Day 1406 a lovely Friday day off 🌧️ ❄️ ☀️

I’ve had a lovely wee day to myself.

The best sleep again…. It was just the best, from 10 through to 7am. Not a blink in the night.

I felt really refreshed and ready to start my dog walk Friday.

First up a dog jog with Bhru in the rain. Bless her wee face.

Next up Calaidh and Freya. It wasn’t pouring with rain this time. We walked mostly but we did jog for a bit.

They had a good run about in the field.

They love my new dry trainers.

I saw my first daffodil.

The Khaleesi’s turn.

Spooky trees through a Mali’s ears. ♥️

We saw this lovely rainbow.

It was only minutes before we were hammered with hailstones. Poor Khaleesi was petrified.

We got back home and dried off… we were drenched.

I got ready and headed up to Asda for a food shop. Not been to Asda in years. I got lots of veggies and vegan food. I don’t know what’s wrong with me but I’m just not into meat just now at all.

I came home, put the shopping away and made two pots of lentil soup. One with bacon and one without. Check me.

I know fine well I will probably end up eating the one with meat too!

The sun came out and I spent a half hour outside with the dogs… it was warm in the sunshine.

I made little videos of them. I shouted one of them to come while the other 3 stood still. Calaidh was the only one that broke ranks when she shouldn’t have but only because it’s all about the ball for her. 🎾

Oh I also decided to book one of the Waverley cruises. I’d been looking at a 3 day cruise…

I wanted to do the Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday but I can’t get accommodation in Kyle of Lochalsh AT all.

So that meant I could only do the Monday. So it’s all booked. Gonna be a VERY long day from 7am to 10.45pm… and that’s without the drive to and from the Glasgow Science Centre! That said… I’m soooo looking forward to it. I should start to list all the things I have planned this year to remind me of how many exciting things I am doing.

So it’s been a good day, I’ve enjoyed myself. I’m calm and relaxed and looking forward to my wee dolphin 🐬 trip tomorrow. The forecast is very cold but sunny.

Currently typing this with a Bhruic on my knee….

Hope you all have a great weekend.

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1392 a day of two halves 🥳🥹 I know I’ve used this title before 🙄

I had the best sleep. I woke at 6am, no tension and felt really happy. I was soooo looking forward to my day off. When Craig’s alarm went off at 7.30am, I ruffled his hair, said “guess who’s feeling better today?” And started to fill him in on Iceland’s latest eruption. I was buzzing. Poor Craig had barely opened his eyes and I’m shoving my phone into his face. 😆

I didn’t realise that it started yesterday. Thankfully it seems everyone was evacuated safely but this lava has moved faster than the last couple of eruptions and has covered the road junction for the Blue Lagoon. It’s awful for everyone involved as I’m sure the Blue Lagoon was heaving every day and it’s had to close a lot these last few months. Now it will need a new road. (I might have this all wrong but that’s my afternoon caffeine induced anxiety talking…)

I had a lovely morning. I went a run with Rachel two doors down. we ran for over 2 miles. I found it hard but I was so glad we did it.

I came back in to this…. The dog master.

I sat and had a coffee with Craig. Didn’t go for decaf…. 🤦🏻‍♀️🙄

Then back out for a much slower jog with Freya and Calaidh. Love how Freya always looks back at me when I take the camera out! (Phone… obvs 🙄)

I had my shower and set off for my appointment at Viv’s Nails and Beauty to get my toes and eyebrows done. I wittered away like a budgie to Viv. I told her I felt quite hyper today. 😆

I then went to the little gift shop for some birthday presents and spent AGES choosing what I wanted. Lovely to see Gayle but I’m meeting her tomorrow so I said we couldn’t talk about anything of any importance 😂😂

By that time it was around 1pm so I headed to Curiosity coffee shop and had an oat milk latte with a lovely bit of cake. What a way to break my fast.

It was soooo good, super tasty. The cake is like something Gran would make with marshmallows, glacé cherries 🍒 and coconut.

I have been churned up ever since. On the way home I felt the butterflies in my stomach so badly I felt sick. Really squeamish. In no way, shape or form was it anything to do with what I ate but I think the caffeine and sugar has hit me the wrong way.

I cleared out the kitchen, moving things around as it had become really cluttered, and put lots of things away in cupboards, but I can’t shake the squeam. I’ve sat down on the couch to watch tv to take my mind off it but I can’t find the tv remote anywhere…. It’s bright orange and not easily missed.

Tracey in Canada just sent me this… she has no idea that I spent the afternoon on looking for a remote!!

I literally just want to cry. I think I am creating a panic attack… oh there are the tears. It might take me a while but I can usually get to the bottom of things writing this.

I think the cheeriness from this morning came from a misplaced anxiety. I can’t seem to shake it this last few weeks. I think maybe I need to consider medication again. I don’t want to but can’t cope with this level of fear. Can’t see to type let alone find the orange telly buttons… I’ve just gone through to the bathroom to try to be sick. Nothings coming up but I’m retching. What a state to get into.

