Attic24

Blogtober 2020 :: Day 31

I woke up with a lovely weekend feeling this morning when I realised it was Saturday, and as there was nothing much that needed my immediate attention I dozed in bed for a while. I always look forward to heading into town with J on a Saturday morning to gather in food supplies, especially as we usually call in at the café for our breakfast on the way home.

It was wild out there this morning! Very, very windy with glowering dark skies promising imminent rain at any moment. When we got into town we realised there was no street market due to the stormy weather forecast, so we made do with what we could get from the shops. Breakfast and some very very most excellent cappuccinos were still on though, and my goodness I did so enjoy my plate of eggs on toast this morning. Perfectly weekendish I'd say.

In the early afternoon we noticed that the weather had brightened a little, so we set out for a walk while the rain held off. I love these little post boxes that are built into old walls, there is something so endearing about them I think. 

We took Little B with us on our walk this afternoon, even though he wasn't too keen. Sometimes you've just got to drag them away from their screens and force-feed them fresh air because it's the right thing to do when you parent a ten year old who thinks he's a teenager. 

I do so love getting out into the fresh air - I expect you've gathered that by now, eh?!

We had wrapped up in raincoats expecting it to be wet, but the strong winds actually blew in some very welcome blue skies for us to enjoy. It was such a treat to look up and suddenly see patches of blue when it had been so dark and grey earlier.

I'm certainly appreciating all the autumn colour at the moment as I know we are on borrowed time as far as the leaves go. Soon enough the branches will be stripped bare and brown will be the prevailing shade. 

I found myself really appreciating the simple beauty of these dead seed heads and I was reminded of the "dead-things wreath" I made some years ago. Haha, I just re-read that post and made myself laugh!

It was blessedly quiet in the woods considering it was the weekend, and we passed just a handful of dog walkers making the most of the unexpectedly dry afternoon. Hello, Stalking Horse, you look so at home right now with the copper beech leaves falling all around you. I love that you are here in our woodland, making me smile each time I walk past.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, what a beautiful sight, would you just look at that glorious SUNSHINE!!! A very brief break in the clouds and the sun suddenly burst through the trees up ahead, it was absolutely magical I tell you.

Amazingly the rain stayed away and we made it home un-wetted. I always love this view of the terraced streets running steeply down and then back up again - these are the hills I was referring to a few days ago when I mentioned that daily exercise has really improved my fitness levels. You do need a reasonable bit of stamina to walk these streets at a brisk pace and there was a (long) time when I struggled, although I hated to admit it. By the way, I will be chatting about my exercise stuff in a separate blog post as so many of you seemed interested in what I'm up to.

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Around 3pm I made a start on the pumpkin carving. My top tools for the job are rubber gloves and a metal ice cream scoop - these are a winning combo and I had the innards scraped out in no time at all. I've saved some of the flesh to make pumpkin soup tomorrow and I'm already looking forward to it. To do the actual carving I just use a small vegetable knife, nothing fancy. I print or draw a design onto paper, place the paper onto the surface of the pumpkin and trace the design with a pencil, making sure to press down hard. This leaves the design lightly scored onto the pumpkin surface, it's just enough so that you can see where to cut.

I carved three pumpkins this year, one large one and two small ones. The Little People watched on with a mixture of fascination and annoyance - they know full well by now that pumpkin carving in this house is strictly a Mummy Activity, and they will not be permitted to "help" in any way, shape or form. I am just a weeny bit mean with it, I am sorry to admit it, but also.......not sorry. Mine, all mine.

In previous years I have purchased additional pumpkins and helped them design and carve their own creations, so I feel I have done my bit. This year nobody was at all bothered when I mentioned pumpkins to them earlier in the week, that is until they saw me at the table this afternoon and then suddenly they wanted in. Ah, shame, but then there's always next year.

As there was no trick or treating this year, we had a beautifully peaceful evening compared to the bobillion rings of the doorbell we usually get on Halloween night. I bought some large foil trays (the sort you buy for roasting a chicken) and spread out a variety of mixed sweetie treats, then left them on the steps for any passing witches or ghouls to help themselves. It seemed like the right thing to do, and I hope that the Littlies liked my pumpkins this year............

...........Ta-dah!! I think they turned out ok.....Happy Halloween🕷🕸🕷🕸🕷!!!

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PS....I know it's the 31st today and Blogtober has now officially finished, but I think I shall continue to be around in the days to come. I have thoroughly enjoyed being present here each day, it's been fun, hasn't it? xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

Blogtober 2020 :: Day 30

♥ Coffee #one, sat impatiently twiddling my toes waiting for J to finish up on a work conference call so that we could open a Very Important Letter. Talk about a loooooooooong twenty minutes, I was absolutely beside myself with the sheer effort of trying to remain still and patient.

♥ Coffee #two, sat in our fave café in recovery after the absolute rollercoaster of the morning. We did eventually get to open the Very Important Letter, and the contents were worth the wait. Little B has gone and passed the entrance exam for the grammar school.......high emotion, much elation, and an all round fantastic proud parent morning. We couldn't be more thrilled. And proud. So proud of him!!

♥ Two coffees down and I was practically sprinting up the street on a caffeine high. It was wet and gloomy, but that didn't matter one bit. 

♥ The market was in full swing, but actually we only needed to visit the butcher and the baker today. On impulse we did also spin into a shop to purchase a seasonal candle - I chose "mulled wine" which smells incredible. I've still got my "late summer" soy wax candle but I'm  keep that for burning in my bedroom in the evenings. Summer in the bedroom (for sweet dreams) and Winter in the living room (for seasonal vibes)....I'm quite Ok with that arrangement.

♥ I brought home a cardboard box from the bakery especially for Little B, and I don't think he could believe that the box was just for him. It contained the biggest fresh cream doughnut you could imagine, and his face was an absolute picture when he opened the lid and saw what was inside. Sweet boy.

♥ I did something out of the ordinary this afternoon and went to the pub - go me! I met with a good friend for a cheeky glass of vino and it felt very indulgent and really rather lovely. 

♥ Walking home from the pub at 4pm and the wet weather finally seemed to have blown over for a while. The sun was already starting to go down and the light was really beautiful. 

It's 5.30 now and already dark outside. The fire is lit and J is cooking dinner so I took the opportunity to pop into the Attic to tell you about my day. I'm afraid there has been no crochet, and no scenic walk so I'm a bit short on photographs for today, but there has been much happiness and quiet celebration in our household. 

I hope your day has unfolded with low drama and some happy highs and lots of little moments to make you smile.

