Home Safe :: Week Five

Looking back at my photos from last week it seems like it was all about the blossom for me.

I've been waking up early, well six-ish which feels pretty early for these weekendish kind of days. Sometimes I doze back to sleep for another hour, but mostly I've been finding myself so wide awake that I absolutely have to get up and start my day there and then. I've been leaving my pjs folded in a neat pile and instead pulling on what I call my "workout gear". Ha!! In reality, these clothes are very un-sporty and consist of an old, comfy pair of 3/4 leggings, a baggy vest top which I think once belonged to a summer pj set and an oversized sweatshirt of some sorts (I have several to choose from). About the only item I wear which could be considered remotely exercisey is a sports bra, as I cannot contemplate doing any sort of leaping about without full coverage lock-down on my top half. 

As the live PE sesh doesn't start until 9 am and I'm generally up and dressed by 7, I've been heading out to partake in some early morning blossom worshipping. It takes me less than 10 minutes to walk to my favourite park bench which sits beneath these beautiful flowering trees. Gosh, it's just so beautiful there at the moment, and standing underneath such a heavenly load of floral perfection gives me an almost overwhelming surge of emotional feels. I can't quite articulate what the feelings are about - joy maybe? Gratitude? Abundant thankfulness for the fact that Winter is behind us?

Whatever it is, I find I need to just stand still and let it flow over me for a short while until my equilibrium is restored.

I've really been enjoying these short early morning walks as it's pretty much the only time when I can truly be alone. I love being home-safe with the family, but at the same time I do miss having time by myself. 

There is much peacefulness to be found quietly walking the narrow path through the woodland with just my own internal dialogue and the sights, scents and sounds of a Spring morning gently unfolding.

The woodland path is short (the woods are small and sparse along the top edge of the park) and it's not long before I emerge into the sunshine and see the blossom trees in all their glory.

A couple mornings I've made myself a coffee to take with me, just to up the happy stakes and make my heart content. Finding pleasure in the small things, well that happens to be a special talent of mine :)

Cow parsley is a wild hedgerow flower which usually belongs to the month of May up here in Yorkshire, but it's just beginning to bloom now due to the very warm sunny weather we've had. It grows in abundance along the woodland edge at the top of the park so I picked a couple of little stems to bring home. I called in at the allotment to pick a few more bluebells to bring back too, and the resulting small wild posy on my table has been making me very happy.

We're going to miss seeing the bluebells at Bolton Abbey this year, so I'm super grateful to have a few to bring home from the allotment to enjoy up close.

Talking of bluebells, I spent much of last week stitching them, little crosses in two shades of blue creating the prettiest little flowers on my Spring sampler. I almost finished this picture too, but not quite. I was making good progress but then got completely overwhelmed by a crochet project which all of a sudden demanded my attention and refused to let go. I'll show you a bit of that in just a while, if you're interested to know what has got me into a giddy spin.

I count my early morning solo blossom jaunts as mental/spiritual exercise (yes, it's a thing) and my afternoon family woodland jaunts as physical exercise. I love both of these types of walks for different reasons, and am very grateful to have these beautiful places within walking distance from my front door.

The wild garlic is oh-so-close to flowering, the flower buds teetering on the brink of eruption. I absolutely cannot wait for the floral explosion, the sheer abundance of it (not to mention the intoxicating scent) is something I look forward to every year. 

During the past week of never ending sunshine and warmth the treetops have finally started to wear their greenery and it is just so bloomin' lovely.

It feels like I've been waiting such a long time for it, gazing up through endless bare twiggy branches and wishing for leaves to appear. And now that they are here, well I am hugely happy.

It's mainly the tender young beech leaves which are giving us that delicious bright limey green - the oak and ash are still in bud. But I'll take whatever is there right now, drinking in all that freshness and colour. I love it so much, this time of growth and abundance.

On the home front, week five has felt slow, slow, slow. I've been content though, continuing to enjoy my gentle routines and pleasures.

