It is just over a week since the start of our summer break and I am loving every minute of it. This last week has been a whirlwind, beginning with a school picnic and ending with a graduation. Initially, the idea of squeezing so much activity into a short space of time seemed almost impossible, but a general buzz of excitement in the air and planning for the weeks ahead quickly took over and, before I knew it, it had gone in the blink of an eye. Another school year over and time to unwind.
I intentionally didn't plan any activities for our first week at home and it has felt quite satisfying to spend some time catching up with chores and getting on top of the housework again. I don't feel at ease when home life is chaotic. I prefer a calm and organised environment and recently it has felt anything but - constantly chasing my tail and still feeling one step behind. Already, I feel so much more relaxed and my sleep has improved, probably down to not anticipating an early morning alarm. With having the time to enjoy the warm sunshine and drink tea in the garden, this slower pace of life is suiting me perfectly.
For a while now I have been meaning to buy some cotton and knit some new dishcloths, so last week I did just that. The previous ones had been looking past their best for ages, even after regular bleaching and, although they worked perfectly well and hadn't got any holes, they were looking pretty grim. Hardly surprising really. When I thought back I realised I'd had them for around six years! Not bad going and even now I will get use out of them as cleaning cloths. The new dish cloths are now in use and it will be interesting to see if they last as long.
The house plants have been receiving some TLC too. I have been re-potting, watering and polishing leaves and there is currently a Pilea and Chain of Hearts nursery on the dining table (which makes a pleasant change from a pile of ironing!) I'm keeping my fingers crossed they grow now. I have quite a lot of plants dotted around the house which I have grown this way.
I've spent time in the (now tidy) kitchen. As well as my usual flapjack I baked some lemon shortbread biscuits. They are so light, crispy and delicious. Perfect for this time of year. I mixed 125g plain flour, 60g corn flour, 60g caster sugar, 120g butter and the grated zest of one lemon. and baked at 150° for 10 - 15 minutes.
It's been an enjoyable week, although there may have been one slight incident.....
I've spent time in the (now tidy) kitchen. As well as my usual flapjack I baked some lemon shortbread biscuits. They are so light, crispy and delicious. Perfect for this time of year. I mixed 125g plain flour, 60g corn flour, 60g caster sugar, 120g butter and the grated zest of one lemon. and baked at 150° for 10 - 15 minutes.
It's been an enjoyable week, although there may have been one slight incident.....
J. X
