Warning, Eleven Incoming!
This time of year always brings a nostalgia trip for me. I think back to the surprise of my waters breaking at 36 weeks and then spending another four days waiting to meet large boy. Remembering that induced first labour, my body completely ignoring my plan. The jaundice, the reflux, the exhaustion, the sore boobs,… Continue reading Warning, Eleven Incoming!
Hope
In one of the last episodes of the final season of The Walking Dead (yes we’ve watched them all, I’ve had zombie fatigue at times but himself as pushed me through), Ezekiel and Negan have a discussion about how to revolt in a prison camp. They discuss fear, but ultimately decide that hope is a… Continue reading Hope
November 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! I think I’ve done well extracting reviews from them this month, especially from large boy. Large boy A Crystal of Time by Soman Chainani A… Continue reading November 2022 Reading
Climate Change Collective Post 4: How climate change impacts animals
The wonderful Caroline from Enviroline has shared the third post in the series being run by the Climate Change Collective. Phenology is the timings of animal and plant yearly cycles. As the climate changes, these timings change too. For example, birds are starting to breed earlier because the peak insect abundance is happening sooner. This puts added… Continue reading Climate Change Collective Post 4: How climate change impacts animals
Thankful
I’m very thankful to know many lovely folks from the USA. Some are friends from my university years, some are ex-colleagues, some are current co-workers and some are virtual friends I know from blogging. I’m thankful for them all. Having had a bit of a writers block lately and felt sorry for myself, I’m particularly… Continue reading Thankful
My Christmas Posts
Sometimes events conspire to make something happen. On Friday I wrote about feeling fed up and uninspired and lots of people were supportive, suggesting a break might be needed. I suspect they might be right and I’m going to review what I do in the new year. However, just writing about how I was feeling has… Continue reading My Christmas Posts
Fed up and uninspired
I’ve got to confess I’m struggling with blogging lately. My inspiration is limp and floppy. I’m fed up in general, just a bit frustrated and unmotivated. I haven’t got a post for today. I’ve got three or four drafts that are just a title but it’s Thursday night, 6.30pm. Himself is about to take large… Continue reading Fed up and uninspired
Advent Calendar Activities 2022
For the last couple of years I’ve used a beautiful fabric advent calendar that my mum made to plan out a set of activities for the boys. Of course they never all go quite as planned, but we have a great time not eating chocolate. Previously I was more organised and bought them each a… Continue reading Advent Calendar Activities 2022
Remembrance Day
Parts first posted in November 2019. Usually, around this time of year, I see a bunch of posts, profile decorations, photos about Remembrance day with Union Jacks and St George’s crosses. Actually, this year it’s been a bit less I think. Maybe, with Brexit and COVID there’s a realisation that we rely and owe a… Continue reading Remembrance Day
Sweet chestnuts
When I was a little girl, and indeed a teenager, my parents would buy sweet chestnuts on a stall at their town market. They’d roast them and then we’d burn our finger tips deshelling them. I’ve had, very occasionally, roast chestnuts from a street seller. But they’ve always been coated in sugar and way too… Continue reading Sweet chestnuts
Migraine
Ouchy! And that’s putting it lightly. This week I had my first “full blown migraine that I just couldn’t cope with” in years. My period started on Sunday so I knew that a headache would follow a few days later, it always does. So on Tuesday morning, I wasn’t bothered by the dull ache. On… Continue reading Migraine
October 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! I think I’ve done well extracting reviews from them this month, especially from large boy. Large boy A World Without Princes, The Last Ever After,… Continue reading October 2022 Reading
Climate Change Collective Post 3: Travel With Climate Change
The wonderful Jamie from JamieAdStories has shared the third post in the series being run by the Climate Change Collective. Many people operate as if they are on islands these days. They have a home island, a work island, a ‘going out’ island and a shopping island. They hop in a vehicle and whizz between… Continue reading Climate Change Collective Post 3: Travel With Climate Change
