In the heat of the Summer, J and I are making time to walk up and down the hot, dry hills and dales. It takes a certain amount of determination to take on a 7 mile hike in hot summer temperatures, climbing dusty tracks up steep, steep hills for the pleasure of a sweeping view. But we have absolutely loved the walks we've done in recent weeks - the weather has been stunning and I've so enjoyed spending this time outdoors stretching my muscles and soaking in all this sunshine we are being blessed with.
The above photo was taken a couple weeks ago as we climbed high above the picturesque village of Kettlewell. Gosh, it was a long steep climb and it was hot, hot, hot on this gorgeous summer morning.
We stopped beside the river to eat a picnic lunch and rest our weary feet and I was so glad to sit down for a while. When we walk in the Dales we are usually following a circular route - sometimes we manage to complete the walk before we flop down and have something to eat, but often we like to pack a simple picnic and eat along the way. I do love the actual walking bit of a hike, but I enjoy our picnics with a scenic view the most. When I say our picnics are simple, they really are just that, but I love them so much! We buy individual pork pies from a local shop (either the farm shop or the butcher, so they are very, very good and freshly made pork pies), then take along a punnet of cherry tomatoes to go with the pie. Some fresh fruit (on this walk it was a bag of cherries from the farm shop) and some good dark chocolate. In winter we have a flask of coffee too, but summer walking just requires bottles of cold water. You may not know, but Skipton is rather famous for it's quality pork pies and we even have an award winning "celebrated pork pie establishment" in town (Stanforths) which has used the same recipe for more than 80 years. There - true local pie facts from the Attic!!
The rivers and reservoirs are very very low at the moment here in North Yorkshire as we've had very little rain during the past couple of months. But despite the lack of water the countryside is still looking green and beautiful which I'm grateful for.
As well as the hill walking, the hot summer weather has drawn us to the riverside on a few occasions just recently. We've parked the car at Bolton Abbey and settled ourselves into some comfy camping chairs in the dappled shade of a tree for a few hours. When we are out and about during a school day we are constantly aware of the clock, so these peaceful riverside visits do have a time limit imposed on them. They give us just a couple of slow afternoon hours to sit, relax, daydream, read, crochet, ponder and chat before the school run calls us back into our parental routine. But oh, these hours do feel precious!
I'm working hard on my summer ripple blankets at the moment (yes, that's blanketS - there are two of them). I'm hoping that all being well with the good folks that produce the yarny balls, there will be new Summery yarn packs coming at the end of this month. Working on two blankets at once has meant a lot of crochet time over the past few months, but you will not in any way hear me complaining about that. I fall more deeply in love with crochet every day, and it's ability to be portable, sociable and all round fit-in-able makes it the perfect hand made package in my opinion. Add to that the fact that it has grade A therapeutic properties and you get a beautiful handmade blanket at the end of all that creative feel-good, well, it's just all-round amazing.
In total contrast to quiet riverside moments and parental routine, on Friday I hopped on a train and took myself off to Manchester for twenty four hours of not being a parent. It was an absolutely brilliant trip and I loved every minute of it. Manchester was my student city and I lived, studied and worked there for eight years in the late 80's and early 90's. It's where J and I met, and although it's changed a lot over the years, it's still a very exciting, vibrant and energetic city to experience for a short while. My Friday jaunt consisted of a fabulous lunch here, brilliant browsing here and here and afternoon tea and cake in a beautiful little cafe whose name I can't remember. The highlight of the day was an early evening ride in a lift up to the 23rd floor where we were treated to a window seat and bubbles in Cloud23 bar. I felt so far removed from my normal everyday self as I sat laughing and chatting in this luxurious setting, it was completely fabulous! The whole trip was made extra special by the gorgeous friends I was spending time with - Christine and Emma, you are both wonderful, and I loved every second of our Manchester jaunt.
Back home from the city on Saturday, and this hot summer weather shows no signs of slowing down. I am love love loving it, honestly, I was made for weather like this. The sunshine, heat and blue skies energise me and make me happy in a way that cloudy grey just cannot do. I'm such a happy summer-loving bunny at the moment! I continue to tend to my back yard pots, watering them every day and enjoying the flowers and greenery very very much. I'm waiting patiently for my sweet peas and jasmine to flower, and my weeny yellow courgette babies to grow to an edible size. All is well in my little outdoor space (currently draped with laundry blowing in the breeze), and I am so grateful for the ease of it.
