Bear felt much better this morning and trundled off to school with a letter for his teacher to ask them to be respectful of his knee. Bear could make an oyster look chatty when it comes to school, so I'm not sure exactly what happened, but he seemed fine.
The last driving lesson before my test went okay I suppose. I practised the emergency stop a few times - not deliberately. Twice were for quick changing traffic lights and I think there were three episodes of cars pulling out in front of me. That was before the start of the lesson proper. I did okay as I practised a test route until I got near the end and stalled in the middle of the roundabout.
It was a long lesson, full of parallel parking, stopping, starting and general driving challenges. If they ask me to park in a bay, I'm stuffed. If I'm not thinking about it and chatting about nonsense, I can sweep smoothly into a bay without an issue. If I am thinking about it then I am lucky to even get near it.
As we talked the session over, I saw a couple walking and according to my awesome instructor (who knows everyone) one of them was a driving examiner and he was carrying a clipboard. It seems that sometimes an examiner decides that his safety comes first and they get the car stopped and then walk back to the centre. I haven't done that yet, so that's something.
It isn't even nine o'clock, but I am going to crawl off to bed now. I can't tell you how exhausted I am and my test is just after 8 am, so I could do with being rested.
Monday, 25 March 2019
Sunday, 24 March 2019
Marginally Improving
whereverthejourneytakesme - I hope the apple tree is sorted out.
I'm still behind on practically everything, and I will be up later than I want because I left washing bear's kit late.
I was interrupted in posting how uneventful today had been by bear being voluminously sick. He blamed the mince, but neither DH nor I are affected. I think it has less to do with the mince and more to do with bear being extremely tired. He was just so poorly and he is now getting too old for me to give him cuddles as he goes to sleep. All I could do was keep him company. But it was quite remarkable. He had been off colour all day, but he really brightened up as soon as he had been sick, so I'm hoping that he will get some good rest and feel better in himself tomorrow. Poor lad, he just curled up in bed afterwards and that was it, he was so exhausted.
Did I mention that I have my driving test on Tuesday and my last lesson before it tomorrow? I could do without a crisis, but there is always a crisis going on, so I suppose I need to just deal with it.
Now bear is flat out asleep, the bathroom has been cleaned up, and I'm off to make sure all shirts are ironed for tomorrow. Hugs to everyone.
I'm still behind on practically everything, and I will be up later than I want because I left washing bear's kit late.
I was interrupted in posting how uneventful today had been by bear being voluminously sick. He blamed the mince, but neither DH nor I are affected. I think it has less to do with the mince and more to do with bear being extremely tired. He was just so poorly and he is now getting too old for me to give him cuddles as he goes to sleep. All I could do was keep him company. But it was quite remarkable. He had been off colour all day, but he really brightened up as soon as he had been sick, so I'm hoping that he will get some good rest and feel better in himself tomorrow. Poor lad, he just curled up in bed afterwards and that was it, he was so exhausted.
Did I mention that I have my driving test on Tuesday and my last lesson before it tomorrow? I could do without a crisis, but there is always a crisis going on, so I suppose I need to just deal with it.
Now bear is flat out asleep, the bathroom has been cleaned up, and I'm off to make sure all shirts are ironed for tomorrow. Hugs to everyone.
Saturday, 23 March 2019
I Went Out!
Kate - I am so sorry you had that thingy as well. Bear is really suffering with it.
whereverthejourneytakesme - bear has definitely taken notice!
I forgot to mention, I went to Heckmondwike the other day and the trees were still wearing fabric. I posted about them in the summer, but I took some more photos last week. This one looks like upside down bloomers.
This is perhaps my favourite
And it is looking well from a distance, but if you look closer, you can see the the toll that winter took.
Today I went to Roundhay Park. I couldn't take my favourite shortcut through, as there was a hazard.
When I saw the notice about an 'unsafe tree' I had visions of a whomping willow or an Ent, but there was no evidence of either. All the trees looked much as usual, but there have been high winds and heavy rain, so there may have been movement that a casual bystander couldn't see.
I went back to the fancy gardens, which looked a lot tidier.
The blossom was a ridiculous shade of pink, as if it was the colour of artificial flavouring. This pic does not do it justice.
And there were lots of little flowers around, but I have no idea what they are are called.
I consider it a good day.
whereverthejourneytakesme - bear has definitely taken notice!
I forgot to mention, I went to Heckmondwike the other day and the trees were still wearing fabric. I posted about them in the summer, but I took some more photos last week. This one looks like upside down bloomers.
This is perhaps my favourite
And it is looking well from a distance, but if you look closer, you can see the the toll that winter took.
