Soup and Snowdrops

The days are lengthening, but there is no doubt that we are still in winter's grasp. It has felt bitterly cold here, this week, and it hasn't helped in that I'm sure I've been fending off some sort of a virus. It's hard to tell, as at this time of year my shoulders always ache from holding myself tense, and from being hunched up against whatever the weather sends this way. I assume it's going to freeze again tonight, as I noticed the gritters driving past, while I was working earlier.  Not to worry, spring will soon be here. At least, that's what I keep reminding myself. 

But it is true. I've seen the signs. We went for a gentle stroll through the woods at the weekend, and we found some wild garlic. We'll go back again and pick some in a few week's time, as I've promised Lily we will use some to make our own garlic bread.

And the snowdrops there looked so lovely, beneath the trees. Not huge swathes of these delicate white flowers, like you find in some places, but pretty all the same. And we've watched as they've grown in number over the last few years. Establishing themselves and creating a beautiful woodland display, close to the pond.

And I realise I say this far too often, but it also felt so good to get outdoors. It feels as though I've hardly stopped for breath lately. Weekends seem to be spent catching up with housework and preparing ahead for the working week, where once again, I've seen another adjustment to my hours. It isn't really sustainable for me, but I've been reassured that these additional hours will be only temporary, and I am, at least, gaining some new skills. I am happy to continue like this for the time being, but if it is to become a more permanent change, then something will have to give elsewhere. In other news, I completed my latest coursework, and made my final submission last week. I have since been advised that I've met the assessment requirements and passed the course. Yay! 

One of the upsides of working these extra hours, is that I've had to be more organised during the week, which means I've been much more strict about meal planning and batch cooking. Knowing in advance just what we'll be eating has been much less stressful for me, and it also means I've avoided the need to call in at the supermarket on my way home from work each day, saving valuable time. This isn't a new concept for me, but I do have a habit of letting things slide every now and again, when life gets a little more hectic than usual. 

Since I've needed to significantly reduce my bread intake, instead of sandwiches, I've been relying on warming and nutritious soups to see me through each day. I cook up a large panful every weekend, then portion it up, ready to heat through for my lunches during the week. I've mentioned this before and I've had a few requests for a recipe, so I'll probably add this one to the side bar. It will also make it easier for me to refer to as well. I am a huge fan of all kinds of vegetable soups but have two favourite go-to recipes, and this is the one I'm enjoying this week.

Tomato, Red Pepper and Lentil Soup

2 carrots 

1 red onion

1 red pepper

2 tins chopped tomatoes

180g red lentils

1 tablespoon tomato puree 

1l vegetable stock

A large sprinkling of garlic granules

Melt some butter in a large pan and gently cook the diced onion, carrot and pepper until soft. Add the remaining ingredients, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes. Then blend until smooth. This makes approximately 6 portions.

Let me know if you try it.

Back soon.

J. X

 

January

 

It's been a little while, so I'm tentatively peeking my head around the door. How is everyone? I hope the New Year is treating you well. 

My absence here, this month has, again, been intentional. I've always made no secret of the fact that the month of January is far from my favourite time of year. It is often cold, dark and damp, and the warm days of spring still seem so very far away. Last year, I had a great idea that I would power my way through this miserable winter month. I was going to make plans to stay busy, and to keep on keeping on, but by doing this, I was refusing to acknowledge that what I really needed to do was to slow down, relax, and embrace the season for what it is. 

The earth is still sleeping, and it is a time of rest. There is a whole year in front of us, so I'm not sure why I usually feel the need to rush things. With that in mind, this year, I made a conscious decision to take some time away from here, lean into the quiet days, and try my best to seek out the simple joys, just to make January feel that little bit more bearable. You could almost say I've been hibernating, except that I've still enjoyed some lovely, restorative walks - one of them a pleasant surprise, as my workplace was unexpectedly forced to close for the day, which meant I could enjoy some much needed winter sunshine.

And it's been okay. I've reached the end of the month unscathed, albeit a little tired (I always need sunshine to recharge my batteries), and I've kept my focus on work and home. Even on the brighter days, I've done just enough to get through, alleviating myself of any unnecessary pressure. This isn't always easy, as I do like to try and at least do something at the weekends, especially when the working week often feels never-ending.

Anyway, I'm feeling much more positive, as we move that tiny bit closer to spring. Have you noticed the daylight hours increasing? It was wonderful to see that it was still just about light here at 5pm last night. And the snowdrops are beginning to flower. Such a pretty sight beneath the trees.

