Feeling happy

Reading Mr Tickle to grandsons, simple pleasures.

These wooden bowls were turned for me, a friend has a lathe and I asked him to make me a bowl, he made 2, the smaller bowl was from a log he found on a walk. I love the feel of natural things, I had planned to use this bowl in my shed, but it's too beautiful, so it's in the house. 

This top is almost done, just the neck and arm bands to do, I don't have much yarn left, but as always I have a plan. 

Grace is following me everywhere, this summer she has more energy than normal, she is 15 years old, and a huge part of my life. Purdy was sat a little away watching us, our cats are such a part of our home. 

This perfectly formed bud on my cosmos.

These flowers, just one small spot in the garden. 

For the 1st time in ages I can say yesterday I felt happy, it was a simple day, normal day, but doing simple and normal things these days are so special. My hairdresser cut my hair, 1st time since early March, I wanted to change the style and she did a great job, did as I asked, it felt so good, I even popped on a bit of eye makeup. Later daughter came for a visit with Will and George, we walked to our local Bistro in the village, had a lovely lunch, Will was so happy to be there again, the waiting staff are so good, answered his questions regard their visors. We had a quick walk around our market and then home for play time. Later a lovely evening just hubby and I, so a simple normal day, I did not have time to feel worried, no time for thoughts of a second wave, family time beats everything else. 

Monday was a sunny day, we spent time outside enjoying the garden, watching birds, I even did some knitting on my summer top. 

Tuesday it was our turn to host the sign ladies coffee morning, we all sat outside keeping distance from each other, hubby made a marmalade cake, and I made my cheese straws, nice coffee and a decent chat. Later more knitting and reading time. 

It's been a better week for me and for one day I did not struggle with everything, we did simple things, enjoyed family life, I have said it before we need contact and interaction with other people to make our lives complete, I hope today I can carry some of yesterday with me, if I can't, I do know happiness is just within our reach. 

On a plus I have managed to style my hair correct this morning, it's much easier with shorter hair. 

Finding normal

I filled this jar with Spanish treats, these are jelly sweets, they look and taste just like berries, I brought back a huge bag of these, so they will last a long time. We always bring back treats, most of which I can't eat as the Spanish love their almonds in almost everything. 

 These 4 tiny containers cost me 2 euros, they look perfect for my succulent seeds, which are tiny and take ages to germinate, they won't take up too much room on my desk. 

 I am back knitting my shawl, I am loving the shades, 

completely wrong shades for this time of year. 

I am now ready to switch to the longer knitting needles for this shawl.

I have started reading this book,

 I am enjoying it, I like her writing style. 

 I am really pleased with my Acer, after watching Monty in Japan, and seeing how the gardeners there crop their trees to show the space within, I decided to do the same with mine, and I am pleased with the results, there are less leaves, but the tree has more definition.

My Peonie is in bud, I have counted 8 so far, looks as if it's going to be a good year for this wonderful plant, I have another (from this plant) in a pot which is also growing well. 

In the area of Spain we visit, the cost of living is much lower than here in the UK, and our exchange for euro's was very good, so most things are much cheaper. On many past trips I have come home with branded clothes, purchased at great prices, there was loads I loved, but keeping to my new way of life, I decided not to purchase anything, I did see 1 beautiful jumper, but after alot of thought, I decided as lovely as it was, I did not need it. 

We are back in our normal life, I have planted the little tubs above, using fine compost from my wormery, it looks rich and beautiful, I love seeing the small propagator on my desk, I have everything crossed something will grow. 

A trip to a garden center is planned, I would like some grasses and Heuchera plants for my butler sink, I have not grown either before, but think they will add to the spot behind my Acer. I did walk to our local market on Wednesday, but even being full with plants, the stall did not have anything I require. 

We had Will and mummy visit for the morning, Will was smelling all the plants and loved the colours, both mummy and I had cut flowers for the house. Will helped hubby fill all the bird seed holders and they hung our wind chimes in the Magnolia tree, summer is on it's way. I am feeling the cold since we have returned from Spain, I am sure it is colder this week than the last week in March. I am wrapping up warm, as yet I have not done much in the garden, I have spent time in my greenhouse. 

Thursday was a lazy day at home, reading and catching up with friends and neighbours. Friday I went out with youngest daughter and Will in the morning, and had a coffee with eldest daughter in afternoon. I did pop to the local second hand shop which has a great craft section, but I did not buy anything. I do need to use some of my yarn and material, or I will become one of those ladies whose hobby is collecting craft supplies. 

Friday hubby was in central  London on his bike, with loads of others, mainly ex service, they rode around the city to show their support for soldier F, having servered in Northern Ireland he has strong feelings on the whole issue. Over 20,000 bikes took part, but the BBC decided not to report the event.