It's been a stressful few months and, now I have stopped spending all my expendable income on making doll houses, I have decided I need to start treating myself to more self care. There have been periods of time over the last 4 months where I have really struggled with basic self care - so it feels really nice to be back in a position where I want to use my time and energies on something a bit more special. H:Room is my go-to for these things, and has been since about 2022 - so today I went off for a much needed back, neck, and shoulder massage (lots of knots, unsurprisingly!) Felt like floaty jelly walking to the bus stop afterwards I was so relaxed!

I always love a spontaneous win for the list, so it was a lovely surprise when, halfway round our walk, John looked to see if there were any geocaches nearby and there was one 300 yards ahead of us! I've not found one for a year, was really into it for a while - especially during lockdown when it got me and the kids out and exploring - and always get a little shot of excitement when I find a new one!

We headed to Aldworth for a walk, stopping at St Mary church at the start - I had really wanted to go and see the Aldworth stone giants contained within but unfortunately, could only see them from the doorway of the church as it was barriered off. Still, a beautiful building, with an amazing 1000-2000 year old tree in the churchyard, and the start of a great walk that forms part of the 50mile Ridgeway (of which we would like to visit more). I'd like to go back to St Mary's to see the stone giants properly at some point, though ticking it off now, as it was our focal destination.

Had a good Mummy and Leon day (afternoon!) during which we had intended to go and play golf at Prospect Park - but it was way too hot to walk there and we were feeling lazy so we played darts in the garden on the new set instead. It was pretty close but Leon won, even though he missed with at least one of his darts in every throw - and blamed his height!

Today we found this fabulous "hidden" gem - I say "hidden" because it's bloody massive, everyone local seems to know about it, but I'd never heard of it! It's called Wilder's Folly, is just past Sulham Woods, and appeared to us through the trees in the middle of a field, half way through a 5km walk. Apparently it was built by a vicar, for his love, and it could be seen from both their houses. The first floor has a painted room in it, previously reached by wooden steps (which I am beyond desperate to see) though the good old Victorians used it as a dovecote, and the roof has caved in, so I imagine at this point it's covered in shite. Still, lovely walk, awesome place, great start to the day.

Spent a few days with ma and pa, helping sort out dad's study - it was a lovely couple of days but bloody hot, which hampered doing much, but we did manage to go to The Cricketer's Arms for a nice drink in the garden. Very nice but a bit hot!

Been feeling like writing lately, but not had a project on the go ... until I had the great idea to write a murder mystery for the in laws! It's ballroom dancing themed, the pun names are on point, and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in to the writing!

To finish off a lovely few days with the inlaws, we all went for brunch this morning at Bill's before everyone headed off their separate ways. Nice bacon pancakes (though had food envy of M-I-L's avo on sourdough). Super tired and still full from all the food last night, but a really nice way to cap off the parental visit.

After a couple of let-downs for my birthday, this has been a long awaited list item - and one I knew would be a favourite. As predicted, the in-laws loved it (B-I-L reluctantly so at first), mum had a much needed night away from caring responsibilities, and F-I-L did such a good Poirot (Hercules Parrot) impression that I'm convinced he should play him in the next series. He was also the murderer, and would have gotten away with it if it wasn't for the pesky B-I-L who had F-I-L sussed from the get go. Lots of laughs, great costumes, fabulous food, very tidy house (thanks John!) - and a resolution to do more hosting now we have our house. I really do love it!

Much as I like to use this list to try and organise and motivate myself to do more, I do bloody love it when a list item happens spontaneously - it feels so serendipitous. After a lovely Thai meal with John and the in-laws, we went to The Botanist for a few drinks... only to be asked if we'd like to take part in the Intros Bingo pub quiz. Perfect! It was a lot of fun, MIL and I smashed it, I must say. And a really lovely turn-up-for-the-list. We won a few vouchers for our next visit too!

Had a free afternoon whilst John was at his brother's graduation, so decided to relax with a home-made face mask and a meditation. The mixture was very simple, incredibly gloopy, but left my skin feeling lovely! Still, think I might stick to the (less gross looking) bought ones in the future!

After the bike failure, we did manage to go for a lovely 2 mile hike through the woods and luckily I was ready armed with a book, all book-crossing'd up. I've tried to release at lease one book into the wild through Bookcrossing a year since 2020, when I found my first one. It's a really lovely way to share books with other people. This time, I left a previously read favourite on a bench in the woods, with the hope it won't get blown away or binned.