June is almost at an end and honestly, if it wasn't for the assortment of photos gathered on my camera, I would be hard pressed to tell you anything much that has happened during these weeks of early summer. Every year is the same, in that this month generally feels quite hazy and sluggish to me (I think maybe it's due to the onslaught of the hayfever season). I know I've spent very little time at my desk/computer and a lot of time outdoors enjoying the weather which has been beautifully summerish for much of the time. I adore this time of year and my summer-loving soul is very happy soaking up these lengthy, light-filled days. The warmth/heat we've had has been fabulous, but it's the light that I love the most. Oh, and the green, green lushness of the countryside too. It's just lovely.
I'm not sure if I've mentioned this already, but back in January J had the opportunity to change his job which involved staying within the same company but moving to a new role in a new department. Most importantly (and after much deliberation) he took up an option of cutting back his working hours and now only works a three day week. Although the days sometimes change, he usually chooses to work Tues-Weds-Thurs which essentially gives us a four day weekend. Every. Single. Week. It's taken us a while to stop feeling ridiculously guilty on Mondays and Fridays when it feels so much like we are bunking off from real life! But it's been the BEsT thing for us as a couple and for the family too, and I can't tell you how much I am appreciating this change to our lives.
Monday mornings now feel amazing, and if the weather is good then we nearly always choose to head out of town and into the Yorkshire Dales. Sometimes this might be a gentle pootle along the riverside and sometimes we might decide to take a longer walk with a picnic lunch. The photos above are from one of our Monday walks around the picturesque village of Grassington a few weeks ago. It was warm and muggy with a threat of rain which never came, and I loved being out in the green of the countryside eating a picnic lunch beside the river.
The Little People have been enjoying the long light days too and when the weather has simply been too good to ignore, we've taken to heading up to the park for an hour or so after dinner. This suits me just fine as I get to sit on a blanket with a little bit of crochet happening whilst the rest of the fam engage in more energetic pursuits. I sky gaze and watch the swallows swoop low over the grass, throwing out the odd words of encouragement to my frisby-throwing offspring when it seems appropriate.
Our eating habits have altered with the hot weather and easy-to-make meals with lots of salad have been the thing. I'm not sure why I photographed this pizza at the time, but I think it had something to do with the fresh Summery look of it. This is me loading up a basic pizza - basic thin crust Margarita pizza's which we always have in the freezer, with some extra goodies piled on top. Sliced tomatoes, crumbled goats cheese and rocket, drizzled with a little olive oil and seasoned with herbs....
....which makes for a beautifully tasty, quick and easy meal. We have buttery corn on the cobs and a mixed salad to go with it, and I can tell you the Little People thoroughly approve.
J and I have walked a lot at Bolton Abbey during the past month, well during the past six months actually. We have a season ticket which gives us access to the whole of the estate for a year, and we've really made the most of it. Some days we just take a short stroll and have coffee at one the cafes, sometimes we walk for a good 4 or 5 miles all along the woodland footpaths which border both sides of the river.
The summer when I was eight years old, I woke up one morning not being able to open my eyes and that was the start of my hay fever. Growing up in Dorset I suffered quite badly every Summer, but I seem to do a bit better up here in Yorkshire. Despite my allergy, I am fascinated with summer grasses (in a similar way to my moss obsession) and love to look at them up close. There is something so delicate and fleeting about these pollen laden plants, a reminder of how short our British Summers are and how fleeting the good weather generally is. Sigh. Right now it's pouring with rain and I want the sun to come back!
Sun-dappled woodland paths are just a delight at this time of year - this day was really hot (well, it was around 26 degrees which is considered sweltering in Yorkshire, borderline heatstroke you know). The woodland pathways at Bolton Abbey carry you quite high above the river level, but at times they do drop down so that you are right beside the water where the play of light and shadow is magical.
A couple days before the Summer Solstice last week, we decided to bring a picnic dinner to Bolton Abbey. As it was a school night this was seen as quite a treat and the Little People were appropriately excited for an impromptu jaunt out and an al fresco meal. I made up a big batch of chicken and bulgar wheat salad with a red pesto dressing (my own weird recipe, but surprisingly good), which we ate out of bowls with some crusty french bread. We had cherries and strawberries after, elderflower cordial to drink. It was delicious I can tell you, and such a lovely treat to eat outside whilst twiddling my bare toes in the cool grass. My crochet project is travelling everywhere with me at the moment, these Summer Harmony squares are super addictive and I cannot get enough of the joyful colours.
