Autumn Half Term

Last week we were at home for half term hols, and it was pretty much an entire week of indoor slobbery. Pyjamas till lunch time (sometimes all day), easy food eaten as and when the whim took us (lots of buttery toast at all times of the day). Screen time for the Little People if they chose it (lots of films, and some gaming time too), cripes, my parenting was ludicrously slapdash last week. I simply allowed the rhythm of the week to flow over and around me, letting the Little Peeps do exactly what they chose to do much of the time. No rules. No outings. No direction. It was rather liberating, if a little chaotic, and it certainly made for a pretty content household.

Do you know, I can't remember a single school holiday in the past five years when at some point or another a blanket den wasn't made. It is so very much a part of what the Little People do during holidays that I know I will feel very bereft when it suddenly doesn't happen any more. I chuckle to myself when I see them pegging up my blankets :: there is a small part of me that wants to rush over and grab them back, yelling the words Precious and Cashmere, but really it pleases me deeply that these blankets are so well loved and used.

They have no idea how much it makes me squeeee inside when I watch them play this way. The game that followed in and out of this den-build (Little Lady and Little B) was sweet beyond words.

Hey, you can see our new sash windows in the above picture, I remember that I haven't really shown them to you yet. We are really thrilled with them, they look beautiful and make the house feel very light and warm inside.

I took a picture of our bay window from outside for you to see, but it was devilishly difficult to photograph. The window is a long way off the ground, so I balanced on the wall and held the camera up above my head to show you, well, you get the idea. Wooden, double glazed, spring-loaded sash. Hand crafted by a Very Nice Man called Daryl. Painted by an Equally Nice Man called Tom.

This is the bathroom window which has a very simple type of stipply privacy glass in it. The upstairs windows have these nifty little safety catches fitted to make them child proof (the bottom window can only be lifted up a small way, with a small gap, smaller than a child's head), but occasionally when Little B is out of the equation, I glide'n'slide and open them up. I stick my head right out and breathe in the fresh damp air. Just for the hell of it. Cos I can, and cos it feels marvellous after so many years of inaccessible top opening windows.

Sometimes, like at the end of last week, it becomes entirely necessary to open the windows and air the place a bit, even though it was ridiculously cold at the time. At the end of last week I began with some Home Loving routine and went a bit bananas in the bathroom. I scrubbed and bleached and sprayed and wiped and rinsed and scrubbed some more. It was in dire need. Next week I'll be in the Master Bedroom (remember last year? I wonder how many items are on top of The Drawers this year?)

One of the highlights of my half term week was the arrival of a big box containing the above shiny new machine. It seems that I didn't have to wait for Father Christmas after all, cos my wonderful, generous husband took it upon himself to treat me to a Nespresso machine. I feel a little sheepish writing about this, cos I admit that I feel dreadfully spoilt. But well, there we have it, it's not my fault that J has a huge generosity streak. And I can promise you that I do appreciate how very lucky I am. I really, really do. The great thing is that J has been loving this new machine as much as I have, so I don't feel so bad about the expense of it.

These are the capsules that came with the machine, sixteen different varieties of coffee to play with. It's been a huge amount of fun "brewing up" with them, getting used to the subtle differences in each colour, sorry, I mean blend. Still need to get to grips with the coffee lingo.

I like to drink my coffee with a good measure of hot milk added, there is such a lot of pleasure and comfort to be found in a hot, milky coffee. It has provided me with some daily feel-good, especially as the temperature really plummeted during much of last week. Good, tasty hot coffee on a freezing cold morning....very mmmmmmm indeed!

It looks more like winter than Autumn doesn't it? We woke up to frost across the rooftops and hills on many mornings last week, but it has been lovely all the same. Lovely to stay cosied up inside, not really having to be anywhere or do anything that involved stepping foot outside. Home was definitely the place to be last week.

On Monday (the last day of the hols) we did venture out though, went off on a bit of a jaunt. We took the train with Heather and that cutesome little bundle of hers and went across to Saltaire. It was a lovely, lovely day, thoroughly enjoyed by all concerned.

We went to Salts Mill (of course) for a fabulous browse around the galleries and shops there. The Little People loved it, as much now as when they were even Littler. Being three years older than when we were last there, they absolutely delighted in the books and art materials. Sooooo many cool, brilliant, fun and fabulous books! They each got to choose one to bring home (they chose this and this which have been brilliant) and I bought a couple of greetings cards and a beautifully illustrated animal picture book for Little B. We had some refreshment in the wonderful Salts Diner (above) before heading back outside into the clear, crisp Autumn sunshine.

The light was so beautiful on that day, it made the colours of every single thing seem to glow.

I was mesmerised by the reflections in this part of the river Aire, the clouds-in-the-water pleased me so much! We were on our way down to the play park, and were delighted to find that it has had a complete overhaul since we were last there. It was ace! Heather and I sat on a bench in the sunshine whilst TTB slept in his pram and my three played.

