Sunday 17 March 2024

Spring is in the air!


I started the week off with 'Magnificent Magnolia Monday' ...
no need to go into detail, the photo says it all!

Anything to cheer myself up after the Chiropractor and the Dentist!


Tuesday and (more) rain stopped play, for Lynn and I and our walk!
Apparently this has been the wettest winter since records began!
And if I'm honest, I'm getting a little sick of it!
I took my neighbour to the cinema in the afternoon. She's going through a tough patch, so this film certainly gave her a couple of hours of light relief! So funny.


And then Tuesday it was back to work in the gallery. This has been our final full week. This week coming, we're only open Wednesday and Thursday. Everything comes down on Friday and I'll be in on Saturday for any artists collecting their work. 


I'll miss it!
I've really enjoyed the past four weeks.


Another piece I like x
Bits of plastic found on southwest beaches.


Friday Jeff and I had a rare night out! 
It's not often we go out in term time and on a work night! 


We went to Bristol, to see Jesus Christ Superstar......


.....with Julian Clary as Herod. 
I saw it in Oxford 25yrs ago, a staff outing! My memory's not great at the best of times, but it seemed very different to how I remembered it, this was much more contemporary. And I'd forgotten it was all sung, like Les Mis! Excellent show, glad we made the effort but not one I'd probably see again. 


I worked Saturday and came home to this beautiful bunch of tulips, from my mum & dad x 
Cornish Blooms is a fab family run business, always my 'go to' if sending flowers, so really lovely to receive them too x


And then today, I went over to Wells and met up with my sister for a catch up, breakfast, a bit of wander, more coffee, more chat.... She's had Ofsted this past week, and survived, remaining a 'Good' school, so my treat x


And so here we are again, Sunday evening, but work for me tomorrow. I've picked up a couple of exam invigilation sessions tomorrow and then have a training session, in preparation for the upcoming exam season. It's nice to do a variety of things, even nicer getting the whole of the Easter break off! I'm hoping we get some warm, sunshine. There's not been one day, when I've thought I'll sit outside and enjoy a coffee. There was a hint of warmth this afternoon but by the time I got home it was cloudy again. I'm hoping Italy will be dry and t-shirt weather in the daytime and then once we're back home, things will start to warm up here.

Sunday 10 March 2024

Mother's Day xx

Today is Mother's Day....


This is the first Mother's Day in seven years, that I've not had to work!!
More later....


...but first, let's just enjoy my bargain bunch of 65p daffodils!
Always a lover of an orange trumpet!!


So, Monday was hair day....colour and cut.


I get it cut every 4 weeks, coloured every 3rd visit.
This is a peachy/pink toner, washes out in a few washes, leaving it a bit blonder. I'm toying with getting a full head of colour done next time, as it grows out so quickly....we'll see!!


On Tuesday I had a lovely coffee and catch up with two of my former Sainsbury's colleagues. It was lovely to see them, hear all the gossip but boy am I glad I no longer work there. I then popped over to Wells in the afternoon to see 'All of us Strangers'. Our local cinema is great, it's just £5 for a ticket, with a free drink and a biscuit! I'm going again on Tuesday, taking a friend. If you don't use it, you lose it.....so I'm more than happy to support our local cinema, when I can.


Wednesday, it was back to work!
Finally some sunshine but boy, was it cold!!


Week three of my five week run hosting the Sustainable Art Exhibition.
I am really enjoying working is such an inspiring, creative environment. I've met some wonderful visitors, some of the exhibiting artists, local creatives, students.....even the odd visit from Mr Peabody!! It's certainly inspired me to get creative again!! And lovely to get not one, but two, shout outs on the staff notice board. Must be doing something right!!


One of my favourite pieces......

Diptych lV by Esme Clutterbuck
Made using Bideford Black and Devon clay pigments.

I was lucky enough to meet Esme, the artist, last week when she popped into the Gallery.
Those of you who have got to know me over the years, will know exactly what the attraction is.


Friday was International Women's Day.


I gave a shout out to my girl over on Instagram. 

"Couldn't be prouder of the fabulous young independent woman she has become. Always stayed true to her beliefs, a loyal friend, dependable, supportive, hard working, ambitious and I'm so lucky that she likes spending time with me."

