Early November

I think I may have mentioned before about how reassuringly predictable the seasons have been, this year. So, it came as no surprise when November arrived grey and damp. The days have been so gloomy, that during the week it often seems as though I hardly get to experience daylight.

It is for that reason, sometimes this time of year can feel like a bit of a slog. Almost a lull. As if I'm holding my breath, preparing myself for when December arrives. Then I have to keep reminding myself that our Yuletide celebrations look very different these days. And even though they are still just as enjoyable, they no longer need to be planned for weeks in advance.

Last week, we went to our local bonfire and fireworks display. It was such a great evening and very well supported. It was a great opportunity to meet up with friends from the village, and to enjoy a good catch-up before the fireworks began. Luckily the rain held off, and we were treated to a fantastic display. And even though the air was damp, we managed to stay lovely and warm by the fire. Also, I might have been holding my insulated coffee mug, but let's just say it wasn't coffee inside ;)

The weekend weather forecast had been mixed, but we made the most of the one dry day, and took a walk up to Hill Top. Leaving the car behind, we took the small ferry across the lake, then, after taking a short detour to visit Claife Viewing Station, we walked the leaf strewn path up alongside the lane. We continued past Far Sawrey, along by the church, then across the muddy field to Near Sawrey. 

It was quite a breezy day, and we spent a while trying to catch some of the falling leaves. It was all fun and games until one of us almost fell in the lake. Yes, that was me! We enjoyed a good look around the house, and managed to find the 'Two Bad Mice' hidden in various cupboards and corners.

Then, as I'd taken our new flask with us, we enjoyed some delicious hot chocolate, while sitting in the garden. A very lovely way to spend our morning. 

This week, the autumn colours have begun to fade. Most of the trees are now bare, changing the countryside to a more muted, bleak landscape. Frosts have been forecast for the next few days, and there is already a distinct chill in the air.

J. X

I'm so Glad

 

As far as Octobers go, this one has been rather lovely. Autumn has been spectacular, so far, and Mother Nature certainly knows how to put on a fabulous display. The temperature dropped, almost as soon as the clocks changed, and it's quite reassuring that it all feels perfectly seasonal. I'm beginning to feel much more settled, knowing the wheel is turning exactly as it should. 

I've been off work this week, which has given me the opportunity to get on top of things at home. This always helps me to feel much more rested and in control. The house is clean and tidy once more, and I'm still noticing the benefits of my earlier de-cluttering. I've managed to pass on another two bags to the charity shop, and if Lily doesn't stop growing soon, I'll be having to pass on many more. I still need to decorate, but I think that is more likely to be in the new year now. At least it will feel that bit more manageable, seeing as I won't have as much to work around. 

At the start of the week, we enjoyed a few days away, staying in a lovely little cottage, in a village, near Richmond. Besides one incredibly windy morning, we were so very lucky with the weather. The sun shone every day, and it felt good to spend so much time outdoors. The autumn colours looked stunning, and the riverside circular was so beautiful that we walked it twice! It really didn't have anything to do with the delicious chocolate brownies they served at the cafe, I promise ;) The top photograph is the view from where we were sat.

It felt so relaxing, even though it was for just a few days. I like to get away at this time of year, preferably somewhere that isn't too far to travel. During the daytime we explored the local area, then in the evening we would just cosy in by the fire. Perfect. 

On our journey home, we stopped off by the River Ure, and walked along Aysgarth Falls. Recent rainfall had resulted in a significant amount of water, and the noise from the falls was incredible.

Last night, I accompanied Lily and two of her friends while they went trick-or-treating. Lily went dressed as a black cat, and enjoyed such a great evening. Things have changed so much since I was young, and it's lovely to see children and adults out, having so much fun. Some of the costumes were amazing, not a black bin liner in sight! Not to mention all the Halloween decorations and carved pumpkins! I can just about manage to create a regular Jack-O-Lantern without injuring myself, and that's only when I manage to get it home in one piece (although that curry was delicious). I've cooked up a large pot of soup, and I always make sure to toast some of the seeds to snack on. But I have saved a few, so that we can have a try at growing some of our own pumpkins again, next year. 🎃

Back soon. 

J. X

Settling into Autumn 🍂

 

Over the last few weeks, I've been allowing myself the time to adjust to the changing seasons, and spending as much time as I can outdoors. And apparently, feeling unsettled IS an actual thing. The change of light, temperature and routine can affect our nervous systems. Who knew? Although, it does make perfect sense, now that I think about it. 

