As is always the way, the holidays have been and gone in the blink of an eye and I feel like I'm playing catch up once again - but I'm not complaining, we've had such a wonderful time. The first week was spent mainly on Lily's daily swimming lessons, catching up with chores in the house and garden, and the occasional afternoon out. The second week was a little more relaxed but, as the weather continued to improve towards the weekend, we decided to really make the most of it before our return to work and school.
Last Friday we took a trip to Piel Island, which is just a short ferry ride from Roa Island, on the Furness Peninsula. It was a beautiful day and a little busier than usual with everyone out enjoying the sunshine, so we had to wait until the ferry's third run before we could reach the island - the ferry is a small boat which can only take a maximum of twelve passengers at a time. The water was lovely and calm so it was a gentle crossing and once on the island we found a peaceful spot where we could sit by the shore to enjoy a picnic lunch and collect some shells before exploring the castle ruins.
The following day, at Lily's request, we went to a 'real beach.' In other words, one with sand! Another gorgeous day filled with paddling, a picnic and sandcastles. It was delightfully warm and sunny. Looking out from the shore, the sea appeared to almost merge with the sky and, of course, Lily made some sand angels. In the evening we made chocolate egg nests, which were completely delicious and, funnily enough, didn't stay around for very long.
On Sunday morning, following an earlier than anticipated egg hunt in the garden - 6.45a.m.! - we set off for another visit to the nature reserve. We arrived quite early so it was still lovely and quiet - just the sound of the sheep and the birds. Even the sound of the water from the beck wasn't as obvious as on our previous visit, due to a lack of recent rainfall. Another lovely day out and even better when there was my home made brocolli quiche to come home to. The warmer weather has seen a definite change to the food we are eating and it feels good to be preparing lighter, healthier meals.
Finally, on Monday we stayed close to home and took a walk through the fields to the nearby woods. I thought the Bluebells would be almost out, but as I hadn't been to these woods in a while, I wasn't sure. They are always so lovely, although I wasn't expecting them to be as stunning as this. I may have taken a few more photographs but I think these beautiful flowers deserve a post of their own.
J. X
Sounds like you had some lovely days out. What a change for Easter to be sunny. Haven’t heard of Piel Island before. One to check out I think. That broccoli quiche looks delicious. B x
ReplyDeleteIt's been lovely, Barbara and, with the glorious weather we enjoyed, it felt just like a proper holiday, X
DeleteWhat could be better than spring, warm weather, picnics, sandy beaches, Bluebells and a sweet little girl. All so lovely.
ReplyDeleteI have been counting my blessings, Arleen. X
DeleteIt looks like you had a lovely time! I've heard of Piel Island and how the landlord of the inn has the title, King of Piel. The past week or so has been absolutely manic in our little town. At work I often take the ladies out for a wheelchair walk along the prom, but it's been chocka with locals, holiday makers and day-trippers enjoying the fine weather, that I've had to find other places to walk! What a beautiful place you live in and I love bluebells in the woods. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteThe island has an interesting history, Jane, and it's a great place to visit, especially on a sunny day. X
DeleteOh my goodness!
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful photos!
I always enjoy seeing your part of the world here.
Your vacation sounds lovely, and I agree.
They go by in the blink of an eye!
Thank you, Billie Jo. It's been a wonderful couple of weeks. X
DeleteBeautiful pictures of your lovely weekend trips. Those bluebells are stunning.
ReplyDeleteWe had chocolate nest cakes courtesy of my son and the girls and they went down a treat with a cup of tea.
Hugs-x-
Thank you, Sheila. Chocolate nest cakes are just delicious aren't they. X
DeleteI think you've definitely made the most of the holidays and good weather. It's been lovely to be able to spend so much time outdoors so early this year, I just hope that isn't our summer gone. Yum, the quiche looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteWe've been so busy I think we should really spend our next weekend at home, Jo, but it was so good to get out in the beautiful weather. X
DeleteIn the UK, you _do_ have 2 weeks off, for Easter. I thought someone had alluded to that, in some blog. You certainly made good 'use' of it.
ReplyDeleteDelightful alllll.... Especially, any trips to the ocean. And the land views are wonderful too.
Oh that quiche looks *scrumptousssss*!
✨🍥✨
Including Easter Monday we enjoyed a full two weeks and one day! X
DeleteWhat a fabulous post your photographs are an absolute joy to see, and I've scrolled up and down several times :)
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the link to Piel Island, fascinating place with it's own King!!!
We were so fortunate with our Easter weather and it was nice to read your post and see what you'd be up to.