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Blogtober 2020 :: Day 26

Daily blogging is such a strange thing to embark on, and if you've ever tried to describe your days in photos for any length of time you will recognise the slight craziness of the attempt. I was in the café this morning with J having my usual very-very-good cappuccino, and I had to force myself not to take a photo of my coffee to show you. Yet again. I mean, there is only so many times you would want to see evidence of me drinking coffee, surely?? Taking photos for a daily blog means that there is bound to be a slight obsessiveness creeping in, as I think about my blog content a huge amount throughout the day. But at the same time I'm mindful of living my life as normal and pointing my camera only when something really inspires me. Oddly enough, my daily coffee nearly always inspires me haha! There is something about the quiet familiarity of enjoying a favourite drink in a cosy environment which just feels a little bit magical to me. And even though it's something I do most days, it still feels special because I view it as a luxury (both having the money to indulge, and having the time too). I feel almost compelled to try and capture the feeling I get when I am there, to share it with you, to tell you how happy it makes me. But yeah, daily coffee reports are probably a bit unnecessary.

So today I'm showing you my £2 Very Large pumpkin instead of my coffee because it is seasonal and because I am thrilled to a) have the excitement of the upcoming carving fest on Saturday to look forward to and b) chuffed that I remembered to buy a pumpkin a whole five days in advance. That's something to be celebrated, especially after last year when we spent a ridiculous amount of time on the actual day of Halloween driving around various supermarkets and farm shops desperately trying to find one. You'll be pleased to know that I have decided on my design already, but I still need to buy a couple of smaller pumpkins for the effect I have in mind. I don't think trick or treat will be happening this year, but I know we have a few neighbours with young children who still plan on dressing up and going on a pumpkin-spotting trail without knocking on any doors. I'm all for that, and will do my bit.

Speaking of Halloween, I couldn't resist buying some spooky chocolates for my own Little People. I know they are way beyond an age where they get excited when Mummy buys them special seasonal treats, but I don't think you can ever be to old for chocolate.

Today we were back on familiar paths as we took to the woods this afternoon for our usual daily tramp. 

We had a slightly reluctant Little B with us, but he is of an age where he can recognise the benefits of taking some exercise and getting fresh air, especially as it does always feel really good to come back into a warm house afterwards.

It was beautiful in the woods and miraculously stayed dry for us right up to the point where we were about 5 minutes from home and then it absolutely lashed it down. So yeah, we got wet, but it made coming back into the house feel even sweeter.

After changing out of my wet clothes I decided to light the fire a bit earlier than usual.

I made myself a milky coffee and settled on a floor cushion right in front of the fire to soak up the warmth. Nothing beats the comfort of an open fire, I absolutely love love love it. It helps me cope with this long stretch of low-light months and I wouldn't be without it.

I sat there looking at the flames and thought about my yarny projects and pondered grafting the toes on J's socks or tackling the Naughty Granny bag, but I wasn't really in the mood. I am finding it ridiculously hard to concentrate at the moment, my brain feels like a big floofy thing with holes in it, incapable of any kind of decision making or anything that requires me to pay attention for longer than a few minutes. Thoughts and decisions kind of waft away before I can grasp them which makes life quite interesting. I'm looking forward to this crazy hormonal phase passing, I'd quite like to have my old self back again. Any time soon would be good.

So it's been a very average kind of a Monday, and honestly I am more than grateful for this fact. As the days, weeks and months slowly tick by and we are all still in the grips of Covid, I keep saying my quiet thanks for the fact that so far it hasn't troubled me too much. I had/have worries for friends who have been struck down with the virus, and of course like most of us I have been frustrated many times this year by the disruption to planned events and travel. But I am well and healthy and even during weeks like this past one when my sleep has gone haywire and I have felt bone tired, my wellness and health remains good. Like I say, I am grateful.

I hope you've had a tip-top day, and that your head isn't full of airy floof like mine! If you've had yarn in your hands, do tell me what you're working on, I'd love to know xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

 

 

Blogtober 2020 :: Day 12

Ahhhh, Monday rolls round again and I am delighted to be seeing in a fresh new week - I may well be in the minority but I absolutely LOVE Mondays. J and I started today in our usual fashion, yup, you guessed correctly - outrageously good coffee! Blimey, maybe I should stop with the photographic evidence of my daily addiction....but in my defence it is only one coffee treat a day, I always switch to decaff after that first delicious cup.

I do so enjoy that morning caffeine pick-me-up though. I'm not sleeping too well at the moment, I am pootling towards the end of year three of the peri-menopause and over these years I have discovered that the symptoms ebb and flow as the months pass. But at the moment I'm in the midst of a full-flow episode where my brain is in a constant fog during the day and my nights are packed full of heat and anxiety. At least I know it will eventually pass over for a while, but this week I am feeling a little tired from these strangely disturbed nights. 

After coffee and attending to a little bit of life admin, we decided to totally ignore the terrible weather and head out to enjoy the countryside regardless of what was falling from the sky. As you can see from the above photo, I took your advice about the jeans and decided to keep them and wear them into submission. I can tell you that even after just one day they feel sooo much more comfy and most importantly I felt warm and cosy tramping around in them. Thank you also to the lady who suggested M&S jeggings, I'm going to look at getting a pair of those too I think, maybe in a colour of some sorts. 

For our countryside ramble we drove to the picturesque Yorkshire Dales village of Malham. It's been a while since we visited as it's become such a popular tourist destination in recent years that it gets incredibly crowded and hard to park in the summer months, well all year round it's a busy little place really. Today with the weather being so bleugh it was quieter, but still plenty of walkers out and about. We decided not to do a proper over-the-hills hike (too wet and muddy), but instead to make like tourists and wander through the village to take in the spectacular sight of Malham Cove. I snapped the above photo on our walk up the hill to give you a smile :) It was on the side of a hotel/restaurant ((Beck Hall - gosh, I've just looked at the website, it looks like somewhere truly lovely to visit in better weather, adding it to my list for 2021 potential jaunts!))

As you can see, it was incredibly murky out there today with that really, really low misty cloud and endless grey drizzle that just feels very, very wet. 

But no matter, we were in good spirits and set out happily along this easy pathway towards the famous Cove.

The pathway follows the meander of the little stream and the sound of the running water was really soothing.

Getting closer to the cove......

......closer still.....

.....until we were able to stand right under the natural amphitheatre and marvel at it's vastness.

WOW.

No matter how many times I come here over the years it never fails to take my breath away. Every time. It's just so damn BIG!!!!!!!!!

It's hugeness makes it really difficult to photograph, but if I tell you that it is 260feet high, then possibly you can imagine the scale of it.

If you look at the above photo, you may just be able to make out a couple of climbers about half way up on the ledge, preparing to climb up the sheer rock face. That really does blow my mind a little, imagine having the courage (and the desire) to do such a thing?! Nope, it's not for me. I'm not afraid of heights, but oh, I would much rather have my feet on solid ground, thank you very much.

Here I am look, taking a spontaneous selfie to remember this day when I celebrated fifty two years on planet Earth. Happy Birthday to me!

