January

 

It's been a little while, so I'm tentatively peeking my head around the door. How is everyone? I hope the New Year is treating you well. 

My absence here, this month has, again, been intentional. I've always made no secret of the fact that the month of January is far from my favourite time of year. It is often cold, dark and damp, and the warm days of spring still seem so very far away. Last year, I had a great idea that I would power my way through this miserable winter month. I was going to make plans to stay busy, and to keep on keeping on, but by doing this, I was refusing to acknowledge that what I really needed to do was to slow down, relax, and embrace the season for what it is. 

The earth is still sleeping, and it is a time of rest. There is a whole year in front of us, so I'm not sure why I usually feel the need to rush things. With that in mind, this year, I made a conscious decision to take some time away from here, lean into the quiet days, and try my best to seek out the simple joys, just to make January feel that little bit more bearable. You could almost say I've been hibernating, except that I've still enjoyed some lovely, restorative walks - one of them a pleasant surprise, as my workplace was unexpectedly forced to close for the day, which meant I could enjoy some much needed winter sunshine.

And it's been okay. I've reached the end of the month unscathed, albeit a little tired (I always need sunshine to recharge my batteries), and I've kept my focus on work and home. Even on the brighter days, I've done just enough to get through, alleviating myself of any unnecessary pressure. This isn't always easy, as I do like to try and at least do something at the weekends, especially when the working week often feels never-ending.

Anyway, I'm feeling much more positive, as we move that tiny bit closer to spring. Have you noticed the daylight hours increasing? It was wonderful to see that it was still just about light here at 5pm last night. And the snowdrops are beginning to flower. Such a pretty sight beneath the trees.

And talking of flowers, I've discovered last season's sweet pea seeds, which I am intending to sow this weekend. I will also have to consider what I will be planting in the raised bed this year. Thankfully, it doesn't look like I've lost anything in the garden to the frosts this winter, although time will tell. The lemon trees are quite comfortable in the house for the time being, and are already showing signs of new growth, although still no flowers as yet. The garden needs a quick tidy but other than that, it doesn't look too bad, and I'm looking forward to spending more time out there once the weather picks up. 

It's lovely to see lots of feathered friends using the bird feeder just now. I like to keep it well stocked for them with fat balls and meal worms. Of course, I hardly saw any birds whilst I was taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, but my friend and I laugh that it's always the same for us every year :) Still, it's an hour to just sit and relax, and enjoy a mug of tea. 

Although things have been pleasingly quiet around here, I have been putting together some plans for several mini-adventures. I've booked a return overnight stay at Skiddaw House during the summer, and a few city breaks have been arranged throughout the year. One of which I am particularly excited about. 

Back soon.

J. X

Frosty Morning

It had been freezing cold during the night. This morning the garden was iced over, so I ventured out very carefully to replenish the water in the bird feeder. Snowy was still standing, complete with his hat and scarf, although he was looking much slimmer than when we'd first built him. 

After I'd dropped Lily off at school, I came home and ate breakfast - delicious hot porridge, drizzled with syrup, a ideal warmer for such a cold morning. It may have been chilly, but it was a gorgeous, sunny start to the day, so I decided to walk into work. The frosty landscape was sparkling and the ground crisp beneath my feet. It was the sort of cold that made your ears and fingers tingle, and I was very grateful for my woolly hat and gloves. 

It's been an funny sort of day. At work we've almost reached a stage of anything goes, and there's so much going on just now that I can hardly keep up. It's Christmas Jumper Day tomorrow, so I really mustn't forget that.

This evening I was able to collect two more Christmas gifts that I'd ordered. It sounds simple enough but the traffic was so busy that it took ages just to drive to the store and back. I'm glad I've got them though, as there's one, which I need to deliver this weekend and the other, well, I wasn't confident it would actually turn up. 

J. X

Cold

 

I really don't tolerate cold weather very well at all, but I haven't found the recent low temperatures too unbearable, that is until today. It has been freezing all week, and so incredibly chilly that I made sure Lily has been wearing a pair of leggings underneath her school trousers each day! But it was -9° when I took her to school this morning! A little 'fresher' than I would like. 

It also doesn't help that I have been feeling tired today, as I had woken several times during the night.

