Monday 25 April 2022

April Catch Up

Each year I am exactly the same. Just when I start to really struggle through the damp, grey days and become exhausted from holding my body tense during  the cold winter months, spring arrives and with every moment that passes I begin to feel myself gradually relax. The hours of daylight grow longer and the sun feels just that little bit warmer. I was not designed for cold weather, which may sound extreme, but anyone who has seen me turn blue from a slight chill in the air and a gentle breeze could readily bear witness to this :)

The last few weeks I have been busy,  both at work and home, but I have found brief moments here and there simply to get outdoors and enjoy the sunshine. And as I have felt my body unwind, I have also noticed my sleeping patterns have improved over time, which is a huge relief. It is not much fun feeling exhausted before my day has even begun. 








I've been I've been out for walks through the fields and in the woods. The bluebells are in flower just now and as usual they look so beautiful under the trees. Last week I felt the need for some sea air so took a walk along the shore instead. Sea air hits different and it felt energising and restorative. It was a beautiful afternoon, with hardly a cloud in the sky and the bright sun shimmering on the water. I even discovered some more pieces of sea glass to add to my collection. 





Following my trip to London, I have spent some time getting on with a few necessary chores around the house. I feel like I'm getting on top of the clutter now, with yet another bag of clothing to take to the charity shop and a few more items sold online. I realise it is an ongoing process but the results are definitely worthwhile. I'm even considering getting rid of a side table which doesn't really serve much purpose other than to gather dust and hide even more clutter in it's drawer. I'll think about it. I'm worried I might regret it if I do, but this is only a small house and it doesn't take much furniture to fill a room and I like to have plenty of space to move around.

I have, finally, got around to sowing the wildflower seeds in the raised bed and I can't wait for the garden to be filled with pollinators again this year. I do miss growing a few vegetables but I think the small space is better utilised this way and it will look beautiful in the summer. The herbs are beginning to grow again, so at least there will be something in the garden I can cook with. Oh, and the strawberry plants and blackcurrant bushes are beginning to flower :) I still need to repot my apple tree, and I will be moving the little lemon trees back outside again this week once the winds have subsided. I'm sure they are ready for some warm sunshine, much like myself.

J. X







58 comments:

  1. I couldn't agree more about the difference that warmer weather and longer days makes. I love pottering in the garden too, and bit by bit have managed to dig over a six ft square patch of ground in the front garden which was mostly dandelions and some thin, straggly grass. I've been pondering whether to try and grow some veg in it, but now I'm tempted to sow wildflower seeds instead - as you say, they look beautiful and the bees love them! Glad you're feeling revived.

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    1. Last year was the first time I had grown wildflowers. They looked really beautiful and attracted so many butterflies and bees. It sowed a mixed packet of seeds, so each variety of flower came as a lovely surprise. X

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  2. That carpet of bluebells is wondeful and really lifts the heart. Such a beautiful blue.
    Love your sea glass pieces, very pretty.
    Seems like I'm always decluttering too but I always feel better after I've done it and the space can breathe again for a while.
    Have a good week Jules x

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    1. Yes, the decluttering lasts only so long then it needs to be tackled again, as more and more items find their way into the home. X

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  3. I'm with you on feeling the cold, I dread the winter months so much because I never seem to warm up. It's good that spring has arrived once again. I must make a point to get out into the local woods now that it's bluebell season, it's only a short window before they'll be gone for another year so sooner rather than later.

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    1. I'm relieved it isn't just me who feels this way. Cold and frosty weather is okay, wet and windy is not. X

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  4. turn blue from a slight chill in the air and a gentle breeze

    We are twins indeed :-) I often think of the Midnight Cowboy theme song with the line "going where the weather suits my clothes" and it always makes me want to be on a beach in the Med.

    But you are so right, the bluebells and sunshine have been very welcome the last few days although it's forecast to be bloomin' freezing again tonight.

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    1. I will happily join you on that beach, Jayne. X

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  5. I am better for the warmth - I have had to learn to deal with the cold/winter - (not like it, but deal with it) coz of my job, but it seems to make the spring and the summer that bit more delicious. A reward for making it through the winter!

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    1. In winter, I wear so many layers I can hardly move :)

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  6. I can feel my own tension easing while reading your post and seeing those beautiful photographs. Thank you!

    For your side table, do you have a garage where you could keep it for a while? You'll notice soon if you miss it or not. I do this with things that I am not quite ready to part with.

    Have a lovely week x

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    1. Thank you so much for this Christina, that is such a great idea. I will move it into the spare room tomorrow. X

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  7. Your post... A lovely breath of spring!

    Thank you for sharing it, with us.

    Seems your home would be "happier," without that useless table. -smile-

    My go-to quote is by William Morris... "Have nothing in your houses, that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful."

    Gentle hugs,
    🌸🌼🌸🌼🌸

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    1. I think I might move one of my plants to where the table currently stands. X

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  8. Glad the warmer weather has revived you. I agree the cold does make everything hard work. Decluttering is very therapeutic and I’m sure you know really if you want that table. Is it useful and do you like the look of it are my two questions when I’m decluttering. Lovely out and about photos as always. Have a lovely week. B x

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    1. The table doesn't really serve much purpose other than to hold a few half used balls of wool and a map or two. I think it might have to go. X

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  9. Sounds to me like you have endless energy...it's no mean feat to get out into nature for long walks when you have a job to hold down, and a house and family to look after. x

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    1. Oh, I do wish I had endless energy, Jackie. X

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  10. It has been so lovely to have had sunshine and warmth for the past few weeks hasn't it. I am so glad that you have been able to enjoy it. Your photos are beautiful as always. We made some Easter nests just like yours, ours were for selling for fundraising, they were popular.

