Simple Pleasures

2011-12-31T23:17:00.000Z

1. We let our girls into their larger run. They seem a little overwhelmed at first, but very quickly find their feet. Even more slugs for them to find!

2. Making a purchase in a charity shop always feels like I'm doing a good deed.

3. Tension and laughter abound as we enjoy quiz night with my mum and brother.

2011-12-30T23:04:00.002Z

1. Dinner with two friends ends up being a lovely and long-overdue catch-up with one.

2. I spend less than usual on our weekly shop.

3. Lotty wears her coat for the first time.

4. Ian falls asleep as I watch a film I recorded months ago. He wakes up halfway through and laughs along with me.

2011-12-29T20:02:00.000Z

1. The girls survive their first night with us and each produce an egg. It's amazing to bring an egg straight in from the back garden.

2. My dad and little sister come round to meet the girls and play I Spy.

3. The wind whips rain at the patio door. I feel for the girls in their little house, but I know they're well sheltered. I'm glad to be inside.

2011-12-28T22:15:00.002Z

1. I'm filled with excitement and inspiration when I discover this fairytale house.

2. We bring our girls, Gertrude, Henrietta and Beatrice, home to our back garden. It's wonderful to watch them settling in, knowing that just yesterday they didn't even have enough space to stretch their wings.

3. I love to laugh as Ian and Lotty play together, Ian winding her up incessantly and Lotty always going back for more.

2011-12-27T22:51:00.002Z

1. We head to the pet shop for supplies, ready for the arrival of our hens tomorrow.

2. I stumble across a blog which seems as if I could have written every word myself.

3. I'm utterly appreciative of today's blue sky and sunshine.

2011-12-26T22:47:00.002Z

1. The freshness of my brand new yoga mat.

2. Thre's plenty of food on offer and lots of cooing over Lotty as we celebrate Christmas round 2 with Ian's family.

3. A feel-good romcom is the perfect way to end a busy day.

2011-12-25T23:52:00.002Z

1. Ian is like a big kid when he opens the Lego set I bought him for Christmas.

2. I love the family tradition we've upheld for so long of meeting up with each other on Christmas morning. It's the guaranteed chance we get each year to see everyone in one place, and everyone always has a smile.

3. I find a kindred recycling spirit in my auntie!

4. We enjoy our first Christmas dinner, just the two of us. It's also our first vegetarian Christmas dinner, and I'd choose nut roast over turkey any day. While Ian prepares the meal, I sing along (apparently badly) to some Christmas classics.

5. A long, quiet afternoon walk is Lotty's Christmas treat (as well as her beautiful new coat).

6. Finger food and chat is the comfortable order of the day at my mum's as we celebrate with her, my brother and my grandad, who is warmly welcomed by my mum's dogs.

2011-12-23T20:59:00.002Z

1. A fantastical film enchants me and leaves me longing to never truly grow up and stop believing.

2. I sit back and feel proud of my own writing.

3. My brother is grateful for a lift to work in the rain.

2011-12-22T22:25:00.002Z

1. I visit my friend and she leaves me with her gorgeous baby boy while she pops out. He becomes restless, but soon settles on my shoulder as he walk him up and down the living room. I decide to try out his musical mat, and he smiles at the sounds he creates as he lays on it.

2. My little sister performs a very fitting dance to her favourite Christmas song.

3. Thanks to the impeccable service of an online store, my Christmas presents are finally sorted.

2011-12-21T23:38:00.001Z

1. I start the morning with a gorgeous winter mediation, thanks to Jamie Ridler.

2. Ian impresses me again with his impressive wrapping skills and DIY bows.

3. We enjoy fun festivities with Arthur Christmas before bed.

2011-12-21T21:53:00.002Z

1. Ian's parents visit for dinner, and bring along a food parcel and some jigsaws to challenge me.

2. Some very sad news leads me to some fond memories.

3. Just when I thought I'd had my fill of motivation, I watch Adam Baker's TEDx talk.

2011-12-20T23:43:00.002Z

1. I relish the thought of being able to cross some tasks off today's to-do lists.

2. Ian looks pleasantly surprised as he slowly but successfully cuts the grass with his pushalong mower. Who needs newfangled electric mowers?

3. I take a comfy seat in the library and proceed to write some Christmas cards.

2011-12-19T23:00:00.000Z

1. An eye-opening morning prompts me to make a life-changing diet decision.

2. I pack up a box of unwanted CDs, DVDs and games that have been gathering dust, reading for them to be collected.

3. After much umming and aahing, I finally press 'Buy'. We will soon be the proud owners of an Eglu Go. Now to find some ex-battery hens who need a new home.

2011-12-18T20:43:00.002Z

1. I tiptoe to the car to retrieve Ian's Christmas present from the boot. I quietly wrap it in newspaper, and place it under the tree. I initially intend to let him find it by himself, but I can't resist pointing it out to him when he gets up.

2. Taking a pair of shears to the overgrown parts of the garden makes for a satisfying morning.

3. It's getting too cold up in the attic room, so we shift all our bedroom furniture to a downstairs room. It offers a refreshing perspective.