An ordinary day, it began as usual for me, by putting some food down for Mog and Boo. Who, if appearances were anything to go by, hadn't eaten in days :) Next, I topped up the bird feeder, with a reminder to myself to buy some more fat balls next time I am in town. I also put out some fresh water and some small pieces of bread. We've been receiving plenty of visitors on these frosty mornings. My favourites, as always, are the robins.

This afternoon, I was, again, helping at the Warm Space event in the village. And after it proved to be so popular last week, I baked some more of the mincemeat shortbread, which went down a treat, and disappeared just as quickly.

An unexpected, last minute cancellation of plans, meant we have, at least enjoyed a less hurried evening.  Now, it is an early night for me, as tomorrow I will be spending the day rounding up Shepherds, Wise Men and Angels!

J. X

Jack Frost Nipping at My Nose

It was still incredibly cold when I woke this morning. As I crept quietly downstairs and into the kitchen, my head was turned by the brightness of the full moon shining in through the window. It was beautiful. The Cold Moon, a sign of the approaching solstice, and with it the ever increasing daylight hours. I sat alone and drank my first coffee of the day, before checking the bird feeder, then hanging up the laundry to dry.

 

Just as I had promised, Lily's bedding was changed. Every Christmas she likes to use the same Santa and reindeer duvet cover that she has had for years now, and I must admit even I think it is quite cute, especially considering I'm not a fan of the bearded one! I've also bought some new fitted sheets with Christmas trees on. They're brushed cotton, so are extra cosy.

Mid morning, we wrapped up well and went out for a walk. Even in our hats, scarves and gloves it was all we could do to keep warm. The grass and leaves crunched beneath our feet, as I wrapped my scarf around just that little bit tighter, slightly regretting my decision not to wear my salopettes, as the cold air seeped through my jeans. 

A short stop off at a nearby cafe provided me with an opportunity for a quick warm up. My icy cold fingers grateful to be wrapped around a steaming mug of Hot chocolate. 

Any respite was shortlived,  however, as the return to the car was just as chilly. By this time my nose had turned pink and my fingers were going numb. I should know by now, that my body does not deal with cold weather very well, as when I got home it took me an age until i was feeling properly warm again. Thank goodness for cosy sofas and warm snuggly blankets.

This evening, I finally got around to baking a tray of mincemeat shortbread. I had originally intended to bake some individual mince pies but as we will no doubt be going out walking later on in the week, some slices of shortbread are far easier to wrap up and take with me. If, indeed, it lasts that long ;)

J. X

On a Cold and Frosty Morning

 

Yesterday, I spent much of the evening resting on the sofa, enjoying a glass of port, this last week of work before the Christmas holidays began had been joyous and exhausting in equal measure. But it wasn't without disappointment, as last night I made the sad decision to cancel our trip to Edinburgh to visit this year's Christmas markets. I must admit, it wasn't an easy decision, as I had been looking forward to it all year, having booked the hotel way back in January when I naively assumed the current situation would have vastly improved - how wrong could I have been! Having deliberated over my decision for some time, once it was reached, I felt relieved. Proof if ever was needed it was the right choice in the end. Never mind, we will still enjoy ourselves, just closer to home. And fingers crossed, we just might get there next year, although I have a feeling things will get worse before they get better.

Anyway, this morning dawned unexpectedly bright and frosty, a pleasant surprise. I discovered this as I tiptoed outside at 7am to top up the bird feeder. Two more fat balls into the cage and some clean water replacing the solid block of ice which had formed in the dish. I will need to replenish the bags of seed this week, as it looks as though the chilly weather might be with us for a while.

After a warming breakfast of porridge and compote, I took myself off for a walk alongside the river. By this time a low mist had descended over the fields and the sun had all but disappeared. Previously muddy footpaths were frozen beneath my feet and the evidence of recent storms was apparent, as I needed to make a couple of short detours to avoid fallen trees. 

It was so quiet and still there. The river flowed almost silently beside me, the fields stood empty of cattle, now that winter is almost upon us. It felt good. Restorative even. I had spent most of the last week working indoors and, although tired, the lack of any form of exercise  had left me feeling restless and twitchy. 

