October Catch Up

Somehow we've arrived at the end of October and although I'm often saying how fast a week or month has gone by, this time I really mean it. I feel as though I've fallen a whole week behind. Time to take a breath and catch up on what I've been up to recently.

At the beginning of our half-term week we took a trip to the coast and enjoyed an overnight stay, enabling us to visit Sandsend, Robin Hood's Bay and Whitby.

On our arrival we were treated to some wonderfully bracing, autumnal sea air. It was blowing a hoolie, which made sure any lingering cobwebs were immediately blown away. Following an invigorating walk along the shore at Sandsend, we were more than happy to warm ourselves with a hot drink, whilst gazing out to sea from the shelter of the beach café. It was just the kind of autumn weather I was hoping for when I booked for this time of year and I wasn't disappointed. Later on I treated myself to two small Christmas tree decorations from a nearby store but I've hidden them away for the time being.
Even though we were only away for one night, it felt like longer and we had a lovely time exploring the area. In Whitby the town's gothic vibe lent itself perfectly to the time of year and many of the shop windows were decorated in a spooktacular fashion. We wandered the narrow cobbled streets and, of course, the 199 steps, which lead to St. Mary's Church. We spent a while on Tate Hill Beach where Lily kindly gave her latest stick to an adorable dog named Rocky, which made him very happy. In Robin Hood's Bay we followed the Sea Wall trail towards the shore and spent sometime at the Old Coastguard's Station before making the steep climb back through the village.  With all the walking we did, it meant we definitely earned our fish and chip supper, which was absolutely delicious. I'm convinced fish and chips taste so much better when eaten by the sea.

Our second trip of the week was to Allan Bank National Trust property in Grasmere. Although, not a conventional property, it had been beautifully decorated for Hallowe'en both indoors and out, with an array of crafts and activities available for children.

With big sisters on hand to join in the fun, we had a great day out. Again, the weather was perfectly autumnal and the grounds were a stunning backdrop for the pumpkin trail, where we had to hunt for the different carved pumpkins along the paths and draw their faces, in order to win a chocolate ghost. 🎃 We even braved walking alongside the haunted graveyard and through the spine-tingling tunnel, but it was fine, just the right amount of spooky. 👻

As usual, we've been enjoying our regular woodland walks close to home and there are becoming an ever increasing amount of leaves to kick through. I always look forward to the pumpkin display each year. 🎃

On Sunday we visited Aira Force. Our original plans had been thwarted due to some (now resolved) car issues, but as substitutes go I couldn't complain, and it was so lovely to see the falls in all their autumn glory 🍁🍂🍃 and we even managed to spot a red squirrel. 

We enjoyed our walk followed by a picnic and might have indulged in a hot chocolate at the nearby café. Another wonderful day full of life's simple pleasures.

Today is Hallowe'en and this evening we will be carving (yet) another pumpkin to put outside the front door in anticipation of receiving small visitors 🎃 and Lily is very excited to dress up as a skeleton.

Today is also Mog's four year adoption anniversary. Doesn't she look thrilled? 😸

J. X

A Very Ordinary Day

I can't deny, I am relieved this week has gone by quickly. These dark mornings are making it more and more difficult for me to get out of bed early each day, and once again I'm more than ready for the break our half-term brings. A time to unwind, unhurried mornings and days to do whatever I please.

Today has been one such day. After enjoying my first coffee of the day in bed, I spent the next hour or so lazily putting a wash on, ironing and having a general tidy up of the downstairs rooms before breakfast.

Now that the weather has turned cooler, one thing I do look forward to each morning is a delicious bowl of hot porridge. I always make this on the hob, never in the microwave. Now I'm not someone for whom it can keep me going until lunchtime, but it definitely helps me make it through to my mid morning snack. 😆 And to go with it I've also discovered the perfect use for my leftover blackberries, which have been taking up room in the freezer since August - compote. *

Breakfast over, I finally got around to colouring my hair, which I'm sure would have proved a far less arduous task had I not kept putting it off for several weeks. Mog, who was sleeping on the bed ocassionally opening one eye just to see what I was doing.
The rest of the day was spent working my way through various household chores, including a trip to the supermarket, and drinking copious amounts of coffee. Lunch was quite delicious - leftover curry from last night, which just needed heating through. Yum!

The best part of the day, however,  has been the fact that my hip is feeling absolutely fine, not so much as a twinge, even following a short run with a friend last night, and also my sore throat has all but disappeared. This makes me so happy. Thank you  all so much for your concern, I hope I've seen the last of any ailments for a while now.

