Summer Break

Last Friday saw the start of our summer break and Lily's last ever day at primary school. It was a beautiful day of blue sky and sunshine, and it was a happy one. I wasn't sure how I would feel, to be honest, but she is ready to move on, and that is a good thing. Maybe I will feel it more in September, when I no longer need to do the school run each day. It is also reassuring that she feels incredibly excited to be starting secondary school. And although she is experiencing the usual concerns of attending a much bigger setting and getting lost on her first day, we are as prepared as we can be. Lily's seven years at primary school have been positive ones, and we have some wonderful memories.

Following a lovely and uplifting leaver's assembly, the children busied themselves with signing one another's shirts and saying their goodbyes, then they enjoyed their final walk out of the school accompanied by some music. Most of the class then went on to a nearby park, where they could have a play, which just reminded us, as parents, that even though they are growing up, they are still just children.

In the evening, we continued our own celebration by enjoying a chippy tea down by the lake, before Lily and big sister went out in the kayak. It was a very pleasant evening, and surprisingly quiet. A lovely way to end the day.

And now, six weeks of summer lie ahead. I may have some adventures planned. 

J. X

Two Years

If you have been reading here for a while now, you might remember this post and this post in which I talked about images I captured of Lily on Latrigg, a small fell just above Keswick. This began way back in 2014 when she was just over a year old and we walked up there together (Actually, Lily was in her carrier for much of it but she still managed to walk the final stretch). Two years later, and during the same walk, I coincidentally took a photograph of her in almost the exact same spot. Since then, it has become a tradition. So every two years we walk up Latrigg and I take a photograph of Lily sat overlooking the lake. The last time was in 2020. I can't think two years have passed since then - and what a couple of years!  

Anyway, last Sunday I thought would be the perfect opportunity to take the latest photograph. It was a beautiful, bright sunny day and there would be the chance of a quiet morning, before The Lakes become overwhelmed with summer visitors. Our early start to the day, meant we could enjoy an almost deserted summit, which on Latrigg is an achievement in itself. I was able to to take the photograph, and we managed to sit for a while taking in the scenery, before more people began to arrive at the viewpoint. There may have also been chocolate :)

Just look how she's grown! It seems like no time at all since our first walk up Latrigg and I remember it well. The day was overcast but warm, and Lily was happily snacking on rice cakes (still a firm favourite), when I took the photograph. 

Heading back down the fell, we passed an increasing number of people out walking and I instantly knew our early start had been the right decision. And as we still had the rest of the morning to do as we pleased, we made our way back through Keswick and down to the lake, where we enjoyed a refreshing paddle, before eating our lunch in the shade of a large tree beside the lake shore.

Before we made our way home again, there was just one more thing I needed to do...

We took a walk through Hope Park to visit the bronze statue and bench dedicated to Max The Miracle Dog. You might remember I met Max and his owner last summer, the evening before the statue was to be unveiled. Since that night, I had always intended to go back and see it for myself, and it really is something special, although nowhere near as special as Max himself, who, very sadly, is no longer with us.

It was a lovely weekend and now I am counting down the days until our summer break. I have a some thoughts on a few things I would like to do, but my focus will be on relaxing, enjoying the unhurried mornings, and I might even pick up my crochet hook!

J. X

Jubilee Weekend

Better late than never, but wasn't it a wonderful weekend! Around here, the bunting is gradually being taken down now and everything feels a little flat, much like the morning after an amazing party. I'm not usually one for such occasions, but even I was drawn into the celebrations and I can't remember the last time I watched so much TV. I really enjoyed the concert, even if some of the performances were a little underwhelming :)

On Thursday morning we went out walking in the Uldale Fells, setting off from the tiny hamlet of Longlands. A gentle 7 mile loop, pausing only to enjoy our picnic lunch beside a small stream (yes, we had a paddle), before making our way back to the car just in time to avoid the rain. Fortunately, it had been a lovely bright morning and we managed to tick another five fells off our Wainwright list. 

There were showers on and off for the rest of the day, but in the evening I was out with friends and there was a huge downpour and the rain was literally bouncing off the pavements. Not ideal for the lighting of the beacon, but we didn't manage to see it anyway. In other news, I wore a dress! Lily's response, 'Mum, that dress is nearly as beautiful as you!' You can see why she is my favourite ;)

On Friday, I woke ridiculously early, especially seeing as I hadn't fallen asleep until the early hours. Undeterred, I made the most of my extra time by throwing on my trainers and heading out for a run, relishing in the peace and quiet of the morning. Later, we enjoyed a short bicycle ride into the village to take a look at the Platinum Jubilee Exhibition, which included details of both worldwide and local notable events from the past 70 years. A lot of work had gone into the displays, which also included many beautiful keepsakes and commemorative items from previous Royal Jubilee celebrations. Some events were lovely to be reminded of, some not so much. 

On the Saturday we had been invited to a celebratory barbecue, which in the end turned out not to be an actual barbecue, which was fine by me - I much prefer a buffet any day, and I'd already made a quiche and some 'Jubilee' gingerbread men to take along with me. It was a lovely afternoon sat out in the sunshine, and on one of the warmest days we have experienced recently. 

On Sunday we rounded off our weekend by going down to the lake. We took our lunch with us and, of course, some more of the gingerbread men. We even enjoyed the company of a mother duck and her four ducklings, which looked incredibly cute, especially when the wake of a larger boat would occasionally wash one of them ashore.

J. X

Early May

The weather has been mixed here this last week. Unlike these photographs suggest, it has been mainly mizzly and dreich but the air is beginning to feel much warmer now. After the long spell of dry weather, the gardens will certainly welcome it. The scent of blossom hangs heavy in the air, while tiny pink petals lay scattered on the ground. I caught a lovely moment during the week as Lily, in complete joy, exclaimed 'It's snowing!' while blossom rained down on her, like confetti, as she stood beneath a tree. On my way to work this morning I noticed the grass verges have suddenly sprung to life once again, with  Buttercups, Cow Parsley and Cuckoo Flower edging the path. Tiny elderflower buds cover the trees and the wild raspberry bushes have woken from their long winter rest. It's so wonderful to see, and with the temperatures set to rise over the coming weeks, the month ahead looks promising.

 

This week, I have re-potted my two apple trees and I've finally been able to move the lemon trees outdoors, all of which appear to be growing really well. Who would have thought it when I planted those tiny seeds just a few years back. At the weekend I managed to mow the lawn just before it began to rain, and I sowed grass seeds on the large patches of bare earth - possibly a result of the additional time we've spent in the garden during the last two years. I dug up some of the tulip bulbs that didn't flower, as next year I will plant them in a container instead. I suspect they need to be much deeper in the soil. I have also planted a few sunflower seeds. 🌻

Last weekend we made a last minute decision to go to the lake. It was a beautiful afternoon, and after enjoying a short walk we made our way down to the water's edge where it was surprisingly quiet, as by the time we got there it appeared most visitors had already left for the day. Even though during the morning the weather had been cool and breezy, down by the lake shore, in the afternoon sun the air felt lovely and still. Feeling warm, Lily dipped her toes into the water. Hopefully, we won't be waiting too much longer before we can look forward to a swim instead. 

This weekend was quiet, although a rest was much needed, as I had been feeling a little under the weather. I have made further progress with my decluttering and made the decision to get rid of the small table which, as suspected, has not been missed. I also have another bag to take to the charity shop in the morning. 

I also baked a batch of delicious these Carrot and Ginger Buns, which had been recommended by Cathy. 

Back soon.

J. X