Midweek miscellany

So a whole week's flown by yet again. I think someone may have commented on here that time seems to go so much faster as we get older, and that definitely seems to be the case with me.

Thank you for all your comments on my last post - both about the photos and for the get-well wishes. Unfortunately I'm still full of a cold but to be honest I'd far prefer that to a stomach bug or similar. I don't mean to sound all Pollyanna but you have to look on the bright side, don't you?

Speaking of silver linings, it's very grey and wet here at the moment. Today's pretty awful weather-wise but we pluviophiles know there's pleasure to be had from being cosy indoors and watching the rain through the window.

Plus, Joe's weekly morning at nursery is on a Wednesday so we're not stuck indoors going slowly mad thinking of things to do.

I've had a few mini projects on the go this past week. First up: making no-sew cushion covers from old scarves (more on that here, if you're interested). They're fine for purely decorative purposes but not really any good for sitting on so they're propped prettily on the bed for now. I'd like to find a good long-term project for using my vintage scarves as they tend to be squirreled away in a cupboard.

My hyacinth bulbs are coming along nicely (they are best-suited to life in a cupboard - for now, at least). I've hidden them from Joe behind lots of jars and vases.

The wet weather held off until the past day or two and we've managed some walks. I usually take him for a wander through the village, around the churchyard and back home. There's a tiny park with swings and a little slide but (of course) he always makes a beeline for the puddles. 

We also do two or three playgroups each week. He gets to interact with other toddlers, to let off steam and to play with loads of different toys. I get to drink tea and talk to adults. 

Yesterday we observed the two-minute silence. It was fairly dignified despite Joe loudly repeating 'Climb on Mummy' and attempting to scale my legs the entire time. Luckily he wasn't the only noisy one.

Switching subjects: I've always wanted a Dala horse but have never had the luck to spot one at a car boot sale or charity shop. I did look some designs up on Pinterest and drew one. I then made a lino cut, printed it and have framed my new piece of Dala art. Here's a close-up of a slightly blotchy practice print. I'll share a photo of the framed version in situ once the light improves.

The geraniums in the kitchen are flowering again. I'm pleased. They're a rich crimson colour so look (prematurely) rather festive. Everything growing outdoors looks pretty dreadful to be honest. The whole place has been ravaged by the wind and rain and I have no intention of heading out there and sweeping up.

We're eating lots of hearty fayre: soups, sausages, potatoes galore. Jay made a potato and leek dish the other evening from the Diana Henry book I mentioned last week. It was a kind of Eastern European-Mediterranean crossover: mint, dill, olive oil. I loved it. Even better, there were leftovers for lunch the following day. Definitely one to add to our 'regulars' list.

I've been given a Sharon fruit. It tastes of very little, if I'm honest. Much nicer are the accompanying Medjool dates: plump, sticky and fudgy. You could almost tell yourself they're virtuous. As in, they're not cake or chocolate.

I hope you're having a good week despite the howling winds and driving rain...