And breathe! That's much better. This last month I've been running on empty. Busy working weeks, and daily hospital visits have, understandably, taken their toll. But yesterday, for the first time in what's felt like ages, I managed some time by myself. Well, not completely by myself, as I had my not-so-little-anymore sidekick with me, of course :) Generally, however, life is very much back on an even keel. I'm still a little too busy at work, but that is something which will need to be addressed, moving forward.
Thankfully, spring has arrived, and so have the lighter evenings. It felt wonderful to step outside into the garden yesterday evening and watch as the sun began to set, and the solar lights started to flicker on. What made it even more satisfying was that I'd spent much of the afternoon weeding, digging and sowing. Over the last couple of years, I've made much more of an effort when tidying the garden for the winter months, and it really has paid off - there wasn't an awful lot that needed doing. Certainly a lot less than I'd initially thought, at any rate. And perhaps I should also mention that it smelled amazing - freshly dug earth, combined with freshly cut grass - Heaven!
This year we're hoping to grow spring onions, spinach, carrots and beetroot. Unfortunately, the strawberry seeds I sowed were unsuccessful, so I will need to pop to the garden centre and buy some plants instead. While I'm there, I will look at buying a few annuals, to add some much needed early colour, and also a floating plant to add to the container pond, which has now been given a thorough clean (I didn't look after it properly last year). I've also sowed some sunflower and nasturtium seeds in several of the sunnier spots, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that they will grow.
The sweet peas are already beginning to climb, and the apple trees are growing new leaves. The lemon trees are still sitting patiently in the back porch, just waiting for warmer weather.
The time I spent in the garden was so lovely, but what I really enjoyed about yesterday, was getting out for a much needed walk. We were forecast a sunny day, and I had been longing for some sea air, so we took a short drive out to the hamlet of Sandside, which is nestled on the Kent estuary. I parked my car on the side of the road, and we walked the permissive path along the coastline, towards Arnside station. It was a rather windy day, so although the weather was bright and sunny, it was still incredibly cold, so I was glad we'd thought to wrap up well. At the station we used the bridge to cross the tracks, and made our way into Arnside, along the promenade to the small stone pier.
The views from the pier are lovely. Which is just as well, as I will never venture onto the sands here.
The bay is notorious for it's hidden channels and quicksands, as well as the speed of the incoming tide.
If it hadn't been quite so windy, then we would have treated ourselves at the bakery and sat for a while on one of the benches there. But instead, we took shelter in a small cafe, just across the road from the pier, where I enjoyed a cup of coffee and some very delicious cake.
On our return, looking up the estuary towards the viaduct, with the Lakeland fells beyond.
With the wind now behind us, our walk became a little easier. The morning was still quiet, and as we walked along arm in arm, losing ourselves in mindless chatter, I felt as though a huge weight had been lifted.
Back soon.
J. X
