Hi Beki,
So lovely to catch up. Your craft ladies are a rowdy bunch! Lovely spread and I’m not at all surprised Pippin took a chance to grab a bite for himself. Looks like he’s plotting mischief sunning himself amongst the xmas cushions. And it must be true that by the time you get to 80 you’ve seen a good chunk of what life has to offer and can’t be easily offended (unless you have been living in a convent or creepy cult). The game sounds fun. I’m so pleased you enjoyed yourself. You’ll have to do it again.
Your grief club is really worthwhile if you are able to get it all set up. II’m sure there’ll be lots of red tape to delay it. Very handy having a therapist pal too! I think there’ll be lots of peeps who would love to meet up in person and make new friendships. Just look at us lot! To have somewhere to go where you know there will be kindness, understanding, support, people genuinely reaching out to others, will provide a lifeline for so many who feel isolated. It will shine a light on the darkest days in their grief journey. Providing games is a good way of easing the pressure. Opening up will develop naturally. Maybe’s bring out the naughty cards on special occasions!
I think having tree ornaments that honour loved ones is a very loving way to maintain memories and keep loved ones with you. I managed to get some bits out of the decs that represent mam and my childhood. Made a start on my tree but had to wait for my ribbon to be delivered and it was too dark to do any more. So will finish it tomorrow and post my pics. But I have my xmas tree set up in the garden, finished my forage in the park and the house is adorned in festive ivy. The shrine has been given a little xmas sparkle. Made a wreath for the garden. I might still get a cheeky little tree for the bedroom. Got all my bulbs planted today (finally!) and had a good tidy up in the garden so all finished now for winter (apart from my bloody trellises and bamboo).
You have done well getting your delivery organised for xmas. The only one I could get was Asda last week, everywhere else was fully booked including click collect. I’ll pop into Sainsbury’s for bits in the next couple of days after a swim (haven’t been for ages so will make the effort). I’ll be on my own (and will pop in here) but I’ve made an effort to make this year easier than last with traditional bits and some tasty treats. Hope I can get a xmas dinner microwave meal. I always went to mam and for the days following (that week where I haven’t a clue what day it is) I would be given plates of cooked food to heat up. My sister will literally be round the corner on xmas day at her mates house but I won’t be seeing her. She’s made that very clear. Really hurts.
You are doing so Beki. Proud of you! Enjoy it all and lets hope grandad has enough pants with him! I remember going camping as a kid and my parents had been fighting as usual and mam told dad to pack his own bag. No pants or socks when he arrived! Can’t remember if he even bought any.
Have fun and looking forward to hearing all about it.
Lots of love xxx
Hi Neil,
That is so funny as the 29th Dec is my mum’s birthday so I won’t forget your theatre date x I tried the film but couldn’t finish it so will be interesting to hear how you enjoy the show however I do hear a lot of good reviews about it and saw a lot of them in the London Underground lol x
Did you hear about the gas evacuation in London today? Didn’t hear what caused it as I only heard a snippet on the news?
Have you got any more plans for over the next couple of days? Are you going to go your friends for Xmas lunch? I am just looking forward to a day off 
x
Anyway we survived another ‘first’ and as hard as it is we’ll survive Xmas and everyone else’s forces joviality x
Anyway have a nice night and will check in soon 
x
@christine51
How have you been today? What have you been up to? x
Work today was absolutely horrendous and again had to stay back as we had three folk phone in sick and I know for a fact two of them weren’t genuine, another had to leave for a family funeral and another had to leave early cause he is on a phased return after having had an operation so needless to say it was busy!! Then had a customer yelling at a colleague demanding he be served immediately cause he was in a hurry…well don’t come in four days before Xmas then you massive tit lol x
How are you feeling today? I was lucky in that I found a click and collect slot for Asda for tomorrow after I finish work so snapped it up x hope you manage to get something x
Dunno about down by you but it’s more mild than it’s been all week but still so cold but Cal is keeping my feet warm x
I hope you are managing to stay warm and busy and will check in with you tomorrow 
x
Hi Suzanne,
I think you need to clone yourself for work just to keep the shop going. Bet you don’t get paid extra for covering all the extra jobs with peeps being off / xmas shopping more like. Why do funerals seem to always be around xmas time? That’s so rude yelling at people just because he’s got things to do. Glad you got a slot for Asda. They were scarce last week for delivery. Will pop to Sainsbury’s for last minute bits (prawn cocktail, microwave xmas dinner, my version of mam’s shortbread/cream/pineapple pud, chocs (ate them all), drinks etc). Hope it’s not rammed like a usual xmas last minute shop or I’ll just have to leave it. Will pop for a swim first so I’m chillaxed in preparation.