On holiday (again)
Sorry folks. We’ve taken another holiday. The fourth this year somehow! It’s very much needed after either himself or I have been away with work for most of the last two weeks, with a Scout camp, a Beavers camp, and two rugby matches thrown in too for good measure. We’re a bit frazzled and ready… Continue reading On holiday (again)
When a Work Trip Goes Wrong
Wow, after two years of a virtual replacement, we’re back in person for our annual workshop for the leaders in technical writing at my company. I’m almost at the end of the week of intense discussions on every possible topic. I’m exhausted at this stage. It started with a 7am alarm on Sunday, then a… Continue reading When a Work Trip Goes Wrong
No more babies
It was Baby Loss Awareness Week last week. I almost managed to avoid it altogether. Last year I wrote about what coping looks like, the year before I discussed our loss. Before that I looked at different ways we react to loss. But personally and in my real life, I don’t engage in BLAW. I’ve… Continue reading No more babies
My downstairs loo smells of pee
My downstairs loo smells of pee was it himself, large boy, small boy, or all three? My downstairs loo smells of pee again whatever I say, they just can’t aim. My downstairs loo smells of pee when I sit down, the whiff comes up. My downstairs loo smells of pee sometimes they even leave a… Continue reading My downstairs loo smells of pee
Cucumbers and cats
Apologies in advance for the brief post. Himself has buggered off on a work trip and the kids have three million activities this week and I’m travelling next week. So yeah, writing anything meaningful is a stretch. Large boy came out with what I thought was absolute gibberish at tea time: Then he said that… Continue reading Cucumbers and cats
My 12 Favourite Costume Dramas
If you’re familiar with my regular reading matter, you might be surprised that as well as Inspector Morse, Young Wallander, Blue Bloods, Bones, Dexter, and many more police-centric TV series, I also love a good costume drama. Here are my favourites. 12. The Empress I’m watching The Empress on Netflix at the moment. It’s in… Continue reading My 12 Favourite Costume Dramas
Pre-teen independence
Oh me oh my, large boy is growing up! He’s heading for 11 years old and has just started year 6, his final year at primary school. Part of me is shocked and horrified, baffled as to how we got to this point so fast. Another part of me is quite enjoying watching him grow… Continue reading Pre-teen independence
September 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! I think I’ve done well extracting pretty wordy reviews from them this month. Large boy Grimwood by Nadia Shireen It’s about two foxes who live… Continue reading September 2022 Reading
Climate Change Collective Post 2: Understanding How Climate Action Redefines Our Future
The wonderful Molly from Transatlantic Notes has shared the second post in the series being run by the Climate Change Collective. The decisions we make now will impact our future; a reality we likely can all understand because we’ve experienced this within our personal lives. We frequently make choices based on how to positively influence… Continue reading Climate Change Collective Post 2: Understanding How Climate Action Redefines Our Future
Looking back on our holiday
So we’ve arrived at the grey middle of September. I can hardly believe that it’s over a month since we returned from our long awaited holiday in France. We took all the stuff, and didn’t need some of it. We had an amazing time though. I ate all the cheese and patisseries, sat in the… Continue reading Looking back on our holiday
Making stuff 21: gin and jam 2022
I think we’ve established by now that my only claim to any goddess-like levels of domesticity is my habit of making gin, jam, and chutney. Last year (2021) focus was on the gins, with a bit of hedgerow jelly for completeness. In 2020, I made a ridiculous 6 gins but just one jelly. The year… Continue reading Making stuff 21: gin and jam 2022
To friend (verb) or not?
I follow the wonderful That MidLife MaMa Donna on Facebook and she’s ace. In particular, one of her posts caught my eye recently. WordPress seems to trim the text there, here’s what Donna said: Find your daughter’s teacher on social media and friend her. This is the advice I received last night. Immediately I said… Continue reading To friend (verb) or not?
