I've been on Blossom Watch during the past few weeks which is pretty normal for me at this time of year. I tend to get these seasonally induced obsessions throughout the year and they occupy my thoughts on the daily. I know from past experience that May will be a busy month inside my head because there is so much to obsess over - blossom, wild garlic flowers, bluebells, cow parsley, buttercups, asparagus season, tree leaves....oh my seasonal cup positively overflows in May!
Being that I live in the northern part of the UK where temperatures are cooler, I'd say we are about three weeks behind those in the south. Blossom is just starting to reach full froth this week and I am absolutely delighted by it as always.
I honestly don't think I could keep away from these beautiful trees if you paid me, they call to me so loudly each and every morning. Sometimes I'm content to admire them from across the grassy expanse of the park, but often times I find myself walking to them even before I've made the conscious decision. Standing underneath a blossom tree when it's in full tilt against the bluest of morning skies is one of life's great pleasures.
On of my other favourite trees at this time of year is the Whitebeam, and I only found out it's name last year after being in love with it for a long, long time. The new leaves are a beautiful pale silvery green colour when they first emerge and I just love them so much.
As I wrote in my blog post last week, I'm still keeping up with my morning wake-up-walk at 7am and I can't tell you how much I'm enjoying it. I guess it's like walking a dog every morning, except without the actual dog.
The cold weather continues, and when I say cold, I really do mean it. We are into early May now, but most days it's literally freezing out there when I walk in the mornings.
These bluebells were frozen solid this morning, stiff and icy but still looking very beautiful.
We've actually had a fair bit of rain during the past week, but this morning the sky had cleared and the air felt clean and crisp. It was zero degrees out there. Zero!! What is going on with our Spring this year?? I'd really, really like it to warm up now please.
Walking back towards home along the side of the canal, there is often a blackbird perched high in the tree singing his heart out. Can you see him in the above photo? And do you know the song of a blackbird? It's so melodic - and loud too, I always forget how loud birdsong can be at times. It fills the air as I walk.
I'm back to my daily morning workouts this week after an enforced rest last week. I've been having leg trouble, it's something that comes and goes and is most definitely hormone/peri-menopause related so I'm not worried about it, but my goodness me it is super irritating. It's like a deep, dragging ache within the depths of my thigh, painful enough to keep me awake at night which is the worst part of it. Anyhow, I generally try to ignore it although I do make an effort to rest up a bit when it comes on, and after a week or two it slowly begins to fade away again, until the next time.
Been feeling much stronger again this week though, so I started out on a four week exercise challenge with my fave Lucy Wyndham-Read on YouTube. The programme is completely free, with short workouts all on the Tube (find all the info and links HERE) and I'm really enjoying it. I can highly recommend starting the day with a quick ten minute blast of outdoor fresh air walking, followed by twenty minutes of home workouts - half an hour is all it takes, and honestly it'll make you feel soooo good.
Life continues to be very same-samey here, as I'm sure it is with most of you too. We haven't been anywhere much at all, preferring to stay very close to home for all of our leisure, pleasure and work time. At the start of last week we drove out into the Dales to walk around Grimwith Reservoir which we've not done for a long while.
It was a beautiful walk, and yes you guessed it, it was bloomin' freeeeezing! I enjoyed all the blues of water and sky so much, gosh I miss the sea something chronic. It's been nine months now and not a day goes by when I don't think about being beside the waves. Rivers, waterfalls and reservoirs are a pretty good second best though, especially on a clear sunny day.
After a very dry period of weather throughout March and April (not counting the snow of course), the start of May has given us some much needed rain. The first day that it rained after many dry weeks, the scent of petrichor was really intense. Ooooh, I've just been on a little petrichor search, and found an interesting article about it ((here)).
Rain made the bank holiday weekend a bit of a wash out, but we still managed to visit the market and then sit outside our favourite café for an al fresco breakfast (huddled up and wearing allllll the layers). But mostly it was a time for relaxation and lazing about indoors keeping warm.
Tilly obviously got the memo about the importance of lazing about, it's one of her favourite pastimes. And yup, we lit fire. I was in two minds about it, mostly because I'd taken the time last week to Spring clean the hearth and put it to bed for the season. But the lure of having some cosy warmth on a holiday weekend when the rain did not stop falling was too much to resist. I honestly don't think we've ever had a May fire before, except for the very first fire we ever lit when we had the chimney repaired and the open grate installed in May 2008. Ah well, it was unexpected and unseasonal, but lovely all the same.
