Saturday 29 January 2022

The boy is back in Cardiff!


It's been lovely having him home but the time has come for Sam to return to Cardiff. He's been home doing online exams, first 'in person' lecture on Monday, so Thursday we were Cardiff bound.


 I can now focus on me! No more bread, carbs, puddings, treats to entice me! Lots of gentle nudges, intentions, to get me back on track. Need a little wriggle room for Naples and that is sneaking up faster than I'd like, in terms of any positive scale action!!


Also taking up my time and attention is the hall project. I've found a tiler, now to make a final decision on the tiles. Annoyingly the two local places, where I can actually visit, had nothing I liked, so I've ordered another tile and then will make my final decision.


Have swayed to having a grey'ish, less obvious tile for the floor and then will use brighter paint to punctuate the space with colour. 

 
Am still using spare time at the moment to get out and walk. 
I need to be out in the fresh air!


Spotted my first Scarlett Elf Cup on Wednesday and on subsequent walks.
Must be their time to shine. Although last year I didn't discover them until March


So it was Cardiff on Thursday, missed my walk with Lynn but ventured out into the foggy, murky morning on Friday and went over to East Harptree Woods. 


I've only been once before, a year ago with Jeff. It was a beautiful blue sky, crisp, cold winters day, a big contrast to my recent visit, which was eerie and atmospheric.


Spotted more Scarlett Elf Cups......


....and got treated to numerous fungi finds


I think they're beautiful, so delicate.


Came home to some beautiful daffodils from Mum and Dad


I swear flowers are the only way to get through the winter months, with any joy!!


Anyway, this morning I headed over the Newt. My membership runs out soon and it's gone up from £17 to £48 and although I do love it there, I'm not sure I can justify the price hike. Jury's still out, will see how I feel but I've just joined the National Trust, so plenty of new places to visit. I'll miss seeing the deer, the lovely loo's!! and of course their fabulous cinnamon buns and delicious ice-cream!!


I lucked out big time today. I think the deer had just been fed, so were out feeding on the pathway, right in front of me. Such a wonderful thing to experience.


The snowdrops were out....


The perfect sign that winter is ending.


And there were loads out.


Primroses too....


....and daffodils in bud.....


and hundreds of catkins.


All the wonderful signs of Spring. Nature is amazing if you look closely. I wondered today though, how many of the people I passed actually noticed the snowdrops, the primroses, the catkins, a Scarlett Elf Cup buried in the leaves.......it's all there, if you look x





As I was leaving I spotted this robin, they always make me smile.

  
 So a good week, a busy week and in two weeks time Sophie will be back for a few days for Reading Week. So much for having lots of time on my own. I wouldn't have it any other way, it's nice to think they enjoy coming home x


So the plan is to try and establish a few routines, get back in to a better, healthier me! Back to work tomorrow, off to Bristol with my Manager on Monday, no idea why, will find out on Monday I guess. Then it's work on Tuesday and finally a four day stint of time off!! Have a walk with my friend Lynn penciled in on Thursday and a long overdue coffee and catch up with a friend on Friday.

Have a good week xx

Saturday 22 January 2022

Walking into Spring


Thankfully, I'm feeling so much better this week.


Have started to give some proper thought to our hall and it's much need overhaul. 
I've ordered some tile samples, so a positive start!


So I worked Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday this week. About every three weeks we have a 'Plinth Change', where all the offers and tickets get swapped over. Every plinth change, instead of working on the front end, I sit and rip up all the new tickets. Can be as little as 4000 or can be 6000+ Then the following day I go to work early and help check and put out any of the remaining tickets or new tickets that didn't get worked overnight. I do find it tiring, just doing that extra few hours, so was more than happy to get out and walk on Thursday with my friend. 


I took her to my beloved Stockhill Woods, as she'd never been before. 
It never disappoints x



The evening clear skies were full of starlings again. They never cease to amaze me, 
as they fly over Glastonbury Tor on their way to roost.


Dragged the boy out of his bed to come out walking with me on Friday morning.
Last chance before he goes back to Uni next week.
A stunningly beautiful morning here in Somerset


Am going to miss him when I take him back on Thursday, he's been home just over a month. 
I won't of course miss the constant feeding, toast mountains, full laundry basket.......!!


We decided, as it was a clear, still, cold frosty morning to walk down to the River Brue...


....down one side, over the bridge, then back the other side....


,,,making our way on to the top of Wearyall Hill.


Fabulous views from the top.


We then spent time together in the afternoon, with me showing him how to make a Cottage Pie. It was bolognese sauce last week, so a couple more things to add to his culinary repertoire.


I left Sam in bed this morning and walked on my own.
It felt like Spring was in the air this morning.


A glorious walk spotting my first snowdrops, first daffodils in flower, millions of catkins, puffball fungi, old men's beard, lots of green shoots and so much promise that Spring isn't a million miles away x


First snowdrops


First daffodils in flower


Millions of catkins


Old Man's Beard


I say it every year but the only way to get through the Winter months is to fill my house with flowers. Spring bulbs, hyacinths, daffodils, tulips...


....and to get out walking!!
Seeing the first very clear signs of Spring out on my walk today, fills me with such joy and hope, that Spring isn't too far away.



I started walking in Lockdown 1, March 2020, partly because it was the one thing you were allowed to do. We were blessed with a particularly warm, sunny early Spring. It had to be local and I discovered some fabulous walks right on my doorstep. Determined to keep it up through winter, I bought some boots and a good waterproof and with my new camera (50th birthday present), I walked miles last year, all throughout the year and still walk today. I find I need to do it now. I need fresh air, I need clear head space, I need quiet, I need calm, I need time to be alone outside, just taking in my surroundings. My camera has certainly made me look closer at everything around me and on days I can't be bothered, I think I'm missing out on a photo opportunity. But this morning was the perfect example. I got up and went straight out on a walk, just a couple of hours but it was all I needed to feel better.


Back to work for me tomorrow, my normal Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. I will admit, I find work exhausting, both physically and mentally. My Plantar Fasciitis (foot pain) hasn't improved and won't, with me being on my feet for 8hr shifts. I also find the role I now work 'Runner/Supervisor' quite stressful. I don't like being in charge, telling people what to do, hate confrontation, so feel on edge, slightly panicky throughout my shift. I'm not able to change my role but I have talked to my Manager and am looking to drop some hours. Will see how it goes. Like a lot of people, I'd happily give up work completely but that's not an option, reducing my hours is a step in the right direction.

Have a good week x