The project I started, on the first day of Lockdown Number 3, has confused people somewhat. I had asked for pictures of people’s own tea towels which I promised to put in the Virtual Tea Towel Museum. I never realised that I would get so many tea towels, or so many interesting tea towels. As we emerge out of Lockdown Number 3, I hope to have the time to just insert them all in the Museum; in the meantime, I have incorporated them into Tea Towel Blogs and have invited a few people to become Guest Tea Towels 2021, because of the uniqueness of their tea towels.

Let me introduce you to Margaret. Margaret listens to BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester, to the Malcolm Boyden Show. I know that because she heard the short interview I had with Malcolm and Nicky (who owns a tea towel from Feckenham School). Margaret was one of the people who responded to my request for pictures of tea towels. Margaret doesn’t use Twitter (where #TheGreatTeaTowelSharing project started) so sent her two tea towels in by email. I was astonished; these were two tea towels from the Falkland Islands. The Falkland Islands? Where Margaret Thatcher was involved in a war around some islands very few people had heard of? Hardly a tourist hotspot, not on everyone’s list of places to visit when Lockdown is over. The Falkland Islands (East Falkland, West Falkland and 776 other smaller islands) currently has a population of just over 3000, why did they have a tea towel (or two)? A print run would mean everyone needed to buy one. This is a great Guest Tea Towel 2021 Story, without a doubt. So here is Margaret’s Story:

“This is just a bit of information on the Falkland Islands tea towel. My son sailed out to the Falkland Islands in 1984, on HMS Southampton. It was after the conflict there. All he can say about it was that it was very barren, more like a farming environment. I think that the tea towels came on the scene after the conflict, as they were getting visitors to see the Islands, to see what it was like, as people didn’t really know they existed.

I have kept the tea towels as memories of my son while serving in the Royal Navy, and where he visited in the world. I’ve never used them!”

Certainly, some very poignant memories. Thank you Margaret.

In a family where you have no siblings and no children, it is still possible to have a lot of cousins. I love the term ‘Cousin’ because it is the only gender-neutral relationship that there is around. So let me introduce you to Rachel, my cousin. The last time I saw her was on her father’s 70th birthday and before that she was about 10 years old (and I have the photos to prove it).

In December 2019, I had this great idea. When I sent out my Christmas cards I sent a ‘formal’, written invitation, offering people the opportunity to be a Guest Tea Towel 2020. I wasn’t expecting a big take-up from this exciting opportunity but it was much better than I thought, mainly friends, no relatives.

And then, on 7 February 2021, I had an email from my Cousin Rachel with her Tea Towel Story plus four photos. It may be a bit later than I had expected but I think the idea that she had kept that invitation for more than a year, with a belief that she would send her Tea Towel Story to me, is both amazing and touching. So here is her Tea Towel Story:

“I am taking this opportunity to attach a couple of photos of my favourite tea towel… it’s been on my list to send you details for over a year. I still have the note you put in your Christmas card just over a year ago, but as you may be able to tell from this, I’m not my mother’s daughter, with regards to being organised! 

This is not my favourite tea towel because I particularly like the picture, or have any affinity to the place pictured, but because it used to belong to my Granny, so when I use it, I think of her.  My Granny was not a stereotypical grandmother; she didn’t spoil us, give us lots of treats or allow us to do whatever we wanted. There was always a list of jobs to do, especially for me. My brother always seemed to get the better deal, as he was allowed to go outside and “help” my Grandpa.  Helping Grandpa entailed playing in the woods, collecting branches and leaves for burning and tending the fire, which Grandpa had alight every day in the woods which formed part of their garden.  I had to help Granny in the kitchen and do fiddly jobs like peeling tomatoes before I was allowed to escape and join them!  But she was an incredible lady, so kind and generous, always doing things for other people. She was a real force of nature, full of energy and life, and so resourceful. She never wasted anything, and she loved all her grandchildren very much and was always so proud of all our achievements.  She died in 2003 from cancer and at the end of her life she was very weak and had to spent most of her time at home resting. I was fortunate that, at the time, I was living with my parents so my Mum and I would go and visit her and I got to spend some very special time with her as an adult, appreciating how amazing she was. I still had to do jobs, of course, but it was different and she would be telling us stories about her life and family and friends and as always be so interested in what all her family were doing in their lives.  After she died I inherited some of the contents of her kitchen, as I was the grandchild most in need of those things at the time, and I still have most of them, including this tea towel. I know how very happy it would make her that her things are still being used so many years later, and it makes me happy as it means she is often in my thoughts.

 
On a side note, the person who did spoil us was your mum, Aunty Bea. I have such happy memories of the times we spent at her house.  There was always a bowl of Quality Street, ready to be attacked, and we were allowed to race around on her footstools, repeatedly doing the circuit from her living room, through the dining room, into the kitchen, then through to the hall via the bead curtain and back into the living room!”

Now that is what I call a proper Tea Towel Story. Someone I know has referred to tea towels as a ‘Memory Bank’, a place where memories are stored on a thin piece of material, could be very personal family memories, memories of holidays or even just as a memory jogger to other things, in the case of Rachel being able to conjure up memories of my mother who died over 30 years ago. One of the things that I have always found sad is that after 30 years people do stop talking about people like my mother. I am touched that a tea towel of her Granny has brought those memories forward.

  
“Anyway apologies it has taken me so long to both thank you for the tea towel (The Cousin Explainer) and to send you a picture of one of mine.  I hope you are keeping well. I have read various posts on your Blog, some of the ones from Catherine and some of the other tea towel related ones. My favourite, that I often go back and read again, is the one you wrote about my Dad for his 70th birthday”.

I think a couple more photos of Rachel’s tea towel makes a fitting end. Thank you so much, Rachel, for your Tea Towel Story and I will send your son the pictures of you, on my Mum’s footstools, more than 30 years ago!!

PS: you’ve looked after that tea towel very carefully and I do believe your son will make a very good Tea Towel Model (I’ll remember that for the future)

How do you get to ‘meet’ people when you are in Lockdown? Virtually, it’s obvious. For me, I’ve met a lot of people after I posted a random, maybe weird, Tweet, at the beginning of Lockdown Number 3 (England) asking people if they would like to post a picture, or pictures, of their tea towels (with the promise that the tea towels would appear in the Virtual Tea Towel Museum). Being furloughed, boredom, loneliness or just wanting to do something daft, meant there were loads of pictures. Stephen posted many. While you never get to fully know about someone’s life, and there are always questions you have at the back of your mind, or stories of their life you may want to invent, you do find out what people are happy for you to know. And that’s good enough for me.

From the start, I noted that Stephen had some very unusual, and stylish, tea towels and it crossed my mind that he would probably make an excellent Guest Tea Towel 2021. I had to put that idea on the ‘back burner’ for a week or so because of the quantity of tea towels that were coming in.

I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer when this ‘conversation’ happened:

“If you can get BBC Scotland on Catch-Up, you might like to watch Neil Oliver’s delightful programme on the ‘Hector’, which sailed from Lochbroom to Nova Scotia in 1773. Our museum @UllapoolMuseum has interesting material. When this is over…..”

