This evening

Outside my window a cool evening breeze, drying the clothes on my two washing lines. I have said it before, but one of my greatest pleasures is to see the laundry blowing on the washing line! You can't beat the smell of line-dried washing either, it smells of sunshine and fresh air.

I am thinking I really should bring the washing in and fold it, and clear up the kitchen.

I am thankful for the sunshine, chocolate, a new ecourse starting next week, and a free download of Susannah Conway's Photo Meditations ebook. Details here

In the kitchen Thai red curry, made with curry paste that was 1p a CASE! from Approved Foods. I used mince instead of beef or duck as it said on the packet. I also thought it was bland so added a couple of big dollops of Marmite. We had it with basmati rice, naan bread and mango chutney. I kind of liked it, but don't really want it again. Which is unfortunate as I still have about 12 packets of the curry paste.

This was my first Approved Foods order, and I have realised that I need to order more carefully! I assumed that 2500g of tomatoes would be split over several cans, not that I would receive one can the size of my HEAD. I also assumed that the 3 tins of tomato puree for a pound would be the usual little one-dinner type size of tin. There is enough puree in each tin for maybe 8 meals for 4 people - and I bought six cans. Conversely, I spent 25p on what I thought was a big box of Special K red berries cereal, and when it arrived it was one of those individual serving boxes. It seems I have a lot to learn.

I am wearing a black vest top, yoga pants, or to be more accurate non-yoga pants, flip flops. I am always in yoga pants when I do these posts, I have several pairs and tend to wear them around the house and save my nice clothes for going out. I do have a lovely pair of white gold earrings on though, does that make me seem more glamorous? Oh.


I am creating a Battenberg teacosy, a Jubilee necklace made from red, white and blue buttons, a pair of wrist warmers to be given as a prize in the WI raffle next week, and a twisty curly knotted lump of wool that is supposed to be a granny square - yes, I am still finding crochet a challenge.

I am going to - LEARN TO CROCHET!! LEARN TO CROCHET!! (and I am not the slightest bit tense about the difficulty I am having, can you tell?)


I am reading Tired of London, Tired of Life, a book which lists something to do in London every day, and making notes. I am also looking at a book about cottage gardens - I have plans for my little front garden, though it probably won't happen until next year, when the Prof has finished his MA dissertation. I would love a cottage garden, traditional plants and a winding path through the flower beds. I might even have a picket fence. 


I am hearing birdsong, a distant siren, the faint sounds of reggae music from a passing car. And now the dishwasher as well, as I just interrupted this post to tidy up the dinner things. 

Around the house piles of books, piles of clothes, piles of papers, piles of laundry, two big lads (the Young Philosopher has a friend staying), a very tired Prof, and me. 

I am enjoying The Voice, especially Bo . Also, this marriage proposal video

One of my favourite things My Auntie's bench. It used to be in her garden and I have happy memories of sitting there with her. Now it's in my garden, and like to sit there with a cup of tea and a book, and listen to the birds.

A few plans for the rest of the week tidying up the garden in preparation for planting up some pots of flowers for the summer months, ironing my summer clothes, catching up with the assignments in my drawing course and a classical concert in the Abbey ruins.


Joining the Daybook