tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38238094372978955502024-03-13T00:42:04.179+01:00Tales from My Craft TableThe ramblings of a hobbyist who loves being creative. Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.comBlogger1216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-82636948194332780972016-12-06T22:19:00.002+01:002016-12-06T22:19:25.664+01:00And yet more baubles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="goog_420279862"></span><span id="goog_420279863"></span>Two posts for the price of one, that is because I forgot to publish the other on the night I wrote it.<br />
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Much has happened since the other post, like 6 more baubles, and 7 cards, plus two birthday cards. Today I tidied up my craft table, all the Christmas stuff is back in the box, craft mat cleaned, all tools cleaned and put away. Wonder how long it will stay tidy... ! In the meantime, hows about this for a weird looking polar bear? He has now been modified, smaller nose and eye.<br />
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Snowflake was a lot better. Both are from a Hobbycraft kit, half price! I added a few other bits, like silver strips and glittery faux brads. The only glue I had at this point was the collal 3D glue, so had to make do. <br />
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The second snowflake card, a bit different from the above. Sadly the kit only came with two glitter snowflakes, so had to improvise. I had the disc, and after a dig round the Christmas box of stash, I found a snowflake. I covered both in embossing powder, and glued into place. A good save, well I thought so.<br />
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Another bauble. I wanted to use up a lot of the Christmas stash, and avoid having to buy anything. The only new thing on here was the all gold gilding flakes. A good bargain from ebay, nice big pot too! I used some clarity doubled sided sticky clear sheets. Managed not to lose any flakes along the way. <br />
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On the other side is: embossing powder, a double layer. I masked off the middle bit, then did it in stages, gold first then the red. Rest are just peel offs. <br />
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Another bauble, but with different gilding flakes, had these for ages, but then they do last for ages. I put ribbon and glittery bits round the side. I did think of putting the date, well they are for a mass Xmas swap, but, it all seemed like too much work. No, don't think that I couldn't be bothered, my anxiety was rising, so felt it best to just stick to the simple stuff. Putting dates and names would have meant finding numbers, letters, I knew I had them, but wasn't sure if I had enough of the right size. <br />
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Anxiety is a funny, but horrible thing. I have to remember not to put any pressure on myself. So these days life has to be more relaxed, I have to tell myself that a job can wait for another couple of days. I know why it happens, but if I explained this would be a very, very long blog post. <br />
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The same was happening on Sunday night, me getting wound up for no reason. My cousin messaged me to say she'd come over for a catch up. And so what do I do, start worrying if I have enough time to get the place tidy, and do a few other things. Well the other stuff could wait, but I found myself thinking I had to get it all done. Daft, once I'd calmed down, stepped back a little I felt better, and of course everything, pretty much, that needed to be done has been done. <br />
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This year I have put up some decorations, not much, just a tree and a few other bits. Last year I just couldn't be bothered, although I did get a teeny, tiny real tree from Tesco. This year it is the half tree, but in a different place from where it used to go. Got some presents to wrap and get in the post, plus all the cards and baubles, just printed off the labels. Hands are so sore at the moment, really stiff, my middle finger has been swollen for a while, I wear a signet ring on that finger, and usually it is loose, but right now it is a bit snug. Plus the cold weather hasn't been helping matters, the forecast is for some mild weather, let's hope it lasts. <br />
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Now off for to do a diary entry. Take it easy. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-52232344809194079082016-12-06T21:23:00.001+01:002016-12-06T21:23:56.790+01:00Oh baubles!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Evening, yes, another long gap between posts. Just the usual stuff happening, and having to wrap up warm! <br />
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Anyways, since the finish of the Travellers Rest, I had other stuff to do. First I had to sort out and make my November swap, which... well I stuffed up first time round, cos of a slight misunderstanding. And then had to figure out how to make 8 baubles, so it was off to Hobbycraft. I got lucky, these were half price, I thought they would be perfect for the task. I then had to locate thinking cap, and come up with a few ideas. Then I had to find the Xmas stash, in a box and stored somewhere safe... I had a good old rummage around the rest of the stash, now stored in various places. Found embossing powders, a good start, then my versamark, great, heat gun, yep, ideas, still looking.<br />
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Finally I had a few ideas to play with, all with the help of a few Xmas peel offs. So, the idea was to decorate both sides, but slightly differently. This first one got the red treatment, I first masked off the top bit, and dabbed it with the versamark then sprinkled it with gold embossing powder. Once that was cooled down, I masked off the gold, and did the same thing, only this time I used the red tinsel embossing powder. Lovely jubbly, I went round the edge with some silver embossing powder.<br />
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Then I flipped over the bauble, I cut out a peel off, it was a Christmas candle, but it was an oval shape, and was a bit too big, but cut down, perfick. I stuck that onto some double sided clarity sheets, then with the backing paper, I placed it onto the bauble, trimmed off the edge.<br />
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Then I added some rose gold gilding flakes. Looking good, yes? Well I think so. I could have used perfect pearls, or even glitter, but just fancied the gilding flakes.<br />
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So, now I have back covered in embossing powder, and the front with a nice peel off and gilding flakes. Let's go back to the back!<br />
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I can't leave it plain, so more peel offs, some left over stars, and the Happy Christmas, with a sprig of holly, that will do nicely. Will add date as well, but on the side. Phew... 7 more to go! Some will have the nativity scene, others will feature the usual Christmas suspects, snowmen etc.<br />
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I still had the swap card to make. The challenge was to interpret a sketch, except I just read 'sketch', and thought I could use one of my own sketches. Eventually I realised my mistake, and luckily before any real work was done. So, how to interpret the sketch, it had four triangles down one side, a circle and a few lines... Come on girl, you can do this. Yes, but have I any cardstock? Ooer, seem to remember giving a lot away, got to be some round here somewhere. <br />
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And breathe. Yes, she did it! She made an actual card. I did find a card kit that hadn't been used, so I had some decent card stock. I have card, but what I didn't have was anything heavy enough to turn into the card base. So got that far, what next, matting and layering, why not. Nice bit of light purple, or mauve, some white card... all a bit plain. Hang about, there is some bubble wrap over there, now where are those sprays I had.. Gotcha, purple, blue and vivid green, then, plonk, onto white card, then off. Some glossy black card, cut a strip, then using long scissors, randomly cut a few triangles, punch out cirlce from lovely blue glittery stuff, and a strip. Zat, methinks, will do it. Phew. Also got a few birthday cards to make, time to use up that kit!<br />
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Actually the cold weather has meant that my Raynauds has been really bad, wasn't too bad last year, it only affected me when I went out. Now it is affecting me in the house, not funny. Now must go, skype call coming through. Have a good week.</div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-76318000639855970332016-11-18T22:34:00.000+01:002016-11-18T22:34:10.732+01:00Just strumming... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hi there, it is a tad cold round these here parts. Got my thermal socks on, jumper... not yet resorted to gloves. <br />
Have you spotted Harvey's new sleeping space? Yep, atop of my printer, well, why not? Honestly, why do cats choose the silliest places to sleep? He is on the mend, he had a flea problem, but wouldn't let me near him with the 'spot on', so got a collar, but he was also allergic to the fleas so had a few 'sores', and so I got some cat tea tree cream, which he likes and is doing the trick nicely.<br />
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To the pub, no the miniature pub... Started the roofing last Friday. I took the tiles slightly over the edge, but it worked out nicely. I used some grey card, sadly it wasn't the right colour I wanted for the tiles but it would do as a base. After the tiles were on, I gave it a coat of flat grey emulsion and left it to dry thoroughly for twenty four hours. <br />
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Then, a few days later it all looked like this! Still got some 'distressing' to do on the roof, but the pavement is done, filled in a few gaps round the steps, then had to carefully apply some paint, using the smallest brush I have. Then it was a case of a bit of tidying up, oh and sorting out the chimney.<br />
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The chimney was provided with the nobbly covering, so I had to really focus on the ageing, I also added a couple of little 'pots'. It is now finished! Used lots of bits on the pavement, grass, sand and 'leaves', then just kept on dabbing on various browns till I felt happy with how it looked. I sanded the pavement down in a few places, to make it look worn. Very happy with the result. <br />
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I've been watching lots of 'how to' videos on line, but not of mini houses, rather how to build your own guitar! No, not planning to, it is rather specialised, and you need a bit of woodworking experience, plus muscle power. I also watched a few videos of how to repair guitars, which I think may be useful, stuff like how to keep your guitar in good order, just some maintenance stuff. And how to check the action, or the string height. <br />
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<br />And here it is, my guitar, looks very smart. And it sounds lovely. I checked the 'action' and it is spot on, not bad for a supposedly 'cheap' guitar. I have changed the strings, I was finding the steel strings very difficult, and wasn't able to practice for long. So did a bit of research and found that if you get silk/steel strings, they are easier on the fingers. So I invested in a set, and it is bliss! I can now practice for up to ten minutes at a time, still need to build up the callouses on the fingers, but with these strings it is so much easier. I've now mastered three chords, doesn't sound like much, but I'm chuffed. When I took the old strings off I gave the fretboard a bit of TLC, it felt a bit dry, so just dabbed on some almond oil, one chap said he used it on his guitars, some use linseed, others said they liked lemon oil, while quite a few used some professional product that seemed to cost an arm and a leg. Nah, used the almond oil, the fretboard came up a treat. I now know all the bits of the guitar, frets, fretboard, nut, bridge and saddle... and watched a lady bring a very old guitar back to life. It was fascinating to watch, the neck was broken, the body had a few cracks, the finish needed to be stripped back and replaced, it had no bridge, so she had to make on, she also had to get some tuners made, that was because it was so old the measurements were different. She also French polished it, which is quite a skill, something my uncle used to do. The guitar turned out to be over a hundred years old, but she managed to restore it, and at the end she played it, it sounded wonderful. <br />
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I'm very happy with my guitar, it isn't a full size guitar, and I am relieved it isn't. It had occured to me that I might not be able to hold a full sized guitar, not with the back and neck issues. So my guitar is a 3 quarter model, and is perfect for me, doesn't put any strain on me. I had been advised to buy a 'name', but they cost a lot of money, yes they are worth it, but I needed to know if I could manage to play, and more importantly will keep it up. Besides the entry level 'name' guitars are okay, but if you do get into playing, then you are probably better paying over a hundred quid and getting something really decent. I also looked at a few videos which examined what they call 'chibsons', or the Chinese copies of the Gibson guitar, and boy are those 'Chibsons' rather ropey. Poor materials, low quality electrics, some even arrive broken, oh they look like the real thing, but they're not. A few folk spend a bit of money and do end up with a half decent guitar, but I feel for anyone who falls for these fakes. But it is worth doing some research before you buy a guitar, and don't feel pressured into buying something really expensive if it is your first guitar. And if those steel strings hurt, then switch to the Martin, low tension silk/steel strings, you'll love them, and look on ebay, they'll be far cheaper. <br />
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So me and the cat... well he is much happier, more his old self now. As for me, still in pain, lots of it. A pity I can't just put on a velvet collar and make it all go away, much easier for cats. At least Harvey will soon be a flea free zone. <br />
