Wednesday Wind up... I am nearly there!

What am I reading this week?

I'm reading a strange book called A Song for Issy Bradley by Carys Bray. Well, I say strange, but I mean good. I picked it up as a recommendation from Waterstones or Richard and Judy, one of my summer reading list that I am still working my way through. I didn't realise that it was about the Mormons, not in Utah but in Lancashire and that I would be picturing the places in the novel as I read. Queens Drive? Yes, I drive there every day. Preston, Southport, check. Been there. But the setting is actually immaterial to the story. Issy Bradley dies of meningitis and her family have to deal with this in however they can.  For Dad, that's the certain sure knowledge that they will meet again in heaven. For the others, that knowledge is not so certain, and neither is their attitude to the Mormon faith. It's a first novel, but I hope it won't be the last. I have really enjoyed it. I know more about Mormonism, and though I would never want to join, I can understand why they do what they do a little more.

What have I watched this week?
This is going to sound so old-school and cardigan-wearing. I have been watching Smiley's People [1982] [DVD] starring Alec Guinness. I sort-of remember watching Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy but I can't remember watching this follow up. We taped it off BBC4 in the early summer and it is really good. The cast list is one of those "which classic actor isn't in this?" ones. And I had forgotten quite how low, slow and mesmeric Alec Guinness' voice could be. Classic old school spy. Moscow Rules. (that's an in-joke, there)

Where have I been this week?
To work. And to Starbucks. And to Aldi. But in my mind I've been to New York and Amsterdam (thank you, Goldfinch) and to Hamburg in the 70's (Smiley) and Nova (Guardians of the Galaxy). Thank God for an active imagination.

How has my spending gone this week?
BAD.
Like, really. I got a head start on Christmas gifts to make, so I had to buy the products I needed. It does mean that a good afternoon in the kitchen should see me clear of the small gifts for friends and family. I had a brainwave, and I will post about that sometime.
And I got a new Filofax. You know I like Filofax, don't you? I need to show you my new one, it is so cute. And totally suitable for this time of year.

What are my WIPs this week?
My Autumn ripple is actually all done except the border. Another two rows and it will be done. A decent sunny/light afternoon and I shall take the glamour shots and do the big reveal.
And I'm joining in with the CAL at Black Sheep Wools. You can read more about it here. I've ordered my wool pack, I went for the Stylecraft because I liked the colours better. I know I could make a blanket all my own, but I quite fancied the idea of joining in an online crochet party. I can get my pattern every week, do some new stitches and by November.... wallop! a new blanket.

Any Other Business?
Not yet. I'll be back with better next week. School has started and I'm settling in to my new role, teaching 6 of the best and brightest. Ish. Ok, so they're 6 of the children who really need one to one or small group support to get them to achieve. I'm hoping my Year 6's won't be intimidated by the Year 4 who can run rings around them mathematically and needs emotional rather than academic support. I feel like Hostess Barbie at the end of Toy Story 2 by 1.30. My face aches from smiling.