Friday

Good morning and welcome to Friday.  It's sort of sunny here on and off although quite chilly and the forecast is shocking - heavy rain and a stiff breeze according to the BBC.  Drat!

A total contrast to yesterday, then, which was a simply beautify summer's day.  Warm but not hot, a gentle breeze and wall to wall sunshine.  Perfect for a stroll around the village green with a friend.

We set off when Val arrived at twelve.  Writtle has a good car park for a village so there was no problem parking off the road.  We went straight to the little cafe called Robyn's Nest.  I've never been there before but I will go again.  It's got a friendly, retro sort of feel to it with lovely crockery, very olde worldy.  I had the house salad (bacon, stilton and walnut and very delicious it was too) and Val had griddled halloumi and peach which is what I'm going to have next time!

After a most satisfying lunch, we wandered up the street to a little gift shop where a few things caught our collective eyes so in we went.  It's a tiny place and the owner seems to showcase local crafts.  We both fell in love with some screen printed shawls and my eye was caught by the maker's name.  It was a name I recognised from my teaching days - someone I had taught quite a lot.  Not a 'usual' name so I asked and yes, it was the same person.  So, of course, I HAD to buy one of the shawls, didn't I?  To that I added a hand made card and, at the last minute, a pretty bangly thing, very fine and delicate, the sort of thing I will enjoy wearing and it's so comfortable I hardly know it is on.

We them wandered around the church which I have mentioned before, here, before strolling to the pond and watching the pigeons and doves chasing each other around and the ducks waddling to and fro, funny things.

As the poem says:

From troubles of the world I turn to ducks,
Beautiful comical things
Sleeping or curled
Their heads beneath white wings
By water cool,
Or finding curious things
To eat in various mucks
Beneath the pool,

The whole poem is here.  I love it, especially the last verse.  Do take a look.

So, all-in-all, an expensive but satisfying couple of hours with a lovely friend, a time to be treasured.

Pottery was, as always, satisfying, although things didn't go all that well.  I glazed the last leaf coaster so that should be ready next Thursday and then I turned to the shapes for the bowl I want to make.  Unfortunately, despite being wrapped, they had hardened in the fortnight over half term so I kept spraying them with water until they softened again.  This made the edged very soft and unformed though so I had to be so careful.  When we (the tutor and I) thought they were ready, we tried to shape them into the bowl mould and some of them cracked so I learnt how to repair a crack!  I had to make one new shape as a few were beyond repair.  We got there in the end and now it is sitting and drying off so I can smooth it off next week - very carefully!
I had my camera but forgot to take any photos, darn it!

In the time I have taken to write the above, it has clouded over and is now getting gloomier and gloomier so I have just rushed out to pick my breakfast strawberries (ooooh) and found a little bowlful which will go beautifully with some oat waffles and some vanilla yogurt.

Today, I was going round to a friend in the afternoon for a catch up, but she's not very well so that's been rescheduled.  However, in my morning stroll around the 'estate' I observed that those pesky runner beans I planted a fortnight ago haven't come up.  No one single bean.  I have no idea why not but they've had their chance and so I'm off to that nice newly discovered garden centre to get some plants.  It the weather plays ball, they will go in today.  If not, I will seize the first fine spell.

Before I go, I will take a look at my finances and see if I can afford another planter.  After yesterday's little splurge, I'm not sure, but - well, we will see.

I have some washing and some ironing and I want to spend another half an hour on my bedroom.  I'm really getting there now - setting the timer for specific spells of time works really well.  Yesterday I sorted out my shoes (no, it didn't take half an hour) and found that I have more than I thought I had so I have ordered one of those hanging shoe containers that can go in the wardrobe.  That should stop them from getting into a muddle again and save space at the same time.  No more tripping over escaping shoes!

Well, it is nearly eight o'clock and I still have another blog entry to write so I will stop, grab a coffee and get on with that.  I hope the weather isn't too bad your way and that your day is great!  xx

Thursday

Good morning

I was rather ashamed after yesterday's little grumble.  After all, I have a good life - enough food, warmth, shelter, finances, am retired with good friends and plenty of good things to do.  What right have I to take the gloomy pathway!  That was the theme of my self-ticking-off yesterday morning - after a reviving coffee.

