Easter Weekend

This weekend I've felt more rested than I have in ages. In fact, I can't remember how long it's been since I had a time without responsibilities or appointments, and I must admit, I've rather enjoyed it. We've spent a lot of time at home, 'Just chillin,'' as Lily calls it, and it has been exactly what I needed. 

Thankfully, Storm Dave only resulted in a few empty flower pots getting blown around the garden - I don't know how I missed putting them away. And then the sun came out, albeit intermittently. It's still incredibly cold here. There's another light frost, this morning. 

Of course, we made Easter nests. Always a favourite in this house. And although Lily is far too grown up for an Easter Tree now, apparently, she is not yet too grown up for an egg hunt. Cue me hiding chocolate eggs around the house first thing Sunday morning, with Mog looking at me, wondering what on earth I was doing. 

That same morning we went for a visit to Sizergh Castle. It was a lovely bright start to the day and still nice and quiet as we took the trail across the fields and back again through the woods. Wild garlic is in abundance just now, and the bluebells are gradually beginning to flower. I really hope I get chance to visit the bluebell woods in the next few weeks, as they are such a spectacular sight. 

After our short walk, we went into the castle gardens. We didn't see any huge floral displays, but the glass house, kitchen garden and orchard were all full of promise, as is the way, at this time of year. 

There was a quiet, sheltered spot at the end of the hot wall, where we sat to enjoy our drinks and some chocolate eggs. And just look at those gorgeous tulips! Aren't they fabulous. They reminded us of flames.

To get back to the car we had to walk right beneath this tree, which was covered with the most beautiful blossom. Absolutely gorgeous.

After a brief chat with Charlie, the resident black cat, we made our way back home, to a mug of hot tea and some more chocolate. 

I really hope you all enjoyed a lovely Easter.

Back soon. 

J. X

Winner!

 

My apologies. I got a little held up yesterday. 

Thank you so much to all of you who commented on my last post. I entered the amount of comments I received into a number generator, last night, and the result was '2.' My 2nd comment was received from Jo. So, congratulations, Jo! Please get in touch with your details, using the 'Contact me' section of the side bar, and I will get your goodies sent off this weekend. 

Thank you so much, again, everyone. These blogging friendships mean more than you know. Here's to the next 10 years!

Back soon. 

J. X

Spring

 

We couldn't have asked for a more wonderful start to spring. The forecast for Saturday had been bright blue skies, and although it had been a hazy start to the morning, it turned into the most beautiful day. 

Birdsong. Swathes of daffodils. Blossom on the trees. My senses have awakened. Spring.

And just as I'd hoped, we found some frogspawn. So much frogspawn. And quite a few frogs, for that matter. Sat quietly by the tarn, we watched as there was the occasional plop in the water and marvelled at those fascinating little amphibians swimming in and out of the reeds. It's made me quite determined to make our garden more attractive to wildlife. Although some might argue, that as it's such a mess at the moment, it already is! I'm thinking of taking some space from the raised bed and using it to sink the small container pond into the ground - any advice on this would be gratefully received. Perhaps I'm over thinking this. If I find that I'm not happy with it, then I suppose I can always change it back again. 

Anyway, I decided to order the table and chairs that I had been looking at, and they will be delivered on Friday. Sadly, the garden didn't get a lot of use last summer, and I'd like to rectify that this year. I was only thinking yesterday, how it feels like a long time ago now that Lily used to get home from school, put her wellies on and go straight out into the garden to play. Her swing still stands beneath the tree. by the dry stone wall, but it's far too small for her now. How time flies.

And talking of time. This week will be 10 years since I started blogging. And I would like to acknowledge it with a little giveaway, as a thank you to all of you who stop by and visit here. I've made some wonderful connections through this space and I really appreciate your friendship.  I would really love it if you would leave a comment, and I will put your name into a draw to win some Lake District themed goodies. I will announce the winner on Friday. 

Have a lovely week.

Back soon. 

J. X

Ordinary Days

It's been another ordinary week. One day has seamlessly blended into the next. I've been focusing on gratitude and simple pleasures and I feel blessed in so many ways. 

Spring has been creeping slowly in. We've enjoyed some lovely warm, sunny days. The countryside suddenly seems much more colourful at this time of year. It's so uplifting to see the blossom on the trees, and lambs appearing in the fields. I still haven't had chance to get out into the garden properly,  but maybe in the next few weeks. Although, I have been eyeing up some new garden furniture online, as I promised that I would treat myself this summer. Nothing fancy, just a little table and some chairs.

Last weekend, we took a short but steep walk up Raven Crag, above Thirlmere. It had been a while since I'd last enjoyed the view there, and with the promise of some blue skies it was too good an opportunity to miss. We set off early, and walked across the dam road, which I always think is the most scenic approach. It was quite cool, so early in the morning, and you can probably just about see the snow on the higher fells. Our short climb was rewarded with an incredible view. A beautiful start to the day, and we were home in time for lunch. 

In other matters, I'm still playing a waiting game. Everything is uncertain and yet I'm feeling more settled than I have in a long time.  What is it they say. Yesterday is gone, tomorrow isn't promised, today is a gift. And with that in mind, today we're off in search of some frog spawn :)

Back soon.

J.X