Indoors

I sit here listening to the wind howling in a rather ferocious manner. It has been growing in strength throughout the morning. Driving along the back road to the supermarket was fraught as I navigated flooded roads, torrential rain and gale force winds.  I can only imagine what it must be like for people living in Somerset and elsewhere at the moment. I don't know how I'd cope if my little house had been flooded. It must be truly awful.

Like many others, I have spent a lot of time indoors. We get out when we can, but for most part we have been quietly going about our business inside, while outside the elements do their worse. I read Gillian's post with interest last week. I concur that our house isn't particularly glamorous or swish. There are scuff marks on the floors and hand prints on the walls. The upstairs loo has a crack in the top and our sofas have two holes in the seats and collapsed arms and back thanks to the boys and their vaulting antics. But it is a home. One which I appreciate all the more during these wild weather days.

Although the children have plenty of writing implements, Marc and I are forever wandering around the house looking for a pen or pencil. So a couple of weeks ago I turned these obsolete mugs into pen holders. I bought the mushroom mug from Cath Kidston several months ago, but find it too big for a brew. The other one is an Orla Kiely mug that I bought several years ago when Sainsbury's had a range of her stuff. Not an original idea, I know, but it has made me very happy indeed.

Alfie has given Olly a box of Lego, and he has been spending his time inside time making and creating an imaginary world for himself. Yesterday he spent the day occupied in this way. I love listening to the conversations his characters and contraptions have. The complicated plots. The heroes and villains. The imaginative play. I am transported back to my own childhood and the hours I spent in front of the fire playing with Lego on a rainy day.

My new duvet cover. In the clearance section of my local supermarket. A total bargain. I love the smoky blue and the floral pattern. It is a pleasure to crawl into at night. My bedroom is a haven of female calm in this male dominated household. I like that it is kind of girly. Not too girly. But girly enough for me.

I have been reading a lot. Novels mainly. I have treated myself to Andrew Wyeth's autobiography. I adore his work, so this is one to savour. Helen Dunmore has a new novel out. I always buy her novels in hardback. She is probably my favourite British comtemporary author. I have heard rumours that she is to visit our Junior school soon, and I hope to meet and get this signed by her.

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Thank you to everyone who offered support and advice on Olly's night terrors. They were all so appreciated. He has had another one since writing the post, but this time I sat with him quietly and just made sure that he didn't come to any harm. It was hard to just be with him, but I felt that maybe I was exacerbating the whole situation by trying to try soothe, cuddle and offering a drink. The terrors didn't last as long, and after about five minutes he snuggled himself back down again into a restful slumber. So I think I shall try this again.

Have a lovely weekend, inside or out. 

Leanne xx