Two things struck me: ‘our museum’ in Ullapool. Did Stephen live in Ullapool? Ullapool is one of my favourite places in the whole wide world so I replied. “I’ve got an Ullapool tea towel. From 1998”. Secondly, of course, was the burning question of whether or not Stephen had a tea towel of Ullapool. The answer came quickly:

“Yay. That’s more than I’ve got and I live here” (Two questions answered in one).

I replied with “You’re not looking hard enough”

“Tbh, I’m not looking at all. Very happy with my unused gorgeous Scandi ones”. I realised this could be a good Tea Towel Story, not about one particular one but about a style. So is Stephen’s love of Scandinavian tea towels to do with his heritage?

Someone on Twitter asked him how he saw himself:

“I’m English, European and would love it if the King of Sweden would grant me honorary nationality there too. I’m Northern when it suits. I’ve been a self-declared honorary Swede for almost half a century. Hoping to publish a book about it in 2022. Scandi design has massive appeal to me for clean lines, bold colours and natural references. Also if you are a poetry reader, check out my @nine_pens poems ‘out of…’ Sweden – ‘They Spoke No English’ – published later this year”.

So is there more to know about Stephen, other than his amazing tea towels? If you read the Scottish Poetry Library information, you will know he is an award-winning poet, widely published in magazines, journals and online and who received a Scottish Book Trust New Writing Award in 2015. Thank you to Stephen to being a Guest Tea Towel and for sharing his amazing, and well-ironed, tea towels.

For anyone who has looked at #TheGreatTeaTowelSharing on Twitter, this might be a familiar tea towel. I simply love it. I’m not a Carry On…. fan, nor even a true Kenneth Williams fan, but I think this tea towel is absolutely charming. It was shown on @myteatowels on 21 January 2021 in a Blog called ‘Tea Towels and Lockdown (9)’. I didn’t give it ‘Headliner’ status because I really wanted Geoff to write his Tea Towel Story.

So, how did I get to know Geoff? Through Twitter, of course. At the beginning of Lockdown Number 3, I posted a Tweet asking people to share pictures of their tea towels for inclusion in Virtual Tea Towel Museum. Geoff came forward, very early on, with a tea towel or two, plus number tweeted comments, retweeted Tweets, engaging with the much wider circle of people he knows on Twitter. He took on board the meaning behind #TheGreatTeaTowelSharing and I knew he would be a great Guest Tea Towel. Here is his story:

“With apologies for the extreme delay in getting this across to you. Here are some details about the Kenneth Williams tea towel you asked for.

The tea towel was a birthday present in 2018, from an old and very dear friend of mine, Queenie. Suffice it to say, we met around 1997/1998, through a mutual friend. We struck up an immediate friendship, based on a shared love of coarse, lavatorial and saucily ‘camp’ British humour, as exemplified by the ‘Carry On…’ and ‘On The Buses’ films. For that reason, she refers to me as ‘Arthur’ (as in Arthur Mullard) and I refer to her as ‘Queenie’ (as in Queenie Watts). Over the years, she has always given me Christmas and birthday gifts which refer in some way to ‘Carry On…’ films, ‘On The Buses’ or ‘Miffy’ (but that’s another story).

I love the tea towel for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it reminds me of Queenie. Secondly, it reminds me of saucy and ‘camp’ British humour and makes me smile every time I see it and use it. Thirdly, it reminds me of Kenneth Williams, a true comic genius. The photograph of him is particularly good, as it looks lifelike and natural, and I can imagine him messing about as I look at it. Given what a tragic private life he led, it’s nice to think of him in a happy frame of mind. When Queenie first gave me the tea towel, I thought it was too nice to use and kept it for best. I then decided to start using it about a year or so ago, and it has become an everyday tea towel. This explains why it looks a little worn round the edges these days from being washed and ironed regularly. It is a much-loved possession. When I use it, I make sure Kenneth’s face is on the side which faces away from what’s being dried”.

Thank you, Geoff, for a great Tea Towel Story. The best tea towels should always be used for wiping up, gives you the opportunity to reminisce.

Seems like a long while since I received one of Catherine’s Diaries. Was the post bad? Hadn’t she written one?….. Today, it arrived. The note on the back of the envelope offered some explanation: “I’m sorry, Barbara, this letter is a long time coming. Thought I had nothing to say. All of a sudden my brain exploded, probably why there is so many crossings out and inserts. Down to you to decipher it. Thank you Postal Workers, Doctors, Nurses and Wheelie Bin Men and Women for all you are doing”

17 January 2021

Catastrophe tonight. Doing a crossword with Isabella, online shopping with Amanda, knock at the door, parcel from Amazon! Two towels and five boxes of fixative for false teeth. (I have no idea if Catherine wears false teeth!!)

18 January 2021

Emerged at 7am, fed two cats, back to bed for an hour, shower, dressed, out to post box to post our competitions and my Diary. Quite nice outside, at least it’s dry. Breakfast and tea watching Jeremy Vine. At some point fell asleep, must be all that fresh air I had earlier. Tidied up, fed the birds. I told Blackie that it’s getting cold outside. Must be dinner time because Tinker has come down and is sitting by my feet. This afternoon, sitting on the settee, Tilly jumped onto my lap, laid down while I stroked her head. I thought it weird being on my lap for so long, then I realised it was Blackie. His head is bigger than Tilly’s which should have given it away. Amanda said I must have been asleep!

Good news, I found my pen of many colours. In a panic to get to the front door last night, I dropped it. Found it as it was going down the back of the settee. What a relief! (Readers will not appreciate the fact that Catherine has now written every other line in red then green. It is somewhat dazzling). Over the last few days, I’ve lapsed writing the Diary. All my days seem the same; I’m told to keep writing. What about? Are my ‘Readers’ getting bored hearing about cats, feeding birds etc? Though 21st January was exciting, as I received the vaccine, I wasn’t worried about it. The thing that worried me most was finding the entrance to the building. How silly was that?. Plenty of volunteers to show you where to go, all very polite. As I wasn’t allergic to anything with no underlying health conditions, I didn’t have to do the ’15 minute wait’ after the injection and I had a lift there and back. On Friday, I slept most of the day, as I had a lack of sleep during the previous night. Arm was sore for two days, but now it is just tender to touch.

Saturday, paper day, came home and for some reason started crying. I don’t know if it was losing Christine and Bruce, or not going out. I did think after half-term in February, restrictions might be lifted but Wade told me it might now be after Easter, so that probably finished me off. Amanda said because you can’t go out, you want to go out, and anyway the weather is too cold for the seaside! Amanda kept phoning during the day, checking on me. At one point she asked if I’d flooded the house with my tears! I said to Amanda “Stop ringing, I’m ok now”. I had perked myself up. I have to admit, each day, I text quite a few people good morning, and include the weather forecast! But Saturday, they texted me first and I didn’t feel like replying. In the end I had to reply to two people as they were getting worried.

As dusk fell Saturday night, the dark grey clouds had a hint of the sun on them, an unusual sight. Sunday was the best to come, I got up at 7.30am, as the sun was coming through the clouds, the sky glowed red. It was beautiful but by 8am it had disappeared, but I can still see it in my mind. About 11am, the snow came, started light, then came thick, not enough for ‘Snow Angels’ or a Snowperson. Barbara and Christopher had deep snow, lucky devils!