At the halfway point I turned away from the riverside to return along a track which ran closer to the road. A little robin kept me company for a while, jumping from post to post on the fence beside the path. Here, I quickened my pace, as by this time I was ready to return home again. The mist hung low over the fields and even though I was wrapped up well, I was beginning to feel the cold.

I've spent the rest of the day catching up with the housework and I've promised Lily I will put the Christmas duvet covers on tomorrow. Then, who knows, I might finally get around to making those mince pies.

J. X

Later than Planned

 

This morning we set out to complete the walk I had originally planned for last weekend. It was a cold bright start to the day and I was looking forward to spending even just a short time up on the fells. 

Setting off from the village our route passed alongside a stream. The water looked incredibly clear but I imagine it would have been icy cold.

Climbing higher, we could see snow on the mountains in the distance.

 

The wind picked up a little at this point but unsurprisingly this Herdy didn't appear to be concerned. I could use a warm jumper like that. 

Climbing higher still, the ground beneath our feet became wintry and we pulled our scarves right up to protect  from the icy chill. The freezing winds occasionally blowing snow across the fellside and making our faces glow. We didn't stay for long at the summit, just enough to be able to take in the views. 

And for me to exact my revenge...

J. X

First Snow

As the weekend's storm subsided, the weather became decidedly chilly and by Sunday morning the sky had turned overcast and heavy, a far cry from the bright sunshine we had been forecast. I was a little disappointed, having already planned a walk for the day but undeterred we set off anyway, determined to get out for some gentle exercise and fresh air. A few flakes of snow hung in the air but I wasn't expecting them to come to much, any hopes of a decent snowfall are often dashed, usually turning to sleet before even a light covering is settled.

It wasn't long before it became clear that the snow was here to stay and we were certainly not going to be heading up onto the fells any time soon. We couldn't even see them hidden beneath the heavy, low cloud. Never mind, we would take a walk round to the local National Trust property and through the nearby wood. But unfortunately we couldn't manage that either, as it was closed. Instead we walked a little way up the hill and along the lane. The snow was falling far heavier by this time and I was frequently being used as target practice for Lily's snowballs, when she wasn't on the ground making snow angels, that is. Any time I paused to chat with someone, she made sure to gather even bigger handfuls. Her aim is excellent by the way :)

Dropping down through the field we crossed the large stepping stones over the beck, being extra careful not to fall in. I didn't particularly relish the thought of a soaking in the icy cold water. Fortunately, the stones in the middle were flat and dry, it was on the ones closer to the edge where we needed to be especially cautious. It was lovely and peaceful there, not even a sheep to be seen. 

The final stretch of our walk took us alongside the river. The snow was falling much lighter now and the sun was trying it's best to break through the cloud. We gathered branches and pine cones, which had blown from the trees and onto the path. These will be used to make our festive door wreath at some time during the coming week.

It is the beginning of December tomorrow. Last year I posted a little something each day throughout the month. I'm not sure I will have chance to do that this year but I hope to at least post more often than I have recently.

J. X

January Brings the Snow

I never intended to leave it this long between posts. More than in previous years, this January has been a long and tedious month. Always my least favourite time of the year, it has proved even more challenging than usual. The cold weather and lack of sunshine, along with the limitations of lockdown restrictions are enough to test even the most positive outlook -  and I was never blessed with one of those :) 

Still, I've been keeping busy, although I am beginning to grow weary of the repetitive days. Much like last year, for now at least, my diary remains empty aside from birthdays and anniversaries. Weekdays are filled with home learning - both Lily's and mine, and with much more structure than during the first lockdown there is a greater expectation to keep on track, leaving us with little time to relax. 

With  tensions running high one day last week, I holed myself up in the kitchen making marmalade. I was pleasantly surprised by the therapeutic properties of carefully shredding the orange peel, the delicious aroma of simmering oranges and, of course, the finished product made it all worth the effort, especially with the added brandy. My taste buds definitely approve and peace was restored.

As you can see, we've had some more snow. Both snowfalls came as quite a surprise. The first covering lasted a while longer than the second, which disappointingly began to thaw later that same day but it still looked so lovely for a short time. Tomorrow is the start of a new month. In January it often feels as though time is standing still and I'm just marking the days until I see them noticeably begin to lengthen. Evidence our wheel is turning.

This afternoon I saw some lambs in the field. Spring is on it's way. 

J. X