Wednesday 3rd of October.

Another week gone.  Seems like weekly blogging is as good as it gets at the moment. I just seem to be constantly busy.  Not getting out much but that isn't a problem as I have lots to work on here.  Not to mention that the weather is dreadful.  Cold, very windy and rainy.  I hate the cold.  We have the heating on and even lit the fire at the weekend. Did I mention that I hate the cold?

The garage has not really made any further progress because of the weather.  It is flooded inside again as Simon has now removed the roof from the original part so it is totally open to the elements.  It has been too windy for him to do any more of the roof.  It wouldn't be safe. Plus it is now dark by about 7.15pm so he has less time during the week.  By the time he gets in from work at 6pm and has his dinner there is only about half an hour left.

In my last blog I mentioned that I was doing a few hours with a collecting tin in aid of the Three Counties dog rescue.  I did 11am - 1pm last Wednesday and Thursday outside Tesco.  I was with another lady, Judy.  She had a rescue dog with her that she fosters while he is awaiting his furever home.  He is a Staffordshire bull terrier and absolutely gorgeous.  I would have adopted him on the spot if I didn't have my 2.  Don't think they would be too happy!!!

He is called Billy and he was so good.  Sat quite happily for 2 hours.  He enjoyed all the attention and petting and he gets a few biscuits every 20 minutes  for being good.  Some one gave him a dog chew too.

The whole thing was a real eye opener for me.  I have never done it before so didn't know what to expect.  It is amazing the lengths some people will go to avoid catching your eye! Horrid standing there with your empty tin and wondering if any one will ever put anything in it.  I don't think I shall ever be able to walk past anyone with a collecting tin again!

I had a phone call today from Margery who organises it.  Over the 2 days the total collected was £525.69.  I personally had £81.02 in my tin.  I was thrilled with that.  I bet Judy got more as everyone was going to her because she had the dog.  Doesn't matter of course as it is all going to the dog rescue.

Just realised that was the last time I actually left the house!  That is a week ago!  Told you I was busy here.  Oh no, just remembered I did pop out on Saturday afternoon. I went to Peterborough to a sewing shop with Coralie. We went to get a sewing machine for my Dad. He has been impressed with the stuff Coralie and I have been making especially the quilting.  He wants to give it a go.  He says he needs something to do on the long, dark winter afternoons when he can't get out.  Years ago he used to do a lot of sewing.  He made a lot of our clothes.  He even made the bridesmaids dresses for my wedding.  I think he will probably be quite good at quilting. Coralie is taking the machine up to him tomorrow.

So, what have I been so busy with?  All the normal stuff.  House work of course.  There is always house work.  We are at that time of year where it is a constant struggle to keep the floors clean from 8 wet and muddy paws. I wash and dry them every time they come in but they still make a mess so mopping the floor is quite often a twice daily chore. Plus the bedding needs  more frequent washing and then there are all their towels.  It is never ending.  My washing machine has been complaining this week too.  It keeps giving the error code for blocked filter and wont spin.  When I check the filter it isn't blocked at all.  After checking it will then spin.  Hope it isn't going up the creek.

Apart from housework I have been sewing, and doing family history stuff. Then some more sewing and then yet more sewing! Oh and I have another new shape cutting machine.  Must show you that.  Actually, time to do a show and tell I think.  Maybe I will find the time for that tomorrow.  Time to go now I think.