Ahhhhh! The beautiful month of May. And it's been especially lovely this year. May has always been one of my favourite months, with the promise of summer being just around the corner. But this year, it's as though summer has arrived earlier than usual, and I've been enjoying every moment.
It has felt energising and restorative being able to spend so much time outdoors. We've already enjoyed more meals in the garden than during the whole of last year, and there might also have been a glass of wine or two for me :)
I finally got around to repotting the blueberry bush and filling the new strawberry planters. And a small tray of marigold plants have added some much needed colour to the borders.
In the daytime, the sun has felt delightfully warm on my skin, but the nights have been comfortably cool, lacking that intense heat that can often cause restless nights. But the ground is looking parched, the streams are dry and the lakes are low. As I write, I can hear the sound of thunder rumbling in the distance, which will hopefully bring with it some much needed rain.
Since I last posted, I'm feeling much more at ease. I've been reassured regarding some of my working hours, and I think my new role will work much better for me. It should mean that I will spend more time focused in one area, rather than constantly changing. It will also, hopefully, be a longer term position.
Another difference, since I last posted, is that Lily turned 12. I have so many feelings about this, that I'm not quite sure where to begin. I turned my back for a moment and it's as though she's all grown up. Of course, I know that's not really the case. Not quite yet, anyway.
She chose to celebrate her special day quietly, with a picnic at the lake. Several of Lily's birthdays have been spent here, as it's one of her favourite places. First, we went for a walk at Aira Force, where the lack of any recent rainfall was more than evident. Then we spent the rest of the morning beside the lake, although for one of us there was quite a lot of time spent in it :)
After drying off, we took the longer route home, stopping off at the dairy farm for ice-cream.
I chose liquorice...
It's so lovely there, and the ice-cream is absolutely delicious. We enjoyed our ice-creams, then Lily had a great time playing on the slide. Maybe she's not quite so grown up after all.
J. X
Someone close to me is expecting a baby girl and they are thinking of the name "Lily". I am hoping that will be the name they choose! It's as lovely as a day in May.
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely, Kay. I quickly settled on 'Lily', once I found out I was expecting another girl. Xx
DeleteHappy birthday to Lily!! It sure looks and sounds like May has been glorious! We started lovely and now it's been so windy and cold. I hope it will get better later in the week as they predict as I'd love to get planting too.
ReplyDeleteTime is such a thief isn't it? I know what you mean about it seeming to change in a blink. I swear sometimes when I look at Annie I still see her little curls and cute pouty lips. And then I blink again and I see this college person before me. ::sigh:: Keep treasuring every moment Mamabear. 💗
That ice cream looks AMAZING! Blessings on your week ahead. xo
Thank you, Carrie. I passed your good wishes on to the birthday girl.
DeleteIt's scary just how quick they grow isn't it, and I'm not sure I'm quite ready for the next chapter.
All being well, you will be spoiling me with another coffee this week. Slightly further afield, this time. Xx
Lovely series of photos. The ice cream looks scrumptious. I love the cows. Thank you so much for sharing, and warm greetings from a 68 year old lady living in Montreal, Canada.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Linda. Sending more warm greetings your way. Xx
DeleteI can tell just by your words that you’re feeling more lighthearted - the sunshine and the beautiful scenery absolutely lift the spirit. The birthday celebration sounds perfect-sweet and simple, add ice cream, and you can’t go wrong! I know those growing pains are for Mom, too - I absolutely understand. it’s easy to see you’ve created a home filled with love, traditions, and simple pleasures - you’re doing everything right Jules.
ReplyDeleteI know for certain that the sunshine has a positive effect on my wellbeing. I was a summer baby, and it shows :)
DeleteThank you for your kind words, Mary. Xx
They do grow up quickly, but you are enjoying more moments with her, your words read very calming in this post. As always I love your photo's, the lack of rain is very concerning so early in the year, I hope you enjoy your rain, sadly there is very little in our forecaste.
ReplyDeleteThe forecast for the week ahead is quite mixed. The farmers will be glad of the rain. Xx
DeleteThe weather really has been glorious. So much so I'm kind of hoping for rain!! It does lift one's spirits though, the sunshine. To hear the birds chirping away and the bees buzzing busily. Glad to read that your work concerns have settled. Have a lovely week.
