Out of time!
Out of time! I know it is the story of my life. I have so much to say and no time to say it. I have a lot of running around to do today and intended to write my blog (or at least start it) yesterday but I ended up babysitting and doing various tasks with my nephew's kids. My husband, son and daughter all set off before the crack of dawn this morning (daughter's 21st birthday present, a day of racing sports cars) so I have no help.
The AES show was good, lots of familiar faces to catch up with. I spent quite a bit but was very proud of myself as I stuck to the shopping list and didn't buy any new 'leaf eating' bugs. The range of tarantulas at the show was quite disappointing but it was after all an 'insect' show. There were lots of set specimens, they look beautiful but I have no interest in dead bugs, they must be much easier to look after though! I bought some more beetle larvae but I think that has to be it now until the new year. My bug room is truly heaving and I need to concentrate on the animals that I have and stop getting new ones. There were some lovely children's exhibits on the first floor of the exhibition. One little girl was adorable and had obviously worked hard on her silkmoth project. I took a couple of photos of her, with her display. She proudly offered me one of her giant caterpillars to hold. It's not fair why doesn't anyone in my family share my passion!
I have again had several visitors this week, it's definitely the way to go. It is really nice to show people my collection and spend a bit of time chatting (me chat? never). It also 'makes' me clear up before each visit, I don't like to work in a mess and I have to tidy up before people call as there is limited space in my bug room. I think estate agents would call it 'cosy'. Tuesday of this week was one of the busiest days of my life. I was going to give a step by step account of the day but it would take too long. Due to all the new animals that I purchased on Saturday, I had a deluge of orders, email enquiries and phone calls. I was in the middle of packing orders when a customer arrived to pick up his order unexpectedly (my fault for not organising a time). I was in such a flap that he ended up offering to help and went off to collect some bramble for me. It comes to something when I'm sending my customers off on errands!
Anyway must go and get ready for the day, open the bugs (spray cages, pull curtains, etc), walk the dog, check on mother in-law and then get out. I cannot believe it but I am yet again having problems with Vodafone. I assume it is the same mast down as before (intermittent signal for weeks in the summer), when the link goes I am receiving no calls or texts at all on my iPhone. It's a nightmare so I will have to visit our nearest Vodafone store today. I am getting nowhere on the phone as I only ever reach a foreign call centre. I have asked to be put through to the UK but it seems they cannot do this. I hate Vodafone! (I still have at least a year to go on the contract). Will try harder with my blog next week - honest.
Last thing, I nearly forgot, I was so pleased to get my Christmas cards organised early this year. I spent ages setting up the 'shoot' and sent off for the cards to be printed. They arrived this week and were such rubbish that I have received a full refund from the company. There were a number of reasons but now I need to start all over again. I could cry!