Since the beginning of 2019 turned into a rather worrying and stressful time, I feel like, so far, this month I've been a little on edge and expecting a potential problem to present itself. Foolish, I know, as no amount of worrying can prevent anything bad from happening and only serves to leave me feeling tense and wrung out, and I'm also relieved to say that, so far, the year is ticking along very nicely indeed.
Following a lovely festive break, I've settled into my stride once again with work and running the home. The Christmas cake is all gone now and I baked some shortbread using up a half jar of mincemeat I discovered hiding at the back of the fridge - it was delicious!
Most importantly, I've spent lots of time outdoors. I've been taking part in RED January, which is an initiative to get active every day throughout the month, and so far it's going well. I might have thought otherwise when I found myself soaked through to the skin while running in the pouring rain last Saturday evening, but I'm feeling much better for it and it's so good to be doing something just for me.
On Sunday we went for a gentle walk up Sale Fell, which overlooks the top end of Bassenthwaite Lake. It's a walk I've been meaning to do for some time now - one of many! - and with the weather on our side, for a short time at least, it was just the right distance and height to enjoy this short stroll, while still being able to enjoy some beautiful views. It was rather windy at the summit, however, we didn't hang around up there for very long.
Following a lovely festive break, I've settled into my stride once again with work and running the home. The Christmas cake is all gone now and I baked some shortbread using up a half jar of mincemeat I discovered hiding at the back of the fridge - it was delicious!
Most importantly, I've spent lots of time outdoors. I've been taking part in RED January, which is an initiative to get active every day throughout the month, and so far it's going well. I might have thought otherwise when I found myself soaked through to the skin while running in the pouring rain last Saturday evening, but I'm feeling much better for it and it's so good to be doing something just for me.
On Sunday we went for a gentle walk up Sale Fell, which overlooks the top end of Bassenthwaite Lake. It's a walk I've been meaning to do for some time now - one of many! - and with the weather on our side, for a short time at least, it was just the right distance and height to enjoy this short stroll, while still being able to enjoy some beautiful views. It was rather windy at the summit, however, we didn't hang around up there for very long.
I have noticed the afternoons drawing out ever so slightly and I'm looking forward to ever increasing hours of daylight. My houseplants, which were beginning to look rather sad, have all been moved to the kitchen windowsill in order to get as much light as possible and it's beginning to get a little crowded there, especially with the recent addition of some hyacinths which are just starting to open up.
On these cold dark evenings I've been keeping busy with a new crochet project. A small blanket for my friend who's baby is due in March. I hope to share the finished results very soon.
Later, I'm going to enjoy some time catching up with some blog reading but, as we're forecast a bright and frosty day here, I'm off out to enjoy a walk in the woods first.
Happy Saturday!J. X
Such gorgeous photos as always. I feel as if I could be out there too. We finally got out for a good walk yesterday on the beach. Work and bad weather have meant just walks around the neighbourhood. John took Ranger out for a quick walk after tea, whilst I washed up, last night and the rain just came lashing down and both got soaked and cold :( This morning is bright and sunny if cold. Best, Jane x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jane. I can be difficult to get out at this time of year, although owning a dog means you have to go out whatever the weather. I love to walk on the beach in winter. X
DeleteI am so glad that this year is starting off so much better than last year and I really hope it carries on that way for you.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful day here today.....lovely blue skies and a heavy frost sparkling in the sunshine.
Enjoy your walk.
Hugs-x-
It's a relief, Sheila, and I hope the year remains just as uneventful as it began. X
DeleteThose views - stunning! And as for the mincemeat shortbread - oh, my goodness! My mouth is watering at the thought.
ReplyDeletexx
It was lovely there, Joy. It would be perfect walk for a summer's evening. X
DeleteI'm so glad that this year has started out well for. I hope it continues to be that way, throughout the year!
ReplyDeleteLove photos of your beautiful countryside! Enjoy the pleasant weather that is in the forecast for you!
I'm all for a quiet life, Bless, so I hope this year remain uneventful. It's looking good so far. X
DeleteWeeeeeeee! I can comment again.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you enjoyed Sale Fell. Lovely to see your photos - I am silly, but cannot bring myself to go back there. After Daisy and I had walked the numerous routes over Sale at least 100 times I stopped counting, but we didn’t stop visiting. Wish I’d known you were so close :-(.
