Snowballs and Sledging

I can't tell you how relieved I am that I made the decision to return home early yesterday. Heavy snowfall and un-gritted roads are not a good combination and many people were stuck in their cars for hours. Some managed to secure hotel rooms, while others less fortunate sought refuge in community buildings, opened specifically to provide overnight accommodation for those who were stranded. Not ideal, but at least they would have been safe and warm. The warning, which advised against all but essential travel, came much too late for some, as an unprecedented amount of snow fell on this part of the country.

My plans for today had originally included a festive visit to a nearby property and gardens. However, with the road conditions being what they were, I had no intention of driving anywhere. And in any case, like many other businesses, early this morning they announced that they would be staying closed. This was for the safety of all their staff, as well as any visitors. With nowhere to go, instead, Lily and I spent some of this morning building 'Snowy' the snowman. The snow was just right for it, not too dry and it held together well. We had a lot of fun, and I think he looks rather good. The cats were far less impressed with the white stuff and have spent much of the day fast asleep on my bed.

This afternoon we went sledging in the fields at the back of our house. There is a small hill right in the middle, which is just the right size for sledging and not too steep. It is also is a safe distance away from any fences or walls. That said, I'm sure Lily spent more time lying on the snow than she did sledging on it, but we had a great time, and I lost count of the amount of snowballs that were thrown. 

While we were out, I got a message to say that the school will be staying closed tomorrow. This came as no surprise, as many roads are still impassable and temperatures are, once again, set to drop below freezing overnight. 

J. X

Snow!

This morning I had planned to go foraging for some greenery, so that I could make a start on creating my door wreath. I missed having a wreath last year and I do love how they make a house look so welcoming and festive. 

Wrapped up warmly, we set out nice and early, before there was anyone else around. Everywhere was so quiet and still. It felt as though the whole world was ours and ours alone. Well, this small corner of it, at least. The sky which had been a gorgeous pink colour when we first set out, now appeared full and heavy. A few light snow flurries fell through the the air, but the forecast hadn't shown anything to be too concerned about. I know better than to get too excited at the first signs of any snow, as it usually turns out to be rather disappointing. 

We walked through the village and up the lane before heading back across the fields and along by the river, which is where I usually find the best branches. As well as some greenery, I also managed to gather some fir cones, although they were a little tricky to spot beneath the ever increasing amount of snow, which by this time was beginning to settle over the path.

It was not my original intention and I'm not certain what made me realise we should head back home at this time, but I am so relieved that we did. The snow continued to fall thick and fast. 

This afternoon we played some Christmas music and set about decorating the house. Many of the local roads are now impassable and we have been advised against all but essential travel. Tomorrow, I think I will be staying home. I might even make my wreath. 

J. X

December

Well, it would seem I previously spoke a little too soon about turning corner but I think I am now finally on the mend. All aches and pains have all but disappeared and I'm even feeling grateful that my overwhelming fatigue has once again been replaced by feeling tired for an actual reason. It is a busy time of year at work and excitement is slowly building. I arrived this morning to one of my colleagues playing 'All I want for Christmas is you' at full blast, which got everyone feeling festive, and was quite a rousing start to the day. I just hope we don't all peak too soon. 

As many of you know, I like to post a little something each day on the run up to Christmas. Over the years I've gotten to enjoy these chatty little posts, reminders of familiar Christmas traditions and creating new ones. 

As in previous years the advent stockings have been hung above the fireplace. It's been a long time since I needed to lift Lily up so that she could reach inside for her chocolate each morning. As she gets older no doubt our traditions will change slightly,  but I hope we can always capture the magic of the festive season. After all you should never be too old to search the skies on Christmas Eve.

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