Sunny Side Up

We had a cold start to the day yesterday, not quite a frost yet but pretty close I'd say. I am very aware of the shrinking hours of daylight with each passing day, it's most noticeable in the evenings as it seems to get dark quite early now, but it also feels as if the darkness still lingers in the mornings when we walk to school. 

A funny thing happened when I was stood at the side of the canal to take the above photo....I was holding up my phone to compose the image and all of a sudden a whole flock of pigeons took off from the other side of the canal basin and came flying directly towards me - and I mean that they literally swooped over the water and flew right at me!! I squealed in shock and nearly dropped my phone as I thought they were going to land right on top of my head!!!!

We managed to avoid an actual collision and instead I found myself standing amongst a flock of pigeons pecking around my boots and wondering where their breakfast was. Never a dull moment on the school run.

Yesterday there was a strange feeling in the air as it was the last day of "freedom" before our month long Second Lockdown began today (Thursday). I had a few errands to run in the morning whilst the shops were still open but I resisted the urge to try and cram in any Christmas shopping. It did briefly cross my mind, but no. No, that's not for me. I shall try and do things online  I think, supporting small independent businesses as much as possible, and hoping that all being well our local shops can reopen sometime in early December. I did manage to buy chocolate advent calendars for the Little Peeps while they were still available, and I was also able to order some much needed wellies (I went for these ones as sadly the floral ones I loved were completely sold out). After all that, I went and sat peacefully at my regular table in the window of my favourite café and ordered a restorative cappuccino to settle the low grade anxiety I felt creeping in. 

After the chill of the early morning, I noticed a bright warmth shining in through the window and dancing across the top of my coffee cup. I looked out to see the most stunning blue sky had materialised whilst I sat sipping my coffee.......

.....oh happy day!!!! It was like the most welcome gift on a day when we really needed our spirits to be lifted and I couldn't believe my luck.

I walked home with a spring in my step, thinking just how beautiful the trees were looking in the bright morning sun. It was glorious, and truly made me smile all over my face.

My little doorstep cyclamen looked like they were dancing in the sunshine, their petals all perky and upright....

....and this dinky little leaf caught my eye on the step too, it had blown right across the street from my neighbours pretty acer tree.

I came home from the café and settled myself at the dining table to make progress with my granny bag.

Aaaahh Tilly, you are such a little Diva!! She sat and watched me lay out my bag, watched me arrange the flowers just so, and then just as I got ready to start stitching she snook in and installed herself without hesitation. It was as if she'd decided I had prepared a little resting spot especially for her.....I present to you the Granny Josephine Kitty Relaxation Pad.

So I decided to leave her be for a little bit and went to make myself a bowl of fruit laden porridge instead. By the time I came back to the table she'd gone elsewhere - she was only interested in the bag when she knew she would be front and centre of my attention, of course. It's the Tortie way (have you heard of the word "tortitude"? Tilly definitely has it!)

I really couldn't wait to get out for our daily walk yesterday, the weather was absolute autumn perfection.

Ahhh, the colours!! And the light!! I thought it all looked so incredibly beautiful.

Everything delighted me and filled up my seasonal-loving soul to the brim. 

It was delicious in every way out there and I drank it in with eyes wide open. I could have walked and walked and walked, but J had to get back to his computer, and I had a basket of yarn waiting for me......

Don't those colours look luscious nestled all together? So pretty!!

I've had a few people ask about the small rope baskets that I'm using to store my small balls of yarn. I bought them a few months ago and really love them, they're the perfect size for holding small balls of scrap yarn for decorative projects (also wonderful for the small cotton Ricorumi balls that I like, you can see a photo of them here). They come as a pair - you can find them on Amazon ((here))

Yesterday afternoon I finished crocheting the floral embellishments for Granny Josephine (the bag version, not the cat mat).

And......

......I stitched everything in place and attached the handles.

So......

......that means the bag is officially finished. Uh-huh.......no longer a WiP!!!!

Yippeeeeeeee!!!! 

You can be sure of a Ta-dah flourish very soon - I need to find a willing photographic assistant to take some pictures of the bag and me doing our thing together, so that will most likely happen at the weekend. I'm so excited to show you!

Walking down the hill to school yesterday afternoon, I thought how particularly lovely my hill view looked in the afternoon light.

I also thought you might like to see the view at the bottom of the hill too - I walk down this cobbled hill street almost every day but I think this is the first time I've stopped to take a photograph. This cobbled street is actually a road which cars drive down although it doesn't look much like one (the above photo is showing the bottom part of what is a pretty steep hill down from the canal). The tall buildings on either side are part of the old historic cotton mill that dominated this town in the early 1800's. They've now become a mix of apartments and office space - the restoration took many years and these old buildings have been given a whole new lease of life.