2011-12-17T23:31:00.002Z

1. I ignore my alarm and enjoy a relaxed lie-in.

2. Chocolates for dinner. It must be Christmas.

3. Walking home, Ian stops me to look up at the night sky. We are in intense awe at the stars and the possibilities they hold.

2011-12-16T21:39:00.002Z

1. A final lunch with a colleague who will be greatly missed. She mouths thank you across the room after reading my card.

2. Sleepy cuddles with the three-week-old daughter of my college friend.

3. A relaxed takeaway meal on the settee.

2011-12-15T21:34:00.002Z

1. Our day is filled with visits to the homes of the children who will start nursery in January. It's a pleasure to see so many homes and meet so many people. Many children are eager to chat and show us their toys. One girl invites me to have a turn on the computer game she's playing, while a boy dresses up as Bumblebee and 'transforms' into a car before our very eyes.

2. The school hall is filled with the sound of singing as adults and children alike sit down together to our much-anticipated Christmas dinner.

3. A parent helper at school, who will become a colleague in January, surprises me with a Christmas present.

4. A friend anticipates that my sat-nav may not recognise her address when I visit her tomorrow, so she sends me detailed directions to her house. Just in case.

2011-12-14T21:31:00.003Z

1. In our whole school assembly, in which we say goodbye to a much loved member of staff, the children pass a pebble round the hall, each standing up when it's passed to them. It takes a while, but it's time well spent as everyone gets to convey their own little, wordless message of thanks.

2. A colleague runs a reflection session after school. I feel as if I have a million other jobs to do, but I force myself to go along. I don't realise 'til afterwards how much I needed that time for quiet meditation. I always promise myself I'll take the time, but sometimes it needs to be forced upon me.

3. I pass a man on a bike on the way home. His backpack is covered in twinkly Christmas lights.

2011-12-13T21:21:00.002Z

1. A boy in my class gives me two homemade decorations for Christmas. They go straight on the tree when I get home.

2. After school, everyone seems to be in need of a release so go to chat in the staffroom. I sit for an hour, grabbing a rare opportunity to laugh with colleagues.

3. My brother's there when I get home. I share some Christmas chocolates.

2011-12-12T22:05:00.004Z

1. A few spare hours at work give me chance to get ahead of myself and satisfactorily cross a couple of items off my to-do list.

2. I catch up with a lovely little girl who used to attend the private nursery I worked at during my university days. Amelie's documentary proves that good things can come in tiny packages.

3. Lotty trots round the house with her bone, her head held high with pride.

2011-12-11T20:33:00.003Z

1. We enjoy a barbecued breakfast at the village Christmas fair.

2. I find it soothing to cut out white paper snowflakes for our windows, and it's exciting to unfold them and see what pattern hides within.

3. It'd be easy to settle down and watch TV in the late afternoon, but I feel restless so we head out with Lotty for her second walk of the day.

2011-12-10T23:24:00.002Z

1. I decide to live the day with as few glances at the clock as possible. I refuse to let myself be bothered about the time and worry about how I'm spending it. Instead I relax, go with the flow and spend each moment doing what feels right to me at the time.

2. We pick up a book on chicken-keeping from the library and later arrange to pick up three or four of our own within the next couple of weeks.

3. I'm treated to a lovely new hat which will surely keep my ears warm. Ian smiles when the lady on the till charges us £3 less than it says on the label. He buys a similar hat of his own, and we're described as two eskimos as we walk to meet my brother.

4. Me, Ian and my brother reminisce and laugh in the pub, and suffer an agonising wait for the buffet to be opened!

2011-12-09T22:41:00.000Z

1. I turn the corner in the school playground and I'm confronted by the brightest rainbow set against a glum grey sky. I later notice what I foolishly think is another rainbow at another point in the sky, but realise that it's the other end of the first rainbow I saw. The entire arc slowly comes into view, getting brighter by the second. A child notes that it looks like it's coming out of someone's back garden.

2. Straight after tea (possibly not the wisest of ideas), I can't help but dance to some long-forgotten songs on the radio.

3. I bump into my friend out delivering cards, and she hands me mine. I smile when I open it and find that it's Disney themed. Sums her up perfectly.

4. For the first night this winter, I snuggle up in bed with a hot water bottle.

2011-12-08T21:35:00.002Z

1. I receive a Christmas gift from a girl in my class. She hands it to me, smiling, and quickly walks away as soon as it's in my hands.

2. A spicy lentil and parsnip soup warms me up at dinner time.

3. Relaxing with a hot drink while the wind whistles and howls outside.

2011-12-07T21:00:00.002Z

1. The children at school are seemingly unaffected by the rain and howling winds, as they race around outside with smiles on their faces.

2. The young carol singers at the Christmas light switch-on in the village smile as they sing enthusiastically. Inside, I'm astounded by the generosity of the organisers as a substantial buffet is laid out, free of charge.

