Almost two weeks since my previous post, and I'm not really sure why the reluctance to blog. It's not through lack of things going on, that's for sure; indeed perhaps there has just been a little too much on my mind recently. To tidy things up, I'll attempt a quick round-up.
I have alluded to some paid work over the past few weeks. It wasn't planned or sought out, but when it was offered to me, I decided to try it out. Although I knew there would be some compromises to be made at home, I had not anticipated some of the other issues that cropped up and I have learned some valuable lessons as a result. I had many hours to give serious consideration to some quite 'big' issues - choice, agency, social/economic prejudices - and the realisation that not everyone gets the same breaks in life. The discussions I had in my head were wide-ranging and thorough, and found I had to challenge some mis-conceptions I hadn't realised I held (or perhaps unwilling to admit to). Temporary contracts, minimum wage, uncertainty, limited options . . . yes, plenty to think about.
My foray into employment didn't last long (my choice - and I realised that I was fortunate to have that choice) and I am now busy working back at home. I had missed it. N and I make a good team but we both need to be here to make our simple life work properly. Having said that, N has managed to get lots of odd jobs done - the second coat of paint in the kitchen and hallway for a start, no mean feat. And so much work in the garden, too. I found that I was so tired when I got home each evening that even though there were many things to be done, it was a real effort to do even a bit. The cleaning slipped, bread was bought rather than made, no sewing done at all. It's taken a few days to get back into a rhythm again while I try to catch up on bits that were left but I'm more or less there now. And it feels good. I've finally been able to dive into a pressing sewing project (why do I always leave these things till the very last minute?) which is going far better than I thought it would (and I should have learned that lesson, too!)
I must make mention of the water situation. The water butts were empty and we were diligently saving every drop of reusable kitchen water to keep the vegetables watered. No rain for days. Until yesterday, when it rained, not a light drizzle but a torrential downpour for the entire day. Apparently we had as much rain in one day as we normally get for the whole month. The storm drains overflowed, there was huge run-off from the parched ground unable to soak the deluge up, and roads were flooded. But the water butts are now full - hooray!
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Saturday, 25 July 2015
Friday, 19 June 2015
Such a lot of rubbish
The IW Festival is over for another year - after a bit of a downpour on Friday night the weather was good over the weekend and by all accounts a good time was had by all. I mentioned last year that we tend to avoid the area for the duration owing to traffic congestion and restrictions, and although in previous years the music has wafted our way (a prevailing wind helps), we heard nothing at all this year. We aren't on the main road anymore to watch the shuttle buses taking the festival-goers to and from the ferries so the whole event almost passed us by completely. I say almost, because this year I fulfilled a long-held wish (I admit I have some odd wishes!) - I worked for two days as a litter-picker, helping to clear the site of rubbish after everyone had left. To say that it was an eye-opener is putting it mildly indeed.
It's a huge site, far bigger than I had realised (I walked well over 6 miles each day), and cleaning it up is a massive logistical task. It's an ideal job for someone like me, who needs to tidy things up (!) but I was simply astounded by the sheer volume of rubbish that is left in the aftermath of such a weekend. Just so much, everywhere. I have heard tales of the rubbish, and seen litter-stewn fields driving passed in the car, but the first-hand experience was something else. Tents, folding chairs, camping and sleeping gear, clothing, and the remains of drink and food, plastic bottles, beer cans, wine bottles . . . everything you would associate with lots of people having a really good time, but it was just abandoned at the end. Truly staggering. Mountains of rubbish.
I'm still trying to get my head around it all. Have we become such a 'throw away', disposable society? Are products produced so cheaply, in such vast quantities, that they no longer have any value at all? Have we abandoned all responsibility for our own rubbish that we just leave it for someone else to pick up and deal with? The thought of all that 'stuff' ending up in landfill (I would love to think that it was all going to be sorted and recycled, perhaps some will, but the sheer volume suggests most just won't); the food wastage (why buy it if it's not going to be eaten?) I even saw two pushchairs abandoned on rubbish piles. I don't mind admitting that I brought one or two items back with me because I knew I could put them to good use; if I'd had a lorry I could have easily filled it with more very useful bits that could be repurposed, recycled, upcycled or just mended and reused, and at least what I salvaged isn't going to end up in landfill.
There are so many aspects of this and I shall probably be pondering it over for some time to come. I have no idea what the answer is, if there even is one. I am glad I had the opportunity to help clear the site, and I acknowledge that earning a little bit of money was a very nice bonus indeed. It is rewarding to enter a field that's covered in rubbish and after two or three hours of hard work, to leave that particular space a good deal cleaner than it was. I really enjoyed doing something quite different, and the weather was lovely. I got to wear a high-vis jacket, quite the fashion trend, and am now adept at picking up plastic cable-ties, bottle tops and cigarette stubs with a litter-picker. But I was, and still am, staggered by the amount of rubbish that was simply left behind.
And now I need to catch up on a bit of work around the house.
It's a huge site, far bigger than I had realised (I walked well over 6 miles each day), and cleaning it up is a massive logistical task. It's an ideal job for someone like me, who needs to tidy things up (!) but I was simply astounded by the sheer volume of rubbish that is left in the aftermath of such a weekend. Just so much, everywhere. I have heard tales of the rubbish, and seen litter-stewn fields driving passed in the car, but the first-hand experience was something else. Tents, folding chairs, camping and sleeping gear, clothing, and the remains of drink and food, plastic bottles, beer cans, wine bottles . . . everything you would associate with lots of people having a really good time, but it was just abandoned at the end. Truly staggering. Mountains of rubbish.
I'm still trying to get my head around it all. Have we become such a 'throw away', disposable society? Are products produced so cheaply, in such vast quantities, that they no longer have any value at all? Have we abandoned all responsibility for our own rubbish that we just leave it for someone else to pick up and deal with? The thought of all that 'stuff' ending up in landfill (I would love to think that it was all going to be sorted and recycled, perhaps some will, but the sheer volume suggests most just won't); the food wastage (why buy it if it's not going to be eaten?) I even saw two pushchairs abandoned on rubbish piles. I don't mind admitting that I brought one or two items back with me because I knew I could put them to good use; if I'd had a lorry I could have easily filled it with more very useful bits that could be repurposed, recycled, upcycled or just mended and reused, and at least what I salvaged isn't going to end up in landfill.
There are so many aspects of this and I shall probably be pondering it over for some time to come. I have no idea what the answer is, if there even is one. I am glad I had the opportunity to help clear the site, and I acknowledge that earning a little bit of money was a very nice bonus indeed. It is rewarding to enter a field that's covered in rubbish and after two or three hours of hard work, to leave that particular space a good deal cleaner than it was. I really enjoyed doing something quite different, and the weather was lovely. I got to wear a high-vis jacket, quite the fashion trend, and am now adept at picking up plastic cable-ties, bottle tops and cigarette stubs with a litter-picker. But I was, and still am, staggered by the amount of rubbish that was simply left behind.
And now I need to catch up on a bit of work around the house.
Tuesday, 2 June 2015
Is it summer yet?
Hello, June! Cold, wet and very windy - so not quite summer yet. We still have the winter-weight duvet and a quilt on the bed, and last night someone was even heard muttering about a hot-water bottle! It really has been a bit of a strange time, weather-wise.