I stopped to photograph this yellow leaf just because the glorious colour literally stopped me in my tracks.....

....and the same thing happened again on the way home with this tree laden with tiny yellow crab apples. Don't they look stunning against the blue of the sky?

I was in reflection heaven yesterday walking homewards along the canal.....I just wanted to stand and stare and drink them in. I can't get over how magical water reflections are, they make me feel like I'm dreaming or something, like I'm being offered a glimpse into an alternate world somehow. 

Yesterday was such a lovely day, but today, it has felt heavy. I am trying very much to keep an open mind and a happy heart despite the gloom which seeps in around the edges if I stop and think about it too much. I'm hoping to still visit the market on Saturday as I heard that food stalls would be permitted to trade - I hope Mr Cheese and Mr Veggie will be there, I'm keeping fingers crossed. At least our local butcher and baker are remaining open, so I shall continue to try and shop small and local where I am able.

I hope you are all OK, I am sending out a huge virtual hug should you need one. Also, before I toddle off, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the beautiful comments left on my last post - I have read every single one (over a hundred) and it has warmed my heart more than you could ever know. The connectedness is stronger than ever, I feel it, and I am so thankful for it.

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Comments

[Mary]

TIL my torbie (tortie/tabby coloring) is an "independent" cat (though I use strong words than that!) due to tortitude! She ticks every item on the list. Thanks for the laugh!

[Lisa]

Reading about the Kitty Relaxation Pad made me laugh so hard! I have two such kitties who like to be the center of attention. I love your blog, thank you!

[Liz]

Where is the cobbled street please? It’s familiar but I can’t quite locate it

[Nora Mcgrann]

Wonderful photos again Lucy.xx

[Terra]

Your photos are pretty and varied, I like the yellow leaves and the old stone buildings and reflection of buildings in the water. Also your colorful yarns and your kitty who does what she likes.

[Marsha DiCostanzo]

I want to make a bag just like this! It's beautiful!

[Heidi]

I, too, have followed Attic24 for years but have never commented. I've so enjoyed hearing from you more often in the past month, getting glimpses into your daily happenings and especially your savoring of the season and its pleasures has brightened my days. I'm an American living in Vienna, Austria, so this last week has brought more than its fair share of days that required brightening. Thank you for giving me a window into your lovely town and beautiful surrounds, and of course for all the yarny goodness.

[Carole C]

Stunning photographs Lucy ,I love seeing the autumnal shades against a clear blue sky ( or indeed sometimes against a dark grey stormy one ) and the reflections in the canal ...absolutely beautiful.
So funny you talked of “tortitude”- I came across that term just a few weeks ago .
We adopted a 12 year old long-haired tortie girl from the RSPCA rehoming centre just outside Dorchester and very swiftly discovered that she has it ...in spades !
We have owned 8 cats over the years and I know all cats have their individual characters,but we’ve never had one like this !
We are slowly learning her ways ( when to duck !) and absolutely everything is on her terms ...her name is Angel ....hmmm....she frequently doesn’t live up to that !
We love her to bits and wouldn’t swap her ,although I have muttered darkly about returning her and bringing back a “ normal “ one :)
Loving that you are sending us these regular posts after the daily treats of Blogtober.
Take care , stay well xxx

[Dynna E Nemeskal]

Dear Lucy, I don't think I have ever left you a comment. I so love everything about your blog. Your photos, your writing, your projects they all bring such joy to me. I love your Tillie and my 2 felines are Lily and Lucy. Thank you for all you do and share with your readers. You are a blessing.

[Math Lloyd Jones]

Loved your post today...we had such a beautiful day here on Anglesey. The Menai Strait was so beautiful and still.A joy to be out walking. We shall be out of a two week Lockdown on Monday, but as we are shielding I don’t think it will make a tremendous difference....but the main thing is mhas it worked,we all so need it too.

[elizabeth s]

Another person from Melbourne in Australia the lockdown was hard as we had trouble getting to the supermarket as we only had a 5k limit to go to the doctor we had to have a letter from her (felt like a letter from the teacher allowing you out of class )she was further than 5k even further than the 25 we are now allowed. hopefully this week they will lift more limits still very restricted but it was worth it and the time went quite quickly for us i think you will find the same happens for you ,it will be winterish for you so good excuse to hunker down in front of the fire and crochet ,i made two blanketsand other items so tried to just enjoy the time.we knew there was no limit on ours where you do have an end date so just try and enjoy the time.

