Craft Day

I went to Neo Chorio today to do some craft - I was going to do the tray I had - planned for my sister but because Mum had stolen my idea for a gift for Lilian and because it is Ellen's birthday next week I needed to find something small to complete during the course of the morning.

I had totally forgotten it was Ochi Day and so for many a Bank Holiday which is why when I pulled into the local petrol station it was like the Marie Celeste with absolutely no-one in evidence.

This meant I had to pull up my big girl pants and do something which I have not done for the past 12 years we have lived here, use a self service machine.  I always time it so that I go for petrol when it is manned so that not only does someone put the fuel in they generally wash the front windscreen and if you are lucky the back windscreen.

How difficult could this be?  There was no-one around to help me with my mission which wasn't good but then no-one around to watch me struggle and probably make a balls up which wasn't so good.

The local filling station is new and has a new super-dooper self service machine which actually does just about everything short of dispensing the fuel for you.  It is in English and absolutely fool-proof - I even printed out a receipt to get the full experience!!!

I had a lovely morning - I decided to decoupage two glasses with a Christmas theme - one for Lilian and one for Ellen.  Both used the same serviette for the poinsettia flowers but one was edged in silver with a silver ribbon and the other in gold.  These will each hold a tea light and hopefully look amazing!!!

I had just about the right amount of time to do the two of them and get them sufficiently dry to take home.  Once again there were a few people I knew there, Gillian, Norma and Jane Harley but the other ladies are new to me but the common bond of doing something creative does make people engage in conversation.

I have put my name down to go again next Friday - it is a bit of me time and doesn't cost an arm and a leg which is good.  Anna has loads of supplies so if you need something you can buy it whilst you are there or you can take you own stuff and just join the chat.

I still have the decoupage tray to do for my sister - I actually think I have enough stuff to do it at home if I need to but I don't want to spoil it so will take it with me so I can tap into Anna's expertise if needs be.

I love the eclectic mix of old, new and crafty items which are dotted around the workshop and the garden - I think that however hard I try to be minimalist, clutter free and ordered this is much more like me although I am being good about getting rid of things which we really don't use or need or want.  Lilian's charity shop benefits! 

This afternoon we went to make the acquaintance of the puppy which Janet and Derek are currently fostering.  Say hello to Buddy who is actually pretty adorable and I don't really like dogs.  Charlie is not impressed but as we were sat outside chatting with Jan and Derek Charlie did put in an appearance keeping his distance by sitting on the wall between us and glaring at the puppy.

We are not entirely sure what is going to happen with Buddy - I am sure that anyone seeing him, if they were planning on having a dog, would fall in love.  He is cute and cuddly and so far, thankfully, quiet.

He looks to be a hunting dog cross - one parent must have had short legs so he isn't going to be as big as you might think from the size of his paws.

Derek is still poorly and struggling - he has investigated the possibility of getting an MRI whilst he is here.  The problem will be that if he isn't more mobile he will struggle on the plane and the 10 hour coach journey he has at the other end.  He really looks to be in a great deal of discomfort.

Our date night supper was fillet steak from Shuks and it was amazing - these two pieces came to about 9 euros in total and we had roasted tomato and onion and smashed potatoes, peas and my steak sauce.  You really cannot beat it for value for money, taste and tenderness.