Sunday, 9 August 2026

A photo every day for a year! 2nd - 8th August Week 32 of #Project365

Happy Sunday!! I hope you've all had a lovely week and are enjoying your weekend. I am glad to say I am well and truly over the cold that I have had. We all seem to have finally got over it and thankfully, it seems to have passed Ellie right by! Phew! I was getting a bit fed up with feeling rubbish and on Friday was at that stage where I thought I was better but felt exhausted after just walking to my dad's. Now I feel full of energy and I'm raring to go!

I was writing this yesterday, it's 11:10 and I feel like I have had a day of it already! lol. I had some good news about a family thing. Don't worry, it was nothing bad, quite the opposite. I will share more about it when things are a little more definite, because I don't want to say too much and then have to say that didn't happen but it's good news and it really put a smile on my face. Then I went to go in the shower and there was water coming out of the bottom of it. So I did the usual thing of ringing my dad and asking for help. Thankfully, he came round, took the shower head off and suddenly it was working perfectly again. It turns out the shower head was filled with limescale! That stuff tortures us here, the kettle and washing machine are always filling up with it and the drains outside too. My dad only knew what the problem was because he had the exact same thing happen to his shower a few months ago. The water couldn't get through the shower head properly, so it was finding another way out. I then had to sort Ellie's hair because she didn't have time for a shower before she went out. Thank goodness for dry shampoo because it has saved us more than once! I am hoping for a nice relaxed afternoon but I sure do have a lot to talk about with Stu when he rings at lunchtime. lol

Now for a photo every day!

Mini ice cream and a sunflower with a bee on
Costa drink, me and Walking Dead on the TV
A moody looking sky
Football on the TV and a homegrown tomato

214/365 2nd August
Just a little ice cream and I emphasise the word little! I am sure these used to be bigger. I know everything seems smaller these days but I really don't remember Twister Minis being quite so mini. This was purely for medicinal reasons. I was full of cold and obviously, ice cream is a well-known treatment for these things. hehehe The second one I had later in the day was more for enjoyment though.

215/365 3rd August
Whenever I look at the sunflowers in my garden, they make me happy. I stop almost every day just to look at them and snap a photo. The bees don't seem to get bored with them either, they are always buzzing around them!

216/365 4th August
On Tuesday, Becky and I needed a little pick-me-up, so we had Costa Coffee delivered, although no coffee was actually ordered. I had a mango and passion fruit cooler, a bacon roll and a lemon muffin and Becky had mac and cheese and some sort of frappe. I can't remember exactly what was in her drink but it looked nice! It was exactly what we needed.

217/365 5th August
I got up to Negan's first episode on The Walking Dead! (I am rewatching it). If you have watched The Walking Dead, you will probably know exactly which episode I mean and if you haven't, I won't spoil it for you! When I first watched it, I hated Negan but over time he has grown on me and he is now one of my favourite characters. Obviously, that doesn't include the bits where he is doing awful things with his baseball bat but as a character, he is brilliant.

218/365 6th August
This is what the sky looked like for most of Wednesday. It looked like it could chuck it down at any moment but it didn't. We had about 20 drops of rain and I only know that because when I went to put some rubbish out, I noticed it on the wheelie bin. There were just enough drops to make me think that we were going to get some rain but no, there wasn't any more. Hmmf.

219/365 7th August
Football! Middlesbrough, my old hometown team versus Wrexham, the team that Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds (Deadpool) own. It ended 1-0 to Middlesbrough, which I was happy with. They are through to the next round of the EFL Cup and it was a good way to start the new football season.