I've been very lucky in life to be surrounded by good, kind, supportive women. Friendships, teachers, bosses, colleagues, family members. We should all continue to inspire, support and encourage each other x


And it was the perfect day to announce the next Exhibition....

Women in Abstraction

.....I shall look forward to hosting that in September.


Anyway, back to today and Mother's Day.
I had a wonderfully lazy morning. Phoned my mum to wish her a lovely day, popped out for a walk, came home for lunch and face-timed the kids! So lovely to have a catch up! Sadly Jeff's mum is no longer with us. It'll be 17 years this October. Still feels like yesterday. She's always in our thoughts, not just on Mother's Day xx


So, we're a third of the way through March. Honestly this month is whizzing by. I've a couple of appointments tomorrow, need to do a food shop, then, if dry, walking with Lynn on Tuesday. My cinema jolly in the afternoon, then back into work on Wednesday! Time is literally flying by!

Have a good week x

Sunday 3 March 2024

It's a Leap Year!!


Thursday was the 29th of February, making this a Leap Year!!! 


So Friday was the 1st of March, (pinch and a punch.....)
and the first day of meteorological Spring …..


.....and St David's Day!

With my two living in Wales, I feel I should mention it!!


It's not really felt like Spring, until today (Sunday)
On Tuesday I walked with Lynn. We walked over in her neck of the woods, as her village is quiet and we could walk the majority of it on the roads. Everywhere is sooooo wet and muddy.


It was good to get out and we managed to stay dry!


The neighbours Magnolia is ready to bloom. 
This is when you hope it doesn't get windy out!


Our little Magnolia is looking good too!


The rest of the week has been all about work.
We got our exam invigilation timetables emailed over and Jeff very kindly printed me off a copy. There is so much information on there and it's so hard to read off your phone! If you hadn't realised by now, I like to be organised! HA!


And I completed week two in the Gallery!


Even got a mention on the staff 'Shout Out' Board.
It's always nice to be recognised as doing a good job!


And I'm enjoying it.
 Had a real mix of people come and look around and a few of the Artists have popped in. Had a group of Quakers visit and had to give a little talk and then yesterday was Open Day, so super busy! And the Art Department staff have been really friendly and welcoming. 


And then today, (Sunday) my day off, it was a wonderful frosty, blue sky, sunshine filled day. It felt fabulous to have the day off! I had to pop into Sainsbury's as I had to do a food shop. Was lovely to see my old Sunday team but I was so happy to shop and go! I think because Jeff has the day off too, it feels like a bonus day! I don't mind working the Saturday, as Jeff works it too and I actually only have to work 10-15 Saturdays a year, so it's not a big deal, when I do! I dropped off a few leaflets for the Gallery at various places this morning, that I'd contacted in the week and then walked down into town in the afternoon, to pick up a couple of orders. A pair of sandals and a summer dress!


I'm getting organised. It might still be 17 weeks until we go to Greece but after Easter, I've eight busy weeks of exams, so if I see something I need, I'm getting it whilst I can! And it's only 5 weeks until we go to Italy, so I need to think that we may get some sunshine then too! And my sandals were £70 down to £30, so was a bargain! 

Sunday 25 February 2024

Gallery Week One!!

Ahhhh! Spent the first part of the week on the sofa.....


.....feeling poorly but trying to get better for.....


......week one in the Gallery!!!

I hate being in ill at the best of times, but when you're starting your new role, officially, in the Gallery, it's not the time to be calling in sick! Thankfully it was manageable and as the role isn't physically demanding, I could pace myself. Would have been better without two evening commitments....


.....the Private View on the opening day....


....and a talk by two of the Artists, the following evening.


Snow Artist - Simon Beck



And Susanna Bauer and her delicate 'leaf crochet' work.


It's been nice to have the occasional visit, from a certain someone!!!


All in all, I've had a good week. I've met some lovely people, had some very interesting chats, listened in on a few teacher led discussions, just enjoyed working in an inspirational space and have loved researching the wonderful artists and their work in the exhibition. It would be nice to be a little busier, it can be quite quiet at times but..... as I said to Jeff, I come home happy, not stressed, not anxious, not physically exhausted. A much better working environment.


It's pretty much rained every day, making for a wet walk to work but when the rain has stopped, it's been lovely to take in the beautiful grounds.


'Our Grounds!!!' at home are looking lovely too. 


