The seasons are on fast forward here right now, and Autumn is very quickly being chased out by a sudden snap of Winter. It's been wet and blustery and down right cold, and everything has felt so fast all of a sudden...the clouds race overhead, the sun appears then quickly disappears, rain starts then abruptly stops, rainbows appear then disappear a few minutes later. It's the weather on high speed!
During this past week we've had that curious mix of rain and snow known as "winter showers". Rain that all of a sudden morphs into wet snow, then just as quickly turns back to plain old icy cold rain again. It's been really cold too, and although I'm not a massive fan of Autumn, I really think it could have stuck around a bit longer before letting winter slam in. We've not had any snow on the ground down here in the town this week but the surrounding hills are wearing a permanent dusting on their tops.
Yesterday morning we decided to take a walk in the woods at Bolton Abbey to catch the last of the leaves before the storms come and swirl them all away. We took the road which goes up over the moors and were stunned by the amount of snow up here and were in for a bit of a shock - we hadn't really considered the fact that the high ground would be snow-covered (doh!)
It made me laugh actually - I've been so fixated on my photos of the heather this week that in my mind the moorland is still in late summer mode. Discovering Winter sitting up here was a real eye opener! Still beautiful though, in a bleak, shivery sort of a way.
By the time we reached the woods it had started to rain, and although we all had boots and waterproofs on, it was still quite harsh walking weather.
Despite the rain, the trees were looking glorious and still very leafy (pheeww) which means that it must still be Autumn despite the snow we've had.
It's not always easy to encourage the Little People to see the good in Weekend Walking, and in many ways I do get that. The house was warm, cosy and snug when we left it, and the woodland was very cold and wet. Little Lady was quietly resigned, but Little B was seriously cross. And then he was very upset. He said his feet were so cold that they were hurting, not just hurting a little bit but hurting loads. He started to cry, real big sobbing tears and snot. I was torn between telling him to snap out of it and stop being so selfish, and feeling really sorry for him (I'm sure many of you will be familiar with that Maternal dilemma!) In the end, I crouched down and pulled off each of his wellie boots in turn and loosened his socks a little, rubbing his feet and telling him they would be ok if he just kept on walking. I told him gently that if it would help, I could always sit on his feet and have a go at puffing some hot air out of my bottom to warm him up....well you should have seen his little face, I don't think he could quite believe what I had said. But it hit the funny spot, and he burst out laughing which seemed to trigger a much happier outlook for the rest of the walk. Feel free to borrow that line at any time you are out walking with reluctant offspring complaining of cold feet/hands, it works a treat.
I have to tell you it really was flippin' freezing actually as the icy rain fell quite heavily and plopped down on us through the trees. Even I began to shiver and long to be indoors in the warm. But the woodland was absolutely enchanting, and I tried my hardest to ignore the coldness seeping into my bones and soak up the glory of the colours.
Oh the colours were simply stunning, I couldn't get enough of them.
We walked for maybe an hour or so, perhaps more, a circular route which eventually brought us right back around to the warm, cosy Cavendish Pavillion Cafe for some much needed defrosting and hot liquid refreshment. We pulled chairs right up alongside the radiator and devoured big mugs of hot chocolate/cappuccino. It felt sooooo good to feel warmth return to frozen fingers and toes, and although I did enjoy the seeing the woodland in all it's Autumn glory, I was very glad to hop back in the car and head home to light the fire.
Talking of which, I think it's about time for me to go and light the fire now, I can feel a spot of fireside hooky coming on this afternoon.
But before I go, I want to say a massive big THANK YOU for all your kind words about my Moorland Blanket. The response to the yarn pack and the crochet-a-long has been overwhelming, and I am so grateful for your support. During this next week I'm going to put together a Q&A post as there have been many similar questions asked about this blanket, the pattern, the yarn, and the crochet-a-long which I feel could do with some answers.
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ps the above glorious image is a painting called "Autumn Leaves" by Janet Bell and is one of her new pieces for November. Isn't it stunning? You can get 10% off Janet's new November prints until the end of the month, more details on her website here.
