I've been rather quiet on here lately. Although not entirely intentional, it has, at least, afforded me some time to restore and recharge my batteries. I've been adjusting to a different rhythm to my days and it is taking some getting used to.
Day to day life continues, however and I'm busying myself with the regular routine whilst I wait for other areas to settle into a more familiar pattern.
Our days are often decided by the weather and we are finding it can feel like spring one minute and returning to winter the next. We've had morning frosts, followed by warm sunshine then heavy rain. I would quite like there to be another snowfall before the end of winter but the forecast doesn't show any sign of a drop in temperature and with the arrival of lambs in the fields and the crocuses beginning to show their colour it might be that we are set for an early spring. To be honest, I think I'm probably ready for some warmer days and being able to spend more time outdoors; the arrival of lighter evenings has not escaped me either.
We've been out walking as often as possible and I'm managing to get out running with a bit more regularity, which is having a positive influence on my wellbeing. I'm hoping I can keep it up, maybe with the possibility of entering a running event later on in the year. Lily, however, seems more keen to go swimming recently. Since the beginning of the year it has been a joy to watch her grow in confidence and ability in the water. Another milestone reached and yet another sign my little girl is growing and changing all the time. It is wonderful to see, it's just happening so fast that sometimes I would like to press the pause button.
At home this week I've made a start on a good tidy and clear out although, as with all my good intentions, I have reached a bit of a sticking point. The whole process of going through cupboards and drawers is never appealing but it does feel so satisfying when I get to see the finished result. If I manage to do a little bit at a time it might not feel quite so overwhelming.
I have, however, finished the blanket for Lily. Finally! I can't quite remember when I started it but I know I was working on it when we went camping last May.
It took me a while but I got there in the end.
J. X
Hi Jules lovely to hear from you - I too have been a bit absent recently and just getting back into a rhythm. Glad to hear the dust is settling for you - getting over an initial shock is always worse - I am still trying to find a new way even though I chose to leave work last year having a new and different life has still been a bit of a shock for me and hard to make new routines at home.
ReplyDeleteLily is certainly growing up now - I feel like that with my granddaughter who will be five this year. Her hair is beautiful on your photos and so long. Well done with the blanket it is gorgeous - I have just decided to have a go at knitting again after over 20 years and I have been trying some crotchet but as yet the trial square has turned out to be a bit of a triangle - somewhere I am loosing stitches as I turn!! xx
Thank you Vivian. It takes a while to adjust doesn't it? And I must admit that, for the most part, I prefer to have a regular rhythm to my days. I'm sure it will all fall into place within the next few weeks.
DeleteBest of luck with the knitting. X
The blanket is exquisite. The colours are beautiful together.
ReplyDeleteYour photos always make me want to get outside, you have the best eye for a good nature photo.
xx
Thank you, Sadie. I should have guessed you'd like the pink!
DeleteYes, get outside. It's not bad out there and I'm of the opinion that it means I don't see any housework that needs to be done :D X
It can be hard to drag yourself through the long winter days when it's cold and grey. We struggle through the winter months and make the most of any sunny days by getting out for fresh air and exercise. I'm pretty much cooped up indoors at work, so I cycle to and from work when the weather permits. Lily's blanket looks so sweet; those lovely colours. Best, Jane xx
ReplyDeleteI always feel much better for getting outside, especially at this time of year. unfortunately, work has a habit of getting in my way too. X
DeleteThat blanket is beautiful
ReplyDeleteThank you. X
DeleteThe blanket is beautiful, such a pretty textured pattern and gorgeous colours, Lily must be thrilled with it. Yes, they do grow so blooming quickly, it's Daniel's 24th birthday today, I can't believe where the time has gone. It certainly seems like spring has arrived early, doesn't it? Gorgeous blue skies and spring flowers everywhere you turn, but I'm not putting my winter woollies away yet, surely we can't have seen the back of winter already.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jo. Yes, both Lily and Mog like the blanket very much. The yarn is a wool blend, so it is lovely and cosy.
