June ...ing

I nearly forgot about June ...ing and I haven't got many photos that I have not shown you yet. It is what it is.

Teaching the teens some useful skills for life. Window cleaning for Alistair for example. He'd do anything in exchange for screen time.

Attending Sam's Graduation. I was so nervous. This not helped by the fact that Sam told us 11:30 when in fact it was scheduled to start at 11:00. Also, I couldn't see Sam anywhere in among the graduands and of course I convinced myself into thinking he went to the pub instead. He didn't. It was a proud afternoon for Richard and me. 

Meticulously planning my last weeks of work before the holidays. Needs must. I was really pushing my colleagues to finish with their second marking so I could get everything written up, cross-checked and uploaded, even though the VLE was down for a major upgrade. This still rankles because the powers to be ignore every year that all online courses are running into July. I hope my colleagues are not too traumatised about my whip no carrot approach. 

Organising a cat sitter for Lupin when we are away. Annie's friend will move in while we are camping, to keep an eye on the naughty creature. The vet seemed happy with her when she had a check-up last week, she even put a little weight on. She requires a special kidney diet and has been trying various brands. She is a well pampered cat. 

Searching far and wide for elderflowers. Somehow I missed the season but I managed to find just enough for five small bottles of cordial.

Enjoying my free full body workouts (aka volunteering days). We are clearing a small secluded patch of woodland, and exposing long overgrown paths. There is a small area which would be perfect for a rain garden. This time of year, we spend a lot of time pulling up Himalayan balsam, quite satisfying. It feels a bit futile sometimes. However, the area we cleared last year is looking good with plenty of native plant growth. Perseverance is the answer. Those Victorians have a lot to answer for.

Watching the Great British Sewing Bee. I am not sure I love it. I just want them to sew wearable clothes, not weird and wonderful stuff. For me, garment sewing is about creating a sustainable wardrobe but maybe I am just plain old boring.

Sewing a wee Sudley blouse with Liberty fabric I bought last year in London. I must show you, it is just gorgeous. I have two garments to show you actually. After the holidays.

Listening to "All fun and games until somebody loses an eye" by Christopher Brookmyre (loving it so far). I finished "Speak of the devil" by Rose Wilding (fabulous), "The Earth as it is on television" by Emily Jane (so so) and "The shortlist" by Raymond Andrew (loved it, it is set here in Glasgow).

Eating loads of artichokes. They are doing well in our garden this year. Plenty of salad, too (also from the garden). Otherwise, my eating is shocking and my waist is prove of it.

Wondering when we will have time to pull the plants that didn't survive the winter. We have a lavender hedge surrounding our wildflower meadow in the front garden that would normally be amazing this time of year but now is just brown and dead. Also a dead plum tree and various other fully mature but now dead shrubs.

Looking forward to ten days camping. I am going to sit and admire the view all day long, maybe read a book or two and wander down to the beach to dip my toes. I replaced my lost swimsuit and might even go in although must remember to check the water quality. The boys and Richard meanwhile are taking their bikes and hopefully this will give me hours of peace and quiet. 

Right, better get ready for a day of volunteering in the woods (note to self: take insect repellent). Thank you for visiting 😊