Ahhhh, I've had a slow, slow day here today and it's been good. My battery has felt a bit flat so I've been thankful to have a day with very little in the way of plans or any real need to do very much. There has of course been the usual before-school jobs to get through, most of which I pretty much do on auto pilot. Emptying the dishwasher, making the bed, putting a laundry load into the washing machine, making packed lunches, getting breakfast together for Little B etc etc. Speaking of the littlest child, he has settled really well into secondary school life and seems to be enjoying his days very much. He still needs a fair bit of parenting in the mornings to ensure that he actually gets out of bed at 8am and gets himself clean, dressed, bag packed and all the rest of it. I'm happy to do the parenting, I like to still be involved with his boy-life on some basic level as he is becoming increasingly independent and needs me less and less these days.
J and I are sticking to our new morning routine which takes us out the door at 6.30 (ish) for a 45 minute walk around the neighbourhood. I am still enjoying it, or more to the point I find I really enjoy the way it makes me feel when I walk back in the door. It's definitely an energy booster.
At 10am we head to the café for our morning cappuccino, and it's honestly such a nice thing to do. It's a short half hour or so for J to take a break from his screen and for us to enjoy a little bit of time together and it's a lovely perk of us both working from home.
When I got home from the café I felt at a bit of a loose end, not really sure what to do with myself. I do have a big project on the go at the moment (I'm working on the next CAL blanket) but I felt like I wanted to start something new. In the end I decided to cast on my socks because the yarn was sat on the table patiently waiting for me to play with it.
It's been cold and gloomy today and my bones have felt chilled and achy, so I lit the fire just after lunch. It gave me an excuse to move away from the table and sit next to the hearth to knit, well I had to take care of the fire but also the warmth greatly helps my joints and eases the discomfort a lot. I'd forgotten how much I enjoy the satisfaction of seeing those knitty, stripy rows appear in my hands, and I made some good progress on the first sock.
The Little People are both home from school by 3.45 so I generally stop whatever I'm doing and make time to talk to them both, to find out about their days and chat about anything they feel like sharing with me. It's one of my favourite things at the moment, the little catch-up conversations we have each day at this time in the afternoon.
After mentioning it yesterday, I thought you might like to see my Birthday cake (it's this one from Tesco, and I can highly, highly recommend it). It's now just a beautiful memory as we polished it off tonight, but oh my gosh it was seriously yummy. By the way, thank you SO MUCH for all of your sweet birthday wishes on my last post, I'm very touched by all the good vibes you send my way. Thank you, thank you.
I've just spent the past hour being interrupted by Little Lady as we continue the university research. We are booked onto another couple of open days (Sheffield and Manchester) so there will be more travel in my immediate future. There is so much to think about and organise it seems, especially as she's not quite sure exactly what course to go for - the vast number of choices is blowing my mind somewhat. My brain is now very, very tired indeed.
I'm going to head up to bed in a little while, maybe I'll switch on my new little house lights (bought from Foxtails and Feathers which is a small online business I came across on instagram), and try and relax myself a little.
I've got a new candle to light too, it was a birthday present from a good friend who knows me well, and it is absolutely wonderful. You know how much I love the scent of eucalyptus, well this is the main scent of Quiescent and it's so refreshing and calming.
Here is what the blurb says about it...
" Eucalyptus is uplifting, cleansing and fresh and the floral notes of lavender soften this scent and provides a sense of calm. Frankincense delivers a resinous base note that's grounding, complex and earthy. Overall, Quiescent is comforting, pure and luxurious "
I am very much looking forward to being calmed and comforted a little before my eyes close....
........see you tomorrow, sleep tight xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Lovely sock yarn.
I couldn't get the hang of a tiny circular needle loop, so I use a 100cm needle for all my tiny work. Actually for all my circular needle knitting.
I use the magic loop method.
So, so easy.
Posted by: PatriciaA | October 17, 2021 at 02:32 AM
Happy Belated Birthday. I have enjoyed your blog for so long. Love all the pictures of your walks and travels and of course the crochet projects thrill me. I hope to learn to make some decent crocheted socks. I love you can do both.
Posted by: DeAnna Reames | October 17, 2021 at 02:27 AM
You might bump into Chris and Tom on Saturday in Sheffield. Think they are going to a Bio sciences talk in the open day. Sheffield is the only one we could find actually doing an open day in real life. Love the sock Btw. Xx
Posted by: Kate McCurrach | October 15, 2021 at 12:20 PM
The whole uni application thing is a bit scary isn't it. My eldest has sent his in now, so that's one thing off of the list. Fingers crossed for the next bit. That cake does indeed look very good, glad you enjoyed it. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | October 14, 2021 at 09:42 PM
Quiet days are just what we all need from time to time. Enjoy!
Posted by: Ann | October 14, 2021 at 08:45 PM
If your daughter has any interest in horticulture/landscape architecture, Sheffield has a wonderful program. Dr Ross Cameron seems like he'd be such a neat professor to have.
Hoping you're having a lovely day. Thanks for always sharing so much beauty and... reality. :)
Posted by: Stasia | October 14, 2021 at 05:48 PM
Happy birthday lovely, we’re the same age (for a few weeks at least) xxx
Posted by: jan mccann | October 14, 2021 at 04:37 PM
Lucy, Your cake looks yummy. So glad you had a nice birthday. I am thoroughly enjoying your blogs.
