Friday Happies

1. Pretty things that come in the post.

When I was young and carefree I worked in a bookshop in the centre of Leeds. Most lunchtimes I would pop to the shops, and often found my way into the branch of Accessorize just around the corner where I'd invariably leave with some kind of, well, accessory. Now, I just buy them from Etsy. I guess I haven't really changed all that much. Same fripperies, different shop.

That tablecloth does go in the wash, I promise!

 2. Flowers in the house. 

Whilst staying last weekend, my Mum accidentally snipped these hydrangeas from my neighbour's plant while cutting the hedge. Lucky me! Do you ever feel that some people just don't deserve the amazing plants or gardens they have? I mean, my neighbour, he's really nice, but I know that he NEVER does anything to his front garden, and yet this huge, amazing, abundant, glorious hydrangea blooms every year, and it's all I can do not to sneak round there after dark and liberate a few flowers. I have two, yes two, blooms on the weedy hydrangea in my garden. Maybe I should start neglecting it? Oh wait, I already do that.

Mum also bought me a bunch of sunflowers. I like sunflowers, and I love my Mum, and not just because she buys me flowers. She's a constant ally, giver of love and support, warmth and humour. I don't know if I tell her that enough.

3. Extra time.

But not in the football sense. I had anticipated that I'd be spending all day Wednesday baking in school. Instead, we were done by 11 am and I unexpectedly found myself with four hours all to myself, which felt like a reprieve in a busy week. I felt giddy when I drove away from the school. Right then, I thought, prioritise yourself here Gillian! So I went to my local yarn shop, bought some more cotton yarn and planned a little holiday project, then I rang the tax office, then I sat at the laptop and caught up on a huge amount of banking, admin and other boring stuff for two hours which was extremely satisfying. 

4. End of term.

Although, technically, we break up on Monday, so we are not quite there yet, but it feels like end of term. Teacher gifts (washcloths and soap) are finished and wrapped, cards are made.

I like teachers (we have a few in my family so I am biased) and I especially like the ones at our school. Now is not a fun time to be teaching, I think, given the current political climate, and I am more than happy to give them my support through beautifully exfoliated skin and scribbly felt pen cards. (Angus wrote: "Mrs C. I like you. Love from Angus.)

So, that's us, just bumbling along until end of term, counting down the days until we go on holiday. Is it warm where you are? Here, it's been perfect. Yesterday was especially gorgeous; sunshine, blue skies and really properly warm weather, in the high twenties. It feels good and right and how summer should be.