September ...ing

September! This used to be one of my favourite times of the year but now less so. It is work that is to blame, I am starting not one but three new courses next week. But it pays the bills and a generous fabric allowance and that's a good thing, too. 

Enjoying the early autumn colours in the garden. The bright purple artichoke flower is particularly bright.

Celebrating not one but two family birthdays this week. 

Applauding myself and Richard for successfully raising a second adult. Annie is 18 today. She enjoyed  her first week away from home. 

Visiting Annie in St. Andrews on her birthday. We took her out for lunch in Ealie (a nearby town), it was lovely to see her. She has changed so much in such a short time. I met two of her flat mates, both nice. We also walked along the beach in Ealie and found a wall to climb on (the boys, not me) 

Eating a lot. We had an Indian takeaway to celebrate Richard's birthday. I am not keen on takeaway but the haddock pakora was nice. I also went for a Vietnamese meal with my friends (another birthday!), delicious. I had a spicy vermicelli noodle and tofu dish. Then of course the meal with Annie. I had fish and chips, as you do in a seaside town.

Baking a birthday cake. My first in many years now that the main baker is no longer living here and the secondary baker can't be expected to bake his own birthday case. I made lemon drizzle cake, very nice indeed. 

Going into the office for the first time in 18 months. I was there less than five minutes when a cleaner popped her head around the door asking if I needed the waste bin emptied. Not a speck of dust in the office, the good woman obviously took care of my space while away. 

Sweating buckets. It was very hot last week, very unusual for Glasgow at this time of year. We are talking mid to high twenties (that is centigrades), which is unusual even at the height of summer. 

Jogging in the rain (less than 12 hours after the heat broke. I waited and waited until the rain eased off but it didn't so I went anyway. 

Admiring the new sealant in the shower. Long may it last. The disadvantage of living in a damp country is mould, plenty of it. I know, my life is boring.

Holding my breath every time we do our lateral flow tests. With Covid numbers sky high it is more a question of when than if. Our children are masked at school but not vaccinated. It would be so easy to get the younger teens vaccinated...  The NHS is good at that and both my boys just had their HPV vaccine primary and booster respectively, at school. They are scheduled for the flu shot early October.

Listening to "The Last of Us" by Robert Ewing. It is set in the Western Isles in the aftermath of a pandemic. I know, I am a glutton for punishment. The book is bit grim but I enjoyed it all the same. The narrator was excellent, lovely accent (with some Gaelic thrown in for good measure).

Also listening to H.G. Wells sci-fi novels. Although written in the late 19th century, there are many themes that reflect our own time. I finished Time Machine and War of Two Worlds. I am partway through The Invisbible Man. These short books are free for Audible subscribers. 

Finishing my second Sylvia Robe. I already have fabric for a third one, this time a full length robe for lounging around the living room. The fabric is silky and beautiful. I might have to upgrade my pyjamas, they'll look positively shabby in comparison. I also finished sewing another lovely top, which I must show you soon. 

Dreading the next 12 weeks (term time). My workload is ok but I have no support or backup, which I find challenging. Too many students depend on my continued health and energy and I feel exhausted before it all kicks off. 

Continuing to enjoy podcasting. I noticed that I am no longer listed as guest but host, such an honour. I am feeling more confident now that I have done it a few times. Richard commented on this. I didn't know he was listening.... probably the only time he hears me talk without me nagging someone or shouting to pick up pants and socks. 

Accepting that the summer is now coming to an end. The fallen fruit are a clear sign of autumn. 

What are you up to? Do share. Thanks for visiting x