Tuesday 22 February 2022

That Went Quickly

 

My week didn't exactly start off in the way I had hoped. Disappointingly, a problem with my household electrics meant I had to cancel our long awaited day out in Edinburgh. And it wasn't anything to do with the bad weather. On Sunday evening something tripped the fuse box and although initially I was able to switch everything back on, the same thing happened again just an hour later, leaving all downstairs sockets without power, meaning no heating, hot water, oven or fridge freezer. And so, instead of enjoying some time in my favourite city, I needed to stay home in order to get everything sorted. Never mind, it has all been dealt with now and I'm sure we will get back to Edinburgh at some time this year. 

And, as for the weather, I hope no one has been too badly affected by the storms. It has certainly been a rough week for many. Unusually, the first two storms passed by here with little cause for alarm. But on Sunday evening the strong winds caused me to have a restless night and yesterday I spent much of my walk to work navigating broken twigs and branches, and keeping a very close eye on the trees.

As well as the usual household chores, I have had the time to get on with some little jobs which I've been putting off for what seems like ages now, and it feels good to finally have them ticked off my list. I've started crocheting a blanket for my friend's baby due in the summer, and even though the wet weather has kept us indoors for much of the time, I have taken the opportunity to plan many walks for when it does eventually pick up again. 

Early in the week, we took our chances with a break in the weather, to get out for a short walk. It is lovely to see the snowdrops in flower, and I even glimpsed some tiny shoots of wild garlic under the trees - one of my favourite signs that spring is on it's way. 

The wet and muddy pathways mean that wellies are necessary footwear just now and they were even more essential for our visit later in the week.

We went to the farm to see the new lambs. Unfortunately, there weren't any being born while we were there but we did get to bottle feed these five, and I believe there have been many more new arrivals since then.


It was such a lovely morning and I could have happily stayed put in the lamb pen for the rest of the day.

In other slightly less exciting news, Now that it has been painted, we have hung the bird box, which Lily and I put together a few weeks ago. We just need to keep a close eye out for any new residents. 

And I baked cupcakes! (Instead of my usual tray-bakes). I needed something to use up the Baileys chocolate icing from the freezer.

I am beginning to feel much more rested, and this week served as reminder that I really do need to take things easier at times. It has been wonderful to feel much more mindful and a little less hurried, and I'm sure I have even been sleeping slightly better as a result. Now I just need to keep it up.

J. X





60 comments:

  1. So pleased you are feeling more relaxed, but sorry to hear you didn't manage the trip to Edinburgh - good that the electricity problem is sorted though and you didn't have more power cuts through the bad weather. The little lambs are so cute I bet you could have smuggled one home! Have a good week.x

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    1. Thank you, Viv. It was disappointing but I'm sure there will be other opportunities. I was just relieved the electrics problem was easily resolved. X

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  2. I'm glad you're feeling rested after your week off. It's a shame the weather wasn't a little better, but it looks like you still managed to get out. Those lambs are so cute. Glad the electrics got sorted too.

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    1. The weather wasn't the best but the forecast looks to be picking up over the next week. X

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  3. What lovely photos, and those cupcakes look amazing!

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    1. Thank you, Sarah. The cupcakes were delicious :)

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  4. Beautiful snowdrop piccies (and the lambs, obviously 🙂)

    So sorry you lost your lovely day out to a household emergency, hope finding the problem means you will not have any more trouble in future.

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    1. Thank you, Jayne. It was easily resolved in the end, but I needed an electrician sort it. X

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  5. Shame you missed your Edinburgh jolly but it is one to look forward to for another day. Those lambs are so cute and I can see why you wanted to stay for the whole day :) Glorious snowdrop images, ours are out but not quite as many and I agree about the wild garlic - that to me is a certain sign that the weather is getting better xx Have another good week x

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    1. The wild garlic is a positive sign, as are the lighter mornings and evenings. X

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  6. That's good that your week off has been a restful time for you apart from the electrical problems which meant missing your trip to Edinburgh, what a shame. Those lambs are delightful and lucky you being able to bottle feed them, I'm slightly envious. That was a job well done with the bird box, I hope it is home for some feathered friends. Your fairy cakes look delicious, Baileys chocolate icing yum :)

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    1. My week off felt good with not having to rush around quite so much.
      I haven't noticed any interest in the bird box yet, although the feeders have been very busy this week. X

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  7. The snowdrops are lovely, the cup cakes look delicious but the lambs just do it for me me. So sweet and yes, I could easily join you for a full day in the lamb pen :)

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  8. Lambs must surely mean spring is on the way! What a lovely experience for Lily and yourself to be able to feed them. Thankfully the storm passed us by with relatively little damage where we live, although we have lots of trees around here and there were several big ones that came down. Luckily not on any houses or roads so very minimal damage. Glad you've got your electrics sorted out and hopefully it won't be long before your trip to Edinburgh happens. Lovely photos of the snowdrops. I'm still waiting for the few I have left in the planter to come through. Hope you're all keeping well and you're finding life is a little less hectic. xx

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    1. Spending time with the lambs was so lovely. I forgot to mention the calf which had been born during the night and some very friendly piglets :)

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  9. Those lambs! I could have stayed there all day as well. Oh my goodness! You know, I so enjoy the photos you share of your walks. I need to walk more when the weather gets nice. But my scenery is not nearly as lovely! I would love a cupcake with a cup of tea! Have a cozy evening.

