Autumn Moments {four}

🍁 Up until this week, November has been a beauty. My hillside view has a faded, slumbering autumnal look about it which I find very peaceful when the sky is blue. But when all is wet and grey like it has been this week, it looks very gloomy indeed. I am trying not to moan about the wet and the grey of this week, because I know we've had it very good up until now. 

🍁 There is very little of any note happening in the back yard pots right now, but I do so appreciate the few pots of hardy herbs that keep on giving. I popped out there with my snippy snippers the other day when the recipe called for a handful of mixed fresh herbs, and procured parsley, rosemary and thyme which fit the bill nicely.  The recipe was a delicious chicken and barley slow cooker casserole, eaten out of shallow bowls with fresh crusty bread. I do love a casserole which comes out slightly sloppy and soup-ish, eaten with a spoon. And bread.

🍁 The first pot of hyacinths arrived in the Attic this week, I've been optimistically looking out for them in the supermarket since the start of the month. They came planted in this little white metal bucket so I decided to leave them in there - the pot was labelled as a "Festive Bulb Pot" which made me cringe a little as they are autumn flowers and not festive ones in my mind. Still, whatever the label, I am so so so looking forward to my annual Hyacinth Appreciation Ritual, or HAR for short. Bring on the rapid leaf growth and smelly flowers! HAR!!

🍁 We've had a couple of cold, frosty starts to our days this month, oh I really do love a good frosty morning start. It makes our walk along the canal a brisk and energised affair as we hurry along on our way to school, blowing out plumes of "smoke" as we go. These really are the very best autumn days, when the sky is clear and the sun glows a pale, watery yellow and there is a thin layer of ice over everything. Even the dead brown leaves look rather fetching when they are laced with frost.

🍁 Toasted crumpets are a daily occurrence here at this time of year because we have a routine of enjoying them as an after school snack. They are so utterly comforting, and I love the whole process of toasting them and lathering them up with butter and jam for the Little People to enjoy at ten to four when they tumble in the door. We all sit down for ten minutes to chat about our day, and it's a lovely little window of time for me to have all three of my kiddos together before they disperse to do their own thing. 

🍁 I've recently ditched my nutty museli breakfast in favour of a bowl of hot porridge, which I enjoy very much. I make mine in the microwave with oats, milk and sultanas and finish with sliced banana and a weeny drizzle of golden syrup. Comfort in a bowl, especially on a freezing cold day.

🍁 These Moments of mine are a bit random aren't they, much like my life at the moment :)

Anyhow...this was a riverside walk/picnic that J and I took a few weeks back, on a beautiful clear sunny Monday at the start of November. I can't tell you how much I love that we get to do this sort of thing since J dropped his working hours to three days a week, it honestly has been life changing. Spending time together during the week still feels like the greatest luxury to me, even though we haven't yet been able to shake the feeling that we are bunking off! 

🍁 Another beautiful hillside view - this photo was taken as I returned back home one morning after the school and supermarket run, so around 9.30am. As we are approaching the shortest day (4 weeks until Winter Solstice, yay!), I appreciate these kind of light, sunshiny starts to the day very much. 

🍁 Sunday morning, 9am. I'd already been up for two hours, but on the spur of the moment I decided to make myself a coffee in my lovely new mug and sneak back into bed for a snuggle. Such luxury! Miraculously, my bed still held a slight warmth when I climbed back under my feather duvet, honestly, there is something so naughty and decadent about sneaking back to bed in the morning when the bed is still rumpled and warm. 

🍁 I didn't spend long on my own as Little B is at an age where he still likes to seek me out and be close, but that was lovely too. He sat next to me in bed playing a game while I finished my coffee and browsed through the pages of this beautiful and inspirational book "Making Winter" written by my lovely friend Emma. I'll be writing more about this book when I continue my "Making the Seasons" project next month, it is such a beautiful set of pages to cheer and inspire.

