Sunday evening ramblings















Last week was not feeling it. I guess it was to be expected, being at home almost all the time is tiring in many ways, not least emotionally. Work is relentless but I finished marking for a colleague's course and that I consider a success. I think I am coming down with the lurgy, which is a bit of surprise considering that the only people I meet are those I live with. Maybe it is just passing tiredness.

Last week, Sam moved back to his own flat. It is currently empty but one of his flatmates will be back soon and I guess they'll form a new family group. I'll miss Sam, it was nice having him back and I am glad he came to stay with us for lockdown because I didn't like the idea of him all being on his own in a flat far far away. Well, not that far, it is in easy cycling distance. Of course I can go and see Sam anytime he works his shifts at the local Spar (we always need more milk or bread), although he is not allowed to serve family or friends. Still, I we can say hello through the tall perspex shield and smile behind our face coverings.

Although last week is not one I care to remember forever, the weekend was a pleasant surprise. We all did our own thing, and mostly without fighting. Richard bottled his freshly brewed beer and we should be ok for drinks for the duration of the lock-down. We had a Sunday family Zoom with Richard's brother and sister and their children and pets, which was fun. We ate far too much good food. I didn't venture outside all weekend, just pottered around the house and the back garden.

I like to do my weekend chores first and I did them on Friday night, while listening to an audiobook. A good story makes scrubbing the bathtub more pleasant and before you know it, all is sparkling and smells fresh. I sometimes feel like locking the bathroom from the outside so that it stays clean for just a bit longer but unfortunately, we do not have any locks on any of our inside doors and I would not want to encourage open defecation in the garden.

I spent many hours sticking together two pdf patterns and cutting fabric for two new garments, one the Friday pattern co. Raglan Blouse, the other the Blank Slate Patterns Blanc t-shirt (this is a free pattern, when you join the company FB group). The raglan blouse is so very simple, I finished sewing it already but I didn't feel like a photo shoot because my hair is crazy, my chin wobbly and it was raining, too.

I am on a bit of an Chief Inspector Armand Gamache binge at the moment. Last Thursday, I finished book 13 (Glass Houses), which I found very stressful, it was that tense. I actually increased the narration speed so that I could get through the particularly tense parts more quickly... I felt like I was cheating but couldn't bear the slow pace. I then powered my way through book 14 (Kindom of the Blind), which was almost relaxing after the rollercoaster that was book 13. I had to buy extra credits on Audible but I don't mind that because I am not spending much money at the moment.

Today would have been my granny's 100th Birthday! I miss her.

Do you watch "The secret life of the zoo"? If not, you should. It is oddly relaxing to see the animals at Chester Zoo go about their business. I am currently watching series 7. I am not sure if I fit the brief of the target audience but I do love it. My family thinks I am bonkers but sometimes the little ones join me for a few minutes. There are creatures in the zoo that I didn't know existed! It is on Channel 4 if you are interested.

And that's what I am going to do now, watch an episode and knit the collar of my warm wooly jumper. Just a few more rounds to do.

Our lock-down continues and I don't think this will change anytime soon. And so we'll continue to enjoy each other's company while missing that of friends.

Have a good week, wherever you are xx

Comments

  1. When does your term end Christina? Here, spring semester ended last week and summer semester starts tomorrow. I'm so happy and relieved that the spring semester is over. It was not an easy one. I hope you soon have a much needed break.

    Raglan blouse looks very nice.

    Hope you have a great week.

    xxx

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  2. I've never really gotten into audio books but I hear from so many people that love them that I might give them another chance! I especially like your audio book/bathroom cleaning idea ;o)
    I do hope you get some quiet alone time and that you are not really coming down with something nasty.

