Meeting at the Park

Hello Lovelies,

on Thursday morning I was pottering at home, doing some baking and general chores, when the phone rang.

It was Hubby, we chatted for a while then he asked if I fancied meeting him at the park which is close to where he is working at the moment, at 11am.

 I started to make an excuse as I had the weekly food shopping to do....I'm not very good at being spontaneous. 

Then I heard myself turning down the chance to sit on the grass in the sunshine and talk while he had his morning coffee break.....Yes of course I'd love to go.

We met as planned and I took him some still warm cake. It was great to chat without any distractions....it's something we don't do enough.

At 11.30 hubby had to go back to work, but I love this park and couldn't resist a little walk before I headed off to the supermarket.

The reflections in the lake were beautiful.............

And the brightly coloured rowing boats looked so jolly............

This hot pink Rhododendron bush stopped me in my tracks..........

Wow..........

half way along the lake there is a group of pine trees...........

 where the squirrels gather, hoping for a treat............

Then it's out into the sunshine again...........

I was happy to see these cute Ducklings with their mother..........

At the far end of the lake there are some stepping stones.........I do love stepping stones.......

 these are very safe, but still fun.

and they give you a great view of this wonderful waterfall.............

I used to live near here about twenty years ago. Back then the park was quite neglected in many parts. The stepping stones were often closed and I don't recall ever seeing the waterfall  working..........it made me so happy to see it restored and looking really wonderful.

Running beside the lake is a lovely little stream with bridges...........

That let you get up close to some more stunning Rhododendrons...............

this one had a beautiful delicate scent too.

Through some bushes I could just spy a gentle game of Croquet............

And on the lake a couple were enjoying a row............

 It all looks so quiet doesn't it. But this is a city park with a busy dual carriageway running behind those trees. And yet that doesn't spoil the relaxed atmosphere. It's just a constant hum that you don't really notice after a while.

Here the path passes some interesting rocks, with a huge Oak tree appearing to grow out of the solid stone...........

This part of the path also used to be closed off. Happily now it's possible to to a complete circuit of the lake as the designer intended.

The whole area looks very natural but a lot of work has gone into clearing overgrown bushes and damaged trees............

and on this sunny May morning it was all looking so fresh and well loved. There were many walkers and runners enjoying these paths.............

I'll leave you with another shot of that waterfall..........because I loved it so............

I was so happy I ceased the moment and made this journey.

Jacquie x