Monday 25 July 2022

All Set for Summer

School finished almost a week ago, and just over another six weeks lie ahead. It is a much welcome break, as this has been the first 'normal' school year in quite a while, and I had forgotten just how busy my days can be at times, filled with work and various other activities. Already, I have spent some mornings doing absolutely nothing, as often that is exactly what is required :)

A couple of days ago I enjoyed a thorough clear out and re-stock of my food cupboard - adding to the tinned goods and topping up the storage jars (although, I forgot to buy more red lentils!) It felt incredibly satisfying and now I can see exactly what I have in there. It isn't a huge space, so I need to utilise it wisely. And better still, I didn't need to throw away very much at all, just some out of date herbs and an almost empty bag of bread flour - I can't even remember the last time I baked bread! 

Today, I will be catching up on some housework. Not too much, just dusting, vacuuming and ironing. Then I need to sort out our rucksacks and walking gear - as you do! I can't think how much time I spend filling and emptying my trusty walking companions. Their contents dependent entirely on the weather forecast and often a lot more besides. 










Last week, we enjoyed another stay at the campsite we'd previously visited back in May. We were in a different camping field this time, but as it was nearer to the play area, Lily was more than happy with this arrangement. We went there via Appleby, and spent a lovely morning looking around the town before sitting for a while down by the river. Later, we drove to Acorn Bank, a beautiful estate owned by the National Trust. Here we enjoyed a tour of the water mill, where we could see flour being milled. Then we walked along by the river and through the woods, before enjoying our picnic lunch in the stunning gardens, overlooking the house. Sat there in the sunshine, beneath the dovecot, I could have been on holiday in France - it was so beautiful! I will definitely be making a return visit. Then, the following morning we called in at The Village Bakery in Melmerby, where I treated myself to as slice of Carrot Cake. It had been many years since I'd last enjoyed any - I used to work in a health food store where it was sold - and it was just as delicious as I remembered. Their scones were amazing as well ;)


Back at home, I finally harvested the last of our blackcurrants. Together with the ones in the freezer, which I'd already picked, I was able to make nine jars of jam. A vast improvement on the two I managed last year, and just as delicious. 

Yesterday, we braved the weather and walked from Mosedale up over Carrock Fell and then on to High Pike. A great little walk, and it felt so good to be out, but oh-my-days it was windy! I could hardly stand steady enough to take this photograph. We were buffeted by strong winds the whole way, so it felt as though we had walked far more than the six miles by the time we returned home. As is appropriate, we were fully rewarded for our efforts with a fish and chip supper. 

As for the rest of the summer break, there are some vague plans and some not so vague plans. But I think I'm all set, and whatever happens, I'm sure it will be great.  

J. X

46 comments:

  1. The NT certainly own some beautiful gardens and buildings - lovely photos

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    1. Thank you, Sue. I love a NT property and I've discovered some really beautiful places to visit. X

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  2. I was delighted to see your photos of Acorn Bank-just as beautiful as I remembered. My walking has been limited by the very hot weather and I can’t wait for cooler weather to get back to my daily practice. Enjoy the rest of the school holidays-our children enter week five of theirs today! I love blackcurrant jam especially on a cheese scone. Catriona

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    1. I don't know why I've never been to Acorn Bank before but I will definitely be making a return visit. I hope you can get back to walking again soon. X

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  3. The jars of jam look good, and will be a great treat with tea in winter.

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    1. I've just enjoyed some jam on toast for my breakfast :)

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  4. Thank you for reminding me about Acorn Bank, it is far too long since I visited.

    Well done for surviving yesterday - I did not venture outside the garden but stopped many times to wonder how windy it would be up on the fells.

    It is lovely to be caught up on the essentials so that you can relax and look forward the next six weeks without the constant nag of "I ought to ....."

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    1. It was sooo windy! I probably wouldn't have ventured out had I realised just how strong the gusts were, but the route I had planned was quite safe to walk.
      I am pleased with myself for getting through some of my chores. I've since managed a good clear out of Lily's toy box, which has been on my list of things to do for ages. X

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  5. Acorn Bank looks lovely as does your jam! Have a wonderful summer. xxx

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    1. Thank you, Vix. I'm looking forward to another visit soon. I'd like to visit the old oak tree and walk to the wildlife hide. X

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  6. It all looks and sou7nds absolutely wonderful and I am so glad you're living the good summer-holiday life. As for that jam - wowee! xx

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    1. Thank you, Joy. I like to get the most from our summer break. X

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  7. A lovely summery post. The start of the holidays is always an exciting time full of possibilities. Your jam making has given me a nudge to get busy and lovely to see Acorn bank where we visited back in May. B x

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    1. Seven weeks seems like such a long time, but it always goes by quickly. X

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  8. It sounds like you are all set for some lovely Summer days, I hope that the weather is good for you it's been pouring down all day here today. That's a good batch of jam it should keep you going for a while. Have a great week. x

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    1. The rainy days are when I get the housework done :)

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  9. I am sure when you look at the photographs of Dover and the like you will be happy tp relax at Acorn Bank - it is years since I went but I remember it as a beautiful spot. The jam looks good - blackcurrant is one of my favourites and it is a good setter every time. Enjoy the holidays.

