♥ Stopping on top of the moor for a blast of fresh air on our way home from a walk.
♥ Loving the peaceful view out across the valley, and that lonesome, windswept tree.
♥ Making some gentle plans for the year ahead.
♥ Celebrating Little B's thirteenth birthday - we have a TEENager!!!
♥ Carnations and eucalyptus from my festive bouquet still going strong.
♥ Healthy(ish) eating, in amongst a lot of carb-heavy comfort food. Hello, hot buttered toast.
♥ Sunday morning coffee and crochet in bed...bliss.
♥ Afternoons and evenings spent beside the fire with my Springfrost blanket.
♥ Walking with J yesterday morning after a brief snow shower. It was oh-so-cold.
♥ The snow-sprinkled woodland was very wintry and very pretty.
♥ Bench. With snow sprinkles. J made me get all arty with my angles :)
♥ The snow didn't last long because joy of joys, the sun came out - HAPPY ME!!!!
♥ Attempting to take a blue photo for Blue Monday (Instagram stuff) - the kitty assisted.
♥ More blues up above, such a boost for my light-deprived brain and very much appreciated.
♥ Noticing the slowly lengthening days - 4.30pm and still light now. Gosh, it feels good.
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We're just over half way through January and I've been trying very hard to capture the good moments that catch my eye and lift my spirits in this tricky month. Mostly I've been spending a lot of time at home keeping warm, pottering about the place and feeling just a little bit drifty, if you know what I mean. It's not a bad thing for January I don't think - I do like the slow approach to the start of the year, no real rush to do things and lots of time for gentle drifting and pondering.
We've had a lot of yuck weather so far this month. Huge amounts of rain, oh so many grey, greeeeeyyy wet days resulting in equally huge amounts of mud. But this week there has been a change and we're back to sub-zero temperatures and bright, icy, snowy showers which has felt pretty good actually. And the sun! YAY!! Our daylight hours are increasing and it's very noticeable now at the end of the day especially.
Thanks goodness for my Springfrost blanket and the structure of my crochet-along which keeps me feeling productive and creative and connected during these slow, hibernating kind of weeks. The connection into social media during my CALs is hugely time consuming but it makes me feel so, so good. So much feel-good, and I'm really thankful for it I can tell you.
Tomorrow (Wednesday) I'm heading down to Dorset for a week - Lady B is going to be away for a while and my Dad really needs round the clock company these days. I'm taking my laptop and will write my Friday CAL post while I'm there, so praying that technology is on my side and I can get connected to the interwebs and make it all happen like magic.
I hope January is treating you gently and that you are finding time to potter and ponder and take it as slow as you like. Sending my love to you all...thank you so much for calling in to visit and leave me your words in the comments, I love to hear how you are and what you're up to so do send some chatter my way.
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Hi Lucy, I hope you are ok and feeling better. We are currently having bathroom renovations to turn the bathroom into a wetroom so that my 81 year old Mum can shower easier. It is not easy. We love your blog posts and crochet patterns and think you are totally amazing. Without your step by step guides neither of us would have changed from knitters to crocheters. Mum only learnt a couple of years ago. You are so inspiring.
Posted by: Tracy Sutton | April 19, 2023 at 08:45 AM
Hi Lucy,
I thank you for writing about your father and the dimentia journey. It is just that. It is hard for loved ones to watch their loved one loose brain function. Today I was at a ladies luncheon and the lady that spoke, who works with dimentia patients in a nursing home, said that the person with dimentia does enjoy music as it is the side of the brain that seemsto remember the words and songs. She said that one person got up and sang the song someone was playing on the piano and did it in their native German language, so perhaps play some music when you are staying with your dad. blessings on you for your faithful visits with him.
Posted by: donna | April 19, 2023 at 04:37 AM
Hi Lucy, I’m just catching up on your blog posts now! I hope the visit to your Dad went well ❤️ I’ve been reading some of the comments above and thinking how lovely the all are! They are so appreciative of all that you do Lucy, it’s just lovely to read! I also very much appreciate your blog and blanket patterns. Your patterns have given me confidence to crochet and your blog well is just so jolly uplifting! I don’t normally say the word jolly so I don’t know where that’s come from but I can’t think of another word to replace it 😂 Anyway your blog uplifts me when I’m having a challenging day and the photos are always a delight to see. I’ve followed you for many years now and can remember when Little B was just a little bump! I wish him a belated happy birthday!
Thank you so much Lucy for your blog, photos, friendly chat and patterns. It’s just dawned on me that you have been a constant in my life for at least the last 13/14 years wow!
Hope you are well, all the best Angela xx
Posted by: Angela | February 15, 2023 at 06:07 PM
Dear Lucy, I haven’t looked at your blog for a while, although I have made 2 or 3 of your blankets I now do far more knitting as I have 4 little grandchildren to kit out. I’ve been thinking about you as I am knitting a blanket with leftover wool and I must say I didn’t realise how difficult it is to get the colours right. Even though I love all the colours I’m using getting them to sit together nicely is difficult. Know that I appreciate all the hard design work which goes into your blankets and kits.
