Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family.
Five Happy Things {Week 511}
With the kids away at Scout camp it was a very quiet week for us. The weather was a bit too warm so we went for long dog walks in the evening when it was cooler. The kids came back from camp with so much washing but they had a great time camping by the sea.
I finished Diary of a Provincial Lady by E M Delafield. I didn’t enjoy it the first time I tried to read it, but the second time I picked it up and couldn’t put it down. Written in 1930 it is both domestic and feminist, chronicling the daily life of a wife and mother living in the English countryside. It is very funny and amazing to read how life has changed so much for women over the last 90 years.
We have been obsessively picking blackberries in our local area. I’m not sure if they are out earlier than usual but we are going away for a few days and I didn’t want to miss them. They are all washed and frozen so we can enjoy them throughout autumn, although my son used a few to bake a blackberry and apple loaf.
I feel like I’ve been quite crafty in these long summer evenings. Last week I finished a Cotton Clara cross stitch bookmark, featuring 5 mugs of tea, as well as a sweet little Cotton Clara x Donna Wilson cat face.
We enjoyed a few meals out last week too. My husband and I went out for lunch to our favourite cafe, and we also went out with friends for a meal somewhere new. I really enjoyed cooking less as the weather was so warm!
Let me know what’s making you happy lately in the comments below.
Your dog is so adorable. i dont think I ever tried blackberries before, they do sound very nice!
There’s nothing like fresh berries! I’m a fiend when they come in season around here, too.
Freezing blackberries for the later months is a great idea. I need to get picking, there are loads around here. That loaf sounds really yummy!
We have a large blackberry bush in our backyard, and they are blooming earlier this year! I blame the heat so early on. I’ve made some jam with mine.
Sounds like a wonderful week! It would be fun to get to go blackberry picking and the loaf your son made sounds delicious, also great job on the bookmark it is looking great.
I love your Happy List idea—such a great way to reflect and appreciate the little joys! It sounds like a peaceful week with some nice family moments, even with the quiet house.
I love the cross stitch. Looks like it’s coming along so nicely..such a relaxing hobby. And berry picking is just the perfect summer activity isn’t it?! I’m sure lots of yummy treats are in store with that little bushel!
It sounds nice to have had some peace and quiet. There are lots of blackberries around here too and I really need to go and pick some and freeze them so that I can make a crumble!
I’ve heard about the book, Diary of a Provincial Lady, and I was interested in reading it as well. Now I will give it a go because of your review, thanks for sharing!
I love those days when I don’t have to cook! Haha 😛🤣 . That cross stitch bookmark looks lovely, great job 👌🏻
I love blackberries, and the idea of freezing them for winter is a good idea. I am a lazy cook, and I love to have easy ideas that don’t take much preparation time.
Love blackberries and this is one of my favourite fruits. It is a great idea for freezing them to use during the winter season.
I am loving your vibes the BlackBerry picking is a fun activity and along with the cross stitch is my idea of pure chilling. I’ll also be giving your book read a go, added the title to my reading list. Mel W x
Oh we love blackberries! We have a bush just over our garden so always picking them in the summer!. Can’t beat not cooking in this heat!