The New Normal: Heat Wave Weekend

Yesterday was the last day of the Government restrictions in England.  As of today where we can go, whether we wear a mask, keeping our distance is now up to the people.  Employers, pubs, restaurants and supermarkets will enforce the rules they feel are necessary.  I am thinking this over whilst drinking my coffee in the garden with Mollie cat for company - nasturtiums are climbing the window!

 On Saturday I was up early and did some rowing on our machine, then did a quick watercolour of the big daisies I had seen in the fields around here.  I think they are marguerite.

Then I worked all day, it was very hot in the conservatory but I had a fan on and the doors open which helped.  The evening was spent finishing the last couple of episodes of Queens Gambit (story of an orphan who grows into a professional chess player) it was very good.

On Sunday hubby and I always go to the gym, he goes on the cardio equipment and I do a bodypump weight lifting class.  The green stickers on the studio floor showing us where we can stand to ensure distancing had been removed, I felt uncomfortable about it - something we have to get used to having back - the freedom to take up space.

On return I fitted some new handles to a chest of drawers as the originals were broken - I also removed the rugs in the conservatory and cleaned the floor down so it's nice and cool, watered all the thirsty pot plants and brushed Mollie cat.

We made stir fry for lunch and then sunbathed in the garden nearly all day and I finished my library book

Source: Amazon

 (although 'odd' my mother was not a psychopath as far as I know, yet there are some disturbing similarities to my own childhood).  

My next book is  about the housing crisis in the UK, highlighted by the writers decision to live in a shed.

Source: Amazon

At 5pm we went for a short walk through the woods and back via the pub which is on the edge of the woods and very near the house.  It was lovely to sit outside under their huge tent and be served cold gin and tonic with lots of lemon and mint.  We were told it's the last time they will be seating us, distancing our tables and bringing our drinks to us.  From 19th it's back to normal.

We had a light tea of hummus, olives, pan fried haloumi cheese, salad and flat bread. I spent ages watering the garden - a job I love as everything smells so fresh afterwards.  I cut the lavender as the bees have finished with it, I am going to dry it today in the sun.

I found valerian - there's lots of it growing wild around here....

There are lots of wildflowers around the estate as the Council haven't cut the verges back this year - lots more insects too (bees, ladybirds, dragonflies) as a result which is great - not sure if it's because they are making cutbacks but it's better for the planet so I'm all for it!

Hedges lining the fields around here are brimming with wildflowers...

This was painting inspiration....

I remembered to feed the yeast I had started over the weekend - by the end of the week I should have live yeast and be able to make my own sourdough - fingers crossed for a freshly made loaf on Friday.  We have a bread machine but I have only made wholemeal or white bread as didn't know how to start live yeast - it seems easy - just feed it some flour and water every day until it bubbles.  Hope it works :)

This week I am going to wear my holiday clothes, we finally have Summer full on and it's a shame to hide pretty things in a drawer.  Work from home continues for the moment so there's no dress code here.... 

Last week I had a few hours in Brighton as hubby was there for work and dropped me off - I love walking around looking at the art that has popped up on walls and then heading for the beach to find hagstones (stones with holes) which I collect.

Look at this lovely pub flower display 

I always sit right here ....

Saw this in a shop - reminded me of Mollie!

Back soon - have a great week.