Day 368: Flaky

To be avoided

Morning lethargy left in the bed while I got up and ready and out in time to find drizzle turning into sleet and sleet turning into big, flaky, floaty snow! Who would huddle under the awnings when there's a whole platform of falling snow to be part of. I took the lid off my cup of tea and let the snowflakes fall in. 

Most dog owners really love liking their dogs

The snow had stopped by the time I reached the Heath but the paths were white and the grass all speckledy. 

I noticed a new thing this morning. If I say hello to dog owners (with my imaginary dog at my side, that only I can see), it's hit and miss as to the warmth of their response. However, if I say hello first to their dog, call it 'Beautiful' or 'Sweetie' or 'Pudding'*, as is my way, they beam at me and say hello to me all of their own accord. Nice. 

There were a lot of laughing ladies at the pond today. I think it's partly the cold and party the excitement about the men coming to visit us at the pond on Saturday. Why we all get quite so excited, I'm not quite sure, but we do, so that's that. 

This is not a shoulderstand, but I like it

Yoga was good (especially once the windows had been closed again) and well taught. I was feeling quite some pain this morning, and I realise I've been doing my shoulderstands with most of the weight on my neck. In fact, THE CLUE IS IN THE NAME! It's supposed to be on... hang on... oh yes: MY SHOULDERS! That explains why those cervical vertebrae were kicking back at me. My back feels definitely better today. It's good. 

Cool or nobbish?

I used my new yoga mat for the second time. It absolutely mings. ARSE. I wish I'd got the eco mat. Instead, I got an Orla Kiely-branded thick mat. It has those trademark flower/leaf things on stems. The argument was that a. the mat is orange, b. it's extra thick, c. the stalk creates a clear line which can be useful to guage alignment while learning the postures and d. half the money went to Action on Addiction. I'm sure I'll love it more once the chemicals have stopped making my eyes sting and my head spin. I was wondering today, though, whether having an Orla Kiely yoga mat makes me a little bit sophisticated and cool, or just a bit of a twat. I fear I know the answer. Seriously, though, it was the combination of alignment and addiction that did it in the end. 

Lovely meal with Marg and Nico, which I really enjoyed preparing. A salad, a frittata thingy and some thai fish cakes from Morrisons. I loved getting it all ready for them. There's definitely a pleasure in doing something nurturing for someone. And YES, I know I'm broody, but it is nice. It's good to plan something based on what you think will be gentlest and most pleasing for another person, and for that to be okay rather than creepy.

A step too far

I'm almost packed. Right now, I have to do some clever logistical planning, which I'm a tiny bit dreading. Should be ok though. And I HAVE to do my taxes tomorrow, or my hair will catch fire.

* Pudding, please don't take offense. No connection, except the level of my affection for you.