Coffee and Crochet

Another photograph from yesterday because, quite honestly, the weather has been so dark that it would have been impossible for me to have taken any today.

 

It's been an ordinary sort of day. This morning I went out for coffee with a friend, who I hadn't had a chance to meet up with on the run up to Christmas. It had been quite a while since we'd last seen one another, so it was lovely to enjoy a catch-up over coffee and a particularly delicious toasted teacake :)

Whilst we had been in the cafe, the rain had turned rather heavy, and stayed that way for the remainder of the day, removing any hope I had of getting out for even a short walk and showing me exactly why I dislike this time of year. I  had to remind myself how I had noticed the tiniest shoots of wild garlic in the woods yesterday. A promise of spring, even if, at this moment, it feels like such a long way off.

This afternoon I did some housework, and then I finished off my crochet. The headband is made from pure wool, so it's going to be lovely and cosy. Perfect for those cold days when I can't wear a hat.

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

A Little Farther

Little by little the world is beginning to open up once again, and with a return to some sunnier days we've been getting outdoors, going just that bit farther than we have been for a while and, if I'm being honest, it is going to take me a bit of getting used to.

I think I have allowed myself to become far too comfortable staying close to home, which is unusual for me, as there's nothing I like more than exploring and discovering new places. And so, even though my initial plans for when restrictions were relaxed, included climbing Helvellyn as soon as I was able, the reality is very different and I find I am needing to take things much more slowly. That's fine, however, there's no hurry, especially as my fitness levels are not what they were :)

It's been a good week. A huge treat for myself and Lily was a socially distanced meet up with friends at a local park. I can't tell you how lovely it was to see the children playing together, and it was both wonderful and reassuring how they just got on with it without hesitation, even after all this time. The resilience of children never ceases to amaze me. And I can't tell you how good it was to chat with friends over coffee and put the world to rights for a couple of hours.

The sunflowers in the garden are opening up now. Unfortunately, we lost one to some strong winds, but I have put the broken stem in some water in the hope that it might still flower. We have two types this year. The usual tall bright yellow ones, which I love, and some smaller reddish orange ones, which although still lovely, are making me think of autumn and I don't want to wish my time away.

Enjoying the evening sun.

Midweek, we went in search of raspberries, although we didn't need to look very far, there are an abundance of them on the side of a nearby hill. We gathered just enough to make four jars of jam.

Earlier on during lockdown I made some dishcloths for friends, who were delighted with them. I still had some cotton left over, so this week I tried a new crochet pattern instead of a knitted one and I'm really pleased with how they've turned out. 

Unfortunately, the sourdough starter hasn't worked out as well as I'd hoped. After initially looking very promising it turned to gloop, so I decided to start over, this time using a small bowl rather than a jar and it looks like it's doing much better. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a better outcome this time.

J. X

Under the Weather

I've been in hibernation the last few days. Just before the weekend I came down with a rotten cold and have spent much of this week feeling rather sorry for myself. I've been curled up on the sofa under a blanket, drinking hot lemon and honey, and managed just the bare minimum of housework in order to keep everything ticking over until I felt back to normal again. This morning I think I've finally turned a corner, my eyes have stopped streaming and I have discovered the ability to breathe normally once again 😌

One advantage (if there is one) of being poorly is that I've had Mog snuggled up on the sofa with me. She was the same this time last year when Lily came down with chicken pox, sleeping right by her side. I'd like to think it is genuine concern that something is not quite right, but I'm sure it is more likely down to having a warm human to lie with and a cosy wool blanket. Nevertheless, she has been good company.

The recent turn in the weather has heightened my longing for spring. Bright, dry days and lighter evenings have been a most welcome change from the dark and damp we had throughout  January. I hope this weekend's imminent storm is short-lived and that we can look forward to even more sunshine and blue skies as the month goes on. The snowdrops are out here now and I've been determined to enjoy them while they last. A short walk through the woods and we were greeted by this lovely sight.

Just after Christmas I began making a blanket for a friend's baby, due in March, and I'm happy to say I've finally finished it. It is largely based on this pattern here, although I have made the picot edging less 'spiky' and I used  the Teeny Tiny Stars pattern from Attic 24.