Today I went to Roundhay Park. I couldn't take my favourite shortcut through, as there was a hazard.
When I saw the notice about an 'unsafe tree' I had visions of a whomping willow or an Ent, but there was no evidence of either. All the trees looked much as usual, but there have been high winds and heavy rain, so there may have been movement that a casual bystander couldn't see.
I went back to the fancy gardens, which looked a lot tidier.
The blossom was a ridiculous shade of pink, as if it was the colour of artificial flavouring. This pic does not do it justice.
And there were lots of little flowers around, but I have no idea what they are are called.
I consider it a good day.
Friday, 22 March 2019
Bear Does Well
Bear has got his Gold certificate from school for getting 150 positives. It's quite nifty. The system goes like this - if bear is enthusiastic or helpful or gives good answers or other 'positive' things then the teachers record a positive for him. If he forgets kit or homework or is cheeky, then he gets a negative. Bear got a certificate for bronze, a voucher for a snack and a drink from the school canteen for silver and now he has a £5 Love to Shop voucher which he plans to spend in Waterstones, the bookshop. He has his eyes now on the Headmaster's award which means a lapel badge, which is definitely coveted. I am very proud of him. He is also rocking House Drama. He has the full and final performances on Wednesday, so I won't be going frantic trying to get him home at reasonable times.
I was supposed to have the window people round to measure up properly for the windows, but they were running late and sounding stressed, and I was definitely stressed, so they are coming next week. All I need to do is try and remember the day and time. I'm really not keeping up.
Writing stuff - Lots of writing stuff happened today, but not so much for me to share. I created my booth for the OWS CyCon (that online book convention happening in May). It seems very egotistical, writing all about me, especially as there is nothing much to write about. There are a lot of authors planning to attend, together with book reviewers and all sorts. I'll let you know more about the event nearer the time. It looks like there will be a lot going on. I even volunteered for a few things myself!
I also managed to finally get the latest instalment from the White Hart out (here) and I'm planning to shake that up a little. I plan on smaller pieces but with more fun and pace and a lot more variety.
Sending hugs to all!
I was supposed to have the window people round to measure up properly for the windows, but they were running late and sounding stressed, and I was definitely stressed, so they are coming next week. All I need to do is try and remember the day and time. I'm really not keeping up.
Writing stuff - Lots of writing stuff happened today, but not so much for me to share. I created my booth for the OWS CyCon (that online book convention happening in May). It seems very egotistical, writing all about me, especially as there is nothing much to write about. There are a lot of authors planning to attend, together with book reviewers and all sorts. I'll let you know more about the event nearer the time. It looks like there will be a lot going on. I even volunteered for a few things myself!
I also managed to finally get the latest instalment from the White Hart out (here) and I'm planning to shake that up a little. I plan on smaller pieces but with more fun and pace and a lot more variety.
Sending hugs to all!
Thursday, 21 March 2019
Lots of Writing Stuff!
wherethejourneytakesme - I'm glad I'm not the only one noticing the berries. I'm not a fan of bananas but it looks like I need to get used to them. Bear and DH are quite keen.
Bear has a disease. Previously he was diagnosed with Larsson-Sinding-Johansson Syndrome (no idea if I have spelled that right) but now he has a diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatters Disease. This is a pain in the knee. Poor lad, he is suffering. I hope it dies down soon, but it could be quite a while before he is comfortable running again.
I have someone coming to measure windows tomorrow and I need to move the furniture. I also fell down a few steps earlier and all my joints are playing up now. On the bright side, it means that we will finally get the main windows in the living room and study ready for replacement.
Writing stuff - quite a lot today. I managed some flash fiction here, which was fun and will keep me going tomorrow. I also have an author spotlight on Timothy Bateson's blog, here, which is quite unnerving. Timothy's blog is fascinating and well worth a look. He does a lot for author promotions so if you are looking for good stuff, not only is he an awesome author, but he has contacts who are also incredibly awesome.
There is likely to be a lot of writing stuff in the next few months, so be warned and I won't be offended if you stop reading at the heading.
Hugs to all.
Bear has a disease. Previously he was diagnosed with Larsson-Sinding-Johansson Syndrome (no idea if I have spelled that right) but now he has a diagnosis of Osgood-Schlatters Disease. This is a pain in the knee. Poor lad, he is suffering. I hope it dies down soon, but it could be quite a while before he is comfortable running again.
I have someone coming to measure windows tomorrow and I need to move the furniture. I also fell down a few steps earlier and all my joints are playing up now. On the bright side, it means that we will finally get the main windows in the living room and study ready for replacement.
