We are weathering the storm here (in more ways than one) and it continues to be wet, windy and wild in Atticland. According to the weather man, this is "the remnants of Hurricane Zeta" which I think has blown across from the southern coast of the US.
As nasty as this weather can feel when you are out and about in it, I do think it's pretty spot on for the time of year and I am doing my best to embrace it. November feels like a stormy month, time for the rain to pour and the leaves to come whirling down from the treetops. Stormy days remind us to enjoy the cosy comforts of home, and to be grateful for warmth and shelter. However, if we have even a minute sprinkling of snow this month (and it's actually predicted for this week) then I might be a little bit miffed. Snow is most definitely meant for winter, and we are not there yet, I'm still getting used to the idea of autumn, thank you very much.
In other non-weather news, I made great progress with Granny Josephine today and I'm so happy! I finished the hand stitching yesterday and I'm amazed at how neat it looks after all the ripping out and repairs that went on.
Thankfully, despite no photos and no notes of any kind, I did actually remember in my head what I had worked out last year for attaching the handles. I was a bit nervous that it was all going to somehow go hideously wrong again, but it went surprisingly well......
.......ooooooo look, we have some handle attachment flaps in place!!! YAY!!! The top one is just folded in place to show you how it will work. I've got some Embellishment Plans to carry out (which may very well be of the floral variety), so I thought it would be easier to embellish the flaps before they get stitched down. It's all coming together beautifully and I couldn't be happier.
Hey, do you know what? I might even finish it tomorrow, and now I am so flipping excited I can hardly breathe.
I was forced to take a bag intermission at 2.30 this afternoon because J had spotted a break in the weather and the daily walk was suddenly on. We had Little B with us (teacher training day today, he's back in school tomorrow) as you know how I like to encourage the benefits of fresh air and nature-breathing. It was a bit of a mud fest, and it rained, then stopped, then rained again, then stopped. Oh, and then it really rained.......you get the picture. We got wet, wet, wet.
Due to the insane amount of rain we've had during the past week, the beck was absolutely raging and the waterfalls were all at full tilt. It was exhilarating to see on this small scale, but oh my, I do so feel for those who live close to the rivers as we've got extensive flooding in our region at the moment.
During the final part of the walk the sun suddenly won out and shone brightly against a backdrop of glowering dark storm clouds. For a very short while it created the most spectacular light....
.....it was golden with a moody edge, if that makes sense.
Other random things of note today :
- Outrageously good coffee was consumed. Of course it was.
- I managed to drag Little B to the barbers for a much needed hair cut, so he's all trim and Lockdown ready.
- I went to the supermarket and remembered to buy oranges (a Big Teen request) but forgot to buy my decaff coffee pods, which was the whole reason for visiting this particular supermarket. Which means I need to go back again tomorrow.
- We had our big online food shop delivered and they'd substituted one of the small 200ml bottles of prosecco with a large bottle. I deliberated on rejecting it for about 3.5 seconds, then thought better of it.
- I can highly recommend a Mulled Wine scented candle to bring a little cheer, it makes the room smell sooooo good.
- I really need some new wellies - on my list for tomorrow. I'm thinking something floral might work with all this rain and mud.
Right my lovelies, my mug of tea has been drunk and as I am sitting at my bedroom desk I've got a clear and direct view of my bed....it's calling my name so I shall love you and leave you for today.
See you tomorrow xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I am so with you on the cosy home vibe! Love a blazing fire to snuggle up with. I’m currently teaching myself the stitches for the moorland blanket, am getting confident with double crochet now. Might be a while yet before the proper wool is used though! Glad you have carried on blogging intro November x
Posted by: Jan | November 04, 2020 at 06:48 PM
I am living in a drought prone area, & look with great envy at your rainy day pictures. The woods and trails in your photos look so cool & refreshing. If the snow gets you down, have a look at artist Hannah Bullen-Ryner's instagram (@hannahbullenryanart). You will be amazed, inspired, & just maybe uplifted.
Posted by: Sheri | November 03, 2020 at 11:55 PM
Thank you Lucy for some small glimpse of sanity in a world of madness at the moment.Your blog really grounds me at the moment and I love nothing more than curling up on the sofa,with a cuppa and reading your days adventures and love your picture's. No pressure but keep it up please.xx
Posted by: Tracy Bache | November 03, 2020 at 08:24 PM
Just want to say how uplifting and comforting I find your blog and have looked forward to it every day during October. So happy to know you will try to keep it going. What makes your writing special is the way you make simple everyday pleasures into something joyful, which teaches me to be grateful for my own life in the same way. Your photography skills are excellent and really make me appreciate how lucky we are to live in Skipton. Thank you, Lucy.
Posted by: Maggie | November 03, 2020 at 05:04 PM
I love reading your blog and have been following you for years now but never posted a comment before, but these days, reading about how you take such comfort from small pleasures has really cheered me. I have enjoyed your blogtober so much. Thank you
Posted by: Kate | November 03, 2020 at 03:53 PM
I love seeing your autumn countryside photos! The sun through the clouds gives a very different mood of edgy sunshine. We had a cold snap the last two days but now are looking at some warmer days through the weekend. I’m planning to get out in the sunshine later today, having already voted by mail.
