Life Lately

I've been a bit rubbish about posting in this little space recently. Good intentions just seem to constantly fall by the wayside. I keep thinking to myself that I'll just get through the next busy week, then things will settle down, when something else throws me off course and I find myself repeating this thought over and over.

Also, at the moment, my work pattern keeps altering on a weekly basis, which is fine for the time being. I really do love all aspects of everything I do. No two days are ever the same, so it's never ever dull. There's a rumour going round that things might be more settled in several months time, but I've heard that one before. It certainly keeps life interesting. 

But on the whole, life is pretty great. I'm becoming much better at prioritising my own needs, and with practice, I'm finding that it's getting a little easier for me to let go of things that I have no control over. Perhaps it's an age thing :) But whatever it is, I am here for it. 

Last week we were down in London again, for a couple of days. I always love our visits to the city, and of course, the reason for them. And I still get a thrill when I see all the iconic landmarks, but over time Lily is becoming less and less impressed at the sight of the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, and Big Ben. We had a lovely time, though, and she did enjoy her promised trip on the pedalos in Hyde Park. We also spent some time at the immersive Outernet experience, which was quite mesmerising. Huge wrap around screens playing images, including underwater scenes, space, and blossoming trees. It was amazing to experience, but not quite as pretty as the real thing. 

The trees here are full of blossom just now. They are so beautiful, but it's sad that their loveliness is short-lived. All too soon the petals begin to drop, like nature's confetti, creating a  carpet of pink beneath the branches.

And the bluebells...

Naturally, we had to go to the woods so that we could witness the annual show of bluebells. A very special place, where only those who know can get to enjoy this stunning display. 

Easter was spent fairly quietly, here. In the morning, we went for a lovely walk overlooking the bay. It was a little more strenuous than I'd anticipated, but the views from the top were absolutely stunning. In the afternoon, Lily insisted on an egg hunt, and we made some of our favourite chocolate cornflake nests. Just for a change, I also baked some delicious cookies using broken up mini eggs instead of chocolate chips. 

And that brings me to this weekend. Yesterday morning, I ran in my very first Parkrun. I'd thought about it for a while now, and I'm really glad that I decided to give it a try. I'm sure it did me good to push myself, and everyone there was incredibly welcoming and supportive. I think I'll try running another one soon, and see if I can beat my time.

Today, I've done the weekly shop, baked flapjack, and  I've been pottering about in the garden. I've finally re-potted the acer, which my lovely friend bought me, last year, and I used the remainder of the compost to top up the apple tree pots. This week, the spinach will be ready for it's first harvest, which is a good job, as I need some for a new recipe that I'm trying out. And the carrots, beetroot and spring onions all appear to be coming along quite nicely. It looks like I'll be getting a healthy crop of blackcurrants later in the year, as well.  The nasturtiums are also just starting to grow. I'll be keeping a close eye on them, so that they don't get out of control. 

And my forget-me-not plant, grown from seeds given to me after my dad died, and which had been killed by the hard frosts, must have self seeded into the lawn. So now, I've carefully transplanted several of the little flowers into a small pot. I really hope they'll continue to grow.  

Back soon(ish).

J. X

In and Out the Dusty Bluebells

 

Does anyone else have that song going through their heads whenever they see bluebells? I am reminded of the game, which usually started off well, but nearly always ended in chaos, as children got tangled up, beneath the 'arches'.

Since returning from London, last week, I've hardly stopped. On the Monday after the marathon, my train pulled in at the station at 12.35, then I began work for the afternoon at 1.15. Perhaps it wasn't the best approach to my recovery, but it was an unavoidable one. Thankfully, having kept moving, it meant that my legs didn't have the opportunity to seize up or feel too achy. But I did experience moments during the week when I would feel extremely tired, although that was understandable under the circumstances. I did say, 'Never again', and yet for some unknown reason, I found myself entering the ballot for next year's marathon :)

By the time the weekend arrived I felt depleted, but there were still the usual household chores that needed my attention and some coursework which needed to be submitted. Once this was finally out of the way, I was able to take a little time to recharge, with a walk to the bluebell woods. Having previously thinking that I might have missed my opportunity this year, it was such a delight to leave the main pathway and walk up the steep track to be greeted with the now familiar, yet still breath taking sight before me. Beneath the trees, was a carpet of blue, and the dappled sunlight only highlighted how beautiful they were. 

