Autumn Cleaning

I don't know why, but I always feel sluggish in Spring and energised in Autumn, and it is now Autumn weather.  So I have started to get a bit keener to clean.  It has taken me a little by surprise, but it is a pleasant surprise.  I have just brushed down my kitchen stairs for the first time since I can remember, as it is a job I hate because of the plaster falling off the walls (yes, honestly, it's a long story).

It may be that I can imagine actually decorating with actual paint and paper.  This has made me feel giddy all over.  However I have a long way to go before I do that. 

I have neglected so many corners (and main bits!) of the house, it needs such a catch up.  And I am bitterly aware that every time I start a new phase of cleaning something dreadful happens.  But I actually feel optimistic! 

I have decided to write up the housework as a job description, just like the ones I used to have back in long ago days, and put in a timetable to try and always remember to keep cleaning.  Stairs are Tuesdays and Fridays.  It's a start, anyway. 

This weekend is a huge clear out of little bear's room.  With that and the huge clear out we did behind the television, I think it may have kick started something.  I shall see how this goes.

I love talking about weather

So the weather has changed drastically.  This is not unusual in the UK, it is more unusual for the weather to stay the same.  But walking back from little bear's school drop off I noticed that while the crab apples were ripe, there were also blossoms on the tree. This was next to some really red hawthorn berries, looking more like October than September. 

I don't blame the plants for being confused.  The fuschia that did so well last year is only just breaking blossom now.  I think the lack of sun has not helped.  The rose looks like it thinks it's December, but that may also be the effect of local vandals.  There have definitely been less butterflies than last summer. 

Another oddity I noticed was an apple tree on waste ground with speckled stripes on the apples.  It is on a bit of ground behind locked railings, or I would try and get to one.  They look so pretty, and perhaps Victorian.  The nearest I have found in online is a Jonathan apple but it is far more dainty and speckled.  As apples apparently do not grow true from seed but have all sorts of different traits that can come through from very dull apples, it is probably just the result of a discarded supermarket apple core, but it is just so striking.  I wonder what it tastes like - I'll never know as the railings are far too daunting.  If I work out how to use a camera before they all get eaten by more adventurous apple lovers then I will post a picture. 

Little bear practises being cool

Little bear was doing his usual coming downstairs for one more cuddle, needing a drink, light not on, light not off - the stuff that extends the time before he has to go to sleep.  Bless him, the final time he came down in his Scooby Doo costume - complete with sunglasses underneath!

He is so full of cold and has been so tired and crotchety, I am just glad he is finally asleep.  At least while he is asleep I am not getting the full force of his latest tantrum.  But a lot can be forgiven after a full Scooby Doo costume, with head on, and sunglasses underneath.

Little bear doesn't think it's fair

Just in general.  He doesn't think it's fair.  He has just finished his first week at school after the summer, he has a stonking cold and is doing a good impression of exhaustion. He is also managing tears on a random but regular basis. 

I don't know that he will be fit for school next week but I shall watch and wait. 

Also, I shall cuddle.  Little bear is definitely in need of cuddles.

And he hasn't even got a secret hideout...

Little bear was feeling a bit fed up.  'I used to be a genius.' he complained.
'You can still be a genius,' OH said, trying to be supportive, despite complete lack of modesty from little bear. 
'But I've almost run out of plans!' little bear said crossly.

And he hasn't got a secret hideout and his henchman are four soft toy pandas and a soft toy rat.  It isn't fair!

Little bear in new jacket - ebay is my friend

Test Results back

The doctor thinks I may have intermittent heart failure.  He is referring me. 

I think this is actually a lot less serious than it sounds.  And there is this new all singing all dancing unit set up for things such as this, and I am, to be honest, actually quite happy.  I have a diagnosis, I have an opportunity to be treated and I may come out of it with proof that I have a heart.  I already have proof that I have a brain from a scan a few years back.

I have absolutely no idea when or where the referral will come, but I shall just carry on as usual.  Actually, no, it won't be carrying on as usual.  I am trying to get healthy options and exercise built in to my routines, including perhaps a ten minute walk after dropping little bear off at school, a walk later on, lots of running up and down stairs - just being a bit sensible.  I am also trying to review my appalling diet.  So I shall carry on with the new usual. 

Also, extremely happy as I have worked out how to do the labels finally in the new layout.