Yesterday it rained aaaallllllllll day without stopping and so assuming we would most likely have the same kind of stormy wet weather today we made no plans. A Sunday with no plans is actually a rather blissful thing in my opinion - going to sleep on a Saturday night knowing that there will be no beep-beep-beep of the alarm clock and that you are at liberty to sleep as long as your mind and body needs is such an underrated luxury.
I actually woke up quite early (6am) but as soon as I remembered the no-plan-plan I quickly closed my eyes and allowed myself to drift back into a light sleep, oh....so good! I truly value my ability to do this, I used to think that everyone could take themselves back off to sleep after waking but I know that J absolutely can't. As soon as he wakes he is WIDE awake and usually gets up straight away. Me, I can snooze like a pro.
I eventually got up around 8 am and when I opened the curtains imagine my delight when I spied bright blue skies - yay, happy, happy me!!! J and I had a quick chat about what to do with this unexpected gift of a fine-weather day and decided it would be lovely to take a walk at Bolton Abbey. So we ran the idea by the Little Peeps, popped some croissants into the oven to warm for breakfast and gently got ourselves ready to head out.
Bolton Abbey now has a ticket booking system in place so that you choose a specific car park and a time slot to arrive as a way to avoid the pathways becoming too congested. There is also a one-way system around the more narrow footpaths which took some getting used to at first (isn't it funny how walking "backwards" along a route that you are so used to feels very strange?!). I'm really grateful that we have such lovely places to walk within a short 20 minute drive, especially when you just want something easy-peasy. Easy paths, minimal mud, and essential refreshment stops to sweeten the whole affair. Count me in!
The river was extremely high and fast flowing after a pretty wet week, and the sound of it rushing over the rocks was surprisingly loud. I love it when it's like this, it feels like there is an almost palpable energy in the air when the river runs at speed. It doesn't quite speak to my soul in the same way that the sea does, but it's not a bad second best.
We had such a beautiful morning walk, the pathways were quiet and the sunshine was warm on my face which made me feel ridiculously happy.
We chatted and laughed our way around the riverside (it's about a 2 hour round route) and even Little B reluctantly admitted that he was enjoying the walk after making a big dramatic song and dance about not wanting to come when we set off. His shoes felt all wrong apparently, which is a pretty big deal when you are ten.
We treated ourselves to drinks from the Strid café when we finished the walk - bottles of cloudy lemonade for the Little Peeps and cappuccinos for J and I. It was warm enough to still be able to sit outside (although a little damp on the nether regions) and I thought to myself as I sat there in the midday sun that early Autumn doesn't feel half bad.
We arrived home around 1 pm and I set about making the dinner as it needed a four hour cook time in the slow cooker. I picked out a favourite chicken recipe from my slow cooker book which is extremely easy to make with very simple ingredients but tastes amazing. The addition of pearl barley into a basic chicken stew is genius, it's such an old fashioned ingredient somehow but adds a delicious texture and really helps to thicken the stew.
Incidentally, I've had this little recipe book for years, it's my go-to for slow cooker recipes and I can highly recommend it. Every recipe I've tried has been amazing - easy ingredients, fantastic flavours and it never fails to give us a great family meal.
It's called "Easy Slow Cooker" by Ryland Peters and Small, you can find it on Amazon ((HERE))
The recipe called for a tablespoon of fresh herbs, so I pootled out into the back yard to pick some rosemary and thyme (rather straggly looking thyme bush pictured above). It's all looking a bit bedraggled out there to be honest, but I did notice (with rather a huge amount of joy) that my miniature Christmas Tree from last year is looking very healthy and quite a lot taller than it was in January, yipppeee!!!! I'll try and remember to photograph it to show you - I ordered it from Bloom&Wild last year, it was one of those fabulous ones that somehow manages to get packed into a box and posted through the letterbox - yes, really, a real living christmas tree in a box! It came with a pretty pot, miniature decorations and twinkly lights and everything.....hang on, let me see if I can find more details to show you....
.... here you go....click ((HERE)) to see what I mean - I chose the Party Time tree. I'm so excited to bring it indoors again in December :)
Having the Sunday dinner in the slow cooker was really pretty wonderful, the delicious aromas wafted right through the house throughout the afternoon and even Little B came downstairs and said that dinner smelt amazing. It gave me the chance to sit down on the sofa for an hour this afternoon knowing that I only had to make time to cook potatoes and green veggies.
