I still can’t believe how bad the weeds were yet alone how much work I have done.
I’m almost too tired to type…. Yet I never let that stop me 😆
I’m loving this new found determination and forward motion.
To appreciate everything that I have and stop thinking that life will be wonderful when I’m off travelling the world. To make sure it’s wonderful now.
Before I got up, I spent some time this morning looking at business ideas. I decided not to go ahead with the thing I was looking at but it was interesting to research. My mind is focused. I am bursting with gratitude and I’m determined to make the best of every moment.
I didn’t stop for lunch until just after 2pm.
We had a lovely afternoon and evening at my in laws last yesterday. It was lovely to spend some time with them, and get such a lovely spread. We brought so much food home with us. 😆
Randomly I only have photos of dogs! They had a great time too.
We started off outside but had to move into their garden room, which is lovely, and it was soooooo cosy after the wind picked up. On several occasions, we said you would never believe there were 4 adults and 5 dogs in that one space. They were all so good. They slept most of the time we were inside.
I had no anxiety about taking the 4 dogs to their house as I would have had previously. I had no anxiety about driving Craig’s monster truck home, which I would previously have had.
I was so aware of the calm.
So proud of the calm.
So yes, I’m feeling pretty good this weekend.
While that’s not unusual these days, it is unusual for me to feel so good having a weekend at home. I usually climb the walls when I have nothing planned.
With that wee course I did on Friday with Mel Robbins, I am determined to keep moving forward on the days that I think there is nothing to do. Keep that forward motion, that momentum for change.
Focused on my health and wealth, career and relationships. I feel very awake and yet, at the same time, ready for a nap. That will be the weeding! 😆
I am buzzing on life today. Is that even English? I think not….
Khaleesi and I had a good sleep, she woke a few times but my alarm went off at 6.30am and I went out running with Claire and Lynsey this morning.
I hit my PR… which I can only assume is my personal best with an r? 😂
I did have to slow to a walk a few times to get my breathing back but my head felt really good. I wasn’t running thinking I can’t do this, I was running thinking, I can but I do need a breather! I think there’s a difference. I was talking kindly to myself today.
I’ve not been out since a week past Wednesday and we were fast so, I did need to catch my breath.
I sat and had a coffee with Craig and then took Bhru and Freya over into the field with the frisbee. 🥏
It’s a lazy dog walk but they get so much exercise. No photos just quality frisbee throwing. I was even pretty proud of that!
I then took Calaidh down to Beith. I had to go to the pharmacy as I have a sore ear. Calaidh was so good.
I got some ear drops.
We then went to the little gift shop, of course we did. I never got any photos as I was so busy picking cards and looking after Calaidh AND chatting. 😂 multitasking at its best!
The thistles are back!!
I just love them so much.
Those won’t be the last thistle pics this year!
When I got home, I sat in the garden with the dogs.
Khaleesi enjoying a wee sunbathe. I should say it’s only about 13-14°C so it’s not hot but it’s nice enough to sit out for a bit.
Here they are, all in a line, poor K is tied to the bench!
I decided to tackle some more weeding. I was on a mission.
This photo gives the best example of just how much I did… the rest will have to wait as I’ve run out of places to put the weeds I’m pulling out.
It was hard going and I’m still fasting so think maybe I ran out of energy a bit! It’s still only 12.08pm when I head inside.
Time to do some Mel Robbins focus… today I did a budget. The Bank of Scotland has a budget section in the app. It was really worthwhile doing as I can see the true picture.
Then I changed out of my sweaty gym clothes and had a shower!
We’re off to Craig’s mums this afternoon to see her so I thought I’d put this out early.
Craig says I look comfy…..
I’m not certain that was the look I was going for 🫣 but hey, I am comfy so I guess that’s the main thing.
Not sure what going on but another word popped into my head today. Focus.
I wasn’t looking forward to this weekend, having nothing to do.
My first thought today was that most folk would love a whole day with nothing planned.
My second thought was of my constant flight mode, I say I’m happy with my lot, I’m living in the present moment and I’m grateful for all that I have, but I do still keep wishing my day to day life could be different and full of excitement (predictive text gave me excrement!!!!).
So this morning I decided to make the day count.
After walking Calaidh with Holly and Leo, next door, no pics, I took Bhruic and Freya into the field and played with them for a while.
They were knackered!!
In much need of a drink when we got home!
I then settled down to do the second of Mel Robbins, Make it Happen.
I put the fire on again as it’s so cold up here.
(It was so miserable and dark last night, you’d think we were heading into winter!)
I focused on what I would like to see in 6 months time. How would I like my life to be different and what needs to change?
She has a whole workbook that you work through as she talks.
So for 15 minutes every day for the next 6 months, I have to focus and take some action towards my goals.
I hope that I manage to stick to that. 15 minutes is not a lot to ask. Her theory is that if you make some forward motion to change your life then you will knock all of the dominoes over and everything will start to move.
Khaleesi slept next to me as I worked.
Yes I wrapped her in a blanket 🫣😘
I also had a call with my Bank of Scotland Relationship Manager…. Who knew I had one?!?
I was an hour and 15 minutes on the call and a lot of it was spent reiterating what I had already said. It would go a lot faster if business policy was not to repeat everything I have just said for clarity. It would be better if we could talk normally.
Still, I got some good information and we have another call scheduled in a few weeks.
I’ve opened two savings accounts, one will take the roundups from everything I purchase with the card and the other just a small amount every month that hope will add up to a holiday fund, without me noticing!!
It really is a sales tool but, if they are willing to take the time out to invest in me, I will listen to what they have to say.
I listening to my intuition. I know I need to make some changes. I’m on it.
We had a lovely treat today and went to Gro Coffee for lunch.
I had my favourite, Breakfast Taco, but I replaced the chicken with Tofu and the fried egg with Humous.
We had a coffee and cake (to share) I could hardly finish my half of the cake!!
Now I say it was a treat. That cost us £49.10 !!! I couldn’t believe how much it was and was convinced they got it wrong… but when you add up you can get close. It was never the cheapest place but I think all the prices have gone up since we were last there.
