Easter 2022

Thank you for all your lovely messages following my last post, you always show me such kindness and support and I am ever so grateful for that I can tell you. After a slow, restful week I'm feeling a smidge brighter so I thought I would spend some time trying once again to catch up here.

At some point I'll tell you a bit more about what's going on in Dorset, my Dad isn't doing so good and it's a huge cause of worry for me. I try and shake it off because worrying doesn't really help - at this point in time there is very little to be done other than to wait things out. So although I still absolutely LOVE to be in Dorset to reconnect with my special place, it takes a lot out of me emotionally.

I was really glad to come home after five days away, but I came back to a house that desperately needed attention on all fronts. J is really great at making sure the Little Peeps (and the kitty) are fed and safe, but that's the extent of his housekeeping. Things like laundry, basic bathroom and kitchen cleaning (which needs doing every day in house with three children), recycling, tidying, food shopping - it all got a bit neglected. It made me realise that even though I am very slack when it comes to cleaning, I actually do way more daily housekeeping jobs than I give myself credit for. Put it this way - there was a LOT that needed my attention when I got back, so I spent pretty much a whole day getting on top of the jobs, including four loads of laundry. I know I was missed, I got multiple hugs from two out of three children and J was definitely very happy to have me home again.

I've come to realise in recent years that having familiar routines and gentle structure to my days is a highly underrated source of contentment. I always used to say how much I value my freedom, but what I only recently realised is that freedom only feels good for me if it's underpinned by routine. I wonder if this is connected to me getting older, or if it's always been that way and I just never realised it before? Either way, I am grateful for the ease of my days and the familiar rituals which bring me pleasure.

Yeah, it's often all about the coffee for me - well, more specifically the little outings with family or friends which surround the coffee drinking. I just love hanging out in cafés, there is something about the happy, relaxed ambience of a good indie coffee shop that greatly appeals to me. It's been a part of my life ever since I moved here fourteen years ago and found my way into an unexpectedly wonderful "café lifestyle". Having J able to join me on many days of the week now is a real pleasure, I happen to really enjoy his company which is something to celebrate after being together for almost thirty years.

During the school holidays we've continued to take our daily walk but it's generally been mid morning rather than our usual early morning jaunt. Sometimes it's just us two and sometimes we manage to persuade Little B to come with us. Since I had covid I haven't had enough physical energy to do my home workouts but my daily walks give me some much needed gentle exercise each day.

Our little town has been very busy during the Easter holidays with a lot of folks holidaying here, but I don't mind it at all. I love it when the town feels jolly and bustling and thriving, it's a special kind of feeling to know that I live in a place where people actually choose to come on holiday. I quite like strolling leisurely around the place pretending that I'm on holiday myself and wondering if I look like a local or a visitor, have you ever done that? 

The canal is getting busy again now that the holiday season has started and there are many boats coming and going along the waterways. The boat in the above photo is a local resident, it's a small open air one which offers short 30 minute cruises. We've been on it a few times in past years when the Little People were small, ah, fond memories of playing tourist in our home patch.

We hadn't made any plans for  Easter weekend and that felt absolutely just right for me. I've been trying to conserve my energy and rest when I feel like my body needs it, so have kept socialising to a minimum just lately. Since my blanket making has been put on hold (sill undecided what to do with that) I've been spending time doing other creative things instead of crochet. Over the Easter weekend I occupied myself with this unbelievably cute little stitching project from the spring Craftpod box. 

This was stitching on a teeeeeeeny tiny scale - delicate little lines of blanket stitch to join the felt pieces together, and simple black embroidery to create the face....

......awwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!!!! Such a sweet project and well worth the effort involved in creating it.

My little lamb became the guardian of the mini eggs over Easter weekend - I think I refilled this dish three or four times but that's exactly how it should be at Easter. I bought the Little People a modest sized Lindt easter egg each (this one) and they were very happy with my choice (we are all huge fans of Lindt chocolate in this house). But for me it was enough to have these little eggs to enjoy, gosh, I do so love them and Easter is not complete without them.

