I don’t have much today. We’ve had another cold patch, which I think mucks with my creative thinking (I seem to spend a lot of energy trying to stay warm), and I’m going away for a long weekend soon, which has been taking up a fair bit of thinking space as well (‘what to do? what to do’?’).
I got sick over Xmas-new year which was both really unpleasant and really really annoying. I had managed to bypass ills in the past three years (last big one was the beginning of 2020, which I think was covid, and was truly truly awful).
Plus, work had been patchy in the month till last week, so was focused on that (or the lack of that).
Proper yoga classes started up again (I’ve been doing my own practice each day for Yoganary) and that first one slayed me for some reason. Sore for two full days.
Overall, twitchy, preoccupied and, yes, just weary. This is just not my favourite time of year in general. I wish I could do what the dog does, curling up in his antianxiety bed (see pic).
The weather should start to warm a bit now. Hoping that, and it getting light earlier, will loosen my brain a bit.
Anyway, in general, I love travel – a visit to the farm shop, the next village over, short or longer trips, all good – and am looking forward to this trip even though I realised I really messed up the outbound trains (very early morning from here and then a tight run across London to the next leg of the journey – not sure what I was thinking, or if I was thinking at all) — and I like train travel best of the modes available.
I won’t be bringing perfume on this, as I’ve discovered what looks like a great perfume/smell shop where I’m going. So, that’s on the list, with a set of things I’d love to get in sample form.
Other than that the plan is to move from desired place to desired place with a lot of vaguely watching the world go by doing what it does.
There’s a saying here that ‘a change is as good as a rest’. Here’s hopin’ – ‘cause I sure need both.
How about you? Is this one of your months or are you happy to see it sliding away?
Pics: me and Pexels
I am kind of happy to see the end of it to be honest. It wasn’t the worst for me personally (my house didn’t slide down a hill, etc) but I had work stuff that was pressing in that I for once managed to get rid of fairly quickly. I don’t care for going off regular time- I’d rather we went forward in fall into Daylight Super-Savings time, but I don’t get up that early and prefer later sunrises.
I think a little trip is the best thing- I try to take one even if it is just driving around charging up the battery one the car. Did it yesterday and it was wonderful. Hope yours in a delight and can’t wait to read about it.
So, Mother Nature has let up? I think we’d be better served not doing a time change — just let us be.
Cold, windy and snowy here — -1C – -12 at night and early morning, ugh. I’m so sorry you were sick — I know so many people who’ve gotten some kind of non-COVID crud in the recent weeks, I’m being cautious but I figure my turn is coming. Your trip sounds wonderful and I bet it will be just the thing this time of year! Also a few months ago there was some constant Facebook ad for those dog beds only for people lol… they looked silly but also pretty great.
I’m hoping the lurgy is now receding. I hope you don’t get it. How do you dress for temps that low? Layers?
Yep, it’s the layers, cliche as it is. And I’m not talking about hi-tech layers either. In the winter I sometimes wear 4 long skirts. Right this sec I have on a long sleeve tee underneath a thin wool sweater underneath a heavier cardigan, with a coat and a scarf over my face outdoors. Gets the job done.
Booo to getting ill but yay! to travelling. Doggo looks very snug in that donut bed. Jarvis thinks all the beds he’s owned are for shagging. So he sleeps on the sofa, bed, floor or stairs. He loves wearing clothes though. PJs, jumpers, raincoat, fur lined jacket etc he loves them all!
I’m looking forward to reading about what samples you find on your travels
The samples are very much things I can’t find here. Jarvis … sigh. Tell him from Joe he’s missing out. He has two beds plus sleeps on the couch. Doesn’t do stairs much. He’s fine going up but has to be helped going down. There’s one set of stairs in the next village he’s happy to go up because it means he’s either going back to the car or visiting the fancy dog shop.
I hope your travels are the antidote for the winter doldrums. Enjoy every day of your getaway. The dark and cold are challenging, we’ve had more that I care for in Colorado which is typically a sunny state. I don’t hate this time of year, hot summer is worse for dog walking. However, I’m looking forward to longer daylight.
Thank you. Looks like it’s going to be quite cold. It’s dog coat time round here. Joe the lab doesn’t wear one (he refuses — he’s got a great green fleece one) but it’s great to see all the different permutations.
All I have been doing with myself for the past few days is dusting my dressers and rearranging my perfume collection. I got bored with the current collection on my dresser and needed a change. Too broke to travel and not game for the whole packing thing.
Dusting … I need to do that. How many bottles ‘live’ on the dresser at any one time and do you find you end up with vague ‘themes’?
Hey Cinnamon
Sorry to read you are unwell and that the happiness meter is running on low. I remember my two holiday seasons in England and so rarely seeing sunshine. Hard work.
YAY for train travel. My favourite also. So easy.Enjoy your break. Can’t wait to read all about it.
We are in Summer so life is quite nice. January has flown by.
Portia xx
I actually should have titled the post ‘Treading Water’ — would have been more appropriate. I’m much better now — the worst of it ended the first week in January. But I really resent getting ill. I fully get that lots of people hate wearing masks but if it was a thing just for December through January I think we’d have a lot less illness. Rant finished. Enjoy your summer weather. And maybe please send us a tiny bit of the warm …
Yep! The most responsible thing that adults could do would be wear masks when inside public areas. Ideally from early October to late March. The times when winter illnesses put the biggest strain on hospital services.
We were meant to visit Japan in 2020 (clearly didn’t happen — hell of a thing getting refunds but happened in the end) and I was fascinated by the consideration of people wearing masks if they were unwell.
I. Want. That. Bed.
And I hatehateHATE this season – but I get through it because the alternative kinda sucks.
Trains. LOVE trains. Given a choice between them, driving or flying, training is always my first choice.
Hope you feel better soon!
xoxoxo
I think there actually are human sized versions of that bed. It’s funny watching him in it — he’s almost always smiling once he falls asleep. Trains … Every once in a while on a journey I’ll find a reasonably priced first class ticket (not this time) and that makes it even better — just the space and simple amenities like free tea or coffee.
I am sliding away not just because of the weather but because after 7 more days I will no longer have the job I have been at for 36 years.
Pl, if this is an involuntary job loss, my condolences. If it’s good one (decent retirement, Lotto win)…congratulations!
Change is one of the foundations of Life – all we can hope for is that it’s Good change, which is what I hope for you!
xoxo
Ditto Musette: hope this was choice on job finishing.
I hope it’s a good change. Even if it’s involuntary sometimes it can be a good thing.
Normally, I like the colder weather, but ever since my last back surgery, I’ve been reacting badly to it. Not sure why, but I still have no desire to move back to Florida!
I didn’t much mind the cold till about five years ago. Since then, I have to be careful about getting chilled. Frequently a hat and fingerless gloves inside during winter. It’s really annoying.
I just moved into my new flat so I’ve been very busy. The move has gone well and I’m quite happy with the new place. Not in the mood for perfume so I’ve barely worn any since I arrived, but I imagine that will change soon now that the stress and distractions will calm down. Winter is not my favorite season but I like it in small doses.
Oooh, enjoy! Proper snow with winter — I think that’s nice. Cold and grey. Feh. Happy settling in.