I keep coming back to family.
I'm sitting here, going over the day, trying to decide what to write about tonight, and I keep coming back to family.
It's at times like these, when illness rears it's ugly head, that you can really see the family unit at work. All supporting each other, closing ranks and working together as one unit, for the benefit of each other.
It's at times like these that you know that you really are not alone. There is always someone you can turn to.
Today I am grateful for my own wonderful family. And, on K's behalf, for his wonderful family too.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Friday, 31 August 2012
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Normality
Normality seems to be setting in.
Packed lunches, waking the kids three times to get them up and dressed, trying to remember to take something out of the deep-freeze for tea, walking along by the river on the way to work.
Of course, Thomas doesn't go back to school till Monday, but Meggie was back today, and seemed to enjoy it. I certainly enjoyed my walk in to work. And both of them are tired tonight after their early start! (I must admit, I'm a bit tired myself!!)
Time to tweak the routine, I guess. Iron out all the niggley bits that seem to creep in and become habit on the run up to summer holidays.
Aul' claise and porridge....comforting!
Today I am grateful for life's little comforts.
Not so sure about all this "breaking out of your comfort zone" malarkey! There is something to be said for being comfy and cosy...as long as you remember not to take it all for granted!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Packed lunches, waking the kids three times to get them up and dressed, trying to remember to take something out of the deep-freeze for tea, walking along by the river on the way to work.
Of course, Thomas doesn't go back to school till Monday, but Meggie was back today, and seemed to enjoy it. I certainly enjoyed my walk in to work. And both of them are tired tonight after their early start! (I must admit, I'm a bit tired myself!!)
Time to tweak the routine, I guess. Iron out all the niggley bits that seem to creep in and become habit on the run up to summer holidays.
Aul' claise and porridge....comforting!
Today I am grateful for life's little comforts.
Not so sure about all this "breaking out of your comfort zone" malarkey! There is something to be said for being comfy and cosy...as long as you remember not to take it all for granted!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Wednesday, 29 August 2012
Two of the best
Today I am grateful for two wonderful women of my acquaintance, who are celebrating their birthdays today.
One is my sister.
She is full of compassion, joy and wisdom. She is kind and generous, and I love her dearly.
The other has been a friend of my family for, I guess, at least 30years, since she worked in the shop with my dad. She's one of the family.
She too is full of compassion, and she simply radiates joy and fun. It is impossible to feel down around her.
Neither one has had an easy ride through life, but they both have the ability to enjoy the moment, and help those around them to do the same.
They are simply both Earth Angels, and I find them both to be a true inspiration in my life. Just sitting writing this, I am smiling as I think about them....got that warm fuzzy feeling! (No, I haven't been on the brandy!!)
Lindsay and Judy...I love you both. Happy Birthday!
Gratefully yours.
xx
One is my sister.
She is full of compassion, joy and wisdom. She is kind and generous, and I love her dearly.
The other has been a friend of my family for, I guess, at least 30years, since she worked in the shop with my dad. She's one of the family.
She too is full of compassion, and she simply radiates joy and fun. It is impossible to feel down around her.
Neither one has had an easy ride through life, but they both have the ability to enjoy the moment, and help those around them to do the same.
They are simply both Earth Angels, and I find them both to be a true inspiration in my life. Just sitting writing this, I am smiling as I think about them....got that warm fuzzy feeling! (No, I haven't been on the brandy!!)
Lindsay and Judy...I love you both. Happy Birthday!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Tuesday, 28 August 2012
Pick 'n' mix
Where would we be without a good old pick 'n' mix for tea??
It used to be called salad, but the kids re-named it! They love being able to help themselves to what they want...which, for Megan, means just tuna and pasta!!
Still, it's the feeling of being in control, I guess!
Sure, don't we all like to think that we have some control over what goes on in our lives?
But, unfortunately, that's not always the case. Sometimes life throws you completely off balance and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.
I guess that's when going with the flow comes in handy. Trusting that if you can just hang in there, making the most of every moment you have, balance will be restored eventually. Accepting that what you have is what you have, and not spending all your precious time wishing that things were different.
Today I am grateful for pick 'n' mix dinners.
Maybe I should try letting the kids dish up their own dinners more often.
Or maybe I should be teaching them to take whatever life throws at them, and make the most of it!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
It used to be called salad, but the kids re-named it! They love being able to help themselves to what they want...which, for Megan, means just tuna and pasta!!
Still, it's the feeling of being in control, I guess!
Sure, don't we all like to think that we have some control over what goes on in our lives?
But, unfortunately, that's not always the case. Sometimes life throws you completely off balance and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it.
I guess that's when going with the flow comes in handy. Trusting that if you can just hang in there, making the most of every moment you have, balance will be restored eventually. Accepting that what you have is what you have, and not spending all your precious time wishing that things were different.