I used to live on coffee to get me through the day… and now 2 have given me heart palpitations.

I’ve had some work stuff to do today which has generated a bit of anxiety…. I’m making it bigger than it is and haven’t switched off to work like I usually do.

It’s been a jittery few weeks on and off.

Craig just called and it really helped to speak to him.

He has the orange tv remote in his pocket!!

That made me laugh…… I was going mad looking for it!

So yeah… honest blog again. Anxiety doesn’t want me to put it out but I will cause that’s what I do. I’ll just not be able to look anyone in the eye ever again 😂😂😂

How lovely is this card I found in the little gift shop.?

The tv remote is now home. My life is complete.

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1380 this too shall pass… ♥️

So yeah, not the best of days today but I’ve still been for a dog jog AND a long dog walk so that’s gotta count for something…. AND I’ve tidied the house and gone to Tesco for a food shopping.

I’m gonna make this quick because I know this will pass. I’m not giving it power over me by writing about how I feel today. I will share some of my photos though…. Even though it’s been a very grey and windy day.

Calaidh and Freya have their jog on this morning 🏃🏻‍♀️🐕‍🦺🦮

When they start off they are actually running with excitement…. Woah woah woah woah woah puppers… mumma can’t keep up 😂

I’m wearing old trainers as my feet get so wet outdoors in my current trainers, yet these old ones make both knees hurt almost immediately. I limped the last stretch home.

Changed into my walking shoes for a long walk with Bhruic and had no pain AT ALL. This knee pain is so strange…. Since we started sleeping at the bottom of the bed (like crazy people!) I’ve had no real knee pain at night, I’m not even having to use the pillow for elevation. Who knows what’s happening there?!

Bhru and I walked a way I haven’t gone for ages. I wanted to spend some one on one time with her. We passed the trees I used to see on my way to counselling every week. I think of them as my therapy trees.

Bhru’s not impressed!

I let her off lead and work on recall. She’s really good.

She’s loving the freedom.

We walked to this wee burn and back. Not been here in so long. She wanted to go and run in the field but there are sheep in the back right field and I wasn’t convinced that it was secure enough… taking no chances.

This is the level we’re at today… I love the deep tyre treads a tractor makes.

I’m fascinated but the shapes…. Big circles on the top and hexagons, under the weight at the bottom.

I saw my first snowdrops of the year! So pretty.

I came home and ran about doing random housework and tidied up some things in the garden that had blown over in the wind.

I headed down to Tesco for a food shop and diesel ready for my 11 days of work ahead.

So yeah, inwards and upwards as they say. (oh Freudian slip there!! I’m leaving that in)

It’s pretty dull outside so I have my new Sand + Paws candle burning. I got this from Craig’s sister along with my Joma bracelet.

I wuf you 🐾

The business was set up by girls in California to get rid of the smell of wet dog after being down at the beach. Just wet mud here today!

I’m at 21 hours fasting which I’m really pleased about. I can only do this at weekends… I can’t manage a long fast through the week. I never set out to do a long one, it just happens some times . Craig’s made his amazing rice pudding so I’ll be having some of that shortly 😋 then I’m gonna have a nap!

Here’s wishing you all a great week ahead.

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1379 dog jog, dog walk and our nieces 16th birthday party! 🥳

Wide awake at 5am, got up and moved down to the couch to read. Subsequently felt shattered all day.

I got Calaidh and Bhru ready and out for 8.30am and we did the first dog jog in months…. It felt really good. It blew the cobwebs away and the poor puppers were wondering what on earth had happened all of a sudden. We were all breathless when we got back, though not sure they had done anything more than a fast walk 🙄😂 I forgot to take my phone so no pics.

Back home and changed into walking gear and took baby Freya down to the little gift shop to get a birthday card.

She was so good. I did some lead training with her on the way. She doesn’t go out on her own that often so it’s good for her to get some socialisation and go see her Auntie Gayle.

We talked for a wee bit too long and she actually lay down and almost nodded off.

Bless her.

Look at the poor gate on the way back home. It’s just hingin’ in there isn’t it?! I felt really sorry for it…. Empathy for an old gate. Whatever next?!

I lay down for an hour and read and tried to nap but didn’t. Got up and had a shower before Craig got home from work.

We have been up at my sis in laws for our niece’s 16th birthday party. How can she actually be 16 already?!?

We had some lovely party food and was great to catch up with everyone as we didn’t see them over Christmas.

I got a lovely Joma bracelet for my Christmas from them. It’s a gold acorn for strength.

It’s super shiny compared to the others I’ve worn every day.

We played a family quiz game and I always think I’m so rubbish at quizzes. My head just says nope, nope, nope when it’s under pressure and my brain leaves me alone. 😂 I did really well and came 4th or 3rd I think but I was just guessing to take the pressure off!! Obviously good guesses. 🙈😂

So just a quickie tonight as I’m soooo tired! Hope you all have a great Saturday night!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1228 a lovely little gift shop kind of day 🎁

Wide awake at 5am which is fine because I was in bed at 8.15pm!!