I baked flapjacks again last week, for the second week in a row as the Little People love them and they make a great after dinner treat. I've perfected the art of baking them but not actually eating them, which believe me I'm very proud of. Small victories in my quest for good health, I'll take them.

Ah, remember last week I was telling you that I cleared and tidied this little corner of my back yard? Well I thought I'd show you, so you can picture me sitting in that tired old camping chair in the afternoons when this teensy little space becomes a sheltered sun trap. 

I love love love that I now have trees (trees!!!!) growing in my back yard, thanks to a very kind hand-me-down from a friend who moved house and couldn't take them with her. So I am the proud owner of a pear tree and a cherry tree - and even have my very own blossom!!!!! It's oh so magical, and I can often be found sitting in that chair just gazing up at the wonder of those floral branches above my head.

See how sunny it gets? It's a very sheltered little spot and perfect for some quiet alfresco stitching or hooking.

I mentioned earlier about a crochet project stealing all my time and attention this past week, and here I am hooking away like a woman possessed. Yes, it's a new blanket that I'm working on, and it's such a joyful thing full of rich colours that sing to my heart. I can't wait to show you more. It's a square blanket with some glorious colour play and I am absolutely loving it, to the point of obsession. My hands are blessedly also *ok* with the hours I'm spending with the hook, and I am seriously delighted by this fact. Crocheting in the warmth of the sun most definitely helps.

Ahhh........crochet life on the home front, it's just so so so good.

Aside from sunshine and crochet last week, let me see what else there was.......oh yes..........did I mention the blossom???

I might have taken rather a lot of blossom photos as I visited the trees almost every day.

And I think we may have reached peek blossom froth too. Blossom season is short and although this sometimes makes me sad, I don't think these flowers would have quite the same allure if they lasted for ages.

Walking home through the trees I am usually only aware of the birds, but one day I came across a squirrel going about his morning business. I wished right then at that moment that Little B had been with me as he loves wildlife, but he was still deeply in dreamland when I left the house which seems like a miracle to me. We've had sooooooooo many years of very early starts (like 5am early) with our offspring all being extremely early risers. So I'm very much enjoying the quiet of the house first thing when all three children are still asleep, it's really something of a novelty. It's blissful actually, especially as I am sleeping well myself at the moment (although it does change from week to week) and am waking up feeling rested and energised and ready to get going. 

I was wondering to myself about these lockdown days, and whether after 5 weeks that this all feels like a new kind of normal? I'm not sure to be honest - in some ways the extremely repetitive, slow nature of our days makes it feel like we've been living this way for much longer than five weeks. I do quite enjoy the gentle structure of our days, the work and play punctuated by food and exercise. It's not always easy for all five of us to be together in one smallish, tall thin building, but we are managing OK. Normal though? I just don't think our lack of freedom will ever feel normal to me. 

I hope you are all doing OK out there in the big wide world - tell me about your routines and your days and whether you are enjoying the slower pace of life? I wish you all the joys this week, I hope that there are many little things that make your smile :)

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Comments

[Susan Koszak]

Thanks so much for your wonderful honest blog. we went for a walk yesterday and found wild garlic which was thrilling as I thought I would miss it this year. looking forward to making something delicious.We have adjusted to having our two older children home as Uni is closed and filming projects are suspended.My son celebrated his 21st at the weekend and despite it not being quite what he imagined he had ‘the best birthday’ as we were together all day with many surprises including a memorable zoom chat. Looking forward to celebrating with family and friends is definitely keeping us going.I’m loving picking up my crochet at any moment and the recent rainy weather meant escaping inside to complete my colour block cushion.Keep safe peeps from sunny Uttoxeter in Staffordshire UK❤️

[Caz]

We have definitely settled into new normal here. After a few weeks off, Mr Year 11 has received school work from the A level classes he will be moving onto in September. His current school has been great at providing support too, with phone calls and emails. He is now getting up lazily, working in the afternoon and gaming in the evening. Mr slightly older, is working from home and we have now properly organised the work space so he is sitting at a desk which is the right height etc as this is going to go on for some weeks. Husband retired at the end of last month so we’ve been settling into a new routine there too. He’s decided to study a language so that is keeping him busy. And me.....well, it’s business as usual, washing, ironing, cooking, cleaning house and occasionally a bit of crochet in the sun! The house feels full but we are managing quite nicely.
Take care Lucy. I look forward to seeing your new blanket.

