Bringing in the Sun

It's amazing what a proper spell of sunshine does to warm the soul. Following months of damp, chilly weather where all my garden plans failed and those that sprouted were eaten by slugs, it's safe to say I feel a corner has been turned. Second attempt cabbage is peaking through the soil and I've cut and collected my first rhubarb crop. And Missy is already turning red from her Olympic-ready skill set at sunbathing. I've dug out the cool mat (avoided like the plague) and her cool coat so we're ready for anything.

The week started string with a mayday outing with my brother and Maisie. We organised plans for looking after her next weekend and had a chill day mooching about Dobbies and then Dechmont. The morning week finished on a high with a sighting of the northern light the Friday. Nothing to show for it, new phone so couldn't get the shutter speed to go long enough, but there was something magical about sitting in the dark, cuddled up on bed and watching the sky change colour. 

Saturday, in hindsight, I should have taken Missys cool coat on ou morning walk at Malleny Gardens. Whilst she was not permitted in the walled garden, it provided a good base for a lovely walk through trees and along farm track. I did not appreciate the yellow fields of rapeseed, but did appreciate the good company of my local friend. We took it slow and steady owing to her painful toe and, after comparing footnotes (pun absolutely intended) she's hit all the symptoms and hallmarks of my arthritis. Hopefully that isn't the case, but I shared some hints and tips I've picked up along the way to help her in the meantime until she gets a diagnosis.

It was one of those fine meet ups where the sunshine and friendship gives little to speak of that was remarkable, but was incredibly healingfor the soul. Perhaps my post holiday blues have been shaken off at last, but everything felt just so, and continued so an evening of seeing friends and then through to today.

My Mils birthday was last weekend, so we had her and her American friend visiting for the day. With the lovely weather and Missy tired and content to be left be to sunbathe in the French windows, we went to the 5 Sisters Zoo. Between the bears sharing a bath, the snow leopard having dinner and Hubby being told off by a lemur, it really was a day where the zoo showed itself off to its best.

After farewells, we're all knackeredin the house so I've got a bath running whilst Missy is asleep cuddling my hubby on the sofa watching wrestling. I can't say for certain, but I'm fairly sure he's asleep too.

And that's been the week - too quick as always. In crafting news, the top of the quilt is done and I also managed some crafts on the embroidery machine too.

Hopefully nxt week it'll be finished and I can start my raffle!

Until then, make sure you apply sunscreen and have a great time.