Tuesday 8th February
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| 39/365: a thank you card from the little girl who now owns my old piano |
I'm feeling much better today but still plan to take things slowly so I don't overdo it and trigger another migraine. There's nothing in the diary so I can pick and choose how I fill my day.
I feel that I want to make a start on my new goal as that will bring countless benefits for a minimum of effort. Looking at my initial list I can see that there are lots of things to buy so I will start looking online to see what's available. I could also do with some fresh air so, if I can summon up the energy, I'll take a walk over to Wickes (DIY store) to buy the toilet seats and light bulbs and once I get them changed over that'll be the first two entries ticked off.
Last week was all things social and this week I don't seem to have arranged anything, so I want to remedy that if I can. I definitely need to do some piano practice, not that it's a hardship, as I won't be ready for Wednesday's lesson without making up the missed practices over the weekend. The Italian practice is still going well ... I finished first in the top league this week for the second time ... but I do need to sort out a way of improving my conversation skills. The U3A Italian conversation group isn't a starter as I still haven't heard back from the organisers, so I will have to look for other options. Maybe a one-to-one tutor is the way to go, but that's quite a pricey option.
Did anyone watch The Great Pottery Throw Down on Sunday night? I watched it on catch up yesterday ... the 60s style decoration isn't really my thing but I did agree with most of the comments and with who they chose to eliminate. It doesn't look like there's much on TV to interest me this week so I'll take the opportunity to catch up on some films instead.
Good to know you are feeling much better. Lovely thank you card and message from the little girl, so nice to know your old piano is much appreciated. I hope you feel up to your trip to the DIY store. Will you be changing the toilet seats yourself or will someone help you with them? Well done with your Italian practice, perhaps worth sending a reminder to the U3A group.
ReplyDeleteThanks Eileen. The card was a complete surprise and more special because the little girl wrote it herself.
DeleteI got the lightbulbs and have changed those over but they didn't have the toilets seats I wanted, so will need to try somewhere else. I should be able to change them myself but if I can't for any reason, I can always ask my neighbour or one of my nephews for help.
I have sent a reminder to the U3A. I know from previous experience that each group is dependent on the leader and quite a lot of them are not as good on the communication side of things as they need to be.
I haven't watched Throw Down yet so thanks for not giving any spoilers. I might watch it this evening.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are feeling well enough to get out and about again (whether you actually do or not). Have a lovely day.
xx
You hadn't mentioned it so I thought that might be the case.
DeleteI have been out but did drive to Wickes because of the weight and size of what I planned to buy. As it turned out I only bought lightbulbs so could have walked! xx
A very cute card!
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling better. I hope you are able to fit in a few social engagements for this week, too.
By the way, I have selected the garden shed clear out from my mile long list as my outdoor project to work on this week. Might have to get M involved, but, I can at least make a start. Thank you for helping me look beyond what I can't do to what I can do. :)
The card cheered me up!
DeleteI'm hoping to see H and maybe pop round to see Baby R (although he's getting too old to be called Baby!)
Well done for switching your thinking round and deciding to make a start on the garden shed. Is there much to do?
We made a start, today! I used to save recyclable cans and bottles to take to the recycling center (you get money back, according to the weight of what you bring in to recycle), but, with Covid, I haven't been going to the recycling center. I had been putting my daily items in the recycling collection bin, but, the stuff that was already in the shed remained there. Today, we filled the recycling bin to the brim with cans and bottles. There's still more in there, but I have to wait until the bin is emptied on Tuesday. I'd like to return the shed to being more of a garden shed than a recycling collection center! :D
DeleteWell done on making a start. 😀
DeleteYes, I watched the Throwdown. I was so impressed with some of the efforts for the second challenge; I would not have known where to start! They always seem to make sensible comments and decisions, though I was thinking yesterday that it seems sometimes the best pieces don't get into the gallery. Not sure if I have got that right but if I understand correctly, potter of the week is decided on the basis of both challenges, and that person's stuff from the main challenge then goes in the gallery, even if someone else did better on that challenge. Not that it matters, just a bit of fun (though I still think Sal from last year was robbed!)
ReplyDeleteLove your letter from the little girl. Joined up writing and everything!
Couldn't find a single decent film to watch on Saturday! I ended up watching Showtrial, taped last October, and enjoyed it so much that I watched the whole thing. That's freed up five hours' worth of memory!
That's what I understand as well so I think your right in that it may not be the best piece that's displayed in the gallery.
DeleteI hadn't heard of Showtrial so Googled it and see it's available on iPlayer - 5 episodes, is that the complete series? If it is, I'll watch it on your recommendation.
