I seriously love the above photo in all it's faded, wintry mellowness. It was one of those misty, murky mornings that we seem to have experienced quite often this winter, when the days have felt very slow to get going. This type of weather makes me want to cosy up inside and drink endless mugs of strong, frothy coffee, and yet there is also something refreshing about being out and about and breathing in that damp, cold air.
Its snowdrop season, and our tiny clump of front garden flowers have pushed their way back through the earth for another year. Earlier today, we drove past the huge patch of snowdrops which always grow wild at the top entrance to the woods (see this post) and I made a mental note to walk up there very soon to see them. Whizzing past in the car just isn't good enough, these sweet flowers deserve to be given a thorough dose of heart-felt appreciation.
Top of my to-do list :: Go Appreciate Snowdrop Patch.
My weekend was slow and quiet, just the way I like it at this time of year. I spent much of Saturday sat at the dining table drinking coffee, knitting bits of sock and drooling over the pages in the latest Sarah Raven catalogue, specifically pages 4 - 21 which showcase the Exclusive Dahlia Collections. Oh my heart. Dahlias are just the bees knees, and I've been swooning over them for a great many years (just re-reading this post where I quite literally "fell" for the dahlias at Cragside - ha! True story, I do get giddy to the point of not being able to remain upright at times.
It was so nice to get back to a bit of knitting after such a lot of Sweet Pea-ing of late, and I did enjoy being quietly industrious with all those neat little knitty rounds. I turned heels and knitted gussets and made great progress on these belated Christmas gift socks for my patient father-in-law. For anyone interested, I knit my socks using the continental knitting method which allows me to tension the yarn in my left hand in exactly the same identical way as I do when I'm crocheting. It's absolutely marvelous and allows my hands to almost think they are crocheting when in fact they are being very clever and knitting instead. You can read more about my methods in this post.
Something amazing has started to happen here in Atticland this winter, and it is SOoooooOoo amazing that I'm still feeling a bit in awe of it all. We've been living here for eleven years and have never witnessed it before - a daily starling murmuration. It's an absolutely incredible natural display (you can read more about it here, which includes a short video clip) and the fact that it's started happening literally right over our house is just mind blowing. It starts just as dusk is beginning (around 4.45pm at this time of year) and lasts around half an hour. The birds gather gradually and the flock gets bigger and bigger as the minutes pass until there are literally thousands and thousands of birds fluttering overhead. They fly together in the most mesmersing of ways, in twists and turns and undulating waves, it's impossible to take your eyes away and inspires you to take around 267 gazillion photos of the sky.
All my photos were pretty rubbish (I was doing the giddy thing again and leaping excitedly across the furniture), but I enjoyed myself trying. I really, really, really hope this is going to be an annual winter thing around here.
We walked at Bolton Abbey on Sunday for the first time in a while, and it was just lovely. A bit cold, grey and dull but still so good to get out and about amongst the trees. We left the Teen in bed, waved Little Lady off to work (she has just started her very first weekend job waitressing in a cafe), and set off to walk with Little B in tow.
Despite the leaflessness of the winter season, I was overjoyed to see so many fresh new bluebell shoots already peeking through the undergrowth.
And moss too of course, I'm always excited to see how well it thrives at this time of year.
Mossy trees are just super aren't they? Kind of fairytale-ish and magical.
Sunday was also a day of doing allllllll the laundry which I didn't manage to do on Saturday because I was too busy knitting my gussets and slavering over photos of dahlias. I worked through four whole loads, washing and drying, then up to the bedroom to fold and stack on my bed. I am so in love with my bed, and can't tell you how much I look forward to climbing into it each night. I mean, I really do enjoy my days, but bedtime is always such a highlight! With the chilly weather I've got a double layer of blanket warmth on my bed at the moment, and as I was sorting through all the laundry yesterday I found myself really appreciating the spread of colour and pattern. The bottom layer is my beloved BB which is almost ten years old now - you can see more photos of it here). It's a big 180cm square beast made from Rowan Pure Wool DK and is extremely heavy and warm. On top of that I've got my Sunny Log Cabin blanket, and this stays on my bed all year round as it's quite light and is OK for the Summer months. Gosh, I do so love this blanket, it's one of my all time favourite makes. It uses 18 balls of Stylecraft Special DK which is called the Sunny yarn pack. I made this blanket as a CAL project at the end of 2015 - all the CAL installments are still on my blog if you fancy creating your own dreamy blanket.
Back downstairs and I've got a new candle on the go this week. It's another one from Next, I do so enjoy their scented candles as they are very economical and burn for aaaaages (50 hours in this jar, seriously!). Oh, and they smell gorgeous too - this one is Bergamot and Green Tea which I think I had last winter too. It's fresh and sweet without being overpowering and makes the living room smell really good.
We're still lighting our fire every day and appreciate it very much. The kitty is often sprawled out on my floor cushions right next to the hearth (one of my favourite places to sit and crochet) and I never have the heart to turf her off. So I feel as if I've not had the real benefit of quality fireside time just lately, although I do so love to see it (and hear it) as much as I like the warmth and comfort it provides.