3. A colleague contacts me out of the blue to see how the children's carol singing went.

4. I attempt to help Ian crack his back, but he just laughs at my futile efforts.

2011-12-06T21:58:00.002Z

1. I love my morning routine of rising early, waking up with some yoga and reading until I absolutely must get ready for work.

2. I get a surprise when I open the back door for Lotty and am confronted with rain lashing down on the driveway. I hear it before I am able to see it.

3. We both get excited about the ideas we've come up with for our joint future life.

2011-12-05T20:56:00.002Z

1. Right as the children are singing Christmas carols for their parents, it starts snowing outside.

2. My new woolly jumper gets four compliments, including one from a three-year-old girl in my class who says, "I like what you're wearing today."

3. On our walk with Lotty, we admire and discuss the Christmas lights adorning many of the houses we pass.

2011-12-04T21:17:00.002Z

1. We don't change out of our pjyamas for the entire day.

2. The three of us enjoy a group hug on the settee, which instantly makes me smile.

3. A good cry has the effect of a thorough wet wash.

2011-12-03T23:07:00.001Z

1. First thing this morning, I spend time clearing my email inbox and ruthlessly unsubscribing myself from various mailings to lessen future clutter.

2. I treat myself to a woolly winter jumper using a gift card I've had since July but forgot about.

3. More laughter in the pub with three of my favourite boys, particularly when Ian strikes a 'gangster' pose.

2011-12-02T22:02:00.002Z

1. My worries about a work issue turn out to be unfounded.

2. Lotty sits up, leaning on Ian, and reminds me of the stereotypical image of a Buddha.

3. Before bed, we put fresh sheets on together.

2011-12-01T21:16:00.002Z

1. I put on my coat, and get an instant whiff of the fabric conditioner in which it was washed yesterday. I stop to smell a little longer.

2. Ian's soup comes a warm winter surprise, and makes tomorrow's lunch easy.

3. We begin our new jigsaw together.

2011-11-30T21:04:00.002Z

1. Ian's excitement at opening his birthday presents, and the time he takes to read the verse on each and every card.

2. We walk further along the riverbank than we ever have before, to a part that Ian describes as mystical, where little birds flit past your eyes before you have a chance to identify them.

3. The pub we visit mid-afternoon is decked out in Christmas warmth.

4. A surprise visit from my friend, who drops off a card, some goodies and a hug for the birthday boy.

2011-11-29T23:04:00.003Z

1. My day starts with yoga, a run, and a dance in my pyjamas.

2. Ian treats us to fish and chips for dinner.

3. A comment on my new blog, in which a stranger tells me that my writing has soul, makes me smile and warms my heart.

4. The time flies as we laugh and chat in mum's kitchen.

2011-11-28T21:59:00.002Z

1. The sun rises over the horizon, a huge glowing fire ball in the sky. I almost feel as if I'm in the Savannah.

2. Everyone stays late at work to decorate for Christmas. We eat fish and chips together, and don't talk about work.

3. My first Christmas present is under the tree. It's wrapped in newspaper, and Ian even made a bow out of a page ripped from a magazine.

4. I receive messages of good luck prior to my impending wisdom tooth removal.

2011-11-27T21:57:00.000Z

1. We enjoy a long and bracing walk in the wind to the farmers' market.

2. Pyjamas and the settee are the name of the game this afternoon.

3. We finally watch the first episodes of The Killing II. So glad it's back.

2011-11-26T20:51:00.002Z

1. During my yoga relaxation, my mind empties and I lose myself for just a moment.

2. I stumble across the most glorious TED talk. Seriously, you must watch it.

3. At my dad's, my sister practises the dance she will perform to the sound of the Beatles during her class assembly. She's also been writing Christmas cards to her classmates, and I admire her improved handwriting.

4. A whole month before Christmas, our tree goes up.

2011-11-25T21:30:00.002Z

1. I listen to a podcast from The Feel Good Lifestyle, and find myself agreeing with every word. I still feel excitement and surprise whenever I find someone who relates to the way I think and feel.

2. After work, I get straight into my pyjamas and settle in for the night.

3. Ian is so shocked when he experiences a strong sense of déjà vu, I can't help but giggle at him.

2011-11-24T20:48:00.002Z

1. The headteacher accompanys some older children on a 'learning walk' around the school. She later tells me how calm and productive everything seemed in my room, and how pleased she was to notice that.

2. Making my dinner for work isn't one of my favourite tasks. So I'm glad to grab a minute to get a head start by mixing my tuna mayo.