Oh my word! I am sitting here desperately trying not to laugh out loud at the 'puffing some hot air out of my bottom' comment (don't want to wake the smallest small as there would be rage)! It would have my 5 year old in stitches. She is rather fond of any bottom-related humour, bless her.
Hasn't this autumn just been so lovely? I'm down in the south of England and it's just been so incredibly vibrant here too. So much inspiration! My fingers itched to pick up a hook and crochet something every time I passed a particularly colourful stand of trees. I'm feeling rather sad that the storms have blown most of the colourful leaves away.
Posted by: Kerry | November 25, 2016 at 11:33 PM
I have a positive happy blog too Lucy, and today I posted my first CROCHET blog piece, first of many! and I too love nature like you, but i think I enjoy winter and autumn more than you as i know you like spring BEST, my site has a place for nature and you may enjoy it, and my blogging about crochet!
- you can find the crochet one in the crochet section if you don't see it.
https://whimsyandcosy.wordpress.com/2016/11/23/crochet-love-scarves-blankets-and-a-hat/
Posted by: zozie | November 23, 2016 at 02:23 PM
You need proper fleece lined boots...for the whole family. They won't be colourful, but your feet will be warm :)
Posted by: Anne | November 23, 2016 at 01:22 PM
Once again Lucy I Gotta tell you how uplifting your blogs are, keep em coming, just love your new blanket, soooo ,clever, the colours are divine, my daughter lives near ilkley, and she walks the Bolton Abby trail regularly, and I do too when I am with her, isn't it gorgeous? I have purchased the kit for the heatwave bag for a Christmas present for me, can't wait to undo it in all its colourful glory. The pleasure you give me when I open your blogs is emmense, Thankyou, you funny lovely lady. Daphne x
Posted by: Daphne | November 22, 2016 at 12:58 PM
Get your little man some cheapish walking boots instead of wellies would be my advice. I grew up in wellies on a dairy farm and we had chilblains in winter! We now have an assortment of boots which have been passed down through the ranks. Xx
Posted by: Claire | November 21, 2016 at 09:22 PM
Small bodies get colder faster -- they lose heat very quickly. What is manageable for an adult can feel much colder to a small child. I'd second the recommendation to make some little knitted socks for the kids. :-) They're a much faster knit than adult size socks!
Posted by: Janis | November 21, 2016 at 07:08 PM
Hasn't little B got any hand knitted socks ?????? They make such a difference as you know, but I can really sympathise I hate having cold feet, spoils everything.
Posted by: Peta Cowan | November 21, 2016 at 04:52 PM
Oh, to see the look on L. B. face! Priceless for sure. lol I will store that away, even though mine are not little, they never seem to grow out of that whine on occasion (with mom anyway). Just starting to cool off here, sadly no woodland walks, too many wildfires due to a year long severe drought. Baking plans underway for Thanksgiving this Thursday. Have a great day!x
Posted by: Angela-Southern USA | November 21, 2016 at 02:28 PM
Beautiful pictures and great parenting technique..Still laughing.
Posted by: Charlotte. | November 21, 2016 at 01:09 PM
Beautiful scenery, we are blessed living in walking distance of Linacre woods, a very beautiful area with 3 lakes and woodland. The moors of the Peak District are just a few minutes away in the opposite direction and yes they're simply gorgeous albeit wet at the moment. I love the idea of a hint of waves blanket and look forward to cal with everyone. The colours you have chosen are some of my favourite Stylecraft colours, I think my all time favourite is Duck Egg. X
Posted by: Peg | November 21, 2016 at 11:26 AM
Ha! Nothing like a bottom joke to get kids laughing. Good for you! Lucy, I love the pictures of your walks. They are just gorgeous, no matter the season. So great that the whole family gets out in nature. Good for all our souls to do that.
