another Monday, another mixed bag of news

I just can't keep up with life... another week went by without me noticing or really living it to the full.

I made the mistake of briefly pulling my head out of the sand. Glancing at the news headlines triggered instant anxiety, anger and confusion. Brexit sucks, and those in charge in Westminster are fannies.

At work, I am trying to condense a scholarship project that will last three years into a single slide three minute presentation. I am using pick and mix sweets photograph as background because I am a bit eccentric. I am trying to convey diversity in case you are wondering. I also worry that our African students will be refused visas to come for a one week practical training element (see fannies, above).

The weekend was a bit of a blur. We went to Ikea to buy a new mattress for Alistair. They no longer appear to stock the mattresses for a European standard single bed (bought at Ikea). The new mattress is standard UK single and is 10 cm shorter... Still, Alistair is pleased because it is comfortable mattress, unlike the lumpy old one. I hope I don't bump into any acquaintances when I take the old one to the dump, I'd be mortified to admit that someone actually slept on this mattress. We also bought lamps for desks and bedside tables and new large glasses. We didn't buy napkins or any other assorted Ikea fripperies that have a habit of sneaking into the trolley. I kept a close eye on said trolley.

The house was in dire need of a good hoover. It is most surprising that Jack still is still covered in fur. Judging by the amount of dog hair in every corner of the house, he should really be completely hairless. I almost enjoyed cleaning the new shower room. It pays out that I spent ages searching for bits and pieces with minimal nooks and crannies that are time consuming to clean. Admittedly, the shower room looks a bit clinical with its minimalistic design but do I care? It doesn't photograph well, not big for even the widest angle wide angle lens. It is essentially white with a dash of light grey.

The garden is still gloriously colourful but oh so wet and soggy. The catnip plant is particularly glorious now that it is in a pot rather than in the ground and the cats can't get to it easily. The squirrel can and does, daily.

I find myself humming "I am a gummy bear". I know, my music taste is not conventional and considered a bit uncool by those in the know but the gummy bear song?? I blame the smallest offspring, who has been exploring old children's party playlists. If you would like to hum along with me, you can find the song on Spotify.

Do you remember Hama Beads? It is back in fashion in our house. Hama bead flowers, Hama bead butterflies, Hama bead smiley faces... it is quite addictive and keeps little (and not so little) fingers busy. When they are not creating non-recyclable plastic art, James, Alistair and their pal (our part time 5th child) have been playing Scrabble. A quick glance at the playing board made me giggle but I suppressed it and put on my stern mum face. All words but one (fantastic) were swear words. It was a bit funny, of course it was. Some interesting spelling variations, too.

I am assembling my Ice Cream Soda quilt, it is fun and rather quick. My mind is wandering to future EPP projects while my nimble fingers stitch the small shapes together into bigger ones. Time will tell.

I didn't take a single photograph last week! I really need to make an effort to document life. I used to take so many photos but I got out of the habit even though there is plenty to document. That amazing lasagna I cooked on Sunday night for example, followed by a blackberry and apple crumble. Good old Jack always makes for a good photo, too. And of course the children. I guess some of my favourite Ice Cream Soda quilt blocks are always pretty.

Thanks for stopping by and saying hello. I promise I will visit all my blog friends soon. I really will. How about lunch time on Tuesday? x