Small Potatoes

As is often the way, these last few weeks have been rather busy. Work has been hectic, turbulent and joyous in equal measure. So you can probably understand why it has taken me several days to switch off and unwind. My mind is still trying to think about what I 'should' be doing, but right now there isn't anything, and that is taking a bit of getting used to. But I'm here for it :) 

During July, our weather has been changeable, with heavy rain and low temperatures. The grass is lush and green once more and I can't remember when I last wore sunscreen. This has been very disappointing, but I've seized those brief moments of sunshine and warmth, including afternoon tea by the lake, and now I'm keeping my hopes high for August. Surely, summer can't be over just yet.

One such moment was the school sports day. Already, postponed from earlier in the month, we struck lucky with the one fine day we had that week. It was lovely to see the children (and grown ups!) having so much fun. Lily received two 2nds - sprint, egg and spoon, and a 1st - the skipping race, of course!

That same evening I enjoyed an end of term social event. It was pleasantly warm, so we sat out in the garden beneath the fairy lights and bunting, enjoying the most amazing home made pizzas and good conversation. It was a lovely way to celebrate, especially as we won't all be together this time next year.

Back in March, Lily and I entered a competition for growing potatoes. We were given one bucket and one seed potato each and the idea was to see who could grow the best crop of potatoes by July. Well, last weekend we took our buckets back to be emptied and weighed, and the results weren't great. In fact, they were quite terrible, although Lily was thrilled to received a price for the child's lightest crop - a packet of Smash! And mine weren't much better. The few that we did manage to grow did taste delicious, however. We've not yet eaten the Smash :)

Somewhere in the last few weeks, there was another skiing lesson. That's Lily at the top of the slope with her instructor. She's really enjoying her lessons, so I hope we can somehow fit another one in very soon. Then, once she is confident enough, she can use the main slope without instruction.  

We celebrated the last day of term with a chippy tea down by the lake. It was a lovely sunny and peaceful evening, although I imagine it will be getting a lot busier now that the school holidays have arrived. Then, the following evening, I went out with some colleagues. This time there were quite a lot of us, so we went to a new restaurant in town, where the food was absolutely delicious. 

Unfortunately, heavy rain kept us indoors over the weekend, but I kept myself busy making blackcurrant jam (which are far easier for me  to grow than potatoes!). Luckily, I have lots to look forward to over the next few weeks. 

Back soon.

J. X

Seven

We celebrated a birthday here last week. Lily turned seven. Seven! Even though I say it each year, I can't believe how fast she is growing and changing. There are times when I would quite like to press a pause button. She is so kind and funny, she has a wicked sense of humour, and I delight in her love of animals and nature. Her laugh is infectious and she has an abundance of energy, running rings around me at every opportunity.

Although we never intended to celebrate with a big party this year, we certainly didn't expect things would be this quiet, but Lily was still able to enjoy her special day. The day before, we baked chocolate brownies, although not quite all the broken chocolate made it into the mixture - some things are just far too tempting.  

Lily was thrilled with her birthday gifts. She got books, a new paddling pool, a solar system and a practical joke set, as well as some other gifts which were all very well received. However, she would probably say her two favourites were a Super Soaker and bubble machine. Oh, and the Whoopee cushion is getting a lot of use, heard randomly around the house, usually followed by squeals of laughter.

We spent a happy day at home, mostly in the garden, but there was time to indulge in a little painting indoors. The bubble machine was put to good use before a quick water fight ensued, then it was time to sing and blow out the birthday candles. I am so grateful for technology which enabled others to share the day with us, she also received some birthday wishes online from her teachers and school friends.

In the end, even after all her hard work, Lily decided she wouldn't bother with any of the brownie after all, but she was more than happy to help herself to the Smarties.

J. X

Lazy Days

Although it doesn't seem any time at all since the last half-term, I was more than ready for another break from the daily grind. This week it has been wonderful to be able to press the pause button, take some time to just 'be' and, for the most part, do very little.
Copious mugs of tea coupled with unhurried mornings have been well received and the change in routine this week has seen me feeling much more relaxed, my sleep pattern greatly improved and I have made further progress in making time for myself  much more of a priority.

