Friday Chat Day

 Hello friends

I hope this week's chatter finds you all well.

Recipe:

It has been a funny ol' week here in the Emberson household.

I had planned to show you a marzipanned Christmas Cake,

(thrilling eh?!) but I didn't get around to that so apologies.

It is a recipe free blog post this week,

the cake excitement can wait!

I can reveal what has caused this household restlessness.

For the last three months I've been going through a redundancy consultation

process with my city job.  It has involved assessments and a Zoom interview.

The last interview I had was 20+ years ago so I was anxious (understatement).

The results  were being relayed to us this week, I would finally 

find out whether my job was safe or not.

6pm Wednesday an email arrived - it said...

this may give you a clue.

A weight the size of a boulder has been lifted from my shoulders.

But with my good news there has been the sadness of some of my colleagues,

who are dear friends, that did not pass the assessments and will now be redundant.

I'm still trying to come to terms with that.

And also on the day of my job news this happened...

Mitchell's manager at work proved positive so a round of isolating has begun.  

Incredibly frustrating because we have done so much to keep safe,

with both my Mum and Elliott being vulnerable it was imperative.

Sadly not all people are careful.

For any of you who have had to take the test - 

let's just say, it's not pleasant.

We should have the results within a few days.

Charity Kits:

Thank you, as always, for your response to this month's kit.

There is just one, yes ONE kit left - if you missed it please click here.

I always get a bit nervous on kit day, will you like it etc?

And then I see the response and I beam, I probably look ridiculous 

with a big smile on my face whilst printing postage labels!

Crochet:

I've been doing quite a lot of crochet, you're not surprised are you? 
I cannot show you a certain project as it is a Christmas gift,

I'll be sure to take photos to share in January.

Before then, I can show you these...

It's NOT another blanket!

It is going to be a cushion made up of little squares,

with a snazzy border.

I intend for it to be in my Folksy shop but I'm beginning to fall 

in love with it already.

The colours are more vintage than in the picture, 

the light has been truly awful for photos recently.

Telly:

Kirstie's Handmade Christmas

Channel 4/Channel 4 on Demand

My run up to Christmas wouldn't feel the same without Kirstie.

Each year, like many, I have a giggle when they say:

"simple, fun and affordable crafts which can be achieved in just 45 minutes."

Nonetheless it is always enjoyable, I glean some festive ideas and 

suddenly wish for items that I never knew existed.

In stark contrast to Kirstie - The Mandalorian - Disney+

We've got Disney+ on a free trial again.

 (I'm not sure what technical magic my boys weave!)

It has allowed me to watch this series, part of the Star Wars franchise.

A lone gunfighter makes his way through the outer reaches of the galaxy, 

far from the authority of the New Republic.

The fact is has a baby Yoda gives it a cuteness factor.

Now I could say I watch this stuff because I have sons but truthfully,

I've been a Star Wars fan since the first film which I saw with my Dad.

And that wraps up my week again.

This weekend, staying at home of course - I intend to wrap

Christmas gifts and marzipan that cake! 

Take care friends - keep safe.