Friday Chat Day

Hello friends - my fellow lighthouse keepers.

We got to Friday.

Anyone else feel like the days are blending together?

 It reminds me of that time between Christmas and New Year

when you lose track of what day it is.

I'm quickly reminded what day it is by the end of the week as

working from home on Thursdays and Fridays, it is going well.

In fact I really like it and it will feel quite a wrench to 

start that commute again.

So here goes...this week I have an array of chatter, pop the kettle on.

I am so impressed by all the new things popping up on social media

since we all become lighthouse keepers.

(I shall keep using this analogy as I get a little jittery upon hearing

the words 'isolation' and 'lockdown'.

In one week I've done a virtual trips around the zoo - Bristol Zoo via Facebook.

Watched a play - National Theatre on YouTube : 

One Man, Two Guvnors starring James Corden - it is available for 7 days 

(details here).

Attempted some sketching via Instagram account - Made by Leah.

Big pat on the back to all these people for such ingenious ideas.

So pleased the weather has been kind, albeit quite nippy at nights.

It has meant being able to get into the garden and walk Bella once a day.

This plant variety is the lesser known 'One Eyed Darcy',

tendency to become unruly if not fed regularly.

 I've found it rather soothing this week to rearrange furniture.

(Mind you, I'm not as fit as I used to be and  have bruises to show for it!)

I am confusing the boys by switching around sofas, dinging table, beds etc -

each time they walk into a room it looks different.

Our home is small so I'm constantly trying to find ways to create more space,

right now I'm in the middle of cleaning and reorganising the kitchen cupboards,

should be fun watching them find plates! 

I've also needed extra distraction this week as my Mum is in  hospital.

She hasn't been well for a while and she truly didn't want to go with

all the pressure the NHS is under but her doctor insisted.

She has a blood clot on her bowel and needs surgery. 

Obviously we are not allowed to visit which is very hard.

Each week I've been dropping off  groceries, 

leaving them in their porch. This week just items for my Dad,

I sneaked in a cornish pasty and some fruit cake - this is no time for diets.

These weekly grocery drop offs is the only time I can call 

into my cabin.  Aside from yarn, I do not have any craft stuff at home 

so I'm slowly bringing craft stuff back into the house to enable me
to make the kits.

Fortunately this month's charity kit (announcing on Sunday)

was already prepared before lighthouse mode.

Crochet has been at full speed this week.

I have finished this blanket which is called The Eleri Blanket.

It is my first attempt at pattern testing and it was great to do.

I also used up yarn that I had, resisted buying any.

How about a recipe?

I have my sister to thank for this one and we've used 

it a couple of times already.

No Yeast Rolls 

Note: These “Rolls” come out more like a biscuit/ scone rather than a bread roll.

Ingredients:

1 cup Plain Flour

1 teaspoon Baking Powder

1 teaspoon Salt

1/2 cup Milk

2 tablespoons of Mayonnaise or Natural Yoghurt

Method:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees.
Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
Mix well.
Spoon into a greased muffin tin.
Cook for 15-20 minutes.

We added dried herbs for savoury rolls (nice with pasta).
The plain ones are lovely with butter and jam.

Nostepinnes: 

Just in case you haven't seen me post these on Facebook.

My Dad has been keeping busy in his workshop and making Nostepinnes.

These enable you to create centre-pull balls of yarn,

far better explained in the video below.

If you would like one, please message me:

christine.emberson@blueyonder.co.uk

with your design request, only these pictured are available.

They are hand turned mahogany.

£10.50 inclusive of postage and packaging.

Design 1

Design 2

(Design 3 - SOLD)

Design 4

Design 5

This is the only one that isn't mahogany, unsure of the wood but it is lovely!

Another use for these is of course pretend wands if you live in my house...

boys have been waving them about exclaiming 'Alohomora' -

(I like to remind them they are both over twenty!)

Also good to keep my Dad occupied to take his mind off so many things.

Talking of distractions:

I've subscribed to BritBox - it is free for the first 30 days.

You can watch online or stream through a Smart TV, Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick,

Apple TV or Android devices.

I now have 20+ seasons of Midsomer Murders at the touch of a button -

I'll be seeing you in 2025! 

My other distraction and what lulls me to sleep at night is audio books. 

I've got a subscription with Audible and currently 

totally gripped by John Fairfax novels.

John Fairfax is the pen name of William Brodrick who 

practised as a barrister before becoming a full-time novelist.

      

Narrated by Daniel Weyman whose character voices are spot on.

If you like crime, court room dramas then these are a must.

Now what else is happening?

Tuesday 7 April marks the start of the 100 Day Project.

I am determined to take part again and this time I've decided to write. 

It is about time I started these stories I keep mentioning,

no more procrastinating! 

My goal will be a minimum of 1,000 words per day - I shall keep you posted.

Keep well everyone, stay home, wash hands

and lets all shine bright from our lighthouses.

And...oh yes please stop by on Sunday for this month's

Charity Kit!