October Catch Up

Somehow we've arrived at the end of October and although I'm often saying how fast a week or month has gone by, this time I really mean it. I feel as though I've fallen a whole week behind. Time to take a breath and catch up on what I've been up to recently.

At the beginning of our half-term week we took a trip to the coast and enjoyed an overnight stay, enabling us to visit Sandsend, Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby.

On our arrival we were treated to some wonderfully bracing, autumnal sea air. It was blowing a hoolie, which made sure any lingering cobwebs were immediately blown away. Following an invigorating walk along the shore at Sandsend, we were more than happy to warm ourselves with a hot drink, whilst gazing out to sea from the shelter of the beach café. It was just the kind of autumn weather I was hoping for when I booked for this time of year and I wasn't disappointed. Later on I treated myself to two small Christmas tree decorations from a nearby store but I've hidden them away for the time being.
Even though we were only away for one night, it felt like longer and we had a lovely time exploring the area. In Whitby the town's gothic vibe lent itself perfectly to the time of year and many of the shop windows were decorated in a spooktacular fashion. We wandered the narrow cobbled streets and, of course, the 199 steps, which lead to St. Mary's Church. We spent a while on Tate Hill Beach where Lily kindly gave her latest stick to an adorable dog named Rocky, which made him very happy. In Robin Hood's Bay we followed the Sea Wall trail towards the shore and spent sometime at the Old Coastguard's Station before making the steep climb back through the village.  With all the walking we did, it meant we definitely earned our fish and chip supper, which was absolutely delicious. I'm convinced fish and chips taste so much better when eaten by the sea.

Our second trip of the week was to Allan Bank National Trust property in Grasmere. Although, not a conventional property, it had been beautifully decorated for Hallowe'en both indoors and out, with an array of crafts and activities available for children.

With big sisters on hand to join in the fun, we had a great day out. Again, the weather was perfectly autumnal and the grounds were a stunning backdrop for the pumpkin trail, where we had to hunt for the different carved pumpkins along the paths and draw their faces, in order to win a chocolate ghost. 🎃 We even braved walking alongside the haunted graveyard and through the spine-tingling tunnel, but it was fine, just the right amount of spooky. 👻

As usual, we've been enjoying our regular woodland walks close to home and there are becoming an ever increasing amount of leaves to kick through. I always look forward to the pumpkin display each year. 🎃

On Sunday we visited Aira Force. Our original plans had been thwarted due to some (now resolved) car issues, but as substitutes go I couldn't complain, and it was so lovely to see the falls in all their autumn glory 🍁🍂🍃 and we even managed to spot a red squirrel. 

We enjoyed our walk followed by a picnic and might have indulged in a hot chocolate at the nearby café. Another wonderful day full of life's simple pleasures.

Today is Hallowe'en and this evening we will be carving (yet) another pumpkin to put outside the front door in anticipation of receiving small visitors 🎃 and Lily is very excited to dress up as a skeleton.

Today is also Mog's four year adoption anniversary. Doesn't she look thrilled? 😸

J. X

Summer's End

The last of the sunflowers has opened up in the morning sun, I've just returned from a short run along the lanes, and there's a pan of leek and potato soup in the kitchen ready for my lunch.

I'm quite relieved to see the start of this new week.

Last week was a bit meh! Both Lily and I felt quite out of sorts. Nothing I could put my finger on but I was initially putting it down to being overtired - settling in to the new school year, trying my best to complete my studies (I'm keeping my fingers crossed for the end of this week), and pushing myself to get back into some form of exercise routine. Looking back now, I think it's clear we were suffering with some sort of virus. Several evenings I was so shivery, I was wrapped up in a blanket on the sofa. Now, I am aware I feel the cold very easily but this felt a little extreme, even for me, and I have since discovered it has been affecting quite a few people, a sort of primary school version of fresher's flu.

My original plans for the weekend involved a steep climb and the promise of some glorious views but, given how washed out I was feeling, this was definitely not a good idea. Any time I've been under the weather, as well as some early nights and making sure I'm eating properly, I always feel better for a good dose of sea air, so with this is mind, instead, we went to the beach. And I'm so glad we did. It was just the nicest way to say goodbye to our summer. The temperatures were unseasonably high and it was lovely to have this last opportunity to paddle in the sea, breathe in the fresh salty air, and feel the warm sunshine on our skin. 

I'm pleased to say we are both now feeling much better and, with the ending of our summer days,  I'm looking forward to what autumn holds in store.
J. X