We stayed at Bolton Abbey until 8pm or so, then drove back over the top of the moors which were looking glorious in the early evening light.
Sheep roam freely up on the moors as there are no fences or anything to keep them in, so they wander around as they please. They are obviously used to people and don't seem at all bothered by us parking up and talking to them.
Ahh, Little B, he enjoyed this evening so so much, delighting in the fact that he was still prancing about on top of the moors after 8pm on a SchOOl NighT. His excitement matched my own!
I should probably have entitled this post "Summer is Happening at Bolton Abbey" as I realise now that so many of these images were taken there. We are getting some good use out of that season ticket aren't we just?! This was last week (Wednesday) when my lovely friend Christine was visiting for the day. Usually we spend our get-together hours at Coopers Cafe catching up over coffee and cake but last week we took our continuous chatter into the wilds and nattered our way along the riverside instead. We walked along to the Strid which was as spectacular as ever even though the water levels are ridiculously low here in Yorkshire at the moment.
I've never noticed this rock carving before at the Strid so maybe it's new? New LOVE.... it did make me smile :)
We walked for a good 5 miles or so (that's a lot of footsteps and a lot of chatter) so of course we were in dire need of refreshment by the time we returned to the cafe. I can report that the generous slab of homemade coffee cake hit the spot rather nicely, and definitely replenished the expended energy caused by walking and talking for two solid hours.
Ahhhh, sweet elderflowers, the very essence of a June Summer!
We went to gather in the floral booty on the day of Summer Solstice last week, which secretly delighted me no end. I didn't voice this out loud to the family (yes, it was a family affair this year, even J came to witness me getting all giddy over the free hedgerow gatherings), but I have this fanciful idea that somehow picking the flowers on the longest day of the year makes them extra special.
The flowers were almost, (almost but not quite) on their way out and many were already at the not-nice brown stage. Even so, we managed to gather fifty frothy white heads from a good number of trees which was enough to make 3 litres of extra special solstice-infused elderflower cordial this year. My, my, it really does taste like Summer in a glass.
In other summery tasting news, we are celebrating our very first allotment crop!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of excited exclamation marks for this event I can tell you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seriously, this row of greenery really has delighted us, and we are stupidly proud of our humble first veggie growing efforts. I was a bit confused for a while as I thought we were growing sugar snap peas here and have been checking on progress daily, waiting for the pods to swell and look more like pea pods. However, yesterday I was informed by friends-in-the-know that these are more likely to be mange tout which will stay flat and so I should be picking the things right now and not waiting for any swelling to take place. Righty-o then, I am beyond excited to go forth later today with Little B and gather in the harvest!
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All the exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Allotment progress in general has been slow and sporadic, and I don't have much of anything else to show you just yet. We have a weird shaped yellow courgette which has grown round like a golf ball instead of long like a sausage. We have some baby cucumbers which are still very teeny tiny and we have some green leafy things which are still recovering from a savage slug attack. But we do have baby plum tomatoes, and I am chatting to them daily to encourage growth and hopeful progress towards colour change. I've got a whole set of progress photos of our little half plot which I will spin into an allotment story at some point, it's nothing much really, but we are getting there slowly.
I was chatting to a friend the other day about the whole business of being engaged in The School Run, and how this routine dominates our lives for so many years. For my family with an age gap between second and third child, my years of doing the primary school run will be lengthy. I'm talking fifteen years in total......currently with four more left to go.
But I am in no way complaining - I have come to LOVE this daily routine, especially as we have such a great walk to and from school, and I know I shall miss it when this part of my mothering comes to an end.
At this time of year, our school run is just beautiful, and I love to see so many boats coming and going along the canal. Only three more weeks after this one and we will break for our summer holiday, I really can't wait actually. That break from routine is so liberating when it happens and I am looking forward to it hugely.
