Tuesday 25 October 2011

'Wedged in a window' and other stories

It is so nice to finally have time to blog, although I admit that given my frame of mind over the past couple of weeks it's probably a good thing for everyone that I haven't had time.   I've been a right Moaning Minnie (as Mum would say).  If I was a cartoon, there would have been a little black raincloud above my head for the past two weeks.  Nothing has felt right.  We haven't been eating properly, I haven't kept on top of any household chores.   I haven't been baking or making.  We have spent our evenings eating chocolate and/or fast food, downing sherry and/or wine and watching a lot of TV, trying to ignore the smelly damp bombsite that has been our house.

It was only the dining room floor that needed work but it turned our little world upside down.  A particular low point, for me, was when we were forced to enter the house last Saturday by clambering through the living room window using a stepladder, carefully negotiating the three rosebushes below. (The dining room floor wasn't dry as quickly as expected and we couldn't use the front door).  I, having opted for what I considered to be the most ladylike way to climb into the window*, swiftly became wedged at an awkward angle.  One leg in, one leg out.  Like the hokey cokey but less fun and atop a step ladder.  Embarrassingly, I had to back my way out of the window and down the stepladder so that my stepson and husband could climb back out of the living room to help me get in.  It was like a real-life Professor Layton puzzle, though far less dignified given that we live on a main road.  Not my finest moment.  I dealt with it in a very British way, however, and managed a chirpy 'hello' and brisk little wave to the passing neighbour walking her dog.   She called a jolly 'hello' back and, in a similarly typical British fashion, did not mention the fact that I was wedged in the window, seemingly all alone.

Thankfully, the work is almost finished (just the edging and a threshold-thingy to fit) and our furniture delivery is imminent (maybe this week, I'm told).  Yay!

So things are slowly being put back in their proper place and I am looking forward to having a dining table again.  The room is much warmer now that it has a proper floor and I am pleased with the way it is taking shape.
Having to vacate the house for long periods of time has had its plus points, of course.  The dog has enjoyed a lot of walks through the village, for one thing.  I remembered to take my phone last weekend to get a few photos.  
We walk this way every single day and I like to pick out reference points where I can watch the seasons changing.

The horse often trots over to say hello, but then retreats when he realises that the poo bag we are invariably carrying definitely does not contain snacks.)

 
There have also been enforced shopping trips.  Ahem.  I have treated myself to a few new clothes.  This gorgeous oversized top from Topshop will look fab with my new leather leggings, some scary heels and messy hair.
I ♥ it. 
It's ever-so-slightly sheer but will be fine either with [attractive] flesh-coloured underwear or a black vest underneath.  (I can't tell you how cool I feel, owning a pair of leather leggings.  They are seriously amazing and I feel a bit Joan Jett in them.)

I've also bought loads of stuff from Joules.  Goodies for me, the husband, my niece and a little thank you present for my sis.  Three gorgeous dresses that I'm looking forward to wearing:

All of these are very flattering on, I'm so pleased with them.  They show off my legs (which are OK) and hide my cake-loving tummy.  Bonus.   They all look a treat with leggings, tights or skinny jeans.  I have also bought a sweater with ducks on, a floral shirt, the big chunky cardi in one of my previous posts and some amazing 'muck boots' which I'm beyond thrilled with.  I have to tell myself every single day that I am NOT jealous of my sister's job.  (I am.)

I have made a new make-up discovery, bought a few pieces of vintage china and stocked up on yarn to get me through the long cold (penniless, now) Autumn nights.   I'll save it all for another day because we're all off to Bedfordshire** now.

Night.

Nicki 

x



* There is not a ladylike way to climb through a window.
** A Bridget Jones term meaning 'bed'.

18 comments:

  1. No no no. Cannot picture you carrying a poo bag.

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  2. You had me chuckling out loud with the vision of you trying climb through the window & your neighbour pretending it happens every day! Carry On...
    Glad house if feeling like home once again, looking forward to seeing glimpses of your cosey home
    Nicky
    x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh you did make me smile reading this! Loving the glimpses of pretty things in your pics. Those dresses are G-O-R-geous!! Loving the Cath bedding and oh so cute doggie friend. I hope as you start to reclaim your home from the builders and the damp you find yourself in fewer comedic situations!!

