Simple things...........

A week ago, we set off for the mountains. By car. That car is now making a horribly ominous noise, and it still has to get us back home again. Believe me, many prayers are winging their way heavenward right now. Stupid hunk of metal. It is meant to go at all times, amd behave.

The trip was long, and exhausting for all of us, but we are here, and I am taking things slowly. In fact slow is just about all I can cope with. The computer monitor which expired is not mine. It is my sister's, and David is trying to fix it. As I speak, it is in pieces on the dining room table. But he was a star, and has attached the computer to a tv, so it can be used. These are moments when I really miss Geoff - he would have fixed it is a heartbeat. I have appropriated my brother-in-law's laptop, which has a foreign keyboard, and a really unreliable internet connection. I have to restart every few minutes, which is not ideal. Especially when I lose whatever I have written.

But enough of that. There is plenty to be grateful for right now.

• I love the mountains. You all know that.
• I am spending time with my family, and that is special.
• Diana is safely home in NZ
• My friend Jean is here too, and is learning what life would have been like with 2 crazy sisters!
• She also loves baking. We are encouraging her. We have given up worrying re the hips.
• I get to play in another garden. Well, I would if the rain would stop. Tomorrow is supposed to be sunny.
• I have a brother-in-law who sends delicious lunches from his restaurant. See hips above.
• My friends are staying in my home and looking after my garden for me.
• There is a great wool shop round the corner.
• We have heard alphorns at dawn, waking the village with a beautiful song.
• Yodelling nuns.

Ah yes....... there is always something to be thankful for, isn't there. It just takes some searching for at times. And the crocheted hat thing...... Diana asked for a hat before she left, and being the world's most accomplished procrastinator, I made one sort of out of my head the night before she left. Well, now that I have twiddled about with the pattern, and adjusted it a little, I am on a roll, people. The hats are piling up. I do believe Christmas presents are sorted.

For a short while, I am ignoring the swirling vortex of thoughts and "stuff" in my head, and I am just "being". Detox of the mind time. Simple things, like deadheading flowers, and making hats, and reading a Chicken Soup for the Soul book. One little story at a time. Sitting in the garden. Breathing the clear sweet air.

Home and all that " stuff " can wait. I am slowing down and smelling the roses, and you know what? It is good. I recommend it.

I have just used the spell check thingy. Well, it has highligted this entire post. That would be because it thinks I should be writing in German, which I clearly am not. Nor am I going to. The speaking part is getting better by the day. I actually heard myself talking to my brother-in-law in German today. Normally it is English. I understand, but just battle to find the right words at times. But I am getting there.

Mindful. Peaceful. Gentle. Slow.

I am trying. I can't think of a better place to be right now.