Here I am again, gently navigating the continuing strangeness of our Home Safe days. Last week was week four and the second week of our school holidays, so it felt especially slow and indulgent in many ways.
The weather has been very dry and very sunny, although my goodness it has been super chilly too with a couple mornings where we woke up to ground frost. But oh, the blue, blue, blue skies have been heavenly, and I am drinking in all this bright light and colour like a parched starved thing!! It's almost too delicious for words, the frothy gorgeousness of Spring in full tilt. The large blossom trees around the neighbourhood are just this week beginning to open their flowers (we are many weeks later up here in north Yorkshire than the southern counties) and it is such a delight.
We continue to walk every day, enjoying the precious chance to escape these four walls and stride out along our local footpaths, tracks and fields. I am so grateful for what we have close by, and although I feel a little envious of those with gardens and greenery right outside their back doors, I do appreciate how lucky I am to have fields, woods, canals and rivers I can easily walk to.
We often rest a while at this curved stone bench to catch a breather, it's such a lovely addition to the woodland (you can read about it here) and offers a beautifully peaceful little stopping point along the walk. There is a woodland poem carved all along the stone seat, next time I'm there I'll make a note of it to share with you.
It amazes me how much change we see in the woods every single day, even if that change basically amounts to the ever expanding shades of green appearing all over. It is just so LUSH. Wild garlic reaching its peak (no flowers yet, but soon...) and many of the trees beginning to unfurl their delicate new leaves. I adore the feeling of Spring rushing towards us, there is such a palpable energy in the woodland air that you can't help but feel uplifted by it.
We walked out across the fields to Tarn House again on Sunday (this has become our weekend walk) and it was nice to be out in the open air for a change. I love woodland walking but sometimes I crave the open countryside and long views out across the surrounding hills.
I did a couple of evening walks with Little Lady last week which is always a pleasure, she is great company, very chatty and we get along extremely well. Walking in the evenings has a completely different feel to our daytime jaunts, it's more relaxing in many ways with the soft golden light, low, low sun and lengthening shadows.
Life on the home front has been a slow plod, and there isn't really much to report. I spent an afternoon clearing up the back yard, dismantling my collapsed and dilapidated old plastic tent-greenhouse, shifting around some large fruit trees in pots (inherited gifts from my very good friend who relocated earlier in the year and couldn't take them with her) and generally having a long overdue sweep up and tidy. I cleared my pots and they are now awaiting fresh compost and fresh flowers/plants, although at the moment I really don't quite know where/how I am going to get those from. I've been sitting out in my old camping chair in the afternoons, making the most of the newly cleared sunny sheltered corner (where my greenhouse used to be), sometimes wishing I had a real garden to play in but also quite content with my low-maintenance little yard situation.
I've also LOVED (really, really loved) hanging out my freshly laundered bedding to dry on the line, it's such a simple thing, but the pleasure it delivers at bedtime is massively huge. Sun-dried cotton bedding is just heavenly to sleep in, no two ways around it.
Another week of menu planning, food juggling and cooking, and all is well. I do really enjoy being in my teensy-weensy kitchen rustling up healthy home cooked meals for myself and the family. I need to get a bit better at writing the Monday Morning shopping list though, as I keep managing to miss off vital ingredients. It's no good making a menu plan if you don't actually look at it when making the shopping list. Ah well, we've been managing and our evening meals when we all eat together are real highlights of my days.
I continue to stitch, stitch, stitch my way through these slow home days. I'm so mad at myself as I managed to hurt my hand again last week picking up a very heavy shopping bag (osteoarthritis in my joints) so I am not able to crochet for a little while until that eases up again. I am very, very glad to have my stitching projects waiting in the wings to carry me through the days when my hook isn't an option.
I finished my "Love is All You Need" cross stitch and framed it up last week, so so happy with it! I'll take some photos and share with you later this week. I've now started stitching the April subscription project from Cotton and Twine which I've been very lucky to receive as an early preview. It's an absolute joy to work on and I've been quite obsessive over it.
Mostly I sit at the dining room table working on it in a quiet, solitary frenzy, but a couple afternoons last week I took it outside to stitch in the sunshine. My first ever alfresco stitching, and it was oh so good. I promise to show you more this week. If you want to see what the finished design looks like, click ((here)) for a peek - it's super lovely!
A dinky white fluffy cloud in a blue, blue sky - just a little moment in my day when I looked up over the rooftops and felt elated by the weather and the season. No more winter. No MORE WINTER!!!! Just a bit happy about that state of affairs, might have squealed a little at the joy of it being Finally Spring.