Despite the drizzle, we spent a happy time at the Cove perched on a rock under some trees drinking coffee from a flask and eating Birthday chocolate. I am a very, very low maintenance kind of Birthday Girl, and I'm pretty sure J is thankful for this each and every year.

When the coffee had run out we ambled back into the village, chatting about this and that and thinking (as we do every Monday) that we are so lucky to live this life. I wouldn't swap it for anything, well, maybe a bit more sunshine wouldn't go amiss actually. 

On the way to collect Little B from school I made a quick detour to the shops to purchase an essential birthday item, ie cake. Cake is a major treat these days as you know I've been on a healthy eating kick since the start of the year and eat very little refined sugar now. But I had such an undeniable craving for it this afternoon that I decided to indulge myself and make sure that I enjoyed every single crumb. I was gifted a little mini bottle of birthday prosecco (one of my all time favourite tipples) which arrived in the post this very morning, so that seemed like the perfect accompaniment to the salted caramel and chocolate cake I chose. I was in Birthday heaven!

I lit the fire and settled down to enjoy cake and fizz with J and the Little People and honestly, I've felt so much happiness and contentment today. I am really deeply thankful to be enjoying this stage in my life with good health and a very contented home life. Not a day goes by when I don't give thanks for the way I am able to live my days. I am so, so grateful for all of it.

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Granny Square Day 2020

If you have a smart phone you may well have the Instagram app at the end of your fingertips, and you may also find yourself following along with the vibrant, worldwide crochet community that exists there. You can find pretty much every well known crochet designer/blogger over there on the 'gram, sharing yarn, projects, patterns and creative life in general within their little grid of squares. Yarn makers, crochet magazines and yarn shops are also there alongside thousands of crocheters, and there is a huge pile of inspiration to be found by following hashtags too. For example, if you look at the hashtag #grannysquare there are a whopping 699 THOUSAND images. It's truly incredible. Attic24 has it's own hashtags too - #attic24 currently has 48.8 thousand posts....let that sink in for a moment.....forty eight point eight thousand. I have a lot of virtual friends on the 'gram!!

Anyhow....yesterday on Instagram it was Granny Square Day, which happens every year on 15th August. It's a beautiful celebration of the vibrant online crochet community and the love for the traditional granny square. The idea is that you can click on the hashtag #grannysquareday2020 within Instagram and your phone screen will be filled with hundreds of granny squares, creating a virtual community blanket. Hosted by Simply Crochet Magazine, you can find loads of free granny square patterns by designers from all over the globe, as well as top tips and fun photos to make you smile.

The day was epic, with over 5000 granny square images shared under the hashtag. It's such a joyful thing, the very best kind of online creative community spirit.

If you don't have the app on your phone, you can also access images via a web browser on your computer - click on the following link to see some of the #grannysquareday2020 images >>

https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/grannysquareday2020/

The above photo is credit to my friend Kathryn of Crafternoon Treats. She created this beautiful mosaic of her favourite granny squares from yesterdays celebration, and I think it is just stunning. It gives you a good idea of the sheer variety of squares that were made and shared this year, from the beautifully simple, classic granny square original, to the most intricate applique and overlay designs.

As I mentioned, Simply Crochet are the hosts of the celebration, and the current issue of the magazine (issue 100) has lots of granny square inspiration in it's pages, as well as a free booklet containing 100 granny square patterns. I was really happy to contribute to an article all about granny squares.....

.....and I have to say it's still a major shock to see my mug shot in print! Even after working with Simply Crochet for 6 years, I still have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming the whole thing.

In the article I chatted about my love for granny squares and the nostalgic feeling they give. I taught myself to crochet in 2007 purely so that I could make a blanket for my Little People (who were then aged 3 and 5). This was my first ever crochet project as an absolute beginner and it took me five months to complete. It lives on the back of my grey sofa, a little bit worn and faded now, but so very, very loved.

The traditional granny square is well known to every crocheter, and there is also a vast number of pattern variations in existence. One of the very first patterns I designed and shared here on my blog was the Summer Garden Granny Square (shown above). It's a simple twist on the original where the first two rounds are made to resemble a flower which then gives way to the traditional 3-treble groups of a basic granny.

For me, the thing that defines a granny square is that the groups of stitches are worked into the spaces between stitches rather than into the top of the stitches themselves. I apologise if you aren't a hooker because this won't make any sense to you at all, but I promise I won't waffle on about stitchy terminology for too long.

Many of the squares I saw on Instagram yesterday weren't actually granny squares - yes they were square in shape, but they weren't constructed in the granny square style (ie groups of stitches worked into spaces), which I found myself feeling a bit bothered about. The humble granny square is just so lovely and to be celebrated in it's simplicity.

Above is another of my granny square variations - this is the Harmony Square which I designed in 2015. Do you know, it's actually quite difficult to come up with new granny squares because the essence of them is their simple construction and there is only so much change and variation you can make. It doesn't stop me wanting to try though!

I designed the above granny square especially for this years Granny Square Day. I started experimenting on Friday morning whilst sat in the park with friends partaking in a very lovely and informal al fresco crochet n natter sesh. I kept coming back to tweak it and re-sample it throughout the day and by the evening I'd settled on the final design. I'm super happy with it! I've named it the Leo Granny Square, in recognition of the zodiac sign for mid August which is when Granny Square Day takes place every year.

I had fun picking out the colours for my squares, dipping into the box of oddments and scraps of Stylecraft Special DK left over from my extensive blanket making. 

The Leo square is made up of 7 rounds / 7 colours, and I thought you might like to see my mini colour palettes.....

♥ Raspberry ♥ Fondant ♥ Powder Pink ♥ Cloud Blue ♥ Sage ♥ Cornish Blue ♥ Violet ♥

♥ Cloud Blue ♥ Turquoise ♥ Lapis ♥ Wisteria ♥ Violet ♥ Fuchsia ♥ Tomato ♥

♥ Buttermilk ♥ Mushroom ♥ Grape ♥ Lincoln ♥ Pistachio ♥ Sage ♥ Lavender ♥

♥ Camel ♥ Buttermilk ♥ Dandelion ♥ Meadow ♥ Pale Rose ♥ Raspberry ♥ Plum ♥

♥ Wisteria ♥ Grape ♥ Raspberry ♥ Meadow ♥ Sage ♥ Duck Egg ♥ Mushroom ♥

I made this last square this afternoon so that I could photograph a step by step tutorial for you, and I think it's my favourite combo of colours. They are so serene and pretty, like a waft of fresh summer air.

