June ...ing

Worst month so far this year...  by no means terrible but the threat of suffocation by exam papers is high and that is not a good feeling. So let's pretend for a few minutes that it is two weeks later and those papers are marked and returned. There are always moments to enjoy and remember.

Eating delicious garlic rolls and steamed asparagus. We eat a lot of asparagus just now, the British crop is in season and it is ever so delicious (never mind the stinking pee)

Feeling a bit excited about the delivery of my brand new litter picker. Litter is a big problem in Glasgow, made worse by strong winds that deposit rubbish where it is difficult to reach.

Watching with despair as our neighbours back garden is transformed from an unmanaged wilderness to a garden they can actually use. I loved that wilderness, so much to see. There was a tree, long dead, only held upright by a tangle of ivy, with vines thick as my arms. This tree was full of wildlife but unfortunately not safe to keep. Of course I understand that our neighbours would like to use their garden, I would if it were mine. 

Watching with joy as our garden is getting wilder, at least around the edges. Wherever possible, we planted climbers and ramblers all around the fences and on the side of our garage to create more shelter for creatures and to attract more pollinators.

Sewing with abandon. Although never quite as much as I'd like

Enjoying the Great British Sewing Bee. Probably one of the best series so far. I rewatched the first two series on BBC iPlayer (I ran out of Star Trek episodes). How much this show has changed! I am so glad that Esme Young has replaced May Martin as a judge. She reminded me too much of my needle work teacher at school (no fond memories there).

Observing four teenagers in my garden practicing to put up small tents. Annie and her friends will be wild camping this coming weekend. One of the joys of living in Scotland, wild camping is permitted in most places. 

Listening to the latest instalment of the DCI Daley crime series by Denzil Meyrick. What a story, loving it. 

Looking forward to our camping trip in July. May the weather gods be kind!

Deciding what books to bring. I am an audiophile but when we go camping, I like to sit in front of the tent with a real book in my hands.

Chatting to a well read book shop assistant with similar reading preferences at the bookshop (at the actual bookshop!). I had to dash home for dinner after a while but we talked for more than half an hour and I have a pile of books to read and a handwritten note with recommendations for later.

Buying a new rain jacket because despite all my efforts, I can't find my old worn out one. I have no idea where I lost it, not having left the neighbourhood since last July.  

Admiring Jack for living his life to the full, always bringing happiness to his people.

Preparing emotionally for my first non-Zoom work meeting since February 2020 on Monday. We are meeting in our garden or if necessary at our kitchen table with the bi-fold doors open (now allowed, long may it last). I'll provide a light lunch and to be honest, if feels almost like getting ready for a party!

Hoping for a quiet weekend. There is a bit of tidying and cleaning on my to do list, and get the spare room ready for Sam who will be visiting next week, coming all the way from York for a few days before starting his new job. He is booked in for his first vaccine so good timing. 

Have a good weekend all. Thank you for visiting. I myself am a bit slow at catching up with favourite blogs.... and this is not likely to change but I'll try wave to you from under a pile of exam scripts next week, promise!