Winter Sunlight

Hello Lovelies,

In winter I can see both the sunrise and the sunset from my south facing bedroom window. Of course the clouds have to get out of the way first :0)

This sight greeted me when I opened the curtains at 8am on Saturday morning..........

 But sadly the sunshine did not last.This morning it was also sunny and I really hoped it would last a little longer than yesterday.

In my kitchen the surprise white Amaryllis is already beginning to fade, though I kind of like the crinkly, papery delicateness of the ageing petals...........

By 10am hubby and I were at the country park, none of the boys could be persuaded to join us. Well I suppose they are of an age when that is to be expected, though it still makes me a little sad.

Ah well, at least it was still sunny. That certainly lifted my mood..........

The low sun glinted off the choppy ripples that the chilly breeze had whipped up........

....and it gave us long shadows . Today, as almost always, I was walking in a dress, with thick tights and plenty of layers. " Do I stand out? " I asked hubby as we passed  loads of ladies in jeans and leggings.
" Yes" was his matter of fact reply. Oh well. I think it's one of the good things about getting older....you don't worry half as much about fitting in with everybody else. I just find dresses so much more comfortable to wear.

I do have a pair of walking trousers that I wear when I go out with the walking group...so I'm obviously not completely relaxed about not fitting in ....yet :0)

I loved the bare tree branches and the shadows they cast across the grass.........

At the moment I seem to hear Robins singing loudly everywhere I go. These solitary little birds are calling out tunefully to each other...........

We did a long circuit of the park, which has lovely, mud free paths..........

Though I did take us on a little detour through the woodland...and some mud. Most of these trees were planted in the early 90's and we can remember when it seemed like such a barren, bleak landscape, with just tiny saplings dotted about. How lovely it is to walk through mature trees and see all the work and planning come to fruition..........

These days it's a very picturesque and popular place. There were certainly plenty of people around today, and even the ice cream man was there. Brrrr, bit too chilly for me as yet.........

My favourite part of the park has to be the lake, with it's abundance if bird life........

 

and lovely reflections...........

The park is very fortunate to have an army of willing volunteers. And in the sunshine this morning it all looked especially well cared for and generally wonderful.........

Back home colourful flowers in my hearth are making me smile........

A thoughtful gift from hubby. He knows how much I love flowers..........

On the challenge front I'm happy to report I managed to walk 20.5 miles this week, just on target thanks to a final mile this afternoon with youngest. I was pleased to get him out in the fresh air....but golly it was cold.

We walked fast.
Jacquie x