You can find the tutorial for the Leo Granny Square over in my left hand sidebar, or click on the following link >>

❤️ LEO GRANNY SQUARE TUTORIAL ❤️

There is also a PDF version of the pattern for you to download/print free of charge, click on the following link >>

❤️ DOWNLOAD LEO GRANNY SQUARE PATTERN ❤️

It's been a lot of fun designing and playing with colours the past few days and I've really enjoyed myself inside my little creative bubble. I was away for a few days earlier in the week down in Dorset with the family, gosh it did me the world of good. I hadn't realised quite how much I needed the break away to completely rest and recharge my batteries. We came home on Wednesday and I feel completely re-energised and full of good spirit. I'll show you some photos from our time away very soon, a little bit of sea air and lots of glorious sunshine. It was quite marvellous!

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In December

❆ In December we had a lot of rain, but there were also some welcome sunny days to lift the spirits.

❆ In December I made the most of the good weather days and enjoyed the quiet, pared back stillness.

❆ In December I tried to remember to stop every so often and look up.

❆ In December our winter season well and truly arrived.

❆ In December I got a bit giddy over the wintry perfection of frosty moss (like you do).

❆ In December I felt grateful for my morning walks to school along the canal.

❆ In December I turned my face to the sun at every opportunity.

❆ In December I often walked home from the shops the Long Way, just for the pleasure of being out in the fresh air and stretching my legs.

❆ In December I enjoyed pottering around the familiar streets of my town.

❆ In December I constantly searched out bright spots of colour amongst the greyness.

❆ In December I enjoyed the arrival of seasonal produce - specifically nets of whole nuts and boxes of leafy clementines.

❆ In December I remembered how much I love eating fresh fruit every day, especially zesty citrus and the lush flavours of more exotic offers - mango, kiwi and passion fruit all in my belly!

❆ In December a small miracle occurred and I actually remembered to buy the candy canes in the first week of the month.

❆ In December, for the first time EVER, I listened to the Little People and we decorated the house for Christmas on the First Day of the month. It was the best decision, and I am now converted.

❆ In December I crocheted 24 Teeny Tiny Stars (pattern here) and 12 Tassel Baubles to make a Festive Garland. I also photographed a tutorial for the tassel baubles but completely ran out of mental energy when it came to editing the forty-plus photos and writing it all up. I'm so sorry. Running-out-of-energy seems to have been the general underlying theme of my life just lately.

❆ In December I did actually manage to complete my Festive Garland and hung it in place mid month. I absolutely adore it I have to say. I still fully intend to share the pattern and create the tutorial for you, once all Dahlia happenings are under way. I'm so sorry that I haven't been very good at keeping up this year.

❆ In December we had some truly beautiful skies to start and end our days.

❆ In December I embarked on something of a personal healthy eating crusade and I can already feel it doing me good. I've cut right back on caffeine and alcohol, upped my daily water intake and am making a conscious effort to give my body all the good stuff it needs. My general health and well being hasn't been great this year, but I am trying to do what I can to help myself.

❆ In December I spent a lot of time in cosy cafés, including some lovely outings with Little B. He seems to really enjoy coming along with me when I go shopping or run errands in town, especially when we squeeze in a quick refreshment stop along the way.

❆ In December we had our first snow day on the 15th. It wasn't a huge amount, just enough to give us some winter feel-good for a day without too much disruption.

❆ In December I shook off my natural desire to stay cosy indoors and ventured out to the park at first light to take in the snowy scene. The light was very weird indeed, with a pinky purple hue cast over everything. It was eerily beautiful.

❆ In December I took the train to The City to do some Christmas gift buying a week before the big day. I carried a mild dose of anxiety along with me, but despite my usual lateness with this kind of thing, all ended well. I am just a last minute person and no amount of mental resolve seems to change my natural patterns.

❆ In December I also very much enjoyed shopping locally, using our thriving high street and supporting small independent shops where I was able.

❆ In December I enjoyed the daily ritual of lighting the Advent candle when we sat down to our evening meal. Little B was in charge of lighting and extinguishing, and he carried this out with great ceremony.

❆ In December I walked in the woods with Little B on the shortest day of the year, gathering in some ivy as we went. Poor boy, my chopping made him nervous ("Mum, is it actually illegal to do this?") but I assured him that with the huge abundance of ivy growing along the pathways, we were OK to remove just a little bit here and there. I added in sprigs of rosemary and eucalyptus snipped from my back yard pots, and wove the whole lot around a wire wreath frame (this sort of thing) to make a simple Solstice wreath.

❆ In December I quietly celebrated the Winter Solstice, enjoying the scent of greenery and a new red berry candle.

❆ In December we thoroughly enjoyed our before-Christmas time. The Little People finished school on the 20th, and the fours days that followed were spent gift wrapping (I wish, wish, wish I could manage to do this earlier, but alas, old habits die hard), gathering in food and drink supplies and generally idling about. We completed our two "Christmas Eve" jigsaws which is a Christmas tradition that I love, and I enjoyed the relaxed pace of holiday days spent at home.

❆ In December we enjoyed a quiet, happy Christmas day at home just the five of us. It was bloomin' lovely too. Little B (who is almost ten) still believes in the Big Fella in Red (possibly for the last year?) so we made the very most of the magic. And for the first time EVER, our day started at the late hour of seven o'clock which was hugely appreciated, we've had so so many years of very early starts on Christmas morning.

❆ In December we managed a walk through the woods on Christmas morning. We left The Big Teen in bed, but Little B and Little Lady came with J and me, and I enjoyed it very much. There was weak winter sunshine and lots of mud, oh, and chocolate too.

❆ In December we also went for a walk on Boxing day, venturing out in the cold winter to stroll along the riverside at Bolton Abbey. It was a tad bleak if I'm honest, a biting wind and low murky cloud, but nevertheless it felt good.

❆ In December we faced some tough times with family. J's beloved Dad was in and out of hospital, and we were beyond grateful when he was able to come home on Christmas Eve. He's slowly recovering and we are awaiting test results which are a very real concern to be honest, but not much to do at the moment except remain positive.

We also lost my Mum's partner Grandpa B unexpectedly, he took a fall a few weeks before Christmas and died shortly afterwards. He and my Mum were never married but they did share thirty years together and I've felt very sad saying goodbye to that part of my Dorset family life. 

❆ In December I worked on my upcoming Crochet-A-Long, which starts tomorrow! Yay!!!! It's such a blessing to have this to look forward to as we start the New Year, and I'm very excited to see it all finally unfold. I work on my CAL projects for much of the year (I start around May time) so they are a big part of my life, even though most of the planning and creative work goes on quietly behind the scenes. This will be my sixth annual blanket CAL (previous blankets were Cosy, Sunny, Moorland, Woodland and Sweet Pea, 2014-2019) and I absolutely love the crochet community that has grown around it. It makes me so happy, and a teensy bit proud too.

Well that pretty much brings us right up to date, and I'm so happy that I was able to chisel out time to make a December catch up post to share with you. Waking up at 4.30 am does have it's advantages sometimes!

I've got some things on my mind that I'd like to chat about, but today isn't the day for that. Today it's full-steam Dahlia prep, so I'd better get back to it......I'll be here in the morning to fling some floral colour at you!!! Haha!