Today I am grateful for pick 'n' mix dinners.
Maybe I should try letting the kids dish up their own dinners more often.
Or maybe I should be teaching them to take whatever life throws at them, and make the most of it!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Monday, 27 August 2012
3 more sleeps
The count down is on...3 more sleeps till Megan goes back to school!!
So, the next few days will be spent making the most of it!!!
We went to Costa for coffee this morning, and did a wee bit of shopping. You know the kind of stuff...Man U jersey, Top Model designer drawing set (complete with clothes-shaped stencils and stickers no less!), new bed-linen...well, we've been doing up Thomas's room since January!!! (Long story!)
Then, in the afternoon we went to the cinema. At this stage I think I've nearly reached my limit of how many cartoons and Gen-rated films I can watch!!!
But we had a good day doing "stuff" together, and that's the main thing!
Time really does go by too fast! Blink and you miss it!!
Today I am grateful for this time.
My babbies won't be babbies for too much longer....and then...well, lets not go there just yet!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
So, the next few days will be spent making the most of it!!!
We went to Costa for coffee this morning, and did a wee bit of shopping. You know the kind of stuff...Man U jersey, Top Model designer drawing set (complete with clothes-shaped stencils and stickers no less!), new bed-linen...well, we've been doing up Thomas's room since January!!! (Long story!)
Then, in the afternoon we went to the cinema. At this stage I think I've nearly reached my limit of how many cartoons and Gen-rated films I can watch!!!
But we had a good day doing "stuff" together, and that's the main thing!
Time really does go by too fast! Blink and you miss it!!
Today I am grateful for this time.
My babbies won't be babbies for too much longer....and then...well, lets not go there just yet!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Sunday, 26 August 2012
The calm before the storm
K and I had a lovely quiet day.
We slept late....well so would you after the late night we had!!!
We ate a leisurely breakfast, well brunch really, and passed most of the day in quiet contemplation of the joys of life.
Okay, okay......we did the normal, every-Sunday kind of stuff, only with no kids! It was so quiet! No arguments, no shouting, no stamping feet, no cuddles and giggles.....
I guess I have to admit to having missed them this weekend!
They seem to have enjoyed themselves without us though! Did lots of fun stuff and, I have no doubt, didn't stop talking the whole weekend!
Today I am grateful for the calm...and the storm! Without one, how can we appreciate the other???
Gratefully yours.
xx
We slept late....well so would you after the late night we had!!!
We ate a leisurely breakfast, well brunch really, and passed most of the day in quiet contemplation of the joys of life.
Okay, okay......we did the normal, every-Sunday kind of stuff, only with no kids! It was so quiet! No arguments, no shouting, no stamping feet, no cuddles and giggles.....
I guess I have to admit to having missed them this weekend!
They seem to have enjoyed themselves without us though! Did lots of fun stuff and, I have no doubt, didn't stop talking the whole weekend!
Today I am grateful for the calm...and the storm! Without one, how can we appreciate the other???
Gratefully yours.
xx
Birthday cake
Tonight I have no problem with what to be grateful for.....
We had dinner out with our group of friends to celebrate a 50th birthday.
What a laugh!!
I am the quiet one of the group (no, seriously!!!). Even after nearly 20 years (OMG!!!) I still just love to sit and listen and let the conversations and debates and arguments go on round about me.
And what a fabulous way to unwind and relax. We are all so comfortable with each other at this stage that nights out in this company are better than any weekend away in any spa!!! (I do believe that all the champagne helps too!!)
As I sit writing this, I can feel the vibrations building up to sing-song proportions. Thank goodness Jim lives in a detached house!!! (Yes, I have commandeered Jim's computer to make sure this does get written tonight!!!)
So, today I am grateful for fabulous friends. The best in my life. And I truly believe that I am a better person for knowing them.
Gratefully yours.
xx
We had dinner out with our group of friends to celebrate a 50th birthday.
What a laugh!!
I am the quiet one of the group (no, seriously!!!). Even after nearly 20 years (OMG!!!) I still just love to sit and listen and let the conversations and debates and arguments go on round about me.
And what a fabulous way to unwind and relax. We are all so comfortable with each other at this stage that nights out in this company are better than any weekend away in any spa!!! (I do believe that all the champagne helps too!!)
As I sit writing this, I can feel the vibrations building up to sing-song proportions. Thank goodness Jim lives in a detached house!!! (Yes, I have commandeered Jim's computer to make sure this does get written tonight!!!)
So, today I am grateful for fabulous friends. The best in my life. And I truly believe that I am a better person for knowing them.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Friday, 24 August 2012
Dinner for two
The kids have gone to Dublin for the weekend.
Oh, my gosh, the house is quiet!!
And tidy!!
And yes, I miss them already!
It is nice, though, to be able to sit down to a lovely steak dinner, and a glass or two of fine red wine, followed by biscuits and cheese....just the two of us!