[Laura]

I'm really enjoying your uplifting weekly blog posts with the added bonus that I get to see photos of lovely Skipton, which I usually visit frequently and miss. You've inspired me to get up early tomorrow and go for a little nature walk, thank you.

[Jane]

Good morning from Wiltshire! Love your blossom photos! There is a lovely tree at the front of my mums house, although it’s got to the messy stage when the fallen petals get trodden into the house - worse with the rain too! I’m working at home 4 days a week, gradually getting used to video meetings, making sure the webcam is pointing the right way and not showing the messy bits of the room. OH is frustrated not to be able to get out into the wild with his camera as usual, but we have made the most of local walks and even spotted a kingfisher the other evening. I’m working on my first hydrangea blanket in the evenings, as well as a temperature blanket which is changing colour beautifully now with the warmer days. Our veggie patch has expanded, but it’s a race to beat the slugs and snails to the salads, and we’re finally finding time to redecorate our bedroom, so there are definitely upsides to this whole thing!
Best wishes, Jane (tulip lady 😉 )

[Debbie McCaffery]

Thank you so much for your weekly update and the beautiful pictures that you post. It really cheers me up as I’m not allowed out for exercise due to shielding. We’ve got into a routine. I wake my boys up at 8am and they normally do some exercise inside or out depending on weather. Then it’s showers, food and then on with the school day. Which is from 9am to 4pm with an hour for lunch. My eldest is at a Grammar School and the teachers are definitely making sure the pupils stick to their timetable. During this time I usually do my own studies I’m doing an IT course. Then spend some time doing crochet or cross stitch. I prepare dinner and afterwards I usually do some exercise, indoor rowing or yoga. Although being altogether is lovely. I really can’t wait for this period to be over, I miss going out and being at work. Stay safe. Debbie 😊

[Lyn Williams]

Hello there from upside down NZ; we are enjoying a long Indian Summer laced with prolonged drought, and today would be the equivalent of October 30th with you and at its height, the temp was 22 degrees. Bit more chilly now so I am indoors, my husband enjoying The Chase and me surfing my fave blog.
I so relate to your seasonal feelings/emotions - when I have the need the back garden swing seat entices me, especially early evening when I can look at what has been achieved during the day - even more so during lockdown. My delight at this time is the Fantail Bird chattering away and landing on various uprights to eye me up for possible conversation, very entertaining.
We have a delightful escape along our Marine Parade pathway, more open than your woodland walk and very full of fresh air. Folks have been increasingly aware of its advantages; cyclists/skateboarders/roller skaters - the lot. Very entertaining but relaxing at the same time. But my heart is with your Yorkshire excursions through softly lit, richly planted woods emerging onto a heathland of surprises.
Enjoy your wonderful life Lucy. Kind regards, Lyn

[Susanne Nichol]

Hello Lucy, it’s lovely to read all about you and see the lovely pictures of Skipton. We have a son living near you so we know the area fairly well. I love your blanket and are working my way through them. What is the one on your “ old “ camping chair called? I would like to make one. I never done one with 1000😂 of squares. You enjoy the sun in your back yard. Stay well and safe.
Greetings from a chilly Inverness
Susanne Nichol

[Jackie Farrow]

Thank you once again for sharing, lovely photos. The one thing I have missed is hugging our Grandsons. I have seen the eldest Grandson outside their home but of course within safe distance. His dad is a Manager at a large Supermarket. This Monday some of our restrictions were lifted we can now have up to 10 people in our homes (not that we would) So Sunday we had to drop somethings of to our Son &DIL and for the first time we went inside and had some fun with the youngest Grandson. I was about to write that we haven’t had any family at ours and just as I was writing it my daughter and Grandson (no.1) came to see us 😁. So on the craft side I’ve just finished crocheting from Little box of Crochet your Mug Hug which I have put over a glass jar for my crochet hooks. I’m also knitting a cardi for myself. Was a little upset when I found a hole in the back piece which I’m now undoing from the cast on edge to go passed the hole and re knit downwards. First time I’ve ever done this before. Take care, stay safe till next time Jackie x

[Kate S.]