3. We are probably a little too excited to pick up a bargain chocolate cake from the supermarket.

2011-11-23T21:55:00.002Z

1. The cold morning sky is clear and tinged with pink.

2. We head out for tea with an old friend, where plenty of laughs are shared.

3. On the way home, we pass a garden illuminated by the lights on a giant snowman and Father Christmas.

2011-11-22T21:42:00.000Z

1. When I leave for work, Ian and Lotty are still snuggled up in bed.

2. Exchanging tweets with strangers and making brief connections.

3. I pick up some homemade brownies that my brother saved for us.

4. I make a real attempt to learn how to confidently call myself a writer.

2011-11-21T20:39:00.002Z

1. My eyes can barely stay open this morning, so I succumb to tiredness and spend another half hour in bed.

2. I draw with the children at school. Their attempts at drawing their friends and monsters are priceless.

3. I chat with the Polish owners of the fish and chip shop.

4. The new plants for the fish tank have finally arrived.

2011-11-20T20:13:00.005Z

1. Mist has descended over what seems to be the entire country. I can barely see across the road when I open the front curtains. Instead, I marvel at a cobweb dotted with twinkling dew. While out running on the riverbank later, I can't see the river alongside me through the fog. It's surreal when I can hear the crowd at the rugby match across the road, but there is no-one to be seen.

2. I spread out on the living room carpet with the weekend papers and a bar of fruit & nut. The regular news items depress me, so I turn straight to the columns and supplements.

3. Baking in the kitchen. Just me and my iPod.

2011-11-19T23:28:00.000Z

1. Mist hangs low over my neighbours' rooftops, and the dewy grass glistens in the morning light.

2. My first issue of WI Life magazine plops onto the doormat.

3. The weather is perfectly autumnal as I head out for my morning run. There's a crisp chill in the air, the sky is clear and blue and the riverbank and trees are reflected perfectly on the surface of the still river. A teenager tries to unhook the rope swing off a tree branch for a little boy, who moves his bike out of the way for me as I run past. An old man turns when he heards my footsteps approaching, then smiles and greets me as he moves to the side of the path.

4. The church Christmas fair in the village hall is in full swing. Ian buys me a gorgeous Christmas tree decoration and a jigsaw puzzle, which I'm ridiculously excited about. There are refreshments, but I can't decide which cake to have. In the end, I get chocolate, Ian gets walnut, and we split them half and half.

5. Ian points out of the kitchen window at eight ladybirds dancing in the sunlight in our back garden.

6. Drinks with Ian, my brother and my lovely grandad, blasting out some classics on the jukebox and laughing 'til my belly hurts.

2011-11-18T21:26:00.002Z

1. I open the curtains to find the garden bathed in light from the rising sun.

2. When someone in the staffroom questions her about the apparently clashing patterns in her outfit, my colleague admits that she refuses to go into shops for women over 50 and buy the stuffy clothes that they sell. Instead, she'll wear exactly what she wants and not care what other people think, thank you very much.

3. It's Children in Need day at school (or Pudsey Bear day, if you ask the children). A boy who's ill comes into school at hometime to show off his homemade t-shirt on which he worked so hard. Another boy arrives in a curly red wig, which he says isn't curly, just red.

4. A boy calls out to me, "Teacher! You're beautiful." I brush it off and change the subject, but smile to myself.

2011-11-17T20:24:00.000Z

1. The sun comes out and shines over the top of church and through the trees, casting an ethereal light on the playground.

2. A boy rides his bike round the playground. Every so often he stops, as if at invisible traffic lights, and says to himself, "Red, stop. Orange, wait. Green, go!" And off he zooms.

3. I guide my brother round the supermarket as he does the weekly shop on behalf of my mum. He seems utterly confused at times.

2011-11-16T20:14:00.002Z

1. I blink as I turn on the kitchen light at 6am, and find a beautiful note from Ian on the worktop.

2. A rare chat with colleagues after a meeting makes me feel like I'm not the only one.

3. I used to run with the local running group, and I smile and greet them when we pass them with Lotty tonight.

2011-11-15T21:12:00.001Z

1. The things the children say at school are often priceless. Today, one boy gives me the giggles with his outbursts.

2. I spot my dad's dog on the street as I drive home through the village. I call him over and return him, much to my dad's surprise and delight.

3. The talking to that Ian gives me, in which he insists that I must grow a backbone, just shows that he cares.

2011-11-14T22:10:00.002Z

1. Two children work together to stir a load of leaves in an empty plant pot using a big stick. They tell me they're making porridge.

2. After being absent from work on Friday, a parent at school asks if I'm feeling better.

3. Our WI meeting consists of three cookery demonstrations, followed by the chance to taste the delectable puddings that the cooks made.

2011-11-13T22:33:00.001Z

1. My brother comes round for football and a sandwich.

2. There are moments when I stop in awe at Lotty's utter cuteness.

3. Ian calls me to stick my head out of the back door. Fog has descended, and I can't even see to the end of the driveway.

2011-11-12T17:25:00.000Z

1. I start my day with a new yoga practice designed to open the heart. I feel energised, strong and truly open. I can't wait to do it again tomorrow morning.

2. We have fun doing our filming for the Britain in a Day project.

3. After decluttering my wardrobe, I decide to tackle my computer. I sort through hundreds of emails I've collected over the years and feel satisfied that my life is slowly becoming more streamlined.

2011-11-11T20:18:00.003Z

1. I wake late, but I feel thoroughly rested.

2. I push myself to do a longer run than I'd planned. I enjoy hearing the noises from the docks as I'm running, and the whirr of a helicopter above.