And talking of flowers, I've discovered last season's sweet pea seeds, which I am intending to sow this weekend. I will also have to consider what I will be planting in the raised bed this year. Thankfully, it doesn't look like I've lost anything in the garden to the frosts this winter, although time will tell. The lemon trees are quite comfortable in the house for the time being, and are already showing signs of new growth, although still no flowers as yet. The garden needs a quick tidy but other than that, it doesn't look too bad, and I'm looking forward to spending more time out there once the weather picks up. 

It's lovely to see lots of feathered friends using the bird feeder just now. I like to keep it well stocked for them with fat balls and meal worms. Of course, I hardly saw any birds whilst I was taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch, but my friend and I laugh that it's always the same for us every year :) Still, it's an hour to just sit and relax, and enjoy a mug of tea. 

Although things have been pleasingly quiet around here, I have been putting together some plans for several mini-adventures. I've booked a return overnight stay at Skiddaw House during the summer, and a few city breaks have been arranged throughout the year. One of which I am particularly excited about. 

Back soon.

J. X

Moving On

 

I am so relieved that we finally reached the end of January and we can move onwards towards spring. I have never been fond of this time of year. Gloomy, wet days. Leaving for work in the dark and returning home long after the sun has set. Saturdays and Sundays are usually filled with preparations for the week ahead, leaving little time for more pleasurable activities. And the cold! It isn't so much the low temperatures but usually it's  the damp and wind that fights its way through the warmest of clothing, making my body tense up and leaving me feeling achy. 

My initial plan of action, this year, was to power on through the month regardless. Surely if I could simply keep going, I wouldn't get so caught up in my dislike of January, the days would feel less depressing and, just maybe, we might even have a more wintry winter :) This did not work out as I'd hoped. The snow didn't arrive and recently I have been plagued with extreme tiredness, and persistently feeling under the weather. I am eating healthily - meal planning and getting one large weekly shop have been a huge help - and exercising, but I just can't seem to shift my malaise, which is why I haven't been spending a lot of time online. I have spoken with my GP, who expressed concern, and I am now waiting on the results of some blood tests. 

Moving forward, I intend to look upon January as my reset month. A time of quiet and calm. No expectations. Perhaps I really don't need to read up on ways with which to beat the January blues, I could simply hibernate instead.

J. X

Winter Sun

 

I had quite a surprise this morning. On noticing a bright light appear on my bedroom wall, I was initially aghast at the thought of someone shining some sort of light through my window. Yes, I'm being completely serious. On second glance I realised it was actually the sun! Having seen so very little of it lately, I suppose my first reaction wasn't totally absurd.

It's been a day of restoring some balance to our home. And that included a trip to the supermarket for a regular food shop, which was very much needed. The decorations remain but I've triggered a return to our normal routine, which even included our usual Friday night pizzas :) 

This afternoon, we swapped our slippers for wellies, and made the most of the dry weather by getting out for a walk in the woods. There was quite a chill in the air, which was unexpected. Although grateful for my scarf, I had forgotten to bring my gloves along with me, and so I tucked my hands deep into my pockets to keep warm. Away from other distractions, we talked about friends and family, of loss and of our hopes for the year ahead. Thankfully any rain held off, while we were out, but the sun kept hiding behind the clouds. After several days cooped up indoors, it felt so good to breathe in the cool fresh air, even if our walking was hindered by the thick, squelchy mud beneath our feet. 

In places, the puddles completely covered our path, clearly showing just how wet it's been recently. The reflections were pretty though. 

The stark silhouettes of the trees against a bleak wintry sky is always a beautiful sight at this time of year. 

No walk would be complete without some sort of a treat along the way. Lily finished what was left of her chocolate Santa, while I tried just a few of the many shortbread biscuits that I'd been gifted this Christmas. Not quite the same as homemade, but delicious all the same. And, rather conveniently, pocket sized.

This evening, I've finally begun crocheting an earwarmer headband that I've been intending to make for ages now. I'd forgotten how relaxing crochet can be, especially when the pattern is something so straightforward. It's working up quite quickly, so I should have it finished at the weekend. 

J. X

Back to Basics

 

Just lately I have become very aware that these last few months have taken their toll on my mental and physical wellbeing, even more than I realised. Between working, running the home and studying I have found myself getting quite overwhelmed at times. In hindsight, I probably shouldn't have taken on quite so much at this present time. It doesn't help that at this time of year my body often feels exhausted just from holding itself tense with cold. These grey, wet days leave much to be desired and I cant wait to enjoy getting up on the fells again. Add my long term sleeping problems into the mix and it could definitely turn into a downward spiral.

I am also very aware that in these situations there can be no quick fix or waving of a magic wand to restore some equilibrium. So I'm going back to basics. Eating well, exercising more and hopefully my sleep patterns will improve as a result.