I was shattered yesterday.

I read for a bit then was off to sleep before 9pm. Apparently I missed a beautiful sunset!

Up and out with the dogs before 7am for a bit of a dog jog though way more walking than jogging.

It was lovely and sunny to the north and east.

And really dark and cloudy to the south. This photo doesn’t do it justice.

This seagull was the goalie the whole time we walked passed.

The sun looked amazing in the clouds.

I was helping out in The little gift shop today and, as usual, it was so lovely. It’s lovely to catch up with so many people that I’ve not seen in ages. I get so much out of helping people choose gifts when they have no idea what to get.

One lady said I was very good at what I did and it was a real talent. Kindness costs nothing and the shop is all about kindness, every step of the way. ♥️ Her words will stay with me.

I love this next one….

I’ve felt good again today. Calm and in control.

For dragonflies ready 2 Blue Merle Border Collies!! Craig is away camping this weekend with Calaidh…. Leaving me with these two beauties 💕

I’ve just looked at the weather forecast and we have strong winds and torrential rain overnight so I hope the campers are ok.

Hope you all have a great weekend! Was about to end with my usual “stay safe everyone” when I remembered that COVID really seems to be kicking back in at the moment, I know 6 people who have got it and it seems like they feel pretty rotten. I got a text about my 4th vaccination and my flu jab and I decided I wasn’t going to get it this time. I kinda feel enough is enough. I never wanted it in the first place but got it and I just don’t know what to do. Now that people are sick again I’m undecided. Will take any advice anyone has. I’m easily persuaded!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1214 a lovely day at the little gift shop 🎁🎁

I had THE best sleep. Out for the count all night, it’s such an amazing feeling… I woke up to a woo woo woo woo from the back garden at 7am. Craig was up early and I never even heard him. (Should clarify, it wasn’t him woo woo woo-ing…. Obviously! 🐶🐶🐶)

I didn’t feel great when I woke up…. Really groggy and little bit sad. I cuddled Craig on the couch and had a wee tear without him even noticing. (Love that he reads this to find out… 🤦🏻‍♀️😬) I mentally gave myself a shake and got my running gear on to take the dogs out for dog jog. It’s the LAST thing I wanted to do. Every part of me wanted Craig to say he’d take them.

I opened the front door, walked out and started to run straight away.

I never do that.

I ran and ran and ran.

It felt good.

It’s comical when one of them catches scent of something and almost pulls me off my feet as they stop dead to catch up on their pee-mail.

It was a beautiful morning… lovely blue sky.

I felt so much better for it. Straight in the shower and back into my little gift shop clothes! Funny how I have clothes I haven’t worn since I haven’t been in the shop. 😂

I’ve had a lovely wee day chatting with Gayle and seeing lots of lovely customers again. I’ve missed that lovely energy. We had a busy day and it passed really quickly. The shop is looking amazing with lots of new stock!

There’s a new vintage coffee shop opening in Beith next week and the owner came in and brought Gayle and I a lovely latte. ☕️☕️

What a great idea to get local businesses on board. The coffee shop is called Curiosity. She’s planning to open on Thursday.

The coffee was lovely but full caffeine… obviously!! I was buzzing afterwards!!! 🫣

Despite having such a lovely day, I still don’t feel right. I am tired and just a bit antsy and unsettled. I felt really nervous and stomach churning before I got home… could just be the caffeine maybe but a lot of people I speak to this week have said similar, that they just don’t feel quite right. Someone said there were two full moons this month. Ahhhhhh… nope no idea what that means but it sounds a good enough reason for me.

When I don’t feel 100%, I always want to have a reason, I want to know why I feel out of sorts….

I’m home now, in our newly organised sunroom, with the wood burning stove on and the door open.

I have my feet up and Craig’s just made dinner. We had lots of meat that was about to go off so we had a plate of different meats… protein dinner, a bit like a BBQ! It was really nice and actually I would have just had cheese and biscuits if it was left to me in my lazy state of mind.

Hope you all have a great Friday night and a lovely weekend!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1207 a lovely Friday day off!

Another Friday off and another list of things ticked. I’m really enjoying super productive Fridays!!

I didn’t feel great when I woke up this morning…. Sore throat and headache. I got up to the loo and cooried back down into bed…. Thinking I could just lie there all day.

I knew I had loads to do and loads I really wanted to get done.

I got my running stuff on and took the dogs out for dog jog, first time since last weekend. I felt rotten to start, I had a shooting pain up my leg almost willing me not to jog. Yet I started to run and managed a fair bit of the way. I get so much better for it. I felt spurred on for the rest of the day!

I know that I’ve been feeling lethargic due to very little exercise. Despite fasting and breaking my fasts with lovely salads, I have eaten a fair bit of rubbish in between. It’s the first time in about 6 months that I’ve actually felt a bit bloated. Seems a tad unfair after a 19 hour and 45 minute fast today. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂😘 but hey it’s just a bloat day. If there is such a thing 🤷🏻‍♀️😂

So I have been like a wummin possessed today.

