February has thrown all the weather at us: grey skies, heavy rain, high winds, sub zero temperatures, and a few teaser days when the sun made brief appearances. The snowdrops are out and daffodils are starting to bloom in the woods I walk through regularly. Spring is on its way although not yet here.
I haven’t been able to face going out on my bike given the weather so have stayed mostly close to home. I run around our local lanes or walk to the gym for strength sessions and a swim. It’s pleasing to get back to regular lifting although the weights I pull are still light as I retrain the muscles to hold good form – at least good form for me. A man on threads posted a graphic of what he considers a barbell back squat and the depth I achieve is firmly under the big X he placed over ‘not a squat’. Doing what I can is surely better than not doing at all.
It hasn’t, however, been all close to home as other members of my family remain willing to drive me to places. Husband and I continue to travel to a parkrun each Saturday morning. If they are available, elder son and daughter have taken to joining us which is lovely.
Husband and I also enjoyed a short break in Conwy, North Wales. I posted a review of the hotel we stayed in: Caer Ruhn Hall. Our adventures were documented through the lens of my teddy bear: Edward Explores Conwy. I also posted a run report for the parkrun we went to whilst there: Penryhn.
The following weekend husband kindly dropped me off at one of our local towns that I may run in the Wiltshire 10 road race – I remain reluctant to drive anywhere having lost confidence in my ability to stay safe amidst the seemingly distracted drivers out there. Reports of RTCs fill our local news sites. I still feel safer cycling if the weather would just improve.
On a happy note, younger son and I made a banoffee pie for husband on Valentine’s Day. This proved enough of a draw to persuade daughter and elder son to join us for dinner, both then staying over to run with us the next day. Elder son was still with us on Sunday so I went back to his cottage to help shift some furniture and get his computer setup installed – he’d been without a computer since he moved in October. He lit his log burner making the place so pleasant and toasty. He had to drive me home after we’d finished the shifting and tidying but he seemed pleased with the help I’d provided. All in all it was a lovely, family weekend.
I posted reviews for 4 books in February, a mix of new publications and titles that had been lingering on my TBR shelves. Robyn enjoyed some annual leave and so was able to add 1 review, with more to come next month. You may click on each title below if interested in reading our thoughts.
Fiction
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner, published by Penguin
The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha, published by Century
While Visiting Babette by Kat Meads, published by Sagging Meniscus
The Language of Remembering by Patrick Holloway, published by époque press
Robyn Reviews
Across the Nightingale Floor by Lian Hearn, published by Picador
Sourcing the books
Robyn added a pleasing stack of books to her shelves over January and February. She also treated herself to a fine new bear for Valentine’s Day.
I was happy with the books I received and am currently immersed in the world of Waterblack.
As ever I wish to thank all who send me their books to review – the arrival of book post remains a cheering event in my day.
My thanks also to those who share my words across their social media platforms – whichever ones you are now using – your support is always appreciated. I am no longer on Twitter but you may find me on Instagram and Threads.
And to everyone reading this, I wish you and yours good health and fine days. May the coming month be kind to you, and may you find many good books to read.