Soft and gentle routines continue here in the Attic, the days punctuated by many trips into the kitchen to prepare and cook food and drink, either for myself, Little B, or the fam at large. I drink coffee throughout the day (all decaff I might add), and really enjoy the familiar ritual of both making it and drinking it. I like to heat up and froth my milk (just by hand using a little whisk, nothing fancy) then stand as close to the coffee machine as I can while it slowly empties into my mug as I absolutely adore the smell of fresh coffee. I really miss my daily cafe visits, as much for the aroma and the familiar, warm comfort as for the milky caffeine drinks.
Last week I completed five more morning PE workouts, making four whole weeks now. I am so bloomin' surprised by a) how much I enjoy it and b) how much stronger my body feels. Little B still does it with me, but his enthusiasm isn't always A grade. Sometimes he spends half the time rolling about on the floor wrapped in a blanket, sometimes his sole purpose seems to be to put me off balance and make me wobble, but we have fun with it and I'm careful to encourage him without trying to enforce it.
I did a little bit of internet shopping last week, small treats and indulgences that arrived on my doorstep and made me happy. I bought a new candle tin in one of my fave scents for Spring - Bergamot and Green Tea. I also replaced my run-out posh hand soap (this one) which I love so much, it makes the ordinary business of hand washing feel like a treat every time.
And there we are, another ordinary, very mundane week in the Attic, staying home and keeping safe and relishing life's little pleasures and small joys. Family time, quiet time, familiar walks and home routines. I'm so happy it's Spring, did I say that already? This week, my plan is to go out every single day to walk underneath the blossom trees, and that's as much planning as I'm prepared to do.
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hello Lucy,
Such a beautiful catch upon your lovely walks and escapism from the the four walls we all find our selves lock down within...I had been walking every day but caught a nasty sickness bug, so to get back out side and back into the wild was a great tonic for my health...just within four days I noticed how much the landscape has been changing...so much more wild garlic flowers, primroses, cow parsley and the woods filling up with the beauty of the bluebells...really cheered me up...I love the woodlands where you are and those wicker style sculptures...Its good to get out. The rolling tors of Dartmoor here remind me of your view so much...But I am missing the sea!
oh' to have a little paddle in the sea...but I have been paddling in the clear waters a long the river bank which is just as delightful. And keeping to the simple joys always gets me through, thanks for sharing the beauty around you and for the beautiful creative joys and homely warming tales you tell so wonderfully, take care , kazzy ;)x
Posted by: kazzy | April 27, 2020 at 08:18 AM
Hi Lucy, Gledstone Gardens will deliver to Skipton. I had a delivery of herbs, some alpines and some bedding plants last week. £5 delivery charge but their prices for their plants are reasonable. You can email or f2f message your order.
Hope you manage to get some plants for your newly tidied up outdoor space 😀
Best wishes
Sally
Posted by: Sally Ward | April 26, 2020 at 08:25 PM
You're making me want to start cross stitching again. It's something I haven't done in a long time but I saw a rather funny one with a "Tiger King" (from Netflix) theme and I haven't been able to get it out of my mind. There does seem to be some bright spots during this time of panic. My husband and I walk together every day with our dog (and cat but that's a whole other story) and enjoy the spring weather. Love that you treated yourself to a few little things just to make you smile. Happy Stitching!
Posted by: Elise | April 26, 2020 at 03:37 PM
I'm right there with you about being over the moon that spring has sprung!(Even though it's been a wet one here, but oh the blooms have made up for it!) Still at home here as well. We're celebrating my Dad's 82nd birthday at a distance, us outside in masks, him inside, shouting through the window. lol A strange time indeed. I've been gearing up for stitch Maynia, my first, even sewing project bags, going all out. ; D I hope your hand is better soon. Happy stitching!xxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Angela-southern USA | April 26, 2020 at 02:17 PM
I love your picture of the flowering tree. Such exuberance! It just made me smile! It just turned warm here in a matter of a few days. So very welcome to have sunny hot weather to help with the gloomy blues. And maybe kill off virus? One can hope. Love the new stitch pattern. Glad you have a project to do while your hand heals. You talked about garden mulch and plants. Do you have a company to buy from that delivers those things? Amazon prime? I’m not sure of restrictions you might have. I’m 40 miles east of Los Angeles and can get almost anything delivered to my front door. There is a cost to it though. I was lucky enough to get a few pots of pansies before the Stay at Home restrictions started in March and they have given me much pleasure to look at. My front yard has red geraniums in full bloom too. Happy happy sights to see.
Thank you for your lovely blog! Lynn
Posted by: Lynn Dee Butler | April 24, 2020 at 09:35 PM
Absolutely agree with you about the sun dried freshness of washing outside,mine is currently drying in our garden.Love the pictures of your daily walks Hope your hand is better soon. Thank you for such a lovely blog post as always.
