Summertime Joys

Here it is, at last! My favourite time of the year. The sun is shining, and it's time to relax and enjoy the summer. It is especially welcome this year, as these last few months have been quite challenging, while I've been getting used to my new role at work. It's all positive, though. My line manager is more than happy with my performance, and it also means that my hours will be far more settled when I return in September. Happy days! I just hope that I won't have forgotten what I'm doing by then :)

The past month has been incredibly busy, so this weekend it's been lovely to take my time when getting up each morning. I'm still awake at a ridiculously early hour, but it's so nice not having to rush around getting everything ready for the day ahead. I can ease gently into the morning and not need to worry about getting the washing hung out, making lunches, or wondering what we'll be eating for dinner that evening. All of these can simply wait a while. 

The house is gradually getting a much needed clean and tidy, but this has become a far easier task, having gotten rid of a lot of unnecessary clutter since the beginning of the year. There are still some items left to sort through, but the difference has been huge, and I'm sure that any time I spend cleaning must have halved. This is time which, for me, I am much happier to spend outdoors, especially at this time of year. 

The cats are notable by their absence.  The warm, sunny weather instantly has them seeking out the shade of the long field grass or a nearby tree. I've long since recognised that I'm not to worry (too much) when I don't see either of them for hours at a time. And I'm sure that will change again just as quickly, once the weather begins to turn. 

For the third year in a row, we celebrated the final day of school with a chippy tea down by the lake. It was a balmy summer evening, and unusually quiet there, down by the water's edge. I also took a flask with us so we could enjoy a drink (or two) of tea from our enamel mugs.

This weekend has been quite a contrast to last, which saw me walking up Helvellyn, over Striding Edge, on what was the warmest day of the year so far here. It might have been hot, but the conditions were perfect, and the views were absolutely stunning. Then later that evening I was on a boat, on Windermere celebrating with some friends. It's was the most beautiful evening for it, and watching the sun set behind the Langdale Pikes felt quite magical. 

The following day, we went swimming at the outdoor pool. It was the ideal way to cool off in the heat of the midday sun, and it was so good to see Lily regain some of her confidence in the water. 

During the week, I've been keeping busy with my new crochet project. My plan is to make a colourful, cosy blanket, large enough to go over my double bed. I've chosen the colours based on my new pillow cases. I just loved this design. And if you look closely you can see butterflies and bees among the flowers!

In the garden, this week, the sunflower has opened up. If ever there was a summer flower, this is it for me. My all time favourite. 

And there are more strawberries ripening,  much to Lily's delight. I'm ever hopeful that she might even try sharing them with me :)

At dusk, I'm often to be found sat on the back step, watching for bats against a pale pink sky. They put on quite the display. 

And on this occasion I had some company. 

Back soon. 

J. X