turps

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 14:47:17 GMT

I had a bit of an adventure today and went to a different branch of my gym, the big branch in Sunderland city centre. That meant many more machines to use and now, of course, every muscle in my body is starting to ache as I had to try out everything that was new to me. What I'd actually made the trip for was the bigger branches have hydro massage beds you can use as part of your membership, and I've wanted to try one for a while. So, today I did and oh man, it was good. It especially felt good on my lower back and legs. Then I went and destroyed that feeling on the machines.

Next time, work out first, then massage.

I'll still mostly go to my local branch as that's within easy walking distance, but this other one I'll try to get there with James once a week as it was good for him, too. Also, has much better music as they were playing Linkin Park at one point.

Yesterday we were also in Sunderland as James needed to collect his new glasses, and while we were in town we picked up our cards for the newly opened The Community Shop. It's on the same basis as Company shop, selling surplus food for cheap, just for this version only people on means tested benefits can join. I could be a member due to getting the carers' allowance so signed online a while ago, and went to get the actual card yesterday.

We ended up waiting in a queue for over an hour, and then the person who took my photo took the worst picture ever. She was so stressed with so many people waiting she hurried the process so only half my head is in shot and the lighting is horribly harsh, so I look like some gargoyle with half a face. But, she made no suggestion to retake so guess I'm stuck with it.

I doubt I'll use this shop as much as Company due to a lack of parking, but it's always good to have options. Especially so as members can also use the attached heavily discounted café and really, being able to get a main meal for £1.50 is a good thing.

Now, part of a post that I started on Monday.

It was a sweaty one at class today, not helped by the heating being on despite it being a lovely, sunny spring day. It was the biggest group we've had for a while, which is why it's a shame that the classes for the next two Wednesdays have been cancelled due to meetings, just as people have started to come back. But, Mondays are still on which is good.

So, got tidied up before going there, did class, came home, and I've made another batch of vegetable soup, so that's cooking in the slow cooker now.

We went to the cinema to see You, Me and Tuscany on Saturday. I do like a romcom and this was a good one. A predictable plot but set in a beautiful place with lots of sunshine, so you could just sit back, not think and enjoy what was on-screen. And James stayed awake for the whole thing.

After leaving there we drove to Corey's flat to drop his and Sharna's Easter sweets off. So, it was nice to spend some time with him.

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Fri, 10 Apr 2026 12:10:53 GMT

Bodhi and Kayleigh dropped in for a little while yesterday. While here Bodhi went and stood in front of the shelves in the living room and asked why I had all of that stuff, meaning my display of Funkos. So, I explained, like her, I liked superheroes, at which point she said, if I liked superheroes where was Spider-Man? Sorry various Hawkeyes, Ronin, Winter Soldier etc, you're just not superheroes enough it seems. But sigh, judged by a four-year-old and found lacking again.

The craft fair on Monday was a weird one. Despite being there from before nine to four, the time seemed to fly, and yet we only made one sale, so didn't even get the table price back. Mainly it was due to location, when we'd first been offered a spot it was mentioned there were tables outside and inside, and while that was true, there was actually only one table inside, the rest being in the pub garden, so it wasn't very often people actually saw the one in the foyer at the back. Which of course, was the one we'd been assigned. I mean, it was good to be warm with some decent music to listen to, but you need people for sales.

One bonus was the pub was just over the car park from a Morrisons, so I went there for two meal deals for dinner, because nearly £5 for one drink of Pepsi Max from the pub was only going to happen once.

The organiser did ask if James wanted a table at the next event, but thankfully, it's the same date as the monthly maker's market in our town we always attend, so we didn't have to make up an excuse to turn down the invite.

A couple of people have been reading and commenting on many of my bandom stories lately, and getting those comments has been delightful. I especially liked the one on Painted Ponies where they commented, and when i replied, replied to that comment with even more detailed feedback, saying they'd thought I'd have been long gone from the fandom. And nope, despite the lack of actual writing, still love that ridiculous band, still hanging onto to the edges of the fandom with a few other fandom bandom olds.

Funnily enough, the last comment was on Caged where the band is saved by Spider-Man, adding to the Spidey mentions this week.

I was in Lush the other day buying a bunny bath bomb for Bodes, and they had these ( sparkly ET bath bombs )

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Fri, 03 Apr 2026 15:30:17 GMT

The supermarkets are having their Easter veg wars, so I've been stocking up. I have now got multiple boxes of potatoes layered with cardboard and stored in a cool dark place. Plus big paper bags of carrots, parsnips and onions. Well, I say paper bags, they're actually the packaging Amazon uses now, which is perfect for what I want. I also got three huge heads of broccoli yesterday morning and have three massive turnips.

I made vegetable soup in the slow cooker yesterday, and I intend to make a big pan of mashed potato, and then the same again of mashed carrots and turnip, freezing both batches after. Honestly, at 4p a bag in some shops, 15p in others, it would be silly not to buy.