Been mad busy again today in the garden. Huge tidy up (putting things away and clearing up). Got all my bulbs planted at last! Delighted that the rain held off and it was lovely and mild. That’s a huge job done and I can look forward to my Spring bulbs. Popped them all under the xmas tree and used the fleece to create a snow blanket. Made a start on the dressing of the xmas tree but it was dark when my delivery of ribbons arrived so will finish tomorrow and post pics.
Fretting about xmas hasn’t really hit yet because I’m so busy but when it arrives and I’m on my own and my sister is literally round the corner at her mates house for xmas day with the kids I’ll really feel it. She’s made no attempt to text or ring or anything so very clear that she wants buggar all to do with me. She knows I’m on my own and clearly doesn’t give a shit. I’m ok when I’m busy (next 2 days) but when it’s all finished and I’m sitting waiting for xmas to be over with that’s when I’ll be wanting mam and just wanting to join her. I can feel it starting to build up. I know it’s coming. If mam was here I’d be over there as usual, bringing the puds as doing my bit.
Still haven’t arranged to see my niece. Given up trying. But I’m enjoying doing the house and garden for xmas. Not sparkly. But a special message for mam. I’ll explain in the pics tomorrow.
You work so hard! Be nice for you to have a rest over xmas. How long have you got off? Imagine if you went sick too. How would they cope without you?
Just popped out and fed the foxes. I do it over the winter. I could here them calling me because I’m later than usual. Porsch is snoring her head off in her nest. Still haven’t got in the bath. So that’s where I’m off to now. Will check in tomorrow and hope to get my pics.
Lots of love xxx
Hi Christine, have you tried Iceland for home delivery, they usually have lots of slots and it’s free delivery over £40 only a small amount added for less than forty pound spent. Much cheaper than Asda etc . Also do same day delivery for £6.
Have you had my Christmas card yet, I posted it at the begining of Dec but the post is so horrendous it’s taking a long time to get through.
I can’t wait to see your photos of your Christmas ivy wreaths, and your tree in the garden. It reminded me of being at infant school. Every year we made wreaths using Holly, ivy and pine cones and teasel heads, painted gold and silver. They were tied to large PE hoops and hung in the high windows. We made all the classroom decorations, card angels and paper garlands to hang across the room.
Yesterday I went to the cinema on my own, I wanted to watch Avatar - the way of water film.
It was Doug’s favourite film and he will be so disappointed he didn’t get to see this one. I liked it as well so I was watching it for him too. It was very long, three and a half hours, just missed one bus so had a hot chocolate at Costa while waiting for the next bus. Didn’t get home until 6.30pm.
Speak again soon.
Love Debbie X
Hi Neil, hope you are okay. I see your going to see Life of Pi. I did watch the film found it a bit odd, not one of my favourites.
Are you seeing your friend on christmas day, I’m going to my daughter’s. She says I can stay as long as I want to, depends on how warm her house is, if I’m cold I will come home.
I think we will be going to a panto next week but decide at the last minute which one to go to. It will be a local theatre one, no famous people so should still be able to get tickets.