I have emptied Abbie the Campervan… seven huge bags full of stuff! Bet that wasn’t great for fuel economy?!

Also cleaned everything apart from washing the outside. I scrubbed, hoovered, dusted and polished and she’s probably cleaner than she’s ever been… and definitely emptier.

That took me until about lunchtime when I moved into the house and started hoovering, dusting and polishing inside.

I washed and dried all the blankets from the couches in the living room. It’s actually been a beautiful day today, unexpectedly.

I’m sitting outside in shorts writing this at 5pm. I’m shattered.

When Craig came home from work he brought in a parcel that arrived for him, started to unwrap it. I told him he’d better tell me how lovely the house looked pretty damn sharpish. 😂 it’s the first time we’ve seen the dining table this week since he unceremoniously dumped his wedding outfit on it last Saturday night!!! He said, of course he’d noticed…. Hmmm I’m not so sure!!

Check his wee face as he’s bought a new toy and didn’t tell me. “Hi julesie….” Big grin.

Anyway he took me out to The Canny Man for lunch which is just 5 minutes down the road. It was worth him feeling guilty to get me a late lunch out.

He had haggis balls in a peppercorn sauce to start.

With both had Salt and Chilli Chicken Burger for mains.

And I had a Caramel and Chocolate Sundae for dessert!

I enjoyed it despite my itchy nose!!

I am so tempted to go for a nap now but the sun feels lovely on my skin. What a beautiful day it turned out to be.

Oh well, what little peace I have is being interrupted…. Seems it might be puppy dinner time… feed me she says!!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1200 a day of getting SO much done!!!

I have been ticking boxes all day and I bloody love it. ✅✅✅✅✅✅

It’s just been one of those rare days where you catch up on things you have been meaning to do for months…. And it feels so good!!!

We ended up having a Chinese takeaway last night for dinner, after a couple of drinks in the pub next door. Think Craig had a lovely birthday. I was late in bed but slept like a log again. The Scottish Dog Behaviourist still had his alarm set for 5am!!! I did manage to snooze until after 7 but decided to get up and get on with the day.

It’s a beautiful sunny day. (As an aside, I feel like beautiful, amazing and lovely are three of my most used words these days…. How different from years gone by and a nice thing to be able to say).

I got ready and took the dogs straight out for a dog jog.

These giant daisies were amazing.

The sky is so blue and it’s quite warm already. The forecast was to break by midday but it really only clouded over about 4pm.

Another million thistle pictures and this one was by far the best.

Once I got back I started selling clothes on Vinted again. I put up 13 items of clothing but it took me all morning and into early afternoon between making phone calls etc.

I also booked a dentist appointment. Been meaning to do it for ages.

I called a company about looking at the rust on my van. I went out and took photos to send to them. Been meaning to do it for ages.

I called the Paddle Steamer Waverley excursion line and booked myself onto a cruise on Sunday 6th August. It leaves Glasgow Science Centre at 9.30am and heads for Largs, Ayr, Girvan, round Ailsa Craig and back to Girvan and then Ayr, where a bus will take me back to Glasgow Science Centre. A long day but I am SUPER excited!!!!! Been meaning to book another cruise for ages.

I called a company who fix doors and windows to see about getting a quote for some repairs. Have thought we should do it for ages but a door got a bit stuck today so that spurred me on!

I went to get my toenails and eyebrows done before the wedding we have tomorrow.

I tidied up the house and put everything back in it’s place. Been meaning to do that all week.

I was out in the sunshine all day as I did my Vinted selling.

I also managed a 20 hour fast without even realising it.

It’s 5.15pm and I could just shut my eyes and have a nap.

So yeah we have Elly and Scott’s wedding tomorrow so I’ve also been getting organised for that too.

Maybe a short or no blog tomorrow as there won’t be any time but I will try get a photo out, at least!

Also should say, 1200 days of the blog eh?!? Who’d s thunk it?!

Hope you all have a great Friday and weekend!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1169 a teensy weensy bit grumpy this afternoon but clawing it back!

I was shattered when I got up this morning again. Slept like a log all night and could hardly move when the alarm went off. Since starting HRT I reckon this would most likely be time of the month, but nothing happens anymore so maybe I just have the lethargy and negativity so graciously served up at this time, or I’m actually just tired and grumpy!

I dragged myself out on dog jog and actually felt so much better for doing it. I was very grateful for dog sniffing to save me jogging!

It’s super cloudy this morning, rain forecast but warm considering it’s only 6am.

So I actually felt great this morning.

Noticed that I wasn’t able to like any comments on my new Just Jules Photography page first thing, but figured it must be a signal issue and didn’t think any more of it.

Got the monthly stock check completed today which is always a big task. All these ducks that I want in a row for finishing up on Thursday, grew arms and legs and started walking away from me! Jobs that I thought were easy became more than I bargained for. I think I have to accept that I won’t get it all done.