A quick reflection on May; it's interesting to look back over the previous month to see what progress has been made. The garden was our priority and we have pretty much achieved what we set out to do (edging beds, a bit of planting and beginning work on the lawn). The veg plot/greenhouse is the main focus, and we continue to learn as we go, dealing with the inevitable blips along the way. A start has been made on the snagging projects in the house, odd bits of finishing off that somehow got overlooked (deliberately left!) in the renovation last year. And I met the challenge of walking the Wight - yay for me! May has also been a month for mulling things over, discussing and deliberating over what may be in the months to come, talking over possibilities and probabilities.
And so to June. As usual, I have made myself a list to act as a guide, to keep me focussed when all I really want to do is knit and sew - making things is such a distraction ;) I have found there is much more likelihood of tasks being completed if they are on my list, primarily, I confess, because I do like to be able to cross things off! Anyway, I will state here that I will recover the dining-room chairs (using a remnant of curtaining, so that's a freebie), I will finish a knitting project, and I will give the hallway a second coat of emulsion (we were a bit slapdash with our original painting there). There are several other jobs to do, and most of them will get done or at least started, but those are ones that I shall make a real effort to achieve.
We will potter along, keeping things as simple as we can, enjoying the very real pleasures that simplicity brings with it. Life has a habit of throwing up complications along the way - that's the way of things - but there's no point, IMHO, in making life more complicated than it needs to be.
A quick reflection on May; it's interesting to look back over the previous month to see what progress has been made. The garden was our priority and we have pretty much achieved what we set out to do (edging beds, a bit of planting and beginning work on the lawn). The veg plot/greenhouse is the main focus, and we continue to learn as we go, dealing with the inevitable blips along the way. A start has been made on the snagging projects in the house, odd bits of finishing off that somehow got overlooked (deliberately left!) in the renovation last year. And I met the challenge of walking the Wight - yay for me! May has also been a month for mulling things over, discussing and deliberating over what may be in the months to come, talking over possibilities and probabilities.
And so to June. As usual, I have made myself a list to act as a guide, to keep me focussed when all I really want to do is knit and sew - making things is such a distraction ;) I have found there is much more likelihood of tasks being completed if they are on my list, primarily, I confess, because I do like to be able to cross things off! Anyway, I will state here that I will recover the dining-room chairs (using a remnant of curtaining, so that's a freebie), I will finish a knitting project, and I will give the hallway a second coat of emulsion (we were a bit slapdash with our original painting there). There are several other jobs to do, and most of them will get done or at least started, but those are ones that I shall make a real effort to achieve.
We will potter along, keeping things as simple as we can, enjoying the very real pleasures that simplicity brings with it. Life has a habit of throwing up complications along the way - that's the way of things - but there's no point, IMHO, in making life more complicated than it needs to be.
Saturday, 28 February 2015
Farewell February; looking forward to March
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| A new shopping bag - fully co-ordinated this time! Another 'tick'. |
A damp and grey end to the month but I am optimistic we have hopefully had the worst of the winter weather now. Actually, this far south, we've really not had a harsh winter at all; no snow (boo hoo!) and rarely have the temperatures dipped below freezing, although it's certainly hovered around 0 degrees for a while. There are plenty of floral signs of Spring - crocus, daffodils, snowdrops - and we have so much more daylight, so lots to be grateful for.
My main goal for February was to begin a sort out of my wardrobe, and I have tackled it with enthusiasm, although there have been moments when I have been quite disheartened by the process. It's actually been quite an eye-opening project, and I have found myself pondering over more than just my clothes. I have come to realise that there are some underlying factors involved that I perhaps hadn't wanted to acknowledge and deal with, but hiding them away isn't the most helpful approach; the problems need to be tackled. And that is what I intend to do, gradually, one step at a time. The inter-connectedness of these issues is, on some levels, quite interesting to someone who has studied sociology - the expectations society puts on us, and indeed we put on ourselves, the media imagery that has become part of everyday life, the way we see ourselves and the way others see us - it's a fascinating subject. However, I think I need to spend a little time thinking about me, perhaps not something I tend to do very often, and sorting through my clothes has been a thought-provoking place to start.
This is obviously going to be a long-term, on-going project, but I am becoming quite excited about it because I have now discovered the world of sewing blogs. Why have I not come across these gems before? I am in heaven. Falling nicely in line with a simple life, what better way to create clothes that fit me than to make them myself, stepping away as much as possible from consumerism and clothes shopping. I love sewing, and I am suddenly filled with eagerness for dressmaking all over again. It seems like an unexpected but very welcome gift and I can't wait to get started.
And March? Well, out in the garden at every opportunity, planting seeds, tending crops and looking forward to our own veggies in a few months' time - there is nothing to compare to the taste of home-grown produce. So much goodness all around, so much to be thankful for.
Tuesday, 24 February 2015
The start of the new growing season
We have a seedling!!
The rocket has sprouted!! These seeds were only sown last week and have been taking in the light on the guest room window sill. This little chap popped up this morning and by this evening had been joined by about 20 more. It is always so exciting when seeds germinate, and the anticipation of a harvest in a few months' time is something to look forward to.
A parcel of goodies arrived today - lots more seeds. We've not used this supplier before and it will be interesting to see what success rate we have. So there's been lots of planning and looking up sowing instructions, and we are both eager to get working in the garden. We have some funds put aside for the garden, left over from the renovation budget, and we are hoping to spend wisely - it would be very easy to get carried away ;-)
My day got off to a better start than I feared it might - I've been nursing a broken tooth for a few weeks and had convinced myself that I would need either a crown (financially *ouch*) or an extraction (just *ouch*) but as it turns out, neither is needed, just a filling (she says cheerfully, me who is terrified of any dental treatment). However, the dentist was lovely and I feel relatively calm about things. And I won't need to take out a loan for the treatment so I am taking alll the positives I can.
I'm still musing over my wardrobe, or lack of it. A lot is to do with self-esteem; feeling good about yourself generally results in being confident in what you wear. We are constantly being bombarded by images in magazines and online, and there is a pressure to conform to societal expectations, especially, it seems, if you are of a certain age, and going grey! The colour/style/image police are everywhere - it you're this shape, you have to wear that style; don't wear this colour if you have that skintone; don't even think about this outfit if you are over 40, and so on. It's a minefield. I think the bottom line is - be comfortable in what you wear, be confident with what you wear, and most importantly, be yourself. Yes, I think there are certain shapes, styles and colours that suit different people - I know that I look quite ill in orange, for example, and deep scoop necklines look silly on me - and I would rather have a few well-chosen, co-ordinating clothes that will work together than a whole wardrobe full of mis-matched items that don't do anything for me. It's been an interesting foray into the world of capsule wardrobe collections and I shall take away some good ideas and suggestions to work with.
A busy day tomorrow - definitely needs a list so we don't forget things. Hopefully I can get on with a few more sewing projects after a bit of shopping for supplies.
And a phone call late this afternoon has put a very big smile on my face. Life is good.
The rocket has sprouted!! These seeds were only sown last week and have been taking in the light on the guest room window sill. This little chap popped up this morning and by this evening had been joined by about 20 more. It is always so exciting when seeds germinate, and the anticipation of a harvest in a few months' time is something to look forward to.
A parcel of goodies arrived today - lots more seeds. We've not used this supplier before and it will be interesting to see what success rate we have. So there's been lots of planning and looking up sowing instructions, and we are both eager to get working in the garden. We have some funds put aside for the garden, left over from the renovation budget, and we are hoping to spend wisely - it would be very easy to get carried away ;-)
My day got off to a better start than I feared it might - I've been nursing a broken tooth for a few weeks and had convinced myself that I would need either a crown (financially *ouch*) or an extraction (just *ouch*) but as it turns out, neither is needed, just a filling (she says cheerfully, me who is terrified of any dental treatment). However, the dentist was lovely and I feel relatively calm about things. And I won't need to take out a loan for the treatment so I am taking alll the positives I can.