Back to the business of summer crochet, and here we have a small rainbow circle of pure happiness. This is all Little B's work, and I shall resist the temptation to squeal loudly in a fit of motherly pride. He doesn't crochet a lot, but every so often he seems to hit a period of complete and utter boredom, then sees me happily content with my hook and wants a slice of yarny pleasure for himself. He's a fast learner with a mathematical brain, so once we'd established the general idea of using increases to create a circle, he was away with the idea and needed very little assistance from me. He is currently asking to be taught the ripple, so we shall see what that brings forth.
I am enjoying the almost daily pleasure of pegging, un-pegging, folding and stacking sun-dried laundry from my back yard washing lines. The pile of whites always feels especially pleasing somehow after a stint of direct sunshine noticeably brightens up their whiteness. The Little People aren't so fond of the crispness of their air-dried clothes (they prefer the softness brought about by the tumble drier), but me? I'm super-happy with it all. Nothing beats the smell of sun dried cotton and if I had the inclination (and maybe a maid) I would wash my bedding every single day just so I could experience the joy of sleeping in freshly laundered, sun-kissed egyptian cotton every night.
It's so often the little things that make me happy, and these days I am full of gratitude for the simple fact of being able to turn on a tap and have great tasting, clean fresh cold water to drink on these hot days. I have to tell you that growing up in Dorset I really disliked the taste of the tap water (it's very, very chalky), and that Yorkshire tap water honestly tastes delicious to me. I've taken to using a 700ml drinking vessel which I love cos it's so easy to add handfuls of ice and slices of stuff without trying to squidge it all through the top of a bottle. My current favourite water additions are cucumber and lime slices with a few sprigs of fresh mint. Lots of ice. Give it a good shake so the mint bruises and releases it's cooling flavour and drink, drink, drink. I figure that if I drink at least two of these a day then I'm doing OK at staying reasonably hydrated.
Yesterday was a slow, delicious kind of a day, a day for pootling and pottering and leaving the car parked at the curb. After dropping Little B at school, J and I walked a few miles around the neighbourhood and through the woodland, taking the high paths through the trees that we wouldn't usually walk with the Little People. We stopped off in town for a quick coffee (outdoor seating, it felt just like being on the continent) before heading to the market, baker and supermarket. We've stopped taking the car for a weekly supermarket shopping trip, trying out the idea of shopping locally on foot as part of our daily routine. We've been trying to use the market more (a whole paper bag of cherries for £1!), the butcher, baker and of course the farm shop.
We decided on the spur of the moment to take our lunch up to the park to eat, and afterwards to spend a few hours relaxing there. I had my crochet ripples (of course) and J was reading some news articles on his phone. We chatted about this and that, and after a while I found myself almost powerless to keep my eyes open. So I gave in and lay down on the blanket, drifting gently into the most delicious and unexpected afternoon snooze imaginable. It was so utterly peaceful and just what I didn't know I desperately needed. I didn't sleep for long, maybe 20 minutes or so, but I woke up feeling refreshed and full of summer joy. I've been fighting off a light summer cold as well as hayfever the past week or so, and I think I just needed that extra bit of shut eye. Later on, I was thinking back to the afternoon and the extra sleep I'd had, and I felt so grateful for the freedom of my days. I appreciate my freedom more than I'm able to put into words.
On the whole, these hot summer days have been pretty cloudless, but occasionally there is a gathering of wispy, feathery-light cirrus clouds overhead. These are definitely warm weather clouds and I just love the way they look against the blue of the summer sky.
Although we've passed the Summer Solstice and our days are now getting shorter (sob), they still feel pretty long and gloriously light-filled. We head to the allotment in the evenings to water the plants, when the sun is slanting low and everything is warm and mellow.
I picked my first sweet pea flowers from the plot at the weekend, yipppeeeee!!!! It was a modest little bunch but I know that the more you pick, the more will grow so I'm hopeful for more sweet bunches as the summer goes on. The scent of them blew me away, they smell absolutely incredible. Even J was impressed and he normally can't stand smelly flowers. I've got them in a jug on my table with some lavender and cosmos and they look so pretty and full of summer vibes.