I’ve sat in the sunroom for the rest of the afternoon, opening bank accounts and writing this.
I’ve taken a few pics too… I’d changed the camera settings on my phone.
My new thing these last few days seems to be manifesting a word…. Yesterday’s was kindness.
Today’s was happy.
I did wake up to this wee face. Like every dog she’s all waggy tails and smiles until you point the camera at her.
We’ve settled into a routine in the downstairs bedroom. She has her side of the bed and I have mine.
We slept really well again last night. Only woke when I heard Craig getting up and coming down the stairs. (The bed downstairs really hurts his back, it’s been fine for me!)
So yeah, I’m working hard on changing my mindset just now and trying to focus on gratitude for what I have rather than wanting to fly around the world travelling. I saw “happy” and “happiness” in every post I saw today.
I wrote a little H on the side of my wrist, with a smiley face. If things irritated me through the day, I just remembered the H.
You cannot change things from a place of irritation or anger or wishing for change. I truly believe that you need to appreciate the day to day as it is and be grateful for what you already have.
I know all this but, for much of this year, I’ve been antsy about seeing the world or stressed about money or annoyed that things don’t go smoothly of a day. That’s not the right attitude.
I’m going to try and do some self help again this weekend as I have nothing planned.
Yes to this…
I’ve been really tired this week and have gone for early nights and haven’t been up early for running, in an attempt to recharge.
As I write this tonight, I’m sitting in front of the open fire, which is lovely. You would think it unnecessary for June, but it seems necessary today as we have some storm blowing over.
Time to batten down the hatches, be kind to myself and get another early night with a good book.
🤔 these working days really need a bit more sparkle in them, don’t they?!
So yeah, yesterday was the big 2,000 days without alcohol but, just like everything else, the days just keep on ticking by.
I’m sitting outside writing this just now and it’s hot. It’s cloudy but it’s hot. It’s a lovely temperature.
I’m playing with the dogs outside but poor Khaleesi is anxious to join in today, but she can’t. It must be so frustrating for her.
It’s no fun… she says.
She did get a shot!!
Not the same being on a lead.
Until Bhruic walked over to her and stole it off her!!! Cheeky pup! 😂
Then Leo came in from next door. Poor Khaleesi was DESPERATE to run around with them!
Now this photo….. first glance. I think… cute pic.
I just happened to zoom in on my EIGHTY YEAR OLD SKIN!!! Where did that come from!!?!? Freaking out but posting because it is what it is and I don’t hide these things.
The price I pay for being a sun worshipper when I was younger. 🫣
Anyway, I’m enjoying sitting out here in the garden. (I am aware of the irony!) It’s a lovely space just now as Craig pressure washed the grass and slabs yesterday. It feels so clean. I still have loads of weeding to do though…. our main road is also closed for resurfacing so it’s Covid times quiet out there.
So a funny story to end…
I get emails at work from a company called Bolt Base. A guy Iain puts out an email every week or two and they are always really funny, chatty emails about stories in his life, that end up with finding the right fixing… bolt or screw… I’m not up on the technical stuff. They make laugh so I enjoy reading them.
Today he emailed and asked us to “rate it or slate it” so I replied back. I’ve always thought it might just be a really cool sales pitch and he might not be a real person!
He is a real boy! (Pinocchio style!) The MD no less and I’m calling him a boy 😂
I told him I don’t need to buy anything but rest assured, if someone needed a bolt, I know where I’d send them AND he replied! I don’t know why I find that so funny but I do.
It’s nice to be nice. His emails make me smile on a working day. He deserves to know that. I have no idea why I’m even on the mailing list but I’m not coming off!!
Anyway everything I’ve read today is about being kind to others, so that’s been a theme through my day.
I had a lovely dinner… I’m back to eating vegan salads for lunch and dinner just now, I’m enjoying them.
Then Craig came home.
His girl is happy!!
I’m off to meet the Crochet Hookers in the pub next door for an alcohol free pink gin and slim!
If you knew me in my drinking years then I guess you are probably just as surprised by this, as I am. 😂
2000 days of my life without a drop of alcohol. Who’d a thunk it, as my Gran would say?!
I should say that Gran wouldn’t have had an opinion on my drinking at all… it’s just her saying … obviously 😂😘
I loved a good glass of wine.
For birthdays, holidays, Christmas, Hogmanay, a day off, a christening, a baby shower, a night out, a sunny day a good day…. And bad day, a worse day and to recover from the day before.
Any excuse.
I wasn’t much of a drinker until my mid 30’s.
I had always been a people pleaser. I did everything I could to make everyone else happy but inside I was a mess.
Trying to please a senior management team that were impossible to please.
Hiring a strong team who questioned (quite rightly) everything the senior management team said.
Being customer facing but putting the senior team before the customer.
None of that sat well with me and I tied myself in knots trying to be everything to everyone.
I loved nothing more than any excuse to have a drink. I would live for the time when it was socially acceptable to have a glass of wine. By then I was self medicating and really only drinking because I was bloody miserable in my working life.
It never occurred to me that I could just leave. I had such low self esteem that by then, I thought I was worthless.
I made everyone happy except for myself…. Until I started crying and didn’t stop for ages.
After being off sick from work for 4 months, I decided to try Dry January 2019. I was trying everything I could to improve my mood long enough to cope with work again.
I went back to work in January 2019, a shadow of my former self.
I was persona non grata, I was no longer invited to the senior management conferences, I was missed out of meetings. I no longer existed in that world. I disappeared off the radar again in May of 2019 and not many people noticed.
I was terrified.
I had lived for my work.
But still I did not drink.
I consumed my body weight in Cadburys Chocolate Buttons instead and put on 4 stone.
But still I did not drink.
I couldn’t go back to the euphoria then hangover scenario.
I needed to be in control.
I needed to give myself a fair shot at recovery.
It was the hardest thing I have ever done but the biggest gift I have ever given myself.
I felt strange, I felt sad, I felt left out, I felt weird, I felt uncomfortable in my own skin.
