Thoughts from the dining room

Why from the dining room? Because that is where I use my laptop as Ian has the use of the study as he is now the student in the house. I have dared him to say that is what he does if he is asked by our new vicar or his wife. They are joining us next week, well the installation is next Wednesday but they moved into the vicarage at the beginning of the month.

I could set the laptop in the kitchen, our bedroom or the study but none of these locations seem right although we have internet access available in all rooms except son's bedroom and the lounge.

Anyway, reflections on the last couple of days. Yesterday was greater achievements than today as did much laundry, made a loaf in the evening whilst Ian was at OU tutorial. The bread meant a late night as the dough took a long while to rise, which made for a very tasty loaf but has made us tired today. Midnights are not us anymore. Today I played on my laptop, especially spending time on Archers websites and reading other people's blogs which are so fascinating, clever and absorbing.

This afternoon went off wearing my volunteers hat to the Local studies library where planning applications dating from 1880s are being prepared for scanning, indexing and adding to a data base. I so enjoy this work, some of the older plans are beautifully coloured, some are mainly concerned with drainage and others with the provision of new roads. Quite often look at the houses  on Google streetmap to see what they look like today.

Before I went to the library I bought purple socks for Ian to wear at our son's wedding next month. Purple is the theme colour for the wedding and I thought it would be fun for his socks to match his tie and my dress. When I came home he had a gift for me too, a string of pearls and earings in purple. They are so beautiful, I will feel so glamorous. Did I record that I bought a pair of L.K. Bennett shoes in Selfridges and then searched the West End for a hat? However, found the perfect hat in local M & S! That store had the largest range and variety of hats and other accessories compared with Oxford Street.

So, I'd better finish this, I feel so guilty when I have spent much time 'playing' here earlier in the day when there are so many other activities to be done. At least there is no ironing to be done now, but I have this so called Protestant ethic that I should be on the go all the time. We have much sorting out of family papers rescued from a loft, for although we cannot keep all the material we can offer it to relevant institutions. None of it is suitable for here or another  blog but will be of interest say to those interested in education in the early 20th century.

I missed many of the activities for Adult learning week so will see if I can be fitted in for something. Why wasn't I organised when the email came through a few weeks ago?

Would be pleased to have criticism, comments, views from anyone who reads this.