It's one of those beautiful days weather wise here today....and the day is mine to enjoy as I wish.  No urgent anything to be done or needing my attention. 

The postman brought me two gifts today, a book and a present.  The book is the next one on my Transworld book challenge list, a big thick paperback that seems like it will be a cracking good read.   The other thing is a pretty biscornu made for me by Agi who lives in Sweden.  It's pale blue fabric with a pretty variegated coral thread.  It has a lovely meaningnful message on  it.  It is always amazing to receive a gift, especailly when someone has gone to the bother of making it specifically for you.  Thanks again, Agi.

My studying is going okay, I'm learning a lot already and remembering even more.  It might be interesting for me to re-read this a year from now and see how I feel then......(note
to self???

I feel that I have let myself down big time by gaining back all the weight I'd taken off - about a stone overall.  It feels awful, I can feel every ounce of it.  It isn't earth shattering or of world importance.  Actually it isn't all that important to me right now.  I don't like it but can't be worrying about it.  I have been through a period of transition for a while.  I don't like the unknown at all.  I want to be in control always - and I do know and understand why I'm that way.  I have no reason to change that part of me just now.  But my clothes aren't as comfortable anymore.  Ah well, one more thing to deal with gently.  I say gently because I'm not going to be hard on myself over this.  What is the point?   So many other things are falling into place wonderfully.  I want to enjoy the rest of this ride. 

I have been feeling pretty good  - when I take my meds.  I have to be regular with the pain ones to keep it at bay.  But like so many others, as soon as I feel great I forget to take them and the pain begins to build again.  That, I suspect, is human nature.  The pain reminds me go get back on board.  Over all it's pretty good.  With my walker I can go a couple miles easily although the pain in my hips can get pretty bad by then.  My shoulders and neck don't hurt though so it's a winner for me.  And I can go faster than without it.  Yippee do dah, freedom feels great. 

 
I did a lot of painting today, up and down, round and round.  I did two doors, the paintwork around one room and one ceiling which took a couple of coats.  Andy did four or five doors, some on both sides, bless him.  He has a couple sides still do do but I have a lot of trim left to do. 

Stevie the brat dog is not happy with Andy.  I had two tubs with tomato plants coming along nicely on the patio.  The dog decided on Saturday that he'd pick and eat the green tomato nearest him instead of letting it ripen for me to eat.  The little sod makes for the plants every time he gets out the door!  We don't know how many he ate......and this afternoon Andy moved the tubs onto a table where Stevie can't reach them.  Then it got funny.  Stevie didn't see Andy move them so he went looking for them.....and looking, and looking.....and even sniffing all the sweet peas next to where they were.  Sweet peas are not the same and he was not a happy boy.  Poor boy, too bad, so sad.....





 
I have my student loan now and am good to go.  I'm so relieved and excited.  I'm looking at it as a part time job to make myself get into routines which will enable me to keep up with everything.  I want to make a success of this.  I have set realistic goals that I should be able to manage.

We've had some great weather this past few days. The garden, a book, a drink, a dog at my feet, what more do I need on a nice day?

I've enjoyed the Olympics and have to admit the whole thing has been better than I expected.  I'm not that into sport but I have spent my share of time cheering at the tv.





 
  It's warm, sunny and perfect for me.  I'm just relaxing and enjoying it while I can. Jess is happy, Stevie isn't.  I used a bowl of water and sponge to clean them both.  She loved it, he doesn't like getting wet.  He seems happier now though.

I'm loving the paintwork that i did yesterday but the fumes are still strong.  The joy of seeing the nice white paint will outweigh the smell in the long run.   I've waited two years to get around to doing it.  I'd like to do some more next week if the weather is nice enough to allow me to have the windows open.  I'm learning my lessons and trying hard not to overdo things.  Today is just for tidying and relaxing.

So I wrote all that a couple of days ago, I lose track of time sometimes.  The weather has still held and has been - dare I say it - almost too hot for me.  WHEN I lose some of this weight I've porked on I know I'll find life easier, including the heat.

I am away from home now, staying with a friend who has never used a pc.  She is now connected to the internet wirelessly and is doing very well, searching away like a goodun'.  I'm proud of both of us actually.   And since she now has broadband and wireless, I have my laptop with me.  Bonus. 

The above was written about a week ago.  Where does the time go?  I've been home five days now.  I finished all three of the 'Fifty Shades' books.  I couldn't put them down. I'd have enjoyed the story more without so much sex, but had too keep reading to see how the story would develop.  Loved them, brilliant story once I got into the first one.  I'm glad I didn't give up.

I've been working out how to make my study are nicer/easier to use without adding any furniture.  I got some new grass green storage boxes to stuff the clutter on top of the bookcase in, and some new brighter curtains.  Wow!  What a difference they have made.  I still need to do some sorting out, and clearing out, but it is much better already.  I can't stand clutter and mess.  I also got a slanted laptop stand from Ikea in the same green as the boxes.  I makes the laptop easier for me to read when it's on the desk and easier to type with when I have it on my lap.  Okay for a bit of plastic!  I like things that make life easier.......  and more fun.  Even if I don't get the funding to do my studying I'll benefit from what I've bought today.

The Olympics are very enjoyable, but I've been watching more than I expected to.  Then again, we all like the swimming, diving and gymnastics.  I'm not very interested in most of the track and field events but will watch some of them.  Phelps has just won another gold, his 20th medal I think they just said.  How wonderful.  I have no plans to go to London nor to the Olympics but hope everyone does enjoy them.