Sunday 22 August 2021

Plodding Along

It's just a little over a week since my last post but it seems so much longer. For various reasons, I've been feeling a bit flat lately. That, along with the down turn in the weather, not spending enough time outdoors, and the strong probability of having low iron levels, means I really need to start taking better care of myself. Easy enough to say, but never quite as straightforward to put into practice. Oh, how I wish I could listen to my own advice at times. 

I spent last weekend in Manchester. After all this time, it felt very strange to be travelling by train again, but it was fine and even better, none of my plans needed to be cancelled or postponed due to any restrictions. Success! Now I'm looking forward to visiting again in October.





Also last week, I baked Chocolate Brownies in celebration of another year around the sun. I spent the day quietly. Lily and I went to Windermere and took a walk up Orrest Head. There's a lovely pathway up through the woods which opens up to a gorgeous view of the lake and the fells beyond. Or, it would have done if the cloud hadn't been so low that day. The rowan berries are turning red now, a clear sign summer is beginning to wane. 

I have, however, been taking things easy over the last few days. Too easy, perhaps, to the point of slothfulness. This is only a brief intermission though, as I have lots planned for the remainder of the holidays.

J. X

36 comments:

  1. Wishing you a belated happy birthday, a day at Windermere sounds lovely, as do the chocolate brownies, yum. I always start to feel a little flat at this time of year when the weather changes and the nights start drawing in again, I'm always a little sad to let go of summer.

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    1. Thank you, Jo. I'm a little relieved it's not only myself who feels this way. X

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  2. The weather is set to pick up this week so that should start you on a get fitter programme.

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    1. It is! And I am planning to make the most of it :)

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  3. I'm glad you had a good weekend in Manchester and nothing had to be cancelled, and I hope you enjoy the rest of the holidays. I was in Manchester myself last Sunday to photograph some street art but there's not much new at the moment so I wasn't there for long.

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    1. I had put off visiting for so long, as I didn't want to be let down by any necessary restrictions. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see any street art on this occasion, perhaps on my next trip. X

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  4. Happy belated birthday, Jules! Chocolate brownies sound delicious! Glad you were able to make your journey to Manchester and back. Sometimes, it is important to just relax and take it easy. We can't always be on the go the whole time! Hope you have a wonderful week ahead. :)

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    1. Thank you, Bless. Wise words as usual. I will be over to catch up with your news later today. X

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  5. Today's been a lazy day for me, too. We need those now and then. It feels like summer is ending here, too. You deserve a break, I think.

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    1. I think you're right, Stephenie. Only my lazy day turned into several lazy days :)

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  6. HaPpY (belated) BiRtHdAy 🍰
    We all have quieter days that seem at the time a bit 'flat' but they could also be seen as rest days and not necessarily negatively - hard I know, I beat myself up about them too. I also find the turning of the season into autumn a little hard, sorry to see summer ending. However walking (and baking) are often the BEST antidotes!

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    1. Thank you, Kate. I'm starting to realise I am not alone in feeling like this. There could be some walking planned for the next few days ;)

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  7. I love the Gruffalo, as did the children in my class.
    As always, such lovely photos, thanks for sharing them. I hope things pick up for you quickly.
    xx

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    1. Thank you, Joy. It was a lovely surprise to discover the Gruffalo in the woods. X

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  8. The weather isn't playing nicely at all is it. Belated happy birthday wishes to you.

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    1. Thank you, Eileen. Just a few more warm summer days would be lovely. X

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  9. Happy belated birthday to you! xxx

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  10. Happy Birthday!

    I added time outside to my habit tracker because I know I don't spend as much time as I should outdoors, but it has fallen well down the priority list - here's to more time enjoying the fresh air!

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    1. Thank you, Sam. I'm a bit like a dog in as much as, ideally, I need a walk at least twice a day. X

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  11. Belated Happy Birthday! I'm glad your trip to Manchester went well. I have done nothing much at all either, we have to keep telling ourselves that it's okay to do nothing now and then. I hope the weather cheers up for the rest of your holidays it's been very gloomy of late. xx

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    1. Thank you, Linda. The weather is forecast to be warm and sunny this week, so I'll be making the most of it. X

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  12. I don't think it's "slothfulness' but sometimes we all need a little downtime.

    I've just done exactly that and come back feeling far more able to tackle the never-ending list of things I have to deal with. Hope you are soon back to where you want/need to be. xx

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    1. As usual, you're absolutely right, Jayne :) and I'm glad you're feeling brighter now. We should probably all be a little kinder to ourselves, these have been challenging times. X

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  13. Belated good wishes for your birthday.
    In these busy times do make sure you take care of yourself too, be kind to yourself. Please keep an eye on your iron levels :)

    Such fun to find the Gruffalo on your walk.
    Enjoy the rest of the school holidays ...

    My good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you, Jan.
      I have a habit of neglecting my own health and well-being at times. I'll be sure to stock up on some multivitamins, and better still, remember to take them :)

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  14. Happy belated Birthday to you, Jules! Your brownies sound delicious. I'm glad you were able to get away for a bit to Manchester last weekend. It sounds like you had a nice time. Do take care of yourself. I take a multivitamin and iron supplement almost every day. Hope you are having a nice and relaxing weekend.

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    1. Thank you for your good wishes, Julia. Yes, I should really start taking a supplement regularly. X

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  15. It is sometimes good to enjoy some 'hippo' time. Take it easy. Jo x

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    1. I love it! I've never heard it referred to in that way before :)

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  16. I wish you Many Happy Returns of the Day. Take care of yourself in whatever way you need. x

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  17. I'm glad you had a good weekend in Manchester

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