Far nicer than going out to dinner! Am I getting old???
We are out tomorrow night, and you can bet that by this time tomorrow I will be so stuffed I will be uncomfortable, and I won't sleep a wink!
I know, I know! Don't eat too much, and don't drink too much wine, and I'll be fine!!! Still nicer to be at home!!!
Today I am grateful for a quiet night in...a deux!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Oh, my gosh, the house is quiet!!
And tidy!!
And yes, I miss them already!
It is nice, though, to be able to sit down to a lovely steak dinner, and a glass or two of fine red wine, followed by biscuits and cheese....just the two of us!
Far nicer than going out to dinner! Am I getting old???
We are out tomorrow night, and you can bet that by this time tomorrow I will be so stuffed I will be uncomfortable, and I won't sleep a wink!
I know, I know! Don't eat too much, and don't drink too much wine, and I'll be fine!!! Still nicer to be at home!!!
Today I am grateful for a quiet night in...a deux!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Kitchen chaos
Much as I hate doing dishes, I love seeing a clean, tidy kitchen.
Now, I know, I have a dishwasher (no, I don't mean Kieran!!) but all the wee fiddly bits, like plastic cups and yoghurt pots still need to be washed by hand. And in the summer we have no hot water, other than our shower, 'cos our stupid boiler won't just heat the water!! So, clearing the bits and pieces also involves boiling the kettle!
Moan, moan, moan!!! Isn't this blog supposed to be about positivity???
Yes!
Today I am grateful that all the bits and pieces are washed and my surfaces are clear and clean!
And it does give you (well, me anyway!) a sense of achievement!
I've just realised that this gives the impression that having dishes done and surfaces clear is a strange new experience in this house....not so!!!
It's just that I'd just finished doing it when I sat down to write this, so it was fresh in my mind....honest!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Now, I know, I have a dishwasher (no, I don't mean Kieran!!) but all the wee fiddly bits, like plastic cups and yoghurt pots still need to be washed by hand. And in the summer we have no hot water, other than our shower, 'cos our stupid boiler won't just heat the water!! So, clearing the bits and pieces also involves boiling the kettle!
Moan, moan, moan!!! Isn't this blog supposed to be about positivity???
Yes!
Today I am grateful that all the bits and pieces are washed and my surfaces are clear and clean!
And it does give you (well, me anyway!) a sense of achievement!
I've just realised that this gives the impression that having dishes done and surfaces clear is a strange new experience in this house....not so!!!
It's just that I'd just finished doing it when I sat down to write this, so it was fresh in my mind....honest!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Wednesday, 22 August 2012
The sky's the limit
Today I am grateful for Sky movies.
My ironing basket was reaching for the roof again. The shirts seem to have been multiplying again!
There was nothing else for it. The ironing had to be done.
So, on went sky movies.
It's amazing how much ironing can be done in the space of a decent film!!!
That's it!
Gratefully yours.
xx
My ironing basket was reaching for the roof again. The shirts seem to have been multiplying again!
There was nothing else for it. The ironing had to be done.
So, on went sky movies.
It's amazing how much ironing can be done in the space of a decent film!!!
That's it!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
The tooth fairy
Today I am grateful that we are not expecting a visit from the tooth fairy in the next while!
The kids were both at the dentist today, and, thank goodness, they were both sent away with a pat on the back!
I thought we may have problems because Meggie's baby teeth don't seem to want to fall out. Her big teeth come in, but the babies hang on for dear life, so the big teeth seem to be out of line completely, coming in behind, of in front of the babies.
But, the dentist is quite happy that everything is going according to plan. He has this great x-ray machine that shows instantly on the computer screen, so we were able to see all her teeth, most of which will take a few years to put in an appearance! He mumbo-jumboed a bit, but on the whole, I took it that he is quite happy the way things are progressing. Meggie, of course, was delighted!
Thomas got checked out too, just to be on the safe side, and he also got the all-clear!
Now if only I could expect as much when I finally get an appointment with my own dentist!!! I've had nothing done, other than a regular clean, since I moved to Ireland 17 years ago....but I think my time may be running out!!! Talk about sensitivity!!!
Oh well....for today I can be grateful not to be expecting the tooth fairy! I wonder what the going rate for a 40year old tooth is??? And, before you say it (yes, I know you lot!!!) the tooth isn't as old as me, remember!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
The kids were both at the dentist today, and, thank goodness, they were both sent away with a pat on the back!
I thought we may have problems because Meggie's baby teeth don't seem to want to fall out. Her big teeth come in, but the babies hang on for dear life, so the big teeth seem to be out of line completely, coming in behind, of in front of the babies.
