Mixed Emotions: Word of the Week

You would think we were two pregnant women this week with all our mixed emotions. And every day had its ups and downs and its highs and lows. On Sunday we had a lie-in (well, it was actually a stay-in). We didn’t sleep well and I think it was due to the mixed emotions after watching the news of what was unfolding between Israel and Hamas. We thought so much about the poor people who had to decide rather swiftly whether to take their stuff and run or to stay in their homes and hope for the best! What turmoil. We felt sorry for them but at the same time angry at those who opted to live as terrorists. I can’t say I know the full picture but I am sure there are some heartless people in the mix, most likely on both sides of the conflict who are making it difficult for ordinary citizens. Pray for peace people!

On Monday we spent a good amount of time on the road looking for a particular bracket that was decided on for the kitchen upgrade. We are planning some open shelves. They’re on Amazon and eBay for just over £32 but on Screw Fix it was listed for £13. So we hopped in the car beaming from ear to ear about the bargain we would be finding at Screw Fix. Unfortunately, when we got there they were sold out and no Screw Fix across the country had it in stock! We left deflated but still hopeful that we would be able to find them cheaper before next Spring when we are due to have the kitchen done.

On Monday too, our neighbours of just under a year, returned to Hong Kong to reside. We will definitely miss them as they were good neighbours. Hopefully, the new occupants will be decent people to live next door to.

Do you sometimes feel like you have to cook a particular dish after you watch someone else cook it? Well, I’ve been dreaming of making two African dishes after watching some videos recently. We did have a go at making them once and they were beautiful so we plan to make it again Live on Sunday. So on Tuesday we went shopping for the ingredients and found most of them, which made us happy. The rest we should be able to find substitutes for, so that’s okay.

Have you ever had Egusi soup or okra soup? This is how we made it the last time.

On Tuesday we decided to check on our hospital bag to make sure we had enough of what we needed just in case one of us had an emergency. Well, it is a serious matter as it was comical what we found in our small suitcase! There were 3 and a half pairs of slippers, 3 comfy fluffy socks, one cotton nightgown and a pyjama top – a Christmas one at that! We have no idea where the bottom is and also the missing bed slippers. What else do you think should be in our hospital bag? And also, do you have one packed?

I think it was on Tuesday that a warning message came up on the dashboard to say that the car was in need of servicing. Needless to say, we weren’t happy! For one, we had spent way too much money last week, and then two, the car was sent to Vauxhall for its annual service in July just before we went to Florida. So I’m sure you’d be thinking as we were: that they took it in for servicing, took the money, but did nothing.

So we rang them up and they said we had to book it in for a diagnostic test to see what the problem was. This was on Wednesday and we’ve booked it in for next Friday, the earliest date that was convenient to us. Next week’s word of the week might be EXPENSE again!

On Thursday we spent a chilled day at home doing little chores like washing, cleaning and watching Judge Judy in between. It was a rather rainy day. This is something that we love- rainy days when you don’t have to go out in it at all. It was quite nostalgic to be in Jamaica as a kid and hear the rain fall on the corrugated zinc roof. Not a care in the world.

We hope you’ve had a beautiful week. Thanks to Anne for allowing us to join with her in sharing our Word of the Week.