I sometimes find that if I wake up feeling happy and want that feeling to be with me all day, I just need to spend a little bit of time alone. This seals the happiness in. It could be a walk or a morning meditation, but this morning I chose to have my breakfast alone in the garden. The girls had no idea that these thoughts were going around in my head, but later told me that they looked out of their windows and thought about coming out to see me but decided to let me have some me-time. They are so sweet and thoughtful.

Trip to the DIY store

After a quick phone call to B&Q this morning, I learnt that the paint that we’d decided on yesterday had been discontinued. So, my eldest daughter and I went to the store to see if we could find something similar. We stood in a queue with 2m social distancing markers and it took about ten minutes to get in. It was all very organised in there and we came out with ten tester pots.

Deciding on the colour paint

The girls painted small squares of each colour on the wall and after it had dried we all stepped back to take a look. The majority decision was White Mist and I drove back to B&Q to get a couple of tins. Luckily they were in stock! When I got home the girls put some music on and got straight to work. They looked so happy painting together, so I left them to it and went to do some gardening.

Making room for the bins in the garden

I tackled the low hanging branches and the overgrown bush that was making it difficult to walk down the side of the house. The path was cluttered with unwanted items that I’ve been storing down there until I can get rid of them. I tidied them up in the far corner and then swept up all of the leaves making a lot more space to walk up and down.

I discovered a lovely pebble and soil area next to the old shed that had been covered with leaves and rubbish. After clearing it away, I had an idea that the bins would fit nicely there, as it is tucked away and can’t be seen the from the house. The two bins fitted perfectly side by side.

I also found an old wooden garden chair which I nearly fell through when I sat on it. A bit dangerous! As there’s no way of getting rid of it at the moment, I used it to put some plant pots on, making a nice little area next to the new climbing plants, tree and bush. The girls came out and said that it looked really tidy. They put the table and chairs nearby which is where I sat to write this (with a glass of prosecco, of course). Before and after photos below…

Finishing the day with a takeaway pizza

As the girls had worked so hard getting half of the room painted, my husband and I helped them clear up and we ordered a Dominos pizza. As we ate it together in the lounge, we commented that the lighter walls on just one side have already made the room feel brighter and airier.

There’s a lot left to do. Further updates tomorrow when we’ve made some more progress.

Until then…

Sandra