Sending love
Debbie x
Hello Christine
Are you ok today, hope so.
Just reading about the “move” being postponed. It will have been going on longer than Neighbours as this rate. There is not a lot worse for the mental state than uncertainty. At least when it’s a certainty you have a chance to deal with things. Being in the dark is awful.
Been in bed a few times this week, felt like a mild flu but couldn’t taste anything so I could have had Covid, my sister told me last night she’s had it all week. It was strange though because I was Ill for two days then was OK then it started again and I was in bed again.
So I got no chance to do any Christmas shopping. Probably done about 80per cent. I’m starting to sense though that all this rushing around is going to end soon and then there’ll be do distraction from reality again. That’s quite scary. I’m not upto more more thinking and dwelling time. It scares me. Then of course there is a change in daylight hours and that bothers me because it brings associations and the feelings that it’s another change our loved ones won’t see. I’ll stop there as I don’t want to be upsetting anyone.
When I went to town the other day I nipped in Poundland and they were selling wall mirrors that were circular but set in a kind of wavy frame and they were 25p. I bought one thinking I’d craft it up a bit. If I don’t it’s no big loss!
Have I understood right that your fish have passed away? I’m so sorry about that. That’s such a shame.
I’m sorry to hear your sister is so close by and yet it’s not looking likely she’ll give you a knock. It would be callous of her not to. What on earth can she be thinking of. I can imagine how heartbroken you are about that. Think they need some home truths telling to them and if that doesn’t shame them nothing will.
It got to a full 8 days without Zoe going out and Id got to cracking up point to be honest. One night he’d gone out at the gym and Zoe was having an indoor “zoomie” session but inside of charging round each room and changing direction on the spot she was jumping on the wall and pushing off on her back legs to change direction before charging at me. It’s like some kind of canine spiderman! Thankfully she’s been out now.
I’ll pop back later Christine!
Much love xx
Hi Neil
I’m glad you got through the 20th in one piece and out the other side. I hope as well you are still doing ok after you’d been unwell at the show. Can’t imagine how scary that would have felt but it’s best to keep pressing on rather than dwelling on things to keep your confidence up.
Are you a chocolate fiend like the rest of us? Or definitely some of us! I think it they had a “no chocolate for a month day” I wouldn’t be signing up!
Glad the football had finished. Slightly disorienting seeing decorations and flags on people’s houses outside than one minute Christmas trees.
Shops are getting really manic now aren’t they and they may be shut for longer with Christmas being on a Sunday.
I’ll just plod on and try not to think of too much.
Much love xx
Hi Tina
I’ve been OK this week and no more episodes of what happened last Thursday. No offers of Xmas dinner this year but thats OK as I dont mind spending it on my own Have a friend calling in and my friend who phones every week, he will be calling me.
Finished last bits of shopping today. Got myself some treats as well. I am indeed partial to a bit of chocolate. Made sure I bought my Roses tub a few weeks ago as they always sell out. Cut down this year for example not having a ham joint, alcohol, biscuits for cheese and I dont eat mince pies anyway. I have my turkey roast, gammon joint, Fox’s biscuits , Roses, shortbread, Milk Tray and Yule Log and other bits of cake and chocolate.
No shopping now for a week!
Normal football resuming now as it should on Boxing Day.
Got some theatre next week to look forward to.
Will speak again before Xmas
Sending love and best wishes
Neil x
That still sounds a decent haul of goodies to nibble on @NEILB72
My shop is coming tonight between 10.30pm and 11.30pm but there is an email to say deliveries are running late so who knows! I have seen the receipt and there is only one missing item (tonic water) and one sub (pepsi for coke) so pleased with that.
Heading to the shop tomorrow afternoon to collect the turkey so can pick up any thing I have missed, Granddad (and the cats!) will be well fed!
Got a card and some wildflower seeds today from the vet who came out to put Peggy to sleep. Will sow those in the spring near where she is buried.