It's actually been a nice thrifty shopping time lately, as at Company they tend to give things away free at the end of the month. So, when we went on Tuesday they were giving away cans of energy drinks, bread, baby food and cartons of chicken soup. We got a loaf and some soup, but got as many of the energy drinks as possible as James always has one going to work. Not good for him he knows, but it's a boost to the day he likes, so stocking up has saved us a lot of money.

We went to see The Magic Faraway Tree at the Odeon, and oh what a lovely film. I was surprised when we were coming out and James said he hadn't read the book, as I thought it was a book most people from the UK of a certain age had read, but it seems not.

Class on Wednesday, ( cut for details )

From class we headed off to the craft shop so James could swap out some of his stock. That didn't take long, but add on a gossip with the shop owner and a TikTok issue that led to chilling on a bench while James rerecorded stuff it was late afternoon before I got home.

Yesterday James taught his pyrography class again, and it seems it went well, while I caught up on some surveys.

Today we've been for a drive to Barnard Castle, bitter sweet in many ways as usually my MiL would have been with us as it was one of her favourite places to visit. We'd been looking forward to seeing the lambs on the moors, but there was none there. So, I suspect we were a bit early for that. Then we'd usually pick up a tray of eggs at the honesty farm stall. Got there, and their chickens have bird flu, so no eggs for sale. Got to Barney itself and despite being quite busy, found a parking spot and had a delicious dinner, before going to the bakery I like for some sour dough bread, only to find it was sold out. But, I bought a white loaf instead -- all they had left tbh- and will have some of that with vegetable soup later. Oh, and this rainbow followed us all across the moors. ( behind here )

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Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:05:44 GMT

I got excellent mail from dine, thank you!

They cancelled Starfleet Academy, which is typical considering how much I enjoyed the show. I know we still have the second season to watch, but I wanted more.

The Pitt is finally being shown here, and one morning James saw his first episode, and said he wanted to see episode two as soon as one was finished. And I was like, I know that feeling! It was strange seeing these early episodes again, knowing what was going to come for each character. Strange but good, I mean, it's not like a rewatch is a bad thing.

Let's see, since I last posted one day I Bodhisat from after school to about eight so the mams could go on a date. Bodhi is really into KPop Demon Hunters right now, and I lost aunty points for being unable to belt out the songs while she pretended to take out some demons. I was also told I was terrible at concentrating and asked why I walked strangely. Then, when I told her it was because I have a poorly knee, she wanted to know every detail of how that happened, and you and me both, Bodes.

Wednesday it was class, there was only me and three older guys who turned up, so it was a focussed class. ( cut for exercise stuff )

We went to see Project Hail Mary at the cinema. I thought it was great, but for those who like to play along with the game, James fell asleep watching it.

Though he gets a pass as he had a busy end of the week, volunteering to go teach pyrography to a group one afternoon, which he was nervous about as it's not something he'd done before. Then the next day, had to go for a health screening that included the longest attempt to take blood yet. Seriously, nearly an hour, and two doctors later I was ready to call it on his behalf when finally, the younger doctor finally managed to find a vein.

He's at work today, then off from tomorrow starting the last week of his use it or lose it annual leave. As of now our only concrete plans are going to the Odeon to the The Magic Faraway Tree, which I'm looking forward to so much, and James to do his second pyrography class. But, I'm sure the remaining days will soon be filled.

Oh, and Murphy caught a mouse yesterday. I was having a sleep-in and woke up to James at the bottom of the bed holding a mouse. Turned out Murphy had caught it downstairs, then when James went to see what all the commotion was, ran upstairs. I'm just glad James did follow and get the mouse from him, as I would have hated to wake to it actually on the bed with me.

Today is exercise only class again, but until then, this house isn't going to tidy itself. I may even put the first wash of the year on the line as it looks sunny and breezy out there.

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Mon, 23 Mar 2026 12:25:53 GMT

It was a full week last week.

James had to take the rest of his annual leave or lose it, so only worked two days last week. And will only work two this week and then one next week, so score for him.

Which meant we got to get a lot done. One day we finally renewed our Beamish annual ticket and had our first visit there this year. We walked half the site, and had a really nice day in the spring sunshine. James did a post to his TikTok account if you want to see some of the site, that's here.

That same day we also picked up one of Re.F.Use's waste not fruit and vegetable boxes, and came home with a big crate of fresh food. I was the first person picking -- they leave the crates in a covered area, and you just pull up and pick up the one you want, so I went for the one that had a punnet of blueberries on top. Of course there were the usual lemons and grapefruit I never know what to do with, but mostly it was an excellent selection. The extra this time was each crate had a bunch of tulips on top and very pretty they were too.

Another day we went to the cinema to see Mother's Pride, and I enjoyed it lots.