P.S. Brexit has had a huge impact on buying from the UK and whilst I’m quite prepared to pay import duty many of the small business are no longer able to sell to us in Europe…that is very sad.
Posted by: Elaine | January 23, 2023 at 10:58 AM
Happy Birthday to Little B. I’m sure he was just a twinkle when I started reading your blog!
Back when I started, I think you were crocheting with wool... I remember being envious of both your beautiful blanket & that you could afford to use wool. I’m so pleased that your wonderful CALs use less expensive materials. Thank you.
I was sad that this year I couldn’t hop over to Teresa’s Blog to see her progress with the blanket. I regret never commenting on her blog to let her know how much I enjoyed reading it.
In that rather maudlin mood, I decided that I should let you know hoe much I appreciate you & your posts. I may not often comment but I do so enjoy reading your posts and seeing your wonderful photos. Thank you so much for sharing your life xx
Posted by: Lynn | January 23, 2023 at 04:26 AM
Found your latest Springfrost post with this morning's coffee, then happily scrolled right into your January Moments that I'd somehow missed. Talk about a joyful way to start my day! This is such a delightful tribe of yours Lucy, and we're all so fortunate to be able to join in. Love all of your photos, especially "blues up above" which looks so much like a Maxfield Parish. So very beautiful. Enjoy every precious moment with your dad. Sending you love from the Pacific Northwest (where a very gently snowfall has just begun to drift down through the fir and cedar trees . . .)
Posted by: Debbi Robertson | January 21, 2023 at 06:17 PM
It has been five years or more since I have logged onto Attic 24, as my health took a turn, and let's face it, I am getting old. Gosh, me? Whodathunk. I live in upstate New York, and like your area, lately, we get snowfall that simply melts. Unusual for us, as we are usually pretty socked in by now. Unlike your area, the sun comes out only very rarely. We live in an area of Finger Lakes that keeps it overcast almost all the time. Having only lived in areas of sunshine before moving here in my early twenties, this was pretty difficult to get used to. But I moved here to be close to my twin sis. I wanted to tell you that I absolutely love your photography! Thank you for all the years of sharing your photos of your area with us. I am a landscape artist (and a portrait artist), and I can tell you honestly that your photos are very inspiring. I hope you don't mind my using some of them in my landscapes. These days, I keep what I paint. Thank you also for the years of sharing your beautiful crochet! I love your choices of color. And I love the birds and the lovely flowers you make for wreaths! Thank you! And finally, most of us just look older as we age. How is it that you look younger and more beautiful? When I first saw your photo after so much time had passed, I actually thought it might have been your daughter. It just goes to show that very good and kind people emanate beauty. Thanks so much for your very fun and uplifting blog, Lucy. God bless you and your family most abundantly, and may He keep you all safe and well always. 🥰
Posted by: Charlotte Little Bear | January 21, 2023 at 05:48 PM
Here in The Netherlands, the weather is mostly the same. We had a LOT of rain the last couple of weeks, now it's cold, but sunny with blue skies, yay! I'll be going out for a walk in a minute, but first I wanted to read your new blogpost. Thank you for the update and beautiful photos as ever :-) Wishing you a good time in Dorset with your Dad.
Posted by: Femke | January 19, 2023 at 11:37 AM
Thanks for the update Lucy & hope all goes well in Dorset with your Dad. Strange weather here with stinking hot days above 35deg, then yesterday & today so far have been much cooler with some rain yesterday. Been busy here with blueberry picking (1.3kgs) this morning & giving them away to friends & neighbours. I'm doing a little patchwork through the day when I have time & crocheting of a night on one of your older CALs. Am enjoying immensely. A big thank you too for all those gorgeous pics above & we are contemplating a trip later this year (fingers crossed). Take care, stay warm & hugs from down under.
Posted by: Susan | January 19, 2023 at 01:55 AM
Oh Lucy i love your word drifty. That is exactly how I am feeling. Even here in Australia in the heat of summer I am definitely yearning for lots of quite time. We get up early and work on our farm and then after lunch we siesta in the heat of the day. I am drifting along one day at a time trying to tidy my house but with lots of pausing and down time. I am embrassing drifting
Posted by: Judy | January 18, 2023 at 11:25 PM
Have a good time with your Dad, please send him my love Cuz xx I know what you mean by 'drifty' January, it's been like that here in Sussex too..... I'm so glad I have my daylight simulation lamp whitch has made such a big difference to my mood this time round. Love from Sharon xx
Posted by: Sharon Sellens | January 18, 2023 at 09:16 PM
Olá que imagens lindas!! Comecei a seguir você, Little B tinha 01 ano. Como o tempo passa rápido. Seu trabalho me inspira, me faz sentir melhor. Parabéns... Sou brasileira moro no estado de São Paulo, numa grande cidade Santo André, sou nutricionista e trabalho em uma escola.
