Becky J
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jonesmum.bsky.social
Becky J
@jonesmum.bsky.social
81 followers 180 following 79 posts
Knitter, crocheter, reader, coffee lover, cheese nibbler.
Dreams of writing. One day...
Mum, wife, good friend.
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jonesmum.bsky.social
It's my birthday tomorrow.
So I'm toasting the end of my 4th decade with a glass of Speyside Whisky, from the Strathisla Distillery, which was bought for my 40th.

Here's to whatever the next decade will bring. I go forward with my heart full, and head high.
*and possibly a slight headache....
The whole picture if of a glass raised in toast, to honour my last 4 decades on this earth. A tv is on the back wall, showing a riverside scene, with 2 chairs draped with blankets, next to a blazing fire pit. Either side of the TV are lush plants in pots, lit up by fairy lights. The ambient light is soft amber. In the foreground is my black-sleeved arm, raised, and holding a plain, narrow and tall straight-sided glass containing a dark, amber-coloured drink. I'm not sad to be getting older. What a privilege it is to make it this far!
April 30, 2025 at 10:29 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Had a lovely family walk in the bluebell woods.
So nice to get out, listen to the birds, and relax in nature
The whole scene is lit up in the afternoon spring sunshine, highlighting the colours against the shade. In the foreground, last years leaves lay on the ground, with green leaves and shoots showing brightly against the brown. In the middle of the picture, highlighted in a patch of sunshine is a drift of bluebells, the violet-blue of the flowers floating above the glowing green of their leaves below. There are large trunks of beech trees casting shadows across the ground. In the distance, peeking through the trunks, is another patch of sunlit bluebells. It's a beautiful and relaxing place xx
April 20, 2025 at 10:58 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Exactly the same time. Nearly killed me, but my pride couldn't let her just stroll past!

Anyway, this is what she kind of reminds me of when she swims towards me
A metallic dark pink gas masks shell, with two round hollows for the eyes, and a large round hollow for the mouth. The Bobber looks like this when gasping for air as she surfaces. Well, maybe not such a big mouth.
March 6, 2025 at 10:20 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Pool Tales.
The Bobber.

The Bobber is a sleek, determined, and rather rude young lass. She's there most days. She's faster than most in the medium lane, and boy, doesn't she just know it!

She wears a tight swim cap, very round goggles. She does a speedy breast stroke, going underwater
1/3
An underwater photo from an empty indoor swimming pool, looking from one end of the pool to the other. The dark blue, and dark aqua-green lines on the floor are reflected in in the ripples on the underside of the surface. The bottom of the pool reflects the ripples of light and shadow from the surface. The whole scene is a calm study in shades of blue. https://www.ukposters.co.uk/swimming-pool-f83866376
March 6, 2025 at 10:09 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Pool Tales, pt 1.

I'll start with the characters I've met.

The Gentleman.

He's in his late 70's to mid 80's. He's there every morning I've turned up. He is slow, but he gives it his ALL. Full Wellie!
He'll stop after every length to let some folks go past.

He only does about 20 lengths a day.
An underwater photo from an empty indoor swimming pool, looking from one end of the pool to the other. The dark blue, and dark aqua-green lines on the floor are reflected in in the ripples on the underside of the surface. The bottom of the pool reflects the ripples of light and shadow from the surface. The whole scene is a calm study in shades of blue. https://www.ukposters.co.uk/swimming-pool-f83866376
March 5, 2025 at 8:20 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
I've had a few health issues rear their ugly heads over the past few weeks.

Ultimately, I should be fine, but let's say I've had a warning shot across the bow, and I need to make some changes.

Amongst other things, I've started to swim in the mornings.

'Pool Tales' will be my record....
An underwater photo from an empty indoor swimming pool, looking from one end of the pool to the other. The dark blue, and dark aqua-green lines on the floor are reflected in in the ripples on the underside of the surface. The bottom of the pool reflects the ripples of light and shadow from the surface. The whole scene is a calm study in shades of blue. https://www.ukposters.co.uk/swimming-pool-f83866376
March 5, 2025 at 8:15 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
For context, I used to go to school with the amazing woman who is Dr Ben Neuman's wife.