It's not easy to photograph a blanket but I hope you get the idea. I gave it to my friend this week and I'm happy to say she is thrilled with it. In fact, I was really touched when she told me it is already packed in her hospital bag.

J. X

Housebound

Over the last few days we have been experiencing some beautiful weather. Days have been warm, bright and sunny, and there has been a change in the air that tells me spring is on the way.

Unusually for us, however, we've been staying home. Lily has had chickenpox!

I'm not really complaining. She was bound to get it at some point, and other than feeling a bit under the weather and with a few (very) restless nights because of feeling itchy, she's been fairly stoic and has been more perturbed about not being able to go swimming. Most of our days have been spent snuggling up on the sofa and the newly finished blanket has already proven to be very useful. 

The mild weather has at least given me the opportunity to fling open the windows and let in the fresh air, which, in my opinion, is always the best way of ridding the germs and it has felt wonderful to get the washing hung out on the line again. When Mog hasn't been lying with Lily on the sofa, she has found herself a nice sunny spot  in which to curl up and I've had to physically move her out of my way on several occasions - it's not easy to change a bed with a lump of a cat fast asleep on it but she was going to happily let me try.

I've been in the kitchen quite a bit this week too. I've tried out a few new recipes, including Mushroom Bourguignon, chickpea and pepper wraps, some delicious carrot cake, all successfully. Sadly, Lily was not impressed but I've also made some 'feel better flapjack' which she is very happy about. 

Yesterday, Lily turned a corner but, despite, feeling much better she is still required to stay off school for the remainder of the incubation period. Not a problem for us, especially on a sunny day, so from the back of the house we went for a gentle meander through the fields, past the newborn lambs, through the woods, where the wild garlic is beginning to grow and down towards the river, where Lily was desperate to take off her boots and have a paddle. The delicious warmth of the sun was just the tonic and really lifted our spirits having been cooped up for several days.

J. X

Keeping On

I've been rather quiet on here lately. Although not entirely intentional,  it has, at least, afforded me some time to restore and recharge my batteries. I've been adjusting to a different rhythm to my days and it is taking some getting used to.

Day to day life continues, however and I'm busying myself with the regular routine whilst I wait for other areas to settle into a more familiar pattern.

Our days are often decided by the weather and we are finding it can feel like spring one minute and returning to winter the next. We've had morning frosts, followed by warm sunshine then heavy rain. I would quite like there to be another snowfall before the end of winter but the forecast doesn't show any sign of a drop in temperature and with the arrival of lambs in the fields and the crocuses beginning to show their colour it might be that we are set for an early spring. To be honest, I think I'm probably ready for some warmer days and being able to spend more time outdoors; the arrival of lighter evenings has not escaped me either.

We've been out walking as often as possible and I'm managing to get out running with a bit more regularity, which is having a positive influence on my wellbeing. I'm hoping I can keep it up, maybe with the possibility of entering a running event later on in the year. Lily, however, seems more keen to go swimming recently. Since the beginning of the year it has been a joy to watch her grow in confidence and ability in the water. Another milestone reached and yet another sign my little girl is growing and changing all the time. It is wonderful to see, it's just happening so fast that sometimes I would like to press the pause button.

At home this week I've made a start on a good tidy and clear out although, as with all my good intentions, I have reached a bit of a sticking point. The whole process of going through cupboards and drawers is never appealing but it does feel so satisfying when I get to see the finished result. If I manage to do a little bit at a time it might not feel quite so overwhelming.

I have, however, finished the blanket for Lily. Finally! I can't quite remember when I started it but I know I was working on it when we went camping last May.

It took me a while but I got there in the end.

J. X

Settling in to Autumn

In sharp contrast to the heavy rain and blustery winds of last week, autumn has officially arrived, bringing with it some sunshine, blue skies and crisp, cold weather. The darkness of early morning has given way to a beautiful but very chilly day, and Lily was most excited to announce 'Mummy, I've found my breath!' as we walked through the village to school.

It has been two weeks since the beginning of the autumn term and Lily has slotted back into the regular school routine once again, which is such a relief, although, I wish I could say the same for myself. I've been finding this whole transition period a little unsettling. I am aware I'm juggling a few extra balls this year but it's taking more getting used to than I originally anticipated. I think I just need to have faith in myself, be a bit more patient, and hopefully everything will eventually fall into place. With a bit of luck, I will be left wondering what I was so stressed about in the first place.

