Friday 25 November 2016

Kitty capers

Hello. So who is going shopping and who isn't? Black, green, yellow, blue, whatever colour it is today won't tempt me to hit the shops. Mind you, I have to confess to spending a little bit in the village shop as I was passing on my walk. The new Stitch Magazine is in, and as it is only £5 every two months, I allow myself that treat. I also wanted a small bottle of milk. But that's it, no more. 
From what I read in the newspapers there hasn't been long queues of people waiting for shops to open, maybe people have got wise to the big con trick, imported from across the pond. Mind you, I always say, if you have enough money and you want to spend it, go ahead, but don't go into debt by borrowing money, it's a slippery slope. I know what I can and can't afford. Watch all the panic posts coming into the MSE forum in the new year. OMG, the credit card bills have come in, I didn't realize I spent so much. No one says you have to join in with Christmas, it is not the law. I refuse to torture myself mooching around shops in a state of befuddlement, wondering what to get for auntie what's her name. I shall be putting some money into envelopes for the children in the family, and that will be it. 
This cat is not my cat, he is called Mickey and he lives a few doors down. That table is a sun trap and he is often found there in the mornings. I think he has the hots for Mayze, or is it Heidi, or maybe he is on the scrounge for any spare food which happens to get thrown out. He is a naughty boy, I have caught him coming through the cat flap, a few times. He can be a bit aggressive as well, hissing when I go to stroke him, so then I shoo him off.   
After breakfast I open the door to let my cats out, if they want to go out. It all depends on the weather. I think they sense when it is dull and miserable, so they stay in bed. This morning it was sunny, so Mayze was keen to go out. She stares at Mickey. I've never seen any fisticuffs but that look says, 'what are you doing here, get off my patch'. I think she is playing hard to get.

Heidi has found herself a new bed. In the evening as I am getting ready for bed, I drape my dressing gown over the banister. It must have fallen off because this is what I found this morning. Why is it that the cats always like to lie on my clothes. I hadn't the heart to move her. I will leave it there until she finds somewhere else to kip. I have three dressing gowns anyway. 
I have just had a super lunch, mushrooms, spinach, eggs, potato salad, and houmous, most of it was yellow sticker food I bought over a week ago. It is still fine to eat. I have some cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli left, which will see me through the weekend.

Hey, the sun is out, I will go into the garden for an hour or two and do some tidying. Nothing growing at the moment, just some dead stuff to collect and put in the bin.

Thanks for popping in. We'll catch up soon.
Toodle pip

24 comments:

  1. They have Black Friday sales here as well now and he malls all opened at 7am. Fine for those who want to go but not for me. I enjoy Christmas but purchase only a few small gifts now - most friends all say that they have enough "stuff" and instead we make a point of getting together - sometimes out for a meal and sometimes at someone's home. It is all much more low-key know and much more enjoyable.
    I will get a few groceries today and then meet some friends for a light supper later. Need some fruit and veg so I can have some lovely meals similar to yours!

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  2. We are looking for a new combination microwave as ours finally gave up after about 14 years , but the French do not seem to have grasped the idea of reductions at all . One hubby has been looking at on line has a bid reduction sign on it and I know it's priced higher an it was on Monday . Oh well will just have to keep looking x

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  3. Saw you today n rip off Britain, good one, well done

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  4. Got a shock lunchtime, turned on the TV and there you were buying yellow stickers from all over!

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    1. I only watched the programme the once, perhaps I ought to view again, ha ha.

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  5. Black Friday - I don't join in; however, I did re-read your post of last year regarding it and your very helpful tips about being completely selfish and ruthless to the extent of nearly assaulting other shoppers to 'grab, grab,' that bargain (which I realise was meant in humour - I laughed out loud). I haven't seen any stampedes this year on the tv but I did notice when one store (don't know where) opened the doors the crowd literally fell in the store, stumbling over each to snatch the bargain. Sorry to go off topic Ilona, just met a friend who tells me she saw a Christmas pub menu for Christmas lunch - the price - £67.50 a head (apparently the normal fayre). Yes, you did read that right. Gulp. Amanda

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  6. Ooh I haven't heard of Stitch magazine. I'm starting to join the Embroiderers Guild in the new year so will have a look out for that publication. I love, love the pussy cat news. Natalie

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    1. Hi Nat. The new Stitch just out is mainly Christmas projects. It's the only magazine I get because it has more textile art in it than straight forward embroidery. I keep my old copies for reference and ideas.