Posted by: Liz | November 21, 2016 at 11:12 AM
No snow seen in Norfolk as yet but a fair bit of rain in between the chilly/sunny/cloudy days. We walk our dog (almost 12 so more a meander these days) every day and have four regular local wood walks so have also been enjoying the autumn colours. Those leaves are going fast now and a small jack frost morning arrived over the weekend. Hey ho winters on it's way. I guess those little feet feel so much colder that your big ones Lucy...bless him. x
Posted by: Rae | November 21, 2016 at 10:13 AM
this post had me smiling. what an image it conjured up - sitting on his feet and ohohoh!!
I love that painting. it could be a quilt.
Posted by: Brenda Cupryna | November 21, 2016 at 08:08 AM
Love this post and since visiting Bolton Abbey during my 'Yarndale' weekend I recognise it. I have received my CAL pack - what beautiful colours. Can't wait.
Posted by: Carol | November 21, 2016 at 07:34 AM
Hello from Oklahoma. We have blustery days and stormy. Here in Oklahoma we say "wait five minutes, it'll change"
Posted by: snailsgroove2 | November 21, 2016 at 06:08 AM
Just love the pictures. Here it is hot and thundering at the moment. Storm may be on the way but that is what November is all about. Black/dark grey stormy skies with the purple jacaranda against it. Gorgeous.
Posted by: Julie | November 21, 2016 at 05:19 AM
Lovely walk & photos, Lucy. Love your thoughts on how to warm Little B's feet, really gave me a giggle. Weather has been weird here too,(Melbourne in Oz). with cool days lingering till today, which is supposed to reach 38 degrees Celsius, with a cool change tomorrow & back down to 19. Wacky! Take care & keep warm.
Posted by: Susan | November 20, 2016 at 08:36 PM
The colors in your photos are simply fantastic! Thanks for taking us along.. we could be warm by the fire and get to go along with you on your ice walk.. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | November 20, 2016 at 07:12 PM
High speed weather indeed, it is exactly that. And winter certainly seems to have arrived with you, snow! Walks in the cold weather are fantastic once everyone gets going, and oh how wonderful home is afterwards. I love, love, love that time as the sun sets and everyone's lights come on and you can see their fires and you're scurrying home. You've reminded me of a very cold walk we did when the middle boy was only little. He got really chilly and cried and had to be carried all the way back. Next time I shall try your method. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | November 20, 2016 at 05:19 PM
Oh! My most favourite place in the whole world. So many memories, when my children were young (25 or so years ago now) my best friend and her family lived in Ilkley, we often went to stay for a few days during school hols. Walks around Bolton Abbey, paddling on "the beach", fish and chips at the Cavendish Pavilion.......sadly, my friend died 11 years ago, she had trees planted in her memory and a hidden plaque under a stone seat in the woods near Bolton Bridge. I love it there, feel close to her.
Posted by: Pam | November 20, 2016 at 04:58 PM
What a beautiful countryside! I will definitely use that puff line with my grandchildren-haha also it sounds like Little B could use a pair of hand knit woolen socks! You know you don't need an actual pattern to make socks there is a formula (very easy-trust me) based on how many stitches per in you knit and the circumference of the foot. google it and you will see you can make any size.
Posted by: annie | November 20, 2016 at 04:47 PM
Hi, dear Lucy,
I found your "Summer Garden Granny Square" on this Blog.
https://hachiyarns.wordpress.com/2012/07/06/granny-squares-step-by-step-tutorial-with-pictures/
Your picture, your words.......ist it okay?
Your Blog, your inspiration are great!
Thanks!
Posted by: Susanne | November 20, 2016 at 04:40 PM
Beautiful autumn colours, worth braving the cold for the great pics. Not that cold yet down in Devon. Great little child encouragement too😂😂😂
Posted by: Nicky | November 20, 2016 at 04:38 PM
I am TOTALLY going to use that line, it must just get cold enough here next winter :-D Meanwhile, I struggling with similar complaining by my little man just doing the Parkun(walk) on a glorious late spring day!
Posted by: Stel | November 20, 2016 at 04:05 PM
Puffing hot air out of your bottom? I nearly fell off my chair! Will you be availalbe for party bookings over the Christmas period? :-) axx
Posted by: Winwick Mum | November 20, 2016 at 03:45 PM