September ... ing

It looks like Mondays are my new posting writing days. And it looks like it is time to post some happenings with a now traditional ... ing post. Having said that, all my recent posts have an ... ing feel to them. Life is a bit like that, something here and nothing much there. We are bumbling along, doing ok, with a few exceptions. Richard is completely out of action due to a sick bug. We think that Alistair might have a food intolerance that gives him excruciating tummy aches. My bet is on the apples. I am a bit perimenopausal. Otherwise we are good.

Watching Alistair's seven a side football team being thrashed by kids twice their size. Making Alistair the new goalkeeper is maybe not the best coaching decision. That very same coach (aka PE teacher) believes that there is at at least one stay at home parent in each family that can take their child to football at a sports centre several miles away and in the middle of the afternoon. Not just once but every Wednesday. Pulling my hair out.

Soaking up the September sunshine at every possible opportunity. I very much like the September sun - it produces a gentle heat that is just perfect.

Admiring the early autumn colours. I do love the rich and slightly faded shades of green and the vibrant reds, yellows, purples and whites of various berries.

Stitching my ice cream soda blocks together, one after the other.

Attending prize giving for Annie's school. Our daughter is doing us proud, she got four subject awards for best National 5 exams (chemistry, geography, modern studies and history). She was beaming with pride as she was walking down the aisle in the local church (the school assembly hall is too small for children and families at the same time).

Cooking simple but nourishing dishes. Ok, I cooked one simple nourishing dish... I made a most delicious lasagna. I cheekily replaced every second layer of pasta with a layer of courgette. Courgettes are not popular here and to be on the safe side, I left half of the lasagna uncourgettified. Richard and I loved it, the kids refused to try. Next time I'll peel the courgette and I bet they won't even notice that it is not pasta.

Eating toast with butter and marmite. Such a comforting snack. I am also eating seeded folded flat breads with crunchy peanut butter and banana slices. This is my go to breakfast.

Enjoying my runs. I finished the couch to 5k programme and I am now catching up with my favourite running app (ZombiesRun if you are interested). I was on mission 23 in season 3 when I gave up two years ago. There are now 8 seasons and different modes of training built in. This should keep me on my toes for a while.

Listening to "10 minutes and 38 seconds in this strange world" by Elif Shafak. I am really enjoying this book.

Tidying and cleaning Alistair's room. He kept it tidy all by himself but it turns out that his idea of tidying is shoving everything under the old rickety sofa he has. We have all been there! I noticed when we had to move the sofa to accommodate a small desk on our work small adds website. It is a well made and well used solid little desk, perfect for a ten year old with little respect for furniture.

Keeping on top of my brand new spreadsheet based family budget. Keeping track of our money is a bit like trying to hold water in my hand. That's ok I guess but it will be useful to know how we spend money and where we can make savings.

Looking forward to the latter half of the week, which is full of fun. Book group and a charity fundraising event at the local bowling club.

Celebrating Annie's 16th birthday this week! Also celebrating Richard's birthday.

Thanks for visiting me today, it is lovely to see you. Christina x

EDIT: I am turning on comment moderation because of a flood of anonymous nuisance comments lately. You know the ones I am talking about, I am sure you do ("This is really fascinating, you are an overly professional blogger" etc etc). I know some of you have to leave anonymous comments, which is fine and of course I'll make sure to publish these.