🍁 I've been trying my hardest not to overwhelm you with a gazillion woodland photos of late, you know, being that I am obsessing about woodland stuff and all. I've got so many images on my computer that I could probably fill your screen with them for weeks on end, but I'm holding back - don't want to send you off yawning. The above photo was taken one Sunday morning a few weeks back, a short family jaunt into the woods that sit on the very edge of our little town.

🍁 Here I am, indulging my love of seasonal nature and watery reflections all at once, a double visual whammie. There is something so quietly beautiful about seeing sky and trees reflected in still water and I'm not sure I can add anything else to this particular quiet Autumn Moment. 

🍁 Walking to my local pub to meet with my in-laws on Friday for a spot of lunch in the snug beside the open fire (yes, it's that kind of pub, cosy in the extreme). This little boat sails up and down the canal at regular intervals, carrying passengers on a short pleasure jaunt. It's powered by a very old engine and makes a very distinctive chugging sound as it makes it's way up the Spring Branch towards the castle. The aforementioned pub is just out of sight on the right hand side over looking the water, and is a really lovely place to while away an hour or two. All this jollity on my doorstep, gosh, I do feel very lucky indeed to call this place home. 

🍁 "Mum!!!! Muuuuuuum!!!! Come quickly!!!!!! You've got to come and see this!!!!" That was Little B yelling at me from his bedroom one morning, his school trousers half way on and half way off and his curtains half way open and half way closed. I of course pelted up the stairs in a panic wondering what an earth the emergency shouting was for, to be greeted by the most incredible sky. It was fast moving and changing by the second so I was lucky to catch it on my camera (after a breathless dash down the stairs and straight back up again, panting). I loved that the Little People were so excited to see me catch the moment in a photo, and that we all stood and watched the shifting clouds and felt uplifted by the sight. Even if it was already twenty past eight and we had to rush like crazy to get out the door ten minutes later. Some things are worth just stopping still for, aren't they?

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Previous Autumn Moments ::

❦ {one} ❦ {two} ❦ {three} ❦ 

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Comments

[Kimmy]

What a glorious sight that sky was and I loved that your little boy (and other children) noticed and appreciated it. That's the "you" in them.

[Kimmy]

Lucy, as you know, I'm a faithful follower of your blog. Love everything about it. I wanted to tell you that as of today, the Web site formatting has changed for me, and it looks VERY strange and difficult to read on my computer. Please note that I do not own or use a Smartphone. I only use a desktop computer and large monitor. Does that have something to do with it? Just wanted to let you know. Until today, everything looked fine.

[Tracy]

I love the reflected trees. Try turning the picture upside down, that looks amazing too.

[Denise]

Another lovely post Lucy especially the crumpets evoking memories from childhood.
May I be a bit indulgent and have a mini ta da moment. I have finished all my summer harmony squares I am a little bit proud of myself its taken 5months but been well worth it. Now to put it all together oh scary!! Denise

[Em Medland]

I love the little houses in the photo with the hyacinth. Please could you show them in more detail .

[Lee bowers]

Love your blog for years. Everytime I run into someone who crochets I always tell them about your blog.
I was in England this summer and ate porridge. I looked for it when I returned home to the states....North Carolina. I don't think it is oatmeal...so can you help me out here.
I had a lovely time and walked the Cotswolds and explored London. Ready to return.
Blessings, Lee

[kazzy]

you capture the seasons so beautifully lucy ;)...love the red sky at night...beautiful moorland views and the canal. Although we live in very different parts of the u.k its very similar to here with the moorlands and canals. The 'making winter' book by emma mitchell is wonderful i bought it a month ago and dip in and out of it~ she's very talented like yourself with crochet and beautiful landscape and garden ...ive always loved capturing the seasons. Ive just got back into blogging as instagram never feels like a proper posting. There are so many blogs that i loved but have stopped and i miss that sense of community and glimpse into their lives...thanks for sharing your beautiful surroundings and makes ;)

[Willy Beerepoot]

Beautiful photo's Lucy, Thanks,Willy

[sal ward]