People tried to encourage me to drink, told me I was boring and asked how long it would last for.
And still I did not drink.
I owed it to myself.
I did give in on two occasions… the night the pub next door was forced to close, on 20th March 2020, due to COVID-19 lockdown and again on reopening on 25th July 2020.
I have no idea why other than I just wanted to fit in and feel normal again.
Instead I felt like shit the next day and was soooooooooo disgusted with myself.
So back on the wagon since July 2020 and life is no longer controlled by alcohol.
I cannot tell you how amazing it feels to wake up every day without a hangover and to have control over my actions. I am living my life in the present moment rather than clouded by booze.
Even after all this time, I still feel a bit strange and a bit odd at social occasions but I have some wonderful friends around me who help make that easier for me.
I’ve learned that I have real social anxiety which I had no clue about but hey, I face it with a clear head.
There’s no getting away from the tough things in life, no way of drowning it. I have to face it head on.
And still I do not drink.
I’m so proud of myself for sticking to this and giving myself the best chance in life.
I am so lucky to sleep so well but to be fair, I don’t drink alcohol, try to steer clear of caffeine, I fast for 16+ hours every day and haven’t eaten much meat in the last 3 months or so…. You’d think I deserve something good out of all that. 🫣
I took Calaidh in with Khaleesi and I last night…
I was telling her she was coming for a sleep over. 😆
I had decided that, when Khaleesi woke me around 5-5.30, I’d get up and Calaidh and I would head four for a bug run/walk before work.
The alarm went off at 6.10am and we were all still out for the count. I literally couldn’t believe it was the alarm. I must have been so tired that their movements didn’t bother me in the slightest. There is no way that they didn’t move all night!
I did read a fair bit before bed, rather than look at my phone, I know that helps too.
So yeah, I’ve just been at work today. We expected a scorcher as the forecast was 20°C and wall to wall sun. We got the 20°C but cloudy all day really, which was a shame.
Not complaining as I’m in a metal portacabin though!
I always feel the weekday blogs are a bit…. I slept well, got up, went to work and came home….. after the excitement of a weekend. That’s a good thing though as it means I’m not battling some difficult mental health stuff. I’m actually living life as calmly as I can.
So I did some weeding tonight, just to shake things up a bit. 🫣😂
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Now my soul is slightly destroyed by the fact that if you came into the garden now, you’d think there were loads of weeds… but actually I’ve a whole wheelie bin to prove that I removed a lot.
So mum phoned and I allowed myself to stand down. Weeding on hold for another few months I reckon.
We’re sitting outside in the muggy cloudiness. Sneezing lots as I stirred up a huge amount of pollen with my evening efforts, but other than that all is well.
Out for the count completely until Miss Khaleesi woke me with some licking at 4.30am and I have dozed on and off ever since. I was even too tired to make sure she wasn’t licking her scar, to be honest she doesn’t really anymore so I just mumbled a “Khaleesi, neh, neh” a few times, which is what she’s been trained for no. Come to think of it, it could be “nay, nay”. I have never thought of the spelling. 😂
No wonder I slept, really, it’s been a very busy weekend but one that I have loved so far.
It was so good to catch up with Helen and Mike yesterday. They have a lovely lodge in Oban Bay Holiday Park for a whole week.
As you may know, Oban is just one of my places, I love it sooooo much. It was a real treat to be able to show them around. We didn’t do half of what I had planned. 😂
As I said yesterday, the drive up was great and only took me two hours. I was there just after 9.30am.
We sat and admired the view from their lodge, which is just so lovely, with a wonderful Scotland flag flying in full view, which always improves a view.
We’ve been coming up to this campsite for years. We even had Mum, Dad and Nana visit us once in 2018. Special memories as that was one of the last times we spent with my Nana before she died.
It was lovely to see what Hoseasons have down with it, since they took it over a year or so ago. I do fear that they are looking to build right up into the hill which might turn it into a massive holiday park, but I suppose life brings change. You don’t always have to like it.
It’s currently so quiet and peaceful.
Their lodge is really beautiful with a lounge and kitchen are and a bedroom with en-suite… and a hot tub with a view!
We set off for an explore round the campsite after 11am. The sun was out for the first part of our walk.
I do not remember this lookout point AT ALL!!
To be fair, this was always the most salubrious of pitches and I don’t think I’d ever have walked in front of someone’s caravan to go looking. Now there are lodges here, it doesn’t feel as invasive. I also feel like they cut back some huge undergrowth! I wouldn’t have missed this! There’s a lovely view up here.
Also looking down towards the Kerrera ferry and the Puffin Dive School.
We took a walk to look for Highland Coos!
Found them but only one of them was close enough to be photogenic! They get fed at 4pm every day so expect Helen to accept the mission and get some fab photos through the week.
A wee bit too far away.
Such a beautiful location for a campsite. It’s a bit out of Oban but it’s within walking distance if you’re a walker.
We went down to see the old pier opposite the campsite, it’s looking a bit worse for wear.
Mike took our photo with the island of Kerrera in the background.
I went to take a pic of this yacht and thought the barbed wire added to the shot.
The colours here are just stunning. I am definitely a blue sky photographer!
We walked down the single track road to the Kerrera ferry.
Here it is!
Tell me you’re in Scotland without telling me you’re in Scotland 🏴 .
Love a passing place sign.
I don’t know what it is but I’m so at peace in Oban and the highlands of Scotland. If we had the weather, I would never be anywhere else, yet it also would be horrifically overpopulated, as everyone else would want to live there too!
The clouds are starting to roll in.
Love this wee boat. Think I got it on the way back too.
Single track road.
Now at this point the weather clouded over and from a photo perspective, Oban bay doesn’t have the best light. I’ve run a few photos through my Lightroom app to get the best of them.
We popped into the Correyvreckan Wetherspoons on the quay for a quick lunch. Right next to CalMac’s Isle of Lewis, which was loading for Barra.
Spotted the Loch Frisa and the Clansman. Friday leaving for Mull the Isle of Mull just back from there.