So I decided to write down all the positive things I did during the day and here we are . . .
I planted a baby lupin, a gift from Dad, out the back
I picked strawberries - and ate them
I washed the bathroom floor - OK, it wasn't necessary but I accidentally splooshed a great wave of water over the side while having my bath!
I went shopping to Aldi and treated myself to a bunch of sweet williams, just because I'm worth it, as the advert goes
Then I went to Dunelm Mill next door to Aldi and bought four white hand towels for the new bathroom - I did need some but it felt indulgent, all the same
AND when I got home, I put it all away!
I'm now well stocked up with loo rolls :-)
I did 40 minutes of decluttering in my bedroom AND changed the sheets
I did all the washing and most of the ironing, all bar one load (the sheets) and even aired everything and put it all away
I went to SW group (two a half pounds on, oh dear, but it's another week now so no recriminations, just learn and move on) and I won the raffle.  Woo hoo.
Also, this morning the sun is shining and, as it rained yesterday, I don't need to worry about watering the garden, I have picked some strawberries and I have picked some little peas.  Yum.

All that listing has worked - it's cheered me up and made me feel that my day had some purpose to it after all.

I have been rather upsy downsy recently, I know, and I suppose it is natural and inevitable that I should find this so, but I am doing my best to be a Pollyanna and keep as cheerful as I can with just the occasional lapse.  Off loading to all of you is definitely helpful and I count you as a really positive influence.  Thank you very much for your kindness and understanding.

Today I actually have diary things to do.  This morning I will do the homey stuff - finish the ironing, tidy up, carry on with my bedroom (although it is looking so much better already, I am happy now to leave the door open now) and plan for today's tuition.
My friend, Val, is coming round and we're off to Writtle, a nearly village that has a delightful village green and some lovely old houses, for a stroll around and lunch.
Then I have tuition followed by dinner and  pottery in the evening.  I should be able to glaze my last coaster and then I will get on with my leaf/flame bowl.

I should be good and tired by bedtime, don't you think!
Have a great day.  xx

Wednesday

Good morning, everyone.  It's damp and dull and none too warm out there this morning and my optimism yesterday was very misplaced as by lunchtime it was chucking it down and continued to rain on and off for the rest of the day.  Today BBC weathjer says 'sunny intervals and a gentle breeze'.  Hmmmmm - we will see.

You know how sometimes you get these days where things seem to go just a bit wonky?  Yesterday was a bit like that really.  I had to dash out to pay a bill instead of the swimming I was originally planning, my friend didn't turn up for coffee, I managed to drop off some books at the hospice shop but nearly overturned a display, they the rain started so no washing on the line, no strawberries to pick, the meatballs I made were dry . . . oh, lots of little things.
I went early to bed!
Thankfully, it's a new day today.

I have nothing in the diary today.  I'd like to think that it means I will get loads of little things done inside but, in reality, I suspect I will snooze and idle.  It's SW group this evening and I am pretty sure it won't be great news on the weigh in front.  I'm carrying the effects of the weekend's indulgences.  Ah, well, that's life!

I seem to be uncharacteristally gloomy this morning - I think I need coffee!
Have a good day, one and all.  xx

Tuesday

Morning, everyone.  Fine weather seems to be the pattern at the moment and today is no exception.  No rain is forecast although it may not always be sunny; I think I will do my sheet change today and take advantage of good drying conditions.

After a good journey home with only the usual holdups, my two questions were answered - yes, there were strawberries and Beth had also picked some on Sunday and enjoyed them very much but no, the runner beans have not sprouted yet.  If they don't get their act together, I will be popping down to that newly discovered garden centre to get some little plants.  I HAVE to have runner beans.

The bad thing was that the moggy had left another little message, pesky thing.  I keep thinking of the rhyme we used to snigger over as children and which I was often tempted to use in phonics as an example of different ways to write the long 'i' phoneme.

Little birdie flying high
Drops a message from the sky
Angry farmer wipes his eye
And thanks the Lord that cows don't fly

(but I never did)
Anyway, the anti cat pellets are down now (and they stink)

The best thing was how much things had grown in two and a half days of warm weather.  The tomatoes are inches taller and needed to be tied up.  All the new plants have settled, the red pepper has flowers, the new geranium has flowers (as does the older one), the lupin has two spires of flowers and even the little fuchsias have buds.

