Afternoon Comforts

Today has been a stormy day for me. Things at work have got a lot worse and are going to get worse before they are better. I don't want to go into too much detail, but I am going to have to be strong for a lot of people. I was glad it was my half day today. I took my shopping list to town with me, and with my polka dot umbrella over my arm, I sallied forth to tick the things off of my list, and leave my cares behind me.

Firstly to the market to buy some 3ply baby wool. I chose a pale cream, as I am going to knit from a vintage pattern. The pattern is for a pretty lacy shrug...basically, a very cropped cardigan which is almost just back and sleeves that I can wear to keep warm when I am reading in bed.

Then on to the grocery stall. Oh how I love to see all the seasonal fruit and veg piled up. On my list today were courgettes, a red pepper, a red onion, an aubergine, and as an afterthought some avocados. All but the last are destined for a lamb, feta and vegetable bake to be stirred into pasta for dinner one evening, and the leftovers stuffed into pittas for lunch the next day.

Onwards to the shoe shop for a new pair of slippers. I loved my last pair so much that I wore a whole in the sole! My new slippers are fluffy and cozy, cream ballet slippers with a bow and a sparkle in the middle of the bow on each one.

After that, I purchased 2 packets of tights, and thought wistfully of bygone days when young ladies would have purchased silk stockings instead of tights! And lastly a quick whisk through Marks and Spencer, where I bought some mint and pine nuts, and because I could not resist them, a bunch of flowers. I had been hoping for some daffodils, but they did not have any yet. There were some bright yellow tulips which I adored, but at £10 a bunch, I could not quite justify it. Instead, some dusky purple-pink tulips with some hyacinths. I have put them in a simple glass vase on my dressing table so I can see them when I wake.

Now I am at home, and it is dark outside already, and raining again. I am not looking forward to having to go out again later, but I am off to babysit for my godchildren this evening, and dear Carl will be joining me when he has finished work. It is definitely going to be a raincoat, wellie and umbrella journey, and I suspect I will be dripping on the train. There is something about train travel in the evening that makes me think of the film Brief Encounter.

I had hoped to start knitting on my bed-jacket-shrug, but time seems to be slipping away. I am looking forward to making something just for me, and the soothing rhythmic pattern of row upon row of lace. It really is all about rhythm and ritual for me at the moment. When I have finished here, I am going to have a cup of tea in my new favourite cup and saucer, and a slice of carrot cake. I am toying with the idea of a bath, although I think once in I will not want to get out again, especially not to go out in the dark and the rain!

I hope wherever you are, if there is rain then you have a pretty umbrella, and if it is dark you have a scented candle. And of course, no matter where you are or what you are doing, that you have a lovely cup of tea!

Love
Mimi
xxx