not my usual kind of weekend

Hello, how are you all? I am currently listening to a presentation part of the five day congress I am attending, from the comfort of my little home office. I moved an armchair into my small space on Friday so that I can be comfortable for five days of talks. I have a big screen to view the presentations but unfortunately, the resolution of presentations uploaded and streamed is not great. It is also more difficult to remain motivated, with nobody to network or chat between sessions. Not to mention the after hours congress events, where more networking is possible. On the other hand, I am wearing yoga pants and wooly socks and I can knit and stitch while listening. On the whole, I think virtual conferences are not for me, I prefer human contact and love the opportunity to spend a few days away in a city that is not Glasgow

Halloween was a bit of a washout for the kids. There was no guising in the neighbourhood (trick or treating for those not familiar with the Scottish term). I am ok with that, this holiday has never been a favourite of mine. Annie and the boys however were really keen to celebrate and planned a day of Halloween activities. They made small goodie bags for their favourite little children on our street, lovingly packed with a hand drawn card and some sweets and a satsuma. They also baked ghost madeleines and made a lentil soup for lunch. The afternoon was for pottering around. After macaroni and cheese for dinner, James and Alistair went guising in the house, knocking on bedroom doors, telling lame jokes and were rewarded with a few sweets by Annie. We watched Toy Story before bed. I am glad the kids didn't choose a scary movie, I am not keen on those. Bad for my sleep. 

The weather was and is atrocious Saturday and Sunday, not even the dog wants to go out... I can't blame him. I did take him on my jog today, knowing fine well he would slow me down. I was right and it was good. 

Friday on the other hand was gorgeous. Blue skies, sun and a gentle breeze. We invited friends over for a cosy evening gathering in the back garden. A fire and plenty of blankets provided warmth, the fire also cooked sausages. I should mention that I wore tights under my yoga pants, and a silky thermal top... I am a bit of a whimp with the cold. The cold ambient temperature kept the beer and white wine cool. A camping light and the full moon provided just enough light to see each other. Being a big family is difficult when we are only allowed to meet in groups of six from two households outside. So, James and Alistair were bribed with pizzas, fizzy drinks and unlimited screen time. They were delighted and spent the evening watching someone else play Minecraft in the living room, not bothered at all to be excluded from the two family gathering outside. It was such a lovely evening, I really loved the company. In moments like that, life almost feels normal. Who would not want to light a fire in the garden on the last day of October and sit around the fire pit, two families on opposite sides of the fire, having a laugh and some more substantial conversations, too. 

I must get back to my congress, there are two more sessions tonight that I am interested in attending. 

Have a good week, wherever you are. Stay safe and well xx