I'm still musing over my wardrobe, or lack of it. A lot is to do with self-esteem; feeling good about yourself generally results in being confident in what you wear. We are constantly being bombarded by images in magazines and online, and there is a pressure to conform to societal expectations, especially, it seems, if you are of a certain age, and going grey! The colour/style/image police are everywhere - it you're this shape, you have to wear that style; don't wear this colour if you have that skintone; don't even think about this outfit if you are over 40, and so on. It's a minefield. I think the bottom line is - be comfortable in what you wear, be confident with what you wear, and most importantly, be yourself. Yes, I think there are certain shapes, styles and colours that suit different people - I know that I look quite ill in orange, for example, and deep scoop necklines look silly on me - and I would rather have a few well-chosen, co-ordinating clothes that will work together than a whole wardrobe full of mis-matched items that don't do anything for me. It's been an interesting foray into the world of capsule wardrobe collections and I shall take away some good ideas and suggestions to work with.
A busy day tomorrow - definitely needs a list so we don't forget things. Hopefully I can get on with a few more sewing projects after a bit of shopping for supplies.
And a phone call late this afternoon has put a very big smile on my face. Life is good.
Wednesday, 18 February 2015
Slow down
Some days, life just seems to be slightly out of synch, doesn't it? I'm just emerging from a couple of days like that, where I couldn't quite get into step with what I should do or wanted to do, when anything I tried to engage with was clearly not willing to co-operate, and where my mind was anywhere except where I'd like it to have been. On those days, I simply have to slow down, dig a bit deeper, grit my teeth and persevere, in the knowledge that the feeling will pass and I'll find my way back to the path I was on - or sometimes accept an alternative path that proves to be just as good.
I have picked up, and then put down again, several sewing projects, none of which I seemed able to get going with. A walk into town for a specific item resulted in not being able to find what was needed, so that project was then put to one side to join another which had also been abandoned almost before I had started. But this morning, after a good night's sleep (which was so needed, and much appreciated), I lay in bed watching the sun rise into a bright blue sky and knew this day would be better. And it has been.
Seeds have been planted - chillies, tomatoes, peppers and squash, and basil in their little 'greenhouses';
models finished;
Washing has dried completely outside - always good for the soul.
An unexpected trip to the pigs with little grand-daughter;
And a lovely couple of hours spent with a good friend; sometimes a chat over a coffee is just exactly what's needed to put things right.
Perhaps I needed to take a bit of time out from trying to achieve results - lists, projects, whatever - and just take what the day has to offer. Slow down, enjoy the simple things, look for beauty around me, it's there to be found if I look:
And tomorrow? Well, I'll take it as it comes.
I have picked up, and then put down again, several sewing projects, none of which I seemed able to get going with. A walk into town for a specific item resulted in not being able to find what was needed, so that project was then put to one side to join another which had also been abandoned almost before I had started. But this morning, after a good night's sleep (which was so needed, and much appreciated), I lay in bed watching the sun rise into a bright blue sky and knew this day would be better. And it has been.
Seeds have been planted - chillies, tomatoes, peppers and squash, and basil in their little 'greenhouses';
models finished;
Washing has dried completely outside - always good for the soul.
An unexpected trip to the pigs with little grand-daughter;
And a lovely couple of hours spent with a good friend; sometimes a chat over a coffee is just exactly what's needed to put things right.
Perhaps I needed to take a bit of time out from trying to achieve results - lists, projects, whatever - and just take what the day has to offer. Slow down, enjoy the simple things, look for beauty around me, it's there to be found if I look:
And tomorrow? Well, I'll take it as it comes.
Saturday, 31 January 2015
A look back at January, and forward to February
It's been an 'apron day' today - washing (machine and hand), bread making, bed change. All morning it drizzled and I had almost given up and resorted to drying the clothes indoors when the weather cleared, the wind picked up and I managed to get both loads of washing dried on the line outside. Result!
It was cold inside and the bread was extremely reluctant to rise so I tried the 'proving' setting on the oven for the first time and as the bread rose perfectly satisfactorily, I think that's a result, too. It will be a last resort but if all else fails, it's good to know there is a fall-back.
In between kitchen duties, I managed to finish machining all the gridlines on the quilt (that was the target I set myself for the end of the month) so I can tick that off the list, too. Yes, I want to do some machine quilting on the borders and part of the blocks, together with same hand-quilting, but the quilt is finished apart from the decoration. Sometimes the goals simply need to be attainable.
So, at the end of January, how are things looking?
It was cold inside and the bread was extremely reluctant to rise so I tried the 'proving' setting on the oven for the first time and as the bread rose perfectly satisfactorily, I think that's a result, too. It will be a last resort but if all else fails, it's good to know there is a fall-back.
In between kitchen duties, I managed to finish machining all the gridlines on the quilt (that was the target I set myself for the end of the month) so I can tick that off the list, too. Yes, I want to do some machine quilting on the borders and part of the blocks, together with same hand-quilting, but the quilt is finished apart from the decoration. Sometimes the goals simply need to be attainable.
So, at the end of January, how are things looking?
- bedroom curtains lined
- tea-cosy hat knitted
- bowtie quilt stitched-in-the-ditch
- kitchen cupboards cleaned and sorted
- eaten from freezer/store cupboards throughout month
- hall cupboard shelved
Probably a few more bits and pieces along the way, but, all in all, a positive start to the year. I have learned, very early on, that I can't do it all in one go. I can't implement lots of new ideas and routines at the same time, I need to try one or two out and get those bedded in before I add anything else. A little change at a time seems to be the way that works best for me. I have plenty of ideas in the pipeline, but it's going to be a gradual process. That's fine. I'm OK with that.
I also want to record here the books I have read this month:
- The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
- The Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
- The Story of Four Islands - Crawford Ivin (partly based on the IW)
- John and George - John Dolan
Not sure if I will remember to keep this list going but I've started with good intentions - sounds familiar!
And what of February? It can often be the coldest month here, but at the same time it heralds Spring, so there's much to look forward to. At home we hope to have a radiator installed in the guest room (the final expense indoors), have a proper sort out of clothes, and I need to set myself some sewing projects to complete. I also need to spend some time getting some order in the sewing room which is currently in a chaotic state, once again. Reading-wise, I'm trying to include a few of the modern classics in my library visits this year so I'll see what I can find on the shelves there next week. Continue with the menu planning, which is working so well, and a tighter handle on the grocery shopping - it's almost there, just needs a little tweaking.
And, obviously, some lists . . .
Saturday, 27 December 2014
A post-Christmas walk
We've had a quiet but very pleasant couple of days. Much-appreciated gifts, wonderful home-cooked food, one or two warming beverages along the way, phone calls to loved ones in other parts of the country. And, surprisingly for us, we watched some television; some very funny, entertaining programmes that have added to the enjoyment. We've also had some quietness, just right for reading, doing puzzles and crosswords. It's been a really nice mix.
I usually try to get out for a walk on Boxing Day but it yesterday was a bit wet and a warm house seemed as preferable option! However, today was bright and dry and I felt the need for a breath of fresh air. Yes, well, it was blooming freezing! N sat in the car and read while I buttoned up the jacket and set forth along the seawall. There were a few dog-walkers out and about, and some parents supervising small children on new bikes and skateboards but actually there weren't as many people as usual. It was cold. No, actually it was very, very cold! My ears and cheeks were stinging by the time I got back to the car and I'd only been out for half an hour. It had been very windy last night and the sea was stirred up, banking up pebbles and shells along the beach.
