Gently Into December

  

 

As the title suggests, I have been easing myself into the month, being mindful of taking on too much, and so far, it's all going rather well. I've turned down a couple of events I felt I was being pressured into. Go me! (Or not, in this case), and I've lowered my expectations. This is very much a positive thing. With so much going on in the  background, it would be foolish of me to think I could keep up a pretence of everything being normal when, in fact, it is anything but.

That's not to say I am not enjoying myself, it's just all happening in a much quieter way this year.

The decorations are up! I think we might have even put them up a little earlier than usual, and we can thank Storm Darragh for that. It arrived the weekend we had planned to go to London to see the Christmas lights. I was quite relieved, to be honest. A weekend spent hunkering down at home, and making everything look festive, was very welcome, and although it was incredibly windy here, we fortunately managed to avoid the worst of it.

Even the decorations have been pared back this year. Not that I ever go overboard, but I've discovered that less is most definitely more in this little house. The advent stockings are in their usual position above the fireplace and the lovely, festive bunting, which my friend gifted me last Christmas, has been hung in the dining room. I've laid fairy lights around the base of the bay window, which give a warm and welcoming glow from outside, and the many decorations that we've collected over the years, have been lovingly hung on our tree. Each one holding precious memories of Christmasses past. 

This year, I didn't buy just one special decoration for the tree, but six! As a child, I remember two little bells hung on the Christmas tree. One green bell, and one red bell, although both of them appeared rather faded with age. I would just love to ring those little bells, which made the most magical sound. The bells I've bought were quite inexpensive, but they sound exactly the same. And each time I brush past our tree, they give that same magical ring. It is so lovely to hear. And, what makes me incredibly happy, is that I've noticed Lily occasionally pausing by the tree to ring one of them, just like I used to do. 

At the beginning of the week, Lily and I visited Sizergh Castle. This year, they are holding a Winter Light Trail, and I thought it would be a lovely way to spend an evening. It was really quite magical. The lights and music were almost hypnotic, and there was something to see around every corner. After the trail we were invited to walk around the house, where each room was decorated for Christmas throughout the years. It was all beautifully presented, and something a bit different. We really enjoyed it. 

Despite my best intentions, I'm still waiting for my festive spirit to arrive. And if it doesn't, then I'm quite okay without it. I'm still having a very lovely time, it's just different this year. Tomorrow, I'm hoping to finish my buying my Christmas gifts, and then I think I'll make a start on planning my Christmas food shopping.

J. X

Farewell 2023

 

The year ended similarly to how it began. With a gentle stroll. 

It's been a positive one, all considered. I've visited some new places, climbed a few more fells and most importantly, made some wonderful memories. 

I would just like to take an opportunity to thank everyone who visits here, I appreciate your kind words and friendship more than you know.

May the New Year bring you peace, love and happiness. 

Here's to 2024! 

J. X

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

Winter Sun

 

I had quite a surprise this morning. On noticing a bright light appear on my bedroom wall, I was initially aghast at the thought of someone shining some sort of light through my window. Yes, I'm being completely serious. On second glance I realised it was actually the sun! Having seen so very little of it lately, I suppose my first reaction wasn't totally absurd.

It's been a day of restoring some balance to our home. And that included a trip to the supermarket for a regular food shop, which was very much needed. The decorations remain but I've triggered a return to our normal routine, which even included our usual Friday night pizzas :) 

This afternoon, we swapped our slippers for wellies, and made the most of the dry weather by getting out for a walk in the woods. There was quite a chill in the air, which was unexpected. Although grateful for my scarf, I had forgotten to bring my gloves along with me, and so I tucked my hands deep into my pockets to keep warm. Away from other distractions, we talked about friends and family, of loss and of our hopes for the year ahead. Thankfully any rain held off, while we were out, but the sun kept hiding behind the clouds. After several days cooped up indoors, it felt so good to breathe in the cool fresh air, even if our walking was hindered by the thick, squelchy mud beneath our feet. 

In places, the puddles completely covered our path, clearly showing just how wet it's been recently. The reflections were pretty though. 

The stark silhouettes of the trees against a bleak wintry sky is always a beautiful sight at this time of year. 

No walk would be complete without some sort of a treat along the way. Lily finished what was left of her chocolate Santa, while I tried just a few of the many shortbread biscuits that I'd been gifted this Christmas. Not quite the same as homemade, but delicious all the same. And, rather conveniently, pocket sized.

This evening, I've finally begun crocheting an earwarmer headband that I've been intending to make for ages now. I'd forgotten how relaxing crochet can be, especially when the pattern is something so straightforward. It's working up quite quickly, so I should have it finished at the weekend. 

J. X

The In-Between Days

It's been another quiet day, spent indoors. While the rain, once again, lashed at the windows, I busied myself with tidying the house and attempting to restore some sort of order, now that the festivities are behind us. I'm resisting the urge to start taking down the decorations. I don't usually do this until after we've seen in the New Year but for some reason I'd quite like to have the house back to normal before then. I'll leave them up for now, although  I might change my mind again tomorrow. Right now, I'm not even certain what day it is.