DeleteIt's a return to rain for us today, but the sunny days have been glorious. X
Great photos, I love the one looking from the field gate and the one with Lily sitting on the bench - I don't know where you were for that one but it looks like a really nice place :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eunice. The one on the bench was taken at a nearby National Trust property and it's beautiful there, especially during the spring/summer months. X
DeleteI think we all experience changes throughout our lives often dictated by outside influences etc. I knows I tend to roll with the punches far more these days.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind change so much, it's the initial uncertainty I struggle with. I'm hopeful that things will be on a more even keel within the next few weeks. X
DeleteThe blanket is lovely ... I'm so lacking in ability to work with wool that I can't even tell if it is knitting or crochet,but whichever it is the colours are gorgeous and I'm full of admiration.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eileen. It's crochet. I just can't believe it took me so long to finish it. X
DeleteBy going out last weekend I think we missed a good opportunity to be out tidying up the garden where lots of things are shooting up. It does feel like it will be an early Spring doesn't it although I don't think I will be going out without a coat or a jumper just yet.
ReplyDeleteLily's blanket is beautiful.
Hugs-x-
The garden is looking a bit sad at the moment. I'm hopeful by adding a bit of colour to my planters in a few week's time, that it will be miraculously transformed. X
DeleteVery glad, that you yourself, have become more peaceful and settled. Hopes that other things, will become so, and soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely hair, your little girl has. Like spun gold, as in the old Faerie Tale. :-)
And I am glad, you do not show her, up close... We would love to do that, with children and grand children. -sigh- But I didn't, when they were little. It seemed prudent, even though it was hard, not to show their sweet faces.
We have to blog, as if talking to friends. But common sense tells us, that the World Wide Net, is open, to more than just nice friends. And that we have to protect certain parts of our identity, etc.
Sad but true. As are so many things in life....
But that is what we are given Common Sense for! :-)
Happy Full Super Snow Moon!
🌕 🌝 🌕
Thank you, WoW. We are beginning to settle into a new routine and things are looking much better.
DeleteI like to think I'm quite mindful as to what I show and mention of Lily for all the reasons you mention. X
Beautiful photos of a lovely walk. I love the crochet blanket and its wonderful colour combination, well worth the wait as it is stunning and I am sure well loved.
ReplyDeleteThank you so very much. I lost my motivation for finishing the blanket towards the end of last year and yet it didn't take too long once I set my mind to it. X
DeleteBeautiful wee girl. Lovely place to be.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jill. X
DeleteLove the photographs, love the blanket, agree about tidying - both the chore and the satisfaction when it is done.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pat. A bag of clothes went to the charity shop yesterday, so I think little by little I will get there. X
DeleteA Lily without plaits! I'm not sure I've seen a picture of her plait-less before. What amazing hair. What a 'restful' post and, as always, lovely photos. Your pictures always depict the seasons so well. The time taken to finally finish the blanket makes me think that I really should finish the mohair cardigan I started in......1993 !!!
ReplyDeleteHaha! It doesn't happen very often, Eloise. A plait is her favoured way of keeping it under control and it does save it from getting tangled. She always receives compliments on the occasions she does wear it down, however.
Delete1993?!!! Now that is impressive :)
Beautiful blue winter skies in your lovely photographs. Lily has beautiful hair, mermaid like when she us in the water i bet!
ReplyDeletePretty blanket, perfect for snuggling up wth.
Thank you, Julie. Sadly, the sky is a gloomy shade of grey this morning. X
DeleteI love the blanket. The colors are just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI've heard my friends say the same thing about having a pause button on their kids' childhood :) Kids grow up so fast, don't they?
Thank you Nil. Yes, she's growing far to fast for my liking. X
DeleteLife is about adjusting. The unexpected often happens but we just have to roll with the changes and move on. If we are lucky, it will lead to a better place.
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are lovely and I can almost see spring in your very first photo. We have been blessed with some beautiful, unusual, warm weather mixed in with days of snow and ice. Today is sunny but we are expecting 6” of snow tomorrow. Winter is always interesting.
Lilly’s blanket looks so pretty and soft.
Thank you, Arleen. Things are looking up and we should be more settled within the next few weeks.
DeleteSpring is on it's way and the warmer weather and brighter days always help me feel more positive. X
I am the same Jules, quiet but not intentionally, glad you are having some time for yourself,Lily is growing away now isn't she. Your blanket is beautiful.xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marlene. It is quite usual for me to retreat and withdraw into myself when times are uncertain (after my initial panic, of course!) X
DeleteBeautiful photos and there's a cartain qualioty about winter sun, isn't there. It's lovely.