No post today
I usually do a post on a Friday. Today, I had something to write, but then the death of Queen Elizabeth II was announced last night. I’m sure there will be lots of tributes and posts mourning her passing, but I’m not jumping onto that thread. I’m just going to take a day off. The… Continue reading No post today
Dilemma Resolved
This is a work post. I don’t post about work very much because, well, it’s generally pretty boring to people outside of my domain. I mean, seriously, I work in software, duller than dull right? Most people think software development is as obscure and highly technical as chemistry (doh, PhD chemist here too, double trouble).… Continue reading Dilemma Resolved
Back to school 2022
Back to school 2022 feels normal again, more like 2021. Which is a far cry from 2020 but back to how 2019 was. It’s been sort of normal, at least it’s only been 5 weeks away from their friends compared to the 20 or so in 2020. Next year will be very different again, with… Continue reading Back to school 2022
July and August 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Sorry, we skipped the July post at the start of August because we were away and I couldn’t be bothered. Large boy Hurrah! He hit… Continue reading July and August 2022 Reading
Silverstone Classic 2022
It feels like we’re only just back from our France holiday and we’ve packed up again, loaded the car, strapped on the bikes and set off to Silverstone. I’m going to semi-live report on our progress and antics throughout the weekend. We were last here for the WEC in 2019. How much has happened since… Continue reading Silverstone Classic 2022
I ought to be…
I ought to be blogging but I’m playing Lego Star Wars I ought to be working but I’m doing the laundry I ought to be reading for my leadership training but I’m absorbed in detectives I ought to be running but I’m working through lunch time I ought to be making dinner but I’m hugging… Continue reading I ought to be…
Plank Challenge Time
I’ve come back from holiday (did I mention we went on holiday? we left the country and everything! I mighthavebeengoingon aboutthata bit, sorry) having eaten all the cheese and ice cream and chocolate. This means that running is hard again (because I only did a tiny bit while away, despite my best intentions) and my… Continue reading Plank Challenge Time
Stuff we didn’t need on holiday
Before we went on holiday (for lots of pictures, visit #smellysocksgoestofrance), I wrote a list of everything essential to take (and added the stuff we forgot). We had an absolutely bloody brilliant time. This was the holiday we’d waited three years for. However, amongst the very many things we took, we did not need some… Continue reading Stuff we didn’t need on holiday
On holiday
I was going to at least do my July reading post today. But, you know what, holidays are for doing nothing. I’ll be posting on Instagram regularly if you want to see what we’re up to. Otherwise, I’ll be back 19th August. Instagram.com/andsmellysocks Catch you on the flipside folks.
Ideas for big birthdays
My parents are both facing big birthdays this year and himself’s will follow suit in the next couple of years too. Yep, the big 7 0. We wanted to make sure they got some treats for their important birthdays that show how much we appreciate them. Here are some of the ideas we looked into.… Continue reading Ideas for big birthdays
What to pack for a Eurocamp holiday
We’re off next weekend, for our first big holiday since 2019. We love a Eurocamp caravan, even doing our first fly-drive at the beginning of June. Every time we go, I think of things we didn’t take. So, I’m going to write a list of things I’m packing in case it’s useful to anyone else… Continue reading What to pack for a Eurocamp holiday
Almost there
Are we nearly there yet? Almost holidays Almost the end of daily routines Weekly clubs already over Taxi service to sports is done with Peace and quiet looming, stretching to the horizon Or Kids off school, bored and nagging Interruptions, requests for snacks and screen time Organising activities and friends to play Money leaking to… Continue reading Almost there
Teachers’ gifts 2022
Ever since large boy started school and I discovered the joys of making my own fruit gin (coincidentally the same year, or was it a coincidence?), I’ve made gifts for teachers and TAs for Christmas and the end of the summer term. I love giving them something we’ve made at home – if I’ve put… Continue reading Teachers’ gifts 2022
The Aesthete Blogger award
The very lovely Kayleigh at Confidently Kayleigh nominated me for this back in October last year and I’ve been very slow responding. Sorry Kayleigh. You can see her post here. I love Kayleigh’s blog and her instagram, she posts a wonderful mixture of the serious and the silly stuff. In particular, she features the realities… Continue reading The Aesthete Blogger award
Love Thyself
This isn’t going to become a regular thing, long-time readers have probably picked up that I (we) am (are) not religious in the slightest. That doesn’t mean that I don’t think the bible or any other religious text of any denomination or faith don’t have value, truth, or wisdom. They absolutely do. So, here goes.… Continue reading Love Thyself