Before I pop off and make myself a mug of tea, I wanted to thank you for all your lovely chatty comments about my Summer Harmony blanket in progress - ThAnK YoU! I'm so excited by the whole thing and it makes me beyond happy that you are also loving the idea of it too. It's coming on a treat, and I've almost finished writing up Part 2 to share with you, hopefully tomorrow if I can manage.
Thank you so much for reading my witterings, and for taking time to write back. I appreciate your words more than I can say.
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If you every write a book. I'll be first to line up for a signed copy. So eloquent. Summer in the U.K. Must be wonderful to be so green . Summer in Australia very hot dry and brown in country areas .love all your stories 😘
Posted by: Ellice | June 29, 2017 at 12:45 AM
What a wonderfully satisfying post! Your photos and words make your doings come alive. I still think you should write a book.
Thank you for sharing your remarkable life!
Posted by: Leah Lynch | June 29, 2017 at 12:05 AM
Lovely and so green! I hope someday to travel to that part of this amazing world. I really appreciate your love of nature and the simple things of life that really make our lives special. Have a happy summer!!!!
ps, I like !!! too!
Cheers, Sue.
Posted by: Sue. | June 29, 2017 at 12:04 AM
What a joyous post Lucy!! Warms my heart here in New Zealand in the depths winter 😊 I love winter, generally, but am looking forward to the spring this year. I love your photos and the wonderful long walks you take. Perfect!!! Thanks so much xxx
Posted by: Angela Cameron | June 28, 2017 at 10:32 PM
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your summer doings! What a beautiful place you have been visiting.. I especially love the shady, leafy photo of the creek with the sun glittering off the surface. I've been meaning to ask you - do you still have your caravan in the park? I haven't seen you visit it in some time and wondered if you'd sold it. I'm so happy for you that J has been able to change his work schedule to spend more time with the family - that is priceless. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | June 28, 2017 at 09:51 PM
Lucy you are like a breath of fresh air thank you
Posted by: Judith burke | June 28, 2017 at 09:40 PM
What a lovely post, with gorgeous summery photos. I was just thinking today that I only have a couple of years of the school run left. I rather enjoy it too. I very much like the look of that coffee cake with a Flake on top, an excellent idea, I think I shall make mine like that from now on. Glad you've been out and about enjoying the summer weather. I shall very much look forward to hearing about your allotment - well done on the mange tout. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | June 28, 2017 at 09:28 PM
Thank you Lucy, and I just spent a good half hour reading all about the Strid, which was super interesting. I love learning new things, and love your blog (and blankets, and yarn packs).
Posted by: Sally | June 28, 2017 at 08:25 PM
Your photos always make me want to rush out for a walk somewhere, they're so beautiful! Unfortunately, it's pouring down here in Blackpool, so I'm tucked up on the sofa with my knitting, and living vicariously through your blog post ;) Walking will have to wait until it's a bit less damp xxx
Posted by: Jools Morgan-Jones | June 28, 2017 at 08:15 PM
Hi when will the pattern and wool be available,I would really love to make it. And thankyou for sharing your time with your family
Posted by: barbaradouglas281@yahoo.co.uk | June 28, 2017 at 08:14 PM
Lovely post. Enjoy the allotment. We also have a half plot. If the plot was neglected before you took it over it will take time to get it back under control. Don't forget to put some flowers in - apart from helping the bees it is lovely to be able to take cut flowers home too. Enjoy.
Posted by: Diane | June 28, 2017 at 07:31 PM
I just watched the second episode of Escape to the Country last night and I think Bolton Abbey was featured at the beginning of the show. They were definitely talking about the Yorkshire Dales and Moore so I thought about you I love your blog.
Posted by: Janet | June 28, 2017 at 06:35 PM
Loving the pics and chat.The grey skies today are such a change from last Wednesday but more breathable.Enjoy those school walks precious chat time😊
Posted by: Susan | June 28, 2017 at 05:53 PM
What a gorgeous pics, loved your chatter. Best decision ever of J to work less and enjoy the time together with you. Oh, my, 19 years of that waling the kids to school!I thought 13 year was a long time, I don't miss it at all. That time of flying from A to B to be in time for the kids, the times I hit the jackpot in a huge traffic jam and didn't made it in time. On the phone to organize for an other mum to take them home. I bet you love it as much as I do to have lovely human beings to talk with on equal level.That squary blanket is coming along just fine. So curious.
