Simply Seasonal....25th of March

 Hello Lovelies,

Oh dear I missed last weeks posting. I did think that may happen, but never mind, I'm back this week with some images from the past seven days.

1 ♥ Melting Snow. Yes we got another visit from "The Beast" last weekend. I was working so it was stressful making the journeys needed on treacherous roads. Thankfully it did not last long and by midweek there was very little evidence  left. My enthusiasm for snowy weather has run out for a while now.

Happily Robin is still going strong despite the icy conditions.



2 ♥ Walking Somewhere New. On Thursday my walking group journeyed to Market Bosworth and  enjoyed an eight mile walk through the surrounding countryside.

Our route even passed through the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field.

There was a heritage centre and lots more to see. Plus the countryside setting  was rather lovely.

Here we crossed The Battlefield Line

This sign made me smile :0)

Before we returned to our starting point via the Ashby canal.

3 ♥ Reading about Walking Somewhere New Oh dear I seem to collect secondhand walking guides at the moment. I just love looking at them for inspiration and daydreaming about ticking off every walk one day.

I know that's highly unlikely to happen, but you never know. How wonderful would it be to say you had explored so much of our beautiful country on foot.

The hand painted maps with little illustrations particularly pleased me in this book. Oh look. It's the walk we just did...well pretty much. I marked that one as done. Just 119 to go then :0)

4 ♥ Simple Baking. My economy version of THIS Tea Loaf is the easiest baking I know.

  I use ordinary tea and "value" mixed fruit :0)

 5 ♥ Exploring On Friday Mum had a lunch in Stamford Lincolnshire. I drove us there and then when for a wander until she was done. Burghley House is right on the doorstep of the pretty town and it's free to wander the parkland, so it was easy to explore a little. I loved the view from the Lion Bridge.

Lunchtime guarded by a lion :0)

 And watched by a wagtail.

 It was so peaceful on the bridge, with only my birdy friend about. When I heard a car I jumped up to see where it was. Oh that looks like a lot of fun.

Another view of the bridge.

 There was an enclosure with lots of Deer. I zoomed in to take these pictures.



It's only looking at them now I have noticed all the birds...Redwings and Fieldfare. These two breeds often seem to hang out together.

After a while I headed back into the town. Ooooh, another lovely bridge.

So many churches and interesting buildings to see.

And a street market. Can't resist the flower stall.

More riverside wandering.

Nearly time to go, just time for some of my homemade Tea Loaf before meeting up with mum.

It was great to explore and on the way home we made a small detour to see a view I had spotted online whilst researching the area. 

The sun even broke through a little to illuminate this gorgeous view in the village of Easton on the Hill. I think it's as nice as any stately home...and nicer than some.

 It's the jumble of rooftops, the church tower backdrop and the lovely warm stone. Sigh......It's my favourite picture of this week.

6 ♥ A colourful WIP. I'm sharing this as an incentive to finally do something with these squares. They are a Log Cabin Granny, inspired by THIS stunning project. I don't think they are bad but they are a bit over the top. By next week I WILL have done something with them....I hope you will hold me to that lovelies.

7 ♥ Sunday Sunshine Every other Sunday morning I walk with a friend. Today I drove us to THIS country park as I wanted to see the blue sky reflections . This is my second favourite picture of the week :0)

I do believe there is a touch of green in the trees :0)

8 ♥ Spring Flowers. The Hyacinths I planted in a pot by the front door are finally beginning to flower. They look extra pretty with my Primula from Stamford market.

Phew, such busy and fun filled week. I feel very lucky to have this balance in my life. There is work and important family stuff....but it does not overwhelm me. I know I am so lucky to have this balance and I certainly don't take it for granted.

Jacquie x

Simply Seasonal....11th of March

Hello Lovelies,

How are you? It's been a lot milder here this week and I have been lucky enough to have a few days off work. So what have I done with my time? Well lots, but here are the prettiest bits :0)

1 ♥ Enjoying Tulips. As I could not find any Daffodils in the local shop this week I treated myself to some Tulips instead. Oh look, grown in Norfolk. They survived the arctic weather.

I chose these as I was intrigued as to how they would look once fully open.

It didn't take long until they were plump and frilly. So pretty.

And thirsty...ooops. This was a sad sight to come down to one morning.

Happily a drink revived them :0)

Their over-the-top-ness has made me smile this weekend.

2 ♥ Feeding the birds. I picked up some pink suet pellets as Robin always goes for them in the seed mix I have.

And as well as feeding him I'm increasingly leaving food for birds on my walks.

A full English Bird Breakfast by the foot bridge :0)

and a Birdy Brunch along the bridleway :0)

I love helping out our feathered friends when their normal food supply may be hard to find.

Though it's looking very springlike in a neighbours garden....Yay. Such a happy sight.

3 ♥ A Derbyshire walk. It was still pretty wintry an hour north of here on Thursday.

But I'm always happy to be in the hills.

We walked from Winster. It's not a place I have visited before. But I would love to return.

There were so many pretty views.

 and we could see that a little further north the snow was even deeper.

4 ♥ Birdsong. Looking at my Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady book I admired her beautiful painting of a Thrush.

We may not have horse drawn ploughs over 100 years later, but I'm happy the birds still survive and follow the same seasonal  cycle. I'm sure their numbers are reduced but given half a chance I'm always hopeful they can thrive.

5 ♥ Batch Baking I defrosted some frozen Raspberries and softened a cooking apple with a little sugar and water.

Then added an oaty crumble topping. I've frozen one and I'm looking forward to some for desert tomorrow.

6 ♥ Purple Crocuses. Give them a little sunlight and these beauties always look stunning in March. The sight of them always remind me of starting my blog as they featured in one of my first ever posts....eight years ago.

Wow. Happy Birthday Little Blog. You are still my happy place :0)

I hope you lovelies have an enjoyable week ahead.

Jacquie x