Soup and Snowdrops

The days are lengthening, but there is no doubt that we are still in winter's grasp. It has felt bitterly cold here, this week, and it hasn't helped in that I'm sure I've been fending off some sort of a virus. It's hard to tell, as at this time of year my shoulders always ache from holding myself tense, and from being hunched up against whatever the weather sends this way. I assume it's going to freeze again tonight, as I noticed the gritters driving past, while I was working earlier.  Not to worry, spring will soon be here. At least, that's what I keep reminding myself. 

But it is true. I've seen the signs. We went for a gentle stroll through the woods at the weekend, and we found some wild garlic. We'll go back again and pick some in a few week's time, as I've promised Lily we will use some to make our own garlic bread.

And the snowdrops there looked so lovely, beneath the trees. Not huge swathes of these delicate white flowers, like you find in some places, but pretty all the same. And we've watched as they've grown in number over the last few years. Establishing themselves and creating a beautiful woodland display, close to the pond.

And I realise I say this far too often, but it also felt so good to get outdoors. It feels as though I've hardly stopped for breath lately. Weekends seem to be spent catching up with housework and preparing ahead for the working week, where once again, I've seen another adjustment to my hours. It isn't really sustainable for me, but I've been reassured that these additional hours will be only temporary, and I am, at least, gaining some new skills. I am happy to continue like this for the time being, but if it is to become a more permanent change, then something will have to give elsewhere. In other news, I completed my latest coursework, and made my final submission last week. I have since been advised that I've met the assessment requirements and passed the course. Yay! 

One of the upsides of working these extra hours, is that I've had to be more organised during the week, which means I've been much more strict about meal planning and batch cooking. Knowing in advance just what we'll be eating has been much less stressful for me, and it also means I've avoided the need to call in at the supermarket on my way home from work each day, saving valuable time. This isn't a new concept for me, but I do have a habit of letting things slide every now and again, when life gets a little more hectic than usual. 

Since I've needed to significantly reduce my bread intake, instead of sandwiches, I've been relying on warming and nutritious soups to see me through each day. I cook up a large panful every weekend, then portion it up, ready to heat through for my lunches during the week. I've mentioned this before and I've had a few requests for a recipe, so I'll probably add this one to the side bar. It will also make it easier for me to refer to as well. I am a huge fan of all kinds of vegetable soups but have two favourite go-to recipes, and this is the one I'm enjoying this week.

Tomato, Red Pepper and Lentil Soup

2 carrots 

1 red onion

1 red pepper

2 tins chopped tomatoes

180g red lentils

1 tablespoon tomato puree 

1l vegetable stock

A large sprinkling of garlic granules

Melt some butter in a large pan and gently cook the diced onion, carrot and pepper until soft. Add the remaining ingredients, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes. Then blend until smooth. This makes approximately 6 portions.

Let me know if you try it.

Back soon.

J. X

 

January

 

It's been a little while, so I'm tentatively peeking my head around the door. How is everyone? I hope the New Year is treating you well. 

My absence here, this month has, again, been intentional. I've always made no secret of the fact that the month of January is far from my favourite time of year. It is often cold, dark and damp, and the warm days of spring still seem so very far away. Last year, I had a great idea that I would power my way through this miserable winter month. I was going to make plans to stay busy, and to keep on keeping on, but by doing this, I was refusing to acknowledge that what I really needed to do was to slow down, relax, and embrace the season for what it is. 

The earth is still sleeping, and it is a time of rest. There is a whole year in front of us, so I'm not sure why I usually feel the need to rush things. With that in mind, this year, I made a conscious decision to take some time away from here, lean into the quiet days, and try my best to seek out the simple joys, just to make January feel that little bit more bearable. You could almost say I've been hibernating, except that I've still enjoyed some lovely, restorative walks - one of them a pleasant surprise, as my workplace was unexpectedly forced to close for the day, which meant I could enjoy some much needed winter sunshine.

And it's been okay. I've reached the end of the month unscathed, albeit a little tired (I always need sunshine to recharge my batteries), and I've kept my focus on work and home. Even on the brighter days, I've done just enough to get through, alleviating myself of any unnecessary pressure. This isn't always easy, as I do like to try and at least do something at the weekends, especially when the working week often feels never-ending.

Anyway, I'm feeling much more positive, as we move that tiny bit closer to spring. Have you noticed the daylight hours increasing? It was wonderful to see that it was still just about light here at 5pm last night. And the snowdrops are beginning to flower. Such a pretty sight beneath the trees.

And talking of flowers, I've discovered last season's sweet pea seeds, which I am intending to sow this weekend. I will also have to consider what I will be planting in the raised bed this year. Thankfully, it doesn't look like I've lost anything in the garden to the frosts this winter, although time will tell. The lemon trees are quite comfortable in the house for the time being, and are already showing signs of new growth, although still no flowers as yet. The garden needs a quick tidy but other than that, it doesn't look too bad, and I'm looking forward to spending more time out there once the weather picks up. 

It's lovely to see lots of feathered friends using the bird feeder just now. I like to keep it well stocked for them with fat balls and meal worms. Of course, I hardly saw any birds whilst I was taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, but my friend and I laugh that it's always the same for us every year :) Still, it's an hour to just sit and relax, and enjoy a mug of tea. 

