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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I haven't written before, but I read your blog. It is my FAVORITE. My little ones are grown up now, but I have such precious memories of days spent with them in sunshine and in rain....big snowstorms too! I just want you to know, reading your lovely tales today warmed my heart. My oldest daughter will come home for Christmas, but my youngest moved to Japan with her husband. I miss them and my new little grandson sooooo much. God bless you and your family. I think I will make some Peanut Blossom cookies today... one of our Christmas favorites.
Posted by: Donna Stieglitz | December 10, 2011 at 03:58 PM
Hello Lucy
Ahhh, we've had a similar few days ourselves here; sore throat (that would be me) snuggling (that would be me and her), eating nice things, reading, spot of crochet, more snuggling.
Just the job when the weather's rough!
Sending love, hope your Little Man is better soon,
Julia x x x
Posted by: julia | December 10, 2011 at 03:25 PM
Lucy - just wanted to thank you for showing us the Christmas Prima mag - it's excellent!
It caused me to drink several cups of tea this chilly morning so that I could look all the way through it!! I'm looking after my 5 month old granddaughter for the weekend to give her folks a little break so we've had lots of cuddles and a very indulgent morning for Gran!
Thanks again - fab curry & hope your little chap is better very soon.
Posted by: sew | December 10, 2011 at 02:21 PM
Aww, what a sweet post! It's made me feel all warm and comfy on a very chilly day. So glad you're enjoying some down-time with your little men. : )
Posted by: Carolyn | December 10, 2011 at 12:59 PM
Our house if full of germs too :-( I hope your little one gets better soon so you can get out with your youngest child :-) Take care x
Posted by: scentedsweetpeas | December 10, 2011 at 10:26 AM
Love that wall sticker - have been hankering after it myself too, and have the perfect place for it - just need to redecorate!
Posted by: Katie | December 10, 2011 at 09:38 AM
Lucy,
So sorry your son is under the weather--hope he feels better soon. Love your blog and so enjoy reading your posts. We've visited your neck of the woods in years past and love the area. Merry Christmas to you and your family from Kentucky.
Posted by: Theresa Smith | December 10, 2011 at 04:24 AM
I suppose I got what I deserved for following the link to your 'Object of Lust'!! Now I have s HUUUUUUGE 'lust' too. There, underneath the bird-tree pic, was a link to some sweet 'window birds' - translucent small coloured birds and twigs to self-affix to any window. Just right for decorating a window with a dull outlook. (
http://www.coxandcox.co.uk/products/kids-window-stickers) MMmmmm probably a gift-to-self in the New Year. Hope Little Man is recovering well.
Posted by: Val E (Wales) | December 10, 2011 at 02:55 AM
Beautiful post. I also take coffee with chocolate powder on top. I hope you get better little man. A hug.
Posted by: Esther | December 09, 2011 at 11:26 PM
That final link to the tree and bird image reminds me of an artist whose work I love - http://www.hayleyrestall.com/ She somehow manages to capture the spirit of the people she's drawing in her pictures.
Posted by: Ellen | December 09, 2011 at 09:55 PM
my friend has this sticker and its is beautiful irl - I ounced on it a soon as I came thru her door cooing at it
Posted by: rachel | December 09, 2011 at 06:43 PM
Lovely post and pictures hope your young man is well soon - cant wait for the recipe post :-) xx
Posted by: ali.b. | December 09, 2011 at 06:19 PM
Just wished I lived near and I could save you walkng in the rain with a poorly boy..
We nearly had the windows blown in today but we missed the real bashing of those on the coast. Lovely post as always Lucy- hope your little family are snug and warm now.
Posted by: Catriona | December 09, 2011 at 06:09 PM
It looks so cosy in number 24 - I hope Little Man gets better soon...
Posted by: Archie the wonder dog | December 09, 2011 at 05:12 PM
You are dangling that "carrot" again--my Country Homes won't be here for nearly a month!!! Something to look forward to....
Hoping your little man is feeling better...soon. Holiday time is no time to be under the weather (and some weather you've had to be under!!!)
Posted by: Steph @woolythyme | December 09, 2011 at 04:07 PM
I enjoy reading the stories of your day, maybe I repeat myself but I seem to always know how we were friends for so long ... are a special person!
Posted by: Maria | December 09, 2011 at 03:53 PM
What a lovely post. Thank you!
Posted by: Lee | December 09, 2011 at 02:42 PM
You just put me in a really good mood. : )
Posted by: Iris | December 09, 2011 at 01:44 PM
Sorry little man isn't feeling well. I've just had to collect my middle daughter from school who is currently snug under a duvet in front of Mickey Mouse. Unfortunately I need to pop out to deliver an order but she'll be back in the warm soon.
Posted by: jennie | December 09, 2011 at 01:21 PM
as always it is amazing how you explain!! (I mean the Holly Pattern) I'm going to try this evening, so easy it seems (I'll tell you tomorrow if this worked with me!!)
Right now I'm hooking my first project (SUMMER GARDEN GRANNY BLANKET), perhaps a little ambitious for a begginer, but I'm getting on quite well. The only problem is, as I began to hook only two weeks ago (with a few days before hooking some samples), the little squares made lately are a little bit bigger than the firsts, I suppose I'm hooking less tight.
How can I manage to chochet them all together?????????(Didn't start with the as-you-go joining method, too much for the first time)
Again, sorry for my English. Wish you can understand me well.
Have a nice weekend!!
Carla from Spain.
Posted by: carla | December 09, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Quite a day or even week you have had, but glad to see you got some colourfulcomfort in as well and I hope Santa was listening to your wish from Cox...love your garland.
Posted by: Heike | December 09, 2011 at 12:25 PM
Whatever the weather, I would L O V E to spend a day at home with you .... I would bring cake to go with the coffee :0)
Thank you so much for giving me so much inspiration and pleasure over the year ..... from last Advent to this.
Enjoy the true Christmas,
Val xx
Posted by: Val | December 09, 2011 at 12:03 PM
Hi Lucy,
Poor little man. I wondered what you did when one of the kids are sick and you have to walk to get the other one. That crocheting (the new little thing you are going to show us today) looks like it would be one of those old fashioned Christmas bulbs if you put a gold or silver little top on it. I made a whole string of them last year. Can't wait to see what it is going to be with little beady eyes.
I never thought about putting chocolate in coffee, don't know why because I certainly do put it in latte's.
Cindy Bee
Posted by: Cindy | December 09, 2011 at 11:30 AM
This has got to be one of my all time favourite ever posts Lucy...from anyone! Eating the flap jacks, hanging the advent garland, snuggling with your littlies.. how lucky you are... and how lucky they are to have such a loving Mum :)x
Posted by: Stocki | December 09, 2011 at 11:16 AM
I was lusting after the same thing last night and may have to make a purchase! You've been, as you always seem to be, extremely busy especially with sickuns in the house. Why does this happen when there's so much going on already? Good wishes.
Posted by: greedy nan | December 09, 2011 at 11:08 AM