Blogtober 2020 :: Day 8

It's felt very Autumnal here today, damp and rather chilly, the sort of invasive coldness that seems to seep into your bones somehow. I really dislike feeling cold, I was born to live in a warm climate I'm sure of it. Also I am desperately short of clothes as I've lost quite a bit of weight during this year and had a big clear out during the summer. My wardrobe is now rather "capsule" in a way that wasn't intended, and I just don't seem to have anything suitable to wear now it's colder. I was managing in the warmer weather as my simple summer dresses still looked OK even though they were on the large side, but right now I am feeling the cold in thin dresses and my one and only pair of leggings. I need to buy some jeans/trousers, but keep putting it off as they are hard things to buy when you can't try them on. I am short (only 5ft 3") and have dropped 3 dress sizes I think, so I've no idea what might suit me or fit me any more. Sigh. I really, really find clothes shopping a chore.

Anyhow, gosh, that turned into a bit of a moan, I'm so sorry, it was unintentional!! I am exceedingly, delightfully happy that I am now finally back to a healthy weight after more than a decade of being overweight, and having to buy a new pair of trousers is just a silly thing to whinge about. But - I have been feeling cold today, and that was the thing that started my train of thought. I'm sure you get what I mean. Brrrrrrrrrr.

I've had a slow day today, but it has been rather nice to be honest. I've a good friend who's been struck down with shingles and not feeling the best at the moment, so I messaged her and asked if she would like me to drop her off a take-out coffee after I'd taken Little B to school. She was extremely happy with my offer of a coffee delivery service, so I called into one of our favourite cafés in town to pick up a latté for her. I then proceeded to carry it about half a mile up to her house which is at the top of a stonking big hill. It's been a while since I walked up this way - I used to come up and down this long flight of stone steps a lot when Little B was a baby as it's the most direct route to the building where the health visitors are located. I vividly remember the humungous effort of going up these steps walking backwards so that I could pull the pushchair up with me, bumping it all the way up on it's back wheels. It seems such a long, long time ago now, well I guess it is ten years since Little B was a squirmy little tot in a pushchair.

J and I went out for a late morning woodland jaunt again today, our usual thing. The pathway into the woods passes this super-cute little garden which was created from scratch at the start of lockdown. Every day we would walk this way and see the good folks who live here working hard to create the beds and nurture all the little plantlets in their green house. And slowly as Spring turned into Summer the bare earth became less visible and the plants grew and grew until they exploded into a riot of glorious floral colour. The beds are planted in a potager style and the exuberant mixture of flowers and vegetables is an absolute delight. 

The Huntress keeps watch at the bottom of the woodland and I never tire of seeing her there. A few people have asked me about these willow sculptures recently (the one pictured above, and the Stalking Horse that I often share) - they were made by  Anna and the Willow and you can find out more about her and her incredible work ((HERE)).

I was amazed how much the leaves have changed colour in just a few short days, I'm sure everything was still pretty much green at the start of the week?!

My afternoon was spent at home, pottering around trying to organise myself a little bit. I tidied up a whole heaping mountain of stuff which had gathered on top of my old desk (which is very soon going to be disappearing, we are having a major sort out and rearrange here). I filed/shredded a stupid number of letters/bank statements/brochures/junk mail and dealt with the large pile of magazines that had accumulated over the summer. I sat there in the Big Chair with a cup of tea and read through some of the crochet magazines that had gathered and then put them aside ready to pass on to my yarny friends. It felt good to be quietly productive, that messy pile had been bothering me for weeks on end and now it's all done, a big, satisfying tick on my rolling to-do list.

We are lighting the fire most days now, well usually around 4.30pm once we've come in and settled from the school run. I keep finding myself sitting and gazing at my mantel and feeling all stupidly proud of my efforts. I LOVE the way it looks and it's making me so happy in this new season we're in with all the cosy vibes wafting around. I've ordered some boxes of straight white candles for my candelabra (the cheapy ones from Ikea that fit just right) so I'm awaiting the arrival of those. Firelight, candlelight and the twinkle of fairy lights - Autumn is made so much brighter with those three things, I do love them so.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

Comments

[Anna]

If you aren’t keen on clothes shopping, maybe try Stitchfix - I know two people who swear by this. It is the most awkward time to go clothes shopping even if it’s something you enjoy!

[Caz]

So lovely to hear from you every day. What a treat!
Well done on the weight loss. I’m still prevaricating but I need to seize the moment and actually do it.
Looking forward to talking to you again tomorrow.

[Mary W]

THANK YOU for the link to Anna and the Willow. I found things I need before I knew I needed them. She is amazing and I wish I could afford a BIG rooster or rabbit for my yard - what fun. She certainly must enjoy her day of work. Your fire looks so welcoming.

