Enjoying the Last Days of Summer

 

Although the nights are drawing in rathers quickly now, I have still been making the most of these last summer days. If you've been reading here for a while now, you won't need any reminding of my need to soak up every last ray of warm sunshine before the colder  weather is here to stay. Winters here can be long and dark, and let's just say I'm not a fan of rain. 

I'm thrilled to say that Lily's first full week at secondary school has been a positive one. She certainly seems to have settled well, which has been incredibly reassuring for me. I'll find out more next week, when I get the opportunity to speak to her teachers at the open evening. 

My return to work has also gone smoothly, especially given that my my role was adjusted, literally the evening before I went back. I don't know why I was surprised by this, but I'll not get too comfortable, as it will, no doubt, change again before very long.

The last few weekends we've enjoyed spending some time at the beach. I had a yearning to breathe in the fresh sea air, and to feel soft, warm sand beneath my feet. 

One evening, we went to Blackpool to see the Illuminations. We kept with tradition, starting off with a fish and chip supper in Bispham, then we caught the tram along the promenade, towards the Tower. It was a lovely warm evening, and perfect for watching the amazing firework display, from our bench on the pier. I may have also treated myself to some freshly cooked doughnuts. Very sugary, very delicious :)

This week I've been resting, as much as possible, following an injection into my foot. I'm really hopeful this will help relieve the pain I've been experiencing, but only time will tell. To further help with this, I'm taking an extended break from running. Instead, I've started swimming once a week, in an attempt to keep my fitness levels up. 

I've finally got around to pickling some of the beetroot. There are still quite a few left to harvest, which I will try to do this week. 

And the pumpkins are ripening! Autumn is on the way. 🍂

J. X

Sea and Sunflowers

 

Just a few days before school started back for the autumn term, we took our final trip of the summer. This was a two day break that we should have taken at the beginning of August, but I had changed our plans because of the weather. The idea was to travel up the West coast of Cumbria, starting at Ravenglass, driving north towards Silloth, then finishing off with a morning at the sunflower field at Waverton.  As it turned out, the sunflower field would have been closed, but we could still visit if we went on the Sunday morning instead. So we decided to simply switch our journey around and drove in the opposite direction, meaning the sunflowers would be first on our itinerary.

The sunflower field was so pretty. Even though many of the sunflowers were past their best, there were plenty still growing and I'd already decided that we would bring home some of the heads, so we can plant the seeds next year. Lily loved sitting on the huge swing seat situated in amongst all the sunflowers and we had such a nice morning wandering around the field. Farmer Neil kindly said we could pick as many of the flowers as we would like, and I would have gathered armfuls if only I'd been going straight home afterwards. Never mind, I'll look forward to growing our own next year, perhaps just not quite as many!

After spending a lovely morning in the sunflowers, we journeyed on towards Silloth, a small Victorian seaside resort on the Solway Firth. It was here that we enjoyed our picnic lunch overlooking the sea, before Lily spent some time playing at the splash park on the green. After a much needed cup of coffee (and once I managed to persuade Lily to leave the splash park), we made our way back to the car, walking past the Big Fella Sculpture a little way farther along the promenade. It's much bigger than it looks.

Driving south, our next stop was Allonby. There isn't really much I can say about Allonby, other than it is a small village by the sea, has quite a nice beach, and it is home to a very popular ice cream shop. I had heard good things about it, so I thought we should give it a try. I even joined the queue, which is something I don't do very often! Was it worth it? I'm not sure that it was, but it was okay.

From Allonby, we continued our journey south towards Whitehaven, where we stayed overnight. Now, this was a pleasant surprise, and after dinner we spent a lovely evening down by the harbour, walking along the pier and then out to one of the lighthouses. 

I promised Lily a sunset. And the one we got was quite spectacular. The first photograph was taken while we walking out to the end of the North pier, the second was taken from the North Pier Lighthouse out towards the West Pier Lighthouse, and the third one was taken as we were heading back towards the car.