Wishing you all a fantastically happy New Year and New Decade, may 2020 be filled with joy and sparkle, colour and creativity, love and kindness. 

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Autumn Feels

Well hello there my lovely Attic visitors, it's so good to see you again! Thank you very much for stopping by after I've been away from this space for a silly amount of time, my break was totally unplanned but it seems life had other ideas for me these past few weeks. October has been a bit up and down, a real mixed blend of feels and my main aim has been to take one day at a time and try to look after my physical and mental well being.

I find Autumn such a strange season to get to grips with as regardless of how visually beautiful it is, I really struggle with the reduced light levels and the underlying feelings of melancholy. It's an odd thing for me as I am generally such an upbeat person and am passionate about celebrating the changing seasons, but this time of year just feels tricky to navigate.

October has been extremely wet for the most part, so the days when the sun has come out to play have felt like the greatest gift. I've been pretty unwell for the past few weeks and have spent a lot of time at home, but short walks into town during dry spells have felt really good. I've had to go slow as my energy levels have been extremely low, but I've appreciated the cool fresh air and the chance to very gently stretch my legs. 

Today I woke up feeling very much better (thank heavens!) and have spent some time in my studio which was so good. I do miss my blog when I've been away for a while, it's become such an important part of my life during the past decade. So as it's been a few weeks since I opened my Attic window, I thought it would be nice to have a grand ol' catch up and share a little of what I've been up to, both at home and away. 

Just after Yarndale, J and I had the opportunity to escape for a very short break away just the two of us. It was such a blessing, a quick jaunt up into Wensleydale to stay in one of our favourite villages {the very picturesque and atmospheric Askrigg} and walk a couple of our favourite trails in the Yorkshire Dales.

It was very lush but incredibly wet, light rain falling almost non-stop and the ground completely waterlogged. Can you see in the above photo what looks like a small stream flowing at the bottom? Well that was actually the footpath! We had to wade through that little lot which was a very wet and soggy business - thank goodness for my hand knit socks which kept my feet reasonably warm even though my boots were absolutely sodden.

Whole fields had become picturesque lakes, but we managed to navigate the paths and enjoy the peacefulness of the landscape with very few people about. It was such a tonic, and arriving at our cosy bed and breakfast after miles of wet wandering was pure bliss. We had a delicious dinner and a few beers beside the open fire in one of our favourite pubs (The Kings Arms) followed by an early night in one of the most comfortable beds I've ever slept in.

We returned home the following afternoon, so it really was a short break (30 hours in total) but it was enough to recharge my batteries after the whirlwind that was Yarndale. I think short breaks away from home are bloomin' marvelous things, and J and I are very fortunate to have his wonderful parents close by to take care of the Little People for us from time to time. I appreciate it very much I have to say.

A few days after Wensleydale and I was preparing for another trip away, this time on my own. This is something that has become a fixture in my calendar in recent years, my annual trip to London to visit the Knitting and Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. I traveled down by train, meeting up with my fab friend Christine before heading to the show in the late afternoon.

We never seem to time it right and always end up rushing around trying to see as much as possible before it closes - it's a giant show with a huge number of exhibitors and displays and of course there is always a lot of socialising to be done! I stopped to chat to my good friends at Stylecraft Yarns, said hello to other lovely yarny folks I know and introduced myself to new folks too. I had a very brief but exciting little meeting with the two gorgeous ladies who run this company.....

...this is the Historial Sampler Company who design the most beautiful cross stitch and tapestry kits. I'm excited to be doing some design work with them next year - during the past year or two I've been love love loving cross stitch and designing in this medium is super-exciting I have to say. I'll keep you posted!

The other reason for my annual trip to the Knit and Stitching show is down to a little something known as the British Knitting and Crochet Awards. This was my fourth year to attend, and I absolutely love that I now know many of the other lovely nominees and award winners. From designers and authors, to bloggers, yarn producers and shop owners, this is a super group of passionate and talented ladies and gents who I am madly happy to call friends. In the above photo you can see me in the middle (looking pretty smiley and contented!), Christine on the right (who won a highly commended award for her book "More Super Socks") and my lovely friend Fiona on the left who owns an amazing local yarn shop in Harrogate called "Yarn Etc". Fiona's shop won a highly commended award for the North of England region, such a well deserved win for all the hard work she pours into her shop and local yarn community. We had a fun time catching up and celebrating, then out for a meal afterwards with other shop owners and retailers who have become friends over the years, gosh I can't remember the last time I was out after eleven o'clock, it felt very grown up!

I am really, really happy to tell you that I won first place in the "Favourite Crochet Designer" category, and gained a highly commended in the "Favourite Crochet Blog" category. I would continue to do what I do here on my blog regardless of any votes being cast my way, simply because it makes me unbelievably happy to share my creativity and inspire others. But recognition is still a truly wonderful thing, and I am so so grateful for the community that surrounds me and the friendships that continue to grow from it. Thank you very, very much if you took the trouble to vote for me, I appreciate it very much.

After a night on the town in London, followed by a yummy hotel breakfast and an extended morning coffee/pastry/chatter session with Christine, I left the city behind and headed home.............

................not home to the Attic, but a journey South-West to my childhood home town in Dorset.

Hooray for spontaneous decisions and trains that take you where your heart desires! 

I'd decided to spend the weekend in Dorset as it just so happened to be my Birthday, and my annual pull to be beside the sea was as strong as ever. 

My Birthday fell on a Saturday this year and there was only one place I wanted to go - my new favourite cafe by the sea at West Bay for a spot of brunch. Yeah, I'm still firmly on my brunch kick, I am quite addicted to this leisurely weekendish meal and take advantage of it as often as possible. So I was without J and the Little Peeps which felt a bit odd, but I trundled down to the sea with my Dad and Lady B to settle cosily into Rise cafe. Gosh, I do so love this place! Brunch was awesome and although the weather was very disappointing (it did not stop raining the whole weekend I was there, honestly, non-stop wet stuff falling from the clouds), I was still able to sit and swoon over the seaside views. 

My birthday passed in a blur of sea air, good food, good company, a trip to the local pub followed by cake, prosecco and cosy crochet sofa time, which was pretty perfect.

On the Sunday morning I had the pleasure of returning to West Bay to meet up with a group of local crocheters. This lovely group of Dorset ladies meets up a few times a year as a result of knowing each other online via the "Hooked on Attic24" facebook group. Isn't that just the loveliest thing? The get together was organised by Sandra who writes her blog Daffodil Wild, and it just so happened that the Autumn meet coincided with my own short jaunt down to Dorset. How could I stay away?! It was a fabulous few hours, loads of excited chatter, coffee, cake and crochet and lots and lots of blanket squishing. Thank you lovely Dorset ladies for making me feel so welcome, it really was a wonderful way for me to round off my time in Dorset before I had to whizz back up North again.

