Autumnal

Autumn is gathering pace, here, and I usually find that once the bracken begins to die back, the landscape takes on a completely different hue. Vibrant greens change to rich russet browns, hidden tracks reveal themselves once more and the trails, which are well trodden during the summer months, become much, much quieter. You might be able to tell, I've decided that I'm throwing myself into all things autumn this month, and it's proving to be an excellent distraction for me. 

My working week continues to be busy, with the possibility of extra hours for me moving forwards. And so, alongside all of my other responsibilities, it becomes even more important for me to take care of myself. This is not always easy, but I realise it is essential if I wish to maintain my wellbeing. I've begun cycling to work again, most days, which I'm really enjoying (the boss is also very impressed by this), and I'm also starting to take better care over my diet. The slow cooker has come into its own, again, and this week I cooked a tasty stew in it, which I'll be eating for dinner, a second time, this evening. Meals are kept simple, unfussy, and served up with lots of vegetables, including my home grown and pickled beetroot, which is absolutely delicious. However, in a bit of a blow, I've recently discovered that, along with mushrooms, bread is also not my friend. That said, since cutting it out of my diet, I have noticed a huge improvement in my joint stiffness, so I'll just have to save it for an occasional treat, from now on.

Speaking of food, I only realised, this week, that the none of the links on my recipe page have been working. So if you've been trying to access any of them, I can only apologise. You might be pleased to know that they're all fixed now, and whilst I was going through them all, it was also quite lovely to look back at some of my older blog posts. How time flies. In my reply to a comment on my previous post, I mentioned how fast life has become, and how I miss the slower pace to my days when my children were small. This made me realise just how much creating memories and traditions is important to me. Just this week, Lily has 'insisted' that we hang up our string of pumpkin fairy lights, and the reason that I noticed the issue with my recipe page, was because I had been searching for my bonfire toffee recipe. I'll be making some very soon, as I always do, this time, each year,

Another tradition that I enjoy, is going for an autumn walk. Not the kind of walk that needs a lot of preparation, but the low-level, gentle paced kind of walk. where I can kick through the leaves and enjoy the beautiful ever-changing scenery. Shortly after setting off from Ambleside, Lily spotted two deer in the field beside the track. They are always magical to see, but especially on a misty autumn morning.

Thankfully, Lily doesn't yet feel that she's too grown up to eat oak leaf shaped ginger biscuits, which makes me incredibly happy. So, last week, when she requested that I bake some, of course I was more than happy to oblige. I did enjoy making them, however, and they are very delicious. Even better, was that we found the perfect spot beside High Sweden Bridge, where we could sit and enjoy them. 

It was a lovely walk from Ambleside towards Rydal, taking in the stunning grounds of Rydal Hall. It was here that we paused again, to enjoy a pumpkin spice scone and a hot chocolate at the tea room, overlooking Rydal Beck.

They warmed it especially for me. 😁

From Rydal Hall, we walked down through Dora's Field, then across the bridge towards the lake shore.

Then, of course we had to cross these stepping stones as we passed by - it is tradition, after all.

As autumn walks go, this one was pretty perfect. I even got to wear my woolly hat.

This week, I will be preparing for Hallowe'en. We don't go all out, here, but I always like to decorate the porch, and I make sure we have plenty of treats in for any callers we may get. The home grown pumpkins are looking good at the moment, but we might still take a trip to the pumpkin patch if there's time.

Back soon. 

J. X

Moments

It's been an incredibly busy and stressful two weeks, although I'm hopeful things might be a little more settled moving forwards, for a short while, at least. The chance of life slowing down any time soon has all but gone.  I feel wrung out. I don't sleep well at the best of times, and it has been even more of a challenge given the recent turn of events, not to mention I haven't been eating well, which has been through lack of opportunity, not choice. I've had little time to take stock, but I'm very aware things needs to change. I need to pare back, prioritise and seek out some moments of calm. 

I will intentionally give swimming a miss today. As much as I will miss it, as I've come to really enjoy my weekly sessions, I just need a moment in my day where I am not rushing about in order to achieve something. I imagine that anyone who is a carer for a friend or relative can resonate with this. Constantly putting the other person's needs before our own, comes naturally, but not without cost. Please don't think I am complaining. I realise that I am in a privileged position where I am able to be around to help, but balancing all my responsibilities is proving rather difficult. 

