Keeping Cosy

Brrrr! The weather has turned  very chilly all of a sudden and with the temperatures dropping we have been experiencing some very cold but extremely beautiful frosty days.

The daily morning walk to pre-school soon gets us warmed through, and we arrive with cheeks and noses all aglow.

Outdoors we've been wrapping up in hats and gloves, while indoors we have been cosying under my now (finally) completed sofa throw. I'm really pleased with how it has turned out, and by using just a single colour of yarn the texture of the stitches really stands out which I love.

My hand knitted woolly socks are currently my favourite thing to wear. They really make such a difference and never fail to keep my toes toasty warm. Such a comforting feeling.

Hot chocolate and a jar of marshmallows are now a permanent fixture in our kitchen for whenever we need a boost. I'm not entirely sure it's my best idea. A little bit too convenient.  Just how many marshmallows is it acceptable to eat while I'm cooking dinner? 

During the week we took a walk out to see the snow on the surrounding fells. The Wintery light we are having is spectacular and makes the views all the more impressive. Although very beautiful, the late afternoon sun was dropping and it was so cold up there, we couldn't stand still for very long. To return home to a warm house with dinner ready in the slow cooker was very pleasing.

Also this week, I finally gave in to temptation and ate my first mince pie of the season, closely followed by several more!

I'm now really looking forward to the month ahead, to relax and enjoy all the festivities.

I'm really excited now.  25 Sleeps!

J. X

A Quiet Month

November always feels like a quiet month to me. Once the fireworks are over, even though the stores expect us to immediately go crazy for all things festive, I like to take it a bit slower. Don't get me wrong, in the background plans are being made and gifts are being sought out, but I'm not ready to be eating mince pies and roasting chestnuts just yet, or whatever else Instagram may lead me to believe I should be doing.

                          

We've had a gentle couple of weeks. Germs have reared their ugly heads once again, so we've suffered some restless nights. Lily has had a horrible cough which has gone on for several weeks now, that thankfully seems to be easing off at last.

On the fine days we have taken some lovely short walks in the local area and spent a good while watching the Salmon jumping in the river. The leaves, once a carpet of red and orange under foot, are now slowly turning to a sludgy brown mush and the trees at the back of our house are beginning to look quite bare. There's no doubt Winter is approaching!

On the not so fine days I have found myself spending a lot of time in the kitchen once again. At this time of year I find a lot of pleasure in cooking good hearty food for the family. Filling, comforting meals of Homity Pie, Curry, Stew and Dumplings. I take great satisfaction in knowing everyone is well fed. And when it comes to baking I have a little assistant on hand to help out.

                           

I have been working on my crochet when time allows and I am also knitting some socks. I think this is the first time I have ever had two projects on the go at the same time.

I has been a pleasant change not having any plans so far this month, other than our usual day to day routine. Sometimes the mundane is good. No drama, no challenges, no rushing around. Just time to take a step back and appreciate what we have.

J. X

Embracing Autumn

I am loving Autumn this year!

Words I never expected to hear myself saying, but I did yesterday whilst we were out walking.

My heart has always belonged to the summer. Long, hot days, sunshine, bare feet. But recently something inside me has shifted and I have discovered a new appreciation for this time of year.

I am sure this is partly in thanks to my blog reading. The enthusiasm of others towards this season is infectious and has had a knock-on effect with me. But I think the main reason is that I'm now watching it all unfold through Lily's eyes. Walks in the woods, the changing colour of the trees, kicking through the leaves, collecting conkers and acorns, the scent of bonfires and wood smoke in the air and even the darker evenings - "everybody must be in bed, mummy."

                             

                           

                            

Last week we enjoyed a short break away in Edinburgh. It was our first return to the capital since July and it was simply glorious.

In Princes Street gardens the leaves were falling from the trees, the sky was blue and clear and the views were beautiful. It felt so good to spend some time together in what have now become very familiar surroundings.

Halloween came and went here in a very understated way. We carved a pumpkin, made a rather delicious soup and added a few seasonal touches to the house.

The throw is gradually increasing in size. I keep picking it up whenever I have a spare moment. It's at that wonderful stage where it is keeping me lovely and cosy while I work on it.

I am hoping to keep indulging in my new found appreciation of Autumn  for as long as I can, embrace the seasons and stop wishing time away.

J. X

October

We are definitely well in to Autumn season here now. It feels much cooler, the days are shorter and the trees are shedding their leaves.

The cutting back in the garden is still a work in progress. Not that there is a lot of it, I just haven't found the time. Although, the table and chairs have been put inside and are awaiting a coat of wood stain in preparation for next year.

As usual, we have been indulging in some of our favourite walks. Comfortable, familiar tracks opening out on to some beautiful views, accompanied by companionable chatter and generous helpings of replenishing the soul. The Conker jar is getting more and more full following each outing, the mantel scattered with dried golden leaves and Acorns.

Last week, a girly day out in Liverpool was very enjoyable and a much appreciated change of scenery. A little sightseeing, a delicious lunch out, then a thorough browse of the John Lewis Christmas section followed by coffee and a cake. A return trip has already been planned to include an overnight stay and a look around the Christmas market, which I'm really looking forward to.

Finally, to ease myself back into a crafting mindset I have, at last, picked up my crochet hook and started a new project - a throw for the sofa.

It's strange to think how I had no desire to do any kind of crafting during the late summer months. My heart just wasn't in it and maybe it was something to do with spending more time outdoors. Now the nights are getting dark earlier it feels time to cosy in and do something productive.

I am using just  grey yarn and am finding there is something pleasantly relaxing about crocheting row upon row with no colour changes to think of. This is not a challenging project by any means but a lovely way to unwind in an evening or any other time I get chance to pick it up as it requires very little by way of concentration. I'm hoping I can get it finished before the weather becomes much cooler.

J. X