Boris is Going
It’s all over the news and the culmination of several days of mass ministerial resignations on the top of months and years of scandal after scandal. Here’s the thing though. I’m seeing a lot of social media posts, from usually reputable sources or groups, declaiming Boris as an immoral narcissist, for example: Now, I am… Continue reading Boris is Going
Three failures (and why that’s a good thing)
I’ve been reading How to Fail: Everything I’ve Ever Learned From Things Going Wrong by Elizabeth Day recently. I’m not sure how I stumbled across it but it’s a really interesting read. It’s definitely taking precedence over my reading homework for my future leaders initiative: I think we all dwell on our “failures” but what… Continue reading Three failures (and why that’s a good thing)
June 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy Dragon Mountain, Dragon Legend, and Dragon City by Katie Tsang Oh this boy does love a series. He sped through all these ones… Continue reading June 2022 Reading
Small boy is 7
It’s time to look back again and wonder, baffled, how small boy has arrived at another birthday. It was the same last year and the year before. The years seems to be flying past, it feels like no time since he was the baby who would only sleep wrapped in a fleecy blanket in my… Continue reading Small boy is 7
5 Reasons not to go running
I recently wrote a post about 6 reasons to get into running. The lovely One Dot Short of a Smarties Box pointed out that I made it sound like “those of us in the latter category have some puzzling glitch that needs to be fixed”. Sorry! So here’s a list of reasons not to go… Continue reading 5 Reasons not to go running
Exciting and much scarier
Last year, I wrote a series of posts about an exciting and scary mentoring opportunity at work. That came to an end in February, eventually unproductive but very interesting. Then, just over a month ago, something much scarier happened. The beginning It started with an email from the HR training lead for Europe. Now, emails… Continue reading Exciting and much scarier
Another year passed
Here we are again, June 17th. This was the date in 2019 that boy3 was scheduled to be born by caesarean section. So even though it’s four and a half months after his actual birthday, today remains an unforgettable date for us. We’ve just made it through another holiday where we seemed to be surrounded… Continue reading Another year passed
My Garden 2022
I love growing veggies. I’ll never forget the first year that I grew 5 courgette plants in a sun blessed garden and a friend gave me 8 tomato plants. Himself took a long time to come back round to considering courgettes acceptable on his plate after 3 months of me sneaking them into almost every… Continue reading My Garden 2022
Le Mans 24 Hours 2022: Our Picks
The Le Mans 24 hours race takes place at the Circuit de la Sarthe this weekend (11-12 June 2022). The experience watching from home is rather odd – no crowds, no smoke from the campsite barbecues wafting around, and of course the whole atmosphere is missing. We managed to get invested in 2020 and last… Continue reading Le Mans 24 Hours 2022: Our Picks
No post today
We’re on holiday. It’s beautiful and hot and we’re having a lovely time, so there’s no post today. Probably not on Friday either. Also because I need to write a guest post for TBC. Normal service will be resumed next week. Have fun everyone. Xxx
May 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Note: terrible light weight reviews this month, sorry. Large boy Against All Gods by Maz Evans Large boy was very pleased to find this at… Continue reading May 2022 Reading
6 Reasons to Get into Running
I was out running and thinking about why I run, about why other people run and why they might not want to. If you’re in that last category, maybe these reasons will inspire you. 1. Outrun others when the zombie apocalypse comes Or outrun any other disaster. Indeed, I have a couple of tee shirts… Continue reading 6 Reasons to Get into Running
End of an era
Well that’s it. Large boy has had his last meeting at Cubs. It’s been a strange experience for him (not that he realises this). He joined in February 2020, made his promise and promptly went into lockdown. Our Cubs pack didn’t do anything virtually for a long time, then they took part in weekly Zoom… Continue reading End of an era
7 Things to do in Kent
At Easter (2022), we spent a week exploring Kent. Here’s a quick round up of our favourite things that you should do if you visit the “garden of England”. 1. Explore a seaside town Kent has a lot of coastline, it’s all sticky outy at the East end of the the South coast of the… Continue reading 7 Things to do in Kent
Kids TBR piles
We do a monthly reading round up, but what’s in the kids’ TBR piles at the moment? Bearing in mind that some of the books in these piles have been there for quite a while, there still quite tall. Mine is less substantial and, besides, mostly on my Kindle. There’s no pretending we aren’t all… Continue reading Kids TBR piles
