March ....ing

Some of the photos today are from previous years, early March. I am only cheating a little bit. I didn't get a chance to take many photos since my last post, and to my great surprise I didn't even take a photo of Jack. I wish I had remembered to replace tulip bulbs in our big whiskey barrel planter, dug up during the summer by our resident squirrel. It doesn't look quite so good this spring. 

Gardening on a Sunday morning. I spent a couple of hours tidying up my perennial borders. I was cutting down long stemmed now empty seed heads and removing dead foliage from newly emerging growth. It is always satisfying to do this. There is a lot of tender new growth coming through and I am looking forward to seeing the first bursts of colour. 

Thinking about a garden update (in a vague sort of way). We need a new table and chairs and our decking needs a bit of attention. One of our low brick walls is leaning like the Tower of Pisa. It will need replacing at some point but for now, it adds charm to the garden.

Driving with Annie. She is a learner driver, not a bad one at all. But I find it a little stressful to sit in the passenger seat. I'd say it is a bit like being on a dentist chair. My body tenses up gradually until I notice that my teeth are hurting. Then I relax completely because there is really nothing to worry about, only to tense up again slowly and without noticing until the teeth hurt again. 

Soldiering on with home learning. I find the live gym sessions quite amusing to watch. You can see Alistair doing some squats in the photo above. A phased return to the classroom is planned for next week, we are talking half days once or twice a week. 

Running less and less. By the time I am done with work and chasing up youngsters to do theirs, I can't be bothered. Most days I walk though. Once James and Alistair are back at school, I can resume morning jogs, which is my preferred time for it. 

Sewing long sleeved t-shirts, something missing from my wardrobe. I made a Gable Top by Jennifer Lauren Handmade, a top with a slash neckline. The fabric I used was too drapey to hold the shape of the neckline. It is wearable though and I'll make another sometime. I then made two long sleeved Cashmerette Concord t-shirts, one with a structured knit fabric I had for years, the other with a pink and ochre stripe fabric. Both a success, really like them. I'll need to take some photos of my recent makes. 

Listening to the Rhona McLeod crime series, written by Lin Anderson. These are mostly set in Glasgow although some of the cases take the reader as far as Nigeria, the Isle of Skye and the Orkneys. The first book is the weakest but I am glad I persisted. It is good to have a series to focus on. Making decisions is not my strength, and that includes choosing a new book.

Ignoring housework. My theory is that dust bunnies will grow up eventually and move out. In the meantime, I have taken to watching them.

Eating the most delicious empire biscuits ever, baked by Annie. She is the death of my waistline. 

Watching re-runs of Star Trek Next Generation. I do like Captain Picard's gruffness. 

Celebrating the slow easing of lockdown. From Friday, we are allowed to meet in groups of four from two households outside. Cocktail party in the back garden anyone? I better dig out my thermals and the fairy lights. Children have it better still, they can meet in groups of four from all different households. I  am ecstatic! 

Hoping for dry weather (watery cocktails are no good)

Wishing you all a lovely day and week!