On the not so enjoyable side, I came down with a horrible head cold, and started to declutter the garage which was a dirty and challenging job. But, a load of stuff went to the tip yesterday so we've made a start.

Saturday was another craft fair, and we actually made more than we spent this time, so things are going in the right direction. But, I must admit, after four Saturdays in a row, I'm glad we're having a break from craft fairs this weekend coming.

Rosie was also back, so I went to two classes. The weekend before Monday's class she sent a group message asking people not to ask her why she'd been off as it was complicated. Which, fair enough, I would have hoped no one would ask anyway, but she obviously needed that extra reassurance. Class went well, a bit awkward at times as she seemed a bit reluctant to chat as much as she used to. No doubt worried what people would say, but it was only a small group of people who've been with her for a very long time, so by the end things seemed back to normal.

Wednesday was the talk/exercise class plus we had a one to one after class, so I'll cut as I'm going to talk about weight stuff. ( behind here )

Class should have been this morning but wasn't on, though Rosie did stress this was a planned thing and everything will be back to normal from Wednesday. So I've been to the gym first thing, along with half the population of my town it seemed.

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Sun, 15 Mar 2026 14:57:09 GMT

Happy Mother's Day to all that celebrate today. I got a lovely text from Corey saying he'd phone on his way home from work. Which is thankfully around 8 today and not late shift bar closing hours.

It was the Consett Cats craft fair yesterday. I knew going in we wouldn't make any money due to the location, and that's exactly what happened. But what I did do was get to talk to many other adopters, give some money to the rescue from items that did sell, and come home with a Consett Cat tote bag and a ridiculous amount of baked goods and cake. Even more cake than I planned as I was talking to one of the bakers at the end of the afternoon and she asked if I wanted to take three leftover cupcakes, and really, how could I say no?

There was also an Easter egg drive in the run up to the fair, with the donated eggs being put in brown bags and sealed up for a lucky wheel spin. At first they used the wheel correctly, but they'd had so many eggs donated by the end of the fair anyone spinning the wheel won an egg no matter if it landed on win or lose. At £2 a spin I got the eggs I need for the nieces and nephews, and maybe a spare for myself.

There was another good thing, the lady on the table next to us was a professional shopper for M&S for her day job and she was giving us tips on stall product placement and most interesting, the new trends coming in. Apparently, it's going to be tissue box covers, decorative trays that hold candles etc that can sit on coffee tables, wooden bangles and hare decorations. Now, most of those James can do, maybe not the bangles, but the rest, yeah. So, I think he's going to try for some of those for the next fair, which is this coming Saturday.

I enjoyed the season finale of Star Trek Academy, and am glad that season two has not only already being announced, but shown as wrapped via an Insta video from Karim Diane. It really has been my favourite new show recently, and there's not a character I don't like.

I've also watched the last ep of Call the Midwife, and what a bittersweet episode it was. The show did lose it's way a little at times, and was often the Dr Turner show, but I did enjoy it and will be watching the film and prequel show while waiting for season 16 to eventually be show, which will be a while from what the show creatorshave stated.

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Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:43:14 GMT

I got mail from romantical, thank you so much! ♥

Good news, Rosie has resurfaced!

She messaged yesterday apologising for not being in touch and for any confusion and frustration that had caused. Then said both classes would be back next week, and asked if I wanted a one to one/weigh in this Thursday or Friday. That would have been fine for me, but James always gets his at the same time and would have been at work, so the appointment was pushed back to next Wednesday after class.

Of course, I told her she has nothing to apologise for. Obviously something has been wrong, and while I do think the organisers of the scheme should have kept people informed better than they did, I don't blame Rosie herself for needing and taking the time off.

So, you can be glad I'll stop posting about her being MIA, and instead will change back to posting about her being evil!Rosie again. Which she will be, I suspect I'll need scooped off the floor after class on Monday after two months off. And yes, I've still been going to the gym, but I know I don't push myself as much on my own, especially so as all the strength machines are done sitting down.

I continue to be amused about the TikTok colab offers that James receives. The latest was for black hair dye, and all I could think was, do they even look at the people they're offering this stuff to?

Look who's finally using the ( the wall furniture )

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Sun, 08 Mar 2026 16:22:48 GMT

It was the second craft fair of the year yesterday, and it went okay. Quiet with only a few sales, but at least we made our table costs this time, and even had money left over after buying coffee. Not that it started that well, it was held in a church, which is a lovely venue, but to get there you have to park on the other side of a very busy road and go down to the greenman crossing. We did that, James carrying the A Frame we use to hang the hanging stuff, me trundling the festival trolled loaded with two big crates and three bags. Finally got to the other side of the road only for some guys in a passing van to yell we'd dropped a bag, and yep, there it was sitting on the other side of the busy road.

Thankfully, some lovely ladies grabbed it and brought it over to me, but still, not the best start.