220/365 8th August
I have a tomato that I grew in my garden! Just one though. All the rest are still green but this one finally decided it was ready, so I picked it, washed it and ate it straight away. Delicious! There is something really satisfying about eating something that you have grown yourself, even if it is only one tomato.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Saturday, 8 August 2026

This week my Word of the Week is: Slow!! #WotW

This week my Word of the Week is:

Slow

We have had a slow week, mostly because Stu was just getting over a cold and then Becky and I caught it. Ugh! Ellie has been really lucky and hasn't had as much as a sniffle and she thinks it's brilliant. Oh, to be young again! I have been feeling very sorry for myself over the past week as I have not been sleeping properly and when I don't get enough sleep I turn into such a grump. Early in the week, Stu and I were waking each other up coughing and each spent a night on the sofa just to give the other one some peace. I only realised after that I could have slept in Becky's bed because she was on a night shift. Thankfully, we are all feeling much better now and are over the worst! I had forgotten just how miserable a summer cold can be. Everyone talks about coughs and sniffles in the winter but having one when its warm outside feels so unfair! Ugh!

The week started with lots of wrestling to watch, which gave me a good excuse to just sit in front of the TV. Over 4 days we had about 10 hours to watch and all the shows were fantastic. A guy returned after 17 months off and neck surgery and did not take things slow, 5 minutes into the match, he was flying over the ropes onto people on the floor outside. Championships changed hands, there were more returning superstars and lots of drama.

I have done the bare minimum around the house and even though I felt a little guilty at some points throughout the week, I knew it was for the best. Stu has been a great help and Ellie too. The floor could do with hoovering and everywhere needs a dust and I might get around to it today but if not, it's not the end of the world. I need to keep reminding myself that the jobs will still be there tomorrow and nobody should be judging me because I've been unwell.

I wrote this yesterday after being out to see my dad. It's the first time I've been out of the house all week apart from being in the garden. It has been nice to sit out there and get a little air and it really helped at times to feel less stuffy. I had a slow walk to my dad's and got a lift home. It really tired me out. I guess I am not fully over this cold yet but it was nice to have a change of scenery and get some proper fresh air. It was good to have a catch-up with him too as I didn't see him last week as I was waiting for the people to unblock the drains again. It's an ongoing problem. There are cracks and damage to the sewer pipes and it makes everything drain slowly and every 6 months or so it just gets too much and blockages happen. It's on the water companies to fix list but until then we just wait.

How has your week been? I hope you have had a good one! I am of course linking up with Anne who blogs at Raisie Bay to join in with her Word of the Week linky!

Word of the Week

Friday, 7 August 2026

What I have loved this week! Week 32. #FridayFavourites

Happy Friday! I hope you've had a good week. Mine has been a bit of a mixed one because I have been hit with a horrible cold that Stu brought home from work. I haven’t felt my best this week but have still found a few things that I have loved and have made the week a little easier. I am of course linking up with Erika and Andrea to share.

What I have loved this week

Cold and flu essentials!
I have loved all the things that have helped me feel slightly more human again. Cold and flu tablets haven’t magically made the cold disappear but they have helped with the aches, blocked nose and that horrible heavy feeling you get when you’re full of cold. I’ve also been relying on cough medicine and throat sweets and I have worked my way through packets of tissues!

Taking things easy!
This week I have slowed down a lot, I've had to. I have wanted to do things but I haven't had the energy or motivation. My body was saying Nope, not today! I have done the bare minimum and the world didn't end. Resting was probably the best thing I could do and I'd like to think it has helped me feel better quicker. I've not felt one bit of guilt about not getting jobs done around the house and spending more time in my armchair.

Easy meals!
When I don’t feel well the last thing I want to do is spend ages cooking and this week has definitely been about easy meals and keeping things simple. I didn't want to be stood in the kitchen coughing and sneezing all over the food. The simple meals have been the best!

Lots of TV time!
This week has been a good excuse to watch more TV and I have watched plenty. Early on in the week I watched The Devil Wears Prada and also watched The Devil Wears Prada 2 as it recently arrived on Disney+. The 2nd one was OK but I still prefer the first one. I've watched more of The Walking Dead and Grey's Anatomy, which were perfect because I've seen them before, so I didn't have to concentrate too much.

Sympathy from Stu and Becky!
Stu has given me all the sympathy. He had it last week, so he knows how this cold feels. He has been chief tea maker and went to the shop to get more cough medicine when we had run out, what a star! The other person who joined the poorly club this week was Becky. She started with it the day after me, so we are just about at the same stage of cold misery. It's funny because we have been comparing symptoms and just hanging in there together! Ellie is the lucky one, she hasn't had as much as a sniffle and I hope that continues!

