End of the Week

 

Here's another photograph from last weekend when the weather situation looked far more festive and the temperature felt a lot cooler. 

Thank you for the comments on my previous post. I'm glad it isn't just me who finds Christmas shopping so stressful. Although I've cut back hugely on the amount of people I buy for (and that made a massive difference), I would be quite happy to forget about presents altogether. There is just so much pressure and expectation about the giving and receiving of gifts, which is why I try and prioritise experiences instead. I don't particularly remember any of last year's Christmas gifts, but I do remember our visit to the Christmas lights, drinking mulled wine at the markets in Edinburgh, and chilly walks through the woods followed by a delicious hot chocolate. Although I try not to think about the ice-skating ;)

Gosh, it's felt like a long week, especially considering I didn't go into work on Monday. Today has been particularly stressful and an incident at work, although nothing I was involved with, left me feeling a little flat. My colleagues, however were incredible, and dealt with the situation brilliantly. I realise how lucky I am to work with some amazing people. 

The Mincemeat Shortbread  was very popular. I tried some myself and I have to agree, it was delicious. The recipe never fails but it might also have had something to do with the extra brandy I always add to the mincemeat :) This was all that was left when I went into the staff room at lunchtime.

I think that next I will go and get my pyjamas on, enjoy a quiet night, and hopefully I can catch up with some blog reading. I've an early start tomorrow, as I'm going to be delivering those presents.

J. X

Snowballs and Sledging

I can't tell you how relieved I am that I made the decision to return home early yesterday. Heavy snowfall and un-gritted roads are not a good combination and many people were stuck in their cars for hours. Some managed to secure hotel rooms, while others less fortunate sought refuge in community buildings, opened specifically to provide overnight accommodation for those who were stranded. Not ideal, but at least they would have been safe and warm. The warning, which advised against all but essential travel, came much too late for some, as an unprecedented amount of snow fell on this part of the country.

My plans for today had originally included a festive visit to a nearby property and gardens. However, with the road conditions being what they were, I had no intention of driving anywhere. And in any case, like many other businesses, early this morning they announced that they would be staying closed. This was for the safety of all their staff, as well as any visitors. With nowhere to go, instead, Lily and I spent some of this morning building 'Snowy' the snowman. The snow was just right for it, not too dry and it held together well. We had a lot of fun, and I think he looks rather good. The cats were far less impressed with the white stuff and have spent much of the day fast asleep on my bed.

This afternoon we went sledging in the fields at the back of our house. There is a small hill right in the middle, which is just the right size for sledging and not too steep. It is also is a safe distance away from any fences or walls. That said, I'm sure Lily spent more time lying on the snow than she did sledging on it, but we had a great time, and I lost count of the amount of snowballs that were thrown. 

While we were out, I got a message to say that the school will be staying closed tomorrow. This came as no surprise, as many roads are still impassable and temperatures are, once again, set to drop below freezing overnight. 

J. X

Snow!

This morning I had planned to go foraging for some greenery, so that I could make a start on creating my door wreath. I missed having a wreath last year and I do love how they make a house look so welcoming and festive. 

Wrapped up warmly, we set out nice and early, before there was anyone else around. Everywhere was so quiet and still. It felt as though the whole world was ours and ours alone. Well, this small corner of it, at least. The sky which had been a gorgeous pink colour when we first set out, now appeared full and heavy. A few light snow flurries fell through the the air, but the forecast hadn't shown anything to be too concerned about. I know better than to get too excited at the first signs of any snow, as it usually turns out to be rather disappointing. 

We walked through the village and up the lane before heading back across the fields and along by the river, which is where I usually find the best branches. As well as some greenery, I also managed to gather some fir cones, although they were a little tricky to spot beneath the ever increasing amount of snow, which by this time was beginning to settle over the path.

It was not my original intention and I'm not certain what made me realise we should head back home at this time, but I am so relieved that we did. The snow continued to fall thick and fast. 

