Bluebells

During the last two weeks I have focused on my physical wellbeing and as a family we have settled once more into our familiar routine of work, pre-school and general day to day activities. It is a simple routine which many would find mundane and dull but which I find comforting and most welcome.

Thank you to everyone who left  kind and encouraging comments on my previous post. They mean such a lot to me. Just the last few days I have felt a huge improvement and I intend to continue to build on this.

This week *my legs, at least, have been getting plenty of exercise. We haven't ventured far from home but we've been along lanes, up hills, through fields and into the woods. The  Bluebells were making an appearance the last time we were there, but since then the green of the woodland floor has been transformed into a carpet of blue. There were Bluebells as far as the eye could see, all dancing in the breeze. The sunlight through the gentle canopy of the trees was making beautiful patterns on the ground. I could have stayed there all day.

We must have walked for miles altogether, although there is always the obligatory stop for refreshment, yet I never seem to feel tired in these surroundings.

J. X

* As anyone accompanying a small child knows, my lungs have also been exercised through shouting "wait there!" "come on!" "get off that, it's too high!" and many, many more similar expressions of 'encouragement.'

Gently does It

More than I would like to admit, this year has really taken its toll on my health. In theory I am well again. In reality I am  still struggling day to day.

I know I am being ridiculously hard on myself and am expecting too much too soon. I am not the most patient at the best of times and not being able to physically pick up where I left off has left me feeling both frustrated and disheartened.

Thankfully, living where I do means I can walk out of my front door and into beautiful open countryside. For this I am always grateful, especially now. It makes such a difference to my wellbeing.

The weather has been unusually dry for this time of year so Lily and I have been out for a walk most days. At the weekend we went on our Easter Sunday walk once again. This time the bench got sat on and chocolate got eaten. Yay!

Midweek, and feeling a little braver (although incredibly self conscious) I put on my old trainers and took myself out on a gentle run. I stayed close to home and didn't go too far, but oh! the difference it made. My spirit felt lifted and I was thrilled to be actually doing something after what has seemed like months of relative inactivity.

I thought I had done O.K. and I definitely enjoyed myself. The next day, however, my legs were paying the price. Another gentle walk eased the aching somewhat but I'm not used to feeling like that.

Has it put me off?  Of course.

Will it stop me going out again? Definitely not.

I am determined to get fitter and regain my sense of self, so if that means putting on my trainers again this evening, then put them on I will. I may even go for a run in them. I just might not go quite as far this time....for now anyway.

J. X

Easter

The last two weeks have flown by and our Easter break has gone so fast.

Unfortunately, for me, the first week was spent virtually housebound following a hospital visit, and although exhausted and in some discomfort it felt very frustrating not being able to get out and about like I'm used to.

By Friday I was going a little stir-crazy but thankfully I was able to manage a short walk. It was such a relief and what a difference a week makes! So many flowers and the Bluebells were really beginning to show themselves. The fresh air and sunshine felt so restorative and just what I needed.

The Easter tree got decorated and we made a delicious chocolate cake which we covered with little sugar coated eggs. As with anything chocolatey in this house it didn't last very long.

Usually on Easter Sunday we take a walk up to one of our favourite viewpoints and eat some chocolate egg whilst sat on a lovely wooden bench. This year, however, the weather was a bit damp. We still managed the walk but instead came home to enjoy the chocolate and warmed ourselves through with a nice cup of tea.

Luckily Monday turned out to be a much drier day and we took the train to Crosby beach. I have always wanted to see the Antony Gormley sculptures and it was a really enjoyable visit.

Even though it looks quiet from these photographs, there were a lot of people and dogs out enjoying the Bank Holiday. There was only a gentle breeze and it was mild enough to sit and enjoy some lunch as we watched the tide roll in and gradually cover some of the figures before we made our way home again.

The last few days have been spent close to home. I've been on some gentle walks, caught up with the housework and concentrated on getting well again.

J. X 

Wild Garlic

Last year, I'm not sure why, I missed the opportunity to go foraging for Wild Garlic. So last weekend we went for one of our regular walks through some local woods to find some.

It wasn't too early in the day but it was so lovely and quiet, there was no one else around, except for a rabbit or two.

The path through the woods is beautiful and now that the ground has dried out a bit it made for a more pleasant stroll. The woodland is slowly coming back to life with the help of the sunlight breaking through the trees and the first Bluebells are making an appearance.

We followed the winding path deeper into the woods to find our treasure and we weren't disappointed. A huge green carpet of gently scented Wild Garlic lay out before us.

We carefully gathered together some of the fresh young leaves set back from the path, just enough to fill a small bag, then took the time to sit down and enjoy our surroundings before heading for home again.

That evening, determined to enjoy the results of our mornings efforts, we turned those bright green leaves into a delicious smelling and tasting Wild Garlic Pesto.

This is the recipe we used.

50g Wild Garlic leaves

40g grated Parmesan

40g toasted Pine Nuts

100mls Olive Oil

Salt and Pepper

The juice of half a lemon

Thoroughly wash the Wild Garlic leaves and add to the other ingredients in a food processor. Blend to your desired consistency.

It was so delicious, served simply, spooned through some freshly cooked pasta with an added sprinkling of Parmesan on top.

I spooned the rest of the fabulously green Pesto into a small Kilner jar and covered with a layer of the oil it should keep for several weeks in the fridge.

J. X