[Annette]

Lucy, I have just been catching up with yesterday’s blog....you are a STAR, thank you for all your wonderful photos and a glimpse into life in Skipton and beyond....you thoroughly spoil all your followers, going above and beyond expectations....thank you so much for all the help you give us with your tutorials, hints and tips etc etc. Take care, have a relaxing weekend. Annette

[Diane Ruel]

Once again a wonderful blog. I do love a sunny, blue sky Autumn 🍂 day, lifts the spirits and fills the heart with so much joy. We here in Wales are still in lockdown until Monday and the one thing I really miss is going out for a good cup of coffee. Have a cosy weekend, keep warm and most importantly keep safe. Thank you 🙏 once again for Lucy 💕

[Angela Glae]

I have been absolutely loving your posts Lucy!! Thank you so much for bringing colour and cheer to everyone! Your daily blogs have been such a great medicine! Love Granny Josephine and I can’t wait to see her all finished and in use! Your blog is the only one I’ve continually followed ever since day one! Thank you! 😊

[Charlotte Pountney]

Gorgeous photos. I particularly love the little red leaf, it would make a lovely greeting card. And isn't it obvious now? It's not a bag...it's a cat bed!

[Carol partridge]

Lovely pics.I'm currently making a cowl in white wool. I'm using the Trellis stripe ( sample size of 28sts. But using a bigger hook. Its coming out nice and lacey.I made the Seet Pea blanket a few months ago. Thanks for the pattern.

[Marjorie S.]

Lovely photos Lucy love the view as you walk down the hill beautiful country side and hills in the back ground thank you for taking lovely photos and sharing them with us on your blog. Your blog is always such a delight to read and the comments you get it is like contact with a group of like minded friends and it has keep me going in these difficult times. Sending you a big virtual hug take care stay safe have a lovely weekend.

[Miss Daisy]

Loved loved loved this post ! All the pictures goodness , love them all. The old buildings , cobblestone streets , especially love the cobblestone streets and the old buildings. I don't think I could pick just one cause I love All of them. I pray daily that God will bless us with things being better than back to normal. Things here in America are not good in a lot of cities and I pray that our little corner will stay under His protection , compared to other places we are truly blessed. I would LOVE to visit your neighborhood , it looks so lovely - just the type of place I would love to stay. Beware of the attack of the pigeons , I would have done the same thing. Have a Blessed weekend.

[T Phillips]

Thank you for your lovely posts. I have just found you in the last few weeks - a delightful oasis from the chaotic clouds here in US. Praying for the parting to revel in hope; you have provided a diversion I truly appreciate. Beautiful pictures, sweet kitty, and comfort of a warm coffee with a new friend. I plan to return often for your inspiration. Again, thank you.

[Cynthia]

Speaking of connectedness we have the same wellies!! How cool is that? I love mine. Oh, I learnt a new word the other day from my in-laws and I think you are a master at it...Nature/forest bathing. Have you heard of it?

[Val]

Lucy, I believe there are some floral wellies in Hotter - and currently reduced, although your size may not be available:
https://www.hotter.com/gb/en/bloom-wellingtons
but to be honest, I love your spotty ones!
Beautiful photos, as always - like others on here, I really look forward to seeing a new post from you.
Thank you, Lucy. x

[Sharon Bindloss]

DearLucy I love so much reading your blog you are such an inspiration and I have learnt crochet through your blogs.I look forward to having a go at beautiful granny Josephine take care regards from Melbourne Australia

[Tracy Bache]

Oh thank you soooooo much Lucy for your uplifting words and pictures today. Yesterday I spent most of the day in bed. Lovely hormones and migraine.😥I felt that it was a day of non existence.I tried to do a spot of hooking but every time I looked down I felt sick. Woke up today and Sun is shining in Dudley. I reached for my kindle to see what you up to. You really do brighten my day. Stay safe.

[Sandra]

Granny Josephine is looks fabulous, it’s reminding me of a hot water bottle laying in the table like that, maybe Tilly thought that’s what it was 😂
Great to see some different views from your walks.
It looks such a beautiful area you live in, the tall building are fantastic.
Sending a virtual hug back xx

[lisa]

Dear Lucy, the pigeons that came to meet you are hungry, poor little ones! Bring them some bread or some rest of the kitchen... they will love you and be happy! It is a joy to feed the animals you meet on the street... lisa from Italy (sorry for my English)