Today's treats

- time to actually talk with people at work. So often I'm tied to my desk or in meetings so it's been a treat to catch up with the team and see how they're doing. They're a great bunch!

- A didn't make it home for this evening as planned but I could still enjoy the summer veg (aubergine, courgette, onion, carrots and cherry tomatoes) fried with cumin and mustard seeds, instead of roasted, with a couple of eggs. A tasty treat with strawberries and blueberries for pud. 

- writing this, I'm happy at how my tastes have matured. I still have too much of a sweet tooth, but I wouldn't have gone near those ingredients when I was younger!

Prayer from today's a Bible in One Year readings (actually for 10th July):

Lord, as we look around at the state of our city, our nation and our world, we need your deliverance. You alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You made heaven and earth. Give ear, O Lord, and hear; open your eyes, O Lord, and see. Lord, would you pour out your Holy Spirit again. May we see people seeking your name again. May we see miracles of healing. May we see the evangelisation of our nation, the revitalisation of the church and the transformation of society, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God.

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.