The beach-huts are all shut up for the winter, and look a little sad at present.
There's snow in some northern parts of the country, but I doubt we'll see any on the Island. The weather has to pretty extreme to see the white stuff this far south. I think we just have to content ourselves with some sharp frosts and very chilly winds, although I did manage to get the washing dried outside yet again.
I'm trying to marshall my thoughts for the coming year into some kind of order. It's always tempting to charge into new plans and challenges, with lists on clip-boards to organise the new year, and while there are things which I would like to incorporate into 2015 I think I have come to realise that nothing will be achieved, and indeed much might go quite the other way, if I don't take time to be kind to myself. This is something that has been on my mind for some time, and I think it is important to start off in a state of positive well-being. There is much to look forward to and I want to dive right in but I need to be in the right place to do that properly. And actually taking a little time for me is certainly going to be beneficial to not just me but those around me, so for me it makes sense.
But I think I'll still make sure that clipboard is to hand, just in case!!
I usually try to get out for a walk on Boxing Day but it yesterday was a bit wet and a warm house seemed as preferable option! However, today was bright and dry and I felt the need for a breath of fresh air. Yes, well, it was blooming freezing! N sat in the car and read while I buttoned up the jacket and set forth along the seawall. There were a few dog-walkers out and about, and some parents supervising small children on new bikes and skateboards but actually there weren't as many people as usual. It was cold. No, actually it was very, very cold! My ears and cheeks were stinging by the time I got back to the car and I'd only been out for half an hour. It had been very windy last night and the sea was stirred up, banking up pebbles and shells along the beach.
The beach-huts are all shut up for the winter, and look a little sad at present.
There's snow in some northern parts of the country, but I doubt we'll see any on the Island. The weather has to pretty extreme to see the white stuff this far south. I think we just have to content ourselves with some sharp frosts and very chilly winds, although I did manage to get the washing dried outside yet again.
I'm trying to marshall my thoughts for the coming year into some kind of order. It's always tempting to charge into new plans and challenges, with lists on clip-boards to organise the new year, and while there are things which I would like to incorporate into 2015 I think I have come to realise that nothing will be achieved, and indeed much might go quite the other way, if I don't take time to be kind to myself. This is something that has been on my mind for some time, and I think it is important to start off in a state of positive well-being. There is much to look forward to and I want to dive right in but I need to be in the right place to do that properly. And actually taking a little time for me is certainly going to be beneficial to not just me but those around me, so for me it makes sense.
But I think I'll still make sure that clipboard is to hand, just in case!!
Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Taking time out
All the making is done, gifts wrapped and under the tree, food prepared, guest safely collected. After a rather frantic couple of days, Christmas Eve finds us surprisingly calm and at ease with ourselves.
We had some fun baking Monday and yesterday, and have plenty of goodies to see us (and half an army, to be honest!) through the next few days. I tried my hand at a stollen cake - well, it's huge but so superior to shop-bought.
N has made mince pies, and I've also baked cherry buns and chocolate chip cookies, adapting the ginger biscuit recipe I've had previous success with. The grandchildren have tried them out and declared them to be better than the bakery ones so I think we may have cracked that one.
This afternoon, I made the most of the bright, sunny but somewhat chilly weather and took myself off for a walk. N is still nursing a very troublesome knee (he had finally got an appointment to have it checked out) so he put his feet up and watched the original Robin Hood film with Errol Flynn (what a very well-dressed band of outlaws they were!!)
My walk took me through the woods to the Quarr pigs - where else? - and it was lovely. The low sun sent shafts of light through the trees, and it was beautifully clear across the Solent to the mainland.
The pigs were very muddy but seemed to be blissfully content snuffling around. Mama pig had seven youngsters to keep an eye on.
I walked through to Fishbourne and saw one of the car ferries loading before its return to Portsmouth.
I certainly wasn't alone on my walk, many people were out and about enjoying such a lovely winters' day, but it gave me some time to my own thoughts. Being outside, enjoying the countryside always seems to bring some peace, and the opportunity for quiet reflection. I have some things on my mind needing reconciliation and resolution, and my walk this afternoon at least allowed me to simply think. It was good.
And tomorrow we will have a quiet, simple Christmas - with good home-cooked food and a few home-made gifts among the presents.
We had some fun baking Monday and yesterday, and have plenty of goodies to see us (and half an army, to be honest!) through the next few days. I tried my hand at a stollen cake - well, it's huge but so superior to shop-bought.
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N has made mince pies, and I've also baked cherry buns and chocolate chip cookies, adapting the ginger biscuit recipe I've had previous success with. The grandchildren have tried them out and declared them to be better than the bakery ones so I think we may have cracked that one.
This afternoon, I made the most of the bright, sunny but somewhat chilly weather and took myself off for a walk. N is still nursing a very troublesome knee (he had finally got an appointment to have it checked out) so he put his feet up and watched the original Robin Hood film with Errol Flynn (what a very well-dressed band of outlaws they were!!)
My walk took me through the woods to the Quarr pigs - where else? - and it was lovely. The low sun sent shafts of light through the trees, and it was beautifully clear across the Solent to the mainland.
The pigs were very muddy but seemed to be blissfully content snuffling around. Mama pig had seven youngsters to keep an eye on.
I walked through to Fishbourne and saw one of the car ferries loading before its return to Portsmouth.
I certainly wasn't alone on my walk, many people were out and about enjoying such a lovely winters' day, but it gave me some time to my own thoughts. Being outside, enjoying the countryside always seems to bring some peace, and the opportunity for quiet reflection. I have some things on my mind needing reconciliation and resolution, and my walk this afternoon at least allowed me to simply think. It was good.
And tomorrow we will have a quiet, simple Christmas - with good home-cooked food and a few home-made gifts among the presents.
Saturday, 20 December 2014
Busy days
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| Nothing says 'Christmas' quite like a pointsettia |
Apparently today was 'Panic Saturday' when every man and his dog went shopping for all those last-minute must-haves that are essential for Christmas. Oh good grief! I read an article on-line this morning and was gob-smacked by the figures (money) that were quoted.
There's still quite a lot of making going on hereabouts. The box N is working on is looking lovely; he will begin polishing it tomorrow to get the finishing sheen. I've started my part of that particular present today, fingers are crossed that the measurements I'm working on are accurate.
We have both been walking in and out of town quite a lot this week - the weather has been dry (hooray!) and chilly, ideal for brisk walking. We reckon a round trip is probably four miles and generally takes about an hour and a half, maybe two. I've done a trawl of the charity shops for puzzles, books and a DVD, and as there are, I think, 9 such shops, it takes a while to check them all out ;-) However, bargains are there to be had if you're prepared to take the time, and I've been surprised just how busy those shops are at the moment. Seems I'm not the only one happy to give them my custom.
We've got a menu plan sorted for the next week, and some alternatives to hand should there be last minute changes. The bread is baked and two of the three loaves are in the freezer; that will see us through next week. I have a couple of cakes and some cookies to make, probably tomorrow or Monday.
There are many things on my mind and most, to be honest, are not Christmas-related. I'm going to start jotting these things down as I think of them, because I need to come back to them in the New Year. I need to give time to these issues, deal with them and allow myself to move on. And there are lots of new challenges and ideas I'm looking forward to next year so a clear head will be a good start!