I arrived back late on Sunday night, exhausted but glad to be home after four days away. I had kind of forgotten it had been my birthday whilst I was gone and enjoyed opening some surprise cards and gifts from the Little People. I'm happy to report that chocolate featured heavily in the gift giving this year, how lucky am I? And in case you were curious - I've managed fifty one glorious years pootling around on planet earth. Pretty happy about that!

When I woke up on the morning after coming back from London/Dorset, I did not feel at all well. I knew straight away that it wasn't just tiredness from travelling, but something much yuckier taking over my body. Nothing serious you understand, just a cold, but my goodness what a beastly virus it turned out to be.

Last week I really felt pretty unwell, that cold really did a number on my energy levels and I've barely felt like doing anything, just the absolute bare essentials. I've been sleeping badly at night, then falling asleep on the sofa at odd times during the day, trying to keep up with Mum stuff, the shopping, cooking, laundry, school run, homework type of stuff which still needs to happen regardless of how bad the body feels. 

This week I've been feeling a little better, and J and I managed a short walk at Bolton Abbey on a day when it actually stopped raining and the sun came out.

Real, actual sunshine!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Glorious, it really was. 

We spotted a heron soaking up the rays on the opposite side of the river.....

....and the woodland was looking super-pretty wearing it's early Autumn colours.

I enjoyed the walk enormously, although I was pretty much dragging by the end of it and so glad of the café where good coffee was inhaled for essential revival purposes. 

We walked in our local woods at the weekend with Little B in tow - actually it was his idea to take a walk on Saturday morning, with the promise of a stop off in town afterwards for hot chocolate. It was a tad muddy, but delightful all the same, and for the umpteenth time I gave thanks for this beautiful patch of tree-filled land which is there for us to enjoy right on our doorstep. 

So........that's about all that's been going on here this month -  a couple trips away, some serious germs to contend with and a few short local walks. Autumn has well and truly arrived.

I've still got some Yarndale things to share with you all, I've not forgotten about that and was part way through creating the blog post just before I became unwell. I'll try and get that finished off and published very soon - it's half term next week which I absolutely can't wait for, I really am longing for some slow days of family time. 

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Summer Solstice 2019

Yesterday it was the longest day of the year and we were blessed with a very beautiful sunshiny evening to celebrate.

19.15 :: Dinner done and dusted, chilled glass of white wine in hand, sitting in my back yard doing nothing but look up at the sky. Appreciating the warmth and light of a mid summer evening, being in the moment with it all.

19.58 :: overcome by a mad craving for cake, I launch myself into action in the kitchen and bake a small batch of buns, top them with elderflower cordial icing and rice paper butterflies. Delish!

21.52 I decide to head out for a short walk to watch the last of the day fade away. Sadly nobody wants to come with me, so off I go on my own to celebrate a Solo Summer Solstice. I climb up to the foot of the steep grassy hill which leads to the woods and spend a while leaning over the wooden fence just breathing in the colour of the sky. Almost ten o'clock and still beautifully light and blue.

22.01 :: Walking slowly home along the canal, sounds of music and laughter coming from the outdoor pub terrace. Feeling mellow and so happy in the moment, me and myself enjoying the outdoor ambiance (who needs company anyway?!)

22.38 :: Back home again and it is still daylight.....seriously! I make myself a big mug of tea, grab a crochet blanket and a candle and snuggle myself up in the back yard to enjoy the very last of the longest day. 

22.48 :: A bat flits around right overhead and I make a stupid number of attempts to photograph it. Most of them look like a streaky smudge in the sky, but the above one at least shows some blurry wings. I'm calling that a result.

22.57 :: suddenly yawning my head off, the day has finally caught up with me. The sky is still blue, but I feel the chill of the night descending and so I head indoors to the comfort of bed.

Happy Summer Solstice......!

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May Bank Holiday

We had such a lovely long weekend of it here, celebrating the start of May with three days of leisure and pleasure. May is my absolute most favourite month of the whole year, I just adore the abundance of it - so much daylight and greenery and fresh blooming things. Love love love love love all of it.

We walked at Bolton Abbey on Saturday to take in the bluebells. They are early this year because of the unseasonable warmth we had in February and are already just tipping past their prime.....

....still looking gorgeous though, carpeting the woodland floor with a gentle haze of sunny blue. 

We walked along the side of the river Wharfe....

.....admiring the stunning wildlife (this is a Mandarin Duck, we often see them on this stretch of the river).

Several duck families were also paddling up stream, the teensy little ducklings looking impossibly fluffy and small as they danced about on the wide surface of the river.

We sat a while here on the low rocks while Little B leaped about and did boyish things, exploring and poking and the such like. It was such a lovely thing to see him so happy in his own little world, singing some crazy ditty to himself as he hopped around on the rocks.

Green, green and more green, the woodlands honestly take my breath way at this time of year and I don't think I will ever not be wowed by it. Wild garlic in abundance (not quite in flower just yet, but almost) and the freshest zingy green beech leaves newly unfurled in the treetops.

It was the very definition of the word f-r-e-s-h and the scent was intoxicating. Damp earth and wild garlic, sunshine and oxygen. Beautiful in every way.

The May Bank Holiday weekend here in Atticland is always joyful and boat filled as the town celebrates the historic canal with it's annual Waterway Festival.

Boats start arriving and mooring up during the week before....

....and the canal becomes a busy, festive hub of activity. Each year there is a theme (this year is was the 1960's) and it's all very jolly indeed.

The abundance of bunting always makes my heart leap, I just love the bright colours and the festival atmosphere it creates.

Early on Sunday morning, J and I took a walk along the tow path to take it all in. Little B was at a sleep over with a school friend and the Teens were still tucked up in their beds so it was just the two of us, and I did miss my Little Peeps I have to say. I have many layers of memories of doing this very thing (have just re-read this post, when the Big Teen was still a Littl'n' and only six years old), and although I relish seeing my offspring grow into beautiful, independent, strong young people, I do miss their Little Days sometimes.

As usual, the boats were looking glorious.

I love to take in the decorative details, and have a real fondness for the old fashioned painted enamel "barge ware" which is traditional decoration for canal boats.

The folk art floral style and bright colours are very inspiring.......

....I'd love to translate this into crochet one day, maybe a folksy floral something-something with roses and daisies and stripes and pompoms.....(Creative Mind is whizzing now!)

Its easy to forget that these boats are homes to people and animals....

....and that they aren't just there for show.

There is something so appealing about this type of lifestyle, although for me personally I would much prefer to keep my tootsies planted on terra firma. I do adore the cosiness and the prettiness of canal boats though.

Oh look! I can spot a crochet blanket at a hundred paces and immediately zoomed in on this beauty casually draped over the bow of the boat. Doesn't it look so at home?

