Blogtober 2020 :: Day 31

I woke up with a lovely weekend feeling this morning when I realised it was Saturday, and as there was nothing much that needed my immediate attention I dozed in bed for a while. I always look forward to heading into town with J on a Saturday morning to gather in food supplies, especially as we usually call in at the café for our breakfast on the way home.

It was wild out there this morning! Very, very windy with glowering dark skies promising imminent rain at any moment. When we got into town we realised there was no street market due to the stormy weather forecast, so we made do with what we could get from the shops. Breakfast and some very very most excellent cappuccinos were still on though, and my goodness I did so enjoy my plate of eggs on toast this morning. Perfectly weekendish I'd say.

In the early afternoon we noticed that the weather had brightened a little, so we set out for a walk while the rain held off. I love these little post boxes that are built into old walls, there is something so endearing about them I think. 

We took Little B with us on our walk this afternoon, even though he wasn't too keen. Sometimes you've just got to drag them away from their screens and force-feed them fresh air because it's the right thing to do when you parent a ten year old who thinks he's a teenager. 

I do so love getting out into the fresh air - I expect you've gathered that by now, eh?!

We had wrapped up in raincoats expecting it to be wet, but the strong winds actually blew in some very welcome blue skies for us to enjoy. It was such a treat to look up and suddenly see patches of blue when it had been so dark and grey earlier.

I'm certainly appreciating all the autumn colour at the moment as I know we are on borrowed time as far as the leaves go. Soon enough the branches will be stripped bare and brown will be the prevailing shade. 

I found myself really appreciating the simple beauty of these dead seed heads and I was reminded of the "dead-things wreath" I made some years ago. Haha, I just re-read that post and made myself laugh!

It was blessedly quiet in the woods considering it was the weekend, and we passed just a handful of dog walkers making the most of the unexpectedly dry afternoon. Hello, Stalking Horse, you look so at home right now with the copper beech leaves falling all around you. I love that you are here in our woodland, making me smile each time I walk past.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, what a beautiful sight, would you just look at that glorious SUNSHINE!!! A very brief break in the clouds and the sun suddenly burst through the trees up ahead, it was absolutely magical I tell you.

Amazingly the rain stayed away and we made it home un-wetted. I always love this view of the terraced streets running steeply down and then back up again - these are the hills I was referring to a few days ago when I mentioned that daily exercise has really improved my fitness levels. You do need a reasonable bit of stamina to walk these streets at a brisk pace and there was a (long) time when I struggled, although I hated to admit it. By the way, I will be chatting about my exercise stuff in a separate blog post as so many of you seemed interested in what I'm up to.

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Around 3pm I made a start on the pumpkin carving. My top tools for the job are rubber gloves and a metal ice cream scoop - these are a winning combo and I had the innards scraped out in no time at all. I've saved some of the flesh to make pumpkin soup tomorrow and I'm already looking forward to it. To do the actual carving I just use a small vegetable knife, nothing fancy. I print or draw a design onto paper, place the paper onto the surface of the pumpkin and trace the design with a pencil, making sure to press down hard. This leaves the design lightly scored onto the pumpkin surface, it's just enough so that you can see where to cut.

I carved three pumpkins this year, one large one and two small ones. The Little People watched on with a mixture of fascination and annoyance - they know full well by now that pumpkin carving in this house is strictly a Mummy Activity, and they will not be permitted to "help" in any way, shape or form. I am just a weeny bit mean with it, I am sorry to admit it, but also.......not sorry. Mine, all mine.

In previous years I have purchased additional pumpkins and helped them design and carve their own creations, so I feel I have done my bit. This year nobody was at all bothered when I mentioned pumpkins to them earlier in the week, that is until they saw me at the table this afternoon and then suddenly they wanted in. Ah, shame, but then there's always next year.

As there was no trick or treating this year, we had a beautifully peaceful evening compared to the bobillion rings of the doorbell we usually get on Halloween night. I bought some large foil trays (the sort you buy for roasting a chicken) and spread out a variety of mixed sweetie treats, then left them on the steps for any passing witches or ghouls to help themselves. It seemed like the right thing to do, and I hope that the Littlies liked my pumpkins this year............

...........Ta-dah!! I think they turned out ok.....Happy Halloween🕷🕸🕷🕸🕷!!!

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PS....I know it's the 31st today and Blogtober has now officially finished, but I think I shall continue to be around in the days to come. I have thoroughly enjoyed being present here each day, it's been fun, hasn't it? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

Comments

[Lekki]

Thank you Lucy, for your blogtober posts. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed each and every one

[Camcas]

I’ve very much enjoyed your daily posts

[Claire Hayden]

It has been wonderful reading your delightful blog every day. I'm so pleased you have enjoyed it so much and want to continue. Really looking forward to reading more. Thank you so much 😍x

[CJ]

Yes, it's been lovely seeing your posts all month. I shall look forward to more if you decide to do them. The weather was fab yesterday wasn't it. The dog and I got absolutely soaked first thing, but then later on all the sunshine and breeze, it was really energising. I might find the wind less energising after I've been stood in it all day watching football today, we shall see. Hope you have a good Sunday. CJ xx

[Charlotte Pountney]

Yes, It has been fun! But don't feel you can't have a day off if you want one...then it might start to feel like a chore. The web pumpkin is amazing; quite stressful trying not to cut the filaments as you carved, I should think! Pumpkin soup for lunch? And the next day!