This morning, and another outing to Bolton Abbey, just J and me this time. We hadn't planned on going seeing as we were only there yesterday, but after school drop off and a quick supermarket shop I just felt like I wanted to be back there again. The sunshine was calling me to go tramp those winding pathways....almost impossible to resist!
We walk further and faster when it's just us two, crossing bridges and taking a big loop around on both sides of the river.
I adore this tree and always feel compelled to photograph its magnificent roots every time I walk past it. Have to say, they were looking mighty mossy and even more magnificent than usual. #mossaddict (yes, this really is a bonafide hashtag, I tell you, I'm not alone!)
Another tree which caught my eye with its fabulous bark - it looked like it had been smocked! It reminded me that I went through an obsessive smocking phase when I was in my mid teens, painstakingly embroidering a whole collection of hand stitched and smocked dresses for a ragdoll that I made at school. I would so love to see those handmade things again, I was such a shy, quiet, daydreamy, stitch-obsessed type of teenager, always away in my own little private, creative world. Don't suppose I've altered all that much, come to think of it.
As well as mossy roots and smocked bark I spied catkins galore, gosh they are putting on a spectacular show this year.
I find them so charming - little dangly reminders that Spring isn't too far away. I dearly wanted to pick some to bring home, but didn't feel that it would be acceptable to steal from the trees so I left them hanging in the morning sunshine.
We stopped off at the farm shop on our way home to pick up a joint of meat (I'm making smoky barbecued pulled pork in the slow cooker tomorrow), and rather predictably I found myself drawn to the floral offerings before I could make it anywhere near the meat counter. I decided to treat myself to a small pot of Narcissus "Bridal Crown"which I know from past experience will smell divine when they flower. Having pots of bulbs growing in the house is such a pleasure, I can highly recommend it if you want to bring a dose of Spring cheer into the winter time.
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Great share, thanks.
Looks like a peaceful enviornment.
Posted by: עיצוב משרדים | December 16, 2019 at 12:49 PM
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thanks
Posted by: ריהוט רחוב | April 07, 2019 at 03:11 PM
Hello Lucy
I discovered your delightful blog and your stunning work recently, and can't tell you just how much I love all the colour. It truly brightens my day.
Only once in my life have I seen a murmuration of starlings and I still marvel at the magical experience. I'd like to share it with you if I may. I would have emailed you privately if I had an address, but will comment on your blog instead; please don't feel you need to post my remarks.
http://chasingcentaurs.com/a-startle-of-starlings/
Wishing you all the very best.
Cathy Ham
Posted by: Cathy Ham | February 17, 2019 at 08:25 PM
what wonderful mossy pictures. I have only been to Bolton Abbey once (after a Yarndale trip) but I loved it.
Posted by: Carol | February 15, 2019 at 07:02 AM
I am considering getting your Sweet Pea pack; it's gorgeous and lovely to see ask the different ways people are striping their blankets.
I too have followed your tracks to Christine's socks and am quite addicted - and I've started introducing others! What is the yarn in your photos? I like the greys and teal ☺
Posted by: Sarah R | February 14, 2019 at 08:20 PM
Thank you for a lovely little wander through your life, I find it so calming and relaxing in this fast-paced world. Happy Valentine's day 💕
Posted by: Vivienne | February 14, 2019 at 08:22 AM
Amazing moss, it's fantastic stuff isn't it. The Sarah Raven catalogue is like magic I find. Can't get enough of it, I am always rather obsessed, every single year. There are packets of seed in the kitchen as a testament to that! The top photo is gorgeous. I thought I detected spring in the air today. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | February 13, 2019 at 10:02 PM
Signs of spring here already, daffodils blooming and some trees as well, I even spotted a house wren with dried bits in it's beak on our porch looking for a place to build, our indoor kitty had his nose against the glass wishing it wasn't in his way I'm sure. lol The mossy tree is gorgeous! My rock walkway is looking very mossy at the moment. I gathered moss from our back yard a couple years ago and tore tiny bits and pressed them between many of the stones, I'm so glad to see it spreading. I love your yarn bowl, and the socks are coming along nicely. I just finished a pair for my hubby for Valentines day. Have a great day! xxxxxxxx
Posted by: Angela- Southern USA | February 13, 2019 at 06:25 PM
I hope Little Lady enjoys her waitressing job. My now 20 year old started waitressing at an Italian cafe when she was 15, fell in love with Italian food and Italian culture, went to uni to study Italian and is now spending her year abroad in Genoa. She still works shifts at the cafe when she is home. I know a Saturday job doesn't usually have quite such far-reaching effects, but the independence and experience of the adult world that they gain is so good for teenager.
Posted by: Kathryn | February 13, 2019 at 10:37 AM
Lucy, so lovely to read your posts, I am trying to imagine myself walking those paths you describe and, I love photographing lichen!
I am just about to finish the 3rd repeat of Sweet Pea CAL and absolutely loving it despite being a little bit behind. The colours are gorgeous :) Looking forward to seeing what you have in store for the border even though I am a LONG way off that!
