Shopping and Heroic Dogs.

Well yesterday was the bank holiday in England and Wales. In the south west of England we had some light rain. So we drove to Wales where there was much more rain!

We went to Cardiff, Instead of seeing the sights we headed straight for the st Davids centre and went shopping.

We were mainly shopping for OD and YD. We went round lots of clothes shops! However some of the display's were interesting.

(how cute) 

When we were not in the clothes shops we were here. 

yes the apple shop.....

It was a good morning. It was so nice just to have time with both of the children together. 

They are so busy with University, it is nice to get a full day together. 

In the afternoon we went visiting. 

While we were visiting, we learned the story of a hero dog. 

There are 2 dogs that live in the house we were visiting, Alfie and Mojo. 

Alfie and Mojo are very lovely (but can be a little bit naughty) 

Alfie and Mojo were taking their people for a walk in some woodland. 

As they were walking they came across a family who were upset,

 they had lost one of their dogs. 

They had been looking and looking but could not find the lost dog. 

Alfie and Mojo's people said they would also look while they were on their walk. 

Some time later, Mojo ran off suddenly, without warning.

Now Mojo's humans thought he was just being naughty. 

They followed Mojo as he ran though the woodland.

Mojo came to a stop at the bank of a stream.

Mojo, barked, and barked and barked.

As Mojo's humans got closer Mojo continued to bark. 

Mojo was frantic, barking and clawing at the edge of the bank.

The bank at that part of the stream was sheer. 

And there in the water was the lost dog. 

The dog was exhausted he was old and blind. 

Mojo's male human (being tall) climbed down into the stream. 

He passed the lost dog out of the stream.

He then had to wade downstream until he came to somewhere he could get out. 

Mojo, Alfie and their humans took the very cold and tired lost dog 

to its people, who were very grateful.

Animals are amazing. 

Not shopping with my lovely partner!

Today I ventured out of the house in daylight and went to do the weekly shop at Tesco.

Then  we went to TK Maxx, As some of you know I have given up shopping for lent. so TK Maxx is a dangerous place to be. Not when you get taken there by your lovely partner! Technically I was not shopping as I did not spend any money. (yes its bending the rules but I have been very miserable).

This was our first purchase, how beautiful! 

Then it was this lovely big treat Jar for the dogs! 

It is massive and we have been able to put all sorts of different bones and treats in there. 

More pressie's for the dogs....

We did get them a new toy each. 

However the Labrador is not a fan of sharing. 

Socks for the kids (no picture they are just socks) 

and a new sun hat each. 

 my blue hat is a bit of a change from my usual 50's vintage hat, however I need to keep the sun out of my eye's now! it is a nice floppy material. 

I have had my post shopping sit down now, So I had better crack on and get the food put away. Hope you are having a lovely Sunday!

Day 2.....

Well I have discovered that I am not mad! There are many other people who are doing without over lent, My LSP (Long Suffering Partner), is giving up crisps, to anyone who know's LSP they know this is a huge sacrifice.

I have discovered many people in blogland who are doing the same. I have been inspired by  Midnight Maniac  and have pledged to do without for 40 days. Midnight Maniac is going without meat and clothes shopping. Tea and Crumpets  is also doing without clothes shopping for 40 days!

So today was day 2, Busy day so no time to think about shopping, that is until lunch time. A lunch break is very important to me, There was a time when I rarely had one, however. I only get paid for a 7.5 hour day. I start at 08:30 and finish at 17:00. If I do not take a lunch break then I am giving 1 hour of my time for free, as much as I love my job I am not a volunteer especially in the current climate of pay cuts. I am less inclined to donate my services.  I try to have one at least 4 times per week (crisis permitting).

So its lunch time and I am hungry, I walk down to the shop and pick up a salad, walk back to my desk and eat my Salad, As I am eating I find myself reading my email's, drafting an email and before I know it I am working!!! Admittedly I am shovelling Salad at the same time but this is still work.

I considered going for a walk however the wind was blowing a gale and the rain was starting so a walk was not top of my list!

So I take myself off to the library for the last 1/2 hour of my lunch break. I started by Joining the library. Shocking I know, I am 35 and not a member. But I am now. I had a nice wander around then headed up to the local studies section. I love genealogy. So I spent some time looking through the history book's written about my village.

It was a fab way to spend a lunch break, nearly as good as going for a spot of shopping!!!!

Lent

Today is Ash Wednesday, the start of Lent.

 I do not always observe lent but this year I am.

I am going to give up shopping!!!!! It would be to easy to give up alcohol as I seldom drink, I can give or take chocolate so will naturally go for weeks without any same with crisps, biscuits and other snack food.

Shopping will be a real struggle. I love shopping. Especially if I am getting a bargain!

I will still be buying food as I cannot expect myself and my family go on a 40 day fast. However, I will not be buying any clothes, shoes, bags, hats, jewellery, ornaments, books, magazines, newspaper's etc. I will not be visiting any antiques shops, markets, charity shops, department stores, ebay, etsy, and so on.....

If we don't need to eat it or need it to clean the house, clothes or ourselves it won't be coming into the house!

Obviously if something blow's up then it may need to be replaced if it is an essential! Otherwise, no shopping. 

Why, put myself through this torture!

 I have had a few experiences in the past month of meeting people who have nothing or very little, people who due to the changes in the way that benefits are being dealt with that they have no money for food. It makes my spending seem very frivolous and indulgent. I will spend time thinking about people who cannot go shopping. Not just people in this country but people all over the world who spend their day's just trying to get buy, who work all day to earn enough to feed their family. People who walk half the day to collect water. 

I think this is the meaning of lent to most people today, the opportunity to think about other's and their difficulties. 

I know I will be tempted.........

But must stay strong......

Shopping day!

Today we managed to get out of bed. Which was a good start on yesterday, Although I feel the benefit of having a beddles day.

The plan for this weekend was to go shopping with our girls, we have a wedding to attend soon and wanted to get their outfits sorted early. (avoids last minute panics).

We took a drive to Bicester outlet village.

As well as the shopping I love the sculpture...

Having lunch at Pret.... Always the Italian chicken Salad....

But the best thing is the CK shop...

I was only allowed to go after the girls bought their dress's, which they did and they both look amazing !! Its great to spend the day with our girls especially as they are both so busy, its hard to get a day when we are all together.

I went in for a bag but they had none I wanted today :( however, you cannot leave CK empty handed, can you?

2 tea towels and a yard of fabric.

Happy Sunday everyone.