Posted by: Katherine Brown | October 14, 2021 at 03:37 PM
Sheffield...My son is at Sheffield and loves it! From the Residential campus Endcliffe/Ranmoor you can walk along a river and out into the Peaks which might suit your Little Lady. It's a good size city with lots going on for students and the Uni seem to have handled online teaching/face to face really well. Recommended! x
Posted by: Kate Bates | October 14, 2021 at 11:53 AM
I love knitting socks on tiny circulars, persevere through the first few rounds it does get easier.
I can’t believe that I have been dipping in and out of your blog for so long, since before you were pregnant with your youngest little b. How the years flash by.
Posted by: Janice Price | October 14, 2021 at 11:34 AM
Would love to be a part of this blog group
Posted by: Carol Hume | October 14, 2021 at 09:55 AM
I saw that light and thought that would be a wonderful present for someone I know ! But its out of stock meh !
Oh I am enjoying your lovely blogs, Thank you so much .
Posted by: Jacqui | October 14, 2021 at 08:01 AM
Envy your open fire must be a comfort. Happy belated birthday.
Posted by: Christine Whiting | October 14, 2021 at 08:01 AM
I always enjoy your pics and yesterday it was cold for my bones too in the apartment. I also feel like starting something new, but for some reason I cannot move myself. My mind says yes, my body says "stay calm and enjoy vacation".
Nana
Posted by: Nana | October 14, 2021 at 07:52 AM
🎉 Happy belated birthday 🎉🎁 Lucy, it sounds like the perfect way to spend a birthday and a most delicious birthday tea too. I’m very intrigued by the new CAL you’re working on and looking forward to the delightful treat in store for us! I’ve been working on my Yuletide blanket and am absolutely loving the colours, stitches and how well it is coming along. Thank you so much again for the wonderful patterns you create for us, it truly makes me so happy to be able to create these marvellous things and all from your brilliant photographic blogs!! Glad you enjoyed your impromptu breakfast yesterday, take care and love and hugs to you xxxx Becki ☺️🥰
Posted by: Becki | October 14, 2021 at 07:21 AM
Your morning routine sounds lovely. I have discovered that if I get going first thing, I have much more energy.
Posted by: Juliann | October 14, 2021 at 05:23 AM
I see you are knitting your sock on a tiny circular needle, is that correct.
If so, how do you like using it? I bought one but wasn’t entirely comfortable as with using double point.
Hope to hear your opinion.
Thanks, Nancy
Posted by: Nancy | October 14, 2021 at 12:43 AM
Happy belated birthday, Lucy!
I wish you all the best!
Just finished the blanket I made using your summer garden granny squares, and it looks sooo beautiful on my youngest son's bed! Thank you so much for it. He loves it!
And thanks for keeping us inspired throughout this month. I hope you have a lovely Thursday!
Posted by: Juliana | October 14, 2021 at 12:15 AM
Working on the next CAL?!!?!!?!?!? Whoop whoop Lucy that’s made my day xx
Posted by: Sal | October 13, 2021 at 11:18 PM
Hi Lucy, I absolutely love reading your blog. Even though my life is very different, living far away and not knitting or crocheting for many years, I feel a great affinity with you. Ps: and I never do without my daily walk, as close to nature as possible.
Posted by: Monica | October 13, 2021 at 10:33 PM
It is something to become very tired of. Going out and about, he endless thinking of your kids' future. Little Lady can choose wrong, but chance the direction even in the first year. My youngest was only 17 when he went to the university. We had many conversations, in the end, he choose what he found interesting. After his Ph.D. he started the study he is made for, medicine, but was too young for at the time. (and you don't want to do what mom does, eh, adolescents, rolls eyes) Little lady has time, she will get there. Don't worry.
Posted by: Tineke | October 13, 2021 at 09:53 PM
I would love to be motivated enough to walk at 6.30am, but Im a real night owl often reading a book until super late. It's just before 8am here right now and I'm looking outside my bedroom window. Its sunny and green after a night of rain and very inviting. Perhaps I should grab my sneakers and head out?
Posted by: Louise | October 13, 2021 at 09:50 PM
Love your post. I tried knitting socks with that tiny circular needle, couldn't so it. Have to use double points. Happy belated birthday...🎂
Posted by: Mary | October 13, 2021 at 09:43 PM
You and J have cultivated two great new habits in your early walk, and mid-morning coffee. It's so much easier to do things once they become almost automatic...OK, maybe it's not automatic getting up at that time, yet, but it will be soon!
Hope you enjoyed some R+R with the delicious scented candle at the end of your day, too.
Posted by: Charlotte Pountney | October 13, 2021 at 09:39 PM
I'm enjoying your daily blog, Lucy, and also enjoying crocheting your Woodland blanket after a couple of years of not crocheting anything at all. I first came across your blog years ago when I was looking for patterns to use with a little Crochet Club I used to run at the primary school I taught at. Happy days. Thank you so much for all the yarny inspiration x
Posted by: Kit | October 13, 2021 at 09:24 PM