A good job...

...done!

Friday we cleared the loft out of a collection of rubbish. Of course, all the baby bits were saved, and the things the boys made at school when they were young, but the broken and unused were thrown...so one good thing done! We can now see around the loft space, and get into there standing up. All I need is the house move...my decorating buds are beginning to itch.

Another good thing, my team didn't lose yesterday, we had a draw, but we didn't lose, and we played as a team, not as eleven elements that hadn't met or seen a football. Their heads didn't drop either, and you could see Weaver felt more confident in his back four, as did they him. Over the last couple of weeks of our previous managers tenure, I think that was what was wrong with Weaver, neither trusted the other, so felt they had to compensate, and it made for more errors than we could take. We played our new loanees, and personally I felt they did well. The Southampton goalie played out of his skin in the first half, and saved his team from what could have been an embarrassing half-time scoreline, and when missed or saved you could see the angry disappointment in their faces, rather than the misery and head dropping loss of hope of the previous weeks. One thing about all the loans this week, I hope Luke Varney who has gone to Derby, finds himself happier there; not everyone likes the south east, or feels comfortable away from friends and family. Just as long as he doesn't find himself against us! That game is televised on Monday, 15 December...but, I'll be there, and recording it for a second...third...or so viewing.

During the week I made some party ear-rings, with more silver and crystals than my normal little drops. Using David Christensen canes, Swarovski crystals and sterling silver, I am pleased with the results, and will photo and show. They are for a fair I'm doing on Friday, and I've already got orders from them.

I'm not sure what today brings, but maybe a visit to Blackthorpe Barns at Rougham...or maybe just some more throwing out.

Yesterday....

...having a stop for an afternoon cup. I sat looking out through the french doors into our garden, watching the last of the leaves fall, and the birds tipping them up looking for bugs, and scuffling around under the hanging seed box I have out for them. I have a couple of pheasants and a moorhen who are there most of the day. Suddenly something made them take flight, and slowly wandering across my vision was a monkjack deer. He had all the time in the world, but, not enough for me to grab my camera. They're nervous enough and even though I was indoors, my movement would have disturbed him, so I preferred to sit and watch, as he wandered through and fed.

I knew we'd had one around as we found footprints last week, whilst clearing some leaves. I've also seen the squirrels back...the rabbits still abound...and various varieties of birds. Though I've never had the kingfisher back...that was very special and a one off!

And at last...

...the necklace I've been rattling on about. It's a simple wrap, but quite effective with the finger of kyanite.



Also my ear-ring hooks have arrived. So I know what I'm up to today.

I want to mention someone on Etsy, whose work is so exquisite, and fun. She makes mice...yes, mice. They're beautiful little works of art, but such fun, all at the same time. Her Etsy shop is The House of Mouse. I hope you find it as much fun, as I do.

I remembered...

...to order the hooks, and hopefully they should be with me today...

Last night I had a whale of a time. I went out with my daughter-in-law and youngest son's partner (doesn't that sound impersonal). Anyway, a girls night out. We went into town (London) and saw Hairspray...oh, if you have the chance and are close enough...GO!!! It's brilliant, and Micheal Ball as the mother...the tears rolled down our cheeks, he and the guy playing his/her husband got the giggles...and we all had foot stomping, clapping and cheering fun. It's what's needed in this mind numbing newsfest we're going through at present.

And my team lost again, though reading the blogs...we played a bit better. Maybe it was a case of they got their new manager a game before we did. We'll see on Saturday, though unless we score about eight goals we can't improve our position, but if we lose, and the teams below us win, we can slip further.

I'm going to take a photo of the necklace today, and I'll show it here later....so keep your eyes peeled. I've also got to get my act together with making...shopping(groceries) and then work. The husband doesn't want to starve for my art! ;)

There's got to be....

...some joy somewhere!?

My team lost again this afternoon. A 2 - 5 drubbing at home...I suppose the good side is it wasn't raining, and the Millwall supporter I'd spoken to earlier couldn't even remember who they were playing!

The consequence of the loss...our manager left the club by "mutual consent". That's the official term...he'd said at his press conference after the game, he wasn't resigning, but did fear for his job. Seems he had reason to. Now where does that leave us in getting a new person in position. There are a couple of names being banded about on the boards already, but we haven't got deep pockets, and it'll be a measure of who will come for nothing, and have nothing to spend...

I think it's going to be a long season...please, someone come and help. I promise to keep doing my bit...turning up, and shouting.

Back on the house front, yes, they did like the house, but we're too remote for them. I guess being only forty miles from London, is a bit remote!

So, jewellery...I made a necklace with some of the kyanite...it works beautifully...and will have matching ear-rings soon. I just have to remember to order some more hooks!

Another beautiful....

...day. The rain is sweeping down across the fields, but at least I haven't got to go out...well, not until later.

I didn't say, but we had more viewers on Sunday. A couple moving out from the East End, wanting to bring their daughters up in the fresh air, and who can blame them. So again, waiting to see...somehow I don't think this couple will be thinking of faerie dust though, it'll be a yes or no....straight answers.

I also got to the Newmarket bead fair Sunday morning. Got the beads I needed and spent far too much on some natural "fingers" of kyanite, crystals and keishi pearls. I did see some old acquaintances...four of them have got together to sell at fairs. I wish them the best...it's hard work, enjoyable, but hard.

One thing I've never tried is beadwork. There was a lady selling Toho kits, and they seemed the easiest way to try it. I'm all for trying something, and then I can say from experience whether it's for me or not. I bought a bracelet and a necklace kit. I'm part way through the bracelet, and the directions are as easy as she said to follow, but, don't go by their timelines, not unless you've done this before...the nylon has a mind of its own, even if steamed, and so thin it's difficult to see, let alone use, but the article is pretty...and a useful project. I have so much admiration for those who design and make the intricate beadwork items...I take my hat off to you!

