We're experiencing the most dreadful weather this week, it's very wet, cold and stormy. Gusty, icy rain showers, freezing hail storms, furious winds whipping through the streets. It's made the school run really horrid, even with jazzy wellies to wear. The house has taken a real battering today, the rain has lashed against the windows and doors, the wind has whistled relentlessly down the chimneys, and water has dripped mournfully through the bay window roof. Drip, drip, drip.
Little Man continues to do battle with the lurgy and spent another mostly horizontal day home from school.
Which has meant that we've had a second enforced Stay-home Day. But given the state of the weather, it's not been a bad thing by any means. We've had a wee bit of cabin fever, with Little B being a tad on the naughty side due to boredom I suspect, but well, it's been OK. There's been lots of time for me to hang out with my boys. Chatting, singing, snuggling, reading, watching recorded episodes of Postman Pat (Little B's favourite), and generally just hanging out.
We baked this morning Little B and I, yesterday too, it's what I do when one of my Littlies is poorly. Any whiff of a high temperature or achy limbs and I go straight to the kitchen to bake. It's my stress relief mechanism. I made buns yesterday, iced and decorated with glitter and sugar snowflakes. Today it was fruity flapjack. Little B stands on a chair to help, and he's surprisingly good for an under two. He wears a sweet little apron that belonged to Little Man when he was small.
The heat from the oven steams up the kitchen window, I just love it when this happens. Love to stand in a warm kitchen inhaling the scent of something sweet baking and see my little window all steamed up.
Right in front of the steamy window is my beloved coffee machine, which I absolutely cannot do without. I've had it for many years now and I've come to wholeheartedly look forward to my morning coffee at home each day. Always in the same stripy cup. Always with a dusting of chocolate powder on the top, and always with my sweet little melamine spoon for all important froth-scooping. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Mid morning and it's snack time, so I hand out warm-from-the-oven flapjacks and various bits of fruit. I smile to myself as I watch Little B making short work of his satsuma, that Little Boy really does love his fruit. The word Scoff springs to mind. Just as his chequered apron belonged to Little Man, so did his bowl. More smiles from Mummy, and more memories layering new upon old.
Late morning and I suddenly realise with a jolt that we are a whole week into Advent and my Advent Garland is missing. Holy-moly!!! What a slip-up!!! The box of Advent/pre Christmas bits and bobs came down from the Attic eaves weeks ago when I brought out the Christmas House tin, I just forgot to get out the garland. Ahhhhhhhh I'm SO happy to see it hanging once again, it made my heart squeeze a little with so many memories already attached to it. Do you remember me making it?? This'll be it's third advent.
After lunch (cheese and ham sandwiches for the boys, a bowl of left over chicken and barley casserole for me), Little Man retreats to his bedroom for a while and I take over the sofa with Little B. Little B loves sofa-snuggling. He loves to surround himself with cushions (the round one made from Kool Kotton is his fave, he's very sweetly possessive about it) and get his little legs tucked under a blankie. He often gets himself in place, shouts loudly to get my attention and then pats the spot of spare sofa directly to his left. In other words, Mummeeeeee-come-sit. Mummeeeee-come-snuggle. Ahhhh ok then, I'll be right there in a jiffy. Let me just bring my magazine (January issue of Country Homes and Interiors, my-my, it's pages are making my heart leap about!)
Later in the afternoon and Little B sleeps. I make tea and decide to sit at my desk in front of my laptop to work a little pattern through. Small, neat rounds of amigurumi involving some furious counting. I'll show you tomorrow when/if I manage to actually get out the house, get to the shops and find/purchase some suitable beady eyes.
Early evening and thank goodness, back home after a freezing cold and windy walk to school and back. Poor Little Man, with his weak and wibbly legs, I did feel sorry for him, it was awful weather to battle against when one's body is Not Well. I made a gently spiced, super tasty curry for dinner, a fanTAStic recipe passed to me by my mother-in-law. I love to make a sauce from scratch, to use whole, honest ingredients, fresh herbs and spices. I'll do one of my On-The-Menu posts soon and pass you the recipe, it's a good'n'.
