On a sunny Sunday

Oh man, I am tired. I really can't string two thoughts together. Last week was another stinker with far more work than I could handle. I can't wait for the summer term to finish (five more weeks to go). I am not feeling great, the burden of long working days is taking its toll on me. I might speak to my union representative, I feel completely unsupported and this spring alone, I worked through three holidays.

With that of my chest, I can move on to the pleasantries of life. The weather has been glorious. It is hot and sunny and I am loving it. I like the warmth of the sun on my arms. Sitting outside in the evening sun is just wonderful - if it wasn't for my irritating neighbours with their new hot-tub that produces a noise like an industrial vacuum cleaner. The new sound of British summer! I hope the novelty wears off soon, it makes me really cranky when I am trying to enjoy some downtime. They are so bloody noisy.

Lockdown is easing a little, we are now allowed to meet up with one other household per day, and outside with appropriate distance. James went for a walk with a friend on Friday. Saturday was Annie's turn, she went on a bike ride with one of her friends. Today, finally and with great anticipation, Alistair is meeting up with his best friend for a bike ride. I have yet to go for a dog walk with my friend. I was looking forward to this but this lockdown has been much harder on the kids than it has been on me and Richard and it is only fair that they get first dibs. Other than that, we are still staying at home.

Alistair and James decided to camp in the garden. They put up my old NorthFace tent. This was my home for five months when I was travelling around Australia back in my golden twenties. Of course they didn't go to sleep until after midnight and decided to move inside at 3 am, when Alistair needed the toilet. I am surprised he didn't just pee in the garden! I struggled getting back to sleep and briefly considered going for a run but that seemed a bit weird, although with the heatwave, it might be the best time of day for running... In the end I opted for a podcast to lull me back to sleep. Always works. I am tempted to camp out but the tent smells like it has been sitting in the garage for 20 years. Which it has, of course.

I am in between sewing/knitting projects and I feel a bit at a loss. I sorted through my pattern box instead and put those in the recycling that were fails, or that I no longer like. The majority of my patterns are pdf printouts and not suitable for charity shop donation. I like a good tidying up campaign. Thus motivated, I decided to do a big clean in the bedroom. I even cleaned my necklaces that are displayed around a mirror. They should really be around my neck but I only bother now when I have live online tutorials. The windows are sparkling, no dog nose prints at all. Jack likes to canvas the street during the night (he has a basket right next to the window).  I remembered the school uniform spares box under the bed and thought that the primary school polo shirts and jumpers that Alistair never grew into won't be needed ever again, at least in our house. I calculated that we've had a child at primary school for the past 15 years! I am not sure if I am sad to miss the final P7 play and assembly or if I am relieved. Alistair is not bothered at all, which doesn't surprise me the least.

When I was sorting through my pattern box I remembered a shirt dress pattern. I bought fabric for this last year, a pretty orange floral that I used to bind my latest quilt. I measured myself and noticed that my butt is a fraction bigger than previously. I blame Richard and his tasty sourdough bread. A fresh loaf is ready most mornings around 10 am. It is divine with butter and a generous spoonful of jam. We have loads of flour, including some lovely rye and strong wholemeal, I managed to get an order in with Shipton Mill two weeks ago. Our local shops still don't stock flour.

I sewed three masks for those of us that have to go shopping. Mine is made  with the final piece of butterfly fabric I found in my quilting scraps box. I admire anyone who sews mask for friends and family, it is just about the most boring sewing project ever. Alistair wants a mask but I can't see him needing one anytime soon. I doubt he'll volunteer to do the weekly shop! Sam tells me that quite a few customers are not wearing face coverings, which they should. He himself wears disposable ones when on the shop floor but not when he is behind the perspex shield.

My birthday garden bench is scheduled for delivery on Tuesday, I am so excited! I hope the weather stays warm and sunny for a while. I might make some cushions for the bench. I hope to take a day off next week, for my own sanity and to assemble the bench and then read a book in the sun.

On the topic of birthdays, our cat Pippin is 13 today! She is currently basking in the sun and enjoying life.

Ending on a positive note: I just arranged for that longed for dog walk tomorrow evening. I am dancing with joy.

Thanks for visiting xx