November-ish

 

I'm writing this beside the fireplace. It's been such a cold day. Outside it's beginning to go dark, and the sky is looking heavy and grey. It is typical of November. Snow is forecast overnight and it feels like winter is approaching. 

I don't have very much to tell you. Life has been ticking along quite mundanely, and I've been intentionally keeping it that way. I'm constantly being reminded of the quote, 'If you don't make time for your wellness, you'll be forced to make time for your illness.' So I'm doing my utmost to take care of myself. I'm prioritising getting enough sleep, and eating healthy meals. On Sundays, I've been making a big batch of soup, and dividing it up for my lunches during the week. This week, it's curried carrot and lentil, and it's absolutely delicious. Having something already prepared makes for a quick and nourishing lunch. It also means that I'm less likely to make unhealthy choices.

I'm still at the stage of only thinking about Christmas and If I'm being honest, I'm slightly panicking that I haven't yet begun any actual preparations. No matter how hard I try not to, I always put myself under too much pressure at this time of year. Perhaps this might be the year that I finally learn to let things just 'be'. I've enjoyed a thorough peruse of the 'Christmas by Booths' book - IYKYK - but so far I'm lacking inspiration. Maybe I'll feel more festive later in the week, when we go to see the Christmas lights in the town. Or maybe tomorrow, IF we wake up to snow!

Even though it's turned much colder here, I've been getting out for a few walks. When I'm feeling lethargic, I find a good brisk walk helps to energise me and lift my mood. The woods where we often go are looking really quite sparse now, and most of the trees are bare. The ground is thick with mud and leaves, and there's a damp, earthy smell in the air.

It can be a challenge motivating myself to go outside when the weather is so depressing, but if I'm wrapped up well (and as long as there's very little chance of rain) then I soon feel the benefit. And, of course, there is nothing more satisfying than returning home to a cosy house. Warming cold fingers in front of the fire. Or even better still, around a mug of hot chocolate :) 

Last week, I enjoyed Lily's first secondary school parent's evening, and I'm delighted to say that she's settled in brilliantly and doing really well. The teaching staff made some really lovely comments, and I especially liked the one about Lily being just 'an incredibly lovely person'. It made me feel quite emotional. 

Back soon. 

J. X

From Summer into Autumn

 

And just like that, we stumbled into autumn. The last day of summer was quite beautiful here, and I spent some time in the garden doing a little bit of tidying. One of my surprise sunflowers had opened up and, although a little late, it was lovely to see. The second sunflower is waiting patiently for it's moment to shine, but I think this week's forecast sunshine might just provide the encouragement it needs. 

The pumpkins are turning more and more orange with each passing day. 🎃

My lovely acer, which still needs repotting. A job for next weekend, I think. 

In the evening we watched the last of the summer sun set above the Lakeland fells. It was a beautiful way to end our summer, even if it had been a rather disappointing one this year. Let's hope autumn more than makes up for it. 

The following day we set off from Borrowdale, and walked up High Spy and Maiden Moor. Two more Wainwrights ticked off, but more importantly, a wonderful day up on the fells. It was a steep ascent, but the views towards Keswick were stunning, and by setting off from Grange we managed to avoid the crowds on Catbells. Also, my foot held up well, which was a huge relief. Autumn colours were already starting to show, but I am looking forward to a far more glorious display as we head through October.

This week, just as life was ticking along quite nicely, I was thrown a curve ball, and have spent much of my time driving up and down the motorway, visiting a family member who is in hospital. In between times, I've been attempting to juggle work and family life, including keeping the routine as steady as possible for Lily. I feel exhausted. It would have been very easy for me to miss my weekly swim session, but instead I made the effort, and I'm so glad I did. It felt good to do something for myself, even if only for a short while. And it's going to be much of the same for this coming week, at least. So, in between times, I need to remind myself to seek out those small moments that make me happy.

Speaking of which. Look what I found on my way to work yesterday :)

J. X

Early Autumn

 

As the wind begins to pick up, we are braced and ready ahead of tomorrow's incoming storm. I hope any damage will be minimal, I've already secured everything that I can in the garden. 

Last weekend, coinciding with the equinox, we experienced our first proper taste of autumn. Saturday began all dewy and fresh, becoming warm and sunny by mid-morning. I decided that I would get outside while I had the chance. The challenging week at work had taken it's toll, and getting caught in the crossfire of some strained relationships had left me feeling rather discouraged. Fresh air was called for, so the weekly shop and household chores could wait until the following day. 

Not too far from home we have one of my favourite National Trust properties, Sizergh Castle, where even when I don't much feel like walking very far, I can easily be persuaded to visit, as the gardens there are so beautiful.  Even better, at this time of year the orchards are full of apples and pears.

