Unwinding

After a very busy time leading up to Children's Book Week last week (plus the week itself), I'm taking a week and a bit's break to recover.

My idea of unwinding is not to lie on a beach or by a pool, although that can be very nice, I'm sure. My idea of unwinding is to spend time pottering around the house and garden, doing whatever takes my fancy. It helps to have a list of projects to attack if motivated, and it's obligatory to have a large pile of books and magazines to get through.

So far, the week is shaping up well - I've done lots of gardening (mostly pulling out thousands of weeds which have sprouted luxuriantly after all the rain this winter).  I've also reclaimed a little more of the wilderness beyond the veggie garden and used up some leftover pavers to make a little stepping-stone path which I plan to surround with thyme, mint and various other low-maintenance herbs and flowers. Yes I know, there's a long way to go!

From 2011-08-31

I've also re-invented our coffee table (pine, with a yellowy varnish which was looking really tired). I've used Volvox enamel paint and varnish - I can't stop raving about this paint! No fumes, water-based and it dries in an unrealistically quick time - I used to say that I'd never paint anything again, but since I discovered this paint, I keep looking for things I can give a new lease of life.

From 2011-08-31

As far as reading goes, I've been enjoying Julia Stuart's The Matchmaker of Perigord (very funny) and Edmund De Waal's The Hare with Amber Eyes, which is so beautifully written and a fascinating story. Next on the list, a little more Scandi-noir.

Finally, more garden photos. Spring is definitely on its way - I love wandering around the garden in the morning, seeing what's flowering - not the broccoli yet, unfortunately...

From 2011-08-31

From 2011-08-31

From 2011-08-31

From 2011-08-31