This weekend, I took down the assorted 'good bye', 'thank you', 'new job', and 'new home' cards (apart from one which arrived yesterday)! that have adorned my living room for the past weeks since I moved (the last days I was in Glasgow, they were carefully packed so as not to be lost en route south).  I will, over the coming days/months, take time to re-read all the lovely messages.

This morning, before leaving for church, I took out the books of messages created by the Gatherers and their Guests at my last service, and mindfully re-read all the kind words people had written.  Recurring themes were 'kind', 'creative', 'thoughtful' and 'hard working' (!) ... to be remembered for these attributes feels very affirming and very encouraging.

The Railway Town Church Secretary is already noticing at least the last of these and telling me to 'be careful' not to overdo it, and my boss at the college told me to take a day off in lieu of last weekend's residential (I did as I was told).  This afternoon after I had caught up all the ironing that dates back to before my move, I had a snooze on the settee (sign of getting older?) and plan some time with a novel between now and bedtime.

Sophie has discovered that there is a big wide world beyond the back door... her own choice, she followed me outside and proceeded to explore the garden.  I stayed close by to ensure that she didn't decide to go over a fence or under the hedge, but so far she has been content to roll on the grass and on the path... hopefully not picking up any bitey creatures along the way. (Note to self - get some front line ordered ASAP).  I brought her back inside after just a few minutes... enough excitement for one day!

I offered Sasha a tour of the garden - but it didn't go well... she objected to being picked up, squirmed out of my arms and cornered herself between a wall, a tall gate and a high fence before I managed to get behind her, at which point she fled for indoors and safety!  She is now very happily lying onthe floor of my office as I type this blog post.

Just like humans... some are naturally curious and eager to explore (and maybe need to be reigned in) whilst others are cautious or fearful.  It doesn't matter if Sasha never goes out, or if Sophie becomes a loved of the great outdoors (I suspect once she discovers how many other cats live around here, she may be less eager to out exploring, as she isn't remotely territorial) so long as they are happy and adequatelly safe.

I might now have to contemplate the purchase of a catio...

I was pleased when my new light read arrived... but Sophie thought she had first dibs... I may have to wait for my turn with the book!

For a decade now, I have regularly tuned in to the smallVOICE podcast - a roughly monthly, mostly magazine style, production from GRF Christian radio.  It's always thoughtful and often thought-provoking.  It tackles all sorts of topics, and this month offers a very helpful offering reflecting on the reports of the trial of serial killer Lucy Letby.  I really appreciated that the team were willing to recognise that this is complicated and nuanced topic, at the heart of which is so much human tragedy, and to ponder the Christian tenet of a God of love and forgiveness.

Always worth a listen, you can find this month's offering here

Today is my pretend Saturday... which has been mostly 'life admin' so far (though I really ought to do something really dull like housework!)

I wandered up to my new GP practice - part of a mahoosive primary care centre which houses two GP practices, a pharmacy (where my prescriptions will be sent) and a whole load of other services.  I have no idea (nor did the very lovely receptionist) when my records from NHS Scotland might find their way here... and having looked at a system access request and all that's involved, I probably won't try to get my own copy.

Much easier was registering the cats with a new vet - one phone call and their records are being sent to the new practice.  Simples!

I also updated my home insurance... apparently it costs more to insure my stuff inside a 1930s house in a small town than it did in a 2000s flat in a big city.  Most odd!  Still, it's only an extra £15 a year!