But, the dentist is quite happy that everything is going according to plan. He has this great x-ray machine that shows instantly on the computer screen, so we were able to see all her teeth, most of which will take a few years to put in an appearance! He mumbo-jumboed a bit, but on the whole, I took it that he is quite happy the way things are progressing. Meggie, of course, was delighted!
Thomas got checked out too, just to be on the safe side, and he also got the all-clear!
Now if only I could expect as much when I finally get an appointment with my own dentist!!! I've had nothing done, other than a regular clean, since I moved to Ireland 17 years ago....but I think my time may be running out!!! Talk about sensitivity!!!
Oh well....for today I can be grateful not to be expecting the tooth fairy! I wonder what the going rate for a 40year old tooth is??? And, before you say it (yes, I know you lot!!!) the tooth isn't as old as me, remember!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Monday, 20 August 2012
The wonder of veg
Megan is growing her own veg!
Now, whether she will actually eat any of it, we will have to wait and see....but she is growing it none the less!
So far we have sweetcorn, which grew very well in the pot, but is not thriving in a grow-bag! We have beans that really are of the Jack and the Beanstalk variety. They have just been planted out with a nice teepee of bamboo to hold them up. So far, so good. The peas are still in the pot at the moment but are looking healthy.
I think Meg thought that if wee Aya could do it, then she'd better give it a go too!
In fairness to her, she has been on at me for a few years to dig a bit of garden for her to use. Well, I didn't exactly dig her a bit, but I did get a couple of grow-bags....so here's hoping!!!
And you never know....I may get bitten by the bug too, if the plants actually produce anything worth eating!!!
Today I am grateful for small dreams...who knows how big they can grow!!
And, boy, are they worth tending!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Now, whether she will actually eat any of it, we will have to wait and see....but she is growing it none the less!
So far we have sweetcorn, which grew very well in the pot, but is not thriving in a grow-bag! We have beans that really are of the Jack and the Beanstalk variety. They have just been planted out with a nice teepee of bamboo to hold them up. So far, so good. The peas are still in the pot at the moment but are looking healthy.
I think Meg thought that if wee Aya could do it, then she'd better give it a go too!
In fairness to her, she has been on at me for a few years to dig a bit of garden for her to use. Well, I didn't exactly dig her a bit, but I did get a couple of grow-bags....so here's hoping!!!
And you never know....I may get bitten by the bug too, if the plants actually produce anything worth eating!!!
Today I am grateful for small dreams...who knows how big they can grow!!
And, boy, are they worth tending!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Once upon a cuddle...
...there were two small people, called Dudley and Noddy.
They liked nothing better than climbing into bed with their mammy for morning cuddles. The best game was trying to do it without waking her up in the process!! (Like that was going to happen!!!)
Once in the bed, they would wrap their small limbs around their mam, and tangle tiny fingers in her hair.
Of course, the cuddle usually escalated into some sort of hilarity, and most certainly always ended in the mammy being completely awake!!
I know this story to be true....I was that mammy!!!!!
Today I am grateful for morning cuddles, even if I had hoped for a nice, long, peaceful lie-in!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
They liked nothing better than climbing into bed with their mammy for morning cuddles. The best game was trying to do it without waking her up in the process!! (Like that was going to happen!!!)
Once in the bed, they would wrap their small limbs around their mam, and tangle tiny fingers in her hair.
Of course, the cuddle usually escalated into some sort of hilarity, and most certainly always ended in the mammy being completely awake!!
I know this story to be true....I was that mammy!!!!!
Today I am grateful for morning cuddles, even if I had hoped for a nice, long, peaceful lie-in!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Saturday, 18 August 2012
Pizza night
Today, after three long days of work on the trot (aaaw, poor me!!), I am grateful for pizza and beer...well, if you ignore the fact that the beer just fills me with gas and gives me a headache!!! It was good at the time!!!
I have spent the evening with my feet up watching two films...well, how else would you spend a Saturday night??? Answers on a postcard please!!!
I am now going to have a glass of water and two nurofen, and go to my bed.
I am not getting up at 6 o'clock tomorrow...in fact, I am not going to set my alarm at all! So there!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
I have spent the evening with my feet up watching two films...well, how else would you spend a Saturday night??? Answers on a postcard please!!!
I am now going to have a glass of water and two nurofen, and go to my bed.
I am not getting up at 6 o'clock tomorrow...in fact, I am not going to set my alarm at all! So there!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Friday, 17 August 2012
A Mars a day...
Do you know what??? It's just dawned on me.....
I'm not eating enough Mars Bars!!!
No wonder I come home from work, exhausted, and have no energy left for playing! The "rest" part I can manage!!!
I have been putting it down to not being as young as I used to be. Or hormones. Or kids. But all the time, I've just not been eating enough Mars Bars!
Well, that's a weight off my mind!
The next time I see you, I'll be full of energy....I may look like a beached whale, but I will be full of energy!!!
Thank Crunchie it's Friday!!!
