8.38pm and I just this minute legged it up two flights of stairs to go take in the evening light. GORgeous, isn't it just?? My June view is looking lush and green and typically mid-summer after rather a lot of mixed up sunshine-and-rain this month. We've had a lot of wet weather of late. Oodles of it. But today has been bright and golden and gorgeous and I've loved feeling the heat of the sun on my face as I went about my day.
My June calendar has a lot of scribbles on it. Mixed up dates (I keep getting things ludicrously wrong), cancelled appointments and re-scheduled visits, forgotten birthdays. But here we are almost at the end of the month and it's not been so bad really. We've muddled and we've scribbled and we're nearly through. Tweet-tweet-tweet, aren't those little fabric June birds sweet?
My Ideal Home calendar hangs by my desk and I find the images so restful and calming, such a pleasure to gaze at day after day. I look at that picture and I think to myself, oh yes, I remember our last house where we had an expanse of lawn dandelion infested grass, and how lovely it was to set the table for an al fresco Summer meal, to sit and eat whilst feeling the cool twiddle of grass between bare toes. I don't have a lawn any more to twiddle my toes in, but neither do I have to hold heated debates with J over who's turn it is to get the lawn mower out.
No lawn then, but oh I am enjoying my weeny walled back yard this year! My pots are looking fuller by the day, the wet weather has certainly been good for growth. I'd still like to have a lot more greenery out here (I'm fancying some big oversized tubs to grow small trees and bushy-leafy things), but for now it does very nicely. Morning coffee, a quick lunch, a glass of something chilled in the late afternoon, I'm really enjoying my time spent out here.
That funny old wall with it's chipped render and green mould has really grown on me this year. I was all for painting it and sprucing it up last year, but am glad now that I left it be.
I've got lots of geraniums on the go at the moment, a mixture of upright ones and trailing ones. The above flower has just bloomed for the first time this week (it's one of the trailers sitting in a pot on top of the wall), and oh my the colour is magnificent.
My sweet peas are a bit slow/late in getting going but that's ok. I'm really looking forward to them, I bought some old fashioned variety that supposedly has amazing scent.
This little blue bench thingy sits right outside my kitchen door and brings me a lot of pleasure I have to say. I've got mint, chives and flat leafed parsley growing here, and I absolutely love love love stepping out with a pair of scissors to snippety-snip a little something to go in the cooking. Today I made sweet potato and smoked mackerel fishcakes, with fresh parsley from right there. They were yum. I had to chuckle to myself, nipping to my desk, firing up my laptop and Googling "Attic24 Fishcakes" in order to find and recall my own recipe. Bloody marvelous thing this blogging you know.
In the sunny part of my back yard I've got thyme and rosemary growing, lovely little snips to go with garlic roasted veggies. I'm trying to eat as healthily as I can at the moment, trying to resist the (alarmingly powerful) urge to combat stress by comfort eating all manner of sickly sweet but hugely desirable foodstuffs. It's working to a point. I'm eating an awful lot of fruit. I really wanted to show you the amazing ripe cherries I bought from the market at the weekend (deep red glossy fruits in a beautiful blue-glazed mexican dish, a fantastic photo opportunity), but by the time I got my camera I realised that I'd eaten nearly all of them. There was rather more mexican bowl than fruit. Only six cherries left actually.
I've been keeping very busy this past week or so, busy doing the things that need doing around here. Taking pleasure in piling, hanging, pegging, un-pegging, folding and re-piling. And sniffing of course. Lots of laundry inhaling been going on, it calms my soul to inhale the scent of sun-dried and freshly laundered cotton articles.
Mid summer, and I dug out my snuggly winter socks last week. My feet have been feeling cold, especially in the early mornings. And when I say early I really do mean it :: Little B is waking up his bouncy little body shortly before five ay-em most mornings. I went through a spell last week of really wholeheartedly resenting this fact, my-my but I was getting my knickers in a twist over these enforced early starts. Not so this week. I'm taking a different approach this week and am embracing the 4.45am starts, bringing Little B downstairs for some lovely sofa snuggle/playtime before the rest of the family awakes. The ripple blanket has been such a comfort on these mornings, I love it's instant warmth and cosiness, it's quite the perfect blanket to have hanging around the place.
One of the things that has not been happening much in recently weeks is The Tidying. Quite frankly, I simply cannot be bothered to do it at the moment, it's such a thankless task. When I stopped to think about how many times each day I was putting Little B's toys back in that basket there it was mind boggling. I seemed to be continuously stooped over tidying things up, only to find them slung back on the floor minutes later. So now I just leave it, and hope no one trips over and breaks any bones. The upside to this messy existence is that when Little B begins his toddling day at 4.45am, his toys are all ready and waiting for him right where he left them. What a Marvelous Mummy I am!!
Little Man is an early riser too, not quite in Little B's league, but usually around 6am or so. This morning he decided to bake and ice a batch of buns before breakfast. Uh-huh, before breakfast. I don't know if this is freaky-abnormal for an eight year old boy, but I don't much care, I love that it happens. Very much so.