Firelight and candle light, this is all sounding very depressingly autumnal don't you think?! But whatever season we're in, I'm still enjoying the heck out of my little ceramic candle burner, and light it next to my bed most evenings. I was gifted this burner by a lovely friend for Christmas, but they are easy to find online and come in all different shapes and sizes (the one I have can be found on Amazon HERE)
I bought myself some eco friendly tea lights which have compostable cups (instead of aluminium ones) and are made from vegetable wax with no nasties in it.
But the stars of the show are the scented wax melts, and I just love swapping these depending on the season we're in. My current obsession is Orange Blossom, and Oh. My. Goodness. I am absolutely besotted by the smell of these. I buy my melts from the Botanical Candle Co who are a fabulous small business based down in Dorset and I can highly recommend them for all your seasonal scented candle needs.
As soon as I sniffed these little waxy stars I was instantly transported back to two years ago when I was lucky enough to visit Portugal for the first time. It was springtime back then too, and I enjoyed a truly wonderful long weekend in Faro with Christine. I'd always wanted to visit Portugal, and a few nights in Faro seemed like it would be just the thing in March when we didn't want a beach jolly, but didn't want a hectic sight seeing city break either.
I absolutely adored Faro, it was everything I had dreamed of and so much more, oh it's such a beautiful place! But the thing I remember the most about being there in March were the orange trees, they were utterly, utterly enchanting. Yes they had a tonne of very beautiful fruits in the branches, but the blossom....oh, the blossom!!!! The scent!!! the air was filled with the most ridiculously beautiful, intoxicating sweet perfume and I won't ever forget the joy of it.
Having this scent in the home is like taking a mini holiday and I couldn't love it more.
So, what else to tell you? This week I've enjoyed some lovely spring blooms on my table, although as you can see they are past their best now and starting to droop.
I also thoroughly cleaned and decluttered my dining room mantel which had gathered a lot of miscellaneous objects during the past year or two, as well as a good insulating layer of dust. In fact I've been doing a lot of decluttering here lately, working hard on the task of sorting, clearing and organising in areas of the house which had gotten completely out of hand over the years. It's been eye wateringly hard at times, but also extremely therapeutic. I'm still neck deep in the clutter zone mind you, with a long way to go.....the Cupboards of Doom are currently spilling their guts out onto the dining room floor and everything is in tremendous disarray. I've taken some photos to share with you at some point, but only once I'm safely out the other side and can offer up some satisfying "after" photos to be proud of. Right now, the mess is a bit overwhelming and I'm only just managing to maintain my equilibrium. It'll be worth it when it's done though, I keep telling myself this as I dig deep into years of accumulated stuff. So. Much. Stuff.
More on that journey another day......for now I'm going to love you and leave you as I need to be horizontal now, cosied up in my bed with the scent of orange blossom doing it's thing. I hope you're doing OK and that you're enjoying the season you're in, whether it's Spring or Autumn depending where you are.
Tell me how your days are feeling, and what's making you happy, I'd love to know xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
The deep ache might be related to Polymyalgia Rheumatica. I’m sorry you are suffering with pain.
Posted by: Ingrid | June 27, 2021 at 12:04 PM
Hello Lucy, how good to read your blog, I always enjoy it so much.
I know about leg pain & menopause, too, and I started to eat red meat (beef & lamb) of very good quality regularly a while ago. I know this is absolutely not a popular thing to do nowadays but I am writing it anyway, because it helped me getting rid of the pain entirely. Nobody told me to do so, I just guessed, and it worked when nothing else did. 100g 2 times per week are enough. xxx Inga
Posted by: Inga | June 09, 2021 at 03:14 PM
Hi Lucy, you make me happy with all of your beautiful & colorful patterns. Hope you & you're beautiful family are safe & in good health!
