s very exciting. Obviously, we got CD’s to mark the occasion. So immediately, we decided to go on an adventure. Last year (or two years … Continue reading HOME TOURIST – Bempton cliffs
Jigsaw – Whitby
Before we left Whitby, I picked up a tiny jigsaw for X as a momento. A Wentworth wooden puzzle, to be precise. It’s very cute. Each piece (again – I’m a sucker for shaped pieces) is unique but with a particularly nautical theme, as you might expect from a coastal town.
Weekend Away Day 3
Yesterday had all the hallmarks of being a bit of a dud, actually. We both of us felt full of head cold and utterly exhausted, in that way that only emerges after a few days of complete relaxation. If we’d been in Wales, we’d have stayed in and started a jigsaw. Unfortunately, the weather was … Continue reading Weekend Away Day 3
Quick update – due to cramping fingers
So today I ceded defeat. As hard as I tried, I just couldn’t learn how to crochet…from a book. And that just shakes me to my core. I love learning things from books. After my first attempts, I proudly demonstrated my ‘technique’ to the Elf who looked to be in physical pain as she watched … Continue reading Quick update – due to cramping fingers
‘Just up to the usual, thanks’ (3 Good Things – Week 15)
For the first time in 7 months, I’ve spent a week with my hunny. Obviously, we haven’t been able to go out, so instead we’ve been getting to know each other again by returning to our ‘before times’ routines.
3 Good Things – Week 8 – Feel that?
1. It’s Friday. 2. I sorted the front garden just in time for summer. 3. I worked super hard. 4. Just cheating now – I read with a friend. 5. Proper brag – And I sang along to some old favourites. Included were: Miley Cyrus Stevie Nicks Prefab Sprout Taylor Swift Hozier Dolores Keane MILCK
I made an owl!
D has sent me the most gorgeous and unique jigsaw of a painted Owl. Thank you and virtual hugs! It arrived in the cutest little box and each piece is exquisite! Some of the pieces are animals and birds, some feathers and acorns. Some are just weird and wild shapes but every single one is … Continue reading I made an owl!
By Heart – 2 – Differences of Opinion by Wendy Copy
Cross posted from LBC as Tinker Tailor Solider Spy is SO GOOD! I’ve roughly two hours to go and I will be finishing this tonight!!!!! My first attempt worked quite well. While I wasn’t word perfect by any means, I was able to recall most of The Eagle, nearly two months after I learned it. So … Continue reading By Heart – 2 – Differences of Opinion by Wendy Copy
Duolingo day 221
The day after I was told to work from home, I started studying Italian on duolingo. I suck. But I’m doing so consistently. It’s become one of the first things I do in a day. The relief I feel at maintaining my streak (and also tracking Lockdown Days In – 222) is…actually it should probably … Continue reading Duolingo day 221
Bookclub, Buddies and Brooding
On Thursday, when chatting with a bestie during our reading night, I was so smug that I was 2 books ahead for two of my book clubs. I could read anything I wanted! And I really harped on about it. (Decided on Wilding by Isabella Tree – I’m only a chapter in but riveted. My … Continue reading Bookclub, Buddies and Brooding
From tiny acorns mighty Oaks might grow?
Inspired by Wangari Maathai, I have taken the first steps in trying to encourage my welsh acorns to germinate. Being the Hummingbird! While in Wales – have I mentioned that I went there? – I picked up a few acorns and decided to follow a method my dad uses. PLEASE NOTE – If you want … Continue reading From tiny acorns mighty Oaks might grow?
Cooking tonight and thinking of the Arts
As I’m in oven land, I will finish off the holiday blogs tomorrow. Spoiler alert though – we went to Chester – and I spotted the following in a closed (temporarily) theatre. The whole display is beautiful but I particularly wanted to give the poster a hug. My Twitter timeline is full of creative people … Continue reading Cooking tonight and thinking of the Arts
Lazy, rainy, book club day.
Wednesday was just rotten weather wise – so we took full advantage and had a long lazy reading morning. I finished off Dead Famous by Greg Jenner (the October book club choice!) which was such an enjoyable read. Really looking forward to discussing it with the gang. By the afternoon, we were needing to move … Continue reading Lazy, rainy, book club day.
