New Beginnings

Like many of us, I have always looked upon this time of year as a fresh start. I have no doubt that this is a feeling which originated as a result of all those years at school - smart new shoes,  exercise books full of blank pages, and a different classroom to get used to. After a summer of freedom, bare feet and warmth, it was often difficult to adjust to restrictive clothing, routine, and early bed times. But it was all new and incredibly exciting at the same time. 

Since the autumn equinox, there has been a distinct change in the weather. The warmth of the summer has replaced by fresher mornings and evenings. It's getting dark much earlier now, conkers are falling from the trees, and the leaves are beginning to turn. It isn't yet porridge-for-breakfast weather, but it won't be far off. 

In all my years, not a lot has changed, and yet everything feels so different now. Time marches on, and if we're not careful it can overtake us, leaving us stuck in a reality that no longer fits. Lately, I've shaken things up a whole lot. I've looked at my life and realised that just because things have been a certain way for so long, doesn't mean they should remain so. I've made some small changes, and some not so small. And there is still some work to do. It has been challenging to acknowledge those areas that no longer align, but it has been empowering and liberating at the same time. 

I don't think I have ever learned so much about myself, as I have done during these last twelve months. I also hadn't appreciated just how big a burden I had been carrying. But I am relieved to say that I have finally turned that corner. Hurrah!  Now I just need to focus on building up my strength and fitness levels. 

Back soon.

J. X

Grrr!

Apologies. 

Blogger is not updating my reading list, so I can't see any of your new posts unless I check in with each blog individually. Because of this, it's taking me a lot longer to read blogs and comment. I am still here!

Back soon.

J. X

City Weekend

 

Last weekend, we took ourselves off on a short city break, which turned out to be somewhere quite unexpected. 

It even 'snowed' overnight.

The stores had been decorated for Christmas already.

There had been rumours of night time car chases but, thankfully, there appeared to be a heavy policy presence.

Although they looked inviting, the restaurants must have been closed, as they were completely empty.

And none of the taxis were running.

If you hadn't already realised, we were actually in Glasgow, which is currently being used as a filming location for the next Batman movie. It was incredibly exciting getting to see where the filming was taking place. Not so exciting was me getting some of the 'snow' in my shoes. It was, in fact, salt!

Of course the city has so much more to offer. We couldn't miss the Duke of Wellington statue, complete with not just one, but five traffic cones! We enjoyed wandering around the Gallery of Modern Art, which was so great. Even though I found myself just as fascinated by the coloured windows and the gorgeous stairwell, as in the art itself.  

Our next stop was the beautiful Botanic Gardens, where we were able to enter the huge glass houses, filled with the most gorgeous plants. There were so many to see, and I'm pretty sure we didn't manage to get around all of them. 

The gardens were just as beautiful, with the most colourful flower beds.  We walked along the river, where we were lucky enough to catch sight of a Kingfisher. A real treat, as it had been ages since I'd seen one. 

The following day we spent time walking farther around the city, admiring more of its stunning architecture. Unfortunately, as it was closed, we didn't get to go into the cathedral on this occasion, but we did manage to explore the Necropolis; a large, imposing Victorian Cemetery, filled with elaborate monuments and tombs. From there, we walked towards Glasgow Green, the oldest park in the city (I kept referring to it as Green Park - wrong city!) then back along by the river, returning to the city centre.

It was a really enjoyable weekend, and a much welcome distraction from the challenges I've been up against this year. The last few days have been taken up with health appointments, along with preparations for returning to work and school. I can't believe how quickly the holidays have gone, this year, and even though I'm looking forward to autumn, I'm not ready to let go of summer just yet. 

Back soon. 

J. X

Dog Days

 

Summer has given just what I needed this year. A slower pace, time to re-charge, and a much needed re-set. My strength is returning, and I can finally say that I'm beginning to feel much more like myself once again. 

I've been surprised at how much I've enjoyed the quiet. Time to step away, time to just 'be', time to enjoy the small moments. 

Kayaking on the lake has been such a lot of fun. We like to go close towards the reeds and watch the dragonflies and damselflies, before paddling back to the shore, where a flask of hot tea awaits. 

Blackberries have been gathered. They've ripened much earlier this year. Some have already been used to make Blackberry Vodka. The remainder are in the freezer for when I'm ready to make compote. 

The solar eclipse was a highlight for me. We joined in with an organised event, and there was such a wonderful atmosphere. We watched as the light dimmed, and got to see some amazing images through special cameras. We were so fortunate to get a clear view, here. The second image was taken a little later, as we were returning home. A memorable evening. 

Over the summer, Lily has been kept busy, taking part in some climbing and archery sessions, and it's been so lovely to see her growing in confidence. We've also been back up on the fells and managed to tick off another Wainwright, and the last of the Northern Fells. Stopping in at Lingy Hut Bothy to eat our lunch, while enjoying the beautiful view right down the valley. 

As we move into late summer, I am looking forward to getting back into a routine. I'm counting my blessings, and hoping for some positive news very soon. 

Back soon.

J. X