I also went to Amanda’s for dinner. A nice treat to go out. No cooking, no washing up. February, Amanda is getting a new phone and I’m having the phone she uses now. (Whoopee! will it take photos and also receive them?). So on Sunday I was having ‘phone lessons’. I will probably need a lot more. I press too hard or too light, the keyboard will take some getting used to. But it’s clever, after you’ve pressed two letters, it knows the word you want!! (I can see that both Chris and I will get some weird messages as a result of predictive text. Good fun, eh what‽). And I can see the person when I ring them, plus small squares that people send as pictures (which at the moment I can’t receive). Amanda managed to keep calm with the lessons!!!

I received another card from Barbara and Liz, the picture was the cakes that Liz cooks with her grandchildren online. Clever cooks are Hamish and Lyra. You could almost smell them, a nice dollop of cream with it would go a treat. Isabella was on the stamp again, forearms and paws crossed, and the franking lines passed over her nose. She looked as if she had glasses on; she looked like a homely Grandma.

Two Sundays ago, late at night, I had a brainwave. Using a letter of the alphabet, for a whole week, try and use as many words beginning with that letter in the ‘Good Morning’ text. We started with ‘A’. We would describe our ‘Good Morning’ and ‘Weather Forecast’ and ‘How are you?’ with as many ‘A’s’ as possible. It’s been good fun and we are using our brains. I didn’t know the letter ‘A’ could describe so much. Taking part are: myself, Barbara (niece), Christopher (brother), Mary and Michael (good friends). (Do you mean Amanda and Wade are exempt? That’s not right!!). This week (31.1.21) we are on ‘B’. (I have an advantage here as long as I remember to sign my name).

Closing my letter with Amanda. She was having a Teddy Bear made with her Daddy’s clothes: cardigan, dressing gown and check shirt. Well, her Teddy has arrived. On the sole of one foot is ‘Daddy’ and on the other ‘Bruce’. Amanda said she could smell her Daddy on the Teddy, and it’s true, I could smell Bruce. He is still here!

Today’s tea towel was a gift from a friend of mine, a very recent gift, and it seems appropriate because ‘Wheelie Bin Men and Women’ are a feature of Catherine’s Diary. Next time, however, I do hope she dates each entry but reading this one, I can understand why she didn’t. I think there will be very few people who don’t recognise that feeling of ‘Lockdown Despair’, even if you recover from it quickly! Thank you Catherine.

Continue reading →

I ‘met’ Nicky on Twitter very recently, when, feeling unwell, I put out a random Tweet asking for people, who might be bored in Lockdown Number 3, to share a photograph of their tea towel(s), with a promise that it would then be put into the Virtual Tea Towel Museum. “That’s not what I expected” I said as the pictures came flooding in, and they still are. For a Tea Towel Collector, and the Curator of the Virtual Tea Towel Museum, this process has been a joy, as well as being hilarious.

“That’s not what I expected” was my comment when BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester rang to ask me to come on the Malcom Bowden Morning Show. They had discovered Nicky’s tea towel that she had posted, when searching Twitter for some interesting local stories. It was from Feckenham First School, Feckenham being in Worcestershire. They like a local ‘good news story’ and thought it would be a good idea to have this tea towel officially inaugurated into the Virtual Tea Towel Museum, on air. We all spotted the irony of this inauguration, taking place a few hours before Joe Biden was inaugurated as President of the United States (but that wouldn’t be a local story). So there we were, my speech prepared, Nicky telling the background story of the tea towel and probably all thinking that this was bonkers. I haven’t enjoyed myself so much in ages.

Two listeners contacted the Museum: “Have been listening to BBC Radio Hereford and Worcester, what a super idea, very uplifting at this time” said Eirlys and Ruth said “I think this is a fantastic idea. First heard about it on my local radio station yesterday… It really made my day. Thanks” and, let’s face it, that is what #TheGreatTeaTowelSharing project is all about.

Besides “That’s not what I expected”, three thoughts occurred to me: firstly, I already have a very distant ‘connection’ with Nicky because she works at the Primary School that Lyra attends, and Hamish did attend; secondly, that this was the school where I created two ‘Sunflower’ tea towels from the drawings of one class who were copying the style of Van Gogh and lastly, Nicky would make a great Guest Tea Towel 2021. And that is where we are today, because Nicky agreed to take part. Here is her story:

“My Dad, Peter Masters, can be seen on this tea towel. In the year 2000, he was working as the School Caretaker, after taking retirement as a tool maker at the Longbridge Car factory in Birmingham.

Feckenham is a small village in Worcestershire and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. It’s famous as being the site of King John’s Hunting Lodge, and more recently, Barrett’s of Feckenham, famous for sheepskin coats!

My Dad was born, and brought up, in Feckenham, by his grandparents, after his Mom sadly died when he was a few days old. He was born in March 1938. At the age of 5, he joined Feckenham School. He left at the age of 14 to attend nearby Redditch Technical School.

The school was first opened in 1859 as Feckenham National School with 120 pupils attending. The school faced closure during the 1980s, as pupil numbers fell. Parents joined together to campaign to keep it open. It is a First School, and teaches pupils up to Year 4. Pupils then transfer to a Middle School and then move up again to a High School. The 3-Tier system is quite unusual.

When my Dad retired from work, he was still very active and looking for part-time employment so the role of Caretaker for the school was an ideal opportunity. He was working in the school in 2000 when the school, like many others, commemorated the new Millenium.

Dad isn’t sure which pupil drew his likeness for the tea towel but it is a very good likeness. However, his beard is a little greyer now!

As a family, finding out the tea towel was to join the Virtual Tea Towel Museum has given us the opportunity to chat, and reminisce, and to wonder about the paths the young people featured have followed over the 20 years after it’s printing”

I had been wondering what a ‘First’ school was, and now I know. Thank you, Nicky, for taking part and for a great Tea Towel Story. Tea towels can be part of that ‘family archive’ that we all need, especially at this time when seeing family, in the flesh, can be difficult.

So who would have thought when we started this project of ‘Catherine’s Diary’ that she would still be going, after 40 entries. It may have occupied her time but it has also given a lot of pleasure to Readers and enabled her to keep in touch with family. Keep on going!!

9 January 2021

Testing new writing paper out, smaller than the other sort. I have had too much fresh air today, reason being, I put chocolate powder on my frozen strawberries, instead of in my mug, as I was having a milky drink. Washed the powder off with cold water, can’t waste my frozen fruit. Went down the road for a paper and bought some leeks (making leek and potato soup again), really foggy and cold this morning. When I arrived home, on the spur of the moment, went and posted my Diary. As luck would have it, I met a Postman and he offered to take it.

Amanda came round with my print-offs; tea towel excellent choice. I could relate to a few of the words (from ‘Oldies’ Text Code’). Amanda didn’t come in; we should keep apart for a while, this virus is rife. Amanda brought more tins for Tilly. I’m running out of cupboard space! I’m now stacking them half way up the stairs. Janine, a friend of Amanda’s, texted to see if I was still writing my Diary. I said I seem to talk about mostly cats, cat food, cat sick, birds, food deliveries, cooking. New skills abound. (Let’s face it, that is what Lockdown is all about)

10 January 2021

Cod steak treat today for everyone (except me); I’m having Chicken Kiev. Amanda phoned, exhausted from doing Zoom classes. She ordered more litter for me. Now doing three trays as Blackie is in, most of the time.

