Dark Days

 

Thank you all so much for your kind words on yesterday's post. After a fairly reasonable night's sleep. I felt a lot better this morning. Certainly much less achy at any rate, and I haven't felt quite as chilly. As it turns out, I appear to have a cold. Just a regular cold. I'd almost forgotten what that was like. 

Before I began to feel unwell, I'd had a pleasantly productive day. The last of my Christmas cards were written, I'd wrapped the majority of my presents, and as you can see from the photograph I finally got around to drying the orange slices for the tree. 

It hardly got light today, which isn't exactly surprising seeing as the winter solstice will be here before the end of the week.  I really dislike how dark the days have become, and it's easy for me to see why many people struggle at this time of year. Thank goodness for the Christmas lights, as they bring with them some much needed sparkle. 

This afternoon I attended the school's Christmas celebration. It was a lovely service including several of my favourite carols and various delightful contributions from the children. It's hard to think that this was Lily's very last one, and that this time next year she will be at secondary school. Where did those years go.

Tomorrow, will be my last day ay work until the new year, and I am more than ready for the break. If I've learned anything recently, then it is that I need to do much more than I am doing currently in order to improve my wellbeing. 

J. X

An Early Night

 

It's been a productive day, but I'm feeling achy and shivery this evening. I've just taken some paracetamol and I think an early night is in order.

Back tomorrow. 

J. X

Catch Up

I would just like to say thank you for your all kind words and messages, they are very much appreciated. It's been a little over a month since I was last in this space. At first, October seemed to drag on and on, and yet, as the days became darker, all of  sudden we were into November, and it felt as if it was over in the blink of an eye. It's been a challenging month for me, as I have been grappling with my health. It's nothing serious. At least I don't think it is. Just some sort of a virus that I can't seem to shake. I'm also not ignoring the fact that had I not been so run down in the first place, I would have been back to my old self long before now. As it is, I'm still far from feeling in good health, but this week I feel like I may have turned the corner. Here's hoping.

It was for that reason that I took a step back from posting here. Looking after Lily and keeping things ticking over have been about all I could manage. 

Anyway, a brief catch up. These autumnal pictures seem at odds with the weather we're currently experiencing - almost wintry- but I'm going to post them anyway :)

In the middle of October, before my health took a downward spiral, we took a trip to our nearest pumpkin patch. It was a glorious blue sky morning for our visit, and there was even a ground frost, which for a short while at least made the whole field sparkle. We chose five pumpkins in all. One of which was so very small, it was far too cute to leave behind. 

We combined our trip out with a visit to Acorn Bank. The trees were just beginning to shed their leaves and as it hadn't been that long since we visited the flour mill, instead we took the woodland walk towards the wildlife hide. It was lovely and quiet there with just the two of us, but we still didn't manage to spot any wildlife. 

The following week we went to The Peak District, staying in the lovely village of Winster. Now, if someone had said to me the evening before that I could have cancelled with a full refund, I would have snapped their hand off. Unusually for me, I really wasn't feeling in the mood for going anywhere, and looking back, that should have been an indicator that something wasn't quite right.

I am glad we went though. We went to Bakewell, Matlock Bath and the village of Eyam. One morning it rained, and so we stayed dry by enjoying a visit to the nearby National Trust property of Keddleston Hall. Then in the afternoon, by the time we went for a walk up on the moor, it had all but cleared.

We stopped in an old miner's cottage, so evenings were spent cosying up in front of the wood burner. You can just about see our pumpkin which we decided to take along with us. I told you it was small!

Our last day was spent in Matlock Bath at The Heights of Abraham. Admission to the Heights is by cable car, which was an experience in itself, given the glorious weather. We could see for miles. Here we took guided tours of two underground caverns and also enjoyed panoramic views. Thankfully, I was able to keep going fuelled by a combination of sunshine and coffee.

Although it was genuinely lovely to get away, and I don't wish to appear ungrateful, but I was quite relieved to come home again. When you're under the weather, the comforting familiarity of home cannot be underestimated, and I was also missing my cats. 🐈

Hallowe'en was the busiest I remember in while. I'm sure we received at least eight groups of callers, all of whom were wearing the most amazing costumes, and were all very sweet and polite. I almost gave up on my dinner that evening, as every time I sat down to eat, would hear the door knocker again.  

Last weekend we enjoyed a gentle walk around Grasmere. I don't think I could manage to get up on the fells right now but I was desperate to get out, even if it was just for a short while. The Lake District is displaying it's autumn colour and there is nowhere I would rather be to try and recharge my batteries.

Bonfire night was spent toasting marshmallows and lighting sparklers in our garden.

So far, the remainder of this month is looking fairly quiet, so I'm hoping I can use this time to recuperate and regain my strength before December begins. I'm also going to attempt to slow down and pace myself more, which is never more important for me than during the cold winter months. 