This evening I've baked some flapjack, the candles are lit and I intend to read a few chapters of my book.

J. X

*To make the compote, weigh the blackberries and add half their weight in sugar - I used some leftover jam sugar which gives a slightly firmer set. Add to a pan and heat gently until the fruit softens and it begins to simmer. Add a generous pinch of ground cinnamon and ground cloves and continue to simmer for approximately five minutes. Pour into a jar and allow to cool.

It's delicious served on porridge or stirred into natural yoghurt. The cinnamon and cloves add a tasty seasonal flavour.

Sunny Morning at Sizergh

At the weekend and with the promise of a sunny day, we took a trip out to Sizergh Castle. It had been a while since our last visit there and, with my hip still causing discomfort, it was just enough for me to be able to enjoy a gentle pootle around the gardens and appreciate the autumn colour.

The castle itself looked glorious in the autumn sunshine. We've looked around the rooms on previous visits but on such a beautiful day we were only interested in enjoying it from the outside. Also, our boots were so muddy, I doubt they would have let us in anyway!

As we arrived shortly after ten o'clock, it was still lovely and quiet. In the courtyard they were gearing up for the Greenwood Fair. This is an annual event to celebrate the woodlands on the Sizergh estate, which includes guided walks, demonstrations and stalls. We had a quick look around but soon set off for the seclusion of the woodland knoll which overlooks the small pond. On our last visit, in February, the trees were bare and there were clumps of snowdrops scattered to the edge of the pathway. This time a light carpet of russet leaves covered the ground.

With Lily leading the way (and me hobbling along behind) we made our way around the beautiful rock garden, where the Acers are putting on an amazing display, through the orchard, stopping to say hello to the chickens and along to the Mirror Lake at the front of the castle, which was covered in lily pads. Following a brief chocolate break we visited my favourite part of the castle - the kitchen garden. They manage to grow a large variety of produce here, much of which is used in the café. By the look of things this will soon include a lot of leeks and kale. The sunflowers at the entrance to the greenhouse were huge!

We had a peek in the greenhouse, being careful to close the door quickly behind us. Apparently, Charlie the cat has a habit of lying on the plants!

He didn't appear to mind, however. 🐈🐈🐈

J. X

Enjoying the Season

Or, at least, we are trying to in between the downpours. Autumn has arrived here in typical northern style. Wet and windy. Beautiful sunshine one minute, then dark and pouring with rain the next.

This week has felt long. I've been struggling with a hip problem and now I'm very aware of the beginnings of a cold. I suppose the weather should be the perfect excuse to cosy-in and rest up.

Mother Nature is doing her thing. The earth is preparing to slow down for the winter with a wonderful display, and at the weekend we walked through the woods, taking it all in. The leaves are falling fast and we had fun trying to catch them before they landed. Mum - 1. Lily - 0, although in fairness I've had a few more years of practice.

Our boots have taken up permanent position by the front door. I wouldn't consider anything less at his time of year - warm, dry toes are a priority for me. The ground is so muddy. Soggy leaves, beech nuts and conkers get everywhere. I try not to be too concerned on the occasions mud is trampled in the house, it's soon swept up.

The amount of conkers on the coffee table is increasing by the day. I collect them every autumn. It's something that immediately takes me back to childhood and I love that Lily enjoys it too. The gingerbread candle has been lit in an evening and it smells amazing and the knitted pumpkins have taken their seasonal place upon the mantel.

This week I've been particularly busy in the kitchen. Everything has been cooked from scratch - yes, even the post swimming class pizza! I've surprised myself. There's nothing I like better than comfort food at this time of year, especially if it's simple and delicious, and one of my favourites is a risotto.

Butternut squash and sage risotto:

1 small squash cut into chunks
50g butter
1 onion
2 teaspoons dried sage
300g arborio rice
Approximately 1.5 litres vegetable stock
50g hard cheese

Roast the squash in a medium oven for around 20 minutes. 
Gently cook the onions in the butter. Stir in rice, sage, adding the vegetable stock a little at a time, until cooked.
Mash up half the squash (I use a fork to do this) and stir through the rice along with the cheese.
Serve up in bowls with the rest of the squash scattered on top.

Thank you to everyone who left such kind words on my last post. I'm happy to report the school situation appears to have been resolved but it is something I will be keeping a close eye on.

J. X