I did a little more sock knitting, I'm working on the heel flaps now which use straight needles, and it'll soon be time for me to perform some knitty magic when I miraculously turn the heels. It never ceases to amaze me, I have absolutely no idea how a heel turn actually works, but the instructions somehow make it happen. Unless you are drinking gin and tonic at the same time, and trust me on this, it's all a bit uncertain then.
I waited until 4pm to light the fire as it wasn't really all that cold this afternoon, but we are in that first-fire-of-the-season giddy phase where having the open fire feels really special after so many months without it. It did feel very cosy sitting with my knitting and feeling the warmth from the fire. It's one of the very best things about Autumn.
Hmmm......it still seems to be Summer on my mantel though, I must make time to faff around up there and make the switcheroo over to Autumn. Time to dig around in the cupboard of doom for the crochet pumpkins and Autumnal guff.
Well it's 8pm now and I've got a few jobs to do to get ready for tomorrow. Then I think I'm going to tuck up cosy in bed for a while with a cup of tea and a magazine, a gentle end to a lovely slow Sunday.
I hope you've had a fabulous day full of simple pleasures.....see you tomorrow (daily blogging is feeling oh-so-good!)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Que saudades deste site maravilho!
Que mundinho lindo é o seu como é bom olhar as suas
fotos me sinto caminhando a seu lado fico encantada.
Estou apreendendo muito com você eu também amo fazer crochê obrigada por você compartilhar.
Será que vou conseguir traduzir o seu livro de receitas vou comprar meu País é Brasil.
Sua casa é muito aconchegante parabéns!
Que Deus abençoe você e sua família.Abraços
Posted by: Wilma Prates | October 17, 2020 at 12:45 AM
Hi Lucy, I’m very much enjoying reading your blog posts again! Thank you for sharing these windows into your world. I live in New Zealand and spent two years living in Leeds about 40 years ago. Your photos always bring back memories of our trips out and about in Yorkshire. Thanks also, for sharing the link to the Christmas trees, such a clever idea!
Posted by: Lekki | October 06, 2020 at 08:12 PM
I love how you pivoted on a dime and made the most of a sunny Sunday. A perfect Autumn day for you all. Now I'm craving roasted chicken. Have a super week! ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
Posted by: Teresa Kasner | October 05, 2020 at 07:06 PM
It's lovely to have you back, Lucy, and to have your posts to look forward to each day this month. At this moment in our lives, connection is really important . . . and really difficult! So it's great to be able to fall into step with you again as you go about your daily rounds. Thank you for doing this. But remember, if you can't, for whatever reason, manage a post during this month: don't worry! That's life, not failure! You're brightening a lot of lives, as you've done for years.
Posted by: Anne Rayner-Gould | October 05, 2020 at 05:51 PM
such a cozy post :)
Posted by: Megan | October 05, 2020 at 01:26 PM
I have my original slow cooker book from Prestige when I bought my first one decades ago. Now the family is downsized,so is the slow cooker! I have ordered this book, even though I have a couple of others,but not from Amazon as delivery was 1-2 months with them, whereas other online sellers of books had it ready now. But I love using it, not just because it makes life easier, but because of the depth of flavours.
Posted by: EDWINA KELLOCK | October 05, 2020 at 11:11 AM
You are so right about the effects of gin and tonic on a bit of knitting that requires concentration.. My last attempt while I was knitting a toddler hoodie resulted in one patch pocket longer than other! Luckily I realised before sewing them on the next day. Thank you so much for your daily BlOgtober, it really brightens my day.
Posted by: Nicky S. | October 05, 2020 at 09:15 AM
Thank you for the lovely feel good post Lucy. I always read your blog when I am tucked up cosily in bed. A perfect end to the day.
Posted by: Kathleen Alice | October 05, 2020 at 06:27 AM
Loved all the photos! I do so miss all the beautiful walks you have in England. This is my first time to read your blog and I really enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing and have a blessed week ahead. Is it easy to knit a sock if one is a 'sometimes knitter'?
Posted by: Amanda | October 05, 2020 at 05:54 AM
Love your blog. Thanks for such lovely posts. I enjoy them immensely.
Posted by: Susan | October 05, 2020 at 01:01 AM
Oh you have to share more slow cooker favorite recipes from the book! I haven’t used mine in a while!
Posted by: Carly O | October 04, 2020 at 11:16 PM
I adore your blog. Thank you for sharing.
