It’s 2019

 

Yes it’s 2019 and I have finally stopped writing 2018 in error. All those interviews that certainly took its toll mentally on me were worthwhile as I prepare now for new employment in March and May. All very exciting but lots of studying and a new lifestyle as my routine changes. They say a change is as good as a rest so I look forward to it although it will be strange nolonger working permanently for the NHS after almost 32yrs. Many colleagues have already left and so much talent lost but moving on. Look at the creative talent of one of my colleagues below as we said goodbye to two of our team. The cake tasted as good as it looked.

 

Due to some side effects to medication I started to prevent migraines I was quite ill for a few weeks and had to cancel classes but lots of plans for more designs and some of my own work. Some stump work I got finished in January. Possibility of more stumpwork later in the year.

 

What were you doing at the stroke of midnight?

 

I was handing over patients to our night service as the rest of my team continued to work as we were short staffed all evening and unable to attend to our patients needs in a timely fashion as we would choose so yes we didn’t finish on time but then we finished 2018 as we started it understaffed and overworked. I am thankful that I am a nurse part time and not full time and I have my creative side to keep me sane.

I slept late and Smudge and I went for our usual coffee, our favourite barista at our local Spar which has the friendliest staff in town. So what will 2019 bring. Certainly lots of food for thought. I am applying for lots of jobs nursing and non nursing and I am on the brink of finishing my stage three skilled hand embroidery course with school of stitched textiles. Lots of plansfor more designs in hand embroidery and patchwork ahead also so watch this space.

Christmas is over and New Year approaches

What a restful time we had as well as some friends dropping by. The weather was so mild it was hard to believe we are mid winter.we always enjoy a walk in Christmas Day so this year as we were at home and MountStewart is closed we went to the floodgates.

We opted not to have turkey this year but went with all the timings and roast chicken. Smudge had roast beef dinner because she is worth it.

christmas night some friends dropped in for games and Minnie came to stay for a few days whilst her mum was away. Boxing Day it was roast beef for all and Margaret joined us then back to work for me.

I did get some sewing done in Christmas Eve for January class but now it’s back to coursework.

 

Time to ourselves

it’s almost Christmas and this year we are looking forward to time for ourselves. TodayI planned to sew but it didn’t come to pass. It was a lovely crisp winter morning and MountStewart was calling which is Dmudges most favourite place to walk. She was also delighted Joanne was in the national Trustshop as she was then sure she was in for a treat or two.

Then the usual winter boiled cakes that have been in my mind for some time

What is there to do at Christmas time?

I am not one for shopping unless I have to and J has cut down on Christmas gifts over the years so what else is there to do apart from shopping and eating at Christmas. Any gifts I do give are hand made. Lucinda and I had a very interesting visit to Belfast poor house

We were more than impressed by the work Mary Ann McCcracken did for the poor especially the women and children. She certainly was a woman of power and not celebrated enough.

We can highly recommend the tour and although we learned a lot about what happened at Christmas there was so much more history about Belfast included. From the pipes that provided water to the black hole which is the equivalent to a child’s naughty chair for bad behaviour.

Clifton house still has residents but nolonger a poor house but residential accommodation.

Every Christmas meal  I was invited to but one was on the same day when I had my tap concert. The afternoon tea at the potting shed and demonstration by Beth of Spring cottage crafts was such an enjoyable afternoon with crochet friend smof Lulus stash.

Then there is my own Christmas baking and making with some regulars coming to make Christmas decorations.

Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a visit to  Priory SingersChristmas concert. Margaret and I had a very enjoyable evening at Campbell College listening and nibbling on mince pies and cake. It’s a yearly event now for me.

this year