January... ing

I had completely forgotten about this monthly recurring collection of random nuggets of happenings. It was when I saw Jo's January ing post that I remembered. Why not visit Jo and see what January looks like for her? 

Managing life without a car. It has been ok actually but don't tell Annie because she might not return our wheels tomorrow. A combination of cycling, ordering groceries and the occasional taxi helped. It takes a bit of planning to get to places but nothing insurmountable.

Knitting socks, one round at the time in the evening. I have a serious case of second sock syndrome, just find it difficult to finish it. 

Pondering what exciting garments to sew in the near future, other than the elusive 1960s coat I wrote about in my recent post 

Ordering a few boiled wool and Harris tweed samples for said coat. A coat needs planning and wool fabric is too expensive to just chance it. 

Meanwhile, sewing wardrobe staple long sleeved t-shirts for layering. I am using up jersey fabric I have been saving for "something special" but decided to use it for someone special instead, me. 

Dreaming of a holiday, somewhere hot and sunny. Failing that, I'll settle for camping in Scotland. 

Listening to "the lost lights of St. Kilda" by Elisabeth Gifford. I am not sure yet if I like it, it jumps around in time a bit and I haven't quite got the hang of the various threads, and how they connect.

Looking forward to book group in February. 

Watching cheerful Bhangra dancing on Twitter. If you are on the Twitter, check out Gurdeep Pandher of the Yukon for some joyful dancing, currently in the beautiful snowy landscape of the Yukon. Gurdeep will put a smile on your face, promise. I danced Bhangra once before at a Scottish-Punjabi wedding, it was fun.

Eating rice crispies for lunch because sometimes I can't think of anything to make.

Stopping by the office to empty the coffee machine water container, which I had filled before Christmas during a burst of optimism. I had to go in to teach on Zoom because my home internet failed. Maybe I'll return soon but in the meantime, I don't want algae growing in my coffee machine.

Loving the small clumps of snow drops that are popping up around our plum and pear trees.

Feeling entertained by a brochure with all sorts of interesting essential helpers for life to buy. It came with a pile of other unsolicited junk mail. I like the idea of belly fat melting belt. That and urine smell zapping spray (because accidents happen) are must haves. I am joking but really, these products are sold by predatory companies exploiting vulnerable individuals. Shameful.

Walking up the hills with a lovely friend and three of our kids. The photos are from this walk, which was fabulous. Mud, wind, fog, a flask of hot tea, some chocolates and good conversations are a recipe for happiness.

Trying to ignore application forms for promotion. It should be a doodle after writing a 6500 reflection on my academic practice for my Senior Fellow application. I sweated blood over that and lost some sleep, too.

But on the whole, feeling more on top of things at work.

Thanks for visiting, as always 😊