Frosty.

It was cold and frosty this morning while the day has been bright and sunny even though rain was forecast.

I had great trouble getting to sleep last night. My own fault entirely. Usually after my first coffee of the day I stick to decaff coffee simply for health reasons. Yesterday I saw there was still coffee in the cafetiere so re-heated it for an early evening drink. That was why I didn't get to sleep until after 3.00 in the morning. A lesson learned but at least I know how to keep myself awake should I need. 

Despite sleeping in a bit I still got a lot done today. My spring cleaning has moved on to the hall by the front door aka the library.

First I emptied the big cupboard that holds all our coats, cleaned inside and sorted the coats into three piles. Mine, Pete's and hopefully to be passed on to the charity shop. Pete was out playing pool in the afternoon but bless him when he came home he only 'rescued' one item from the give-away pile. Five coats can now be passed on to those who need them rather than taking up space in our cupboard.

While waiting for the cupboard to air out I went up in the loft and photographed some of my mother's sculptures.

That done I put the coat cupboard back to rights, emptied out the bookshelves in the alcove and cleaned the shelves.

While the shelves were drying I had fun in the garden pressure washing all the paving in the back garden. A very satisfying job. Not only do the slabs look much better but they will also be safer with the slippery algae removed. Of course in this damp climate it will return and then out will come the pressure washer again.

Garden work done I put the books back on the shelves having sorted out a pile to give or throw away. I had kept those of the boys' books which had been enjoyed by children when I was supply teaching. But I no longer teach and there's no prospect of children coming to the house so there's no point in hanging onto children's books. I have kept some much loved books from my childhood. Classics like Wind in the Willows, Winnie the Pooh, The Moomins, E.E. Nesbit and Dr Dolittle. 

Also destined to be recycled is a falling apart scrapbook containing all the cards, letters and telegrams, (remember those?) from our wedding nearly 50 years ago. Of course I looked through everything and have kept a few special items. I didn't even know many of the guests. They seem to have been friends of my mother who had known me as a small child. All in the past now.

Hopefully the hint of pink in tonight's sunset means it will be dry tomorrow.