Although things have been pleasingly quiet around here, I have been putting together some plans for several mini-adventures. I've booked a return overnight stay at Skiddaw House during the summer, and a few city breaks have been arranged throughout the year. One of which I am particularly excited about. 

Back soon.

J. X

'Tis the Season...

 

I hope you all enjoyed a calm and peaceful Christmastime. I've been intentionally absent in this space for a while, as I needed some time to reflect on the holiday and acknowledge a few aspects which were rather challenging for me, this year. Even though I thought that I'd been prepared for it, the reality was much harder than I had anticipated. The last few weeks have seen many ups and downs, but as usual I'm focusing on the ups, as that is what's keeping me going just now. 

Keeping everything incredibly simple has been a huge help, as well as being quite the eye opener to what I really don't need to bother with in future. I did, of course, enjoy taking the time to make my own door wreath, using some fir tree branches, which I'd gathered from the woods, and tied with some pink velvet ribbon, which had been wrapped around one of last year's Christmas presents. This is something I really enjoy doing, and I find it so relaxing.  

On Christmas Eve, just like last year, we met up with some friends for a girl's brunch. It was a relaxed and happy occasion and I have a feeling that this will become a regular event moving forward. After all, this is how traditions start.

Even though I'm almost certain that Lily simply does this for my benefit now, we left out the obligatory carrot and mincemeat shortbread for the big man himself. No whisky this year, as for some reason, Lily decided milk would be the more healthy alternative :)

Christmas Day was fairly quiet and relaxed. Dinner was excellent, if I say so myself :) with the only leftovers being five balls of stuffing. This I was thrilled about, as it meant we could get back to eating 'normal' food straight away.

The very inexpensive crackers were a hit. And I've particularly enjoyed transforming the leftover card into next year's gift tags, already. I just adore the robin and holly print.

As is tradition, we went out for a walk on Boxing Day morning. I don't know if it was because of the gloomy, damp weather, but it was much quieter out than usual. The fell tops were covered with cloud, but there were still some gorgeous views to enjoy. I realised that I haven't spent as much time outdoors recently, so I really must rectify that in the New Year. Then it was back home again, where I cooked up a rather tasty homemade take on a Greggs Festive Bake. Simply served up with a side of pickled red cabbage, it was so delicious that it has been suggested as an alternative to next year's Christmas dinner! 

Yesterday, we enjoyed some time ice skating. It's one of my favourite things to do at this time of year, even though I'm sure that, by now, I should have graduated to being the person who sits and watches, while holding all the bags. Even so, I'm quite happy to take my time skating tentatively around the edge of the rink, while Lily glides away effortlessly across the ice.

We're now getting ever closer to 2025, and I'm feeling more positive and hopeful. Prioritising my own needs is still an ongoing learning process, but I'm getting better at it all the time. Looking back over the last twelve months, I'd like to think that I've seized opportunities and made the most of my days. There's always room for improvement, of course.  

I joked with Lily about doing a New Year's Day dip in Derwentwater, and she was, surprisingly, up for it! Maybe in 2026. 

J. X

Gently Into December

  

 

As the title suggests, I have been easing myself into the month, being mindful of taking on too much, and so far, it's all going rather well. I've turned down a couple of events I felt I was being pressured into. Go me! (Or not, in this case), and I've lowered my expectations. This is very much a positive thing. With so much going on in the  background, it would be foolish of me to think I could keep up a pretence of everything being normal when, in fact, it is anything but.

That's not to say I am not enjoying myself, it's just all happening in a much quieter way this year.

The decorations are up! I think we might have even put them up a little earlier than usual, and we can thank Storm Darragh for that. It arrived the weekend we had planned to go to London to see the Christmas lights. I was quite relieved, to be honest. A weekend spent hunkering down at home, and making everything look festive, was very welcome, and although it was incredibly windy here, we fortunately managed to avoid the worst of it.

Even the decorations have been pared back this year. Not that I ever go overboard, but I've discovered that less is most definitely more in this little house. The advent stockings are in their usual position above the fireplace and the lovely, festive bunting, which my friend gifted me last Christmas, has been hung in the dining room. I've laid fairy lights around the base of the bay window, which give a warm and welcoming glow from outside, and the many decorations that we've collected over the years, have been lovingly hung on our tree. Each one holding precious memories of Christmasses past. 

This year, I didn't buy just one special decoration for the tree, but six! As a child, I remember two little bells hung on the Christmas tree. One green bell, and one red bell, although both of them appeared rather faded with age. I would just love to ring those little bells, which made the most magical sound. The bells I've bought were quite inexpensive, but they sound exactly the same. And each time I brush past our tree, they give that same magical ring. It is so lovely to hear. And, what makes me incredibly happy, is that I've noticed Lily occasionally pausing by the tree to ring one of them, just like I used to do. 

At the beginning of the week, Lily and I visited Sizergh Castle. This year, they are holding a Winter Light Trail, and I thought it would be a lovely way to spend an evening. It was really quite magical. The lights and music were almost hypnotic, and there was something to see around every corner. After the trail we were invited to walk around the house, where each room was decorated for Christmas throughout the years. It was all beautifully presented, and something a bit different. We really enjoyed it. 

Despite my best intentions, I'm still waiting for my festive spirit to arrive. And if it doesn't, then I'm quite okay without it. I'm still having a very lovely time, it's just different this year. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to finish my buying my Christmas gifts, and then I think I'll make a start on planning my Christmas food shopping.

J. X