All my orders passed muster. Always good to hear. Now all I've got to do from that order are the ear-rings to match a necklace already bought, and the reason I had to go to Newmarket. I've got the closest to the Christensen canes I can see, if they're not the same...and will be in the post this afternoon, for inspection.

Oh! and the puds passed the smell test too...I think I'm getting the hang of this being at home lark, bread was made yesterday (the old-fashioned way)!

I've been included...

...in an Etsy treasury, chosen by Frillz. I am thrilled...it made my smile spread from here to there. :)

Sunrise Lozenge Lamp-works in this treasury Heat Lamp. A very clever title.

My call...

...came on Monday. It seems my viewer decided they liked our house, couldn't say anything against it, location, house was all okay, but they'd decided it didn't have "faerie dust".

So what do you do? Do you do as is supposedly right, and take some of the personal accoutrements out, so they can "see" the house, or leave those touches in? Of course, I'm making the leap that's what they meant, that for them it didn't have that little extra...but, they're buying a house...not my faerie dust, they need to discover their own, their magic...their touch of genius, that makes a house their home. I hope somewhere they find their dust for their daughters...

Tuesday, my car had to go to the garage for an "adjustment", something minor could fail and could I bring it in. Duly it was delivered and I took the time to walk into the nearest town, Bishop's Stortford, something I don't do, as it's ten miles from my home. I looked at all the Christmas decorations filling shelves of the beautiful home shops the town has, and imagined where they'd go, but at present I feel as though I'm in limbo, not quite here or there...oh, I know I'll be here for Christmas now, but I want to be making another house my home...Don't get me wrong, I do love my present home...but, it's run its course, and having decided to move, I've been letting go emotionally to it, and am now set ready to go. When I left work, they made me a gift of some book tokens, and on visiting the local chain store, I found a beautifully illustrated and written childrens book, but I'd forgotten my tokens...I'll have to go back...I'd also forgotten to put my little notebook in my bag, so now I have no idea who the books author and illustrator is...but, I know exactly where on the shelf the copies were... And I really must walk around my village more...I used to...but, it's changed.

Wednesday...yesterday, it was Mum's birthday, and I went to visit. She lives on the edge of London, and Kent. A borough which is neither one thing or the other, and during the summer I'd told her of a Lavender Farm, and their open day, which my sister took her too, as I was in Northumberland. As I'd never been, we decided to go...I was a little disappointed, but did buy some Lavender shortbread...my, but they're strong! We found a local hostelry for lunch...and if you're ever in Ightham, then I can recommend the food and service in the George and Dragon. Both are excellent. While out, I had a call from our agents, they'd got someone who'd been let down with their purchase at the last moment, and were exchanging on their sale next week. They were moving from Sussex, to be closer to their daughter who had moved into town...Saffron Walden. They had seen our details and wanted very much to view...was I home that afternoon or Thursday morning. Being seventy odd miles from home, I said this morning would be best. Ten minutes later I had another call...the prospective viewer had looked on a map and we're not in the right place, being eight miles from "town". Now please work that out before I get all excited....my emotions can't take this up and down... I keep telling myself it's only a house move, and not a death or worse...but, as I've said...it's limbo... Oh! And I've picked the paint out to renew the kitchen...you do have to keep living.

Today...this morning...I'm mixing the Christmas puds...best go!!

Enjoy your days...

I know...

...I'm a fiddler. I tweak and change until I'm happy, but it usually takes two or three tries until I like what I see. I prefer this layout, but I'm not sure of the colour. I'm sorry if this makes for confusing viewing.

A busy week last week. Our viewer arrived and went, and made an appointment for his partner to visit Saturday, which she duly did. He didn't, as a prior engagement took precedence...(his new boss took him to the Emirates to see Arsenal beat his team). Now another waiting game...

I did get my orders almost finished, the only thing outstanding is a pair of ear-rings to match a necklace I'd made. I have to wait to visit Newmarket Bead Fair to find matching beads, but the buyer has been warned it might not be easy. The rest are ready to be sent, and will be winging their way soon enough.

I received the last of my birthday present today. I had the money to spend...and bought a beautiful ring from Lunatic Art in France. I've placed a photo below.



I love her organic look and feel. I'm sure I'll be back there, so many temptations!

Anyway, I've got jobs stacking up this afternoon, as another busy week looms large. So I better press on...

oh, and PS...my team drew this Saturday! yay!!

Another falls....

...first.

It seems one of our fellow sufferers has moved first, and Aidy has left.

"It is with some sadness that we have taken the decision that the time is right for a new manager to take Watford Football Club forward," Chairman Graham Simpson confirmed on the club's official website.

"Both parties feel that his tenure at the club is simply at an end." from "Sky Sports News"

A return to normality...

...that is what I think this week is about!

A busy few days, and then a week away...this week is supposed to be normal, but does that ever happen? Of course not!

I have ordered everything I need for orders, so that was my first job of today...and took all morning, I mean, you have to research, don't you!

I'm also going to list a few of my jewellery items on Etsy, see what happens. So far I've just put my beads there.

Then catching up with the blogs from my teams followers, and yes, I went and saw them lose again on Saturday...most are calling for a head to roll, and who can blame anyone for that. It's the lack of passion that hurts the most, or it does me...they can change their team, if someone will have them, but I can't. There is no other team running through my veins.

I do have a viewer on Wednesday...another "wait to see" moment, so we will. I just have to get things ready...which I should be doing now, as my husband decided it would be a good time to sort his wardrobe out...all over the spare bedroom. Don't you just love them!

I also want to know how leaving work to start out on your own equates to being a "lady of leisure"!? Find the time would be nice!! If anyone knows the answer to that...leave it on a card.