In a bid to fight the annual Summer Overwhelm and pretend that I've not been full of cold, full of hay fever, full of weirdly erratic hormones and full of not sleeping well, I've been turning my back on indoor life whenever possible and spending time outside. The house, my studio, work related stuff and anything that requires me to apply my barely functioning, sleep-deprived brain cells has been neglected and I am trying not to worry about it too much.
Rain or shine, I find such calm in being outside surrounded by nature and I am so so thankful that I can leave the house/Attic to run on neglect for short periods while I try and look after my own well being.
J and I have been tramping familiar paths in all weathers....
....pottering around in the grey of warm, muggy afternoons. We've been making the most of these last few weeks of the term when we have a small number of child and work free hours to spend together. It's been lovely and very much appreciated by me I can tell you.
I've continued my evening outings with Little B too, as and when he's been willing to join me.
These photos were taken last week, around 8pm on Wednesday evening when we took a stroll up the farm track and into the woods.
The light was so beautiful at that time of day.....
....with dancing shadows.....
....and glowing sunbeams.
The following evening we decided to make a picnic dinner and take it to Bolton Abbey which is something I wish we could do more often. It takes a certain amount of forward planning, but it's still possible to be fairly spontaneous with it when the weather looks promising. I marinated some butterflied chicken breasts (olive oil, wine vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, honey, mustard) then cooked them on a hot griddle pan until they were seared and cooked through, then left them to cool. I also boiled up some baby Jersey Royal potatoes then tossed them in a little butter, heavily seasoned them and left them to cool too. I packed up some crusty French bread and tortilla crisps with an avocado dip, and a big bowl of easy finger-eating salad (baby plum tomatoes, baby cucumbers, carrot and pepper sticks). What else? Hmm yes, some easy finger fruit (strawberries, cherries and watermelon chunks) and some chocolate biscuits to finish. I made up a big bottle of elderflower cordial and honestly, it was so summery and delicious, and I wish I had taken more photos to share with you. Actually I took lots of lovely summery photos of the Little People, it was one of those precious evenings that you don't want to end.
Today there was very little shine at all but the rain didn't stop us getting out and about.
We walked through Strid Wood at Bolton Abbey this afternoon, enjoying the sound of the rain drops as they fell heavily onto the leaves above our head.
The scent of damp earth and abundant greenery was lush, and helped me to feel like my head was clearing a little for the first time in ages.
Ahhhh, raindrops on a blade of grass....such simple beauty, but oh so worth stopping for.
After a quick coffee, we drove home over the moors and I was absolutely blown away by the sight of this field right next to the road. I asked J to pull into the lane so that I could take a closer look. I wanted to find out what kind of flower was growing in such abundance.......
......oh, hello Foxgloves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I honestly don't think I have ever in my entire life seen so many growing in one place, they stole my breath clean away!
They looked spectacular en masse and I just stood there at the edge of the road with my mouth hanging open in wonder. Amazing.
Right now the rain has stopped and the evening is warm and clear, and I am thinking about sitting down quietly to do something soothing. Maybe knit a few more rows of my seascape socks, or crochet up a few more rows of the Yarndale stripes I'm working on. I finished the first one and am now onto number two and I'm so enjoying the simplicity of it....I'll show you more of that tomorrow I think.
See you soon! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Green color everywhere, neither hot nor cold, summer in the countryside it is fantasy. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: website design price list | September 06, 2019 at 09:03 PM
You are soooo very lucky to life at such a Beautiful Place Lucy I wish i could life there ,
i love and enjoy reading your posts especially the pictures i think it is soo awesome how beautiful God made everything
Thank you for sharing
Posted by: Andrea | July 19, 2019 at 09:09 AM
We’ve just come back to Aus from a European holiday and while we were in the UK saw loads of lupines (I think) growing along the sides of the road in all their beautiful colours - such a lovely sight.
Posted by: Meredithe | July 08, 2019 at 06:31 AM
I feel like you should design a foxglove blanket! Is always lovely to read your posts, and I share your feelings about the restorative power of being outdoors.
Posted by: Rachel | July 07, 2019 at 10:44 PM
OMGoodness...the foxgloves!!!! Thanks for sharing that. xxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Angela- Southern USA | July 05, 2019 at 01:31 PM
I so understand where you are coming from with the hormones. I was having a terrible time sleeping recently and lots and lots of hot flashes. Out of nowhere it stopped and I'm sleeping great again. There seems to be no rhyme or reason for it. Hugs to you during this time! Hope you get lots of sunshine and warm weather this summer!
Posted by: Elise | July 03, 2019 at 02:48 PM
I've just been reading an article in New Scientist (1 June 2019) which discusses the simple health benefits of getting more sunlight! It's not rocket science but talks about how it improves sleep, combats the effects of staring at computer screens, reduces the risk of low mood and aids recovery from injuries and illness. Like you, Lucy, I crave being outside no matter what the weather or season. Seems our bodies and our brains know what they need!!