A lot of our time has been spent just pootling outdoors. We've walked through  fields, woodlands and down by the river. Everywhere looks so lush and green, which is quite surprising, as until the last few days, the lack of rain had caused the farm pond and stream to completely dry out. The pathways are slowly disappearing beneath borders of cow parsley and fields are golden with buttercups.
The air is heady with the scent of blossom and pollen, and the hawthorn and blackthorn have been blowing from the trees, falling upon us like snow. I've been eyeing up the hedgerows for elderflowers in anticipation of this year's cordial making. It is still quite early but I expect I will be collecting some within the next few weeks. I think I might have left it a little late last year as I only just managed to find enough, so I'm aiming to be a little better prepared this time.

We received a lovely surprise on our walk to the bird hide one morning. We needed to pass through some sheep and, much to Lily's (and my) delight, we were approached by a lamb who couldn't get enough of being stroked and petted. It followed us the rest of the way through the field to the gate at the far end and I'm sure, had we not closed it quickly enough, that it would have gladly followed us all the way home. Now, although inquisitive, lambs are generally quite skittish by nature and stay close to mum when there are people around, so we assumed this one must have been hand reared. After stroking it some more through the fence, we reluctantly continued on our way, although I have a feeling we may make a return visit before school begins again next week.

J. X

Six

I do so love the month of May. The air is warm and sweet with the scent of blossom, the countryside has turned a vibrant shade of green and those long, lazy days of summer are just around the corner. Bluebells are beginning to fade, the woodland pathways are drying out in the warm sunshine and, to my great joy, more and more of our time is being spent outdoors.

Another reason for my fondness of this particular month is Lily's birthday. My amazing girl is now six! I can hardly believe it. It is now six whole years since this wonderful, sweet, happy little girl entered the world one sunny May morning and turned my life completely upside down - for the better, of course! She is such a delight and never ceases to make me smile every single day. She is growing and changing so quickly that I'm frightened to blink just in case I miss any of it, so I'm determined to stretch out every precious moment of her childhood. I just adore her zest for life, her love of the outdoors and her ability to win over just about anyone with a flash of her smile.

Lily's actual birthday was midweek, so the day itself was fairly ordinary. There was, however, an early start so she could open her cards and presents before school. The excitement for the day ahead proved useful in getting us out of bed that morning as we were tired, having spent the previous evening enjoying some pond dipping. Once the school day was over we went for a lovely swim, which was quickly followed by pizza and some delicious chocolate birthday cake.

At the weekend we celebrated fully with two hours of fun and mayhem for Lily and a group of friends at a nearby play centre. I'm not a huge fan of these types of places but there's no denying they serve a purpose and the staff looked after us really well. The children all thoroughly enjoyed themselves and, although she received so many presents, I think Lily took most pleasure from handing out the party bags at the end. 

J. X

Into the New Year

Hello 2019!

I hope the New Year finds you well rested, following the festivities of the last few weeks. We've enjoyed a lovely time since school ended last month and, I won't lie, I'm going to find it really difficult to get back into the swing of things when my alarm clock goes off in the morning, as the new term begins.

I've never been one for huge celebrations at New Year. I see it, instead, as a time for reflection of the year passed and of my hopes for the year to come. So, instead of staying up and celebrating at midnight, we were in bed by 10.30p.m. in anticipation of an early start on New Year's day. The top photograph was taken when we arrived on the shores of Ullswater, just as the sun began to rise above the mountains. It was a beautiful and clear morning with a distinct chill to the air but it was oh-so-quiet and still there. The perfect way (I think) to begin our New Year.

We lit the stove and, while we waited for our sausages to cook, enjoyed a mug of steaming hot coffee, as the sun rose and the sky changed from a deep grey into a gorgeous shade of bright blue. Lily amused herself paddling in the lake and climbing trees, unaware of New Year,  only concerning herself with having fun. Our peace was only disturbed when some New Year dippers swam by.  The water was, in their words, 'refreshing.' 

