Isn't it always the way, the longer you leave between posting, the more difficult it can be to get back into it? I can't deny the last few weeks have been difficult for me. Work concerns, financial worries and other issues have all taken their toll, which hopefully explains my lack of posts. Day to day life seems transient and I'm left feeling not quite myself at the moment. That said, everything remains the same, for now at least, and it is nothing that is insurmountable, I just need to convince myself of that fact. 😊
Last weekend we enjoyed a lovely afternoon in Skipton. We arrived just in time for lunch so we treated ourselves to fish and chips by the canal. It was unusually quiet, I think we arrived just before it began to get busy. It was lovely and relaxing to sit by the water and watch the canal boats go by and we were joined by a friendly duck who was desperate to get a taste of our chips. We took a stroll around the town and watched the gala day parade (Lily thought it great fun to get sprayed by a water pistol!) then indulged ourselves with a large slice of Bakewell tart and a mug of tea before returning home again.
On Friday I surprised myself. I got up with the intention of going out for a run but once I'd taken Lily to school I really wasn't feeling it. I could have easily returned home and got changed back out of my running gear, but knowing how much better it would make me feel, I thought I would at least try to go a short way, then if I was still feeling rubbish I could just head for home. It was a beautiful morning and once I was on my way I began to feel much brighter. The hedgerows were lined with foxgloves and honeysuckle, and the scent was quite intoxicating. It wasn't long before I found myself settled into a steady pace, my dark cloud began to lift and I just kept going. Once I got back home I calculated I'd run 9 miles, the most I've done in a very long time.
Yesterday I took myself off for a walk in the hope I would be able to find some fresh elderflowers for cordial making. I knew I had left it a bit late this year but it tastes so delicious I hoped I hadn't missed my opportunity. It was another beautiful morning and fortunately I managed to gather just the amount I needed for my favourite recipe, which is on the sidebar if anyone would like it. The flowers are steeping in the syrup right now and it smells amazing. I'm hoping to get it bottled up this evening. A sure sign that Summer is on it's way.
J. X
Hi Jules,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you have some things worrying you, I do hope whatever it is can be sorted, I know how problems can take it's toll. Take care of yourself, and I am sure you will enjoy the elderflower cordial.xx
Thank you Marlene. I'm sure all will be OK in the end. It's because there's a few issues all at once that it's making me feel overwhelmed. I've just bottled up the cordial and I'm looking forward to drinking it. X
DeleteI hope you start to feel better soon Jules, sometimes it's so hard to get motivated. Your afternoon sounds lovely with fish and chips outdoors, just the sort of thing hubby and I do just for a change. Well done on your nine mile run and having your lovely cordial to look forward to. Take care x
ReplyDeleteThank you Eileen. The fish and chips were delicious, and I'm sure they tasted all the better for being eaten alongside the canal. X
DeleteI'm sorry to hear that you're feeling a little out of sorts at the moment, that's probably got something to do with not fancying a run. I don't run myself but I sometimes have to force myself out the door for a walk and I always feel better afterwards. You did well once you got going, nine miles, phew! Skipton's lovely for a day out.
ReplyDeleteI'm so relieved I pushed myself to go for that run as I felt so much better for it, as well as surprising myself at the distance. The day in Skipton helped too. X
DeleteWalking around Skipton is enough to make anyone feel better - and that fish and chip shop is one of the best. (the pork pie shop is pretty good too).
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely town to visit Pat, especially with the lure of the fish and chip shop. We also love the pie and mash shop around the corner. X
DeleteSome days things do feel to get on top of you, then being outside - running or gardening or just being outside - seems to help, as does fish and chips and sunshine xx sending hugs
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate. I find that getting outdoors always helps lift my mood, and we'll be making plans for some more relaxing days out during the next few weeks. X
DeleteI absolutely NEVER feel like going to the gym but I do it three times a week and always feel better for doing so. Endorphins and all that! Sorry to hear that you're out of sorts. I hope life feels lighter very soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's that initial shove to get out the door isn't it? I'm so glad I pushed myself to go for the run and I'm sure I'll be feeling brighter soon. X
DeleteOh dear...I don't like to hear you're on a downer...I hope it won't last long...I haven't yet picked a single elderflower...life has been hectic lately, and the last few days have been drizzley...can I hope for sunshine tomorrow. x
ReplyDeleteThank you Jackie. I hope this mood will shift before too much longer.