I trust him far more than anything this guy has to say.
A picture of an oddly coloured, unhappy looking Robert F Kennedy Jr, sat facing the camera, with various people sat behind him. He's kind of a dark mahogany with a slight purple tinge. He doesn't look well. Underneath is text that reads With Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. now in charge of the Department of Health and Human Services, infectious disease experts tell 21 News they hope he doesn't apply some of the controversial comments and beliefs he's espouse in the past. "If we're talking about a person who is essentially in charge of healthcare in the United States, having beliefs like vaccines don't really help, it's kind of like putting somebody who has a very sincere belief in the tooth fairy in charge of all the dentistry in the country," said Dr Ben Neuman, professor of Biology at Texas A&M University. "It's a lot to load onto a person and i hope he can carry that load."
February 15, 2025 at 9:31 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
What a lovely weekend. Easy. Relaxed.

Seeing the steam rise from melting frost, and the moon and Venus shining bright.

The hubsters birthday is tomorrow, so today we took the kids and their partners out for lunch.

#ImCelebratingjoynotpain
A back garden scene, looking from one garden to the next. In the background are evergreen trees. In the foreground is a lilac bush, its bare stems glowing in the winter sun. As the sun streams through the trees, the early morning light highlights the mist rising from the fence, as the sun melts the frost An indigo late evening sky. The moon is crescent, and Venus is a shining point at the 4 o'clock mark. At the base of the picture are the silhouettes of winter trees, and two street lamps.
February 2, 2025 at 9:47 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
After this past week, this seems appropriate.
White text on black background: "There were people who'd steal money from people. Fair enough. That was just theft. But there were people who, with one easy word, would steal the humanity from people. That was something else" - Terry Pratchett, Men at Arms #Discworld
February 1, 2025 at 8:20 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
😍😍
A beautiful black and white photo of a young Audrey Hepburn. She is facing the left, and looking sideways towards the camera. Underneath, is the following quote, 8n white text on a black background.: "Nothing is more important than empathy for another human being's suffering. Not a career. Not wealth. Not intelligence. Certainly not status. We have to feel for one another if we're going to survive with dignity" - Audrey Hepburn -
January 30, 2025 at 10:11 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Great quote.
Love Granny.
[ ] Screenshot of black text on a pale yellow/orange background. "It's not as simple as that. It's not a black and white issue. There are so many shades of grey" "Nope." "Pardon?" "There's no greys, only white that's got grubby. I'm surprised you don't know that. And sin young man is when you treat people like things. Including yourself. That's what sin is." "It's a lot more complicated than that…" "No. It ain't. When people say things are a lot more complicated than that, they means they're getting worried that they won't like the truth. People as things, that's where it starts." "Oh, I'm sure there are worse crimes…" "But they starts with thinking about people as things…" Carpe Jugulum by Terry Pratchett
January 26, 2025 at 8:22 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
On the topic of birds!
🤣🤣🤣

*I don't endorse this 'paper', it's website or anything related to it, but this is funny!
A screenshot. At the bottom is a collage of four photos, showing a blue parrot with a yellow face on the tiled roof of a house from various angles and distances. One photo shows the long ladder propped up against the apex of the roof. There is a fireman at the top of the ladder There are two other close-up photos taken from a different angle. In one you can see the fireman reaching towards the parrot while looking towards the camera. He has a white item on his right shoulder. Possibly a blanket or bag. The parrot looks to be about 1.5 metres away. In the closer up pic, the parrot is now nearer to the fireman, who looks to be talking directly to it now. He has a bowl in his right hand. There is one more pic, which is a very close in angle of just the parrot on the roof. The words at the top of the screenshot are: 'British journalism at its finest (laugh emoji)' (Then there is a headline banner, mainly in turquoise blue. It reads 'Daily Mail' on the left, and 'More stories' on the right) "Foul-mouthed parrot stuck on a roof for three days greeted firefighters sent to rescue it by telling them to f*** off"
January 25, 2025 at 11:17 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Another favourite.
A bright bonfire is burning high against a dark sky. To the right of the picture is the silhouette of some trees seen against the last of the waning twilight. The heart of the fire is bright white and pale yellow, edged with bright orange. Fiery sparks are flying out to the left as the wind whips the flames. There is a warm orange glow on the ground around the fire. Above the flames, written in white lettering against the dark sky are the following words: '"Sometimes it is better to light a flamethrower than to curse the darkness" - Terry Pratchett'
January 25, 2025 at 9:19 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
One of my favourite quotes by Granny.
Sir Terry Pratchett, wearing a black cap and shirt, and black, round-rimmed glasses. His beard is full, white, and closely trimmed. He is looking towards the right, at the camera. Underneath his face are the following words: 'Evil begins when you begin to treat people as things.' Terry Pratchett English humorist, satirist and author (1948 - 2015)
January 24, 2025 at 7:11 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
It's been a long week.
But I'm happy. Chilling with friends, and the hustler, is one of the best ways to relax on a Friday night
A glass of white wine and a half drunk pint if Guinness on the bar at the Local Pub. It's the most haunted pub in Tonbridge, Kent UK, apparently. We are having a great time!
January 17, 2025 at 8:03 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
I feel this is going to be me for most of today.
Oh dear!
I had a thought, but unfortunately I had a second thought. They ricocheted off each other and now I can't find either anymore.
January 17, 2025 at 6:00 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
In other news, it's a beautiful, cold (-4°c) morning here, and I'm having a lazy start.

