Day 1655 a stormy but lovely day in the house

It’s my wee brother’s birthday today and he is having Mum and Dad and I to the house this afternoon.

Unfortunately, it looks like I am not going to be able to go because of this storm that is hitting us right now.

We’ve been advised only essential travel.

I feel awful that I’m missing it and it looks like I’m the proud owner of some lovely flowers that were meant for my sister in law…. But in true anxious and introverted fashion, I am so relieved that I don’t have to negotiate that weather.

Current view so far.

When I was younger I would take on anything… this week I have watched the weather every day and have concocted a whole host of things that could go wrong.

I opened my eyes at 4.30am and it was still calm outside but the wind is definitely picking up now.

I scrolled through my Rambling Sloth FB pages… I rarely use my own one these days… the sloth page is full of positivity and good thoughts. It inspires me so much.

I did this.

While social media can be really bad for us, you can use it to your advantage and only follow people that inspire you. You can unfollow… ok maybe that’s too much for some people, or you can snooze anything that “irks” you. I use it to build my mental resilience for the day.

So…. What to do today….

I brought the dogs through to the bedroom to have a lie in…. Of course I didn’t sleep.

We spoke to Craig and Khaleesi and then got up. The house is so dark I’ll be going for mood lighting today to cheer us all up.

The dogs have been out the back and will need walked but I’m waiting on a gap in the rain.

Do you ever get overwhelmed by the simplest of things?!? I think we all do at times….. well I hate to see my emails build up so this morning I have unsubscribed from so many mailing lists. It feels good. My inbox is clear.

So… I have a list for today…. In case I did that… “ugh I’m really bored” thing and thought I had nothing to do.

It’s 2.02pm now and I have only just sat down and I’ve done 5 things off my list already and a huge thing that wasn’t even on my list!

I’ve gutted everything out from under the bed and I’ve made the brave decision to get rid of all of my wool. I have so many unfinished projects and so much wool lying around that I may never use.

I did find this beautiful blanket which was work in progress and I’d forgotten all about.

So I have kept some wool to add to that.

I’ve got lots of things to throw out and bags for charity. I am without ruth…. As we joke sometimes (ruthless!).

I’ve also walked the dogs. I have to say, while this wind is strong and gusting, I don’t feel like it’s bad enough to have cancelled my brother’s birthday. I feel really guilty about that.

It is very autumnal as the leaves are all being blown off the trees.

I came home and started a Mushroom Stroganoff from Healthy Living James. His recipes are easy enough for me to follow and I LOVE a mushroom! 🍄‍🟫

Nothing beats a new non stick frying pan either… before things stick to it!

The only ingredient I was missing was lemon juice. Hey…

It was really lovely.

So it’s now 17.53 and I’m sitting in front of a movie.

I’ve put load more up for sale on Vinted, this afternoon and already sold a cardigan from last night.

The wind picked up all afternoon. I am really grateful not to be driving in it but I still don’t think it’s as bad as forecast. Maybe that’s because I’m sitting in a 300 year old stone cottage. 😆

I’ve had a lovely weekend. I miss Craig but I have a wonderful calmness from some alone time in the house. I’ve enjoyed the dogs.

I’ve done so much a yet I have rested too. I am completely in control of my own energy.

I listed to a really good podcast with Davina McCall interviewing Fearne Cotton, while I worked. It’s called Begin Again.

I love the concept of this podcast as I feel like I have had to begin again in life. . Fearne says that she has to control her environment these days to ensure that she is the best version of herself. I’ve never thought of it like that but I am exactly the same. When I am alone, there is nothing that can knock me for six. I know that’s is no way to live but it really helps me regenerate. I feel restored and ready for all that the week can throw at me.

I’m also lucky enough to be heading to Milan next weekend to meet the lovely Melanie. I just need to decide what on earth to take with me in my tiny Ryanair carry on bag. 😆

Maybe I’ll get to see Craig for 5 minutes too. He’s really enjoyed his course.

🤣 May your temper be cool… when faced with absurd nonsense. 😆 I love this from Sweatpants & Coffee.

Have a great week!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️