The next day we awoke to another beautiful bright morning, and after a brief walk around the town centre, including a lengthy browse in a rather fascinating old bookshop, we set off for the next stop on our journey, which was St. Bees. At first glance there didn't appear to be a lot there, but we turned along a road next to the station and at the end there was a large car park, which led on to a huge expanse of beach. On this particular day it was quite busy, with families making the most of the hot weather while they had chance, including ourselves :) Taking off my shoes there was just time for a quick paddle, the water was lovely and warm. St Bees Head is one of the starting points for the Coast to Coast walk, so I followed the coastal path uphill for a short way, retracing my steps again just before the track turns inland, heading east. I'd love to complete the walk one day, maybe in a few years. 

The final stop on our west coast road trip was to Ravenglass. Raveglass is situated on the estuary where three rivers meet, and it was here we took a short walk out to see the remains of a Roman Bath House, then on returning to the village we caught sight of one of the small steam trains, which had just pulled into the station. We didn't take a ride on this occasion, but maybe we can look forward to one on a future visit.

It was also here that I got to enjoy probably the most delicious ice cream I have ever tasted.

And I didn't need to queue!

J. X

October Catch Up

Somehow we've arrived at the end of October and although I'm often saying how fast a week or month has gone by, this time I really mean it. I feel as though I've fallen a whole week behind. Time to take a breath and catch up on what I've been up to recently.

At the beginning of our half-term week we took a trip to the coast and enjoyed an overnight stay, enabling us to visit Sandsend, Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby.

On our arrival we were treated to some wonderfully bracing, autumnal sea air. It was blowing a hoolie, which made sure any lingering cobwebs were immediately blown away. Following an invigorating walk along the shore at Sandsend, we were more than happy to warm ourselves with a hot drink, whilst gazing out to sea from the shelter of the beach café. It was just the kind of autumn weather I was hoping for when I booked for this time of year and I wasn't disappointed. Later on I treated myself to two small Christmas tree decorations from a nearby store but I've hidden them away for the time being.
Even though we were only away for one night, it felt like longer and we had a lovely time exploring the area. In Whitby the town's gothic vibe lent itself perfectly to the time of year and many of the shop windows were decorated in a spooktacular fashion. We wandered the narrow cobbled streets and, of course, the 199 steps, which lead to St. Mary's Church. We spent a while on Tate Hill Beach where Lily kindly gave her latest stick to an adorable dog named Rocky, which made him very happy. In Robin Hood's Bay we followed the Sea Wall trail towards the shore and spent sometime at the Old Coastguard's Station before making the steep climb back through the village.  With all the walking we did, it meant we definitely earned our fish and chip supper, which was absolutely delicious. I'm convinced fish and chips taste so much better when eaten by the sea.

Our second trip of the week was to Allan Bank National Trust property in Grasmere. Although, not a conventional property, it had been beautifully decorated for Hallowe'en both indoors and out, with an array of crafts and activities available for children.

With big sisters on hand to join in the fun, we had a great day out. Again, the weather was perfectly autumnal and the grounds were a stunning backdrop for the pumpkin trail, where we had to hunt for the different carved pumpkins along the paths and draw their faces, in order to win a chocolate ghost. 🎃 We even braved walking alongside the haunted graveyard and through the spine-tingling tunnel, but it was fine, just the right amount of spooky. 👻

As usual, we've been enjoying our regular woodland walks close to home and there are becoming an ever increasing amount of leaves to kick through. I always look forward to the pumpkin display each year. 🎃

On Sunday we visited Aira Force. Our original plans had been thwarted due to some (now resolved) car issues, but as substitutes go I couldn't complain, and it was so lovely to see the falls in all their autumn glory 🍁🍂🍃 and we even managed to spot a red squirrel. 

We enjoyed our walk followed by a picnic and might have indulged in a hot chocolate at the nearby café. Another wonderful day full of life's simple pleasures.

Today is Hallowe'en and this evening we will be carving (yet) another pumpkin to put outside the front door in anticipation of receiving small visitors 🎃 and Lily is very excited to dress up as a skeleton.

Today is also Mog's four year adoption anniversary. Doesn't she look thrilled? 😸

J. X