tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82474445151354848802024-03-17T23:15:27.139+00:00Bunny MummyJacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.comBlogger970125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-81892200522871811752024-03-04T23:29:00.004+00:002024-03-05T07:22:09.338+00:00Welcome March ....and a new challenge <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hello Lovelies, it was such a treat to head out on a walk today. Cold sunny days are my favourite walking weather.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvjtwqLK-KiGNfDNupWgHmlg8-gu_5EcJZ0tEuqrruXSV_IV9ecFOchnMVBA2hOEOdrcY8NULoysr1AWn2cHd4BhC07NrDDq9vwrUf6ETbPkK7W5rXaPchheIc7baimvpBPZuz21uv9VXB5V7B3soyfsppyNcPjemMYr6CnFwHV_N_9xbSLHI8QK36ssv/s4000/20240304_080325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGvjtwqLK-KiGNfDNupWgHmlg8-gu_5EcJZ0tEuqrruXSV_IV9ecFOchnMVBA2hOEOdrcY8NULoysr1AWn2cHd4BhC07NrDDq9vwrUf6ETbPkK7W5rXaPchheIc7baimvpBPZuz21uv9VXB5V7B3soyfsppyNcPjemMYr6CnFwHV_N_9xbSLHI8QK36ssv/w360-h640/20240304_080325.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ooops, a photo bomber in my low angle shot π€£<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEYIO_T98iEk4uV72QE22FTtSRI9LuWSIhNaNyQuTzl-bYD40eY7ZyNicjUdzzaeW3F0_JSeobeG1lTkFRlhuLau4AR2JWYooVtD1YmESTsxJ7J7ZekkMq8dRCjWgdED3Tctxp0urBb-GLJpShfOCzfi11wbjCbcLxTUVYQhBJqVxaKqpZ-GQOypDbnSh/s4000/20240304_080723.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAEYIO_T98iEk4uV72QE22FTtSRI9LuWSIhNaNyQuTzl-bYD40eY7ZyNicjUdzzaeW3F0_JSeobeG1lTkFRlhuLau4AR2JWYooVtD1YmESTsxJ7J7ZekkMq8dRCjWgdED3Tctxp0urBb-GLJpShfOCzfi11wbjCbcLxTUVYQhBJqVxaKqpZ-GQOypDbnSh/w360-h640/20240304_080723.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>That's better, frosty grass and sunshine through the trees. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIsQaPR-2N31amvAmMvrgZf5RL9qMRaggwTGq8t8v44zBC9AR-5WDOGDM28D8lpdVeALYp_7b9GosNrWFfbhBWmUIWGD9rrYZ1JJhjknIOuTo3jXfI5fJz9UJhZ_wigJVViWoixjMONete0doUfigJEV_FstFadSeDXQKRc0WYfux2hGJb4UXn7EfIQT0/s4000/20240304_080734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXIsQaPR-2N31amvAmMvrgZf5RL9qMRaggwTGq8t8v44zBC9AR-5WDOGDM28D8lpdVeALYp_7b9GosNrWFfbhBWmUIWGD9rrYZ1JJhjknIOuTo3jXfI5fJz9UJhZ_wigJVViWoixjMONete0doUfigJEV_FstFadSeDXQKRc0WYfux2hGJb4UXn7EfIQT0/w360-h640/20240304_080734.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In the woods the ground was still rather boggy! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKOLiKt9SEjxJnKAA2DzMtyhACjmy7tKSzv8pWnktXKTr519iRGs0BWiF-q-k7miMPLXejH_-dTLTv_llzMR19Fomr4tUX9a24bjMlM-vPSR79V57-2bXNcc2d1NJ7HCUq0F3LeFqdspYxYWvVzqdN33d9Id_nFchHy0qKngG1R_6ROmrY9DOqJOO4AlW/s4000/20240304_082334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKOLiKt9SEjxJnKAA2DzMtyhACjmy7tKSzv8pWnktXKTr519iRGs0BWiF-q-k7miMPLXejH_-dTLTv_llzMR19Fomr4tUX9a24bjMlM-vPSR79V57-2bXNcc2d1NJ7HCUq0F3LeFqdspYxYWvVzqdN33d9Id_nFchHy0qKngG1R_6ROmrY9DOqJOO4AlW/w360-h640/20240304_082334.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Wellies remain the safest footwear option.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FZhk6_hPFs-ebv0A36Tzj09nraxER5lvNSDosaQNJebVnOganqLnPIqRc6hl3l9A329Cb6ln0PkEuvDTJsuLbbhkCwo3H33DM6KZsl684o4IBc2iBdraTEEzD7UBszjTcXkDa1fILTADFkhePfQ1PVdeg1NEtHCiwwh6BQpgQDQaVPifKyaoFe30E7n8/s2636/20240304_082342.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2636" data-original-width="1483" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3FZhk6_hPFs-ebv0A36Tzj09nraxER5lvNSDosaQNJebVnOganqLnPIqRc6hl3l9A329Cb6ln0PkEuvDTJsuLbbhkCwo3H33DM6KZsl684o4IBc2iBdraTEEzD7UBszjTcXkDa1fILTADFkhePfQ1PVdeg1NEtHCiwwh6BQpgQDQaVPifKyaoFe30E7n8/w360-h640/20240304_082342.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thankfully, most of the route was fine.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxsh0I2gtEhvOVD7Dao0RxocltOn29arX9sI0vUdYpQfcHaGCYIM7D6wlCh2KVtZIU5QLd-sEj-I6XC1TGZVDG2lV1OYi7_6HiQpAmuQ7wovJgo05fmrAfhZ4I0BEceTbn1FO-uMlPHx_QZFAvQ4k8HZTVU_RIsdZBigN-_C0-HyS6_DFP7Y4B2ZLTN7v/s4000/20240304_082835.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxsh0I2gtEhvOVD7Dao0RxocltOn29arX9sI0vUdYpQfcHaGCYIM7D6wlCh2KVtZIU5QLd-sEj-I6XC1TGZVDG2lV1OYi7_6HiQpAmuQ7wovJgo05fmrAfhZ4I0BEceTbn1FO-uMlPHx_QZFAvQ4k8HZTVU_RIsdZBigN-_C0-HyS6_DFP7Y4B2ZLTN7v/w360-h640/20240304_082835.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Lando is such a good boy, never straying too far and regularly checking where I am.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvzrSJKCKkTOWaC27ksx4djmEHBt4LdKJm1L_v4AV9xo2yuGEj7pZlyvBjpIK9znxWvuE2x0InF4Bv3CO58rOSPUXwhQuVhJnZ__j5n-sXffdZ1RDHHP1BJyl4Otbp_ISqU5ATUtMMmYCS_FQ124ymyNH1vAX2f447dhaH4zC8StIT_wV5sCL895vJYfr/s4000/20240304_083239.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQvzrSJKCKkTOWaC27ksx4djmEHBt4LdKJm1L_v4AV9xo2yuGEj7pZlyvBjpIK9znxWvuE2x0InF4Bv3CO58rOSPUXwhQuVhJnZ__j5n-sXffdZ1RDHHP1BJyl4Otbp_ISqU5ATUtMMmYCS_FQ124ymyNH1vAX2f447dhaH4zC8StIT_wV5sCL895vJYfr/w360-h640/20240304_083239.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The daffodils are all opening beautifully at the moment. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHTTpu6g5HIwNAV0aC2fbZdevQqUyckcQXR-MFNcV2YBiz8wvhmlbZMdeDpG1dKH2pujNxb_od2W8xK2fxFaVxqRJdlza4LNdOySjswM8xUwsFOnWmRETaCJZLVwNLW7vglteMW3VGVOGqDheLSv6P28U-pjHn7uhJV2vPLCuuAUaby33EC8QINfkr5B-/s4000/20240304_083300.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisHTTpu6g5HIwNAV0aC2fbZdevQqUyckcQXR-MFNcV2YBiz8wvhmlbZMdeDpG1dKH2pujNxb_od2W8xK2fxFaVxqRJdlza4LNdOySjswM8xUwsFOnWmRETaCJZLVwNLW7vglteMW3VGVOGqDheLSv6P28U-pjHn7uhJV2vPLCuuAUaby33EC8QINfkr5B-/w360-h640/20240304_083300.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>and the trees are still bare. I do love their winter silhouettes. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGgTxSi_J2-0e3bxxSJQaMoMppz3q16e6dOi7P5ztxlcN2sUOSjbiFDBC49uVsresUizmCz-xYe_jDWNnY8EJ7UN6Hqu3S7ngLAWYtREu5eExEfRzScdj6n7AyN03M2R1jfgM1fNgv6N6PhyphenhyphenchAno0epfKeagwZS_DA3k723UU1Z80IQwgcgrAXlU2jvp/s4000/20240304_083748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWGgTxSi_J2-0e3bxxSJQaMoMppz3q16e6dOi7P5ztxlcN2sUOSjbiFDBC49uVsresUizmCz-xYe_jDWNnY8EJ7UN6Hqu3S7ngLAWYtREu5eExEfRzScdj6n7AyN03M2R1jfgM1fNgv6N6PhyphenhyphenchAno0epfKeagwZS_DA3k723UU1Z80IQwgcgrAXlU2jvp/w360-h640/20240304_083748.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>But blossom is always welcome ππ. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhlIFLj2sv3ZO3R-2B9OpolnKa9qowcnS0mQaH59PhuMF_3BcQmHljwOfqxqH_sPmgdAwEYMt_KveqJQU8G-9dKPqObqVdUmX4VpOu5E_UsYejm85_oa3P5BjPTZa1DDYwF-XWzvo7VTOq4RQ3YS7faf4OEtxus8u4HxzY-bdpcxhdIB0b1eDqgMy1R5n/s4000/20240304_084138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhlIFLj2sv3ZO3R-2B9OpolnKa9qowcnS0mQaH59PhuMF_3BcQmHljwOfqxqH_sPmgdAwEYMt_KveqJQU8G-9dKPqObqVdUmX4VpOu5E_UsYejm85_oa3P5BjPTZa1DDYwF-XWzvo7VTOq4RQ3YS7faf4OEtxus8u4HxzY-bdpcxhdIB0b1eDqgMy1R5n/w360-h640/20240304_084138.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was such a glorious morning that we kept on walking. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk6IcOSRLkc-xtAiKJaoXt_LCAd7r8Kv4JPLYX6LSeZdYrmepJ5kLhF1T93hkvJwDtD-qrPY4biUeI2kpEpdvQSlw4bCNnuWx3BmItPu40AJyF6ZGE4bPvMuMyyQxo3vm58qPTHg1gZvgXb1PxxKw9h7-2MN5xDSbIBJnYhjkUfZ_UCnGE1Bh6cSpBQxD/s4000/20240304_084458.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUk6IcOSRLkc-xtAiKJaoXt_LCAd7r8Kv4JPLYX6LSeZdYrmepJ5kLhF1T93hkvJwDtD-qrPY4biUeI2kpEpdvQSlw4bCNnuWx3BmItPu40AJyF6ZGE4bPvMuMyyQxo3vm58qPTHg1gZvgXb1PxxKw9h7-2MN5xDSbIBJnYhjkUfZ_UCnGE1Bh6cSpBQxD/w360-h640/20240304_084458.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ahh, how wonderful to see all the fresh green leaves of the wild garlic after the long winter months.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3lAzq3C0J74IjGkSgl13dxJypvtIIFUg6ccFbEqSCwuXOU-NgRZXxiKwaU_EpnAeP-sjzARbLLekZtXDTZ62s5KjQ3Vk5UcjBTOLvWXuyMsbzPUuPO1TBh7jG2YCI446044aXwDINVN2qKAL5AAn2lwUtW5tDmt3ymR6iqbN4OIgmeFKxInecq0TM4N5/s4000/20240304_084858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv3lAzq3C0J74IjGkSgl13dxJypvtIIFUg6ccFbEqSCwuXOU-NgRZXxiKwaU_EpnAeP-sjzARbLLekZtXDTZ62s5KjQ3Vk5UcjBTOLvWXuyMsbzPUuPO1TBh7jG2YCI446044aXwDINVN2qKAL5AAn2lwUtW5tDmt3ymR6iqbN4OIgmeFKxInecq0TM4N5/w360-h640/20240304_084858.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The hawthorns in the hedgerows are bursting into life too.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59oDEigYPjfc5WsKQCacCVO0urntt1HdiEfTO7MldiaJRPHO5Ifo-mfvKNux-hNlFkfUY0HAgaL_p2Ihyphenhyphen1Db7rjgn8zOLDd2_w4nNQqiMjujxnOKgXLfMmiHpQ9r_Ox6LsSG8X-2mCjvIzzFR35yGzYKJSfDkz21L2pI8w0DZq2iMj26_QA2N6tIljS6Y/s4000/20240304_085604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj59oDEigYPjfc5WsKQCacCVO0urntt1HdiEfTO7MldiaJRPHO5Ifo-mfvKNux-hNlFkfUY0HAgaL_p2Ihyphenhyphen1Db7rjgn8zOLDd2_w4nNQqiMjujxnOKgXLfMmiHpQ9r_Ox6LsSG8X-2mCjvIzzFR35yGzYKJSfDkz21L2pI8w0DZq2iMj26_QA2N6tIljS6Y/w360-h640/20240304_085604.