3. Another out-of-the-blue phone call from grandad informs me that our tea is sorted; he's made us a chicken and vegetable pie.

4. A dose of Friday night TV encourages laughter and releases the week's tensions.

2011-11-09T22:53:00.002Z

1. Six pheasants, a mix of males of females, are gathered in a field, partly shielded from the busy road by a row of trees.

2. A productive morning at my desk is had.

3. It's film and nacho night at my mum's house. She provides nibbles galore, and everyone laughs at my wimpiness when we watch Paranormal Activity.

2011-11-07T21:46:00.001Z

1. After an incident at work, it's nice to know that the boss is on my side and has reassuring words to offer.

2. Lotty's bathtime is always hilarious. Her wet fur makes her look almost bald, and she always has a mad few moments of running when she gets out of the bath, trying to escape the towel.

3. Time for quiet reflection offers some much needed perspective.

2011-11-06T20:55:00.000Z

1. Decluttering my wardrobe offers a sense of tidiness and satisfaction.

2. My little sister's dress sense is eclectic to say the least, and she never fails to make me smile.

3. I'm glad my dad's pleased with his birthday present. I don't think there is a greater gift than just simply giving.

2011-11-05T21:43:00.002Z

1. Lots of giggles are had with Ian today.

2. On Bonfire Night, the noise of fireworks fills the air as we walk Lotty.

3. I'm left in awe after watching Life in a Day. A simple idea to bring together the lives of thousands of everyday people from around the world. I love that it's the little things that unite us.

2011-11-04T20:07:00.001Z

1. A message of thanks for the cards and gifts I gave my friend and her newborn.

2. A scrumptious taste of meat-free Glamorgan sausages.

3. An autumnal walk through wet fallen leaves.

2011-11-03T21:45:00.002Z

1. A boy brings a toy monkey to Show & Tell. He says it doesn't have a name, so another boy stands up. "Why don't you call it Pete?"

2. Walking out to the carpark, I spot a squirrel just up ahead of me. He spots me too. I walk slowly to my car, trying not to disturb him, but he ends up bouncing away from me all the way there, like a silly chasing game.

3. I meet my friend's 3-day-old son. He's beautiful, and I feel very broody.

2011-11-02T20:39:00.002Z

1.The excitement of experimenting with my new project.

2. The smell of fruity jelly fills the classroom.

3. Talking with Ian about daring to dream big, and getting all excited in the process.

2011-11-01T21:33:00.002Z

1. A tiny shadow passes my computer screen. When I turn to look out of the window, I see a blue tit, great tit, robin and pied wagtail all flitting about the empty playground.

2. We realise that we appreciate the nights drawing in as autumn settles down and winter prepares to make its arrival. It feels cosy to wrap up against the cold, crunch our way through the fallen leaves, and notice the lights on in the houses we pass.

3. As we walk, my mind empties and I have not a care in the world.

4. We pass my mum's house on our walk and stop to chat and catch up with her and my brother.

2011-10-31T20:30:00.001Z

1. Something catches my eye out of the classroom window. When I look, a grey squirrel bounces past.

2. We walk Lotty on the streets since the nights have become darker. Tonight, the area is teeming with little trick or treaters, dressed up as witches, ghosts and zombies. Some people have gone all out and decorated their houses with pumpkins, spiders' webs and skeletons to invite the trick or treaters to knock.

3. I get a lovely blast from the past when we spot an old work colleague trick or treating with her son.

2011-10-30T21:55:00.002Z

1. We visit the lady down the street who sells her allotment produce on a teeny stall outside her house. We discover a jar of mincemeat, and use it to top our biscuits later. It makes me come over all Christmassy.

2. As the village is gearing up for Halloween with pumpkins and skeletons adorning their houses, my dad appears to be doing the same thing as he carves his own pumpkin during my visit.

3. Lotty sleeps soundly, tongue out and twitching.

2011-10-29T22:53:00.002+01:00

1. My alarm was obviously set too early. I get straight back into bed after turning it off and doze for another hour.

2. We try a butternut squash and nut roast for tea tonight. Delicious.

3. After experiencing the queer cold in a particular corner of the pub, a discussion about the presence of ghosties and ghouls ensues.

2011-10-28T22:08:00.002+01:00

1. I agree with Ian that the burnt cheese topping the pasta bake is the best part.

2. We take Lotty for a walk early, before darkness descends.

3. Despite my laziness and reservations, I go out for my first WI event. I needed have worried about it, or desired a night in on the sofa instead. It feels good to engage my brain in a 'Countdown'-style game, and the people whose company I am in couldn't be more welcoming and friendly.

2011-10-27T21:36:00.002+01:00

1. Grandad calls. He's made too much pasta bake. Could I possibly take some off his hands?

2. Walking down the street with my brother, we notice the golden, pointy leaves scattered on the ground at our feet.

3. I treat us to a carvery dinner in our local. My dad and little sister pass the window. A smile and a wave make me realise how thankful I am for them.

