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

Today

The view from our honeymoon cottage: would be nice to be there now

Outside my window it's a bit grey, but a lovely cool day. I know it's not a popular thing to say, but I enjoying this summer we are having, despite the rain. It beats sweltering heat hands down for me. 

I am thinking do I really have to go to T'ai Chi this evening? I'm tired. Answer: yes you do, or you'll get behind. (Grumpy face).

I am thankful for coffee. Books. The cool breeze. For the fact that I seem to be feeling a little better recently. 

From the kitchen roast chicken, new potatoes and peas in about two hours when it's cooked.  Right now, because I'm hungry and I can't wait that long, marmalade on toast.

I am wearing my old favourite hippy flowers top, silver sandals, black jeans that keep falling down because the Young Philosopher was in a hurry to go out and couldn't find his belt.

I am creating hmm, not a lot at the moment. I feel like knitting. 

I am going to make a lovely cup of rooibos tea for me and the Prof.

I am reading One Day, by David Nicholls - for the second time, to refresh my memory before seeing the film.  

I am hearing birdsong from the garden, and the fan oven. No, not birdsong from the fan oven, that would not be nice

Around the house Less mess than usual (reason for being tired: mucho tidying yesterday) 

One of my favourite things Pinterest! However did I manage without it?

A few plans for the rest of the week a trip to the library. Powerbook and What I Loved, which I reserved are now there for collection. I need to return some books and will probably get some more out too. Reading, obviously. Maybe some drawing, or some knitting. Definitely some extra sleeping. Oh, and spending some time on Pinterest....

Today: here comes the rain

Outside my window The rain is very welcome after the 90F heat of the last few days.

I am thinking what a lovely weekend we had. 

I am thankful for the slow cooker, currently cooking tonight's dinner so I don't have to heat up the house.

From the kitchen lime marmalade on toast for lunch, chicken quietly cooking for tonight's simple dinner of chicken, mustard mash and vegetables.

I am wearing my nightshirt! Haven't made it to the shower yet this morning afternoon. Its on the list.

I am creating along with the Prof, newly-married life. Thinking a lot lately about the kind of life we want to have, and what that looks like. 

I am going to put the kettle on for a nice cup of rooibos tea.

I am reading In the Kitchen, by Monica Ali. Enjoying it so far. 

I am hoping that the short recent upward trend in my health will continue beyond a couple of days.

I am hearing rain, distant thunder and the hiss of car tyres on the wet road outside my house.

Around the house laundry. Always laundry. Piles of books. Paperwork. 

One of my favourite things summer rain. I like to stand at the kitchen door and watch it.

A few plans for the rest of the week a T'ai Chi class, a B12 shot, home-cooked dinners, early nights

Today

Good advice in the post today

Outside my window the sun is shining

I am thinking have I got time to watch the DVD of Eat, Pray, Love before putting the dinner on? Answer? Sadly, no. I liked the book, but have heard bad things about the film. I thought I would give it a try anyway, I will let you know my verdict when I have had a chance to watch it

I am thankful for a friend who sent me a card to cheer me up today, especially as I know everything is not always easy for her, either

From the kitchen a smoked salmon sandwich and a glass of water with lemon. Soon to be followed by a packet of crisps and a coke. Balance in all things.....

I am wearing grey yoga pants, a grey and pink tshirt and my new earrings just because

I am creating a purple dishcloth and a menu plan for the next few days

I am going to finish this post and start cooking dinner

I am reading Overcoming Chronic Fatigue by Mary Burgess

I am hoping the weather will stay dry for the weekend

I am hearing various bleeps from the Young Philosopher's room, and the occasional car passing down our street. It's pretty quiet here, mostly

Around the house far too much mess

One of my favourite things sweet peas, and sadly I have missed the boat for buying some this year. Wedding got in the way! Not than I am complaining

A few plans for the rest of the week Sending out thank you cards for wedding presents, doing some writing, a day being a Saxon at the weekend (including using my new drop-spinning skills), and tidying up the garden. Exciting stuff.

Today

Outside my window it's a grey and chilly London day.

I am thinking how tired I feel, and my head aches.

I am thankful that taking a risk and ordering our wedding rings online worked out. We love them.

From the kitchen So far today (4pm), a bowl of cereal, a packet of bacon crisps, a coffee and a Coke. I know.

I am wearing grey yoga pants, my favourite old purple sparkly jumper and pink socks. It's a comfy day.

I am creating a wedding. Still. 9 days to go!

I am going to get the washing off the line before it rains, tumble dry the other load of washing that didn't get as far as being hung on the line because I forgot it, and check on the slow cooker. We have beef stroganoff tonight.

I am reading One Moment, One Morning, by Sarah Rayner. It's an easy comfortable read, and that's the mood I am in lately. There is so much noise in my head, I just need something to relax with.

I am hoping that the Prof and I will manage to get the programme for our wedding finished tonight. We've been up until the early hours the last two nights working on it and we are both exhausted, especially him as he is out at work all day too.

I am hearing birdies tweeting outside, and the Young Philosopher and his girlfriend laughing in his room.

Around the house a big pile of ironing that I am too tired to do, a backlog of taped TV programmes I need to watch.

One of my favourite things wine gums. They are a family favourite at the moment. I like the ordinary ones, the Prof and the YP prefer the sour ones. The sour ones make my face go funny.

A few plans for the rest of the week out for lunch for my Auntie's birthday with my Mum and the YP, shopping for a picture frame and some new jeans, wedding rehearsal.

Today

It's a chilly Spring day here in London. The forsythia is looking lovely, as is the mahonia. The hydrangea is coming out again. At the weekend it was lovely to see wild primroses blooming at the edge of the roads in Kent. It's so nice that Spring is finally here, I am sure that this has been the longest Winter ever.

The Young Philosopher is home from university. He didn't like being so far from home, missed everyone, and his dog, and one of his courses was not what he thought it would be. He has come home, and is going to take a year out and look for a job, and possibly apply to a London university for September 2012. It's lovely to have him home.

I came across the Simple Woman's daybook a few days ago, and I am borrowing the format for this post.

Outside my window the sun is trying to shine. It's chilly here in the house, in that weird Spring way when it's colder indoors than out.

I am thinking I have a lot to do today.

I am thankful for my home. My family. Friends who send me little cards and pressies in the mail.

From the kitchen so far, just coffee. Salad for lunch I think, with olives and sundried tomatoes.

I am wearing posh purple pyjamas and no socks. My feet are cold.

I am creating a wedding. Normal life will resume in May.

I am going to Hobbycraft to buy card for a wedding project.

I am reading Thrifty Ways for Modern Days, by Martin Lewis. I have read it before, just reminding myself of a few things. It's in my handbag, for dipping into. Waiting to be read are A Week in December by Sebastian Faulkes and The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy.

I am hoping that inspiration will strike me regarding what to cook for tonight's dinner.

I am hearing pigeons outside, saying 'how aw-ful, oh how aw-ful', and music from the Young Philospher's bedroom.

Around the house lots of bags and boxes that came home with the YP from university. Laundry.

One of my favourite things relaxing with a DVD or a book. If I get enough done, I might fit that in later this afternoon.

A few plans for the rest of the week - another wedding dress fitting, a meeting with our venue, a trip with my Mum in the endless quest for wedding shoes that don't hurt. Catching up with TV that we have recorded. Several early nights.