I also felt a bit like this before we finished up for Iceland. The pressure I put on myself, to leave everything in a perfect state, makes me anxious and worried when things don’t go to my well laid plans. I had to take a few deep breaths to calm my nerves. I catastrophize about everything that could go wrong when I’m not there to manage my side of it. Why would I ever take holidays eh?!

Today’s motto was “ works well under pressure…NOT!” I reckon. I do not work well when I’m out of control, that’s for sure.

I found out at lunchtime that I was on some kind of 9 hour curfew with Facebook….

My activity didn’t follow which standards? Doesn’t help that everyone I told said “what did you do wrong?” 🥺

My account was hacked a few weeks back. Someone random accepted s friend request that I hadn’t made. I caught it quick and my password was changed. since then they keep asking me if my activity is my own…. Which is great really but it feels like FB hasn’t been the same since. My newsfeed has been dreadfully slow, mostly businesses and I hadn’t felt right for a while. Now this. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

Then the doctors surgery phoned to say, “good news, we have managed to track down some Utrogestan (progesterone) for you…. You just have to collect it in Howood”

😳

I felt so deflated by everything. Real doom and gloom and humphing about thinking it’s so unfair I can’t even drink to cheer myself up.

None of these things are a big deal…. I apologised to the lady calling from the doctor, for my dejected tone and told her I’d just had a bad afternoon and I thanked her for trying to source the progesterone… she felt really bad that I had to try and get to Howood which is actually 12 minutes from here. That puts it into perspective doesn’t it! I work 5.5 days a week and don’t have any spare time to go and get it…. But I will have to make the time!

So I listened to Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast on the way home.

That did the trick. Sorry I should also add that I vented it all to poor mum… that probably really did the trick and the podcast smoothed over the cracks.

Take time for yourself every day to be present in the day.

They called it a ritual. I don’t imagine much more of a ritual than writing a daily blog every day, so it was great to hear of the benefits of doing something like this. Sitting with your emotions, anger, fear and worry and trying to understand it. Even if only for 30 seconds a day. This, of course, takes me way longer than that 😆

The blog hasn’t posted automatically over to FB for 3 nights now. These things are sent to try us! There’s good reason so many people avoid it! Will see how it goes tonight.

It’s a beautiful evening. The sun is hot. I’ve had another lovely salad, fasting is still going well and we go on holiday on Saturday. So much to be grateful for. I’ve had an alcohol free pink gin and lemonade in a gin glass with a huge ice cube!!

It made a lovely sound as I swirled the ice cube round in the glass. Like a bell ringing… kinda.

I would love to get up for sunrise tomorrow morning on Summer Solstice but it’s at 4.34am and the forecast looks cloudy…. I would also love to stay up for sunset at 22.07!! I am fairly certain my tiredness will allow neither. 😆

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☀️

Day 1162 writing this from my happy place! 🌊🏝️🌊☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

Honestly if the sun shone like this in Scotland, we wouldn’t go anywhere else.

I’m sitting out on the rocks at Portencross again and it’s just out of this world. I feel like I just popped over to Greece for the evening! there is actually a heat haze over the sea!

It’s obviously been raining since I left work but I missed all of it. The van was 48.3°C when I got in it at work tonight. I decided in my wisdom to wash it before I left. I was soaking in sweat by the time I’d finished… sorry perspiring… us women perspire don’t we?!

I’ve even dipped my toes in and it’s surprisingly freezing cold. Considering I was in here in a wetsuit last weekend, I really didn’t expect it to feel so cold.

The clouds are just beautiful. We very rarely get an extended period of heat like this.

It was VERY hot at work. 28°C in the office today. I struggle to concentrate… the Scottish Dog Behaviourist is working tonight so I took the chance to head to the sea. The tide is gently coming in so I’ve had to move back a couple of times.

I went to the supermarket in Stevenson and got some salad for my dinner and I ate that with my toes in the water. Honestly I can’t manage more than 10 seconds at a time because of the cold.

I slept like a log last night and couldn’t wake up this morning but I dragged myself out on dog jog. As soon as I was out of bed I actually felt fine. The hardest part is thinking about getting out of it!

It was a beautiful morning again, with stunning clouds and we never met a soul. Just how I like it!

I know I’m writing this as I sit here but it’s fascinating to watch the tide come in. My feet just got soaked again in my new perch and it was a welcome freeze!

In my element.

No worries.

No stress.

No anxiety.

Just focused on the present moment and just being me.

I was sitting here with my toes in what must be less than half an hour ago!

Ellison just phoned about going for a swim at Seamill beach but I don’t have my stuff with me! Such a shame!!

I’ll have to make do with my tootsies!!

What a night.

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☀️

Day 1161 a sweaty scorcher today!

Jeezo man it is hot. 🥵 It’s been 25°C since about 1pm and just hasn’t let up. I was literally stuck to my clothes this afternoon in the metal portacabin! The fan just blowing hot air at me.

