Fresh Start Mondays

Mondays are brilliant. They are a fresh start, a chance to take a new direction, and great day to be alive!

Half of my morning routine has been done, and the rest will be completed after breakfast. I found the shoulder exercises too much at this point, so have dropped to 20 of the V lifts in the morning and evening. This is putting less pressure on my shoulders, but is still giving them a work out. I've walked half a mile, and now I'm tucking into breakfast. It's porridge (1/3 cup of gluten-free oats, 2/3 cups of water, and microwaved for 90s) topped with apples, cranberries and cinnamon. A batch of the fruit topping was cooked up at the end of last week and popped in the fridge. I scoop out what I need each morning. Once this lot has been eaten I'll make a mixed berries one.

This is all part of the scheme to declutter my body and make it healthier.

Full of Veggie Goodness!

Way back in the spring, my breathing was compromised. My GP prescribed a course of steroids, and it worked wonders. Not just for my breathing/coughing, but also my consumption of fruit and vegetables. The medication caused almost everything to taste of saccharine. It was not pleasant. The only things I could taste were fruit and vegetable, so I naturally ate more of them. This has been good for the family's health, and also for the shopping bills. Eating more fresh veggies has led to a reduction in our food bills. 

There has been one thing we have struggled with, and that's the size of our fridge. It's now too small to cope with the fresh produce. We had been considering a new fridge and have now taken the plunge. The fridge is being delivered on Wednesday. 

The old fridge was bought 18 years ago. It's time to say 'goodbye'. 

Sea Foam Shawl (part 3)

This shawl has a garter stitch border of 3 stitches, a central single stocking stitch, and these are separated by lines of yarn over holes. The shawl starts with stocking stitch panels. 

After the first ball of yarn has been knitted up, the stocking stitch pattern continues until the total number of stitches is a multiple of 36, plus an additional 7 stitch. The pattern then switches to a modified 'Old Shale' design. Old Shale is worked over 18 sts, and 4 rows. This modified Old Shale is worked over 18sts and 2 rows. 

The Shawl is finished with 6 rows of garter stitch, and ends with a stretchy lace cast off.

Company: Drops

Yarn: Kid-Silk

Composition: 75% mohair, 25% silk

Colour:  Sea foam (25)

Dyelot: 7619

Pattern: 

Needles: 5mm

Balls used: 2 balls

Cast on 11 sts. Knit two rows.

1. K3, yo, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, yo, k3.
2. K3, purl to last 3 sts, k3. (All even rows.)
3. K3, yo, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4, yo, k3.
5. K3, yo, k6, yo, k1, yo, k6, yo, k3.
7. K3, yo, k8, yo, k1, yo, k8, yo, k3.

Continue in this manner until there are a multiple of 36, plus 7 stitches on the needles. For my shawl, this was 223 stitches. Finish with a purl row.

1. K3, yo, [PM, k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) x6, k2tog 3 times,] yo, k1, yo, [PM, k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) x6, k2tog 3 times] yo, k3. Repeat the sections in square brackets as many times as necessary. 
2. K3, purl to last 3 sts, k3. As you come to each stitch marker move it from the left to right needle. (All even rows.)
3. K3, yo, k1, [k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) x6, k2tog 3 times,] k1, yo, k1, yo, k1,[k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) x6, k2tog 3 times] k1, yo, k3.
5. K3, yo, k2, [k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) x6, k2tog 3 times,] k2, yo, k1, yo, k2,[k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) x6, k2tog 3 times] k2, yo, k3. 
K3, yo, k3, [k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) x6, k2tog 3 times,] k3, yo, k1, yo, k3,[k2tog 3 times, (yo, k1) x6, k2tog 3 times] k3, yo, k3. 

Strengthening Shoulders and Reducing Arm Jiggle

My shoulders have dislocated more times that I could possibly count. I want to build up my muscles to hold the joints in place properly. My arms are weak and jiggly; it would be great to increase their strength and decrease their jiggle. 

To this end, I have started following a youtube video for exactly these outcomes. Yesterday I was able to do 15 repeats of the first two exercises. Today I managed 20. Both were done using 0.5kg weights. The instructor was showing how to do this using 3kg weights! Perhaps she has a little more practise in these exercises than I have.

My intention is to do the first two exercises 20 times each until they become easier. Then I'll add in the next exercise, etc. There 12 exercises! The next stage will be to increase the weights.

