Bank Holiday bliss

A whole seventy-two hour, funfest. At least when I can resist the pull of the ever growing, ever present to-do-list.

I started the weekend as all good middle aged weekends must start – with an early night! Saturday saw a rare but welcome lay in until around 6.30am. The first reason to celebrate, of the day! Wha-hey!

Followed by spending my favourite time of the day in the garden. Here I sat on what I now call my prayer chair. This is an extremely comfortable chair, that I can lean back in, survey the scenes and send up some super-sized prayers to my super-sized God. It is also a chair I have inherited from the family.

There I sat amidst the wonders of wildlife with a spectator’s view into their world, ahead of the other noisy humans awakening. I watched transfixed as the small, big and medium sized birds came and went from their perches on the branches of the large tree. Two robins made an appearance. Or was it the same one appearing twice? The local black squirrel showcased its trapeze skills as it flew through the trees. I shooed a grey squirrel out of my flowers – I’d been wondering what had been digging these up. And I sat and admired my clematis which has exploded everywhere to decorate my cabin.

The bluebells did their beautiful bluebell thing, and I felt grateful that they have planted themselves in my garden. And I felt equally ungrateful that the dandelions, thistles and other ugly weeds have planted themselves throughout my lawn. Along with the resident ants’ nests that reappear every year.

But overall, when I can’t see the sea, this is my next favourite scene to savour. When I can allow myself to simply be and drink it all in.

Such simple, yet rich pleasures. So effective in soothing the soul. Even better, they are all my very favourite thing … FREE.

Saturday was perfect weather to go out on a playdate with a friend, cycling across the vast green fields to a favourite, craft fayre hosting, spot. This was quite the contrast to last months trip to this place, where the sellers had to pack up early due to the extreme winds.

There is something utterly wonderful about relaxing in the sunshine with a drink, overlooking water and watching the activity all around. When done so from a manageable distance from those noise creating crowds!

Here I was also able to indulge in another favourite pastime of checking out all the stunning, if overpriced, gifts in the shop. And thanks to the presence of my second favourite word, ‘sale’, I even splashed out on a few bits! Mostly for my ‘better-buy-when-see’, Christmas stock. Yes, I did just use the C word!

Anyway, we managed to cycle back before energy levels ran out thus avoiding any meltdowns enroute. After a session of the three ‘S’s’, (separately), we treated ourselves to a Turkish takeout and TV Saturday night. Miraculously there wasn’t even any snoring. I can’t say the same about the farting. But what a way to spend a Saturday!

Sunday started with an equally enjoyable 6.30/7am lay in, followed by an equally enjoyable session in the garden prayer chair.

The first prayer that was answered was the one for it not to rain, as I was hosting a meno walk. My prayer to find the start place of this walk without issue, like many prayers, was not answered immediately. After much F’ing and Geoff’ing, I rang another member of the group to ask for help. And I was grateful when they answered their phone and assisted with directions. 

A wonderful walk followed that saw us surrounded by green space style scenery with some water along the way. And accompanied by those with dogs. I love dogs but as Monty does not, I cannot have my own. So I appreciate time with those who do have dogs.

After a coffee and pee stop at a charming, secluded café, I headed home.

I was running late for my lunch and playdate with another friend. This is one with whom we take it in turns to cook lunch, before relaxing in front of a cheesy, no brain required, film. This is inevitably followed by snoring (her) and farting and belching (me). Heaven!

Another 5* rated day.

And today is a designated ‘me day’. I’ve had a lot of social interaction this weekend so I’m recovering with some serious uninterrupted solitude. Bar the birdsong and Monty’s occasional request for a hug.

Thank you God for bank holiday bliss.

And for helping me to ignore the to-do-list. Mostly.

And for the (free) gift of appreciation.