Today I am grateful for my sense of humour!!!
Where would we be without one!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
I'm not eating enough Mars Bars!!!
No wonder I come home from work, exhausted, and have no energy left for playing! The "rest" part I can manage!!!
I have been putting it down to not being as young as I used to be. Or hormones. Or kids. But all the time, I've just not been eating enough Mars Bars!
Well, that's a weight off my mind!
The next time I see you, I'll be full of energy....I may look like a beached whale, but I will be full of energy!!!
Thank Crunchie it's Friday!!!
Today I am grateful for my sense of humour!!!
Where would we be without one!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Thursday, 16 August 2012
Afternoon delight
I've decided that the best bit of the day, when I'm working, is the afternoon.
The morning is too hectic....especially when you're short staffed!
Lunch-time is even worse, coping with even less staff as they stagger their lunches. And when do I get to eat???
But in the afternoon it all settles down. The customers go home to put their feet up...I mean, who wants to be trudging round town doing shopping when you can be at home with Countdown or Deal! And I get a chance to catch my breath, clear the decks and get some paper-work done! Heaven! (Well, almost!!!)
So, today I am grateful for breathing space.
A few nice, slow, deep breaths really do do you the world of good!
Gratefully yours.
xx
The morning is too hectic....especially when you're short staffed!
Lunch-time is even worse, coping with even less staff as they stagger their lunches. And when do I get to eat???
But in the afternoon it all settles down. The customers go home to put their feet up...I mean, who wants to be trudging round town doing shopping when you can be at home with Countdown or Deal! And I get a chance to catch my breath, clear the decks and get some paper-work done! Heaven! (Well, almost!!!)
So, today I am grateful for breathing space.
A few nice, slow, deep breaths really do do you the world of good!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Mini-me
I've really enjoyed her company!
We have our moments. She is not a brooder, that's for sure. And she doesn't believe in not saying what she thinks. Now, at times that can lead, as I'm sure you can imagine, to raised tempers all around. But on the positive side, it's done and dusted, and forgotten about, very quickly too.
But these last few days together have been great. We have baked, walked, shopped, coffeed and chatted. We have done some craft work and taken lots of photos between us. And it has been wonderful.
She has also been very creatively busy herself, designing a pair of shoes! She bought white ones, but just look at them now.......
 |
| All things bright and beautiful! |
Phone up somebody you love and tell them just how much you love them!! Do it now!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
You did what??
I went to pick up the boys (Thomas and Fergus) from sailing camp this afternoon, and was met with the immortal words "We got a prize for being the boys who spent most time in the water, underneath the boat! Thomas nearly drowned four times!!"
Thanks, guys. I really needed to hear that!
It didn't seem to have dampened their enthusiasm any though! They were both high as kites...on an adrenaline rush, I guess!! Although Thomas nearly fell asleep in the car going home!
Now, it appears that they will not be on the water much tomorrow, as the forecast is for very high winds...not good sailing weather!
So, today I am grateful for small mercies!!!
Mind you, their alternative activity for the day is tight-rope walking about 50feet off the ground, and abseiling!!!
Yikes!!!!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Thanks, guys. I really needed to hear that!
It didn't seem to have dampened their enthusiasm any though! They were both high as kites...on an adrenaline rush, I guess!! Although Thomas nearly fell asleep in the car going home!
Now, it appears that they will not be on the water much tomorrow, as the forecast is for very high winds...not good sailing weather!
So, today I am grateful for small mercies!!!
Mind you, their alternative activity for the day is tight-rope walking about 50feet off the ground, and abseiling!!!
Yikes!!!!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Monday, 13 August 2012
Weather girl
Today I am grateful that the weather people got it wrong...again!!!
Forecast was for rain, rain and more rain. Now, we did get a bit, but not enough to fill an egg-cup!
Thomas started a week-long sailing camp today, and I was disappointed when I saw the weather report. But, as I said...it was wrong! He did, of course, get wet anyway....but in a good fun way!
I was also dreading poor Meg being stuck inside all week on her own while Thomas was away...again, I needn't have! She spent all afternoon and half of the evening outside with the girls, in the sunshine!
The moral of the story is, don't believe everything you read!! The weather girl is only human after all!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Forecast was for rain, rain and more rain. Now, we did get a bit, but not enough to fill an egg-cup!
Thomas started a week-long sailing camp today, and I was disappointed when I saw the weather report. But, as I said...it was wrong! He did, of course, get wet anyway....but in a good fun way!
I was also dreading poor Meg being stuck inside all week on her own while Thomas was away...again, I needn't have! She spent all afternoon and half of the evening outside with the girls, in the sunshine!
The moral of the story is, don't believe everything you read!! The weather girl is only human after all!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Intermittent
Today I am grateful that the rain was only intermittent....fairly heavy, but intermittent!