It's gone 9pm here now, and I am feeling weary. It's been a funny old day. A mix of mild stress and cosy comfort. Of shut-in irritation and home-loving content. I'm off to the land of fluffed up feathers very soon, to snuggle down between crisp cotton sheets and my warm woolly blanket, a hot water bottle at my feet. I've got a date with page 37 of my magazine, where I am seriously lusting after this.
Sweet dreams one and all ♥
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fab post Lucy - you have spoilt us with posts this week. I do hope your little man is feeling better. The photos of little B making fruity flapjacks mad me smile :-) Hope you have better weather for the school run tomorrow :-) Nikki x
Posted by: Nikki Relffe-Arnold | December 08, 2011 at 09:40 PM
Even though you were shut in it sounds like you had a wondeful day, so many little happenings, how cute is little b every time you tell me something else about that boy I smile, patting the couch he is such a mummy's boy lucky you. I hope the little man feels better soon much love xx
Posted by: beberouge | December 08, 2011 at 09:46 PM
Lovely posts, I agree, so honest, I like the lurgy, it's a word we used to use, Ha made me laugh. It's nice that you are at home with the littlies and can be there for them. Well done!
Posted by: Julie Clay | December 08, 2011 at 09:55 PM
So cozy in your Attic. I'd love to be there with you and learn something hooky! Did you ever post the directions for your Star Garland? I'd love to make one.
Thank you for inviting me into your home.
Jane
Posted by: Jane Swanson | December 08, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Your lovely heart warming blog cheers up even the most chilling of weather!
xxx
Posted by: mel | December 08, 2011 at 10:02 PM
Such a lovely post, I just love your blog and look forwards to reading about your days. I can almost smell your baking as I read! Hope little man is soon better,
Pam x
Posted by: Pam | December 08, 2011 at 10:10 PM
I think our kitchen roof and your bay window roof would get on just fine together. We've got a paint tray under ours, catching the deluge.
Also discovered this week that my wellies have holes in. Bummer. Am thinking of going shopping for snowboots on Saturday, give me a shout if you fancy a coffee x
Posted by: Heather | December 08, 2011 at 10:15 PM
Despite the illness and awful weather, it sounds like a lovely at home day and I so wish I could do the same!
I've had that tree and birds wall sticker on my mental wishlist for ages, but the postage cost is high for the price of it and that annoys me so I keep refusing to buy it!! ]
I haven't peeked inside my new CHI mag yet but the cover got me quite excited! I'm saving it for the chrismas hols so I can savour it when I'm off work!
Posted by: louise | December 08, 2011 at 10:16 PM
Cheered me up no end! Really gloomy here today too- howling winds around the house and plenty of rain.The cats and I were under a blanket on the sofa this afternoon.Only sensible thing to do when it is like it is today.
Hope small person is better soon.
Posted by: Kate | December 08, 2011 at 10:21 PM
Lovely to see your bright and cosy home - I know what you mean about today's weather - I visited your town today for a little bit of Chrissie shopping and nearly blew off the road near the reservoir - did find some lovely gifts though
Posted by: Melanie | December 08, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Hi Lucy!! Hope Little Man is on the mend soon! I love reading your cozy and homey posts! And I love the fact that your windows steam up when you bake...mine do to! The "joys" of old houses, especially the drip, drip of the leaky roof :) Be Merry!!!
Posted by: debbie | December 08, 2011 at 10:27 PM
Oh dear, I think my tomorrow may mirror your today. My Little Man just made it through his nativity today but I suspect he'll be having a sofa day tomorrow. Terrible cough and a hint of a temperature. At least a temperature doesn't mean an automatic trip to the Newcastle RVI for us anymore.
I love your advent garland and I've made a few of those stars. I think I may have to get one ready for next year.