This was my favourite boat of all, all Loved Up and decked out in 1960's style finery. There was yarn too.....

.....colourful crochet flowers, pom poms, hearts and birds, what a visual delight!

Back on the home front and there was yarn and colour here too......of course there was!

You might remember me telling you last week that I've started on a stash-bust project using yarn left over from the Sweet Pea and Dune blankets? Well on Sunday I tipped out the bag of circles that I've been making and began to turn them slowly, one by one, into squares. 

I'm using an old pattern of mine from years ago (seriously, years and years!) the Summer Garden Granny Square. 

I created this pattern a whole decade ago and used it to make a couple of wool blankets (a big one here and a small one here). It's been lovely to re-visit it, and I'm really enjoying the freedom of working these little squares just for pleasure and without much of a plan. 

However, over the weekend I decided that these squares won't become another blanket because they are shouting GRANNY SQUARE BAG to me very loudly, and I just can't ignore that type of creative shouting. The idea has been so loud in my mind that I dreamt about the exact granny square bag on Monday night, I kid you not. So now that my Creative Mind has seen the bag image (with some delightful decorative details)  I simply must make it a reality. I am ridiculously excited by it all, and I can't wait to share more of this with you as it unfolds.

On Monday morning, with no work or school we decided to leave the car at home and set out to walk around our neighbourhood. It was a grey, overcast day but nevertheless it felt so good to stride out and climb up high to take in the views over this lovely little rural market town that we call home. It delights me that we can see the actual Attic from the top of the hill, and see our home sitting in it's friendly terraced street amidst the rolling green countryside. 

Coming into the woods from the high hill, we enter along the top pathway. It's oh-so-green, beautiful in it's airy lushness. 

Isn't May such a delight? I can't get enough of it, the bright colour is almost overwhelming in the woodland after so many months of drab brown.

Ah, here is the Stalking Horse, quietly standing in place, awesome in it's willowy stillness. 

There aren't a huge number of bluebells in these woods, just a  few here and there - they make me so happy. 

Another week or so and this huge bank of wild garlic will be in full flower, it's a beautiful sight I can tell you.

We came out of the woods via the bottom gate and as we were close to the edge of town we decided on the spur of the moment to go and have coffee. We chose a cafe close to the canal, a lovely little place where you can sit in a pretty courtyard outside when the weather is decent enough. The Waterway festival was in full swing and as we sat to drink our cappuccino's (banana milkshake for a delighted Little B) we were entertained by a full-force marching bagpipe band. It was glorious! Such a rich, full sound, and not your average Monday morning soundtrack that's for sure.

Little B was ecstatic at the prospect of so much naughty, edible festival temptation. He swayed dramatically between wanting freshly cooked crepes, candyfloss or fresh donuts, and in the end the donuts won. They came on a paper plate, hot and fluffy, smothered in chocolate sauce and whipped cream......his face was a picture, and it reminded me of our Bruges trip last year and the whole waffle experience....such good memories.

Monday afternoon and I decided to bake a cake. I think Little B's sweet cravings had rubbed off on me and all I could think about was the taste of an old fashioned Victoria Sponge. I had a bit of trouble with my cake tins as some of the cake mixture managed to leak out through the removable bottoms somehow, making the layers a little on the flat side. No matter though, as this cake wasn't made for show it was made for eating, and goodness me it went down well! Despite it's flatness it tasted very good indeed and the whole family agreed that I should bake cakes more often.

I hope that you are all doing OK and enjoying the ebb of flow of your days whatever season you are in. I'm enjoying my days very much, I love May, I really do. It's all good.

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December Chitter-Chatter

 

Helloooooooo!!! I'm giving you a big and long overdue enthusiastic wave from the Attic window as I sit here on the very last day of the year and think about the weeks that have passed. I've been trying to write this post for the past few days and am happy to have finally managed it now that we're on the flip side of Christmas and teetering on the brink of the New Year.

D you know, I wrote the title of this post and then wondered if chitter-chatter was actually a proper word so went to look it up. Turns out it is indeed and means "informal and inconsequential conversation", which about sums up the overall gist of this post (well most of my blog posts actually). So I hope you're up for a some inconsequential chitter-chatter and a few photos to go with it? Onwards!!

 

 

Little B remarked to me this morning that this holiday has already felt super-long and I had to agree with him. It seems like aaaaages since we managed to exit the house at 8.30am and walk to school along the canal. This past week has been lazy in the extreme - there have been late nights and late mornings, entire days spent in pyjamas, erratic meals and way too much chocolate and screen time. It's been relaxed and restful, a much needed respite from the routine and clock watching of our school and work days. I for one have relished it all, have loved the slightly chaotic nature of having us all home together enjoying the long slow hours of nothing in particular.

 

 

I made a journey down to Dorset a few weeks before Christmas, travelling the 300 miles by train and bus. This is the second time this year that I've been to Dorset on my own, and although I'd much prefer to have J and the Little Peeps with me, I've come to appreciate the pleasure of travelling alone. I do enjoy a solo train journey where I can divide my time between reading, listening to music (Christmas tunes on this trip), browsing Instagram/blogs and crocheting, with some idle scenery gazing and day dreaming thrown in for good measure. 

 

 

I was pleased to find my Dad in good spirits and although we don't always see eye to eye on things, we generally manage to rub along OK for a few days at a time. Obviously I was mainly visiting to spend time with Dad and Lady B, but there is also a really deep need in me to be back on my home turf from time to time, for personal, nostalgic, feel-good reasons. Oh, I miss it there, I really do.

 

 

We walked to West Bay on a bright and breezy day in mid December and it was everything that I needed it to be. It was fresh and brisk, with blue skies and sunshine, noisy, pounding waves and salty sea spray. We walked around the harbour and out along the pier before heading to the cosy warmth of a local pub for a quick drink to fortify us for the two mile return walk.

 

 

I was away for three nights and J did a fabulous job of keeping the home front ticking over in my absence. In fact, I'm sure the Little People didn't really miss me at all, although I did receive the biggest hug from Little B when I got in through the door, so I think perhaps he missed me a smidge even though he insisted that he didn't.

 

 

In the days/weeks since I returned from Dorset, life has been steady. I lost track of the number of people (both friends and random strangers) who asked me if I was Ready For Christmas, and each time I would shake my head and tell them no. I never, ever feel ready for Christmas until that particular hour in the late afternoon on Christmas Eve when all the presents are wrapped, all the food has been bought and all the fire-fuel (logs) and festive-fuel (prossecco mainly) are in the house. Only then do I sit, breathe deeply and feel ready. Up until that point, there is not a jot of readiness to be felt within me, but I am absolutely OK with that. It is how it is, I am a last minute person and I try very hard not to stress it, even when people give me the wide eyes when I tell them I haven't bought presents and our tree isn't up (this being the 2nd week in December - PLeNty of time yet!!)

