Early Summer

Thank you so much  everyone for your kind words and responses on my previous post, they are very much appreciated and I feel so grateful for your support and encouragement. I hope I didn't come across as too maudlin, as that really wasn't my intention, and thankfully I am already starting to feel much brighter. A couple of issues have been resolved, much to my relief, and the others are a work in progress. My outlook, therefore, is becoming much more positive. Big sister has moved back home, much to Lily's delight, and life is becoming busy and happy.

The hot weather continues and we carry on making the most of this, especially in the evenings and  on weekends.

Last weekend, and just before the weather really heated up, we went out on the bikes again. Since our last outing Lily was given a much needed new bike for her birthday (it's scary how fast she is growing!) and this one cannot be attached to the back of mine. I was a little worried how she would manage, but she did brilliantly. She is definitely getting the hang of  'keep left!' or 'keep right!' in order to avoid the other track users, and insisted on going the whole distance of twelve miles in order to get an ice cream which (of course!) she didn't really eat but liked the idea of. I love so much that she enjoys going out for a ride.

Spot the sheep.

The following day we walked up to Easedale Tarn near Grasmere. And for anyone who is wondering, no, the girl does not tire easily! Although, it was a hot day and we didn't want to do any steep climbing. The track up to Easedale  is a beautiful walk and a perfect place to head to for a picnic. Quite a few other people thought so too, as thanks to the good weather it was busier than usual up there. Lily and I enjoyed a paddle to cool off but there were a few people who braved the cold in order to go wild swimming in the tarn.

We've been enjoying time in the garden in an evening.The little paddling pool is the perfect way to cool off, and the fabulously bright flamingo swimming costume is getting plenty of wear. Meals are whatever is quick and simple to prepare, much preferring to be outside than stuck in the kitchen. The latest batch of Elderflower cordial is so delicious and refreshing. The perfect summer drink.

The few vegetables we have growing appear to be doing well, even in the heat. We've already tasted the spring onions and lettuce. Sadly, the strawberries have failed again this year. I really don't know what I'm doing wrong. I dug the remains out of the large planter and have replaced them with the tomato plants, which have plenty of flowers on them now, and will hopefully produce some fruit.

This last weekend has been so lovely. We went camping  near Ullswater again and tested out the new tent. We walked around Aira Force where the cool shade of the trees was very welcome, and naturally we had a paddle in the stream. Following a picnic lunch we walked down by the lake. I've never known even the shallow water to feel warm before, that's how hot it's been recently. In the evening we managed another short walk and did some Geocaching. It's a while since we last did any and I sometimes think the adults enjoy it more, although Lily does like the excitement of discovering the little boxes of 'treasure'.

I haven't seen Mog for a few days now, although I'm not worrying as I know she's around somewhere. I think she has found herself somewhere nice and cool to hang out. There are some large trees and long grass to the back of the house and I have a feeling that's where she is. Her food is going down, albeit slowly, and I did hear the catflap at around 5.30 this morning. It would be nice to see her face occasionally, however.

I could easily get used to all of this. It's wonderful to actually feel like it's summer.

J. X