That quiche looks very delicious … did you save a slice for me? LOL!
Hope Lily has a great summer term at school, our grand-children went back to school yesterday.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. Piel Island is a fascinating place, I really enjoyed our visit there, especially on such a beautiful day. X
DeleteI must say, you make the best of your time off! Sounds like you had a great time! I loved the photos. My, but, that was a very early Easter egg hunt! :D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bless. We certainly kept ourselves busy and made the most of the sunshine. Lily was really excited for her egg hunt, so the Easter Bunny had to be awake even earlier! X
DeleteA post filled with delightful things to see. The bluebells look stunning. Wonderful blue skies and the quiche looks so delicious.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Julie. Spring has been just beautiful this year. X
DeleteYou certainly do enjoy the outdoors! And what beautiful places you find! I love that little pink kitty nose, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. That little pink nose is rather cute. X
DeleteIt sounds like you had some really good days, wasn't the weather fabulous? Love your last photo and the cat one. I had four days in the north west Lakes, an area I've never been to before. Got out and about a lot and got a suntan just walking the dogs :)
ReplyDeleteIt's been so beautiful, Eunice. I'm glad you've been able to get out and enjoy it. I hope I'll be reading about your time away very soon. X
DeleteChocolate nest eggs? Is that what Lily is making in the photo? It looked like chocolate cornflake (or rice crispy) crunchies to me. I've not heard of them before which, given that they contain chocolate, surprises me. The bluebell woods are amazing. There are even bluebells at the moment in the Castle Grounds where I walk but nothing at all like your display which reminds me of my childhood. I'm ashamed to say that I've never made a quiche.
ReplyDeleteChocolate nests are delicious, Graham. They are basically a mix of melted chocolate, butter, golden syrup and cornflakes, with mini eggs placed in the centre. Although, unsurprisingly, a few of the eggs didn't quite make it into the nests!
DeleteThe bluebells look stunning at the moment and are putting on a very impressive display. X
What a lovely couple of weeks you've had. I've never heard of Piel or Roa islands - I'll have to look them up :) That was an early Easter egg hunt but at least you were all up and ready for the day. The quiche looks delicious and I 100% agree bluebells and also my favourite cherry blossoms definitely need posts of their own. xx
ReplyDeleteThe Egg hunt was a little early for my liking, but at least it meant we could get set off for our walk sooner than expected. However, we did end up eating our picnic lunch at 11.15! Talking of posts - is there any chance we might see one from you sometime soon? :) I miss your monthly catch-ups. X
Deletebluebells are gorgeous, so I totally agree you need to give them a post of their own!
ReplyDeleteThe Easter weekend was a lovely one, weather wise. Which made quite a nice change really, normally Bank Holiday weekends are a bit of a washout aren't they?!
As usual your photos are gorgeous and magazine worthy. I am craving one of Lily's cakes now! xx
The Bluebells are stunning just now, Sadie and I think our trip to the woods was the perfect time to see them at their best.
DeleteThe weekend was just lovely and the weather was delightfully unexpected. We are so used to the rain spoiling our fun aren't we. X
Lovely photos Jules, it looks like you enjoyed your few weeks break. I've not heard of the Island so glad you shared about your trip. Beautiful kitty, they look so cute when they're sleeping don't they. Cx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cathy. I quite like it when Mog is sleeping, as well as looking cute, I also know she isn't getting up to any mischief. X
DeleteEaster was so good this year - the sunshine and warm weather makes all the difference - we will be spoilt for future years now. I enjoyed reading your post it sounded like a lovely relaxing time.
ReplyDeletePS Glad our Easter egg hunt wasn't quite so early!
I think you're right, Vivien, we have been spoilt. I just hope that wasn't our summer. The egg hunt was a little earlier than I was expecting, although there is no such thing as a lie in in this house. X
DeleteIt all looks and sounds just like an Easter holiday should be. How's the running going? x
ReplyDeleteWe've had a great time, CT, it was a welcome break from routine. I completely forgot I ran a 10K two weeks ago. It was fine and I enjoyed it, I just wish I had more time to train. Although I'm sure I'd manage a better time if I didn't spend the majority of the run admiring the wildflowers and birds! X
DeleteYour photos are incredible. What a lovely place. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephenie. X
DeleteThey're lovely photos, Jules, you went to some beautiful places! I always think bluebell woods look quite ethereal. I'm not sure what sort of state our bluebells would be in after the storm at the weekend! Your quiche looks delicious:)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ann. The bluebells looked beautiful last weekend. I think we managed to catch them at their best. X
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