Tuesday, 16 December 2014
Talking it through
I knew I'd get my head around Christmas eventually. As with most problems or dilemmas, it just takes time and talking things through (a couple of shots of brandy seems to help, too!) and eventually some kind of resolution is reached. Perhaps it's having the courage to make decisions based on your own values rather than attempting to conform - whatever, we are at ease with the stance we have taken.
We finally managed to get some cards in the post today. Oh dear, it happens every year, this last minute rush, and it's always of my own making. But there is a bit more of a plan for the next few days emerging, and organisation in any shape makes my happy ;-)
We walked into town this afternoon (to post said cards) and on the way back, as the light was fading, we spotted a large dog fox slinking into someone's garden. I never fail to be thrilled to see any wild animal, and even in such an incongruous setting of a residential road, the sight of that fox made my day. Those are the things that are special and to be treasured.
This time of year makes me very reflective - for a number of reasons - and although I'm not usually one for New Year resolutions, which have a nasty habit of running out of steam by mid-February, if not before, I have found myself pondering over a few options and challenges for the coming year. When I turned 50, a few years ago, I cheerfully wrote myself a 'bucket list' of 50 things to do before I was 60, although I have a feeling I ran out of ideas by about number 38 or so. I cringe as I recall some of the items which I felt, at the time, were crucial and quite indispensible to my future happiness (owning a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes was, apparently, vital - I am quite ashamed to admit to that). A big shift in perspective and a desire for a far simpler life have changed my conception of what constitutes happiness and contentment. I think, come New Years Eve, I shall reconsider my 'bucket list' and jot down a few alternative ideas that resonate far better with me than the consumeristic diatribe I wrote last time!
I also think I need to take some more photos - my melancholia this week seems to have curtailed my artistic flair!
We finally managed to get some cards in the post today. Oh dear, it happens every year, this last minute rush, and it's always of my own making. But there is a bit more of a plan for the next few days emerging, and organisation in any shape makes my happy ;-)
We walked into town this afternoon (to post said cards) and on the way back, as the light was fading, we spotted a large dog fox slinking into someone's garden. I never fail to be thrilled to see any wild animal, and even in such an incongruous setting of a residential road, the sight of that fox made my day. Those are the things that are special and to be treasured.
This time of year makes me very reflective - for a number of reasons - and although I'm not usually one for New Year resolutions, which have a nasty habit of running out of steam by mid-February, if not before, I have found myself pondering over a few options and challenges for the coming year. When I turned 50, a few years ago, I cheerfully wrote myself a 'bucket list' of 50 things to do before I was 60, although I have a feeling I ran out of ideas by about number 38 or so. I cringe as I recall some of the items which I felt, at the time, were crucial and quite indispensible to my future happiness (owning a pair of Jimmy Choo shoes was, apparently, vital - I am quite ashamed to admit to that). A big shift in perspective and a desire for a far simpler life have changed my conception of what constitutes happiness and contentment. I think, come New Years Eve, I shall reconsider my 'bucket list' and jot down a few alternative ideas that resonate far better with me than the consumeristic diatribe I wrote last time!
I also think I need to take some more photos - my melancholia this week seems to have curtailed my artistic flair!
Monday, 15 December 2014
Is it just me?
A bit of a moan . . .
I am trying hard to embrace Christmas but I suspect I'm not really succeeding. It's a time of year I always have difficulty with and that seems to get worse as I get older. There's such a frenzy of pointless consumerism and 'must have' surrounding the whole season, an obligation and expectation on everyone to enjoy it all. I think I must just be a real humbug, because I struggle with it. I want to enjoy it, have fun like I'm supposed to but ...
I suspect much of my problem stems from a fragmented family. I seem to be in the position of trying to please everyone, trying to do the right thing by everyone, worrying myself silly over what other people think, and of course the end result is that I'm the one that's left with that rather disappointed feeling. There is a temptation, which has been voiced several times this week, that it would be quite nice to simply disappear over Christmas and come back when it's all over! Not really a viable option, I guess, but still fun to contemplate.
I know the feeling will pass. I give thanks that we are in a position to buy food and presents for one another as I am only too well aware that many do not have that option, but it's the waste that I think gets to me more than anything. We are so fortunate that there really is very little we need and not a great deal we want; our small list includes sandpaper for N and a large reel of sewing thread for myself - items which may seem mundane and boring to many but which will be very gratefully received and be used by us. Our voluntary work at the donation centre has really brought home to us the 'throw-away society' that we live in now; so much unwanted stuff, hardly, if ever, used. N and I will both be scouring the charity shops for books and puzzles which will be read, completed and probably returned for someone else to enjoy again.
Anyway, enough of the wingeing. I'm having fun making bunting and Christmas stockings. We've found that our decorations were fine at a two-bedroomed flat but look a little thin on the ground in a much larger bungalow. Any excuse to sew, I say. There's an assortment of cards and wrapping paper strewn around (the cards should have gone in the post by now but it happens every year) and there are scrawled lists on scraps of paper, presumably to remind us to do something terribly important on the appropriate day. It will all come right on the day, these things always do, and perhaps this indecision and uncertainty is all part of the build-up. We will have food to eat, a few gifts to unwrap, and a warm house to cosy up in. Many people would happily trade places.
I am trying hard to embrace Christmas but I suspect I'm not really succeeding. It's a time of year I always have difficulty with and that seems to get worse as I get older. There's such a frenzy of pointless consumerism and 'must have' surrounding the whole season, an obligation and expectation on everyone to enjoy it all. I think I must just be a real humbug, because I struggle with it. I want to enjoy it, have fun like I'm supposed to but ...
I suspect much of my problem stems from a fragmented family. I seem to be in the position of trying to please everyone, trying to do the right thing by everyone, worrying myself silly over what other people think, and of course the end result is that I'm the one that's left with that rather disappointed feeling. There is a temptation, which has been voiced several times this week, that it would be quite nice to simply disappear over Christmas and come back when it's all over! Not really a viable option, I guess, but still fun to contemplate.
I know the feeling will pass. I give thanks that we are in a position to buy food and presents for one another as I am only too well aware that many do not have that option, but it's the waste that I think gets to me more than anything. We are so fortunate that there really is very little we need and not a great deal we want; our small list includes sandpaper for N and a large reel of sewing thread for myself - items which may seem mundane and boring to many but which will be very gratefully received and be used by us. Our voluntary work at the donation centre has really brought home to us the 'throw-away society' that we live in now; so much unwanted stuff, hardly, if ever, used. N and I will both be scouring the charity shops for books and puzzles which will be read, completed and probably returned for someone else to enjoy again.
Anyway, enough of the wingeing. I'm having fun making bunting and Christmas stockings. We've found that our decorations were fine at a two-bedroomed flat but look a little thin on the ground in a much larger bungalow. Any excuse to sew, I say. There's an assortment of cards and wrapping paper strewn around (the cards should have gone in the post by now but it happens every year) and there are scrawled lists on scraps of paper, presumably to remind us to do something terribly important on the appropriate day. It will all come right on the day, these things always do, and perhaps this indecision and uncertainty is all part of the build-up. We will have food to eat, a few gifts to unwrap, and a warm house to cosy up in. Many people would happily trade places.
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Changing identites
On Saturday I became a mother-in-law. My son is now a husband. He married the love of his life in a beautiful ceremony in front of their friends and family. It was a hugely emotional day for me, far more than I anticipated, and for many reasons. But what shone through the whole day was the love these two young people have for each other. Quite simply, they make each other very happy. And as a mum, I cannot ask for any more for either of my children.