The following day and, blessed with more good weather, we went for a walk up Silverhowe near Grasmere. It is only a short, steep climb to the summit but the views from the top are stunning, and on a clear day you can see for miles around.  It felt so good to  be up in the fells again, our last 'proper' walk having been back in November and seeming like a long time since.

Unfortunately, during this last week we've been dealt a bit of a blow, which has thrown us off our stride, to put it mildly. Life does have a way of throwing curve balls now and again, and although  I'm trying to stay positive and hopeful this will only be short term, any kind of uncertainty is difficult to deal with. So, if I am a bit quiet on here for a while, this is the reason.

I hope this New Year brings you everything you wish for.

J. X

End of the Year

Just like in the words of the song, we had ourselves a merry little Christmas and I really hope you did too. Thank you all so very much for your good wishes. We enjoyed a relaxed day at home, just as I like it and Lily had the best time. She received some lovely presents, including some roller skates, a dolls house and lots of books. The house has been in a complete state of disarray this week, with toys scattered everywhere and, as is usual, some of her old favourites have made a reappearance. The chaos is probably not helped by the fact  I use the excuse of the decorations being up to avoid doing all but absolutely necessary housework.

This time between Christmas and New Year has felt rather indulgent. Lazy mornings spent at home, followed by gentle afternoon walks, wearing woolly socks and muddy boots. It hasn't been cold, in fact it has been quite mild for this time of year, but the air is damp, so we've made sure to keep well wrapped up. Twinkling fairy lights adorning  small cottages with smoking chimneys, lent themselves to a cosy, festive feel. We've been through the fields, through the woods and down by the sea - where it was slightly more blustery than we were expecting, but it felt good to blow away the cobwebs. Taking along some mincemeat slice and a flask of coffee containing a splash of brandy was a special treat.

The week before Christmas, I took advantage of an excess of vegetables on offer at the supermarket, so on Boxing Day we enjoyed some very tasty homemade  parsnip soup. Usually, I add some cumin or curry powder but this recipe called for thyme, which gave it a really delicious flavour. I expect I'll be making more like this in the weeks to come, as the weather turns colder. 

Tomorrow we greet a new year and today I've been looking back at 2018 with fond memories. Often, I am eager to move on and leave behind the ups and downs of the previous  year, but not this time. Looking back through this blog reminds me of all the adventures and fun times we've enjoyed this year and I feel very blessed.

As I look ahead towards 2019, I would like to wish you all the  things I hope for myself and my family during the coming year. Thank you all for visiting and for your continued friendship.

A very Happy New Year to you all.
J. x

Christmas Eve

Last week was a flurry of Christmas activity. Carol services, a pantomime, a party and carols around the tree. In between times I had all good intentions of finishing the gift wrapping but, just as expected, I only finished it earlier today.  Not that there was a lot left to do, it was just getting the opportunity to do it, if you know what I mean.

Once school finished on Friday, we were able to relax and enjoy a little weekend break in Chester. It has become somewhat of a tradition to take some time out  just before the day itself and visit a Christmas market. Last year we were in  York and, although much smaller, Chester market was just as delightful. Sitting and drinking mulled wine in the cold evening air soon had me feeling festive. We walked the city walls and even managed to squeeze in a visit to Santa before he had to dash off and get ready for his busiest time of the year.

Since returning home we have been finishing our Christmas preparations. I have been baking up a storm in the kitchen and we now have fresh bread, mincemeat slices and gingerbread cookies (which are disappearing at an alarming rate.) The gingerbread house has already been eaten.

As is usual for us, late this morning, we took ourselves off for a walk to get some fresh air. And what a beautiful morning it was - there had been a hard frost overnight and it was a bright, sunny day. The grass was white with frost and Lily skated across the frozen puddles declaring she was the Ice Queen. Further on, through the fields, she was trying to get up close to the sheep to wish them a Merry Christmas. Suffice to say they were not terribly impressed.

This evening there is a star shaped gingerbread cookie and some wine left under our tree for Santa and, of course,  a carrot for Rudolph. Our bedtime story was 'Twas the Night before Christmas and the house is now quiet and still but, I  know, tomorrow it will be filled with joy and excitement.

I wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas.
J. X