I sound like I have a cold. I'm not saying I have a cold, just like I'm not acknowledging that it might be winter (I refuse to wear my winter jacket and gloves until November starts!), but I did a good impression of a person with the start of one this morning.

I was awake (perhaps never having actually slept, but how to tell?) at 3 AM this morning. I'd intentionally omitted the sleep aid from my bedtime routine and thought that was the cause. Inclusion was committed but an hour later I was still awake and in a bit of discomfort. Realized that I'd very likely irritated the shoulder and hip with my activities of the day (which would be yesterday -- you still with me? :-O )

One very satisfying activity was the putting together of the platform for the mattress. Which works famously, BTW and required not one tool unless a tape measure counts and I don't count that as a construction tool per se. The parts were assembled with the help of nylon cable ties and velcro self sticking (meaning onto itself, not sticky backed) ties. The latter were part of a brainstorm that made me realize I could use the insides of the upright super duper cubes to store things if I just made the two smaller end parts "liftable". I love it when a plan comes together.

More tedious, but a better use of space on my desk was the rearrangement of shelf units so the small IKEA shelf is sitting atop my desk butted up to the taller by far shelving unit that butts up to the end of the desk. Books and canned goods were moved from resting place to resting place with the shelves involved (one is really a much used TV cart on wheels -- very handy in the Wee Space) being wiped down. Cleaning my space makes me feel good sometimes.

Less tedious and a bit surprising was my first run at home hair colouring. I'm going blonde but trying to do so economically at the moment. So I consulted a person who knew more than I about such things. I think I didn't leave the solution on my hair quite long enough. It's lighter everywhere, which is progress. In another few weeks I get to try again. Such fun! A bit on the smelly side, though. When I came out to sit at the desk for the requisite waiting time, poor Oliver started sneezing. I quickly moved out of the Big Room since I don't know what ill effects the exposure to ammonia may have for my cuddly little buddy.

The rain has let up finally. But it seems to be just taking a nap -- the sky is grey and brooding. The colours of the season are now littering the back yard ... one of the unfortunate side effects of rainy autumns. Glad I caught some on film the other day.

I've got some photos to get into galleries now that I think of that.