Year 2 SATs
Small boy, mainly obliviously, is doing his year 2 SATs at the moment. I’m rather sad for him. Not because of the testing, not because he doesn’t enjoy them. But because he’s only “mainly oblivious”. When large boy did his, we didn’t even have any idea. School made so little fuss about it that the… Continue reading Year 2 SATs
My running playlist 2
I haven’t blogged about running for a while. There’s a reason for that, as I’ve mentioned on my Instagram feed lately. #smellysockscantrunanymore I had a dreadful cold in February – himself had COVID, I was testing daily and negative throughout. One false negative I might understand, but not 7 in a row while I felt… Continue reading My running playlist 2
I’m going to work
Not that interesting? Well, I’m actually going to work at work. In the office. In Cambridge, 150+ miles away. For the first time since November 2019! (I think, I can’t really remember) I’m both excited and kind of anxious. I can’t wait to see everyone, and the drive doesn’t worry me. But, I have no… Continue reading I’m going to work
What happens on Cub camp
I was a Girl Guide and a Brownie before that, then a Young Leader. Guiding and Scouting were a big part of my growing up, I don’t think I realised it at the time or really even thought about it until I had kids. I certainly didn’t realise how it affected me until quite recently;… Continue reading What happens on Cub camp
April 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy A Pinch of Magic by Michelle Harrison The three Widdershins sisters had to go back in time and stuff to get magical items… Continue reading April 2022 Reading
Snatched moments
Snatched moments A few minutes of company Pleasure in easy companionship Mundane chatter about nothing Twenty minutes of a return to before Being friends is no longer an everyday pastime Long lunches distant memories Yoga classes no more Because Children change everything And, most days, it’s a fair exchange I managed a short lunchtime walk… Continue reading Snatched moments
7.30am on a Sunday
Seriously, who voluntarily sets their alarm for 7.30am on Sunday morning? And why? Sleep Surely it’s just not a sensible move. I mean, once upon a time anything before 10am on the weekend was “early”. Then kids happened and now any and all sleep is precious. Even six and three quarter years since small boy… Continue reading 7.30am on a Sunday
Lessons in Loss 19: Virginity
I don’t really remember how I came across Rachel’s blog at Musings of the Mind. Rachel is from Trinidad and Tobago, a far flung distant dream for me. But that distance represents, to me at least, the real value in blogging – bringing together people from all over the world who wouldn’t otherwise meet. Rachel… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 19: Virginity
Our Easter Break
This is just a bit of a round up post as I return to the blog after a wonderful, chilled out Easter break for 2022. Friday 8th April The boys and I had a busy day. First off large boy needed new school shoes, PE trainers and a summer waterproof. So we went to a… Continue reading Our Easter Break
Taking an Easter Break
We’re off for a little UK holiday for the next week, so I’m going to take a break from the blog to enjoy some fabulous adventures with the family. Wishing everyone a lovely chocolate holiday full of eggs and fluffy bunnies and free of vomiting, over-chocolate-filled children.
A maturity landmark
Large boy has just hit a landmark in his growing up path to adulthood and independence. He’s 10 and a bit, relatively sensible most of the time but also capable of being a prize plonker in the company of his best mates. What’s going on? This is the first week of two weeks of the… Continue reading A maturity landmark
March 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy The Finisher by David Baldacci It was about somebody who lived in a village surrounded by darkness filled with monsters, before TVs were… Continue reading March 2022 Reading
Overwhelmed
I’m having one of those days or weeks where there are just too many things going on. I knew what I was going to write a post about, but here I am at 5.30pm the day before publishing and I haven’t started it. I refuse to let the blog be one more pressure on me.… Continue reading Overwhelmed
Lessons in Loss 18: Miscarriage (Three Years On)
Molly is one of my absolute favourite bloggers. Her blog is Lovely Local Indie, with a focus on food, days out and places to stay in and around Derbyshire, UK. She’s quite local to me so there’s always something for me to store away for use one day. The boys are particularly excited to visit… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 18: Miscarriage (Three Years On)
Springtime 2022
I’m totally loving this beautiful weather lately. OK so it’s still pretty cold in the morning, with a bit of frost, but the blue skies and sunshine are making me happy. So I wanted to share some pictures I’ve taken out and about recently. What are you looking forward to as the days get warmer… Continue reading Springtime 2022
