1. I wake up to a dull, grey scene outside my window, but the clouds soon part to reveal a brilliant blue sky. I'm even blinded by sunshine when I walk into the kitchen. It's a very welcome relief after a wet couple of weeks. When I meet my boyfriend for dinner in the sunshine, he buys us both an ice-cream from Thorntons. The scoops of Tempting Toffee and Brazil Nut Crunch are so delicious; a beautiful treat.

2. After putting off any university-related tasks over the summer, I try to put myself in gear and make a start on a piece of writing which will be due in once the new term is underway. I'm pleased with the progress I make after just an hour's concentration.

3. I love it when a plot twist presents itself out of the blue. The book I'm reading has a fresh hold on me after a completely unexpected turn of events in the story.

4. My little sister turns 4 today. I can't be with her, so I ring to wish her a happy birthday. She tells me about the presents she's received, including a Thomas the Tank Engine train set. She pauses, and then tells me to look as she shows me what it does. Unfortunately technology doesn't allow me to see what she's doing when we're on the phone, but I adore her innocence.

1. We visit a local scarecrow festival, astounded by the amount of effort put into the creations by the people who made them.

2. I devour the Sunday newspaper, although I read every story with a little cynicism after learning more about the world's goings-on from conversations with my grandad.

3. My boyfriend's nanna produces a plate of sandwiches for us to use for our dinner tomorrow.

1. I love having my hair washed by someone else when I visit the hairdressers'. It's so much more relaxing than when I do it myself.

2. My little sister tells everyone to watch her, then performs a little musical number for us in the middle of the kitchen.

3. I spend the evening in the pub, putting the world to rights with my grandad. His knowledge always astounds me. He sends me home with a bag of goodies, including a pack of my favourite biscuits :)

1. Curling up in my dressing gown after breakfast and watching a sumptuous costume drama.

2. Putting my hood up as I walk into town, shielding myself against the rain and the noise of passing cars.

3. Rubbing flour and butter between my fingers to make fine breadcrumbs.

1. I pass nervous children making their way to school for the first day of the new term, wearing smart new uniforms and shiny shoes which no doubt won't stay shiny for long.

2. I hug my boyfriend tightly and breathe in his scent.

3. A breeze blows through the open bedroom window so I decide to close it while I sleep. I curl up under the duvet, feeling snug and warm.

1. I like the satisfaction of popping a card into the postbox, and then I like to wonder about its forthcoming journey to its recipient.

2. One of the babies at the nursery follows a slightly older child around the room. Although he is continually ignored by the object of his fascination, he continues to crawl after her unabated.

3. As I cook tea alone in the kitchen, I dance to the songs on the radio.

1. Feeling cool sand under my feet, before it's washed away by the frothy waves lapping at my toes.

2. We pass what seem like hundreds of runners on the seafront, and watch a man and a little boy playing catch on the beach.

3. A cup of hot chocolate and a sandwich at a service station feel heavenly after a very long time stuck on a coach. Our fellow passengers have barely communicated with each other during the weekend, but the unexpected situation throws everyone together, forcing them to chat and laugh at their misfortune.