We took our time walking around the garden, following the paths in the same direction we always do, with Lily being extra careful to avoid getting too close to the beehives :) Familiarity means we get to appreciate the changing seasons there, and the Rock Garden, especially, is displaying some beautiful rich shades of autumn colour.

The Kitchen Garden is always worth a visit, and where we often catch a glimpse of Charlie the cat.

And it was there that they had all their different varieties of apples for sale. I paid for a small bag, which would provide me with more than enough cookers to make two batches of apple sauce and some crumbles, as well as five Ribston Pippins to go in the fruit bowl.

And the following day, while the expected wind and rain kept us indoors, I spent a lovely afternoon in the kitchen, filling the house with the delicious aromas of warm apples and cinnamon.

Last week, we enjoyed visits to two prospective secondary schools. Between us, we must have clocked up miles walking along corridors :)  Lily has now made her final decision and yesterday we submitted her application. It won't be until March that we find out whether or not she has secured a place, but I gather it is highly likely that she will be successful. It was quite a difficult decision in the end, but I am very happy with her choice. We are very fortunate to have some excellent schools in this area.

Following a couple of chillier nights, yesterday I made the switch to our winter weight duvets. The summer ones will now be aired, before being stored away until spring. The central heating came on very briefly the other morning, and I now am watching carefully as to when the grass will need it's last cut of the year. Autumn is here.

J. X

Tired

 

Mog is demonstrating, beautifully, exactly how I would like to have spent my weekend. Instead, I've been catching up with housework, getting the weekly shopping done and tackled a huge pile of ironing, which had been threatening to completely engulf the dining table. I'm feeling tired.

Being back at work has been a lot harder than I'd envisaged. My days are long and there never seems to be enough time to complete everything I need to do each day. My working hours are the same as before, but, without going into too much detail, my actual workload has increased. I realise it's very early days, so I'm hopeful that the situation will ease going forwards, but if it doesn't, then I may need to re-evaluate my position. All that aside I'm enjoying being back with my colleagues again, it's almost like I've never been away :)

Lily's start to the new school year has been a positive one, although I never expected she would be making the return while wearing a summer dress. It just didn't feel quite right, the weather being so warm. Thankfully, the unexpected heatwave has since been replaced with 'proper' back to school weather, by which I mean we can see our breath in the early morning air. The other day, I even made an apple crumble. Autumn definitely has one foot in the door now. This week, we will be visiting several secondary schools to make our final decision, before completing the application for her place next year. This is something which felt so far off when she first began primary school all those years ago now, and I'm not sure I'm ready for this next big step.

With the autumn equinox falling at the weekend, I'm hoping things will feel a little more settled for me as the days get even shorter. I should know to expect a certain level of unease as we transition from one season to the next, as for some reason these in-between times usually leave me feeling somewhat out-of-sorts. Soon it will be time for hunkering down, cosy night's in and warm sweaters. I think I'm ready for it. 

J. X

March

 

What was it I said in my last post about the wintry weather. As it happened, unlike the rest of the country, we didn't actually get very much in the way of snow here. It all looked very pretty for a day or so, then it thawed very quickly once the sun appeared. I hope everyone is keeping safe and warm. 

I would have posted sooner, but I have rather a lot going on the background at the moment. I have been mainly kept busy with my studies, and  I am really pleased to say my first modules have been completed and assessed, for which I received some very positive feedback. My next submission will take me a little while longer, as it covers a wider range of topics. Then, I think I will have a little break before looking at completing another course.

Another thing, which is proving quite draining, is the situation with my house. The chimney is, once again, letting in water, Lily's bedroom needs a new window fitting, the kitchen tap is dripping, and I need some further roof work completing at the front of the house. I really would like to get on with some decorating this year, but it seems pointless to do anything cosmetic until this work is completed. And of course, trying to get hold of trades people is a nightmare, so I'm finding it all a bit demanding, especially on top of everything else. Anyway, when I last checked, the chap has been out to take a look at the chimney but I am still waiting on a quote; the window company are now, thankfully, measuring up tomorrow; the plumber is booked to arrive the first week in April (I've also requested some new taps and a radiator in the downstairs loo), and I am still waiting on the roofer to get back to me. Wish me luck :) Should I also mention the water leaking from the boiler? Thankfully it is still working okay at the moment, and the engineer is coming out to it on Wednesday morning. 

Aside from the stress, I am happy to report that there have also been some nice things going on. Lily enjoyed her very first ski lesson. She had been wanting to give it a try for a while now, and last Christmas she was lucky enough to have been gifted a session at an indoor slope. She had such a great time there. The instructor was lovely and she took to skiing straight away. I can see a few more lessons happening in future. 

At the very end of February, I enjoyed a lovely walk from Far Sawrey, up to Moss Eccles Tarn. In  a contrast to the current damp weather, it was a lovely bright sunny day, and the tarn itself looked gorgeous, with the fells standing dramatically in the background. Apparently, it was one of Beatrix Potter's favourite places, and I can see why. I will definitely go back again in the summer, when I can spend even more time there.  The chips in the pub afterwards were pretty good as well. 