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Bye for now. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-91801938207219491552016-11-03T21:17:00.000+01:002016-11-03T21:17:48.345+01:00Whizz, bang and numpties<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Evening, it is a bit on the chilly side tonight. Even Harvey has opted to stay in, although he has had a short evening stroll tonight. It's okay, he never ventures far, he's not shut out, he never is, and as soon as the numpties start letting off their fireworks he comes back home. I've never understood the appeal in wandering around on a cold night letting off fireworks, it is a very expensive way to have fun. <br />
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The Travellers rest has really come on this week.<br />
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The front facade was a bit tricky, it wouldn't set straight. Couldn't think of how to prop it up, then, boing, the elastic bands! So I put them round the whole thing, then made sure the front facade was sitting snug agaist the rest of the house, then used a couple of books to act as a weight - success! I'd already 'laid' the pavement, some air dried clay, and then I pressed the pavement mold into it. Next bit was to 'age' it, different bits of paint, sand, grass is next.. then some added wear and tear.<br />
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This front view lets you see that archway, all timbered, and paved. I think I spent the most time on that bit. The stone steps came with the kit, all I needed to do was paint them. I didn't use white paint on the house, but a very light cream, white is too stark and I wanted the pub to look old, which is why the timbers are pale brown. The next step is to tile the roof, and fix the chimney into place. I'll then need to turn my attention to some Xmas cards! <br />
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I've also got a parcel coming tomorrow... a guitar! I said that I was hankering after one, well I'd looked on ebay, there were quite a few bargains to be had, but I wasn't sure if I wanted second hand or new. Then I had to consider how much I wanted to spend, I had thought of one which was £70, a good guitar and boy was I tempted, but I resisted. On Tuesday I had a look in a couple of second hand shops, they only had either the really cheap stuff, or electric. Then I had a long think, did I really want to spend a lot of money, what if I got bored... so went back on line, now I was looking for something in the £40-£50 bracket, a beginners kit preferably. And finally I found one, checked up on the sellers, found some very good reviews for the guitars, they'd also uploaded some videos to YouTube, so I could hear the guitar, it had a nice sound. So after a cuppa and a little more deliberation, I checked to see how much I had saved, almost £30, the guitar package was £44, so I bought it. That was yesterday, and it will arrive tomorrow! Just the treat I'll need as I am also off to see the specialist about my back, which has been giving me hell all week. Tuesday was the worst, didn't think a very short wander between two second hand shops would be too much, but it was. So I've had to rest up a little, which gave me time to check and double check the location of the hospital. The appointment is at 5pm, so going to hit rush hour - groan. It is a straightforward route, just have to hope that it isn't too manic. <br />
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Well I have a diary entry to do, then a bit more ukulele practice. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-86878076654833392802016-10-29T22:09:00.000+02:002016-10-29T22:09:04.750+02:00Shiver me timbers... !!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm looking forward to my extra hour in bed, it will make up for the hour I lost due to Harvey demanding to go out this morning! <br />
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So, timbers made from grungeboard, all cut out, and with a few coats of paint. Started with a light brown, then used a Mocha. I don't think I did too bad a job. Tried to just keep it simple, it is for the back of the pub, which has no windows, so I could ignore those bits. Next task was to glue it into place.<br />
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Ta dah! Luckily I spotted that it had shifted slightly when I put on the elastic bands, so I was able to ease it over. The little archway is now looking the business. It was the fiddliest bit, well so far, it has needed a lot of 'dressing', by that I mean adding sand, grass bits, and will be adding a few leaves. <br />
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Next job, to glue the side bits into place. Cue pegs... and elastic bands. Then scramble around looking for the small paintbrush that you have just put down, somewhere! <br />
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While that was drying I decided to...<br />
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...have a cuppa, phew, thirsty work this housebuilding. Then I measured the roof to work out were the rafters went. Used the tacky glue so they wouldn't then just ping loose when I let go. <br />
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Then, quick slurp of tea, bite head of reindeer... the Xmas malteaser reindeer, not the real thing. Very tasty.<br />
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Remove pegs, and repeat process on the other side. All tasks on list completed, time for dinner. I also needed to put away some meat I'd bought from the sell by counter, got four chicken breasts and two nice pieces of casserole steak for £4.10, bargain or what? Three chicken breasts would have cost me £4, so I congratulated myself for the savings. Love that counter, found loads of bargains there in the last few weeks. All the meat went straight into the freezer, except for one chicken breast that I used for my stir fry, and Harvey had some chicken too. Can't leave him out, he loves chicken, and he had a fair old few morsels tonight. Then off he went, into the night, don't worry he can get back in easily if he wishes. He doesn't go far either, we've had a few fireworks going off, but he's come back once the bangs start. He will be kept inside on bonfire night.<br />
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Bonfire night also means I can get rid of a few things from the garden, got some old wooden planters that have rotted, plus an oversized rose bush/tree, it is far too big, so it is coming out. Think there are some other bits in the shed that can also go on the bonfire. Would it be possible to also place the entire Tory government on top of a bonfire? Talk about the blind leading the blind... not sure any of them know what they are doing, other than avoid answering any questions, or admitting that they have bribed Nissan to stay in the UK. <br />
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I'm also confused, (not that it takes much), but you see they keep telling us that we are a rich country. So if we are, how come we have so many homeless people, and why are there families holed forced to live in the most disgusting examples of temporary accommodation. Also why are people forced to pay sky high rents for rat holes. Why can't we fund the NHS properly, why have waiting lists increased under this government; why have they slashed disability benefits? Oh and why do we need foodbanks? Just wondering, cos I would have thought that a rich country could afford to build decent homes for all, fund the NHS, and and that there would be no need for foodbanks... Funny how we can afford nuclear weapons, money to bribe companies to stay here, to pay the extortionate MP expenses bill, and hand over millions to a very rich family for cutting the odd ribbon. Mmm... see anything wrong with this picture? <br />
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Well the guitar fund is growing, I've narrowed down my choice of guitar. I was looking at some buying guides and reviews on Youtube, plus listening to how the various guitars sound. They all warned against going cheap, which I'd worked out for myself, so need to be spending around the £100 plus mark, for new, or less than that for second hand. Don't mind the preloved stuff, after all, Harvey was a preloved cat! Last night he fell off the bed during a mammoth washing session... this morning as I was reading my paper he decided he wanted to sit on my lap, so plonked himself down in the middle of the paper, and he spent part of the morning outside howling at another cat - at that point I disowned him. <br />
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Now I must go feed him, again... he is like a bottomless pit. Back soon with more pub updates. Enjoy Halloween, and be careful when parking your broomstick!</div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-8043840579380477092016-10-26T22:00:00.000+02:002016-10-26T22:00:03.793+02:00Got it covered! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="goog_1013919772"></span><span id="goog_1013919773"></span>Evening, it's a bit chilly here, even Harvey has been snuggling on my knee. Glad that I got the duvet out of storage. And I'm using some lavender smelling washing liquid, it is such a beautiful aroma. <br />
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So pub update, it is nearly open for business! I have now stuck the whole thing together. This was on Monday, lots of elastic bands were needed to hold things together. Nice of the postie to drop them around the road. No idea why they need to drop them.. <br />
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So after it was all dry, it was then time to cover it with the air dry clay, or filler, the choice was mine. Went with the clay, just find it easier. So this is the front, now looking a lot neater after some trimming and sanding. I went round into the door frames, just to give a neater finish. Now it needs to be painted, which I would have done today, but needed to just add a bit more clay here and there. So while that was drying, I had something to cut out...<br />
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The timber frame for the rear of the pub. It didn't come with one, so I have had to make my own. I thought about using card, but didn't have anything thick enough, so I went for grungeboard. I used the front piece of timber frame as a template, but of course for the back I didn't need the window or door frames, so I could make it up as I went along. It was also easy to cut thank goodness, and best of all - it fits! I've now started to paint it, it will need a few coats, so I'm starting with a light brown, then go darker. <br />
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There is still lots to do, windows to put in, doors, all have to be painted, then the roof, oh and the chimney... so not a lot! And in between trying to learn Blowin In The Wind... almost there with the chord changes. I'm okay once my hands get warmed up, but when I start they are just so stiff. Still looking at guitars, and of course still saving up. Just trying to get an idea of what is best to buy, want something with a good sound, but not too big as I'm not sure I could cope with the full size dreadnought guitar, going to go have a peek in the music shop and see which I can manage. But got weeks before any buying can be done. <br />
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I also can't believe that I've now completed one year as a non smoker. Who would have thought it? Not me, though without the e cigarette I would have cracked long before now. I've just had to replace the battery on one, yes I have two. I use one and the other goes on charge. I also like to give the top bit a wash with warm water every now and then. I've saved a fortune, but sadly since quitting the health has actually gone downhill, now I thought it would be the other way around. No, I won't be ever puffing on a cigarette again, happy with my vape machine. <br />
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So now off to watch that spooky thing on ITV, if Harvey will leave me alone... sees you all soon with more pub updates. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-21753900464672958922016-10-23T21:26:00.002+02:002016-10-23T21:26:54.356+02:00A new project!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Here is the new project: The Travellers Rest. In a week's time it will, I promise, look very different. In fact it already is. It arrived on Friday in good time to lift my rotten mood. It's been a real up and down week, and my back has been so painful. I had to go see my GP, she was lovely and we talked about pain relief, but she is reluctant to change my meds at the moment because of the upcoming appointment with a specialist. So taking comfort in heat pads, and the odd glass of garnacha! <br />
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The first job was to make the floors, plus the little roadway... all will become clear as the pub comes together. I cut up some card to use as floorboards, they get stuck down individually, get some distressing and then a coat of PVA, a glossy modpodge. For the road I used some air dry clay, then pressed a cobblestone mold into the clay. And it was all left to dry.<br />
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This is the inside wall of the archway, it was covered by a thin sheet of the clay. It didn't need to be smooth, in fact I wanted it to look rough and ready. I covered the MDF in PVA, then lay the clay on top, just pressed it down, then trimmed off the excess. It was left to dry overnight. I did the same process on the opposite wall.<br />
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This is the inside wall with its timber frame, honest! Forgot to take a before pic, but hey, the pegs are colourful. They are of course to hold down the timber frame until the glue dries. Before this I gave the clay a tidy up, and a coat of paint. Yep, all slow, but necessary.<br />
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Here is that wall in situ. It had some 'walnut' dabbed all over it. The road had sand and grass added, along with dabs of various coloured paints. It is now starting to look the part. <br />
