August ...ing

The first of August was Swiss National Day but we didn't celebrate. I did think at the time that I might like a Cervelat salad, which is uniquely Swiss and perfect for Swiss National Day in my humble opinion. It is a cold sausage salad, which my children think is unpalatable. I like mine best with Emmental cheese, pickled cucumber and a few tomatoes, tossed in a light vinegraite made with a Swiss seasoning called Aromat, which oddly is sold here. We can't buy the Cervelat sausages in Glasgow but the fat Dulano Bockwurst from Lidl come pretty close. 

Detecting a whiff of early autumn late summer in the air. It is still subtle but the tide has turned and there is no denying it. 

Taking my time selecting fabrics for my quilt blocks. I spend a lot of time pulling out fabrics, arranging fabrics and deciding what combination works best for me. It is an enjoyable process and one that I don't want to rush.

Tidying my sewing room/office space. I practically live in this room now because use it as my home office. I have full view of the garden and I spend much time looking out, probably more than I should. At the moment my whites are billowing in the gentle breeze and the bright orange crocosmia are putting on a good show. 

Eating Bibimbap, a Korean rice dish. Richard made the toppings (quick pickles, courgette fried in sesame oil, Swiss chard greens, tofu and fried egg, chilli sauce). One of my favourite foods. It is never boring and always tasty. We forgot to put kimchi on the table, which is a shame.

Avoiding cake. There has been too much cake in my life lately.

Listening to "Motherwell" by Deborah Orr. I enjoyed this memoir of growing up in Motherwell (a town close to Glasgow) but I found the parts describing family dynamics quite hard to listen to. 

Reading "Homecoming" by Susie Steiner. I loved this family drama set in a farming community on the North Yorkshire Moors

Getting used to our new little car. Driving it feels very different. The reverse gear is not where I am used to it but I found it. 

Loving my short hair. I went to the hairdresser and it was ok. I even had my temperature checked and I allowed myself to be soothed by this inaccurate tool to rule out infection. With my new cut, I can weather another lockdown should one be imposed. Oh Aberdeen, what can I say?

Feeling relieved that Pippin's operation was a success. The little little lump was a malignant sweat gland tumour but it was completely removed and she does not need further treatment. She was driving us potty, always trying to escape to the great outdoors and miaowing loudly in protest. She is currently reacquainting herself with all the nooks and crannies in the garden she so missed during her imprisonment. 

Despairing at work.

Waiting for my driving licence to be returned. 

Thinking about the return to school next week. Three kids, three different first day arrangements. There is now ample evidence that children can and do transmit the blasted virus and it will take just one to get sick for the house of cards to collapse. Still, school is important for their wellbeing (and mine) and it is time to go back. Alistair is somewhat excited to move up to Secondary School. 

Smiling about Annie's relentless push for little brothers to become valuable and useful members of society. Alistair is scheduled to learn to iron his school shirts on Monday. 

Also smiling about Jack helping Annie study chemistry. He is the cutest dog ever. 

How's life where you are? Thanks for visiting xx