DeleteI thought I might have been a bit late for the elderflowers and I needed to check carefully for the fresh ones. It's all bottled up now and I'm looking forward to tasting it later. X
I hate how troubles always come in a cluster, as if one wasn't bad enough. I admire how you went for that run anyway and pushed through the the benefits. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteI think that's the problem Joy. I can deal with issues one at a time, but when they all seem to arrive at once is when I start to feel overwhelmed. I was sooo glad I went for the run. It made such a difference to how I was feeling as well as giving me a shock as to how far I went. X
DeleteI hope your worries sort themselves out soon...
ReplyDelete...good on you for doing a 9 mile run :)
Your fish and chips by the canal sound nice too :)
Thank you. I should probably go for a few more long runs if I want to enjoy more fish and chips. X
DeleteSorry to hear that things aren't great at the moment Jules. I don't want to blithely say I'm sure everything will be fine - work and financial issues are pretty big concerns, but I really do hope things get sorted out for you sooner rather than later.
ReplyDeleteSkipton is a beautiful town isn't it. When we go we always head to Bizzie Lizzie's for our fish and chips.
I used to find starting something much easier than finishing it but these days I find it hard to start anything at times. Glad your motivation got you out and about, a good dollop of fresh air and beautiful scenery does wonders for the soul. I keep meaning to ask if you've decided to put your name down for the August run - you can obviously go the distance :) xx
Thanks for your kind words Suzanne. I know things will be fine eventually, it's all the uncertainty I don't like, and I am starting to feel a little brighter already.
DeleteI love a day in Skipton and the fish and chips are always something we look forward to.
I haven't yet put my name down for the August run, but that's only because I've forgotten my password in order to register! I must get on with jumping through the usual hoops in order to retrieve it. There are plenty of spaces still available however. X
Oh Jules, I had a feeling that things were difficult for you at present . . . So sorry there is (probably) nothing concrete any of us can do.
ReplyDeleteYour run on Friday sounds like it was a good one, and the photo you have used is a delight. Thinking of you. XX
Thank you Jayne. It's funny how we can just sense something isn't quite right isn't it? I know when I've read other blogs, I occasionally notice a slight shift in the general tone, I just hope I don't come across as too maudlin.
DeleteThe run really helped in lifting my mood. X
It is one of the things I treasure about blogging - the way we can connect with lovely people who we'd (sadly) never meet going about our regular "real life" (although one can possibly query what is "real" these days in our increasingly digital world).
DeleteYou did not seem maudlin at all, just honest. Far nicer to read someone is human, and has the same ups, downs, problems and everything else as the rest of us, than the fake "I'm perfect" life that is broadcast in so many places.
Yes, blogging can be a wonderful way to connect with others all over the world. Thank you again for your kind words Jayne. X
DeleteI'm sorry to hear you've been experiencing some worries about things, Jules. I hope that they will get resolved soon. I am glad that you were able to persuade yourself to go for a run and that it helped. As did the afternoon out and fish and chips! I'm glad you were able to make your elderflower cordial, too. I don't think I've ever seen elderflowers, here (or, if I have, I haven't realized it!) But they look like such beautiful flowers!
ReplyDeleteI hope all your worries will be resolved soon and you continue to enjoy your days as summer unfolds.
Thank you Bless. Things will get resolved, it's just seems everything has happened all at once, and yes, the run definitely helped.
DeleteElderflowers are lovely and have the most gorgeous scent. I've made two bottles of the cordial and it is delicious. X
I hope your worries are soon a thing of the past. Skipton does look so lovely, not somewhere I have ever visited.