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I also made some beams for the 'roof', just out of balsa wood. I'll take pics of those tomorrow. All in all it has been a very satisfying day. Much better than yesterday when I was in agony, no idea what causes these flare ups, I do try to watch what I do, and not do too much. I did make it to The Range to get some of the glossy mod podge, and loo rolls, which had been on my shopping list all week. Was also disgusted to see two cars parked in the disabled bays not displaying badges. That meant I had to park much further away, some folk are so bloody selfish. I was glad to read that Tesco are now fining people for abusing the disabled spaces. <br />
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Still learning how to play the ukulele, my chord changes are much better, but it takes a good ten minutes to get my fingers warmed up before I can start to play. But the warm up is very useful for fingerpicking practice, I just make up little tunes. I'm also being a bit anti social on skype, I'm afraid that I have become a bit fed up with a friend, she skypes and then just moans, now who needs that? She doesn't even ask how I am, or if I want to chat. My counsellor told me that it was up to me who came into my flat, and she meant not only through the door, but by telephone or skype. I've taken that advice on board, I realised that I was pandering to my friend and letting her behave badly, no more. A good and lasting friendship has to be healthy, and be a two way street, give and take, not take all the time. <br />
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This coming week is going to be a quiet one, I need to recharge my batteries. I got the duvet out of storage, and a neighbour kindly put the winter curtains up for me. I say 'winter' they're just heavier so keep the warm in. Soon be time for the clocks to go back, and then we shall all hunker down and wait for spring to come around. <br />
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I hope you have a good week. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-82476841227143573212016-10-17T22:13:00.000+02:002016-10-17T22:13:13.886+02:00Paving the way<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Back after another break. More appointments, I'm a bit sick of hospitals and doctors at the moment. Just trying to get my pain medication right, think I've found the right dose, so back to GP on Thursday to report a success. Then in two weeks off to another hospital to see a consultant about my back, and to arrange more tests... oh the joys! I'm not alone, a neighbour is also having a few health problems, so we shared our moans, then exchanged funny stories about our cats, that cheered us both up. <br />
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I have new pics of The Railway Inn, with its fresh pavement. It is just a piece of card from the back of a sketch pad, it has been scored, then I used the paper creaser on my cutter. Then it had a few coats of paint, oh before that I sealed it with some PVA. The final touches with some leaves and pieces of grass. <br />
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And here is a full size pic, the new pavement looks much better than the old one. But I have had compliments about the 'stained' glass, which is simply some glass paint. <br />
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And the Farm Worker's cottages have a roof! Finally, just gave up on the thatch, well at least for now. I used some spare wood I had, cut it to size, then made some tiles with thick card. The two cottages look so much better now. Haven't completely given up on the thatch idea, will have a practice, still got a few pieces of wood that are no use for anything. I know now what I was doing wrong, the clay was too thick, and there is a new way of achieving the 'thatch' bit. <br />
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The pavement also had a revamp. I sanded it down, and took a few tiny chunk out here and there, just to make it look worn. Then, same as the pavement for the pub, I added some moss and a few dead leaves. The walls have also been toned down, but my camera has unhelpfully brightened it all up! <br />
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I picked up a couple of match pots, just to add a few more colours to my palette. <br />
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Not felt like doing much lately, I seemed to have lost interest in most things. The art class has now finished, it was just a taster course, but I did learn a few things. I'm having a bash at a pen and ink drawing, not sure it is my thing but I shall complete it. Not much else in the way of art to show, we didn't actually do much drawing, just learning about techniques, textures and tones. <br />
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I did order a new little building today, hopefully it will be winging its way too me shortly. It is another pub, but a timber framed tudor building, looking forward to getting stuck in. Just doing these bits and bobs on the other houses has whetted my appetite to do more. <br />
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Still practising the ukulele. My fingers are now beginning to harden, and I can make a few chord changes easily, once I've got my fingers warmed up that is. I'm trying to learn a few songs, just with a few chords in them, nothing complicated. I'm even doing some fingerpicking. Not sure Harvey is appreciating my musical efforts. Some sad news the other day, a friend had to have her dog put down, so sad, he wasn't very well, but he'd had a long and happy life. She is now missing him terribly, I know that feeling, it is horrible. I gave Harvey a cuddle, he does like cuddles, but he still tries to be a fusspot about his food. I've got tough with him, so we have less fussy moments these days. <br />
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Now off to do my diary entry. Have a good week.</div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-41157461152447634832016-10-08T21:35:00.000+02:002016-10-08T21:35:01.555+02:00Fingerpicking and felting... ?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Evening, yep been a while since the last blog, I'm blaming this little beastie, which has occupied most of my time. That, plus an art class, oh and numerous hospital appointments. <br />
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I am glad to say that I am improving on the uke, I can now play around 6 chords, and even manage to switched between them. I'm now learning a few songs, and some finger picking, which isn't as hard as I thought (yeah, famous last words!). The fingertips are now starting to harden up, and the fingers are getting stronger, so far less dud chords. The main thing is this, I am really enjoying myself, and that is what counts. I'm even rekindling the idea of getting a guitar, which I really wanted when I was younger. I'm saving up, and we'll see what happens. <br />
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An odd pic, it is of The Railway Inn. I stripped off the old pavement, for which I'd used the paper clay, and replaced it with card from a cereal box. Then I had to start to paint it, then age it, which has taken 'ages'. But it is now almost there, meant to take a new pic, but will do so tomorrow.<br />
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In fact the last few weeks have been taken up with stuff on all the houses, a bit of tweaking, altering etc. <br />
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Well if I thought that the pantiles were hard, what proved almost impossible was the thatch. I went from clay, to actual thatch, and then to felt. I had almost got the real thatch, but kind of lost the plot when it came to the ridge. So I studied the book by Bea Broadwood, and decided to go with the felt. So off to get some felt, then I made a lumpy bit at the edge of the roof, and then on went the felt, all well stuck down, left the glue to dry... <br />
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And it is taking shape! It's had some paint, I also used some clay to cover up the tatty gable end. It all now just needs to be painted and finished off, oh and the chimneys need to be fixed into place. I also stripped back the pavement on this, just sanded the old colour off, now I'm trying to get it to look like the colour of York stone. <br />
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See it looks okay from the front. The pavement will also be 'dressed', with some bits of grass, and a few leaves. I do like these two cottages, they are playing a part in a story I'm writing. Yes, I'm writing! I've even begun to watch the odd series, which I'd not managed for years. I can't say my concentration is back, you should see how tired I am after the two hour art class, but good things are happening. <br />
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The art class is fun, it is just a taster course, we've covered pencil, charcoal, plus pen and ink, along with shading, shape etc. It has all been very useful. The tutor is lovely, so helpful and encouraging. I wasn't a fan of charcoal, it is so immediate, and also messy! But I did enjoy the class, still got a charcoal piece of homework to complete. This week it was pen and ink, again a new medium I'd never tried, but once it was explained, that it is mark making, not pattern making, then I began to 'get it'. It is the last week this coming week, us students are going to enjoy a last lunch in the cafe, each week we keep getting tempted by the delicious smells. We all contributed to their Macmillan coffee morning the other week, lots of lovely cakes to choose from. They raised a few hundred pounds as well!<br />
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So while some stuff is going well, the health took a down turn. I got my MRI results, not good, I didn't expect my spine to be that bad. I knew I had one prolasped disc in my lower back, in fact I have two, one in my neck, along with a lot of bulging discs in both neck and lower back, hence all the pain. There is a lot of wear and tear as well, fortunately none of the dodgy discs are pressing on the spinal cord, just on the nerves. It was a depressing outcome, made worse by the hour and a half it took me to get there! That was to travel around 16 miles! It was all fine on the motorway, then I came off and ground to a halt. I've no idea why they've not made the road wider to accommodate the heavy traffic, caused by the university, but they haven't, so you don't travel much faster than a snail. I wasn't the only patient caught up in the traffic, quite a few were, I was lucky that I made it just in time. So I've now been referred to a pain specialist, I have to see what they recommend, but surgery doesn't seem to be an option, there's just too much damage. Painwise it hasn't been too bad this week, just one or two bad days. But that is only because I'm learning to pace myself a bit better.<br />
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Now I must finish watching Strictly and do my diary entry. Have a great week. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-80918900907364371042016-09-11T21:54:00.003+02:002016-09-11T21:54:57.370+02:00To uke or not to uke, that is the question... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A cottage is slowly emerging. I agree that it has taken rather a long time, but that's because I have been a bit distracted, and I shall reveal the new toy at the end. The other reason is that it takes ages to paint this type of render, it takes a few coats to get inbetween all the little stones. Then you need to go back over the woodwork. So there is a bit of faffing, as I call it, a technical term you understand. And as usual I've had appointments to go to, will this health stuff never end? <br />
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Also the roof caused no end of problems. I tried a few different methods, before choosing the corrugated card strips. I snipped inbetween each while they were still wet with the glue, so they settled down nicely. Now I need to sort out how to do the finishing bits. And not happy with the colour, so that needs work. But at least some progress is being made. <br />
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This is also a distraction. If you have one then you will fully understand why it is impossible to sit and craft without interruption. These are guaranteed to come and bother you the moment you sit down at your craft desk. He's been driving me potty all week. He has decided he wants to eat the fishy Felix for the time being, but with the odd meaty sachet just to add some contrast. Oh along with wanting pieces of my melton mowbray pie, the bratwurst, and the cheese, and the fresh chicken. He thinks he is starved! <br />
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So to my new toy... a ukulele! And why not? Why you are asking, has she decided to buy a uke? Well last Saturday I was watching the Travel Show on the BBC news programme. They challenged one of the presenters to find a cheap night out in London, so she discovered a pub that has a ukulele night. Her next challenge was to learn how to play a uke and join in. She had two weeks, and she did it. Then I got it into my noggin that it would be nice to learn how to play a uke. Not knowing how much they cost I had a look on the internet. I found one for just £16, with good reviews, all said it was fine for a beginner. But I was still unsure, and I've not got money to fritter on whims. Then I remembered my 'slummy' tin, it is were I chuck my loose change, well some of it. I'd been saving for a while, in fact I'd been meaning to take to the coinstar machine. Anyways, I counted it, and I had twenty quid, so off to Argos I did go and got myself a uke. I also purchased an electronic tuner, which has proved a Godsend, well how was I going to now how a C string should sound? Actually there is an app, yep, an ukulele app tuner, but it wasn't as accurate as the dedicated tuner, which cost me the enormous sum of: a fiver. So all week I've been practising. On the first day it was all I could do to play one chord, let alone change chords! But now I can actually play four chords, and change between three of them, one is a bit more tricky, but I'm getting there. So now I'm getting used to strumming patterns, and changing between two chords. I wish to state that I am a TOTAL beginner, never played a stringed instrument in my life. But I am really enjoying myself, and I am making progress. Harvey does give me strange looks, but at least he hasn't felt the urge to join in - yet. If I do keep it up and, more importantly, actually learn to play it properly, then I'll get a better quality model. But for the time being this little uke will do fine. Tell me, what did we all do before YouTube? I've found some really good tutorials on it, plus some free PDF files of chords. Yes proper lessons would be nice, but they cost money. <br />