I’m off to clean the fridge and get ready to play food tetris!
Hope everyone is feeling okay.
Beki x
Hi Suzanne,
Thankyou! Posties saw me coming back from shopping and came back to me to deliver your parcel. Will keep it for xams morning. I should have kept Becki’s too but was so excited I ripped straight into it. It’s because I’ve been doing Christmassy things that I realised. Still hoping to get Debbie’s card. Have just started getting post again.
Had a very busy day again. Got a mini xmas tree for the bedroom and will post pics tomorrow with the rest of the decor in the house. Feel so much better for being immersed in creating again. The focus is intense so the time passes quickly. I’ve always been a perfectionist in certain areas and won’t allow myself to get away with anything. I have a checklist in my head of ‘edits’ ! So annoying but just can’t fight it.
Talking of fights (and I thought of you while it was all kicking off with your shouty man) I was amazed at the rucous in Sainsbury’s between a shouty wheelchair young man accusing an elderly man (don’t think he knew what the hell was going on!) of calling him a dickhead ! (haven’t heard that in a long time - don’t get out much) so I don’t know what occured because they were in another isle and I couldn’t see and didn’t want to lose my place in the queue. Everyone stopped to watch! Hilarious. Very entertaining.
I’m literally amazed at what I have achieved without a panic! Don’t know whether it’s grief (so traumatised I have nothing left to get worked up), shock that this is my life now (totally alone in the world and will spend every xmas alone because I can’t see how anything will change), being mam and trying to do what she would do at xmas. Nearly cried a few times on the way round (couldn’t find the glace cherries or red prawn sauce) but managed to get everything on my list and some treats for myself - lovely diffusers and candles to fragrance the house for xmas as a change to my buddha joss sticks.
I was so chilled out on the way in I helped a lady with her trolley and told her about mam. She was so shocked that someone was helping her, especially at this time of year. Seen her further round and she’d got everything she needed. Quite upsetting seeing all the ladies shopping and not being able to manage, wearing things mam would have worn and remembering how I really didn’t see how old she had got. Why couldn’t I? My sister had said I didn’t want to see. I have a whole list of explanations for mam if I could just tell her why I behave the way I do with my anxiety. It was a constant fight to not go into complete panic whenever we did anything (garden centre, shop etc). They really didn’t understand and when they needed something they’d ask me to get it and I had to keep explaining why I couldn’t just go into Tesco. I have had no food in and still not been able to do it. Mam would be amazed if she could have seen me today. I’m amazed too but don’t know how long it will last. No guarantees.
Just been cloving my satsumas and having a tidy up to the loft (be lost without it). I have another jigsaw to start. Here’s the one I finished before I started decorating. So satisfying.
While out foraging for holly and ivy in the park tother day I spotted some fairy caves. Thought I saw a badger faffing about in the trees but think it was my eyes again!
Forgot to mention, on the way back from my shop I was shocked to see the creeps van parked in the side road to the shop. He wasn’t in it but I am now very suspicious that he is following me. I have never ever spotted any of my neighbours anywhere that I go in all the time I’ve lived here. He is randomly everywhere that I go - therapy, the local shop (I stopped going), following me in the car back home from swimming and now parked next to Sainsbury’s. I only went there because it is nearby ad I knew I’d find what I needed. Wonder if he followed me to the woods and park. I’m quite freaked out now that I see it written down. Also when I got home and was to and from the car there was a proper shifty looking geezer walked past me, had a good look and then turned and walked back again. Suspicious. I am surrounded by bloody riff raff! Feeling very unsafe at home alone. I have my camera’s but they won’t save me if someone breaks in during the night. I can’t even hide as it’s a bungalow. Where can I find a man to keep in the loft when I need protecting? He’d be so cold he’d never be able to get down the ladders in time!
Got some extra chocs in incase the children pop round but I doubt it. All my goodies I’ve had to throw up on top of the cupboard so I would have to get the ladders if I was tempted. I managed to get a packet of crisps down with a fork standing on tiptoes !!! I’ll have nothing left by xmas.