I went into the Attic eaves and dug out the old shoe box marked Easter which contains much loved decorations gathered over many years.

Some are shop bought and some are handmade and I love the happy, colourful chaos of it all.

The pattern for the little flowers is ((here)) and the Mini Chicklet pattern is ((here)), with Mini Bunny variation ((here)).

On the absolute spur of the moment I crocheted some new decorations for my twigs on Easter Monday, but you'll have to wait until next Spring to see those. I know, so mean of me! But I've written up the pattern (they are crocheted eggs with little flowers) and have made a note to share it next year in good time for you to purchase the polystyrene shapes and make them yourself if you want to. 

When I unpacked my Easter box I discovered these really pretty paper honeycomb egg decorations that I'd purchased last year, but which had arrived too late to use for Easter '21. It was a lovely surprise to find them and I hung them up across the archway where I have fairy lights all year round. I bought them from eBay ((here)) - I don't think I'll ever tire of decorating for seasonal celebrations and in many ways I love Easter decorating more than Christmas.

Right now as I sit and write to you there aren't any flowers on my table (shock horror!) and the whole room feels bare without them. I had a beautiful jug of spring blooms flowering away over the Easter weekend, a mix of hyacinths, tulips and the most fabulous frilly daffs, oh, I did enjoy them. Having fresh flowers in the house is high on my list of priorities and I consider them a weekly essential on the same level as milk or pasta. I think we're lucky these days that supermarkets sell beautiful seasonal blooms for just a few pounds so you can easily pop a bunch into your basket along with the groceries. Highly, highly recommended as a feel-good treat.

I've managed to do quite a bit of gentle walking this holiday and  I think walking in a woodland is such a wonderful way to appreciate the seasons and feel connected to nature. Right now in the north of England the trees are just starting to show the very first signs of greenery, but it's on the ground where you really take note. The wild garlic is at its peak (in terms of leafage) and as usual it's looking (and smelling) absolutely magnificent in the woods where I live. As you can see, it grows in abundance so I always feel OK about picking a small handful of leaves because it doesn't harm the plants at all and there is just soooo much of it.

I made some delicious pesto using around 100g of wild garlic leaves combined with a small handful of fresh basil, olive oil, lemon juice, 50g parmesan and 100g cashew nuts. It was absolutely insane - the flavour was incredible and we've eaten it for several meals simply tossed through with a good pasta.

I've spent some lovely time with my Little Lady this holiday, making the most of these last few weeks of her childhood before she turns eighteen next week. She is such a delight and I love our easy friendship, in fact I was thinking just the other day how grateful I am for the fact that all three of my offspring are very low drama and cause us the minimum of parental concern. I am truly grateful and make sure to tell them often.

Little Lady is coming through a fairly stressful period in her life right now (A levels begin in just a few short weeks, and then the BIG decision about university), so I've been supporting her in every which way I'm able. Often times it just means regular check-ins with her to make sure she's doing OK, a quick chat to catch up and hear her current thoughts and plans. But sometimes I find the need to parent more strongly, to dig in and pull her out of her anxiety and over thinking. If the weather permits, the pulling is usually something physical - a walk through the woods or a visit to her favourite coffee shop to get her to detach from screen time and breathe in a different environment. I've found it's much easier for her to offload her worries when we are walking, it's less intense I guess and a more natural way for us to talk things through.

In the above photo we had walked into town to pick up her favourite iced latté as a takeout, then strolled along the canal and into the park to sit, sip and chat. We spent almost an hour sat on the grass with the sun on our faces, taking in the view and talking about all sorts of things and later that evening she came to me just before bed to thank me for it. Sweet girl, she really is.

I absolutely love love love this time of year, in particular the light evenings that we are gifted after what seems like the longest dark season. In the above photo it's just after 8pm and I was walking home from my weekly Slimming World meeting. It's what I dream about in October when darkness closes in around 4pm, these beautiful, long, light-filled days of spring and summer are what my soul lives for.

I mean, how beeeeeeautiful is this sky? No filter, no editing, the sky really was this colour the other night.