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    1. Thank you, Pat. I will be going on a ferry this summer, but not from Dover, thankfully. X

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  10. Oh I love Acorn Bank! I had the great privilege/pleasure a couple of years ago, to visit as part of the NT team and get to see the 'back ground' and loved loved it! The gardens just filled my heart (the herb garden and lean to glasshouse - be still my beating heart!) We were able to go into the rooms not open to the public, see some of the artwork they'd hidden for restoration at a later date and shown all sorts of oddities in the barns and the orchard. Thank you for bringing back such lovely memories! 😊

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    1. It is a beautiful property, and I intend to visit again soon. X

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  11. Sounds like your summer is off to a great start! You've already accomplished a lot in the first week or so! Those gardens look lovely and that jam looks delicious! :)

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    1. I have been enjoying a slightly more relaxed pace this week. X

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  12. Lovely to see your photographs.

    Your jam looks good, I'm sure it will taste delicious ... enjoy :)

    Have a happy summer.

    All the best Jan

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  13. I like blackcurrant jam and yours looks delicious. I love the first photo, I don't know where it is but it looks really attractive there :)

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    1. Thank you, Eunice. The first photograph was taken from the bridge in the second photograph. (Can you see Lily by the ducks?) It's in Appleby.

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  14. Your photos are stunning. I literally want to hop in and explore! Your jam looks delicious. I wish I could pop in for a cup of tea and try some. Have a cozy evening!

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    1. Thank you, Billie Jo. You would be welcome for a cup of tea any time. X

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  15. You're all set for a wonderful summertime and you are off to a very good start. I've been to Appleby and loved it there. Your blackcurrant jam looks delicious, one of my favourites.

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    1. Thank you, Eileen. Appleby is a lovely little town, I can see why you would love it there. X

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  16. What lovely gardens at Acorn Bank. We are off for a couple of nights camping this weekend and then like you I have some vague plans and some proper plans. We only finished school last Friday and at the moment its lovely, we have all those weeks off, but I know in reality it will fly by.

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    1. Many of my plans are weather dependent, so I like to have a few ideas to go with. Enjoy your camping trip! X

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  17. I can almost smell the blackcurrant jam. Isn't it wonderful.
    I've not been to Acorn Bank but as we are NT members it is now on our places to go. Thank you for sharing.
    Have a great summer holiday whatever your plans are x

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    1. I would definitely recommend Acorn Bank, and will be making a return visit myself, very soon. X

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  18. Six weeks...how delightful....I'm sure you'll make some wonderful memories. Love blackcurrant jam,...but at the moment I have no blackcurrant bush...small issue! x

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    1. I can see why that would be a problem :)

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  19. Really lovely...the flowers, the blue skies, the old buildings, the yummy jam...perfection! You find the best places for adventures...what wonderful, sweet memories you're making, thanks for sharing them with all of us.

    I'm curious about school, and I know I've seen this before...we wrap up in late May and the kids are off about 3 months until they start again. Am I reading that you're daughter is off 6 weeks and then returns? Is it off and on again like that year 'round? So much to learn! Thanks a bunch, Mary

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    1. Thank you, Mary. It was a thoroughly lovely weekend but my favourite was Acorn Bank.
      Here, schools finish for summer towards the end of July, beginning again during the first week in September. X

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  20. You have a very short vacation time, there! You certainly have to make the most of it.

    Lovey photos as always. Different mostly, from your usual walk ones.

    Yummmmmmm...

    Enjoy and Rest!

    💛 💛 💛

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    1. It works out at around 14 weeks altogether, spread throughout the year. X

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  21. Blackcurrant jam is the best. Enjoy the summer!

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    1. I've managed to demolish one of the jars already! :)

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  22. Oh, what a lovely post. I loved reading about it all!! The pictures are fantastic.

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  23. Yum! That jam looks amazing. Tea and scones was such a treat for me when I was in London. What gorgeous photos. Glad you had fun camping. I don't think I would feel safe doing that here.

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    1. Any time someone mentions scones I get the desire to bake some :)
      It is quite safe to go camping here. Thankfully, the only bear we encountered was the one tucked up with Lily in her sleeping bag. Xx

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