Thursday 16 April 2015

Ten Things :: April





:: I'm constantly amazed by how little sleep I need when under stress. I go to sleep without a problem and am dead to the world by 10pm. By 4am (or even 3.30am) I'm wide awake, brain fizzing with thoughts (good and bad), lists of things to do, stuff for the garden, cakes to bake, things to sew, birthday ideas, holiday ideas, places to take the girls, things I'd like to 'get sorted' (bedside drawers I'm thinking of you first!) as well as the worry thoughts (what if...) but to counteract that I've actually gotten up and gotten on with stuff.

:: I'm struggling to believe we're nearly a quarter of the way through the year. Thr last 6 weeks have been a blur and a steep learning curve.

:: Pizza is now a staple in our lives since I worked out how not to make to stick to the baking tray... I often have some dough 'resting'in the fridge (who knew you do this? thanks Hugh) so if the mood strikes it's there ready and waiting.

:: I made a new (to me) cake. Rhubarb and orange...as Leeds is so close to the Rhubarb triangle - it would be rude not to, Yet to be tasted ...it smells delicious.

:: I'm really enjoying the garden at the moment, we've had some lovely sunny days. It's not been as hot as some parts of the country and today was cloudy but it's been good outdoors weather. The girls really love to play outside and it's fantastic to now be able to let them run round without worrying they (well the youngest one is the one with the sense of adventure) can open the gate. Who knew such a small thing could make such a difference?

:: We planted some seeds last week. The next day littleR dug them up to see if they were growing. To my surprise, 2 of the pea seeds had put out roots!!

:: We're going to get blueberries again this year. I'm beyond excited. I cant wait to go and get some strawberry plants too.

:: Spring and the clocks changing energises me. I've been looking through my sewing books and making plans. I had a list a while ago of things I would do creatively...I need to follow this up and add to it.

:: I bought a colouring book (Although I don't think I'm a grown up just yet. when does that happen? Actually having a poorly child makes me feel like a grown up. Hmm. Confusing) to do whilst we waited (and waited and waited) in the hospital. I treated myself to some gorgeous colouring pencils too. I've not used either of them (but plan to this weekend) as it seems that you need to hug and encourage your small child to stay in one place as she doesn't want to nap when there's peppa pig to watch and random people taking your blood pressure/temperature/give you medication/take blood every 20 minutes!

:: BigR has expressed an interest in learning to knit. I'm wondering if it's too early and she may not be dexterous enough (she's 5 and a half). I don't want to put her off it by starting before she's really ready. I was thinking chunky needles and wool might be the way forward?

Tuesday 14 April 2015

The year in books :: April


You would think given all the hospital waiting time and all the sleepless nights there would be plenty of time for reading - you would be wrong. When I had the time I didn't have the inclination and my March plans for 'The year in books' changed. I needed comfort and writer who I can rely on and so returned to the third Tana French novel set in Dublin 'Faithful Place'.
In this book we see Frank Mackey (when we first met in the second novel and was utterly unlikeable) return to his roots and explore his past and events that have made in him who he is. I really like the way that French is able to combine a whodunnit and character development. I hopes for her fourth level which I'm hoping takes a character that has a moderate role to play in this third book and expand upon this.

Once again I'm joining in with Laura.

Edited: I just realised that I didn't put in my book for April! I'm hoping to read (amongst others if time and temperament allows) 'The Girl on the Train' By Paula Hawkins.

Thanks to all of you for your lovely comments on my previous post; I really appreciate your kind words. I'm hoping to be back to your blogs very soon.