smallhobbit: (Book bibliophile)
Today's [community profile] thefridayfive  questions:

1. What is your all time favorite book?
Difficult to answer, but generally when I answer this question I say The Seamstress (also known as The Time In Between) by Maria Duenas

2. What is your all time favorite movie?
Casablanca, no question!

3. What are you reading right now?
Their Finest (Lissa Evans), Plenty Under The Counter (Kathleen Hewitt), Mrs Plansky's Revenge (Spencer Quinn), Small Gods (Terry Pratchett), and The Balkans: Nationalism, War and the Great Powers 1804-1999 (Misha Glenny)

4. What is your favorite show on TV?
Call The Midwife, which is about the only thing I do watch on TV

5. What is the last movie you saw in the cinema?
Conclave - at the end of February.
smallhobbit: (Default)
Today's [community profile] thefridayfive  :

1. What do you like most: Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays (and why)?
Friday afternoons, after I've finished volunteering are good, and then Saturdays are the best when normally I don't have anything I'm supposed to be doing.

2. What was the best weekend of your life?
I'm sure many of them were good, but I don't have one which stands out above the others.

3. What weekend of the year is your favorite?
The one between Christmas and the New Year when I have Christmas presents to enjoy, but nothing pressing on.

4. Do you have any weekend routines?
Sit and read in bed Saturday morning, Sunday morning is church so trying to remember if (and what) I'm supposed to be doing.

5. Describe your ideal Saturday night.
Knitting (or cross stitch), listening to a radio programme/audiobook and reading.  I like to chill.
smallhobbit: (Rainbow coaster)
This week's [community profile] thefridayfive 

1. If you were a crayon, which colour would you want to be?
Bright cheerful orange

2. Which colour do you think you would be regardless of what you wanted?
Probably a sensible blue

3. Would you rather be used and get blunt, broken and lose your wrapper, or not be used and stay pristine?
I'd much rather be used - what is the point of a crayon otherwise?

4. Would you rather be in a small set of crayons or a large set?
I don't think I'd mind - as part of a small set I'd be a standard blue and be used a lot, as part of a large set I'd be a more specific shade and have a more specific role - either way's fine.

5. Would you rather be Crayola, or a different brand?
I'd go for Crayola - if I'm going to be a crayon I'd like to be able to do a good job and not crumble too quickly

smallhobbit: (Default)
Today's [community profile] thefridayfive 

1. How far back can you trace your family tree?
Just my grandparents, although my mother did some research which I've put safely somewhere.

2. What is the most interesting (or strange) thing you've heard about one of your relatives?
I had a great aunt who was a suffragette (my maternal grandfather's sister).  On one occasion she was almost thrown over a bridge in Bath, but a policeman intervened to save her.

3. How do you feel about legacy names like John Henry Smith IV or naming children after other relatives?
I think children should be allowed to be their own people, rather than having the family making a major claim on them.  Having said that, Son's middle name is both his father's name and my father's middle name (it's a common name, so doesn't stand out) and Daughter has my mother's name as her middle name (again a common name).

4. Would you consider yourself and/or your family to be traditional?
In the sense that we've been married for umpteen years and had two children, one of each, then yes, we're traditional. But we, and they, have been very individual in our life choices (without being extreme) and so probably less so than many.

5. What is one tradition you have passed on to your children and/or plan to pass on to them?
I can't think of anything in particular.  Other than the philosophy of 'Be yourself, everyone else is taken', or, as a t-shirt Daughter gave to husband says, 'Always be yourself. Unless you can be Batman. In that case, be Batman.'
smallhobbit: (Default)
This week's questions from [community profile] thefridayfive 

1. Did the house where you grew up have a newspaper delivered regularly?
Yes, and my weekly comic as well.

2. Have you ever subscribed to an actual print newspaper?
No.  Used to buy the local weekly rag from the local shop.

3. When was the most recent time you physically picked up and read a newspaper?
I don't remember, but it would almost certainly have been a free paper, so maybe the Standard in London

4. Do you pay for news online now?
Yes, but because I use the puzzle page.  I sometimes read the news as well.

5. Do you have any saved newspaper clippings?
A few very old ones, which relate to the family.
smallhobbit: (dragon)
This week's [community profile] thefridayfive  questions:

1. Would you rather have a fun job that doesn't pay well or a boring job that does?
It would depend on how long the job was going to last.  A boring job for a short while would mean I could save for something, but long term I'd prefer a fun job.  Maybe two part-time jobs, one of each.

