It was my wish at the beginning of the year to avoid that Sunday night feeling of a weekend wasted. My goal was to have a plan in place for the coming weekend by each Friday evening.

This weekend my plan went out the window by 8am on Saturday morning but I still had a great weekend, so mission accomplished.

I started Saturday looking out at the beautiful early morning sky, making a Malteser Cheesecake to take to my brother's for supper. I then spent a lot of time just sorting things out, and doing odd jobs, before settling down for a few hours of reading.

I hadn't seen my brother and his family since Christmas Eve so it was lovely to catch up. My nephews finish their GCSEs and A Levels this year, which I can't quite believe. The eldest is job hunting, and learning to drive. Where did the time go??

Sunday was also a lovely day. I was awake early and spent an hour reading before making my way over to my best friend's house for a cuppa. I hadn't seen her since before Christmas and it was lovely to catch up, drink tea, and enjoy doing some colouring while we chatted. I cherish the relaxed, easy companionship I share with my friend, I don't have to speak to her every week to know she's there, but she is, always, as I am for her.

I was home in time for lunch with Andy, and then we went to see his parents, again I hadn't seen them since Christmas. We popped in to the shed hoping to find a mirror among it's many treasures, to go above our fireplace. We didn't find one but it was fun having a good ole rummage. Now I can begin searching for one in local shops. I know a few great places that offer good quality used furniture, some restored, others still in original condition. I enjoy the hunt.

Later on Andy cooked a roast while I read my book, The Power, and we ended the evening watching more of The West Wing boxset.

It felt like a really sociable weekend. Spending time in good company is always good for the soul. I feel nourished.

I've been hibernating somewhat during January. Work is moving at a steady pace, I'm reading a lot, and spending time with Andy, and I've started counselling.

I was referred by the bereavement midwife for six sessions following the loss of our baby in November. I'd felt really numb to it all but now emotions have surfaced, the reality is starting to dawn on me. Counselling is helping me to deal with what's happened, and prepare me for what's still to come. I have a few more sessions booked, and even though I wasn't keen on the idea to begin with I already feel it's been immensely helpful.

I promised myself that 2018 was going to be a great year. So far, so good...

How was your weekend?