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On Monday I had my first intensive counselling session. No I didn't come away wrecked, but it was a full on assessment that took nearly two hours, so I was a bit drained. Monday was also the day when I went to buy my uke, a treat is a good thing after counselling, or so I've been told. Not sure if it involves buying a musical instrument. But I do love music, always have, I watched the Last Night of the Proms last night, and I've watched a few others from the Proms this year. Last night was a bit emotional, mum and I would always watch it together, she loved classical music. My favourite symphony is The Planets, by Dvorak, and yes, you will have heard bits of it on adverts. Actually I must dig it out and have a listen. <br />
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As for this week, well tomorrow I have to deal with some admin stuff first thing, my housing association says I owe them rent, and I don't, good thing I keep a record of all transactions! Actually this rent thing isn't anything to do with me, just the slow pace of officialdom. Even so, it is still worrying, and not good for my anxiety. And also another counselling session, something enjoyable to look forward to at the end of the week is my art class. <br />
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No idea when I'll be blogging again, depends on my back, and the distractions... Have a good week. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-19109157474028260052016-09-02T21:51:00.002+02:002016-09-02T21:51:58.034+02:00Pantile heaven<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well after much gnashing of teeth, chewing of nails... I solved my pantile problem! The book said you could also use corrugated cardboard, but where to get some? Yep I could have bought some online, but none of it was really the right size... So after one fruitless trip to Hobbycraft, I had a look at their website and it said they did have corrugated card. Back I went, this time I stuck to the children's section, lovely stuff, and finally, finally... I found what I wanted! And not only that but it was cut into strips at the perfect size, oh joy of joys. Nearly skipped out of there, well I would have had my back not been so sore. I drove home, no did not go like the clappers, was sensible...<br />
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This is one of my first attempts. For this I used the air dried paper clay, just too messy and way too fiddly, which is why I didn't continue with this method. The tin foil didn't work very well either<br />
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And this is the corrugated card. So much better, and it will look the part once it is painted.<br />
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I put down one whole strip, meaning with the backing in place, then I took the backing off for the next few strips. The pantiles are meant to nestle together. I got this small roof finished, then the tummy began rumbling and I realised it was time for some food. <br />
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I've started work on the larger roof, so should have the lot done by tomorrow. Can't tell you what a relief it is, I nearly gave up. <br />
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These corrugated card strips are part of a kit, they are for children. the pack doesn't say what age they'd be suitable for. You glue the strips together and make an animal, you get a few other bits to make the animal, eyes etc. And the best bit, it only costs £3. But I think they'd be great for any crafter, especially if you do mixed media. <br />
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Today has not been a good day. I've overdone it this week, and yesterday my back decided to tell me that I needed to have a rest! I didn't get a whole lot of sleep last night, and when I woke up this morning I could barely move. I had a hospital appointment, needed an ultra sound, and that meant I couldn't eat for six hours before it. Now that put me in a dilemma, I need to take ibuprofen when my back is this bad, and I have to eat something in order to take the stuff. I also knew that I could not go six hours without taking ibuprofen. Since my appointment wasn't till late in the afternoon I gave it an hour to see if my back would calm down. It didn't, so I had to cancel, they weren't very happy, I did explain and then they were sympathetic. There was another problem with the appointment, it was a 40 minute drive, a bit too far with a very sore back. When I say 'sore' what I mean is a sharp pain going down both legs, back in spasm, so any movement is very painful, plus this horrid tingly feeling from the waist down. <br />
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I'm fed up of hospitals, never asked for the scan, I even queried if I really needed it. The doc half agreed with me that the slightly high reading in one test could be down to the painkillers. I'm not daft about the dosage, some folk are frankly stupid and are very lucky that they don't overdose on co-codamol. No idea when I'll get another appointment, the receptionist said it would be October. I hope she can arrange it at a hospital a little closer to home. Yes I know the doctors are having a series of strikes, but the ultra sound isn't performed by a doctor, and I also hope that the government will see sense and start talking. I was getting angry last night with Sky, who seemed intent on misreporting the facts of the reasons behind the strike, a lot of it has to do with how this 'seven day' a week NHS will be funded, and the government are rather quiet on that. I can tell you, from experience, that no-one in the NHS wants to strike, I had to once when I was in the ambulance service. It was the hardest thing I'd ever done, and our strike was local and nothing to do with pay, but rather we wanted decent equipment, and to stop two of our colleagues being unfairly sacked. We got pushed into a corner and so we had no choice but to strike, but we all remained at work, and we were ready to attend any emergency if asked. No doubt the government will try, in fact they already are, to demonise the junior doctors, don't let them, it is this government who are in the wrong. The NHS is not safe in its hands, and it never will be. <br />
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I'll get off my soap box. Need to as Harvey is looking at me in the hope that I'll feed him! Fat chance, he was fed an hour ago. Instead I'm off to fill in my diary, and hope that there is still a place on the mosaic taster course. Have a good weekend. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-81175876258019894452016-08-28T21:44:00.002+02:002016-08-28T21:44:42.447+02:00A spaghetti roof... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What a week, funny how you wait for ages for appointments, then like buses, they all seem to arrive at once. I've also been trying to cancel an appointment without much success. Tried to cancel on the referral booking site, no joy, keeps telling me that the appointment is in the past, tried phoning but I'm not going to hang on in a queue and build up a large phone bill. So not sure what to do. <br />
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Like the pick, I just felt like being arty! I've been busy with Snowdrop Cottage, and managing to scatter the gravel everywhere. Thank goodness for the handheld vac, what a godsend it is. I had to keep on giving the desk a bit of a sweep with a large paintbrush. The exterior is now done, so the focus in now on the roof, more of that in a mo! <br />
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The side view, just have to fill in those teeny tiny spaces on the blue bit... must be mad. Not sure how I got the lumpy bit, though it has now been removed. <br />
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I'm liking my blue, it was a mix of a cobalt blue and some white. I wanted a fresh colour for the cottage, normally I age them, but I'm not sure I will this time. <br />
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So what of the roof... well:<br />
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Take some mdf, and then add spaghetti! This will, I hope, look like pantiles. So far it has been very fiddly, and a bit hit and miss. <br />
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The first stage wasn't too bad, had to fix the spaghettie onto the roof. I used some DST (double sided tape), then positioned them evenly.<br />
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Next, well there were two options. I could use the air dried clay, or tin foil. I opted to use the clay. I rolled out a piece as thinly as I could, then cut it into strips. Next I laid it onto the spaghetti, and continued with the next strip. <br />
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But I wasn't happy, it didn't look right, the tiles looked too big for the size of the roof. So stripped it off and decided to go with the tin foil version.<br />
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Which is this. No, I don't like it either. I'd been fiddling with it all afternoon, so I took a break and had something to eat. Then I read my book of instructions, oops, I'd missed a bit out! I needed to use some PVA glue along with the DST. Which I shall do tomorrow. <br />
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As I said at the start, this week has been busy. I had to make my appointment for the MRI, and got a shock when I was told that there was an appointment for Saturday (yesterday), I grabbed it, better than waiting. Next came my appointment for the counselling, this is for the more intensive counselling, so that starts on 5th September. After that it was the letter for the follow up to the MRI, at the beginning of October. Blimey, it is all go! <br />
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So yesterday I had an early start, had to be at the hospital for 9.15, and the hospital in question is 40 minute drive away, and that is on a good day. I allowed a bit of time for delays and arrived at 9 a.m., no receptionist, so took a seat. There was a couple waiting, they said that the staff were coming in and out of the waiting room to check. At about 9.15 the radiographer came through, and I went into another waiting room. I had to take off all my jewellry and any other metal bits. Then it was into the donut, okay, MRI machine. I'd forgotten how noisy the darn things are, but in spite of the noise I still fell asleep! I had to have an MRI on my neck and lower back, so had to go through twice. But it was all done and dusted just after 10, and I could go home. I went to the very big supermarket near the hospital for some necessary bits, then with my back protesting I drove home. Odd thing happened, in the afternoon my wonky knee, the metal one, became very puffy and warm, it became hard to bend it. I had told the radiographer about my knee replacement. I wasn't sure what to do, to give them a call or wait and see what would happen. I had visions of my metal knee slowly melting! It didn't, and today it has been fine, sadly my back isn't, it is still very painful. I've had a few sleepless nights lately because of the pain. So now I have to wait for the results. And on Friday I have another scan, this time on my liver. Someone said to be once that if the medical profession get their hooks into you they never let go, I'm beginning to think there is some truth in that. I'm still very tired, doesn't matter how much sleep I get I still wake up tired. This morning me and Harvey had a lazy start to the day, I woke up at about 7 a.m., but felt that was too early for a Sunday, so I had some tea and toast, more painkillers and went back to sleep... I woke up to the dulcet sounds of Harvey's yowling at 9 a.m., he wanted to go out for his walk! He is a cat, but insists on having a morning walk, not with me, he just goes off on his own and checks the neighbourhood. <br />
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I also had a humungus pile of ironing, hate ironing. So got the stool, put up the ironing board, switched on the telly and set to. Wasn't as bad as I thought, lots of T shirts to get through, and some sheets. I did break for a cup of coffee, and gave Harvey his treat. I've also been collecting feathers for him, a few tied to a piece of string keeps him amused for hours. <br />
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So tomorrow it is the pantiles part three, or that could be part four... whichever it is, tomorrow is going to be a lazy day. Oh of course, it is a bank holiday! Sorry for us retired types those things now pass me by.<br />
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Will report back on the pantiles... </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-10227265192998851502016-08-22T21:58:00.000+02:002016-08-22T21:58:23.310+02:00Must be Monday... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Welcome to Snowdrop cottage! As you can see I've been busy, wallpaper is up, flooring done, even got the door fitted. Yes the top floor is also in good order, as is the annexe. Just needs some furniture, maybe a few pictures on the wall?<br />
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It is easy to get carried away with these little houses, they are so well designed, and very accurately cut. I went for floorboards for the ground floor, not made those for a while. And I used some canvas paper for the ceiling, just gives a bit of texture.<br />
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Upstairs I decided to put use floor tiles. I made the 'tiles' using Craft Artist Pro, a bit fiddly but worth the effort. I do need to put in another door upstairs. <br />
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I also got round to the front. The quions are on, those things on the sides, windows are in, and next up came the pebble dash. Yep, it all has to be pebble dashed, but it is pretty easy, just need to use plenty of pva glue, and not be tempted to tip off the excess too soon. <br />
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First bits done, well half done. Sadly the cat required feeding. Harvey is in fusspot mode, it usually lasts a week, then he goes back to being happy. So I got him some fishy packs of food, they usually help the fussiness. Had to go to a different supermarket, and it was tipping down with rain. The things we do for our furry friends. <br />