2. Would you sacrifice your morals for a job?
No!

3. Would you ever take a job that requires you to be in costume?
Unlikely.

4. What is your fantasy job?
Intermediary between dragons and people.

5. Would you like fries with that?
Probably inevitable, especially if I'd said 'don't ask the dragon XYZ' and the person had ignored my advice.

smallhobbit: (John rain)
This week's [community profile] thefridayfive questions: 

1. What type of mood are you generally in on a rainy day?
At the moment, fed up, because it seems to be always raining or about to rain.

2. What are your favorite things to do when the weather is gloomy?
Stay indoors!

3. Have you ever been kissed in the rain?
Very probably, but not recently - why get any wetter than necessary.

4. After the rain stops, do you continue what you were doing, or do you run outside to do something else?
Get the bins in before it starts raining again.  Generally continue what I'm doing.

5. What is your favorite drink/food to have when it's raining outside?
Cake and tea/wine (depending on time of day)
smallhobbit: (Default)
Today's [community profile] thefridayfive questions

1. What did you want to be when you grew up?
An astronaut or someone working in that field

2. Did you follow through? If not, what happened?
I grew up!  I quickly moved away from the sciences

3. Is your life turning out the way you thought it would when you were a kid? If not, is it better or worse?
I don't think I ever expected I'd be old and retired and a grandmother - what kid does?  Neither, just different

4. Paradoxes aside, if you could time-travel back to when you were 10 years old, what would you tell your 10-year-old self?
Enjoy your life.

5. Do you think the child you were, would like the adult you've become?
I doubt the child I was would even understand the adult I've become, but so much else has changed, but hopefully she would like me.
smallhobbit: (writing)
This week's [community profile] thefridayfive questions, since it's NaNoWriMo this month

1. Where do you get ideas/inspiration for your writing?
Quite often I'm working for prompts from challenges, or exchanges with suggestions from the recipient.  Sometimes I'll want to follow up an idea I've had in a previous work, or there'll be a request as to what happens next and I, too, want to know the answer.  And sometimes, as my regular readers will be aware, they'll be from the deepest recesses of my mind, where no-one with any sense would venture.

2. Do you have a favourite place to write?
Generally on my laptop on my table in the living room, but sometimes I'll write a drabble in a notebook while sitting in bed.  And if I'm away then wherever I can find if I'm in the mood for writing.

3. What are your tricks for getting through writers block?
I'll write a set number of words a day, 50/75/100 (remember I write ficlets generally) so they story still progresses.  This works because I write linearly and simply say 'what are they going to do?' and they might drive along the road, turn to someone and ask a question, or put the kettle on.

4. Favorite genre to write? Do you have a different favorite genre for reading?
Depends partly on my mood.  I like writing and reading casefic or action stories (not of the fighting variety).  But also crack.

5. What is something you really want to write but haven't gotten around to yet?
I have an untold story in my Spooks 'A New Start' series, which has been waiting for months for me to write, mainly because I haven't a clue what will happen.  I'll probably use it for [community profile] ushobwri WiP month next February.

smallhobbit: (Book libri)
This week's [community profile] thefridayfive questions

1. Most everyone will recommend a book or two to read, but are there any you would tell people to avoid?
No.  I might say I didn't enjoy something, and even share why not, but my preferences are not your preferences, so unless you ask my opinion and I know specifically what you like then I wouldn't tell you as a general point to avoid something.

2. If you take a book on vacation, are you more likely to take something you haven't read yet or an old favorite?
New - I very very rarely reread.  And when there is limited space for books, since I must take some clothing, they'll be new.

3. Do you read any genres by the season? Like horror around Halloween? Cozy Mysteries in the Winter? Romance in the Summer?
Not genres as such, but December is the time for Christmas stories - I have a number lined up ready for this December.

4. If you read a lot of Fiction do you prefer an author that has a series with the same character(s), or do you prefer stand-alone stories?
Yes!  I like both.  Many mysteries do have the same detective, whether professional or amateur.  Glancing through the books I've read this year, I'd say it's about 50/50.

5. Is there a book that you wish you could read again, but experience it like it was the first time?
Not that I can think of.
smallhobbit: (floral rainbow)
This week's [community profile] thefridayfive questions:

1. What is the last shower thought you had (aka random thought in the shower or during downtime) 

The problem with shower thoughts is that by the time you've finished the shower, dried and got dressed, the magnificent thought as happily floated off into the ether.