'
Posted by: Marlene Cavaretta | June 09, 2021 at 12:59 AM
Hi Lucy I also am concerned by not seeing a writing from you in awhile. I can relate to debilitating pain and am going thru an episode myself right now. Praying for your recovery m'dear and do what you need to do for yourself. Summer warmth and the blooms will soon work it's way with you. It does wonders for the soul. Take Care, MO
Posted by: Marylin Ollivier | June 02, 2021 at 05:48 PM
Hi Lucy. Sorry to hear about the pain you are suffering and hope it has eased. When I was in my 40s I had debilitating pain in my hips (radiating to my knees)for a few months. The GP prescribed anti-inflammatories, which were very good at dealing with the pain but caused problems with my digestive system - so I would advise you to steer clear of anti-inflammatories if possible. I found that coffee which I love!) added to my pains so I stopped drinking it but should have weaned myself off it gradually rather than going cold turkey because I think that contributed to the pain.
That was about 20 years ago and I find that I have the odd pain in my hips but I just use gel (for example, Ibuleve) and find that it really helps.
Hope this is useful. If not, feel free to ignore it. I do hope you get some relief soon as I know how exhausting constant pain can be. x
Posted by: Pamela G | May 31, 2021 at 10:14 PM
Hi Lucy, I’m so sorry you’ve been feeling low, I really hope you’re starting to feel more like yourself again. I know I have been finding it hard but am hoping to feel more like myself as time goes on. The glorious sunshine certainly cheers you up and we have beautiful countryside to walk through which helps lift your spirits too. So many pretty flowers, animals and birds to see and wonder at. I’m loving your decluttering it looks really fantastic and it does make you feel so much better when it’s done, even though it can be very emotional! Take care and looking forward to another wonderful post when you feel ready. Lots of love and hugs to you. Becki xxx 😊🥰
Posted by: Becki | May 31, 2021 at 09:42 PM
Hello Lucy. You haven’t posted in a while and I was missing your posts and photos. I hope you are doing okay. Dawn
Posted by: Dawn Clark | May 30, 2021 at 11:52 PM
I have missed seeing your posts and hope you are doing okay! Thank you again for an uplifting and enjoyable blog :)
Posted by: Tammy | May 28, 2021 at 12:46 AM
Hi Lucy first time commenting but long long time reader of your post. It’s been a while since you posted I hope you are doing well. Been a tough year and I’ve come to rely on blog for a touch of the outside world and your great look in life! I’ve learned crochet from my mom as a teen. My first project with her was a granny square bed spread. Finding your blog inspired me to pick up my crochet hooks again and I have made 5 or so of your blankets and have loved every minute of it. Thanks Lucy!
Posted by: Robin | May 27, 2021 at 01:53 AM
In my house decluttering seems to go on and on. I have just got to be getting to the end of it soon! All my own fault though I shouldn't be such a hoarder LOL! What would I do without walking...it so helps me let off steam. Those blossom images are so beautiful that and all that gorgeous green landscape does make me feel a little homesick though! It has been raining no end here in Alicante...most unusual but our new park is reaping the benefit of all that water. Keep well Amanda x
Posted by: Amanda Smith | May 25, 2021 at 08:48 PM
My word Lucy I had the same pain and annoyance with my right thigh that came and went and came back again. Realised reading your post that it is less now : so hopefully post menopause: We too are trying to reduce the stuff we have : my aim is to have a calm space :
Posted by: Tracey ogden | May 10, 2021 at 09:46 AM
Lovely post. Thank you. You may have inspired me to start exercising.
Posted by: Linda Ruth Nichols | May 09, 2021 at 08:43 PM
Oh Lucy, it's been a while since I've popped by, but I'm so glad I did today. Your blogs are like meditation. The blossom here in Suffolk is going over a bit, but our bramley apple tree is just opening up its blossom and it's divine. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and positive thoughts. Keep well xx
Posted by: Jen | May 09, 2021 at 07:46 PM
Hi Lucy.
I love tulips but rarely buy them as cut flowers as they droop so quickly. However I was recently given the tip of putting a penny in the water. And it really does work. The blooms had started to shed their petals and they were still upright. I was amazed. Don’t know how it works but it did for me.
Lovely to hear all your news.
Claire xx
Posted by: Claire Birtles | May 09, 2021 at 08:40 AM
Hi Lucy, I'm a runner(and menopausal) and when I get leg pain like that it is usually because my magnesium levels are low - you need to top up, especially if you're working out in multiple days. I get magnesium and zinc supplements from Holland & Barretts and they do help.
