February ...ing

Almost mid February! I like February as a month, it is short, there are signs of spring popping up all around us and we don't have to pay council tax. 

Counting the flower stems on my Coelogyne orchid. There are six. This is my favourite orchid in my collection of many. The flowers are pretty and have a sweet fragrance that signals spring. It is an orchid that likes cool temperatures (it hails from the Himalayan region) and it thrives on neglect.

Building a snow man with Alistair (homework). James had to build one, too, but he didn't want any help. He built his under the bird feeders and now the birds are terrified. Two great snow people though, both with school ties. 

Walking not running. The pavements in wintery Glasgow are not cleared nor are they treated.

Cursing the acne on my face. Sadly, the treatments available now are the same that were available when I was 16 and they are still not great. 

Writing many words. After two years of procrastination, I finished a first draft application for a professional recognition that I urgently need to progress my career. 

Worrying about the continuation of my job. My contract is up for renewal again. There is never a guarantee, even with funding in place. Such is the life of an academic without tenure. 

Loving daffodils. These are such cheerful beautiful spring flowers, and such good value, too. Maybe too cheap, considering that daffodils are harvested by hand in the UK. I was surprised to read that but there you go. I have a bunch of on my desk because I spend a lot of time there

Eating a most delicious butternut squash chilli, made by Annie. 

Baking a Zopf, a traditional Swiss Sunday bread. It is an enriched bread, butter and milk make it most silky and soft. 

Shopping at the greengrocers. It is not exactly local but I had a physiotherapy appointment, which was just 5 minutes up the road. I bought three quince to make a dessert this weekend. I miss having a local greengrocer. 

Reading The Human Son by Adrian J. Walker. Science fiction of the most enjoyable kind. 

Sewing a stretchy black dress. It is a cursed project. I need more fabric because I didn't order enough and only noticed once I started sewing (I hadn't cut all the pieces, unbelievable). The fabric is on backorder, the dress on the back burner. Sewing a plain white t-shirt instead.

Knitting more socks. I am using a self-striping yarn with long colour repeats. I am not a fan of self-striping yarn but forgot momentarily when I saw the beautiful skein of various shades of pink. 

Waiting for spring. 

Saying hello to the hardy Highland cattle in our local woods. Gorgeous creatures, I never tire of seeing them when out walking.

Feeling thankful for all your comments. Welcome to my corner of the internet, it is lovely to meet you all, new and old friends and followers. It is a bit one-way at the moment and I not commenting as much on your blogs as I would like to. I am still here, still enjoying your posts. 

Logging off for the day. Thanks for visiting. Have a lovely weekend.