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And the Olympics is over, have to wait for the ParaOlympics, which sadly is going to be hit by some financial cuts. <br />
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Not sure if I am going to have time for the cottage tomorrow, got a few things to do. Just hope the heatwave doesn't get this far, me and Harvey can't cope. <br />
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<br />All for now folks, thanks for stopping by. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-4142136244554157602016-08-20T22:25:00.000+02:002016-08-20T22:25:36.782+02:00A golden fortnight<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Wow, how amazing is Team GB? 25 Gold medals! I'm exhausted by it all. I've watched some of the early morning stuff, occasionally it pays to have insomnia! It is sad to see that so many events have been poorly attended, and now it looks like the Paralympics will be badly affected by lack of money because the organisers have dipped into the paralympian fund. <br />
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In the meantime, between Olympic stuff, I carried on with my pansy. It is slowly coming to life. I'm starting to add the darker shade of purple to achieve some depth. I'll keep at it. I saw a lovely photo of a badger which I must draw. <br />
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I have been missing my housebuilding, so I caved in and bought Snowdrop Cottage, isn't it adorable! It arrived today, was so happy to see the A5 padded envelope waiting for me when I returned from the papershop. I couldn't wait to get started. I've done all the prep work, and got some of the wallpapering and flooring done, but now need to print off more wall paper. I've also got to put in a little garden, looking forward to that bit.<br />
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I didn't feel guilty about being indoors, the weather today has been terrible. So windy, and also raining, Harvey is unamused. <br />
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He thought he'd look at things from a different perspective, sadly it didn't alter the weather! But he did get a treat, some fresh chicken, which he loves. I now have to make sure that there is enough chicken for me and him. The things us cat owners do! He's been a bit under the weather lately, he's not liking his new cat neighbours, one is a bit of a bully, but he got his comeuppance the other day, picked on the wrong cat, not Harvey, but the big moggy! <br />
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Yes this is amusing, but it also has a point. I'm an introvert. I'll speak more on this in each blog. But please don't confuse introvertism with being shy or anti social, us introverts sime like peace and quiet, and we need lots of it. When I first read about being an introvert, I realised that I was reading about myself and my life. It was such a relief, my family always accused me of being anti social because I didn't much like parties, though I would go, and in my own way I'd enjoy myself. However my way was to sit and watch, I was completely happy, but others decided that just sitting and watching was boring, and how could I possibly be enjoying myself, I should get up and make an idiot of myself, or go chat to folk I didn't even know (or like). Equally I knew when I was tired and needed to go home, but you can't ever leave a party early... grrrr. You can, and it doesn't mean that you are a miserable sod, it simply means that you are tired and need to recharge your batteries. More on this....<br />
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It's been a busy week, sadly some of the time was taken up with a bit of a crisis, not of my doing, and which was finally sorted out by a lovely lady who knew what she was doing. So I spent the first half of the week totally stressed and very, very anxious. Then on Thursday it was off to yet another hospital for an assessment on my dodgy back. The verdict wasn't good, in fact I was a bit surprised when I was told that I had damage to more than one disc. I now need to have an MRI, that will show how bad things are, not sure I want to know. But my back really is bad, on Monday I just turned and suddenly my back went into spasm, I was in agony for the next two days until the spasm eased. And today I've had a horrible dull ache in my lower back, with some pins and needles, plus a loss of power, that is the only way I can describe it. <br />
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Only one more day of the Olympics to do, can Mo Farah get his second gold, I hope so, and I loved the hockey last night, what a match. I hated hockey at school, I never fancied getting hit by that very hard ball! I preferred netball, or volleyball, and I wasn't bad at athletics, fairly good at long jump, but I was a water baby, swam for the school team! And I wasn't bad at tennis. Think I've just realised why I have so many aches and pains, all those sports. <br />
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Almost time for a well earned cuppa, then I need to get Harvey to come in. It would be good if it started raining now, that would bring him running home. Will be back soon with an update on Snowdrop cottage, and the pansy. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-76445866608556399322016-08-13T21:48:00.001+02:002016-08-13T21:48:25.102+02:00The cat and the pansy... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The villian in my life, or Harvey, he who rules. Or at least I let him think he is in charge. Wish I could say that it has been a quiet week, but it hasn't, had a large chunk of stress on Thursday, all caused by officialdom. It should be sorted out this week, or so I've been promised. <br />
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Until Thursday the week hadn't been too bad, aside from the weather, the usual summer stuff: rain, wind, dip in temperature. Of course this didn't help Harvey's grumpy mood, though I found out why he was grumpy, he had a tummy upset and was sick all over the carpet. After that he was fine, though the grumpiness came back. He's also been on wake up duty, or so he thinks, just wish he'd remember that he has claws, that they are sharp and that there is no need to use them to wake me. So what have I been up to, a bit of small housebuilding...<br />
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Nope, a bit of art. I saw a step by step in Liesure Painter, so decided to have a go. Plus it was for coloured pencils! It is a Trompe l'oeil, which is sort of a trick, or illusion. In this case it is to make you think that there is a piece of paper lying on a piece of paper. Hopefully it will look like that when it is finished. This was my first attempt. The exercise used a technique I've never used, you had to grate a pencil on a tea strainer, then use the 'bits' to shade the paper. It took a bit of practice, first run wasn't so good, I'd got too much pencil dust, so had another go and it was much better. This was going well until I made a hash of things with the eraser and left a dirty mark. So it was a case of starting over!<br />
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This is take two, it is hard to make out, but it is a pansy. The pencil lines are deliberately faint. I've also cleaned the eraser. I'm happier with take two, it is coming along nicely. This is just the first layer of colour, there will be a darker purple, then some cool grey, and some payne's grey. It all takes time to blend in, and to get the lines in the right place to make it look like a flower. But the Olympics are helping, I can sit and colour while watching. I've had to use the PC to watch most of the tennis and the golf. <br />
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Today I did some gardening, or planted the new plant, then the neighbour came along and gave me a hand. He helped fix one of the planters, then put some fresh compost in for me. He's such a lovely chap, and his wife is nice, both are really helpful. I'd have not managed to do anything with the planter without his help. He will also break up the old and rotten planter, then we can cart it up to the tip, along with some stuff he needs to get rid of. <br />
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So it is art for the next week or so, and also the Olympics, we're doing very nicely for Gold medals! Hope Andy can add another, although he is guaranteed a silver medal, but gold is a nice colour. <br />
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Enjoy the week ahead. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-22936171653133506402016-08-06T21:55:00.000+02:002016-08-06T21:55:14.705+02:00And now we have a street, or should that be a Lane? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="goog_191312338"></span><span id="goog_191312339"></span><span id="goog_191312336"></span><span id="goog_191312337"></span>Just had to share this pic with you! I've had a very up and down week. On Monday I got some bad news, then on Tuesday I sorted out the problem which had arisen from the bad news. Then on Wednesday I got a phone call asking if I was still interested in a place on an art course, silly question, of course I was! So in September I'll be starting a drawing course. Could the good news keep coming, well it did when I realised that I get free prescriptions! It is definitely the little things that make a difference, and all those things made a big difference to my week. Oh, and I also got a lovely plant for the empty pot outside. <br />
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I've also finished the last of the houses that make up Memory Lane, here it is in all its glory. I did, sadly, spot a mistake with the roof, so had to reroof half of it. I'm really chuffed about how it has turned out, love the brickwork, seem to have mastered this technique, and I'm getting better with the colour. <br />
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So now I have to focus on how I intend to display them, in a row or, individually. I'd like to put them in a row, but I'll need a long piece of wood... she thinks, then remembers that, she took down some shelves a couple of years ago and the shelves are in the cloakroom! Oh joy!<br />
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Here's the inside, I used some different flooring. The edges have now been tidied up. Yep, you spotted it, there are no doors, or stairs. They can be put in, and I may do so. But so far I've been more interested in the outside than the inside. Maybe that needs to change? Something to think about.<br />
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This is the front, I actually used white acrylic to paint the windows, but I ended up with this silvery grey colour. I'm experimenting with curtains, using ribbons, of which I have a great many. It is just a bit fiddly, so need to order some patience... <br />
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This is how Marshalswick House fits in with some of the other houses. It will look good when it's all put together, and has a street sign. Oh, there is one more lean to, it goes on to the side of Purbeck Cottage, the grey house at the end.<br />
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It's also been a lovely day here, quite warm, and very sunny. Long may it continue. Of course the Olympics have begun, I woke up at around 1.30 a.m., so I had a peek at the opening ceremony, then fell back to sleep so missed Andy Murray carrying the flag. Then at 4 a.m., I woke up again, decided that a cup of tea would be a nice idea, when I came back to bed, Harvey had taken over! I've no idea how a small cat is able to monopolise an entire bed, but they can. So that was me and him till about 6 a.m., woke up again, needed my painkillers, so also had some tea and toast, then back to sleep, well the painkillers knocked me out, and woke up around 9 a.m. Not having a great time getting a good nights sleep, I've been in a lot of pain, and the painkillers are barely touching the pain at times. Oh to be a dormouse, or even a cat, they never have any problems sleeping - do they? <br />
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Off to watch a bit more of the Olympics. Thanks for dropping by. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-73546645498230690352016-07-31T21:27:00.001+02:002016-07-31T21:27:27.874+02:00Time to think Big!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Evening, sorry for not posting much lately, will explain later. In the meantime a new property arrived: Marshalswick House, which is the big and posh house on Memory Lane.<br />
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It is easily the biggest little house I've constructed so far, I mean, look at all those windows! Eight windows, one door, actually it is a posh door as you will soon see. I had to focus on the front, it was going to need the most work, and also needed a lot of thought. I had to decide how to do it, brick or render, if render, what type of render? Then it was important to get the colour right, it couldn't be an 'in your face' colour, it had to be a bit upmarket, but also a little shabby round the edges. So, once the wallpapering was done (forgot to take pics of inside, will do so soon), it was on to the front, and out with the paper clay.<br />
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I covered the front with a piece of paper clay, then left it to dry. It was rolled to about 2 mm, I covered the front with a solution of PVA and water, this helps to seal the MDF. Then before I applied the paperclay I applied some modpodge, then carefully teased out any bubbles in the clay. It takes about 24 hours to dry completely. I find it best to do any trimming at this stage, before it dries, any remaining bits can be removed with sandpaper or a sharp blade. <br />
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Once it was all dry I gave the clay a coat of the PVA and water solution, this was to stop the clay absorbing too much paint. Then I gave it a thin coat of paint, brandy cream, followed by two more coats. <br />
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Next task, to fit all the windows and window ledges. I'd already given the window frames a coat of white paint, which was dulled down a little, did not want them to look too bright or new. <br />
