It’s been a busy few days… I still can’t get used to the idea of not having a job even though it’s only, officially, been 1 day! Who would have thought the first urge I would have would be to go into “must clean out cupboards” mode… definitely not me! But that’s what happened – ended up clearing out the desk I’ve used for the past 5 years – all the things I’ve just shoved away “just in case” and not thought about again… found all sorts and about 5 different boxes for mobile phones I don’t even remember having! 🤣 Now to decide what to do with the old hole-punch, stapler and staple remover I don’t think I’ve used for about a decade or more – a museum perhaps? 🤣 I am sure there would be some young ‘uns who wont even know what I am talking about 😂 – let alone recognise the 10-odd highlighter pens (all dried out of course) I think I probably last used when I did my psychology degree with the OU 7 years ago… just shows how things have change!

It’s was such a lovely couple of days weather-wise on Friday and Saturday… makes you realise (for us north-dwellers anyway) how little sunshine there seems to have been this summer now that it’s already September…

We managed a good walk above Silsden yesterday and did a bit of foraging for blackberries which Pete has now magicked into jam (see below). It’s so peaceful up the tops there… and gave me a good chance to try out my new camera too…

You could see Mum’s residential home from the top of the big hill… 🥰they have the most spectacular view down the Aire Valley towards Keighley from their lounge… but not the sort of place you could just nip out to the shops! 🤣

Today, the weather has been completely different – back to grey & a bit damp although very humid… a little stroll along the Leeds / Liverpool canal from Riddlesden to Bingley 5-locks, coffee & cake & a stroll back – perfect!

Just two more days to go until our travels begin – je ne peux pas attendre / no puedo esperar as they say in France / Spain… I cannot wait!

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