I'm glad you're sorted now, Jayne. It's hard isn't it. I regularly find myself walking the paths I used to take with my dogs. They are happy memories now, however. Maybe in time you will feel the same. X
DeleteLiving in an area with such beautiful walks on your doorstep must encourage you to get out there and take in the scenery, I always love to see your photos. I'm pleased to hear that 2020 has started well for you and I know that feeling of anxiety well where you're expecting something to happen, I'm a real worrier myself, but I think it does help when you're able to get outdoors. I'm noticing the extra daylight too, that's definitely something else which helps me.
ReplyDeleteOh, it really does, Jo. I look forward to the weekends when I can get outdoors - as long as the weather is OK :)
DeleteI know, I'm a dreadful worrier at the best of times. I find myself stressing over the most little things, I guess it's just in my nature. Yay! for longer days. X
Picture postcard beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI've been moving plants around too, and isn't it wonderful to get that little bit of extra light each day. I have crocuses open in the garden; much earlier than usual, but it has been very mild so far.
Isn't it? The views were stunning.
DeleteMy poor plants had been looking so sad and, although I tried to get as much light as possible into the house, it just wasn't enough. It will seem rather empty in the kitchen once I move them back to their rightful positions again. X
Worrying won't alter anything, but it's easier said than done not to isn't it. I've not heard of RED January but had a quick google. Getting out and about can seem such an effort at times but it really does work wonders. Your gentle walks look anything but to me lol. I can walk forever on the flat but inclines half kill me!
ReplyDeleteWe were only saying last night that the nights are slowly getting lighter. I'm not quite ready for spring yet, I've still a little more cosying up to do, but it won't be long before I'm ready to come out of hibernation.
Have a lovely weekend. xx
I do try and tell myself not to worry but it doesn't always work :D Instead, I'm trying to keep myself busy running. I've even bought myself some new trainers. Get me!
DeleteIt was only when I left work one afternoon last week and I didn't need to us my torch to walk to the car, that I realised how the days are drawing out. Spring will soon be here. X
We had a sunny day today (finally) and we had to go out too - like you I am out everyday - it makes a big difference to what goes on in my head and without the incentive (you - RED and me #walk1000miles) I think these later winter days could be quite draining xx
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Kate. It does help me to have an incentive. Otherwise I would find it all too easy to hibernate at this time of year. X
DeleteOh, that beautiful wide sky! You take such gorgeous photos that always make me want to visit the places you go walking.
ReplyDeleteIt is raining here (Hooray!) and soon I will go wandering to see the little creek running again and I may slosh in a few puddles too ... it's been a while since we've had puddles!
MegXx
Thank you, Meg. I'm so happy you've finally got some much needed rain. X
DeleteStunning views and a picture perfect day. I would be interested to know how you incorporated the mincemeat into the shortbread. Sounds like something I would enjoy baking (and eating).
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely walk, Chris. I will be sure to post the shortbread recipe - it's yummy! X
DeleteWishing you a beautiful 2020, with a bit less worry.....
ReplyDeleteLovely photos.
Amanda xx
Thank you, Amanda. It's going well so far. X
DeleteHi Jules, That's wonderful. Good for you. I have been enjoying walks with Lula out in the fresh air, too. It really makes a difference in our health to stay active. I am trying to include running up and down the stairs ten times, and thirty push ups a day, too. Have been using the sauna, as well. It's so healing.
ReplyDeleteI love to be outdoors, weather permitting. Thirty push ups is impressive. I'm not sure I could even manage one! X
DeleteI must say I was a bit worried for you when there seemed to be a long gap and it is January and even I remembered your previous awful January - so glad to hear everything OK. It must be wonderful to be up on those beautiful hills - I only wish I could get my knee sorted out so I can do more walking.xx
ReplyDeleteThank you for your concern, Vivien. I think life just becomes a bit quieter in January, and I'm relieved to say mine has been this year.
DeleteI'm sorry you're not able to do much in the way of walking at the moment and I hope you manage to get your knee issues sorted soon. X
Great photos from Sale Fell, at least you got clearer views over the lake than I got last year :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eunice. I made it - finally! X
DeleteLoved your beautiful photos. Such a glorious part of the world, especially for walking. Well done on the running too. I’ve been caught out with soakings recently. The hail the other day was extremely painful. Have a good week. B x
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could have got any more wet than I did on that Saturday evening, but at least I was straight home and into the shower. Hail would have been interesting. X
DeleteI am glad to hear that 2020 has started as a better year for you. Like Viv I was a bit worried about the longish gap that maybe things were not going so well. I sent you an email from you sidebar but I am not sure if it sent. I am glad to hear that you too have been out for a walk in the beautiful county that we get to call home. Your photos are stunning as always. I have never been up Sale Fell but the views look amazing.