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here we added on another mile or so by walking through the vineyard.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1HZzLnK8r7TzSPhfK0N4_y3cqSX1BAwQiev09Db9ZVR5V7XIdbzPQnrGYMJ2ODsthsrvJyhZOw5aEIOVuCNH0qWCwMhxcBI3FZsJkyAQq2Lpxb9Dbfp5FxiBi2pGI4WNceQGWHNZdtNZ6XRUCH6znOHtWf9Wnl1Nte_kSJb3wZDB3Uqmz-y_4_eShSQH/s4000/20240304_090623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ1HZzLnK8r7TzSPhfK0N4_y3cqSX1BAwQiev09Db9ZVR5V7XIdbzPQnrGYMJ2ODsthsrvJyhZOw5aEIOVuCNH0qWCwMhxcBI3FZsJkyAQq2Lpxb9Dbfp5FxiBi2pGI4WNceQGWHNZdtNZ6XRUCH6znOHtWf9Wnl1Nte_kSJb3wZDB3Uqmz-y_4_eShSQH/w360-h640/20240304_090623.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was a very special walk. We did 10,000 steps before 10am. I love days when this happens!! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRea4Igp7L8JjqZZk45u2zsFn1eGSGW9d5GrjdM8nb3micsezCcuSUSUx7jQXKIjiiLAO5_Yb80jW6T9gwcduiM2ktr3S8mLo9ejVgZLa1Eq_Ky8XBzBULcXUBjTyQWt9eqe3CiyzOWLyDMVeNlAVqgRHd8tasJxiNMSbpYwlInNAFOUUxVJrkR8Lk5UB/s4000/20240304_091803.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBRea4Igp7L8JjqZZk45u2zsFn1eGSGW9d5GrjdM8nb3micsezCcuSUSUx7jQXKIjiiLAO5_Yb80jW6T9gwcduiM2ktr3S8mLo9ejVgZLa1Eq_Ky8XBzBULcXUBjTyQWt9eqe3CiyzOWLyDMVeNlAVqgRHd8tasJxiNMSbpYwlInNAFOUUxVJrkR8Lk5UB/w360-h640/20240304_091803.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's 4 weeks exactly since I challenged myself to walk 10,000 steps a day for a week. My walks had become rather short and I was feeling a bit bleurgh.</div><div><br /></div><div>So far I haven't missed a day. I week has turned into a month. I feel so much better for it. </div><div>Sometimes it meant going out quite late, or marching around the house to add on the last couple of hundred stepsπ. </div><div> Surely, if I can manage it through a very wet February, it shouldn't be too hard to keep going. I just need to stay motivated </div><div><br /></div><div>Some of you will know that for years I enjoyed challenging myself to walk 1000 outdoor miles a year. </div><div>Going forward I'd like to keep hitting 10,000 steps a day ( recorded on my phone app), illness or major incident permitting.</div><div> I'm currently thinking I'd relax this in December and January as the days are so very short. </div><div>Obviously that's a long way off. Right now I'm just pleased to feel enthusiastic to try a new challenge and I'm putting it down in writing so you can all hold me accountable π.</div><div>Walking is so good for my mental and physical health. </div><div> </div><div>It goes without saying , it's good for this doggy too π₯°πβπ¦ΊπΆββοΈ<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvwC3fSDHigoJRXST5-4Nd80lticJcGJ6ap9lOTCYsHSgbtUkjxopeVoDnDfh-cY4kiF-zLltQZaBQzB-0QmK8XB4dO0Yqj3BBEqWlZk_GaTztUEk1X9DY2TBAcsLmmvs80Not2FsJcvIpev3GolCE1X-AE9yqZYpYnBBMCDNZpCvE3Z_N1xdNnpNC4rX/s4000/20240304_123756.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivvwC3fSDHigoJRXST5-4Nd80lticJcGJ6ap9lOTCYsHSgbtUkjxopeVoDnDfh-cY4kiF-zLltQZaBQzB-0QmK8XB4dO0Yqj3BBEqWlZk_GaTztUEk1X9DY2TBAcsLmmvs80Not2FsJcvIpev3GolCE1X-AE9yqZYpYnBBMCDNZpCvE3Z_N1xdNnpNC4rX/w360-h640/20240304_123756.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Right, I better get to sleep, another day's walking beckons.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I do hope you are getting the chance to head outdoors and enjoy the change of season too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Jacquie x</div><p></p></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-80747186000037255172024-02-23T22:26:00.000+00:002024-02-23T22:26:26.570+00:00A letter from my life ::2<p> Hello Lovelies, </p><p> I hope this letter finds you well. Here in the U.K we have had another super wet week. When the sun does come out there's still plenty of evidence of the deluges we have been subjected to. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi348OGM_D6V6S8c91ApA1M3n9DF0868ndQzi8M8BIv_Hj3lT1u9OPvJ4Jt1UI0_qUVktSC4dZZgPkK0z582UODJvunpqXtDEElMQWLjpW4lJuPnDJ8_iBz0fZOhGuOcEQlarGYzx5BPYS2WfryVJRBnnlzb71Ew4RVI4EKHZsFEJ-sKtzIgc-IGXw3cpfZ/s4000/20240219_094613.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi348OGM_D6V6S8c91ApA1M3n9DF0868ndQzi8M8BIv_Hj3lT1u9OPvJ4Jt1UI0_qUVktSC4dZZgPkK0z582UODJvunpqXtDEElMQWLjpW4lJuPnDJ8_iBz0fZOhGuOcEQlarGYzx5BPYS2WfryVJRBnnlzb71Ew4RVI4EKHZsFEJ-sKtzIgc-IGXw3cpfZ/w480-h640/20240219_094613.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm so so grateful for comfortable wellies as I quite like stomping through puddles, Peppa pig style π. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc78I5qMIFe_z5VWK4lyjaTqiPJMQOHDm-Lynt46gz9VJHGt3jw_brmUkCRhxAJTZzx3u6C7S5qNI72omAKX7eGtVttBaG4uADkKoZKL1LsT0xg-KoD7GVkZxoAAE01weIGhw08wnnO1cSgVQwbjjZdnASS6s-780eOFUxNgNPueXRDUMJRkQqRv4pZRKd/s4000/20240219_094637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc78I5qMIFe_z5VWK4lyjaTqiPJMQOHDm-Lynt46gz9VJHGt3jw_brmUkCRhxAJTZzx3u6C7S5qNI72omAKX7eGtVttBaG4uADkKoZKL1LsT0xg-KoD7GVkZxoAAE01weIGhw08wnnO1cSgVQwbjjZdnASS6s-780eOFUxNgNPueXRDUMJRkQqRv4pZRKd/w480-h640/20240219_094637.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here, Lando and I passed a newly planted orchard. The varieties are all old fashioned cider apples π. What a lovely venture. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0tdHIv4K9jy122BBVF-JgMyoKjx90RCPEtHENFfA8lK1ZrrBCm_bCQPr0-S3XKnDwCceNVJbCQYl2Rit_J4bPr3fmKc7p-OwMCKivTpwHaeQWC85rkjVdhfOa-wSjEjdF-TXaNL23tpI-FErLeSHpnJJjGNUIJPV4od3XvyRtG11qEIOkh1xNZUuPpU-/s4000/20240219_094935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0tdHIv4K9jy122BBVF-JgMyoKjx90RCPEtHENFfA8lK1ZrrBCm_bCQPr0-S3XKnDwCceNVJbCQYl2Rit_J4bPr3fmKc7p-OwMCKivTpwHaeQWC85rkjVdhfOa-wSjEjdF-TXaNL23tpI-FErLeSHpnJJjGNUIJPV4od3XvyRtG11qEIOkh1xNZUuPpU-/w480-h640/20240219_094935.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's been mild and on the dry days I have been happy to dry some washing on the line. With 5 of us still living here, and no tumble dryer, airers are currently a permanent fixture in our dining room. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMN4CEQDxlhKA3HSX3LwFDJ9kwrXZ4h0BatiBMpPcWJTXYNzGMaXV5w0NC1xdmnRbUv-bh0KHM-ytxQiaFGvcqFH82jmlisuCYa76LBEdt29K8cmadiOiiX5ne7hU4ILpSyp9dS9BuPAuRC4cPvBpSkp2WFyekHGOOdhpjs_FobNn-APFFbzbEfzZGuYq/s8000/20240219_102219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsMN4CEQDxlhKA3HSX3LwFDJ9kwrXZ4h0BatiBMpPcWJTXYNzGMaXV5w0NC1xdmnRbUv-bh0KHM-ytxQiaFGvcqFH82jmlisuCYa76LBEdt29K8cmadiOiiX5ne7hU4ILpSyp9dS9BuPAuRC4cPvBpSkp2WFyekHGOOdhpjs_FobNn-APFFbzbEfzZGuYq/w480-h640/20240219_102219.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I took advantage of a dry, sunny day off on Monday to visit a local snowdrop garden. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqL-oiHtWF-KixTW_gNyxtHAWyqdQbykk_B-pFAjULlm28NmwRdDXDQkexfxQfeDqif6qF6VX7ixAkayKemqdis2r1sADIkJB_B30cPeY-pDp55uJ_PIf6pOhqlIjC3AsFGJ8Eg2hvB3QBcmIizJh8DZyEVpoUG77zY6u0ez0D5i_DVHxIWcwkyP0Y_cn/s4000/20240219_131742.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqL-oiHtWF-KixTW_gNyxtHAWyqdQbykk_B-pFAjULlm28NmwRdDXDQkexfxQfeDqif6qF6VX7ixAkayKemqdis2r1sADIkJB_B30cPeY-pDp55uJ_PIf6pOhqlIjC3AsFGJ8Eg2hvB3QBcmIizJh8DZyEVpoUG77zY6u0ez0D5i_DVHxIWcwkyP0Y_cn/w360-h640/20240219_131742.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I first visited here in 2012 and wrote a blog post about it <a href="https://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.com/2012/02/snowdrop-sunday.html" target="_blank">HERE.</a> </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwB9spRZ1qzMFs-hqCr5RDbQ539atE7byZ_4CJxrHWTuDFSwV2hLoQflNGrf2P0eOpqHj6VdohBXdu6SsfWdbjkIJS0H9C7aAvU2DN9gDvoRbi9C1jH-2HkwLa40ue4tzRsXMGSTXVS8zdGaHQRWgbEaeBh7mkz73LWLuNHuxC17zK1aiWbd4z_C49WlJb/s4000/20240219_132012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwB9spRZ1qzMFs-hqCr5RDbQ539atE7byZ_4CJxrHWTuDFSwV2hLoQflNGrf2P0eOpqHj6VdohBXdu6SsfWdbjkIJS0H9C7aAvU2DN9gDvoRbi9C1jH-2HkwLa40ue4tzRsXMGSTXVS8zdGaHQRWgbEaeBh7mkz73LWLuNHuxC17zK1aiWbd4z_C49WlJb/w360-h640/20240219_132012.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This time I was alone (I left mum sketching in the car).</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYLz_RXR-WANAxS7vxWg3eP1Uku_ZNl7ANIP2m4eFL3Oimx7SIjz3gafC0hShyULW0xRsGEeU4P90g1z9JyjNpflQlxO_mgQ74gshOINRWjTNSx6XdGRJe_uyjiCbpnmhyphenhyphendhj0A_EoFTKGU4OFa_N3c6zTIU9pcueMzYiCKVMlhhQyutD54dcKOVELK0f/s4000/20240219_132645.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheYLz_RXR-WANAxS7vxWg3eP1Uku_ZNl7ANIP2m4eFL3Oimx7SIjz3gafC0hShyULW0xRsGEeU4P90g1z9JyjNpflQlxO_mgQ74gshOINRWjTNSx6XdGRJe_uyjiCbpnmhyphenhyphendhj0A_EoFTKGU4OFa_N3c6zTIU9pcueMzYiCKVMlhhQyutD54dcKOVELK0f/w360-h640/20240219_132645.