Are you lighting a candle at 7 Xmas Eve? I will be. One of my new ones - candied ginger and nutmeg. When I was decorating the little bedroom tree I started getting upset thinking of mam as an angel. Everything I’ve created is for her. It’s all symbolic but when I actually stop it hits me that she isn’t here and I still can’t believe it or understand how she can just not be here. Where is she? If I knew I’d be able to stop panicking about it. I just want to ask her if she’s ok where she is.
Starting to get upset again so will go and catch up with everyone before Vardy v Rooney. I always enjoyed The Sun gossip but as I don’t get a paper now I don’t bother with the tabloids.
Thanks again babe!
Lots of love xxx
Hi Debbie,
Haven’t got your card yet. Only starting to get my post again in the last few days. I got a little pressie from Suzanne today. It was lovely of the posties to turn round when they saw me coming back home after my shopping. Lovely of them. People can be so thoughtful. Not to worry if it’s after xmas.
I was just telling Suzanne about my fabulous xmas shopping in Sainsbury’s. Got everything I wanted and didn’t panic! Don’t know what is happening to me! I think I just have no energy left for anything other than thinking about mam and trying to not cry in public. I could see a little old lady struggling to get a trolley so helped her and with her wheelie trolley too. She was so thankful and quite taken aback that I was helping her. It made me quite upset seeing old ladies trying to do their shop and made me think of mam and that I should have been more attuned to how she was feeling, her frailty etc. My anxiety is all consuming and a real battle to exist outside of that and so hard to control it. I just wish I wasn’t me so I wouldn’t be carrying around all of the things I wish I’d done differently. I was always explaining why. But I don’t think that is enough.
Will defo start using Iceland for my shopping in the New Year. Don’t know why I didn’t think of it. My sister uses them. I’ll be able to get all my veg for my soups. It’s a relief Porsch ahs started eating catfood again. I was always cooking chicken for her.
I have been so busy with my festive decor. Have photographed the garden but need to plough through all the pics to get the best ones for posting. Always take so many. I was photographing the prep too. Great way of cataloguing my creations. I love making decorations and remember making the hanging paper angels with mam, folding and cutting patterns into the paper with the consetina angels. I wish I’d thought of using my hoop. Will do that next year. It’s for the summer netting mosquito tent that I drape over the sofa for privacy (always traps loads of flies while I’m trying to relax)). My favourite time at school was always arts and crafts. When I post my pics of everything you could take pictures of the screen with your phone to show the children. My creation is all for mam and its full of symbolism. So I’ve been very selective in what I chose to represent my love for her. I’m ok while I’m doing it but so upset when I actually think of what it all means.
Got some lovely diffusers and xmas candles in Sainsbury’s if you need last minute stocking fillers (selling them off reduced). I kept seeing things I would have bought for the kids and had to stop myself because I don’t even know if I’ll see them. They will be literally round the corner from me on xmas day at my sister’s friends house. For me, buying presents for loved ones is what it’s all about, not receiving gifts or the food. It’s celebrating together, having fun. All the bustle of xmas, going over to mam and lugging all the pressies so we all open them together on Boxing Day with everyone. Being busy with the decs is just putting off the dread of being alone again without mam. I’m dreading it, even though I’ve bought what I would have had with mam. Got 2 microwave beef xmas day dinners. Not much choice but pleased with it because mam always did a turkey and a beef so it will remind me of all the xmases we shared.
Debbie you did so well to go to the cinema on your own. I hope you’re proud of yourself. You should be. I can’t go because of my panic attacks. And a lot of people just wouldn’t go on their own. It’s like me with swimming. If I don;t go myself I’d miss out. I’m sure Doug was right beside you, watching you watching the film. I watched the first one because my parents got it on dvd (shows how long ago). Haven’t checked what is on telly over the xmas. Still haven’t turned it on yet.
