Since Keith died, as the evenings draw in I start to feel rather low. I have two friends who at the moment are in a particularly bad place, and I feel so helpless that I can do nothing to change their lives, but we do chat and "see" one another on video calls. (First time with my friend K in France yesterday). I hope that just offloading problems helps.
I am not enjoying my daily walks - today's was on the flat along the old abandoned railway line. I did it, and it has helped my health, but I am fed up with repeating the same routes and would love to be up in the wilds, but at my age, probably not a good idea on my own.
I came back and pieced and sewed a bit more of my bigger patchwork curtain, for the bathroom window. I was gritting my teefs with that too though . . . So in the end I went out and gardened for an hour or so, which felt very positive, and actually freed up my graunchy left shoulder a bit. I pruned the bits on my Indigo rose which has been raking us as we go up the little steps to the square lawn where I have my patio set. Tam will be pleased as she's been telling me to do that for ages.
I cut back Aquilegia leaves and even pulled a good few young plants up as they were really taking over the gravel area at the front of the house. Then THIS area had been driving me mad for ages, so I set to and cleared all the buttercups and transplanted the Cranesbills which had set up home there. (For transplanted, read hoiked out of the stones and dumped unceremoniously at the back of the bed above them from whence they had escaped as seeds or young plants).
It looks a lot better now, but there are still some bits at the far end I will tackle at the weekend.
Yesterday's walk along the valley side. I sat on a log and just relaxed and took in the view looking towards Aberedw.
I have gotten SO fed up with my slip on summer shoes (from Cotton Traders' sale last year) as they are making my socks move round my feet so the heel is at the front. Grrr!) that I bought a pair of purple slippers on line yesterday and they should be arriving shortly (so you can guess where they were bought from . . .)
In fact, I was feeling pretty low and when I saw an advert by Kim Diehl for her Autumn book which had an absolutely stunning quilt or four on the cover, I treated myself to that as well, so with the slippers, a bit of a spending spree. That won't be arriving until next week though.
Today's bread - I made two, one for me and one for Ed, but can't see his car there . . . Will have to try and make room in the freezer.
A day out to look forward to tomorrow, firstly with Pam to a (small) Fleamarket at Lyde Court in Hereford. The pitches are only £7.50, so I am not expecting it to be too highfalutin, but it will be a nice wander round and I can check it out for me to do next year, having what will probably be a Retirement clearout or 6!
Then I will go on to the Quilt Fair at Malvern and intend to be frugal as I have bought fabric and books recently.. I am also planning to go church bothering on the way home. Watch this space.
You have been busy and your walks, although perhaps seeming to be monotonous to you, are obviously helping to keep you active and mobile. Better than vegetating on the sofa!
ReplyDeleteI feel guilty if I just sit and read/watch tv. I always try to keep my hands or mind busy with sewing or a puzzle in the evening. The walks help keep me fit and active and it's good to be out in the fresh air.
DeleteYou do like to be busy! And work so hard. I wish I was a neighbor, we'd go for hill walks and you'd give ME that gorgeous bread. / Imagine columbine growing wildly and running amok. Here I had to baby it and treasured each sparse plant.
ReplyDeleteThe flea sounds fun! Eyes peeled for small things to group for display and ''bundle'' sales on your own booth upcoming? Once people open their purses,,,?
Did you Kim Diehl Christmas pattern ever come. It's beautiful but looks so hard. I saw a similar design at Shabby Fabrics online. In blues. I'm looking forward to your new Kim D book also.
have a good weekend.
lizzy
I've always kept busy. At the old house, I used to garden 8 hrs a day - but that was 10 years ago now! The boiling hot summers we've had this year and last drive me inside and so gardening has gone off the boil. Yes, the Columbine likes it cooler I guess, and it self seeds everywhere here. When I pulled the ancient membrane off the bank, masses of the old wild deep blue and purple Columbines grew - with huge flower heads. Never seen them that big before.
DeleteI got some little petit four tins recently - they look perfect on my little painted dresser, but absolutely no interest in them and they are only £2 each (sets of 6), so £12). I have inexpensive pieces of kitchenalia, wich always used to sell well, but now it is overlooked too. There I go, trading up through the years, to include some desirable studio pottery and now I can only sell it at the big fair, twice a year, if at all.
I found that I already had the most recent Kim Diehl purchase, so that will be returned (cancellation too late). I am waiting on the original one I purchased, through Amazon, which was coming from America.
The thing is that just by being there, you are doing something for your friends. It's awful to have to go through things and not have friends that stick by you. Just keep being there for them.
ReplyDeleteI am good at listening. Sometimes I can even say the right thing to help. I am here, anyway.
DeleteI need to get out soon and cut back my perennial bed (all but the Hydrangeas). You have such lovely views on your walks.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
We are spoilt for views hereabouts - almost everywhere in Wales tbh. Herefordshire was beautiful yesterday too. Ploughed fields (the soil is deep red there, like Devon) interspersed with areas of mature woodland, and grazing fields surrounded by hedges and trees, starting to change colour now.
DeleteI always find myself struggling a bit when the nights get longer and colder. Perhaps try different sock for you slip on shoes?
ReplyDeleteThe slip on shoes now delegated to wearing to the compost heap and back! I have some lovely warm slippers now. Should have bought them sooner.