This afternoon we played some Christmas music and set about decorating the house. Many of the local roads are now impassable and we have been advised against all but essential travel. Tomorrow, I think I will be staying home. I might even make my wreath. 

J. X

Feeling Better

Although it was a restless night for me, Lily, at least, slept soundly throughout. And this morning, I am very relieved to say, she appeared a little more like her usual self. Another quick check of her temperature and I felt myself relax, realising that my worst fears were unfounded. She is still looking red in the  face but has, at least, eaten today, and she has been drinking plenty of water. 

Overnight, we got a covering of snow. Usually, Lily would be so excited to go outside as soon as she could, but this morning she simply enjoyed looking at it through the window. She has spent the day resting, and I'm sure she will feel the benefit of another good night's sleep. 

Today, I started writing my Christmas cards, and at Lily's request we have decorated the tree. I almost tied myself in knots trying to untangle the lights, but it is all looking quite lovely now. 

J. X

New Year

Although, not quite so new anymore, I was actually a little surprised when I wrote out the date this morning. Where did the time go! I've ambled into this new year quite uneventfully, which is always a relief, as for many years it was never a good time for me. If something was going to knock me sideways it would generally happen at New Year, so now I often find myself braced and prepared for the inevitable. But thankfully, on this occasion, it was completely unnecessary.

The decorations got packed away during that first weekend and, although the house initially looked a bit empty and bare, it was good to give everything a thorough clean and tidy. I couldn't believe how long it took me, however, but I do like taking care to store everything away properly. And yes, I remember exactly where I've packed the little bells :)

There have been a few firsts here this week - first day back at work and school, first run of the year (first of many, I hope) and first fell walk of the year. The weather has mainly been grey and damp, with the occasional sunny day to brighten the spirits. Like most of us, I've been feeling very January-ish. It is definitely not my favourite time of year, especially with it being so dark. It often feels as though the day doesn't begin properly until around mid-morning. Fortunately we have one or two nice things planned over the next couple of weeks, so that will be something to look forward to, at least.

Our fell walk took place on the day before school started back. The forecast was good, so I didn't want to miss the opportunity to get out, but being rather chilly and the fact I knew it would be very windy on the higher fells, I decided it was best to keep to the lower ground where we could, at least, enjoy looking at the other snow covered summits. As I am not an experienced hiker and I would never take risks, so it was a lovely surprise to discover that even on this smaller summit there was quite a generous covering of white powdery snow. Not such a nice surprise, however, to discover that the narrow road to the starting point of the walk was more than a little bit sketchy. Still, we made it...just! The initial climb was quite steep. I had originally planned to walk the route in the opposite direction, but on arrival I changed my mind, as it wouldn't have made for the easiest descent in the snow. The views were stunning and, as always, it was lovely to see the fells from a different perspective, and perhaps pick out which one to climb next.

The walk itself was fairly short, and as it was so cold, it was decided we would eat our lunch back at the car. I was glad I had taken some hot Winter Spice with to warm me up - the squash, not the vodka on this occasion  :) And, thankfully, the road had cleared of ice on our return.

At work, just when I think my hours have settled down, I have been asked to provide extra cover from time to time. I don't really mind, as I quite enjoy taking on a variety of roles. 

At home, I have been  ruthlessly tidying. The dining room has seen some serious cleaning and, when I get the chance, I will be working my way through the rest of the house. My houseplants have all been receiving some tender loving care, and as much daylight as I'm able to provide. This week I took delivery of some citrus compost (I never even knew there was such a thing!) and my little lemon trees have now all been re-potted. Several of them have sprouted some fresh new shoots since Christmas and I'm determined to keep them thriving for as long as possible. I'm trying my best to ignore the current muddy mess which is the garden, as besides regularly cleaning and replenishing the bird feeder, I think I'll be better off waiting until the weather improves. It is making me incredibly happy to see we're getting a regular stream of feathered visitors, especially when I put out some mealworms. 