I wonder if this post seems rather long and rambly to you, I feel as if I've waffled quite a bit haha! Needless to say, this hasn't been a planned post by any means, it's simply a collection of photos that capture the way my days are slowly unfolding at this time of year, and the rather random train of thoughts that surface as I look at them. I hope you've enjoyed your visit, I do so love chatting to you all!
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Oooh darlin, nasty looking bunion you've got going on there! Natural remedy-dried lavender flowers with a little almond or olive oil, heat this mixture over low heat in a double boiler, strain off the lavender oil. Store this liquid in an airtight glass jar and try to remember to apply it to your bunions every night, using a gentle massaging in, hope that helps sooth them :)
Posted by: sally | July 23, 2018 at 11:27 PM
Maybe little b will be the next Kaffe Fasset !! I cannot wait to see your next blankies. Btw today at work went into one of my elderly residents bedrooms and they had the most gorgeous granny stripe in the sunshine colours xxx made me so happy to see this and how your designs are lighting up people's lives everywhere. This lady has dementia so I'm sure she appreciates the gorgeous colours of her blanket even if she cannot tell us. It was made by her daughter such a loving gift . Your inspiration shines everywhere xxxxxx
Posted by: Pippa Moore | July 22, 2018 at 10:46 PM
wao these pics show me like i am in the heaven
Posted by: smith | July 17, 2018 at 07:56 PM
About the pink flower...my best guess would be a single dahlia 'Juliet'. Tubers for sale only in U.K., I don't think we can buy these in the U.S.
Posted by: Kathryn Ashe | July 17, 2018 at 05:46 AM
Just what temp do you all call hot over there ?? we are at a scorching balmy 98 feels like 100 F over here in NJ USA
Posted by: IZZY | July 17, 2018 at 12:40 AM
MANCHESTOooooooooR!
Yay - great times my friend x x
Posted by: Katie B | July 16, 2018 at 09:45 PM
Do you know the name of the hot pink flower with the 8 petals? I am an avid gardener in the summer, but don't recognize this one. Thank you.
Posted by: Kathryn Ashe | July 15, 2018 at 03:13 PM
Hi Lucy, I'm thinking about this years Yarndale event and wondered if you had thought about a display that we could contribute to. Please could you let us know what you would like us to make and send if you have decided. Many thanks Jo
Posted by: Jo | July 12, 2018 at 09:59 PM
Taking time and real effort to make a good post. Cool! Thank you for sharing this post.
Posted by: بازی آنلاین تو آنلاین گیمز | July 10, 2018 at 10:56 PM
Hi Lucy
Another wonderful blog and terrific photos..
Really enjoyed it all!
nora x
Posted by: NORA McGRANN | July 05, 2018 at 08:29 PM
Beautiful pictures as ever and lovely reading :) I love love love line drying ( I have a VERY high line too...its wonderful!) and the weather has to be pretty rubbish for me not to peg it out. I love the process of pegging it out, watching it blow in the breeze and the smell of it fresh from the line. A little trick I learnt to keep the littlies happy.....if there hasn't been much breeze and the washing is still a little crisp...pop it in the tumble drier (not the cool setting though) for 5-10 mins and clothes feel much softer to the touch and minimal electricity used....also reduces the ironing pile often!x
Posted by: Jo | July 05, 2018 at 06:18 PM
Sounds lovely! Our heat is a bit much at the moment (heat index 120F) no hiking unless it's very early in the morning here. Such lovely sweet peas, one of my favorite things about summer. Our veggies are producing and I thoroughly enjoy collecting them each day. Well done L.B.! I know that proud mom moment, I spent the evening crocheting with my eldest, she was working on a granny blanket and I some baby bibs for gifts. I look forward to seeing your finished blankets. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Angela - Southern USA | July 05, 2018 at 02:29 PM
I love your blog. It's like reading a good long letter from a dear friend!
Thank you!
Posted by: Sue. | July 04, 2018 at 11:30 PM
I,m so happy someone else likes their washing outside.
I also have the moaners about how crispy the clothes are , lol.
Beautiful sweetpeas.
And your post are never too long.
Hi from the netherlands
Posted by: Sarah | July 04, 2018 at 10:07 PM
So thrilled to see Little B's crcohet!
