The last of the sunflowers has opened up in the morning sun, I've just returned from a short run along the lanes, and there's a pan of leek and potato soup in the kitchen ready for my lunch.
I'm quite relieved to see the start of this new week.
Last week was a bit meh! Both Lily and I felt quite out of sorts. Nothing I could put my finger on but I was initially putting it down to being overtired - settling in to the new school year, trying my best to complete my studies (I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the end of this week), and pushing myself to get back into some form of exercise routine. Looking back now, I think it's clear we were suffering with some sort of virus. Several evenings I was so shivery, I was wrapped up in a blanket on the sofa. Now, I am aware I feel the cold very easily but this felt a little extreme, even for me, and I have since discovered it has been affecting quite a few people, a sort of primary school version of fresher's flu.
My original plans for the weekend involved a steep climb and the promise of some glorious views but, given how washed out I was feeling, this was definitely not a good idea. Any time I've been under the weather, as well as some early nights and making sure I'm eating properly, I always feel better for a good dose of sea air, so with this is mind, instead, we went to the beach. And I'm so glad we did. It was just the nicest way to say goodbye to our summer. The temperatures were unseasonably high and it was lovely to have this last opportunity to paddle in the sea, breathe in the fresh salty air, and feel the warm sunshine on our skin.
I'm pleased to say we are both now feeling much better and, with the ending of our summer days, I'm looking forward to what autumn holds in store.
J. X