Jigsaw Day (and a walk on the beach)
Having fulfilled our holiday obligation of ‘doing something’, we decided that Wednesday was a rest day. Also, it was raining. So out came the Wasgij (jigsaw backwards). If you’ve never encountered these before, allow me to explain. These are jigsaws…but where the puzzle doesn’t match the image on the box. You’re presented with a view … Continue reading Jigsaw Day (and a walk on the beach)
Sunflowers smiling at the world
They started blooming.
Lockdown – It’s the little things
Two people last week, recommended that I buy myself a bouquet of flowers, to brighten up life.
LOCKDOWN – Random Projects
Other bits and pieces that I’ve been up to include:
ALLOTMENT – Getting ready for spring
We’ve been busy.
ALLOTMENT – After the storm is over…
Visited the allotment for the first time in over a month. My plan was to assess the damage, so I approached with fingers crossed.
Dementia – BBC Music Memories
Ooooh, just been shown the BBC Music Memory website by a work colleague.
Song of the Day – Week 9
Am finally caught up on last week so determined to get this one up ASAP!
GameChanger – Year 2
For the second year, I will be participating in Game Changers for the Alzheimer’s Society.
Song of the Day – Week 7
Gotta stop picking songs from BBC Radio 3, I can’t find half of them on YouTube!
Birdwatching at Swinsty and Fewston Reservoirs
This weeks birdwatching adventure was at Fewston and Swinsty – my go to place for a soul restoration walk.
Song of the Day – Week 5
It feels like a really long January – good to finally reach the end of the month!
The Annual January J. M. Turner Exhibition – National Gallery, Dublin
On our recent trip back home, X and I visited the National Gallery for the annual JM Turner exhibition.
Reviews
Parks and Recreation – Season 2 Ep’s 5 –
I’ve been struggling with blogging for the last three weeks or so. As life has restarted, I’ve been social! I mean… most of that has continued to be via video calls but I have been out for a walk with a friend! And last night, I visited the local with one of my bubble which … Continue reading Parks and Recreation – Season 2 Ep’s 5 –
Quick Review – Enola Holmes
Last month, Selina and I did a watch-a-long (whatsapp-a-long) of Enola Holmes. This was a film I had not heard of, based on a series of books I was similarly unaware of by Nancy Springer. Book 01 – The Case of the Missing Marquess Meet Enola Holmes, teenaged girl turned detective and the younger sister … Continue reading Quick Review – Enola Holmes
Now almost watched – Moxie
But my internet conked out. Le sigh. That’s what selina and I would have watched. Mind you, we did watch Enola Holmes and I’ve yet to write that up so perhaps it’s a shush night?
Parks and Recreation – Season 1 – Ep’s 3 -6 and starting Season 2
Finished off season 1 of Parks and Recreation about a week ago. I rate it – meh. From one episode to the next, the tone seemed to vary wildly and while I love the central friendship between Lesley and Ann, I didn’t really gel with any of the characters. Lesley is sweet but…dumb, in a … Continue reading Parks and Recreation – Season 1 – Ep’s 3 -6 and starting Season 2
Review – Cats – the film – aka What Strange Choices
You can’t say I wasn’t warned. A friend of mine posted the following on Twitter: And for some reason I decided there and then to watch that film. That night. And tweet it. It’s been years since I’ve done a tweet along and I have to say, this was the perfect film to get back … Continue reading Review – Cats – the film – aka What Strange Choices
Vital Update – PIXAR
Watching the Pixar movies during lockdown 3 was a GENIUS decision. It’s not a vaccine but it’s a tonic for sure. HIGHLY recommend. Only two films in and I can feel my emotional resilience building up. I didn’t formally decide to do a proper rewatch but after watching Brave before Christmas and then D and … Continue reading Vital Update – PIXAR
SOTD for yesterday
Had a lovely day yesterday and ended up watching The Lego Movie 2 while working in spreadsheets (fun stuff!). Absolutely loved the follow up song and thought if you’d like some cheer… Also, I guess I had in mind that ‘How it started’ meme How it started: Everything is Awesome – Teagan and Sara and … Continue reading SOTD for yesterday