Have a good day all 😊
Taken from an upstairs window, the view shows the frosty back gardens of houses, with a tall hedge of evergreen pines along the back edge. Further out, you can see trees and rooftops stretching to the horizon. Everything is covered in such a thick layer of frost. It looks like there has been a light dusting of snow
January 12, 2025 at 10:31 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
THIS! This is what my group works for.

It's so lovely to get such feedback, and to see the joy our efforts bring.
There are 6 photos on the left side, in 2 columns of 3. Each photo shows a senior citizen, sitting in a chair, with a handmade blanket in their hands or on their laps. Each blanket is different and beautiful. On the right side is part of a screenshot message, which reads as follows: Hi Suzie, Here are some pics of the residents with their beautiful blankets. I have to say, everything i see them now, they have their blankets with them, so they're obviously a big hit! Once again, a massive thank you to you and your crochet group not only from us here at Cedar House but also from the relatives of the.... And then it's cut off.
January 12, 2025 at 10:23 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Pics from work, 2 days apart, Tuesday and Thursday.
Very lucky to work in an office with these views when I step outside.
We got enough snow here in this part of Kent, UK, to look pretty, but not cause too much disruption.
Sending love to those suffering extreme conditions elsewhere in the world.
A frosty sunrise. The picture is split, with the top half showing the lightening skies. From the top down, pale blue skies turn peachy, then golden. Pale grey clouds pick up the pinks and blues. The bottom half shows dark green, frosty grass for most of the foreground. There is a brick wall coming in from the left, following the horizon line. In the distance are dark jills. A few trees reach for the skies. It's a very peaceful scene. A snowy sunrise. This photo is mostly shades of greys! The sky dominates. Soft grey clouds allow glimpses of a pale blue sky that lightens to a brighter pale yellow. The grass in the foreground has a light layer of snow. Not enough to cover all the green. It's more like a light dusting of icing sugar. There is a dark wall coming in from the left-hand side, along the horizon line. There are dark grey low hills in the distance, and a few close by trees are wintery black and rising above the horizon, towards the sky.
January 9, 2025 at 9:27 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Wishing everyone a Merry, Gentle Christmas.
Xx
A 7ft tall artificial Christmas tree, in the corner of a room. The walls are cream, and on the left, you can just see the dark grey edge of the patio door. The tree is decorated with gold and navy blue baubles and gold twirly ribbons.. the lights in the tree are twinkling, and the room is bathed in golden light. It's a beautiful scene.
December 25, 2024 at 8:37 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Last year, I was written off work due to work related stress.
It was the worst I'd felt in a very long time. I couldn't carry on in such a toxic environment.
That's when I had my first manicure. A treat.
It gave me such a boost to feel a little bit pretty.
Never underestimate the power of treats!
My hand, palm facing the camera, with fingers curled over to show the nails. The nails are painted in a dark brown colour, thst has glitter in it. It's called 'Frosted Dark On the index finger there is a white snowflake. On the ring finger there is a gold glitter snowflake, and small white dot near the nail bed. The background is dark. I have my nails done every 2-3 weeks now because: a) it still makes me feel pretty to have nice nails, And b) I can afford it now, and I'm supporting a local small business. After having spent most of my life not being able to do them myself and make them look good, and not being able to afford to get them done, this is a small luxury that I allow myself.
December 21, 2024 at 8:53 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Today I feel exhausted and totally out of spoons. (Google spoon theory if you're not familiar with the term)

Phoning into work to take a day off felt a little like I'm juggling with a knife. I've been promised a discussion when I'm back in.

