jelly legs and new beginnings

New beginnings... All children are back at school. It is a little weird not seeing them all day. Alistair started secondary school and seems ok so far although his tummy pains are back has now after a four months period of remission. I guess that clenches the diagnosis and explains why all medical investigations came back as negative. I am told there are different ways to access the building for different year groups, a strict one way system throughout, lots of signage, dozens of hand sanitiser stations, recess in class and pre-packed lunches at the cafeteria. Meanwhile in the classroom, children sit next to each other.  

In other news, I have a straight A student in my house. Annie is clever and works hard, her grades are well deserved. The doors are open for a bright future and I am excited to find out what she'll do. She has another year of school but will apply for University based on this year's results. We celebrated with a barbecue and a Colin the Caterpillar cake from M&S. I am sure all British readers will be familiar with this rolled cake... I really only like the feet but the children love a chocolate roulade covered in more chocolate.

Jelly legs... mine that is. I was a bit worried to see that the imaginary coach who lives inside my Garmin Forerunner watch scheduled for me to run 11.26 km last week. It seems such an odd distance but the coach being virtual, I couldn't see a way to question their sanity. I was meant to take a run/walk approach rather than run halfway and then collapse in a heap. I opted for 2 minute running followed by 30 seconds of brisk walking. It was not pleasant but it was also not awful. I am a bit worried about my fragmented meniscus acting up again but so far so good. My running shoes are the single most expensive item of clothing/footwear I own but I think I am worth it. If you are interested, it is a Hoka One One Bondi. The link is to the newer model, which has just been released but I have the previous edition. I can honestly say that I have never had such a comfortable and well cushioned running shoe. It is like walking on clouds. 

On shoes, I wear my previous worn out pair of runners every day. I haven't worn "nice" shoes in a long time. I might not be able to squeeze my feet in when the need arises.... When it is warm and sunny, I wear my shiny patent leather Birkenstock sandals. I own two pairs, one bright red, the other a navy blue. I might dust my Doc Martens for winter. 

We celebrated Jack's 6th Birthday. He is still a puppy at heart. Annie and Alistair made a batch of luxurious bacon and peanut butter dog biscuits. He loved them. Jack also went for a long walk with Richard and the kids (I preferred some me time). For the rest of the day, Jack did what he loves most. He monitored the comings and goings on the street from his vantage point in the bay window, he raced to the back garden to make sure foxes stay and he got plenty of rest. Oh to be a dog. 

Pippin the cat is back to her normal self. She brings back one or two mice every night and leaves them outside Annie's bedroom.

I don't feel creative at the moment, probably because I feel a bit blah overall. I am trying to finish the place mats I have been making from tiny scraps. I have quilted 7 of 8 so far. I am going to use binding remnants and I might zigzag this on for added stability because place mats get dirty and need regular washing. I have all the materials and notions to sew a skirt and a pair of trousers. Now I am waiting for motivation to make an appearance. Also for my waistline to return to pre-lockdown measurements. Meanwhile, I am cutting fabric for my EPP quilt, one block at the time. 

We received a surprise bag of chanterelle mushrooms from a friend who visits a secret patch of woodland every year for a harvest. In previous years, we got enough for an omelette or two but this year the mushrooms weighed in a 680 grams. It is apparently a very good year for chanterelles. I think they are my favourite mushrooms. I also like morels but I have yet to try fresh ones. I can see a chanterelle risotto in my very near future. I hope to preserve the rest, not sure how yet but the internet will tell me. 

My washing machine has started to selectively destroy my t-shirts. My favourite stripy t-shirt came out of the washing a few weeks ago with a 10 cm rip, very straight and neat. I mended it because the damage is on the back, I can't see it so doesn't bother me so much. Then yesterday my summery yellow top came out with a rip in the sleeve. It is so annoying. This is a more tricky repair, a triangle tear of sorts. There is nothing sticking out in the washing machine that would explain the damage and nobody else's garments seem damaged. A mystery. 

My tummy is rumbling and work is piling up... I better go! Thanks for visiting today. Have a lovely week xx