Routine Morning Annoyance

My new expanded Morning Routine is creating mild levels of annoyance. I do the old routine, and think I'm done, and then realise I have more to do. When the tasks are done I feel good, and often want to complete an 'occasional task'. These are the ones that don't need to be done every day, or even every week. I look and think "Ah yes, this needs to be done." and I do it. When you get into a cleaning habit, you notice things at and earlier stage, and start tackling them before they become too bad.

Something I have been noticing is I don't want to go into the dining room to work on craft project, but instead gravitate to the sitting room or my bedroom. When I'm in the midst of a project I don't mind the dining room, but there is a little hurdle opening the door and walking inside. Methinks I need to spend more time in there, not less, and get that room decluttered and sorted!

Evening Routine

My Evening Routine has been a bit more 'hit and miss' than the Morning one. I suspect this is because I am a morning person, and am at my best at the start rather than the end of the day.

These are the things I want to have done before I go to bed. It doesn't matter to me who does them, except for the sitting in bed crafting whilst listening to a story. That one is mine, and I'm not giving it up! Ideally, I would like the dishes put away before bed, but it's not high on my priorities just now.

• wash dishes
• wipe kitchen (cooker front, hob, appliances)
• tidy sofa
• straighten coffee table
• pick up clutter from the kitchen and sitting room
• take out rubbish from kitchen and sitting room
• put away laundry
• sit in bed listening to an audio book whilst crafting

In the previous version of the Evening Routine, I had 'put dirty clothes in the washing basket'. This is now so ingrained I do it automatically. Strangely enough, I also automatically make my bed in the morning, but I have chosen to leave that on the list. It gives me 'an easy win' first thing. 

Another task no longer on my Evening Routine is 'lay out clothes for the morning'. This was really useful when I was working outside of the house. Having my clothes ready and waiting for me made the morning smoother. It's not something I need now. And with a fully stocked wardrobe, neatly laid out, it's easy to select appropriate clothing in the morning. When I start doing things outside of the home first thing, I'll go back to laying out my clothes in the evening.

Expanded Morning Routine

The Morning Routine I set up back in March has been going really well. Since then I've added 'wipe and swish the loo'. That particular item isn't yet truly routine. My suspicion is I need to do this the first time I use the loo. This is often just after I have woken up. It doesn't feel so bad doing it at that stage of the day. The other items I do pretty much without thinking.

Here's the new routine I'm trying out. Some of the tasks on the previous list have been teased apart a little and made more explicit, and I have added 'walk' as an item. This is to remind myself it is important to get up and moving.

• wipe bathroom sink
• wipe bathroom mirror
• wipe upstairs loo
• make beds
• straighten bedside table
• pick up clothes
• put away dishes
• wash breakfast dishes
• wipe work tops
• sweep kitchen floor
• wipe downstairs loo
• wash a load of laundry
• walk 
• plan day

Week 30: Jewellery and Accessories

Monday: Read Organized Home Challenge #30: Jewellery & Accessories

Tuesday: Declutter jewellery box

Wednesday: Declutter and organize earrings, necklaces and rings

Thursday: Declutter and organize belts and ties

Friday: Declutter and organize scarves and tights

Saturday: Declutter hair accessories

Sunday: Declutter glasses and sunglasses

We've been through our jewellery, and there's a number of pieces which are broken. The Elder Offspring is a has a degree in Jewellery making, and she has laid claim to the broken bits. She can either re-use them, or melt the precious metals for use in new items of jewellery.

We don't have much in the way of belts and ties. A quick glance at them was enough to say, 'Yup, all done!' My scarves and tights were decluttered a while back when I was doing the wardrobe and chest of drawers. I think I need to look at my tights again and see if I need to add 'tights' to the shopping list.

Our hair care accessories are minimal, and already decluttered. One pair of glasses has been marked for exit. I have had a pair of prescription sunglasses, but the frames broke. I'm giving myself two weeks to get new frames for them, or the lens and broken frames get put in the bin.

Reflections of Amazon Prime Videos

I have been singularly unimpressed by the Amazon Prime Video sections. The one non-dystopian sci-fi programme I watched was terrible. It was 'Benny Hill in space'. Benny Hill was sketch show comedian in the 70s and 80s. His material was very much of its time, full of stereotypes and institutional sexism. The jokes in the sci-fi programme were utterly cringe worthy and so sexist. The plot was non-existent. 

A couple of other programmes I stopped watching after about 5 minutes because of the sex scenes, swearing and drug taking. I've come to the conclusion I am most definitely not the target audience.