ReplyDeleteAlso lovely is the blanket. Those colours!
xx
Thank you, Jo. Winter sun is beautiful, although sadly missing today. X
DeleteYour little girl is growing up fast and her hair is beautiful, I have always thought so. It's difficult to adapt to a new routine and I do hope things change for the better for you. When I was newly retired I busied myself tidying cupboards, just think of it as an early Spring clean. Your blanket is gorgeous, I love the colours, well done for getting there x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eileen. Lily is fortunate to have such beautiful hair and is often complimented on it.
DeleteI think my need to tidy is a craving for a bit of order in some part of my life. I'm only doing a little at a time - it might even take me as long as the blanket! :)
Oh, the blanket is lovely! Well done. You sound a bit wistful. Adjusting to a new rhythm always takes me a while, but I'm glad you have found time for running and that it helps. Take care. x
ReplyDeleteThank you. I suppose I am a little wistful but I'm turning a corner and we should be a little more settled within the next few weeks. X
DeleteGlad to see another post and to read that you are adapting as new routines evolve. It does look like spring is on its way, over there. The blanket you made is lovely and I am glad that both Lily and Mog enjoy it. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bless, we're slowly getting there and some brighter days will help make me feel much better, I'm sure. X
DeleteAs I look out of my kitchen window (When I'm in I tend to live in my kitchen during the day because it has fabulous views over the bay) alternating with looking at your beautiful sky and fields I am longing for some lovely weather and Spring and 24 hour days that midsummer brings. On the last 8 days my morning walks except yesterday have been done in the rain and wind and usually in the cold too. I hope Spring brings you and Lily joy and brings us beautiful images from your walks.
ReplyDeleteI'm envious of your views, Graham. It sounds wonderful. It won't be long before the weather settles and we will get some spring sunshine to warm our days. X
DeleteThat's a beautiful blanket. I'm glad the running is helping, and a little time out too x
ReplyDeleteThank you CT. I need to start looking out for a running event to enter, so it will give me something to aim towards. X
DeleteYour blanket is beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the colors.
We are having snow and ice today.
I do enjoy the cozy feeling of being inside.
Yet, I am getting ready for warmer days and time outside.
Have a cozy day, my friend. : )
Thank you, Billie Jo. I love those colours together and, thankfully, so does Lily. X
DeleteYou are wishing for a pause button and I am wishing for a rewind button! It's hard to believe my daughter will turn 30 this year. Your photos are beautiful; I love those blues and greens. I hope you enjoy every minute of your walks with your sweet Lily.
ReplyDeleteIt's scary how fast they grow isn't it, but so wonderful to see. X
DeleteOh, that blanket is spectacular! I love the colors that you used. They look lovely together. The area where you live is so green!
ReplyDeleteThank you very much. It is rather green around here. X
DeleteI've also been quiet re. blogging, in fact I feel as though I've hibernated through winter this year. I totally agree with you that sometimes we just need to rest and re-charge our batteries, especially if things are going on in the background that we're having to deal with.
ReplyDeleteI always feel quite wistful when I see photos of Lily wishing mine were little again. Well, perhaps not so much Amy, my goodness she was delightful but very hard work! but I'd definitely rewind Thomas' button if I could :)
The blanket is gorgeous. Will you be planning another camping trip this year? Hope all is well with the family. xx
I think this time of year is often much quieter on the blogging front and, if I'm being honest, it is quite nice being able to ease off for a while and concentrate on other things.
DeleteIt's funny you should mention camping. I was only thinking about it just the other day. I hope we can plan for a few nights here and there and, of course, Lily is desperate to return to that lovely site near Ullswater.
I hope all is well with you and your family, Suzanne. X
Once again, an absolute delight to see your beautiful photographs, and what a lovely walk it looks.
ReplyDeleteI think the finished blanket looks great, I love the colourway.
Enjoy the weekend, my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Thank you Jan. The blanket has already had plenty of use this week as Lily has chickenpox and has been snuggled beneath it (often with Mog) on the sofa. X
DeleteLove love love that blanket! Yep...all 4 seasons in an hour...that’s the UK for you. x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jackie. Yes, the weather keeps us guessing, doesn't it? X
DeleteVery pretty countryside. What a treat to live in such a place. Love your blanket. I have an old crotchet woollen one that I can not ever imagine parting with.
ReplyDeleteThank you. The blanket has seen plenty of use this last week. X
Delete