I’m writing this post from the comfort of my bed.  Under a tartan blanket, with a blue spotted mug full of steaming hot tea on my lap (perched dangerously close to the computer, erk).  The evening sun is (was) streaming through the window and the neighbourhood birds are chirping their final choruses of the day outside.  A little slice of heaven it is indeed.

Today has been one of those gracefully quiet days.  No high drama, no euphoric excitement, just simple, quiet, day to day living.  A household chores, walk in the sun, glass of wine in front of the news-type day.  Which has been nice.  I definitely need those days now and again.  Here’s what’s making my Thursday:

Books: My book du jour is Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama.  He might be the US President, but he’s also a pretty fine writer.  With an incredibly interesting story to tell.  Also on my bedside table, ahem, floor are The Rough Guide to New Zealand (anyone else read travel guides for the fun of it?); a book about Mount Kilimanjaro, a book about skincare and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  I’ll leave it to you guys to decide whether that mix is eclectic and interesting or just plain bonkers.

Eats: I made the salad pictured above for dinner this evening.  It was simple really: grill two fillets of peppered mackerel, boil up some green lentils and an egg, de-pod and steam some fresh peas and mix together some finely chopped garlic with a few halved cherry tomatoes and a splash of olive oil.  Serve up on a plate of assorted green leaves.  Tasty!

Televisual Treats: I’m completely addicted to The Apprentice, for the umpteenth year running.  I caught up with the latest this morning and am looking forward to Sunday’s final almost as much as the final Harry Potter film (sorry Harry fans!).

Thoughts: I’m pondering trying to get back into running using this program, which I’ve heard lots about but never seriously considered trying.  The thing is, I really want to be good at running.  I feel like I owe it to myself as someone who doesn’t mind exercise but hates the thought of the gym to make running a part of my life.  A simple, cheap and easy to reach for activity when the thought of battling with motorists on my bike is a little too much to take.

What are you up to today?