It's been such a long time since any hooky business appeared here in the Attic, and for that I really am sorry. I have been hooking away quietly in the background, but haven't managed to find time to share all that I've been doing. Right now in my bag is a lovely stash of bamboo/cotton yarn and a few little animals. I'm making some crochet toys to sell at a summer fayre in a few weeks time, but so far the sum of my efforts amounts to two finished rabbits plus the head (minus ears) of a third so I'm not doing very well really. I promise I'll share more yarn and pattern details when I can find time to photograph and write, but at the moment I really do need to crack on with the actual making part.
Ahhhhhhhh my cherished Attic View (again)...see how green the hill looks now compared to the beginning of May!! Beautiful. And on that happy note I'm going to have to love you and leave you as my bed is a calling. It's not quite dark yet, but it is 10:10pm and waaaay past my bedtime.
Can I just say before I go that I am tremendously grateful for all the wonderful words and positive thoughts that you've sent my way about my Mum. I really, truly appreciate it. She's doing ok, we are doing ok. One day at a time and all that.
Lots of love....be back soon!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Because I'm playing catch up, and I don't know blog land etiquette, I thought I'd save my comments till I've caught up! Only , I'm beginning to realize this is not a good idea. For one I'm dipping in & out in no real order....so I have forgotten some of what had intended to post - I currently have five of your blog pages up! But mostly, want to tell you to grow Blue berries. You will love them to pieces...They are happy in pots. Have fruit that is yummy, blueberry muffins...I rest my case. BUT what you may not know is the colour, the leafs are going a glorious shade of red at the moment and they look most AwEsomE.
Thank you for sharing your world with us.
I remember what else it was I was going to suggest, a book...Have you seen any www.katwise.etsy.com ? Kat has done & sold her book as a pdf ... You have the technology... Just an idea.
Thank you again. Kind thoughts I send
Suzanne
Posted by: suzanne | November 01, 2012 at 11:18 AM
Exquisite pictures, so much colour and joy I say yes to no cleaning! highly overrated
Posted by: Kirsty | September 10, 2011 at 03:04 PM
Hi Lucy
I've been following your blog for a while now. I've used a few of your recommendations for books that you buy the children for my Granddaughter who lives in the UK (i live in Australia). I have a recommendation for you now. I just saw a website which apparently will close in September that has amazing crochet patterns for blankets that look like patchwork quilts and I thought you and your readers might be interested. Unfortunately I can't crochet myself I just tie my fingers together. The patterns are free and quite lovely. The site is called Happy Yellow House and the link is:
http://www.happyyellowhouse.com/htm/crochet.html
I hope you find it interesting.
Cheers
Munaiba
PS I have no affiliations with this site at all.
Posted by: Munaiba | August 12, 2011 at 10:56 PM
Little people soon grow into bigger people and then they don't get up so early, though I know it's no comfort at this time. My 5 am little person grew up, went to uni, came back and still wakes me up at 5.30 to go to work, 20 years on. You probably don't want to know that. The other little person went to live in Hackney and keeps getting his bicycles nicked. I love your crochet, I try, but it's not as neat as yours.
Posted by: Elinor | July 11, 2011 at 08:24 PM
So pleased your Mum and you are doing ok. Happy to see you again. You are always in our thoughts.
Posted by: Online casino | July 07, 2011 at 07:40 AM
Maybe, you should put some light-blocking curtains in the baby's bedroom to avoid early wake-ups. I remember having this problem when I was living in Sweden and in UK.
I look forward o treading your bunny pattern as I want to make one for my cousin's new baby girl. I hesitated between the following four free patterns
http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/visoppskrift.php?d_nr=0&d_id=766&lang=en
http://peardream.com/nonaptime/archives/10
http://www.ravelry.com/dls/eclatdusoleil-designs/19696?filename=My_Miffy_Bunny_EN.pdf%22%3Edownload%20now%3C/a%3E
http://storage.canalblog.com/46/86/121343/25130563.pdf
but I know that yours will be crystal-clear, colorful, and fun to make so I will wait :).
I am also happy that your mother is doing ok now.
Posted by: Carine_07 | July 03, 2011 at 05:55 AM
Just want to a share a note with you. Can not tell you how much I enjoy the photos you share and the comments about them!! My son-n-law is from Notthingham, England. And when I see your pics, it helps me learn more of his home! I hope I spelled that right? :) Oh! I have made quite afew of your crocheted totes. The one with the flowers on the handles. I even made some small enough for purses for the family ! They all love them. I love your colors of yarn too, just wish I could get them here! I have been crafting for over 60 years! But love learning new things, so please keep things coming!! I live in the United States of America. But love seeing new places!!
God bless you and your family, Paula N. Keen
Posted by: Paula N. Keen | July 02, 2011 at 07:10 AM
by the way - made the fishcakes last week - very popular and delish! Thanks! x
Posted by: Sarah | June 30, 2011 at 10:55 PM
Oh, really pleased to hear that your Mum is doing ok.