Posted by: Lesley | July 03, 2019 at 02:34 PM
My little heart tugs when I read your blog- can identify with so many feelings and emotions you bravely share. I have been researching HRT and you may want to explore and discuss with a kind lady Gp (or man if specialises) but NICE guidelines are quite clear depending on individual history- maybe worth exploring to give some relief and protection into next chapter of life. Thank you for all your dedication to maintaining your fabulous blog Xxx
Posted by: Helen | July 03, 2019 at 11:29 AM
Hope you are feeling better. Hay fever can make you feel so blah. Thank you for sharing all the pictures of your outings. You are so fortunate that UK preserves so many areas and that it is safe to be there on your own or with your children. Enjoy the rest of the summer. A little hot here at 97 and 95% humidity.
Posted by: diane wilalrd | July 03, 2019 at 03:04 AM
I'm glad you're taking the time to do what you know will be good for your well-being. What a find to see such a cluster/field of Foxglove! I hope your July will be a good one. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | July 03, 2019 at 12:35 AM
Loving your self care,perfect remedy walking in the fresh air❤️
Posted by: Susan | July 02, 2019 at 10:02 PM
Those foxgloves! I love foxgloves, but have never, ever, seen them massed like that. Quite amazing. I'd have stood in awe like you, Lucy. Another great blog post. Thank you.
Posted by: Trish Annie | July 02, 2019 at 07:23 PM
Beautiful scenery! The foxgloves are amazing!
Posted by: Shasta | July 02, 2019 at 06:20 PM
Do foxgloves naturalize normally in your 'neck of the woods' or did some visionary plant these for reasons only a nature lover would know? That has to be the most glorious sight.
Posted by: Mary W | July 02, 2019 at 02:08 PM
Ahhh!...just the inspiration I needed this morning! Thanks for the joyful post and lovely photos. The dinner sounds delicious...may fix tonight:)
Thanks as always, you are a blessing.
Sue
Posted by: Sue Floyd | July 02, 2019 at 01:13 PM
I have been amazed at the amount of wild foxgloves and poppies this year and the foxgloves are so tall they are amazing. So nice that you have been able to get out and about with or without little B. There are sometimes when it gets to about 9pm and everything is still and quiet outside and I just like to sit and enjoy the peace.
Mx
Posted by: Mitzi | July 02, 2019 at 12:26 PM
Beautiful photos as usual. Sometimes 'hiding' outside somewhere is the best tonic isn't it! Hope the lurgies are on full speed out of the Attic. xx Susan
Posted by: Susan | July 02, 2019 at 12:10 PM
Wow, those foxgloves are amazing, I've never seen anywhere near that many. Stunning. Your picnic sounds delicious, evenings like that are wonderful aren't they. I hope you have plenty more good outings over the summer. I know what you mean about the not sleeping and hormones thing, it is much the same here. I hope you're feeling more yourself very soon. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | July 02, 2019 at 10:02 AM
The second from the last photo should be printed and framed. It's lovely. As I tell my husband, it doesn't matter if it is in perfect focus. It's just a nice reminder of something beautiful I've seen. And you should do the same. Print it out and prop it on the mantel, so you can remember how it looks every day.
Posted by: Elizabeth | July 02, 2019 at 09:49 AM
The foxgloves are beautiful and makes me want to find the time to get in the car and drive the short distance to Bolton Abbey to see them. I wonder where the little bridge over the stream is? looks like my kind of walk, all the other views I recognise......I wondered if it was Embsay reservoir?
Posted by: Karen Megginson | July 02, 2019 at 09:07 AM
I second Claire's suggestion about a foxglove throw! I had absolutely NO idea they grow wild in Britain or anywhere else. And the masses of them you found: I know the feeling, because it must be the same as when I round a bend and see what looks like an endless field of bluebonnets.
Posted by: Barb W. | July 02, 2019 at 01:53 AM
Thanks for sharing Lucy, just love the views of the countryside that you are so good at photographing. Hope you are feeling better very quickly, no fun with hayfever etc. Love following your adventures which makes me wish I could come back to Yorkshire to explore it in more detail than I did a few years ago! x
Posted by: Bev Farrall | July 02, 2019 at 12:19 AM
Urgh, hormones and hayfever - same combination messing with my ability to function too! The foxgloves in the woods around here have gone rampant this year - they seem more abundant but also significantly taller than in previous years. Must be the weather! They are such a pretty colour though. Will there be some info soon about this year’s community project for Yarndale? I’m hoping I’ll have time to get started before the holidays begin xx
Posted by: One-oh-four | July 01, 2019 at 11:10 PM
Those foxgloves are stunning, I've never seen them en masse like that either. What a sight! xx
Posted by: Winwick Mum | July 01, 2019 at 10:59 PM
I tried to guess what the flowers were and failed. They are amazing.
You have my sympathy with lack of sleep and hayfever. My hayfever has been mild for the last couple of years but is bad now. The GP said the pollen count is high and it is a bad year for hayfever sufferers. The rain should help not that we have had any here in Poole, Dorset.
Posted by: Sue | July 01, 2019 at 10:57 PM