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was unsurprisingly wet underfoot ( thankfully I wore my wellies again) </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7Z38wuvOf6MjeKDpgfZsg6aFyNS_9_rzhD8h2FVpbSIIVkzBsyDVtiNNPSo1BatWmjEMko6yvKgp9iVmSRlCh3HAL8xgx81FdAUNm0Uug8y_i1CXHUShwsmwcoDUiuGj_IF8QYvqqLOYZaJ33zoWnfVN1fjYMnbhtuTQPC0oujKYKxfHSfU9Io17N_2G/s4000/20240219_133056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig7Z38wuvOf6MjeKDpgfZsg6aFyNS_9_rzhD8h2FVpbSIIVkzBsyDVtiNNPSo1BatWmjEMko6yvKgp9iVmSRlCh3HAL8xgx81FdAUNm0Uug8y_i1CXHUShwsmwcoDUiuGj_IF8QYvqqLOYZaJ33zoWnfVN1fjYMnbhtuTQPC0oujKYKxfHSfU9Io17N_2G/w360-h640/20240219_133056.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And even though this visit was earlier in the month than my 2012 visit, lots of snowdrops were already past their best. Thankfully not all.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SRPP2TmxHOXzwM0RFE3jq665CwaAb-530U6GUT_HftXUva-oYZfVpfQ3wo754E-sZGFe5Mg0jGDrp88vIomMHFEX8ooS_tFGYJssY-qyvdXkVM4KfpM72H1Pv7TwQeLO3m3ZNNNsEIWvXhhVt_QEeVKjzFfymhhd9EaR5AVn-qVi6JqJCjI0K8f6XFsb/s4000/20240219_133923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_SRPP2TmxHOXzwM0RFE3jq665CwaAb-530U6GUT_HftXUva-oYZfVpfQ3wo754E-sZGFe5Mg0jGDrp88vIomMHFEX8ooS_tFGYJssY-qyvdXkVM4KfpM72H1Pv7TwQeLO3m3ZNNNsEIWvXhhVt_QEeVKjzFfymhhd9EaR5AVn-qVi6JqJCjI0K8f6XFsb/w360-h640/20240219_133923.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The old buildings are a great backdrop and some plants were stunning but I'd say it felt as though this historic country house is surviving rather than thriving π.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDGLBtVCMS7ADiUCFo1qN3dXNwjf4SpsSZKjazyAKeZ0wn4pMrL4x_tdvasa5GBlajzFjSyxAjq2OraFq-55_XzQBcH2tCWfiWqw8bKjVeXTCRMOwxCI4KgKduzcA1HdR3hfUkbeN19lEc95MijiCIY-m7YA_Zr0QF5LomTBwVAW6pjjvoeIwKSeF9-k4/s8000/20240219_131237.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDGLBtVCMS7ADiUCFo1qN3dXNwjf4SpsSZKjazyAKeZ0wn4pMrL4x_tdvasa5GBlajzFjSyxAjq2OraFq-55_XzQBcH2tCWfiWqw8bKjVeXTCRMOwxCI4KgKduzcA1HdR3hfUkbeN19lEc95MijiCIY-m7YA_Zr0QF5LomTBwVAW6pjjvoeIwKSeF9-k4/w480-h640/20240219_131237.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5juRQLrX4aJEdbkOnMDZxX_TKX9RzbyZkQ3Yn0Bpf7H_ZNM6vG2nMKaQz4EtXH8v2TOu6GSI0mh3WWkC02CczGRESKI3ZIMAB07l-Dsqx6AQzReah8HHMp00XrJ1Z9Nj5ztNbtNqQORXFWFR-ash1L-SDSMcjH7SV47zmfx_8rnSnwNayO5CfG8Ux7nYB/s8000/20240219_131259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="8000" data-original-width="6000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5juRQLrX4aJEdbkOnMDZxX_TKX9RzbyZkQ3Yn0Bpf7H_ZNM6vG2nMKaQz4EtXH8v2TOu6GSI0mh3WWkC02CczGRESKI3ZIMAB07l-Dsqx6AQzReah8HHMp00XrJ1Z9Nj5ztNbtNqQORXFWFR-ash1L-SDSMcjH7SV47zmfx_8rnSnwNayO5CfG8Ux7nYB/w480-h640/20240219_131259.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In other news, I know this sort of letter needs no stamp, but mum and I had unearthed quite a collection of old stamps during our recent decluttering, so I was very happy to find a donation box in a local post officeπ¦ π₯°.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkIP5dz7eS_oEAi26YfM9_munvIyIfWzk0jkt4aFSD89sNJ2T4QIsRzMFEq4tkDEVbp9wX8HCMAVEMRIctrXdU7vX-nwL9zHmNvRmaJxGOTsL-ND29FEWLZai6lqwJm1B60fR3aVEzSv1TKqDHGmgYqLDol-Qkr_5UxhVTEB1_ID1jtM3vQe0LXbpcZcJ/s4000/20240220_135448.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkIP5dz7eS_oEAi26YfM9_munvIyIfWzk0jkt4aFSD89sNJ2T4QIsRzMFEq4tkDEVbp9wX8HCMAVEMRIctrXdU7vX-nwL9zHmNvRmaJxGOTsL-ND29FEWLZai6lqwJm1B60fR3aVEzSv1TKqDHGmgYqLDol-Qkr_5UxhVTEB1_ID1jtM3vQe0LXbpcZcJ/w360-h640/20240220_135448.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This letter is jumping all over the place, isn't it. Sorry about that.</div><div><br /></div><div> I'm not usually into food photos (except home baking) but I did feel inspired to snap a picture of my February meal out . This was delicious and the company was great. I still keep in touch with my "new mum's " group. So that will soon be 24 years of friendship π.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf349C4geY4bY_sRc7iZniCX_G6XFAlmaW4wsBkhNvWNL2o1UV5pd1n5yPMLGElypVaj5LVM8wbUL_hyOLK0LRiZv3W5PBjiRKEBVK-zntpr8UcR2R8seR_TWTRYvlh_ntNGjD5npm9zBgBVwId7yih0CoulfJKqnGxNhFOkz-UtsU055ig-PUS4LK8W6G/s4000/20240222_184740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf349C4geY4bY_sRc7iZniCX_G6XFAlmaW4wsBkhNvWNL2o1UV5pd1n5yPMLGElypVaj5LVM8wbUL_hyOLK0LRiZv3W5PBjiRKEBVK-zntpr8UcR2R8seR_TWTRYvlh_ntNGjD5npm9zBgBVwId7yih0CoulfJKqnGxNhFOkz-UtsU055ig-PUS4LK8W6G/w360-h640/20240222_184740.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">None of us are getting any younger, but thankfully we are all still reasonably well, despite health challenges for some. </div></div></blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think there is no truer quote than "Health is the greatest gift." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t7EWAPlTJVZzpfsoDJqT5x9IoGtaayMNAm7RZA7X6SKKhZAacTLkBTIls26SgYVHfDBz7ulytzdIeFVVkwj1hyphenhyphens2HawrCAvZUm2Ylkml8NdyMWLwlWeiC5ATOx8I-aTuoxczmnhzOvODoLmLxvmDX7M8qkKvpRS27JWFqtgNrUMX8Kj0wALA-S9sBCr3/s1331/Screenshot_20240223_210536_Chrome.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1331" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t7EWAPlTJVZzpfsoDJqT5x9IoGtaayMNAm7RZA7X6SKKhZAacTLkBTIls26SgYVHfDBz7ulytzdIeFVVkwj1hyphenhyphens2HawrCAvZUm2Ylkml8NdyMWLwlWeiC5ATOx8I-aTuoxczmnhzOvODoLmLxvmDX7M8qkKvpRS27JWFqtgNrUMX8Kj0wALA-S9sBCr3/w520-h640/Screenshot_20240223_210536_Chrome.jpg" width="520" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I don't go to the gym or play any sports, but I do try and be active. This is the second week running I've managed to hit 10,000 steps a day, every day. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAzPaHglEvLdds0L6s-x0fmrZm7swBODZoIe3LHUx9FkDSJNYNOrY2xD0aiRCrSSHjv-QeQQxyVMZ9sTMFsHPAvfkwWeG0cSZcs-vmpAwzbQqOse0CbE33LpRhIzfsam6KnSsUIDzEcHYBQFIlsTHBrf78eMTziuOSU7pw71VVnzLwZNWu8nYGUp5ewYd/s1280/Screenshot_20240223_211059_Pedometer%20Step%20Counter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWAzPaHglEvLdds0L6s-x0fmrZm7swBODZoIe3LHUx9FkDSJNYNOrY2xD0aiRCrSSHjv-QeQQxyVMZ9sTMFsHPAvfkwWeG0cSZcs-vmpAwzbQqOse0CbE33LpRhIzfsam6KnSsUIDzEcHYBQFIlsTHBrf78eMTziuOSU7pw71VVnzLwZNWu8nYGUp5ewYd/w540-h640/Screenshot_20240223_211059_Pedometer%20Step%20Counter.jpg" width="540" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A screenshot from the app on my phone. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the you tuber <a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8cHt-SAeWJ5En1TNnryCVA" target="_blank">Linda Vater</a>. She is intelligent, articulate and inspiring. She is a great gardener and loves thrifting. Linda also looks amazing for a lady in her late 60's and has a great fitness ethic. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Inspired by her advice I have begun to make the effort to get down on the the floor several times a day. She has also inspired me to sit cross legged. This was very uncomfortable to begin with, but it is getting easier. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzGxmZwWwSXjyGUhPN_dPonDUDP3CGvNe_mnSW0HBR5PQJa9-_7LDfwuv1rpvrLCD3daUmsyIhM2-XJbp93D2_p8k-NJdgbWmoJgtDKrocg881ruCEtSM0kmCVC2sRgrglpIy-soyCikkIUX7HtEECfLR4D7FIoEtQBUPWr312xSachz7N2chzEGPsH68/s4000/20240218_215935.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzGxmZwWwSXjyGUhPN_dPonDUDP3CGvNe_mnSW0HBR5PQJa9-_7LDfwuv1rpvrLCD3daUmsyIhM2-XJbp93D2_p8k-NJdgbWmoJgtDKrocg881ruCEtSM0kmCVC2sRgrglpIy-soyCikkIUX7HtEECfLR4D7FIoEtQBUPWr312xSachz7N2chzEGPsH68/w640-h480/20240218_215935.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm not very flexible. Bending forward with my legs straight is so difficult....I was shocked. But I continue to gently try and improve my tight hamstrings. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkBI9wchYOY_lfp8EjDTknMD-WVlmLif4kUhsnVpXejVDF16qdN57uqOSqN4N6JtJpa9QTI27VB4oH0qRc-NpeyhN3SgXycUn1_cL9IohYyDNnaMqUTaJ6tiqaB42BZh3mDJhz-U4y9TQDiNQtCMXaA31zXhLiU9oILNfa0IyQZkXTLrlA0lLJ4X3K7j2/s4000/20240218_215953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkBI9wchYOY_lfp8EjDTknMD-WVlmLif4kUhsnVpXejVDF16qdN57uqOSqN4N6JtJpa9QTI27VB4oH0qRc-NpeyhN3SgXycUn1_cL9IohYyDNnaMqUTaJ6tiqaB42BZh3mDJhz-U4y9TQDiNQtCMXaA31zXhLiU9oILNfa0IyQZkXTLrlA0lLJ4X3K7j2/w480-h640/20240218_215953.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And so a significant part of my week is dedicated to getting active, despite the floods.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_vKL2jLc7Nfatff-xpgowwYjOz-PUoQbr6NYTTn-pVgb4o-jsmimQP9T6katwu0VR2AUQ998QuuKjdQepQWBIru4qcn426ZIB947MxM2YRbZqgJp7vLJOZptyme7F4tzTK3_EMRx6lNHfVu0VhvnZAvM6vH_Hqa0_Qfu_2dRRhPg004Q5rlUbogdOCYC/s4000/20240223_093834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ_vKL2jLc7Nfatff-xpgowwYjOz-PUoQbr6NYTTn-pVgb4o-jsmimQP9T6katwu0VR2AUQ998QuuKjdQepQWBIru4qcn426ZIB947MxM2YRbZqgJp7vLJOZptyme7F4tzTK3_EMRx6lNHfVu0VhvnZAvM6vH_Hqa0_Qfu_2dRRhPg004Q5rlUbogdOCYC/w360-h640/20240223_093834.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm so glad this boy has long legs!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnc1O5kTN_uLJ3VYU4n-Pj0EZImXaHe_wt-qd39Yym8e9U-TOeKNiaS4ZJkNf1axhtusSVVBr_743hYzlFG4PZSu0FS-LLDct4i-77o6tHukTkH2fXEDxvH3txfQD5-405EI2UMpBVFuL5wm6A4jAlAh00wiHz2PFbCsjOWoaGPE926LeWG9QWDbwvlU9/s4000/20240223_093954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMnc1O5kTN_uLJ3VYU4n-Pj0EZImXaHe_wt-qd39Yym8e9U-TOeKNiaS4ZJkNf1axhtusSVVBr_743hYzlFG4PZSu0FS-LLDct4i-77o6tHukTkH2fXEDxvH3txfQD5-405EI2UMpBVFuL5wm6A4jAlAh00wiHz2PFbCsjOWoaGPE926LeWG9QWDbwvlU9/w360-h640/20240223_093954.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, as well as a long walk, Lando had to endure a vet visit, for his annual vaccination boosters. I think it may have worn him out. Bless him π. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UTe1H9GMoIriS6eGDQ3Csa-ITtvcj4sNVCD51gJglLl0qcQV098arLHTJsMMwKyv6zazIqdNTDJrZiCjCDlhApkUjf7zJ-EAdNmy64suTkZy03IoijKA5XObpJ1ws3wM62BDIWx8oJQO3iBm3VqlC70stUz6kgDPTp0-QLyTAgt8WzNhc2TO5O0mn8sg/s4000/20240223_192048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="2250" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1UTe1H9GMoIriS6eGDQ3Csa-ITtvcj4sNVCD51gJglLl0qcQV098arLHTJsMMwKyv6zazIqdNTDJrZiCjCDlhApkUjf7zJ-EAdNmy64suTkZy03IoijKA5XObpJ1ws3wM62BDIWx8oJQO3iBm3VqlC70stUz6kgDPTp0-QLyTAgt8WzNhc2TO5O0mn8sg/w360-h640/20240223_192048.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll finish this letter with a thank you and something I read recently. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I really appreciate being able to share these ramblings with you here. Thank you so much for reading, and your kind comments π₯° .</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">"In the end all we have are memories " is the quote which stuck in my mind. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do think a blog is a much better memory keeper than Instagram and would hope looking back on my blog with be a pleasurable memory jogger in years to come. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Whishing you an enjoyable weekend, whatever you are up to. I'm working half of it, but that's life. My current "retirement" job comes with practically zero stress. Something I'll never stop being grateful for. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jacquie x</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-54120691035891068482024-02-16T19:34:00.003+00:002024-02-16T19:50:18.851+00:00A letter from my life ::1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies ,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> this week I've been thinking about how nice it is to receive a "newsy" ( non-bragging!) letter. Not that letters are a feature of my life these days.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The blog format does lend itself to a letter type of communication though, doesn't it. I suppose these posts are often like a modern version of a letter to a friend. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So here's my letter to you this week β€οΈ</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do hope this letter finds you well. Last week I challenged myself to walk at least 10,000 steps a day, as a combination of the short days and lack of motivation had caused me to become a bit lazy. It required me to go on a bit longer dog walks, and that has benefited Lando too. I use a simple App on my phone to track my activity. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb6IGhwyfT1uP1YF2O5Yh6z7RzjhCOq9HPqkMT1g8ROt238XCPWFiyYKQ1k57If3WmoeicWxM9jhZcTBd5OQ0Bbvvfymq-Z2d068bBJ-Hc0_fbNRJeU51nHJVuZUqjNdvuVy8-0PGXNU8LzZWK5W-8UlHv6YDQ9HP_WT0U5Je2VBy_hMt030LGMZ0NqzY/s4000/20240212_095728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb6IGhwyfT1uP1YF2O5Yh6z7RzjhCOq9HPqkMT1g8ROt238XCPWFiyYKQ1k57If3WmoeicWxM9jhZcTBd5OQ0Bbvvfymq-Z2d068bBJ-Hc0_fbNRJeU51nHJVuZUqjNdvuVy8-0PGXNU8LzZWK5W-8UlHv6YDQ9HP_WT0U5Je2VBy_hMt030LGMZ0NqzY/w480-h640/20240212_095728.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I managed my 7 day challenge, and so far this week, I've managed to keep it up as well.</div><div><br /></div>It's lovely to be outside more, especially now there are signs of spring everywhere. Snowdrops always make my heart happy.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQJvLlhRaPXP-dqLHgyShI0rY9kzprvHE6zHgKCgceqia5CPbu8JJrFLj8M_hvc1o28ubNzms_xahIcriXS6IMPjn6ROBgPne1h1dgcTMmquyT1ezbSyjQzIQ1niOrWsJn7NugsPDvDJQVY6TlHptDwp_yfD_Vx-XfG-8JtrVihJNT_g2Xp2YXPZ6Vveh/s4000/20240212_104000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQJvLlhRaPXP-dqLHgyShI0rY9kzprvHE6zHgKCgceqia5CPbu8JJrFLj8M_hvc1o28ubNzms_xahIcriXS6IMPjn6ROBgPne1h1dgcTMmquyT1ezbSyjQzIQ1niOrWsJn7NugsPDvDJQVY6TlHptDwp_yfD_Vx-XfG-8JtrVihJNT_g2Xp2YXPZ6Vveh/w480-h640/20240212_104000.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Something else I'd let slip was feeding the birds in the churchyard. When Lando was younger I needed all my attention on what he was up to. Now he is two it's not so intense. So I remember to put bird seed in my pocket and leave some for my feathered friends π¦.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOHoLPs3Duyl8Yv-Xs0tS6RwotvamN2RxTZJPdcp8pwPjOFZMvd4Kwt_Ge4f1UIZkSEUR_yNKpZZgWYplzYS7TE2mzk1xDYe7D98pUROZnanHViV236KPnmtySH4w0oIj9kDlXlcCK7flR7ToXbHdlMQ4Wjgw9sRv7odYTnxp9zwanSzb3_rr63VdPNES/s4000/20240212_104127.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixOHoLPs3Duyl8Yv-Xs0tS6RwotvamN2RxTZJPdcp8pwPjOFZMvd4Kwt_Ge4f1UIZkSEUR_yNKpZZgWYplzYS7TE2mzk1xDYe7D98pUROZnanHViV236KPnmtySH4w0oIj9kDlXlcCK7flR7ToXbHdlMQ4Wjgw9sRv7odYTnxp9zwanSzb3_rr63VdPNES/w480-h640/20240212_104127.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Recently mum had expressed a desire to take a trip up to Derbyshire again. She gave up driving last year ( at the age of 93) so I try and make outings possible as often as I can. On Monday it was sunny so we went on a little away day. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoNwz85HJECoN7IpBEC_LSx_QPvtTYYRQlHBplS6gUiEfSquAri04l6K1fCvsczB1-EFEsnqZpE2-Q3-ADIrTumsFOXwfAOIjcIfnJ25RSt1EAWoaBcOblTxfRlDmH-Cw7JyE87LVcsGrrZs3C9zw_xfqWqqkbZMSRs9oDmWRb_YUB4xs4_rJBdc5I6rr/s4000/20240212_132415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxoNwz85HJECoN7IpBEC_LSx_QPvtTYYRQlHBplS6gUiEfSquAri04l6K1fCvsczB1-EFEsnqZpE2-Q3-ADIrTumsFOXwfAOIjcIfnJ25RSt1EAWoaBcOblTxfRlDmH-Cw7JyE87LVcsGrrZs3C9zw_xfqWqqkbZMSRs9oDmWRb_YUB4xs4_rJBdc5I6rr/w480-h640/20240212_132415.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> </div><div>The winter sunlight was very welcome and a mossy stone wall always makes me smile. </div><div><br /></div><div>As do the hills and views.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXO4Tw20x74siarWxqyV11rSrYpCR_gYlZI47QIKYUFDzASFx8IGyJbrgY9eXEnU3OQ2he1CwdIaK5wvB23FNNIFVQ__k2BgXbnFq5hbSOY55RoGDCfwbpPiKSsoDqJEwHCumO4TWa5DujRHeWuo1jvh5mbrTLxSKVM46TczQ6ZnDLvKj_J4GFsnrzLK8I/s4000/20240212_132757.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXO4Tw20x74siarWxqyV11rSrYpCR_gYlZI47QIKYUFDzASFx8IGyJbrgY9eXEnU3OQ2he1CwdIaK5wvB23FNNIFVQ__k2BgXbnFq5hbSOY55RoGDCfwbpPiKSsoDqJEwHCumO4TWa5DujRHeWuo1jvh5mbrTLxSKVM46TczQ6ZnDLvKj_J4GFsnrzLK8I/w480-h640/20240212_132757.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We stopped in Cromford wharf for a comfort break π and l couldn't resist a look at it's pretty canal.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ke0Rbu0oyAhtRgrlzTKejDjlyOmVkqWh5LFvnFKUZJiMNMk_u3svOf_SeYDANxcOBJIBxbR1ISOazOYULwFPJfjsaJkO73aa4Nt3m_fwTKXMd-KgcIxWHWSpRfnifqd5xAjIkoIATsY8GSQ8dAVPskyxA0MbIzxsda1dwz06dBaCx-PQcbDEIWdpZZUl/s4000/20240212_135800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3Ke0Rbu0oyAhtRgrlzTKejDjlyOmVkqWh5LFvnFKUZJiMNMk_u3svOf_SeYDANxcOBJIBxbR1ISOazOYULwFPJfjsaJkO73aa4Nt3m_fwTKXMd-KgcIxWHWSpRfnifqd5xAjIkoIATsY8GSQ8dAVPskyxA0MbIzxsda1dwz06dBaCx-PQcbDEIWdpZZUl/w480-h640/20240212_135800.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Mum's desired destination was the fabulously quirky <a href="http://www.scarthinbooks.com/" target="_blank">Scarthin books</a>, also in Cromford . The art roon is on the first floor. A real struggle for mum, but she was determined π.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56Si4MXlYcGyG1N1FWG0gEJcXtRHIAvU0b4Uo5RHb2yIu9xCUpNNFyIsdqNLuiPzRotfoxi_zbdtYmMzinq5vclJ_DeT_IZBEIJ8O1jSRiMyPaEEqcuhs1mJL1mjRzN8s51CU85vKQf1-avSfMCkBq5SYSDKZhhm8HFvq6y_M8d0k5V4dlk7Npy6lsXqG/s4000/20240212_143135.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi56Si4MXlYcGyG1N1FWG0gEJcXtRHIAvU0b4Uo5RHb2yIu9xCUpNNFyIsdqNLuiPzRotfoxi_zbdtYmMzinq5vclJ_DeT_IZBEIJ8O1jSRiMyPaEEqcuhs1mJL1mjRzN8s51CU85vKQf1-avSfMCkBq5SYSDKZhhm8HFvq6y_M8d0k5V4dlk7Npy6lsXqG/w480-h640/20240212_143135.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Mid week was not as sunny. Still, the welly walks continued. I'm wondering what will happen to this cygnet, who still hangs about with it's parents? I have a feeling that he or she will be sent packing soon, as new babies will be on the horizon π£.