Lazy days in the park

With their heads held high, they gracefully glide across the rippling waters of the lake
Then upside down, ducking down, tail feathers up, the swans take a cooling break

A faint breeze lightly strokes my skin and causes my hair to tickle my face
The sun beating down, causing patterns on my eyelids and tanning each exposed place

Quiet. Peaceful. No noise, apart from the breeze winding its way through branches and reeds
The trees sway gently in the wind, carrying the faint cries of children playing nearby, 'whose in the lead?'

Blankets adorn the grass, laden with ice cold drinks and picnic treats
Potato salad, sandwiches, dips, cheeses and meats

Friends create makeshift pitches and divide into teams
Couples walk past, holding hands and licking ice creams

Nothing to see but trees, grass and clear blue sky
Reading or sleeping, eating or drinking, on this blanket I continue to lie

Occasional quacking from the ducks nearby, furry ducklings travelling along in a long line
Only the heavy pant of a dog or the jingle of its collar makes me jump from my relaxing time

Sunglasses, suncream, summerwear all come out today
Everyone hoping this glorious sun is here to stay

Old couples share memories overlooking the lake from a wooden bench seat
Young children learn to feed the ducks, nervous as the big swans start to gather by their feet

No cares or worries just dozing listening to the occasional bird tweet, duck quack or dog bark
Nothing can spoil hot, sunny, lazy days in the park

Let the sun shine

I love the sun. There is something about it that just makes everything seem right in the world. A bit of sunshine and it brightens everyone's mood.

Last week we had a couple of sunny days, being during the week I was at work. I was so disappointed when on both days I was too busy to take a break and missed out. So when I woke this morning - with a slightly sore head from too much wine last night - I was so pleased to see how bright and shiny it was!

Hence this is also why I am now on my lunchbreak sitting in the sun and writing this blog. Lovely.

I've always loved the sun since a young age, being lucky enough to go on holiday to a warm climate every year from the age of around 2 through to 24, I am definitely a sun worshipper! In turn my skin tends to agree with the sun and I tan well.

I must admit although I've never used fake tan/sunbeds I do loathe the winter months when I feel pale and think my skin makes me look ill. As soon as any sign of Summer begins I am out there topping up my tan.

As for holidays there are only a few years I haven't had one and they were hard, just the thought of heading somewhere hot in the near future makes everything seem alright. And as for people who don't like the sun, I just don't get it. Or those people who go on holiday to a hot location and hide indoors or under an umbrella the whole time, what's the point?

Sun to me equals happiness, health and fun. It brightens your mood waking up to a bright sunny day and leaves you feeling fresh and more awake.

Take today, I woke up hungover but still had a beaming smile. I've walked round the city and people all seem that little less miserable and rude. And clients so far - touch wood - all seem pleasant and polite.

I really do hope this is the start now of lots more happy sunny days. Then I can look forward to changing my exercise routine to include swimming and runs or walks outdoors, BBQs with friends and family, trips to the seaside and of course wearing a new wardrobe.

I guess the only daunting part is getting in shape for this warmer weather and less covered up clobber. As I'm still on my healthy eating and exercise plan though that doesn't worry me quite as much as usual.

I'm also reading a book at the moment set in a hot summer in Italy which is brightening my mood, but also teasing me with its tales of sweltering heat, cool drinks, outdoor eating, clear blue skies and crystal blue swimming pools.

Fresh salads and cold juices are so much more enjoyable than stodgy foods and hot drinks when it's sunny too. Although in the sun I will start to crave ice cream, chilled wine and lager, so I will definitely need to find a balance.

So not long left and I have to head back indoors. I'll make do with the sunlight coming through the window for the rest of today...and keep everything crossed for a weekend of warmth from tomorrow!

Summer Sulk

Er hello? Where has the Summer gone?

I’m sorry, but I can’t let this go by without commenting on it. I love the sun and like to get out in it as much as I can. When we decided to save up this year to get some cash in order to get a place together I braced myself for the fact this would be another year without a holiday.

Now, I apologise to anyone who doesn’t holiday that often and for sounding like a spoilt little madam, but I admit I am an annual leave addict and like to get on a plane and go relax once a year without fail. The only year in my life – which I guess shows I have been pretty privileged on reflection – I didn’t go on holiday was the year I purchased my flat. Every other year of my life I have been on holiday and abroad at that.

The only downfall with this is you come to expect a holiday, your skin is used to getting the sun and you crave it. The weather forecasters – as per – predicted scorching temperatures and an ‘Indian Summer’ this year (hmm sounds familiar...) and so I tried to reassure myself I could cope if the weather was holidayesque in the UK at least.

But no no no, not England, no it couldn’t be a nice Summer could it. Oh no, I’m not going away so in fact let’s make it one of the coldest Summers instead. Great. I love waking up in August to grey skies and goosebumpy skin.

So now today we found ourselves in September – how on earth did that come around?? September, i.e. kids go back to school and Autumn is meant to start. What happens? We go to work in covered-up-clothes and sensible shoes and are met with a boiling hot lunchbreak and sweaty commute.

I’ve also chosen to start a new job in the month when everybody knows people go away, so not only am I met with a probation period without annual leave allowed, but also the fact that seemingly everyone else is going away. Those empty seats taunt me every time I look round the room! The joke is even if I was allowed annual leave (which I’m sure wouldn’t be totally frowned upon seeing as everything so far seems really fair and friendly), I can’t jump on a plane anyway as I’m supposed to be saving.

I’m not too good at the whole being happy for those going away either – my parents are a great example of this, they basically spend their retirement going on holiday. I don’t like this and find it hard not to get jealous! As the bank holiday approached and I looked forward to my plans, I soon felt my mood come crashing down as friends and colleagues took days off to extend the long weekend and went abroad instead.

It’s funny though how when we do get the odd sunny day we quickly forget them and complaints of ‘We’ve had no sun’ or ‘no Summer’ are quickly thrown around. I am just as guilty of doing that.

I’m just going to curl up on the sofa, in my cardi, with a cup of tea and console myself by giggling at Celebrity Juice. Ah Mark from Only Way Is Essex and Rochelle from the Saturdays (also from Romford) – a good bit of Essex ‘talent’ will keep me entertained I’m sure!!