Tuesday 17 November 2015

Back Again

Hello again! I'm back, feeling a bit more refreshed and healthy after my break. I'm eating less stodge and I've joined a gym! It's been a much-needed pause in which I've found the time to catch up with myself and sort out my priorities. While I was away we had a little holiday in half term which was a real tonic, and some surprisingly mild November days, along with lots of rain. I've watched the riotous colours of autumn reach a peak in October and gradually subside as we move towards winter. Things are looking rather soggy and drab outside now, and the hours of daylight are diminishing noticeably. I found a string of white fairy lights to brighten up the house, and lit candles to bring a bit of twinkliness to the unending grey days. Where has the sunshine gone? It came out for a short time when I was at work last week and I almost fell off my chair with delight. We have to make our own light and warmth at this time of year, and I very much enjoy doing it, cosying up indoors, and taking the opportunity to get outside for a walk when I can.

Here are some of the things I've been up to while I've been away:

Putting up last year's crocheted autumn wreath and some richly-coloured cards and postcards on the wall in my shed. I do love those jewel colours and earthy tones.



Arranging my home-grown honesty in a home-made vase (I am not a natural potter), and making a little autumnal still life with acorns, a lantern and and old wooden bobbin.


Admiring the translucent honesty seed pods which make me want to draw them. 


Saying 'goodbye' to the last of the cherry leaves. The wind two weekends ago saw them all off, leaving the tree bare. It's now easier to see the birds which perch in its branches and come to the feeders.


Finishing reading Simon Armitage's 'Walking Home' which I enjoyed immensely. I was with him every step of the way on his Pennine walk and couldn't help but laugh at his dry sense of humour.


Having bought some liquorice and fennel tea a while ago, making my own with fennel seeds from the garden and liquorice root from the health food shop. Delicious, and surprisingly sweet.


Sweeping up heaps of fallen leaves which gather in drifts around the house and along the paths.


Enjoying the wonderful colours of the squashes and pumpkin on our window-sill,


Then roasting them in the oven in olive oil, salt and pepper. Also delicious.


Stopping off at Salisbury Cathedral for a wander instead of driving past, as we usually do.


Enjoying the tranquility of the cloisters, and appreciating the architecture (as well as a coffee in the lovely cafe).


Waking up to yet another tangerine sunrise. Glorious.


I hope you've been able to fit some fun things into your life lately, and that if you live around these parts you're able to stay toasty and dry out of the high winds, rain and colder temperatures that are heading this way. Batten down the hatches and put the kettle on. The perfect excuse for curling up somewhere cosy and relaxing!

32 comments:

  1. Yes winter is getting closer, we have like ads of cancels here, very cosy.

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    1. Yes, winter is just around the corner now, isn't it? ... brrrr!
      Cathy x

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  2. That's a lovely vase you made, really pretty, especially with the honesty in it. I really like the wall of your shed as well, a nice collection of art. Glad you had a good time away and that you're feeling more energised. Salisbury Cathedral is glorious isn't it. I've been enjoying liquorice in my tea as well, I know what you mean about how sweet it is, it's surprising isn't it. CJ xx

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    1. Thank you! I wasn't too struck on how my vase turned out, but I do like the colour of it. Yes, I agree about the tea. I thought the tea bags from the supermarket were quite expensive and wondered if they had been sweetened in some way, but discovered that the root has its own sweet-tasting chemical. I think I'll try some other flavour combinations with it too x
      Cathy x

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  3. The hatches certainly needed battening down last night; so windy. Hello again - I have really missed your posts; it's lovely to have you back. Some gorgeous photos here - that sunrise is beautiful. I have a bobbin like that from a Lancashire cotton mill that my Dad gave to me and you're far too modest about your potting ability - that vase is fabulous. Are you watching the pottery series on at the moment? It's rather fun and makes me want to have another go. Have a great week. xx