The mighty Clansman just coming in from Colonsay.
The little boat tour heading out backwards. McCaigs Folly up on the dark skyline.
The Hebridean Isles heading out the Sound of Kerrera.
I’ve had my eye on this house since I was a wee girl. I wish I could find a photo of the old house that used to be here. It was a kit built bungalow style house but it’s so close to Oban that I always felt it had the best view in the world. (Yes a bit dramatic maybe, but as I kid, I was in awe of its location). Then one visit and this had appeared!!!
It’s on a tiny island called Rudh-A-Chruidh (who knew until I looked it up!) built in 2014 it had an asking price of £950k.
One day…. 😂
We sat on a bench near the war memorial and watched the Majestic Line head out to see one by one. There must have been about 6 of them least between 3.30 and 4pm. Two of the are like cute Captain Pugwash ships.
Arty shot before Helen the wrecking ball, knocked all 3 of us down!! We were all crouched down here in a row!
3 craws sat upon a bench! Dunollie Castle above the lighthouse.
We headed back along into town. The tide is in now but still no blue sky.
Loch Striven loading for Lismore.
It’s such a beautiful road through the trees.
Helen trying to wreck another photo opportunity 😂😂
The Kerrera ferry slip now under the high tide. They are going over there today… could I be any more envious?!?! 😂
I left at 6pm after a lovely day with great friends.
Sadly there had been a bad accident on the Glencoe A82 which meant that all the traffic north was diverted to Oban on the A85. I met a huge queue at Connel Bridge but got these lovely shots from the car.
I then drove past 5 miles of traffic which was queuing to get up and over the bridge. I felt so sorry for them all but I had a straight run home and was back to Craigie and the puppers by 8.30pm.
We had walked 21k steps!!
So today we went to church to see our friend and neighbour, Holly, be ordained as an Elder of the local Beith Parish Church.
After the service we went straight for a food shopping, (as you do!) came home and let the dogs out and were invited to a celebration in the pub, next door, this afternoon.
We were there until 4pm when the sun finally came out. I think we have a few good days of weather coming.
We’re sitting outside in the garden now. Khaleesi is in the shade under a tree and I’m enjoying some heat in the sunshine.
It’s been a really busy weekend. I’ll be back to work for a rest.
I’m so grateful I no longer have the Sunday afternoon dread of going to work. Those days are long gone. I do need to get planning my next adventure though.
Wide awake at 5.45am. I feel like Khaleesi has a good shake about that time every morning as that’s when I seem to wake up.
I left the house at 7.25am, Oban bound. I made such good time.
I arrived in two hours.
It’s 4pm and we’ve had a lovely day with lunch AND hot chocolates! Sadly it’s been cloudy for most of the day but I still have loads of photos to share…. I might leave that until tomorrow. Is 16.42 and we’re still not wandering around Oban.
Here’s the view from their lodge in the Oban Bay Holiday park.
Still got a 2.5 hour drive to get home when I leave.
I woke up at 5.46am after a good nights sleep…. Still dreaming of that honeycomb cheesecake last night!
So all prepared for today to be the Summer Solstice, albeit a fairly cloudy one.
WHO KNEW SUMMER SOLSTICE WAS ACTUALLY YESTERDAY?!??!?
You learn something new everyday.
I always thought the longest day was 21st June but it would appear that, in 2024, much to my amazement, it was actually yesterday. 😂 Who’d a thunk it?!?
How did I get to 51 years of age and not know that I was a moveable feast. Upon reflection, it’s obvious.
So…. These are for yesterday!
Puppy Leesi (as she’s affectionately known, had another good night without her cone on. She’s doing so well, just not putting any weight on her leg yet, but I’m sure that will come.
We had a really lovely cuddle for a while this morning. It’s lovely to have the trust of a dog that they will cuddle into you like that. Then I captured a yawn, albeit fuzzy…. You get the fangs!!
At 8.45am, I jumped into Bertie Beetle (could I make that sound any more cheesy?!) and drove down to Cumnock in Ayrshire, to meet Mum and Dad at Dumfries House.
I got here with a half hour to spare so just writing this in the car park…. Which is fairly empty.
We went for coffee first, as we do! Had a syrup scone with jam and clotted cream. We then had a wander round the grounds, while waiting on our house tour at 12pm.
The tree is amazing!!
Mum had a good hug!
It’s such a lovely space to be in.
We came all this way and spent the first half hour with trees 😂
I then did a 10 second delay to get this shot. Luckily there was a random beer keg perfectly placed to pop the phone on.
Now I know how to do that, there will be more of them.
We wandered around the front f the house and the lovely gardens.
There were men with a van cleaning out the fountain, in front of the house, so there are no photos of it. 😆 we had a good chat to them as the swept water and mud around the base of the fountain. It will be stunning once it’s been cleaned out.
Mum and dad are in there, honest!
Waiting for the 12pm tour. The white door will open at 11.55.
So once inside the house you can’t take any photos due to the value of some of the items inside. There are so many pieces of Chippendale furniture.
I’m sure the tour guide said that one of the cabinets in the living room would sell for £20-£25 million!!
Here’s the website if you’re interested in seeing some of what I saw today.
It’s really beautiful. It’s been so well preserved.
You will know by now that I am no historian and much of what I was told goes in one ear and out of the other, while I wish I could take a beautiful photo….. but King Charles saved the House from auction and all the contents being sold off, in 2007, when he got a personal loan of £20 million and then secured a further £25 million from investors etc to purchase the house and save all its contents.
It’s been lovingly restored, is the second largest employer in East Ayrshire, second only to the Council, and now trains many local people in the old skills required to keep a house like this restored and preserved for the future.
In a hour we walked through 3 public rooms, the large entrance hallway and 4 private rooms. The tour was really informative despite my retention issues. 😆
We left the house at 1pm and headed out to the Walled Garden via this lovely bridge and pond.
I made them pose. How lovely is this.
This is exactly why I want to do these trips.
