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......4th of February

Hello Lovelies,

 February already? I didn't find January a slow month and I'm still ok with winter at the moment. How about you?

I do have a feeling I wrote a very similar comment this time last year...then quickly got fed up with the cold and and mud and started wishing February away. 

Spring is my favourite season, but I know once it is here it will seem to be gone in a flash, so I'm trying not to hurry the year along.

Besides, there are signs of spring and it's only the 5th week of the year. How lucky are we. Here are my simply seasonal moments from the past seven days.

1 ♥ New growth. My tulips look like they are going to be good again this spring. I planted these in late 2016 and the were fab last spring, but I'm not sure they will keep being so good. Time will tell.

2 ♥ Indoor Flowers. While you are waiting for the garden to burst back into life it's so cheering to enjoy spring's beauty indoors. A £1 bunch of Daffodils and a 50p primula give me so much pleasure for so little.

3 ♥ A midweek walk. The day was gloomy to begin with on Wednesday. I pottered in the kitchen preparing the evening meal and thought about skipping walking. Eventually I decided a walk at the country park would be ok in the gloom. At least there is no mud :0)

There were big puddles, but look, blue sky too

I loved the way the sun illuminated these reeds. They danced and sparkled in the cold wind.

Yay, the colours of winter are beautiful with added sunshine.

I walked up this steep hill (well it is steep for around here) and turned around to admire the view...I'm always looking for hills, have you noticed :0)

Happy with my 4 mile walk I headed back to the car park. This was my last shot of the outing...and the best I thought. How often does that happen. Lots in my case it seems.

4 ♥ A thrifty meal prepared in advance. Here's what I had made on Wednesday morning. Potato, leek and Bacon bake. The recipe is HERE. I added a few sad looking mushrooms to mine. It was very easy to make, refrigerate, then cook in the evening.... and thankfully it was a hit.

5 ♥ A sunny group walk. Though gosh the wind was cold. I had a hat, scarf and neck warmer on to keep that chill out. Nevertheless I was glad I went. There were pretty views along the canal.

 and Friendly locals.

and Snowdrops :0)

6 ♥ Virtual Walking. I'm not a big telly watcher these days but I do enjoy some factual programmes.
  I really enjoyed ITV's programme highlighting Britain's favourite walks. In the U.K. you can still watch it on catch up. It was interesting for anybody who likes hearing inspiring stories and looking at beautiful scenery.
 Ordnance survey maps have listed all the walks HERE if you would like to see them. I do hope I can walk a few of those which are new to me someday.

I'm now in my 4th year of doing the challenge to walk 1000 miles over the course of the year and this year I have joined Ilona's virtual walking group HERE. You check in on the first of each month with your mileage....it's another way to keep myself motivated.


7 ♥ New Yarn. I received a small Sylecraft delivery through the post this week (My LYS does not sell it, sadly)  Turquoise, cloud blue and Duck Egg for my Giant Granny square blanket...plus White and Stone to replenish my stocks. I do love these colours together.

 We are forecast another cold week ahead so I'm happy that this blanket is getting big enough to snuggle under as I work.

Stay cosy if you are in the northern hemisphere lovelies.
Chat next week ♥
Jacquie x