DeleteIt's that time of year again isn't it. The days are shorter and colder after such a strange summer, I feel my spirits plummet. Being outside as much as possible really does help especially if there is some blue sky and a lovely view to just breath. Not having been here long I am cautious when walking alone. I don't want to end up in the middle of nowhere with no idea which direction to take! Thankfully, when I haven't been sure which path to take, I have met a dog walker or two to help me out. I'm going to try and make life as cosy as possible for myself to keep those blues at bay. So happy to read that you have treated yourself to the quilting book, isn't it lovely to have something to look forward to. I bought a big bar of chocolate for my Christmas box a week ago and yes, feeling a little down yesterday, it called to me and I ate it all in one day! 😂 oh dear.
ReplyDeleteMy heart plummets when the House Martins leave. I didn't see the going of the Swallows, but the little family we had in the middle stable (old tack/feed room) was here one moment and gone the next, way back in August now.
DeleteIf you're in Llandod, there are some lovely walks in the woodland around the lake, and in the Rock Spa area too. You can walk from/through there up to the lake, which is all well-marked. You can probably get a little local map in the PO, which will show you the footpaths and bridleways.
Chocolate - oh don't! Last year I bought a box of Quality Street or something for Christmas and they were long gone by Christmas - nibbles here and there!!
You have been busy! Which Kim Diehl book is the one you saw? I can't find a new one. If Ed doesn't come for that bread just send it over here, it looks lovely. Enjoy the weekend. Elaine
ReplyDeleteThe Kim Diehl book I ordered this week turned out to be the one I already had (should have checked) - Simply Harvest - so will go back when it arrives. The other one is her Simple Christmas Tidings which should be arriving tomorrow . . .
DeleteThat is such a tasty loaf (bunged smaller one in the freezer, it just about squeezed in). Half white flour and half the Wessex Cobbler flour. I will get some more today (Sunday) when shopping. Need to check that Folic Acid hasn't been added though - there is a HUGE hoohah about that here now, having been slipped in without any consultation with the general public who have to eat things with extra Folic Acid, and we would rather have the choice . . . Not sure if you are UK or not and whether you have heard about it. It is NOT good for health when it's in all sorts of other things than flour (e.g. ends up in sauces, ready meals and even Heinz soups.
It's good to get outside on these bright Autumn days because the longer nights can feel really oppressive. I hope you have a lovely day out today.
ReplyDeleteYes, it was nice in the sunshine yesterday though VERY cold to start with and a lot of ice on my car windscreen. I had to have the fan running for 15 mins before I left.
DeleteYour bread does look rather good, makes me feel lazy with just chucking stuff in the bread machine.!
ReplyDeleteHope you have/had a lovely day out today and the sun shines to make you feel more upbeat.
Why not raise it to dough, and try it in the oven to give that nice crisp finish? I far prefer that to the wan soft "crust" in the breadmaker.
DeleteThis time of year with days getting shorter is a mood damper isn't it? It must be hard not to be able to help friends but I am sure just contact with you helps. Lots of folk love Autumn but I find it a sad and mood lowering time. The bread looks absolutely delicious, nothing like home made bread, yum. I hope you have a good weekend. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI am a spring person. In fact, from the shortest day onwards I am looking for signs of spring in the countryside, wild flowers etc along the hedgerows. That helps keep me positive. Only 64 days to the shortest day now! HOme made bread is SO much nicer than boughten.
DeleteSorry to hear you've been feeling low...the change in daylight does seem to have that effect on people. I think you have the very best antidote, though...getting out for a dig in the garden. The soil is apparently full of microbes that have a feel-good effect on our brains (I can't quite remember the science, but it's there!). I would dearly love to accompany you on some walks in the wild....I haven't gone out hiking since last year...my daughter has some ongoing health issues that preclude her from joining in and I would feel badly going without her. ~melanie
ReplyDeleteThe gardening did help. I shall do some today too as yesterday's driving (it's Sunday morning now) made my shoulders sore. Yes, the soil is very beneficial to handle. Please go out for the occasional walk, I am sure your daughter would understand that it's necessary for your wellbeing and you can take photos and share with her when you get back.
DeleteI so understand about the autumn blues, I had to force myself out to the garden today but a bit of pushing the mower round did help lift my mood a bit. You do manage to keep active and look after yourself and others so well…….im glad you are having some treats x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
Ah, pushing the mower round is something I can't manage. Keith always used to do it, and I had to take over again when he could no longer do it, but now I get Glynn in to do my grass cutting for me.
DeleteUse it or lose it, that's what they say, and very true.
I'm sorry you are feeling low, its that time of year I think. Wise of you to go out for your walk and garden as its something positive. I always find a good garden/housework job perks me up and gets the blood going. I'm sure your friends appreciate you listening to their woes - I do miss my friend Lizz for a good natter as we'd known each other for so long. Managed to break one of the freezer drawers so Alec has Gorilla Glued it, hopefully it will work as haven't priced a new one. Just back from my flu jab and we have decided to go to the pub for a drink. Take care. Xx
ReplyDeleteGorilla Glue is good stuff and I am sure it will sort your freezer drawer out. At least we are still having sunny days so the light levels help with positivity.
DeleteMy friend in France has the neighbour from Hell - so bad I would want to shoot him if I were her! He keeps trying to poison her cats and dogs, and was successful with her poor rescue dog that she loved so much.
just being there, in person or on (the) line helps.
ReplyDeleteWho was it who wrote that going out in the garden to dig would help..he was right.
My digging is mostly weeding pots these days - culled some of the dieing Cosmos this week and must look out some fresh bulbs to plant. I will wait until pension day and go to the Garden centre where there is more choice.
DeleteI hope just being there helps my friends.