It's been really nice to catch up with you, and I hope that my words are reading OK because I generally don't edit them once they have spewed out onto the page. What you read is what comes directly forth from my brain pipes, so here's hoping it all makes some kind of sense.

Today it's Saturday and we are back to work and school on Monday. I've enjoyed this much needed restful holiday but at the same time I do feel ready for some gentle routine to underpin my days again. It's all about the balance I guess.

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Comments

[Kay]

This post resonates so much with the way things are for me at the moment. I broke my wrist on my dominant hand five weeks ago and life has changed in our house. My husband is fabulous at looking after me and has managed simple meals but the house has fallen to pieces. It’s made me realise how much I value things being done on a regular basis. I miss my lists too, organisation is very important to me. Still, we are tootling along, all be it in a filthy house.

[Linda Spooner]

I do so like reading your blog. We were in Amsterdam during the midnight sun and the sky was that color. As an American and never seeing that before it was weird to be able to take photos at midnight with no flash. I do understand about your teen daughter. I remember when mine was that young and we were at odds most of the time. I'm glad you and yours have such a great repour. Please, keep posting because I look for your blog to hear what your day is like. Thank you for your time. Linda

[Susan]

Thank you for being you Lucy and reading about how you cope & feel is just as good for me to know that I'm not alone in being human. Love the photos and wish we could be there again in the beautiful Dales & oh that lamb is so cute......I can just see it gamboling around the paddocks (whoops, maybe fields?). Walking is also my go to when the going is tough & DH always comes with me now that we are retirees & even after 47years together, we enjoy each others company. Take care, look after yourself and hugs from down under.

[Helen Mathey-Horn]

Beautiful as always. :)

[Beverley]

Sorry to hear about your dad and send best wishes. It is always a concern when you live further away from them at this time.
Very sweet little Springtime lamb.
Good luck to your daughter for her exams , I'm sure she will do well with all the support you give her. What a wondeful mum and friend you are xx

[Lee]

So nice to hear you are recovering from the stress of your Dorset visit and also from Covid. Be gentle with yourself and know our thoughts are with you. The lamb is adorable!

[Becky DuBose]

I am recovering from covid as well and really appreciate the uplifting from your photos. Keep well, friend. Wishing wellness for all your family.

[carolyn Jackson.]

I always love reading your posts. I do hope your Dad will be OK. Always a worry when family arent well.I also prefer a nice quiet time at home doing craft or walking together. I must say we have been married nearly 60 yrs and still enjoy being together each day.Also love it when family pop in. Your family sound lovely too, all the best to you all. I always tell people to look at your posts as thats what got me hooked on hooking !! Cheers.

[CJ]

Stunning sky. I'm glad you had such a lovely time with your daughter. My eldest has A-levels coming up as well and he's studying hard and hoping he gets the grades he needs for the uni he's set his heart on. The middle one is (supposed to be) studying for his GCSEs as well. I'm sorry things aren't great with your dad. Your Easter decorations are brilliant, it's always so warm and cherry and cosy chez vous. Hope you have a lovely week. CJ xx

[Misty]

So happy you are feeling better. I am praying for your Dad, hope he gets better soon.
The scenery is gorgeous around your village and I love how you take walks everyday.
Take care of yourself and know we are here for you. Don’t forget to get some flowers
as I try to get them every 2 weeks and they really help my mood. Hugs and hope you
all have a fantabulous week.

[Linda]

Love those sky photos!
Glad you are coping with all your pressures. Emotional things can be so draining.
I bought a Luna Herdwick Sheep kit today at Wonderwool in Wales and am very much looking forward to cutting him out and sewing him up, and knitting his clothes….! So therapeutic!
I don’t have as many Knick knacks as you do, but those I do have I love!