I don’t know about anyone else but I can’t deal with the noise of a fan…. I feel such a relief when I switch it off. It must be at a frequency that just irritates me. I can only have it on for so long, blowing it’s hot air around. (Listen to me 🤦🏻‍♀️😂)

I am trying not to complain but it’s hard not to feel lethargic when we are SO not used to this!! The aircon in my van was amazing!!! I am so grateful for the aircon. It was 43°C inside the van when I left work. 🥵🥵🥵🥵 It was down to 28°C by the time I got home which felt so much cooler than outside. Funny how that works?!? Maybe my sensor is wrong with hindsight 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

So up and at it today with dog jog before 6am. It would have been so easy to stay in bed but I was determined to start the new week the same as the last.

Took this pic as Calaidh was having a wee shake!

The rhododendrons were stunning. I love that colour. 💜💜💜

I managed to have a shower, make a salad for lunch and a banana and strawberry smoothie AND feed the dogs and tidy the kitchen all before work. It feels amazing being bright and breezy in the morning.

I’m still doing really well on the fasting. I have definitely found the thing that works for me. As with most things I really want to do, I am focussed on it and never let it slide. I really commit to something when I want to.

I feel SO much better for it. I never wake up bloated, my clothes are never tight. I am almost comfortable in my own skin…. But let’s not take it too far. 😂

I’ve been having salad for almost every meal for the last few weeks. Toss everything into a large Tupperware tub, a splash of extra virgin olive oil and some balsamic vinegar and shake! I’m having some lovely meats and cheeses mixed in with it all. I’m not denying myself anything but I am not so hungry anymore either. I love it, it makes me very happy!!

A HUGE cloud has just come over and it’s still roasting but it looks ominous.

The forecast is for thunder just now… and as if on queue. Thunder!! 🌩️⚡️🌩️⚡️ I just wanted to use these emojis.

We’re still sitting out under it but the puppers have gone inside. They were not happy. I’m just loving the cool air!

Stay safe everyone 🌩️⚡️🌩️

Day 1157 the Scottish Dog Behaviourist returns!!

She who vowed never to look at the plane tracker ever again… tracked Craig’s plane into landing this morning. 🤦🏻‍♀️

When I woke up after another dead to the world sleep…. This time fuelled by progesterone as it’s another 2 weeks on…. I checked and he was flying over Santander!

Then it was off out for dog jog! Getting into a bit of a routine with all this these days.

No pulling, no fuss, just out for a walk.

And a bit of a run!

We had a big run about in the field and they were all in munching in the grass.

By the time I got to work this morning, he was coming in to land, just passed over our house!!

I know I am sad but I love this tracker…. Also watch with a huge amount of fear, as you know, as the speed with which it descends is quite terrifying to watch! Can’t stop though.

It was a quick day today and I’m just home from work and Craig has had the day with the pups…. They are really pleased to see him and haven’t left him alone.

There was no one at the door to meet me!!!

He’s already missing the 5 he left behind in Spain.

Just sitting outside in the windy sun for a bit though I do have a sweatshirt on today. Mr Spanish heat is loving the breeze!

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

Day 1156 dog jog, work and crochet, almost all in the sunshine! ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

It’s been another lovely day after yesterday’s clouds. We didn’t see the sun until about 3.30pm yesterday. When it came out, it was HOT!

Sorry for such a quick blog yesterday, I just ran out of day! I literally never stopped from 5.30am until about 10pm. I was so full of “birthday tea” when I went to bed, that I ended up waking at 4am. My mind started racing, the birds were twittering away and I couldn’t get back to sleep.

I got up and did everything backwards this morning!! I made my lunch, had a shower and then headed out for dog jog?!?! Go figure…. A run after my shower?! 😂 not my smartest move but hey… I’m tired.

Mid jog, I stopped to show you how tall the cow parsley is growing!! Absolutely nothing to do with taking a breather….. 🙊

They had a good run around in the field this morning too.

There’s also lots of these lovely yellow iris’ along the side of the field, so pretty. There’s a lot of them in the wild just now.

I loved this Hawthorne tinged pink!

I can’t tell you how guilty I feel when I head to work and leave these 3 wee faces. They’re used to Craig being here on and off through the day. They get under your feet as you leave, as if to the and trip you up!

Please don’t go mum!!

So the Scottish Dog Behaviourist is actually home tomorrow, finally! It feels like he’s been away for weeks! He’s had a great time, done loads of training and learned loads but think he’s ready to get back to our 3 amigos. He’ll certainly miss the 5 dogs he’s leaving in Spain too.

He’ll be home tomorrow morning just as I get to work, so our lovely friend Lindsay will pick him up and bring him home.

So I’m off to crochet tonight in the pub…. Alcohol free gin and tonic for me! We’ve not met up in ages so I’m looking forward to seeing everyone. It is just the other side of the fence from where I’m sitting just now so not too much of an effort. Guess I should actually take my crochet this week and get back into it, or that blanket will never finish itself!

Current view through my crossed legs!!!

