Wednesday 10 December 2014

Midweek miscellany


The past seven days: Crazy weather (sun, frost, hail, sleet, gales, thunder and lightning... and a flurry of snow). The house - viewed back in early summer - is incredibly draughty and the heating seems to have minimal effect. High ceilings coupled with an uninsulated loft conversion means we have chilly air surging down two flights of stairs and little hope of cosiness.

Socks, jumpers and scarves are The Look around here.


Planning for Christmas continues. I have no intention of going shopping to town centres this side of February. Any place boasting a Marks and Spencer or Debenhams is being given a wide berth. Crowds and queueing and parking... well, for me it's a recipe for stress and irritation. I'm keeping it either local or online.


We went to a playgroup Christmas party this morning. Eating quiche and cocktail sausages at 10am felt a bit strange but the howling winds coming down from the moors almost justified it. Stodge keeps the cold out. Fact.

Joe burst into tears at the sight of 'Barber Kissmas' and ran from him. But he did say thank you (from a safe distance) for his present: a rather lovely book. Cadbury's chocolate fingers seemed to help with the shock too.

Speaking of toddler parties, I have another on Tuesday at our 'home' playgroup. Now that is a cold church hall. It takes serious heroism to brave the basement toilets with their icy seats and freezing water from the taps. I agreed to go and pick up seventeen chocolate reindeer for the little ones in time for the party. I daren't even contemplate forgetting to carry out that task. Those old ladies in charge are a force to be reckoned with.


Food-wise, things are very comfort-based: lasagne, cauliflower cheese. And mince pies from the supermarket. It's likely I'll be sick of them soon thus saving myself the bother of baking any. I'd rather do something cakey I think. Possibly even a bit fancy. 


I'm still knitting Joe a red scarf and there isn't much left to go until it's done. Other crafty to-dos include card making, wrapping paper stamping, gift tag creating and maybe edible gift baking. Maybe. Somehow the coming weekend seems to be already taken up with family visits, yet more children's parties and a house viewing.

There are a few gifts left to buy but that'll be done online now. I also need to go to the post office for stamps. There were big queues the other day but that was in town, and I'll go to the village one instead. It's run by an ancient couple who seem to have preserved everything in nicotine. At least the stamps should be peel-off ones and I won't have to lick them. 


Thank you for all your comments on my last post. I don't always have the chance to reply but I do read and appreciate them, each and every one. Of course, if you ask me a question I'll do my best to answer. 

Have a great rest-of-the-week. I do like this point - it's as though the hardest part's over and from here on in it's downhill (in a good way) to the weekend.


18 comments:

  1. I used to really enjoy those playgroup parties when mine were younger, but I do remember a lot of cookies, puff pastry, muffins...fruit punch. I did my best to stay out of the big stores this year myself (most of my own gifts came from Etsy), but I had to go yesterday for baking supplies and stocking stuffers. At least it's done now. They'll enjoy their new lip balms and chocolate Santas. I hope you enjoy the rest of your week, stay warm.

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    1. You too! As for playgroups, it seems the only person actually baking anything is the minister. She moonlights as a dinner lady and is pretty frightening. I suspect the cake will be something large and no-nonsense (kind of like her!)

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  2. Keep cosy Sarah. Hasn't the weather been awful. The rain and wind are battering off our windows as I type. My littles were never that impressed with Father Christnas when they were small. It's something they grow into. Joe will probably like him in a few years time. Enjoy your week. Bee xx

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    1. You too Bee! And Joe has no problem whatsoever with chocolate Santas... x

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  3. Nothing quite like the playgroup Christmas party is there. Bemused children, just making the most of the extra sugar, and quite a lot of Santa terror. But hey, quiche and cocktail sausages at 10am can't be bad. I do miss them. I may have to make a foray to the shops before the end of it all, but hopefully if I go early it will be okay. It will won't it..? CJ xx

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    1. Early is the key. That and planning your escape route. In and out by late morning's usually the way to go. Just thinking about shopping centres gives me serious anxiety! Why anyone would choose to attend a Boxing Day sale... *shudder* x

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  4. I remember being afraid of father Christmas too! Some of them seemed quite scary to me so I can understand Joe not being very keen! Your frosty photos are beautiful, especially the one of the ironwork with the bracken. xx

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    1. Thanks Amy. This FC did look a bit suspect actually - a bit on the thin side and more grey than white-haired. I wouldn't have sat on his knee either x

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  5. love the last picture! I like the texture of the building behind

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  6. I like your Christmas shopping rule. That, comfort food and crafting all sounds good to me!

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  7. I have fond memories of playgroup Christmas parties too. One of my daughters was frightened of Father Christmas. When you think of it from a child's point of view, he is quite scary!

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  8. Our house is very cold in winter too. At the moment I am wearing two tops, two cardigans and a scarf, jeans, socks and sheepskin bootees - ordinary slippers don't deal with ankle drafts! A hot water bottle is essential at bed time - if I'm too cold I can't get to sleep. I still love our house though, just need to get the draughts and insulation sorted somehow.

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    1. Oh, hot water bottles! Must add one to the (ever-growing) wish list...

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  9. 'Barber Kissmas' - so cute! Elizabeth always looked petrified meeting santa when she was small.
    Beautiful frosty pictures. Keep warm, have a good weekend! xx

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    1. You too! It seemed Joe was the only one disturbed by Father Christmas, but he's going through a seriously contrary stage so who knows what's going on in that little head!

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  10. Sarah,
    I loved everything about this post. And I really want to visit your village post office too. That nicotine stained couple sound like my kind of people ;)
    Leanne xx

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    1. Thanks Leanne. They definitely do things their way - usually at a snail's pace! x

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  11. Oh, nothing worse than a cold house!! Stay warm and toasty, if you can. Beautiful photos. Xx

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