We have a lovely day and make some lovely memories… Dad has to reacquaint himself with the fact I take so many photos, but once he does, he embraces it!
This water lily is on 15x zoom. I was really pleased with it!
There were tadpoles everywhere in this pond.
So back to the Walled Garden….
It costs £3 each to get in and if you have a KA postcode, which I do, you get access for one whole year!!
Here are some of the gorgeous flowers.
Mum was in flower heaven in this greenhouse!
Here I am next to the fountain.
And the view from the fountain.
The gardens are very well looked after.
I overhead one of the guides saying that you should visit the walled garden at least 4 times throughout the year to see the full beauty of it.
Stunning colours and great to play with my new phone.
By this time we were ready for lunch. We were all surprised to see it was 3pm!
The old stables hold the lovely cafe. The food is good and the prices are reasonable.
We headed back to the car park at 3.45pm.
Our days always go so quickly but it’s lovely to wander around and spend time with each other. I love that I get to visit castles and old houses and get to see them too.
Another special day full of memories. 💜💜
I’m shattered now and have a busier day tomorrow. I’m driving to Oban in the morning, to spend the day with my friends Helen and Mike, who are on holiday from Devon.
I have a huge walk planned but I have to drive 2.5 hours to get there, have the huge walk and then drive back home. It will be a lovely but LOOOOOONG day.
The blog might be short and sweet with all the details on Sunday but we’ll see.
I took some photos of our wee doggy gang, before I went to work.
Khaleesi slept without her cone, for the first night. She was really good and didn’t kick her paw at all. (She says…. I probably would have slept through it!)
I love that I told Khaleesi to stay, while I went to feed the others, but they all jumped up on the bed.
Work passed by in a busy blur.
Ellison and I sat out at lunch but I had a big jacket on. We still have this really cold breeze.
So it’s been a good day so far but I’m ravenous and ready for a lovely meal.
We went to Zizzi in Silverburn Shopping Centre and it was sooooo good. I really needed that.
We have a savings account between us that we are going to start using for our weekly trips out. We had half pizza and pasta.
Honeycombe cheesecake for dessert!
I’m in cheesecake heaven…. And lots of chat heaven!
I was not feeling it last night OR this morning…. I couldn’t get the idea of a run out of my head, I should cancel, I’m tired, I ate too late last night, didn’t drink enough water, shouldn’t run…. I’ll hold everyone back…
And yet I set the alarm for 5.30am… Khaleesi woke me at 5.24am and I got out of bed and ready to meet the girls at 5.45am.
I settled into it and honestly can say I barely noticed my breathing at all.
I was out of breath but I was also just out for a chat with the girls, moving faster than we would if we were walking.
It was such a great feeling.
Here we all are after 48 minutes of non stop running.
I loved it this morning. There were no bad moments for me at all. It’s funny that I can feel so negative about it yet be so positive during it.
I’ll take that every time!!!
Work flew in today and it was nice enough for Ellison and I to sit outside at lunchtime.
I’m sitting outside writing this now but I’m cold… I’m trying to stay here in the sunshine but I may have to give in. It’s just the coldest wind.
I literally stood up and walked straight indoors 😂.
Craig made a lovely veggie dinner.
So yeah, not much else to report, mid week and all that.
It’s been a busy day at work and we went up to our neighbour’s house, straight after work, for Kenny’s birthday!
It’s 7.21pm and I’ve drank an alcohol free Staropramen and a whole bottle of Nozeco and I feel ready to burst. 😂
I’m sat next to Khaleesi scoffing down some Mac n’cheese that Holly gave us to bring home. She feeds us well. 😂
I love it when she leans against you like this.
.
I’m tired tonight and I’ve been a bit more judgemental today.
I’m aware of it.
I’m no longer in control of everything that goes on around me and not everything goes the way that I think it should. I need to let that stuff bounce off me.
So I’ll leave it there with a photo Craig took of Khaleesi and Calaidh today… bless.
I’m just back from the loveliest walk with Claire.
We took the 3 Borders out after work tonight.
It’s been a nice day today, it’s not hot but it’s been sunny and after the incessant rain of yesterday, it’s been really lovely to see.
My mood has also been sunny… in carrying the rosy glow from my “health and wellness” weekend. 😂
The house is still tidy and I’ve been out all day so that is a bonus.
I know I’ve gone through so many phases in my journey and this is another one of the sweetness and light moments but…. I LOVE It.
I feel such an overwhelming sense of calm, even although there are still some difficult things going on.
I slept like a log.
I heard Craig come in from the pub after catching the end of the English game, I heard the front door and then nothing until 5.30am. Out for the count all night.
His flight was delayed last night but I tracked him all the way.
A good progesterone induced sleep always helps.
All my clothes were washed, dried and ready, my lunch made.
Work was good, I was determined to appreciate the day rather than wish I was anywhere else, other than working.
I used to HATE my old job. That’s a strong word but I’d start to feel low on a Sunday knowing I had to go back there. It’s lovely to not feel like that about this one so I’m very grateful for that.
I get an email everyday from “the universe”… how apt was today’s?!?
So Claire and I had a lovely walk and the dogs had a good run in the field.
I only took two photos, I was too busy enjoying the chat.
I sat out in the garden with an ice cream and a can of alcohol free pink “gin” and lemonade. It’s my new favourite.
This pic is blurry but Khaleesi is licking her lips.
I finished Bridgerton last night and headed through to be about 9ish. It was still very light outside.
Woke at 5.36am and remembered it was Father’s Day so I did a Scottish Dog Behaviourist FB post for all the dog dads out there and most of all, our very own dog dad.
He’s on his way home from Berlin, flying about 5ish tonight. I can only imagine the mayhem in this house when he walks back through the door, the dogs will be SO excited to see him!!! I might try and video it for his page.
So we’ve had a lovely, lazy day today… peppered with the remaining tidying and cleaning that needs doing.
It’s 3.40pm at time of writing and it’s rained all day. It’s not heavy, it’s just relentless!
We got wet on the dog walk at 8am but never saw another soul.