Posted by: Sue | October 04, 2020 at 10:44 PM
Beautiful pictures! So glad you had such a lovely day - mine was spent preparing lessons and resources for next week at school, and slow-roasting a joint of beef. I did manage to get some washing done, and my husband has spent the day stripping the paint off an old table so he was happy!
Posted by: One-oh-four | October 04, 2020 at 09:59 PM
Oh my beautiful Bolton Abbey, the first place we head to once we've settled after our flight from Oz to visit family. I'm enjoying your daily post, although I'm still struggling to find motivation for craft or regular blogposts myself. Thank you, take care, stay & hugs from down under.
Posted by: Susan | October 04, 2020 at 09:54 PM
I am really enjoying these daily blogs, especially as I was fortunate to visit Skipton for a couple of days recently and was able to spend some time exploring your town, woods and local area. Thank you so much for all your time and effort in writing up these blogs.
Posted by: Rosie Rogers | October 04, 2020 at 09:42 PM
I love reading your blogs! It makes me feel as though I’m walking in your shoes!!!! I know when we drive back from places the way we usually get there, it feels weird, seeing everything from the other direction!! We have had a fairly good weather day today, with only a little rain this afternoon! Not like yesterday which was a”rain out” sort of day!
I was trying a different technique on a card I was making, but I have mucked it up! So cross with myself! Shall go to bed soon and hopefully will do it the correct way tomorrow!
Posted by: Sally Spragg | October 04, 2020 at 09:37 PM
We have your rain today, and last night and yesterday. Fair weather predicted for Monday. It has been a slow quiet kind of day here. Very nice to see your post again.
Posted by: Charlotte | October 04, 2020 at 09:27 PM
It sounds like a perfect day. :) xx
Posted by: Linda | October 04, 2020 at 09:18 PM
Beautifully written and so wonderful to read. I love the way you write so effortlessly and with such descriptive language that you feel that you are there too. Not only do you inspire me to crochet more but to also get out in to nature more. I am very envious your husband enjoys getting out too, Mine is such a home bird that he resists any suggestions to walk and enjoy our lovely countryside. so usually it's just me and the children which is a bit sad. Looking forward to reading the rest of your blogs for October - so lovely - Thank you for all the time you are taking with these - so generous of you - Enjoy your week
Posted by: Frankie | October 04, 2020 at 09:09 PM
Just wanted to say that I’m loving the daily chats!!! Something to look forward to. I’m working on my second coastal blanket and have also taken up knitting socks again!! So much creativity!! 😀
Posted by: Linda from Boston | October 04, 2020 at 09:07 PM
What a lovely post. No blue skies here today, it was mostly rain. I envy you your ability to go back to sleep in the mornings. I can't at all and it drives me nuts if I wake up too early. The mushroom photo is amazing, and it all looks wonderfully cosy chez vous. I watched the boys playing football this afternoon - hard to believe that just two weeks ago we were sat on the grass in the sun wearing t-shirts. Hope you have a good week. I am very much enjoying your daily posts. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | October 04, 2020 at 09:00 PM
I love seeing the beautiful pictures that you take on your walks - thanks so much for sharing! I too have been knitting socks this fall, a pair for me and a pair for my honey. Three socks in progress - yikes! I ran out of reinforcing yarn for my heel turn and it took forever (2 more socks done to the heel turn) waiting for those little spools to arrive. I'm including a link for an interesting article on different types of heel turns.
(https://www.moderndailyknitting.com/socks-whats-all-the-flap-about/)
Posted by: VickiB | October 04, 2020 at 08:51 PM
Sounds like the perfect day!
Posted by: Jo Hyde | October 04, 2020 at 08:44 PM
Loving these blogs Lucy. I’d really missed your regular updates and it’s so nice to have you back. What a lovely idyllic Sunday you have had. I hope the rest of your week is just as lovely. x
Posted by: Kate Mitchell | October 04, 2020 at 08:41 PM
Today wasn’t so good in SW London, it has been pouring steadily all day, knitting friend ran the London marathon for Tommy’s in our local Park today, many of the paths were flooded. I’ve spent the day completing pair of toe up socks for DH, pattern is Tramlines. Second time I’ve made these, first time easy peasy, this time I’ve struggled. In light relief started crocheting cotton face cloth to practice making bobbles.
Posted by: PixieMum | October 04, 2020 at 08:25 PM