On a positive note, I was able to watch "Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood". It had been recommended to me. It had been on my wishlist. It was an okay film, and I was very happy not to have paid for it. It fell into the category of 'watch it once, and then give the DVD to a charity shop'. 

At the moment, I am against continuing with Prime after the free month. I don't order enough items for the free shipping to be much of a draw. KindleUnlimited seems to be far more to my tastes. 

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Hold on a moment! I have just found "Lucifer"!  I love the programme.

Amazon Prime

On the 11th of July I signed up for Amazon Prime. It was Prime Day, and a steam cleaner I had been thinking about buying for a while was on special offer. (The Vax steam cleaner has been great. We have used it on laminate flooring, vinyl flooring and carpets. All have come up beautifully.)

Part of the Prime deal (free for the first month) is a slew of films, 'television' programmes, music and Kindle books, as well as free shipping on a huge number of different items. I'm just about to watch a film that's been on my wishlist for a little while. This is at no additional cost to me. Likewise, I have just finished the first Harry Potter on Kindle.

At the end of the month I will decide whether I wish to keep the Prime service going (about £8) per month, or not. If I'm reading one book per month, and watching one film, then it is cheaper to do it via Prime than by buying the Kindle book/film directly. However, the question will be whether I can get the titles I want.

Gardening Continues

The brick terrace at the rear of house is starting to look rather subdued in places. The area nearest the house was the least weed infested and that is where we started. At the rate we are going, a third of the terrace will be cleared by the end of the weekend. Admittedly it's the easy third, but a third is a third, and it's not to be sneezed at. 

One lovely discovery is that the rhubarb plant has survived. I'm taking it as a symbol for the rest of the garden. There is hope. With a bit of nurture and care. things will start growing.

In other news, the Sea Foam Shawl is continuing. It's the first time in ages I have worked with mohair and I had forgotten how much it can shed!  Perhaps a black dress was not the best clothing to wear whilst knitting.  Although, I stop knitting from time to time just to feel the beautiful fabric I am creating. 

Sea Foam Shawl

The shawl will start out in stocking stitch. When the first ball of yarn has been finished I'll switch over to a variation on 'Old Shale'.

Gardening

My attention for the last 6 months has been focused on decluttering the contents of the house. Things have slipped in the garden. The place is a bit of a jungle. There's weeds everywhere!

I'm going to employ the strategies that have worked inside the house. The primary one is working in specified chunks of time. Fifteen minutes worked well in the house, but in the garden, it needs to be ten minutes. There's so much low level work my knees and back can't handle the bending for more than ten minutes at a time.

The garden consists of a brick terrace with various planters and pots. I don't think there's anything in the garden I wish to keep, apart from the pots and planters. The weeds, plants, contents of the shed, mirror and broken bench can all go. The plan is to start at the dining room window and work my way down the garden. At the weekend, I'll empty out a couple planters and pots, and ask the Beloved to take the garden waste to the amenities site. The load will be topped off with unwanted items from the garden shed. 

Bit by bit it will get done.  And when it has been done I'll start planning for ways to improve it. It would be good to have a garden to grow things, rather than just a place to dry washing.

Sea Foam Shawl in Drops Kid-Silk

The socks for Elder and Younger Offspring have been completed and handed over. It's time for a project for me now. My choice is a shawl in Drops Kid-Silk. It's a variegated yarn that takes about 50 metres to go from the darkest teal to the lightest. It has to be said the darkest teal isn't actually terribly dark, but it's the darkest colour in the ball.

Normally, the thickness of the yarn informs the size of needles used. However, with mohair it is common to ignore this. Mohair has a bloom, an aura, and it needs space to show.

Company: Drops

Yarn: Kid-Silk

Composition: 75% mohair, 25% silk

Colour:  Sea foam (25)

Dyelot: 7619

Pattern: 

Needles: 5mm

Balls used: (expecting to use 2 balls)

Cast on 11 sts. Knit two rows.

1. K3, yo, k2, yo, k1, yo, k2, yo, k3.
2. K3, purl to last 3 sts, k3. (All even rows.)
3. K3, yo, k4, yo, k1, yo, k4, yo, k3.
5. K3, yo, k6, yo, k1, yo, k6, yo, k3.
7. K3, yo, k8, yo, k1, yo, k8, yo, k3.

