If ever we needed reminding that spring is still a little while off, then the weather today has done just that. It's been dark and windy, and the rain has been lashing against the windows all day. Thoroughly miserable. We've been hunkered down indoors, which hasn't been a bad thing, as I've had lots to be getting on with. I start back at work again tomorrow, so it's been good to get on top of all things house and admin related. I've made a big batch of soup, finally finished the painting in the kitchen, and I've been planning another couple of short trips for later in the year. There has also been much juggling of finances, as I'm looking at getting a new (to me) car. I'll be taking Lily to see it tomorrow before I make a final decision. Exciting!
And it has been really lovely spending this last week at home. Most of my friends had acted surprised when I'd told them I hadn't got any plans for my week off. But just as I'd thought, it has been exactly what I needed. Having nothing in the diary meant that we could take advantage of any sunnier days, and we've enjoyed some very pleasant walks. We've been down by the lake, enjoyed a quiet early morning ramble along the canal, and last night, we watched the most beautiful sunset over the sea. A perfect prescription for wellbeing.
I've made plans for the garden. I had initially hoped that I'd be able to dig over the raised bed and have a general tidy around this week, but I think that will need to wait for some drier weather. I've already sowed some sweet peas, peppers and strawberries indoors, and I've bought several packets of seeds, which will be sowed directly outdoors sometime in early spring.
Another activity Lily and I have enjoyed this week, has been watching the first series of All Creatures Great and Small, on iPlayer. It's been so good. We've tucked ourselves up, nice and cosy under a blanket each evening, and been transported back in time to the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. It's encouraged us both in wanting to explore the area a little more, and is the main reason I've been making plans for another trip.
Back soon.
J. X
It sounds like you've had the perfect week off, Jules. Sometimes, it's good to have unstructured time to relax and do things as and when you feel like doing them, isn't it? Sounds like you are ready for the work week, with soup made for your lunches, etc. Hope your week goes well.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a very relaxed week, Bless, and I feel much better for it.
DeleteI'm still on the lookout for some nasturtium seeds, becaise the store had sold out! X
I love that series of All Creatures too. Can’t wait for the next season. On a sunny day your corner is the best place to enjoy half term and even hunkering down on a wet day must be welcome. Good luck with the new car and btw I loved your tomato soup :) B x
ReplyDeleteIts been a really lovely series to watch together. Thanks, Barbara. Xx
DeleteYour week off sounds perfect. Having no plans means you can just go with the flow and that's exactly what's needed sometimes. I love All Creatures Great and Small, I remember it the first time round but I'm loving this new adaptation even more. As you know, the Yorkshire Dales is my favourite place so I can't wait to hear what you've got planned and the places you're going to visit.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember it the first round, but I do remember the opening credits and theme music. Xx
DeleteIt is so good to stop and enjoy the moment, our world are full of rushing and filling time.
ReplyDeleteExactly this! Xx
DeleteIt sounds lovely and cosy, despite the weather. Good luck with the car. xx
ReplyDeleteIt was a very relaxed week, which did us both the world of good.
DeleteThank you, Joy. Xx
Your week sounds just right, no plans but plenty of things to do in a relaxed way. Lovely photos:)
ReplyDeleteI was so glad that I hadn't planned to do anything. X
DeleteSuch a lovely way to spend half term by living in the moment and going with the flow! Your photos are lovely and I'm so pleased that you enjoyed a few decent Spring-like days.
ReplyDeleteI devoured the All Creatures Great and Small books as a child and loved the BBC series, too. xxx
It doesn't happen very often Vix, but it was exactly what we both needed. Xx
DeleteWe are definitely kindred souls dear Jules. Big batches of soup, how sunsets soothe the soul, walks and water, dreaming on the garden, and now All Creatures Great and Small too! It's one of my absolute favorite shows and I've watched every season. I so badly want to visit that area one day. I'll look forward to living through you when you make the trip one day. 😉 Blessings on this next week ahead. xoxo
ReplyDeleteAll Creatures Great and Small is just a lovely feel-good watch. And I can't wait to explore some of the filming locations later in the year. I really hope you'll be able to visit one day. X
DeleteThere's something so lovely about just relaxing at home. Those pictures are just beautiful, no wonder you didn't feel the need to go elsewhere :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely week, thank you, Sarah. Xx
DeleteIt sounds a very relaxing week and your photographs are lovely.
ReplyDeleteWishing you luck with your 'new' car purchase and your travel/trip plans for later this year.
Enjoy these last few days of Febrauary.
All the best Jan
Thank you, Jan. I've spent quite a bit of my time sat at the table, planning :)
DeleteAll Creatures Great and Small - the series you are watching now actually managed to get through sanctions and I was able to watch it in Africa and it was that that made me do a couple of things - head north of the uk once I'd arrived in the UK and to go into veterinary work.
ReplyDeleteHaving time to actually be able to breathe is rather precious xx
Hi Kate. My apologies. Perhaps I should have said Season 1 of the new series. I haven't watched any of the original series, although I do find myself humming the theme music from time to time.
DeleteThe programmes must have made a huge impression on you. Xx
Stunning photos with a view, that sounds like a good week off. My in-laws, when they looked after their Grandchildren, would alternate a day out with a day home.
ReplyDeleteAll the best sorting out your 'new' car and your return to work x
Thank you, Cathy. It was some much needed down time. Xx
DeleteI think hunkering down and have some quiet time with no plans, no deadlines on your time off is perfect. Good for you - it restores the soul! Oh, now I'm really going to be jealous, as if it wasn't bad enough, the Dales!! Showing my age, I remember the original show and really enjoyed it, I hesitated to want to watch this new one, but I truly love it...every time it begins, I still yearn for that stone house, surrounded by a stone fence, with some cattle and some sheep. So glad you're enjoying it...I really do think it's one of the best programs on.
ReplyDeleteI don't remember the original show, but I do remember the theme music. In fact, I found it on YouTube and played it for Lily yesterday - she wasn't terribly impressed :) We're up to Series 2, Episode 4, I think now. I think I'll be sad when we've finished watching them all. Xx
DeleteGlad to hear that your week was a relaxing one with more of a 'go with the flow' sort of time.
ReplyDelete'All Creatures' is a fantastic series to share with Lily. I remember the original series but the latest version is just as good.
A few warmer days and it is so tempting to get planting but I have been good and I am waiting a while longer. However I do have potatoes chitting and some parsley seeds germinating. Have a good week and enjoy any sunshine coming your way x
It's still very chilly here, and we're forecast frosts again next week, so I'm not in a hurry to sow outdoors just yet. Fingers crossed it will warm up soon.
DeleteWe're really enjoying All Creatures Great and Small. It's a very 'wholesome' watch, and Lily finds Tristan hilarious. Xx
I remember reading some of the James Herriot books and they are a good read and quite amusing too. The original series was great and I must admit I am definitely a fan of the recent channel 5 series too, also a cosy watch. X
ReplyDeleteWe're really enjoying it, Shazza, and Lily asks to watch an episode most evenings. We've just started watching Series 3 now. Xx
DeleteReally feel I need a trip to the Dales sometime! X
ReplyDeleteMe too! :)
DeleteCome on Spring! We get our hopes up and then they get dashed. The weather has been fickle. But, I do think we're making headway. Enjoy your trip.
ReplyDeleteIt was lovely and warm here, last weekend, but it's turned incredibly chilly again over the last few days.
DeleteThe trip is planned, but it won't be for a while yet. Xx
Ooh, I must watch All Creatures- I'm currently working through 'To the Manor Born'!
ReplyDeleteIt's a great watch. I would definitely recommend it. Xx
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