I am writing this post from a Polish train. It’s only fitting considering that this month is made up of two very different halves. In the first two weeks of October my husband and I were busy with construction work on our house. After we finished the porch, we had so much fun, that we’ve started the conservatory. The old one was taken down, and the new one is on its way of being built. Thus far, the foundation and slab are done, and next step is starting on the walls. I will spend the second half of the month in Ukraine.
We went to Edinburgh for a couple of days, for volunteering. We helped with the newest exhibition for Ukrainian children’s paintings in the UK. It was nice to catch up with fellow volunteers, especially ones that I haven’t seen in a while. We stopped for a night in Carlisle.
On the following day we went for a very short, 15 minutes’ walk, in Gretna Green. We’ve been there a long time ago, but we wanted to have a quick look this time as well.
Our room, the hotel was near Edinburgh, had this lovely view, and a couple of Romanian wines, which we enjoyed.
The food was delicious. We’ve been to 2 vegan places and a pub with vegan options.
We also went to see the Kelpies.
Volya was a sweetheart this month, as usual. We marked 6 months since I got her. This picture is from when we took her on a short walk in the local park. It’s incredible how well she has integrated in our family, especially considering her background. We were surprised to see that she understands, not sure how, which one of us is leaving. My husband went on a business trip, and she meowed him, while yesterday and this morning she meowed me. She is very talkative.
I got this card from Ukraine, I think it’s just perfect as a gift “from Volya”.
We went to a candlelight concert. It was interesting to hear movie songs played by a quartet instead of classical music. I liked the music from Dunkirk best. I remembered the scene too, which was unexpected considering that I’m into movies as much as Volya. I do prefer series to movies.
The porch is done, and I will share some pictures at some point. One of the highlights is this lovely mirror. I took inspiration from the wonderful flower displays I saw in Ukraine and created one for the porch. I will change the flowers for winter and then, for spring and summer.
Last picture in this mid-month update is with my luggage for Ukraine. I took tea for British soldiers who are fighting in Ukraine, coffee for a Ukrainian volunteer who is fundraising for the military and is engaged with the foreign volunteer community. The highland cow is for a girl who made something very special for me to display in Edinburgh. For her are also the sweets and the photos. If I had more space, I would have taken some flavoured coffee for a friend and some treats for the children doing the art sessions.
Looks like you had a lovely trip to Scotland. Lovely photo of Volya having a cuddle. She is such a beautiful cat. That card is perfect. Glad you got your porch finished. Hope all is going well with your volunteering in Ukraine. #project365
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There is something satisfying about doing jobs around the home yourself. I hope you don’t get delayed by the weather.
Happy 6 month adoption for Volya.
I used to ask for tea to be brought over to me when we lived in South Africa, now I take tea and chocolate to my son in his girlfriend in Australia.
It looks like you have had a lovely month so far.
Your Edinburgh trip sounds good. I hope the art display went well.
I love seeing Volya in your posts; she’s thriving with you and always looks so content.
The mirror in the porch is lovely, it’s such a good way to display seasonal flowers and colours.
Wishing you a safe stay in Ukraine.
Volya Is so cute. Cats are so intuitive.
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The gifts you have brought will be so much appreciated! Well done to you! I hope the little girl likes them! Volya is so pretty! I love seeing her.
Your Edinburgh trip sounds and looks like you had a good time. Well done for getting so much done on your home!
I like hearing film music played on different orchestrations from the original!
Hope the trip back to Ukraine goes well. Love Edinburgh – we saw the Kelpies the other year when we were on a road trip to Scotland, but didn’t get to stay til they were lit up (bored child!). I went to a rock orchestra candlelight event which was good, but haven’t managed to get to any since then.
Good luck in Ukraine Anca! I know that you will enjoy being back in Lviv.
I hope you are safe in Ukraine on this trip and all of them. I know your gifts will be appreciated so very much. It looks like October has been a good month for you so far with all the work on the house and some fun travel. Volya, as always, looks beautiful. Happy adoption day to you all!
Thank you xx
So many good things to see in this post (including sweet Volya). I love the birthday card! The highland cow is so cute. I bet she’ll love it.
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I hope she will like the cow and the pictures. Those are really nice, from the event and how I framed what she gave me.
It sounds like the building work has gone and is going well. I hope you have a good trip to Ukraine.
Your visit to Edinburgh sounds great and the food looks delicious!
It does sound like Volya has settled in really well. She really looks like a sweetheart.
My eldest has been to a few candlelight concerts and says they are fantastic.
Aww! How fab that you are taking all of those tea bags, I am sure they will be appreciated! x
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