I've been looking ahead to next year and making some plans. I've already booked two short trips away, which I'm really excited about. There's another mini adventure I have in mind for me and Lily. And I've even been persuaded to sign myself up for something, which will be a bit of a challenge. This might just be the year I say 'yes' to more opportunities, instead of coming up with reasons why I shouldn't bother. 

J. X

Hunkered Down

 

I'm not entirely sure where the day has gone and, fuelled by copious mugs of coffee, I've achieved very little besides making a considerable dent in the Roses chocolates. 

In sharp contrast to yesterday, the weather has been terrible, or else I would have gone out for a walk. The heavy rain and strong winds have been unrelenting, and I've been hunkered down indoors, tree lights on and candles lit, trying in vain to cling on to any remaining festive spirit. I've also used the weather as an excuse to try and enjoy a well earned res, but I think I need some lessons on how to relax - I've been feeling twitchy all day :)

Blogger has been up to it's old tricks. I don't know what happened to my previous post, but I think I've managed to salvage it. That said, I've still had to retrieve some earlier published comments from spam - does anyone know why  that happens? 

Tomorrow, I'm putting in place a plan of action. I'm going to look ahead to next year and make a list of things I'd quite like to accomplish. Things I'd like to do, places I'd like to go etc. I've had a few ideas already, but I also think it's about time I stepped out of my comfort zone.

J. X

Calm

 

Today has been my last day at work until the New Year and I can finally relax and hopefully unwind. Yes, I still have a few things I need to do before Christmas Eve, but I now have no need to rush to get jobs done in my lunch break, or quickly before having to collect Lily from school at the end of the day. 

It has been another busy but wonderful day, filled with fun, excitement and laughter. I hardly stopped until I arrived home this evening. And even then it was a quick turn around in order to get Lily to her Karate lesson. Her last one until January. 

I'm looking forward to enjoying some calm over the next few days. I should really have been travelling to Edinburgh tomorrow, but thought better of it, as there have been some severe weather warnings issued. I am a little disappointed, as I always enjoy my trips to the city, but I must confess I am now quite looking forward to a less hectic run up to Christmas Day. 

Tomorrow, I am going to take things easy, for the first time in a while. For once, there's nothing I actually need to do, so I intend to make the most of it. I might make my cranberry sauce or I might bottle up my blackberry vodka. Then again, I might not do either of those. 

J. X

Dark Days

 

Thank you all so much for your kind words on yesterday's post. After a fairly reasonable night's sleep. I felt a lot better this morning. Certainly much less achy at any rate, and I haven't felt quite as chilly. As it turns out, I appear to have a cold. Just a regular cold. I'd almost forgotten what that was like. 

Before I began to feel unwell, I'd had a pleasantly productive day. The last of my Christmas cards were written, I'd wrapped the majority of my presents, and as you can see from the photograph I finally got around to drying the orange slices for the tree. 

It hardly got light today, which isn't exactly surprising seeing as the winter solstice will be here before the end of the week.  I really dislike how dark the days have become, and it's easy for me to see why many people struggle at this time of year. Thank goodness for the Christmas lights, as they bring with them some much needed sparkle. 

This afternoon I attended the school's Christmas celebration. It was a lovely service including several of my favourite carols and various delightful contributions from the children. It's hard to think that this was Lily's very last one, and that this time next year she will be at secondary school. Where did those years go.

Tomorrow, will be my last day ay work until the new year, and I am more than ready for the break. If I've learned anything recently, then it is that I need to do much more than I am doing currently in order to improve my wellbeing. 

J. X

An Early Night

 

It's been a productive day, but I'm feeling achy and shivery this evening. I've just taken some paracetamol and I think an early night is in order.

Back tomorrow. 

J. X

Decorated for Christmas

 

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments on my recent posts. And also for understanding that it sometimes takes me a little while to respond. I think I've finally caught up now. 

The work's party, last night, was so much fun. I'm not entirely sure why it was advertised as being quite different from the typical Christmas party night, however. Because in all honesty it was every bit the same, aside from the street food option. There was food, a well stocked bar and the usual mediocre band. The only difference I can think of was that it was held in what can only be described as an outdoor, marquee style space. I think that was why I was told it might be a bit chilly. As it happened, I went well prepared, with warm leggings under my chiffon culottes, and a large warm soft scarf, should I have needed to wrap up. I even took my hand-warmers! My green velvet top was worn off the shoulder, so you can see why I was a little bit anxious. Anyway, in the end there was no need for any of it. The venue was actually quite warm, and I spent most of the evening dancing, which is probably why I feel a bit achy and tired today - It's the most exercise I've had in a while :) It felt really good to let my hair down, after what has been a rather busy and unsettled few months, and it was lovely to see my colleagues all enjoying themselves. 

