I had a lie in this morning and it was absolutely lush, I woke up around 6.30 but immediately gave myself permission to go back to sleep and my second wake up was around 8am I think. Getting a little extra morning shut-eye is one of the very best bits of the school holidays, especially when the weather isn't playing nice and there are no plans to speak of. As is my usual weekday routine I got up and did a workout this morning and actually really enjoyed it - I never thought this would be me as I've always been more of a lazy pyjama person than a lycra fitness person. But life is full of surprises and finding my way into an at-home exercise routine was one of the very best things that happened for me during Lockdown.
Seven months later and I am really feeling the benefits from regular exercising, not necessarily in the way I look (although this is certainly noticeable) but more to do with my energy levels, state of mind and ability to climb hills without feeling like I'm about to pass out. The latter advantage is a real bonus living in a place full of hills. I generally do five days a week (weekends are for slobbery) and only about 30 minutes maximum a day. If anyone is remotely interested I'll happily give you more details of the kind of things I do - it's all free YouTube stuff where you don't need any equipment, just a small amount of floor space, probably a decentish sports bra and the willpower to commit to it when you are only accountable to yourself. I always feel great afterwards, a bit of a red sweaty mess, but those endorphins are really super little things when they go swimming around in your brain.
As it was raining this morning, I decided to enjoy my morning coffee treat in the comfort of home. It did mean a wet dash to the coffee shop to collect a take-out, but it's a very short dash which I'm very grateful for. When I came home I cosied up in the hydrangea and felt all kinds of happy just being home with J and the Little People and having nowhere I needed to be, and only the basic chores to get done. I changed over my bedding today, sorted out some recycling, cleaned around the bathroom a little and that was about the extent of today's housework.
Breakfast was a bowl of milky porridge topped with fresh fruit and seeds, my current fave. I ate it quite late this morning (10.45) and by then I was really ready for it. I try and practice some sort of mindfulness when I eat my meals so that I can savour the flavours and enjoy the pleasure of freshly prepared food, but I confess that sometimes I do just scoff the lot without a whole lot of mindful activity. I devoured the above bowl in a matter of minutes, but I'm pretty sure it was utterly delicious.
The weather has been wet, wet, wet all day long and as I sit and write this it is still raining. We were expecting it, the weather forecast for the whole of this week is pretty bad. J and I ventured out to the shops for a few groceries that got forgotten when I placed my online supermarket shop at the weekend. It was nice to get out for a bit of a leg stretch and some fresh air, but honestly it was pretty horrible walking with hoods up and heads down against the driving rain.
We walked along the wet canal, and I took the above photo as I was sheltering under one of the bridges. It was so gloomy and dark, even though it was just after midday.
The churchyard stopped me in my tracks though, all that glorious autumn colour looked spectacular in the gloom of the wet, grey afternoon.
When we got back, I set about making some soup for a late lunch, even though I was pretty sure that I would be the only one eating it. This was to be a green concoction made without a recipe but I was hopeful that the giant market celery would make the soup into something special. My green soup contained two leeks, two cloves of garlic, two ginormous celery sticks, a little bit of broccoli and a whole big handful of fresh green celery leaves. Oh, and a potato, and veggie stock.
It turned out green, but not the vibrant green I was expecting - maybe I needed spinach for that kind of colour and I didn't happen to have any. Taste wise it was very good - I think I overdid the celery leaves a bit but it was kind of like a leek and potato soup with a very strong hint of celery. I made rather a big batch of it, so I'm hoping Little Lady might be tempted to join me for a soup lunch tomorrow, otherwise I guess I'll be freezing it to have at a later date.
The soup gave me an energy boost and afterwards I felt inspired to finish J's socks.
I have the magic kitchener stitch written out on a piece of paper so that I can chant it out loud as I work the needle, it's a bit like casting a magic spell.
I in no way understand how it works, but by meticulously following the chant with extreme concentration I can manage to make it happen. It really does feel like magic and when it's done properly you can't tell that the darned stitches weren't knitted as it makes a seamless graft. Clever eh?