 

 

This year, as is the norm for me, I treated myself to a few little from-me-to-me Christmas gifts. J and I don't exchange gifts with each other and never have done in the twenty five years we've been together, so I feel it's absolutely ok to gift to myself. I bought the above book which I've been curious about for a a few years, and I would love to tell you I carved out time to read it but I don't want to lie to you. I've flipped through the pages (some glorious photos and illustrations) and dipped in and out of the chapters, but I'm saving the serious reading and absorbing of it for January.

Two other things I treated myself to - a Sweet Pea scented candle ready to light on 4th January when the Sweet Pea Crochet-Along begins, and a tree. HA!! Yes, I bought myself a tree. It's only a small sapling (1-2 foot high) and it hasn't been delivered yet but I'm beyond excited about the idea of it, mainly so that I can have access to it's leaves to squeeze and sniff to my hearts content......yes, it's a eucalyptus tree. I plan to grow it in a large pot in my back yard as I know they can grow into beastly big things, and I am just giddy about it. I'll show you when it comes!

 

 

I've been yarning along with myself during the past month of course, but haven't got anything much that I can show you. I've got a pair of socks on my needles which  are a belated Christmas gift for my fabulous father-in-law. I'm not going to show them here just yet as I have a feeling he occasionally peeks in through my Attic window. They are stripy and fairly manly (blues and greys) and I'm enjoying the little stitches very much.

As you can see above, I also tried my hand at making a critter a few weeks ago which was unexpectedly challenging (not the crochet so much as the facial features). I've got lots more to show you about that but can't just yet as this was a pattern test for a friend, so I need to wait for her nod. But if you know her critters already you will know that this is going to be one cute little thing. Oh it's so difficult to make animals look cute though, I had no idea!

 

 

In other creative news, I've been totally obsessed with my Sweet Pea blankets. In previous years I've crocheted the blanket more or less at the same time as I run the crochet along (just a week or two ahead so I can get the photos ready in time). But this year, as soon as I made the decision to offer two versions of the blanket I really had to get cracking as a LOT of hooky hours are needed to create two whole blankets. So I made the Posy version first and I'm now working on the Colourwash version, and I'm really, really, really looking forward to Friday and sharing the pattern and first colour installments with you. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has bought a Sweet Pea yarn pack from my shop at Wool Warehouse, I'm just thrilled to bits that our online crochet community is such a happy, positive and thriving place.

 

 

In the week before Christmas I finally started to think about gifts for family and friends. I decided for various reasons not to write Christmas cards this year, and instead I gifted potted bulbs to friends who I knew I was going to see. I bought some single hyacinth and amaryllis bulbs from the farm shop, wrapped them carefully in gold tissue paper and popped them into paper gift bags.

 

 

I know how much pleasure I get from watching hyacinths grow and bloom, there is something so optimistic and simple about them, the slow anticipation is just perfect. I hope they are bringing a smile to my friends as we head into the New Year, a dash of living greenery and a bloom of colour to welcome in 2019.

 

 

We decorated for Christmas at our usual time this year, around ten days before Christmas. This is early enough for me as I like to have the tree up until the Twelfth Night, or there abouts. And wonders will never cease - I even remembered to purchase the candy canes in time!!!! 

 

 

We have our usual haphazard arrangement of colourful mismatched decs on our old faithful artificial tree. Little B and I did the honours together, and I think we did a pretty good job. The tree isn't especially twinkly as we opted for battery powered lights after last year's kitty disaster (she chewed through a set of lights). But still, I do enjoy the gentle glow of it especially first thing in the morning when we come downstairs and it's still dark.

 

 

I decorated both mantels as I usually do, pretty much the same as last year and I've really been enjoying the twinkly little lights and the various candles. I don't think you can ever have too much sparkle and glow at this time of year.

 

 

Coffee Yeah!!!! Not much to add to that really is there??!! In fact, I'm not sure why I took this photo, other than to remember that there have been many happy little moments of daily sitting, sipping and taking stock during the past few weeks. It's not always easy to stop still and grant time to just be in the moment and allow thoughts to flow, but I think a mug of good coffee does aid that practice rather well. Yeah!

 

 

On Christmas Eve we woke up to the most perfectly perfect winters day, brrrrrrrrrr it was freezing! Being that we were firmly in holiday mode and therefore not able to get out the door before midday, it was early afternoon by the time we set out for a walk. The above photo was taken from inside the car around 2pm, and with temperatures still well below zero the ice crystals on the windscreen were mesmerising to look at.

 

 

We walked at Bolton Abbey with Little Lady and Little B, striding through the cold, sunlit woodland......

 

 

......following the frosty pathways through the trees.

 

 

There were plenty of people out on this crisp, clear afternoon enjoying the fresh air, yet it still felt tranquil. 

 

 

Heading back towards the car in the late afternoon, and the prospect of snuggling up in the cosy cafe suddenly seemed very appealing. Did I mention how cold it was? Uh-huh, below freezing, and definitely frothy coffee/hot chocolate weather. 

 

 

On the way home we stopped  a while on top of the moors to take in the sun - I think this was the exact moment when I finally felt ready for Christmas actually. So beautiful, those long distance, glowy golden views on the eve before Christmas.

 

 

From one day to the next and the weather couldn't have been more different. If Christmas Eve was full of sparkly gold, then Christmas day was a dull pewter grey. We had an early start on Christmas morning thanks to Little B who woke us all up at 5.45am absolutely fizzing with excitement. Gosh, that boy, his mood was highly infectious and the pleasure we had from watching him delight in his presents was worth the lack of shut eye.

 

 

J and I knew that we would meet huge resistance if we attempted to make the Little People venture outdoors on Christmas morning, so we took the decision to leave them behind. It was only for an hour - a quick walk into the woods as far as the pond, then back to the warmth of home. They barely registered that we'd been gone, all engrossed in new games and gifts. Although it was very gloomy out there, the fresh air was invigorating and I felt so glad of it.

 

 

We spent a quiet day at home just the five of us, and I am so grateful for the gentle ease of it all. Since then, our days have merged  into one long idle, contented blur. The kind where you wake up without an alarm, have no idea what day of the week it is, and wonder if you even need to bother getting dressed at all. It's been fabulous, and we are all rejoicing in the fact that we still have another week left to enjoy. I'm hoping to get out and about a bit more this week though, possibly to the seaside if I can get the family into the car to head west to the coast. Fingers crossed on that one.

 

 

Right now it's almost 9pm on New Year's Eve and I am going to take myself back to the fireside with a glass of fizz. We are choosing a gentle close to 2018, it's been such a contented year for us as a family and I am truly grateful every single day for the happiness and fulfillment that I find in my life.

Wishing you all a magical New Year, I hope you find happiness and joy in the little things and that life sparkles for you.

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