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  3. Your garden looks very well hydrated. :-) I enjoyed seeing all the photos. I'll be posting garden photos tomorrow, also. And some new yarn.. some new/old knitting needles.. and fish! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  4. we all have our blaaah days and weeks - i think you and i had the same kind of week... i hope the new week brings you much more and smiles and something more to be grateful for... thinking of you xx

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  5. I see you've had rain. It rained here last night for the first time in ages, so the garden will be very grateful for it.
    I've been experiencing a tough few days as well. I'm off work this week, however, so I'm going to take some time for myself, which has been sadly lacking recently.
    I hope it is just passing tiredness for you and not anything more worrying. X

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  6. I sincerely hope it is just a passing tiredness, causing the symptoms. Strange times we are living in. A joy to browse the photos, strawberries formed already you are way ahead of me. Take care.

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  7. I do hope that your feeling unwell is just tiredness. It sounds like you have been very busy lately. I am impressed that you can cut out a pattern and get it sown up so quickly, I am a slow plodding sower I have realised.

    One of my Grandmas would have been 100 this week too, what a coincidence that they were born in the same week! I miss her too.

    We love Secret Life of the Zoo here, we often go back to series 1 and binge watch all the programmes in batches. It is a great programme, my daughter loves it she is desperate to go and visit Chester Zoo.

    I hope you have a good week and feel better soon xx

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  8. I must give the Gamache series a try. I did get one from the library, but someone ordered it and I had to take it back before I'd started it. I've just started Hell Bay by Kate Rhodes, which Barbara at Coastal Ripples recommended. I'm enjoying it so far, there's a lovely portrayal of Bryher, the smallest of the inhabited Scilly Isles. Gorgeous flowers in your garden, it's looking really pretty out there. CJ xx

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  9. We are Gamache fans and, like you, usually listen. The next one will be out in September if I recall, and Penny is already writing the subsequent one. I don't know how she does it.

    Lurgy is a new word to me. I like it.

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  10. I really enjoyed the Gamache series and can't wait for more. Your garden pictures are great - all that color and rain drop sparkle! Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Always good to drop by and read about your week, although sorry to hear it was not so good last week. It’s nice that you have Had Sam with you. We’ve had my youngest back living with us during lockdown as his flatmate was not too good about hygiene etc and as a diabetic Jacob is quite vulnerable. So he has been working from home from our house, although he has found a new flat with his girlfriend and will be moving in a few weeks. I’ve not read any Gamache books so maybe some to try. I hope this week feels better x

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  12. Your flowers and strawberries look amazing! These are challenging times. I find comfort in nature and dog training. That show that you are watching sounds excellent. I have been observing the wildlife up at the cabin. It really relaxes me. The birds are so large and healthy! Their colors are magnificent. It's been perfect weather for bike riding, too.

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  13. I hope you are feeling better soon, it is good having the children home while at the same time wanting them to grow into independent adults. I say that as I have a fifty nine year old brother who still lives with my mum and no he hasn't moved back he never left! My oldest is planning to move in with his girlfriend possibly in July, it is a funny feeling. I also enjoy the secret life of the zoo and it is very relaxing. x

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  14. Yes, lockdown can get to you after awhile, Christina, and lately I have been feeling rather sluggish in the sense of when will things get better. I don't really expect that there will be a back to "normal" or pre-virus and not sure if that's a terribly awful thing to think about. In some ways, life has improved with families spending more time together, but it has also torn many apart and that has been terrible. I keep hoping there will be some sort of relief coming where nursing homes can allow family members in for visit, funerals can honor those who have passed in a more fitting way. We are doing OK overall, and I am thankful. The restaurants here opened for outdoor dining this week and from the looks of happy diners people are ready to resume some sort of social life, even if it's now at a distance. Your plants looks wonderfully vibrant with raindrops everywhere.

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  15. Lovely photos. Hope you've had a better week and are feeling happier and less lurgy-ish!

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  16. Hi,Loving the beautiful flower and plant photos.We are currently fighting the naughty people driving to our area and beaches if they are not local.Hope you are feeling better.Hugs xx

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  17. SO glad you are reading or listening to Louise Penny's books, my all time favorites! The flowers are gorgeous and I am glad Sam is safe, but like you I like my boys close to home. Stay safe my friend.

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Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment, I love to hear from you, I really do. I sometimes reply by email but I am not all that reliable... Christina xx

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