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2pVpjR9DYMld-076BDgd6B_2AR1t9_CUy5qLcjzR83m6rTvchfVjgXS6MQ-xNFt57XJMhQBczBksnq075u3w_4b0EotiGhefxpUA-UZ60PPsYw1e-JmBB63AFx-fExda8cBR6CwMjCTnDQ3qwgzSQuYHZaHOnoIBy4r3R6VcbbHwlqsjtoWup9m6M9Fn/s4000/20240213_103830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2pVpjR9DYMld-076BDgd6B_2AR1t9_CUy5qLcjzR83m6rTvchfVjgXS6MQ-xNFt57XJMhQBczBksnq075u3w_4b0EotiGhefxpUA-UZ60PPsYw1e-JmBB63AFx-fExda8cBR6CwMjCTnDQ3qwgzSQuYHZaHOnoIBy4r3R6VcbbHwlqsjtoWup9m6M9Fn/w480-h640/20240213_103830.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Even on a grey day this coppiced willow looked stunning, with it's brightly coloured stems.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOEIfShqVBPjfD6QLzqE8dEVfBcMOdTjrPubw__POFvfQWrgD3ltL3eA1jepUHp7ZsK-X6UVx1KKllmXvjxBx4DdBR7cUBoxbiMmRptu9jDkGQktDHIEUmAgAPSDwOm7XpeOzyjW_B1QGlOse53a0inL98ZIYVLNwArCVj9RADnqvuK21RbLWiEF_0Lis/s4000/20240213_104313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFOEIfShqVBPjfD6QLzqE8dEVfBcMOdTjrPubw__POFvfQWrgD3ltL3eA1jepUHp7ZsK-X6UVx1KKllmXvjxBx4DdBR7cUBoxbiMmRptu9jDkGQktDHIEUmAgAPSDwOm7XpeOzyjW_B1QGlOse53a0inL98ZIYVLNwArCVj9RADnqvuK21RbLWiEF_0Lis/w480-h640/20240213_104313.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wednesday was valentines day. Hubby and I don't really go for this anymore. He does buy me flowers , but not on set dates. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My sweet work colleague kindly gave me some chocolate hearts. She is one of life's joys. Hardworking and always thoughtful despite her own worries. I'm very lucky to know her. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIxfBIbGTorJHxeFkSJEypStFx9xV-nQ4lQwX2LO_II3hK8b01omHXePvPjOHeHaokgt0SlhEltD7hNE3Cv8lsb6wE7siqNklLOtket8XtYfo9Ny0TK8nPQMJd635c9heWXCQybBNYw-J2FX5Hx7W5KRg4d407LWpDFK4Uq25oSYcGo9faNGDd2xxnQCc/s4000/20240216_105505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVIxfBIbGTorJHxeFkSJEypStFx9xV-nQ4lQwX2LO_II3hK8b01omHXePvPjOHeHaokgt0SlhEltD7hNE3Cv8lsb6wE7siqNklLOtket8XtYfo9Ny0TK8nPQMJd635c9heWXCQybBNYw-J2FX5Hx7W5KRg4d407LWpDFK4Uq25oSYcGo9faNGDd2xxnQCc/w480-h640/20240216_105505.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Also at work, I noticed my first crocuses of the year. Aren't they gorgeous π </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa7YqziNmS_MVOf3krBtkjCgoQKaoxS4vZvJNdbsW5vbIX-5MpKiLbue8Gqdqpt8ASP9NGQ4UPNVU8TnTtePdWZ03s8DycVC3UIFzjGa1EhsMmqu5nB2xZGYdm-BGVsPs-lwlvOcZd82PFtq5WwfDIB51mmNuV8KbQDIBYGmFM4c1_tjVc8rh6FlXeZwe/s4000/20240215_125016.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEa7YqziNmS_MVOf3krBtkjCgoQKaoxS4vZvJNdbsW5vbIX-5MpKiLbue8Gqdqpt8ASP9NGQ4UPNVU8TnTtePdWZ03s8DycVC3UIFzjGa1EhsMmqu5nB2xZGYdm-BGVsPs-lwlvOcZd82PFtq5WwfDIB51mmNuV8KbQDIBYGmFM4c1_tjVc8rh6FlXeZwe/w480-h640/20240215_125016.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Today the sun was back and trees are suddenly full of blossom. I think it must be the exceptionally mild weather. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QZ5iaaedHhQo60iqg3ZpklZok0fJpLvf0THpkFmSD0LiNrGdmK7qjtbdtw1t7TVT43JU_IenV5L5tQon6S8kJXhCr5XkbJZTAZ3ZaDz2XZtj7zsKXF-GQQRseGPOU9c5glZUQBxn7S73BCEKxtoYp12LMxsQ43Ev2Zd-OGMr2yHG3E8-VPPNYSXBM5Mx/s4000/20240216_091339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3QZ5iaaedHhQo60iqg3ZpklZok0fJpLvf0THpkFmSD0LiNrGdmK7qjtbdtw1t7TVT43JU_IenV5L5tQon6S8kJXhCr5XkbJZTAZ3ZaDz2XZtj7zsKXF-GQQRseGPOU9c5glZUQBxn7S73BCEKxtoYp12LMxsQ43Ev2Zd-OGMr2yHG3E8-VPPNYSXBM5Mx/w480-h640/20240216_091339.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh and the first green shoots too. Wonderful </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk73-rQ1oAfWrKW6gvv2Q82TRjeGh-TZVABJ59TdB98oJw6l-6xkUp-sVTkLkJTkwZhHzcZGcn7Xpt2TnRfS82VIDgtv0gfBZuZsuYTanqqCJdcEW-B4jrp0VFMd-wN-As4wcjW_uB2jkT_gMPnnOctRKjVKv23ZRUWaKv0Jfm_Sm1zBHv_XR11sYexEl1/s4000/20240216_093432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk73-rQ1oAfWrKW6gvv2Q82TRjeGh-TZVABJ59TdB98oJw6l-6xkUp-sVTkLkJTkwZhHzcZGcn7Xpt2TnRfS82VIDgtv0gfBZuZsuYTanqqCJdcEW-B4jrp0VFMd-wN-As4wcjW_uB2jkT_gMPnnOctRKjVKv23ZRUWaKv0Jfm_Sm1zBHv_XR11sYexEl1/w480-h640/20240216_093432.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Blue sky reflections are always welcome.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsLb5BaFxRBDrHHXlhLcF_GXJV-siggLbQdYv8g-XDRCUqB39tfz86Gp3ZhCR9pdpNVW2yASHgA72elAhJSwp_ybWP8aMJWroTG-_2EWBCZlmyQ2-5Rag6jiphT7SSMIcjyBfxKsX6eDf5fmU4WZJM75zrx7RtrfTJtLlaViQXYJ7Su0dn056i5Nt4c4C/s4000/20240216_094043.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIsLb5BaFxRBDrHHXlhLcF_GXJV-siggLbQdYv8g-XDRCUqB39tfz86Gp3ZhCR9pdpNVW2yASHgA72elAhJSwp_ybWP8aMJWroTG-_2EWBCZlmyQ2-5Rag6jiphT7SSMIcjyBfxKsX6eDf5fmU4WZJM75zrx7RtrfTJtLlaViQXYJ7Su0dn056i5Nt4c4C/w480-h640/20240216_094043.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was so warm neither myself nor Lando needed a coat. Ridiculous for February but enjoyable nonetheless. There's my attempt at photographic evidence π€£.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKquQfuBboXyhDXttzHGe6_Q81o9tbVFa5wQfOZ46z6EE7Qf8-L7u-JSEhXzCQzEfrHANccatJ0fTDMDV75UuyFoBQ8qUnbM5Exr2jTnBfhmZYY73cRMz6u4n5OmDe48lbflV63qPwtOEqed6-eq2KscASKvEgGBE1WCl5yAWYrcGLoLwuDBRWlPjx-WE/s4128/20240216_095022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXKquQfuBboXyhDXttzHGe6_Q81o9tbVFa5wQfOZ46z6EE7Qf8-L7u-JSEhXzCQzEfrHANccatJ0fTDMDV75UuyFoBQ8qUnbM5Exr2jTnBfhmZYY73cRMz6u4n5OmDe48lbflV63qPwtOEqed6-eq2KscASKvEgGBE1WCl5yAWYrcGLoLwuDBRWlPjx-WE/w480-h640/20240216_095022.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And here's the giant puddle we have to wade through. There has been so much rain! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4aGqGwOLA40XBRgAaGGdvmpXiMZe_7925-WqSQkrXEXBHXTmOPCIyZEXt-yF2mDQoahOL3lcr5jF8lM4hOhT-2dXaHc2t4i2uqA_1oqpppusz6XhZLBIwQvcwb8359rnLq8RVxX320whoERVqCBxUwRZvreY4NliFG-Sa9NiBe9lInYjW9aeibdhvPAa/s4000/20240216_095304.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4aGqGwOLA40XBRgAaGGdvmpXiMZe_7925-WqSQkrXEXBHXTmOPCIyZEXt-yF2mDQoahOL3lcr5jF8lM4hOhT-2dXaHc2t4i2uqA_1oqpppusz6XhZLBIwQvcwb8359rnLq8RVxX320whoERVqCBxUwRZvreY4NliFG-Sa9NiBe9lInYjW9aeibdhvPAa/w480-h640/20240216_095304.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div>In other news, I'm still doing well with my "slow spend year". I did make two charity shop purchases last week. A mug to replace one I broke, and a new address book to replace my old one, which I have had since the 90's. It's good to have an up to date list of contacts, but sad to leave out those who are no longer with us. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mxokJK4Yz-ALnd5MejIb62B3umy7WJhSgcUeSH-IQPxAVPF8SzBBm83O67AkwpsJgeGrVTsEskJZg89_69UzEM63d6ZUntCFxMTTdudYHigXjEWsJeZyafVwqGV9iZlcz1AR1jdUEVOSWXd29AdCtMDebeaVU6g9q411_GvcaePXbADM9wGERrbVsz21/s4000/20240216_115303.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2mxokJK4Yz-ALnd5MejIb62B3umy7WJhSgcUeSH-IQPxAVPF8SzBBm83O67AkwpsJgeGrVTsEskJZg89_69UzEM63d6ZUntCFxMTTdudYHigXjEWsJeZyafVwqGV9iZlcz1AR1jdUEVOSWXd29AdCtMDebeaVU6g9q411_GvcaePXbADM9wGERrbVsz21/w480-h640/20240216_115303.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Speaking of those who are no longer with us, I was so upset to learn of the sudden passing of the DJ radio presenter <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68287707" target="_blank">Steve Wright</a> this week. His zany show was my absolute favourite on Radio 1 in the 80's. <div><br /></div><div>On a happier note, mum and I finished the working week with a second outing. This time we had an appointment with a pot of tea for two and a slice of coffee and walnut cake, to share π. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NOL1Y4go4rxP4wJym69aNrklzHBfgV49ryvPv6JBAd6Rr8q49TU3PphdUlTuDQGerUYldHzNU-q4dj2ATkucruysmSJM1oKA_nSEEb9jcXU0txm-6O8qbJvFsaDug1ohLikjLctxeWexU2-duGchUHVavet0eA2dsqAgNJymCLBn-JW127Gd5uwfKvm3/s4000/20240216_141907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NOL1Y4go4rxP4wJym69aNrklzHBfgV49ryvPv6JBAd6Rr8q49TU3PphdUlTuDQGerUYldHzNU-q4dj2ATkucruysmSJM1oKA_nSEEb9jcXU0txm-6O8qbJvFsaDug1ohLikjLctxeWexU2-duGchUHVavet0eA2dsqAgNJymCLBn-JW127Gd5uwfKvm3/w480-h640/20240216_141907.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Mum has been donating some of her art to <a href="https://www.dovecottage.org/stathern/" target="_blank">this charity</a> as they are always so welcoming and do great work supporting local people, living with terminal illness. </div><div><br /></div><div>Doesn't mum's sweet flower painting look lovely here π</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1r_CbATg8udpP2O4598BCmMbcNXhc7g3xEGECXF9hb4ip8taPN7BN5b9ELXcSGz7Y0_1a07Rk69ZcZLRpD8MAtMy9vQFgsr-Mvmgx40t_hBafmA7g4CGEdRTjVW8ALaPKnvy9mON2VWMY5KUjS56Vh-XMWD_4d5u9LwChjFrMqg1JvPnCC-JBn2UAtDo/s4000/20240216_150940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1r_CbATg8udpP2O4598BCmMbcNXhc7g3xEGECXF9hb4ip8taPN7BN5b9ELXcSGz7Y0_1a07Rk69ZcZLRpD8MAtMy9vQFgsr-Mvmgx40t_hBafmA7g4CGEdRTjVW8ALaPKnvy9mON2VWMY5KUjS56Vh-XMWD_4d5u9LwChjFrMqg1JvPnCC-JBn2UAtDo/w480-h640/20240216_150940.