Practical social media inclusivity
I think most people agree that inclusion and the absence of exclusion are very good things. If you want some tips on how to be more inclusive in day to day real life, maybe have a read of Inclusion – a how to. Last year I read A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived by… Continue reading Practical social media inclusivity
Exciting and scary: the end
So about a year ago an exciting but scary opportunity presented itself to me at work. There was some progress and then a bit more. Now we’re at the end. I’d been trundling along with the same general activities for quite a while, there are challenges and long term projects running all the time and… Continue reading Exciting and scary: the end
Lessons in Loss 17: Friendship
I think I first met Pepper though the lovely Bill’s weekly round ups over at A Silly Place. We’ve commented on each others blogs for ages and I think we have a lot in common, we certainly have many shared attitudes and values. I highly recommend her blog at Pepper Valentine for posts on travel… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 17: Friendship
Outdoors etiquette
Some of the content in this post was originally published in April 2020, Lockdown exercise etiquette. Back then I was a learner runner, but already I’d noticed some strange behaviour when sharing roads and footpaths with other people. Since then I’ve had innumerable negative encounters as well as many positive ones. The UK highway code… Continue reading Outdoors etiquette
February 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy The Serpent’s Shadow by Rick Riordan “I really enjoyed this of course, it’s Rick Riordan what do you expect?” Yep and it’s Thursday… Continue reading February 2022 Reading
Dealing with the news
Random thoughts time. Apologies if I’m going off on an odd tangent. I might be a bit ranty, please don’t be offended or feel like I’m directing it at you. So here’s the thing with handling the news at the moment. Things are bad. Really bad. So bad that lots of people are feeling the… Continue reading Dealing with the news
Lessons in Loss 16: Promise of a New Day
Today’s post is from Molly at Transatlantic Notes. Molly and I have been following each other for a while now. We have a real common sense of what’s right and a shared desire to live a better life of equality and fairness. Molly’s blog discusses issues to do with mental health, equality, politics and food,… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 16: Promise of a New Day
You know you’ve got the running bug when… Part III
I might have mentioned it before, maybe more than once? (see Part I and Part II) I have the running bug. It’s gone from a minor ailment, to a chronic condition and is now really quite serious. On top of all the previous symptoms, here are some more. 1. You read What I Talk About… Continue reading You know you’ve got the running bug when… Part III
Be Unapologetically You
The very lovely Michelle at Boomer Eco Crusader tagged me for this lovely tag. This tag is all about sharing your genuine and authentic self. Like Michelle who tagged me, I’m really bad at hiding my feelings or being political or being anything other than just “me”. The tag was originally created by Izzy Matias… Continue reading Be Unapologetically You
Getting by
So I have about four half-written blog posts and several ideas in my head but nothing in a state to share today. Add to that the rather hectic last two weeks because himself was isolating after getting COVID, meaning that I was doing all the taxi duties for the kids, me getting large boy’s evil… Continue reading Getting by
Lessons in Loss 15: Losing Touch
This post is from Jamie. I’m not sure how we “met”, but we’re been exchanging comments and tweets for a while now. I feel like we’re on pretty much the same wavelength and his blog is an excellent source of giggles, book reviews and lovely poems. Plus he has an actual, real book! The Fathers,… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 15: Losing Touch
RED January 2022 Review
Well RED January is over again. Last year was the first time that I participated in an effort like that, I did some in 2020 but not officially and didn’t run every day. I quite wanted to look back and reflect on how I coped and what I achieved. My efforts Date Distance Time Notes… Continue reading RED January 2022 Review
January 2022 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy The Red Pyramid and The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan He says they were good, all about Sadie and Carter Kane who… Continue reading January 2022 Reading
Waves of grief
Trigger warning: miscarriage I feel like I’m treading water in my grief. I know we don’t always have to be moving forwards, that backwards is OK too. Maybe it’s not even like I’m treading water because that’s an active attempt to keep afloat. I’m rather effortlessly and aimlessly drifting. I don’t know where I am… Continue reading Waves of grief
Lessons in Loss 14: Nothingness