2 Minute Review – Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses (2019)
This was a watchalong with the Elf – such a giggle as we made a mini drinking game out of the tropes (responsibly, I’ve got work in the morning!) BLURB Single mom Abbey takes a leap of faith to pursue her passion for interior design. When she gets hired to decorate the estate of local … Continue reading 2 Minute Review – Christmas Wishes and Mistletoe Kisses (2019)
2 Minute Review – Merry And Bright (2019)
(Watched this Thursday, I think!) Last years selection from Hallmark are definitely filling my festive gap! Another really enjoyable film. And in Jodie Sweetin – the most Marisa Tomei looking actress since…you know. BLURB – The story begins when Cate, CEO of the Merry & Bright Candy Cane Company, meets Gabe during the busy Christmas … Continue reading 2 Minute Review – Merry And Bright (2019)
2 Minute Review – Two Turtle Doves (2019)
Hallmark Christmas film no 2. The story of Two Turtle Doves is based on a real story. So, I’m already positively disposed! BLURB – Dr. Sharon Hayes (Nikki DeLoach), grieving after the loss of her grandmother earlier in the year, begins her holiday searching for a beloved family heirloom left to her by her grandmother. … Continue reading 2 Minute Review – Two Turtle Doves (2019)
2 Minute Review – Nostalgic Christmas (2019)
In my ongoing efforts not to lose the Christmas Spirit™️* (I don’t *need* it, I just want to be sure if I do sack Christmas off, it’s my fully informed choice); I’ve decided to watch some of the Hallmark Christmas films. I toyed with Netflix but I need pure unadulterated good nature right now, less … Continue reading 2 Minute Review – Nostalgic Christmas (2019)
One of those oddly zen days
So the internet went down at about 9am and stayed that way until 3.30ish. Which lead to a very panicked hour then a sort of shrug, a nothing I can do about it mood kicked in and I sorted. Work stuff, tech stuff, meter readings, watering indoor plants, Italian half hour (just cracked neither nor … Continue reading One of those oddly zen days
Mary Wollstoncraft Statue
Only 13% of the statues in the UK are of historical female figures – in fact, you’re more likely to find fictional women represented than their real … Mary Wollstoncraft Statue Not well impressed.
DANCE/ART/THEATRE – Circle of Life
My dad just sent me the following and it’s incredible! With the ‘all this’ that we are going through, I’m aware that the creative industries are being hit very hard, so am feeling extra appreciative of those in the arts sector and their creations. Thank you to the Makers – this has set me up … Continue reading DANCE/ART/THEATRE – Circle of Life
Back to Leeds via Chester then HOME
We were up with the proverbial lark on the final morning of our holiday (well, we still have the weekend…but weekends after a fortnight holiday are very much back in the Real World Timeline vibe. So don’t count. Much.) as we had to vacate by 9am. An hour that I don’t actually think reasonable people … Continue reading Back to Leeds via Chester then HOME
The last full day/The full last day
Hard to believe that so quickly our fortnight began wrapping itself up. As is normal for me, I started to plan the packing, so it’s very good that I was with a more chilled out person. Instead, we had a lazy morning and decided that we would drive to the base of Cader Idris which … Continue reading The last full day/The full last day
Out on the town(s) for Saturday Night
Out plan had been to go to the beach on Saturday – we’d joked about seeking out the naturist beach at Morgan Dyffryn – but the sadistic weather app changed it’s mind over night and it was a cold morning. Really cold!
2 Minute Review – Latin History for Morons
Caught this fantastic documentary on Netflix last night and would HIGHLY recommend to anyone with a curious nature.
Insane Animals by @BourgMaurice at @HOME_mcr
Based on fiction. Inspired by facts. Written in lipstick. Held together by hairspray.
2 minute review – Star Trek TNG – S01
I’ve fallen down a netflix rabbit hole!
Accidental Turner
About a fortnight ago, when visiting Harrogate (did I mention that we visited Harrogate?!), X and I popped into the Mercer Art Gallery and found a touring Turner exhibition.
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