Resting isn’t lazy

I woke up feeling quite down this morning. I’m tired, drained and a bit overwhelmed. So I cut myself a bit of slack and retreated to the conservatory. I sat cuddling the kittens and watched the clouds go by. I had a good cry as well.

Things aren’t where I want them right now. I’m doing my best. It’s exhausting some days. Running your own business takes so much energy. Supporting my parents took a lot out of me too. I’m spinning so many plates right now, it’s understandable I’m feeling a bit spent.

So today I rested. The powers that be decided that I shouldn’t be alone as a good friend rang the doorbell. And she brought me a taste of Scotland. Just what I needed.

I’m learning that resting doesn’t mean I’m lazy. It means I’m getting my energy back so I can go again.

Autumn explosion

It seems like the Autumn colours have appeared overnight! I know I’ve been away and all that. Even in the drizzle, the colours were vivid.

After another trip away, it felt so good to go for a wander with my little boy. I’ve missed this. It really does my soul good. Even if we did get soaked. Never let it be said that I’m a fair-weather rider.

Halloween hangover

So it appears I am channelling vampire tendencies again. Got a few odd looks today as a result. The trouble is that I totally forgot about it. Till someone mentions it.

Not a clue what causes it, but I can get them when I’m over tired. The last few weeks (months / years) have caught up with me a bit. Feeling rather tired today. So looking forward to an early night. Not very vampire at all.

Halloween was so last month…. Normal Pip service will be back soon.

No place like home

Someone was very happy I’m home. Dodo was my shadow as he slept in the office. Hugo kept coming to check on me, between naps on the sofa.

Buddy seemed pleased to see me too. Thought he was a little sluggish when I lunged him. He had his vaccinations yesterday so problems an aftereffect from that. After 4 days off, I’d expected a bit more enthusiasm.

As for me, I’m very happy to be home. I love travelling and going places, but I love my little house, my boys and my bed too.

Looks are deceiving

Well that’s the Conference over. I’ve loved the last 3 days. I got to people. A lot. It’s been great meeting people I’ve worked with virtually in the flesh.

I’ve loved Edinburgh too. Blown away with how beautiful a city it is. Bugger me there are some hills though! Climbing back up to see the Castle in the daylight was a great idea. Carrying my rather heavy bag, backpack and banner while doing it wasn’t my best look. Talk about modern day packhorse. 😝

The ladies at the top took pity on me when I got there. It’s been a while since I did proper hills. The joys of living in Norfolk.

Got to the station to be sniffed several times by a police dog. Hope I wasn’t too stinky…

Thank you Edinburgh. I’ll definitely be back.

Always learning

Took a moment to read this on my way for day 2. I’m at the Society of Endocrinology Conference so felt right to learn a little bit more about the subject matter. Though I seem to have an air of a medical professional as I’ve been asked several times today if I’m a professor. It must be the glasses….

I’m here representing Addison’s disease and Adrenal Insufficiency. A subject I’m learning a lot about. It’s been fascinating chatting to people about their medical experiences. I’ve had conversations today about low testosterone, Cushings and thyroid issues to name but a few.

The human body is amazing. But when it goes wrong, boy can it go wrong.

Greyfriar’s Bobby

Ever since I watched the film Greyfriar’s Bobby (and sobbed my heart out at the end), I’ve wanted to see this statue. Tonight I did. And he was worth the wait. I touched his nose, asked for good luck and made a wish.

I am loving Edinburgh and I’ve not really seen much of it. I think I am going to have to come back.

Edinburgh

Well I made it safely over the Border! After the hiccups of my flight, it was a bit dicey whether I would. So hello Scotland!

The one thing I said I wanted to see here was the castle lit up. Mission accomplished. It was worth it too. It’s stunning.

I’ve also had my first Irn Bru. 👏🏻 And it does taste different in Scotland. Grateful I wore my duvet coat, it’s a bit fresh!

I’ve seen a lot of kilted men. Guessing that’s to do with the rugby. Missed the match, but guessed the result. There were a few rather jolly people getting on the tram at Murrayfield.

Now snuggled up in the biggest bed I’ve ever slept in! It’s huge! I shall sleep like a Queen tonight. Well I am near a castle.

Intrepid traveller

It was touch and go whether I’d get here this morning. Went online to check-in to find my booking had been cancelled. 😱

I had called Loganair on Friday to cancel my return flight as they wanted to move it by 24hrs. Thanks for that! Unfortunately they cancelled both flights instead.

Good job I checked. That could have been rather awkward at check-in.

So I’m ready to board. And coming back by train. Just call me the Intrepid Traveller!

Planes, trains and automobiles

Two years ago I flew to Boston to meet up with this beauty. What a two years it’s been!!

Tomorrow I will be getting on a plane for the first time since that trip as I head to Edinburgh.

Back in 2019, I stopped off to see my Mum in hospital on my way to the airport as she was recovering from sepsis. Oh irony as my Dad is now recovering from sepsis too.

I love this photo of us. It always makes me smile.