Clicking Away

Hello Lovelies,

I've been busy clicking away with my new camera, getting used to it's whims and ways. I'm generally remembering to pop it in my pocket when I'm out and about locally or further a field.

This was an early morning wander with great light. I do love the angle of the sun at this time of year.

And my zoom came in handy for this shot of a sweet Robin. I think it's will soon be time to start feeding the birds on my walks again.

 Back home I gave our conservatory a tidy up. It's back to looking very similar to when I started my blog as I decided to get rid of the top on my dresser. It's now just a sideboard but I'm ok with that and I like the feeling of space.



It still houses my one remaining crochet Owl .... the rest have been given away as gifts, but never fear it's easy for me to google the instructions to make more HERE:0)

I often like to perch here with my elevenses at this time of year (due to their widely fluctuating temperatures, conservatory enjoyment is limited to spring and autumn, I find).

I like to gaze at the view and sometimes read. I've just discovered I can get books for pence sent straight to my phone....who knew! what clever times we live in :0)

 If you like reading about long distance walks and can't really face reading anything too emotional (is that just me?), I recommend  this amusing book.

It certainly made me want to pack a bag and set off on the South West Coast Path

There's still a tumble drier in the corner of our conservatory but these days it's only used once in a blue moon ( I try and line dry as much as possible, and with two airers  for damp days, it's only when somebody is desperate for a specific item we resort to this). I'm happy that my purse and the environment is benefiting from this. Plus it can now house more plants :0)

Out in the garden my Dahlias and Zinnias are still going strong. It's so nice to pick a posy for indoor enjoyment.

These next three images are from a local Scarecrow festival. It was somewhere the boys loved when they were young, but nowadays it's just hubby and I who venture out to look at the clever and amusing straw creations.

The Clangers

Minions

Paddington Bear

As I head into my mid fifties I'm finding more and more that I relish quiet times and simple seasonal activities. I've never been great under pressure and that seems to be getting worse. Plus it's kind of frightening how terrible my memory is....but that's another subject.
My way of coping  is to try and focus on simple and enjoyable tasks. Blackberrying is perfect (these are now in the freezer to add to crumbles in the winter).

Composting is not so photogenic but does produce wonderful food for the soil and avoids food waste going to landfill where it produces harmful gasses. All this went in....including the egg box. The dark bits are tea leaves.

I'm not taking credit for this great shot. I came home from work and found this on my camera, taken by middle son.

The weather last week was mostly outstanding and I was fortunate enough to have some days off to enjoy it. These images are from a group walk. It's almost five years since I joined my walking group and I'm always glad I did. I've made lots of friends and walked in safety over hundreds of miles of footpaths.

and through tons of pretty villages.

The day after that walk I went out with mum. We headed to Shardlow, a hive of activity where two major rivers meet a working canal.  It was hot and sunny again, so while mum sat in the shade and sketched I headed off to explore the canal.

This is the Heritage centre which was manned by a very enthusiastic volunteer.

I loved the mock up of the living quarters. Families who lived and worked on the canals in their hey day  had it survive in a small portion of their boat, while the rest carried cargo.

It all looks so cosy and cute.

But I'm sure it was a tough life for a whole family in this small space.

There was so much to look at outside too, with boats going through the locks.

and pretty waterside cottages.

So many boats.

And more being built.

Not a quiet job, but great to get a glimpse at this skilled craft. My lovely late Dad was actually making a narrow-boat hull when he became ill and passed away suddenly back in the late 80's. He was a great engineer and would have loved a nosy around this boat builders I'm sure.

I do like walking beside water.

Here I had reached the might river Trent and crossed this impressive footbridge. Thank you Mr Swan, for posing so beautifully and echoing the arch of the bridge with you body :0)

And finally, here's mum's sweet painting, done from sketches made that day.

Back soon, no doubt  with loads more pictures..... and a few rambling words.

Jacquie x