Dear Lucy, thank you for another sweet glimpse into your world. I live in New Jersey USA where it’s definitely getting warmer, but we still have chilly days and lots of clouds and rain. It’s hard for kids to be cooped up on those yucky days. We are getting into a slow repetitive routine and I quite like it, going between home schooling, zooming for work, and now, working obsessively on my cupcake blanket. I just love making your blankets! I don’t know what I’d do without my crocheting:-)

Stay safe and healthy, everyone!
Kate

[Anne Dearle]

Always lovely to read your blog and see your beautiful photos of your surrounds. This period of isolation is giving us a chance to slow down and enjoy the beauty in nature, our own home and make us realise what and who are important in our lives. I can’t wait to be able to see my family again. Skype is wonderful but not like seeing them face to face. I love your walks. It is autumn here in Australia. The morning sun coming through our living room is beautiful and warm. A lovely spot to crochet or knit. Thanks for another enjoyable post. Take care and look after yourself.

[Nita]

Boo

[Gillian McM]

It has been so cold here in Massachusetts, there are millions of tiny red buds on the crabapple tree in my back garden, but they are refusing to open! My front garden is full of grape hyacinths, such a deep lovely purple. Quite happy indoors, crocheting, reading, zooming with friends, so grateful for central heating and enough food and a comfortable bed. Thank you as always for your lovely posts, Lucy. May you be well.

[Bonnie Brocklehurst]

Thank you Lucy for sharing your lovely walk with us, I long for warmer days when I can work in my garden again, after a long winter I am anxious to see the trees in bloom again, I love your blog, always cheers me up❤️

Take Care

Bonnie from Newfoundland

[Joanna Worthington]

Lovely to read your blog as ever. I share your love of blossom and am so lucky that my neighbour has a huge cherry blossom tree in her garden which hangs over into ours. It has been so beautiful this past week, but now the wind and the rain have decimated it. Such fleeting joy. I have been spending my days sitting in the sunshine and either crocheting or knitting small garments for a “Hope Box” or “Bottom Drawer” for the future should I become a Grandmother. I have made many blankets and gifts for other people, including my daughters’ friends when they have had babies, and thought it would be awful if I should succumb to COVID-19 and not have made anything for my own daughters’ future offspring. So that is what I have decided to do for the foreseeable future. Sending love from the South Coast of the UK. xxx

[Deb, US]

Here in the US it just seems endless. I thought when this first started it would last maybe a week or two. HA! Our weather is still rather cold so as it warms so will our spirits. I am spending time cross stitching a very colorful and intricate butterfly pattern. Good health to all the wonderful Attic24 friends!

[Jayne Holland]

Love your blog Lucy, it always makes me smile, the simple things in life are the best x

[Ruth]

I think it’s easier for me than a lot of people, I still have work 3 days a week, but on my days off every 2-4 weeks, I would usually travel to my mums on the train, a 5 hour journey, and often once a month we wil go away for the weekend. Though I miss seeing mum, and our little excursions, I have actually been loving staying at home and pottering, resting and recuperating. I had a mild case of covid 19 last month and am just starting to get back energy and motivation. And the marvellous weather has helped!My garden has never looked better and my house never so uncluttered!

[Lynn Walsh]

I am so jealous of your canal and park to walk by, I totally love your blog and always have done. I miss tales of Connievan! Still dream of one of my own. Kind regards from Cornwall 🙂

[Carol Langley]

Such a lovely blog! Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos.