Countryside and Flowers

Hello Lovelies,

 yesterday the weather forecast was for a bright start, but rain later. A good incentive to get out for an early walk.

As soon as the boys were at school I headed out along the lane. Where I peeped over hedges at the countryside.............

and was rewarded by the happy sighting of a hare, having his morning wash...........

and doing a little sunbathing.............

a little further along I came across some pretty white blossom.............

Delightful............

after about half a mile of roadside walking I was happy to get to this familiar bridleway............

There was no blossom in the neatly trimmed hedges here. And no greenery apart from the Lichen.........

 But as I wandered down this track I let out a huge sigh. A happy sigh, it rather took me surprise.
I'm not sure if it was the peaceful moment away from the traffic , or the fondness for this familiar spot.
Maybe it was the arrival of spring, after  the particularly  cold winter months............

Oh look , there are eggs for sale. I wished I had brought some pennies..........

I passed the back of the hay barn..........

and through the muddy tracks............

Till I got to our little local nature reserve. It's a simple place, with just a sign on the gate telling you that you might spot Brown Hares ( already spotted one of those today) or Kingfishers ( I've NEVER seen one of those and I would LOVE to, but I'm not holding my breath) .........

Here's the nature reserve....it's quite compact and I like the fact that it's over a  mile walk to get here from any direction. That makes it generally quiet, and litter free (hurray)............

There's a bench here to take in the view, but it was cold and damp yesterday, so I didn't linger........

The opposite side of the site is bordered by a brook, so I went to take a look at that.

I was amused to find this simple bridge to the island in the stream.........do you think it looks safe to cross?..............

I decided to risk it, reasoning that the worst that could happen would be a wet foot..........

Happily that didn't happen and I loved the island view..........

Sometimes, after heavy rain,  the water is quiet muddy looking, but yesterday is was crystal clear...........

 and I loved listening to the sound it made as it gently flowed through the valley.

Here I came to a more substantial bridge............

 

and I stood on it, looking down on the reflected sunlight for a while..............

 then it was time to climb another stile..............

Into a large field with views towards home............

Mr Robin was hopping around in this bush........

and a flock of birds swooped and twirled in the blue sky over the horse field.......

Back past the hay barn, where there's still an excellent supply of fodder......

Jacob was enjoying some for his breakfast.............

Nearly home now. I'm walking along familiar streets...........

and passing this favourite garden, which you can gaze at from the pavement........

It's got loads of mini Daffodils and Hellebores in flower.

Close to home my pedometer is beeping at me to tell me I've walked 10000 steps already today....... that's just over 4 miles :0)

As I reach home I search for the shy Hellebores in my own front garden. There are just a few flowers which look rather insignificant....until you gently lift their nodding heads..........

Wow.

My elderly neighbour was out in her front garden and as we chatted I remembered two pots of Snowdrops a friend had kindly given me. I offered her a pot and she was thrilled....bless her.

The other pot I carefully divided and planted by my front door..........

They were looking a bit sad, but hopefully they will survive and come back next spring.

And speaking of Snowdrops I've finally finished that little collage I started a couple of weeks ago, inspired by my drawing..............

A little mouse getting the best view of a snowdrop flower..........

It was fun snipping and sticking....and the finished picture makes me smile.

 
I do hope you lovelies have the chance to get outside and notice the change of season where you are.
Jacquie x