[Dawn]

Layers is good . Thermal cami / vest. M&S do a brilliant range called Heatgen, not the bulky old fashion type. Also leggins to wear under jeans.I couldn't live without them. Fit true to size

[Jean Hurrell]

Loving Blogtober! Try Robell trousers - really comfy and they do petite sizes too. In the styles "Marie" and "Bella" go down one size to normal - Oh and they do fleece-lines ones in "Marie" - I feel the cold too.

[Sandra]

Love your blog and look forward to seeing you dress up your mantel each season.
The local walks around the area you live look amazing, I so wish we had some lovely local walks.
I can see why kitty loves the big chair and nabs it first.
Congratulations on the weight loss.
So pleased to be reading this blog again, as like your friend I’ve just got shingles and this blog cheers me up each day.

[Elaine O.]

I love your posts and have missed them while you've been gone. I'm glad your absence wasn't covid related and I'm so glad you are doing daily blogs for the moment. It's lovely to share a life filled with colour and kindness--and good food.
I was wondering how come you'd lost so much weight and as it's intentional, I congratulate you. How did you do it? I've been piling weight on in my isolation so I'd love to have some inspiration.

[Tracy]

Thank you Lucy for the beautiful pictures. I live in the Midlands but just a short drive takes into the country side. We are so blessed to live in this Country and have beautiful green spaces around us. Well done on your weight loss. Probably due to walking. Wish I could say the same. I've put 1 and a half stone on and I'm suffering the result. I've got to get my mind right and start to do something about the extra weight.

[Jen]

I’m feeling inspired to give my mantelpiece an autumnal makeover! Try M&S jeggings, they’re inexpensive, good quality and nice colours! I bought three pairs this season and I’m wearing them every day. X

[Maureen]

Love your blogs glimpse of your life.

[Ruth]

I live in the US but have loved visiting the UK the past 2 years. The photos you post are wonderful and help me satisfy my yearning for another trip. Your crochet mantel decor is lovely.

[Kathleen Alice]

Loving your posts and congratulations on the weight loss 😃

[Anorina]

Oh how I love autumn and your lovely mantel gives me all the good feels. Too bad we're heading into summer here.
I find that a clean out is certainly therapeutic and a good way to reinvigorate creativity.
Enjoy your evening :)

[Elise]

Love your blog. It’s all looking very autumnal and cosy right now. I lost 3stone last year and dropped 3 dress sizes. I have found charity shops and EBay a godsend. I can buy cheaply and it if doesn’t fit or suit I haven’t lost a lot of money, I have a whole different style of clothes in this new smaller body. I have signed up for dressmaking classes and I am learning to make my own as RTW never fits my 5’3 frame but I realise that isn’t for everyone. Whilst I get the hang of it second hand has been fabulous and there are some really good quality finds out there. Round here you have to book an appointment to go to a charity shop but when you get there you are more or less on your own so browsing is less stressful. Good luck!

[CJ]

I do love your chair in the window, a wonderful place to sit and watch the world go by no doubt. The newly made garden is wonderful, what a lovely achievement from lockdown. It wasn't all bad. I know what you mean about the satisfaction of a big tick on the to-do list. Fantastic. CJ xx

[Tineke]

It looks lovely, your mantlepiece. I thought I saw, looking at your picture in the last post, how incredibly much weight you must have lost. I am fond of Pepe jeans as a small person. Fits and feels good. Decluttering, I think we all have that bug XD

[Elizabeth]

Love your big chair! We don't have the space for something like it at the moment, but maybe one day :)

[Mary Cross]

Hi, I live just over the hill from you towards Ilkley. I love the walk through the woods and am so glad the willow horse and the huntress are still there. I have not been to Skipton for a while as not keen to use public transport too much.
I don't crochet but do cross stitch and a bit of patchwork. Love your colours, thank you xx

[Teresa Kasner]

I adore your seasonal decor on your mantel. I will be doing similar to my dining room table soon. Our mantel in in our rarely used living room, we "live" in our den/family room. Thanks for the inspiration. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

[Maypole]

Seasalt for frocks. Knee length. I'm 5'4". I've put weight on during the past few months, need to lose a stone to get into my frocks!

[J]

I know just what you mean about finding clothes to fit. I'm 4'8" and it's a nightmare. I can usually wear age 10 in tops and age 12 in tights and jeans. At my age it's hard to find kids clothes that aren't 'girly'. I always look for elasticated waists or I'm forever hoiking them up! Autumn is my fave season, but like you I hate the cold. Raynaud's and chilblaines drive me crazy. The weather here has turned cooler and I already have to wear wool gloves and socks. Take care and keep warm. J

[Christine]

Love your blogs makes Autumn very real. Busy crocheting pumpkins.