january blues

I like to think I'm an optimist, someone who 99% of the time sees the glass as half full, but even I can get a bit gloomy during January. The sun rises late and sets early; it's either drizzling outside or the wind is howling at 2am and most people are in hibernation until the sun shows its face once more. However, there are a few things which are bringing me joy (I feel a little like Pollyanna saying this but whatever works for you..) and which I hope will keep me smiling until spring shows its pretty face.

Last night Sophie and I enjoyed a simple supper around my kitchen table. I cooked a lemony courgette linguine and couldn't recommend it enough if you're craving some Italian happiness in your diet. Sophie also brought a beautiful bunch of yellow tulips which are proudly sitting on my table. I can't help but smile  every time I look at them. Thank you! 

I've been getting our little patio in order for the coming season and am delighted to see my spring bulbs poking their heads through, just in time for Easter. I have also ordered myself a composting bin (how has my life come to this?!) and I can't explain to you how excited I was to set it up earlier this week. I've been thinking a lot recently about how much food waste is thrown away and sent to landfill so I'm excited to start filling up my food caddy with scraps and left overs and start making my own compost. This is probably the last thing I ever thought I'd blog about when I set this up 4.5 years ago!

On the occasional blue sky day, the Common has been flexing its aesthetic muscles and reminding me exactly why I love living in this pocket of SW London and why I don't need to move out just yet. 

My sewing machine has proved a love/hate item. I will be the first to admit that maths is NOT my strong point and so the whole aspect of measuring out fabric has been a little stressful, but the actual sewing part has been great and I am slowly building up a healthy collection of cushions. 

And finally, the prospect of heading home in February, and much later to America in June, is really encouraging me to press on through the bleak mid winter and see it out to the other side.

Crickey, Pollyanna would be so impressed with this post! Next post will be a little less smug, promise.




L. 

winter wonderland

At the mere mention of snow I revert back to being a six year old and start dreaming about tobogganing, building snowmen and curling up by the fire with a hot drink. I was so upset when we missed out on the snow before Christmas, it felt like our little corner of London was the only place missing out on the white stuff. So when we woke up on the 27th December to a smattering of snow, I was so pleased. Whilst home didn't have enough to play in, the surrounding area did. With a trip to Broadway to pick up things from the vets on our agenda, mum and I glad made the journey across into the Cotswolds. 

Though fairly slushy underfoot we still found a pretty picture or two...

My dream house ^^

The Malverns are also a good spot for snow and having finally lured Bella into the back of the car we drove up into the hills for a dog walk. Thank goodness Dad was driving though as the carpark was a slick of ice and though we have a Volvo, this one is clearly designed for dry roads. Thanks to the muscles of friendly passersby, we managed to navigate ourselves out of the ice and further along the hills before the sun slipped away.

The view is always amazing from up here but the sky was especially beautiful this day. I'll let the photos do the talking..

Mum, sporting her best Russian look ^^

I'm not sure we're due anymore snow at the moment seeing as it's so mild out but I'm glad I got to play in some before the year was up! 

Now, you'll have to excuse me whilst I go off and do a little snow dance...

L.