Jenny came round for a chat, at a social distance, for half an hour, as it’s still really cold here. She has a good walk before she comes. I look forward to it as it breaks my afternoon up. Had an unexpected call from Pam, nice to hear from her. Christopher, who doesn’t normally cook, is making Pam a Spanish Omelette. I wonder how it will turn out. Pam said she would text later with the results.

11 January 2021

Update text from Pam: Omelette was very tasty but Christopher couldn’t flip it as it was stuck in the pan. Still, Christopher, you made an effort to cook a meal. Back to blanching: I did more parsnips and carrots, good vegetable variety in the freezer again, and no sprouts. Can’t believe I’ve eaten them all.

Yesterday, I ate a lot of York Fruit jellies. I think the sugar gave my body a boost today. I vacuumed the living room, did a lot of hand washing and I made a vegetable soup, all before 10.30am then I had a shower. Time has gone fast today. I had a good giggle tonight when I texted Barbara to say that I had answered a question on University Challenge about ‘bricklaying’. She texted back “So when did you become an expert on bricks?”

12 January 2021

Due to boost of work yesterday morning, while trying to watch Professor Brian Cox on the Planets, I crashed out. All I remember is in 500 billion years there will be no Sun, and Venus is the hottest planet. I am interested in the sky, but not deeply. I used to watch school programmes years ago, but then I was a lot brighter!. Today, I caught the end of a science lesson, about how animals keep cool. Afterwards it was the Planets again; Mars this time. Professor Brian Cox says we could, in time, live there and we would be the Martians, but the air is very thin. That is all I can recall. Jupiter tomorrow. I’ll try and stay awake properly, no more excessive sugar for me. One more snippet I’ve remembered, the ‘Moon’ was named ‘Moon’ in 1919 by the IAU; in the past it had other names like ‘Lunar’ and ‘Selene’.

How about that? I have found, in an old dictionary, about a brick called a ‘stretcher’. It’s a brick or stone laid with length in direction of the wall. It’s not in my newer dictionaries, so pleased to see the meaning. I had a phone call from Amanda, telling me the order of litter was due at her house today. We had a chat about other things then she was resuming work (at home). It was nice to talk to her, passes the time. This morning I received a postcard from Barbara, Liz and Isabella, so nice to receive some mail. How lucky they are to have a Nature Reserve behind their home. Is there deer and foxes in there? (Answer: No). What really interested me is how Isabella gets her picture on the stamp (Answer: By using TouchNote). After the shower tonight, I had a chat with Tilly. We discussed our day and Bruce listens in. Tilly had a good comb. I wonder where fur comes from, so much fur comes out when I comb her hair.

13 January 2021

Though I haven’t done much, I feel more active today, or should I say ‘alert’! Yesterday, I was thinking of what I was going to do today, but it’s completely gone out of the window. Managed to take part part of the hoover upstairs though, cooked a roast dinner; we all had roast chicken. Got the Wheelie and Food Bins ready for tomorrow. We are back to normal collection day next week. Phone call from Vivienne and one from Amanda. Amanda has got me a ‘Sainsbury’s Pass’ for a year so I don’t pay the delivery fee, which is expensive when we are in Lockdown.

2pm was Jupiter. I’m afraid I found it hard to follow and I fell into a deep sleep. Will try again tomorrow.

14 January 2021

Up early, not my idea. Tinker jumping up and down on my bedside table, her idea! Blackie yowling, so shoved him in the garden, can’t have that noise first thing. Kettle on and started the feeding process. Blackie is now in, all cats fed, peace at last. Barbara beat me this morning with a “Good morning/how are you?/weather forecast” text. Well, its miserable weather here, but I’m fine and that’s what counts!

Cleaned cat trays, fresh litter then I cut the perforations on a roll of white bin bags. It’s so annoying when they don’t come apart cleanly. I did about 50 bags! All before 9am. Checked my diary to see what I did today. Food delivery is all I remembered

15 January 2021

Christine’s funeral. Up early, walked to the Crematorium slowly. Seven of us altogether. The service was warm and Christine’s life was interesting. In the eulogy, we were all mentioned, even down to my Diary and cats; it was nice to be included. Slow walk home, glass of Glenfiddich and two coffee Black Magic chocolates to Christine’s memory. I don’t know if I feel closure or not.

16 January 2021

Snow today. Amanda came round with flowers, tulips and irises, newspaper, Fruit Pastilles, French Fancies, three homemade Brownies and two bags of litter. I’m feeling better, Amanda!

Treated myself to a Curry Takeaway, no cooking tonight

17 January 2021

Hectic morning. Late afternoon I was going back to bed but Tinker had taken up residence on my bed, didn’t have the heart to shove her off!

Had shower, dressed, went to the shop and bought a paper plus a Word Search and magazine for Sue as she is self-isolating and is fed up. Thought the magazines might cheer her up (which they did). Two Crosswords to do; sent Christopher the ‘down’ clues, give his brain something to do, though he did ask me to give him ‘how many letters in each answer’. I ask you, you can’t have it easy Christopher! Isabella had the ‘across’ clues. This cat is so clever, though I expect she had some help from Barbara. £2000 split three ways, plenty of cat food for you Isabella and a meal for the rest of us when we meet again. Can’t wait to see you all!!

The tea towel that I have chosen for today is the ‘Solar System’ since Catherine seems to be spending her life with Professor Brian Cox!

I hope that Readers of this Diary have read previous ones, lets face it we are on Number 39, so that I don’t have to do a complete re-run of who Catherine is and how it came about. The thing that I will say is that (a) Catherine is my aunt (b) she hand writes every diary (c) she posts them to me, with a note on the back of her envelope for the Postal Workers (d) Amanda is her daughter, Wade her son-in-law and Bruce her late husband (e) Catherine lives with Tilly, Tinker and Blackie (cats) and Rupert (the bear) (f) my cat is called Isabella. Up to date? On the back of today’s envelope: “Ate 16 sprouts in two days, going down fast. How unusual, not much to say. I still love my pen (a four coloured one with each letter in a different colour)“

Still 4 January 2021

Posted my Diary at 12pm, my goodness it is so cold, couldn’t wait to get indoors. Fame at last for Isabella. She has sent another postcard of herself. I got my magnifying glass out and Isabella is on the stamp as well (this is a TouchNote card). Billboards next. Barbara and Liz will you be her agent?

Not looking forward to 8pm. I feel we are going into another Lockdown, though I think I am already in one. Haddock three-ways for the cats. Tinker checked the plates to see if anyone had left any fish, no chance. Luckily enough Amanda had booked a Sainsbury slot for Thursday. Because of Lockdown we are adding a few more essentials. Having an early night for a change. It’s been a good day!

5 January 2021

Up 7am, did the usual things, breakfast for us all. Robin, starling and two blackbirds came in the garden for seeds and mealy worms, and a drink of water. After a shower, cleaned the shower plug hole and put Bathroom Buster down the hole. Sue popped round with homemade cake. I put my coat on, as it was freezing standing at the door. I hadn’t seen her for a long while, had quite a lot to talk about, it passed some time. Phone call from Amanda. Good news. From tomorrow she can work from home, so pleased for her. The other news was that Amanda was getting more tins for Tilly.

