The first three months of 2026 have been a busy blur of kids’ parties, family adventures near and far, and some wonderful new book discoveries.

Personal Life:

The winter months have been so wet and dark that we haven’t explored as much as we’d hoped. However, I’ve been walking to work every morning since the start of the year. I find it enjoyable, even in the rain! Skye also loves our 45-minute walk before heading into the office, and I’m so lucky I can bring him with me. We actually have two office dogs now: Skye and Viviane (my colleague’s Cockapoo). Since I work condensed hours, I have Fridays off, so Marcus, Skye, and I have been enjoying short walks around Whitehaven. Over the years, I’ve compiled a list of easy spots to visit with a baby and a dog for when I’m out without Matt to help carry Marcus. I think I’ll have to write a post with my tips for other mums wanting to explore

January – It was quiet, though Marcus stayed busy attending several kids’ birthday parties.

February – I joined friends for afternoon tea at Bassenthwaite Lake Station. The savoury and sweet dishes were delicious, and the atmosphere in the last carriage was lovely, though it felt a bit pricey compared to our visit to the Hetland Hotel in November. At the end of the month, we enjoyed a little weekend away in County Durham to celebrate Matt’s birthday.

March – It marked Marcus’s 3rd birthday—it’s crazy how time flies! We organised a little party at a local playground; he had a wonderful time with his friends, and the chocolate dinosaur cake I made was a huge hit.

Walking:

We did two great walks during the winter months. The first one around Sandscale Haws Nature Reserve and the second one along the shore of Bassenthwaite. I also managed to write about our autumn walk up to Walla Crag.

Travelling:

We spent the first week of January in France, travelling back to the UK around the 7th. It was lovely to see family, visit new places, and, of course, enjoy some great food.

The highlight of these winter months, however, was our little trip to Barnard Castle. We’ve driven through the town so many times on our way elsewhere, but we had never actually stopped. We finally decided to fix that and properly explore. We all liked this town, as well as Richmond and the surrounding area. We’re already planning another trip to see more of the North Pennines National Park.

Blogging:

Books:

I have managed to read several books during these winter months.

Blog discoveries:

Winter months means more indoor time as such I have been catching-up with fellow blogger’s posts. Here a selection of the ones I have particularly enjoyed.

• Suzanne and Pierre enjoyed some holiday in Martinique. Their posts reminded me, our own holiday in this beautiful island and our walk to Mount Pelee.
• I discovered the little village of Staithes with Sharon.
• I enjoyed following Corna and Berto wild camping in Waterval, West Coast, South Africa.
• Jo reminded me about the beauty of Silves town in Portugal.
• Thanks to Steve and Linda, I had a virtual exploration of Cheddar Gorge in England.
• Rosie showed me the challenging Elie Chain walk in Scotland.
• Linda and her family went to visit Quebec City.
• Whilst Marion was in Chefchaouen, Morocco.
• and Aiva gave us her recommendation to see cherry trees in Edinburgh.
• Jim has been walking in the Lake District and up Harter Fell.
• Anabel also enjoyed her visit of Richmond.
• Eunice reminded me how much street arts there are in Manchester.
• And I learnt about Southwell workhouse with Mick.
• Justin tested an app to practice his French
• Finally, I am keeping up to date with French literature by reading Audrey blog.