The Simple Womans Daybook - February

THE SIMPLE WOMAN'S DAY BOOK

For today: February 2nd 2014

Outside my window... it is cold but dry. Our beach walk this morning was very pleasant; it’s always good for M’selle Fleur to socialize with other dogs.

I am thinking... about a Chinese Whisper scrap booking project that has me “thinking outside the box”.

I am thankful... for a big, deep bathtub to soak in at the end of the day.

I am wearing...black T shirt, black lounging pants & a soft pink fleecy hooded dressing gown which was a Christmas present from the Senior Partner.

I am creating...the aforementioned Chinese Whisper layout.

In the kitchen... for dinner tonight foil baked fish with fennel, chives, thyme and white wine, inspired by Chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall.

I am going... downstairs very soon to start cooking dinner.

Photo courtesy of Button Cottage website

I am wondering...if I need to contact the owner of Button Cottage, Alstonefield, Derbyshire about my May reservation. She didn't answer my last email, I’d really be upset if the booking fell through.

I am reading...”Temptation” by Douglas Kennedy.

I am hoping...that the painter/decorator doesn't make too much mess when he comes to lay the new parquet floor and paint & paper the SP’s study later this week.

I am looking forward to....watching “Call The Midwife” on BBC TV later this evening.

Around the garden….daffodils are nodding their heads with every slight breeze that passes by, there are buds on the quince and forsythia bushes and pretty primula plants are shyly peeping through.

A favorite quote for today, (actually my favourite quote of all time!)…

"All shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of thing shall be well." - Julian of Norwich, 14^th  English Anchoress.

One of my favorite things...Teresa Collins scrap book paper products.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a trip to IKEA to buy new curtains for the SP’s study, if the weather holds some garden work mainly tidying up after the recent high winds and with the Membership Renewal Drive in full swing some Secretarial duties for the Quimper Club International.

Should old acquaintance be forgot........

FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE

Outside my window... it is cold and wet just as it has been for days, no White Christmas for us in Normandy this year.

I am thinking... that although I've been sad this year, losing Mr Ben was very hard, there has been much to enjoy. Our Kos vacation being the highlight.

I am thankful... for my wonderful husband and the happiness he brings me.

In the kitchen... for our celebratory New Year’s Eve dinner I’m serving twice baked smoked salmon soufflés followed by the SP’s historic steak frites. You can find the souffle recipe from Sara Buenfeld by clicking here.

I am wearing...comfortable warm clothing; corduroy pants, brushed cotton tunic and my favourite shawl collared cardigan.

I am creating...my last scrap book layout for 2013, the photograph is of me aged 4, in 1954 sat on Santa’s knee in his grotto at the Co-op Stores, King Street, Oldham, Lancashire, UK.

I am going... downstairs very soon for afternoon tea and the last of the homemade mince pies, Delia’s recipe of course.

I am wondering...if the wood burner has warmed the sitting room, ready for tea time. I'm sure it will have.

I am reading...One Thousand White Women, the Journals of May Dodd by Jim Fergus, for the second time.

I am hoping...that 2014 will bring peace and contentment.

I am looking forward to....a second visit to Derbyshire, UK in May and time spent with family.

I am learning……. patience and acceptance, que sera, sera.

Around the house...there are two new couches sitting on the new fitted parquet floor in the newly decorated sitting room and a brand spanking newly installed Falcon stove in the kitchen.

I am listening to.....a CD from Classic FM; Schubert's Trout and other chamber music favourites.

A favorite quote for today...”Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow” – Anon.

One of my favorite things...a new diary full of clean empty pages.

A few plans for the rest of the week: a walk on the beach at Vierville-sur-mer with Roger and Fleur a New Year’s Day tradition for the Bryants, and if the rain keeps falling look for me in front of the fire reading a good book.

Happy New Year to all my friends and followers, may 2014 be the year that all your plans, hopes and dreams come true.