Quiet afternoon, took myself to bed for a nap, didn’t sleep, just thinking about Lockdown. Had dinner, steak tonight, did mashed potato, a bit bland because I forgot to salt them, broccoli and carrots with cheese on top the grilled, a bit more variety. Later on, I did my recycling and I fed the birds ready for the morning. It was really chilly out there. Showered then watched ‘Death in Paradise’, missed most of it as a long-time friend, Emmie, who lives in Felixstowe phoned. I enjoyed our long chat. She lives right by the seaside. Me, I’d be in for a paddle every day; mind you, its a very long steep hill you have to go down to get there. After I hung up, suddenly felt very hungry, raided my stores upstairs and found some Stollen slices, had two with my ‘Bullit’ fruit drink. Just realised it’s 12.05am, I’m off to bed.

6 January 2021

Late getting up, 8am this morning. Blackie eager to come in. He ‘ummed and aahed’ last night in deciding whether to stay in, so in the end he stayed out. I had his food ready, only as he steps over the door, he’s miaowing, impatient cat!! Now on his chair for his nap. Two doves, one robin and a blue tit visited this morning. (I hope Catherine is signing up for the RSPB annual Bird Watch at the end of the month!!). After shower, went to the local shop for a paper and TV Magazine, not that I needed them. They had no milk or eggs. I personally think that they are keeping them back. On Sunday, there were stacks of eggs and milk, can’t all have gone in 3 days. Arrived back, took the secateurs and managed to cut back the clematis. As I was doing the gardening, the truck arrived. I said nothing today but “Hold on I have something for you” so I gave them their Christmas sweets which they thanked me for, wished me a happy new year. While I was outside, another friend passed, Helen from up the road. We chatted for about half an hour. Came in for warmth and tea, read my paper then I took my hoover for a spin. The cats fled upstairs! Took my Christmas tree off the bookcase and I went upstairs with it so Bruce could see it. And I’m sure that Bruce would find the Sprout decoration amusing. After my shower, checked the front door and it had been unlocked since 11am. Anyone could have walked in, lucky this time. I’ve had a good day, been busy for a change. We’ll see what tomorrow brings.

7 January 2021

On the ball again today. Up at 8am. We all had breakfast, cat trays cleaned, recycling cleared from the kitchen, fruit in the ‘Bullet’ has been spun, ready for tonight, bit of cleaning done. Resting now until 1pm when the delivery arrives.

In a huggable mood with my Kitchen roll, my old friend ‘Plenty’ is back again. It came last week as well, plenty of cat food. Amanda has ordered a lot of different things which was a nice surprise. It doesn’t happen very often but the delivery driver wore a mask. I felt really tired this afternoon. I think it is to do with my new routine, so I packed myself off to bed, putting my electric blanket on, then Tinker decided to keep me company. We went out like a light! Had another odd dream which actually woke me up. The house I lived in before I left home had a large double garage. Bruce asked me to put his car in the garage but I couldn’t find his car key. Amanda also asked me to put her car in the garage but I was too scared in case I damaged it. The odd thing is that I don’t drive!

Fed the birds for the morning with seed. I treated them to some halved grapes and I grated them some cheese. Leaving the heating on tonight. It’s cold outside. Blackie’s in on his chair and Tinker, Tilly and I are off to bed.

8 January 2021

Good news, non-recycling gets taken away today. My bin weighs a ton, mostly to do with all the cat litter I get rid of.

I texted some people ‘Good morning, how are you?’ And gave a weather forecast. I got an answer from everyone almost straight away, most unusual. (That’s what Lockdown does for you, makes you want to keep in touch with people more than usual, if only by text). I prepared my dinner for tonight, Chicken Stirfry (and yes it was delicious). Sue popped round, to collect some chocolates, nuts and hard chocolate that I can’t eat, on the footpath. She was with Eddie (the dog) who was having a nice walk. Took Amanda’s advice and attempted to do the ‘Brussel Sprout’ jigsaw this afternoon, afternoons are really slow. How hard can this jigsaw be? (1) it’s for 8+ (2) only has 100 pieces but I didn’t realise it’s double-sided. Can’t make out whether its going to be round, square, triangular, oblong etc. One side is darkish green, the other side medium green. Talk about time passing, I did 10 pieces in two hours!!!

Today’s tea towel will be of Felixstowe since Catherine mentions Felixstowe and Amanda bought it for me, a family affair!

Alan’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read ………Alan’s Tea Towel Story

Eugene’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read ……..Eugene’s Tea Towel Story

Jane’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read……Jane’s Tea Towel Story

Debbie’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read….Debbie’s Tea Towel Story

David’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read…… David’s Tea Towel Story

Margaret’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read …….Margaret’s Tea Towel Story

Rachel’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read …….Rachel’s Tea Towel Story

Stephen’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read…….. Stephen’s Tea Towel Story

Geoff’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read……. Geoff’s Tea Towel Story

Bagladytravels’ Tea Towel Story

Click here to read…….. BagLadyTravels’ Tea Towel Story

Nicky’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read…….Nicky’s Tea Towel Story

Umaynah’s Tea Towel Story

Click here to read…. Umaynah’s Tea Towel Story

First Guest Tea Towel of 2021. Exciting. I have only met Umaynah once, (and she is now 12) when she was about two months old, maybe younger. Her mother worked for me and she proudly brought her in to show the whole staff team. That was the end of work for that day. I have followed her progress during the years and seen photos. When Lockdown Number 1 came, I offered some children the chance to write a Diary for a week, about their experience of Lockdown. Umaynah took up the challenge and it was published in the Virtual Tea Towel Museum, under ‘We’re all in this together’. As part of those early days of Homeschooling, I also offered her a Fact Finding Challenge, ending with writing a Tea Towel Blog and she undertook those tasks. She wrote two Blogs, published on http://www.myteatowels.wordpress.com

At Christmas, I asked her if she would like to be the first Guest Tea Towel of 2021, choosing her own tea towel to write about, and she took up this challenge. So here is Umaynah’s Tea Towel Story:

“When I was asked to write about my favourite tea towel, I went through my Mum’s ‘Tea Towel Collection’. My Mum doesn’t have too many. She only has ‘Three in a Pack’ sets. This mint green one caught my eye and has to be my favourite from them all.

I like this tea towel because it is covered in writing of different styles and fonts and I really enjoy to write in different styles. I also like the positive messages written and the pictures are a fun addition to the writing”

Thank you Umaynah for that Tea Towel Story. Your Mum has always said that her tea towels were “boring” but I didn’t realise she bought ‘Three in a Pack’. You’ll have to teach her about more stylish tea towels!!

On the back of the envelope, from Harlow, which has the fourth highest Coronavirus infection rate in the country, Catherine says “Happy New Year to the Postal Workers, and Barbara’s Postman”. A kind and generous thought in this world of horrid acts and violence.

I’ve read Catherine’s 38th diary, looking for inspiration for a tea towel to use. There’s a lot about sleeping, going to bed, waking up early, I decided that ‘Goodnight’ would be appropriate.

28 January 2021

I have discovered a new kitchen skill, blanching. I mentioned to Mary about all the vegetables I had and she suggested blanching and freezing them, so I asked for the recipe. I did three parsnips, four carrots. On Sunday, I roasted a parsnip and it was tasty, so from now on I’m doing more blanching. Thank you Mary.