I am relatively new to the blog thing and only recently discovered yours, but it has quickly become a must-read! You are always so lovely and cheery, even when things are tough - it's a complete delight! The best thing about coming late to it is that I still haven't read everything, so there's always something new and bright to discover and be inspired by! Thank you! xx
Posted by: Sarah | June 30, 2011 at 10:51 PM
Awww Lucy, it is good to hear that everyone is ok - and yourself of course! I really love the rabbits and the snake is amazing!
I'm still trying to learn crochet - have booked on a days course! My little chick loves a story about a lumpy green donkey called Ned and I have a dream that just maybe one day I can crochet her one of her own... fingers crossed! Lots of love to your family xxx Claire x
Posted by: Claire | June 30, 2011 at 10:26 PM
I'm so glad to hear your mum is improving and that your latest post sounds much happier.
I am happy to discover another person whose heart is made happy by the simple delights of laundery drying on a sunny washing line and someone who like me loves "sniffing sun-dried laundry" - well any fresh laundry in fact. Though I am not a "hooker" like you I love your creations and wonder whether you have seen this wonderful object found here: http://colorfulsenses.typepad.com/blog/2011/03/operation-chair.html
Posted by: Gillian | June 30, 2011 at 10:25 PM
Hi Lucy. I love reading about your days and everything you get up to. When I read about your early starts I thought I might be able to add some cheer to watching clock.... I make wall clocks, with crochet faces and grannies, flowers or circles to indicate the 3, 6, 9 and 12. I do custom orders as well where you can choose the colours. If you have a look on my Etsy shop you'll see what I get up to. And with a crochet clock, it really is always crochet time :-)))
http://www.etsy.com/shop/crocheTime?section_id=8145972
Posted by: Natasja | June 30, 2011 at 12:48 PM
Glad your mom is feeling better...my littlest guys wakes at 5am too...am going to try your attitude of appreciating that quiet time with just him...rather than wishing i was stillunder the blankets of bed!
p.s. such pretty pics of your garden!
Posted by: kate | June 30, 2011 at 12:29 PM
Ah, lovely post! What a gorgeous view from your window :)
I'm really glad your mum is slowly improving :)))
Posted by: Allyson | June 30, 2011 at 08:58 AM
I am so happy that your Mum continues to improve Lucy. Love to you and your family. x
Posted by: Simone | June 30, 2011 at 08:39 AM
I was so relieved to see one of your usual type of posts today :) I thought it must mean things aren't quite so bad as before. I love the view from your attic window, especially how golden it was when you took that photo. Take care x
Posted by: Nadia | June 30, 2011 at 08:23 AM
Thats good news about your Mum Lucy x x x As always beautiful pictures!
Jilly x x x
Posted by: Jilly | June 30, 2011 at 07:46 AM
I am really very happy after see you here again. I am glad you are able to take a little time to sit and ponder the good things about you.
Posted by: Openbox S9 HD | June 30, 2011 at 07:01 AM
Oh I feel like I just went on vacation! I just happened on your blog looking for pics of pink roses and stayed to read a little and look at the bright, bright pictures. Totally understand about the tidying! So hot here in Texas (104) and I'm wishing I was somewhere in England right now...with my family in tow of course.
Posted by: Leigh | June 30, 2011 at 04:35 AM
i am holding my breath to see more of the lil´ bunnies (and get the details)! ...looking out of the corner of your basket, gosh how SWEET!
Posted by: heidi | June 30, 2011 at 04:28 AM
I love that you have happy news about your Mum. Your little family is sweet as can be and your daily life brings back such fond memories (empty nest). You are a good Mum, allowing the toys to pile up and cake in the morning. These are the best things in life. Love your crochet and little walled garden. Best wishes that all works out with your Mum. xx
Posted by: Karen | June 30, 2011 at 12:27 AM
MOrning Lucy, so glad to hear from you - have missed you so much! Glad to hear mum is going ok, one day at a time is all we can ask for isn't it. Summer is looking lovely in your part of the world. Enjoy xx
Posted by: Brenda | June 30, 2011 at 12:13 AM
Dear Lucy what a lovely post. I am glad to hear that you mum is making progress. Like the early morning cake making! Your little rabbit looks cute.
Good luck with completing your crochet toys. I bet they will be snapped up
in an instant. xx
Posted by: Sarah west mids uk | June 30, 2011 at 12:13 AM
Still winging thoughts and glad they help the one day at a time. Thanks for sharing your world in attic land. Going one day at a time here too but with a MIL. Take care.
Posted by: alisonb2 | June 29, 2011 at 11:14 PM
lovely photos! I love the bird quilt as well! And I'm glad you're son loves to bake! (both my brothers do, and it's very endearing to another baker :-)
Posted by: Eliz. K | June 29, 2011 at 11:03 PM