A short change of topic before I finish the Edale trip, inspired by the latest post from Lovely Grey, click on her blog on the side bar. She talks about 'what next', after her recent holiday. Most people would be a little deflated when they return from a joyous well earned rest, knowing full well of the humdrum life apparently mapped out before them. But Lovely Grey, and myself, embrace each day as it arrives.
Every day I wake up with a new enthusiasm, I know it sounds corny but I feel happy to be alive. This week I am looking after Ollie and Alfie, the two black labradors. It doesn't sound particularly exciting, I won't be able to go very far, just lots of local walks tramping the same old ground. I will have to get up early because they will be wanting to do their ablutions, and I will have to take them out last thing at night, whatever the weather. They will want my attention and want to be with me, so that will restrict me a bit. My freedom which is so very precious to me, has gone out of the window.
But hey, look on the bright side. I always look for a bonus, something that makes me smile, something that lifts my heart. The dogs are gorgeous, they will want lots of cuddles because they will be missing Paul, and all that fresh air and excercise will get me off my bum and keep me fit. It is only for one week, and it is good for the soul to feel wanted and loved ocassionally.
There was another little bonus this morning. as we were coming towards the woods, a car pulled up and two strapping young men wearing running gear hopped out, with their dogs. They were wearing the skimpiest of red silky shorts, and tight fitting lycra vests. I watched as they ran off into the woods, what lovely muscular legs and pert bottoms, oooops is that sexist, ha ha. I almost forgot the age difference and ran after them ;o)
So, what I am asking is, what was your bonus for today? What has made you smile and momentarily taken you out of your environment. What have you seen or what has happened to perked you up? What has made you glad to be alive?
just something simple. brother-in-law has sent a photo via e-mail taken at a family get together at the weekend, why has this made me smile? because the last time we were all together was ten years ago.
ReplyDeleteJosie x
Can I cheat slightly? I'm not going out today but had a bonus yesterday. We went on a lovely long walk to check out a house we are interested in and found that it backs on to a country lane!Second bonus when we looked for it again on the internet and found that it had been reduced in price. I smiled a lot on the way back as we had to pass a nursing home at the top of the lane - there were two ladies at the end of the drive - one was standing chatting to the other, older lady who was wrapped up in a bed , complete with bobble hat.( They looked like mother and daughter) They were admiring the view and we passed the time of day with them as we reached the top of the hill. I am so thankful that I was able to have such a long, brisk walk and spend time with my wonderful husband - 2 years ago I spent 12 days in the coronary care units of 2 different hospitals whilst they diagnosed my heart condition. Every day I am glad to be alive, and am grateful for what I do have, rather than hankering after that which I don't.
ReplyDeleteDespite being bitterly cold and all the outside water pipes being frozen again, we have had sunshine today, and are in the middle of a soft, grey-pink sunset. As I drove home from Bournemouth, over the River Avon water meadows, I saw a flock of pink foot geese grazing in the afternoon light. So beautiful and they lifted my spirits!
ReplyDeleteI'm always excited by every day, never think of it as humdrum. Today was brightened up by having been to Papworth Hospital for a 'review'on my intermittent heart fault I wasn't given the all clear but since I'm fit as a fiddle otherwise and it's not life-threatening,it was decided that I could go on as I am and just live with it. So no more trips back and forth to hospital. Also have a new project on the go now, saving the lost gardens of Norfolk so that makes me happy as well. Life's a gift, enjoy it I say, there's always something good in each day but I think I have more good than normal!
ReplyDeleteI have had a lovely day (and a lovely weekend) with my 2 friends knitting, nattering, laughin, eating and drinking and cuddling the dogs. Bonus is a safe journey the 205 miles home 20 minutes quicker than last time and our next weekend to start planning :-))
ReplyDeleteThere are some lovely bonuses here, thank you for sharing, I enjoyed reading them.
ReplyDeleteKate, I wondered where you were, glad you had a good time with your friends, and a safe journey back.
Sue I am thrilled for you, and hope your heart won't give you any more cause for concern. The lost gardens project sounds interesting, if it's anything like the Lost Gardens of Heligan, you will have a wonderful time.
D Warbler, geese are just lovely, aren't they, I bet you were grinning from ear to ear.
Scarlet, of course you can cheat. The scene you describe sounds idyllic, and well done you for not letting your heart condition stop you from enjoying your walk.
Josie, time spent with families is very precious, your photograph will remind you of happy times, forever.
My day is only just starting but what has perked me up is reading this post, espeically reading of the strapping young men:) Some lovely responses above which makes you feel blessed to be alive, family, friends, whoops and of course our four legged little friends♥ Today is going to be a wonderful day:) Linda xxx
ReplyDeleteMy best bonus for today was a cooked meal made in my slow cooker, ready to be served as soon as I came home from work, and a welcome cuddle from the cat.
ReplyDeleteHi, Ilona, I feel lucky right now because I have been to 2 funerals in the last 2 weeks; the second, last week, was of my friends` son - a fit, 35-year-old Major in the Army, who died of a heart attack. Thinking about my friends` pain, I feel ashamed of every time I`ve felt hard-done-by in my life. My life, my health, and the health of my children - that`s my bonus.
ReplyDeleteA dog walker out this morning stopped to let me back out of my driveway. I smiled as I looked at her two doggies in their coats! :) such sweethearts. When she saw me smiling at them she gave me a big grin back! You inspire me Linda to keep positive and bounce back! x
ReplyDeleteI have many recent bonuses at present - firstly my husband has recently changed jobs and does not work at weekends now and we can start to plan some 'events' - have already signed up for a sponsored walk, a distance pool swim and my first open water event in July. In preparation for our walk we did our first training walk in the beautiful sunshine yesterday - 9 miles completed in beautiful local landscape. Today we received a good offer on our house which has been up for sale for about six months. Fantastic news, we will eventually be downsizing after taking some months out for long distance travel, so we are able to start our planning in earnest now!! It feels like a months' worth of bonuses all in one go, and yes I do look like a cheshire cat at the moment! x
ReplyDeletegee, I like your bonus better than mine! Today I cut up all the little potatoes that were close to shriveling and they're now cooking in a pot on the shelf of our woodburner for tomorrow's soup. Means I didn't let the little time-consumers go to waste, which makes me smile.
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