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

Day 1154 another beautiful sunny day! ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙

I was out in the pub last night… on a school night! Our friends Lindsay and Euan walked out from Beith to meet me next door. We had a lovely wee catch up and FaceTimed Craig in Spain!!

I came home and played with the dogs for a bit and got some lovely random photos.

Always love the jumping shots!

This morning started off cloudy. I had an alarm set for 5.30am and was off out with the dogs but had to wear a long sleeved top. I felt pretty tired and grumpy if I’m honest. I get sluggish as I jogged. Not feeling it today.

We saw this big sheep!

Freya alway checking up to make sure I’m still there!

I’ve not been in the best mood today. I don’t quite know where to put myself. I think I’m just tired after being so busy at the weekend. I got through lots at work so that’s always good. The sun came out about 9ish and it’s been really hot today. We’ve had the door wide open all day and even the fan on.

I am LOVING this run of beautiful weather. All the things mulling round in my mind should be irrelevant when I look at that lovely blue sky and just breathe.

I just yawned my head off…. Early night needed I think!

Stay safe everyone 💙💙💙

Day 1152 a real scorcher, scorcher and a chippy tea with Gayle ☀️☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☀️☀️

Wow you know you’re having good weather if the sun emoji is at the top of your emojis. Right next to the Scotland flag!

I’ve had the best wee day to myself so far!

To be fair it started at 2am with a bark…. To wake up to this.

The moon was so bright that the room was light…. We don’t have curtains so wear eye masks but once I was up it was just really beautiful. Made me a bit less angry at the dogs. I let them out and we all went back to bed… until 6.15am when another one barked… or quite possibly the same one so it was off out for this mornings dog jog.

I didn’t take a lot of photos this morning as it’s just as beautiful as every other day this week.

It was a lovely walk. Back home for a peppermint tea in the garden before I got showered to head out.

I walked to the little gift shop this morning. It was such a lovely day and the village hall has a big event on with about 20 visitors expected. The downside to roadside living is that you can come back and never get a parking space!

Also getting my steps up!

It already feels really warm but I have to have warm clothes for the shop as it’s always really cool.

I had the best morning. It was heaving!!! So busy but I still got lots of lovely chats with customers. Doing what I love the most. Chatting to people, making them smile and having some banter.

The morning passed so fast. I didn’t get a chance even for a coffee, let alone the lovely salad I’d taken with me. I of course had to walk home in 22°C heat which is very hot for us Scots… wearing jeans and trainers, carrying my sweatshirt and body warmer!!

It is just a scorcher of a day. It’s hot and I am…. Wait for it…. Outside in my garden in a bikini for the first time in a VERY VERY VERY long time.

I am lying like a coiled spring, waiting on someone to walk into the garden so I can wrap myself in a towel but I’m in a bikini and not horrifically horrified by what I see.

The dogs just want to be with me so I’ve moved next to some shade so they are not to hot but able to still be close to me. Our artificial grass gets very hot in this weather!!

This is the life.

Gayle and I are going to Largs for a chippy tea later and I’m so looking forward to it!

Here we are!!

We’ve come to The Fish Works in Largs!

It is stunning here and we are having such a lovely time! I’m off to enjoy it!

Stay safe everyone ☀️☀️☀️

Day 1151 another scorcher today! ☀️☀️☀️

It’s 20°C and I’m writing this at 6.40pm in Scotland.

This is pretty much summer for us.

It’s so warm, the sky is blue and there’s not a cloud to be seen. Everything is in full bloom. It’s so green against the blue.

The puppers have been well looked after by Holly again today. When I got home they were wet, having been soaked with the hose this afternoon to cool down. They love that!

The day started with dog jog and run in a field. They ran in the field, I walked!!

They found a ball!

The field has just been cut and is so yellow looking, desperate for rain!

When we got back I sat out in the garden with a peppermint tea. That doesn’t break your fast and it’s so refreshing. Another photoshoot!

There’s loads of new stuff in the little gift shop again! Father’s Day is 18th June.

Had my usual “set the world to rights” chat with Gayle today too!! It’s always great to catch up.

I’ve been really good on the fasting this week. Don’t know if it’s because it’s sunny, or that Craig’s away, but I’ve been craving salad. I had a huge bowl for lunch and had more for dinner.

Literally a large plastic bowl… classy but honestly lovely. I’ve not craved carbohydrates or stodgy food at all. I feel the difference already.

Then took these really impromptu photos of the dogs and they are the best I’ve got in ages. There were mini sausages involved. 😂😂

Claire then waved a chocolate Cornetto at me over the fence so I went into her garden for that!! The perfect end to a lovely meal.

So that’s all from me! The Scottish Dog Behaviourist is getting on great in Spain. Click that link if your interested in any of his posts. The dogs he’s looking after are impeccably trained and he’s continuing the training while there owner is away. It’s amazing to see him out there doing all that. I’m incredibly proud of him!

Have a great weekend!

Stay safe everyone ☀️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿☀️

Day 1150 too bright too early as my Gran would say and how can it actually be June?!?

How can it actually be June already? May seemed to pass in a blur, in fact life seems to pass in a blur these days!