We are still getting out in the garden at every opportunity. Lily is using it mainly as some kind of a mud kitchen with her bucket and spade! In between clearing away small piles of mud, I've trimmed back the hedges that I wanted to get done before the winter months, and have been harvesting the tomatoes and beans on an almost daily basis. Thankfully they all managed to withstand the heavy winds. Remember the failed strawberry plants? Well, one out of the nine of them looked OK, so rather than bin it, I moved it into a large empty pot, and it has thrived and filled the pot with runners. I will have to wait and see if it provides us with any fruit next year.

Indoors, I've been busy turning the tomatoes into delicious meals and soups, I can hardly keep up with them since they started ripening. The sofa throws are being used as the evenings turn cooler, and we are gradually adjusting to the shorter days. I've picked up my crochet again, as I really want to try and get Lily's blanket finished before winter. It feels lovely when I'm working on it, nestled in the comfort and warmth of the wool.

Recipe for tomato soup:

50g butter
2 chopped onions
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of plain flour
1 litre of vegetable stock
1 kg tomatoes
2 tablespoons of tomato puree
Fresh basil

Melt butter and gently fry the onions and garlic until soft.
Add the flour and mix well, taking care not to let it burn, then gradually add the stock, stirring all the time.
Add the tomatoes, tomato puree and basil and allow to simmer for around 30 minutes.
Blitz with a hand blender then sieve to remove any pips and pulp.

J. X

Cosy v-stitch blanket

On this cold and icy morning I thought I would take a moment and share with you my v-stitch blanket which I finally finished this week. Although I say 'finally,' it has probably been the easiest and fastest blanket I have worked so far. I had never tried working the v-stitch before so I am really quite happy with how it turned out.

The yarn I used is a wool/acrylic blend which is a perfect compromise for me as it makes for a very cosy blanket and yet can be thrown in the washing machine with little worry.

Instead of a border I finished it off with some fringing.

The finished blanket measures 100x135cm and I used DK yarn and a 4mm hook.

I made my foundation chain with 184 stitches. 

Work 1treble, 1chain, 1treble into the 4th chain from the hook. Skip two stitches then repeat until the end of the row, finishing with 1treble into the last stitch. Break yarn.

Join the contrasting yarn at the start of the row, chain three then work across the row working 1treble, 1chain, 1treble into the gaps created by the V's in the previous row. I worked 151 rows altogether.

The 'arty' shot........

and the out-take........

I give up!

J. X

Bright Sunshiny Days

Oh, I'm so easily pleased. Sunshine and balmy hot days make me very, very happy indeed. Hasn't it been glorious? From waking up in the morning with a room flooded with sunlight, to long days spent outdoors ending with evenings relaxing in the garden. 

Naturally, we have been making the most of every moment as, of course, this beautiful weather is likely to change any day now.

We've been at the beach, enjoyed a picnic, explored the rock pools and idled the day away. Having heard how busy some beaches were at the weekend I was pleasantly surprised by just how quiet it was.

We ventured slightly further afield and enjoyed a walk somewhere we would never have thought to visit before, through the fields, along country lanes and old canal towpaths. Beautiful scenery.

Mostly, however, we have been spending time in the garden. We've had the paddling pool out which, incidentally, is THE best way of keeping cool in this weather, especially as most of the water gets splashed over anyone within close range. Any left over by the evening is used to water the plants.

Our tent has been checked over, aired and tent pegs replaced in hopeful anticipation of enjoying the occasional camping trip during the summer break.

Sitting in the garden has also enabled me to pick up my crochet hook again. I'm not creating anything exciting, just a cushion cover, but it's a lovely way to unwind.

To avoid too much time cooking and having the oven unnecessarily warming the house, I've been keeping meals simple. We've eaten pasta, quick paella and this evening we'll be eating mushroom and spinach omelette with salad. I do love how this weather lends itself to eating healthily without any real effort. I'm drinking lots of water too. I'm hoping my body will thank me for it.

I have so many things I need to be getting on with - hedge cutting, painting the front door and sweeping the drive to name but a few, but they will have to wait. I'm enjoying this weather while it lasts. After all this could be the only Summer we get!

J. X