Spring Sunshine

 

I can't begin to explain just what a difference this change in the weather has made to my wellbeing. The last few days have been glorious, and after an intermittent start it now feels like spring is finally here to stay. In other exciting news, I now have hot water! Being able to get into my pyjamas, straight after a shower feels so satisfying. And to those of you who have been in the same situation for much longer than I have, but without complaining, I stand in awe. 

Last week, the final Warm Space, although still fairly quiet, was attended by all the regulars. I made chocolate brownies once again, and I was gifted a picture, which had been painted by one of the lovely ladies just for having baked all their cakes over the last few months. Wasn't that kind? It is on the mantel for the time being, until I can decide where I want to display it. 

School is now finished for two weeks, so I'm hoping to enjoy some slightly less hurried mornings. I do have some tradespeople turning up on at least two of the days, and there will be a short trip away at the end of the second week, but I'm sure I will find a balance somewhere in amongst the chaos. And then, before I forget, I also need to complete my coursework.

Following some incredibly cold temperatures over the winter, the garden is looking rather worse for wear. Until now, it has been far too wet to have been working outdoors, but the grass has now been treated to its first cut of the season, and I think this week I will at least get the soil dug over and any dead plants removed. Sadly, this appears to be the majority of them, so I think I will be starting again from scratch. Thankfully, my small apple trees and blackcurrant bushes appear to be unscathed. But the container pond needs a good clean out, and again the pond plants will need to be replaced.

Boo has started going outdoors now, and is loving his new found freedom. He has made a new friend who turns up every morning just to see if he wants to go out to play. The other cat is almost identical to Boo, aside from the fact he has white whiskers. Mog chooses to let them get on with it and appears relieved to be left alone finally, having little time for juvenile shenanigans. 

On Sunday, we went for a short walk in the woods. There is an abundance of wild garlic now, and it won't be long before Bluebells begin to make an appearance. We gathered some twigs and have since assembled our Easter Tree, using the little crocheted eggs I made back when Lily was still so very small. How time flies. 

J. X

Slow Progress

 

I would love to be able to sleep as contentedly as these two. Enjoying a comfortable, warm bed, no bills to pay, and not concerned with what to eat for dinner every night. 

I am still having several issues with the house, but I am, at least, making some progress. The plumber should be arriving early next week to fix the taps and fit the new radiator, and the new window is booked in to be fitted on the Thursday. I have been assured a roofer will be around at some time in the next few days to find out what the problem is, and to give me a quote for any necessary repairs. As if all that wasn't enough, the gas engineer turned up last Wednesday morning, only to advise me that the part I needed for the boiler was now obsolete, meaning having to get a whole brand new one! This is now sitting in my hallway waiting to be fitted on Friday, until which time we have heating, but no hot water. It has been challenging to say the least. 

In happier news, it would seem spring is gradually beginning to show itself  here in the north. There are lambs in the fields, wild garlic is carpeting the woodland floor (I really need to go and pick some), and I have enjoyed seeing my washing blowing on the line on more than one occasion this past week. I'm still not entirely convinced that Wordsworth was in this part of the world when he wrote his Daffodils poem, as the only ones I've seen lately have been entirely flattened by the winds and rain, as opposed to 'fluttering and dancing in the breeze'. Thankfully, the weather does appear to be improving day by day; and now that the clocks have changed, we can look forward to some lighter evenings once again, which are always much welcome after the dark winter months. 

Mother's Day was lovely. I spent the morning relaxing at a nearby leisure club. I swam, went in the sauna and jacuzzi. It was quite a treat. After lunch I had my nails done, then I took my 'nail technician' for a bike ride down to the river. 😁

Yesterday, we spent another happy morning orienteering in the woods. Our times could be faster but our map reading skills are definitely improving, and we found all the markers. It was rather muddy underfoot, so after having had a good clean, my boots are still drying out. There are many more events planned, so we will have to try and see if we can pick up our pace.

For the Warm Space last week, I baked a Plum Cake. The recipe is here if you would like it. This week will be our last one, which will feel a little strange, although I am looking forward to having that time back, so that I can focus on completing the rest of my course work. It has taken a back seat recently, while I've been trying to get on top of everything else, and I really don't want to be late submitting it. I think I will bake chocolate brownies for the occasion.

Back soon.  

J. X

March

 

What was it I said in my last post about the wintry weather. As it happened, unlike the rest of the country, we didn't actually get very much in the way of snow here. It all looked very pretty for a day or so, then it thawed very quickly once the sun appeared. I hope everyone is keeping safe and warm. 

I would have posted sooner, but I have rather a lot going on the background at the moment. I have been mainly kept busy with my studies, and  I am really pleased to say my first modules have been completed and assessed, for which I received some very positive feedback. My next submission will take me a little while longer, as it covers a wider range of topics. Then, I think I will have a little break before looking at completing another course.