As soon as I'd finished darning in the ends I asked J if he would like to try them on and he honestly couldn't get them on his feet fast enough....
.....Ta-dah!!!!! One pair of Man Socks complete and already in situ on size ten man feet. I asked him to take them off so that I could wash and block them (they always feel so much nicer to wear after they've been washed and blocked) but he point blank refused. I could not persuade him to remove them, so as far as I know they are still on and keeping his extremities cosy and warm.
I've had a few people on social media ask about the yarn, and I'm sorry to say that since I bought it I've found out that the range has been discontinued. It may still be possible to find it online if you search for it - it's Opal yarn ::
Opal Fairytale : shade 9797 "Heroic Deed"
So I think tomorrow may well be the day for the Naughty Granny Bag to be given a seeing to, I feel ready to get stuck in again and kick that WiP into shape. Wish me luck, and I'll keep you posted!
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love your blog!!!
Posted by: Laura | December 26, 2020 at 04:34 AM
I am an BOB (bewildered old bird) of 70. I have been doing daily 7 minute exercises from YouTube by Lucy Wyndham Read. 7 minutes is very achievable and it doesn't put you off, split into 1 minute per move she does easy and harder version. It has strengthened the old pins and can get off the floor easily instead of using hands like a toddler. Highly recommended if anyone wants to give it a go.
Posted by: Victoria Margerison | October 31, 2020 at 04:14 PM
Hello Lucy. I've been reading your blog for many years but I think this is my first comment. I'd love to know more about the exercise routine too. We are in a lockdown in Ireland so now might be a good time for me to start! I love reading your blog!
Posted by: Mary Mc Donnell | October 30, 2020 at 07:03 PM
I also do kitchener stitch saying it out loud. I follow a video on Youtube and love how the blogger says - there's a pattern to this madness. ;-)))) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIUDB3Sv0g8).
I started reading your blog 10 years ago and it's so nice that when I return it's still full of colour, crochet, inspiration and daily life. Love it!
Posted by: Elena | October 29, 2020 at 06:20 AM
Howdy!
I have so much enjoyed your daily blogs,here in the U S A, The socks look so
Wonderful could you recommend certain pattern? I have never made any want to
Try it. I have been knitting and crocheting for a lot of years and feel the blessings of both, even the Kitchener stitch.
We have snow already out here in the western prairie. You have a cowgirl friend
Out here and your mantel with the fire is very warming to me.
Posted by: Frieda Bowman | October 28, 2020 at 06:29 PM
Love Reading your blog it makes simple everday things feel so lifelike
Posted by: Veronica Stephens | October 28, 2020 at 06:14 PM
Me, too, me, too! I would love more information on your workout. And, it is so good to have you back blogging, I really enjoy your daily posts.
Posted by: Marcille | October 28, 2020 at 04:54 PM
I don't want Blogtober to end! We currently have more than a foot of snow on the ground, and my daily venture outdoors with you has been the highlight of my day. Thank you so much.
Posted by: Marie | October 28, 2020 at 02:29 PM
Would love more information about your workout. The soup looks delicious. J is certainly appreciative of the socks. As my husband is a size 13 I have only made him socks with thick yarn. Wishing you better weather for the remaining week.
Posted by: Charlotte | October 28, 2020 at 12:11 PM
Well done on the workouts. The littlest boy and I were doing PE with Joe during the lockdown, but his enthusiasm waned towards the end and I was lazy as well and although I felt much better for doing it, somehow I stopped. I'd love to do something like that again though. The autumn colours do look spectacular against a dark sky don't they. Thunder and slate grey clouds over Wales this morning, but here it is sunny and there is the most glorious yellow tree over the road shining like gold. Hope you have a good day. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | October 28, 2020 at 09:50 AM
Good luck with the naughty bag😂💕
Posted by: Liz | October 28, 2020 at 09:00 AM
Thank you for your wonderful posts throughout October I have always looked out for your posts one every day is such a treat. You look amazing another one for info on your workout routine. You have inspired me to order a cross stitch pattern after your birth sign creation earlier in month and ordered some lovely prints from Brie Harrison.
