What wonderful weather.....

This summer has been the sunniest we've had for a long time. It's wonderful to wake up and see blue skies and sunshine. I'd  feared the good weather wouldn't continue once we were back from holiday, but I've been happy to have been proven wrong

The sunflowers are enjoying the sunshine too.

Poor Sam has been having to drive to Weston every day for Jury Service. Thankfully the M5 has been kind and no hold ups so far!! He finished midday on Thursday, so he and Poppy headed back to London, to start packing up her student digs. He returns this evening to continue with his jury service this coming week. Let's hope he is given something straight forward and he can complete it this week.

Jeff's been working his way through all the 'outside' jobs!

He always has to make the most of his time off, as once term starts, his own time is short.

We've been making the most of the cooler evenings and have going out for a walk. 

The ground is soooo dry.

The blackberries have been ripening earlier due to all this lovely warm sunshine.

I took Jeff blackberry picking, making the most of his height and picking potential!! 

Getting to places I can't reach

We got a reasonable haul. Will go again next week if I can.

 I've frozen all from this lot, perfect for breakfast or a crumble!! 

I'm desperately trying to be good/focused before Sophie and I go to Corfu, so maybe a crumble is not such a great idea!! I've been trying to establish some good routines, which I can continue with once work starts. I've been doing so much reading around hormones and the menopause and am trying to help myself, with...... 

* a regular wake up time * first drink - hot water with lemon and a pinch of salt * go outside first thing, to kick start my circadian rhythm * no screens for the first hour * daily exercise with weights * shower * protein rich breakfast * reduce my coffee consumption (none after 2pm) * increase my water intake. Food focus on * protein, fibre and good fats * no snacking * but no restriction 80/20 approach * no eating after 6pm * walk after meal times * no screen time an hour before bed * reading a book instead of scrolling through my phone * regular bed time * aim for 8 hours sleep!! 

I need to be consistent and make these habits a routine that just becomes the  norm. I'm going for the long game instead of short bursts/countdowns to things. I'm actually going to try and be reasonably focused whilst in Corfu (good intentions!!!) but will see how that pans out! I'm 2 weeks in so far and it's been reasonably easy to keep to and I can see how I can tweak things when I have to go to work. Consistency will be key!!