It was a disappointing start to the day. Our original plans for the morning were, unfortunately, cancelled, so instead I busied my way through some household chores. I've managed to conquer the mountain of ironing, complete a small supermarket shop and vacuum throughout, but there is still a lot to catch up with, so I've left any intentions of adding to the Christmas decorations for another day.
The weather has been decidedly end-of-year-ish. Generally gloomy and grey, raining on and off throughout the day, and with the sort of damp chill in the air that goes right through to your bones. This afternoon we wrapped up warmly and walked a short way up a nearby fell to where is now my dad's final resting place. At the foot of a tree, a little way off the main path. It is somewhere he used to walk most days until his health began to deteriorate and I'm sure he would have been pleased with our choice.
I spent the rest of the day busying myself with writing lists. Gift lists, food lists and most importantly a list of joyful Christmas activities. Some that I would like to do if I get the chance and others that I think I should intentionally make time for, just because. I had hoped to bake some mince pies, but feeling a little wrung out I decided on some flapjack instead - I can make that with my eyes closed :) I also set about making some cranberry sauce and just as daylight began to fade, the house was filled with the delicious aroma of cranberries and port, with a slight hint of spices.
J. X
Oh gawd, the smells from your house sound divine m'dear, you wouldn't care to share your flapjack recipe to a rather rotund Welshman?
ReplyDeleteYou can find it on my recipe page just under the header. Xx
DeleteIt has been a dark grey day here and lashings of rain. I am sure your dad will approve of your choice of resting place - such a beautiful place where you live. I must be the only person, but I have never made cranberry sauce probably because with our nutloaf we always choose to have apple sauce for Christmas, maybe I will have a go at making some - it does look rather delicious in your picture. xx
ReplyDeleteI have apple sauce as well! :) Cranberry sauce is so simple to make and you can always add some Port. X
DeleteThat is such a lovely thing to do for your dad and memories of a place he enjoyed walking.
ReplyDeleteI think I am just smelling the wafting of your cranberries and port this evening :)
It did smell delicious. X
DeleteSorry the day started out with cancelled plans and disappointment. But, I'm glad that you were able to visit your Dad's final resting place in the afternoon. Your cranberry sauce looks delicious! :)
ReplyDeleteIt was only a small thing but I had been looking forward to it. We're hoping to reschedule in the New Year. X
DeleteDespite your morning not going according to plan you should be so pleased with yourself for everything which was achieved. Lots of "ticks" off one of the ever-present lists.
ReplyDeleteI would imagine your Dad will be pleased to see you when you walk past, and hear Lily's chatter. xx 💚
I expect I'll be taking a walk there more regularly from now on. X
DeleteThe weather puts a dampener on your mood doesn't it, but you have dome more than I have flapjacks and cranberry sauce yum! Have a lovely Sunday. xx
ReplyDeleteIt does when it is this gloomy. I'm just glad I managed to be a little productive, at least. X
DeleteThe weather is awful, high winds again here and I saw quite a few people taking photos of the huge waves yesterday. Your Dad's final resting place sounds perfect and will be a comfort to you. Your cranberry sauce looks delicious, one of my favourite sauces x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eileen. I'm sure he would have approved. X
DeleteI can't think of a better place to choose for your dad's final resting place, he'd be so pleased you chose a place he loved. The weather here today is windy and rainy, definitely an indoor day.
ReplyDeleteIt was somewhere he used to walk most days. X
DeleteI wish you hadn't mentioned ironing. I'm having friends for dinner and I'll have to clear all today's ironing first (or hide it in a bedroom in which case it'll just stare at me again tomorrow). The smell of the cranberry sauce is so string even my imagination can smell it.
ReplyDeleteI've needed to hide the ironing myself on many occasions. It's a constant battle in this house.
DeleteI hope you enjoyed your evening. X
Your Dad's tree sounds like a good place to visit, I am sure he'd be quietly pleased that he is there now, in a favourite spot.
ReplyDeleteNot all days go as planned, but things still get done and there is always tomorrow x
You're right, of course :) We're hoping to reschedule in the New Year. X
DeleteYour Dad's final resting place sounds a lovely place to visit. My Dad's scattered over Snowdon! xxx
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely there, and not far from the path. X
DeleteYour dad's final resting place - somewhere he loved and which gave him pleasure, and close enough for you to visit - it sounds lovely x
ReplyDeleteIt is, Eunice. He used to regularly walk there with his dog. In fact, my dog's ashes were scattered not too far from there. Xx
DeleteYour dad's final resting place is perfect.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. I think he would have approved. Xx
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