And, of course, there has been an abundance of beautiful, 'proper' autumn weather. Bright sunshine, cool, and a little breezy. The leaves are strewn across the lanes and pathways, displaying all their glorious autumn hues. 

And golden hour hits differently at this time of year. The light is just stunning. 

It isn't yet cold enough to be wearing my gloves, but I did feel the need for my woolly hat when we visited the pumpkin patch, just the other week. We had a lovely time searching for the perfect pumpkins. And there were so many to choose from. The field was completely full! 

There were pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. We chose just three. A large one, a medium one and a small one. Unfortunately, the medium one didn't quite survive the journey home...

...so I turned it into a rather tasty pumpkin and lentil curry. I am all about embracing comfort food, this autumn.

The remaining two pumpkins have been kept cool and dry and should still be okay for carving later this week.

We enjoyed a really lovely morning at Acorn Bank, where we sampled some of the many apples that grow in the orchard there. My new favourite is the Egremont Russet, which has an intense, sweet flavour. A pleasant contrast from some of the the bland, tasteless offerings I've been buying from the supermarket lately.

I've also been fortunate to have been given a large bag of apples from my friend's orchard, which is the reason why I've probably eaten far too many crumbles recently. I also baked a really delicious apple and cinnamon cake, which didn't last very long.

During this last week, I've been able to complete a few more crochet squares for my blanket. Even though my progress is slow, crochet is a good way of keeping myself occupied, when I wake up early in the morning. That said, I really would much prefer being able to sleep later than 5am!

In other news, my job role is changing. Yes, again! I have now been asked to take on, full-time, the role which I have been covering on a part-time, temporary basis for the last six months. I've had to give it very careful consideration, as it will mean a permanent change from the position I have been working in, and loved, for many years. But things have changed, and there are certain aspects of my work which I'm no longer enjoying as much as I did previously. So, now I'm looking forward to this next chapter, and to fully embracing this new challenge. 

Back soon.

J. X

Grounding

I'd just like to say thank you so much for your kind words in response to my previous post. You are all so lovely. The last two weeks, I've been focusing more than ever on my wellbeing. This has included paring back, prioritising, and spending time outdoors, enjoying all that this time of year has to offer. Pretty much everything that I've overlooked recently. It's left me feeling much more calm and in control than I have for a while now. I'm almost certain transitioning from one season to another has also had some sort of effect. For unknown reasons, I often feel jittery and unsettled whenever the seasons begin to shift. Does anyone else get like this?

I've been strict about ensuring that I food shop for the whole week, along with budgeting and meal planning. This saves me valuable time Monday to Friday, when I know I will be kept busy taking care of other things. 

The house is in reasonable order, once again. I dislike it immensely when everything is messy and disorganised. I much prefer a calm, uncluttered space. It's also much easier to keep clean when everything is nice and tidy. The working week is still, undeniably, my busiest time. But keeping on top of the household chores means that I have more time availble on the weekends, which is far better spent outdoors, having fun.

And I've made a plan. It's quite a vague plan, but it's still a plan. There have been plenty of times in my life when I haven't wanted to look too far ahead, but I'm at a stage where I need some sort of direction. Nothing is set in stone, but I have an idea of where I'd like to be in the next five years and the things that I need to achieve in order to make it happen. 

Back soon.

J. X

Autumn

 

Good morning, friends!  And a very happy autumn to you! I realise I'm a little late to this glorious seasonal party, but life took a rather hectic turn. In fact, it is still very busy, but I now realise that I really need to do something  about it. Being pulled in many directions, all at once, doesn't tend to end well. I'm not quite sure what needs to happen yet, but I'm considering several options.

Work is still going well. I'm enjoying my new role, although trying to get my head around everything is definitely challenging. I still have so much to learn, and the variety means I'm constantly on the go. But I do enjoy the faster pace - maybe not so much when the phones start ringing all at once!

When I'm not at work, I'm usually helping Lily, looking after the house, or caring for my family member. Life is a bit of a juggling act just now. I'm not complaining - honestly! We all know life can be tricky at times. It can also just turn on a sixpence. But something needs to give, before the decision is taken out of my hands. Much like the duck analogy, I'm gliding along the surface of the water, but paddling like crazy beneath. At the weekend, I spent some time talking things over with my friend, which was very cathartic. It also made me realise that I need to make some incredibly tough choices. 