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I also used some molding paste as filler to cover any holes or gaps beneath the window ledges. <br />
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I then had to cover the door 'frame', the external frame, with more paper clay, I did the same with the step. They were both fixed on with molding paste, this helped prevent any gaps. <br />
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I'm now experimenting with some extra window decoration. Think these are a little too fat, I might also make some quoins. Then I have to do the roof, and finish off the rest of the brick work. I'll take some proper pics over the next couple of days. <br />
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I've been busy with appointments, hospital and counselling. This week I had to go to a different hospital to have my moles looked at. I went prepared for the usual wait, took my kindle so I could read my new book. Just got settled in the waiting room and, my name was called! I had all my moles checked, and was given the all clear, nurse explained what they all were and that I was fine, but I had done the right thing by getting them checked. Then on Wednesday morning, I had my second counselling session, it was more intense this time, and my counsellor explained that he was thinking that I may need a more indepth form of counselling, possibly psychotherapy. I could have cried, at last, someone was listening! He'd taken on board all I'd said, and wanted to know more, so we talked for a good 45 minutes, and by the end of it he suggested that I needed the next level of counselling. This does mean a wait, but it will only be a couple of weeks. I'd actually gone to that session to say that I didn't want CBT again, it hadn't worked the last time, in fact the mental health nurse felt that my first counselling experience back in 2013 had been mishandled, they should not have attempted CBT, but recommended that I have a proper assessment. The service I'm using now is totally different to that which was on offer in 2013, and already it feels so much better. <br />
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But my pain levels are really bad, and the tiredness is back. Hence I've not really felt up to blogging, or much else to be honest. I did make it to Tesco, he needed food, and food delivery wasn't due for another couple of days. So got Him food and treated myself to an art magazine, good job I did as there is a lovely exercise to try. Don't usually buy magazines, I'm fed up of the craft mags, they are all much of a muchness, and as for the other stuff, the gossip types, hate them. I downloaded the new Erica James novel, slowly working my way through it, oh it isn't a hard read, far from it, it just takes me ages to read a book. Funny when I think about it, after all I have a degree in English Literature, and used to read all the time. If I'm honest there is a whole stack of books I've bought but have yet to read, I hope one day that my love of reading will return. <br />
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My brain also feels foggy, my GP suggested I take a heavier dose of one of my painkillers for the back pain. I had a think and have added one more tablet, not sure I want to take much more as they do make me feel drowsy. I am seeing if I can do without the HRT, so far so good, just keeping my fingers crossed that the menopause symptoms have gone. The horrendous heat the other week didn't do me any favours, I hope we don't have a repeat of it. I love the sun, and I like it being warm, just not 34 C, that is just too much. Poor Harvey also suffered, I discovered that he'd missed his litter tray and had urinated on the carpet! I got some stuff from the pet shop, and soaked the carpet with it, had to do it a few times, then a neighbour pitched in and gave it a good scrub. The smell has gone thank goodness. I can't think why he did it, he's never done anything like that before, not even when he first came to live with me, so I can only put it down to that heatwave. I made sure he had plenty of water, but he didn't feel like eating, so I think he must have become a little dehydrated and so a bit confused. He's now back to his usual self, but not happy that the new cat downstairs got a bit cheeky and came in the other day. They had a big fight, fortunately Harvey wasn't hurt, and I chased the other cat. It's not a very nice cat, seems to be a bit of a bully and has had a few arguments with the other cats in the road. <br />
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Now it is diary time. Hope to blog more this week! Take care</div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-65617431738504996042016-07-22T21:45:00.000+02:002016-07-22T21:45:07.500+02:00It's almost done! <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="goog_1097400780"></span><span id="goog_1097400781"></span>Not much blogging has been going on due to some extensive 'building work', or this cutie: Crimple Cottage. Odd how the small stuff always takes the longest time. <br />
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Of course being the smallest made it the fiddliest in every way. Trust me, that window is tiny, and the post box even tinier. The brick work drove me nuts, just lining up the mask, plus I was also attempting to focus on the tennis, no easy feat when you are watching a Brit, but he won, so I was happy. <br />
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Then this week the heat knocked me for six, it was 34C here, way too hot. Poor Harvey was also suffering, we both lay on the bed, with the fan going, my head was banging. My flat was just so hot, and no amount of window opening helped cool it down. The worst thing was that on Wednesday I had to be up early, just about managed it.<br />
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The cottage is at the start of Memory Lane, and sits next to Buttons and Bunting. When I took the photo the roof still needed painting, and the chimney attaching. I did that today, but will take more photos of each property this week.<br />
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The next task, once the final property and lean to are finished, will be to create a 'lane'. I'd like to master landscaping, so far I've just done bits and bobs, but would like to know how to make flowers, and hedgerows. <br />
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But now I must unveil the, almost finished: <br />
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Memory Lane! Just one more property to add, which will arrive tomorrow. It is the posh house, the biggest in the lane, so it should keep me occupied for a while. I'm already designing some wallpaper for it. The last prpperty is called Marshalswick House, it fits between Daffodil Cottage and Nanna's Pantry, the very last piece is a lean to which fits on the side of Purbeck Cottage. I just about managed to squeeze these six on the shelf on top of the craft desk. There are still some finishing touches, more distressing, and those chimney pots are looking way too 'new'. <br />
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You may write me down in history</div>
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With your bitter, twisted lies, </div>
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You may trod me in the very dirt</div>
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But still, like dust, I’ll rise.</div>
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Does my sassiness upset you?</div>
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Why are you beset with gloom? </div>
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‘Cause I walk like I’ve got oil wells </div>
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Pumping in my living room.</div>
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Just like moons and like suns, </div>
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With the certainty of tides,</div>
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Just like hopes springing high,</div>
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Still I’ll rise.</div>
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That is just part of the poem: Still I'll Rise, by Maya Angelou, one of my favourite writers. She is always inspiring. I often use quotes from her in my diary entries. </div>
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This week feels like it has been so full on, that is partly due to the heat knocking the stuffing out of me. As I said, poor Harvey was also suffering, he didn't want to eat, and when he finally did he was sick. He's much better now, more like his usual uppity self, and tucking in to his (and my) smoked sausage. </div>
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On Wednesday I had my first counselling session, after a near 4 month wait my appointment finally came through. However on Saturday I got a letter from the counselling service apologising for the long delay, and asking that if I was feeling better I could cancel! Then on Monday the letter with my appointment arrived... yep, made me wonder if they knew what they were doing. Anyway I'm going to give it a go. Wednesday was the first session, though it was more of an assessment, and took place in a very stuffy room, ugh, couldn't wait to get out of there back into the fresh air. There was actually a nice cool breeze coming off the river, it was really welcome. And today I had a hospital appointment, I had hoped to get the results of my tests, but nope, one test result had gone missing so it has to be repeated. Plus I have to have a scan, then next week I'm off to another hospital to have some moles looked at, then in August I have to go to another hospital about my back. </div>
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Plus, if that weren't enough, I got some duff advice, but think I've managed to rescue the situation, at least I hope so. </div>
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So best get this out there. </div>
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Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-44910947635404213592016-07-09T21:01:00.001+02:002016-07-09T21:01:34.421+02:00Bouquets and brickbats, plus a pub!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm not in the best of moods, more on that later. But let's head back to the pub. Here is the front, windows, door, sign... one sign, there is another. I pinched a pub sign from Google images, then shrank it right down to ONE centimetre, so that it would fit inside the frame. <br />
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I made a bit of a botch job on one window. I glued it into place and left it to dry, made a cuppa and then glanced at the window... oops, not quite in the right place. Fortunately it hadn't dried so was easy to take off and resite. Now I need to put the door knob back on, it has fallen off twice. There are a few bits missing... like the ledge above the door and that second sign.. <br />
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So, let's move on to second pic<br />
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Tah dah! Sign, ledge and doorstep. No roof - yet. The sticky out sign didn't come in the kit, I bought it a while a go and was intending to use it for something else, but then changed my mind. So I dug it out, I painted the frame with some gold paint, the rest was painted black, and I inserted the small pub sign. Looks rather natty. I've also got a another 'A' frame signage board, not sure when I'll use that. <br />
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So, with all that done, it was time to focus on the other walls. It was a toss up whether to continue with the 'brick' look, or do a mix of brick and render, so went for the latter option.<br />
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So how to do this? Simples, I marked out the areas where I wanted the bricks to show through, then splodged on a load of PVA and sprinkled on lots and lots of sand. Then when the render was dry I rolled out some paper clay, and laid it over the area were I wanted the bricks. Once glued into place, I then pressed in the brick mask. Now it just has to dry.<br />
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Here's a close up, still needs a bit of a tidy up at one edge. Then when it is all dry, it will be painted, then the bricks will be picked out with the sponging method. <br />
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Might do that tomorrow... depends on how nervous I feel during the final. It was great to see Andy make it to his 3rd final, but sad to see Roger lose. I wonder if he will come back next year? I'd hate him to go on too long. I think his injuries and lack of matches caught up with him during his semi final. But Murray played an excellent semi final, so tomorrow we all have to keep our fingers and toes crossed. <br />
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Why am I in a bad mood? First the weather, it has rained all day, did someone say it was July? <br />
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Next a letter arrived, one that is chock full of lies. I was upset, but now I've calmed down, and I've got some help arranged to help me fight it. Can't say too much, sadly, want to, but can't. <br />
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It's been an odd week, got the bathroom sorted, managed to find some positivity to do sorting of another kind, as in paperwork. I disagreed with two FB 'friends', use the term loosely, and they unfriended me! Hilarious, I wasn't rude, just asked politely if they could not post propoganda on my FB page, and off then went in a huff. I accept that if I post an opinion on FB then there is a chance that someone may disagree with me, fair enough, but it seems a few folk don't want their opinions or views challenged. Not a bit bovvered, nice not to have my FB page full of nasty propoganda anymore. If you are wondering why I would be 'friends' with someone who has opposing views to myself, well it was because I didn't realise what they were like until very recently, in fact during the Brexit stuff. They had their opinion, and wanted to us to leave the EU, and I thought that we were better staying in, so nowt wrong with that, after all the country was pretty much split 50/50. But then all this nastiness started, and all the truly awful posters, then the propoganda, from both sides, along with all the lies, again, from both sides. And I began to see another side of some people, which frankly I didn't like, but I did continue to bite my lip until this last week and then I snapped, but in polite way. Next time not going to be so bloody polite, or put up with it for so long. <br />