Sunday, a bad day for TV, I don’t know how I did it but I survived 8 hours, on and off, of ‘Lewis’. I’m not a great fan, and at one point, I went comatose, missed a couple of endings, nothing worse than not knowing whodunnit.

Jennie texted this morning: was I free for a visit?, always free I am. She was coming about 2pm so at 1.40pm I donned my coat, swept the footpath to acclimatise myself to the cold weather. I stood at the front door, Jennie at the end of the path. We chatted for half an hour, showed her my sprout Christmas decoration and sprout jigsaw and she had a good laugh over them.

I phoned Boots to order my medication as I don’t want to keep going up the town. With New Year looming it will probably take over a week. There is no rush as I’m well in advance.

29 December 2020

I had a tantrum this afternoon. Blackie more or less stays in the dining room, day and night with his own cat tray. I wanted to plug my small oven in. Instead of moving the cat tray, I squeezed past and somehow my foot caught the tray, it upended, litter everywhere, so cross was I. I then kicked it, bad move! Carpet got a good hoover, after I shooed Blackie outside, hoovered the kitchen, living room, hallway. I had done a good job, turned round to put the vacuum away and there was one piece of litter I’d missed, so irritating!!!. When I had sorted Blackie and his tray again, fed him. I rewarded myself with a large Snowball (the drink), no snow yet, maybe Friday or Saturday.

30 December 2020

Ventured out to the local shop for a paper, milk, eggs and TV Magazine. I needed a bit of exercise. I was going to pop a Thank You letter through Carol and Joan’s door but there are three steps and no rail to hold on to, so I didn’t chance it.

Delivery at 12.45pm, Amanda had put in Hagen Daas salted caramel ice lollies and frozen haddock for Tilly, Tinker and Blackie. They seem to like haddock more than cod.

1.45pm the Chiropodist arrived, feet comfortable once more. I had some left-over batter mix from yesterday so tonight I had pancakes with double cream and maple syrup. Delicious!

31 December 2020

Amanda was coming over between 11.30pm and 12.30am but circumstances changed. She offered to stand on the front path instead but I said no, much too cold to be doing that. I asked Amanda to sing with me, on the phone, two verses of ‘Auld Lang Syne’, which we did. It was for us, her Dad, Bruce and Christine. I had a couple of glasses of Prosecco then decided to have half a pizza, watched a bit of Jools Holland, bed at 1.20am.

1 January 2021

Happy New Year from Catherine, Tilly, Tinker, Blackie and Rupert. Early up, prepared my vegetables, a treat today, roast beef. The only problem is that I’m not very good at carving. Bruce was an expert; he could carve paper thin and thin is what I like. Never mind, did my best and it was very tasty. Vivienne and Wendy phoned to wish me a Happy New Year. I got gum ache as I had eaten too many salted caramel truffles. Ended up putting loads of Bonjela on; if you put it on the wrong bit of mouth, it stings like hell.

2 January 2021

Odd day with agitation. Up early at 6.30am, came downstairs to find the door into the kitchen open. I thought ‘where had Blackie got to?’, sigh of relief, remembered he stayed outside all night. Fed all the cats, made tea, put bins to edge of the path, yes, Barbara, why don’t I do it at night? I don’t know, it’s something Bruce always did and I have just carried on. Tea, Weetabix and LBC, shower then down to the shop for a paper and a lettuce (fancied a big Prawn Cocktail). On the way back, I discovered that someone had reversed into my garden, tyre treads on the mud. Yes, I know I have a broken fence which some part of it has been removed but they went over a Peony root. It was from my father-in-law’s garden, mostly white with a touch of maroon colouring. It’s little things that get to me. Then Tilly was eating but hasn’t ‘performed’ for four days. I did shout at her but then felt guilty and apologised. As Amanda said it’s not her fault. I’ve given her medicine but it doesn’t seem to be working. Calmed myself down, started on the crossword. Mary helped on the last few questions. During the morning I had a flying, non-seeing visit from Amanda: cat food, print-offs, a rake and a spade which I hope I can pick up the Peony with, if the ground’s not too hard. Blackie’s in tonight as it’s really cold outside. My electric blanket awaits me, see you tomorrow, sorry it’s tomorrow now. 1.10am off to bed.

3 January 2021

In some of my diaries Barbara has written about routines and I think since Christmas I have been out of sync and have been more agitated. Late getting up, haven’t had a shower to midday, chores got behind. Normally, I get my cereal out the night before, not been doing it, going to bed extremely late. So today is a fresh start, back almost in a routine, it can only get better. Amanda ordered envelopes on Friday, run right out, they came today. Down to local shop and bought Sunday Express, milk, potatoes and carrots. Arrived home and tested out new spade. Tried to dig the mud round the Peony but was too hard and I was worried I might topple over, a sight to behold!! I did some vacuuming then I made a milky hot chocolate and had the last two slices of Mr Kipling Christmas Cake. Finished at last. My other problem I was given some M&S mince pies for a present, no way can I eat 6 by tomorrow (out of date 4 January) and I’m not freezing, what I don’t like. Perhaps the birds might like them!

This afternoon Barbara answered most of the General Knowledge Quiz. We are still after the £1000 prize for our celebratory meal when the virus has gone. As I posted the Quiz, I said ‘good luck, break a leg’. It might help us to win. Treated all the cats to a chicken breast, not each, they shared one and I had half a pizza and homemade chips.

Last week I made two soups. Leek and Potato was Mary’s recipe. John Torode did one today and put lemon zest, lemon juice and loads of parsley in it. The other one I made was Leek (it was dying a death by the front door) and this time added green/grey lentils, very nice and freezed two bags of it. Last day tomorrow for the Sony Christmas Films. I have really enjoyed them.

4 January 2021

Fancy a change of colour (pen colour that is). Routine almost back to normal. Up at 7am, everyone, including myself, fed. I then decided to do a load of hand-washing, am up-to-date now. Frozen fruit out, ready for the ‘Bullet’, haddock for the trio, prawns for me, fancied another Prawn Cocktail. Pleased to say that Diary is also up-to-date, as I had lapsed there.

Best news today, Tilly, after five days, has ‘performed’ (too much information, Catherine). Amanda asked this morning. How do I know who does what? Will not explain in my Diary, might put you off but after 12 years I must be an expert.

I keep forgetting to tell you, I have a new pink bottom sheet, courtesy of Amazon. It goes with my nightwear and quilt. As I am now up-to-date, I am closing now.

Catherine is right about routines. these last few weeks have been very confusing with the ‘Rules’ changing, one day in Tier 2, next in Tier 4, break for Christmas and building up to a national Lockdown again. If the ‘Rules’ outside are changing all the time then it is difficult to keep to a routine indoors. Keep safe!!

It seems ages since I typed out a Diary of Catherine’s. Post has taken a long time, events have taken over and who knows which Tier we are in‽ The tea towel I am using today, arrived as a ‘surprise present’ from Amanda, Catherine’s daughter, and it is so appropriate!

16 December 2020

I managed to catch the Food Bin men, to give them their Christmas sweets, and they opened my two bleach bottles as well. If I need letters posting, they would also do it, which I thought was kind. Amanda and Wade came round with cat food, 30 tins for Tilly and 16 boxes for Tinker and Blackie, plus my Number 34 print-off. Should last them until January at least. I have exhausted all the films on the Christmas channel. Channel 5 is keeping me in good stead, though today they were a bit rubbishy.

