Another Week

It's that time of year once again. There is excitement in the air as we look towards the last week of the school year, and as usual I am ready for a break from the routine. Much as I try to make time to relax and unwind at the weekends, there is still nothing quite like not having the need to 'encourage ' a small person to get up and out of the door early every weekday morning, and the idea of those empty days stretched out ahead of us full of opportunity makes me feel very happy indeed. Places to go, things to do and adventures to be had.

The last few weeks have been a gentle slowing down, without the hurried frenzy the end of term often brings with it, so I'm hoping next week will be reasonably calm.  This last week was the school summer production with Lily playing the part of a snowflake, although it was so hot she decided she was melting! She looked very sweet in her white costume and played her part really well.

The days have been consistently hot and sunny, and although it has been lovely and we have been enjoying some shorter walks and days out, the garden is now looking a little worse for wear with much of the lawn being sun scorched. Thankfully the vegetables seem to be fairing a little better with regular evening watering and I have a feeling we are in for a good crop of tomatoes. They seem to be appearing on a daily basis, not bad for our first attempt using an inexpensive packet of seeds.

Our small raised bed contains beetroot, carrots, spring onions, courgettes and beans. What started as a bit of growing fun for Lily is once again providing us with some delicious home grown produce, and I cant wait for the sunflowers to bloom.

Mog has been showing her face more often and has discovered a new favourite place to relax by the back door. It is lovely watching Lily stroking and hugging her. Mog is so good with her and doesn't mind Lily's  fascination with her soft fur. They appear to have a mutual understanding, as is often the way with animals and children.

Last Sunday we went for a walk in the woods, then on through the fields where Lily discovered her very first Geocache all by herself.  Following an afternoon spent relaxing at home we then finished the day with fish and chips down by the sea,  a perfect way to round off the weekend.

This evening I am off out! A rare treat for me. One of the lovely mums from school has arranged an end of the school year meal. I don't often get the opportunity to dress up, made clear by Lily who looked surprised and  said 'Oh, you look pretty mummy!'  I think it means I should really be making a bit more effort on a regular basis. 😄

J. X

Early Summer

Thank you so much  everyone for your kind words and responses on my previous post, they are very much appreciated and I feel so grateful for your support and encouragement. I hope I didn't come across as too maudlin, as that really wasn't my intention, and thankfully I am already starting to feel much brighter. A couple of issues have been resolved, much to my relief, and the others are a work in progress. My outlook, therefore, is becoming much more positive. Big sister has moved back home, much to Lily's delight, and life is becoming busy and happy.

The hot weather continues and we carry on making the most of this, especially in the evenings and  on weekends.

Last weekend, and just before the weather really heated up, we went out on the bikes again. Since our last outing Lily was given a much needed new bike for her birthday (it's scary how fast she is growing!) and this one cannot be attached to the back of mine. I was a little worried how she would manage, but she did brilliantly. She is definitely getting the hang of  'keep left!' or 'keep right!' in order to avoid the other track users, and insisted on going the whole distance of twelve miles in order to get an ice cream which (of course!) she didn't really eat but liked the idea of. I love so much that she enjoys going out for a ride.

Spot the sheep.

The following day we walked up to Easedale Tarn near Grasmere. And for anyone who is wondering, no, the girl does not tire easily! Although, it was a hot day and we didn't want to do any steep climbing. The track up to Easedale  is a beautiful walk and a perfect place to head to for a picnic. Quite a few other people thought so too, as thanks to the good weather it was busier than usual up there. Lily and I enjoyed a paddle to cool off but there were a few people who braved the cold in order to go wild swimming in the tarn.

We've been enjoying time in the garden in an evening.The little paddling pool is the perfect way to cool off, and the fabulously bright flamingo swimming costume is getting plenty of wear. Meals are whatever is quick and simple to prepare, much preferring to be outside than stuck in the kitchen. The latest batch of Elderflower cordial is so delicious and refreshing. The perfect summer drink.

The few vegetables we have growing appear to be doing well, even in the heat. We've already tasted the spring onions and lettuce. Sadly, the strawberries have failed again this year. I really don't know what I'm doing wrong. I dug the remains out of the large planter and have replaced them with the tomato plants, which have plenty of flowers on them now, and will hopefully produce some fruit.

This last weekend has been so lovely. We went camping  near Ullswater again and tested out the new tent. We walked around Aira Force where the cool shade of the trees was very welcome, and naturally we had a paddle in the stream. Following a picnic lunch we walked down by the lake. I've never known even the shallow water to feel warm before, that's how hot it's been recently. In the evening we managed another short walk and did some Geocaching. It's a while since we last did any and I sometimes think the adults enjoy it more, although Lily does like the excitement of discovering the little boxes of 'treasure'.

I haven't seen Mog for a few days now, although I'm not worrying as I know she's around somewhere. I think she has found herself somewhere nice and cool to hang out. There are some large trees and long grass to the back of the house and I have a feeling that's where she is. Her food is going down, albeit slowly, and I did hear the catflap at around 5.30 this morning. It would be nice to see her face occasionally, however.

I could easily get used to all of this. It's wonderful to actually feel like it's summer.

