Space, fresh air, freedom are esential

for my wellbeing. I've just Googled wellbeing  as I thought I had written it incorrectly. This popped up in the search,  NHS 5 steps to mental wellbeing - 
1. Connect with other people
2. Be physically active
3.Learn new skills
4.Give to others
5.Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)

I think I can tick all the above boxes. I've noticed mindfulness in articles a lot recently. Being interested in art & photography helps me to be more aware of my surroundings, to appreciate what I have.  When I was looking down the Teign estuary this morning I just thought how lucky I was, nothing but birdsong, the stillness of the water, the sunlight catching the plants along the beach top, the sparkle on the water. This was what I needed over the past couple of weeks when I'd been feeling yucky, instead of being cooped up at home. Hubby insisted I did'nt go out, so rather than cause an argument I stayed in ... ARGH!!!  If only I could get my hubby to see what I see, feel what I feel, when I'm outside. He does'nt understand me at all.

"There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes" A Norwegian saying apparently. I read it in a book. Which strangely takes me back to living in Sweden. Winter, & cold weather on the way, Viveka, my employer suggested I bought some long johns to wear under my trousers. Did I take her advice, no. I went out walking one day wearing my normal clothing only to find wind burn ( I guess that's what it was) down my legs from the seams on the jeans. Long johns, not essentiaI, but I very quickly purchased a pair.
My medication is essential to control pain relief, & I never, well unless I stupidly forget, go anywhere without my Mentos bubble fresh chewing gum. The chemo & radiotherapy damaged my saliva glands, which are generally defunct so I chew gum, but not mint flavoured. Fortunately I can normally find the tubs in Home Bargains.
I'm looking after Yogi for a few days, moved in this morning ... for some unknown reason the central heating is'nt working, so I'm not as warm as I could be but the central heating is not essential, I've just got my big chunky knit jumper on, & in a minute I shall be snuggling in under my duvet.
I made soup for dinner tonight, grabbed a saucepan out of the drawer, popped in the prepared veg, water. Popped it on a hob. Prod, prod, prod .... nada! Ovens, hobs, microwaves, tv's, they are always a challenge to me wherever I go to house & dog sit. My memory's not as sharp as it used to be, tonight was no exception . After more prodding, I suddenly had this flashback. Maybe the pan I'm using is not suitable for an induction hob. It is essential to use the correct equipment to get a satisfactory conclusion. Start again. Soup sorted. I still have'nt found a toaster, & I had a couple of flat breads I wanted to liven up. The built in all singing & dancing microwave, oven plus more was my only means so I twiddled a few knobs and heated them until they were hard as biscuits .... unintentional, by the way. Roll on tomorrow!

Thanks to ApolloFly for hosting Mono Monday .. "Essential", good one!