[Barbara]

As always it’s lovely to read about your comforting daily rituals. I envy you your local coffee shop although I do have a local beach so we both have a win win. Sorry to read about your dad and I can only imagine your angst. Crafting and walking certainly helps to calm the mind. Love the pretty lamb. So delicate. B x

[Sandra]

Thank you for this wonderful post today. The pictures are breath taking. Enjoyed a nice leisurely read with my morning coffee. Loved it all. Continue to take it slow and do what your body tells you. My son-in-law still has diminished respiratory capacity two years post Covid. Particularly stressful when it interferes with his diving and swimming. My daughter, the same, when she is out running. So yes, take care of you. And, again, thanks for sharing.

[Jennifer]

It’s been too long since I’ve checked the Attic blog but reading this am- it’s like meeting up with an old friend. Easy. Familiar. Smiling. Lovely. Thank you for keeping this portal open & sharing. Loving your spring pictures of your little piece of the world. 💕be well & enjoy your coffee today. ☕️ Jennifer in Kansas

[Karen Dodgson]

Hi Lucy, I’m so glad to catch up and hear that you’re doing ok. I hope you can find a way of keeping in touch with your Dad without the huge emotional cost each time. I’m 61 now so my Dad and my friends parents too are all at that age of causing us worry, life is a balancing act isn’t it.
I agree about needing routines to enjoy freedom too. Since moving to the seaside I ‘need’ so much less, and am perfectly content with my little life here, in fact I often don’t want to plan constant things to fill my days like my husband does, again it’s a balancing act! I’m in the last month of my Foundation course in art and design at Blackpool college, I’ve loved it but oh the stress, yes gentle days of routine will be high up on my wish list come June!
I had to laugh when I read about you pretending to be a tourist….here in St Anne’s I stroll through the sunshiney crowds of happy people and want to wear a placard saying how lucky am I? I LIVE HERE!!!
Well, I wish you all the best with your Dad and good luck to your lovely daughter with her A levels, I’m sure with you supporting her so wonderfully she will do well xx

[Ger]

I so enjoyed reading this post this morning. Thank you. I dont often comment but always enjoy your blog. Indeed i have also crocheted a couple of your blanket packs and right now am enjoying using some left overs to make a granny stripe one. Keep writing

[Laura]

Thanks for writing!!!

[Louise]

What a lovely post. I also just came back from a week at the coast to help out as my dad had a health issue. Luckily it now seems as though it may not be as sinister as we thought but it gave us a fright. Im so sorry to hear about your dad and that he recovers from whatever is causing problems.

[Simon]

You always make blog writing🖊️ seem effortless, even when you're not really "feeling it". There is a very calming rhythm to your style which is probably why so many of us appreciate reading your posts and look forward to the next.😀 Easter generally passes without much fuss here, but I do love the look of all your decorations!💐💐

[Angela]

How lovely you have such a wonderful relationship with your daughter. My daughter is 22 and we are best friends! I feel that if you have a daughter you have a best friend for life. So so sorry to hear about your Dad, my thoughts are with you and I understand what you’re going through. I have had two very unwell parents in the past. Wishing you all the best x

[Ann]

A lovely blog Lucy. I am sorry what is happening with your Dad. Take care of you. 🌸🌸

[Lindsay]

I think I prefer Easter for decorations too, there’s something particularly uplifting and hopeful about it ( I am definitely not religious and I really don’t like the winter, probably because I was born on the shortest day and have always felt a bit cheated!)
I do hope your dad is okay, I well remember that anxiety). I collect striped pebbles like the one you’re holding, there’s something special about them.
I love seeing your photos and reading your blog, it makes me want to move north!
Take care and look after yourself x

[Tineke]

No drama? Wait until they going into their twenties I would almost say. Kidding dear XD Be gentle on yourself, parents can be a huge cause of concern. In my case it was my inlaws, I do miss them dearly. COVID is not easy to recover from, I am happy you treat yourself to healthy food and exercise. And routine? If you want to see me grumpy, take away my two espresso routine every morning. I am very flexible, but not for my food and espresso.

[Jacqui]

Big hugs for you x
Absolutely love your blogs and beautiful photos.
I dont decorate for easter but you make me want to, maybe next year😂😂

[PennyL]

This post was a joy. Thank you. I’ll be thinking of you and your Dad over the next few weeks and sending you loving thoughts xxx