ReplyDeleteI'm very touched by your concern. Sadly, I didn't receive your email so it can't have sent, but I'm doing great so there's no need to worry - that's my job! :D
DeleteSale Fell is a really lovely walk. Not too strenuous, yet with some beautiful views. I'm hoping to visit nearby Ling Fell in the summer. X
Nothing like a Lakeland walk to blow away the seasonal cobwebs. How lovely to hear you sounding positive about how January is going so far. This month, and February are my least favourites. I find the after Christmas let down quite depressing but at least, as you say, the afternoons are lengthening and we have a spring to look forward to. Not so many weeks away now. Hyacinths will certainly lift the mood. They are just divine, aren't they? We've not visited the lakes since June 2018, but I have just booked us sometime in Keswick in September. We've always stayed further south when in the lakes but, particularly like Keswick and Derwentwater so it would be nice to stay somewhere a little different. I was in the garden centre just before Christmas where I had some mincemeat shortbread and it was delicious. I've only ever made plain or lavender shortbread but I have a jar of mincemeat in my cupboard so I shall consider putting shortbread on the menu. I often add mincemeat to apples for crumble. Very tasty!
ReplyDeleteIt can feel as though the days are dragging at this time of year but at least we have spring to look forward to. The scent of the hyacinths is just delightful and I find it so evocative of this time of year, not to mention just how pretty they look on the windowsill.
DeleteOh, you'll love Keswick (there's a particularly good Booths store if you're self catering). There are some fantastic walks from the town, both on the fells and along the lake shore. X
So glad that even though you have worried, so far everything is going along smoothly.
ReplyDeleteWorry about possibilities... Such a human failing. I say failing, because it's something which does no good. And only makes our lives less peaceful, for no, no, no purpose.
When did we learn to do this worrying about future possibilities?????
Lovey photographs, as always. Of the beautiful land in which you live.
Wonderful to be getting out, and doing something, just for you.
♫♪•*¨*•.¸⛄😊⛄¸.•*¨*•♪♫
It can be draining, all this worrying over things I can't control, and yet I still do it. I think I spend far too much time unnecessarily trying to think of possible outcomes and preparing for the worst. I guess at least I'm pleasantly surprised when things work out well :D
DeleteMy running is going well and I'm sleeping much better for it. X
We woke to a very frosty morning but the sun popped out and it was wonderful to walk in the winter sunshine. Your walk looks good too.
ReplyDeleteYour mincemeat shortbread sounds lovely
I love the frosty mornings and bright winter sunshine. It's just a shame most of our days have been gloomy and damp. X
DeleteBeautiful photos as always.
ReplyDeleteI hope this year will be a stress free one for you, Jules.
xx
Thank you, Nil. It's going well, so far. I hope its stress free for everyone. X
DeleteGetting serious photo envy...difficult to resist the temptation to upgrade my camera!! xx
ReplyDeleteNo camera here, Jackie, just my phone. I hope you get the upgrade you're looking for. X
DeleteIt is always a delight to visit your blog and admire the stunning views. Thrilled all seems to be going well for you and that you are getting into a nice routine. The mincemeat shortbread sounds delicious.
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm going to post the recipe for the shortbread if you're interested. X
Deletewhat beautiful photo's, looks a lovely place.
ReplyDeleteThank you, the views were so beautiful. X
DeleteBeautiful views and I'm so glad to hear that your year has begun nicely. I hope it continues to be a good one for you. xx Susan
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan. I hope it's a good one for you and your family too. X
DeleteI really must get into the habit of commenting when I read the post. As I think I've mentioned before I look at the photos and try and work out where they are and are taken from. I don't succeed very often but I do enjoy it. Anyway, I do hope that your January's worrying and stressful start has made way for a much more positive time.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Graham. Comments, although not expected, are always appreciated, whenever you choose to leave them :)and I'm happy to say January is going very well.
DeleteAll the above photographs were taken on our walk up Sale Fell. X
Always a joy to see your photographs.
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. X
Delete