I still can’t understand where mam is. I keep trying to make sense of it. It’s like there’s something missing. If I knew where she was and that I’ll see her when I die then that would be bearable compared to this. I just can’t let it go. It hits me over and over again.
Will post my pics tomorrow. Have to photograph in the daylight but will also try an ambient evening too.
Got my bulbs planted yesterday. So pleased they’re done. Sitting under the tree like presents for Springtime, covered in fleece. Had a good tidy up and the patio looks presentable again (usually covered in mud from potting up). Unfleeced my plants so I can see them now that the snow has gone. Really quite mild here but very rainy. Judged the weather well for finishing my tree and was out there in my jogging suit for bed adding the finishing touches before the rain.
Hope your shopping and all the churchy things are going well. Mam was always quite frantic about now for trying to get everything done.
Be back tomorrow with pics.
Lots of love xxx
Hi Christine
I hope the card and parcel comes soon, I posted them early in December, so wanted you to have them for Christmas, I hope they come soon.
You did well with your trip to Sainsbury’s, the shops are so busy I’m glad you did it. It just might be coincidence that the creep was at the same supermarket as you.
I will be lighting a candle too on Christmas Eve for Doug, then going to 11.30 pm communion at my church, that’s assuming I manage to stay awake. Then Christmas morning I will go the 10am service, then off to my daughter’s for a couple of days.
I do hope yours sister’s and dad at least phone you over Christmas. I’m sure your mum is up in heaven being very disapproving of their behaviour towards you.
I’m going off to the lakes shopping centre tomorrow to get my last minute bits I need, I expect it will be very busy with last minute shoppers. All those men frantically getting gifts for their wives 
. That would have been Doug, bless him.
Speak to you again soon
Love Debbie xx
Hi Tina,
I’ve been wondering how you are. Always do when I don’t see you. How are you feeling now? Keep a close eye on your symptoms. There’s so many horror stories flying around with limbs not working and my sister has ongoing asthma after getting the booster jab. I know how very ill I was when I had it. Literally no energy. So don’t fight it if you need to rest. Brother will have to pull his finger out and get the rest of the bits. I know that leaves you on your own xmas day, like me. Please pop in. I’ll be here throughout the day. Can’t imagine my sister or the kids popping in to see me. It’s a 5 minute walk round the corner! I don’t believe she doesn’t know how hurtful it is to ignore like this, not explain why, and just not bother with me. My niece hasn’t bothered texting me wither and today was the first availabe day she had without the boyfriend (he’s moving away with his parents). I kept waiting for her to get the xmas tree with me like we did last year but she would just not reply when I mentioned it. But I have it now and treated myself to a little one for the bedroom. Decorating them and creating my garlands (after going foraging in the park for my holly and ivy) is so time taking but I’m really pleased with the effect. Still need to add a bit and photograph but will post pics tomorrow. I feel so worn out! But like you said, and I said this myself, when it all stops and Xmas Eve arrives it is the start of missing mam like she’s just left and I’m absolutely dreading it. It is frightening. I still cannot understand where she is and that she isn’t coming back. Just can’t accept it. And all the things I want to say. I’m like a broken record. But it doesn’t go away or become less. I’ll be sobbing again for her like last year. I know I will. It’s starting to build up.
