Happy

• Battered Blue
• Playing games
• Sun
• Rock Pool

I meant to write this post yesterday, but then I surprised myself by getting caught up in the Spain v Netherlands game. Oh and I did a huuuge pile of ironing that had been sulking in the utility room. I know, ironing on a Friday evening. But it's done, and I can concentrate on more fun pursuits. Like going out with the girls this evening. It's National Gin day today, and I intend to celebrate.

This week has seen me in nature nerd heaven. We have a family of Rooks nesting in one of our chimneys. There are Seagulls in the other. This week, the baby seagull has hatched and the baby Rooks have fledged. Pops and I have watched the Rooks' Mum and Dad encourage their brood further and further from the nest. They fly in a circle, using several houses as landing posts. I think that today is the day that we say farewell to them for good. We can hear the baby seagull, but not see him. I really hope he doesn't fall off the roof. Remember Tony? We've been treated to Hummingbird Moths in the garden too, although I've not been quick enough to take a photograph sadly. But I did have some success with the Small Blue above. This was taken over Gwithian Towans while walking the dogs this week. Again I couldn't get a picture of her with her wings open, but the fact that I got her at all pleases me. She looks a bit battered, bless her. Looking like I feel at the moment.

Olly has discovered the joy of the board game in a big way. We play endless Shopping Basket and The Rocket games. We start playing it very early in the morning (the above photo was taken at about 7.15). If I'm honest my heart always sinks a little when he advances game in tow, but I love the giggles as we play, and the fact that he doesn't mind losing. He is very good at taking turns, and when we both only have one item on the shopping list to find (which is not engineered in any way at all), we have lots of fun turning the pieces over as quickly as we can to see who can find their piece first.

Aah sun. So much sun this week. Hot sun too. Being able to sit outside from early until late. I'm not a sun lover per se. I don't like to sunbathe, and if it gets too hot I will retreat inside. But this is my kind of hot. Pottering hot, if you know what I mean. The Honeysuckle is looking good too. Actually the whole garden is looking rather fabulous, even if I say so myself.

On Thursday, Olly and I had our first official visit to the school he will be starting in September. Although Sam and Alf both attended, it has changed a lot. There are new teachers (a very good thing) and lots of changes in the way that the school operates. I am hopeful that it will be the start of a great learning adventure for Oliver. Sam's time here was not a happy one, and Alfie suffered from a mother's anxiety on the back of that. Olly enjoyed himself, which is all that matters. He will be a Puffin when he starts. He is in the same class as his friend Finn. That's enough for him. Anyway before all of that, we popped to the beach for the morning. Because we can. Olly got rather too brave in the sea for my liking, and so I suggested we look at the rock pools. The colours of those pools was exquisite. There were lots of different types of seaweed, and many anemones. Olly never tires of poking his finger in and watching them grab hold with their tentacles. I never tire of rock pools full stop.

......................

We have another busy weekend. It starts with dog walking in about five minutes (I am dog sitting for my sister in law), followed by cleaning Gramps' holiday let. There are haircuts, gardening and 'what to wear this evening' dilemmas. I hate trying to decide what to wear. Do you? I'm out with the glamour pusses this evening, so I shall probably be having a breakdown at about 6.30. I used to love getting ready to go out. Now, not so much.

Have a great weekend everyone. Tips for clothes to step out in, in which you can feel comfortable, cool and funky all at the same time are much appreciated! Think Claudia Winkleman, but without the advantage of fabulous hair. That's the look I love.

Leanne xx