Little B had such a great day, what with train rides, books, ice cream and a play park, he really did have fun. We returned home around 3pm and the little fella was completely exhausted, bless him. He snuggled himself down in his favourite place and went off to the Land of Nod for a while.....it was a good job cos we were to be out again later that day......

....Monday night here in the UK was Bonfire Night, and as has become our family tradition, we wrapped up warm and went off to Bolton Abbey to celebrate in style. This is a large, organised event with hundreds of people attending. There are refreshments, music, children's entertainments, small fairground rides etc and there is always a humongous bonfire (topped with sofas which the Guys sit upon).

The fireworks are spectacular and set to music.

It was Little B's first experience of Bonfire Night, and although he was excited, it was a little overwhelming for him.

I have to say, it was terrifically loud. But in a good way. Gosh, I do love a good, loud, flamboyant firework display.

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Comments

[super real]

If taxes and insurance are paid upfront and have your money back with the amount within 30 days closing super real 1 they must behave responsibly in paying back the money amount.

[nani]

ahhh, i see you got your nespresso machine. whatelse? ;) Do you have delivery companies for coffee (i mean next day if you get out of coffee) there or stores to buy the capsules?
Portuguese people just drink lots of coffee. ;))

The place where you live is just gorgeous and thanks for sharing your lovely home and beautiful and colorful crochet. xxx

[Carolyn. N.Z.]

Hi Lucy,that sounded a lovely lazy family time. I was excited to find the Antiques Roadshow showing in NZ this Sat was in Saltaire, I had never heard of it until I read you lovely blog last week. We watched it avidly, next week is Saltaire again so we will be watching. Sadly I didnt see you there !!! Cheers Carolyn N.Z

[Lou @ Make Do Sew]

You have been nominated for the 'Very Inspiring Blogger Award' because I love what you do. Click on the link to see the nomination www.makedosew.com

[Debbie]

Hi Lucy,

Love your site!!! I live in the Midwest/US in NW Indiana and love looking at your photos of scenery and of your BEAUTIFUL projects! Especially love your use of varied and bright colors in yarn and flower arrangements as well. I use them as my desktop background and they always make me smile.

I too love my coffee frothy and milky and wondered how you got it that way out of the Nespresso??? Do you pour milk as well as water into the machine??? Looks delicious!

THANKS for the info!

[skullmadmama]

I loveeee my nespresso machine - you'll have to update us on your fave flavours :)

[Susan]

Your week sounds lovely! The rippled afghan is GORGEOUS! I knit a blanket once for a friend, and when he used it at first, I was so nervous he would do something to hurt it. But it's so amazing to see something well-used and well-loved, as you intended when you made it.

[Helen]

I too spent most of half term in my pyjamas being cosy inside.
I love Saltaire, it's definitely one of my happy places, somewhere I go to cheer myself up and feel a bit better about life, it never fails.
http://ahandfulofhope.blogspot.co.uk/

[Amanda Thornton]

great photos- my house has been in the same 'do as you wish' phase the past couple days...lots of tv,chess,hot chocolate and knitting :) i finally managed to do somethin a little more productive, I brought in some flowers from our garden and set the table- ridding the dining table of all my scattered coursework!

I shared some lovely photos of the floral setting on my blog: http://thorntonjournal.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-floral-setting.html

xo

[Cate Davis]

Hi Lucy!
Another lovely blog that just made me smile. I've been following your blog for a few months since a friend recommended it and I've been inspired to take up crochet again. I've just completed my first project in years (a baby blanket for baby number 2 due in March) and started a new blanket this weekend. I was wondering what kind of crochet hooks you (or any other followers) recommend. Ive been using an old set of aluminium ones that are ok - but not brilliant and debating what to put on the list for Father Christmas this year...
Keep blogging!

Cate x

[Gillian]

Looks like a fun half term. I like your slapdash parenting style very much, it sounds just like my sort of parenting! x

[Heather]

Hi Lucy,
Would it be possible for you to share your email?
I would like to ask you a couple of questions. You can email it to me at [email protected]
Of course if you don't mind.
Thank you!
Heather

[Angela-Southern U.S.A.]

Looks like a wonderful time together!I SO miss those den building times,although we still hang out in the pj's from time to time(all-day).We all love a good rainy day(I know we're odd).It's a good excuse to lounge about,doing nothing :0The windows are gorgeous! Funny, I spent part of the day Saturday washing the outsides of mine(sadly not the flip inward type)so it was up and down the latter for me,but a loovely fall day to work outside.
The join as you go granny is looking lovely,I did one in fall colors awhile back,for the porch swing,it's nice to snuggle under and watch the day give way to night(til it gets too cold).Working on a ripple in the round(Christmas)right now,teen colors-black,white and two shades of gray.For it to be maining dark colors,it's turning out lovely.Love bonfires,we like to do them(at home)in the fall and sometimes winter too, set around reminiscing and roasting marshmellows.Congrats on the coffee machine,I know you'll enjoy!