I love that Lily will still indulge me by tagging along for these walks. Even if these days it comes with a side order of eye rolling. She soon perked up, however, when we discovered a rope swing tied to one of the tree branches; thankfully there are some things we never grow tired of. We spent just over an hour in the woods, and we were lucky enough to have them all to ourselves. Not many people are aware of the bluebells there, as they are not very easy to see from the main footpath. 

I don't wish to speak too soon, but this week there has been a great improvement in the weather. The grass is finally beginning to dry out, after what has been an incredibly wet winter, and the garden is looking so much better for having seen several days of sunshine. The vegetable seeds are beginning to sprout and the lemon trees might even need to be re-potted again soon. They are growing fast. 

I've replaced the solar lights on the shed, and it has been lovely to see them from the kitchen window after sunset. Then, after I decided that some other lights, which I placed in the flower bed, were a waste of money, as they weren't working. I actually discovered an on/off switch, hidden away beneath the bulbs. I will now have to wait and see if they come on tonight :)

J. X

Bluebells and Black Cats

 

I don't know about anyone else, but with all these bank holidays I keep losing track of my days. On a regular week I would have been at work by now, but with an empty day ahead of me, I have thoughts of being very productive and getting on top of the housework before I'm back at it again tomorrow. In reality, I expect I will procrastinate and find myself wondering how on earth I managed to waste a whole day :) I won't be too hard on myself , however, having spent much of yesterday working in the garden. I managed to get the grass cut and dug out the five large shrubs, which sadly didn't survive the extremely low winter temperatures. I also greatly reduced the size of the holly tree, so how I managed to escape without so much as a scratch, I have no idea. On another dry day, I will get the borders dug over and then I need to plan what to plant in the available space.

Over the last few days I have been dipping in and out of The Coronation coverage. As always, the pageantry and ceremony appeared to be flawless, and the parades were nothing short of spectacular. Although I have mixed feelings about the event, there is no doubt it made for a memorable weekend. I also enjoyed the Coronation Concert much more than I thought I would. 

Last week, we went for our annual bluebell walk. It really is beautiful there and being a little off the beaten track, we usually have the woods all to ourselves. 

The afternoon had started off rather dull and overcast, so it came as a pleasant surprise when the weather began to brighten up, until we found ourselves being able to cast off our thicker layers of clothing and enjoy the warmth of the sun. 

The woods are filled with native bluebells as far as the eye can see.

With paths meandering steeply up the hill.

I never tire of visiting these woods, especially at this time of year. And on that afternoon a good dose of fresh air was just what I needed. I've been feeling under a bit of strain recently, and getting outside in nature instantly calms me and enables me to relax.

And I should be able to relax even more, going forward. Getting the roof work completed was a huge weight off my mind. And although I still have more work to be done on other parts of the house, this was the issue I was most concerned about. 

I have also received the feedback on my course work, and I am very pleased (and relieved) to say that I have passed! When I first signed up to do it, I hadn't realised that I would be taking on more hours at work, so it has been quite a challenge to fit everything in, but I got there in the end. And talking of work, there is going to be quite a shake up there. For the better, I hope, but what this will mean for me and my hours, I am unsure at the moment. Time will tell.

