I'm still at home and my days are now beginning to drag. I am sure I would feel quite differently had I actually been unwell, but the worst of my symptoms has been a runny nose. The aching shoulders, I put down to having cut the grass and attempted some gardening last week :) I'm not complaining. I am incredibly grateful not to have suffered worse, but I'm now definitely ready to be back at work and getting on with things. I would like to say I have been productive with my days but, without my usual routine, I have been floundering. That said, I have tidied out my wardrobe, which wasn't as daunting a task as I'd originally thought, although I did have a 'moment' when I'd first emptied everything out onto my bed. I don't even own all that many items of clothing, it just isn't very well organised.
Also, I completed the baby blanket I have been crocheting for my friend. I am really happy with, so I do hope she likes it. I used this pattern from Maisie & Ruth, but increased the size of the border and left off the impractical pom poms.
I haven't just been stuck indoors, however. At the weekend we went out for walk along the river, the fresh air and stiff breeze helping to blow away the cobwebs. The ground was still very wet and muddy in places, so I was glad to be wearing my wellies. We had hoped to gather some of the wild garlic in the woods, but it is still a little too early right now, so it will just have to wait another week or so. But I really can't wait to enjoy some delicious, freshly made pesto. Perhaps I should learn to be more patient.
While we were out, we were actively searching for signs of spring and we weren't disappointed. There were new shoots in abundance and some of the trees are already in blossom. We didn't manage to find any frog spawn, but we were absolutely delighted to see some otters playing in the water and scampering up the river bank, and then a flash of vibrant blue as a kingfisher flew past.
Being full of germs I haven't wanted to spend much time in the kitchen, but as I had been craving cake I decided to bake some Weetabix Fruit Loaf Cake. And I am so glad I did, as I've been enjoying a generous slice each morning with a mug of hot sweet tea :)
I've done a bit more clearing in the garden and it's lovely to see some bulbs making a reappearance, especially the fritillary, which I have been careful to avoid disturbing since last summer. We have decided to sow wildflower seeds again this year, and I am once again looking forward to seeing the butterflies and bees they attract.
J. X
I'm pleased to hear that you haven't had any bad symptoms and that you've been able to potter whilst at home. Otters and a kingfisher, how lovely. I'm sure your friend will be thrilled with the baby blanket, it's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket worked up quickly and easily, and it feels incredibly soft. X
DeleteGlad to hear you are feeling well enough to return to work and eat that delicious looking cake. I used to have loads of Weetabix bits left after my mum had been. She only ate Weetabix so I had to buy them specially but never knew what to do with the bits and leftovers. Now mum can't come to stay I don't have the problem as I don't have to buy any but I would make that cake if I did.
ReplyDeleteIt is heartening to see that nature is just doing what it always does even when the world is in turmoil.
I don't eat Weetabix as cereal, so I need to buy it in specially for the cake. Fortunately it keeps well. X
DeleteI wouldn;.t b3e so sure about the aching shoulders not being connected. I had that at the start, then a sore throat, then the aches crept all over. I thought it might have been the swim I had on the Saturday but now you've
ReplyDeletementioned it, maybe it wasn't?
That cake looks amazing!
xx
You could be right, Joy. My aches were possibly as result of both the virus and my gardening efforts. Fortunately, they were short-lived anyway. X
DeleteThat's the best news. xx
DeleteX
DeleteGlad you have not been seriousy ill, and hope you are soon feeling back to full strength.
ReplyDeleteHow marvellous to have glimpsed the kingfisher 😊
Thank you, Jayne. I was hoping I might catch another sight of the kingfisher as Lily had missed it and didn't believe me! X
DeleteImagine you have the latest variant, which is "Like a Cold". -smile-
ReplyDeleteDid the rest of the family get it, or not? I ask since it is so weird, how it does or does not spread, in families. Ours next door, have had Everything, at one time or another in these 2 years. Each did not spread, to others.
And there is no more close quarters, so to speak, than 6 people living in a home together.
Regardless of how many symptoms, your body is fighting off "something," and needs all the rest you can give it. So I don't think you should feel, you *should have been* productive. No! Illness needs rest!
Happy you are seeing signs of spring. I saw my first robin today.
We still have some snow though, and temps are not that warm, yet.
