Monday 16 September 2024

Enjoying the Last Days of Summer

 


Although the nights are drawing in rathers quickly now, I have still been making the most of these last summer days. If you've been reading here for a while now, you won't need any reminding of my need to soak up every last ray of warm sunshine before the colder  weather is here to stay. Winters here can be long and dark, and let's just say I'm not a fan of rain. 

I'm thrilled to say that Lily's first full week at secondary school has been a positive one. She certainly seems to have settled well, which has been incredibly reassuring for me. I'll find out more next week, when I get the opportunity to speak to her teachers at the open evening. 

My return to work has also gone smoothly, especially given that my my role was adjusted, literally the evening before I went back. I don't know why I was surprised by this, but I'll not get too comfortable, as it will, no doubt, change again before very long.


The last few weekends we've enjoyed spending some time at the beach. I had a yearning to breathe in the fresh sea air, and to feel soft, warm sand beneath my feet. 


One evening, we went to Blackpool to see the Illuminations. We kept with tradition, starting off with a fish and chip supper in Bispham, then we caught the tram along the promenade, towards the Tower. It was a lovely warm evening, and perfect for watching the amazing firework display, from our bench on the pier. I may have also treated myself to some freshly cooked doughnuts. Very sugary, very delicious :)


This week I've been resting, as much as possible, following an injection into my foot. I'm really hopeful this will help relieve the pain I've been experiencing, but only time will tell. To further help with this, I'm taking an extended break from running. Instead, I've started swimming once a week, in an attempt to keep my fitness levels up. 


I've finally got around to pickling some of the beetroot. There are still quite a few left to harvest, which I will try to do this week. 


And the pumpkins are ripening! Autumn is on the way. 🍂

J. X

34 comments:

  1. So pleased Lily has settled well in her new school. The Blackpool illuminations are wonderful aren't they. Your pumpkin looks magnificent ready for carving next month. I've been feeling the cold and even wore my Oodie last week! xx

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    1. I think this week will see the last of the warm sunshine, here. Autumn has one foot in the door. X

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  2. It's a while since we last went to Blackpool to see the illuminations, it's something we often did when the children were small. Oh yes, warm sugary doughnuts, delicious! It looks as though you'll be carving a homegrown pumpkin this year.

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    1. I'm really pleased with the pumpkins, especially as I've never grown them before. Xx

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  3. I hope you feel better soon, Jules.

    Pickled beetroot looks so good. Yum!

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    1. Thank you, Nil. So far, all the signs are positive, as I didn't have any pain yesterday. Xx

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  4. Nice to know that Lily has settled well in her new school.
    Lovely photographs from your Blackpool visit.
    I hope the injection into your foot works well and wish you well with your swimming.
    That pumpkin looks a good size :)

    Enjoy your days.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan. I am looking forward to, eventually, getting back on the fells. Xx

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  5. So happy to know that Lily is settling in well at her new school. I hope your foot heals soon. Pickled beets sound delicious! And what a gorgeous pumpkin!

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    1. Thank you, Bless. I've already enjoyed some of the beetroot roasted, but I prefer it when it's pickled. I just need to wait a few weeks before I can eat some. Xx

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  6. Your photo's are stunning at capture the moment so very well. This time of year is always a relief when our children and grandchildren settle into the new school year. I hoped to pickle some homegrown beetroot, but they are still stubbonly small.

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    1. It's quite an adjustment settling into a new school year, and even more so, when it's a completely new school. Xx

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  7. It has been many years since I have been to Blackpool and enjoyed seeing the illuminations. Once my hubby retires next year there are lots of places we should revisit, I think. I'm glad Lily has settled well in to her new school and seems to be enjoying secondary school life. I hope work is ok for you too.
    Your beetroot looks delicious and reminds me that I should check out my small crop.
    Have a great week x

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    1. Thank you, Beverley. Work is going okay, thank you, although it's probably going to take me some time to adjust to my new hours, even though they are much better for me.
      I hope you've got a good crop of beetroot. Xx

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  8. I'm delighted that Lily is happy in her new school. A weight off your mind, for sure.
    I really hope the injection will sort things out for you. xx

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    1. So far, so good on both counts, Joy. I'm thinking of trying out my 'new' foot on the fells, this weekend. Xx

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  9. Oh wow Lily is at Secondary school, where did that time go? I am glad to hear that she has settled well, I hope that continues for her, it is a big transition particularly if she has gone from a small village school to a large secondary which is so often the case in our area.

    Summer is having its last hurrah for us this week, I hope it is for you in your part of the county :)

    I am sorry to hear you have been having foot pain, I do hope the injections help with that in the long term.

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    1. Yes, where did the time go? I keep asking myself that. It is a big transition, especially as she'd had the same (amazing) teaching staff for the last two years. She did attend a village school, but it still had single year groups and there were thirty children in her class. I also think the transition might be a little less intimidating for her, seeing as she's already as tall as some of the year 11's :)
      I am loving summer's last hurrah, and I hope to find out how my foot will be on a longer walk, this weekend. Xx

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  10. Nothing like a ripening pumpkin to remind us Autumn is on its way. Am enjoying this last bit of warm weather though. X

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    1. It feels nice to have, what feels like, the last blast of summer weather. Xx

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  11. Sorry, the anonymous commenter is Sharon from sunshine and celandines. X

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  12. Nice outdoor pictures. I can see you really do enjoy being out and about. Soak it all in, the weather will be turning here soon as well. Not something I look forward to. I hate to see summer come to an end.

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    1. I always feel a little sad, once summer starts to fade. Hopefully there will be some bright autumn days to come. Xx

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  13. Secondary school is a huge milestone isn't it. Autumn seems to have arrived here today. Definitely a season of mist and pumpkins.

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    1. It's still mild and sunny here, although I suspect that will change very soon. Xx

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  14. I'm glad you were able to enjoy some time at the beach! I miss the beach. There's nothing like breathing in fresh sea air. I'm happy to hear Lily had a good start to her new school. Although it's the first day of autumn, it feels like the first day of summer here with a high temperature of 90 degrees! Have a great week ahead!

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    1. We've been enjoying some unseasonably warm weather here, as well. But I think that's all set to change this week. Xx

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  15. I’m glad to hear that school is going well and it sounds like work has settled into a comfortable position too - good for you, perhaps a couple less things to have on your mind. The getaway sounds lovely -
    as always you’re making those sweet memories you both will hold onto. Swimming sounds like a great alternative-wonderful exercise without the physical impact of running - hoping you recover quickly. I’ll have to look for your beetroot recipe in previous posts– always a favorite for me!

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    1. Thank you, Mary. The injection has made a huge difference. It's not perfect, but I'm no longer getting the awful throbbing pain I've been experiencing for the last few years. I'm enjoying my weekly swim. Xx

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  16. Definitely Autumn when the pumpkins start appearing! Glad Lilly has settled into her new routine. X

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  17. Lovely photos. We often have roast beetroots with our roast beef.

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