4. A smile from a stranger in the street leads me to an idea.

2011-10-26T22:31:00.005+01:00

1. Is it frost or dew on the grass? It's difficult to tell as it glistens in the morning sun.

2. Midway through my run, I stop, look around, and jump on the rope swing I pass on my route.

3. A productive afternoon somewhat makes up for the rest of the week's relative idleness.

4. There's nothing like a silly picture to put a smile on my face...

2011-10-25T22:08:00.002+01:00

1. An impromptu visit from my brother consists of us trying to recall the phonetic alphabet with amusing results.

2. I throw a variety of vegetables into the pan to make my own take on vegetarian spaghetti bolognese.

3. We both wonder what's making that noise. It takes us a while to work out that it's thunder. We only realise when a flash of lightning bursts from the bottom of the curtains.

2011-10-24T21:28:00.002+01:00

1. Curling up on the settee with a box of tissues to my left and a cup of hot water and lemon to my right is exactly what I need to do when feeling run down with the sniffles.

2. Walking Lotty, I put up my huge hood to protect my face from the elements.

3. I learn about the origins of the words and phrases 'lunatic', 'sleep tight', 'gossip' and 'hit the sack' by watching a fascinating BBC series.

2011-10-23T20:43:00.002+01:00

1. A journey of anticipation as we drive back to my adopted home.

2. I'm very proud of our little Lotty as she takes in all the new places and people, and everyone coos over her.

3. My belly is definitely full by the end of the day.

4. A donation of cough sweets is just what I need to soothe a tickly throat.

2011-10-22T22:41:00.002+01:00

1. After a late night, I don't feel guilty about waking up mid-morning.

2. Ian adds chillies to his vegetable soup which really warm the throat. Later, we enjoy divine sweet potato, leeks and courgettes for tea and debate over which vegetable is our favourite. I can't decide.

3. Walking home at night with the night sky above us leads wonderfully into a discussion about stars and questions about what's out there.

2011-10-21T23:52:00.001+01:00

1. I pass a field of straw bales and smile to myself. When I was little, I always called them giant Weetabix.

2. I arrive at the hospital with no idea of the location of the clinic I need. An old man in a booth labelled 'volunteer guide' greets me and takes me directly to the right place.

3. I have my first ever x-ray. Afterwards, it's surreal to look at a picture of my own mouth from a different perspective.

4. There's nothing like a good belly laugh.

5. My great auntie's 70th birthday party shows me just how crazy my family are.

2011-10-20T20:30:00.003+01:00

1. I roll up the kitchen blind to discover that Jack Frost has visited our garden overnight.

2. Green pesto is added to the spaghetti dish I'm making for tea. It's always nice to try something different.

3. We haven't been giving her bones for long, but already Lotty knows to fetch her bone when asked where it is.

2011-10-19T19:09:00.002+01:00

1. I love watching some children throw themselves into our Music & Movement sessions in the hall, pretending to be 'funky monkeys'.

2. When I get home, Ian says that he really fancies ordering a Chinese. I didn't realise how much I was hoping he'd say that until the words were out of his mouth.

3. The settee is so comfortable. My eyelids are so droopy...

2011-10-18T20:57:00.003+01:00

1. A perceptive boy notices the cardigan I'm wearing and realises he's never seen it before. "Hey, you've got a new t-shirt!"

2. When we've finished reading 'We're Going on a Bear Hunt', an inquisitive and chatty 3-year-old decides that the bear feels sad in the end, because all he wanted was to go to the family's house for a cup of tea.

3. We revel in the excitement of turning on the central heating for the first time since we moved in and realising that it actually succeeds in heating the house!

4. A spontaneous supper of quick lemon cake .

2011-10-17T20:18:00.000+01:00

1. My brother contacts me with news that he's landed a job after a few months of searching.

2. A colleague who's been absent for a while compliments me on my hair.

3. A smiling face greets me at the window on my return from work.

4. We're taken aback as we sit in the living room and the wind suddenly whips a torrent of rain at the patio door.

2011-10-16T20:52:00.000+01:00

1. I'm four chapters into John Williams' book and I'm excited to report that my mind is buzzing with ideas.

2. Next door's cat pounces upon a moth and looks distinctly disappointed when it escapes from his grasp. He resorts to waiting patiently by the back door for someone to let him in.

3. Down the street, someone sells fresh free range eggs in a box attached to their gate. The six we pick up this afternoon all have today's date marked upon them.

4. Ian makes vegetable soup and adds mixed spices to turn it into a winter warmer.

5. It's time to dig out the goose feather duvet.

2011-10-15T23:57:00.002+01:00

1. A little girl cycles down the street alongside an old lady, singing away as her stabilisers make a wonderful racket on the pavement.

2. Dad proudly presents the result of his first experiment with cinemagraphs, and shows us the blog from which he's been taking some inspiration.

3. My brother joins us for a drink with grandad. At the pub, we unwittingly crash a surprise birthday party, but we're assured it's not a problem.

