Merry As A March Hare

I can’t begin to tell you how much I’ve been looking forward to today.

It’s been so gloomy through the winter here at the House of Hall and suddenly March has arrived with all its prospects of a fresh start. The mornings and evenings are brighter and so is my mood.

With Kevin now looking as though his recovery is just round the corner, it’s the first time in over eighteen months that I’ve really felt positive and like I’m getting back to my old self.

Suddenly anything feels possible again.

I leave you with my uncle's favourite spring couplet, with apologies to Ogden Nash...

'Spring is here, the grass is riz - I wonder where my lawnmower is?'

Jolly Joules

It's been quite a week here at the House of Hall, so I was thrilled by a gift of this jolly Joules scarf.It really brightened up my day and in the next few months will brighten up my winter wardrobe too.

Reasons To Be Cheerful - Part I

During my year of not shopping, I realised that moping around and feeling sorry for myself was the last thing I should be doing; after all, no-one wants to be met with a sullen face and I was the one that brought all that debt on myself!

Instead, I made a point of seeking out little things that were not only free, but made me feel really happy, and it’s amazing just what you can find once you start looking. Although I’ve ditched the five pound a day rule for the foreseeable future, I’m still trying to control my desire to hit the shops and give my plastic a pounding. And, with everything that's going on at the moment, the thought of a quick ride on the retail roller-coaster is more than a little tempting.

So, to stop my shopping but still keep a smile on my face, I’m going to start listing my ‘Reasons To Be Cheerful’ and if anyone else wants to join in, I’d be delighted.

First up - Walking the dog on Autumn mornings.

The ones where the sun is bright and low, the leaves that have fallen are still crisp underfoot and there’s enough chill in the air to wrap up in a snuggly scarf and the lovely, new coat you’ve just bought to see you through the Winter.

If you’re really lucky you might even get to see a little chap like this in the undergrowth. Hobbs had startled him and he was just beginning to unroll again...

Hobbs on Holiday

It's that time of year when the cases get dragged out and the dog casually lolls around watching us rush about, packing his toys and treats. I'm now more convinced than ever that he thinks we are his 'staff'.

As we're holidaying here in the UK, the packing covers every conceivable weather change from a nuclear winter to a day in the driest, sun parched desert.

However, one thing never changes and that's the 'Holiday Uniform' that has accompanied me on my trips to Arran since I was about 4.

It comprises wellington boots (although I have progressed from Dunlop to Hunter these days), shorts, a long sleeve t-shirt and a waterproof jacket. It's a summer staple and once I've got Hobbs' packing finished, they'll be the first things getting loaded into my suitcase.

See you all in two weeks...