No work for the devil here

It'll just be a quick check-in today as I am running around like a mad thing this afternoon.
Well, that rotten snow has finally gone and we were all thrilled to see some sunshine today for the first time in what seems like an age. Ivy and I spent most of the morning out and about, first on foot (only a little sleep left me sluggish so went off to get some orange juice for a sugar high to jumpstart me), and then with the pram to the library to find some new books, and it seems everyone is out and about with their dogs and smiling.
It's been a busy old day today. Will is away at work for a few days, and to be honest I was a little worried about being bored - no chance! After our trip to the library where we found a few new books for Ivy, we came back, bumped into my neighbour who invited me over this afternoon, quickly baked a victoria sponge to take to said neighbour, made lunch (and dinner) - none of which Ivy actually ate - then immediately after that had a knock on the door from the other neighbour bringing back jam jars so invited her in to choose some more and have a coffee. As soon as she left I had a call from a friend in Swansea asking if she could come over this afternoon and use my garden to take some photos, so quickly took Ivy out in the pram again so she could fall asleep, finished off the cake and dropped it next door along with a jar of orange curd, just in case I now don't make it over later, and quickly whizzed around with a hoover - phew!!!
Without wanting to blow my own trumpet I rather feel that I am triumphing at Mumming/housing/neighbouring today.
Nothing much else has happened this week as the snow kept us relatively housebound. We got up to plenty of indoorsy things to keep Ivy's mind off of it including making collages from the scrap box which was great fun.
I am away the coming weekend (for the first time since Ivy was born) at a mind body spirit retreat, so am looking forward to that and just trying to get everything in the house in order before then.
That's all for now, I'm off to enjoy a well deserved cuppa!

Apocalypse nigh!!

Or so they're saying. Yes, apparently this blizzardy weather is due to hit even Sunny South Wales today. I for one am not that excited at the prospect of a snow day having sheets to wash and a toddler to entertain, and don't plan on doing either of those things outdoors in minus temperatures!
I continue with the 40 bags in 40 days challenge here. I'm actually a few behind as we went away for the weekend and then had my Mum to stay for the last couple of days, but I think I am up to 11 bags and feeling good. I'm starting to scratch around a little bit for things to get rid of, but I know there are still a few areas like the bureau that need definite attention and I'm just putting them off 'til last!
Last week, with Ivy's help, I started on a big problem area that is the corner of Will's office. Since we moved here I've had my sewing table there, but since I have not been doing a lot of sewing these past few months it has just become an area for collecting stuff. Add to that an enormous fixing pile, a big chunk of which was things we've since decided to replace rather than pair (e.g. Will's never ending pile of holey pants) and we had a bit of a task on our hands.
I have moved the sewing table downstairs to the dining room where it is more likely to see some action, and sorted through the fixing pile, which now includes only things we actually want to keep, and which can feasibly be fixed.

This is after I took away the sewing table!

Ivy repurposing Will's old pants. 

New sewing table, new fixing pile!

New corner - now bunged up with craft stuff - arrghh! The chair is due to go on freecycle soon as well.
Our plan for the dining room is to get a couple of small mid century arm chairs and make it into more of a living room that we can use in the evenings as well as just as a dining room, so hopefully this will put me in a better position for working on the fixing pile, and also perhaps making things again in the evening rather than just slobbing out on the sofa.
We are doing all we can to keep warm and entertained today. I have finished all of my post-guest jobs around the house - the things you don't keep up with while you have people to stay, as well as the extra linens/towels etc. I have made a little snack plate for me and Ivy and put the telly on, and this is how I intend to remain, waiting for the snow! I have baked two loaves of bread and there is cawl in the crockpot, so we'll be alright for tonight, and I even have the raisins soaking for the mandatory welsh cakes. Happy (cold) st Davids Day!