This post is from the very lovely Monty Vern. I first met Monty when I wrote about “A Surprise Called Nick” for our mutual friends at T.B.C. Monty created some fabulous and fun artwork for that series. Then when T.B.C ran another series about first times he blew me away when he captured absolutely the… Continue reading Lessons in Loss 14: Nothingness
It’s not about you
Right, so here’s the thing that’s annoying me lately. Self-centredness. Is that even a word? I think so. I mean people who forget that there’s anything outside their little world or that other people have different experiences, needs, abilities, finances and so on. Like what? Like those who don’t want to vaccinate because the vaccines… Continue reading It’s not about you
Our favourite board games
During our winter break we had a full day dedicated to board games and a few extra afternoons too. The boys almost always get a board game or card game or something for their birthdays and Christmases. Here are our favourites from winter 2021-22. Catan We’ve had Catan Junior for several years and it’s one… Continue reading Our favourite board games
Running Review 2021
At the start of 2021, I did a round up of 2020 and included some running stats. Over the last year though, my running has got a bit more serious I suppose. So I’m dedicating a whole post to look back at what I’ve achieved. Total Stats Active days: 278 Total time: 239 hours Total… Continue reading Running Review 2021
Lessons in Loss: Restart
Back in November 2020, I started a series of collaboration posts about how we cope with loss. I think about loss from time to time, as you probably know if you’re a regular reader over here. I’ve discussed recovery from loss of a baby and other people’s reactions. But, we don’t only struggle or grieve… Continue reading Lessons in Loss: Restart
Feeling weepy
I’m feeling weepy at the moment. Hormones. Anniversaries. Seems like so much is going on, even though it’s no more than usual. May be I’m wearing myself out with RED January. Could do with a bit of a boost of cheer and energy, that isn’t chocolate-based. That’s all I’ve got today.
Reflecting on 2021
A year ago I wrote a post looking towards (not forwards to) 2021. And, well, 2020 had certainly been a rollercoaster but it wasn’t as painful as 2019 was for us. For 2021, I knew not to make resolutions or think about specific goals. Instead there were some general things I wanted from 2021, and… Continue reading Reflecting on 2021
December 2021 Reading
I do a monthly round up for everything we’ve read each month. Himself focuses on science articles and forums and news, so he’s not getting a section – books only! Large boy The Day the Screens Went Blank by Danny Wallace One day when a family were all sitting on the sofa watching different TV… Continue reading December 2021 Reading
This time next year
Bill over at A Silly Place passed on this pondering question – where will I be this time next year? He’s got some clear ideas about the inevitable and some general goals for himself this time next year. However, he generously shared the challenge with some other folks, including me. I’ve had to have a… Continue reading This time next year
Taking A Festive Break
Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas. I’m taking a few days off to enjoy some cuddles, laughs, and lots of food with my family. I might be back on 28th or I might not. I hope everyone has a joyful and peaceful few days. But I know Christmas can be awful for some of us… Continue reading Taking A Festive Break
My Christmas Wishlist 2021
There are lots of lovely lists I’ve seen lately, recommending gifts for our loved ones. Rather than a general list, I’m going to share my personal wishlist…. Any links in this post are not sponsored.I won’t be compensated if you click on them. Foodie Books I’m not much of a chef, neither ambitious nor sophisticated.… Continue reading My Christmas Wishlist 2021
Christmas Prep: Nut Roast
This recipe was first published in my 2020 Christmas Treat Recipes post. I’ve made some edits and added some pictures. In the December when I was 9 I decided I wanted to be vegetarian. My amazing mum is a saint and let me get on with it, supporting me by preparing all sorts of different… Continue reading Christmas Prep: Nut Roast
Get to Know Me Festive Edition
The lovely Molly from Lovely Local Indie tagged me in her post about festive personal facts. I’m not sure where this tag came from, but I do love to learn more about my fellow bloggers in the community, so I can’t resist passing it on. Thank you! First of all, a big thanks to Molly… Continue reading Get to Know Me Festive Edition
You look tired…
OK, so potentially debatable opinion: I hate Zoom. Work has just switched to Zoom for conference calls and that means more video calls. I’ve managed to avoid them so far for the most part – himself almost always interrupts my regular Wednesday group meeting and I’ve started making him wave at the other participants in… Continue reading You look tired…
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Smelly Socks and Garden Peas 
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