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    1. Thank you, Billie Jo. I'm looking forward to getting out more as the weather picks up. X

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    1. Thank you, Pat. They tasted delicious. X

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  11. Lovely to see the new lambs - wish we lived near a farm! Grandson went to the zoo to see the new tiger cub and the polar bears. The bears were breaking the ice in their pool. Quite dramatic!

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    1. It was lovely to spend a morning on the farm. X

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  12. So sorry to hear about the electricity going off and having to postpone a long anticipated trip. But, glad you have electricity restored and you can look forward to a future visit to your favorite city. :) The snowdrops look beautiful and those baby lambs are just too cute! Looks like spring is on its way, over there and I hope the days ahead will be good ones. :)

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    1. It was disappointing to miss out on our planned trip but I'm sure we will get an opportunity to visit again soon.
      It's reassuring to see the early signs of spring. X

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  13. Those lambs! I remember being chosen to dress as a shepherd and carry one around the church when I was at junior school, I can still recall the lovely smell of their fleeces!
    What a shame about your trip but lovely to have something to look forward to.xxx

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    1. The lambs were just adorable. The smallest one followed us all around the farm. X

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  14. Glad your electrics are sorted now and that you are feeling more rested. I too have been looking at the trees as I walk of late. Some are looking very close to falling. Such cute lambs, I bet Lily loved feeding them. B x

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    1. The wind was still strong on this particular morning, and I pass under quite a few trees on my journey into work. X

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  15. Glad you managed to get the electrics sorted but such a shame that your long awaited trip to Edinburgh is delayed. Beautiful photos of the snowdrops and those cute lambs a nice reminder that Spring is around the corner.

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    1. I'm sure I will get another chance to visit again soon, but it's been over two years and I've missed spending time in the city. X

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  16. Bummer about the delays caused by the electrics. The snowdrops really happified me. Mine are a pale shadow of those numerically but they still give me lots of pleasure. Good luck with the nesting box. Not many of mine were used last year. It was particularly good to read your last paragraph.

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    1. I will be pleasantly surprised if the bird box gets used, but we had a lot of fun making it anyway. X

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    2. I've found that they seem to occupy them after a year or two getting used to them.Unfortunately my oldest box (a three nest one I've had for years) was destroyed in an early gale this winter.

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    3. That's useful to know. Thank you, Graham. X

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  17. I'm glad that you are feeling more rested and sleeping better. The snowdrops are so pretty and remind me that spring is very close. Your cupcakes look delicious. I could go for one right now with a cup of tea!

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  18. A lovely post Jules, I am sorry to hear that you were not able to get to Edinburgh. I do hope that you manage to get there later in the year, I am glad to hear that your electrics are all sorted now. I am also glad to hear that you found moments of stillness and quiet in your week off. It is hard to manage that all the time isn't it but I very much hope that you are able to find those moments in the coming weeks however short they are.

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    1. Thank you for your kind words. It's not always easy finding time for myself but I now realise just how important it is. X

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  19. So pleased you were able to get your electrical problem sorted.

    Lovely photographs of the snowdrops and the lambs are so cute :)

    Enjoy the rest of the week.

    All the best Jan

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  20. The snowdrops have been lovely this year haven't they. And what cuties are those lambs. The cupcakes look delicious too. Hope you get to go to Dalemain and try out their Marmalade covered Ginger bread. :)

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    1. The gingerbread sounds delicious. Dalemain is definitely on my list of places to visit this year. Xx

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  21. Aah...such is life...best laid plans and all that Jules. Beautiful snowdrops by the way. x

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    1. I'm beginning to get fed up of making plans that don't come to fruition. X

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  22. Have read, in other English places, about the awful storms you have been having.

    But you have flowers!

    Here, we have another snow storm on our 'doorstep.' -sigh- No spring here, yet.

    Sorry about the house issues, but they are fixed now......

    🌸

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    1. There are early signs of spring everywhere now. It cannot come soon enough. X

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  23. What a wonderful time at the farm you had. Those lambs are so sweet with their twirly wirly tails and desperation for the milk on offer. Spring is certainly on the way :)
    Great bird house. Hope you get new feathery owners in residence very soon.
    Have a good week and continue to make time to relax and enjoy life x

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    1. We had such an enjoyable morning on the farm. The lambs were a delight. X

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  24. Hi,can't comment at the moment.Just wanted you to know I'm thinking of
    you.Absolutely Love the photos.I adore Snow Drops.Have always wanted to
    bottle feed a lamb.those yummy cakes,could have eaten all of them.xx

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    1. Thank you, Lee. I have managed to publish this comment on your behalf :)
      It feels good to see these early signs of spring. I just wish we could have some warmer weather now. X

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  25. Wonderful photos and I love seeing those lambs!

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    1. The lambs were very cute! There are many out in the fields now that the weather is improving. X

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  26. Glad that you are sleeping better now. It's so important. I go to bed so early in the winter! Those cupcakes look divine. Baking is so comforting and grounding.

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    1. Thank you, Stephenie. The sleeping is still a work in progress. X

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  27. Baileys chocolate icing sounds heavenly! I love all your snowdrop pictures :)
    I've just restarted my blog at emeraldcottage.blogspot.co.uk , would be lovely to see you over there :)
    Jillxo

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    1. I had forgotten just how delicious the icing was and those cup cakes made good use of what I had left in the freezer.
      Thank you for letting me know. I'll be over to have a read shortly. Xx

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  28. The last time out fuse box tripped I had to get in the cupboard on my knees to switch the switch and couldn't get up again, lol
    Briony
    x

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    1. Oh no! Fortunately my fuse box is up high :)

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