It felt a while since I'd hung out in this little space, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that, in reality, it was only just over a week ago. I've been a bit under the weather, you see and feeling generally meh! One of the 'perks' of my job is that I am susceptible to any germs which may be flying around at any given moment and a cold which had been threatening for a couple of weeks turned into full blown laryngitis almost overnight. My cough lasted only a day or so, leaving me with a sore throat, then my voice, which was initially just a bit hoarse, all but disappeared. It became more of a squeak, much to the amusement of some of my colleagues. I have been drinking plenty of fluids and easing my symptoms with some hot lemon and honey with a generous kick of ginger and turmeric and now, thankfully, I am slowly recovering. I may have also partaken of the occasional brandy in an evening - medicinal, of course.
Life has been quiet this week and aside from the usual work, school and home routine we haven't really been up to much. A walk on Sunday was much welcome. Fresh air and intermittent sunshine took my mind off my sore throat for a while as we experienced all kinds of weather in one afternoon. As we walked along, the rainfall looked quite dramatic in the valley, briefly allowing for a beautiful rainbow. Most of the trees are looking quite bare now, with the exception being this one, which was such a beautiful shade of gold I just had to take a photograph.
Recently, my thoughts have begun to turn towards the end of the year. Christmas (yes I've said it!) is only 40 days off now and although I don't like to start planning too early, I confess to treating myself to a festive magazine and feeling a little bit of excitement stir within. With the increasingly dark days I can't help but feel a little gleeful at the prospect of fairy lights, sparkle and glitter, although I've yet to start writing any lists or thinking about food. I'm going to try my very best to strike a balance between peaking too soon and leaving things until last minute. Maybe this will be the year I will crack it.
For anyone else who is suffering like I was.
Lemon and Honey Remedy
The juice of half a lemon
2 teaspoons of honey
1 large pinch of turmeric
1 inch of freshly grated ginger
Put it all in a mug and pour in hot water. Stir well. Add a shot of brandy or whisky if necessary.
J.X
