Pretties

I feel as though I've spent this last week in darkness. I live in a small terraced house with little natural light. The weather this last week has been so incredibly dull and dark, and full of that chillingly wet coldness that seeps through to your bones, and drains energy out of you. I would have loved to have spent some time in the garden over half term but the wet and cold have put paid to that idea. If it had been autumn, I would have been content to cosy in, switch the lights on and turn the heating up. But now, like the plants in the garden I need light to thrive, and perhaps a little warmth from a watery sun would give me a little boost. Instead today, I've had to search the house to find some prettiness and colour to chase away the depressing effects of the darkness and to be honest it has helped. For instance, I've unpacked my new cushion yet again. From February 2011 It's so very pretty, with bright, springtime colours that instantly lift my mood. From February 2011 I pack it away again carefully and resist the temptation to display it....that's for when the bedroom is decorated and is once again a clean tidy space I can be proud of. From February 2011 Next, I open the wardrobe and pull out my latest puchases. Two floral shirts from good old Sainsbury's and a little cardigan covered in the prettiest of pink roses. I begin to feel a little chirpier as I put it on and the delicate pinks add a little colour to my pale features. Once again in the kitchen I see colour and prettiness in the most mundane of things. Yes, even a tea towel can be cheery. From February 2011 Cupcake cases can be pretty and cheerful too. From February 2011 And the pattern on one of my favourite jugs lifts my spirits. From February 2011 A cup of coffee later and I'm beginning to feel better. I decide to brave the damp and venture into the garden and am glad I do. Just look, a pretty, colourful sign of things to come. From February 2011

Going With the Flow

From February 2011

There's nothing for it this week but to go with the flow. I've got the week off work and things I'd like to do. I'd like to get these colourful polys planted up into their lovely wicker basket but as you can see it's very wet. I don't garden in the wet. In the cold yes, but wet, no. But they'll wait until another day.

From February 2011

Teenage Boy went out of the house early this morning to do his paper round. 'Is it o.k if my mate comes around early this morning?' he asks absently. 'Yeh o.k' is my reply, thinking that the friend in question is not known for being an early riser and would probably turn up at about ten o'clock. No, he arrives at 8.20am, before Teenage Boy is back home from delivering newspapers. Good job I didn't decide to have a lie in then.LOL. Luckily, Teenage Boy's friend is a nice young man and can make himself at home. When Teenage Boy is breakfasted I think maybe it would be a good idea to clean the bathroom, so I begin industriously cleaning the bath, the basin etc when Teenage Boy appears and says 'I need a shower now'. All my work undone, yet again. Perhaps I won't do any cleaning today then. Good decision - as other friends arrive leaving their muddy trainers in various locations in the house....as well as a trail of mud. I give up, find my lovely Nigel Slater book

From February 2011

and bake a coffee and walnut cake instead. It's not complete until Teenage Boy and teenage boys have left the house, so it will last longer than a couple of hours and I can hide it until Mr. F. gets home.

From February 2011

So, this afternoon, I'm not going to try and acheive anything. I'll finish that bar of posh chocolate I was given for Valentine's Day.

From February 2011

Enjoy a nice cup of tea.

From February 2011

Watch one of the dvds I was given at Christmas.

From February 2011

Or I just might listen to some lovely music.

From February 2011

Whilst I catch up on some reading

From February 2011

Not forgetting that chocolate.

I'd love to know how you cope with half term. Do you battle on as usual or give in and go with the flow?