2. What is the last thing you changed your mind about?
Has to be the decision not to take on any additional craft projects when I started knitting a pair of wrist warmers, because I bought a new book of Christmas crafts.  These are Fair Isle pattern so not strictly Christmas.

3. What was the last low-stakes argument you were in about?
Bound to be something domestic, either that or telling my printer it did have paper in it so could it please *** print.

4. What is an idea you have that you know would probably never work, but it would be cool if it did?
World peace would be very cool (and probably extremely good for the environment) but while there are those who benefit from the opposite it won't happen.

5. Who is someone who has ideas you like, or take inspiration from?
I take ideas from various people depending on what the ideas are about.  I usually say I find The Daughter inspiring as she has a very positive attitude - she has a tattoo which says, 'I can, I will'.
smallhobbit: (Default)
Last week's questions from [community profile] thefridayfive 

1. Have you gotten everything done that you had hoped to do during the first half of 2024?
Generally yes: I've read half the books I listed for this year; I've listened to several audiobooks; made good progress with the online short courses I take; crafting is coming along nicely; writing is on target, including the number of words.  Grant applications both for Gloucestershire Bundles and the church are ticking along.

2. Did anything exciting or unexpected happen to you during the first half of 2024?
Lots of small things.  I've taken part in a baptism service for four people aged from 7 to 18.  I've stood on a tank and handled a decommissioned sten gun.  The Daughter got a first class degree.

3. What big plans do you have for the second half of 2024?
I don't really do big plans any more.  Going to Daughter's graduation this month.  Otherwise just seeing what comes up - it tends to happen.

4. Have you taken, or are you planning, a vacation this year?
Yes, have been to the Ardennes and Normandy and we're booked to go to Chester and Llandudno in October.

5. Have you ever wanted to be one of the people writing and posting these questions?

No, I'm happy answering them, but I already belong to two comms where I need to come up with questions and inspiration, without having more commitments.

smallhobbit: (Default)
This week's [community profile] thefridayfive questions

1) What's an area where you're not perfect, but trying your best?
Life - I know I'm not perfect, but bear with me, I'm doing my best.

2) Who are you proud of?
The Daughter.  When she left college at 18 she wanted to be a paramedic, but her qualifications (she had a BTEC not A-levels) meant she couldn't get in.  She took a year out and applied for her second choice of paediatric nursing and was accepted by Coventry University.  She qualified with a 2:2 degree and worked both as a paediatric nurse and also got experience as an A&E paed nurse.  Then in 2020 she had the chance of becoming a paramedic in a block release way, so she became an Ambulance Technician, followed by a Student Paramedic and in February she passed her degree course (with a First) and became a Paramedic.  It took 14 years but she accomplished it.

3) What makes you feel appreciated?
Whenever anyone says thank you for something - a ficlet has made them smile, they've liked a card I stitched, an acknowledgement that something I've done has made a difference.

4) What would you like to make more time for?
Crafting, reading, writing, going places, learning more new things - shall I go on?  I'm retired, so theoretically my times my own, but there still isn't enough time.

5) What can you re-arrange?
If I want to do more of one thing I need to cut back on something else I enjoy - I can rearrange the furniture, but it doesn't alter the size of the room (which is set at 24 hours in a day)

smallhobbit: (Default)
Last week's [community profile] thefridayfive questions:

1) Is summer a break for you, or is it busier?
Um, yes!  There is a break from our Tuesday afternoon toddler/after-school club during the school summer holidays (late July and August) but we're running a three morning holiday club so...

2) What's next for your travel plans?
Going to Normandy with The Daughter the last week in June

3) What have you spontaneously done lately?
Stood on top of a tank.

4) What's your favorite way to unwind after a long day?
Internet puzzles/jigsaws, knitting and cross stitch while listening to audiobooks/radio programmes

5) What's in your pockets?
Handkerchief, stray bits of paper, other small odds and ends which were going somewhere but I forgot about them
smallhobbit: (Default)
This week's [community profile] thefridayfive questions

1) What's normal March weather like in your area?
Wet and windy.  Which is once more the case.

2) Are you following any spring sports?
No, I don't follow any sports.

3) What's a summer wardrobe staple you haven't had out since last season 
T-shirts and cropped trousers - it's far too cold to wear them at other times of the year.  Also sun hat.

4) What's your favorite spring break memory?
It's SM's birthday in March so we're often away then.  And yes, it does frequently rain.  Then there was the year we went to Bruges when it snowed and the wind was icy.