J. X

Life Lately

Isn't it always the way,  the longer you leave between posting, the more difficult it can be to get back into it? I can't deny the last few weeks have been difficult for me. Work concerns, financial worries and other issues have all taken their toll, which hopefully explains my lack of posts. Day to day life seems transient and I'm left feeling not quite myself at the moment.  That said, everything remains the same, for now at least, and it is nothing that is insurmountable, I just need to convince myself of that fact. 😊

Last weekend we enjoyed a lovely afternoon in Skipton. We arrived just in time for lunch so we treated ourselves to fish and chips by the canal.  It was unusually quiet, I think we arrived just before it began to get busy. It was lovely and relaxing to sit by the water and watch the canal boats go by and we were joined by a friendly duck who was desperate to get a taste of our chips. We took a stroll around the town and watched the gala day parade (Lily thought it great fun to get sprayed by a water pistol!) then indulged ourselves with a large slice of Bakewell tart and a mug of tea before returning home again.

On Friday I surprised myself. I got up with the intention of going out for a run but once I'd taken Lily to school I really wasn't feeling it. I could have easily returned home and got changed back out of my running gear, but knowing how much better it would make me feel, I thought I would at least try to go a short way, then if I was still feeling rubbish I could just head for home. It was a beautiful morning and once I was on my way I began to feel much brighter. The hedgerows were lined with foxgloves and honeysuckle, and the scent was quite intoxicating. It wasn't long before I found myself settled into a steady pace, my dark cloud began to lift and I just kept going. Once I got back home I calculated I'd run 9 miles, the most I've done in a very long time.

Yesterday I took myself off for a walk in the hope I would be able to find some fresh elderflowers for cordial making. I knew I had left it a bit late this year but it tastes so delicious I hoped I hadn't  missed my opportunity. It was another beautiful morning and fortunately I managed to gather just the amount I needed for my favourite recipe, which is on the sidebar if anyone would like it. The flowers are steeping in the syrup right now and it smells amazing. I'm hoping to get it bottled up this evening. A sure sign that Summer is on it's way.

J. X

I did it!

Last weekend I finally accomplished the challenge I set for myself a few months ago, and it felt so good.

For what seems like a long time now (probably because it is!) I have been trying to improve my fitness, but for one reason or another I've encountered various set backs.

I enjoy running, I really do. It's simple, uncomplicated, like walking but a little faster.  It's accessible whenever I have a bit of spare time.  It doesn't need special equipment or expensive clothing, just some reasonable trainers and a bit of enthusiasm and effort. It enables me to switch off and let my mind wander. In truth, my mind usually wanders to weekly meal planning, daily activities  and chores that need doing, but it at least enables some uninterrupted thinking time. And on top of all that it makes me feel good.

I am incredibly fortunate in that I have some beautiful countryside on my doorstep, and nothing quite beats putting on my trainers and being able to head out in the fresh air early in the morning (not too early, I'm not completely mad!), tractors working the fields, rabbits running across the lanes and the occasional horse leaning over the hedge to say hello. However, running an actual race alongside hordes of 'real' runners would be another matter entirely. It had been more years than I care to remember since I last had a number attached to my front and a timer at the finish line, so to say that I was nervous would be an understatement. I was literally putting myself out there to be counted. It could go one of two ways and either put me off completely or give me the push I needed to encourage me to do more.

Way back in February I made the decision to enter the Morecambe 10K. A flat course along the sea front and as the run didn't start until 11am it meant I didn't have to get up at a ridiculously early hour. Four months meant I had plenty of time to put in some extra miles and slowly build my way up to a longer distance. Of course, things never quite go to plan and I didn't manage as much training as I would have liked, especially during the last week with Lily being on half term - a gentle three miles on the Friday morning was all that I managed. For a few weeks now, I haven't had the chance to make it to the weekly running group either.

Sunday morning arrived and once I'd collected my number and made my way to the start line I found myself surrounded by a lovely, friendly bunch of people. Feeling a bit more relaxed, I tried not to think too much about their t-shirts having the words 'harriers', 'athletics', or 'running club' on them. I double checked my laces and made sure my crazy hair was firmly in place. There was a bit of a panic just before the race began, in that some of us who thought we were stood towards the back of the group were actually stood at the front. The run was starting in the opposite direction to what we thought! We quickly shuffled further back and following some announcements, which no one could really hear, we were off!

It was a beautiful day but sooo hot. The route set off south from the jetty then looped around to head north up the promenade before returning to the jetty once more, and the finish line. Running in amongst so many people took a bit of getting used to and it took me a while to get into a steady pace. Even though it was a 10K, the route was measured out in miles which was a little confusing, especially as I missed seeing the 2 mile marker and I didn't know my bearings, so it was difficult to tell how I was getting on. There was plenty of friendly banter between the runners though, and a really supportive atmosphere. 

Before I knew it I could see the finish line. I don't wear a watch and so far I  haven't timed any of my training runs, but I was pleased with what I achieved and it has given my confidence a much needed boost. Having said that,  I'm sure I could have gone faster had I known they were handing out Wagon Wheels at the finish! If anything can get me to run, then it's the lure of chocolate. But I did it! And for me, that in itself is so much more than my race time.

Will I enter another? Well, there's a ten mile run in August which is currently tempting me. 

J. X