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    1. Thank you! It is good to be back, and to catch up with everyone. Thank you also for your generous compliment on my vase. I made it about 10 years ago at a workshop. It was one of several attempts at ceramics that I've made and I discovered that the things I produced didn't come out at all as I had envisaged them. I have watched a bit of the tv series and am in awe of the things they make. Hope you have a lovely week too x

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  4. Hi Cathy welcome back! I always say you live in a beautiful country! Take care of yourself as you are doing now! Why didn't you open your dry flowers? The best is inside! The silver one I mean. have a nice day! Isabella

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    1. Thank you Isabella, it's lovely to be back! Yes, that's a good idea. Then I can sow some more honesty for the following year. Hope you do too, and that it's not too chilly where you are.
      Cathy x

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  5. Glad you are back, and glad you enjoyed a break and are feeling refreshed x

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    1. Thank you, yes I definitely have my oomph back again!
      Cathy x

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  6. Hello, hello! Glad you're back and that you've had fun being Autumny. Lovely photos. Isn't the font in Salisbury Cathedral amazing, all that water just flowing over the sides with the reflections of the windows in the mirror surface. Karen x

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    1. Thank you! We didn't go very far inside the cathedral, but I've just googled the font and wish we'd seen it closely - amazing! We'll have to make a return visit, I think.
      Cathy x

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  7. Lovely to have you back. My hatches have been battened! The weather here has been awful. I love your autumn themed decorations. You have just reminded me to get out some fairy lights to brighten the days. We all need a bit of sparkle. X

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    1. It's good to be back and, yes, fairy lights are much-needed at this time of year, I think.
      Cathy x

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  8. It's good to see you back and the break has been good for you. I didn't realise you had a lovely blue gate too! I felt the same as you seeing a glimpse of the sun. We have recently had solar panels fitted and since then the sun hasn't made much of an appearance, Sarah x

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    1. Thank you - yes, we do like a bit of blue around here! (I think it goes well with the leaves). I fear it may be a while before we enjoy any sunshine around here.
      Cathy x

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  9. What great times you have been having! So lovely to hear from you. I was thinking about you recently! I love your vase and the honesty, but I love the vase more! That was a beautiful sunset that you captured, it really is tangerine isn't it. Hope that you are having fun! xx

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    1. Thank you, it's lovely to be back again - I missed everyone. Thank you for your kindness on my (slightly wonky) vase, and there have been some cracking sunrises lately, haven't there?
      Cathy x

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  10. It is nice to see you taking good care of yourself. Happy Thursday.
    Amalia
    xo

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  11. Hello Cathy - it's my first visit here as I found you via another blog. You are now Bookmarked! Looking forward to reading more of your posts and I hope you can nip over to my blog, too. (I'm in Cornwall, by the way, so not a million miles away from you.)

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    1. Hello, it's lovely to meet you! I shall definitely drop by and pay you a visit.
      Cathy x

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  12. I like the look of 'walking home' is it an easy read? Beatiful dried arrangements...I love honesty, mine didn't fare so well this year. Have a good weekend keeping cosy. Barbara

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    1. Hi Barbara, thank you for dropping in. Yes, it's the sort of book I kept picking up when I should have been doing something else - I'm hoping to get his next book 'Walking Away' for Christmas.
      Cathy x

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  13. Glad to hear you are feeling better and refreshed! I took up running some month ago and for me it makes a lot of difference.

    Your wreath is a true beauty and looks wonderful handing in the living room!

    Take care
    Anne
    Crochet Between Worlds

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    1. Thank you Anne - I'm glad to hear that you've been able to find time to exercise as well.
      Cathy x

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  14. Nice to see you back, it definitely feels like winter this weekend, time for lamps and candles to cheer the house up. Hx

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    1. It's lovely to be back! Yes, winter is fast approaching now, isn't it?
      Cathy x

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  15. The seasons have definitely turned. Fires and candles to the rescue! I love your autumnal wall in your shed, glad you are back x

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    1. Thank you, yes, I think it won't be long before I'm putting wintry decorations in my shed at the rate we're going!
      Cathy x

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  16. Beautiful autumnal colours! I love your wreath!

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