Filling My Cup

As lovely as it is to get away, it usually takes a lot of planning and preparation on my part. Often, the most relaxing times, for me at least, can be those days spent closer to home. These kind of days are more spontaneous, take minimal planning for, if indeed any at all, and besides a little petrol, don't cost anything.

I enjoyed one of these days, this week. After an early lunch, we took a short drive out to Sizergh Castle, so we could have a wander around the gardens. It is really beautiful there, and although it can get busy at this time of year, there is plenty of space where you can experience some peace and quiet.

The flower beds are gorgeous, and there is plenty of contrast to keep my interest. Not being overly green fingered, I might not know all their names, but I can still appreciate them.

And we are always keen to get to the kitchen garden. I love to see the rows of vegetables, interspersed with companion plants, the fruit tree borders, sweet peas, and sunflowers. And Lily always loves to see Charlie, the resident cat, who on this occasion was lying fast asleep on a bench.

The fruit trees in the orchard are laden with apples and pears, and the wildflowers are attracting so many pollinators.We sat for ages in the limestone garden, watching out for the bright blue damselflies above the water there. The acers look really pretty now, but they will put on an even more stunning display of colour in the autumn.

Once we had visited the main pond at the front of the castle (of course we had to see the Lilies), we set off for home again, feeling relaxed and happy. Some places seem to have that affect don't they. Then my cup was filled even more, when I discovered what my own vegetable 'garden' had produced for me.

J. X

Castleton

 

At the weekend, we packed our bags and set off for Derbyshire. I'm not certain why I decided it would be a good idea to go away so soon after finishing for the summer, but I keep thinking back to when we were fortunate enough to have visited Sycamore Gap, just a few short weeks before the tree was felled. It has given me a more 'seize the day' attitude. Not that I suspect Mam Tor will be disappearing anytime soon, but you never know.

Having looked at various options, I had booked into the Youth Hostel in Castleton, which is conveniently situated right at the beginning of our walk, and had ample free parking. Better still, there are sheep! Almost as soon as we arrived (it was too early for us to check in), we set off along the track and up the steep slope of Lose Hill. It was perfect weather for walking, mild and with a gentle breeze, and plenty of others clearly felt the same, as it was quite busy up there. After a brief sandwich stop, we then walked right along the ridge to the summit of Mam Tor. There were many more people at this point, because from here Mam Tor can be more easily accessed along a short track, directly up from the road, which is ideal if you want to be able to enjoy the views for a lot less effort.

From here we dropped back down towards the road, passing the Blue John Cavern and on towards Winnats  Pass, which we had driven over on our journey to Castleton. There appears to be  a lot of caverns in this area, Lily's favourite being Peak Cavern, because it is also known as the Devil's Arse!

From here, our route took us through the village, and back to the Youth Hostel, where by this time we were able to check in and go to our room. Tired from our walk, we decided to eat at the hostel that evening, then I had a wander around the grounds and made friends with a goat :)

After a good night's sleep, we enjoyed a delicious cooked breakfast, which set us up for the morning. Our next stop was Chee Dale, and a circular route, which took us a short way along the Monsal Trail, down into a limestone gorge, where we walked across large stepping stones, then back again through some old railway tunnels.

Everywhere was looking especially lush and verdant. The paths were a bit slippery in places, and I got my hands quite muddy, trying to steady myself, while navigating some of the rocks. But thankfully, the stepping stones were quite solid, so at least I didn't need to worry about getting my feet wet.

It was lovely to see all the wildflowers attracting plenty of pollinators, and we even spotted a large heron wading through the water.

J. X

Summer Break

Last Friday saw the start of our summer break and Lily's last ever day at primary school. It was a beautiful day of blue sky and sunshine, and it was a happy one. I wasn't sure how I would feel, to be honest, but she is ready to move on, and that is a good thing. Maybe I will feel it more in September, when I no longer need to do the school run each day. It is also reassuring that she feels incredibly excited to be starting secondary school. And although she is experiencing the usual concerns of attending a much bigger setting and getting lost on her first day, we are as prepared as we can be. Lily's seven years at primary school have been positive ones, and we have some wonderful memories.

Following a lovely and uplifting leaver's assembly, the children busied themselves with signing one another's shirts and saying their goodbyes, then they enjoyed their final walk out of the school accompanied by some music. Most of the class then went on to a nearby park, where they could have a play, which just reminded us, as parents, that even though they are growing up, they are still just children.

In the evening, we continued our own celebration by enjoying a chippy tea down by the lake, before Lily and big sister went out in the kayak. It was a very pleasant evening, and surprisingly quiet. A lovely way to end the day.

And now, six weeks of summer lie ahead. I may have some adventures planned. 

J. X

The Garden in July

It was never my intention to be away for so long. I had anticipated these last few weeks would be busy, but what I hadn't realised was just how busy they would be. I've hardly stopped. Now, I know the term 'busy' often gets thrown around these days, almost like a badge of honour. As though the busier our lives are, the more successful we are. But this is most definitely not the case, and I am looking forward to enjoying less hurried days, when autumn term begins again in September. Since the start of the year, it feels like I have been clinging on day by day. It's been quite a challenge, but I've always known the end was in sight. And the end will be this Friday, the culmination of the school summer term, and Lily's final day at primary school. It will definitely feel bittersweet, it's been a wonderful journey, and one which I have been fortunate enough to be a part of for all these years. Most recently, there's been school performances, transition days, and the purchase of a whole new school uniform, including a blazer! My little girl is growing up.

Since my last post, summer has arrived, but unfortunately the weather didn't seem to get the memo. I've never known it to be so miserable in July. Whenever there has been a dry spell, I've spent whatever spare time I have had, getting some work done in the garden. It's only very small, but I do like to try and make the most of the available space. I had hoped to get a new gate and fence fitted this year, just to make it a little more private and secure, but I havent managed to get hold of anyone yet. Oh well, I guess I'll just keep on trying.

Anyway, to ease me back into regular posting, I thought I would start by sharing some photographs of the garden, that I've taken over the last few weeks. 

The beautiful Acer was a gift from a good friend. I've always loved Acers, but for some reason, I've never thought to have one in my garden. I'm really happy with it, but I should probably get it re-potted soon. 

The lockdown lemon trees are growing well. I needed to cut them back, as they had become a little top-heavy, but if you zoom in, you can probably see that there are some new shoots growing already. I'm hoping that I might see some fruit growing in the next couple of years. 

The blackcurrants have since been turned into delicious jam. There was a much smaller harvest this year, as this tree had also been a victim of my secateurs. 

I was thrilled to win this planter in a raffle. The sweet peas are flowering now, and I've picked some to put in a vase on my kitchen windowsill. 

Hydrangeas providing a lovely burst of colour. 

This year, the garden will hopefully be providing us with some potatoes and beetroot, both of which appear to be growing well. We are also attempting to  grow our own pumpkins. 

And, of course, keeping an eye on everything, I've always got my two little 'helpers'.

Back soon.

J. X