Down but Not Out

 

I have spent the last few days enjoying some festive fun in Edinburgh. Unfortunately, while I was there I sustained a slight injury, and on returning home I have also tested positive for Covid once again.  Hey ho!

Back soon. 

J. X

Christmas Market

In recent years, on the run up to the big day, once the gift shopping is complete and school has closed until the new year, we have taken ourselves off to visit a Christmas market. This year we chose Edinburgh.

Edinburgh is my favourite city and to see it decorated for Christmas and covered in thousands of twinkling fairy lights is a most magical feeling, especially as many store windows were dressed so beautifully for the season.

The market itself was home to stall upon stall selling wonderful festive goodies and, as usual at these events, the aroma of mulled wine and freshly cooked waffles fillied the air. Children and adults alike were excited to enjoy traditional fairground rides and browse the stalls and attractions.

Yes, it can get busy and crowded at times but if timed right it really can be a wonderful experience.

We took a ride on the huge ferris wheel (Lily's favourite) where, at the very top, we could see right over the city from Arthur's Seat to out over the sea. Lily went on the helter skelter and together we rode the gorgeous double carousel. Afterwards I enjoyed some hot mulled wine, which seemed to taste so much more delicious when drunk outdoors in the cold, even if it was from a paper cup. 🍷

While we were there we bought a new decoration for our Christmas tree and some cheese to have with our meal on Christmas eve, but mainly it was just about having fun and soaking up the festive atmosphere.

I'm almost ready for Christmas Day now. This morning I will be baking some bread and mince pies, and I'm sure we will get out for  a gentle walk at some time today.

Happy Christmas Eve!

J. X

Autumn Joy

The surrounding countryside has taken on a distinctive russet hue, trees are almost aglow with gorgeous Autumn colour, drifts of leaves line the lanes and cover pathways and there is a comforting scent of  wood smoke in the air. There can be no doubt we are in the midst of our Autumn season and all the beauty it has to offer.

Yesterday's morning frost made way for a stunning, bright clear day which set off the Autumn scenery in all it's glory. A wonderful treat following some dark and overcast days.

The clocks going back has meant some cosy evenings in. It's so satisfying to draw the curtains, light some candles and make use of the blankets scattered on the sofas. Alongside this simple pleasure there have been some delicious aromas emerging from the kitchen. Apple and cinnamon crumble and sticky ginger cake are perfect sweet treats at this time of year.

Last week we spent a few days in Edinburgh, which always seems to happen at this time of year. We took some time to enjoy the city and relax in familiar surroundings. Princes Street Gardens are beautiful in the Autumn and there are always plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. This time we discovered a delightful walled garden just off Canongate which we had never noticed before. Lily busied herself trying to catch the leaves falling from the trees and we sat and soaked up the sunshine. Some more photographs from our previous visit can be seen here.

Since our return I have mostly been keeping busy with visiting a family member in hospital. I do feel like I have been chasing my tail the last few days but I have managed to find a little time to enjoy some walks and another bike ride to the seafront (I really, really need some padded shorts!!!)

Thankfully, within the next few days life should return to a reasonable level of calm once again but for this evening we're lighting up the pumpkins and getting ready to welcome some 'trick or treaters' and with any luck I'll have some treats left over for myself.
Happy Hallowe'en!
J. X

Embracing Autumn

I am loving Autumn this year!

Words I never expected to hear myself saying, but I did yesterday whilst we were out walking.

My heart has always belonged to the summer. Long, hot days, sunshine, bare feet. But recently something inside me has shifted and I have discovered a new appreciation for this time of year.

I am sure this is partly in thanks to my blog reading. The enthusiasm of others towards this season is infectious and has had a knock-on effect with me. But I think the main reason is that I'm now watching it all unfold through Lily's eyes. Walks in the woods, the changing colour of the trees, kicking through the leaves, collecting conkers and acorns, the scent of bonfires and wood smoke in the air and even the darker evenings - "everybody must be in bed, mummy."

                             

                           

                            

Last week we enjoyed a short break away in Edinburgh. It was our first return to the capital since July and it was simply glorious.

In Princes Street gardens the leaves were falling from the trees, the sky was blue and clear and the views were beautiful. It felt so good to spend some time together in what have now become very familiar surroundings.

Halloween came and went here in a very understated way. We carved a pumpkin, made a rather delicious soup and added a few seasonal touches to the house.

The throw is gradually increasing in size. I keep picking it up whenever I have a spare moment. It's at that wonderful stage where it is keeping me lovely and cosy while I work on it.

I am hoping to keep indulging in my new found appreciation of Autumn  for as long as I can, embrace the seasons and stop wishing time away.

J. X