When we first moved in to the village, this little patch of land had tiny tulips and daffodils and it was always really pretty and I stopped to admire it.
It’s totally different now they the owner of the house died, but I thought it looked so lovely this morning, full of wildflowers. (I can hear Craig shouting WEEDS but I don’t care. I loved it. 😆)
I know I’ve done this before but this gives you an idea of how many times they swap around. It always makes me smile.
When I came home I started work on tidying and cleaning the last of the things I hadn’t done Friday and Saturday.
The house feels so good, I’m so glad I took all that time to do it.
It still needs painted but I know how much cleaner it is now.
Of course today it’s wet and we have muddy paws back on the clean floors but that’s ok…. We do have to live here.
Thankfully Craig is only bringing back one small hand luggage rucksack so there won’t be a mountain of washing.
I’ve been meaning to work on a Mel Robbins “Make it Happen” training course for months now. I sat down at my desk in the bedroom and watched training #1.
I feel really stuck just now, I know I want to move forward but I don’t quite now how, or what with. This gave me a chance to rate all aspects of my life like a fuel tank… from empty and depleted to full of fuel and highly motivated.
I was very pleased to see that I wasn’t at empty in all aspects of life. If I’d done this pre 2018, before I went off sick, I’d have been empty for everything.
She likens it to a row of dominoes but you are the domino sitting out in the front, stagnant and too far away from the rest of the dominoes, to make any difference. The desire is there to move forward but you need a push.
Training #2 will show us how to get moving. I haven’t done that yet as they were released a week apart, so I will hold onto that one for a bit.
I think it’s good to reflect on how you feel about life. It’s worth doing just for that. You have to print out a workbook and fill it in. It took me just over an hour but I enjoyed it.
I’ve realised that I take on a lot of other people’s energies and I needed time to reset and refocus.
I have been in absolute silence for the weekend, apart from Bridgerton on the TV both nights. When Craig is here, he always has podcasts playing or the TV on, we just have different ways of relaxing.
I worry about things that I cannot change.
I worry about money.
I worry about things that are not mine to worry about.
It’s been nice to spend a weekend detached from that.
I’ve missed him being here…. Today has seemed like a long day without him being around.
I’ve also done a bit of work on manifesting financial freedom. I’ve said often that I walked away from a senior management job and am lucky enough to still live in the same house without having to sell up as a result. I am going to focus on the positives and realise that money comes from so many other places than just where we think it comes from. We’ve had a lot of expense of late and that takes its toll. It you continue to focus on lack then you will experience more lack. I am going to focus on abundance and be grateful for all that I have.
All these words sound great, I need to put them into practice.
I feel like I’ve been on a health and wellness weekend just with some dog walks thrown in!! 😂😂
Oh I did phone the emergency vet at 5.45am….. I’ve been worried that Khaleesi hasn’t been drinking water since he’s been away.
Every time I try and give her some she turns away. I figured she hadn’t really drunk anything in the whole time that I was solely I charge and I panicked. That’s what woke me.
The vet was lovely and said “we loved Khaleesi” as soon as she realised who I was.
She said to add some water in with her dinner, which I’d actually done last night. She said that dogs in cones, often protest in one way or another. The fact that’s she eating and going to the toilet normally, means all is ok.
We should keep an eye on it and make sure there’s no listlessness or runs.
There’s a lovely sentence to end the blog with… 😂
Hope you’ve all had a great weekend.
Happy Father’s Day to my lovely Dad.
Looking forward to seeing Mum and Dad for a trip to Dumfries House next weekend!
I watched the Scotland 🏴 Germany 🇩🇪 game last night.
Unheard of… me, wanting to watch football, but I felt we were on the cusp of something great and I didn’t want to miss out.
As Scotland fans we learn that is not always the case.
We were all ready for action!
Especially Bhruic who watches every football game on tv. 😂
Even Calaidh’s wondering what’s going on.
And now Freya’s joining in.
Sadly it was a pretty shocking game on Scotland’s behalf.
I’d even put on my old Scotland top but we lost, fairly spectacularly… though it could have been much worse than 5-1.
I am not a football fan. The sound of a game irritates me, I’d rather not be anywhere near it when it’s on TV. I switched off at the end of the first half and went to bed.
I slept pretty well but woke up at 5.16am and never really went back to sleep.
Stop waking me mum she says….
Actually it’s more like, thank god I got that cone off!!
I let Khaleesi out then took the 3 Borders for a walk.
The pub still has their Scotland flags out. 🏴
It was a lovely sunny morning. Cool but really beautiful. It was 6.30am and I saw no one… not even a car!
More flags.
I slept in the Scotland top and am still wearing it this morning. Think the last time I wore this was 2008 🤦🏻♀️😂
Everything is so overgrown, it looks lovely.
It’s lovely to see the sun and everything is covered in the morning dew… or overnight rain!
Wouldn’t be a Julie walk without a gate.
Something smells seriously good here.
I planned to jog with the dogs but sadly wore the wrong bra…. Epic fail… I did try but it was not happening.
Thought this was pretty cool…. It seems to be a voluntary organisation.
Not every day you see that.
Very old gate, disappearing in the weeds.
For the life of me I can’t remember what this is called…. But it’s flowering in the garden, it’s really pretty.
Scotland’s Tough Mudder was today at Drumlanrig Castle. I was thinking about taking someone’s place this week but realised I really needed to be here for the dogs as Craig is away.
Funny how you really want to do something, until you can and then find a million reasons not to. I took photos of them all outside the pub before they left.
I wanted to enjoy the weekend slowly and I think if I’d done TM it would have taken up a lot of yesterday with prep, then today with the run and tomorrow with the recovery. Instead I’ve enjoyed blitzing the house and spending time with the dogs.
Gayle asked me to pop into the shop this morning which was lovely. Her customers are all so nice. I miss chatting to them.
I was home by 1.30 and have spent the rest of the afternoon, finishing off cleaning the rooms I didn’t do yesterday.
The house is now too clean for any of us to live in. The puppers and I are in the back garden while the floors dry 😂 just as well it’s sunny. I have cone dog at my feet.