Posted by: Jane Goring | October 28, 2020 at 08:25 AM
Its so nice to have you back Lucy, I'm loving reading your blog. The socks are beautiful, I don't blame J. For not wanting to take them off once they were on. Fingers crossed the naughty bag gets finished today, as I can't wait to see what it looks like.
You do look amazing and I would love to hear about your exercise and healthy eating, I really need to find some motivation.
It was a very wet day down hear in Somerset today and now the leaves are falling off of the trees so fast it's looking rather gloomy.
Stay safe and enjoy half term.x
Posted by: Sandra | October 28, 2020 at 07:29 AM
Yes, any information about your daily exercise routine will be welcome and may boost me into doing mine with more gusto.
No wonder your socks were tried on and adopted: they look just perfect.
Posted by: Line | October 28, 2020 at 06:45 AM
No wonder J didn't want to take off his socks! They just look so comfy and warm. Beautiful stripey, stripes.Just scrummy!
Posted by: LindyloufromOz | October 28, 2020 at 06:17 AM
I have love, love, loved your blog throughout October and am dreading the thought of its absence. You are an amazing blog writer. Enjoy all the many different segments and topics.
Posted by: Shelley Corcoran | October 28, 2020 at 05:11 AM
Hello my dear friend from across the pond! I'm so impressed with the socks you made for J and you can tell him he has very handsome feet. :-) I just got caught up on your daily posts. As you know we're in our caravan on the Oregon coast. We had another colorful sunset. We are being blessed with almost Summer-like weather. I will have some things on my post tomorrow that I am sure you will enjoy seeing. LOL! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | October 28, 2020 at 03:46 AM
Interested please in your exercise routine 😊
Posted by: Karen | October 28, 2020 at 03:38 AM
I have enjoyed reading your daily posts. You live in such a lovely town. I would love to hear about you daily workouts and what you did to lose the weight? You look fabulous. I need to do something. I am quite overweight and so unhappy in my own skin. I developed an underactive thyroid issue about 10 years ago so between that and being 54 I drink water and gain weight. I have two dogs and I know they would love a daily walk but between working full time, housework, laundry I just don't have the energy to exercise. Once all that is done I just want to sit relax and crochet. But I need to do something.
Posted by: Christine | October 28, 2020 at 03:32 AM
Cold wet day here too (Oklahoma, USA). I've knit so many socks, but I still have to keep the directions for starting the heels and kitchnering the toes at hand. Once I get started on either, I'm okay to finish, but that first move or two. Stay warm.(And eat your green veg?)
Posted by: Helen | October 28, 2020 at 02:52 AM
I am enjoying your blog so much. I live in New Zealand and had planned to have an extended visit to the UK this year, my first year of retirement. That won't be happening now thanks to Covid so I love seeing your photos as Yorkshire is on My List! Said list has been in the making since I was 13 and began saving for and dreaming of this trip. Thank goodness there will always be an England and we all hope for a very imminent post-Covid. Keep well, keep safe.
Posted by: Margaret Stedman | October 28, 2020 at 02:37 AM
Yes please re your exercise routine it's just what I need Thank you as always for setting my day up with inspiration X Jo
Posted by: Jo McGee | October 28, 2020 at 02:05 AM
Love hearing from you Lucy... Green soup looks lovely! And the sox... MUST try to make some, but I think Naughty Granny Bag will be next...
Hugs from Aussie Kristine xxx
Posted by: Kristine S | October 28, 2020 at 01:46 AM
I love reading your blog everyday- it’s been a real treat. I might have withdrawals in November when you don’t write everyday. I would love to hear more about your exercise routine and how you have lost the weight - a massive well done on that as we all know how hard it is. Looking forward to seeing the granny bag finished too - can’t wait to see it. Thank you for sharing x
Posted by: Shirley | October 27, 2020 at 11:57 PM
I enjoy reading your blog so much, that I am going to be really sad on 1st November. You have cheered up my October So much. I love hearing about your days, even the simple little things. It is just cozy, gentle and just what we all need in these strange days of 2020.
Posted by: Carol | October 27, 2020 at 11:06 PM