I have found myself in a very reflective mood over these past few days leading up to the wedding, and since. Memories of tiny babies, helpless and totally dependent. Schooldays. Leaving home. Changing roles; theirs and mine. I have given much time and thought to the concept of family, and the sad realisation that not all families 'work' even though we want them to. I am fortunate that I can surround myself with people I love, whom I care deeply about and who in turn feel the same towards me. The family configuration may have changed - some have chosen to leave - but I feel blessed and thankful to be part of the family that I have, and that has been added to this weekend as we welcomed Jo as our daughter-in-law.
We are now back home, and beginning to decorate the lounge. We'll get there.
It has poured with rain today, with some thunder thrown in for good measure. The garden could certainly do with a good soaking; the lawn in more brown than green and the leaves on the tomatoes have curled up. Yes, a drop of rain has been very welcome.
I have found myself in a very reflective mood over these past few days leading up to the wedding, and since. Memories of tiny babies, helpless and totally dependent. Schooldays. Leaving home. Changing roles; theirs and mine. I have given much time and thought to the concept of family, and the sad realisation that not all families 'work' even though we want them to. I am fortunate that I can surround myself with people I love, whom I care deeply about and who in turn feel the same towards me. The family configuration may have changed - some have chosen to leave - but I feel blessed and thankful to be part of the family that I have, and that has been added to this weekend as we welcomed Jo as our daughter-in-law.
We are now back home, and beginning to decorate the lounge. We'll get there.
It has poured with rain today, with some thunder thrown in for good measure. The garden could certainly do with a good soaking; the lawn in more brown than green and the leaves on the tomatoes have curled up. Yes, a drop of rain has been very welcome.
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Bits and pieces; random thoughts
Not sure why I haven't blogged for a few days. There's quite a bit going on in our lives at present, just odds bits and pieces, but it seems to create a somewhat disjointed sort of feel to the days. It'll pass in due course, I know. In the meantime we potter along, doing what needs to be done.
We've had the obligatory 'April showers' for the last 3 or 4 days, filling the water butts to overflowing and encouraging all those pesky weeds. And talking of the garden, it seems it's not just us who are partial to purple sprouting broccoli:
Something (we suspect the pigeons) has had themselves a tasty meal of all the florets! And, actually, looking at the photos, the leaves have been attacked good and proper as well :( Thankfully we can see the 'funny' side to this, and as N pointed out, we grew the brassicas more for a supply of leaves through the winter - the broccoli sprouts were a bit of a bonus.
We watch our little bluetits every day and we've persuaded ourselves we can recognise the male - he has rather scruffy feathers on the top of his head; he's obviously not ducking his head enough as he darts in and out of the nest-box!
Although the stormy weather of the winter is over, the legacy of fallen trees is evident; huge branches ripped off, trees completely uprooted, fences damaged. We've noticed quite a number of people are having trees and hedges cut back, and in some cases removed completely, opening up new views. It always looks so bare to start with. Perhaps people are realising the damage that a fallen tree can cause, and are taking action to prevent that happening. Whatever the reason, you can hear chain-saws being used on a very regular basis.
Since returning from Spain, N and I have had an on-going discussion about the price of food, and the availability of fresh, seasonal produce. And today we happened to see an advert on TV * encouraging people to abandon cooking and instead order takeaways via their mobiles! A bit disheartening, to be honest. We were at the supermarket yesterday, and I'm getting more and more depressed by the amount of 'convenience', in all it's guises, that is being offered to us. It's very easy to pick up read meals - and we do it ourselves, occasionally - but there's a danger people will forget how to cook a meal from scratch, or worse still, have never learned how to.
Finally, and with more than a bit of relief, I have found some fabric for my dress for the wedding - phew! I'm really pleased, it's a pretty 'floral-ish' patterned viscose in lovely summery colours, and it will drape beautifully. I'm looking forward to making it up.
*(We have been enjoying our annual dose of IPL - Indian Premier League - cricket, and the World Snooker Championship).
We've had the obligatory 'April showers' for the last 3 or 4 days, filling the water butts to overflowing and encouraging all those pesky weeds. And talking of the garden, it seems it's not just us who are partial to purple sprouting broccoli:
Something (we suspect the pigeons) has had themselves a tasty meal of all the florets! And, actually, looking at the photos, the leaves have been attacked good and proper as well :( Thankfully we can see the 'funny' side to this, and as N pointed out, we grew the brassicas more for a supply of leaves through the winter - the broccoli sprouts were a bit of a bonus.
We watch our little bluetits every day and we've persuaded ourselves we can recognise the male - he has rather scruffy feathers on the top of his head; he's obviously not ducking his head enough as he darts in and out of the nest-box!
Although the stormy weather of the winter is over, the legacy of fallen trees is evident; huge branches ripped off, trees completely uprooted, fences damaged. We've noticed quite a number of people are having trees and hedges cut back, and in some cases removed completely, opening up new views. It always looks so bare to start with. Perhaps people are realising the damage that a fallen tree can cause, and are taking action to prevent that happening. Whatever the reason, you can hear chain-saws being used on a very regular basis.
Since returning from Spain, N and I have had an on-going discussion about the price of food, and the availability of fresh, seasonal produce. And today we happened to see an advert on TV * encouraging people to abandon cooking and instead order takeaways via their mobiles! A bit disheartening, to be honest. We were at the supermarket yesterday, and I'm getting more and more depressed by the amount of 'convenience', in all it's guises, that is being offered to us. It's very easy to pick up read meals - and we do it ourselves, occasionally - but there's a danger people will forget how to cook a meal from scratch, or worse still, have never learned how to.
Finally, and with more than a bit of relief, I have found some fabric for my dress for the wedding - phew! I'm really pleased, it's a pretty 'floral-ish' patterned viscose in lovely summery colours, and it will drape beautifully. I'm looking forward to making it up.
*(We have been enjoying our annual dose of IPL - Indian Premier League - cricket, and the World Snooker Championship).
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Time out
We've had a few days away from things, time to stop and recharge the batteries and try to clear our heads of everything that has been going on recently. We knew that we were tired and we needed to be kind to ourselves. Sometimes it's important to know when to stop, step away from the problem and re-assess. We are fortunate that we were able to do that, just for a couple of days. We slowed down, chilled out and relaxed. We needed to do that. A spot of swimming, a steam room that cleansed, and time with loved ones has allowed us to get some perspective again. We can pick up the reins with clearer heads and move forward again.
Signs of Spring are all around. The hawthorn hedges are frothy with white blossom, there is a hint of lime green newly-emerging leaves on a few trees while others have fat buds ready to burst open. The birds are busy fetching and carrying twigs for nests. And it is getting warmer, gradually, and the days are longer. After the miserable wet weather this winter, these early spring days are such a blessing and a joy.
We were in the garden yesterday, just hoeing over the beds and pulling a few weeds. It felt so good to be outside, tending the garden, discussing planting options, airing the greenhouse. Time to sow seeds and start the growing process over again, to watch the seedling emerge, sending shoots skywards and roots deep into the soil. It's a magical time and is just what we need right now.
I had some time to myself this afternoon and I had a beautiful walk along the
front at Cowes. The sea was so calm, there was a haze across the water and the only sound was from the seabirds along the water's edge. It was just lovely and I was thankful of the time to simply stroll and enjoy.
The weather looks settled for a few days (along time since we could say that!) and I'm hoping to settle down again to enjoying the simple things of life that give so much pleasure. Just taking that bit of time out has swept the cobwebs away and given us the chance to re-evaluate and focus once again.
