Keeping on top of things?

When I was in the sixth form, I was very excited to have free periods in amongst our lessons. I thought it was great; I’d be able to study and do my homework and generally get on with my education. Hahahaha……. in actual fact, I just messed about; procrastinated; chatted to my mates; twiddled my thumbs – you know the sort of thing?

Now that I am a grown-up, I am expecting things to have changed, because of course in theory, I know better. Or do I? Nah. Not a bit of it.

After an emotional weekend, during which I reminisced and thought muchly about my life with John, I had a couple of days free. I was full of good intentions. Lots to do and surely, I’d get on with it? No, of course not. I just faffed about, watched the Olympics and generally lived among the clutter. The bin was overflowing.

On Monday evening, I did manage a quick scoot around to stack the dishwasher in readiness for Kenilworth Newbie children baby-minding duties, which were impending the next day, but really, it wasn’t much.

Naturally, I had the very best time with the children who came to my house two days running – and who cares if the house is a mess? They certainly don’t – although it has to be said the Thomas did notice the overflowing bin, and I was shamed into emptying it.

Tuesday was far too hot to even play in the garden. William monitored the temperature, which he declared to be 28 degrees in the shade and 33 degrees in the sunshine. None of us wanted to venture outside and we played and played in the house instead. Even the Harry Potter cupboard was too hot for the boys that day. Thank goodness for cardboard boxes….

After I’d waved them all goodbye at the end of the day, I took myself off to Cliff Lakes for a cooling outdoor swim. The water was a very balmy 22 degrees and, having had my confidence boosted when I swam in Grasmere with Sue, I just swam and swam and chatted to one of the ladies there as we pootled round. I normally reckon on a ten to fifteen minute swim wherever I am. But thirty-five minutes later…….. eeeh, but it were luvly!

We’d pretty much exhausted the toys on Tuesday, so I took the boys to the park on Wednesday morning before it got too hot. More fun to be had and Oliver showed his Superman strength by pushing both of the older boys round on the roundabout. These boys never cease to amaze me!!

Cake, of course, on the way home, which delighted the boys, and then we messed about once more in the house, only venturing out later on in the afternoon when it had cooled just a little. Much watering of plants was undertaken.

And then – rhubarb!! A new crop had appeared after Paul had tended to the plot recently, so we picked it and made crumble. Lush. We ate it for tea. Crumble and custard in a heatwave? Well, why not?

Last evening, we were due to quiz. I had prepped my questions and was all ready to go when we all decided to postpone it. Some on holiday and some knackered from a bit of building clinched it. Next week? Yes, it suited me – next week’s fine. So, instead, I chatted to one of my best mates, Carol. Smashing.

And do you know what? I am still not on top of things. The bin may not be overflowing but there’s lots of rubbish everywhere else!! Oh, for a free day….. hehehe.