But I did get a good shop done today, everything on my list and some treats for the house (scented candles and diffusers in a sale). Not as good as your bargain mirror! Wonder if you could pop that in the garden? Mirrors are great for bouncing light around and creating depth, doubling up planting and creating mystery. My garden is finally tidied for winter, bulbs planted for Spring (they’re hiding under the xmas tree) and the plants unfleeced now that the weather has warmed up. Will post pics tomorrow. Still haven’t collected the fish. I’ve given uop trying to get them over here because I need my niece to hold the bucket to transport them. The move isn’t happening until after xmas. How can plans change so often when I’m told vans were booked and a date set? Ridiculous! It has created so much anxiety for me and now I’m so tired of it all I just want it to be over with. It’s worse that she’ll be so close by and will ignore me xmas day. What can she possibly get out of doing that to me? Mam would be appalled. She has always created issues and fought with me for no reason. I just don’t understand why. None of this is necessary. I’m being punished and don’t even know why. Makes it even harder because I have nobody to talk to about mam, remembering mam, things she did and said. I’m just left behind. I know your brother is a real pain (putting it mildly and politely!) but I wonder if I’d rather have fighting with my sister than nothing at all. But I don’t have a choice. I’m just left hanging.
Poor Zoe is literally crawling the walls (is that the expression?) It’s all she can do if you aren’t well enough. Better she stays in than you let her out and then she refuses to come back in. I spotted my squirrel this morning as I stood at the kitchen door with my coffee. Tried taking a pic but it was too quick. Lovely to see it again. Porsch saw it too and went to investigate but wasn’t quick enough either. It shimmies up and down one of the posts leaning against the fence (still have posts, trellis and bamboos to finish). So pleased to get the garden closed down for winter. Just hope we don’t get any more snow or really cold temperatures. Don’t want to have to get the fleece out again. Such a faff.
Going to catch the Vardy v Rooney trial drama. Quite intriguing. Missed it all as I don’t indulge in the online Twitter/ Instagram gossipy news. Quite amazing just how thick Vardy is, getting caught out in her lies and then faking tears. Still haven’t popped telly on yet since getting in and doing decoartions. Have you got anything up? Did you pop your sparkly thing up? I’m tempted to leave everything up until it starts dying off and falling off after all the hard work that’s gone into it.
Look out for pics tomorrow (if I ever get finished!)
Lots of love xxx
Hi Debbie,
I won’t be going out tomorrow so will keep an ear out for the postie. But don’t worry if it doesn’t come in time. Don’t know what is happening to the post. They haven’t been on strike all of Dec. surely?
It was very strange that the creep parked where he did because there’s a massive carpark for Sainsbury’s. I always get a fright when I spot him but do also try to keep an open mind. It’s because I go out random times and seem to see him a lot that it makes me question why, given his behaviour.
Mam would always go to midnight mass at her church. Dad would sit in the cold in the car instead of just sitting at the back. If she didn’t make it then she’d go xmas morning. If I lived closer to her I would have gone with.
Hope your shopping goes well and it will be lovely to have xmas with your daughter. Trying to stay strong being on own but I know I’m going to fall to bits as soon as I’m just sitting infront of tv.
Must dash or I’ll miss the Vardy v Rooney saga.
Posting pics tomorrow. x
Lots of love xxx
Hi Christine and Neil
Wanted to drop in again before the nights out but haven’t quite made it so look forward to chatting tomorrow.
Take care both xx
Hi Tina,
Take care hun and rest when you need to. Off to bed now. Shattered! Have an early start to photograph all, trawl through pics and post the best ones with an explanation of thoughts behind the creations. See you then x
Lots of love xxx
Hi Tina and all,
Tina, hope you are feeling ok this morn. I had to go back to bed again and sleep. Worn out after all my creativity this week and have developed a cough. Hope its not covid. Think it’s just a tickly cough after being in the garden in the rain trying to finish the tree/patio.
Here’s my update on the shrine with decorative ivy garland and some chosen objects for the festive season. Hope mam likes it:
Shrine has a layered garland of ivy overhead,
adding depth to the warm glow of light from above.
Corners splay out for dramatic effect
and sweep around to take you out
of the sitting room.
Candelabra details light with a nativity scene where ballerina’s twirl and birds nestle. An ornate cross and mam as a crocheted angel set the festive scene.
A pair of love birds coo in the foliage above
and gold humming birds search for nectar in the bouquet of white and green roses.
The hearth is a thriving nest of babies playing in the light while mams robin watching over them.