Last night at 7 pm it was 37 degrees C, today minimum was 19 degrees C, that’s Sydney ATM in summer. 🥵
Thanks again for reigniting my interest in crotcheting xxx
Posted by: Sherin | February 13, 2019 at 10:13 AM
We had starlings around this time last year. They roosted in a tree in a neighbours garden - literally thousands of them. I’m hoping they come back this year, but there’s no sign of them arriving just yet.
Posted by: Carole | February 13, 2019 at 08:09 AM
Dahlias are easy to grow from seed (I don't see why you couldn't grow them in pots, I know you don't have beds for flowers in your garden) and are a plant that keeps giving, much like Sweet Peas - you can pick and pick them for the house and they still keep producing more flowers. A pack of dwarf mixed will be enough for you and a few friends. I had a row of about ten plants on my allotment, months of cut flowers for my kitchen windowsill.
x Rusty
Posted by: Rusty | February 12, 2019 at 06:18 PM
I LOVE your photos!! In my neck of the woods we are seeing mostly white. :)
Posted by: Kate | February 12, 2019 at 04:10 PM
I love the starling photo where they have formed a heart, what a perfect pre-Valentine day gift for you!
Posted by: Sue | February 12, 2019 at 02:48 PM
What wonderful photos - especially the trees covered in moss! I envy you the greenness and he promise of Spring. Half of Toronto is shut down today as a massive snow and ice storm has started and will continue through tomorrow with 15 to 20cm of snow predicted (but it's the ice that is the major problem) so no signs of Spring here I'm afraid.
If you like Dahlias and are a reader - there is a mystery series called "The Darling Dahlias" by Susan Albert Witting - they are about a bunch of ladies in a garden club in depression era Alabama and they are quite charming, a good mystery along with recipes and gardening tips!
Posted by: Margie from Toronto | February 12, 2019 at 02:01 PM
The Bluebells emerging from their loose blanket of golden leaves provide the most warming palette of colors. I would love a blanket that made me feel as comfortable as that moss covered tree must feel. I also take pictures of moss and bark and emerging flowers - the tinier the better. I'm wishing for a moss CAL with all the lovely shades of green that nature provides and bits of warm earthy brown bark and fallen leaves to ground it. In my opinion there is nothing more beautiful than moss and bark except maybe watching Sirius silently twinkle its amazing colors in the dark moonless night or the breathtaking murmuration of starlings. I ADORE your blog and have added one unattainable item to my bucket list - to take a walk with you to all your favorite places! Your blankets will very adequately suffice.
Posted by: Mary W | February 12, 2019 at 01:29 PM
I have been reading your blog for years now. It is my favorite go to place when I need the world to be sane. Bless you m'dear. MO
Posted by: Marylin | February 12, 2019 at 12:59 PM
Love reading your blog ! Makes me feel so good!
Posted by: Heather Coady | February 12, 2019 at 12:50 PM
I have my cupcake blanket firmly on the bed,but it has too stay on my side very warm hubby complains about the 10 tog duvet!
Posted by: Heidi Clarke | February 12, 2019 at 11:34 AM
Lucy, I think you'd love the photos and videos on this blog post of my old school friend (from SGHS no less) - amazing murmuration: https://www.sarahmasonphotography.co.uk/blog/2017/4/13/a-sky-full-of-birds?rq=murmuration
Posted by: Alison | February 12, 2019 at 10:28 AM
Moss, it comes into its own when there is such a lack of green elsewhere. We were on holiday in Hawkshead last week and on our walks it was everywhere! Trees, drystone walls, fences,rocks, buildings. There is such variety too. I have been meaning to do some research on the subject and look up the names of the different types. Thank-you for reminding me. Happy walking!
Posted by: Margaret | February 12, 2019 at 08:36 AM
I love your posts and would liketo send you a link to a flower grower in the US that you would lfind inspirational. They do a free newsletter and growing tips. May I send and how? They spécialisé in cut flowers and some unusual seeds they can post to uk too. Dahlias and sweet peas are magnificent for instance. Only a small family run flower farm . I live in France and currently have no garden but read it for pleasure and inspiration .
Posted by: Susan Randle | February 12, 2019 at 08:16 AM
Love reading your posts! Has Christine got you into sock knitting? She has me addicted as well🤣🤣
Posted by: Heather | February 12, 2019 at 07:02 AM
Such beautiful photos and some quite surreal. At least you have consistent weather over there. Ours is topsy turvy with 35 degrees C one day and 20 degrees the next. I have literally had the air conditioner on one day and the heating on the next. Despite this I have loved crocheting along with you and look forward to Friday.
Posted by: Ondrea | February 12, 2019 at 06:40 AM
Catkins are so tempting, but they turn into a shattered mess when you bring them home, at least the ones near us do. Just another thing to teach us the lesson that we don’t need to possess everything we admire. Anyhow, it’s lovely that you share your walk with us. Too bad we can’t share the exercise benefits as well.
Posted by: Beth | February 12, 2019 at 03:09 AM