Today I'm grateful for...

- beautiful skies, full of every kind of cloud as I left work

- meeting friends and family at tonight's Convention meeting 

- a stunning sunset as I drove home (there wasn't much left by the time I could take a photo, but Bassenthwaite Lake was amazing)

Flowers and sunshine

A belated celebration lunch for an 83rd birthday last week

I'm also grateful for friends. 

- hugs and a chat at church

- keeping visitors company during a random Sunday meeting

- emails to plan a holiday next year

On the up

Last week was so much easier than I'd expected...

- we put together a fun quiz for Thursday's Alpha, and I managed to get a beef stew cooked and delivered (with help from a friend) on time.  There was plenty (phew!)

- I made it to a NISCU support group meeting - my first in months - and it felt good to hear about all that's happening and meet with the rest of the group.

- I wasn't drained by the work travelling, and it was actually very interesting (to see the Toyota factory) and even refreshing.

- my cold has gone

- we had a nice evening with A's family for his birthday, and have had a relaxing weekend since.

- catching up with friends at church this morning.

- catching up with our friends and their kids this afternoon.

- I think I've figured out one source of my feelings of stress - it's bereavement-related (of course) and I'm glad to put a name to it.  Now I can pray and ask my friends to join me.

- new walking boots which seem ok after a test walk of maybe a couple of miles.  More to come next weekend :)

Catching up between busy weeks

- a weekend at home

- late waking yesterday, but time to clear some work stuff out of the way before lunch

- prayer at church for peace / rest / strength

- lunch with A and our friend

- a long nap this afternoon

- housework moving along... Washing done, ironing half-done, dishes washed, living room slightly tidier, bathroom half-done

I'm still feeling quite run down (there's a cold beginning...) but I'm glad there's some progress before we get into another busy week. Now for an earlyish night.

Starting again

Feeling the need to refocus on some blessings...

1. A chance to go away on holiday, including time with some of our family.

2. Safety while travelling for work last week (the autobahn is not my favourite at all! But I felt peaceful, with a sense from God that He was keeping me safe and I'd get home).

3. Happy family news. 

A night off (mostly) with some crochet...

The week has flown by!

- High winds continued at the start of the week.

- They eased off on Wednesday so I was able to enjoy a walk/run in the fresh air (I wrapped up well).

- I'm still getting all sorts of words jumbled up! But at least it gives people a chuckle ;-)

- My last knitting project has reached its recipient, and the next is close to being finished. Just as well - the baby was due yesterday...

- I'm glad it's the weekend now. 

Looking after myself

1. Went for my first walk/run of the year after work yesterday. I didn't push myself too much but was close to my typical time (40 mins for 3.3 miles) and was smiling all the way round. It felt so good to be exercising in fresh air again. 

2. We visited a housegroup last night to see how we fitted. I enjoyed it and it felt good to have a proper bible study after a long time without a group. 

3. Pilates after work today. She was kind to us on our first week back.