We were talking to the organiser at the end of the fair, and I was saying how we hadn't made the table cost at our last fair and she was worried the same had happened that day. I could reassure her that wasn't the case, but even if it was, it's our risk to take. At this time of year we're really just out keeping PyroRex's presence going, hanging on until people have spare money again.

To which end, we're at another fair next Saturday, this one in aid of the cat rescue. Historically, not a good one for sales at any time of the year due to the location which has no passing footfall, but a cause we believe in so we'll be there trying to raise some funds for both us and the cats.

Right now James and my Sil are out watching Chris McCausland's stand up show which started at 4. It's their thing, watching comedy shows together. It's also a show they've been waiting a long time for as James bought the ticket back in 2024 as a Christmas present for my SiL thinking the show was happening in 2025, but in fact, it was actually March 26. So, after all that time I hope they enjoy it.

He sent me a message earlier, and I thought he'd managed to see Chris or something, but nope, he'd spotted one of the new Just Eat robot delivery things that have just arrived in Sunderland and sent me a video of it trundling past. They are cool to see, though, I do wonder how long it'll be before one ends up thrown in the river wear or vandalised.

And now as I have an evening alone I intend to have an early lobster bath and book. I know, shocker, right?

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Tue, 03 Mar 2026 16:29:53 GMT

I had my behind the knee scan today. My appointment was at 8:30, I was at the place by 8:10, waited until exactly half past, when I was taken to the scan room and scanned and done within ten minutes. Apparently results will be sent to my doctor in about a week, so guess we'll see if anything shows then.

As I was in the same building I'd always planned to go to the gym after my appointment, which is exactly what I did. The receptionist called me over on the way in, asking if I'd had news about Rosie, as it seems they're as clueless as me. We got to talking, and I was saying how I missed the class, and the receptionist said why didn't I try one of the actual gym classes.

I admitted to her that they still intimidate me a little, so she said there another class that was for beginners and could be adapted. It has two levels, one for people who need to sit while exercising, and a next level class for those that could stand but could adapt moves if needed.

I was a bit unsure, so she said she'd sent the trainer in to see me so we could have a talk, and well, I'm going back to the gym and to the level two class in about an hour. I have to admit though, after talking to him, where he gave me an example of the stuff they do, I suspect it won't be challenging enough. But, even if it's not, it's making me accountable to actually go back out and do something.

This burst of energy is helped by the fact it's a gorgeous day today, cool, but so sunny it lifted my spirits when I was out walking earlier.

ETA: I got distracted by a survey and had to leave in hurry to get there on time, so couldn't post before leaving. I'm back home again now and like I suspected the class was easy, only three circuits of 5 exercises, and you got to sit down between each circuit. I'll go back as I do like the community aspect of the classes, plus there's the walk either side on top, but doubt I'll break a sweat while there.

The survey I talked about amused me. The screener was have you watched Heated Rivalry, so of course I had to click yes, and then ended up with a survey that kept asking if I related to Shane and Ilya personally, and especially, to their sexual relationship. It was quite easy to say my own relationship may not be that intense.

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Fri, 27 Feb 2026 14:51:49 GMT

The other day I got excellent mail from misbegotten, thank you so much! ♥

Class wasn't on this week, and isn't on next week either, yet again cancelled via the main Friday newsletter and not Rosie herself. I really hope she's okay, and more selfishly, that she's back asap. I'm missing my routine, and my friends from class.

It was the first craft fair of the year last Saturday, but sadly it was a bust with all of three sales totalling £7. A profit that was quickly reversed by the £15 table fee, two cups of coffee and a toastie for £4, two goes at the cat rescue tombola for £2, two strips of raffle tickets for £2 -- though we did win a very cool 3D printed elephant from that -- and Bodhi and Kayleigh calling in to see us, which resulted in me buying Bodes a Stitch cup for £5. So yeah, that £7 didn't last long.

But, on the plus side, we met up with our crafting friends again, and it wasn't just our stall. Talking to people who've been doing the craft fair circuits for years, the first few months are always apparently dire for sales, which makes sense I guess. I know the woman who has the table next to ours had no sales either, and she has a fantastic stall as she does the fairs as a full-time job.

So, this coming weekend off, but then three different Saturday fairs in March, and I have to have hope that they will be better. But some crafty plusses, James sold another piece from the craft shop and just got another commission from TikTok, so those are working out nicely. Another story from TikTok, apparently, once you hit over 5k followers, brands can get in touch about collaborations, where you get sent free products and get commission for selling them on your page. James got his first two offers yesterday, a face roller, and what keeps making me laugh each time I think about it, a wine glass that's cut in half, so you can drink half a cup of wine. Sadly, he said no to rolling his face and the strange glasses.

