Modish

I give thanks for trains and boats and cars - some favourite modes of transport. For the luxury of being driven around to scenic places, and for at least one person in the car knowing where to go to find them! For being able to manage short walks in between. For station lifts when changing platforms...and the plans to install one here. 

For another boat trip, this time to a long road free spit of sand where the beach huts cost up to £450,000 to buy but the uninspiring looking cafe served surprisingly cheap and tasty food with a variety of vegetarian/vegan options - quite a rarity in this part of the country it seems. It was a lovely spot, almost like being abroad...or in the Isles of Scilly at least. 

For diamonds of dew on the grass and spiders' webs in the chilly morning, the whistle and squeak of the cheeky starlings, and the iridescence under their spots. For more absurdly non autumnal warmth as the day wore on. I know I should be concerned about climate change, and I am, but paddling and eating ice-cream on a mid October mini break is such a glorious bonus!

Birdlike

I like birds so I've been grateful today to see several kinds, some of which I can actually (more or less) name. There were geese and wading birds in the wetlands, where we went on a shallow bottomed boat ride. For the smaller ones seeming to walk on the water, greedy egrets gobbling multiple mouthfuls of something small and ill fated as they trotted along and small birds of prey hovering over the grasses looking for their next meal. For the very attractive accent and steering skills of the boatman at low tide, and the views from the castle which was our destination. 

I give thanks for Pam and Mima having been to, and enjoyed, a cafe before I arrived so we went there again and had a delicious lunch

...and later... yummy Dorset apple cake and clotted cream. For spotting a group of starlings gathering in the sky around us, I thought, for a little murmuration practice. What they were really doing however was getting ready to help clear the tables. How much prettier and daintier than a seagull invasion! I even got one to take some cake from my hand which is wrong for many reasons I know but which felt magical nonetheless. For finding a sweetly fragranced lupin like plant growing on the cliffs, and remembering the scented bush (viburnum?) I came across yesterday. 

For Lynn feeling better today... Hang in there girl, I'd love to see you one more time. 

Jaunty

I give thanks for a bit of a jaunt...it's been a while, and though the joints have been complaining profusely there's been plenty to please other body parts.

For a scenic train journey with long late morning shadows and wispy most clinging to woods and hilltops...a picnic lunch in the summer warm sunshine... a scenic and, for me, energetic coastal stroll... a bubble in the hot tub and a tasty takeaway Thai veggie curry for tea. For good company and being invited! 

Hot

I give thanks as far as I can tell it's been another glorious October day, in between the parts of it I got to see with my own eyes. For the golden sunsets, wispy clouds and brightening crescent moon in the darkening sky. For feeling quite bright myself this morning though dialysis has left me tired and aching in way too many places. For Paracetamol on the agenda when I next get up and move around, plus a hot water bottle before a hot bath...

For a spicy beanburger in the oven for my supper... 

Summary

I give thanks for... 

The fabulously warm and sunny weather 

More energy after even more sleep...and a quick nap when I used it up! 

A late lunch sandwich on the beach in a summer dress...

Custard cream ice-cream to have with some rhubarb for dessert

The beach and the ice cream shop both being just a few yards away! 

Nabbing a flu jab appointment nearby and soon via the Boots booking site

Reflections... 

Comforting

I give thanks for hazy warm autumn sunshine today. To begin with I was quite disappointed I didn't have the energy to go out and enjoy it until I saw how many other people were doing so nearby! Then I was rather grateful... Not in the mood for people today! 

I give thanks for lots of sleep last night, and for lots of rest today. Didn't quite manage to do nothing at all but keeping up with cooking, washing up and laundry chores is no bad thing if they can be managed without too much discomfort. And I did produce a pot of tasty stew in the process - very nourishing and comforting with chunks of buttered rye boule so very grateful for that.

Apologetic

I give thanks for being home on my sofa on a murky Friday night. For the bit this morning when I thought all my chores were done and I could play with my crafty things...and for managing to do the most essential of my home help's chores instead when she messaged most apologetically that she couldn't come. It's been a while since I've hung up washed bedding from the machine or replaced it with clean stuff, and though I can, I can see why I've chosen to pay someone else to instead. Most exhausting! I was extremely grateful although she couldn't clean today she offered to pick up and deliver a heavy prescription of my food supplement desserts. Very thoughtful and kind...and necessary as they slip down my swollen throat a treat!

I give thanks for a weekend of resting planned as I'm so sore and tired after many busy days in a row, and must try to relax and recuperate. For plenty of food, books and paracetamol in stock to assist with this mission, and lots to watch on Netflix and terrestrial TV or listen to on Audible. What precious first world blessings!