April ... ing
PLAYING with my blog theme and layout. Let me know if you like it. It is a work in progress and mostly trial and error. I might just go back to the old theme (which I have saved)
KEEPING an eye on Alistair's finger. It is healing and stitches are slowly dissolving but there is still a long way to go. I have to take him for the weekly check-up and dressing change today.
RECORDING our next podcast episode if you are interested, the link is here (may still be the March recording if you read this post in the last week of April. But I am saying much more in that one anyway).
WATCHING the National Theatre live performance of "Good" by C. P. Taylor (a Scottish playwright). David Tennant played John Halder, a German professor pulled into the Nazi movement. I felt completely drained when the play finished, it really was chilling and uncomfortable to watch, very much outwith my comfort zone. Excellent though, with outstanding acting performances. It was a chilling coincidence but we watched the play on Hitler's birthday.
LISTENING to The Vanishing of Margaret Small by Neil Alexander.
Also LISTENING to the dawn chorus in our garden.
On the mention of the garden, TAKING STOCK of the perennials and shrubs that have not made it through the winter. I don't remember it being colder than usual but a surprising number of even super hardy plants have not made it through alive.
TREATING MYSELF to an ice cream. I am not sure what came over me because ice cream is not a favourite treat. I suppose I all have those moments once in a while. It was warm outside, the sun was shining and I was on my way into the weekend.
EATING too much bread. I wouldn't have any in the house if I was living on my own. Out of the house, out of my mind...
KNITTING the final sleeve of a long forgotten fluffy jumper. I hope I get some wear of it once finished, before the moths larvae have a feast. Difficult to eradicate creatures.
LOOKING FORWARD to our summer holiday, now booked. We will be camping in Dumfries & Galloway. The thought of it makes me feel more relaxed already. I already have a book to read and knitting pattern I want to start with while enjoying the views.
REALISING that I might have to miss our October family holiday for a work conference.
MARKING essays and writing feedback. So much marking. Actually, the marking is not so bad but writing good constructive feedback takes thought and time. I sometimes miss end of year exams. These are marked but no feedback is provided. Alas, for our learners probably less useful.
That SINKING feeling when school calls to tell you that your youngest child has not returned to class after lunch but comes home at the usual time with not a hint of guilt for bunking off school.
BUYING new trainers. My favourite brand of trainers is HOKA and I had a 15% off voucher to use so went for it even though my current pair is still in good working order.
Thank you for visiting and leaving a comment. I do love hearing from you 😊
I am a fairly new reader and not that familar with your old layout but the new one works for me - it is clear and uncluttered and your beautiful photos a good size (the blogs with really big photos, though lovely, do take ages to load sometimes).
ReplyDeleteI happen to be writing this comment from Dumfries and Galloway down near the Mull below Stranraer (where DH was born), but we reside full time in Yorkshire at the moment. I know you will have a wonderful holiday in this area of Scotland - it is quite an overlooked area tourist wise.
Did you know that "Good" was made into a film a few years ago? Viggo Mortensen as John Halder. It is quite a chilling and mind-provoking experience to watch. I suppose the play might have been even more intense.
ReplyDeleteAs for playing with blog layouts ... must be the spring cleaning thing, I'm on it with my blog as well (actually setting up a completely new blog). ;-)
I'm glad Alistair's finger is getting better. I hope all goes well at the dressing change. Ice cream! I've enjoyed two myself recently, and like yourself, I'm not usually a huge fan of them. Xx
ReplyDeleteThere you go again: simply inging your way through life.
ReplyDeleteThe dawn chorus is glorious isn't it. And the evening birdsong too. I'm glad Alistair's finger is on the mend, I hope it continues to heal well. I haven't seen the play but I've heard good things about it, David Tennant is a wonderful actor. Sorry about all the marking and feedback, I hope you get it all done soon. A bit swamped with work here too, so you have my sympathy. I hope you have good weekend, CJ xx
ReplyDeleteKeep up the photos of Jack! We had a succession of Jack Russells but have now moved to an area with an abundance of native wildlife (wombats, wallabies, echidnas, pademelons: like wallabies that shrunk in the wash) so can't replace our last one. They are great little dogs so I love seeing and hearing about yours!
ReplyDeleteLOVE the quilt in your header. Those phone calls from school; a sinking sensation indeed. I remember it well.
ReplyDeletececi
So glad that Alistair's finger is on the mend. Have fun camping. I live alone and no longer buy or make bread. It makes my knees ache. It's so delicious, though.
ReplyDeleteChristina, the new blog look is very nice and one day I should consider making a change, but a bit nervous that all would get lost. Jack is looking comfy on that colorful fabric. The finger healing seems to be a slow but steady progress.
ReplyDeleteI followed the podcast link and it was great to see you and the other gentleman. Although I listened for awhile, admittedly the subject matter is way out of my league.
I hardly ever comment on blogs that I read, but I really like your new blog layout. The photos are lovely and your blog is always very interesting. Lovely ~ Ro
ReplyDeleteLovely photos Christina, I'm glad the finger is healing. We had lots of moths last year in Lincolnshire, Lavender seems to be a good deterrent. I bought moth repellant treatment last year, this year I thought I'd bring some fresh into the bedroom.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear Alistair's finger is getting better.
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of ice cream, so what is your go to favorite dessert?
Ah bread!
Kids like to test our boundaries.. mine are constantly trying to push that line.
I really like the new blog layout Christina. Glad you got your Summer holiday sorted, something good to look forward to after all that marking and feedback.
ReplyDelete