Notes on Summer

Sitting on my sofa, wrapped up in a blanket, wind racing around the house, hot water bottle on my tummy, steaming coffee on the side table. Making the most of working for myself. Today that means swapping the office for our front room.

I usually like routines and I like working from our top room office. But today is just one of those days.

At least once a year I will start a blog post like this “I haven’t written in a few months.” Usually that’s because I’ve been busy and writing had to take a back seat. Same again now. The last few months have been really busy. But as soon as I start to see the light again, I realise how much I miss writing. Not for anyone else to read, just for myself. It’s a good practice for my job. But it also allows me to reflect, to express my thoughts. And I love coming back to these blog posts months or years later, reading through them like a diary, reminding myself of my feelings, thoughts and what life was like.

Summer

Summer was a funny one. I had all these plans for picnics in the park and enjoying London summer. It didn’t quite go to plan. I blame the weather. But also kicking myself for not being more pro-active when the sun was out. Often I was too busy, too tired. Hopefully writing this down will help me make better decision next summer.

Although I didn’t spent a huge amount of time writing, I did write little notes here and then, to not forget the little moments that made me really happy.

It’s been hot. Luckily our house stays quite cool. Just not the top room, where our office is. So I moved my work set up down one floor. Now sitting by the window, view to the garden, slight breeze coming in. Sun is shining, lavender blooming. It almost reminds me of being in the South of France. I see Harry taking down the wash we had hung just a few hours earlier in the sun to dry.

It’s a warm Saturday afternoon out of London. Our friend is celebrating his birthday at his parents’ house in Wiltshire. Ice cubes clinking in my glass. Standing in the garden surrounded by trees and flower beds that inspire me to do the same at home. Casually chatting with friends, sipping rose, the perfect day. 

The next day on the train back home Tomato plant on the seat next to me. A little souvenir.

One weekend, just staying at home, reading in the deck chair in the garden. For 5 hours straight. I need to remind myself to do that more often. The cheapest form of wellness treatment - Quiet, alone time, nature and a good book. No phone. Heaven.

Every day, venturing into our garden. Harvesting the raspberries that have seemingly grown overnight. Not able to resist, have to taste them before I’m even back in the house, sprinkling them on my breakfast bowl.

The best Friday evenings are the ones are the ones where we stroll to our favourite pizza place, maybe a 30 minute walk. Sitting outside, drinking beers and affordable aperols, eating the best pizza I’ve ever found in London.