I don't think I said, but I got a call from the pharmacy last week saying the manufacturers of my compressions had just been in touch saying they didn't have the mango yellow colour. Now, this was weeks after the script had been put in, and only hours after I'd called into the pharmacy to ask if the compressions had arrived yet. You could say it was a total coincidence that the manufacturer happened to pick that afternoon to get in touch with the pharmacy to say they couldn't fulfil part of the order. Or you could say the pharmacy messed up again somehow and had just sent over the script when I reminded them. I know which one I'm leaning towards.

Bodhi's on half-term holiday from school this week, so I've seen her a few times. She was here for a few hours on Tuesday and was most disgusted when she found out that not only was I married to a boy but that I had kissed him too. Apparently, that was all kinds of wrong and yucky *g*

She was also here yesterday and had me doing back to back games of the floor is lava, copying the actions from videos we were watching on tv. Thankfully, she left just before the Bluey version that had Bingo doing the worm across the floor. Because spinning I could do, jumping, too, just! But the worm, not so much.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:32:00 GMT

Thank you to everyone who sent me birthday messages yesterday. It's always lovely to be remembered and I appreciate everyone who took the time to get in touch.

I had a nice day. I asked for some wax melts and bath stuff from James, and that's exactly what he got. turlough sent me the most beautiful, sparkly scarf which I really love a lot. We went to MetroCentre where we had dinner at Wagamamas -- this time we had the cut price lunch special menu, which meant I wasn't tempted by the firecracker option again. Then went off to watch Wuthering Heights, which was actually quite entertaining and visually, lovely to watch. Well, I say watch, I saw it all, James fell asleep about 30 minutes in.

Corey phoned when I was eating, so it was a quick talk, especially as he was getting ready for work, but it was lovely to hear from him.

I also had a look into Lush and with apologies to everyone I've already mentioned this to elsewhere, I couldn't believe how much the prices have shot up again. I got a Paddington Marmalade sandwich bubble bar, which smells delicious and I'll enjoy using it, but it was £9.50. No wonder I stick to just getting Lush in the half price sale now.

Left Metro and went to Kayleigh's where I got the most adorable card from Bodhi, and my brother turned up too with a beautiful bouquet of flowers, which was very unexpected of him. But mainly, I enjoyed hanging with my sibs, Bodhi and James, as it's not often we all get together like that.

Then when I got home, much later than I expected, I had a caterpillar birthday cake to eat. And very delicious it was, too. I posted some photos here if anyone wants to see.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2026 14:44:56 GMT

Make a Top Ten list for your favourite music picks and share what you love about them. This can be in any format - songs, artists, albums, music videos, soundtracks, scores, something else not mentioned here. If it's vaguely related to music, it ticks the box, so go with whatever you like!

( in here )

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Sun, 15 Feb 2026 18:23:58 GMT

I was shocked to hear about the passing of spikedluv obituary is here and you can also see comments on her last post on her journal.

It feels like she's always been around, and I'll miss her comments and constant support. I'll also miss her daily posts, both fannish and real life, which especially included her happiness as she wrote Jessica Fletcher into multiple other shows.

My love goes out into the universe for Spikedluv's family and friends. And thank you to those who started passing the word.

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Fri, 13 Feb 2026 16:33:09 GMT

Challenge two.

Make a Top Ten list for your favourite series and tell people exactly why you love it. This can be in any format - tv series, book series, radio plays, movie sequels, something else not mentioned here. Your series can be as short as two vaguely linked pieces of media and as long as... well, the sky is your limit. Whatever you like!

I went for tv shows and book series I've loved, which are behind ( here )

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Thu, 12 Feb 2026 15:22:03 GMT

It was Corey's birthday yesterday so as it was James' day off, we drove to Corey's place to see him. I can't believe he's 30 now, it doesn't seem that long ago I was posting photos of him on LJ where he was wearing his yellow Easter bonnet and going to junior school. A couple of photos from yesterday are on Insta if you follow me on there.

Other than that, we went to Pauline's to pick up Corey's card, and she made us some lunch, and also passed on more books. At this rate, even if I could read a book a day it would take months to clear my to-read pile.

We also went to pick up a slab of live edged wood James had bought from someone online and man, that thing was heavy, and as long as the back seat of our car. Thankfully, my brother said he'd cut it into smaller pieces so I could drop it off at his house and didn't have to carry it home.

This morning I finally got my appointment for the scan behind my knee. That's the beginning of next month at 8:30, in the walk in centre that's in the same building as the gym so it'll be no issue having a walk down. It says to allow 30 minutes, so I should be all done and dusted by mid-morning, and fingers crossed, have the start of some answers.

Now I need to prise my backside off my chair and go rescue the wheelie bin as I've just heard it be trundled back by my neighbour and for once, it's not raining right at this moment. But then later, after bath and book and making tea, new Starfleet Academy, my new favourite show.

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Sat, 07 Feb 2026 14:35:57 GMT

Bodhi and Kayleigh have just been for a visit. Kayleigh went upstairs to do some resin work while I played with Bodhi downstairs. We were watching Pango on the computer and the fox character did something silly. So I said he was a silly fox. At which point I was soundly told off for using unkind words. So yet again, consider me told.