It was lovely and warm, and the day started well, but the rain clouds were never far away.
But at least the kids got time to play outside. The showers were "dingin' doon" but were not lasting for long enough to keep them indoors.
Looks like we're going to be stuck with it for another week or so, but at least we are promised some warmth with it.
I'm just glad I'm not a farmer, or a gardener, or a builder, or a street sweeper.....you get the picture!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
It was lovely and warm, and the day started well, but the rain clouds were never far away.
But at least the kids got time to play outside. The showers were "dingin' doon" but were not lasting for long enough to keep them indoors.
Looks like we're going to be stuck with it for another week or so, but at least we are promised some warmth with it.
I'm just glad I'm not a farmer, or a gardener, or a builder, or a street sweeper.....you get the picture!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Time, gentlemen, please
We are off out to a party tonight. One of our neighbours is having a 50th birthday party in the local rowing club.
The kids are off through to Auntie Tina's for the night....not to be collected till lunch-time tomorrow!! They spent the afternoon at Fergus's!
So, I went off upstairs and varnished my fingers and my toes...as you do! Then, being that you can't really do anything for at least an hour when you have varnish on, I lay down on the bed just to pass the time.
Well...you can guess, I'm sure, that I fell asleep and had a lovely 40 winks!
So, today I am grateful for the gift of time.
Just a few stolen minutes to recharge the batteries!
Must put on varnish more often!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
The kids are off through to Auntie Tina's for the night....not to be collected till lunch-time tomorrow!! They spent the afternoon at Fergus's!
So, I went off upstairs and varnished my fingers and my toes...as you do! Then, being that you can't really do anything for at least an hour when you have varnish on, I lay down on the bed just to pass the time.
Well...you can guess, I'm sure, that I fell asleep and had a lovely 40 winks!
So, today I am grateful for the gift of time.
Just a few stolen minutes to recharge the batteries!
Must put on varnish more often!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Friday, 10 August 2012
A great(ful) day
I have a lot to be grateful for today.
Summer arrived in Ireland yesterday, and has spent today making up for lost time!! It was a scorcher!
But I started the day off in the best possible way...I took my camera with me when I went out for my early walk!
And , boy, did I enjoy it!!
As you can see, I was not alone on my walk. I had plenty of company!
Summer arrived in Ireland yesterday, and has spent today making up for lost time!! It was a scorcher!
But I started the day off in the best possible way...I took my camera with me when I went out for my early walk!
And , boy, did I enjoy it!!
 |
| Early morning in Limerick City |
So, today I am grateful for good starts!
The only way to start the day, and a guarantee of a good, positive mood to last (almost!) the whole day!
I enjoyed two further walks with Megan, lunch at Costa (with Megan!! Thomas was out for the afternoon with his best pal, Fergus), a water fight in the back garden in which I definitely came off worst, and a great idea for birthday cards, which involved more photography!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Thursday, 9 August 2012
Googleiscious
Today I am grateful to the boys and girls at Google, who have made me smile every day for the last nearly two weeks with their daily Google Doodles of the Olympics!!
Some of them have even been interactive, giving you the chance to at least pretend you are an Olympic champion!
Have any of you noticed them???
I guess with coming here every day (my home page is Google!!!), I couldn't help but notice them.
Anyway, my thanks go out to all involved, and I hope they do get some recognition, 'cos it's been great fun!!
What about Usaine Bolt though????? Brilliant!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Some of them have even been interactive, giving you the chance to at least pretend you are an Olympic champion!
Have any of you noticed them???
I guess with coming here every day (my home page is Google!!!), I couldn't help but notice them.
Anyway, my thanks go out to all involved, and I hope they do get some recognition, 'cos it's been great fun!!
What about Usaine Bolt though????? Brilliant!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Perseverance
I'm actually quite proud of myself.
I have discovered over the last 217 days that I am able to stick at something, create a good habit.
And thanks, in part to this blog, I am also sticking (far longer than I thought I would) to my good habit of walking every morning.
For a while there I fell into just really strolling around...during and just after my holidays, I guess, but I'm back to good, fast, energetic walking again, and, I have to say, thoroughly enjoying it.
So there we have two good habits!!! So how easy should it be to form, and stick to, more???
It really is good to have that realisation, that I can decide to do something, and do it.
I think I'm accepting, also, that even though it may not always be easy, or enjoyable, that doesn't mean it's not good. I guess I should have known anyway that nothing worth having/doing is going to come easy. No pain, no gain!!!
So, today I am grateful for perseverance.
It may have taken me a while to recognise it...but it's good to know that I can harness it!!
Gratefully yours,
xx
I have discovered over the last 217 days that I am able to stick at something, create a good habit.
And thanks, in part to this blog, I am also sticking (far longer than I thought I would) to my good habit of walking every morning.
