I spent Tuesday visiting a friend of mine - walked around the town where she lives, had lunch outside, and I went to see her new house. To be honest, rather than anything else it felt like merely ticking the socialization box for myself, not so much happy quality time with a friend. She was tired, her toddler was tired and screaming. We tried to watch a movie together, but couldn't really get into it. I suppose it's just one of those things - once you have children you have to put them first, even when they're two years old and tired and screaming and driving everyone up the wall. Ah well.

Yesterday I actually went to visit the people in the office. My third day off work and I just couldn't keep out. They had found some interesting stuff, for example some Iron Age sketches (carved on some slate) for decorations. It was nice, just popping in for a chat and a smoke with my boss, leaving back some equipment I'd had. My boss said she'd give me a call once the excavations start in Hometown again, in case by then I'll be all housewifed out and gagging for some work.

Have I mentioned the company is trying to get into the Eastern European market and is looking to get some work in some of the new EU member countries? I have made it very clear to them, that would they succeed, I'd be more than happy to ship out there. Fingers crossed, it may happen later in the autumn, winter or next spring. The Czech Republic, Lithuania and Latvia have all been mentioned...

I'm not sure how to keep myself busy today. I cleaned like a maniac around the house last night, so there isn't that much to do now even on that front. I suppose a walk to the park and cooking a complicated and delicious dinner will be in order. Also, Jim bought some manga yesterday that I've yet to read...

If the weather stays good we are planning a miniature hike this weekend with Jim. At the end of our main street there's a half-hidden entrance into a narrow river gorge that runs from there through the southern part of Hometown, all the way outside the town and south from there. It's a lovely little path following the river, edged by tall trees, hidden from outside. Once there, you just wouldn't believe you're in a city. We've had a quick nosy around there, but the aim is to pack our lunch with us and spend a whole day walking down and looking around and enjoying trees and birds and the small river, and some excercise.

before & after