J. X

Later than Planned

 

This morning we set out to complete the walk I had originally planned for last weekend. It was a cold bright start to the day and I was looking forward to spending even just a short time up on the fells. 

Setting off from the village our route passed alongside a stream. The water looked incredibly clear but I imagine it would have been icy cold.

Climbing higher, we could see snow on the mountains in the distance.

 

The wind picked up a little at this point but unsurprisingly this Herdy didn't appear to be concerned. I could use a warm jumper like that. 

Climbing higher still, the ground beneath our feet became wintry and we pulled our scarves right up to protect  from the icy chill. The freezing winds occasionally blowing snow across the fellside and making our faces glow. We didn't stay for long at the summit, just enough to be able to take in the views. 

And for me to exact my revenge...

J. X

First Snow

As the weekend's storm subsided, the weather became decidedly chilly and by Sunday morning the sky had turned overcast and heavy, a far cry from the bright sunshine we had been forecast. I was a little disappointed, having already planned a walk for the day but undeterred we set off anyway, determined to get out for some gentle exercise and fresh air. A few flakes of snow hung in the air but I wasn't expecting them to come to much, any hopes of a decent snowfall are often dashed, usually turning to sleet before even a light covering is settled.

It wasn't long before it became clear that the snow was here to stay and we were certainly not going to be heading up onto the fells any time soon. We couldn't even see them hidden beneath the heavy, low cloud. Never mind, we would take a walk round to the local National Trust property and through the nearby wood. But unfortunately we couldn't manage that either, as it was closed. Instead we walked a little way up the hill and along the lane. The snow was falling far heavier by this time and I was frequently being used as target practice for Lily's snowballs, when she wasn't on the ground making snow angels, that is. Any time I paused to chat with someone, she made sure to gather even bigger handfuls. Her aim is excellent by the way :)

Dropping down through the field we crossed the large stepping stones over the beck, being extra careful not to fall in. I didn't particularly relish the thought of a soaking in the icy cold water. Fortunately, the stones in the middle were flat and dry, it was on the ones closer to the edge where we needed to be especially cautious. It was lovely and peaceful there, not even a sheep to be seen. 

The final stretch of our walk took us alongside the river. The snow was falling much lighter now and the sun was trying it's best to break through the cloud. We gathered branches and pine cones, which had blown from the trees and onto the path. These will be used to make our festive door wreath at some time during the coming week.

It is the beginning of December tomorrow. Last year I posted a little something each day throughout the month. I'm not sure I will have chance to do that this year but I hope to at least post more often than I have recently.

J. X

January Brings the Snow

I never intended to leave it this long between posts. More than in previous years, this January has been a long and tedious month. Always my least favourite time of the year, it has proved even more challenging than usual. The cold weather and lack of sunshine, along with the limitations of lockdown restrictions are enough to test even the most positive outlook -  and I was never blessed with one of those :) 

Still, I've been keeping busy, although I am beginning to grow weary of the repetitive days. Much like last year, for now at least, my diary remains empty aside from birthdays and anniversaries. Weekdays are filled with home learning - both Lily's and mine, and with much more structure than during the first lockdown there is a greater expectation to keep on track, leaving us with little time to relax. 

With  tensions running high one day last week, I holed myself up in the kitchen making marmalade. I was pleasantly surprised by the therapeutic properties of carefully shredding the orange peel, the delicious aroma of simmering oranges and, of course, the finished product made it all worth the effort, especially with the added brandy. My taste buds definitely approve and peace was restored.

As you can see, we've had some more snow. Both snowfalls came as quite a surprise. The first covering lasted a while longer than the second, which disappointingly began to thaw later that same day but it still looked so lovely for a short time. Tomorrow is the start of a new month. In January it often feels as though time is standing still and I'm just marking the days until I see them noticeably begin to lengthen. Evidence our wheel is turning.

This afternoon I saw some lambs in the field. Spring is on it's way. 

J. X