Each year, Jeff plants a few more bulbs in the lawn and this year, 
they really do add a punch of colour.


It's horrible out today (Sunday), grey, wet, rainy, windy, thoroughly miserable! Did a quick food shop in the morning and intend to spend the rest of the day cosied up indoors. I'm still not 100%, sinus pain, headache, not as bad as last weekend, but it's still lingering. NEED/WANT to feel better and long to feel some warm sunshine. I need to plan out our Italian adventure, think of warmer, sunnier days ahead. This time of year is always the worst. You get the odd glimmer of sunshine but then there's still a month or two of rubbish weather still to come! Anyway two more days off before week two commences, and the start of a new month begins. Have a good week x
 

Sunday 18 February 2024

Half term

Half term


Went to Cornwall in the rain.....
.....came home from Cornwall in the rain!
But we were so lucky to get two dry'ish days whilst we were there!


So after 20+ years driving past it and having never gone.... 
we went to the Eden Project.


We really enjoyed it. Obviously went into the two biomes. 
Managed to dodge the showers and had a really good day.


We were so lucky. We were the last group to be allowed to go up onto the upper platform in the Rainforest Biome. The heat was up to 32 degrees, maximum temperature! Fab views from the top! Although a bit hot and sweaty


As with most places I go to, I'm always happy to see a friendly robin.


We were staying with my mum and dad. With out Newt membership you can get into a few places for free. Eden yesterday and the Lost Gardens of Heligan. I went here the last time I was down but Jeff had never been, so with a dry day forecast, we lucked out. 


I love it there.


The gardens are beautiful and there are a few good walks.


The jungle rope bridge.


We were sensible and bought pasties en route. 
Although still had to queue half an hour for a coffee! 


Another friend x


We spent our two evenings with mum and dad, enjoyed a couple of meals out.


Then headed on home on Tuesday via Ikea and the big Taunton Sainsbury's.


Tuesday was also Shrove Tuesday, so pancakes for tea!


Wednesday was Valentines day and a catch up day.
Jeff had the dentist, a haircut and his car booked in for new tyres.
I went to Yeovil to collect something from New Look. 


On Thursday we said farewell to 'The Red Shed!!' sort of Sam's first car! We bought it in lockdown once he'd passed his test, so he wouldn't have to drive a 'girlie' Micra! But it's become unreliable, was due to have it's MOT, and this week wouldn't start at all, so it's gone.
We are back to being a two car family! I have my KA, Jeff has his retro Peugot 205!


On Thursday I had a physio session for my back. I've waited over three months. Just fed up of still having back pain a year and a half on, but I think I basically just have to live with it!! Have been given some exercises and an open appointment but basically the gist is 'learn to live with it!!'

We went out in the evening to see the Holdovers. Jeff is trying to see a film a month, and as this was just down at Strode, a 10 minute walk away, we went! It was okay! Would've been disappointed had I gone out of my way to see it but a for a wet Thursday evening in February, it was okay!


I felt a bit off on Friday, had a sore throat and cough starting the day before and now sinus pain but I popped over to Wells in the morning. Making the most of my time off before I start in the gallery next week. Didn't spot the kingfisher but did spots lots of snowdrops and daffodils.


A lovely, albeit damp morning over at The Newt, with my lovely friend on Saturday. Hoping she becomes a member, so we return on a sunnier day. I had a free pass from Christmas, would have otherwise been £20. This was the only picture I took. Was feeling off! Still sinus pain. Mum and dad were both unwell when we were down, so I think they were a little too generous!!


I came home and spent the afternoon and evening on the sofa, binge watching the new One Day series on Netflix, all 14 episodes!!! Read the book back in the day, watched the film, now the series.

Have just discovered we still have the film on dvd!! That's my afternoon sorted!
Jeff goes back to work tomorrow, a six week term ahead. I have 3 days to feel better, before ......


.....I start my 5 week run, hosting the Sustainable Art Exhibition at the Atkinson Gallery. 
It's open Wednesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm. Anyone can come and look around, you just need to book a slot! via the link in their bio. 

I've had a sneaky peek and it's looking great ⭐️
There's also talk on the Thursday evening, by a couple of the exhibiting artists. Again, it's free, and anyone is more than welcome to come along. I'm looking forward to it. Hoping this focus will speed February and March along, and before you know it, it will be Easter and the better weather xx