17 December 2020

Quiet morning. This evening I went to Amanda’s to watch a ‘Virtual Carol Concert’ for the Alzheimer’s Society. In an hour, over sixty thousand pounds was raised which I thought was great. On the way home, Amanda did a detour through Woodcroft. A gentleman, who does one of Amanda’s classes, has decked his house out with Christmas decorations. All lit up, it was brilliant. I felt emotional and you can donate as he does it every year for charity. When I arrived home the ‘Gang’ appeared out of nowhere with their mouths open! What’s new!

18 December 2020

Up very early to feed the cats. 4.30am madness, put the heating on, made a cup of tea, went back to bed. Up again at 7am, shower, breakfast. Amanda arrived at 8.30am for an expedition to Tesco and Pet Smart. My first encounter with the ‘Traffic Light System’ in Tesco: green light go straight through. Overspent again. A Christmas film I watched said traditions connect you with the past so I bought Bruce a little bottle of Glenfiddich, which I will drink for him (his favourite drink). I also bought Mr Kipling Christmas Cake Slices, Bruce loved Christmas cake. After I got home, I took most of the Christmas items upstairs but Mr Kipling only made it half way, so I brought them down again, made a cup of tea and ate two slices! Delicious. Will the rest last til next Friday? Who knows? (No, they didn’t)

In Pet Smart I bought two bags of cat litter, new cat tray for Blackie and a big bag of bird seed. The two best parts were being out with Amanda and NO CAT FOOD IN THE TROLLY. I felt really happy today and this afternoon I thought it felt like Christmas Day!

19 December 2020

Up early again. I try to feed the cats late at night but they still wake me up early, perhaps I should put a drop of wine in their food and knock them out! (Only joking). Made myself tea, breakfast, washed two cat trays, put in fresh litter, shower, went to the shop for a paper, met spaced apart (or socially distanced as we say) three people on route. Great talking to real people. Home to do crosswords. Went mad. I made a Vegetable Soup, pleased with myself. Had a phone call from Christine. She should be out of hospital next Wednesday. They are going to give her a Hospital Bed and a hoist in her flat. She will be glad to get home.

Had a visit from Jennie (Amanda’s friend). She stood at the end of the footpath; we chatted for about half an hour, really cold it was. At 2.15pm there was a knock at the door and it was Vivienne and Michael, checking to see if I was alright. So I thought it was a good day. The news at 3.30pm saying we were probably going into Tier 4 which I hadn’t heard about before. Good news!! Bill Bailey won ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. I personally didn’t know much about him. He deserved to win. I clapped my hands and Tinker looked up and asked what that was all about. It made a change for an older person to win.

I was going to skip Sunday but then I remembered what I did. Bought the Sunday Express, normally the Christmas one has a big crossword but I think now must be on the day after Boxing Day. I texted Barbara for help. She did 39 questions (a record). £1000 at stake. If we win it will go to a celebration. How lovely that would be. We need something to look forward to.

21 December 2020

Shortest day of the year; summer is on it’s way. I was going to town this week but because of the variant, now not going to risk it. People are panic-buying again. Where are they putting it all? Christopher (brother) phoned. What a surprise to hear from him. He seemed to be in fine fettle.

22 December 2020

A lay-in today. A big mistake. On the way to the bathroom, I trod in sick (cat), went down the stairs and trod in cat fur ball sick! (Just tell it as it is!). There I am at 8 am, scrubbing the carpets, not a ‘happy bunny’. Had tea, pills, breakfast, shower then I watched the last ‘Jeremy Vine programme’. I will miss him and Dr Sarah Jarvis. I found him to be a ‘lifeline’. He gave us information and frivolity. Still, he is back on January 4th. I’m getting into ‘The Yorkshire Vet’ on Channel 5. The only problem being that I don’t like watching operations (humans or animals) so I cover my yes till its over. I am missing the Christmas films on Channel 5, do find the odd one but that’s it.

24 December 2020

A knock at the door, there stood two ladies (Joan and Carol) and handed me a bag of Christmas presents. I burst into tears. I was so surprised. Bruce and I knew them from parking the cars in the same garage area. We always said ‘hello, how are you?’ They didn’t know about Bruce until the beginning of the year but now when I see them, they will stop for a chat (at a social distance) which I like. Another unexpected present was from the next door neighbour (the one who put his concrete in my bin without asking). A bottle of wine and some biscuits, a nice surprise.

25 December 2020

I was going to treat myself to a smoked salmon and cream cheese croissant and Bucks Fizz for breakfast but ended up having my 365 day breakfast, one and a half Weetabix and a mug of tea! I went upstairs, sat on the bed and opened Barbara and Liz’s presents: lined notepaper with a beautiful pen, so smooth and four colours in it. I will have to meter it out as it won’t last forever (Dear Reader, you do not appreciate the weirdness of reading a letter that is randomly written in red, blue, green and black, sometimes every other word, sometimes different lines). I love it. I opened another present, a fridge magnet with a boy posting a letter into a letter box, a big red one. Already on my fridge. The biggest shock was to come. OMG, a bloody Christmas decoration in the shape of a sprout with a hat on. Are you and Liz bonkers? Barbara sent a text saying it would remind me of the joys of 2020!!! I suppose the thought was there.

Amanda phoned to say she would pick me up at 11.30am. Had shower, dressed, did cat trays, recycling then got lunch for the cats ready as I was going to be out. It was an early lunch; as I put it on their mats I said “don’t eat it all at once, it has to last the whole day”. Well, they didn’t take a blind bit of notice of me (I wonder where the phrase ‘blind bit of notice’ originates), whoosh and it was gone.

Arrived at Amanda’s, glass of wine before we opened our presents. We had our starter, prawns in batter with a spicy dip. I enjoyed it. I received two calendars, one of them had Amanda’s cats on it, plus photos of Amanda, Wade, Bruce and myself. I got two diaries; I do love a diary, and a box of moorish salted caramel truffles. More tortured punishment to come in the shape of a green square box, a jigsaw of Brussel Sprouts, 100 pieces and it says on the box that it was hard to do. I ask you, why me Amanda?? Wade did a superb dinner. I had so much turkey that I couldn’t eat my roast potatoes so I brought them home. Wade is a marvellous cook. BTW, we were sprout-free!

After watching ‘Home Alone 2’, which I had never seen before (you must be the only person who hasn’t), it was really funny, Amanda put on a DVD of Bruce’s 60th birthday which she had taped. It was really funny to watch again. I remember packing Bruce off to bed early, then Amanda and a family friend, John, arrived and they decorated all downstairs with banners and balloons. They bought a ‘Bob the Builder’ cake with 60 on it. The best bit was Amanda, with the lit candles, going upstairs. I was behind with a tray of champagne-filled glasses. John was filming. Amanda said “Hurry up, my hands are getting hot from the candles”. You can imagine what a shock her Dad got when we went into the bedroom. It brought back great memories.

I had a great day with Amanda and Wade. Thank you.

Sounds like a really good Christmas, even in these uncertain times, creating great memories!