Continue in this manner until there are a multiple of 36, plus 7 stitches on the needles. For my shawl, this was 223 stitches. Finish with a purl row.

1. K3, yo, (PM, k3, (yo, k1) x6, k3,) yo, k1, yo, (PM, k3, (yo, k1) x6, k3,) yo, k3
2. K3, purl to last 3 sts, k3. (All even rows.)

Week 29: Decluttering the Bedroom

Monday: Read Organized Home Challenge #29: Master Bedroom

Tuesday: Declutter nightstand

Wednesday: Clean out and declutter under bed

Thursday: Declutter top of dresser

Friday: Declutter dresser drawers

Saturday: Declutter jeans and pants

Sunday: Declutter t-shirts and tops

As with last week's decluttering tasks, it's all already done.

Bye Bye Chest of Drawers

Whilst helping the Younger Offspring to declutter their clothing I realised they have so much!  So very much. We brought down a second wardrobe two weeks ago and this helped greatly, but I realised they didn't have a good storage solution for sweaters and bulkier item. 

The Beloved and I found we didn't need all of the clothes storage we had, so a decent sized chest of drawers in our room was swapped for a small bedside table chest of drawers from the Younger Offspring's room. We can but hope this will enable the Offspring to keep their bedroom a little tidier.

When we were last at the amenities site getting rid of various bits of rubbish, the nursing chair and various cushions, we picked up a simple bench for the Offspring's bedroom. The arrival of the chest of drawers meant the bench had to go. Today, more rubbish left the house. We noted the nursing chair and cushions had been claimed by someone(s). We hope the bench can find a new home too after its little holiday with us. Also picked up were two books, and a brand new paint roller.

Green Mann

Nicola Dixon is a Manx artist who lives in Peel. She was recently commissioned to design a set of stamps for Isle of Man Post. The image above is one she created to accompany the stamps. At CeltFest, I bought a print of the picture and also a mug. A lovely way to spend birthday money.

I love the Manx-ness of the images and that they have such a strong Celtic influence. The colours, landscape and animals are all the ones I see on my little island.

Rent!

Last night was the final production of Rent. The Younger Offspring has been rehearsing in this production for weeks, and it has really paid off. The show was brilliant. There were several times when the tears were just flowing from my eyes. "Will I lose my dignity" set them off big time. The cast brought together the words and the emotions. The layering of the lyrics and the harmonies were sublime. I am at a loss to know how these young people managed to pull of such emotionally charged performances.

I was reminded of my thoughts and feeling when AIDS made its appearance in Scotland. Initially, I fell for the inhuman, amoral, no immoral, rhetoric being spouted by many. There was an overwhelming lack of compassion. The overwhelming noises I heard were 'It's a judgement on sinful lives.' Utter bullshit! It's a disease, and a terrible one. Thankfully, I soon learned to be more compassionate and to see the person, and the utter hypocrisy of the line on sin. Sheer hypocrisy!

The song 'Will I lose my dignity?' brought back memories, not of the ravages of the disease, but of the way in which people with HIV and AIDS were treated. They were stripped of honour, of respect, and shown such disdain. It wasn't a case of losing dignity, but having it violently ripped away.

The young people last night were amazing. They reminded me, I need to speak up for those whose voices are being ignored, and for those whose dignity is being ripped away.

Le Creuset Heaven

For around 25 years, on and off, I have lusted after Le Creuset cookware. This was brought to a head once again whilst watching a cookery programme where the Hairy Bikers were using a beautiful purple skillet. However, as always, the weight of cast iron was too much for my joints. When we were in Gloucester visiting the Elder Offspring, I visited a shop selling Le Crueset and found the skillet above was sufficiently light for me to lift.The skillet can be used on the hob (gas or electric), in the oven, and under the grill. It was added to my wishlist.

So far, it's proved to be very useful in risotto-making and chicken and cider stewing. I've also used it make pancakes, and it was okay, but Ill be using my pancake pan in the future.

It was expensive, one of the most expensive kitchen presents I have received. I'm rather overwhelmed to receive such an expensive gift, and for having that amount of money spent on a skillet. However, it is something that will last and last, and will be used again and again. As items wear out the decision will be taken whether to replace them or no. If we decide to replace, they will be replaced by an item that will last. Buy once, buy well.

Bagels and Hot Chocolate

Oh my goodness! I am loving my new toaster. This morning I had toasted, butter bagels with hot chocolate. It was utterly wonderful.

