Into the New Year

Hello 2019!

I hope the New Year finds you well rested, following the festivities of the last few weeks. We've enjoyed a lovely time since school ended last month and, I won't lie, I'm going to find it really difficult to get back into the swing of things when my alarm clock goes off in the morning, as the new term begins.

I've never been one for huge celebrations at New Year. I see it, instead, as a time for reflection of the year passed and of my hopes for the year to come. So, instead of staying up and celebrating at midnight, we were in bed by 10.30p.m. in anticipation of an early start on New Year's day. The top photograph was taken when we arrived on the shores of Ullswater, just as the sun began to rise above the mountains. It was a beautiful and clear morning with a distinct chill to the air but it was oh-so-quiet and still there. The perfect way (I think) to begin our New Year.

We lit the stove and, while we waited for our sausages to cook, enjoyed a mug of steaming hot coffee, as the sun rose and the sky changed from a deep grey into a gorgeous shade of bright blue. Lily amused herself paddling in the lake and climbing trees, unaware of New Year,  only concerning herself with having fun. Our peace was only disturbed when some New Year dippers swam by.  The water was, in their words, 'refreshing.' 

The following day and, blessed with more good weather, we went for a walk up Silverhowe near Grasmere. It is only a short, steep climb to the summit but the views from the top are stunning, and on a clear day you can see for miles around.  It felt so good to  be up in the fells again, our last 'proper' walk having been back in November and seeming like a long time since.

Unfortunately, during this last week we've been dealt a bit of a blow, which has thrown us off our stride, to put it mildly. Life does have a way of throwing curve balls now and again, and although  I'm trying to stay positive and hopeful this will only be short term, any kind of uncertainty is difficult to deal with. So, if I am a bit quiet on here for a while, this is the reason.

I hope this New Year brings you everything you wish for.

J. X