Writing stuff - quite a lot today. I managed some flash fiction here, which was fun and will keep me going tomorrow. I also have an author spotlight on Timothy Bateson's blog, here, which is quite unnerving. Timothy's blog is fascinating and well worth a look. He does a lot for author promotions so if you are looking for good stuff, not only is he an awesome author, but he has contacts who are also incredibly awesome.
There is likely to be a lot of writing stuff in the next few months, so be warned and I won't be offended if you stop reading at the heading.
Hugs to all.
Wednesday, 20 March 2019
So Much for Plans
I'm still feeling swamped, and worried that I'll end up writing post after post of pity parties, so trying to keep it cheerful. However there is writing stuff going on that I really ought to cover, and there's stuff coming up that I may have a legal obligation to publicise and also there is bear.
Bear had food tech again. I thought it would be one of the sponge cakes that were listed in the booklet and I had all the ingredients in for those, but instead bear had to make trifle, and was asked to be creative. That meant that I was told on the Friday before I had to provide all the ingredients for banana trifle, including banana bread. The only decent oven to bake with blows all the lights every time it's switched on. I found a microwave banana bread/pudding type thing and it was a success with the men. They ate up the trial and demolished the replay so I'm taking it as a win. The recipe is here, but you need a lot more spice than it says. I'm going to have to bake more as bear is having issues with eating. I'm not going further into it on a public post, and it isn't serious, but I will be adding to his diet with healthy(ish) baked goods as much as possible. I am currently eyeing the cheese muffin recipes.
I did an emergency stop in the driving lesson today. I wasn't supposed to but a driver in front decided to suddenly stop at a green traffic light. I can't blame them as we all have those days, but I wasn't slowing down as it was a green light and then I had to stop very suddenly from just under 40mph (the speed limit). Apparently I was fine and it was appropriate etc etc but it left me a little wrong footed.
I may be feeling under all the weather but I still notice things. I took this picture today.
I didn't get too close as I was perching on a kerb trying not to step into the traffic of a supermarket car park, but I thought it was interesting to see the berries now.
Writing stuff - I had a rejection and on top of that the people who published Glass and Ashes which included a contribution from me and who were going to be publishing Cogs, Crowns and Carriages (which probably will still go ahead with a contribution from me) have had an upheaval in the company. I'm only seeing hints but all the people involved are lovely and it's really sad to see them upset. I'm keeping my head down as much as possible! But it seems that the online book convention will be going ahead, and who knows what else.
Hugs to all.
Bear had food tech again. I thought it would be one of the sponge cakes that were listed in the booklet and I had all the ingredients in for those, but instead bear had to make trifle, and was asked to be creative. That meant that I was told on the Friday before I had to provide all the ingredients for banana trifle, including banana bread. The only decent oven to bake with blows all the lights every time it's switched on. I found a microwave banana bread/pudding type thing and it was a success with the men. They ate up the trial and demolished the replay so I'm taking it as a win. The recipe is here, but you need a lot more spice than it says. I'm going to have to bake more as bear is having issues with eating. I'm not going further into it on a public post, and it isn't serious, but I will be adding to his diet with healthy(ish) baked goods as much as possible. I am currently eyeing the cheese muffin recipes.
I did an emergency stop in the driving lesson today. I wasn't supposed to but a driver in front decided to suddenly stop at a green traffic light. I can't blame them as we all have those days, but I wasn't slowing down as it was a green light and then I had to stop very suddenly from just under 40mph (the speed limit). Apparently I was fine and it was appropriate etc etc but it left me a little wrong footed.
I may be feeling under all the weather but I still notice things. I took this picture today.
Yes, those are bright holly berries in March. I took the picture below, which is not the best pic I have ever taken, and it shows, if properly magnified, some of the berries next to the blossoms.
I didn't get too close as I was perching on a kerb trying not to step into the traffic of a supermarket car park, but I thought it was interesting to see the berries now.
Writing stuff - I had a rejection and on top of that the people who published Glass and Ashes which included a contribution from me and who were going to be publishing Cogs, Crowns and Carriages (which probably will still go ahead with a contribution from me) have had an upheaval in the company. I'm only seeing hints but all the people involved are lovely and it's really sad to see them upset. I'm keeping my head down as much as possible! But it seems that the online book convention will be going ahead, and who knows what else.
Hugs to all.
Tuesday, 12 March 2019
Time Out!
A lot is going on, and I'm not managing with the stuff that I need to do. I'm taking a time out until March 27th, after I've taken my next driving test. To be honest, it's the driving lessons that are breaking me.
I will be back with the usual stories then. Hugs to everyone as you are all awesome.
I will be back with the usual stories then. Hugs to everyone as you are all awesome.
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