Her wound is healing nicely and I hope she can lose the cone in the next day or so. She has way more energy now that she is not doped up with doggy tramadol. I can feel the strength in her pull as we head outside sometimes. If she gets excited, there’s a wee spring in her step. She’s doing so well.
Mr A is having a great time in Munich, currently sitting in a beer garden with seats for 8,000 people!!
Oh and how lovely, my neighbour Holly has made me a Saturday night takeaway of Vegetable curry and garlic naan. How kind of her?!?! So that’s me sorted.
I’m so peaceful just now, I love it.
When you suffer from anxiety periodically, you are so grateful for the moments of peace and calm. Obviously, living by myself if a huge help as I can control everything that happens this weekend and especially now that I’ve cleaned….
I’ve made a conscious effort to focus on the positive.
It really does help if you can change your mindset to focus on gratitude and being thankful, rather than negativity and lack.
Right enough blogging mumma, the floors must be dry, where’s our dinner?!?!
I could sleep now. I’ve been full on all day but I’ve really enjoyed it.
I slept like a log. I’m sure poor Khaleesi tossed and turned as much as she usually has, but I was oblivious. No wonder after such a long day yesterday.
We have a little morning cuddle without the cone.
She loves having a good head rub without it.
Awww schnozz….
I got up about 8am, fed them and took her out into the garden.
Sent this one to Craig in Munich.
It’s been really wet overnight but it’s dry for now and surprisingly mild considering how cold it’s been.
I popped her back in her cone and back into her room (our room) so that I could take the Borders for a walk.
The Iris’s are in full bloom.
They were so good today. I say that and always realise that it was me that handled them well. I love that I’m back to walking 3 of them at once, it makes my life so much easier.
Bhru stopped to admire the old gate 😂
We met these guys so had a chat to the cows for a wee minute.
There were a few woo woo woo woo woos given by Madame Bhru.
Then we were on our way while she eyeballs them 😂😂
Back to Khaleesi with big smiles.
With her little chicken leg.
So then the hard work started.
I have blitzed a few rooms today.
I am quite lazy when it comes to housework these days. There are a million things I would rather do. As I’ve said many times, living with 4 dogs doth not a clean house maketh. I’ve got to the point that I don’t like spending time in the house as all I see are the jobs piling up around me.
This weekend I’ve decided to work my ass off and bring it back to some semblance of order.
I started in the living room. I washed the blankets on the couches, cleaned the pvc round the windows with upvc cleaner, cleaned the windows, polished all the surfaces, moved all the furniture to hoover and finally mopped the floors.
That took me about 2 hours.
I then moved into the hallway and did the same thing.
To my disgust I found a dead wee frog…. hidden behind the shoe crates that we have.
I screamed so loudly as I saw it stuck to the hoover nozzle. (Jeez I’ve just remembered there is a dead bird in the garden too…. Have to deal with that as well!)
I mean how disgusting is that and how long has it been there? … poor wee frog. I can’t imagine the fright I’d have got if it were alive?!?! Doesn’t bear thinking about!
On the plus side I found Craig’s spare glasses which have been missing for ages. They weren’t far from Mr Frog. That’s obviously an area to be checked when anything goes missing in future… the Bermuda Triangle of our house…
While the floor dried in the hallway, I moved into the bathrooms and the back hall and Khaleesi’s bedroom.
I’ve done 4 loads of washing.
I really need to head out for a small food shop as there’s nothing much in the house but I am mustering up the energy…. 😂
I have LOVED my day.
Mr Avery may not be able to move back in I’m afraid. This level of spotlessness needs to remain for the foreseeable .😂
I’ve moved outside for a bit, while the sun is shining. Freya and Khaleesi are at my feet.
There’s still a cold breeze picked up now.
Meanwhile in Munich, the Scotland 🏴 fans are getting ready for the opening game against Germany 🇩🇪 tonight.
Face paints on 🇩🇪😂 bless…
How amazing would it be if Scotland managed to win this tonight?!?
I’ve just been to Tesco for a mini food shop… used £15 of vouchers I’ve been carrying around for ages.
So many people in Scotland tops and tartan. It made me smile.
Khaleesi and I did not have the best night… she was very restless, bless her (there I go again!).
I went to bed around 8.30 and never heard Craig or the 3 Borders go to bed, but at some point, it was just getting dark, Khal stood up and shook herself and I sat bolt upright in bed, still in a progesterone induced sleep. I got such a fright. She was standing over me!
I dozed off and heard Craig get up to the loo at the back of 2…. And Khaleesi then woke me me about 3am.
The alarm went off at 3.30am. 🤯😳
It’s 6.12pm and I am still awake. 😂
We left the house at 4am… here’s the boy.
All ready to join the Tartan Army in Munich for Euro 2024.
I drove Craig and Jim over to Edinburgh Airport for 5am. We all yawned the whole way over.
My trusty co-pilot caught some photos of the sunrise as we drove…. I have him well trained.
The photos don’t do it justice. It’s been a while since I’ve seen sunrise as it’s so early.
Love how the light reflects on the bonnet of the car.
Didn’t he do well with this one!
Shame the window is dirty as this would have been a great shot.
He hit this one bang on!
The roads are so empty, I love this time of day. Not after a bad nights sleep, mind you…
Blinded!
I couldn’t tell you the last time I drove through Edinburgh drop off. It cost mere £5 for the 10 minute privilege. Airports must make a fortune for drop offs.
I made them pose for airport photos when I dropped them off 😂
😂😂
Edinburgh Airport was heaving… there were kilts and football tops everywhere. It was amazing to see just how many there were.
They are flying to Copenhagen then on to Berlin and at time of writing, they are still on the train to Munich. A long day. Craig said the Copenhagen flight was full of Scotland fans.
The drive back home was hard as I was on my own and super tired. When I got home I lay down with Khaleesi. I took her cone off and she cuddled in with her paws on my legs.
I could have slept for Scotland. I had the fear that I wouldn’t be able to stay awake for the rest of the day.