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So now I am off for a drink, not at the pub, just opened a nice bottle of red, and it should be ready to drink. So cheers all! </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-81372238787744925242016-07-06T22:03:00.002+02:002016-07-06T22:03:55.335+02:00Whose round is it? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Evening folks, this could get a bit disjointed, I'm engrossed in football and tennis, much channel hopping going on! I'm also enjoying a nice, cool, lager. <br />
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So, state of play on Buttons and Bunting, it is just awaiting its chimney! Yep, roof is painted, and glued into place, a little bit more distressing on the front, plus chimney and this little shop will be complete. It all came together very nicely, I'm liking my much improved brickwork technique. I'm using the mask but pressing it into the paper clay. And on the subject of paper clay, I have found some UK stockists, which is brilliant as delivery is far quicker. Only got small packet, but that was my mistake, didn't read the blurb properly - doh. But I have some to do the brickwork on the pub. Ooh I say, Murray is up four love... come on Andy!<br />
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To the pub, well why not! This is the inside of the front wall. Please trust me when I say that the wonky window is now straight! It wasn't glued into place, just needed a tweak. I'm using some black peel off stripes to act as window frames, just so the edges look a bit neater. Need new blades for craft knife, seem to have bought some rubbish blades, they are not lasting long and driving me nuts.<br />
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And here is the other side. Looks kinda nice? I did this yesterday, while the bathroom faults were being attended to, more on that in a mo. Today I just did a little more sponging on the bricks. But very happy with it so far.<br />
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The front with some windows, the lower two aren't glued into place, so they are a bit on the wonky side. I got a bit engrossed in the Federer match, did think he might get beat, but he hung on in there. I hope this will be his last year, I want to remember him at his best. Such a fabulous tennis player, possibly the greatest, but who knows.<br />
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Tomorrow is the Ladies semis, and two Williams sisters, they're not my cup of tea, don't much like brutal tennis, or all that screeching. All the British women capitulated fairly easily during the first week. The British men were pretty much the same, save for Andy, what will we do when he retires? Novak is out, so who will win the title? I know who I want to win.. <br />
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Well finally my bathroom is finished. I did complain, sent an email, to be fair they responded very quickly. Someone came to visit to see what faults were outstanding, she took pics and promised to arrange for the work to be completed asap. Next day a pair of workmen arrived, they listened, took my list, went off to get what they needed, came back and set to work. It soon became clear that the first bathroom fitter had done something of a botch job on the bath panel, and the box work, so that all had to be redone. It all took till mid afternoon, think they liked my tea, and it was all finished. The chap told me what he'd had to do, far more than I thought, and that was just to put right what the other idiot had botched. But bathroom now looks lovely, I was happy to thank them, and today I emailed a compliment for such swift action. Well fairs, fair, they did respond quickly and the work was done without delay. Best of all is that my central heating is to be replaced! Yeah, you'd think I'd be mad to want more work done to the flat, but the present central heating system is over 30 years old, and badly needs updating. I should also save money, managed to shave a bit of money off the water bill this time round, so my water saving scheme is working nicely. I can't tell you how nice it is to have a finished bathroom! <br />
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Not a good week pain wise, or with the depression, I had two very low days this week. Wish I knew why, there never seems to be a reason. When the downers happen it is hard to stay focused, in fact, make that impossible. Harvey has also been in fussy mode, today I found that Felix have put together some new flavours, so got that box, this is all I get these days from supermarket, his food! The rest comes via Mr Tesco delivery man, but I always need to get exra milk and bread, and food for Mr Fussy. So far Harvey has happily tucked into two of the new flavours and enjoyed them. Phew, it won't last. Had a bit of a laugh with a fellow cat owner at the supermarket, she was scratching her head like me, both of us wondering what our cat would eat! Then, would you believe, I went to get some sand, from the beach, what, pay for sand? You are joking, I live just five minutes from a golden, sandy beach. Just got a small bagful, dried some of it in the microwave. The things us model makers do! <br />
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Time for second beer... and second half of the footie. Should get a bit done on the pub tomorrow, will only be half watching the tennis. And Murray is through to the semi final!!!!!!!!!!!! </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-64154199496291010782016-07-03T21:02:00.001+02:002016-07-03T21:02:34.620+02:00New balls please<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="goog_1368646673"></span><span id="goog_1368646674"></span><span id="goog_1368646671"></span><span id="goog_1368646672"></span>Sorry, I've been rather engrossed in the tennis, good job they have that roof on centre court. One more week to go, keeping fingers crossed, though Murray has a tough match tomorrow. <br />
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Also been busy with Buttons and Bunting, just in the process of finishing off the roof. So far I have four of the properties that make up Memory Lane, here they are, sitting on top of the craft desk. Once I've got the roof finished for Buttons and Bunting, I'll take a proper photo.<br />
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A head on shot, although I'm not sure you can tell what I've been up to. I stripped back Daffodil Cottage, just the brick work, and started over. I then used the sponge method to paint the bricks, which I think is a much better finish. For the sides and rear wall I used the render finish. The properties aren't in their finished order, this is just to give an idea of how it all looks. <br />
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And every community needs a pub! This is the Marsworth Arms, and mine is currently on the craft desk. It has been prepped, papered and glued together, now waiting for the glue to dry overnight. Of course there is much to do, brick work, windows, door, and pub sign to design. <br />
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Not been a busy week, just a bit of pottering around the flat. The last two days haven't been easy as I've been very sore and achy. I have been trying to tidy up, things seem to have got a bit messy. This was a result of the bathroom saga, which is actually still ongoing. I'm still waiting for them to fix the faults, got so fed up of waiting that I put in a complaint, and also told them that my glass shower screen was chucked out, which I allowed but only because I was assured it would be replaced, well it was, but with a plastic curtain. <br />
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I did make something other than a small house, a new keyboard drawer. The bathroom fitter had chucked out a whole piece of board, so I rescued it. All I had to do was cut it, which was easy as it was only plastic, and screw it on to the keyboard drawer runners, easy peasywith an electric screwdriver. It looks really smart. I sill have some of the plastic board left, not sure what I'll use it for. <br />
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The flat is now tidy, sorted out the mail, I do open it, but then some of it has to be filed so I know where I'm up to with bills etc. It all piles up on the kitchen table until I'm in the mood to sort it. And of course there were bills to pay, plus car tax... but did that by direct debit for the year, that will be a blessing as I won't be getting a demand at Christmas. Finally got around to going through the art stuff, that had just been dumped on a chair, now it is in some sort of order, others would call it 'chaotic', but I call it 'orderly'. <br />
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My new plants are coming along nicely, all have now picked up. Did think a couple might die, but nope, they've sprung back to life. The new rose bush, the patio size, is doing very well, full of lovely roses, and it has a light scent. The winter Jasmine, that I thought really had kicked the bucket, it now positively blooming. I came out the other day to start tying up the stalks, only to find my neighbour had done it for me. He's such a lovely chap, he gave me some more strawberries from his allotment, they were lovely, so sweet and juicy. Still got one more tub to fill, no idea what to put in it, I'll have to have a mooch round the garden centre. <br />
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I'm now going to pour a glass of wine, time to put my feet up I think. Let's hope the sun shines this week, think we've had enough rain. Have a good week. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-52792215688674164692016-06-22T21:46:00.001+02:002016-06-22T21:46:47.317+02:00Buttons, bunting and bricks!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Just two more days of that blessed referendum. But back to more interesting things: Buttons and Bunting! The little shop has been coming along very nicely. Since I last saw you much progress has been made.<br />
After completing the front wall I gave a coat of light grey, which does resemble mortar. Once that was dry I got out the paint, a bit of this and a bit of that, this time I applied it using a bit of cut and dry foam, this meant that you could actually see the mortar for a change. Must say it is rather a nice finish. I kept going until I was happy with the colour, then I gave the lower half of the shop front a coat of raw umber. I had to trim the bricks back a bit so that the frontage would fit nice and snugly. That was all put aside to dry, while I assembled the windows and doors. Next job was such a task, put dinner in microwave! Having chilled meals this week, can't be bothered to cook.<br />
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This is how complicated it can all get. This is the front door to the shop, it includes a vestibule area. To hold the two parts of the door together I used some clothes pegs. <br />
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Today it was all about assembling the various bits and bobs for the front of the shop. I inserted the shop sign, made using Craft Artist Pro. The front window took some persuading, just got a little too much paint on the inside of the window aperture, once that was sanded back it slotted in perfectly. This shop has two pillars, and a small ledge that goes on top of them. I used some gold paint on the sides of the pillars, and round the edge of the ledge.<br />
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Last few jobs of the front, glue on the door, then the window shelf, and the smaller window ledges. Phew, the door was a bit fiddly, it had to be raised to accommodate the floor, luckily I did remember! So one shop front all done.<br />
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I've also used the brick mask on the other walls, so those three require painting and some finishing off. Then the final task will be the roof, as it always is.<br />
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I clean forgot to take any pics of the new plants. I managed to get them in on Monday afternoon when the sun finally made an appearance. I used my little stool, so I could sit and take my time, but not put any strain on my back. The new rose is beautiful, I will need to do some dead heading, but it has lots of buds on it. The fuschia has settled in nicely, as have the bedding plants, though one is a bit too droopy for my liking, hoping it will perk up. <br />
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So tomorrow is the big day and my third vote on the EU. I wish Cameron had taken a back seat in all this, that man truly gets on my nerves. He is so bloody patronising, as for Boris, his shambling man act is wearing thin. Did you know his father is voting to remain in the EU? Mind you Boris wasn't sure was he, he'd written two articles, then what, did he toss a coin, best of three was it? So not exactly genuine in his convictions. It would have been nice if the remain campaign had also focused on the positives of EU membership, many communities around the country have benefitted greatly from EU money. Instead we got fear and threats from both sides, I stopped listening to them. I am wondering how the Tories will put their party back together, can we hope that they just might tear themselves apart? Anyways, tomorrow we get to have our say, then of course there will be endless analysis. <br />
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So I think I am now deserving of a glass of wine. Wonder if we'll be in or out when I next blog? Don't forget, remember to vote!</div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-17771982747770477682016-06-19T21:14:00.002+02:002016-06-19T21:14:27.103+02:00New week and new things to build.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Say hello to Buttons and Bunting, my fourth Memory Lane project. This lovely little shop arrived on Thursday, and she was carefully put to one side whilst I watched the tennis and football, and did a little more landscaping on another project. <br />
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Of course I watched the final today, it was a bit nail biting at times, but the boy came good in the end. Now have to hope he can win Wimbledon! He was in good form, and being aggressive, which is what he needs to do. <br />
