I love the Easter holiday and this has been a wonderful week mainly at home. It feels like I haven’t had time at home for ages, I was away all of Feb half term and then Christmas was spent visiting family with only the odd day or two at home. So this time at home has felt like a real luxury and I have done so much ‘home making’ which I love.
I was really keen to do a deep clean of the house. I must stress that as he no longer works Mr S does a great job during the week of cleaning and tidying but there were those little things that needed doing, cleaning the grouting, removing limescale off the shower doors, cleaning and reorganising the cupboards inside and out and cleaning the inside windows. I was really motivated and armed with my cleaning materials and podcasts I enjoyed my hard work and feel very satisfied with my endeavours. I also decided that it was time to light my fancy candles, there were lots dotted around the house and if not now, when?
I also spent time decorating the house for Easter. The picture only shows my kitchen window but I’ve also done 2 other feature windows and decorated the lounge fire place. I didn’t do it last year as we were away for all but two days of the holiday. Whilst this year we were away for the Easter long weekend I felt it important to do it so it doesn’t stop becoming a part of our traditions. I think it’s always nice to make the effort although it was with a tinge of sadness as my decorations no longer contain a hand made card or a school Easter craft project . I miss the Easters when we had egg hunts, decorated bonnets and read Easter stories together. It is always about cherishing the moment.
It’s been nice to have the time to slow down and potter. On a miserable afternoon I took my son down to the arcade for 2p machines and interactive games. We hardly ever go here as I think living in a seaside resort the arcade never quite has the attraction of when you’re on holiday. However, it was fun way to spend an hour on a grey day. I also read the excellent book Why did you Stay by Rebecca Humphries. It’s about a toxic relationship sadly played out and ended in a very public way. It’s a book I would like to share with my daughter. I have nothing but respect for the way Humphries conducted herself in such a horrible situation.
For this Easter weekend we have been staying with my father in law in Bristol. On Friday the boys went to see Bristol Rovers and I went up to Cribbs, the out of town shopping centre. It’s rare that I go shopping in such a large centre and I enjoyed looking at what was in the shops, trying a few things on and just browsing, a very satisfying afternoon. I also managed to get a traditional Easter lunch from M&S. It was an inspired idea from the store as everything was ready to go in the oven or microwave and as my father in law’s kitchen is quite basic it was perfect for us and delicious.
Of course, I found a new parkrun to try on Saturday and it was Easter themed as it was at a former chocolate factory in Keynsham. Its nickname is the Curly Wurly as it is like a maze, at any point you have no idea how you got to where you are or how to get out but somehow it works smoothly. The RD didn’t even try to explain the course simply follow the person in front! It was a lot of fun because at all times you can see everyone and we’re all running in different directions. I always love a new parkrun and am so grateful that wherever I am there is normally one to try nearby.
After such a lovely week I am looking forward to more of the same next week, there are a few things in the diary and also the time for my own little projects I genuinely love my job but also I love the holidays.
Seaside Sparkles 