This week saw the end of Scotland's School Holidays and a return to classrooms, albeit a very different version to how they were promptly and swiftly exited from back in March. I'm not going to go into the politics of the decision-making here but suffice to say, I am one of the 'nayers' as to the question of whether the schools should have re-opened. It makes no sense to me to make this decision while the virus is still out there and even more potent than when the pandemic began in the Spring but onwards we must go and try and keep some perspective in this madness, if only for the children alone. Our crew were more than a little happy and a whole lot excited to be going back to greet their old friends and make some new ones, so new outfits, shoes, bags and lunchboxes were purchased and off they went to their respective schools, if a little bleary-eyed because don't forget, they've had the best part of 6 months' worth of lie-ins so getting back into the old routine required a few early nights prior to the 'big day'.
In the meantime, I finished a little sweater for the new baby. It's supposed to be the 'Tree of Life' pattern but having unravelled it once and restarted it, I'm afraid it turned out a little like a Hanukah Candleholder. I totally winged the pattern in the end because it was so badly written I gave up trying to decipher it and just did my own thing. I'm sure Baby won't mind!
I started another cosy hoodie for him and this time, the pattern is easier to read and understand so no excuses for mistakes in this one!
xoxoxo
I printed off a nice basic curry paste recipe that Vix kindly provided on her blog and I will try it out this week, once I find another supply for veg, since my retirement has now denied me the chance of pinching harvesting them from the work's kitchen garden.
I always wanted to try these 'posh pizzas' as Vix calls them and after seeing them on her blog, often tried to find them on the reduced shelf with not much luck until yesterday when I spotted this one and it was delicious, although I had to forfeit the Salsiccia because it was so hot and spicy! Half of it went down a treat though, with lovely potato salad that I made from some harvested new potatoes (from my own garden!) and the other half is in the freezer for another time.
My lace-cap Hydrangea is putting on a spectacular show this year.
I ordered another two masks from my friend and she let me pick the fabric from her stash so I went with the 'ditsy' look. It's become almost 'normal' to grab car keys, handbag and face mask before going out!
Keep safe and mask-up!
xoxoxoxo
Your masks are pretty and look really well made (not like mine lol!) I bet those girls are going to love being back at school, I know it's worrying - but the virus is allegedly not too rife in children and with distancing hopefully all will go well. Shame about the lack of veggies/perks, some supermarkets do a wonky veg box fyi (Lidl do one).
ReplyDeleteYour masks look just as good Betty. I'm too lazy to make my own. I know an allotment where I can procure some veg, if someone I know doesn't snaffle them all first!I'll have a look in Lidle on my way there!xxx
DeleteI think the sweater is lovely and the new one will be perfect. Good luck with school, it is so stressful thinking these kids are going back to a big mess. Stay safe my friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Meredith. It certainly is a big mess that we're all living through. xxx
DeleteThe sweater looks gorgeous Anne ... I can definately see the Tree design in it. Oh I do love hydrangeas - they are one of my all time favourites. Yes they are talking about bringing in compulsory mask wearing here now that we have had a resurgence of the virus so I have been thinking I had better get to & make some up. Have a lovely week my friend xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. I look forward to seeing your masks. They'll be gorgeous, I just know it.xxx
DeleteJon and I were talking about the schools the other day and agreed that both our mums would have have sent us throughout the height of the pandemic if they could. We were sent to chickenpox parties or made o play with neighbour's kids with mumps so we could get it. It does seem like children aren't affected by the dreaded virus, a couple of friends both had it back quite badly at the start of lockdown and neither kid did. I bet they'll love seeing their friends, teachers and having some normality back.
ReplyDeleteThat jumper is incredible, I bow to your knitting skills!
I'm so glad you managed to snaffle a posh pizza, Jon sometimes has the meaty ones and says they're super spicy.
Those masks (and hydrangeas) are gorgeous, wonderful colours.
Good luck with the veg hunt. I miss our local market stall for our cheap and cheerful fruit & veg! xxx
This virus is particularly nasty, Vix and I wouldn't want anyone to catch it, especially my 89yr-old Mother who we've been taking extra care with and managed to keep safe during this first wave. I'm not so worried about the primary schooler being back at school but the High Schooler makes me worry more. I'm five months down the line from contracting the virus and still not back to 100% good health. No-one knows what course it will take unfortunately. Stay safe. xxx
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ReplyDeleteYour little knitted jumper is fabulous, you are clever.
ReplyDeleteMy lovely niece is head of a primary school and also has a 9 year old and a 14 year old. I wouldn’t have her job for all the tea in China normally, never mind now. The decisions and organising she is having to do is so stressful. Fortunately she is level headed and has a great team round her. Even so she is having a lot of sleepless nights.
Hope all stays well for you
Lynn xx
Thank you Lynn. My daughter-in-law is a high school teacher but is off on her maternity leave until next February, for which I'm grateful. It's a worry for us all.
DeleteOh, I know...the school thing! My daughter is a teacher and she's going back but her boys are doing the distance learning. It's bad enough because her husband has diabetes and is already compromised but he works but is home with the boys during the day so that works out. Those grands of yours are SO CUTE!!! I remember wearing knee socks and getting excited about school. Your sweater is darling but you had me laughing over the Hannukah candle holder! LOL! You are too funny! I thought the doll with the mask was you until I looked closer.... I laughed at myself for that one! You're such a beautiful knitter. I love curry...let me know how it turns out. I have 2 immune system diseases and I am old so If I caught COVID I would be a goner unless stuborness helps? Then I might make it! LOL! Stay safe and stay well!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandra. I ain't no doll!!!lol The curry was lovely and might not have been to everyone's taste since I can't eat very spicy food either so I hone it to my own taste which some would interpret as 'bland' but it suits my digestive system better!!Somehow stubborness has got my Mother this far but I wouldn't go pushing it too far!!Have a good weekend and stay safe and well too.x
DeleteThanks for mentioning Flog It & Blickling Hall. A really interesting programme
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Angela. I like the way 'Flog It' gives little history lessons during their programmes.
DeleteHow lovely to read all your summer posts and beautiful pictures! I am amazed by all the knitting you find time for as well as growing potatoes and other creative and gardening work! So good to know that you are recovering from the dreaded virus. it is so much worse than people think, most younger people I know just say, "Oh well, I hope I get it so that it's over with" or "I had a sore throat and a headache in February so I think I've already had it".
ReplyDeleteEveryone in our family is now starting to think about Christmas, normally we cram nine or ten people into our suburban box - one thing seems certain, without a miracle a la Donald Trump (it will just magically go away!), that won't be happening!
Thanks Sensi and how lovely to 'see' you here. My crafting has indeed got me through these difficult months. It's so calming and soothing turning the yarn into something useful. Yes, I've experienced the 'oh, it's only a bad flu' comments but I'm reckoning on those who uttered them knowing better by now.Have a good weekend. x
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