ReplyDeleteWell done on the run, 9 miles, that is a great achievement.
Thank you Julie. Skipton is a lovely little market town and well worth a visit. X
DeleteYour opening paragraph could have been written by me! Similar difficult times at the moment plus computer problems. Such is life! I should take up running obviously. Elderflower is one of my favourite drinks.
ReplyDeleteHope life gets better for you soon.
I'm sorry to read that you too have experiencing difficulties Viv. Maybe you should try running! Hopefully thing will improve for us both very soon.
DeleteI've just noticed your new blog home, it must be why it hasn't come up on my feed. I will try and sort that out. X
I'm so sorry that you are feeling out of sorts at the moment, hoping this will pass soon.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed seeing your photographs, I love walking by canals. In fact I love walking beside any water :)
Sending positive thoughts to you, and with the weekend approaching fast, may you have a good one.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan. I know everything will work out eventually.
DeleteI know what you mean about being near water. I do find it relaxing. The canal is lovely, but I must admit I prefer to be by the sea. X
So sorry things are getting you down at the moment Jules. There is always something isn't there? This thing with my BIL is getting me down at the moment because there is nothing I can do but lend an ear while things are sorted out. It's a pretty harrowing situation for him and I feel useless.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't Skipton look beautiful? DD and I are thinking of treating ourselves to a trip there.
Big hugs and keep your chin up-x-
You're right Sheila, there's always something. I'm often saying this very thing to a good friend of mine who has had more than her fair share of troubles.
DeleteIt must be so frustrating when you feel there is nothing you can do to help your brother-in-law, but I'm sure he's very grateful for your listening ear and just to know you care. I hope things work out for him soon.
Yes, do go to Skipton. It's a lovely little town with a popular market and the surrounding countryside is beautiful. This fish and chips aren't bad either ;-)
How lovely to pick elderflowers on a walk. I adore elderflower cordial but I have never made it. I hope finding those lovely creamy flowers lifted your spirits. Meg:)
ReplyDeleteThank you Meg. I was fortunate in being able to pick some fresh ones as many of them have lost their flowers now. It is so simple to make and tastes delicious. X
DeleteWell done you on the run-gets those endorphins pumping. I just walk nowadays but it always makes me feel better. We love Skipton and were just wondering how to fit in a visit this year.
ReplyDeleteThank you Catriona. It's always good to get the heart rate up with a brisk walk or run. I knew it would make me feel better but it was a lot of effort to talk myself into it, I'm so glad I did though.
DeleteSkipton is a lovely little town, I hope you manage to fit it in a visit soon. X
I hope life is being a bit kinder to you. Skipton is the place we would retire to if we could afford.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cherie. I'm sure things will come right in the end.
DeleteSkipton is lovely. I've always thought if I didn't live where I do then it's somewhere I would happily move to. X
Sorry to hear you’re not at your best, your post was still full of so many wonderful things xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Cheryl. A couple of the issues have sorted themselves out and I'm beginning to feel a a bit brighter. X
DeleteJust catching up so I was so sorry to hear you are feeling a little overwhelmed. Reading some of your responses you appear to feel a little brighter so sending you a hug in the hope it may help.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. I am beginning to feel a lot more positive now but your hug is very welcome. X
Delete9 miles! WOW!
ReplyDeleteI must admit, I surprised myself. X
DeleteI'm hugely impressed with your nine mile run. That ten mile race is surely no sweat now, eh? What is your running background? I realised a while back that you're not a complete novice :o). I'm sorry you've been feeling low but so pleased the run helped. Aren't we fortunate to have something so relatively simple that makes us feel better? Take care my friend x
ReplyDeleteThanks CT. That means a lot coming from you and I feel like I'm finally improving. Running definitely helps me feel better too, it's sometimes just that initial push to get out the door that I need.
DeleteI don't have a running background as such. I've taken part in some organised races (years ago) but I've never been a member of a club or taken it seriously at all. X