[Christine]

So pleased you're going to continue to post daily. Love to start my day admiring your views, no woods by me so I borrow yours!

[Charlotte]

Really enjoyed your blog posts this month! Great that you are continuing. Reminds us all what real life is all about! Thank you!

[Sandra]

Wow those pumpkins are amazing.
It’s been lovely to read your blog each day in October, so pleased to read you are hoping to continue 🤞🏻
I love seeing the beautiful countryside around you, it’s stunning.
Thank you

[Sadie]

I've discovered your blog during this Blogtober, and not only has it been a lovely way of getting to know you and peeking into your world, it's also been a perfect reminder of what blogging is really about! I've genuinely looked forward to reading your blog each day and seeing what you've gotten up to.

[Liz]

Yes great fun. Fab carvings! Glad you will be around again 💕

[robin]

Thank you Lucy I've Loved every word and photo

[Evi]

I really enjoyed Blogoctober, Lucy! Glad we'll have you around a few more days! Glad you've enjoyed too! xx

[Sarah F.]

Yayyyyy to more blog posts! I was getting sad that October was over and we wouldn’t have your lovely posts to look forward to each day. Your pumpkins came out awesome! Thank you for sharing your daily joys. 😊❤️

[Marcie Carr]

Yes please, do keep going, I'm really enjoying your posts! Wishing you well in the looming shutdown, we've just been through that here in Victoria, Australia, I hope it works for you over there.

[Noreen]

I really like your Blog.
Noreen in Michigan.

[Evi Schumacher]

A delight as always, I’ve much enjoyed your October blogs, happy that it sounds as if you might make it into November as well. :-)
I just started crocheting your Moorland Throw by the way, though I am making mine lap throw size.

[Simon]

Well done for getting to the end of the month, it seems like a huge challenge to me! Thank you for the effort you've put into it - you've cheered up a lot of people, me included:) I've really enjoyed popping by each day, looking at the photos and reading about your days and projects. I'm looking forward to stopping by next/this month, seeing how things pan out.
Very best wishes to you all!

[Donna Philpott]

I have thoroughly enjoyed all your posts & photos & peeking into your life, again. I am glad that you seem to be doing just fine & staying well. I have a 4th grandchild at the ancient age of 71 & finishing up a 3rd afghan for the little tike. it's the colors of water in a swimming pool. I have learned a great deal from your blog! from a ridge in Tennessee,

[Jan Heywood]

Hello Lucy... have enjoyed reading your daily posts (and pics), pleased to read that you might continue
I saw your gorgeous Sweet Pea colours... my next project... got cross stitch to complete!
Take care, stay safe 💐🌈

[Carol B.]

Hi Lucy. Thank you for your 31 days of blogging. I have enjoyed them very much, having followed your musing since almost the very beginning.
I have to admit that I belong to the Dark Side ( I'm a knitter ) but I just love your use of colour. I really like your naughty Granny Bag as you use the colours I love , but your palette is paler , more chalkier than I would use, and therefore more tempting for me.
I also knit my socks in tandem.........is there any other way?????
Kind regards.

[Jacqui sj]

Lucy, I have loved reading your daily vlogs and appreciate the time and energy it takes each day but am pleased you have decided to continue for even a few more days. Thank you

[KathleenSouthworth]

So pleased you will be continuing with your Blog posts Lucy. Love Skipton and the surrounding area. Really enjoying working on the Aria blanket. Stay safe and enjoy your beautiful surroundings and your lovely cosy home. X

[Rachel Davies]

I have absolutely loved reading your daily blogs throughout October. Thank you so much for all the effort you have put in to them. It has definitely been a daily highlight for me.

[Becki]

Hooray, that’s so lovely to hear. I’ve really enjoyed your daily posts and am looking forward to hearing about your exercise ‘stuff’. Thanks so much Lucy for taking the time to share with us and love your amazing carved pumpkins. Have a wonderful rest of the weekend, take care love and hugs Becki xx

[Linda from Boston]

Yay!! I’ve so enjoyed reading your blog every day as evening approaches. Love the pictures. Your pumpkins are beautiful!! Even though my son’s birthday is today (28 today) I haven’t carved a pumpkin in a long time. The squirrels just attack them!! Read a tip to draw design on the pumpkin using dry erase markers. Any left on will rub off. Sounds good.