Posted by: sandra dorey | July 04, 2018 at 08:49 PM
Well done for making your lovely blankets in the heat! I gave up a few weeks ago. Lovely sweet peas and pink flower. Ahhh Little B's crochet is brilliant :) I can't wait to see the results. Enjoy the Summer and beautiful countryside xx
Posted by: Crafty Cath | July 04, 2018 at 08:30 PM
I love reading your blog. Being from Michigan, I enjoy reading about the different lifestyle you have there in England. I live in a fairly small town, but don’t have a butcher, farm market or the like to walk to, and I love hearing about your daily trips. I am a bit stumped though. What is a pork pie? Is it like a pot pie?
Posted by: Kim Krause | July 04, 2018 at 06:03 PM
So SO pleased for you that you are carving out time for the simple things in life during the week. having had 5 kids close together I know the importance of having me time. Love your photos.
Posted by: Rachel | July 04, 2018 at 05:49 PM
Hi Lucy, your Manchester trip sounds great........Kettlewell, my husband & I have had several breaks at Racehorses Hotel in the past, probably last time would have been probably around 2009, we just loved walking in and around the area as well as visiting Skipton. Unfortunately, we are not so keen to drive such a distance any more and often wonder if we could do it by public transport. We live near Edinburgh which I know isn't an especially long way off but we don't care for all the traffic nowadays and sadly my husband has mobility restrictions so we wouldn't be doing the walking we used to do. This makes us sound like a pair of old crocks!!! Well........I'll say no more!!! I hope you and J and the family have a wonderful summer. Annette
Posted by: Annette Frater | July 04, 2018 at 05:45 PM
Your blog is never too long and makes me so happy to read, it turns a horrible commute home from work into something lovely that I look forward to. I find traveling very stressful and your photos and beautiful words brighten up my day xx
Posted by: Helen Lightly | July 04, 2018 at 05:10 PM
Simplicity at its best! I'm thankful for the free and simple also, as very grateful that I am since there sure are a lot more of these things than the large, exciting, expensive moments. LOL Your nap sounds fantastic as looking at clouds is one of my favorite things to do. The picture looks like cirrus flowers blowing in the wind on their long stems! I'm loving your pastel blanket - looks like a yummy puddle of melted sherbet ice creams. Now to the questions: Lift means elevator? Courgette is a vegetable? Pork pies look wonderful in the picture from the link you gave but what are they? It is ground up with other stuff and baked in the pie? Being on the continent means - maybe being in Europe? Your first picture shows many lines running through the green growing plants from one side of the little valley to the other. I thought they were shadows on first glance then realized that was not possible - maybe stone walls or fencing? Finally I want to tell you a secret that got my 7 yo grandson to crochet with me. I told him crochet was what native american indian boys/men used to do to make fish nets and other useful things. He couldn't wait to crow-shet and I loved it as he sat with me making little common string rounds for practice (which he didn't want) but I used as flowers in a scrapbook. He gave up the hook and now makes very fine flint arrowheads. He loves rocks!
Posted by: Mary W | July 04, 2018 at 03:41 PM
Hi Lucy just love your blog love seeing your photos and hearing about your walks and what you are doing it’s just like being with you and sharing your pleasure. Like you love the summer months all the greenery and flowers and wildlife. Your blog makes me smile keep up the blog Lucy you bring so much pleasure
Posted by: Marjorie Sanderson | July 04, 2018 at 02:55 PM
Hi Lucy! Loved this blog...and smiled all the way through reading!...kind of like therapy for me :)
Here in the US it's not & humid, but like you, I feel it's better than gloomy cold weather.
Keep on blogging as you do...I enjoy your writings and reflections. Take care,
Sue in Akron, Ohio
Posted by: Sue Floyd | July 04, 2018 at 02:32 PM
I loved your post today. I’m thinking of your hot summers versus our hot summers here in the states. Yesterday we had a boiling hot day and I doubt anyone would or could crochet a stitch. I’m mainly a quilter, but I do crochet and knit too. Your peaceful life sounds ideal to me. Keep showing us the pictures and ramble all you want, we love it.
Posted by: Hedy | July 04, 2018 at 01:00 PM
A great chatty post. I loved all the photographs, especially those from your walks.
Posted by: Mary - Le Coeur Celtique | July 04, 2018 at 12:30 PM