On the March 2nd, school took part in World Book Day. There were, as usual, some amazing outfits worn by all the children and staff. Lily went as Little Miss Sunshine, in a bright yellow sweatshirt and leggings, red ribbons tied in her plaits and some extra freckles added using an eyebrow-pencil. Not forgetting, of course, her natural sunshine personality ;)

The Warm Space was slightly better attended this week, and I baked a marmalade cake this time. There are only three more weeks left to go now, by which time I would like to think we will be experiencing some milder temperatures. It has, however, provided a wonderful opportunity for people to get together for some welcome companionship during the winter months, regardless of the circumstances. I wonder if these initiatives might be here to stay.

At the weekend we helped out at a local litter picking event. It was surprising just how much we managed to collect, as at first glance the area had looked almost completely free of  any sort of rubbish. One hour later and four refuse bags filled proved otherwise. A job well done by all concerned, and it was encouraging to witness all the children's enthusiasm.

Yesterday, we spent another morning orienteering. We completed two courses, finding all the markers, but I'm not sure whether or not it is something we will continue to participate in, moving forward. There are quite a few more meets coming up, so we definitely give it another go before making a decision one way or another. And of course, this course was just as muddy as the last, so I will be cleaning our boots once again this evening. 

I am still yearning for spring, and I am looking to the year ahead with cautious optimism. Fingers crossed I might have at least some of  these house issues sorted very soon. 

J. X

Winter Is Loosening Its Grasp

 

This is the time of year I yearn for.  After a long, dark winter, the hours of daylight are gradually increasing, the early mornings are filled with birdsong, and the air is filled with a delicious, earthy scent, as the sun begins to warm the land once again. We are not out of the woods just yet, as the forecast is showing some light snow over the next week, but I feel certain those bitterly cold, wintry days are behind us now and that any more frosty mornings will be fleeting.

One bright day last week, we took a walk from Keswick, with the intention of hiking up Lonscale Fell. It was a lovely morning and as we climbed the steep path up Jenkin Hill, I decided on a 'slight detour' to our planned route, and we finished up at the top of Skiddaw! We had completed the most challenging part of the walk and as it was one of those rare days when the summit wasn't shrouded in cloud,  I thought we might as well make the most of it. We descended via Lonscale Fell, so we did, in fact, accomplish what we had initially set out to do, it just took a little while longer :) Our next fell will be our 100th Wainwright. Still a long way to go until we complete them all, but cause for a small celebration, I think. 

Some time off work has been very welcome, and this week I've spent most of my days at home. I hadn't really thought of posting until now, as my days have felt rather mundane and of no particular interest, but in small ways I have been quite productive and for that I am grateful. I've spent some time studying and tackled several modules of my coursework, caught up with the housework and finally cleared out my wardrobe. I now have two more bags to take to the charity shop, although that will be a job for another day. 

Pancake Day was acknowledged, and in typical fashion, I probably won't eat any more again until next year. 

The Warm Space will be continuing for another month, and although I have given myself this week off, I will be back to baking again on Wednesday. Last week, the Bakewell cake proved very popular, and I am now even receiving requests :)

On Wednesday we spent a fun morning orienteering. It was an organised event where families could have a go at different activities, learn new skills and complete various challenges. We did quite well, considering it was our first time, and I've already signed us up for another event. Lets just hope the next one is somewhere a little less muddy - I still have our boots to clean. 

On a more personal note, I feel my back is completely fine now. I have yet to go for a run, which as I have said before will be the real test, but I haven't felt so much as a twinge while I've been out walking. This is such good news, especially as we head towards spring, and I am looking forward to spending more time outdoors. Yesterday, as we walked through the woods, there were signs everywhere. The snowdrops are all out, catkins hung from the tree branches and I even spotted my first wild garlic.  

J. X

Life Lately

 

Recently, there has been a gentle shift in my outlook. I have found myself placing fewer demands on my time outside of work and any other necessary day to day happenings, and I am beginning to feel much more relaxed for it. A weekend without set plans, household chores that need doing, those DIY tasks which keep getting overlooked, well, I am trying not to worry too much about any of it. I'm not sure how long this feeling will last, but as someone who has always been a bit of a worrier and a list maker (I do still love a good list!) I find it strange that for some reason I no longer feel the need to put pressure on myself to complete certain tasks within a set time frame, besides the essentials, of course. Perhaps it's an 'almost summertime' thing :) Whatever the reason, I am here for it. 