The older geranium

The lupin

The new geranium

And one of the new fuchsias

To my delight, the pea pods are fattening up.  It's a jolly expensive way to have peas, buying them in a pot like that, but never mind, they will taste wonderful!  Must do the same again next year but grow from seed.  It might be worth planting several pots-worth. 

I got the lavender in but left the rest for today.  I have to say, I think June and July show my little garden at its best.  After that it tends to get a bit overgrown and seedy but right now it's a pleasure to look at, full of life, colour and promise.

I did my bit in school.  There was no homework to stick in straight after half term so I got on with photocopying all the sheets for next year's phonics homework and pretty much got that all done.  The file is now bulging at the seams and I might pop in later on in the week to replace some of the plastic pockets as they are in dire condition.

After tuition (fun, as usual), the evening was my own.  I meant to do ironing but after I'd had dinner, I was so tired I dozed off and ended up having an early night.

Today is a busy morning and a lazier afternoon and evening.  I have to whizz off to be at a shop when it opens at nine, to pay a bill and then, at nine thirty, a friend might be over for coffee and a chat.  Then I need to just check over my tuition planning and do some washing, change the bed, etc - usual householdy stuff.  I have recipes to make up and some meal planning to work on, plus a bit of garden stuff and some decluttering.  That last seems to go on for ages without any noticeable effect but I suppose one day it will all just fall into place.  Ho hum!

I'm hoping the weather is good where you are and that you have a really pleasant day.  xx

Monday

Good morning, everyone.  It's not exactly sunny outside but it is bright so fingers are crossed for an OK day today after a bit of rain yesterday late afternoon/early evening (great for the garden).

I really was in a bright and breezy frame of mind yesterday morning - it's something I'd love to be able to bottle and sell to make my fortune!  It lasted too; I enjoyed yesterday very much!

I went out early to start on the weeding and worked steadily through, just stopping for loo breaks and a drink of water.  It wasn't too hot, it wasn't too cold, it was just perfect out there and I managed to get all the side and across the back done (which is what was needed).  It was terribly overgrown although steady ongoing work by Mum in past years meant that there weren't too many weeds.  Give them a few years more and they would have taken over though!

This is a task I can take on once I get to Dad's every fortnight.  I've been looking for something since most of the things I used to do are now in hand and done.  Keeping those two strips in good order will add to Dad's quality of life.  He's been a fine gardener, ever since he was a little boy being 'mentored' and taught by his grandad and those strips were bothering him.  He has a gardener for most of the garden - it is a very big garden - but that particular bit wasn't a priority.  I can make it mine!

Here's some of M's vegetables.  Looking good, I think.

After lunch, we set off to Bickerdikes.  It wasn't as crowded as we thought although there were plenty of folk there, and the plants were lovely.  Dad mutters about prices but they're not particularly expensive, no more than anywhere else really.  He was looking for a clematis as the Nelly Moser he has had for decades is now on her last legs.  She flowered this year but the flowers are washed out and not a great colour and the plant is generally not great.  I'd told him about my Ooh La La and they had some in stock so that's what he got.  He also bought a lovely, bright leafed heuchera to go under a tree where it looked a bit bare after I had cleared it.

Here's the clematis waiting to be planted and the heuchera in its for ever place, one hopes.


As for me, I was very restrained and just bought what I went for, an old fashioned lavendar with that wonderful fragrance they have plus some anti-cat pellets.  I also have, in a bowl of water ready to wrap in newspaper and bring home, some lily of the valler, one hellebora and a bit of euphorbia, gleaned from my weeding and clearing.  I had a euphorbia from Mum but it died after a few years so this will replace that one, the lily of the valley will join the other bit round the front and the hellebore will be in a container (I think I said most of that yesterday but never mind!)

Here's what I came home with.  The cat had left another little message so the pellets are now down (and they stink!)

I'm back home this morning, leaving right after the milk run.  I'm wondering two things - will there be any strawberries and have the runner beans come up yet?  Fingers crossed.  Apart from that and the usual 'back home again' stuff, I have school this afternoon and then some tuition.  I think I am up to date with my planning but still need to go through everything.  This evening is free but I will have ironing after the weekend away and some telly to catch up on.


Have a super day.  xx

Sunday

Good morning, everyone.  Here I am, sat up in bed, laptop on knee, coffee behind me, window wide open, drinking in the fresh air from the open window and loving life.  It's great.

