Normalize lying to people who are too curious about your private life.

Check out this free heritage walk at Dunston Staiths this Saturday: www.tynederwentway.co.uk/article/2742... Join expert guide Tony Stephenson to discover more about one of Europe's largest timber structures. 🚂

If you think today's news headlines are horrific, check out this one from 1906. Chilling.

Cuddling with this little fluffy lady. She's unwell and it looks like we won't have much time left together. Beyond heartbroken.

Forget Dry January, welcome to

The TV schedule gods decided that I should watch The Man who would be King. Accompanied by a cup of tea, a blanket, and a fluffy snoozy kitty. Happy me.

Spread the word!

I'm stuck

A set of UK support services for anyone who needs them today. There are also lots of us taking part in #JoinIn. People will chat to you on here if you want it. You're not alone. #mentalhealth #safety #escape

Slow morning when the kids are asleep and this one is waiting patiently for Santa Paws.

One of the best things I ever did for myself was stop comparing my life trajectory to people who have support systems. I won’t say I never had help, but I’m just now truly understanding the difference between “assistance” and “support”.

Watching the hectic Christmas plans of my teens and rather enjoying my much simpler life right now. I bloody earned this after the last two decades 🤣

But work emails *were* originally a pagan ritual, performed in honour of the god Replyall

I'm not here, Margaret.

Ageing: the condition of becoming less serious about all you were once far too serious about and more serious about all that you once undervalued.

He's hiring a ship He's packing his cloak He's moving to England To follow some bloke Dracula is coming to town

Showed my face at the Christmas party, had a nice time, drank 2 non alcoholic drinks, and was back on the sofa by 9.30. Phew. That's the socialising done for 6 months.

One of the best parts of being an adult is that nobody can make you go camping

It's ritual! #archaeology 🏺

A watched phone never rings 😔 HURRY UP

Bugger it, work dangled a carrot so guess I'll stick around a bit more before I fulfil the plan. I like being able to eat and buy a silly amount of jigsaws after all....

Back to work after a much needed two months off sick. Gritted teeth and determination. Gritted teeth and determination.

Plan for the rest of the day, cats, books, jigsaws, and all the tea I can drink.

A good word from Mary Oliver this morning. 💙 @maryoliverdaily.bsky.social

Work has been brilliant with arrangements for me going back after being off ill for 2 months. The relief is immense.

You know when you bump into someone who used to be a very dear friend but you find yourself using your 'telephone' voice when thinking of what to say.... realising that part of your life, with them in it, is definitely past tense.

I am keeping this post unpaywalled, on a permanent basis. It’s a pretty photo and I’m sure most people won’t venture beyond that, since we live in a busy, chaotic world, but I’m posting it and pinning it as an intro to my writing for those few who do... tomcox.substack.com/p/the-villag...

I'm finding lots of joy in being able to pop into the garden and grab a load of holly to help jazz up a simple wreath. I've also got the Christmas cake in the oven, love this middle aged me 🎄

Still planning on the major change in life, but for once, I'm acting my age, taking it slow and doing it in a way that allows the bills to be paid. #FlexibleWorkingRequest

Did you know that it's #GriefAwarenessWeek? Books can help children to explore feelings around grief and see that others have had similar experiences to them. We've picked out some titles that you might like to try, with lists for different age groups: www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/g/...

Pretty much my plan going forward.

There is no greater joy than everyone in the house being asleep as you drink your morning coffee.

Whilst waiting for an important email that will change my life, I've started changing it anyway. Signed up to 2 beginners writing courses and getting back to full health again. My new life is so close, I just need to grab it.

Added to my collection of things that make me feel old. I now am a proud owner of a rather full grave. What a faff that has been, just to get a headstone back in after Gran joined her husband and daughter.

This is my evening sorted. I've so been looking forward to this. @readingartefacts.bsky.social

We are very pleased to announce the launch of a time-limited Befriend a Book fundraiser.  Running until 31st March 2025, this fundraising campaign gives you the unique chance to support the conservation of one of the UK’s most significant nineteenth-century collections. 📚 1/4