In the meantime, autumn has arrived, and we've enjoyed some exceptionally beautiful days, here. The trees are gearing up for their most stunning display of the year, the mornings are deliciously fresh, and I'm embracing the darker evenings. Woolly blankets are on the sofa once again, and the cats are seeking cosy corners in which to sleep. 

Autumn. A timely reminder that it can be lovely to let things go.

Back soon.

J. X

Late Summer

 

Good morning! Okay, so I realise that autumn is only two weeks away now, but I'm not quite ready for pumpkins and crunching leaves just yet. Instead, I'm clinging on to what is left of our summer. And what a fantastic summer it has been, this year. 

Over the last few weeks we've been relishing the sunny days. A visit to the sunflower field, pony trecking on the fellside and swimming in the lakes. I never take for granted the beautiful area which I get to call home.

As we move towards autumn the weather has become much more changeable. We've had plenty of rain, but it has still been pleasantly warm. Yesterday, I cut the grass and began tidying the garden in preparation for the colder months. When I did this last year, it made a huge difference when spring arrived, as I had much less work to do in order to get it looking nice for the summer. I've also bought some bulbs - tulips and alliums - which I will plant some time during the next few days.

This time of year often takes on a rhythm of its own. Mid August is when the shortening daylight hours become more noticeable. Then it's shopping for new shoes, ironing uniforms, and getting bags ready in anticipation of the new school year. Blackberries have been gathered, beetroot is pickled, and our weeks become structured and routine, once more.

So far, work is going well for me. I'm enjoying my new role, and I'm sure that I'll find my feet more as time progresses. And although Lily was a little anxious about returning to school, she has realised it is much the same as last year, only in different classrooms :)

I apologise for being absent from this space and for not being able to leave comments on your blog posts, either. My laptop decided it was all a bit too much, so I had to order a new one. Two weeks after the promised delivery date, I was still waiting, and with no indication of another date, I gave up and cancelled my order. The store has yet to refund me, but in the meantime, I've reset my ancient laptop again - fingers crossed. It is working for the time being, but you never know. 

Back soon.

J. X

Amsterdam

 

This year, I'd been determined to squeeze as much as possible into our summer break. And I think I've just about managed it. I can't quite think that this time, next week, I'm going to be sitting back at my desk. But for now, I'll try not to think about that. I'm in denial. And, so much for me getting any jobs done in the house, over the summer. It looks like the decorating will need to wait a while longer. 

Our journey to Amsterdam was as straightforward as it could be. A train ride, a flight, and then another train. And before we knew it, we found ourselves outside Centraal Station, in the middle of the most beautiful, bustling and vibrant city. 

We spent much of our first day there walking alongside the canals, admiring the architecture, and trying our very best to avoid the cyclists! I'm not great with directions at the best of times, and the many canals only added to my confusion. Still, it was a great way of exploring the city. Fortunately, we found our where we were staying quite easily. A cute little hotel, down a side street, right in the heart of the canal district. And most importantly, our room had the best coffee machine.

The next day, we enjoyed a short cruise along the canals on one of the many boat tours they have available. Our entertaining tour guide was really informative, and very amusing with his rather colourful, but tactfully worded, tales of the various services that Amsterdam has to offer. It was also really lovely to see the all the beautiful, narrow houses from a different perspective, and hear all about the city's 17th-century Golden Age.

By sharp contrast, in the afternoon, we visited the Anne Frank House, where we were able to visit the Secret Annex for ourselves. Before we reached the annex, we passed through various rooms in the museum, where we could learn all about the events leading up to the family going into hiding. An incredibly moving experience. 

The next morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast right beside the canal. A birthday treat for me. 

Then we took a short ferry trip across the water to North Amsterdam, where we caught the bus to Zaanse Schans, an open air museum where we got to experience the inside of a working windmill, sampled various cheeses, and watched some traditional clog making. Well, when in Holland... It was also where I enjoyed my first ever hot chocolate with rum. It won't be my last. 10/10 would recommend :)

On our last morning we enjoyed another leisurely breakfast, then went for walk along the canals nearer the centre, and much busier part of the city. We really did need to keep our wits about us. There were so many bicycles, trams and cars.

A few streets away from the hustle and bustle, we visited one of the historic canalside brown cafes to try a slice of their famous apple pie. The cafe originally openened in 1642, and is one of the oldest brown cafes in Amsterdam. I suspect it has changed very little since that time, as it looked steeped in history, Delft tiles and a LOT of dark brown wood. As for the apple pie - it was amazing!

Back soon. 

J. X