J. X

Chasing Waterfalls

Recently, I have become rather ambivalent about certain social media, or more specifically my behaviour towards it. Now, I don't 'do' Facebook, I've never looked at Twitter. I'm almost certainly too old for Snapchat and TikTok :) YouTube has it's advantages, but I rarely have the opportunity to sit and watch videos. Which leaves me with Instagram. 

I began using the Instagram app way back in 2017 and I have always enjoyed it. There are so many pretty pictures to scroll through, and just as many images to scroll right past ;) It is so very quick and simple to post. I've found it fun,  informative, and inspiring at times. I mainly follow outdoorsy folk who enjoy fell walking, and the app makes it simple to connect with and share ideas with others, which can be wonderful.

Lately, however, some of the individuals I originally began following for inspiration have morphed into influencers, who always seem to be affiliated with certain brands or promoting a new product. I have already unfollowed many for this reason, and yet I still find myself scrolling mindlessly through posts, or worse still, comparing myself unfavourably  with those who somehow manage to have successful careers, as well as some sort of side hustle, an incredibly busy social life and an even more active social media.   

This photo sharing app, which I began using as a bit of fun, has now become something which holds much less appeal for me. And I realise, I think I need to take a step back from it, for a little while at least.

I hope that from now on I will be spending more of my time on here, as for me it feels like the difference between waving a quick 'hello!' to someone or sitting down with friends, while enjoying a cup of tea and a good chat.

Photographs were taken last weekend, while on the waterfalls walk at Rydal Hall. Ironically, I was with a lovely group of people who I met though Instagram. Maybe there are some advantages to using it after all. 

J. X

Goodbye January

I never have cared very much for January. For many it begins with Auld Lang Syne, New Year's resolutions, and sometimes a 'word of the year'. For me, however, it has often brought with it much uncertainty, unexpected challenges and even loss. As you can imagine, I usually dread the start of a new year, and I realise my feelings of apprehension and foreboding only serve to exaggerate any existing sense of impending doom. Some years, I have tried my hardest to remain upbeat and positive, but that didn't particularly help - I don't think I was convincing anyone, especially not myself! 

This year, I have tried a far more gentle approach. I found myself quietly going about my days, not putting any pressure on myself and simply focusing on my working week - with the occasional walk on the weekends when the weather has allowed. My pace has been unhurried and slower, taking things day by day. And even though I've not been quite as productive as usual, what I have achieved has been far more intentional, and this is exactly what I need just now. A time to heal, a time to let go, a time to just simply 'be'. My absence in this space has been deliberate, just dipping in now and again to enjoy a quick read. I had hoped that if I kept my head down, and quietly tiptoed my way through the month, then the more unwelcome parts might simply pass me by. And for the most part this has been the case, although I am sure this has been more to do with fortunate coincidence than anything I may or may not have actually done :)

I am happy to report that my back is recovering well after the 'incident'. I discovered that continued gentle movement has helped far more than simply resting, and although I have yet to attempt going for a run, I'm sure it won't be too far off. I have kept walks at a low level, partly with me being uncertain of my abilities just now, but mainly because of the awful wet weather. Even on dry days, it has been incredibly cold, and on the higher fells the snow and ice would have been far too treacherous for walking.

Whilst out of the main tourist season, we have ventured to some parts of The Lakes which would usually be quite busy, and therefore not particularly enjoyable to visit.  Right now, they are peaceful and quiet, just as I like it. 

I have also been spending this last month being more mindful of my diet. Stodgy sandwiches have been replaced by some very tasty salads. I've found preparation is the key, rather than finding myself reaching for the quickest solution when I am feeling hungry. And I am trying very hard not to give into temptation too often, which is easier said than done when I have such a sweet tooth :) I am still providing a cake for the Warm Space each week, so at least I can still have the enjoyment of baking. And last week, I spent a busy evening in the kitchen making marmalade. One day I might even manage to do it without getting both myself and the kitchen into such a sticky mess! Never mind, it tastes delicious. I couldn't bring myself to make any last year, as my dad would have been the first person I would have given a jar to. He used to joke that he found it easier walking on the days he had enjoyed some - because of the added brandy!

It has been a quiet few weeks, for which I am relieved. And now I hope to spend some time catching up properly with everyone over the next few days. 

J. X

Taking it Easy

I'm having a relaxed kind of day. This last week I've been up and down with symptoms of a head cold. One day I've felt completely fine, the next I've been snuffly and achy again. Today I'm feeling fine, I hope it lasts. 

The boiler has been given the okay following it's annual service this morning, the washing is blowing gently on the line and I've just taken some freshly baked flapjack out of the oven. Whilst eating my lunch, I managed to finish the book which I'd started reading when we were camping, and out of the window I can now see that the sun is shining and the bird feeder is busy with Blue Tits, Starlings and the occasional Sparrow. The grass could do with cutting. My next job once I've sat down with a coffee, I think. 