The family toaster is is gluten-laden, and I can't use it for fear of contamination.It's years since I've had a toasted bagel at home. I've had bagels warmed in the microwave, and they've been fine. But toasted bagels! It's a moment of pure joy, the hot crunch, the slippery, butteryness, and the softness inside.

This toaster has a frozen bread function, and it produces perfect bagels. I tend to keep my gluten-free bread products in the freezer as I don't eat them terribly frequently. Perhaps that should be 'I didn't eat them terribly frequently.'

Many Happy Returns!

Surprise celebrations can be a bit strange. I knew we were going out to dinner, and I had suggested we change the date. The Beloved told me it was not going to be possible, and I could tell something was up, but he wanted it to be a surprise, so I didn't push it. My friends stopped talking to me. My husband was a bit weird, and the Offspring asked a few difficult questions whilst I was in the room. I ignored it all.

The plan, as far as it was told to me, was to go to my favourite restaurant for dinner. When we arrived I saw my friends, F, L and B. I wasn't surprised, but I was very happy. My happiness continued to grown when the Beloved explained to the waiter the table was too small. Another five joined us.

To state it simply, it was wonderful. All the people (on the island) I care most about were there. It was so good. So good I needed to borrow the Beloved's handkerchief  because my eyes were leaking a little. They sang 'Happy Birthday' in with harmonies.  I love these people.

Thank you, my Beloved. You did an excellent job, and I understand how difficult it was not to tell me about your plans.  I love you.

Week 28: Wardrobes and Chests of Drawers

Monday: Read Organized Home Challenge #28: Master Bedroom Closet

Tuesday: Declutter clothes you don't like, fit into or are out of style 

Wednesday: Declutter hanging clothes

Thursday: Declutter formal wear and dresses

Friday: Declutter closet drawers/shelves

Saturday: Clear and declutter closet floor

Sunday: Declutter and organize socks and underwear

'Tis all already done!

Marshmallow flowers

Some of the cakes from Friday were decorated using marshmallow flowers. 

Place a third of a cup of granulated sugar in a ziplock bag. Add some gel colouring on the side of the bag. Close the bag and work the colour through by massaging the bag. Using scissors, cut marshmallows in half, and add them to the bag of coloured sugar. The cut surface will pick up the coloured sugar crystals. If you make the petals the night before the food colouring seeps into the marshmallow a little, tinting it. This gives a rather lovely effect.

Use the 'petals' to decorate a cake, and mini Smarties or M&Ms for the centres of the flowers. Pipe a swirl of butter cream onto the cake and arrange the petals and centre.

Summer Cleaning

Over the last few weeks I've been trying to get into regular habits of cleaning rather than the random, hit and miss system I have been using. It's starts off with a deep clean, and then regular top ups. So far, I've been doing a daily wipe and swish in the wee room, and a weekly clean in the sitting room, bedroom and bathroom.  The kitchen is wiped down every day.

We have visitors arriving tonight, and it was a perfect opportunity to finish off the deep clean of the bathroom and the shower room. We have also been working in the Younger Offspring's bedroom (where the visitors will be staying), the front porch and the front of the house.

My aim is to establish cleaning routines and for them to be so routine I don't have to think about them, they just get done. I don't like cleaning, but I like the results.

There's been a mild spot of decluttering. The low nursing chair has gone. It was the one I was nursed in as a baby, and was given to me when we moved into a house (rather than a one bedroom flat) when the Elder Offspring was 18 months old. The springs had gone on the seat, and we have not used the chair in at least 6 years. Various cushions have gone to the amenities site along with the chair.  It might be someone else might find them useful. But we don't need them.

Baking, Baking, Baking!

The Beloved has agreed to a cake sale at his work tomorrow. This is to raise funds towards a production of 'Rent' at the Youth Arts Centre. So far, there's lemon drizzle, vanilla sponge, chocolate marble cake, chocolate cupcakes, and Snickers crunch. 

I adapted one of my Mam's recipes, Lemon and Coconut Slice, and made Orange and Coconut Slice instead. It worked well, but the base needed a bit more of something to hold it together more. However, it proved popular.

Friday
£80 was raised at the sale.  The Younger Offspring took some of the leftover cakes along to Rent rehearsals and added another £5 to the total.

Laa Tinvaal Sonney Diu! Happy Tynwald Day!

The fifth of July is Manx National Day. It's a public holiday.