 

I am happy to report that, as of last week, I have now completed my coursework, and I don't have any intentions of reaching for the text books anytime soon. This in itself should free up some valuable time, which with any luck, I should be able to use for exercising. Every new year I make a promise to myself to prioritise my wellbeing, but I always fall short on this, usually putting the needs of others before my own. I hope this year will be the exception, and I can only be encouraged by the significant birthday that's on the horizon ;) 

This morning I have used the last of the summer fruits to make some compote and there is now a batch of homemade spiced carrot and lentil soup in the freezer. I have baked some flapjack which is cooling as I type and several rather overripe bananas will be finding their way into a banana and cinnamon loaf just as soon as I have drunk my coffee.

I am off work for now, so this coming week I intend to balance some fun days out with getting my house back into some sort of order...in more ways than one :)

J. X

Helloooo!

 

Just popping in to say thank you to those of you who have messaged me with good wishes and to enquire as to my wellbeing. The last few weeks have been a little more stressful than I would have liked and I've been absent for longer than I intended, but I am completely fine.

I've been keeping busy juggling work and home, and then trying my best to ensure I enjoy some time to relax at the weekend. I've made it to the end of January in one piece - just! The days are getting longer and brighter and snowdrops are appearing along the sides of the lanes.

Back soon.

J. Xx

Solstice

Peace, love and light. Solstice blessings. 

J. X

February

 

As I noted in my last post, life here trundles on much the same, week after week, with the exception being that we are now on our half term break - yay! This has meant we can put all notions of home learning aside, for this week, at least, and I can't stress just what a relief that is. I have felt under much more pressure this time round, so I can only imagine it feels far worse for Lily, especially being away from her friends and the reassuring routine of the school day. 

Thankfully, despite the bitterly cold temperatures we've been experiencing, another difference is the noticeable brightening and lengthening of the days, a clear indication spring is on the way. That, and we discovered some early bright green shoots of wild garlic pushing through the frozen earth last week. It's hard to think that in just a few weeks time we will be walking there in the warm sunshine to gather some for making pesto.

As it's been so cold, I've made sure to keep the bird feeder well topped up. Since the beginning of the year we have been fortunate to have many birds returning to the garden. For ages, it seemed, we didn't get any feathered visitors, which was really disappointing. I wasn't sure if it was down to our garden receiving little in the way of sunshine at this time of year, so I eventually stopped putting any food out at all. In a determined effort to encourage more of our feathered friends I once again began putting out a variety of nuts and seeds and have since been rewarded with a steady stream of blackbirds, blue tits, and robins. Although, I must admit they have been a bit of a distraction from our home learning, with both mother and daughter having the same tendency to gaze longingly out of a window, rather than getting on with the task in hand :) 

Even though I've still been working, we've taken every opportunity to get outdoors when the weather has allowed. These daily walks, although becoming a little repetitive, are necessary to my wellbeing. I know I've said this before but if you look closely there is always something new to see as the seasons change and nature does her thing. I hadn't, however, prepared myself for the sight of this stunning display of icicles down by the river. We were amazed. So much, in fact, Lily insisted we went back the following day for another look. 

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

January

 

This wasn't the start to the New Year that I'd hoped for but even though I've found the last week rather challenging, I woke this morning determined to shake myself out from my feelings of melancholy. I can't help but think that it's going to take a whole lot longer than expected before we see a change to the current situation and I need to become more accepting of this.

The snow all but disappeared overnight and today the fells were hidden from view by a dense fog. The temperature had risen above freezing for the first time in a week, and for once my morning routine did not include tentatively treading across the frosty garden to check the bird seed and replenish the water. From the kitchen window I could still see two thick discs of ice, which had been previously emptied from the water tray, laying stubbornly at the edge of the grass but even they had thawed by midday.

We're back to home learning once again and, after an intermittent start, we've got the hang of the new system. Already it seems to be working much better than the platform we used last time. Instead of completing all the work during the morning, I've been breaking it down into several short twenty minute sections slotted throughout the day, as I've discovered this more relaxed approach works better for us.

I'm still working every day, and this gives me a sense of routine and normality. 

We are getting out walking most afternoons, although keeping our routes close to home for the time being. The winter sun has been beautiful in the woods and it's lovely to see the snowdrops are almost in flower. Wearing lots of warm layers has been essential in the freezing temperatures but more often than not Lily will still insist on removing her jacket. Children just don't seem to feel the cold do they.

Christmas already feels like a long time ago and although most of our decorations were taken down last week, I've left the wooden snowflakes, a star and Lily's snow globe on display. Also, to keep a cosy glow in the kitchen I've kept my little tree in the corner, complete with lights. I'm happy to see it has some fresh green shoots on some of it's branches. 

I went for a short run this morning and as I passed by the fields which, in a few weeks, will be full of lambs, I  reminded myself spring is just around the corner. 

J. X