Today my intention was to take things easy but instead, this morning, I found myself finishing the Christmas shopping and writing the last of my cards. I feel more relaxed about it all now, although I still need to get them all wrapped.

This afternoon, however, Lily and I took a drive over to Levens Hall, where they have the rooms all decorated for the festive season, along with musicians and choirs performing Christmas music in the main hall. It was a really lovely atmosphere and the fresh foliage decorations looked beautiful.

Outside, it  was a different foliage that provided the decoration. The topiary garden, which dates back to the 1690's, was mesmerising and I imagine it looks all the more special during the summer months. 

For now the weather has reverted to it's customary grey and damp. At least it stayed dry long enough for us to enjoy a walk around the garden.

J. X

London Christmas Lights

Regent Street in December is not for the faint hearted. Fortunately, we were not there for the shopping experience. Instead we were there for for the festive atmosphere, but mainly to see all the wonderful Christmas lights on display. 

By the time we arrived in central London it was already heaving with shoppers and those who, like us, were there for the festive markets and Christmas lights. In fact, I couldn't even begin to imagine being able to get any shopping done, it was ever so crowded. Not that I was complaining, it was exactly as I'd expected it to be. London was always going to be busy on a weekend in December.

And it was totally worth it. Yes, it was exhausting, we must have walked miles, but the lights were absolutely beautiful. We even ventured into Fortnum and Mason, albeit briefly, as it was rammed. Then onto Liberty, which was much less frenzied, and where we managed to buy this year's Christmas tree decoration.

The evening ended with a drink of mulled wine, overlooking the Thames. The twinkling lights reflected in the water. 

The following morning we enjoyed a more leisurely stroll over Westminster Bridge, along Whitehall, down The Mall, then through St James's Park, where we stopped for coffee. Then it wasn't long after that we needed to catch the train for our journey home. 

Tired, but happy. It was a wonderful weekend, and one which I'll always remember. 

J. X

London in December

 

I apologise if I sparked concern with my feeling so tired last night. The truth is, I was exhausted, but on this occasion it was self inflicted. We've just spent an amazing couple of days in London seeing the Christmas Lights. 

We're back home again now, still tired but very happy. It was a wonderful experience. 

Oh, and I managed to get those presents delivered :)

I'll share more photographs tomorrow, when I've had time to sort through them all. 

J. X

End of the Week

 

Here's another photograph from last weekend when the weather situation looked far more festive and the temperature felt a lot cooler. 

Thank you for the comments on my previous post. I'm glad it isn't just me who finds Christmas shopping so stressful. Although I've cut back hugely on the amount of people I buy for (and that made a massive difference), I would be quite happy to forget about presents altogether. There is just so much pressure and expectation about the giving and receiving of gifts, which is why I try and prioritise experiences instead. I don't particularly remember any of last year's Christmas gifts, but I do remember our visit to the Christmas lights, drinking mulled wine at the markets in Edinburgh, and chilly walks through the woods followed by a delicious hot chocolate. Although I try not to think about the ice-skating ;)

Gosh, it's felt like a long week, especially considering I didn't go into work on Monday. Today has been particularly stressful and an incident at work, although nothing I was involved with, left me feeling a little flat. My colleagues, however were incredible, and dealt with the situation brilliantly. I realise how lucky I am to work with some amazing people. 

The Mincemeat Shortbread  was very popular. I tried some myself and I have to agree, it was delicious. The recipe never fails but it might also have had something to do with the extra brandy I always add to the mincemeat :) This was all that was left when I went into the staff room at lunchtime.

I think that next I will go and get my pyjamas on, enjoy a quiet night, and hopefully I can catch up with some blog reading. I've an early start tomorrow, as I'm going to be delivering those presents.

J. X

Snow!

This morning I had planned to go foraging for some greenery, so that I could make a start on creating my door wreath. I missed having a wreath last year and I do love how they make a house look so welcoming and festive. 

Wrapped up warmly, we set out nice and early, before there was anyone else around. Everywhere was so quiet and still. It felt as though the whole world was ours and ours alone. Well, this small corner of it, at least. The sky which had been a gorgeous pink colour when we first set out, now appeared full and heavy. A few light snow flurries fell through the the air, but the forecast hadn't shown anything to be too concerned about. I know better than to get too excited at the first signs of any snow, as it usually turns out to be rather disappointing. 

We walked through the village and up the lane before heading back across the fields and along by the river, which is where I usually find the best branches. As well as some greenery, I also managed to gather some fir cones, although they were a little tricky to spot beneath the ever increasing amount of snow, which by this time was beginning to settle over the path.

It was not my original intention and I'm not certain what made me realise we should head back home at this time, but I am so relieved that we did. The snow continued to fall thick and fast. 

This afternoon we played some Christmas music and set about decorating the house. Many of the local roads are now impassable and we have been advised against all but essential travel. Tomorrow, I think I will be staying home. I might even make my wreath. 

J. X