A few days ago dine posted about the festivids being live so I went to check them out and found an excellent MCR video. I enjoyed it lots, and also enjoyed seeing the names in comments of many old bandom fans. It's nice to know they're still out there, even if they don't come here now.

There is also a great The Pitt one here. Just, be aware of the content notes, but you know, it's The Pitt, such a brilliant show, but it'll rip out your heart and stomp on it.

And a more up-beat The Pitt one here. But again, The Pitt so up-beat along with scenes of medical stuff, blood etc.

To end on three separate things, The Craft Shop posted photos of James' restocked shelves here on Insta if anyone would like to see.

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Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:03:23 GMT

Apparently it's been getting bad reviews, but I'm still enjoying Starfleet Academy. I can't say which character I like the most, as I like them all. Though, Jay-Den is up there if I was forced to pick. I'm also enjoying how they keep referring to previous series, each mention of Voyager makes me beam, because that's still my Trek. Loved this latest ep too ( cut for spoilers )

It's raining, cold and windy today. It's been cold and rainy and windy for what feels weeks now, and the week ahead forecast is rain, wind, and cold. Joy. I don't mind going out in the rain, but do protest at going out into sleety rain that's lashing against my face due to the wind. Roll on some spring sunshine.

As part of the weight management programme I get an email on a Friday summing up the talks for the previous weeks, a couple of recipes and saying what sessions will be held the upcoming week. I read the email earlier and the sessions for my class are cancelled again next week, which does make me worry that something has gone wrong for Rosie as this would be a month the classes have been cancelled.

I've been trying to organise a wider family meal for Corey's birthday next week, and am getting nowhere. People are either broke or at work or school, so getting everyone together on his actual birthday week is a no-go. At this point, I'll be surprised if I can arrange anything this month at all.

Nearly bath and book time. I'm reading The Inheritance by Ilona Andrews atm and enjoying it. I knew I would, as their writing always hits the spot for me.

Oh, talking of books. When we went to restock some stock at the Craft Shop, the bookshop opposite was open, and all the books are free! You're limited to 6 items a day, and how I walked out with nothing still amazes me. Also great, they take books as donations so I can donate a load of books that I've read already.

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Mon, 02 Feb 2026 15:52:53 GMT

Excellent news, one of James' pieces at the craft shop has sold! Admittedly, only £8 made, but his first shop sale :D

Rosie sent a text last night that both classes were cancelled this week. I hope she's okay because this is the third week with cancellations now.

The challenge this week is Make a Top Ten list for your favourite standalone media and tell people exactly why you love it. This can be in any format - movies, one shot dramas, novels, short stories, plays, something else not mentioned here. Whatever you like!

My initial thought was films, because goodness knows I go to see enough of them, but even looking at my letterboxd page wasn't narrowing things down. So then I thought, my YouTube history and the videos I like the most. I took out song vids of TV shows, actual song vids themselves, and was left with a list of videos I love and have played repeatedly.

Now, technically, some don't really fit into the standalone media, hell, a point could be made that most of them don't. But they are moments in time that delight me, and I say that's good enough for a squee challenge.

You can see the actual challenge here

And if anyone didn't expect the rooftop video to be number one, do you even know me?

The rooftop dance -- come on, years later, and it's still my number one played video on YouTube. I love this so much.

( the rest behind here )

And that ends the top ten of my most watched standalone Youtube videos. What they say about me, I'll let you decide. Actually, checking the preview, not only does it say I can't answer a challenge correctly, it says I can't count either. But I can't seem to cut one of my list now. So, welcome to my top 11 I guess!

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Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:20:32 GMT

I got excellent mail yesterday, thank you, spikedluv, for the Valentine's card. It's always lovely to get stuff that isn't a bill ♥

Yesterday I also went to see Kangaroo at the cinema. It's such a feel good, easy watch film and I enjoyed it so much.

We'd gone to Subway for dinner beforehand, and also picked up a Subway cookie and bread Too Good to Go bag afterwards -- four empty but still warm and soft, foot longs and a big bag of cookies for £3.50 -- so that meant a sandwich for tea, and also some things needed for James' bait for work partially sorted.

Feb 1st today, and for the month dreamersdare is hosting Stuff I Love: Top Ten Edition. More details are at the post, but generally the aim is simple, each week in Feb you'll be challenged to write a themed top ten list with a focus on different aspects of media. It sounds fun, and very low pressured. If you want to see more, you can do so here

I'm going to give it a go, and am looking forward to seeing what other people love, too.

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Fri, 30 Jan 2026 16:51:37 GMT

Not going to lie, I'm sick of seeing the rain and grey skies. I mean, I keep seeing small signs of spring, like, the daffodils are pushing through in the garden, but right now the nicer weather feels far away.

