1. The endless pretty villages. I tell John that is good job its overcast or it might be unbearably beautiful.

1b. “Look,” John says to make me look up from my map. Sudden huge hills rise up all around us. They look soft to the touch, not quite velvet but moleskin.

1c. A conveniently placed patch of green (for a dog wee), a chilled out bar, a nice meal and the best sticky toffee pudding we’ve had in years/ever.

1d. We enjoy the word ‘buttress’.

2. The landscape suddenly changes as we enter Scotland. Flat fields give way to hills and evergreens. It’s hard to concentrate on where we’re going.

2b. I get John to high five me in the woods — not a euphemism – I just deserve a high five for finding this place. Lily could not be more delighted either.

2c. I can’t describe how cosy it is – everything so soft and luxurious.

3. They were the big draw of this place – what set it apart – and they don’t disappoint. The sauna is a little too hot for our first session and the hot tub feels that way too but we quickly acclimatise to the heat. The second time around they’re both a perfect temperature. Afterwards, I slump on the sofa: my body hasn’t felt as relaxed in a long time – my muscles feel like jelly.

3b. Stars appear in patches between the clouds. The moon illuminates the snowy hills.

3c. I’m surprised how buoyant I am in the water. My boobs defy gravity for the first time in a long time and the rest of me joins them, floating inches above the seat.

3d. Pleasant pinprinks of drizzle on my face.

1. I make a new purse. It’s a bit hurried and too many things go wrong to make it a total success but some things go well: the neat double fold sits neatly alongside the zip; the cotton disappears into the fabric (pattern/colour-wise) and the width of the foot makes a perfect guide for the French hems.

2. Lily’s freshly clipped softness. Strange’s white belly, stretched out on the bed.

3. Reading an article about Caroline Lucas, I come across this line describing a key, early friendship: “Their house was full of books, her mum read the Guardian, they had Body Shop stuff in the bathroom, and it was like a whole new way of thinking and being. It was extraordinary.” I could have written that. Hurrah for amazing, formative childhood friendships.

1. Breakfast on the balcony in the sunshine – the first time this year. Lily sits with me while the cats – our and next door’s – explore the gardens. (It seems like Feb 27th is the day to breakfast on the balcony again.)

2. I dig out my Appleton’s shade card box to help decide on the colours for a new project. I wouldn’t have bought one full price (hurrah for an ebay bargain) but it really is the most useful thing. The colours are just beautiful.

3. Strange snuggles in between me and Lily. In her dream, she pads on Lily’s paw. Lily wouldn’t tolerate such behaviour from anyone else but from her best buddy Strangy, it’s allowed.

1. A dozen little birds in the elder tree. Half flee as soon as we see them, as if they suddenly know they’re being observed.

2. The rumbling drum underneath the song.

3. Something is wrong with the design but I can’t tell what. I tweak some things and take a long look from a long distance but it’s only when I go back to my original reference material that it clicks.

3b. Freehand, with a pen, it’s a lot easier to make even more improvements.

1. The morning is bright and sunny. I hug the dog and take photos of the pretty cat on the window sill.

2. We are, in general, a bit disappointed with our tiles but looking closer, we all find things we like and want to try again.

2b. We joke, back and forth.

2c. I *just* catch the bus in both directions.

3. The last episode of Parks and Recreation is sappy but (with the exception of April) true to its show and its characters. I enjoy it a lot (even though I’d forgotten to go for waffles before hand and not planned the washing schedule right to allow me to watch it from under my Ann Perkins blanket).

1. It’s not fine dining by any means but brie spread on muffins hits a comfort food spot.

2. I stand amongst the birches and just breath.

3. Most of the tiles are distinctly underwhelming but a few of them a very pleasant indeed.