In Diary Number 37, Catherine asked if I could use the ‘Lakeland Peaks’ tea towel. “The tea towel for next time, could we have the ‘Lakeland Peaks’; I’ve not seen it yet” However, I was determined that I would use the latest from Amanda. At the end of her Diary, on a separate piece of paper was this addendum. I felt it needed a page of it’s own because Christine was very important to Catherine so it is much more appropriate that ‘Lakeland Peaks’ is used here.

“On Boxing Day, I received a phone call saying my friend Christine has passed away. Christine has featured in my Diary. She was a very close friend, to both me and Bruce. I could talk to her about anything and everything. Before the Pandemic, we would share a schooner of sherry or two, putting the world to rights. Christine was always at the end of the phone for me, even more so when Bruce passed away. I will miss you, Christine, so very much. When we ended our call, we always said “Night night, God Bless”, day or night. Night night Christine. God Bless“

We all need friends like Christine, people to rely on, come hell or high water. Through Catherine’s Diary I felt the connection they both had. I think it is difficult when people tell you that you still have the memories, it’s true but still not the same.

Today’s choice of tea towel is ‘Mr Gee’s Family’. I thought this might bring cheer to Catherine at a difficult Christmas.

On the back of the envelope “Thank you to the Postal Workers for delivering my letters this year to Nottingham. You have done a great job. Give yourselves a pat on the back”. I entirely agree, without them Catherine’s Diary would not be published.

2 December 2020

I was telling Bruce how lucky we were this afternoon. We had Blue Tits in and a Robin, two Doves and I assume four Starlings. In my delivery today I ordered a carton of lactose-free milk. I love milky coffee and hot chocolate but I find semi-skimmed milk doesn’t agree with me now. I was surprised it tasted like milk. I thought there might be a ‘tang’ to it.

I’ve noticed that nearly all the Christmas movies are made in Canada but I wish they wouldn’t roll the cast so fast. It doesn’t give me a chance to find out who’s who. On the Drama Channel they squash the cast to one side and it’s so irritating.

3 December 2020

Day 3 (of the Advent Calendar): Rose Wine (I don’t know how to put one of those accents on the ‘e’ and make it the correct sort of wine. Sorry). Lay in until 7.30am, watched a good film yesterday, ‘The Christmas Miracle’, kept me awake to 12am. Pouring with rain here, no birds yet. I had a text from Brian saying they had floods in Bognor. I told him to stop sending me doom and gloom texts about floods. i don’t want to hear about it.

I watched three good movies this afternoon and at 3.58pm my Robin appeared on the bush, chirping away. As it was so cloudy, I could only just make his outline out. New experience at 4.30pm and 5pm: two power cuts, admittedly it only lasted 10 seconds but I didn’t like it. Now, whenever I’m moving about I’m taking the torch with me.

I phoned Christine up, who is still in hospital, and she sounded ok. I asked her what she had for tea. She said she couldn’t remember but I heard a lady in the background shout out “Cheese salad sandwich”.

4 to 7 December 2020

Please pick a date Barbara. I can’t remember what happened when!! Life is very slow in my house, not a lot happening and its so cold. Have three layers on, hot water bottle and my coat over my legs. I have plenty of ventilation in my porch, considering I have a new front door, new roof and cladding. It’s like the Arctic out there! Could be because I have no carpet out there, only newspapers at the moment. On the glass door, near the porch, I have managed to put a blanket up, hammering a few drawing pins in to keep it up

Other highlights, opening my Advent Calendar: two white wines, 2 roses and three red wines to date. I shaved my three-hair beard with Bruce’s razor, getting good at this!

I think I have conquered the coldness by the front door. I pulled a rug, or most of it, into the porch. I brought down a convector heater, put it near the meter cupboard; it all helps. Plus its raining tonight and the temperature is rising and I am now minus a cardigan.

Have you noticed in these Christmas films, they don’t wear slippers. It’s high heels and when they have hot chocolate, they don’t hold the handle; yes, I know, its only pretend.

When Amanda and Wade cleared the loft, we found a black sack with old birthday and Christmas cards, possibly dating back to when Amanda was 3 or 4 years old. We transferred them all to a plastic box (large one). When I put up my Christmas tree on the bookcase, I also put up some Christmas cards from Amanda to her Daddy, and Daddy to Amanda. The cards look a bit old fashioned but my bookcase looks Christmassy and I love it.

Last night I received two laminated posters from Barbara and Liz, thanking the Wheelie Bin men and Postal Workers during the Pandemic. I am putting them up tomorrow. It’s nice to receive some mail. I only get a bank statement once a month, something to look forward to!!

I was thinking about not talking about cats, but I’m missing it already. Monday, Wade bought Tilly fifty cans of cat food. Tinker is off her food (most unusual); this is because I’ve let Blackie stay in all night in the kitchen as the weather has been so cold. Perhaps she doesn’t think I love her any more. But this cat, and my first dog, a toy poodle called Peppy, I will love forever.

9 December 2020

Amanda took me to Sainsbury and I thoroughly enjoyed myself, and I wasn’t too bad using the scanner, forgotten what its like to use a trolley, so much to see. As Amanda remarked, when we came out, that we had been an hour in there, the longest she’s been in a supermarket!! When we got home, Amanda helped with the unpacking. I’d overdone it a bit, and then she put the tinsel on my tree, which is looking a lot better now.

The Postman brought a card from Barbara and Liz; the picture on the front was Ealing Town Hall, ‘a blast from the past’, my home town. I had a postcard from Isabella (Barbara’s cat), with her picture on the front and she is now sitting on my bookcase. I know I talk about cats and Christmas movies a lot but I wanted to say when Bruce and I were married, our first Christmas was in a flat over a car showroom, off the Greenford Road. We had a real Christmas tree, the top touched the ceiling. It was beautiful with the lights , baubles, tinsel and I can still see it now.

13 December 2020

Do you know it is 5.30pm and I have birds outside singing? Will put out food for them tonight.

14 December 2020

Glad the weekend is over. It’s so long. Best thing to happen this afternoon, I had Tilly on my lap for an hour. In 13 years, it’s the longest she has sat on my lap. I felt special.

15 December 2020

I wasn’t sure whether to write about my ‘melt down’ yesterday evening , but Harlow is in Tier 3. I had a text from Barbara about being in the Tier 3, and how scary it is. I’m not scared for myself but I am for my daughter and her husband. It’s never ending, will it end? The rules chop and change, no set pattern, gyms open but no classes taught, shops open, people don’t social distance, it doesn’t make sense. I’m, expect like other people, fed up with it all. I hate being in the house on my own. My husband was a bit of a grumpy git, always falling asleep in the chair especially in the last few months of his life, but by God, I would give anything to have him in that chair now. I’m sure I wasn’t easy to get along with, must take the rough with the smooth. I’m saying sorry to Barbara as most of this was in a text to her, though her reply was “we all deserve a moan” which made me feel better. And I feel a lot calmer today. I have to feel more positive. What will be, will be.

On a lighter note, is there any ideas on how to wrap a Christmas present easily? Sellotape sticks to my hands, or the table top and the ends of the parcel are different folds!! One day, I want to go to America at Christmas time. They really go ‘over the top’. The best part of flying there, you are right above the clouds, a wonderous sight.

I’m hoping for a happier year, next year.

Take care, be safe everyone love from Catherine, Tilly, Tinker, Blackie and Rupert