A simple bouquet of ivy hangs from the bookcase in place of a wreath to balance greenery in the room.
Adding only a small selection of of trinkets for the festive scene gives a nod to Christmas in memory of many happy Christmases spent together. I always went for Christmas Day when I would open pressies with my parents and would return again Boxing Day with my sister and children to do it all again. So a very traditional grown up occasion on the 25th and then chaos on the 26th ! I always brought the cakes as doing my bit along with washing dishes and setting the table. We always dressed up for the occasion, mam in her festive jumpers and me in my fancy dresses. My mannequin is now dressed to keep the tradition alive in memory of mam. She wears my chocolate ballgown with mam’s silver sequin bolero,
jewels and her wedding day headdress (removed the long train).
I hope mam can see that it’s all for her. When I stop and have finished my creations I will be wanting to be with her and just be sobbing. Without her there is no Christmas cheer, bustling about, a feast to be enjoyed, pressies to be exchanged… with love sprinkled on everything. I miss her so much.
x
Still not dressed yet so will be back with pics of my tree outside. See you all soon.
Lots of love xxx
Hi Christine
Absolutely brilliant pics and thank you for sharing . Your Mum would be so proud! Brightened up a really wet day. and made me smile!
Another step closer to the big day and for some of us a first Xmas alone. I have had an offer for Boxing Day but there will be 18 people there and loads of kids so I will swerve that! Just happy to have some nice quiet days . Feel guilty for not getting the usual holly wreath for the front door but I just felt a bit upset as it would be for Mum as well as Dad . I’m sure they would understand. Hope I can feel their presence on Xmas day and I will continue to talk to them as I do every day.
Seeing posts on social media of people going mad in shops but glad I’ve got mine ( not as much this year) .
Will check in again tomorrow to see how we all are. Once again, the pics are great
Sending love and best wishes
Neil x
Hi everyone,
Been hard at it, editing all my pics for the outdoor tree and garden scene. So here they are:
Kisses for mam xmas tree with santa’s sack, wreath
and sleigh bed / childhood .
Simple imagery conveys a nostalgic view of Christmas and my love for mam. Christmas tree is covered in kisses (satin red ribbon), my love for her and her abundant love for us all.
Mam’s angel from last year sports a festive tartan wrap and the 3 bows of tartan are her 3 daughters (I’m the eldest, then sis up north and then my feisty youngest sis). Wish I still had my traditional pleated tartan kilt mam hand made (lineage on dad’s side of the family) when I was young. It was much brighter colours than this recycled ribbon.
Mam is wearing a tiny ivy halo
and the cherub, an old broken lamp, is bound in red ribbon (he was quite naughty and wouldn’t keep still).
It was quite moving watching them chatting casually as I worked on the sleigh bed.
Makes me wonder how normal it must be in Heaven as it is here. She seems to be quite content as I busy myself.
The wreath is created from lengths of ivy
adorned in selected bits from mam’s favourite garland.
Ribbon kisses provides continuity throughout the display. Santa’s sleigh doubles up as my childhood bed, littered with golden trinkets (lanterns from old xmas fairy lights), candelabra (celebration) and a mini greenhouse (mam’s passion for gardening).
Little lanterns hang amongst fairy lights overhead, waiting to bathe the scene in twinkling light.
Mam’s angel appears to be bathed in light. She is glowing!
I’m really pleased with my simple design. I’m too upset to do the usual lavish sparkly displays I was so indulgent in before mam left. And I finally got my Spring bulbs planted. They are waiting like pressies under the Christmas tree. Little jewels to bring new life and colour in the new year.
Still have to finish the bedroom and photograph. Will see how I get on but might have to leave posting those pics until tomorrow. Still not dressed! So very slow today. Absolutely knackered! Hope my pics bring a smile to you all. Will pop back later today and see how you are all doing.
Debbie, hope your shopping is going well x
Lots of love xxx