Though, at least it's not as bad as Tuesday. There was a horrible storm that day, and I'd got ready for the gym, bag packed, water bottle full, everything, when the heavens opened, and it didn't stop lashing down with rain until the next day. So much so the toilet roof leaked again, which is always fun. A huge mature tree was also blow over close by, so I decided to stay home that day.

Rosie cancelled class on Monday, and then did the same on Wednesday, which is a shame. But, it's good she did as I had an appointment for my B12 injection before class. That usually takes less than five minutes and as the doctors is minutes away from the gym, the timing is usually perfect. But not this time, as I got there and was told I was having a bariatric review. Which I'll cut for as it mentions weight etc ( behind here )

When I left that appointment I went to talk to the receptionist to check my new below knee compressions had been ordered, and they hadn't. The receptionist wasn't happy at all, as this was 8 days after my lymph appointment and what is supposed to happen is the hospice sends the script and measurements to the doctor, who approves the order and sends it off to the chemist, who then send it off so the garments are made. What had happened is the doctor practice got the script, and then did nothing with it.

I've known the receptionist as long as I've been attending that doctors, so a very long time, and she promised she'd get things sorted, and must have done as I got a message from the practice manager the next day saying the script and measurements had been sent. But really, is it so hard to do things properly and now I'll have to wait longer for my jazzy new knee highs.

James has been back at work this week, which meant we were back to pre 6am starts. He was also supposed to take my youngest nephew to a football match early tomorrow, which would have meant another early start. But the tournament has been cancelled due to a water logged pitch, so lie in for me. That and a cinema visit for us I think. No idea what to see, but something will catch our eye.

Now though, lobster bath and book, make tea when James gets home from work, then new Starfleet Academny to watch, which has quickly become one of my new favourite shows.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2026 16:58:20 GMT

It was Murphy and Kevin's annual booster and check-up appointment this morning. Both were fine, but Murphy is now over 7kg which isn't ideal. The problem is he needs the prescription dry food to help with his bladder stone issues, and eating that isn't helping with the weight gain. Thankfully, the vet said you can buy the prescription kind he needs in a lower calorie format, so we'll be buying that when his latest bag is finished.

Poor Murphy was so frightened, though. Understandable as the last two times he was at the vets he ended up whisked away to the emergency vets and admitted.

Kevin was just his usual self, in perfect health apart from his chronic congestion, and he was jumping around and exploring the room, being his usual, purr'ey, friendly self. Then covered his face is lick e lix when I fed him one as a distraction as he got his nails trimmed.

( two recent photos )

Rosie texted last night to say class was cancelled today. I'm assuming for personal reasons due to the late communication. That did make going to the vets easier as before I would have had to go there, come home, drop off the cats and then quickly head for the gym, hoping the vets appointment didn't overrun. Which it actually did due to us being seen late, so time would have been tight.

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Sat, 24 Jan 2026 17:03:21 GMT

I got great mail yesterday, a parcel from turlough.

Thank you so much for the birthday present, Turlough. I'll keep it safe, and unopened, until my actual birthday, that way I know I'll have a lovely surprise to open. Though, I must admit, I was tempted to open it right now. You're the best ♥

Other than that it was a busy day as we went off and stocked James' unit at the craft shop, and very nice it looks too. He's between a sea glass unit and one that seems to sell a mixture of things, so the wood stands out nicely. I'm still not sure how profitable it's going to be, but the ladies running the shop are lovely and didn't charge for this last week of Jan, which was good of them. If you want to see, I've uploaded a photo here

Then, after stocking the unit we first, took Megan -- Kayleigh's cat -- to the vet and then went to pick Bodhi up from school as Kayleigh and Lucy were having a cinema and meal out day date. Bodhi was just as fun, and four going on fourteenish as usual. She wanted to give me some presents, including, a piece of paper to cut, four toy dragons, one of Kayleigh's bras and a Stitch hat. When I told her that it wouldn't fit my head she told me it had a thing at the back that made the hat bigger and how did I not know that as grown-ups are supposed to know everything. So, consider me told yet again. And also wonder when I'll become this magical grown up that does know everything.

Then later, it was The Traitors final episode which I'd been looking forward to so much. That show though, it had me on the end of my seat a few times thinking something was going to happen that didn't. But I was happy with the ending.

Today was a cinema day and as James had a Wagamama gift voucher, we went there for dinner. I had the silken tofu firecracker curry, and every bite teetered on the edge of being too hot. Which was my fault, as I did see the name. But still, it was tasty despite it making my nose run.

We'd gone to see Mercy which has been getting some bad reviews but despite being ridiculous in places, still kept me in suspense all the way through. I especially liked the concept of the film being the same time length of the trial on-screen, as the countdown was shown often, making it easy to work out when to dash out for a toilet break.