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>I'll finish now and hope to write again soon. </div></div><div>Your comments always make me smile and these days l do my best to reply to every one π₯°.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jacquie x</div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-35210526395475358222024-02-03T19:06:00.000+00:002024-02-03T19:06:47.124+00:00My Slow Spend Year : the beginning <blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p> Hello Lovelies, thank you so much for the welcome back. </p><p>As you may know 2023 was my year of decluttering. My main reason for getting to grips with my level of possessions was to make life a bit simpler, to make functioning in our home easier and reduce the time it takes to clean. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe4uE1JggOt-_4_KhhGmz4eBHyxNGv7JvnGuiKOCE6PuHf-gy3zHkNYrLB2zyhXGBeMMzjUpbZPMZtrqe0t1xorHn9kzBQiBJPJSU2yhw05PZ-57S4lMCOvrJGjQTtI-EVCDmYhd9FkFPZ4ev-bQKO4jJjPipN7vBqEUEZRFyRA7a27B2Nl3gD40JnioQ/s4000/20240123_161345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfe4uE1JggOt-_4_KhhGmz4eBHyxNGv7JvnGuiKOCE6PuHf-gy3zHkNYrLB2zyhXGBeMMzjUpbZPMZtrqe0t1xorHn9kzBQiBJPJSU2yhw05PZ-57S4lMCOvrJGjQTtI-EVCDmYhd9FkFPZ4ev-bQKO4jJjPipN7vBqEUEZRFyRA7a27B2Nl3gD40JnioQ/w480-h640/20240123_161345.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>From my experiences at work I've come to realise how much difference a streamlined space can make. Less excess furniture and decor means things are easily moved when cleaning. Messes are less frequent ( if you don't own something it cannot get into a state π) and easier to quickly tidy up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDHtpalY-v5PK7ArIgRX65bYio99CvUSIjBvR957sT5VZfQQUgM_RNuc2SidgWcn8tPbWh0p2mu1RO_iZGM7JVYEjt_xOt6dXGX-r2bBg9I96ow5jl80vsR52LuM9b7h-yLtztkhZhWhRDvHbzvWgpqBIelQJXvwS71suUMmQ9gcITw1QUP1-Ol2H0KFk/s1079/IMG_20240117_172430_118.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1079" data-original-width="1079" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsDHtpalY-v5PK7ArIgRX65bYio99CvUSIjBvR957sT5VZfQQUgM_RNuc2SidgWcn8tPbWh0p2mu1RO_iZGM7JVYEjt_xOt6dXGX-r2bBg9I96ow5jl80vsR52LuM9b7h-yLtztkhZhWhRDvHbzvWgpqBIelQJXvwS71suUMmQ9gcITw1QUP1-Ol2H0KFk/w640-h640/IMG_20240117_172430_118.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">January 2023</div></blockquote><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGTec18gZcrZizVHCz_Dz_xm-Qb_UoGftBxgSUxHa8g7CggA7rIuGvzNQDbR1mbVqZgbbOG7y1tevbeiI8VQqvkxDojDLaG-Z2_QWQkgXsDR3sPNsUadOqrvogHPDZpo4oNPVUKAeIF6WfSdovMY0GPyHCss08pHtN-5jLQrxY7GfviaqoDHk3YkyFVaZ/s1440/IMG_20240117_172430_341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGTec18gZcrZizVHCz_Dz_xm-Qb_UoGftBxgSUxHa8g7CggA7rIuGvzNQDbR1mbVqZgbbOG7y1tevbeiI8VQqvkxDojDLaG-Z2_QWQkgXsDR3sPNsUadOqrvogHPDZpo4oNPVUKAeIF6WfSdovMY0GPyHCss08pHtN-5jLQrxY7GfviaqoDHk3YkyFVaZ/w640-h640/IMG_20240117_172430_341.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">January 2024</div><p style="text-align: left;">I concentrated on my own things and household stuff that I use most. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX320BPOJd6ub_hgQVyFqQx5kSohsD0u1yyBFBTONlSmslncjF-vprU6sG4w-cYzvyAcmtgmI-fOvwiQ3cn7LTXLBnI6-XlCZ-kWJsrOzvCIT4GU12LIwccPWlpNTGM_MmgtDt4Mk2MzC2_XmY24pDVYcp28uBdO4wDkUkPHSq9XUpn15FNyeHFhgFluj/s4000/20240107_153940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhX320BPOJd6ub_hgQVyFqQx5kSohsD0u1yyBFBTONlSmslncjF-vprU6sG4w-cYzvyAcmtgmI-fOvwiQ3cn7LTXLBnI6-XlCZ-kWJsrOzvCIT4GU12LIwccPWlpNTGM_MmgtDt4Mk2MzC2_XmY24pDVYcp28uBdO4wDkUkPHSq9XUpn15FNyeHFhgFluj/w480-h640/20240107_153940.jpg" width="480" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"> My sock drawer, decluttered and organised <br /><p><br /></p><p>I've been ruthless and revisited areas on more than one occasion, to see if I could let more go. It's been amazing how much calmer and more pleasant our home feels. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WS5OLg12dlQHrIprIi7P3P6E8xWA3OX7rsPZfC3Sr3IlEJ4hnposSBNsE53GsH4uV6tcST1H_1vJb7nQGdSRRIv9grNryYoQBPGBjZlUyzkzUZ5Os0hSEPZeDQrPGJElVMWV6XtZBB2InZ6_IlcibOlLcaur9lYF8CUrjyw9et_mV0vR4545fAJzbS9B/s4000/20231022_115703.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9WS5OLg12dlQHrIprIi7P3P6E8xWA3OX7rsPZfC3Sr3IlEJ4hnposSBNsE53GsH4uV6tcST1H_1vJb7nQGdSRRIv9grNryYoQBPGBjZlUyzkzUZ5Os0hSEPZeDQrPGJElVMWV6XtZBB2InZ6_IlcibOlLcaur9lYF8CUrjyw9et_mV0vR4545fAJzbS9B/w480-h640/20231022_115703.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p>Once you only have what you love and use, things are so much easier to keep tidy...did I already say that? </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxkhoPTQN0SxNA2mzpGzJmQkpopJ2ETlOjThQd749OTbUXu9h1KziZEx-X3ZtQFQFvQyu6yh1ychGBd0baFBRCM70ld_6lTAskPgwSdOH0KgYiepD-Pmf5sAM19eLe1HebTDmxfWuaa9Fv_Gkx7eMXnhUdQiiz3M8_-xJ09ps0giNQ8vQ-h6lx8OMnGU8/s4000/20230723_182413.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilxkhoPTQN0SxNA2mzpGzJmQkpopJ2ETlOjThQd749OTbUXu9h1KziZEx-X3ZtQFQFvQyu6yh1ychGBd0baFBRCM70ld_6lTAskPgwSdOH0KgYiepD-Pmf5sAM19eLe1HebTDmxfWuaa9Fv_Gkx7eMXnhUdQiiz3M8_-xJ09ps0giNQ8vQ-h6lx8OMnGU8/w480-h640/20230723_182413.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p> July 2023</p><p>Obviously some areas need constant maintenance and I've worked hard to build good habits. I'm constantly reminding myself "don't put it down, put it away". When things have a proper home, it's not so hard and a good sign you have decluttered enough. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbotBYHGdzPGaPv07M0IyyOWmP59nSwpTOZuOTCU-yOP-KStim2pgt1CGE1A5j5Ggy1EOiEjOLGBu0CCPwMfh8KtfERMKZcpuAzrNp_Ua1RL9Gt861bBuaADo0OWiC3Lr2_g_9u0Gmotc6o6b64yPqd7VzFNRFTptER9WdQZ9dkieGoagsbUXEx2pp9TCk/s4000/20240103_213636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbotBYHGdzPGaPv07M0IyyOWmP59nSwpTOZuOTCU-yOP-KStim2pgt1CGE1A5j5Ggy1EOiEjOLGBu0CCPwMfh8KtfERMKZcpuAzrNp_Ua1RL9Gt861bBuaADo0OWiC3Lr2_g_9u0Gmotc6o6b64yPqd7VzFNRFTptER9WdQZ9dkieGoagsbUXEx2pp9TCk/w480-h640/20240103_213636.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p> January 2024</p><p>By the end of 2023 the chap in the nearest charity shop to home said to me "is there anything left in your house?" as I dropped of another weekly donation π€£</p><p>Don't worry, there is! I think our home still feels cosy, the walls are still displaying mum's art and family photographs. We still have ornaments...just not as many. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01MZmqsXRcGxDGPQOzv7cThgxAdAYDC54sWz8jwzVAW7BNqiyf7mgT-7I4Hjb8MfmyWXqoZK6pXDGxH-a4jEj_20VZQE7lFiQvx9fWSWYwmUAZ_UEJA9TDG0WKPcQ9H17MVc77ssaXaGtJXDRvP_GBk0RqVGIVgUStu74MSoiS4Ta_PRe7DKaQS0EvgWg/s4000/20240130_212320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01MZmqsXRcGxDGPQOzv7cThgxAdAYDC54sWz8jwzVAW7BNqiyf7mgT-7I4Hjb8MfmyWXqoZK6pXDGxH-a4jEj_20VZQE7lFiQvx9fWSWYwmUAZ_UEJA9TDG0WKPcQ9H17MVc77ssaXaGtJXDRvP_GBk0RqVGIVgUStu74MSoiS4Ta_PRe7DKaQS0EvgWg/w480-h640/20240130_212320.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our redecorated bedroom, with panelling eldest fitted π</div><p></p><p>My mission for 2024 is to maintain our current level of possessions and be really intentional with purchases.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qRwBe52iSev5nbDXmgQU_c6pSgS3ruRF3BHyata_cjMYhmTYmh-lkMSiVKgozCI7GVQ3LZJnL1oNm-ed5uFNuOPop-sqvbMNeKPNUzJs-vRpb2H0FV2R5J8JCEGWDDctSxhLbuS_6xk51dCIcSr-9N6rh7Y1faJOJe2OUJYDIkHpaswUh63dJ9kJT1-i/s4000/20240109_205148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qRwBe52iSev5nbDXmgQU_c6pSgS3ruRF3BHyata_cjMYhmTYmh-lkMSiVKgozCI7GVQ3LZJnL1oNm-ed5uFNuOPop-sqvbMNeKPNUzJs-vRpb2H0FV2R5J8JCEGWDDctSxhLbuS_6xk51dCIcSr-9N6rh7Y1faJOJe2OUJYDIkHpaswUh63dJ9kJT1-i/w480-h640/20240109_205148.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p> Enough mugs....not excess</p><p>There are so many YouTube channels promoting no spend months or even all year. Obviously that only refers to no spending on non essentials. I can see this is good if you have a lot of debt or a big saving goal. </p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyYl8R9ZAuF31d6MCFeMV3kb8UBmmx_Gsop27uSyQOkfqwq2RmA6Aa5YoowszEHG_MYsnDaADCkvwSMmCHMuZ5MZdeAepJ5SJ-SU6sWayLV3ocePYEGZMkjQHfL1IsS8_ntG4bcmjIvA4ZaJxCY0Yn-e8w2cXx8jFpDnjXXt9YZhTYiy4BCKHwUh0hv-j/s1440/IMG_20240104_104552_783.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIyYl8R9ZAuF31d6MCFeMV3kb8UBmmx_Gsop27uSyQOkfqwq2RmA6Aa5YoowszEHG_MYsnDaADCkvwSMmCHMuZ5MZdeAepJ5SJ-SU6sWayLV3ocePYEGZMkjQHfL1IsS8_ntG4bcmjIvA4ZaJxCY0Yn-e8w2cXx8jFpDnjXXt9YZhTYiy4BCKHwUh0hv-j/w640-h640/IMG_20240104_104552_783.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p> Kitchen drawers are not overstuffed</p><p>Personally I think I need small treats, and things to look forward to. What I do want is to be more careful about is impulse purchases. </p><p>In the past, if something only cost a few pounds and I wanted it in the moment, I would often buy it. With the ease of ordering online for home delivery these days it's so easy to end up with stuff that is ill considered you end up regretting. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2Is8y-Jn64ZMTOrN7W03dLEsy3jcDiF0kcvK9PVjWK_beh9VLMLg7dnZzSLPEj76KcnNXgttTTXVpgk_fFKWM0t2a2HYjPPz6Cht24sjQFTCmPJhYKcw_XFv4CxET_yanX6CXqDBRMu6IVZBl9CUJWxIJk127i2W1_kPVg60aMlzD0tr_kKRZd8GYRrd/s4000/20240104_094635.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY2Is8y-Jn64ZMTOrN7W03dLEsy3jcDiF0kcvK9PVjWK_beh9VLMLg7dnZzSLPEj76KcnNXgttTTXVpgk_fFKWM0t2a2HYjPPz6Cht24sjQFTCmPJhYKcw_XFv4CxET_yanX6CXqDBRMu6IVZBl9CUJWxIJk127i2W1_kPVg60aMlzD0tr_kKRZd8GYRrd/w480-h640/20240104_094635.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p></p><p> Only one fridge magnet....my favourite one. I made it years ago.</p><p>So, this year I'm trying my best not to fall into that trap. I'm recording all my non essential spending and only buying things I've taken time to give some consideration to the pros and cons about. </p><p>I'm also trying to focus on experiences over stuff.</p><p>So how has my year started?</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33rlkW0z-hnFdw58tj9Lhyphenhyphenhxm-ETJKswSfamaUiji9wlF86xo-YMaLk3QY-ny8s176-1fKYEKK-J_uE4Lya1T4yBDq2fX4uiUvzCVcSYYMGH0PON_HDdPRLIHQi9p5N0a8TVqq2NPCxIgO5-j1YpEWDlQ6EM93E_wzwRyGOpFWvIrT6Z2beRAGpbsHtEX/s4000/20240130_121545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg33rlkW0z-hnFdw58tj9Lhyphenhyphenhxm-ETJKswSfamaUiji9wlF86xo-YMaLk3QY-ny8s176-1fKYEKK-J_uE4Lya1T4yBDq2fX4uiUvzCVcSYYMGH0PON_HDdPRLIHQi9p5N0a8TVqq2NPCxIgO5-j1YpEWDlQ6EM93E_wzwRyGOpFWvIrT6Z2beRAGpbsHtEX/w480-h640/20240130_121545.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p> In January I've only bought one thing on a whim...a jumper from the charity shop.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIClxq20ip3AsVJHr7UrFHoJeu4G1W5xI5SLN_u-upe3cWI4vh0LhMs-MoRxC0Mfpnc1z3k4Cfj4Il8bkgRR1b7azD7_T9zOaGXtJnbpz_6M8LZ-kegnpHB29W9ZiDtAQMcDgZ0nc-VO3YNNrXzkv82YahtpIsjewtgn3txUbrEEG1ygMofqCJxJ49m-DB/s4000/20240130_121414.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIClxq20ip3AsVJHr7UrFHoJeu4G1W5xI5SLN_u-upe3cWI4vh0LhMs-MoRxC0Mfpnc1z3k4Cfj4Il8bkgRR1b7azD7_T9zOaGXtJnbpz_6M8LZ-kegnpHB29W9ZiDtAQMcDgZ0nc-VO3YNNrXzkv82YahtpIsjewtgn3txUbrEEG1ygMofqCJxJ49m-DB/w480-h640/20240130_121414.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>As I said I do like the occasional small treat. What I don't want is to buy things because they are cheap, only to end up re-donating them a short time later. It may support a good cause but my life is simpler with less to manage.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have a capsule wardrobe these days, which I love! I'm planning on doing a separate post about that soon. </div><div style="text-align: left;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuSkxawp9EqAWaJgdvSkr6mKdAHkwDcuaGY9agrZeZzK9w5fZpyStm6NMn0pDQeYnVqwNVEX6WcX49Oa1bcyKGklvCEtqGFu1bYNPQmRsKyt1_ayKnMhOzSIMpQIUgiRV1xHbvuRZ9sIdUFKaFJvXXEmaT_9nklX-rUbKzQN1YWcwNsH396LyRwrlK2mP/s4000/20240130_123123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuSkxawp9EqAWaJgdvSkr6mKdAHkwDcuaGY9agrZeZzK9w5fZpyStm6NMn0pDQeYnVqwNVEX6WcX49Oa1bcyKGklvCEtqGFu1bYNPQmRsKyt1_ayKnMhOzSIMpQIUgiRV1xHbvuRZ9sIdUFKaFJvXXEmaT_9nklX-rUbKzQN1YWcwNsH396LyRwrlK2mP/w480-h640/20240130_123123.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I'm feeling hopeful about my "slow", intentional spending for 2024. The benefits to my home, savings goals and the planet are a great incentive. My word for the year "contented " is a useful reminder that I have so much already. </div></div><p><br /> Jacquie x</p><div style="text-align: left;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-19572323596193135952024-01-23T16:51:00.000+00:002024-01-23T16:51:12.213+00:00β€οΈThree thingsβ€οΈ<p> Hello lovely people, I do hope this unexpected post finds you well. The third week of January isn't easy, is it. What with the depressing news and the miserable weather. I thought, why not do a quick post, focusing on small gratitudes in my day. I always loved it when Lucy at <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/3things/" target="_blank">Attic 24</a> did this sort of post. </p><p>Thing 1.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWL3f6AOTsialJCwWBRzZE7bj9Z9jK_VdWuWcKk6g3X3W8TXiKQSXAXOv7Wqm20Wym2fyk6k7zVr8CKo7-NqcnyIPhwrHqdTFagEkopUgWlQA7TrwtAqu2A81xaiGS-XnxZ5waL1dejNJ84mr0O4IQrnofHXYTjupHuchi2SLkDFQtnkKORgetc9iXx0q/s4000/20240123_151909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEWL3f6AOTsialJCwWBRzZE7bj9Z9jK_VdWuWcKk6g3X3W8TXiKQSXAXOv7Wqm20Wym2fyk6k7zVr8CKo7-NqcnyIPhwrHqdTFagEkopUgWlQA7TrwtAqu2A81xaiGS-XnxZ5waL1dejNJ84mr0O4IQrnofHXYTjupHuchi2SLkDFQtnkKORgetc9iXx0q/w480-h640/20240123_151909.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The first, brave Snowdrops, cheering a rather damp dog walk, this afternoon. </p><p>Thing 2.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhas_YwPmA3lZZ6d_KZhA1KD_C44LqTPIznjYMaXRvDZZArAWR4X6jh31sWlYqESe_VtfqNkSkukmSIx40YEnAVLLbup8JQl9JubEgAFTMSCRaUyiKLIk35e5Lr9seWWnSloTtPeGYtd307ZQF8LxDVzRCplUuGQwty5-UzrujCOlTwooYdlh8_zJZ3WP_E/s4000/20240123_144712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhas_YwPmA3lZZ6d_KZhA1KD_C44LqTPIznjYMaXRvDZZArAWR4X6jh31sWlYqESe_VtfqNkSkukmSIx40YEnAVLLbup8JQl9JubEgAFTMSCRaUyiKLIk35e5Lr9seWWnSloTtPeGYtd307ZQF8LxDVzRCplUuGQwty5-UzrujCOlTwooYdlh8_zJZ3WP_E/w480-h640/20240123_144712.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Going through some of my craft stash and pulling out this lovely project. My "Autumn Blanet" is something I started in 2021 (I think π€ ). One day I will get round to finishing it....π€.</p><p>Thing 3.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeOJ7pHBXIO0D24HrTULBsYeVsotooL_iXz6-XNrzK1IrQJJG743LXL54NoID2D3Cy7DKpCXMCSGI4Qvwd8UENDVz0n8Yavc47ltSZpPJGkVorEe1TO969QV6I1SOynxaX1IYEctqPX8Bp4BSeTYK3PVKsY1DUq3cS4HoF5eIbcM6hskgKskA-JgNt6-x/s3083/20240123_155755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3083" data-original-width="2367" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeOJ7pHBXIO0D24HrTULBsYeVsotooL_iXz6-XNrzK1IrQJJG743LXL54NoID2D3Cy7DKpCXMCSGI4Qvwd8UENDVz0n8Yavc47ltSZpPJGkVorEe1TO969QV6I1SOynxaX1IYEctqPX8Bp4BSeTYK3PVKsY1DUq3cS4HoF5eIbcM6hskgKskA-JgNt6-x/w492-h640/20240123_155755.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Chewed corner curtesy of a certain whippet </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>A reawakened interest in reading. This is my second book this year (impressive as I read zero fiction in 2023) . I'm mainly trying to reduce my scrolling. Hoping reading will be good for my brain, sleep pattern and concentration. If you are a reader, any recommendations for books would be most welcome π₯°.<div><br /></div><div>I'll stop now, and hope to be back in the not too distant future, to chat again. I'm trying to find a way to fit blogging into my day, as I do miss it. <br /><p>Jacquie x</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-2268163866560373062023-02-04T14:24:00.007+00:002023-02-04T14:36:34.377+00:00Welcome February <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies, thank you so much for the welcome back π</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here's my third blog post of 2023! long may the inspiration continue. Compared to all the scrolling of Instagram it does feel like a return to gentler times. I have a huge nostalgia for my early blogging days, when the boys were all at primary school....and I wasn't so grey! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">At the beginning of the week my Amaryllis (a Christmas gift from my sister in law) really put on a spurt of growth. The lengthening days and milder temperatures must be working their magic. I was thrilled to see what looked like a second stem appearing too.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HBWuXGM5n5m9gCVtm2gJv98PYMLXwK9TUb41le3CB38WH8ogMBoOd4aJQ41xGyxo7XeOf7KajTm9Hf31ILtZVDEoj5tJAjcfp6GdHraWSysvTyKnqaUA3a-NxbrHXR1RcfAUsKBO_sgiK66_5eLoERd9mqUWgPv7kh1qFCp1CmGhLjTG2RQPdQTPNg/s4608/20230201_090316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8HBWuXGM5n5m9gCVtm2gJv98PYMLXwK9TUb41le3CB38WH8ogMBoOd4aJQ41xGyxo7XeOf7KajTm9Hf31ILtZVDEoj5tJAjcfp6GdHraWSysvTyKnqaUA3a-NxbrHXR1RcfAUsKBO_sgiK66_5eLoERd9mqUWgPv7kh1qFCp1CmGhLjTG2RQPdQTPNg/w480-h640/20230201_090316.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> I'm not sure why ( in a house with very few windowsills) I never thought to put plants in this landing window before. I love having my rescued orchids here and they seem very happy. This scene makes me smile. Even when the main lights are off, and the little battery sensor light illuminates the scene.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf3lmeWfYJa0nXhVr2nyykIK92rQ6OJA3PobjTDRWfrJ8BdJPD31g6N5pY23q8b8PAytr5whyjzFL-ggQJKaOu_jQ4kpTTba7mzcw-7Bd1wbD8FoGkE5Xcc6g0BzJNHaTDVCfXnokfMTGEEqbS7OtmMM67F5RwrXldvBcC_HUlXs5SsK5FIXJ47rF-g/s4608/20230130_225902.