Posted by: Beverley | April 22, 2020 at 12:21 PM
Only found you a few days ago when I was looking for some help crocheting some granny squares together. I'm enjoying your posts and photography. Thank you for your uplifting blog.
Posted by: Susan O'Neill | April 21, 2020 at 09:32 PM
Your daily life seems full of pleasure and family -what a blessed life. I adore the picture you took of the tree shadow in the open field - amazing. Really enjoyed my coffee while we visited this AM. Thanks for that!
Posted by: Mary W | April 21, 2020 at 03:53 PM
As usual Lucy a lovely, uplifting blog, how I love reading them, thank you so much for taking the time to tell us about your delightful life in skipton Daphne xxxxx
Posted by: Daphne goodenough | April 21, 2020 at 12:14 PM
Hi Lucy,
I’ve been following you for several years when I first started my crochet journey but haven’t ever commented. I feel compelled to now as you’re lovely weekly posts always bring a smile to my face and cheer me up. Especially the lovely walks around where you live. I’m currently having to shield due to illnesses and really miss going out and about. I live in South Devon and we have to lovely areas too. My crochet/ cross stitch and sewing are what is keeping me sane, when not dealing with my two boys and encouraging them to complete their school work. Hope you and your family continue to stay safe during these strange times.
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie McCaffery | April 21, 2020 at 09:58 AM
Dear Lucy, your simple home days are still an inspiration to your loyal readers! I am sorry you hurt your hand.. you must be careful with your hands.. they're your golden goose! :-) I wish you had a little farm to live on, you'd love all the space to grow things. We planted tomatoes, a green pepper and 8 lettuces today in our new raised beds. Pop over to my blog if you want to see all the flowers bursting forth in our farmyard! Sending love your way, ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | April 21, 2020 at 07:48 AM
Lovely post as ever envy your gorgeous walks.
Thankyou
Posted by: Jacqui | April 21, 2020 at 07:19 AM
Lovely post Lucy. It brings home that we should enjoy all the little things in life and slow down. I love your blog and photos. I too suffer with osteo-arthritis in lots of places. Look after yourself and enjoy the sunshine.
Posted by: Anne Dearle | April 21, 2020 at 02:36 AM
Love your posts and thank you for bringing a little Spring into our lives. We are heading for Winter here in Australia.
Posted by: Caroline Dehm | April 21, 2020 at 01:09 AM
Thank you for giving me my fix of all the familiar sights around Skipton that I love and miss. I’m sorry you are suffering with Osteo- Arthritis. I can sympathise as I’m sure that I have the same complaint after having a lot of recent problems and pain in my hands. I’m sure you must be missing the crochet Lucy, but I’m sure you will always find alternatives until you are able to pick up your hook again.
Take care.
Posted by: Kathryn Grimshaw | April 20, 2020 at 10:46 PM
Thank you for giving me my fix of all the familiar sights around Skipton that I love and miss. I’m sorry you are suffering with Osteo- Arthritis. I can sympathise as I’m sure that I have the same complaint after having a lot of recent problems and pain in my hands. I’m sure you must be missing the crochet Lucy, but I’m sure you will always find alternatives until you are able to pick up your hook again.
Take care.
Posted by: Kathryn Grimshaw | April 20, 2020 at 10:46 PM
Ah yes, the early morning PE. The littlest boy does it and sometimes the biggest boy joins in which makes me laugh and laugh to see him hopping around. And sometimes I do it, but honestly I'm so out of condition. They very helpfully point out that I'm doing it wrong. 'DO THE PRESS-UPS FROM YOUR FEET!' etc. Never mind that I couldn't do a press-up if you paid me. I think I need to try harder and see if I can build up some strength. Your local walks always look so beautiful, you live in a very pretty spot. I have finally persuaded the dog to stop being dramatic and start walking again, so we are back on the beat, which is nice. I hope your hand is better very soon. Have a good week, CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | April 20, 2020 at 10:14 PM
I think you have one of the best blogs ever! Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful, peaceful days with us!
Posted by: Sharon McKenna | April 20, 2020 at 10:11 PM
And after a long, hot Summer with our horrendous bushfires, I'm enjoying cool mornings and that golden glow the light has here in the Autumn! Every Autumn currawongs (large birds) migrate from the hills to the flat land where I live: I heard their distinctive call for the first time this year the other day. Winter is on its way!
Posted by: Denise Fordyce | April 20, 2020 at 09:44 PM
I have had a manic day today (teacher doing all the home learning online) for the first day after the holidays, it was so calming and lovely to read your musings. I too have enjoyed the intense blue of the sky in the daytime but at the same time quite liked the fact that the evenings are chilly enough to deserve a fire and a snuggle in a blanket. I love your home town, I have memories of a couple of very special visits there.
Posted by: Hettie | April 20, 2020 at 08:55 PM