The wildflowers are growing apace around here, and at the weekend we took part in a survey of Cowslips and Yellow Rattle along with our  local wildlife group.  It's surprising just how many more varieties you discover when you are actively looking for them. It is also surprising how important you can feel while carrying a clipboard! ;)

In the garden, the Welsh Poppies are currently in charge of catering for pollinators, with our bed of wildflowers almost ready to take over the task. It looks like there are some of my favourite Cornflowers in this year's mix and they have grown significantly in the few days since this photograph was taken.

There are an abundance of blackcurrants just waiting to ripen and even the neglected strawberry plants have provided us with a very small harvest, although I suspect the birds may have had a part to play in the lack of fruit this year.

As the hedgerows and verges begin to spill over, our pathways become narrower and more tricky to navigate. The Cow Parsley tickles but the nettles sting! 

During the week I gathered in some Elderflowers and made up several bottles of cordial. It is such a delicious and refreshing summer drink and it smells wonderful, but I still haven't tried it yet. Perhaps at the weekend I might enjoy some in a glass of prosecco, as hopefully I will have a small accomplishment to celebrate. The recipe is on the sidebar if you would like it. 

And I finally got around to baking this Bakewell cake, from a recipe I came across earlier in the year. If you have been here a while, you will know how I prefer simple recipes that don't need too many ingredients, and this cake definitely ticks that box. It has all the delicious flavour of a Bakewell tart but without the faff. Perfect! 

J. X

Slow Days

 

I'm still at home and my days are now beginning to drag. I am sure I would feel quite differently had I actually been unwell, but the worst of my symptoms has been a runny nose. The aching shoulders, I put down to having cut the grass and attempted some gardening last week :)  I'm not complaining. I am incredibly grateful not to have suffered worse, but I'm now definitely ready to be back at work and getting on with things. I would like to say I have been productive with my days but, without my usual routine, I have been floundering. That said, I have tidied out my wardrobe, which wasn't as daunting a task as I'd originally thought, although I did have a 'moment' when I'd first emptied everything out onto my bed. I don't even own all that many items of clothing, it just isn't very well organised. 

Also, I completed the baby blanket I have been crocheting for my friend. I am really happy with, so I do hope she likes it. I used this pattern from Maisie & Ruth, but increased the size of the border and left off the impractical pom poms. 

I haven't just been stuck indoors, however. At the weekend we went out for walk along the river, the fresh air and stiff breeze helping to blow away the cobwebs. The ground was still very wet and muddy in places, so I was glad to be wearing my wellies. We had hoped to gather some of the wild garlic in the woods, but it is still a little too early right now, so it will just have to wait another week or so. But I really can't wait to enjoy some delicious, freshly made pesto. Perhaps I should learn to be more patient.

While we were out, we were actively searching for signs of spring and we weren't disappointed. There were new shoots in abundance and some of the trees are already in blossom. We didn't manage to find any frog spawn, but we were absolutely delighted to see some otters playing in the water and scampering up the river bank, and then a flash of vibrant blue as a kingfisher flew past. 

Being full of germs I haven't wanted to spend much time in the kitchen, but as I had been craving cake I decided to bake some Weetabix Fruit Loaf Cake. And I am so glad I did, as I've been enjoying a generous slice each morning with a mug of hot sweet tea :)

I've done a bit more clearing in the garden and it's lovely to see some bulbs making a reappearance, especially the fritillary, which I have been careful to avoid disturbing since last summer. We have decided to sow wildflower seeds again this year, and I am once again looking forward to seeing the butterflies and bees they attract. 

J. X

March

I didn't really know how I should begin this post. With everything that is going on in the world it seems rather frivolous of me to be writing about the normality of my days. And yet I have found comfort in reading other blogs, so I will persevere, and I'm sure the photographs will speak for themselves. 

March has brought with it some much needed sunshine to these parts. It is as though the grey clouds lifted all at once and spring is finally edging it's way in. Mornings have been bright, but the bitterly cold wind is a sharp reminder that winter is still very much with us.

We've enjoyed some lovely walks. Well wrapped up, of course. And I've been able to get some washing hung out on the line, at last. We continue to have a steady stream of birds to the feeders in the garden and the grass has now benefitted from it's first cut of the year. I just need to turn the soil and then I can make a start on preparing the garden for the warmer months ahead. The lawn, especially, needs a lot of extra care.

It is wonderful to see spring buds in the hedgerows and it won't be long until the daffodils will be out in flower. I might even go and gather some wild garlic from the woods tomorrow. 

At the weekend we took a short walk up Souther Fell, setting off from the small village of Mungrisdale. The fell is a popular launching site for paragliders and we saw around eight in the air while we were there. Unsurprisingly, as the conditions would have been perfect. 

My feet remained firmly on the ground, however. And we enjoyed our walk, followed by a picnic lunch in a small wildlife garden, finishing off our day by sitting outside the village pub with a refreshing drink.

My week began as usual, but now I'm at home, having finally tested positive for covid just yesterday. Time to put my feet up and have a cup of tea, I think. 

J. X