    Have a great week :)

    Jo x x x

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great story! I also own that first Joules dress and the flying duck sweater. I love the sweater! xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. oooh love that floor.. very lovely against the white cupboard.
    nice photo's taken with your phone.
    Its all topsy turvey when the house is being renovated right? did you have plenty of dust too... urgh. My dad just having his kitchen done with extension and the dust is crazy annoying!
    pretty dresses... and leather leggings??? ohhh my yeh little vixen, Hahahaaa...

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are buying dresses ? In nearly November? Into three layers of knitted tops here in the NE of Scotland. I am envious!
    Thanks for the 'picture' of you wedged in the window. Hope things improve.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love your frocks. I wear them more in winter with ights or leggings. I want those floral ones and the big chunky cardi just looked gorgeous. Hurray for new clothes. You deserve them with all the upheaval.
    I remember waiting for it all to get sorted here. It is so stressful. It will be great when you get your new furniture though.
    The link on my facebook page isn't working. I am a bit of a doofus basically. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  8. Lovely new clothes Nicki,serious envy going on here;)
    The new floors looking lovely,I cant wait to see all the new furniture etc. xxxjulie.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hahaha thank you for the window story! I bet your neighbour was a little confused.. but you probably brought something interesting to her day. :-)
    Hope everything in your home is back to normal soon, I can imagine how bl**dy frsutrating it must be!
    Gorgeousss dresses! I'm desperate to be able to wear lovely dresses like that but as I'm still feeding Rose at the moment, everything I wear must have boob access! Quite limiting... especially in the winter months!

    Ashley xxx

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love dogs but dog poo is my most feared possession. NOOOO not possession because I don't possess dog poo. Oh god. Lost the plot.
    Missed you, welcome back. I've been far more of a moaning minnie than you, I bet you a trillion Toblerones...
    Glad things are back to normal at your gaff and I am loving those dresses.
    STILL trying to get that necklace for you btw, they had all sold out but will keep on top of it.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. The glimpse of new floor looks lovely and will offset your painted furniture beautifully.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Oh my, I was eating breakfast this morning whilst I was reading your blog oh yum yum poo bags, almost made me spit my breaky out!! If there was dog poo around I would always stand in it :( Haha, umm sorry to laugh about you getting stuck in the window, but I couldn't help it. Loving your new wardrobe, very, very gorgeous indeed, AND your new floor
    x Sandi

    ReplyDelete
  13. love the window story! you know it's a good one to be retold and can dine on it for months!
    Hoping the little black cloud has drifted on?
    Not hearing you say you're sister gets you cheaper clothes from joules - just hearing blah blah blah! I worked for Monsoon for nigh on 2 decades - then when I left Nelly kept going so we have enjoyed their mightly fine discount for an age. REALLY missing it now - and can't even go in a Monsoon shop as it hurts!
    I LOVE joules with a passion.
    Happy days
    fee x

    ReplyDelete
  14. ps just followed you - thought I already had!
    pps giveaway over at mine!

    ReplyDelete
  15. I love love love the dresses. Am very jealous indeed. Youve made me think i need to have a shopping spree sometime soon and treat myself abit.
    Lovely to see your doggie snuggling up on the bed. My Charlie choco gets on the bed for half an hour every evening for a cuddle before lights out.
    This post has made me chuckle so much.
    Have a lovely week Nikki

    Melanie x

    ReplyDelete
  16. Glad things are getting better for you now : ) It's a shame you have to go through all the messy, grotty stuff first!! ; (
    Love your Joules goodies, I got a green floral tunic top from them in the summer, it looks so vintage, abd I adore it : )
    Your dog looks really cute on your pretty bed.
    Have a good week,

    Sharon xx

    ReplyDelete
  17. How did I miss this post?!!

    Haha, your window tale reminds me of the scene in The Full Monty when Robert Carlisle is stuck on an upturned car in the middle of a canal and a passer by says "Hello, Gary how are you" and in typical British fashion he just replies "Not so bad", never fails to make me chuckle!!

    Glad things are getting back to normal!!

    V. jealous of your gorgeous new frocks - Joules don't go up to my size :0( - I think there should be a law that all clothes are made in all sizes, discrimination, that's what I call it!!

    Your bed looks sooooo cosy!!

    S x

    ReplyDelete