At the beginning of the day, there is a church service in St John's. When the service finishes, the members of government and guests process to Tynwald Hill. There the new laws are promulgated in Manx Gaelg and also in English.  It forms part of the normal sessions of Tynwald. It is the oldest, continuous parliament in the world. 

After the formal proceeding, there's music, dancing, a Viking village, craft workshops, a Global Village, kipper baps, displays, stalls, demonstrations, meetings of friends, etc.

Reach Up High!

We have reached high, the coving and picture rail have been dusted and wiped down. Then it was down low, and the skirting boards done. Everything has been dragged out of place, and cleaned behind. The sitting room has also been dusted and swept.  I would like to do wash down the door. 

Clothes Decluttering

On Sunday, we brought down a second wardrobe into the Younger Offspring's bedroom. There had been piles of clothing on their floor. Clothes were brought into my bedroom, and we went through them all. The criteria for keeping were 'Do you love it?', 'Does it fit?' and 'Does it need mended?' We categorised everything and the Younger Offspring decided which items to keep and which ones to ditch.

There were a few items past their best, mostly underwear. We ditched the worst and ordered new undies. When they come the Younger Offspring will review their underwear and decide which items they want to keep. Underwear was also ordered for The Beloved. It was something we identified he needed when he was decluttering his wardrobe.

The Younger Offspring's bedroom is looking considerably better, but even having the second wardrobe is not enough to contain all for their clothing. The sticking point is the drawers on the wardrobe are not deep enough to comfortably house their woollens. I suspect we need to buy a new chest of drawers. With the woollens moved, there will be more space for t-shirts and leggings. 

The Socks Near Completion

The heel has been worked for the first heel, and I'm half way through the second heel. After that I will need the Younger Offspring's feet to work out the length of the sock. This will ensure a good fit.

Week 27: Linen Cupboard

Monday: Read Organized Home Challenge #27: Linen Closet

Tuesday: Declutter towels and wash cloths

Wednesday: Declutter sheets and pillowcases

Thursday: Declutter blankets, throws and comforters

Friday: Declutter pillows

Saturday: Declutter rugs and floor mats

Sunday: Declutter broken objects 

The linen cupboard was decluttered in February, and again last week. It amazed me how much decluttering I could do in a decluttered space! The cupboard is looking much tidier, and it's so much easier to find exactly what I want.  In this recently bout of decluttering I moved the extra toiletries into the cupboard along with bathroom cleaning supplies. The bathroom is looking tidier too. 

We only have two rugs, one in the sitting room, and another in the bedroom of the Younger Offsping. Both are wanted.

We have been trying to deal with broken objects as we find them. They are either mended or eject from the house. An exception is prescription sunglasses. The frame has broken, and I would like to see if I can get a new frame for them, but I haven't been in town at a suitable time yet.  If this has not been attended to by the end of July I shall put them in the bin.

The Everlasting Socks!

not actual socks

One of the things I've been trying to do is finish one project of a type before moving on to the next one. This means one knitting project, one crochet, one patchwork/quilting and one other. That's up to four projects. Surely that should be enough to keep me busy, occupied and entertained. It seems not.

A while back I completed (as far as I was able) socks for the Elder Offspring. These will be fully completed when she is next over, and I have her feet available for a fitting. From there I went straight into socks for the Younger Offspring. I don't like the colour, and the design is almost exactly the same as EO's socks. I am bored, and I avoiding knitting them. 

Perhaps the time has come for bribery?! I'm normally good at bribery. Others have tried to tell me it's 'delayed gratification' and 'rewarding good behaviour', but deep down, I know exactly what it is, bribery.

And while we are about it, what's going on with having two patchwork projects running at the same time, and making a sample for a third?! Come on. One project, and only one project per type, at a time. Play nicely!

Clutter has left the building!

It felt so good leaving the amenities site this morning. We felt behind so much clutter.  Gone are loads of worn out t-shirts and other clothing.  Old study materials and notes have said 'goodbye', make up said 'farewell', and random computer bits said '01100011 01101001 01100001 01101111'.

I wonder, will the Elder Offspring notice a difference when she returns home in a few days?  A huge number of goods have left the house. Is it noticeable?

The Beloved was commenting on the house and the improvements he has been seeing. Sometimes I wonder if this is in part because he reads this blog and therefore knows what to look out for. If I didn't write about what I have done, would it be seen?

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It's been two months since our bedroom was decluttered. That's two months of tidiness, two months! It still gives me pleasure to see my clean, tidy, decluttered bedroom.