[Anne Marie]

Love your pictures, it's a part of the world I'd love to move to when we can.

I have a Nespresso but it's the Magimix one which is rounder and shorter, but it was bought in a hurry and was a great bargain in the sale, as it was my Christmas present last year. Husband isn't a 'shopper around' person and so I went for it. The coffee is fantastic bit I've given over trying to 'taste' the different varieties, the novelty does wear off after a while, as if you have milky coffee, like I did after the first few weeks, you can't really be too precious about it.

What I don't like is with the Espresso blends, you only get little shots, so I now buy the Lungo versions and so it doesn't spoil the coffee if you run too much water through it.

Enjoy your coffee and get lots of treats through the Nespresso club!

[gamzulatova]

Hi Lucy... all your photos are spectacular. I am interested in the granny square pattern in thecolorful square blanket shown in the photo right before the firework photos begin... the caption begins with little b had such a great day!. Do you have this particular granny square in your tutorials or do you know where I can find it online? If not, how many do you chain for the befinning circle and how many tc (dc in us terms) do you crochet into this beginning chain circle? Then I assume it is 3 tc (dc) in each space separated by 1 ch and 6 in every corner with 2 ch in the middle of those 6. I read both of your joining granny square tutorials and I think I like the joining granny square technique better than the join as you go technique. Which joining tecnique did you use for this particular blanket?... I think it is the long horizontal and vertical technique instead of the join as you go technique. Am I right? I can tell becoz the colors don't blend into one another. The distinction is crisp and clear colorful squares. Thank you for getting back to me. I really enjoy reading your blog. And if you know of any other interesting blogs that I might enjoy I would appreciate your telling me about them. Besides your blog, the only other one I read is crochetology.net and now that I've read all of Fatima's and all of yours I need another one to help occupy my spare time. ....wishing you another wonderful day (which I am sure you will undoubtablly have today and every other day this year) ...gamzulatova.

[Kathy, FRANCE]

Sounds like a lovely half-term break to me - just the ticket to re-charge the old batteries!! I love your new windows - how is it that your lounge window is so much higher than the houses opposite? I just wondered as it seem like you are a floor above them? just fascinated that's all - in our last home in England the living area was on the first floor and the beds and baths on the ground floor!!

[Jacqui]

Lovely post, I always feel just a bit homesick after reading your blog. Yorkshire lass who lives deep in the SE.

But anyway, I was looking for info/ or an email address for you, but can't see one, so I hope you will see this comment.

I'm doing a Christmas fayre with some friends and I love your snowflake pattern, and have been playing making garlands and hanging decorations. Is it ok to sell them? I can't see any restrictions, so but just double checking.

I thought I would use the donation button after the fayre, seems only fair.

Anyhoos if you'd like to email me my addy is [email protected]

Cheers
Jacqui

[Carol]

Your windows are wonderful, I'm rather green with envy as the sashs in our house could do with some renovation ok replacement.

[Lisa Hepi]

So refreshing to hear someone speaking candidly, I thought we were the only family who loves staying at home in pyjamas and making dens:) Btw I am making a cushion based on your summer garden granny squares with a white background. Thank you for your inspiration , I love reading your blog. Mental note to self, need blankets;)

[Bee]

What a lovely happy week ... sounds like everyone had a whale of a time ... Bee xx

[Louise]

Love those beautiful spoons! Your home always looks so inviting! Thanks for sharing, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!

[Alicia]

Love the windows. Wish I could find someone as good to do ours (and the funds!!). My kids build dens out of vintage hand embroidered tablecloths pegged together which were bequeathed to me. I sometimes wonder what the dear old aunts who made them would think but they bring so much pleasure being used for den building! xx

[WendyBee]

I feel so lucky to be able to look in on your youthful, colorful world. Your blog is a bright spot in my day. And I wish I could snuggle Little B off to dreamland. Sigh.... maybe someday I'll have some grandkids. My Baby is now 6'2", and I have to trick him into snuggling.

("Come sit here, I want to show you this . Oh, it's chilly, share this blanket with me. Here, have a little of this hot buttered popcorn while we look at and talk over this . Is that muscle near your shoulder blade still sore? Here we'll put this pillow in my lap and you put your head down here, and I'll give that muscle a nice massage." So, it's therapeutic, but it is definitely NoT "Snuggling With Mummy". )

[Kate]

Sounds a proper Holiday, no pressure. When you have sorted your bedroom, can you come and do mine please Lucy? It is in dire need of TLC and cheering up!

[Kristen]

This is all so amaaaazingly beautiful. I think I'd quite like to spend a day with you, having a milky coffee and sitting by the sunny window. You make it all look so divine. I must say, I can hardly wait for the big ta-da on the new ripple. The colors are just spectacular.