ReplyDeleteNow, when it rains, I've started to exclaim, 'Well, it will be good for the garden!' I've clearly reached that age :)
DeleteThank you, Sarah. X
Wishing Lily a happy belated birthday. Yes, the time with our children passes so quickly, too quickly! Daniel turned thirty this year, imagine that when I still feel twenty nine! Glad you're feeling a little more upbeat after being given some reassurances, the new role sounds perfect for you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jo. I've passed your good wishes on to Lily.
DeleteYes, until I get to hear officially, the uncertainty can be a bit unsettling, but I think my new role will be good for me. Xx
Hello, my dear friend. I am catching up here. Happy Belated Birthday to your girl! And please know I too share that ache of a mother's heart as her baby grows so quickly. My Flynn is fifteen. And I have shed tears, trust me. Holding you in my heart! Glad to hear things are settling in for a lovely summer. And as always, your beautiful photos bring me happiness and peace.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Billie Jo. Time is fleeting. It's a roller coaster of emotion, that's for sure. Xx
DeleteHappy birthday to Lily! Our friends' Lily is a year ahead and it blows my mind from knowing her as a bump at Glastonbury to being the football-playing, wise cracking dynamo she is now.
ReplyDeleteAs always your photos are gorgeous and its good to know that life isn't quite as hectic. Jon absolutely refuses to eat outside unless it's abroad! We had rain for about 10 minutes last night, it felt like a novelty! xxx
Thank you, Vix. It goes so quickly, but what a privilege to watch these young people grow and become wonderful, feisty, independent humans. Xx
DeleteThat sounds like a lovely birthday in beautiful surroundings. I love your photo of the Cotton Grass. It has been warm enough to eat outside over the last few days:)
ReplyDeleteI have very much enjoyed eating outside. The garden is lovely in an evening. Xx
DeleteHappy Birthday to your lovely girl! Wow, 12. Time flies. It is lovely to read that you feel more at ease now that you have more clarity with work. The early summer is just wonderful, I love every minute of it x
ReplyDeleteThank you, Christina. I know. 12! I can hardly believe it. But I'm determined to enjoy every last little bit of her childhood. Xx
DeleteGreat shot and ice cream to boot. Not too shabby.
ReplyDeleteThank you. The ice-cream was delicious. Xx
DeleteHappy (belated) birthday to a very special young lady! A picnic lunch at a favorite spot and ice cream afterwards sounds just the way to celebrate this birthday!
ReplyDeleteSounds like May is turning out to be a lovely month for you. I'm glad you are having plenty of sunshine and warm days to enjoy. :)
Thank you, Bless. Lily prefers to celebrate her birthday quietly, much like her mum :)
DeleteHappy belated birthday to Lily ... the years go by so quickly.
ReplyDeleteAs always your photographs are a joy to see.
I was doing a rain dance (of happiness) today :)
Yes. we had rain, and it was so nice to see as everything is so dry.
We could do with more but I'm not sure we shall see more... perhaps I will keep my rain dancing shoes on a little longer LOL
Sending my good wishes.
All the best Jan
Too quickly! I can't believe she's 12 already.
DeleteThe rain has finally arrived here, as well. The reservoirs and lakes have been in desperate need of some, and my garden is breathing a sigh of relief. It must have been your dancing that did the trick :)
Liquorice ice cream sounds amazing. I agree this May has been perfect especially after last summer. Happy birthday to Lily, can’t believe she’s twelve already. I’m pleased to hear about your improved work situation. B x
ReplyDeleteThe ice-cream was absolutely delicious, Barbara. And they have so many different flavours to chose from. Xx
DeleteMay is definitely my favourite month. Not too hot and everything in bloom. The darling buds of May. " Perfick".
ReplyDeleteI love to see cow parsley spilling out into the pathways and lanes. The elderflowers are earlier than usual this year. X
DeleteMost of May has been really lovely this year and it has been brilliant to spend more time outdoors. We are due for rain now but our garden really needs it so I shan't complain too loudly. I'm sure the sun will be back very soon.
ReplyDeleteGood news that you are feeling more settled and that you have more reassurance with work that better suits your needs.
Happy belated birthday to Lily. I'm glad she enjoyed a picnic by the lake. An ice cream is a perfect treat for both of you to celebrate the day together. Have a great week both of you x
Thank you, Beverley. May has gone by quickly this year, but the weather has been beautiful. Fingers crossed it will be just as lovely during the summer. Xx
DeleteSounds like Lily had a lovely birthday. That completely dry weather feels like a long time ago now. I'm currently staring out the window at torrential rain. X
ReplyDeleteI know! I was getting rather used to the sunshine. Fingers crossed it will return in time for the summer break. Xx
Delete