MIA

 Just a quick post to say my computer has died. I'm using Husband's but not at home on it so don't like doing much.

Be back soon - or more likely after Christmas.

The generosity of others

The hustle and bustle of the last few weeks is behind me; the next weeks seem calmer, less time-precious. So I was relaxed this morning. I had a list of things that needed doing but all could be taken at a leisurely pace. I didn't need to go outside so could wear my sloppy indoor clothes. 

Then I couldn't find my comfy trousers and for an instance I was on the verge. Throwing things out of my wardrobe, muttering maniacally to myself, hyperventilating. 

Then I stopped, and shrugged. "Okay, I'll have to walk around in my knickers."

Having pulled myself together, you'll be pleased to hear I put my jeans on - but only because I would have been cold!

Did I mention I was collecting donations for twenty bags I'm making up, on behalf of Zac's, for vulnerable women working on the streets? People have been very generous and I was able to sort it all this morning and put things in bags.

And I hung my wreath on the door.

It's the bit of string adding the finishing touch that really makes it, I think!

I've also watched The Christmas Chronicles parts 1 and 2. Never seen them before and isn't Kurt Russell a fab Father Christmas?

Husband and I are watching Mr Mercedes. It is really rather horrible and a bit slow but addictive. I have to know the good guy gets his man in his end.

Just a minute!

Making teas and coffees after the service today, nearly got into a fight with someone who suggested we should have champagne to celebrate.
"Celebrate what in particular?" we, i.e. Kim and I, asked.
"That it's been 28 days since a small boat came across the channel."

If he'd stopped there it would have been fine. He didn't. "Not bringing more people over here to rape and murder us."

You get the idea. Really, as Kim said afterwards, "He couldn't have picked two people more pro-refugees if he'd tried."

I said, "It is worth celebrating that no-one has died risking their life trying to cross the channel." In 2024 seventy-seven people drowned trying to cross the English Channel.

And it is. The days without small boats being stopped while coming across made the news yesterday. The fact that the work of the Labour government is leading to fewer illegal immigrants was greeted not as good news but as, "oh, well it will start again," and "it's not good enough," and the like by all the commentators. 

* * * * *

Still with church, we had a guest speaker this morning. These days I take notes so I can say something about it in the next week's newsletter. My notes are indicative of the level of interest the speaker arouses in me. Some take pages. This morning's . . .

Yet several people have commented on the whatsapp group, saying how powerful it was. I think that was because the speaker had a dramatic style. Loud voice, long pauses. He certainly wouldn't have got far on Just A Minute (panel game, speak for a minute on a subject with no repetition, deviation, or hesitation.)

In fact, JAM may be the way sermons should be conducted in future! I shall suggest it.

It's all about me

Was a bit late for my wreath-making workshop this afternoon because I stopped to let a seagull cross the road.

After being part of the catering team on duty at church yesterday for the funeral I had a Me Day today. A lovely walk over Mumbles Hill with my cousin, Rhian, stopping off en route for my belated birthday North Pole at Fortes. If you recall it had featured in my birthday celebration plan only to find Fortes closed. I made up for it today.

It was the main reason I suggested Mumbles Hill for a walk.

Then this afternoon it was the wreath-making workshop. About twenty women who'd never made a wreath before, we all came away with something resembling a wreath.

The teachers showing us how.

Early on in the proceedings.

The end result.

Someone or several someones has been very busy, making postbox toppers.

My own worst enemy

The company has now offered 100% refund - and I don't have to return the jumper! We'll see if the refund comes through before I celebrate too much though.

* * * * *

Zac's now offers breakfast plus optional grammar lessons. Felt like a teacher this morning explaining semi-colons and colons, and advocating for them. As well as ranting about 'would of' and explaining that 'would've' is fine, but not attractive.

But when we got on to 'ain't' and 'innit' I drew the line. Talking to Londoners you see. It is in both Oxford and Cambridge dictionaries, and even Mr Chambers has given in.

I did not know until just now that analphabet was a word, meaning, before you make up your own definitions, ignorant of the alphabet.

* * * * *

Busy baking this afternoon for a funeral tomorrow. Made a sponge and some brownies, and, as I had two soft bananas, a banana cake as well, but that will go in the freezer I think. In the middle of baking my Sainsburys order arrived. I began putting stuff away and then I had the brilliant idea of sorting out the pantry first. I am my own worst enemy.

* * * * *

And did you know that a wall is considered to be adjoining up to three metres away from your wall?

I was just thinking it must be time for the pinger to go for the brownies when it occurred to me that it had been quite a long time and had I forgotten to set the timer?

Yes, I had. I think I might just get away with it, at least the ones in the middle.

Maltesers or coke?

A quieter day today, hooray! Had a lovely walk with Husband along the sea front.

I know it might not sound like it but I am being more sensible and trying to learn to say, "No". 

Remember that jumper I wanted to return? Their offer is currently at 80% refund and I get to keep the jumper. I am holding out for 100%. But it's not a bad jumper. 

* * * * *

An email had me fuming this morning. It's about something Zac's is dealing with and I can't talk about it yet but, oh, I was cross.

* * * * *

Elder Son messaged me earlier to say that, according to the man on the radio, Maltesers are now more expensive per gram than cocaine and sirloin steak. I had to check that out in case I should take up dealing in Maltesers. (Though I can't help feeling there's something wrong with my logic there.)

Turns out Maltesers cost £32 a kilo; pure cocaine costs £28,000 a kilo. Although you can get .05g of crack cocaine for £5. At least you could back in 2023.

Just another manic Tuesday

Been manning a Zac's stall in the beautiful Brangwyn Hall today. Each year the council puts on a Christmas lunch for the homeless and vulnerable. All the agencies working in this field were represented, and there was a huge supply of clothes available as well as free haircuts. 

Our stall wasn't the flashiest but all our chocolates went! And I was able to remind or tell people that Zac's was open again for breakfasts and coffee bar.

I thought I'd have to rush from there to writing group but when I explained my situation that had got worse/busier - I'll explain that in a minute - one of my writers suggested postponing and everyone agreed.

There are four study leaders at Zac's. Sean, because of family health issues, is out of the picture for the rest of this year leaving three of us. Stu was due to lead tonight but he and all his family have been taken ill. Now when he messaged the group yesterday afternoon to tell us and ask for a replacement, my first thought was, "Okay, I can do that." Then I stopped, pondered, and decided to wait and see what the other one said. 

Eventually he replied that he could do it if absolutely necessary but would prefer not.

So guess who's doing it? 

As I was in the Brangwyn this afternoon Husband went along to GrandDaughter2's Christmas concert in school, and very much enjoyed it!

And now I'd better go and think about what I'm going to talk about tonight! (Second week of Advent so peace.)