Posted by: Rosana | January 18, 2023 at 07:22 PM
I love popping in to the Attic to read your blogs, but also all the comments from around the world. I love being a small part of a huge family! I haven't started the Springfrost yet, although I have everything ready to go. I'm working on another project which I'm determined to finish first ....but will probably give in. I'm relishing having a bit more spare time this year, but it's for a sad reason as my dear mum passed away before Christmas (with her summer harmony blanket on the bed in hospital). I looked after her for around 15 years, although more recently this was locally rather than having to travel 'back home' regularly- do find space to enjoy the time with your dad - I know it can often feel like a chore, but at the moment I'd have it all back in an instant!
Posted by: Mrs Jane Deeley | January 18, 2023 at 05:28 PM
Hello from California- we too have been deep in the grey skies and so so much rain!!! Our town did not flood as it has done many times in the past. The dog required long walks daily so out I went in the boots rain pants and jacket.... I think the walking did the trick keeping me from actually losing my way a bit!!!! I just was wanting to wish you gentleness with yourself as you act as caregiver for your dad. It is not an easy business this caregiving stuff- It is heartbreaking and so very tender- so I offer you some kindness and remember to take the coffee and good chocolate breaks- they are part of the self care you will need in order to carry on. Know you are not alone
Posted by: laura k- from the crochet ladies of france | January 18, 2023 at 05:27 PM
Good morning i live in so cal 39 degrees this morning when i got up, this is my first cal and im loving it. Its easy for my brain and beautiful for my eyes i think i need sweet pea to work on at the same time sometimes i just need two or three projects going at one time. Everyone have a blessed week
Love pam
Posted by: Pam copenhaver | January 18, 2023 at 03:53 PM
Hi Lucy!! What a wonderful post and you always have such beautiful pictures...I am loving the way my blanket is coming together...it does kinda look like a frosty morning! Wishing you a great trip to see dad filled with love and, of course, lots of inspiration. Keep up the good work Lucy, we love it!! Wishing you happiness from the foothills of beautiful Mt. Rainier in Washington State.....Laurel
Posted by: Laurel Anne Pries | January 18, 2023 at 02:51 PM
Hello! I so enjoyed my visit with you here today. January is the perfect month for your excellent description. And your crocheting is lovely! Your photos made me feel cozy and content, and I thank you for that! Have a cozy evening.
Posted by: Billie Jo | January 18, 2023 at 01:35 PM
I love this post so much Lucy. It reminds me of when you blogged daily and I awaited your lovely words and images eagerly.
I do hope your visit with your dad is not too stressful and you both enjoy some joyous moments.
Much love
Jacquie x
Posted by: Jacquie | January 18, 2023 at 12:44 PM
Thanks for the lovely read this morning, always relaxing and gentle and you have made me feel less guilty about my slow pace today and not achieving much. I always feel I need to keep busy but the time is my own to fill however I wish. Everyone enjoy your day xx
Posted by: Frances Cockcroft | January 18, 2023 at 11:45 AM
Hi Lucy, Been knitting a lot, teaching it once a month at our local library, still love to read your blog and admire your beautiful crochet blankets! Thank you for the beautiful pictures and words 😊
Posted by: Tina | January 18, 2023 at 11:32 AM
Thank you Lucy for your uplifting pictures and words.
In December I decided enough is enough in Customer services . Had enough abuse for 9 years and nearly 55 and menopausal,decided I needed a much earnt rest.Trusting God for finances. He never fails.
I purchased your springfrost blanket as soon as it was available. So really excited to be able to sit,reflect and crochet.
Lots of hugs.
Posted by: Tracy Bache | January 18, 2023 at 10:59 AM
Im loving your snow photos! We are in the midst of summer down here in New Zealand and it's proving to be a real scorcher. Not that im complaining, we will have the cold weather soon enough!
Posted by: Rachel | January 18, 2023 at 08:04 AM
Thank you Lucy I love your blogs! It's like getting a letter from a friend. I'm pottering and loving my Spring frost blanket so far. At 75 with a bit of a bad back and my lovely husband of 55 years on dialysis as he has kidney failure we take it slow! But now have a Great-grandson who brings such joy. Enjoy Dorset! See you Friday! Xx
Posted by: Patricia Thomlinson | January 18, 2023 at 07:38 AM
Hello there. I do love your blogs, they make me feel relaxed and cheery. We have had buckets of rain where I live (in rural France). Many grey and depressing days with mud, mud, ‘glorious’ mud being carried into the house on dog and cat feet. The goats hate the wet and stay under their shelters most of the time…unless they are busy investigating the garage and workshop. They love to ‘help’ with any task, particularly bouncing around on the wood stack and also taking my husband’s tools out of his reach when he is working on the car/house etc. Keep up the good work, always lovely to see what you are up to. Happy New Year.😊
Posted by: Susan | January 18, 2023 at 05:27 AM
Oh, my, I remember when you surprised us all with your Little B baby bump all those thirteen years ago. I can't believe it. Happy Birthday, Little B! Love all your beautiful pictures from your little corner of the world. I love to see your walks and the pictures you take from them. Happy New Year!
Posted by: Kate | January 18, 2023 at 04:52 AM