2011-10-14T20:34:00.001+01:00

1. A free car park, one remaining space, and it's mine.

2. The moon glows orange, a huge ball hanging low in the night sky.

3. Giggling as mum cycles to work. I can hear her laughter all the way down the street.

2011-10-13T20:00:00.002+01:00

1. We treat ourselves to fish and chips for tea.

2. Looking up at a tree, the light that filters through the branches look like stars and the branches themselves are the night sky. I used to lay on the grass when I was little and imagine it was night.

3. A book I recently ordered arrives quickly. I begin to read it with anticipation and hope that it will motivate me on my path towards change.

2011-10-12T23:02:00.002+01:00

1. I step out of the car at the petrol station into a puddle containing a shimmering rainbow of colour.

2. Ghostpoet plays live in York. It's a nice change to get out on a weeknight, and the performance is better than I'd imagined. I also like to watch and giggle at the people in the crowd who get totally lost in the music.

3. We do some owl-spotting on the late drive home.

2011-10-11T19:53:00.000+01:00

1. Chatting to some children, I notice a robin flit out of a nearby bush and land on the school roof. It sings furiously for a minute, before flying away.

2. It's dusk as I drive home after the second parents' evening. I like it as it's just getting dark and everyone's starting to turn on their headlights.

3. We pass my dad's house as we walk Lotty. His dog, Harvey, is standing guard at the end of the driveway and seems very surprised to see us. He barks and jumps back, then runs away as we approach.

2011-10-10T20:35:00.002+01:00

1. I try a new yoga routine, which makes me feel strong and as if the past week's practice has been of real benefit.

2. Parents' evening runs smoothly, and it's good to hear that so many children enjoy coming to nursery.

3. There's nothing like getting home and snuggling into my dressing gown after a long day.

2011-10-09T20:20:00.002+01:00

1. I step out of the door for my morning run and find it's much milder than I was expecting it to be.

2. Our jaws drop several times today at the wonder of nature. Out walking Lotty, we spot an opening in the trees lining the riverbank. We go to explore, and stand in awe watching the countless geese and cormorants sitting just off Hook Island. Later, we watch Autumnwatch and discover some stunning facts about crossbills and zoochory that leave us in awe of nature's resourcefulness.

3. A dark autumn evening calls for comfort food, so I make our old favourite, jammy biscuits.

2011-10-08T21:53:00.002+01:00

1. A late run and an early lunch mean that we don't make it to the bank before it closes, but I've had such a lovely morning that it doesn't matter.

2. Lotty twitches as she dreams.

3. We emerge from the warmth of grandad's living room, laden with leftovers from our roast dinner, to a world of drizzle and fog, where the nearby church spire is barely visible in the mist. Ian declares that he likes nights like this, and we all agree that we're glad the weather is finally doing what it's supposed to do in autumn.

2011-10-07T20:32:00.002+01:00

1. During my fifth consecutive morning yoga practice this week, it's evident that my balance is improving already.

2. Ian and Lotty wave me off to work from the front window.

3. A cup of hot water and lemon helps to soothe a sore throat.

2011-10-06T20:47:00.002+01:00

1. A decidedly wild and windy day heralds the official arrival of autumn.

2. I make a mushroom and leek risotto, the first I've ever attempted. Granted, it's done in the microwave and is ridiculously easy to make, but it's nonetheless deliciously creamy.

3. For the first time this week, I'm home early from work and have no plans for the rest of the evening. A quiet night stretches ahead, and I can't wait.

2011-10-05T21:22:00.000+01:00

1. The children's excitement when they are told that we'll be making chocolate spiders today is palpable and infectious.

2. Cake and laughs with Ian, my mum and my brother.

3. A fully stocked fridge is always satisfying.

2011-10-04T21:37:00.003+01:00

1. I love our new morning routine which consists of rising early, exercising, and then chilling on the settee before work with Jazz FM as our background accompaniment.

2. A productive morning is spent at my desk, and I even manage to fit in a bit of downtime too.

3. A fun night is had by all at my friend's baby shower, with games galore providing plenty of giggles. A particular favourite (and eye-opener) is the baby jar game - have a smell and guess what's inside! I never thought of feeding my future children jars anyway, but this game just confirms my decision!

2011-10-03T20:45:00.003+01:00

1. Green tea and yoga to start the day. I feel utterly virtuous.

2. Banana and walnut cake in the staffroom.

3. Moving furniture gives me a new (and rather exciting) perspective on my classroom. I look forward to the children coming in tomorrow.

2011-10-02T21:07:00.000+01:00

1. My brother joins me for a morning run. We chat for the duration, making the route seem much shorter than usual.

2. Two loads of washing later, the washing basket is finally empty.

3. I spot some purple flowers in the garden which seem to have appeared overnight. I guess that they are michaelmas daisies. I'm reminded of a song we used to sing at primary school, and I promptly deliver a verse for Ian right there in the kitchen.

4. Catching up with Monty Halls' latest adventure provides us with a new place to which we can dream we will escape.

5. Our evening of TV catch-up culminates with a fascinating, inspirational story which prompts lots of discussion between me and Ian.

