In fact, Blue Monday quite lived up to its name this year.
Through the rain beating against the office windows, I could just make out the huge canvas covering the building opposite, advertising Côte d'Or chocolate. But even a serotonin boosting bar of dark chocolate wouldn't have been enough to trick my brain into thinking happy thoughts.
By the end of the week, I was feeling worn out and more than just a little dejected, especially as I'm still on my own in the office for most of the time. Believe me, having only yourself to talk to can be quite exhausting, especially as my imaginary speaking partner seems to know all the answers and can be quite rude at times ...
The weather kept me from venturing too far in my lunch breaks, often just nipping over to the indoor shopping centre across the road, where I managed to find two pairs of gloves, with 70% off: a pair of leather gloves in gold and a pair of hot pink ones, in brushed wool and with a little velvet bow.
There was a tiny light at the end of the tunnel as not only was I taking Friday afternoon off, the sun decided to make an brief appearance that very day.
I was wearing the charcoal grey River Woods skirt I'd scored for € 5 on Saturday, combined with a black pussy-bow blouse from Think Twice, abundantly printed with multicoloured blooms.
On top, a bright blue cardigan, with one of my oldest brooches - in terms of ownership - pinned to it.
I love this white metal scroll with its dangly little chains ending in tiny pearls.
I added bright blue tights (just visible in the first collage) and a wide bright blue belt.
The boots aren't my most exciting pair, but they are ultra comfortable and waterproof, as well as being made of the softest faux leather.
Talking of boots, I am once again looking for a pair of burgundy ones. I though my search had ended last year, when I stumbled upon a fabulous pair of Finnish made boots at Think Twice. Alas, they are the pull-on kind, without a zip, and therefore the kind of boots you need to get up earlier for if you want to wear them. All the pulling and pushing has wreaked havoc with the inner heel of one of the boots, creating an uncomfortable bulge which makes walking in them an ordeal.
So, after work, Jos picked me up and we stopped at several shoe shops on our way home.
Not surprisingly, I didn't find what I was looking for, but I did pick up this divine pair of booties covered in a holographic floral velvet.
It started raining again on Friday night, and it kept raining heavily well into Saturday, its constant murmuring lodging itself into my brain.
We tossed around a couple of plans for the weekend, but on Saturday I was happy to sleep late (ish!) and potter around the house, showing you some of Dove Cottage's nooks and crannies in the process.
But there was nothing for it, we did have to brave the rain on Saturday afternoon!
We were visiting Jos's son and daughter in law, meeting their adorable British Shorthair kitten, Abby, for the first time.
Warning: cuteness alert!
Incidentally, I was wearing a very similar grey!
The grey cardigan has been living in my wardrobe for many years. It's from C&A and dates from before my second hand/vintage days. I can't remember when I last wore it but, casting around for a suitable cardigan, and taking my cue from the grey belt, I suddenly remembered this one.
My pleated, red checked skirt has been hanging ready for wear ever since I picked it up at Think Twice a couple of months ago. Although it's got a certain kind of frumpiness to it, it is also deliciously swooshy, and I loved wearing it!
Long time no wear for this black blouse, found at Think Twice, with its little shawl collar, slightly gathered sleeves and sprinkling of red, pink and orange flowers. I love how the sleeves are absolutely covered with them, while they are sparser on the bodice and collar.
In keeping with the grey theme, I added a plastic grey swallow brooch, prompting Jos to say that one swallow does not make a Spring, although I believe in English it should be Summer, not Spring.
Back to our visit, where we were treated with coffee and some very indulgent chocolate tart. Yummy! We even got leftovers to take home with us.
We spent the rest of Saturday and most of Sunday relaxing inside Dove Cottage, doing some reading, eating more tart, and watching the final episode of Endeavour, Season Four.
The episode had Morse talking to an American lady, who disclosed she was from Omaha, Nebraska. Thinking of Goody, we said "Omahahahaha" in chorus!
A few hours of unexpected sunshine on Sunday made us grab our coats and go for a walk. But that will be for my next post!