Trying not to borrow worry from the future
A screenshot taken from a Facebook post By lecturn-fullcauldron I know we talk about lot about keep jumping on boxes, but I'm honestly so grateful for Joe Hills' knife theory: a variation on spoon theory that says once you're out of spoons, you can choose to take knives instead in the knowledge that it will hurt later, and the number of times I've told myself 'ok let's take the knives' is something high that I've found it really helps to acknowledge it. Thanks Joe. By bogwitchgirl I think there is amessage here that a lot of people don't get: there is a cost when you don't have spoons for something and some force compels you to do it regardless. This is the first I've heard of "knives" in the context of disability, but I'm disabled and retired entirely because I took more knives than I can ever begin to count at my old job, and was never given a chance to recover from all the stabs and slices. So I feel like "knives" could do with being more widespread, so that people better understand the choice they're making and the toll it can take if they do things they don't have the spoons for. Screenshot of a response to the post in the previous picture. By Nate Dennison: There's also "fork theory." Forks are external stressors that may be removable. http://jenrose.com/fork-theory/ By Amanda Duncan Nate Dennison I have sensory issues and this is a really good analogy. I usually imagine being pecked by chickens, but I think this might highlight it better for people.
December 11, 2024 at 8:40 AM
jonesmum.bsky.social
Our local church is displaying the Christmas tree created by my craft group.
It's covered in small blankets that will be sent to the charity Reverse Rett in January. They are knitted or crocheted in the charity colours.
They need to be small enough to tuck over laps that sit in wheelchairs.
A lumpy Christmas tree sits in a corner, covered in blankets. The blankets are made in the colours of Bluebell blue, and Spearmint green, the colours of the charity Reverse Rett. There are several blankets on view. Two stripey ones, a mottled one tucked under on the left. The one covering the top of the tree has a stripey square in the middle, bordered by solid blocks of colour in wide panels. It has a slim, bright pink border. The walls are wooden panelling, in a rich chestnut brown. The floor is light wood. In front of the tree is a cream fabric trug, with a tartan stag head on the front. There are several balls of yarn in the trug, in the charity colours. On either side of the trug are two picture frames, with information in them about the charity and the trug of yarn. More information on what's in those posters in the next photos. This is the first photo frames, with brief information about what Rett Syndrome is. It reads as follows: The Reverse Rett Christmas Tree This year, our tree is themed in support of the charity Reverse Rett. What is Rett Syndrome? Estimated to affect 1:10,000 people, Rett Syndrome is most often seen in girls and women because the gene which causes Rett is on the X chromosome. Girls and women have two X chromosomes whereas boys have one. The consequence of not having that ‘back up’ copy of the gene is devastating. Most children and adults with Rett are unable to speak, walk, or use their hands. Breathing problems, feeding tubes, seizures, anxiety, gastrointestinal, and orthopaedic issues are common. Research has shown that people with Rett Syndrome do not have brain damage. They know and understand much more than their bodies allow them to show – but they are locked in, trapped by a body that cannot obey signals from their brain. There is positive news though. Clinical gene therapy trials have been taking place in the US, Canada and the UK. For the most part, these trials have had mostly positive results, giving great hope to the Rett community around the world. Tonbridge Community Crafters has been supporting this charity by making beautiful blankets which are given out to newly diagnosed children. Want to get involved? Grab a ball or two of yarn, and make some squares! We ask for squares that are 20x20cm / 8x8” to give us consistency when sewing them up. Be creative. Knit or crochet. All will be welcome and will help us spread some love and joy amongst the UK Rett community. Many thanks! Becky, founder of TCC – Tonbridge Community Crafters This is the second picture frame by the tree. The information inside it reads: WANT TO GET INVOLVED?? If you would like to help make blankets for Reverse Rett, grab a ball or two of yarn and get crafting! We ask for squares that are 20 x 20cm / 8 x 8” in size, which can then be sewn up into the blankets. Squares can be knitted or crocheted. We will put a basket by the tree to collect the squares. Thank you for your support! Becky, Founder of TCC – Tonbridge Community Crafters
December 9, 2024 at 9:31 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
There are over 50 blankets here, created by the wonderful members in my craft group.

They have knitted and crocheted squares, strips, and entire blankets, which have been put together and distributed via local groups to those in need, such as care homes, and those attending the Community Larder
There are 6 large shopping bags grouped together on the wooden floor. 4 of them are lined against the wall, and two are in front. Each bag is piled high with beautiful, colourful blankets. They are knitted and crocheted. The blankets on view have colours of blues, whites, greens and pinks.
December 3, 2024 at 9:16 PM
jonesmum.bsky.social
He really, REALLY enjoyed his swimming, and the rubber chicken is a must!
A dog in a swimming pool. The water is a classic swimming pool blue and is blurry as the focus is the dog. He's conker brown with dark brindle stripes, and has a very serious look on his face. He has a rubber chicken in his mouth, as he swims, and is wearing a dark blue harness.
November 23, 2024 at 3:28 PM