Great photos. I've really enjoyed the contrasts this week. Sun on the remaining autumn leaves but against very dark stormy skies and even rainbows today, just 3 miles away from you here in Draughton. So much variation! I even like to hear the wind and rain when I'm in bed at night.....as long as I'm cosy in my flanalette sheets!
Looking forward very much to more photos!
Sal

[Karen]

Here in Norway hyacinths are definitely festive and most people buy them for Christmas. I love the smell and have to have them all of December. :-)

[Kathy Bryer]

Another wonderful blog. Your writing is as beautiful as your blankets. The photos are amazing. I especially enjoyed the cloud photo. As I started reading your blog about the grey and gloomy, I immediately thought a blanket with shades of grey and pops of color should be considered. These gloomy days make our sunny days delightful. Looking forward to the Woodland CAL. I have ordered my yarn and my fingers are itching to get started.

[Angela-Southern USA]

All lovely autumn moments. We've been enjoying them here too and wondering how much longer they can last before all the grey sets in. Enjoy!xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[Little Quiltsong]

What a wonderful post again. Always love your pictures and the stories behind them. I just have to tell my husband - Attic 24 sent more pictures, and he is right beside me peeking over my shoulder. Thank you Lucy, for capturing all these special moments in time for us all to enjoy with you!! So Lovely!

[Tinke]

Ain't we lucky our children are as alert as we are for beauty. You may drown me in your pictures any time Lucy. I enjoy it so much.Cherish that special time with your partner, the feeling you two steal moments together only adds at the fun.

[LindyloufromOz]

I loved reading your autumnal musings, Lucy, and looking at your beautiful photos. Nature is just wonderful and in our busy lives I admit to not taking notice of its beauty as it certainly uplifts you when you do stop to look and admire.

[Susan Smith]

Another lovely post Lucy. I still eat porridge 4 to 5 times a week, even now in our muggy summers. I love it & especially with our own blueberries or any other sort of fruit. Thanks for the great photos & think I know where that canal boat is, although I don't think it was the one we went on last year. You are lucky living in beautiful Yorkshire. Take care.

[Jacqui]

I just love every blog you write thankyou x I have woken to beautiful skies today love them so like you got my camera out and windows open awwww

[Christine]

Ahhh! Love the photos... love the post...it's a real feel good one!
Thank you

[Susan Kostyrka]

What a stunning sky in the last photo, you have your little ones trained well! Last Sunday we walked along the Wharf near to Grassington in beautiful sunshine, then Monday all dull and wet, how quickly the weather can change! We are back home safely in Suffolk now but it was so lovely to meet you Monday evening at the Learn to Crochet session, what a fun night we all had! I’m still working on my Autumn leaves 🍁, might have them finished in time for Christmas ha ha ha! Take care, 🤗

[Lin Tarrant]

Beautiful post - thank you. xx

[Heather Coady]

Lovely photos! I love hearing about your walks etc!
I’ve had a halt in my crochet as just adopted a 6 month collie so lots to do!

[One-oh-four]

Gorgeous photos! We are lucky to live in a country with such different seasons to keep the variety up - I think I would get bored in many other parts of the world xx PS I’m loving Emma’s “Making Winter” book too - the lemon, thyme and ginger cake bars are to die for.

[Linne]

Another lovely walk with you . . . thanks for sharing the beauty and inspiration. I especially loved the narrow boat; I read a series of mysteries where the chief detective, a woman, lives on a narrow boat. :-)
Thanks again, Lucy. ~ Linne

[Sue]

Like many other readers, I loved this post! The last photo and story are priceless. As I prep for Thanksgiving in the US, I am so thankful for all the joy you bring to the world dear Lucy! I look forward to your blogs and wish you & your family all the best. From Sue in Akron, Ohio

[Kate]

It says a lot about a mother when her children know what she loves and your little one certainly knew what you would love. That sky was magnificent. A gift from God, I would say. Wonderful post. Wonderful pictures. Thank you.