lifting boxes, scrubbing rugs and a bit of sewing

How are things? I just sat down after a busy morning and early afternoon. We are getting ready for Davie the painter to get started with what seem a monumental task of repainting a large part of the house. It will take a while, he is not doing all at once. First up is the extension, including my office/sewing studio. Back when it was built, we never painted the woodwork in there, and the walls only got a single layer of white paint over the plaster, which was meant to be a base layer but of course 5 years later, nothing has changed. It took me quite a long time to decant all my stuff to various other rooms in the house. I setup the small desk with my computer in the living room so I can work. I dismantled the two larger desks as I couldn't move them through the door. Then I punished myself with 40 minutes of kneeling and scrubbing the rug previously covered by furniture. It was particularly filthy where the cat flap is fitted through the wall. I made a start in the kitchen extension, took all the paintings off the wall and moved other bits and pieces out of the way. I found some historic school reports on our notice board and the long missing apostilled adoption certificates of James and Alistair I ordered to sort out their European Union citizenship were stuck behind it. 

Richard, the kids and the dog went for a day trip. With restrictions on movement within Scotland eased on Friday, they drove up to St. Andrews to have a wee look around the town and to explore the beaches. Annie is considering to accept her university place offer for St. Andrews but wanted to see it with her own eyes. I didn't go along because I wanted to have some peace and quiet and I didn't relish the thought of clearing the study upon a return in the evening. I cooked a boring curry for them, not my best but considering the ingredients available, it was ok. I hear the trip was a success, St. Andrews nice and the beaches great. They brought me back a Sicilian Cannoli and a tub of olives from the Italian delicatessen they found on the High Street. 

Knowing I would be without my study for a few days, I spent all of Saturday afternoon sewing a second Billie by Tilly and the Buttons sweatshirt. Bright orange, with orange and gold striped cuffs, neck- and hem band. I love it, orange is a favourite colour of mine, it makes me happy. I'll write a sweatshirt post soon to show you my two latest makes. I might take in a bit on the shoulder but a sweatshirt is quite forgiving for fit and I might not bother. I also sandwiched and basted a quilt that has been ready for this since Christmas, or thereabouts. It is the Lucy Boston inspired EPP quilt you have seen before, I had to take it off my wall anyway for the painting so thought I might as well finish it. It was quite forgiving because it was small enough to almost fit on our large table so no kneeling on the floor to baste the back, wadding and top together, which is what I do for larger quilts. I am going to machine quilt it once I have my desk back. I started another EPP quilt, my second Ice Cream Soda quilt by Tales of Cloths because I liked making it. 

In other news, I have been invited back as a guest on the podcast I was on twice before. I may one day share what it is called but at the moment, I feel too shy. It involves parasites and may not be to everybody's taste but of course I feel right at home with that. 

Secondary schools are finally back on Tuesday. The house will be awfully quiet without the three kids. I am not looking forward to poking a cotton wool bud down the boys throats and up their noses twice a week... Annie doesn't need help with hers, she is quite used to it now. The things we get used to! 

I also went for a jog this morning and with all the lifting and scrubbing, my body is complaining. I might have an early night so my body can recover. Also, I am almost certain I'll wake up around 4 am, worrying because I am starting two new courses tomorrow and although I am well prepared, this makes me anxious. Another 11 weeks of teaching but time will fly. It always does. 

Thanks for visiting, it is lovely to read your comments.