You can imagine my relief when last weekend arrived and I had half a day when I didn't need to be anywhere. Even better, the sun was shining, it was a beautiful early autumn morning. A moment to slow down, take a breath, and (try to) relax, so a walk through the deer park seemed like a delightful idea. Unlike the previous day, there was very little breeze and it was warm. It was so lovely. Of course, I had dressed for cooler weather, so it wasn't long before I needed to remove a layer or two. I was slightly miffed that it wasn't the weather for hat wearing, as my hair might have been much better hidden beneath one. It is looking quite 'neglected' at the moment. In fact, I probably won't be needing to dress up this Hallowe'en, I just need a broomstick :)  

Our walk took us through an avenue of trees, then along by the river. Leaves were gently falling all around us, but it will still be several weeks before autumn displays it's true colours. The deer are dark in colour, and as they were alongside the wall, well away from the path, I didn't even try to take a photograph of them. It is always so lovely to see them though. They make in impressive sight when they are running through the park.

Something else impressive were the cakes we treated ourselves to, from the bakery at Levens Hall. Carrot cake, and Beetroot and Chocolate cake. So yummy! The hot chocolates we had were delicious as well. 

We sat in the courtyard for a while, enjoying watching the bees busying themselves among the flowers.

Then we walked back along the opposite side of the river. The trees beautifully reflected in the water. I managed to take this photograph just a moment before one of those stones landed with a huge splash, right in the middle, there. Lily just couldn't help herself. Don't worry, there weren't any ducks close by. 

Almost as soon as I'd returned to the car, it was as though a bubble burst. The moment was gone and I was back to worrying about things, once again. It is uncertain as to how the situation will be navigated, moving forwards, but for the time being I will continue to do everything I can, while relishing those in between moments, in order to re-fill my cup. 

The first thing on my list, will be sorting my hair out. 

J. X

From Summer into Autumn

 

And just like that, we stumbled into autumn. The last day of summer was quite beautiful here, and I spent some time in the garden doing a little bit of tidying. One of my surprise sunflowers had opened up and, although a little late, it was lovely to see. The second sunflower is waiting patiently for it's moment to shine, but I think this week's forecast sunshine might just provide the encouragement it needs. 

The pumpkins are turning more and more orange with each passing day. 🎃

My lovely acer, which still needs repotting. A job for next weekend, I think. 

In the evening we watched the last of the summer sun set above the Lakeland fells. It was a beautiful way to end our summer, even if it had been a rather disappointing one this year. Let's hope autumn more than makes up for it. 

The following day we set off from Borrowdale, and walked up High Spy and Maiden Moor. Two more Wainwrights ticked off, but more importantly, a wonderful day up on the fells. It was a steep ascent, but the views towards Keswick were stunning, and by setting off from Grange we managed to avoid the crowds on Catbells. Also, my foot held up well, which was a huge relief. Autumn colours were already starting to show, but I am looking forward to a far more glorious display as we head through October.

This week, just as life was ticking along quite nicely, I was thrown a curve ball, and have spent much of my time driving up and down the motorway, visiting a family member who is in hospital. In between times, I've been attempting to juggle work and family life, including keeping the routine as steady as possible for Lily. I feel exhausted. It would have been very easy for me to miss my weekly swim session, but instead I made the effort, and I'm so glad I did. It felt good to do something for myself, even if only for a short while. And it's going to be much of the same for this coming week, at least. So, in between times, I need to remind myself to seek out those small moments that make me happy.

Speaking of which. Look what I found on my way to work yesterday :)

J. X

Enjoying the Last Days of Summer

 

Although the nights are drawing in rathers quickly now, I have still been making the most of these last summer days. If you've been reading here for a while now, you won't need any reminding of my need to soak up every last ray of warm sunshine before the colder  weather is here to stay. Winters here can be long and dark, and let's just say I'm not a fan of rain. 

I'm thrilled to say that Lily's first full week at secondary school has been a positive one. She certainly seems to have settled well, which has been incredibly reassuring for me. I'll find out more next week, when I get the opportunity to speak to her teachers at the open evening. 

My return to work has also gone smoothly, especially given that my my role was adjusted, literally the evening before I went back. I don't know why I was surprised by this, but I'll not get too comfortable, as it will, no doubt, change again before very long.

The last few weekends we've enjoyed spending some time at the beach. I had a yearning to breathe in the fresh sea air, and to feel soft, warm sand beneath my feet. 

One evening, we went to Blackpool to see the Illuminations. We kept with tradition, starting off with a fish and chip supper in Bispham, then we caught the tram along the promenade, towards the Tower. It was a lovely warm evening, and perfect for watching the amazing firework display, from our bench on the pier. I may have also treated myself to some freshly cooked doughnuts. Very sugary, very delicious :)

This week I've been resting, as much as possible, following an injection into my foot. I'm really hopeful this will help relieve the pain I've been experiencing, but only time will tell. To further help with this, I'm taking an extended break from running. Instead, I've started swimming once a week, in an attempt to keep my fitness levels up. 

I've finally got around to pickling some of the beetroot. There are still quite a few left to harvest, which I will try to do this week. 

And the pumpkins are ripening! Autumn is on the way. 🍂

J. X