It's a good day, and I'm enjoying a week away from work free from pressure or expectation, besides some unhurried mornings and a few good walks. 

These photographs are from last weekend when we hiked from the shores of Thirlmere up to Ullscarf, one of the most central (and quieter) fells in The Lakes, stopping off for a (very) refreshing paddle in Harrop Tarn. The water was so cold! Our walk began with a steep climb up past Dobgill Falls, then along a track through the forest where we reached a gate. Here the route opened up onto the fell side, where to my delight I heard another cuckoo, before continuing to reach another gate overlooking Blea Tarn, where we turned left towards the summit. The summit itself was quite uninspiring, but the views of the surrounding fells more than made up for it. Spending time this way only serves to remind me just how necessary it is to my wellbeing and something I hope to prioritise now that the days are longer and the weather is improving. 

I apologise for there being a delay in publishing some of your comments. I don't know if it is the same for anybody else but I've noticed many comments I've received are being sent to my spam folder and some I've left on other posts simply disappear for some reason. I hope these issues are resolved very soon.

J. X

Slow Days

 

I'm still at home and my days are now beginning to drag. I am sure I would feel quite differently had I actually been unwell, but the worst of my symptoms has been a runny nose. The aching shoulders, I put down to having cut the grass and attempted some gardening last week :)  I'm not complaining. I am incredibly grateful not to have suffered worse, but I'm now definitely ready to be back at work and getting on with things. I would like to say I have been productive with my days but, without my usual routine, I have been floundering. That said, I have tidied out my wardrobe, which wasn't as daunting a task as I'd originally thought, although I did have a 'moment' when I'd first emptied everything out onto my bed. I don't even own all that many items of clothing, it just isn't very well organised. 

Also, I completed the baby blanket I have been crocheting for my friend. I am really happy with, so I do hope she likes it. I used this pattern from Maisie & Ruth, but increased the size of the border and left off the impractical pom poms. 

I haven't just been stuck indoors, however. At the weekend we went out for walk along the river, the fresh air and stiff breeze helping to blow away the cobwebs. The ground was still very wet and muddy in places, so I was glad to be wearing my wellies. We had hoped to gather some of the wild garlic in the woods, but it is still a little too early right now, so it will just have to wait another week or so. But I really can't wait to enjoy some delicious, freshly made pesto. Perhaps I should learn to be more patient.

While we were out, we were actively searching for signs of spring and we weren't disappointed. There were new shoots in abundance and some of the trees are already in blossom. We didn't manage to find any frog spawn, but we were absolutely delighted to see some otters playing in the water and scampering up the river bank, and then a flash of vibrant blue as a kingfisher flew past. 

Being full of germs I haven't wanted to spend much time in the kitchen, but as I had been craving cake I decided to bake some Weetabix Fruit Loaf Cake. And I am so glad I did, as I've been enjoying a generous slice each morning with a mug of hot sweet tea :)

I've done a bit more clearing in the garden and it's lovely to see some bulbs making a reappearance, especially the fritillary, which I have been careful to avoid disturbing since last summer. We have decided to sow wildflower seeds again this year, and I am once again looking forward to seeing the butterflies and bees they attract. 

J. X

March

I didn't really know how I should begin this post. With everything that is going on in the world it seems rather frivolous of me to be writing about the normality of my days. And yet I have found comfort in reading other blogs, so I will persevere, and I'm sure the photographs will speak for themselves. 

March has brought with it some much needed sunshine to these parts. It is as though the grey clouds lifted all at once and spring is finally edging it's way in. Mornings have been bright, but the bitterly cold wind is a sharp reminder that winter is still very much with us.

We've enjoyed some lovely walks. Well wrapped up, of course. And I've been able to get some washing hung out on the line, at last. We continue to have a steady stream of birds to the feeders in the garden and the grass has now benefitted from it's first cut of the year. I just need to turn the soil and then I can make a start on preparing the garden for the warmer months ahead. The lawn, especially, needs a lot of extra care.

It is wonderful to see spring buds in the hedgerows and it won't be long until the daffodils will be out in flower. I might even go and gather some wild garlic from the woods tomorrow. 

At the weekend we took a short walk up Souther Fell, setting off from the small village of Mungrisdale. The fell is a popular launching site for paragliders and we saw around eight in the air while we were there. Unsurprisingly, as the conditions would have been perfect. 

My feet remained firmly on the ground, however. And we enjoyed our walk, followed by a picnic lunch in a small wildlife garden, finishing off our day by sitting outside the village pub with a refreshing drink.

My week began as usual, but now I'm at home, having finally tested positive for covid just yesterday. Time to put my feet up and have a cup of tea, I think. 

J. X