Signs of Spring are all around. The hawthorn hedges are frothy with white blossom, there is a hint of lime green newly-emerging leaves on a few trees while others have fat buds ready to burst open. The birds are busy fetching and carrying twigs for nests. And it is getting warmer, gradually, and the days are longer. After the miserable wet weather this winter, these early spring days are such a blessing and a joy.
We were in the garden yesterday, just hoeing over the beds and pulling a few weeds. It felt so good to be outside, tending the garden, discussing planting options, airing the greenhouse. Time to sow seeds and start the growing process over again, to watch the seedling emerge, sending shoots skywards and roots deep into the soil. It's a magical time and is just what we need right now.
I had some time to myself this afternoon and I had a beautiful walk along the
front at Cowes. The sea was so calm, there was a haze across the water and the only sound was from the seabirds along the water's edge. It was just lovely and I was thankful of the time to simply stroll and enjoy.
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| The car ferry leaving East Cowes for Southampton .... |
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| .... and the passenger ferry from Southampton arriving at Cowes. |
Thursday, 16 January 2014
A spring in my step . . .
I seem to have found my 'mojo' again! I'm fairly buzzing with enthusiasm, energy and general happy feelings. A very welcome change from the lethargy I was experiencing just a few weeks ago. I suspect it may have something to do with the prospect of a new house, but I think it's as much to do with the fact that we recognised there was a problem and made the effort to work out what it was, and then do something about it.
Although I didn't make any New Year resolutions as such, a few days ago I did jot down some things that I would like to try to make an effort over this year. Most of them are tasks or projects that I never seem to get around to finishing - or starting, for that matter. Constantly being surrounded by half-completed tasks is, I have come to realise, quite depressing. I know I am going to feel a whole lot better in myself if I deal with some of these, a bit like decluttering accumulated junk - not that these projects are junk, but they've been hanging around, sitting in corners or nagging at the back of my mind for a long time. Time for action!
Here's the list I came up with:
I'm slowly getting a household journal together, and know that I work particularly well with lists - they keep me focussed, organised and things actually get done. Having information together in one place makes a lot of sense and I've succeeded in reducing the pile of little notes I used to leave myself, so that feels good, too.
I am concentrating on finishing my daughter's 30th birthday quilt before I start or continue with any other sewing-related projects, although I did have to sneak in a quick alteration to a dress as it needs to go off in the post asap, but it was on the list for today, and it got done so that's very satisfying.
And today I took myself into the kitchen and did some baking.
Last Christmas, N gave me two baking books and I have frequently leafed through the pages, drooling at the lovely photos of yummy-looking cakes and biscuits. I have decided to just work through one book at a time, start at the beginning and make each recipe in turn. So today, the first recipe was Stem Gingernuts. I was organised, having checked the ingredients list in advance so I could buy the extra items I needed. I had the usual problem of finding baking trays that are small enough to fit in our narrow oven so I had to use an interesting selection of tins to fit all the biscuits on. However, the biscuits look just like the ones in the photo, and even better, they taste good and gingery! I've made a few notes in the book alongside the recipe - I reduced the amount of sugar slightly as I always find recipes too sweet, and I managed to get 30 biscuits rather than the 24 suggested - so that will be helpful as and when I make them again.
One of the benefits of working hard through the day, apart from the sense of achievement at getting things done, is that by the time I go to bed I'm that tired I actually sleep. A definite bonus!
Although I didn't make any New Year resolutions as such, a few days ago I did jot down some things that I would like to try to make an effort over this year. Most of them are tasks or projects that I never seem to get around to finishing - or starting, for that matter. Constantly being surrounded by half-completed tasks is, I have come to realise, quite depressing. I know I am going to feel a whole lot better in myself if I deal with some of these, a bit like decluttering accumulated junk - not that these projects are junk, but they've been hanging around, sitting in corners or nagging at the back of my mind for a long time. Time for action!
Here's the list I came up with:
- finish one project before starting another - I can but hope!
- try at least one new baking recipe a week
- make some Christmas quilts
- knitting and sewing for us - there's a long list of projects that are waiting for completion
- become volunteers
- make the effort to get out and about more
- read from a book list
- make more of an effort over meal-times eg tablecloth; napkins; crockery
- go through clothes, altering/mending where necessary
- make and use a housekeeping journal
- keep on top of emails and texts - clear out-of-date ones
- treat myself, just occasionally!
I'm slowly getting a household journal together, and know that I work particularly well with lists - they keep me focussed, organised and things actually get done. Having information together in one place makes a lot of sense and I've succeeded in reducing the pile of little notes I used to leave myself, so that feels good, too.
I am concentrating on finishing my daughter's 30th birthday quilt before I start or continue with any other sewing-related projects, although I did have to sneak in a quick alteration to a dress as it needs to go off in the post asap, but it was on the list for today, and it got done so that's very satisfying.
And today I took myself into the kitchen and did some baking.
Last Christmas, N gave me two baking books and I have frequently leafed through the pages, drooling at the lovely photos of yummy-looking cakes and biscuits. I have decided to just work through one book at a time, start at the beginning and make each recipe in turn. So today, the first recipe was Stem Gingernuts. I was organised, having checked the ingredients list in advance so I could buy the extra items I needed. I had the usual problem of finding baking trays that are small enough to fit in our narrow oven so I had to use an interesting selection of tins to fit all the biscuits on. However, the biscuits look just like the ones in the photo, and even better, they taste good and gingery! I've made a few notes in the book alongside the recipe - I reduced the amount of sugar slightly as I always find recipes too sweet, and I managed to get 30 biscuits rather than the 24 suggested - so that will be helpful as and when I make them again.
One of the benefits of working hard through the day, apart from the sense of achievement at getting things done, is that by the time I go to bed I'm that tired I actually sleep. A definite bonus!
Tuesday, 14 January 2014
First year celebrations!
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| Even on a cold winter's day this fuschia brighten up the garden |
On January 14, 2013, I tentatively began typing my first post, venturing into the unknown realms of 'blogdom' and not really sure, to be honest, what I was doing. By trial and error, reading books and other blogs, learning from mistakes, even asking questions on forums, I have muddled my way through a whole year of blogging. What started out as uncertainty has developed into a space where I can bring my thoughts together - or sometimes just type very random thoughts and ideas! - and set down our small steps towards simplifying our lives. Through the blog I have engaged with others around the world, frequently reading and just occasionally commenting. A 'blogging' highlight of this first year was being mentioned on the Down to Earth blog (thank you, Rhonda, for continued inspiration), and receiving comments on this blog and seeing the page views shoot through the roof was very exciting. I know from the stats that one or two people continue to read some of my posts, and that is lovely - do please leave a comment if you have a moment or two; like any blogger, I have come to appreciate the value of a comment.
Leading on from yesterday's post about lists, I excelled myself today - 14 tasks/items (I was clearly optimitistic yesterday evening!) on the list, and no less than 13 have been ticked off :-)) Not sure I shall be able to keep up that level of attainment, but I am certainly going to enjoy the feeling of satisfaction at the moment.
One of those items was to contact the estate agent re the offer we made on the house, which we did. A couple of hours later they phoned us to tell us that our offer has been accepted - lots of very happy dancing going on, and good reason to open a bottle of bubbly that we were given recently. We are so excited! Just think of all the lists I can make ;-D
We both feel so positive about this new phase of our lives that is just starting and I am looking forward to recording our progress here.
Tuesday, 31 December 2013
At the end of the year
I had planned to make the last post of 2013 a reflective, philosophical, meaningful resume of the year, with grand resolutions for 2014. However, like a lot of ideas recently, that hasn't quite materialised ;)
Instead, here are the latest quilt photos!