I have previously mentioned a black cat who comes to stop by my house each day. He has since become rather persistent, and even though he is a full male, shows no signs of aggression; he is not hungry and clearly not a stray, so it is still a mystery as to why he likes to hang out with us. Boo quite likes him. Mog is indifferent. Neither of them show signs of being anxious that he is around. He does occasionally come inside the house - if I happen to leave the door open, or if Boo sits too close to the cat flap (it is chip activated) but I had no idea as to where he was coming from. Last week, having woken up to find him in the house yet again, I decided to put a paper collar on him, and less than half an hour later, a very apologetic lady rang me to say he actually belongs to her and she had been wondering where he had been spending so much of his time. It is still a mystery as to why he visits here, but at least I now know his name and where he comes from, and I can also get in touch with the owner if I have any concerns. Having said all that, I have a feeling that the visits may desist once she finally takes him to the vets ✂

Back soon. 

J. X

April Catch Up

Each year I am exactly the same. Just when I start to really struggle through the damp, grey days and become exhausted from holding my body tense during  the cold winter months, spring arrives and with every moment that passes I begin to feel myself gradually relax. The hours of daylight grow longer and the sun feels just that little bit warmer. I was not designed for cold weather, which may sound extreme, but anyone who has seen me turn blue from a slight chill in the air and a gentle breeze could readily bear witness to this :)

The last few weeks I have been busy,  both at work and home, but I have found brief moments here and there simply to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. And as I have felt my body unwind, I have also noticed my sleeping patterns have improved over time, which is a huge relief. It is not much fun feeling exhausted before my day has even begun. 

I've been I've been out for walks through the fields and in the woods. The bluebells are in flower just now and as usual they look so beautiful under the trees. Last week I felt the need for some sea air so took a walk along the shore instead. Sea air hits different and it felt energising and restorative. It was a beautiful afternoon, with hardly a cloud in the sky and the bright sun shimmering on the water. I even discovered some more pieces of sea glass to add to my collection. 

Following my trip to London, I have spent some time getting on with a few necessary chores around the house. I feel like I'm getting on top of the clutter now, with yet another bag of clothing to take to the charity shop and a few more items sold online. I realise it is an ongoing process but the results are definitely worthwhile. I'm even considering getting rid of a side table which doesn't really serve much purpose other than to gather dust and hide even more clutter in it's drawer. I'll think about it. I'm worried I might regret it if I do, but this is only a small house and it doesn't take much furniture to fill a room and I like to have plenty of space to move around.

I have, finally, got around to sowing the wildflower seeds in the raised bed and I can't wait for the garden to be filled with pollinators again this year. I do miss growing a few vegetables but I think the small space is better utilised this way and it will look beautiful in the summer. The herbs are beginning to grow again, so at least there will be something in the garden I can cook with. Oh, and the strawberry plants and blackcurrant bushes are beginning to flower :) I still need to repot my apple tree, and I will be moving the little lemon trees back outside again this week once the winds have subsided. I'm sure they are ready for some warm sunshine, much like myself.

J. X

Bluebell Time

I've been having a rather lazy day today. Outside, the sky is grey, the wind is blowing and it has been raining on and off all afternoon. It's still quite chilly and, as I've been feeling wiped out for much of the past week, I am happy to stay home, drink far too much coffee than is good for me, while reading some of the magazines which I've had tucked away in a drawer for a couple of months - 'the simple things' and 'Lakeland Walker' if you are curious. It's exactly the kind of weather that lends itself to me spending a cosy day on the sofa, and so, as there was nowhere else I needed to be, I conceded this to be my best option under the circumstances, even if it does feel a little self indulgent. 

I haven't been totally dormant, however. This morning I've baked some flapjack, as I'm sure we'll be heading out somewhere tomorrow, and I always like to pack some to eat with our lunch. I have also worked my way through the huge pile of ironing, which had been decorating the dining table since the middle of the week, when I had far more appealing things to do with my time. That's because on Wednesday, as soon as I finished work for the morning, I took myself off down the lane, along the track which leads out from the village, then out past the riding stables and into the woods. My only intention being to see the bluebells while they were still looking their very best.

As usual, I was not disappointed.

I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed capturing them. Now, I think I'll just go and put the kettle on...again. 

J. X