As the day's gone on, it has turned incredibly chilly here. The ground is carpeted with leaves in all shades of red, gold and brown and definitely looks like autumn but the temperature reminds me that winter will soon be here.
I left work a little earlier this evening, and got to experience the most gorgeous sunset. The fields were cast with a beautiful golden light. Not that the sheep, busy grazing in the fields, were in any way impressed, and the black farm cat simply glowered at me from along the track. It wasn't until I reached the end of the lane that I realised the roads had been gritted. We must be anticipating an icy start in the morning.
The few weeks have seen the arrival of darker evenings. Most days see me both leaving and arriving home in the dark, so I have to be extra careful to ensure I'm getting enough time outdoors. I begin to feel twitchy if I don't but I find it difficult to motivate myself to go out again, once I get home to a warm and cosy house.
The weeks are flying by, and I am becoming increasingly frustrated with my absence here. Time is something I have very little of just now, as I continue to be pulled in several directions. Still, it won't be forever, and I feel grateful for everything that I do have. I am making the most of the autumn weather and taking comfort in the everyday - lighting my candles in an evening, cosying up under a blanket, and rediscovering my joy of baking. This week I made the most simple chocolate chip shortbread biscuits, which were ready in no time at all, but tasted oh-so-delicious.
A couple of weeks ago, we enjoyed a short stay in North Yorkshire. I booked the cutest little house, conveniently situated between Harrogate and Knaresborough. Lily says our trips at this time of year are her favourite, as I make things as relaxing as possible - not too far to travel, some gentle autumn walks, and a crackling fire to curl up beside in an evening - 'wholesome' activities, according to my eldest. Thankfully, the timing of our visit meant that the stormy weather had already passed, but as our first day there was still a little wet, we made good use of our time by walking into Harrogate. Here, we visited Betty's Tea Shop, where we treated ourselves to some scones, macaroons and a gingerbread bat. We also spent far too long in one of my favourite stores, looking at the Christmas section. There were so many beautiful items to look at, that I had to go back again a couple of days later, just to make certain that I had seen everything. And I managed to return home with just some cute ceramic trees, a festive mug and a new tree decoration.
The following day, we enjoyed a walk along the river in Knaresborough. Such a beautiful little town, and too many years since I had last visited. We stopped off at a small cafe there for a warming hot chocolate.
Our favourite, however, was Brimham Rocks. The most impressive rock formations. And an amazing place to explore. It was fascinating.
Returning home, we enjoyed a lovely morning at the pumpkin trail in the woods.
A low mist hung over the lake; Clouds making pretty patterns in the sky.
On Halloween we received more visitors than ever before. I hung my usual decorations on the porch - black bats and cobwebs, and it was so fun to see all the different costumes. Then last weekend we met up with friends at the bonfire. Every year it's an unspoken arrangement, and every year we meet up and have a lovely evening. Perhaps one year I might remember not to wear too many layers, as I got rather warm standing close to the bonfire.
I have finally got around to crocheting some more squares for my blanket. I think I now have 28 more to make, then they all will need sewing together and edging with several rounds for a border. If I'm lucky, I might get it finished in time for next winter. Now that the weather has turned chilly, I'm having to use the smaller blankets on the bed - but at least I have the cats to keep me warm.
Back soon.
J. X
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