2011-10-01T20:27:00.002+01:00

1. I need to wake my sister, but she looks so peaceful while sleeping that I am loath to do so.

2. While waiting for me at the hairdressers, my sister draws a picture of me in the chair, my hair surrounding me on the floor.

3. The kitchen is filled with the smell of chocolate as brownies bake in the oven. Licking the bowl afterwards is one of the best parts of baking.

4. At the supermarket, it takes a while for me to realise that the man in front of us in the queue is my dad. We grab a couple of minutes to talk and laugh. Out in the car park, my oldest friend calls my name. She's unloading her shopping into the car as her 2-year-old daughter eats salad on the back seat and simultaneously fashions a new bracelet out of a red onion ring.

5. A quick birthday visit to a school friend results in a catch-up and a refreshing drink.

2011-09-30T22:25:00.002+01:00

1. The autumnal colours of the trees by the side of the motorway are highlighted by the bright rising sun.

2. A tearful little girl who cried for mum at nursery yesterday agrees to come in when she sees me, and becomes my shadow for the duration of the afternoon.

3. My little sister joins us for a sleepover. We help her with the maths game she has brought from school, and giggle at her tap dancing and Ian's attempts to copy her.

2011-09-29T20:56:00.002+01:00

1. The beautiful morning mist turns into fog, prompting me to turn on my headlights.

2. The headteacher comes in to observe the nursery in action. I'm very thankful for an unusually calm atmosphere among the children.

3. I often turn on the radio as I cook tea, but sometimes it's nice to work in silence.

2011-09-28T20:05:00.000+01:00

1. I pass my grandad walking back from the shop, newspapers in hand. I wind down the window and shout to him, to be greeted with a surprised 'hello' and a smile in return.

2. It feels as if I'm breaking a rule to be out of work on a weekday afternoon. Although the reason for being out (a dentist appointment) is far from fun, I enjoy the sense of freedom that comes with driving home on relatively quiet roads when others are still at work. Later, reading a book in the garden under the heat of the sun is even more glorious.

3. Ian proudly shows me how he has arranged the soya milk and orange juice cartons so neatly in the fridge.

2011-09-27T20:50:00.000+01:00

1. The breeze blowing through the trees outside creates dancing shadows on the desk.

2. I pass one of my pupils from last year heading outside to play after lunch. Within seconds, she's back, fleece in hand. "It's red hot out there!"

3. Laying on the bed, letting it get dark around me.

2011-09-26T20:08:00.003+01:00

1. A section of my drive to work is made eerie by the countless crows gathered on the arms of the lamposts overhead.

2. I open the door to be greeted by a sizzling sound. Ian is making chickpea burgers.

3. We climb up the riverbank with Lotty, and I can't help but say 'wow' when we reach the top. The water level is very high, and the setting sun glistening in the windows of the houses across the river is beautifully reflected on the river's surface.

4. I wish I had my camera with me when I see the sunset. We stop on the riverbank and stare.

2011-09-25T17:15:00.005+01:00

1. I wake just before 6.30am after an early night. My alarm hasn't gone off, but I've woken naturally for a change. I don't feel tired so I decide to get up. I get some school work done and do some reading, then it's back to bed with a green tea to chat and lay with Ian and Lotty.

2. I've often been tempted by a rope swing tied (apparently very securely) to a tree branch on our dog-walking route. Today I take the plunge and scream with a mixture of fear and delight.

3. Ian makes shepherd's pie in the kitchen. I hear 'Daytripper' quietly playing as he switches on the radio, followed by the tinkling of the glass bottles lined up on top of the fridge as he opens the door to get more ingredients. I'm drawn into the kitchen, where I find the window open and sunlight streaming in.

2011-09-24T20:11:00.003+01:00

1. Lotty's shiny new red harness.

2. Homemade birthday cards on the Hook in Bloom stall outside a neighbour's house, lovingly placed alongside the apples and peppers.

3. Delicious sweet potato mash.

2011-09-23T21:45:00.003+01:00

1. The first thing I notice when I leave the house is birdsong.

2. I enjoy a long overdue catch-up with one of my favourite blogs.

3. It feels good to succumb to the yawns and take myself upstairs to bed.

2011-09-22T21:21:00.002+01:00

1. In the morning, the hallway is bathed in the sunlight streaming through the front door.

2. There have been reshuffles at work, and people have been nervous about settling down with new colleagues. After ranting and laughing together in the staffroom tonight, I don't think I'll have any more worries.

3. Our bad moods are lifted and cross words forgiven when Ian breaks the tension with a smile.

2011-09-20T20:40:00.001+01:00

1. A visit to another nursery setting leaves me brimming with inspiration and ideas.

2. We take mum to the supermarket with us for the weekly shop and laugh with her and my brother when we drop her off afterwards. I'm glad they're close by once again.

3. Lotty chews her new bone for over an hour. Afterwards, she cannot stop panting, having tired herself out.