Posted by: Jean Blythe | November 03, 2020 at 01:47 PM
Just love Granny Josephine and very excited to see her ready for action. Your blog continues to be so uplifting, your photos are perfect at capturing the beautiful ever changing nature. Thank you for bringing your world to us however 'samey' you think it is, it is still a beautiful read. Feels like a catch up with a friend that leaves you feeling warm and positive, a beautiful moment I treasure. Hope little lady bounces back soon. Take good care, you are a national treasure in my eyes
Posted by: Helen | November 03, 2020 at 01:43 PM
Now, I wonder would that tactic work for me..... order small bottle, get big bottle at small bottle price! Kerching! LOL
It's been miserable here in N Ireland too, but is lovely and bright today, my favourite autumn weather, sunny a bit blustering and cold.
Posted by: Carla | November 03, 2020 at 11:31 AM
Can I just say I am loving these daily posts, so thank you so much for taking the time to write to us 😍😍😍 it is very much appreciated!!
Posted by: Cynthia | November 03, 2020 at 11:12 AM
We had the remnants of Zeta here in Virginia on Thursday and Friday. Then yesterday we had very strong winds in the morning. I'm not sure what those were from. I love your daily posts. Didn't realize you were doing them until yesterday, so I "binge" read all of your October posts! Love hearing from you daily but understand not being able to do it all the time. Just hope you are going to be here a lot more often! You've inspired me to pick up long, long forgotten crochet (much longer than your Josephine bag) -- your Cozy Blanket. I'm going to finish it this month. Thanks for your time and inspiration.
Posted by: Susan | November 03, 2020 at 11:05 AM
Hi! I follow you every day from Italy. Thanks for your posts! Ciao!
Posted by: lisa | November 03, 2020 at 09:27 AM
Thanks Lucy for continuing the daily blogs, I have enjoyed every single one through October and hoped you would continue. The weather here in North Yorkshire has been as erratic as that you have been experiencing and the Ouse has burst the banks. However, when the sun comes out, everything is still looking glorious but the wind is slowly stripping the leaves from the trees. Love Granny Josephine bag and the thought of floral wellies, just what I expect you to have! Keep safe and stay well X
Posted by: Lindsay | November 03, 2020 at 09:19 AM
Granny bag is looking good. I wonder why I have never done granny squares as they are such a lovely patchwork of colours, well yours are! I think the storm reached us this morning, it was raining so hard I thought the shower was running when I went into the bathroom this morning. The road looked like a fast running stream. It's settling down now. I went out in the sun yesterday to pick up a book from the library, full of vintage makes and recycling. Inspiration for Christmas I hope and occupation for the next few weeks of lockdown. Good to see your shopping list had all the essentials xxx
Posted by: Trudi Partridge | November 03, 2020 at 08:32 AM
Thank you so much for posting today and showing your progress on your bag. It is looking really great and I am looking forward to seeing it finished💕
Posted by: Liz | November 03, 2020 at 08:01 AM
Lucy, you have no idea how much I enjoy these daily posts! Thank you very much :-).
Posted by: EV | November 03, 2020 at 06:01 AM
I do enjoy your daily posts. And I am so anxious to make a granny Josephine bag. I will add it to the long list of things I want to make. You really do live in such a beautiful town. I love all the pictures. Makes me want to get out and explore....only problem is where I live in Massachusetts USA I have to drive to explore. I live on a dead end street but it's off a fairly busy road. But they did just put sidewalks in so at least I don't have to walk in the street anymore. But it is not the least bit scenic and the noise you hear is traffic. But we are here at least another 4 years before we will move to a more scenic area.
Posted by: Christine | November 03, 2020 at 02:22 AM
Glad you were able to get out and enjoy a bit of a break in the rain..and the wonderful coffee! :::mug clink::: Beautiful bag. I am certainly getting in the mood to pick up my hook again! Love your inspiring blog!
Posted by: Susan | November 03, 2020 at 01:16 AM
I do hope Josephine & yourself enjoy your Prosecco!
Love reading what your brain creates!
Take care & hugs from Australia 😍
Posted by: Norma | November 03, 2020 at 12:19 AM
Do fit and able-bodied people not do their own shopping in person any more? I ask because last lockdown it was very evident that many people well able to bring home their own shopping, having cars and fit and able family members in addition to themselves, are taking up delivery slots that the old and vulnerable can simply not utilise in consequence.
There are people who run out of food while trying to get a delivery slot, people who really can't go to the shops themselves. Perhaps people might free up spaces for those that really do depend on them? Corona times are different from the norm. Enough said.
Posted by: Sandra | November 03, 2020 at 12:08 AM
Your granny bag is turning out so gorgeous!! Your hand stitching is absolutely perfect!!!! It's amazing to think about the remnants of that hurricane affecting you all. It was here in the state of North Carolina just last week and a tree fell on our neighbor's house. Thankfully no one was hurt and the damage wasn't too bad. And I have a secret to share...I've never had prosecco before! Lol! I think I may need to try it someday!
Posted by: Elise Speed | November 02, 2020 at 11:47 PM
Ooh, your bag is coming along nicely. Exciting! x
Posted by: Claire Hayden | November 02, 2020 at 11:04 PM
We had no idea about the flooding in Yorkshire, weather news seems to have been blown off the media by Covid-19 and US elections. Thanks for leading us to that news report.
Posted by: PixieMum | November 02, 2020 at 10:46 PM
It’s been so lovely reading your posts every day!! I lol when you mentioned the Prosecco, haha! Thank you for bringing light, colour and laughter to me here in New Zealand!
Posted by: Angela Glae | November 02, 2020 at 10:44 PM
Your proseco comment made me laugh out loud! What a beautiful area.
Posted by: Deb, Wisconsin | November 02, 2020 at 10:34 PM
Your bag is going to be fabulous 😀😀 Loved spending my morning here today xo
Posted by: Wendy | November 02, 2020 at 10:30 PM