Looking for the positives!
This week hasn’t gone how I planned. I had things I wanted to do and jobs I wanted to get done but life had other ideas. Being poorly has reminded me that slowing down isn’t a bad thing. I am feeling much, much better now. Not back to 100% but I'm getting there. 

What have you loved this week?

Friday favorites

Thursday, 6 August 2026

365 Days Of Gratitude. In July I was grateful for...

I have seen many people on social media list something every day that they are grateful for and thought I would join in. I have done this for the whole of the last few of years and it has really made me realise that even on bad days I have something to be grateful for.

July went by in a flash, I know I say that every month but last month seemed to go extra quick. I think it was because we were all out of routine with Ellie not being at college, Becky and Stu having time off work at the start of the month and a couple more mini heatwaves. There was a lot to be grateful for.

Today I am grateful for

Day 182 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that England won their match! It was so stressful watching it.

Day 183 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a day at home as we have a busy couple of days coming up.

Day 184 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that an appointment that Ellie had today went really well. Me worrying for days about it was a complete waste of my time and energy.

Day 185 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a fab day at the country show! I am also grateful that my brother could get our dad's car running after a split in the petrol pipe thing.

Motorbike at the country show

Day 186 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that Stu cooked for us tonight. Pie, mash and veg.

Day 187 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that Ellie knows some interesting people! Minding our own business, walking down the high street and see a man with a snake around his neck! Of course Ellie knows him, we stopped for a chat and it turns out the snake is a support pet!

Day 188 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that my family all ate together tonight, it doesn't happen often.

Day 189 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for fresh strawberries! My dad was given loads and brought me some!

Bon Jovi shirt

Day 190 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful Ellie really is finished with college now. She had a call yesterday asking her to go in and fill in some paperwork that she was meant to do before she left. Oops. It's all done now!

Day 191 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that I could jump into a cold shower this afternoon when I had enough of being hot and sweaty!

Day 192 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that we're through to the semi final of the World Cup!!!

Day 193 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for so many butterflies and bees in my garden. They are loving all the flowers!

Day 194 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a day out in Hull and that it has been a lot cooler here!

Fountain at the park

Day 195 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for help watering the garden since I had to do it with watering cans because of the hosepipe ban.

Day 196 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a few drinks while watching the match. Gutted they lost but they played well.

Day 197 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for lunch with Becky and her partner! They stayed home especially to spend time with me!

Day 198 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for new things to watch on TV since I've watched nothing but football for the last month! Elle off Prime is brilliant and I have just started Little House on the Prairie!

Day 199 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful it was nice and cool so I could do some work in the garden!

Little House on the Prairie

Day 200 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a day of sport! Last nights wrestling, the Belgian Grand Prix and finally the World Cup final! I am so glad Spain won!

Day 201 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that all the clean washing was put away!

Day 202 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful everything went well for Ellie with the couple of appointments which she had. She only rang me twice panicking when she got lost and then couldn't find the bus stop.

Day 203 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that I got my usual food shop delivery slot despite me forgetting to book it until late this evening!

Day 204 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that I am always putting leftovers in the freezer, they came in handy tonight!

Sunflower

Day 205 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for lunch at my dad's, a catch up with him and my brother and cherry crumble to bring home!

Day 206 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for homemade pizza, well almost! I bought the bases ready made and just added our own toppings!

Day 207 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful Becky had a great time at Hull Pride. She didn't get in until the early hours of this morning.

Day 208 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that Ellie's job interview went well, she'll find out about it later in the week but even getting to the interview stage these days is a fantastic achievement!

Day 209 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for hair dye! The roots coming through are gone and so are all the greys!

Bear sculpture

Day 210 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that Becky did some baking and it was good! Banana bread and brownies!

Day 211 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful that my peppers are finally growing! I feel like I have been waiting forever!

Day 212 of #365DaysOfGratitude
Today I am grateful for a nice night out with family. It wasn't a late one either.

What were you grateful for in July?