And just like that, we stumbled into autumn. The last day of summer was quite beautiful here, and I spent some time in the garden doing a little bit of tidying. One of my surprise sunflowers had opened up and, although a little late, it was lovely to see. The second sunflower is waiting patiently for it's moment to shine, but I think this week's forecast sunshine might just provide the encouragement it needs.
The pumpkins are turning more and more orange with each passing day. 🎃
In the evening we watched the last of the summer sun set above the Lakeland fells. It was a beautiful way to end our summer, even if it had been a rather disappointing one this year. Let's hope autumn more than makes up for it.
The following day we set off from Borrowdale, and walked up High Spy and Maiden Moor. Two more Wainwrights ticked off, but more importantly, a wonderful day up on the fells. It was a steep ascent, but the views towards Keswick were stunning, and by setting off from Grange we managed to avoid the crowds on Catbells. Also, my foot held up well, which was a huge relief. Autumn colours were already starting to show, but I am looking forward to a far more glorious display as we head through October.
This week, just as life was ticking along quite nicely, I was thrown a curve ball, and have spent much of my time driving up and down the motorway, visiting a family member who is in hospital. In between times, I've been attempting to juggle work and family life, including keeping the routine as steady as possible for Lily. I feel exhausted. It would have been very easy for me to miss my weekly swim session, but instead I made the effort, and I'm so glad I did. It felt good to do something for myself, even if only for a short while. And it's going to be much of the same for this coming week, at least. So, in between times, I need to remind myself to seek out those small moments that make me happy.
Speaking of which. Look what I found on my way to work yesterday :)
J. X
I do hope your family member makes a complete recovery. I'm glad you are making time for yourself that's so important. Your sunflower and pumpkins and those conkers look wonderful. It has been very wet and cold this week but I'm resisting putting on the heating just yet.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind wishes, Eileen, but unfortunately, this isn't about recovery, which is why I need to try even harder to seek out some happy moments.
DeleteWell done on resisting putting the heating on. I caved :)
The best photos in blogtopia.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Dave. X
DeleteI always enjoy your posts and seeing your photographs.
ReplyDeleteMy favourites here are your 4th and 5th photographs ... nice to see the conkers too.
I was sorry to read you have a family member who is in hospital, hoping their health improves soon.
Enjoy this last weekend of September.
All the best Jan
PS Pleased your foot stood up well to you walking on the fells.
Thank you, Jan. A beautiful sunset is wonderful to watch. Xx
DeleteWhat a glorious sunflower and those pumpkins look so great! A lovely sunset, too. I'm sorry you've had to deal with your relative's hospitalization. I hope it is not something too serious and your relative will recover quickly. You are doing the right thing to make time to take care of yourself, too. I hope the weekend and next week go well for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bless. The sunflower and pumpkins are lovely sight to see from my kitchen window. I hope they keep long enough to display on Hallowe'en. Xx
DeleteYes, autumn is definitely making its presence felt and you've captured its arrival so well, the last of the sunflowers, the ripening of the pumpkins and the beautiful sunset. I'm sorry to hear about your family member, I know only too well how draining hospital visiting can be so do make the time to look after yourself too.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to enjoying some lovely autumn walks. And I imagine you'll be visiting beautiful Lotherton along with Archie. Xx
DeleteOh Jules…heavenly photos…ever thought of becoming a photographer…lets hope your family member makes a speedy recovery xx
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't have the patience, Jackie :)
DeleteI love your Autumn photos, Jules. The sunflower is so cheery and the shiny brown conkers bring back many childhood memories for me. I do hope things work out better for you this week and there will be more positive news about your relative. It is good to seek out the small pleasures in life and I wish you plenty of those moments.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Beverley. I'll be looking out for more conkers this week. The cats love to play with them. Xx
DeleteYour photos are wonderful as always. I am so sorry to hear about your family member, I do hope they are doing ok and recovering well. I also hope that you are not too exhausted by all the extra driving you are having to do and you can find some small spaces to pause and rest. Thinking of you as we head into the new week x
ReplyDeleteThank you. I'm running on an empty tank this week, so I need to remind myself to pause and rest now and again. Xx
DeleteI could feel the sun and warmth flowing out of your first few photo's, the season has changed, which although I love the colours, it's not my favourite time of year. packing away sandals, shorts and sunglasses always leaves me feeling sad.
ReplyDeleteI always feel sad, as summer slips away, but I'm looking forward to some bright autumn days now. Xx
DeleteHope your normal routine recommences soon. Always lovely to see your countryside photos whatever the season.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Barbara. Xx
DeleteOh, what beautiful photos, Jules. You are so talented. It looks just gorgeous. I love the orange pumpkins. So glad you took some time for yourself. TheAwakenedSoul
ReplyDeleteThank you, Stephenie. I'm looking forward to carving some home grown pumpkins this year. 🎃
DeleteWhat a lovely sunflower and your photo graph has captured it beautifully, hope your family member is on the way to recovery.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chris. Xx
DeleteWhat beautiful Autumnal photos, Jules. I'm sorry to read about the ill relative, I hope they are well on the way to recovery now. xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you, Vix. The situation has settled for the time being, but moving forward it will be managing the condition, rather than any sort recovery. Xx
DeleteConkers are so beautiful...and, as I discovered recently, you can make laundry detergent from them!
ReplyDeletex
I still get excited to discover conkers. I have a small pile of them on the coffee table. Xx
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