Btw, I prefer the English Robin, to ours. Yours is small and sweet, like a Wren. Ours is bigger, longer, not so cute. :-)
🌷🌺🌷Gentle hugs🌷🌺🌷
Yes, even though my symptoms have been mild I really should learn to rest up more but it is something I am always reluctant to do :D
DeleteI have been very careful to avoid any spread of this virus and, so far, it seems to have worked. X
I'm glad that you have had only mild symptoms, make the most of your quiet time because it will soon pass. I love that baby blanket, it's the same stitch that I used for my throw at the beginning of the year it's lovely. I have never had Weetabix fruit cake before, you are definitely allowed cake when you are poorly. xx
ReplyDeleteYou are right, Linda. After all, it is never quiet for very long around here :)
DeleteGood to hear your are feeling well Jules, bar a bit of snot, and that you managed to get out to see some beautiful blossom, otters and a kingfisher. I'm sure your friend is going to LOVE the sweet baby blanket you've crotcheted. Wowzers - wheetabix fruit loaf !*!*!? That delicious looking cake sounds a little bit healthy. Double helpings surely then ;) xXx
ReplyDeleteI'm not so sure about healthy, but the cake is definitely delicious. X
DeleteThe baby blanket you made is beautiful! Simply beautiful! Glad you had some time outside. It is finally getting nice enough here in Pennsylvania to begin to think about that. The lake has thawed, and seeing the moving water brings me peace. Slice a piece of that bread for me! I'd love to join you for tea.
ReplyDeleteI'll put the kettle on. X
DeleteLucky you with fritillary - mine never reappear
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling better..
They are looking promising so far. X
DeleteThe blanket is beautiful, I'm sure your friend will be delighted with it. I'm definitely going to make a note of the link for the pattern. I'm glad to hear you've not been overly poorly with the virus and fresh air is definitely good medicine. Mum used to make weetabix cake. I was unsure at first but after the first mouthful it's a battle to stick to one piece! Hopefully it won't be long before you're out and about and back in your daily routine. xx
ReplyDeleteI do hope everyone in your house is feeling much better now. I was hoping the fresh air would be just the thing to blow away any germs, but I was still testing positive yesterday. Maybe some more cake will do the trick :)
DeleteThe flowers are so beautiful, my daughter told me yesterday that the first flowers are on the tree in her garden too. I still have to wait... but I went to the gardener today and bought pansies - they tolerate frost if there is any more.
ReplyDeleteThe baby blanket is beautiful.
I'll try your cake - does it work with wheat germ too? - I'll see if I can get breakfast cereal. Thanks for the recipe... and greetings to you.
It is lovely to see the new buds and blossom on the trees. Spring is a beautiful time of year.
DeleteI don't know if wheat germ would work in the recipe. If you decide to try it please let me know. X
Lucky you not having too many symptoms…I should just go with the flow and enjoy your break. x
ReplyDeleteI feel very fortunate to have only suffered mild symptoms. Now I'm looking forward to getting back to work. X
DeleteI'm so glad to hear that it has been a relatively mild case you've had and you are feeling well enough to want to return to work! It sounds like you got a lot accomplished while you were resting and recovering at home! Enjoy a slice of that cake for me, too, please! :)
ReplyDeleteI've been very lucky to have only suffered from mild symptoms. Now I'm looking forward to getting out again, especially as the weather this weekend is forecast to be beautiful. X
DeleteThat blanket is beautiful. I used to make that Weetabix cake when I was an employee and we'd take it in turns to bring a cake in.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you haven't developed any nasty symptoms and you've managed some fresh air and a walk. xxx
The cake recipe requires minimal effort, so just perfect for me :)
DeleteI hope that your rhythm and routine is restored soon. I hear you on thinking that you will do a lot more, its weird isn't it how we long for that time when we have no pressures and then we don't end up doing much. Perhaps that is our bodies way of saying thank you I needed this time of rest. It is hard to allow that isn't it, I know I am work in progress on that one.
ReplyDeleteYour blanket looks wonderful, I do hope it is well received.
I was thinking just the same this last week. It has at least been an opportunity to reset, and I have taken the time to finalise some travel plans for the months ahead. X
DeleteI think we are all ready for better weather and warmer temperatures. Think positive and it will be here before we know it. That`s my philosophy anyway!