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Good job that there was tennis on the telly as the weather has been awful. It was fine this morning, then slowly the clouds crept in, and just after lunch it began to rain, and it hasn't stopped since. Harvey is unamused, though he did get a treat, some smoked sausage, which I thought he wouldn't like but he did.<br />
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On Friday I began work on Buttons and Bunting. First job was to make some wallpaper. I used Craft Artist Pro. I chose some of the 'material' from the various digi kits, then made a small tile out of it, next it was a case of copying and pasting until I'd made the wallpaper. I did the same for the flooring, managed to find something that resembled a tiled floor. The next logical task was to get wallpaper on walls, which is fiddly, and time consuming but worth it. Though once again I was a bit distracted by the tennis. It was all left to dry thoroughly overnight.<br />
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Once I'd glued the side and rear walls together, I began work on the shop front. Like Nanna's Pantry, it also has a shop front, but the upper half of the wall is made of 'brick'. I wondered whether to use the paper clay or molding paste. In the end I used the paper clay, but used the brick mask Once I had the clay in place I put the brick mask on top, then using my mini brayer I rolled over the mask until I was happy with the impression. Got to say it turned out better than I imagined. Just waiting for the clay to dry then I can tidy it all up and paint it. I only need to put bricks on the rear wall as the shop goes between two other properties.<br />
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Inbetween the nailbiting moments of the tennis I also painted the doors and windows. Yes that black funny looking thing is a door. It has three parts, the big bit, the door bit, and the door frame. The two rectangles with holes are for the top of the chimney.<br />
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This is the brick mask I used. The nicest I think, or it could be that it covers the most area. <br />
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Aside from housebuilding I've also been sorting out the garden. I've ignored it for the last couple of years, then I realised that I'd let one of the lavender plants die because I'd not watered it. That sort of knocked me out of my inertia. I got out my little stool, just right height for the pots, and set to. Took out a rotten old rose bush, my next door neighbour helped get rid of the rotting wooden pots, and he kindly refilled the new plastic pots that have been laying in the shed. I let him figure out the best place for them, well he is the garden expert. Then it was a case of what to put in the empty pots! So on Thursday morning I popped up to one of our many garden centres, I got a lovely fuschia, and some bedding plants, so that was two pots filled, two to go. I fancied putting in another patio rose, one for my mum. So today I went to another garden centre, and found the perfect little rose, it is called 'sweet memories' and is a lovely shade of coral, which was my mum's name. I got another plant as well, but can't remember what it is called, but it is full of pretty flowers. I'll put them in tomorrow. My neighbour also offered to take apart the two large wooden planters, both are also way past their best. Just seeing the pots full of fresh peat made me feel better. My neighbour's garden is lovely, he's even growing some tomatoes. The other day he gave me some strawberries that he'd grown on his allotment, they were so sweet. <br />
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Must take some pics of the new plants tomorrow, the weatherman has promised a dry day. I also have to make some phone calls about the bathroom. It still isn't finished, the damaged bath panel hasn't been replaced, and I'm miffed that they didn't replace my glass shower door. I've also found a few other things wrong. <br />
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Time to stop I think, wine time. Enjoy your week. <br />
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Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-80029516655139624452016-06-12T21:17:00.000+02:002016-06-12T21:17:00.074+02:00A tale of two rooves and a chimney, or two<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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What a day, more of that later. First to focus on the rear wall of Nanna's Pantry. I used the mask and molding paste, then gave it a coat of chapel stone (grey). Left that to dry overnight, then rather than use paint I decided to use the Tim Holtz distress ink pads, various colours. I used some cut and dry foam to apply the colour, just kept going until I was happy. Then I smudged on some TH black soot distress ink. Not finished yet... left it all to dry. Next day I used a scribe tool (anything sharp), and began to just pick out the 'mortar' under the ink. Still working on that, takes forever, but it is starting to look more like a tiny brick wall. I will seal it with some satin mod podge. Doing this has rekindled my interest in mixed media, still got my other masks... watch this space. <br />
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These are the colours I used to get the wall colour. I keep them out of the sun, in a cool dry space. Oh, I also used 'old paper', which also gives an aged look. So let's fast forward...<br />
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Two finished properties! With rooves, all painted, distressed, with 'moss' and their chimneys. The chimneys took the longest, for the one on Nanna's Pantry I used some of the paper clay and the brick mold, or stamp, it is just the right size for such a small item. For Purbeck Cottage I just applied some render. To fix them both into place I used the molding paste, thought it would fill in any gaps, and it did. The moss is just some grass. So all done, now need to choose which property from Memory Lane to do next.<br />
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Back to my day. I had to attend an assessment, yes, on a Sunday. A neighbour said she could come with me, that made me feel a little better. But at the last minute her sister in law let her down, she was meant to be sitting with my neighbour's husband who has alzheimers. So had to go alone, well my neighbour took me there. I felt really sick, and cos it was so early I was still very achy and sore. I was ready for a long wait, last time I waited nearly an hour to be seen. But this time they were fairly quick. Even so I was still dreading it. It is like an interrogation, can you do this, how do you do that. Stuff like how do you feel if your GP is delayed seeing you. To me that was irrelevant, I've been using the same surgery for umpteen years, I know the staff, they know me and my medical history. Instead I explained how I felt bloody angry the other week as I had to wait over an hour at the hospital. Then I realised that I was hanging on to my ecig! Not sure if the assessor was worried I'd use it, so I said I was just holding it to calm me down, using it would have helped calm me. On it went for nearly an hour, then I could go. Got to the toilet and broke down, just sobbed, thought I was going to be sick at one point. I got a lift home, well a taxi, which happened to be driven by the boyfriend of another neighbour, it was nice to see a friendly face. Took me ages to calm down, had a cuddle with Harvey, a nice cuppa and sat down to work on the houses. Felt better for distracting myself. <br />
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I'll have a quiet day tomorrow, and choose my new property, four to choose from! One is called Crimple Cottage, how cute is that? Need a quiet day, for the last three weeks my flat has been invaded by workmen, one was supposed to come back last Thursday to replace the damaged bath panel, then arrange a time when he could repair the other things he got wrong. Guess I'll have to chase them up, wish they'd never had to refurb the bathroom, I had no option, others who've had their bathrooms done haven't had any problems, trust me to be the one who ends up with a useless workman. <br />
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I now need a glass of wine. Some tennis on the telly tomorrow, Queens, oh and Andy Murray has teamed up with Lendl again! Good news. Now for that glass of wine. </div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3823809437297895550.post-55486569265609638262016-06-09T22:12:00.001+02:002016-06-09T22:12:26.717+02:00How many workmen does it take to fix a shower... <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span id="goog_40585383"></span><span id="goog_40585384"></span>Let me take you back to Monday, this was how my shower looked. After another phone call an electrician was sent, one that knows what he is doing. He agreed with me that the water pressure was too low, so he sent for a real plumber. Was told he may not be able to come till Tuesday, ho hum, more waiting. But... he arrived at 4 pm, and sorted out the pressure problem, took him about fifteen minutes. Relief, I could have a shower, or could I, mmm, couldn't find the cover. Either electrician had waltzed off with it or I'd put it somewhere safe. Oh noooooooo... Well I'd waited this long, so surely I could last one more day? Course I could, grudgingly that is. I was feeling tetchy, but that was because of the heat, which, for some reason, makes me very achy. So I sat down stairs, on the stairs, it was lovely and cool down there, and watched Harvey bask in the sunshine.<br />
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Yes!!!!!!!!!! A fully functioning shower, at last. Actually it wasn't quite fully functioning on Wednesday. However I did find the cover, but had no screws, bathroom fitter had gone off with them. So I found some screws to act as a temporary fix, and sod it, I was going to have a shower. Was the wait worth it, oh yes, actually it is a pretty powerful shower without actually being a power shower. It certainly helped with the aches and pains, also washing my hair was much, much easier. The extractor fan also did its job and kept the steam out, not that there was much as I didn't need a hot shower. Then later that afternoon another electrician arrives, with right screws, followed by the man who checks the work. I pointed out the snags, as in damaged bath panel, and a loo that wasn't screwed to the floor, and a missing tile behind the loo. They both said that the shower had to have a silicon seal before I could use it, so I said that I already had!<br />
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Right, to Memory Lane. Purbeck Cottage and Nanna's Pantry have now got a roof. That's how I've been using my time, working on the houses, while waiting for workmen. I've put a first coat on the rooves, and sorted out both of their chimneys. For the rear wall of the Pantry I went back to the mask technique, then used a variety of the TH distress inks to get the colour. But I'll show a few photos of that tomorrow, and which ink pads I used. <br />
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As you can see Nanna's Pantry is looking the part now. For its roof I used card from a cereal box, as advised by Bea in her how to book (will give a proper plug tomorrow). I have to say that I prefer using the cereal box card, it has given a much better look to the roof. So I'd best start eating cereal. Actually I tend to eat cereal in the summer months, nothing nicer than cereal and cool milk. A neighbour has just passed in some strawberries that he's been growing on his allotment, I had some last year and they were delicious. <br />
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Now that the bathroom palava seems to be at an end, I can focus a little on the garden. Need to get some bedding plants, how long have I been saying that? Just not been in the mood, and the bathroom saga really got me down. The black dog has been following me around a lot lately. I heard someone refer to depression/anxiety as a mental injury, and they were right. That is exactly what it is, something is broken, and it has to be treated, but treated properly. They've now come up with a blood test that can help with the diagnosis and also what type of anti depressant you need. If that really is the case then that will stop a lot of unnecessary suffering. At the moment finding the right anti depressant is a lottery, your GP will go for what he/she has always used, you get told it takes a few weeks to kick in. So after a few weeks and you feel no better he/she ups the dose, you wait again, still no relief, no counselling cos there is a bloody long waiting list. Back you go, doc says try this anti depressant, usually the cheapest, see if that one works. And so on and so forth. You can wait years to see someone who knows what they are talking about and can prescribe the right antidepressants, during all of that time you cope as best you can, only some don't cope.<br />
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Fed up of this EU stuff, seems like nothing else matters. As for the shambles on the vote registration page, er why did so many leave it so late to register? We had local elections recently, so clearly many felt no compulsion to exercise their francise then. I may have said, but my first ever vote was the first referendum on the then EEC, and I've voted in every election since. I did miss a few local elections because of my army service, but I have always exercised my right to vote. What I have found very illuminating about all this EU stuff, or the mud slinging, is that we now know that we were all lied to during the last election by the Tories, they never had any intention of getting immigration down, cos they knew they couldn't. Oh and more come to this country from outside the EU, and I ain't talking about refugees. <br />
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Think I need to get out tomorrow, going a bit stir crazy. Nope, no mention of that final, just think Mr Murray let his opponent off the hook, hope he has learned that lesson once and for all. Wimbers in a couple of weeks, some tennis from Eastbourne, then Queens before the All England. Now off for a much needed cuppa. <br />
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Thanks for stopping by.</div>
Casshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15814728139173404893noreply@blogger.com0