A Time to Reflect

These last few weeks seem to have flown by. A lot has happened and yet much remains the same. Another trip around the sun for me, and time to reflect and re-evaluate. This year was an especially significant year, and also the first birthday on which I didn't receive a message from my dad. He was always awake and up early each day - I wonder who I take after! :) - and would always text a heartfelt 'Happy Birthday!' message appear to my phone first thing in the morning - I think he found it easier to express his feelings this way rather than face to face. And then, on top of that, a lack of recognition from others of what should have been a special day, although expected, was still upsetting.

I suppose I've been feeling a little flat since then. The main reason for my absence in this space has been an opportunity to reach some sort of clarity and bring some calm to my racing mind. And also, as is usual by this point in the summer, I am ready for a return to more structure and rhythm to my days. This happens every year, so I shouldn't be surprised. But even then, I have uncertainty in that I am still waiting for my new working hours to be confirmed. I would like to think this will happen in the next few days :)

On a much more positive note, I have been away on holiday, baked bread for the first time in ages, gathered blackberries and been for lots of lovely walks. But more on these in another post. I just wanted to stop by and say 'Hello!' and explain why I haven't been around much. I hope all is well in your corner. I'm looking forward to stopping by and having a good catch up. 

J. X

Around and About

It is a typical summer's evening here. Warm but with a gentle breeze. Looking out of the window I can see Lily happily playing swingball, while Mog is lying on the grass beside the wildflower bed, keeping a watchful eye on the bees. I have just this moment put a small bottle of rosé in the fridge to enjoy later.

Today has been spent quietly at home. Since school finished, just a little over two weeks ago now, we have been comfortably filling our time with some wonderful days out, making the most of the warm sunshine and fine weather. It has been bliss. I have even managed to cross several items from my summer 'must-do' list already. Although, by the time I post this, there is the strong possibility I will have added to it again! :)

Last week, we walked via Grisedale Tarn up to Fairfield, enjoying a picnic lunch on the summit of Great Rigg, before finishing up with a refreshing paddle in Greenhead Gill. There was a slight detour at Lily's request, to sit on the high bench, on which we could sit and swing our legs.

Then a couple of days later we enjoyed a walk right around the shores of Derwentwater, again enjoying a picnic lunch and, of course, another paddle. This is a really delightful walk, with stunning scenery all the way around the lake.  Again, we made another slight detour from our planned route, this time to visit the beautiful Lodore Falls.

Earlier this week, we took an evening stroll from Elterwater into Little Langdale, across the 17th century Slater's Bridge to Cathedral Cave, which is in fact a disused slate quarry. We didn't need to take a picnic this time, but there was certainly some paddling in Great Langdale Beck.  

Then, just a couple of days ago we climbed Hartside, taking in the glorious views over Ullswater, before returning via Dowthwaite Head and through the delightful Lucy's Wood back to Dockray. The bracken so tall, it was a struggle to see the path at times. The photographs are a little blurry as it was quite a windy day.

In between our days out, we've also met up with friends and been swimming at our favourite outdoor pool. Yesterday we enjoyed a guided tour of an old mill, where I bought some spelt flour. I haven't baked bread in ages, so it should be a delicious treat.

J. X 

Sunflower Surprise 🌻

This has been the first year that I can remember in which I haven't had any success with my sunflower seeds. Naturally, I was disappointed. They are my favourite flower, after all. So, you can imagine my surprise when I looked out of the window the other day to see this beauty had appeared, in amongst all the wildflowers. I can only assume it grew from a seed which fell from the bird feeder nearby.

A happy surprise! 🌻 🌻 🌻 

J. X