ReplyDeleteSome warm sunshine would be just the tonic right now. Xx
DeleteIt's good to know that your symptoms were reasonably mild and you're now feeling better. The baby blanket and the blossom in your first photo are beautiful, and how lovely to see otters and a kingfisher - there are walks local to me where I could spot a kingfisher or two but I've never seen one yet.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Eunice. It is a long time since I last saw a Kingfisher. X
DeleteGood to know you weren't too unwell with the dreaded virus. The baby blanket is gorgeous and your friend will love it. I suppose it's hard to be totally relaxed at home when you are used to be being so busy and I'm glad you were able to get out and enjoy your walk and the fresh air.
ReplyDeleteThere have been so many cases at work recently but Fortunately most have been mild. I am happy to be back again. X
DeleteGlad your symptoms weren’t too bad. Love the baby blanket and like you I’m looking for signs of spring everywhere. B x
ReplyDeleteThe blanket was a great way to keep myself occupied while I was at home. X
DeleteThe Weetabix cake sounds interesting. :) I am envious of your otter sighting, that must have been something. There are otters in the River Ribble but I haven't seen any yet. But I am fortunate that I have seen the gleam of a flying kingfisher quite often. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Weetabix cake is delicious, sliced nice and thick and spread with butter :)
DeleteYour crochet blanket is beautiful:) and the loaf cake looks soooo yummy !
ReplyDeleteJillxo
Thank you, Jill. X
DeleteSo glad that you are feeling well and not suffering too many symptoms. Spring is starting to make an appearance locally thank goodness, it has been a long Winter.
ReplyDeleteI am always eager for the arrival of spring. We just need some warmer temperatures now. X
DeleteWarmer days are on their way - I need to feel warm to my bones, I'd not heard of a Weetabix cake before, so followed the link. I suspect it just might be the right sort of thing for my hollow-legged-husband! So I have added Weetabix to the shopping list for this week and will make it for him this weekend.
ReplyDeleteHang in there xxx
That is exactly what I say, Kate! A bit of warmth on my bones. I am far more suited to warmer weather.
DeleteThe Weetabix cake is delicious and so simple to make. X
That baby blanket is lovely, thank you for the link to the pattern and I could eat a piece of that cake right now, it looks delicious.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket is such a pretty pattern and it worked up quite quickly. X
DeleteOh,I just love your blog makes me feel all warm inside.As Always gorgeous photos,glad you have been out in the fresh air.Adore that Baby Blanket and will have a peek at the pattern.Weetabix Fruit Loaf that's a new on me must enquire further,it looks yummy.Take care and give Mog a cuddle from me.xx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lee, that is such a lovely thing to say.
DeleteI can definitely recommend the Weetabix Cake. I've been enjoying it for years. X
From your beautiful blossom to your delicious cake, a lovely post from start to finish :)
ReplyDeleteAll the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. X
DeleteYour mention of wild garlic a few years ago prompted me to get some to plant last autumn but I left it too late and missed the window. I have discovered that a friend has lots though so this year I'll be getting some from her and will plant some in my herb garden and some under the trees.
ReplyDeleteIt is a good idea to plant some in the garden. I've never thought of that before. X
DeleteWhat a gorgeous crocheted baby blanket! That bread looks delicious, too. Glad you are back in the kitchen creating again.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephenie. It had been a while since I had done any crochet and I really enjoyed making the blanket. X
DeleteHappy first day of spring! I'm glad to hear you are recovering and feeling better. Your cake looks delicious! I'm curious - what type of tea do you make for sweet tea and do you sweeten it with sugar or something else? I'm also planning to plant wildflower seeds again this year. I'm so excited to have fresh flowers in the garden again.
ReplyDeleteThank goodness that spring has finally arrived. The weather here has been beautiful. Still fresh, but much warmer during the day.
DeleteI just drink regular tea, and sometimes I sweeten it with sugar. X
Glad you are feeling better and have been able to enjoy the weekend outside.
ReplyDeleteThe blanket is lovely and your friend will be very touched to receive such a personal gift for baby.
I have never heard of weetabix fruit loaf cake before but as we always have plenty of that cereal I shall give it a go. I'm sure hubby will love it. Thank you x
Thank you, Beverley. It's good to be back at work again.
DeleteThe Weetabix cake is delicious, and so simple to make. It is very popular in this house. X