I was supposed to have a wood burner installed before Christmas, but with perfect timing, the snow arrived and the installation had to be postponed.
So today, is the day. I telephoned the shop yesterday to see what time the fitter might arrived and was told 9.00am. Imagine my surprise when there was a knock on the door at 8.00, and with me still in my pj's.
I have spent all morning banished upstairs. It forced me to do some more work on the website, which is no bad thing, although it is still not finished. I also have packaging issues and have been looking for gift boxes. Packaging is such a nightmare, especially if you know what you want. It will be a case of not being able to find it; or finding it but in the wrong size or colour; or worse, it is perfect but out of stock. I would love to be able to tell someone what I am looking for and them getting them to do it for me. It would make life so much easier.
On a more productive note, I made wedding favours last week, just as a trial batch. I found some lovely little hear moulds which I thought would be perfect. They are cold process which is something I have done much of and I am delighted at how they have turned out, although I could have done without the ash formation. Next time, I will leave them in the mould a little longer and it has been suggested that covering them in clingfilm might help.
I have a few free days, so what do I do? Take the tiles off the bathroom wall.
I was lying in the bath looking at the colour of the paint, and decided that I did not like it. The following day, I went and bought a tester pot which I really liked, but the colour did not go with the tiles, so instead of changing the colour of the paint, I started to take off the tiles. I am sure that is the wrong way round!
Most of the tiles have now been removed, but the remaining ones are decidedly stubborn little blighters. I have smacked my knuckles umpteen times and have come to the conclusion that it was not such a good idea after all. Oh well, not much I can do about it now.
Of course, I have had "help" from the kittens who have been chasing the bits around the bath. It is very kind of them, but the sort of help I could do without.
Merry Christmas and a Happy to New Year to everyone!
I have been to see all my furry wards, had my bath and I am sitting with a cup of coffee and a piece of chocolate tiffin given to me as a Christmas present.
Later, I am off to Mums for Chrstmas dinner assuming I can remember where I have put the presents.
Last night, I arrived home from work around 5.45, no snow. At 6.15 there was about 6 inches of the white stuff covering everything. Out of my back bedroom window, the trees looked like Nigella had gone made with frosting, and it was still falling heavily.
This morning the snow is up to about a foot high, mostly in drifts against the pavements and around the wheels of cars. It fell so fast and so heavy that the cat fencing which keeps my furry little darlings safely in the garden has given way under the weight, and the brackets (the expensive part of the system, naturally) have snapped.
Gathering every ounce of courage, I got into my car and drove into town to go shopping. At this point I have to say that my courage would have deserted me, if I had not had bare cupboards. (My need to eat is far greater than my common sense at times like this).
I made my way into town easily enough, popped into the supermarket, back to the car to put the food in the boot before sliding to the book shop to finish off a Christmas present. I returned to the car with a self satisfied grin, quite pleased with myself that I am one step closer to finishing my present shopping, to find a completely flat front tyre.
Thank goodness for the "third emergency service" (other breakdown services are available). I called them to rescue me, and although I was told that it may take up to two hours to reach me, my knight in his yellow van arrived about 40 minutes later.
What annoys me, is that I know how to change a tyre. I do, honestly! The trouble is that I can't undo the nuts.
So, much later than planned I arrived home with cold wet feet, and soggy jeans to a house full of cats who wanted to go out and play in the garden and can't.
This morning we received some great news!
We recently applied to the National Trust to be added to their approved local suppliers list. An email popped into the inbox this morning, to confirm that we have indeed been included.
Orders should start arriving late January/early February 2011 for sale at local properties. These will be added to our "where to buy" page as and when the details are available. Watch this space.....
I have cut the Cold Process soap I made last night. The colour could have been a bit smoother, but I am reasonably happy with it. I just have to work out how to get a lovely even colour, and wait for 4 weeks before I can try it an see what effect the silk has made.