My trying to live in the present moment isn’t slowing life down any.

I was up at 5.30am and straight out for dog jog.

It was a beautiful morning! Pure blue sky. T-shirt weather and very sleepy dogs.. not certain they were ready for dog jog at that time of the morning!

I’ve obviously looked through these photos again and feel the joy and peace I felt taking them!

This next one was taken in iPhone portrait mode.

And this next one just normal. Can’t decide which I like the best?

The singe track roads are just beautiful!

All the while jogging along!

I took a photo of me to send to Craig. Look at that face mid run. I am actually buzzing. Completely loving life to the max!

I used to smile like this all the time and I was hiding how sad I really felt, even from myself at times. Now when I smile, I really mean it and feel it.

These lovely poppies are I. Our garden. I can hear Craig shouting WEEDS in my ear 😂 I love them.

I got home and did some energy toning exercises in the garden for kinesiology (the things I have to do to keep my mental health in check) and THEN went to Tesco in Irvine for a healthy food shop to pop in the fridge in the van!! Even Tesco looked lovely in the sunshine.

Then I went to get diesel…. All before work at 8am!! Machine.

The too bright too early part is two fold. The weather turned cloudy and has been cooler and cloudy for a lot of the day. Ellison and I still sat out at lunch for a blether. It’s the first day this year that I’ve worn sandals. Not the best choice but hey…..

My mood also deteriorated through the day.

I have so many rules, processes and procedures that I have to follow to keep myself on the straight and narrow. I am not very tolerant of anything that doesn’t go the way I believe it should go. That needs nipped in the bud. A couple of things this afternoon didn’t seem to be that bad at the time but the combination of them hit me from left field and there were tears again.

I only have swear words to express my thoughts on this 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🥴

XXX why do I have to be that person?!?

I cannot cope with feeling out of control. It’s super dramatic and none of it is that big a deal. It’s never personal but I always take it between the eyes.

So luckily I had Kinesiology tonight and we worked on dealing with stress of tears in public, learning tolerance and cutting chords with beliefs that no longer serve me. I know how weird all that might sound but trust me it works. I feel much calmer already. I’m sad that I’ve lost the spring in my step from this morning but I know I will get that back after a good nights sleep.

All I ask is for true peace to be able to deal with everyday life. It will not always be easy and it will not always go my way and that needs to be ok too.

Bring on tomorrow!

Stay safe everyone ♥️♥️♥️

Day 1146 a beautiful day outside!!

To be fair, it’s been a beautiful day inside too. Finally we have a day of shorts and vest top…. Out in the garden. You’ve kept us waiting for this, 2023!

I slept really well all night, again. Could not wake up this morning at all. Have been looking forward to some good weather and getting the bedding washed, dried and back on the bed, so,I finally got moving.

The day started with dog jog and very tangled leads 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

Nothing is more beautiful than the colours on a sunny day. That sky…. 💙🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

These next two are just the cow parsley at the side of the road! It’s taking over the world!

The buttercups are out in full force too.

The cows are totally checking us out!

So back home and it was straight into doggy bath time…. It’s been a while and when you have 3 dogs, grooming can add up.

Freya was first and I forgot to take photos of her…. I am totally soaked after her!

Then Calaidh who was surprisingly dirty… she hides it well in that black coat of hers.

She who wants to bit the shower spray any chance she gets, is surprisingly traumatised by being washed! Then Bhru… she looks like she’s smiling but I think she thought she could get out the bath via the taps… she’d planned an escape 😂

Here they all are out in the garden, drying very quickly, all fluffy and clean. Note the bedding on the line as well…. It’s definitely washing day in our house!!

All that and 2 loads done and I t’s not even 9.30am!!

Next step was the rockery. Now I think it looks lovely and wild but it is FULL of weeds and someone I live with, is not a fan of a weed…..

I’ve done really well but it’s nowhere near where it needs to be. I hit a wall around 12.30!

So really for the rest of the day I’ve been sitting on a sun lounger and having spurts of weeding energy.

I did open my eyes to this…. At one point!

That’s what happens when you put yourself at their level… 😂

Another spurt…. Before.

…and after!

We’ve had a lovely dinner tonight…. Cooked over the fire!

Spiced venison hotpot. It was amazing!!

Craig did very well for his first South African potjie…. Or as close as we can get to it! The “rules” say it’s not to be stirred but we stirred ours….. ours I have a cheek… I stirred Craig’s 🤦🏻‍♀️😂. There’s lots of seasoning in it that we bought from Amazon. The meat is browned with the onions and them the veg layered on top. He made enough for 6 people. Guess what’s we’re having for the next few days?!?

So all in all, we’ve had a really lovely day. We’ve done lots but also rested lots too.

It got a wee bit chilly an hour or so ago so I gave in and put a T-shirt on… of course now the sun is back out.

The sign of a good day off is when it feel likes it’s been longer than one day and it’s still only 5.15pm!

Stay safe everyone 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿💙☀️