The weather continues to tease us; one minute it's fine, the next we're dodging a downpour. The clouds that came over the flat this afternoon didn't leave anything to the imagination:
So what of 2014? No New Years resolutions this year, I think. Just the hope for good health and simple pleasures. We have a wedding to look forward to and hopefully a house move (or two!) for various family members. I intend to see the positives, focus on that which is good and accept that on occasions, I cannot change some things, no matter how much I may wish to. The quilt will be finished, I will learn to make soap. We will take each day as it comes and be thankful for it.
2014 - bring it on!
Instead, here are the latest quilt photos!
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| A close-up of the border quilting pattern |
So what of 2014? No New Years resolutions this year, I think. Just the hope for good health and simple pleasures. We have a wedding to look forward to and hopefully a house move (or two!) for various family members. I intend to see the positives, focus on that which is good and accept that on occasions, I cannot change some things, no matter how much I may wish to. The quilt will be finished, I will learn to make soap. We will take each day as it comes and be thankful for it.
2014 - bring it on!
Monday, 30 December 2013
After the talking comes action
Gosh, yesterday's post was a bit glum, wasn't it? I think the sheer expectation that seems to surround Christmas these days simply overwhelmed me for some reason this year. I think N felt the same, although maybe not quite so forcefully.
Today we talked; we're very good at that! But our talking generally enables us to make progress with whatever it is that needs discussing, and that was the case today. We worked out one of the reasons we are unsettled here (it's an issue of autonomy, of not being in sole control of things as part of a 'flat community'), we've been doing some financial calculations, and we came to realise that the next house move doesn't have to be the final house move - if it doesn't work out, we can sell and move on.
We're going to see another property. One step at a time. Maybe it will be 'New Year, new start'.
The weather is still keeping us on our toes; another front, pouring rain, very blustery winds, then clearing up to a bright but very cold afternoon. I put the washing out but it was almost just as wet when N brought it back in again. The garden is squelchy underfoot and everywhere has a slightly windswept look about it.
This afternoon I made some decisions about the quilting on the borders of the quilt. I had tried to machine quilt some hearts in-between the feather patterns but I unpicked every single one - none of them looked any good at all. I was really disappointed with my efforts. Then I had the idea of hand quilting the hearts (using the same thread doubled), and it looks fine. Problem finally solved. I did all six hearts this evening, and hopefully tomorrow I may pin the border to the top.
I happened to glance out of the window this afternoon and caught the final rays of the sun from behind the clouds, and for some reason it lifted my spirits.
I marvel at the beauty of the sky. It has the power to uplift, sooth, inspire and I have become more aware of the simple pleasure of looking at it through this year, whether from my lounge window or the sweeping landscape of Orkney. There is a promise of tomorrow, another day, new possibilities.
Today we talked; we're very good at that! But our talking generally enables us to make progress with whatever it is that needs discussing, and that was the case today. We worked out one of the reasons we are unsettled here (it's an issue of autonomy, of not being in sole control of things as part of a 'flat community'), we've been doing some financial calculations, and we came to realise that the next house move doesn't have to be the final house move - if it doesn't work out, we can sell and move on.
We're going to see another property. One step at a time. Maybe it will be 'New Year, new start'.
The weather is still keeping us on our toes; another front, pouring rain, very blustery winds, then clearing up to a bright but very cold afternoon. I put the washing out but it was almost just as wet when N brought it back in again. The garden is squelchy underfoot and everywhere has a slightly windswept look about it.
This afternoon I made some decisions about the quilting on the borders of the quilt. I had tried to machine quilt some hearts in-between the feather patterns but I unpicked every single one - none of them looked any good at all. I was really disappointed with my efforts. Then I had the idea of hand quilting the hearts (using the same thread doubled), and it looks fine. Problem finally solved. I did all six hearts this evening, and hopefully tomorrow I may pin the border to the top.
I happened to glance out of the window this afternoon and caught the final rays of the sun from behind the clouds, and for some reason it lifted my spirits.
I marvel at the beauty of the sky. It has the power to uplift, sooth, inspire and I have become more aware of the simple pleasure of looking at it through this year, whether from my lounge window or the sweeping landscape of Orkney. There is a promise of tomorrow, another day, new possibilities.
Sunday, 29 December 2013
So that was Christmas . . .
Our visitor has returned to the big city (it was lovely to see her for a few days), the turkey and ham has been eaten (roasted, cold, in sarnies and in curry - entertaining nine hungry family members on Friday was a great way to use up all that food we bought 'just in case'!), the decorations have been taken down and packed away for another year and we're back to just the two of us.
The early frost this morning cleared to a beautiful day, bright and clear but rather chilly. We wrapped up and went for a walk along the front. The railway line is being cleared and I think the trains may be running again by tomorrow.
We walked to the end of the pier and saw the catamaran leaving for Portsmouth
I found Christmas a bit of a struggle this year. It seems to have got bogged down in a spending frenzy, an obligation to buy stuff for the sake of it and to eat and drink to excess. My Christmas spirit was sadly lacking and try as I could, I just didn't seem able to shed the feeling of sadness that threatened to engulf me on and off through the day. We're not on Facebook, which meant we didn't do all the sharing of 'opening presents under the tree' photos on mobiles that seemed to continue all through the morning - that's something else that sets us apart from so many people, we don't have electronic devices in our hands constantly! I worry sometimes that we are actually distancing ourselves from mainstream society but I just don't 'get' this compulsion to live life via social media. Is it me?
On our walk this afternoon, N and I tried to find the answers to some questions that have been on our minds for a while. Some of the problems are concerned with family issues that I choose not to discuss here, but they do, nevertheless, have a profound impact on our lives. Then there are the perennial questions that raise their heads on a regular basis, usually beginning with "shall we move house?"
There is no doubt we are unsettled but we don't really know why. However what is certain is that we need to do something. Our lives have changed since we left work, and in many ways we could not foresee - not everything seems to suit as well as it did. We need to find the answers, or at least have the courage to make changes, take risks and make decisions. Life is too short not to.
The early frost this morning cleared to a beautiful day, bright and clear but rather chilly. We wrapped up and went for a walk along the front. The railway line is being cleared and I think the trains may be running again by tomorrow.
We walked to the end of the pier and saw the catamaran leaving for Portsmouth
and soon after the hovercraft left en route for Southsea
I found Christmas a bit of a struggle this year. It seems to have got bogged down in a spending frenzy, an obligation to buy stuff for the sake of it and to eat and drink to excess. My Christmas spirit was sadly lacking and try as I could, I just didn't seem able to shed the feeling of sadness that threatened to engulf me on and off through the day. We're not on Facebook, which meant we didn't do all the sharing of 'opening presents under the tree' photos on mobiles that seemed to continue all through the morning - that's something else that sets us apart from so many people, we don't have electronic devices in our hands constantly! I worry sometimes that we are actually distancing ourselves from mainstream society but I just don't 'get' this compulsion to live life via social media. Is it me?
On our walk this afternoon, N and I tried to find the answers to some questions that have been on our minds for a while. Some of the problems are concerned with family issues that I choose not to discuss here, but they do, nevertheless, have a profound impact on our lives. Then there are the perennial questions that raise their heads on a regular basis, usually beginning with "shall we move house?"
There is no doubt we are unsettled but we don't really know why. However what is certain is that we need to do something. Our lives have changed since we left work, and in many ways we could not foresee - not everything seems to suit as well as it did. We need to find the answers, or at least have the courage to make changes, take risks and make decisions. Life is too short not to.
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