Another thing, which is proving quite draining, is the situation with my house. The chimney is, once again, letting in water, Lily's bedroom needs a new window fitting, the kitchen tap is dripping, and I need some further roof work completing at the front of the house. I really would like to get on with some decorating this year, but it seems pointless to do anything cosmetic until this work is completed. And of course, trying to get hold of trades people is a nightmare, so I'm finding it all a bit demanding, especially on top of everything else. Anyway, when I last checked, the chap has been out to take a look at the chimney but I am still waiting on a quote; the window company are now, thankfully, measuring up tomorrow; the plumber is booked to arrive the first week in April (I've also requested some new taps and a radiator in the downstairs loo), and I am still waiting on the roofer to get back to me. Wish me luck :) Should I also mention the water leaking from the boiler? Thankfully it is still working okay at the moment, and the engineer is coming out to it on Wednesday morning. 

Aside from the stress, I am happy to report that there have also been some nice things going on. Lily enjoyed her very first ski lesson. She had been wanting to give it a try for a while now, and last Christmas she was lucky enough to have been gifted a session at an indoor slope. She had such a great time there. The instructor was lovely and she took to skiing straight away. I can see a few more lessons happening in future. 

At the very end of February, I enjoyed a lovely walk from Far Sawrey, up to Moss Eccles Tarn. In  a contrast to the current damp weather, it was a lovely bright sunny day, and the tarn itself looked gorgeous, with the fells standing dramatically in the background. Apparently, it was one of Beatrix Potter's favourite places, and I can see why. I will definitely go back again in the summer, when I can spend even more time there.  The chips in the pub afterwards were pretty good as well. 

On the March 2nd, school took part in World Book Day. There were, as usual, some amazing outfits worn by all the children and staff. Lily went as Little Miss Sunshine, in a bright yellow sweatshirt and leggings, red ribbons tied in her plaits and some extra freckles added using an eyebrow-pencil. Not forgetting, of course, her natural sunshine personality ;)

The Warm Space was slightly better attended this week, and I baked a marmalade cake this time. There are only three more weeks left to go now, by which time I would like to think we will be experiencing some milder temperatures. It has, however, provided a wonderful opportunity for people to get together for some welcome companionship during the winter months, regardless of the circumstances. I wonder if these initiatives might be here to stay.

At the weekend we helped out at a local litter picking event. It was surprising just how much we managed to collect, as at first glance the area had looked almost completely free of  any sort of rubbish. One hour later and four refuse bags filled proved otherwise. A job well done by all concerned, and it was encouraging to witness all the children's enthusiasm.

Yesterday, we spent another morning orienteering. We completed two courses, finding all the markers, but I'm not sure whether or not it is something we will continue to participate in, moving forward. There are quite a few more meets coming up, so we definitely give it another go before making a decision one way or another. And of course, this course was just as muddy as the last, so I will be cleaning our boots once again this evening. 

I am still yearning for spring, and I am looking to the year ahead with cautious optimism. Fingers crossed I might have at least some of  these house issues sorted very soon. 

J. X

Winter Is Loosening Its Grasp

 

This is the time of year I yearn for.  After a long, dark winter, the hours of daylight are gradually increasing, the early mornings are filled with birdsong, and the air is filled with a delicious, earthy scent, as the sun begins to warm the land once again. We are not out of the woods just yet, as the forecast is showing some light snow over the next week, but I feel certain those bitterly cold, wintry days are behind us now and that any more frosty mornings will be fleeting.

One bright day last week, we took a walk from Keswick, with the intention of hiking up Lonscale Fell. It was a lovely morning and as we climbed the steep path up Jenkin Hill, I decided on a 'slight detour' to our planned route, and we finished up at the top of Skiddaw! We had completed the most challenging part of the walk and as it was one of those rare days when the summit wasn't shrouded in cloud,  I thought we might as well make the most of it. We descended via Lonscale Fell, so we did, in fact, accomplish what we had initially set out to do, it just took a little while longer :) Our next fell will be our 100th Wainwright. Still a long way to go until we complete them all, but cause for a small celebration, I think. 

Some time off work has been very welcome, and this week I've spent most of my days at home. I hadn't really thought of posting until now, as my days have felt rather mundane and of no particular interest, but in small ways I have been quite productive and for that I am grateful. I've spent some time studying and tackled several modules of my coursework, caught up with the housework and finally cleared out my wardrobe. I now have two more bags to take to the charity shop, although that will be a job for another day. 

Pancake Day was acknowledged, and in typical fashion, I probably won't eat any more again until next year. 

The Warm Space will be continuing for another month, and although I have given myself this week off, I will be back to baking again on Wednesday. Last week, the Bakewell cake proved very popular, and I am now even receiving requests :)

On Wednesday we spent a fun morning orienteering. It was an organised event where families could have a go at different activities, learn new skills and complete various challenges. We did quite well, considering it was our first time, and I've already signed us up for another event. Lets just hope the next one is somewhere a little less muddy - I still have our boots to clean. 

On a more personal note, I feel my back is completely fine now. I have yet to go for a run, which as I have said before will be the real test, but I haven't felt so much as a twinge while I've been out walking. This is such good news, especially as we head towards spring, and I am looking forward to spending more time outdoors. Yesterday, as we walked through the woods, there were signs everywhere. The snowdrops are all out, catkins hung from the tree branches and I even spotted my first wild garlic.  

J. X