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    1. Easter nest are always popular here. I love to make them as, unlike cakes, they are something Lily can enjoy eating. X

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  11. Lovely photos Jules, I'm with you over the cold too. I never thought about holding myself tense but yes I do that too as I wait for warmth. Mark can walk round in shirts and t-shirt but I'm huddle up with a blanket on my feet. I go out with hat and scarf, I particularly hate the cold in my ears, it hurts. The slightest temperature drop and I'm freezing. Take care, warmer weather is on its way. Cx

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    1. You've describe exactly how I feel when it is cold, Cathy. I am very aware that I clench my jaw and tense my shoulders. Roll on summer. X

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  12. Thank you for bringing us along on your walks. Your photos are like a breath of fresh air. I love the colour of your sea glass treasure.

    With love from,
    Kelly (Mrs. Kiwi)

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    1. Thank you, Kelly. I'm glad you enjoyed them. X

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  13. It so nice to be able to welcome the sunshine and warmer temperatures and I'm glad you are feeling revived. Wonderful photos from your walks and the Easter cakes look lovely.

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    1. Thank you, Eileen. The Easter Nests never last very long in this house. X

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  14. As always, I absolutely love your photos. As someone said above, they are a breath of fresh air. Thank you so much. xx

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    1. That is very kind of you to say. Thank you, Joy. X

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  15. I always felt the cold at one time and hated winter, now as I've gone older I still hate winter but don't feel the cold too much, I wear t-shirts all year round and never wear a hat. Your photos are lovely as always, I love the ladybird and the sweet little lamb :)

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    1. I've always felt the cold easily, even at school I remember shivering in the classroom. I'm wearing my fleecy lined leggings today :) They are one of my favourite clothing discoveries. X

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  16. My husband always says he was bor to live in a warmer climate, he is always cold. U can take each season as it comes although I do prefer cooler over hot. I love the spring though, it's great to see everything coming back to life. I've sowed a big pot of wild flowers, fingers crossed for a good display.

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    1. I'm sure your wildflower display will be beautiful. I got so much joy from seeing all the butterflies last year. X

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  17. It's a lovely time of year when the sun shines. Full of blue, yellow, white and fresh green. Justike your photos show. :)

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    1. It is lovely seeing everywhere coming to life once again. X

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  18. I fear I have become a bit of a southern pansy when it comes to temperature tolerance :0 I remember it being a real shock to the system when I lived in Yorkshire by the north sea, brrrr. Good to hear you have a seaglass collection, great finds. Aren't those wood anemones and bluebells just gorgeous. Oooh, now I'm reet in the mood for some chocolate after seeing your cakes. Off to raid the cupboard for the Easter stash (shhhhh, and the ladybird said never a word)... Have a lovely week Jules :) x

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    1. I have many downfalls but chocolate is by far my biggest :)

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  19. Unfortunately is still cold here although signs of spring are everywhere. I think we all feel so much better with the lighter nights and the warmer weather. Your photos are lovely I love the sight of bluebells in the woods. Love the quote. x

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    1. It feels much nicer being able to travel to and from work in the daylight. X

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  20. when I was very young,in fact even now actually my lips go blue if I'm cold.I'v always felt the cold but I was born in the winter and prefer the cooler months so weird.I am not a Summer person.I do love flowers though,and want to plant Wild Flowers too so need some tips.Your photos are breathtakingly stunning.Loving those lil cakes.Thanks so much for your lovely comment.I still have it,but not much I can do just grit me teeth and get on with it.xx Hugs

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    1. I don't have any tips, I'm afraid. All I did last year was to sow a packet of mixed wildflower seeds and hope for the best. The only thing I have done differently this year has been to not sow any Cornflowers. They are my favourites, but unfortunately they have a tendency to overshadow the smaller flowers close by. I hope your sciatica eases soon. Xx

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  21. Glad the weather is warming up for you, Jules, and you are feeling better for it. You know me and the cold temperatures! :D

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    1. I do, Bless. And I'm quite glad I'm not alone in feeling this way :)

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  22. Your photos always make me feel calm.
    Having spent the last two winters at home (as opposed to India) I've discovered that I don't loathe the cold as much as I thought I did, it's grey skies, wind and rain that depress me - I was born in the wrong country. xxx

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    1. You and me both, Vix. I'm sure I should have been born somewhere in the Mediterranean. X

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  23. I really don't feel you can beat the sun on your back for healing aching muscles, limbs, or souls...it's magic. x

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  24. Sounds like you and I are leading parallel lives, as we start to emerge into the sun. Gorgeous pics, thanks.

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    1. I am glad I'm not on my own with this. Xx

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  25. Your post was like a breath of fresh air ... lovely photographs.

    Enjoy these last few days of April, the days seem to be going by so quickly.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you. Not too cold, I hope :)
      I can't think we'll be into May next week. X

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  26. What a wonderful post! I'm glad you are feeling more like yourself again. I love this time of year, too. I need to follow your lead, and get rid of more clutter. Gorgeous photos!

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    1. Thank you, Stephenie. Less clutter means less to dust :)

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  27. I wish our sands were covered in sea glass!

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    1. The glass looks like small jewels among the pebbles. X

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  28. What a lovely post! Full of Springtime...
    Love from Titti

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  29. I stumbled upon your blog today...so lovely! You're living somewhere I'd love to visit someday...the trouble is, I don't think I'd ever come home! (USA) I'm looking forward to reading older posts and catching up, Mary

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    1. Thank you. That is very kind of you to say. X

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