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Wed, 21 Jan 2026 15:35:32 GMT

I really didn't want to go to class on Monday. It was cold, it was wet, my friend/usual partner had messaged saying she couldn't come that day, and everything was just, meh. But I gave my head a shake and made myself go, and was glad I did. It was another big class with only five of us oldies there, I got partnered with someone new who was very nice, and we had a laugh. I'm especially glad I went as class was cancelled for today, so it would have been another week without having a supervised session.

We went to see 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and man, the violence was so much worse, and graphic, than the last one. It was well acted, how some fabulous visuals and acting, especially by Ralph Fiennes and Jack O'Connell, but I really wouldn't recommend it due to the excessive amount of gore.

Yesterday was my six monthly lymphedema appointment ( cut for details )

TV wise, I watched the first ep of Starfleet Academy and really enjoyed it. As I'm also watching Strange New Worlds still, I'm just rolling in Trek stuff atm, which is a lovely place to be.

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Thu, 15 Jan 2026 16:24:39 GMT

Some good things that have happened recently.

pensnest, your parcel arrived. So far Kevin has been in the cave bed and Murphy has sat on top of it. Thankfully, not at the same time. Thank you so much.

James' work sent him a card signed by his whole team along with some money from a collection his team leader had arranged. I'd like to say this was a surprise, but she'd accidentally copied him into the arranging email a few weeks ago, and he'd seen before the email had been retracted. But, surprise or not, it was lovely people had put in money, especially a such an expensive time of the year. He's thinking of using it to buy our new Beamish yearly pass, which seems a good idea to me.

James also got a phone call to say he had a space in a craft shop. The way it works is you can pay to hire a unit with four shelves and a hanging space, then the shop sells the products for you. We'd inquired last year, but there were no spaces then, but two units had come free, and he'd been given one of them. It's £40 a month rental, which is under the price we'd pay for four weekends/tables at craft fairs, but with much less work. Obviously, we've no idea how profitable this will be, but it's worth a go, and when we went to the shop earlier to check out details, it was lovely to see his name already up there on his unit. Now, he just needs to work out what to take to the shop, and get his stock levels back up. But, the shop is aware of circumstances, and have said to go and fill the shelves when he feels up to it.

16 people were at exercise only class on Monday, the most we've had ever. More than half of those were newbies, so many of them that I couldn't even say hello to every new starter, something I always try to do. Why I'm adding it to the good things list though is, I asked if there was a risk of having to leave the programme being as it was getting so busy, and I'm well over the official graduation time, but Rosie reassured me that I didn't have to go anywhere.

A new Starbucks opened in my town today, so we had a wander down to check it out. The place was buzzing, and we were well past the first 50 people who were given free coffee. But, when we had to go outside to try to log onto the app due to terrible connection inside, one of the managers saw and gave us both free coffee vouchers anyway. So, I got a pistachio matcha latte, and very tasty it was, too.

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Sat, 10 Jan 2026 15:47:29 GMT

Rosie sent out a message on Tuesday night that due to the weather, she was only going to do the exercise part of class on Wednesday, as it was too cold to sit for the talk for an hour. The part of the gym we use does have heating, but class starts at 9am, and it's a big hall with huge windows that we use, so no way would it have been heated enough for sitting around.

So, that's exactly what happened, I slip-slided down with James and for ages we were the only people who turned up. Then three other hardy souls turned up, and it was a nice, quiet class. Though, after the main exercise part, Rosie said we were going to do a finisher before cool down. The finisher turned out to be a version of this. I did not know about the Bring Sally Up squat challenge, I feel my life was better when I didn't know.

After class, we drove my friend home as the pavements were horribly icy, then onto my SiL's because we were taking my MiL's clothes to a charity shop, then from there, went to a florist to order some flowers. While there's going to be no actual service, the funeral director said flowers could still go into the garden of remembrance after, so it felt right to order some.

Thursday, James went with my SiL to close down bank accounts, while I stayed home as my brother was coming over to do a couple of jobs for us. He moved the front step rail so it was actually attached to the steps, and not the ground, so James could actually reach it easily, and also attached some cat things to the living room wall. So, next to the cat tower they now have a high up hammock, a set of stairs and some steps. I thought they'd be straight up there exploring, especially Kevin, but so far all they'd done is stand on the steps.

It was good to spend some time with my brother, and we ended up having long conversations about many things.

Yesterday it was still very cold, but the snow had mostly melted, so I headed to Durham with James for a quick walk. Sadly, while there I saw one of my favourite charity shops, the one where every item of clothing was £1, was closing for good that day. Because of that they didn't have much stock in terms of clothes, but they did have books which they were selling for 5 for £1. I swear, I'll never get through my to-read pile at this rate.

Then today a delivery is due. It had a time frame of 7am to 7pm, but the company said they'd text with a four-hour window. Which they did, sending the message just after 7, saying our delivery window was 2-6, which is typical after getting up so early. But, the delivery guy phoned about 30 mins away saying he'd be about an hour, so the waiting will soon be over.

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