When I got back up at 7am, my black Tartan hoodie was COVERED in Khaleesi hairs…. Oops!
She says sorry!
She loves having time without the cone. we sat outside in the fresh air. It’s cold again today.
So I have to say that I have managed the day just fine.
I gave up fasting at 11am as I needed some fuel.
It’s been a really busy day and I’m so chuffed with the work I got done. It felt like a really satisfying week this week.
My lovely in-laws pupper-sat today (I know that’s not even English!!)
They sat with K, walked the Borders and I had cuddles with Cookie the Chihuahua when I got home.
So very lovely of them to do that today and took a weight off my mind knowing they were here.
A happy smile.
So I’m home, waiting for the milkman to appear for money in half an hour then the jammies are going on.
The heating is on, it’s pouring outside, I’m tempted to light candles. All 4 dogs are asleep with me in the living room.
I do love my husband but I am looking forward to a weekend of nothing. Just dogs walks and housework and a whole lot of silence. I never thought I’d like silence so much.
My friend Anne just sent this. The perfect end to my blog and my plan for the weekend ahead. ♥️
We met at 5.45. I’d had a rough night. Sleeping with Queen Khaleesi and her cone wasn’t the easiest thing in the world. She woke me at 12.30 and again at 4.15 and I lay awake after that.
She’s not making a sound, she just looks really sad.
I felt exhausted and kept thinking I’d just cancel. The alarm went off at 5.30am and I got my running gear out, let Khaleesi out with Calaidh’s collar and no cone for a wee sniff around, then met Lynsey.
We ran and we ran and we ran….. we only stopped to let traffic pass on the Beith bypass.
I ran just short of 6k without stopping to catch a breath.
I achieved my personal record!
At one point on the return leg, Lynsey said “I don’t want to jinx anything…. But… “ and I told her not to say another word, I was well aware of what was happening every step of the way.
I was buzzing!!
I honestly cannot describe how good that felt. Lynsey shared it to the group and I’m like a kid greedy for praise. Saturday’s run had been sooo hard, I really questioned why I was in the group in the first place. You know me by now, it’s all or nothing. 😂
Claire said at the weekend that concentrating on a conversation regulates your breathing so when there are only two of us you’re forced to talk as you run. When I’m in the bigger group, I often go silent and withdraw into myself.
I went straight into a cool shower and it was lovely. By the time I’d fed the dogs and got the cone girl out again, I had to go to work with wet hair!
Work was so busy today. It just flew by and I don’t really remember much of it. My lunch was interrupted 5 minutes in and I never got back to it! It was just one of those days.
I’m trying to clear food out the cupboards just now so my tub of sticky rice with soy sauce, wasn’t that appealing anyway!
So back him and got the cone off her and have watched her like a hawk ever since.
She’s been sooooo good. She’s only gone to kick the wound once since I’ve been home and that’s about an hour and a half. She’s on the lead beside me.
I managed to make dinner with one eye on her the whole time.
It was really spicy and even Craig had some.
I’ve not ordered the Planthood meals as they are so expensive, despite being lovely. I’ll need to use them as a treat in future.
I’m off into the pub to meet the Crochet Hookers tonight and then I have to come straight home and go to bed.
I’m running Craig and our friend Jim, to Edinburgh tomorrow morning and we have to be at Edinburgh Airport for 5am. I then have to work a full day while my lovely in laws come down and pup sit, and then I have the whole house to myself until Sunday. if you ever have your house to yourself when it’s full of dogs?!?!
They are off to Germany 🇩🇪 for the Germany 🇩🇪 Scotland 🏴 Euro 2024 opening match. This was organised ages ago, before Khaleesi had her injury. Everything has just come at once.
So I think that’s all from today. Oh just remembered the doctor called me this afternoon to check up on me after my appointment 3 weeks ago when I couldn’t stop crying.
I’d totally forgotten she was going to call… and if I’m honest, I’d totally forgotten that I’d even called her back then. How times change.
She was pleased to hear that my head is much better than it was back then. I’m still going through some “stuff” at the moment but I’m handling it like anyone else would. There are good days and bad days. That’s the way of life.
Took poor Craig 2 hours to get to Stirling for around a 5 minute appointment.
Her bandage is off and her leg is healing well.
The foot will most likely stay at that angle now.
And now for the hard part. The cone of shame for the next 4-5 days at least, to stop her from licking the wound.
Her face says it all… bless her. I’m saying that a lot these days!
Here she is just out of the vet. The cone doesn’t work well either big ears 😂
She has to wear that for up to 5 days and we can take it off…. If she starts to lick the wound then back on it goes, I’m afraid.
She should start putting the foot down in the next 4-5 days as well, bearing in mind she’s been carrying it for the last 2.5 weeks. It will take some time to realise she can use it. I think she used it for balance there just now.
She also just got stuck in the tree. 🤦🏻♀️😬
I think she’s trying to shake it off.
Look away now all you squeamish… though it’s not bad and hard to see in the sunlight.
The wound is healing really well.
I’m trying to get it from all angles.
She’s actually handling it surprisingly well. She just had a good licking session on the inside of the cone. I hope that helped her.
We had a slight mishap at dinner as she obviously couldn’t eat out her bowl so clever mumma thought she’d feed her inside the cone.
Nope… the food went everywhere inside the cone and I needed to take it off her and wash it all. Problem is when the cone’s off, we have nothing to hold onto, as her collar is looped through the cone.
Like everything it seems hard work at first but we’ll all settle into the new routine, just like we did with the bandage.
It’s gonna be a long night puppa.
In other news I’ve had a better outlook today. Nothing has really changed apart from my response. I’m no longer resentful, angry or sad, I’m grateful for the small things.
What is this trying to teach me?
What can I learn from this?
How can I respond differently in the future.
I’ve felt like a different person today.
Not that nasty, moany git I was yesterday.
It was like the world was ending.
It’s not.
That’s my fight or flight kicking in again, the minute something doesn’t go my way.
The Rambling Sloth 🦥 