three days of sunshine

The sun is shining. Yes, you read right, the sun is shining. Again. It is rather unbelievable and most welcome. That would be the three sunny days in four. Quite possibly unheard of in the long history of Scotland. 

Joke aside, it is not even nine in the morning, I am sat at my office desk at the window, gazing out through the canopy of a gigantic monkey puzzle tree into the early morning sun. I might have to lower the blinds. I walked to work today, giving my bike a rest. I took the photos above on my walk into work.

We are on half term this week. Well, I am not as you can read above. Sam and Annie are enjoying lazy days at home. Richard took James and Alistair on a winter camping trip. They are staying in a wooden pod rather than a tent to keep warm. I got a text last night after they returned from a moonlit walk, ready to lighten the BBQ. Life is good in Dumfries & Galloway. With no one to get ready but myself today, I decided to use the time that I usually spend shouting at various offspring to make a treat for Sam and Annie: I 'made' croissants before I left for work. You know, the kind that comes in a tube that pops open to release a lump of dough that unrolls like loo roll? The croissants didn't rise but I am sure they will be appreciated all the same once Sam and Annie wake up (in the late morning no doubt). 

With the little creatures gone I got a flavour of how weekends will be once they have grown out of the needy period. The usually tight time stretched and inflated and enveloped me in a bubble of timelessness. I tidied and cleaned the living room knowing that it will stay like that until Tuesday evening. Then I spent the afternoon sewing, drinking coffee and sewing some more. I spoke to my favourite aunt and my brother and gazed out of the window. Later, Annie made pizza dough, Sam tomato sauce and I assembled the pizzas before we settled down in front of our favourite screens to eat. I felt rather decadent. I watched an episode of the X Files (I am on season 4 now). After dinner, the laundry almost folded itself, and even the ironing was not too bad, with another episode of the X Files. I was finished with chores by seven. More time to sew. I really really enjoyed myself. I wonder if it would get a little boring if I always had that much time? 

I also noticed how little my older children need me now. I could hear them in the background going about their own business. I am not quite sure if I am sad or happy about this. A bit of both I guess. Every now and then one popped downstairs to say hello, even to give a me a quick hug. They can be really delightful (they can also be really horrid). 

I just realise that I actually haven't got much to say but I wanted to note down how happy I felt yesterday and this morning so I could read this post at a later date, when I feel like hiding under the dining room table for a good cry.

Wishing you a happy and delightful week. xx