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  7. Black Friday or not, we had a Couldn`t-care-less type of Friday. Attended a diabetic check with DB this afternoon, collected some medication from the chemist and went home again. No money was spent today. We made a good old brew at home and had some buffet style foods for dinner(ham cut offs from the polish shop near us), then watched a bit of telly. Black Friday came and went without any money spent.

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    1. Hi. I am loving staying in at the moment. Nice food, lots of sewing to keep me busy. Still need to have a day or two outside though, but nice to come home.

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  8. No black frreiday here, passed by all shops to work and back. not shopping to save the economy.

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  9. As others mentioned, they showed you on *Rip Odd Britain* this morning, part of the edition they showed of your shopping trip recorded earlier this year. I was watching with Jenny and she'd not seen that edition before so was good to see you again. Hope you have a nice weekend while the weather is still a bit milder for the time of year :)

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  10. I hate standing in line & refuse to shop anywhere or anytime there is one. I gave up all that Christmas Sale hoohoo decades ago. These days I knit hats & give them to my Bus Driver buddy who hands them out to the poor folks on his downtown run. On Black Friday I'm spending my time watching the Downton Abbey marathon with buns, cheese, chicken & oranges . . .

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    1. I can't stand queuing either. I am so impatient.

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  11. Keep a spray bottle filled with water handy. Give him a little spray in the face, it won't do him any harm and he will soon clear off and leave the sun trap free for your lovely girls.

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  12. Ah, the old agressive begging for sweet love and attention. Sorry, Mickey, women don't fall for that any longer.

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  13. No, Black Friday here in the USA didn't get me again this year. Staying home becuz I'm recovering from a cold virus. Better today. I did order one thing online but it wasn't a BF deal but is on sale til tomorrow for my husband's gift. Pick it up tomorrow. I did a bit of purging and shredding today and laundry. Love you kitty story in photos as well. Happy day!

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  14. That picture of Mayze giving Mickey "the look" is great.

    I did not going into any stores today but I did buy something on eBay. The lighted dial on the alarm clock I've had for many years gave out about six or nine months ago. I do not want a digital clock and I do not want to use my cellphone as a bedside clock (as many people do today). I've been looking at "vintage" alarm clocks on eBay (many are too expensive) and found an attractive one for $4.99 plus $3.25 postage. I emailed to make sure the light works and that the clock is quiet. Hopefully it will last many years.

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    1. Enjoy your clock. The only time keeper I have is my wrist watch. Is that why I'm always late, ha ha.

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  15. No Black Friday here either. Absolute madness. I watched some videos on youtube of Black Friday shoppers.. Incredible that folk value "stuff" above common decency and good manners.

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  16. I hope the UK retailers are getting the message - we don't want it. Was reading some articles about people being shot in the US. The world is getting crazier.

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  17. I know I'm very late commenting on your post about possibly relaxing control of your spending; your mention of food today reminded me. Have you considered allowing yourself occasional use of the oven? You could use your normal ingredients of various vegetables with cheese to make a big dish of vegetable bake - steamed seasoned veg. in cheese sauce with breadcrumbs and cheese on top - delicious, several portions to save/freeze for a busier day, a bit of heat in the kitchen for the pets to enjoy, and to air clothes? Just an idea

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    1. Hello. Thank you for this suggestion. I'm not sure my oven even works, I haven't used it for years. It needs to be plugged into the mains, for the gas oven to work. I don't need a clock with a timer in the kitchen, I have no clocks in the house at all.

      I can't see the point in putting steamed veg in a dish with cheese sauce and grated cheese, when it is already cooked. Simple to put it on a plate and eat it, it all goes down the same way. Why cook twice when once will do, five minutes to steam veg.I very rarely make sauce, if at all, don't have the ingredients in my cupboard. Sauce adds extra calories, not many per meal, but over time lots of calories. I don't make breadcrumbs, I just eat the bread in a sandwich or toast.

      I wash my clothes when it is sunny and/or windy, sometimes finish the drying on the radiators. I put my central heating on for a couple of hours a day when it is really cold, and for the cats.

      I know a lot of bloggers write about food preparation in a big way, but I can't be bothered with all that faffing. Thanks for your ideas.

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  18. onlyjo here - how about a treat of fish and chips, can of cider followed by a magnum ice cream! once a month instead of once or twice a year - no washing up, no cooking and followed by your daily 3 miles to walk of the calories ! just a thought x

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