5) How do you feel about daylight savings time?
Not a fan of losing an hour in bed.  The lighter evenings are nice, but then when the clocks change again getting dark an hour earlier is rotten.

smallhobbit: (Default)
It's presidents' day in the US, so in honour of the long weekend [community profile] thefridayfive posed these questions, which I am answering although not in the US!

1. Have you ever been the president of anything?
No, although I am Treasurer and Trustee of Gloucestershire Bundles, a charity which is needed even more these days.

2. What do you think is the most important leadership trait?
Ability to listen to all sides, keep the differing views together as far as possible and still get things done.

3. What time period did you find the most interesting to learn about in history class?
I didn't like history at school, but now find it fascinating.  Over the last few years I've taken several free online courses on history, with an emphasis on European history and how everything connects, but also events worldwide.  The more I learn, the more there is to find out.

4. What's something you think about doing, but you haven't gotten back into in several years?
Drawing/artwork.  A few years ago J gave me a box of hard pastels which I enjoy drawing with, but don't seem to have the time.

5. If you could add one more random holiday to February, what would it be?
Stay Indoors and Keep Warm and Dry Day
smallhobbit: (Default)
Yesterday's [community profile] thefridayfive questions:

1. At what age did you discover you had a favorite colour?
I imagine I was quite young - for as long as I can remember I've liked blue.  Occasionally I've chosen a different colour for brief periods, but I've always returned to blue.

2. What type (genre) of film do you prefer to see in a cinema versus one you'd watch at home?
Up until last September I hadn't seen anything in the cinema since probably The Hobbit trilogy, which I saw with a group of friends.  Since then I've seen three films: A Haunting in Venice (Poirot, but not as written by Christie), The Great Escaper (based on the true story of Bernard Jordan, starring Michael Caine and Glenda Jackson) and One Life (based on the true story of Sir Nicholas Winton, starring Anthony Hopkins).  I saw them in the cinema because I wanted to see them and didn't want to wait for them to be aired on terrestrial television since we don't have any streaming platforms.

3. What's your oldest object or item since childhood?
Has to be the teddy bear I was given as a baby.  Very threadbare.

4. In what book would you insert yourself as a side character or friend to the protagonist?
I'd be very happy to join Miss Marple - I'm sure I'd fit in very well with her.

5. What's your favorite shape or type of cloud?
Little bits of fluffy white cloud that mean the weather will remain pleasant and warm.  Not the heavy grey ones that are currently taking over the sky again.
smallhobbit: (Default)
Today's [community profile] thefridayfive questions:

1. What is your current main mode of transportation? e.g. car, bike, subway, walking, etc.
Car and walking, occasionally bus or train

2. Are you satisfied with your current main mode of transportation (answer to question 1)? Why?
Yes, because I wouldn't be able to get where I want to go otherwise

3. Do you think you'll change your means of transit soon? e.g. buy a car, get rid of your car, walk more etc.? If so, why?
Very unlikely. I walk when I can but generally I want to go more than a mile away

4. If time, distance and money were not factors, how do you prefer to get from point A to point B?
Teleport. I like walking, but for most journeys it would be simpler to just be there without the travel

5. What was your worst transit experience?
Generally travel by train. I like train travel, but the railway companies leave a lot to be desired.  Last time on the way to London, they cancelled the following train and spent the whole time apologising for being crowded, not improved by one-third of the train being reserved for first class.  Coming back they decided to split the train (to make a longer train they join two shorter trains together) about quarter of an hour before it was due to depart and then left everyone hurrying to get on at the far end of the platform. Customer service is non-existent.
smallhobbit: (Default)
Just catching up on [community profile] thefridayfive from last week

1. What are you hoping for in 2024?
Good holidays with The Daughter and also with Husband; more funding for Gloucestershire Bundles; continuing to build relationships with families at church, good books, enjoyable crafting etc.

2. What was your low point of 2023?
No especially low points, other than those inevitable when other people are involved.  I, of course, am entirely reasonable and understanding, but apparently they have other priorities.  Such is life.

3. And your high point of 2023?
No one mountain top high, but lots of hill tops from which the view was good.

4. Do you make New Year’s resolutions or are they just a waste of time?
No, although sometimes I think 'maybe I should do XYZ'  I make my annual goals in April.  My personal view is that I'm more likely to keep a resolution if I make something small when it makes sense to me, rather than having large plans at a time when real life is on pause.

5. Do you have any traditions for celebrating New Year’s Eve?
Generally watch the fireworks in some way.  This New Year's Eve I sat in bed and looked out of the window, which was pretty and comfortable.



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