Yes, five episodes is the full extent of it. Hope you like. I like crime drama and find courtroom trials interesting, so not for you if you don't. It was one of several things that seemed to be being trailed endlessly last year. I wasn't in the mood so taped it and now I wish I had taped a few others too. I had a part of one episode of Vienna Blood taped in the hope it would remind me to look it up on iPlayer, but it's not there now. And I'm wondering whether the latest Martin Freeman thing is worth a look. I've also enjoyed Round the World in Eighty Days, and the Nilsen Files, in case you're stuck for inspiration!
DeleteThank you. I've just looked on BBC iPlayer for the programmes you mentioned. Vienna Blood is available, series 1 & 2, three episodes in each series.
DeleteI watched the Nilsen Files, but haven't seen ATWIED yet ... is that the David Tennant version?
Yes to David Tennant. I missed the first few episodes but caught most of them and they were quite nice. I wonder why I can't find Vienna Blood...
DeleteI opened BBC iPlayer and then used the search function to find 'Vienna Blood'
DeleteSo did I. Doesn't matter. BTW, are you still watching Watercolour Challenge? I started last week and thought I was going to love it, but truth to tell, it's testing my patience more and more...
DeleteHow strange. I'm disappointed with the new series of Watercolour Challenge. I don't remember the experts giving advice in the old format and it's all a bit twee. Also there's no real element of competition and it's a bit boring seeing the same four people every day for a week. It used to be 'must watch' viewing but now I find I've started daydreaming!
DeleteYes, I agree. I didn't follow it before (I think Hannah Gordon presented it?) but I wonder why they have to replay each painter's background vid every single time, and keep recapping the the information umpteen times throughout the episode. "Single mum of two...", "retired sales and marketing manager..." SNORE! And she introduces the expert every time as if we and the painters haven't seen him before. Quite liked the Welsh one but the Cornish one is such a drip and how bad are his demos!? Fern's tone is a bit precious and patronising too. I really wish she'd stop shouting "lovely painters"!
Delete(Can you tell I'm in a good mood...?) Anyway I will keep watching as it's quite nice to have on while I'm eating dinner and some of the talent is nice to see. I'd assumed there would be a final heat or something after they had done all the regions but I gather not from what you say.
Yes, the painter's background video every programme is too repetitive, and I'm disappointed in Fern's contribution - precious and patronising sums it up well. It used to be a proper competition but that side of it has gone. The only 'challenge' seems to be to complete a painting within the three hours!
DeleteI'm really glad that you are feeling better, and that card is adorable.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lyssa. I'm so much better today and the card helped to cheer me up.
DeleteLovely card, bright & cheerful & how nice that the parents got the young lady to write a thank you note - start them early :)
ReplyDeleteGlad to read that you are feeling better, must have been something on the air currents as I also had one of those days & also feel the need for some fresh air to blow the last of the vapours away. It's funny that you mentioned on your tolerances list about getting brighter light bulbs. I've been trying for over a year to get some brighter ones for the dining room but with all this angry Great movement, it's difficult to local. Surely we can have a brighter world without environment damage?!
Yes, this migraine was definitely triggered by the weather rather than any other possible trigger.
DeleteSome of the lightbulbs I've changed are the ones that were chosen for me, without any discussion of what I wanted, when I first moved into this house and they've never been bright enough for me. I've only needed to increase either from 40W to 60W or from 60W to 100W, and those have been easy to obtain. There's nothing wrong with the old bulbs so they are going to my friend's son who will sell them as a job lot at one of his charity sales. Is there something special about the brighter bulbs you are trying to get or is a just a supply issue?
It's more about available choice ... all that are on the shelves right now are the lower wattage. I get being environmentally responsible (I am) but cannot they make a environment friendly brighter one. I should look further afield. The dining room of late is used for more than dining ...
DeleteMy original comment was suppose to say "this angry Greta movement" In our local hardware store there's a big poster of Greta Thunberg watching over your choices - which at first was funny to me, but now it's like I'm being called out at every turn by this angry teen.
I'd probably try the online route in that case and buy what you want. Low lighting isn't for everyone and it can have a negative impact on mood, which isn't needed by anyone.
DeleteGreta seems to have had her day now, or is that because I stopped watching the new I wonder!
Hi Eileen,
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful and lovely the girl's card! Great that she is now the owner of your piano!
I hope you continue to have good successes in Italian and that you are willing to play the piano.
Walking outdoors is always beneficial for health.
Enjoy your movies!
Hugs and a good week.
Ailime
It is lovely and very thoughtful of her to send it. I'm just happy that my old piano is continuing to give pleasure to someone.
DeleteThanks re the piano and the Italian. I practice both so am making slow but steady progress.
I did cheat a bit and went to the store by car instead of walking but at least it took me out of the house for a while!
Hope you have a good week too x
Sorry you were suffering from migraine. I'm glad you are feeling better now.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful week, Eileen.
Thanks Nil. I'm back to normal now. I hope you have a wonderful week too x
DeleteAh how sweet that is! Sounds like she will enjoy the piano as much as you did.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely, isn't it.
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