Posted by: Tinke | June 28, 2017 at 05:48 PM
Loved reading your post today. What a perfectly lovely routine you seem to be in right now. I wish I had the Yorkshire Dales right outside my door. We have other lovely things, lots of water and forests nearby, so I shouldn't complain. I wouldn't mind a slice of that delicious looking cake though!
Posted by: Cate | June 28, 2017 at 05:41 PM
So lovely to read your chattering style and see the lovely photos of Yorkshire - and to see that you are recovering well after losing your mum. Your life with J and the little ones sounds so idyllic up there in Skipton. I must admit I am envious. Of course, no life is ever perfect, but I AM so glad that you have time with friends and with your husband to sustain you. Thank you for sharing. I am planning a canal boat holiday next spring and we are very interested in the Leeds - Liverpool canal, as there looks to be lots of things to do and places of interest. Despite living in Hebden Bridge for 4 years I never visited Bolton Abbey, and it looks a delightful place. Enjoy every day Lucy and good luck with growing your own.
Posted by: Mary Jenkins | June 28, 2017 at 05:26 PM
Lovely to read your blog today. We spent last week on a working farm in the Welsh borders with my 90 year old mum, too hot to crochet more of my hydrangea blanket but lots of inspiration for future attempts (mainly poor) at watercolour painting. Look forward to your next instalment, you are inspiring me to head for Yorkshire in the future.
Posted by: Ingrid Meecham | June 28, 2017 at 05:01 PM
Thank you for allowing me to take a walk with you. I have started the centers of the Summer Harmony Blanket.
Posted by: Charlotte. | June 28, 2017 at 04:51 PM
I hadn't realised we'd walked quite as far as we did around Bolton Abbey - no wonder we were ready for cake! :-) The Strid is quite a place; it fascinates me and gives me the creeps at the same time. Glad to see your allotment is coming on so well, it's the tomatoes that I'm always in a hurry to see ripen in my garden! xx
Posted by: Winwick Mum | June 28, 2017 at 04:23 PM
Thank you for the many beautiful pictures. I have always admired the beauty of your country.
Posted by: Ida | June 28, 2017 at 04:22 PM
I enjoy seeing how other people enjoy their summertime. Thanks for letting us share with these gorgeous photographs. I feel refreshed already!
Posted by: Shasta | June 28, 2017 at 04:14 PM
I really enjoyed and envy your summer walks in Yorkshire. I love the sheep. I can just imagine the picnics. I miss England so much
Janice
Posted by: janice | June 28, 2017 at 03:29 PM
What a treat to see so much of the exquisite green English countryside and to hear about your summer adventures. 26C temps are just about perfect weather. 8 days ago we had a full week of 38C temps here in the San Francisco Bay Area - especially the East Bay and inland areas. We're back to the 26C temp now which is ideal.
Your school year is so different than ours. Here the kiddies have already been on summer vacation for almost a month. They'll return to school in mid to late August. So it's almost 3 months off school for them in the summer. Many have other fun things to do like swimming lessons, summer camp, musical theater, and of course, sports activities during their school "vacations". SO nice that your hubby is now able to spend a lot more time with the family. Very rare and special. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Kimmy | June 28, 2017 at 03:26 PM
Hi Lucy, always a great read. Love your blogs.. Glad to see you're happy and loving life, and what a great life you have 'up north'. Summers been and gone down here in Somerset today was sweltering in over 35c last weds. today we have wall to wall rain...what a change a week makes. I made a giant crochet square jacket which got very little approval from my off spring so its turned into a blanket.!! Im currently working on my uber bright suqare blanket...giant bright squares which will be flanked with little white ones ..inspired by an advert on tv!! Thankyou as always for your inspiration. Take care have a great summer xx
Posted by: Julie Simmons. | June 28, 2017 at 03:22 PM
Such lovely photos of your gorgeous countryside. I live in Colorado and while we have had a bit more green this year than some, we are getting into the mostly brown part of the year. Seeing all your lush greenery makes me long for my younger days in NW Pennsylvania where things actually stay green all summer! I don't comment much, but wanted you to know how much I appreciate all the wonderful things you share with us! ~chris
Posted by: mudmaven | June 28, 2017 at 03:17 PM