For a while there I fell into just really strolling around...during and just after my holidays, I guess, but I'm back to good, fast, energetic walking again, and, I have to say, thoroughly enjoying it.
So there we have two good habits!!! So how easy should it be to form, and stick to, more???
It really is good to have that realisation, that I can decide to do something, and do it.
I think I'm accepting, also, that even though it may not always be easy, or enjoyable, that doesn't mean it's not good. I guess I should have known anyway that nothing worth having/doing is going to come easy. No pain, no gain!!!
So, today I am grateful for perseverance.
It may have taken me a while to recognise it...but it's good to know that I can harness it!!
Gratefully yours,
xx
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
A biscuit by any other name...
...would still not be a Rich Tea!!!
I don't care what you say, nothing beats a Rich Tea biscuit when you're having a wee cuppa and are trying to eat more healthily!
Okay, I can hear some of you saying that if I was eating more healthily, that I shouldn't be having a biccy at all. But, come on!!! A little compassion here!!
We are all trying to show our support for the Daddy man, by cutting out the sweets and treats....well, cutting them down, anyway. My weekly shopping bill is reducing, and so, I hope, is my waistline. The kids are eating more fruit and yogurts, and have more of an appetite for their dinner.
Win-win, I hear you say.....except that I don't feel like a winner...I feel like a raving lunatic, craving chocolate, crisps, cheese....you name it really!!!
But, today I am grateful for my health. When I get desperate, I can just remind myself that I have a choice here! I am lucky!
So, it's back to the Rich Tea's...and no more than two!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
I don't care what you say, nothing beats a Rich Tea biscuit when you're having a wee cuppa and are trying to eat more healthily!
Okay, I can hear some of you saying that if I was eating more healthily, that I shouldn't be having a biccy at all. But, come on!!! A little compassion here!!
We are all trying to show our support for the Daddy man, by cutting out the sweets and treats....well, cutting them down, anyway. My weekly shopping bill is reducing, and so, I hope, is my waistline. The kids are eating more fruit and yogurts, and have more of an appetite for their dinner.
Win-win, I hear you say.....except that I don't feel like a winner...I feel like a raving lunatic, craving chocolate, crisps, cheese....you name it really!!!
But, today I am grateful for my health. When I get desperate, I can just remind myself that I have a choice here! I am lucky!
So, it's back to the Rich Tea's...and no more than two!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Monday, 6 August 2012
Keeping my options open
I've been reading a very interesting motivational book.
It takes the view that, instead of listening to the nice, kind, loving internal voice - you know, the one that tells you that you're wonderful just the way you are, and one chocolate isn't going to hurt - we should listen to the one that tells you that you are a lazy slob, and you should get of your backside and do something about it!!!
And, you know, I think it might be right!
If you think about it, what is going to get you riled up and motivated to do something...someone telling you you don't really need to, or someone suggesting that you couldn't do it anyway??
The book is actually about running, which I'm not sure I want to do, but I like her way of thinking!
Maybe it's time to give the namby-pamby, gently does it approach to motivation a rest, and cultivate my inner bitch!
After all, life is not really meant to be a spectator sport!!!
Today I am grateful for options!
Gratefully yours.
xx
It takes the view that, instead of listening to the nice, kind, loving internal voice - you know, the one that tells you that you're wonderful just the way you are, and one chocolate isn't going to hurt - we should listen to the one that tells you that you are a lazy slob, and you should get of your backside and do something about it!!!
And, you know, I think it might be right!
If you think about it, what is going to get you riled up and motivated to do something...someone telling you you don't really need to, or someone suggesting that you couldn't do it anyway??
The book is actually about running, which I'm not sure I want to do, but I like her way of thinking!
Maybe it's time to give the namby-pamby, gently does it approach to motivation a rest, and cultivate my inner bitch!
After all, life is not really meant to be a spectator sport!!!
Today I am grateful for options!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Sunday, 5 August 2012
The important stuff
Today was a day for doing the important stuff.
Meggie and I spent a lot of "girl time" together.
First of all we coffeed. Then we shopped. The tongues (well, Meggie's anyway!) never halted.
No other jobs to do. No boys to interrupt and disrupt. No distractions.
In the evening then, we went off to the cinema together, and had a good cry at the sad bit just before the end.
We came home and jamma-ed and snuggled on the couch with a DVD.
Today I am grateful for making time for the important stuff. These days won't last forever.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Meggie and I spent a lot of "girl time" together.
First of all we coffeed. Then we shopped. The tongues (well, Meggie's anyway!) never halted.
No other jobs to do. No boys to interrupt and disrupt. No distractions.
In the evening then, we went off to the cinema together, and had a good cry at the sad bit just before the end.
We came home and jamma-ed and snuggled on the couch with a DVD.
Today I am grateful for making time for the important stuff. These days won't last forever.