According to the BBC, it looks as if today will be the same as yesterday but about three or four degrees cooler - bright sunshine in the morning and more hazy sunshine in the afternoon.

I woke earlyish yesterday and, after the usual things - wash, dress, coffee but not necessarily in that order - I got out some of Dad's tools and attacked the side bed.  It was pretty overgrown and Dad wanted quite a lot of stuff right out so it was a question of fork in and heave.  I've discovered I don't have the weight behind the fork like I used to which made it flippin' hard work!  Absolutely brilliant exercise and I can feel it this morning.

Most of the stuff went straight in the bin but I do have a few lily of the valley roots in water to take home for the front and also one hellebore although that's going to go in a pot after seeing how invasive it can get and how difficult it is to get up!  I might pop down to that new garden centre and get another pot in the range I use at some point but, just for now, I have a boring old brown pot for it to go into.

By twelve thirty, the sun had moved into the garden (so to speak) and I stopped for the day.  No point getting a headache.  I shall carry on this morning and should get that side finished plus, maybe, a bit of the bottom too.

The aftyernoon was gentler.  I popped to Tesco and then more or less slept the afternoon away.  In the evning we went to see The Sound of Music with Ann and Zoe next door.  It was fantastic.  Staging opportunities were thin on the ground as they use a school theatre but what they did use was perfect, the back drops were good and as for the singing - wow!  The children, who can make or break this show, were utterly delightful and Leisl had a stunning voice.
A really good evening's entertainment.

And I won one of the raffle prizes!

Today I will do more gardening and this afternoon I might take a stroll to Bickerdikes (garden centre, of course) to explore their range of plants.  Will I buy anything?  Well, I do want a lavendar, a good, old-fashioned one without frills or French fancies as they have the strongest and loveliest scent so, if I do go, yes, maybe I will.
I also want to get some cat pepper.  The citrus only worked for a few days, darn it!
If Dad comes with me, I shall take the car, of course; after all, I'll have done my body magic for the day, good and proper.

It should be a good day and right now it feels absolutely perfect.  It's so green out there and all the mature trees are now fully leafed and are rustling gently in the breeze.  I have no work, no planning, no reports, no assessments, no resources to make, nothing but to take life at my own pace with one of my favourite people.  It's fab!

You have a good day too.
xx

Targets

At the beginning of April I set some targets but didn't review them at the start of May, nor did I sat any more.  So here's the April ones.

April targets:
1.  Lose the weight gained over the last two weeks by 'comfort' eating and maybe three pounds more.  I don't know what the bad news is yet but I will by tomorrow bedtime.  I'll do it by continuing to plan carefully, attend meetings and work on dealing with my bad habit of turning to food when things get tough.
Well, it's taken me two months, not one but yes, I've done that all bar half a pound so now I can move on into new territory again.

2.  Continue to use up stuff in the freezers and, as a result, minimising my April food costs.  By the end of the month, I would like to be able to defrost the smaller of the freezers but I can't until there's room to move stuff over to the bigger freezer.
Still working on this.  There's so much 'stuff' in each freerzer and, while there is more space, I'm not in a position to defrost the upright one yet.  It didn't help that I was away so much.
One to continue

3.  Finish sorting out the books in the work room.
Again, not totally there but it's definitely better than it was at the start of April.

4.  Give my 'gadgets cupboard' a good sort out.  There's stuff in there that hasn't seen the light of day since the last time I sorted it out so they must go;  however 'useful' I may think they are, they obviously aren't, they're just a waste of space. 
Also a work in progress.  I've sorted out some other cupboard space and am slowly working through stuff in the gadget copboard.  I do find it terribly difficult to get rid of stuff.

5.  Allotment - get it as sorted as possible.
Oh, dear.  But I do have someone who can help me with it.

Here's the new targets then.
1.  Continue on the SW programme and get into the next stone banding before my holiday at the beginning of July.  I'll carry on with SW - in fact, I have taken a twelve week Countdown - and keep to the planning.  I'll do SP from Mopnday to Thursday inclusive.

2.  Get the sorted out books to school for the July Fair.  

3,  Continue to use stuff up in the freezer plus, ashamed as I am to admit it, there really is some stuff that ought to be chucked.  How terrible is that!

4.  Get that cupboard finished!

5.  Allotment.  'Nuff said!