Keeping up with time

Another Monday Tuesday - they come round fast! I am struggling to keep up with time. In my mind I am often about a week behind. 

Winter has returned, with it the winds and the rain. 

But our weekend was blissed with amazing weather. Cold but beautiful blue skies and no biting winds for once. I loved every moment of it. Saturday was for dog walking, chores and some enjoyable sewing (see photo, full post to follow). I line dried laundry for the first time this year and felt ecstatic about the smell of spring on my laundered bedding. I know, I need more excitement in my life.

The original plan was to visit Annie but she has Covid and is stuck in her room. She is ok, she spikes a fever in the evenings and finds it difficult to focus her mind but is improving. Student services bring her three meals a day and any other necessities that she might have. Her flat mates also help out by placing nice things on her door step. Phoning friends and family helps to pass time in isolation.

Saturday night I vomited for a few hours and I was full of self pity while leaning over the toilet bowl. I managed to pick myself up for Sunday and I really enjoyed an afternoon at Mugdock Country Park with a friend, dog and children. Because I am a glutton for punishment, I baked carrot muffins to take with us. My stomach was not happy but everyone else's jumped for joy. The country park was busy but not crowded. It is such an optimistic time of year with the lengthening days and nature waking up slowly but steadily.

All my children are applying for Swiss passports. The bill for this is exorbitant but I consider it money well spent. Switzerland has free movement agreements with the EU. This is particularly interesting for my older children as they consider their future. A UK passport no longer opens many doors.

Our energy bill has increased by 52%. Richard has turned our thermostat down in response and I am burning extra fat to keep warm. If only. Jack's annual pet insurance statement has arrived but I haven't had the courage to open it yet for fear of another financial blow. The cats at least made good use of their insurance cover. On that note, both cats seem well. Pippin is back to her normal self, Lupin loves the litter tray and non longer pees all around the house. We keep the cat flap locked during the night with the result of going through far less cat food. It looks like a large part of our cat food was consumed by an intruder or two or three. The savings are negligible. 

My promotion application is almost ready to be submitted. The evidence I need to provide to move up to the next level of lectureship is quite overwhelming and makes me anxious. 

I am working up the energy to take the boys to running club. I might sit in the car and mark some essays while waiting. I have marked 7 of 19 and so far, each was amazing. Not all A grades but each on a well chosen topic, well researched and well written. No plagiarism issues so far either, always a relief because the paperwork for referrals is tedious. I hope the remaining pile is equally interesting to read. 

Thanks for visiting 🙂