Posted by: Kim McBirnie | May 09, 2021 at 07:50 AM
What a lovely newsy post. Good luck with your decluttering. When you’re done, you can pop over to my place. LOL I love the scent of orange blossom too. Once we were travelling on our motorcycle and as we approached an orchard area we could smell this amazing fragrance on the breeze. It was the orange blossom. We could smell it before we could even see the orchard. Down here in Oz we are in the opposite season to you. We live in one of the cooler areas, with lots of European trees. The colours this last few weeks has been glorious. The best we have had for a few years. We had our first run of frosts a couple of weeks ago, which was a bit of a shock to the system, although it has warmed up a bit just recently. Our fire is on each evening now. Time to enjoy being in the sewing room and crochet by the fire.
Posted by: Janice | May 09, 2021 at 06:03 AM
Lucy I suffer with crazy foot pain at night.... I use a mentholated cream and it works wonders on them as well as leg cramps!! I wonder if it would give you some relief as well: "MagniLife DB Pain Relieving Foot Cream. I live in the US but it may be available in the UK. Do a Google Search!!!
Posted by: LYn Zalk | May 09, 2021 at 04:00 AM
A lovely thought provoking post and some nice ideas too. Away from the hectic, almost manic atmosphere of the Monday to Friday office vibe i am finding solace in smaller crochet projects as I seem to lack any sort of drive at the moment. Your posts resonate with me being of a similar age and a northern gal who appreciates the reawakening signs of a much anticipated warmer, lighter season. There is special pleasure in the beautiful buds blossoms and blooms which are bursting into life just now. I feel more positive for the first time in forever and optimism for what awaits. Love your posts, Lucy. Always a charming little lift just when it’s needed. Toni xxx
Posted by: Toni | May 08, 2021 at 11:43 PM
Great post thanks. I love the bunting on the mantle, could I ask for the pattern please?
Posted by: Janet | May 08, 2021 at 08:52 PM
I trust you have been to a doctor about the pain in your thigh and they he/she has ruled out blood clots.
Posted by: Jane Dorfman | May 08, 2021 at 02:43 PM
Thank you for another post of brightness!
Posted by: Gwen | May 08, 2021 at 02:19 PM
Thanks, Lucy! You've inspired me to try the Lucy Wyndham-Read 4 week challenge - even though I'll be starting a week behind. :)
Posted by: Nancy Swank | May 08, 2021 at 02:16 PM
You live in a lovely spot to be 'same-samey'! Looks like a wonderful holiday destination to me, and without the oppressive heat of faro in the summer! Co-incidentally, I have been decluttering, too, encouraged by videos from The Minimalist Mom on Youtube (but I probably won't go that far!) Like you, my house is filled with piles of 'stuff', and I and being quite ruthless. It feels wonderful when you have a space back under your easy control. The point which struck me most was that all the possessions you accumulate take energy to curate and clean around; it's true, a bit of calm, decluttered space feels wonderful!
PS, A dog would enhance your walks even more...Tilly would soon lick a puppy into its place!
Posted by: Charlotte Pountney | May 08, 2021 at 09:34 AM
Walking is so glorious isn't it? We're very much autumnal down here in Kangarooland but I've been out walking with Chuck Norris the naughty pugalier most days. It's so good for my mental health but as I'm also starting to go through that perimenopausal blah, I'm really hoping it helps me to not become an old fat lady on the otherside!!
Your spring blossom photos are so glorious so thank you for posting them!
Without meaning to hijack your blog I have also just heard the terribly sad news of Teresa Kasner. We found each other through a love of your blog and I do hope her family open up a condolence page on her blog so we may offer our love and tributes for Teresa to them.
Posted by: Louise | May 08, 2021 at 01:52 AM
To be honest I haven't been feeling too great recently. I suffer with anxiety and it's been a lot worse over the last week. I did hear a Chiff Chaff for the first time in two years last Saturday which I was very pleased about, and today we had two Collard Doves, a Male Great Spotted Woodpecker and, as an even bigger surprise, a Male Blackcap in the garden! I do love seeing the birds, especially the rarer visitors, so that has cheered me up a bit!
Posted by: Simon | May 07, 2021 at 11:56 PM