Gratefully yours.
xx
Saturday, 4 August 2012
First or last
Today I am glad it is only Saturday!
I thought for a minute there that it was Sunday. And it would have been a shame to have missed it!!!
It doesn't matter how much (or how little) I've done during the week, Sunday is a day for relaxing. Even if I'm doing stuff, it seems to be less hurried and less essential!
I'm not sure is it winding down at the end of the week, or taking a deep breath to start the next week in a calm and mindful way.
Either way, I'm glad I didn't blink and miss it!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
I thought for a minute there that it was Sunday. And it would have been a shame to have missed it!!!
It doesn't matter how much (or how little) I've done during the week, Sunday is a day for relaxing. Even if I'm doing stuff, it seems to be less hurried and less essential!
I'm not sure is it winding down at the end of the week, or taking a deep breath to start the next week in a calm and mindful way.
Either way, I'm glad I didn't blink and miss it!!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Friday, 3 August 2012
More choices
I'm on a roll here!!
Been thinking about the choices we make today.
I think that half the time we don't realise that we have a choice, let alone that we are making one!
We have the freedom of choice over so many things. What we do. What we say. What we think. What we eat. How we treat our bodies. How we treat others. How we treat our planet.
And I think that acknowledging that should help us to be more aware of the choices we are making, and help us to make more compassionate and loving choices.
We need to remember to be compassionate and loving towards ourselves, as well as everyone around us, and, I think, that most of the time, most of us, forget that!
Today I am grateful for the freedom that this knowledge has given me!
Now, the real challenge is remembering that I do have a choice!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Been thinking about the choices we make today.
I think that half the time we don't realise that we have a choice, let alone that we are making one!
We have the freedom of choice over so many things. What we do. What we say. What we think. What we eat. How we treat our bodies. How we treat others. How we treat our planet.
And I think that acknowledging that should help us to be more aware of the choices we are making, and help us to make more compassionate and loving choices.
We need to remember to be compassionate and loving towards ourselves, as well as everyone around us, and, I think, that most of the time, most of us, forget that!
Today I am grateful for the freedom that this knowledge has given me!
Now, the real challenge is remembering that I do have a choice!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Thursday, 2 August 2012
A matter of choice
I yearn for the "olden days" when you had to take what you got!!
I went into three different phone shops today, looking for a protective cover for my new phone. (Did I mention that I have a new phone??) The choice was limited....one black leather cover that looked like a man's wallet!!!
But, we live in a modern, technologically advanced age...so, I came home and went onto Amazon!!
Six hours later, I have gone totally cross eyed and my brain is fried with the choice!!! I have been scrolling through nearly 5000 options...and that was just for my specific make and model of phone!!!!!!
The black man's wallet is looking more and more appealing!
How do I choose???
Today I am grateful for the freedom of choice...and if it's my choice to not make a decision tonight, then so be it!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
I went into three different phone shops today, looking for a protective cover for my new phone. (Did I mention that I have a new phone??) The choice was limited....one black leather cover that looked like a man's wallet!!!
But, we live in a modern, technologically advanced age...so, I came home and went onto Amazon!!
Six hours later, I have gone totally cross eyed and my brain is fried with the choice!!! I have been scrolling through nearly 5000 options...and that was just for my specific make and model of phone!!!!!!
The black man's wallet is looking more and more appealing!
How do I choose???
Today I am grateful for the freedom of choice...and if it's my choice to not make a decision tonight, then so be it!!!
Gratefully yours.
xx
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
New phone
Okay, I know Mam got her new chair today...cool! But I got a new phone!
It's a smart phone...which meant that I had to wait for Thomas and Megan to come home to show me how to use it!!!
It does all sorts of great stuff, which I will, given a few more lessons from my children, be able to master!
I should be able to go on Facebook whenever I want. I should also be able to do my blog, if I felt so inclined, on it! I will be able to take more wonderful photos and up or download them whenever and wherever I please.
And, amazingly, I should, given practice, be able to text and phone people on it!!! Who'd a thunk it???
Today I am grateful to be in a position to go out and buy such a wonderfully useful gadget just like that.
It's stuff like that that we tend to take for granted, so I am trying to be more aware!
Gratefully yours.
xx
It's a smart phone...which meant that I had to wait for Thomas and Megan to come home to show me how to use it!!!
It does all sorts of great stuff, which I will, given a few more lessons from my children, be able to master!
I should be able to go on Facebook whenever I want. I should also be able to do my blog, if I felt so inclined, on it! I will be able to take more wonderful photos and up or download them whenever and wherever I please.
And, amazingly, I should, given practice, be able to text and phone people on it!!! Who'd a thunk it???
Today I am grateful to be in a position to go out and buy such a wonderfully useful gadget just like that.
It's stuff like that that we tend to take for granted, so I am trying to be more aware!
Gratefully yours.
xx
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