It’s Friday, and for once, I’m not just clinging to the weekend—I’m actually looking forward to it. After what felt like an endless run of grey, wet days, this week has been a breath of fresh air. The sun has been shining since Wednesday, the temperatures have crept up (today hit 10.7°C!), and best of all—it’s supposed to stay sunny all weekend.

That’s right. A full weekend of sunshine. No rain, no need for a coat that weighs as much as a small child, and no dashing from the car to the house trying to avoid getting soaked. I don’t know about you, but that feels like a little gift from the universe.

A Roof-Down Kind of Day

It all started midweek when, at lunchtime, the sun finally broke through properly. It wasn’t just a brief parting of the clouds—it stayed. By the end of the workday, it was still clear and bright, and I knew I had to make the most of it. So, as soon as I got to the car, I made a decision I haven’t been able to make in ages—roof down.

There’s something about driving home with the roof down that makes everything feel lighter. Even at 9.5°C, with the cool breeze whipping past, it was just so good to feel the fresh air instead of being tucked away from it. The sun was low, golden, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I actually enjoyed the drive home rather than just tolerating it.

The Garden Comes to Life

When I pulled up home, it was clear I wasn’t the only one enjoying the change in weather. The garden was buzzing—not with bees just yet, but with the unmistakable energy that comes with a dry, sunny evening.

Smudge, as always, was the first to make himself known. He shot across the garden like a little white rocket, tail flicking, probably chasing something imaginary. The other cats had already claimed their spots in the sun, draped lazily across the bench and flowerbeds like they were soaking up every last bit of warmth before the inevitable return of winter.

And Lady? Oh, she was thrilled. Nose in the air, tail wagging, padding about as if every scent had changed overnight. No puddles, no muddy paws—just the pure joy of a dry, sunlit garden.

Smudge & Lady: Enjoying the Sunshine Together

After getting home from work on Wednesday, I wasn’t the only one making the most of the rare sunshine—Lady and Smudge were right there with me. As soon as I stepped into the garden, they had already claimed their favourite spot in the greenhouse, soaking up the last of the day’s warmth. Smudge, as always, was full of affection, rubbing up against Lady, who took it all in stride like the patient, gentle soul she is. They’re always this close, but there’s something extra lovely about seeing them basking in the evening light, peaceful and content.

Tea Just Tastes Better Outside

It was one of those "this calls for tea outside" kind of evenings.

There’s something about drinking tea in the garden that makes it instantly better. Maybe it’s the way the steam curls into the fresh air, or maybe it’s just the novelty of not having to hide from the weather. Either way, I wasn’t going to waste the opportunity.

So, I made a cup, stepped outside, and just sat there. The cats stretched, Lady flopped down at my feet with a happy sigh, and for the first time in weeks, there was no rush to get inside before the rain started again.

And that’s what I love about weeks like this. It’s a reminder to slow down, to enjoy the small moments, and to soak in the rare gift of a dry, golden evening.

Looking Ahead to the Weekend

The best part? The sunshine isn’t stopping here.

It’s supposed to stay bright and dry all weekend, which means plenty more chances to enjoy the garden, drink tea outside, and maybe even get a few little projects done without having to dodge rain showers.

I’ll be making the most of it—maybe even another roof-down drive, just because I can.

Let’s Keep the Buzz Going!

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Hope you’ve all had a lovely week!

With love, Mhairi 🌼🐝