Sleep tight, hopefully nothing will blow away :-/
Posted by: Rachael Iddon | December 08, 2011 at 10:31 PM
the weather, the cold and darkness here (new mexico) is terrible also and i am battling the winter blues with winterish decorations and baking.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/purejuice/
curry is a wonderful idea, why don't i do that? and tea! and crochet! and snuggly blankets!
Posted by: jeannette | December 08, 2011 at 10:38 PM
Awww I had a similar moment with my boy today - holding hands on the couch. I really wanted to get a snap of that shot but I didn't want to spoil the moment. Had some bad news re my very ill brother and it made me think of my brother when he was a child - not that I knew him then - but I imagine him to be just like my son. Anyways.... losing the thread... i wanted to know why your stripy mug always looks weirdly wonky - is it?? xx
Posted by: Hazel | December 08, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Oh my goodness I would have kept everyone at home today...including hubby LOL!! The thought of you and the kids walking in that weather awful....and dangerous with stuff flying around...not to mention loose slates. You are brave!
Posted by: Joyce Stewart | December 08, 2011 at 10:40 PM
I'll keep it short and sweet, as you probably are not up for my ramblings.... I want that SPOON with the OWL...That's it, now off to bed with you.
Posted by: Kate - The Garden Bell | December 08, 2011 at 11:02 PM
You've been watching may the best house win haven't you, me too, loved the bathroom with the bird and tree wall stickers.
Posted by: Karen | December 08, 2011 at 11:16 PM
Dear Lucy so dark and wet down this way and rain beating down just as the children are going home from school. The wind can be heard outside now but at least it is warm inside. Almost the weekend! xx
Posted by: Sarah west mids uk | December 08, 2011 at 11:21 PM
I do remember when you made the advent garland! Sorry Little Man is feeling so bad. It is stressful when our children are sick... even when they get to be big kids! Please tell Little Man that a lady from Maryland hopes he feels better soon. Looking forward to the recipe sharing. I was happy to read your recommendation for the slow cooker book... ordered myself one right away!
Posted by: Jennifer | December 08, 2011 at 11:40 PM
You can make a 'bad' day ..perfect! I can just feel the cozy wozy times and the light 'cabin fever' settin gin , but absolutely making the best of it :)
Posted by: PJ | December 08, 2011 at 11:46 PM
How you can make even a sick day sound good. And the sticker is cheap as chips and I demand that you order it for yourself straight away. I'm sure your lovely husband would be very pleased to give it to you for Christmas! You have been good, haven't you????
Posted by: Ali | December 08, 2011 at 11:51 PM
Here in Eastern Australia we've had the dampest, coldest start to summer in fifty years, nothing like what you're experiencing of course, but enough to grey the mind. Today the sky is a brilliant blue with golden sunshine pouring down and a lovely twenty four degrees. That's more like it!
I stopped down the beach on the way to work, looked at the glittering ocean and was reminded how much you love the sea too. So I said hello to it for you.
Posted by: Rose | December 08, 2011 at 11:53 PM
Wishing L.M. a speedy recovery.Love Little B's watch:)Flapjacks sound good.My youngest came in just now asking for something sweet.I miss the snuggle times.Can't wait to see your amigurumi project. I love to do sauce from scratch too.I make a HUge batch and can it for quick meals later.Love the owl spoon.Hope tomorrow will be better.
Posted by: angela-southern USA | December 08, 2011 at 11:55 PM
We just heard here (in Oz) that Scotland got blown 10' to the west. Just as well your home is so warm, cosy, and loving - a perfect palce to be shut in. Here? Is heading to 35* (C) and horrible hot north wind. Scary bushfire weather. Have a wonderful merry warm Christmas!!!
Posted by: Jasmine | December 08, 2011 at 11:55 PM
I love this post! (And I'm excited you linked back those recipes-- I am certainly going to be trying them!) I'm sorry one isn't feeling well :-( Hope tomorrow is sunshiney!
Posted by: Eliz. K | December 09, 2011 at 01:38 AM