In which we use public transport

"We're going to Lincoln, why don't you come too," they said.

"Ok," we replied.

"It's on the bus though," they said.

Two missed connections, a rodeo, and lots of waiting around later and I've come to the conclusion that I never ever ever want to go on a bus ever again.

Lincoln Christmas market was a nice day out though.

Christmas Wreath

Spurred on by my mother's efforts with the wreaths and her instructions on how to make one, I decided to make my own to give as a gift to D and P or His Lordship's parents. I bought some chocolate orange sweets and made one, it looked crap so I've taken them all off and started again using Roses. I've got some red bows in the attic so I shall complete it tonight and take a picture to put here.

New shoes

I've been needing some new shoes for work and as I got vouchers for my birthday I thought I'd get them from Next. I had £20 and the ones I was looking at were £35. Not a problem because it meant that I only needed to put £15 towards them. Anyway, I went to the counter, handed over my voucher and a £20 note. The woman rang it all through, then announced cheerily, "You've got £5 left on your voucher."

I stared in disbelief and then said "I don't want it on my voucher, I would like the cash."

"Oh," she replied looking at me as though I was an alien. "I'll have to get my supervisor" she says before scurrying off.

The supervisor arrived and said "right, so you gave us a £20 voucher, and a £20 note, so that means...." she starts adding it up. "we owe you..." erm.. £5"

Now, I don't mean to be rude, but even I can add that up and I'm terrible at maths. But also, I think it's pretty cheeky to try and get you to come back into the shop by putting your change on your voucher that's already been paid for. I suspect it's company policy but if it isn't then the sales assistant was clearly an idiot.

Christmas already?!

I've come out of hibernation because it appears to be Christmas already. Or at least it does according to all the shops and all the adverts on the TV. Is it me or is it getting earlier and earlier every year?! I can't help but think that it's all taking the sheen off just a little. We're no sooner out of summer when the decorations and selection boxes appear. I would much rather start all that at the beginning of December. I wondered if the recession had anything to do with it. I know the shops are vying for a small customer base and Debenhams have said that there will be some good deals again this year.

Anyway, there's not been much happening hence the lack of updates, plus I get bored of blogging, not of reading them though, I enjoy that bit!

Happy Easter!

We went for a walk along the canal today because the weather has been so lovely. I also want to live by the canal so we can have a boat! Anyway, this is what we saw....

Keeping busy

I've also been trying out a new hobby today. I have a fondness for beaded bracelets and figure I could probably make them cheaper myself (yes, I am turning into my father).

So, here's what I've made so far...



and this...

Memories

As Aunty Sonia said it was nine years since Momma died yesterday and I must admit I did spend some time thinking of all three of my Grandparents and remembering all the things we used to do. These are a few that spring to mind immediately.

I used to make my Grandad put me in the cupboard in their dining table and then knock on the door for him to let me out. One Christmas he had to rescue me when the camp bed I was sleeping on folded up with me inside! And he alway used to wave us off with a special wave whenever you said goodbye to him, oh and always had Murrymints.

My Grandma and I spent some time sharing a room and I used to love it when she told me stories about how naughty my dad was as a child. Good until he was two apparently! She also bought me my Orville which I slept with for years as a child and took everywhere. I still have him and he sits by my bed! I also remember when she and Momma went on holiday together and she put a bit of half eaten toast on another woman's plate because she didn't want it to go to waste (Momma's face must have been a picture).

We went to Florida one summer with Momma and she was cold at night and we were sharing a bed and she insisted we have a sheet and a duvet type thing on and the heating! She also stuck up for me when I said I wanted to learn to play the drums when my mum was trying to get her to say it was a bad idea!

I could go on, but I'd be here forever! I just hope that I've made all three of them proud.