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrf3lmeWfYJa0nXhVr2nyykIK92rQ6OJA3PobjTDRWfrJ8BdJPD31g6N5pY23q8b8PAytr5whyjzFL-ggQJKaOu_jQ4kpTTba7mzcw-7Bd1wbD8FoGkE5Xcc6g0BzJNHaTDVCfXnokfMTGEEqbS7OtmMM67F5RwrXldvBcC_HUlXs5SsK5FIXJ47rF-g/w480-h640/20230130_225902.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div> On <span style="color: #674ea7;">Wednesday </span>we welcomed<span style="color: #674ea7;"> February</span> (two words which are not spelled how you would presume!). The weather continued to be mild. As you can see on our weather monitor below, there's not much difference between the outside and inside temperatures here. That's because the sensor is in our conservatory. Gosh it's been a no go zone this winter! Every year it's pretty useless in very cold weather, but this year it's been worse as I turned down the underfloor heating due to the rising electricity costs. It faces north and at one point was so cold and damp mould was appearing everywhere. So depressing. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCkh4TATjHei2eJoAxH9BCM32Uy9VJQg7LUkdbzYbTy5PcE_g0uKiDv7NfI4mRCgGBkLIDDkpXwE6BuDv0KOTpSX-cYL3Qe7pN2qWF5u5X16lXoK29d90EBYcdMIkpDO3vVwBthI9zsradaC09jWPFEc7CYSU-4PyulxYVAzWNa6u42xgZ8ItUeKbgw/s4608/20230201_071830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCkh4TATjHei2eJoAxH9BCM32Uy9VJQg7LUkdbzYbTy5PcE_g0uKiDv7NfI4mRCgGBkLIDDkpXwE6BuDv0KOTpSX-cYL3Qe7pN2qWF5u5X16lXoK29d90EBYcdMIkpDO3vVwBthI9zsradaC09jWPFEc7CYSU-4PyulxYVAzWNa6u42xgZ8ItUeKbgw/w480-h640/20230201_071830.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's still structurally sound and the rules around this sort of addition to houses has changed in the years since it was constructed. We are now allowed to fit it with a well insulated solid roof ( previously it had to be glazed) ....so that's what we are organising for spring. In an ideal world I would prefer a completely new extension but funds are limited and this will hopefully be a good compromise. It's also less wasteful and uses less resources, so fits in with my simpler, sustainable goals. Well that's what I'm focusing on π.</div><div><br /></div><div>I'm still enjoying noticing the beauty of bare branched trees like this magnificent oak.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAFycc_sHUY1Nfm5NhlsApslnMJg2kgZG4h9e3MZ_8ko95oRJIQGzRg90r91T_JOVCOMYfKu24QkPCmDclQqX1ltg4ryl-CoQCZy0peErIz2yZFY9PkKxNFUEb-cK8aTxyV-HRDBE6MiILg8F-eg5Aah4afUaBkBr37zpamwNX14yB6AO4HgNFwwisg/s4608/20230201_094857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAFycc_sHUY1Nfm5NhlsApslnMJg2kgZG4h9e3MZ_8ko95oRJIQGzRg90r91T_JOVCOMYfKu24QkPCmDclQqX1ltg4ryl-CoQCZy0peErIz2yZFY9PkKxNFUEb-cK8aTxyV-HRDBE6MiILg8F-eg5Aah4afUaBkBr37zpamwNX14yB6AO4HgNFwwisg/w480-h640/20230201_094857.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I'm also thankful for some green in the garden from these pots which have looked cheery all winter π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTJ4_0cIoLEfU_1a4qBIMTXnrvRUpvIX3-_8NkgN4bUfMQw5flN3W4GLRrgvG99lgCPuqH1NXFx0_5fT--giE2-FNWaLHOnjoxj5c9JHZFoj52YqYOogGc65ju_U0Eh07TnlBIqxrCc2_wr1kibcF4bMakdl-OzEDjppPpWmgRoQfI_zYn7dfW9B44A/s4608/20230204_124255.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTJ4_0cIoLEfU_1a4qBIMTXnrvRUpvIX3-_8NkgN4bUfMQw5flN3W4GLRrgvG99lgCPuqH1NXFx0_5fT--giE2-FNWaLHOnjoxj5c9JHZFoj52YqYOogGc65ju_U0Eh07TnlBIqxrCc2_wr1kibcF4bMakdl-OzEDjppPpWmgRoQfI_zYn7dfW9B44A/w480-h640/20230204_124255.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the first year I've removed the old leaves from my Hellebores and they do look better for it.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFLLYI-teNSW8mXmeKJTkDZLHtrJigD7NrFejL-Qixt15KmlgD2gBPw0liydmGIWg3zF-LDwRHIX02hUo2v6HzTRCbAio6bZamoNwnPgYd_xa2NwfNMHIsNO2NGczubQEGq1i4jhv4G5oOeMYHzwuf6DMa5BDe-pvOFZAAHSRt2OeGhQj6CIp-jtwdA/s4608/20230201_115841.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFLLYI-teNSW8mXmeKJTkDZLHtrJigD7NrFejL-Qixt15KmlgD2gBPw0liydmGIWg3zF-LDwRHIX02hUo2v6HzTRCbAio6bZamoNwnPgYd_xa2NwfNMHIsNO2NGczubQEGq1i4jhv4G5oOeMYHzwuf6DMa5BDe-pvOFZAAHSRt2OeGhQj6CIp-jtwdA/w480-h640/20230201_115841.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Even if you do still have to lift up the flowers to see their beauty fully.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_B5LDgMpXZgDB6dAL_up5Uh2pWaAl6auV6gaedNMyhKsskPNmfhDPbaHJ90mr18lhy-aAcUMuQIVNyT04qXD6uEAhPhCXRZVI-DdLahPcTaOLzvuSYNLYKVAeG-KAoQCIEJ_kntuqR4tmwJY3lWfDZASrxfOfmxgGmA7cj4HNRXCU3HndoO4-m7uJA/s4608/20230201_115855.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_B5LDgMpXZgDB6dAL_up5Uh2pWaAl6auV6gaedNMyhKsskPNmfhDPbaHJ90mr18lhy-aAcUMuQIVNyT04qXD6uEAhPhCXRZVI-DdLahPcTaOLzvuSYNLYKVAeG-KAoQCIEJ_kntuqR4tmwJY3lWfDZASrxfOfmxgGmA7cj4HNRXCU3HndoO4-m7uJA/w480-h640/20230201_115855.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In the little woodland there are Cyclamen and snowdrops appearing.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS11GKxLLkTt7IfkTSrgXz9i2Ko2CCnGkgl-k_LbOIKrVzk9fsfnahKueYO_JyqyEwrVNz9-DdkK9QblSnqoucqd-njXCtkeR2mveEHKai2ABZAz6yEO5HqFMxxw5a1w58ER-zYj9ti3wjrHyfBG8_LjG3XSkSN5jBNL8trE0yo96jwXc6IfkgCe2NBg/s4608/20230203_140550.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS11GKxLLkTt7IfkTSrgXz9i2Ko2CCnGkgl-k_LbOIKrVzk9fsfnahKueYO_JyqyEwrVNz9-DdkK9QblSnqoucqd-njXCtkeR2mveEHKai2ABZAz6yEO5HqFMxxw5a1w58ER-zYj9ti3wjrHyfBG8_LjG3XSkSN5jBNL8trE0yo96jwXc6IfkgCe2NBg/w480-h640/20230203_140550.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>That wonky dolls house is a bug hotel π₯°</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme7IV7kmFzxrUuGZgS7wPfhUpZxf93WIyVP1C7Xr8nWZ6yjjyWCKp0zoTpBlvMS3nFhich8fEgZEjgWYL6ElwiqB-SHuwpuKnsKiEEwhEoIODqYCrO5rkP7evXKvQ2nAPtiRV7IpVi7XYKrN6i-BtSduPFt2_eSxMhZ0BkQA21cWJDF2m5p0C3JlnFA/s4334/20230203_140449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4334" data-original-width="3251" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhme7IV7kmFzxrUuGZgS7wPfhUpZxf93WIyVP1C7Xr8nWZ6yjjyWCKp0zoTpBlvMS3nFhich8fEgZEjgWYL6ElwiqB-SHuwpuKnsKiEEwhEoIODqYCrO5rkP7evXKvQ2nAPtiRV7IpVi7XYKrN6i-BtSduPFt2_eSxMhZ0BkQA21cWJDF2m5p0C3JlnFA/w480-h640/20230203_140449.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Tomorrow it's exactly a year since we welcomed this boy into our home. He's turned out to be a typical comfort seeking whippet and we indulge him....well he doesn't have much built in padding </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPWoZVAd3aJw45xxwM6tPYDMH0WxeLoqjL77aXUoO6yv2aFTXjfhl5bRe4bSOrmKAu1LCZkrjuBQTu18n1qmIRKt4MF-JBgTW1JMSOEOJdZLtNePB8N3yMoTlNtpju7ngDOJZK8_g3TldchJNlxT6lPFFQXwbFJZNFJXPicdu6i59lSF-SvWL9iBcBQ/s4608/20230204_082805.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAPWoZVAd3aJw45xxwM6tPYDMH0WxeLoqjL77aXUoO6yv2aFTXjfhl5bRe4bSOrmKAu1LCZkrjuBQTu18n1qmIRKt4MF-JBgTW1JMSOEOJdZLtNePB8N3yMoTlNtpju7ngDOJZK8_g3TldchJNlxT6lPFFQXwbFJZNFJXPicdu6i59lSF-SvWL9iBcBQ/w480-h640/20230204_082805.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He's so funny, pulling all the sofa blankets and cushions into a big heap then flopping down in his homemade "nest". We then usually cover him up as well if it's chilly. I think he approves π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week it's actually been mild enough for him to go out without a coat and today we noticed daffodil leaves beginning to appear.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcZplj63kI_iwOCSAvCsJvJEMJ2T5rC2_BLtf4FbnRO3SS5QYywy2FEBcYwEJkV3qrc3hs9AilcLKHmsM4W39qv4IBVxpkUHBcoCsbhQAsvcc0e7tgxGk7VcAUK5OXn1v-tMl9lssZm9VhVKV2WzT2Tkivfoh_e_F7C9dGxvVWn9a6Ad64HY8PeeUNw/s4608/20230204_110442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDcZplj63kI_iwOCSAvCsJvJEMJ2T5rC2_BLtf4FbnRO3SS5QYywy2FEBcYwEJkV3qrc3hs9AilcLKHmsM4W39qv4IBVxpkUHBcoCsbhQAsvcc0e7tgxGk7VcAUK5OXn1v-tMl9lssZm9VhVKV2WzT2Tkivfoh_e_F7C9dGxvVWn9a6Ad64HY8PeeUNw/w480-h640/20230204_110442.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">While we were out walking (despite the grey) a load of washing pretty much dried on the line. Woohoo, I do love some clean bedding that smells of fresh air. A simple pleasure for sure.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6SA1OwpBL5n0hr7lQUHSIffuutxjdS1FyPh4Xmbt_YS_A2N98MkJWXsfTDpnUI5hOt_ElBf6f-dbGXd0p0ERA8ItsZsQwHcuzRHcfcltLbsNGUWv6158pM8lta-GJjM9q_N0vC88IwyxeVSxG9jAi7cku71G12fpCd7rwqpXlSp0EZDT0ZkrO5DxXw/s4608/20230204_124545.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-6SA1OwpBL5n0hr7lQUHSIffuutxjdS1FyPh4Xmbt_YS_A2N98MkJWXsfTDpnUI5hOt_ElBf6f-dbGXd0p0ERA8ItsZsQwHcuzRHcfcltLbsNGUWv6158pM8lta-GJjM9q_N0vC88IwyxeVSxG9jAi7cku71G12fpCd7rwqpXlSp0EZDT0ZkrO5DxXw/w480-h640/20230204_124545.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>Whilst I was out in the garden I noticed so many buds on my Daphne. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYAPL2ZCX6u23M8__LNUoblVoeM9mgdD03ypyCaAE62qkF6XSaGh3_0tDWZSybIkD1uZzPQNiLaCInxjHbZ1lPMw2vrUH6d0Z8PjVwRawinl_RWve2UukS2eFoUhvdlYWuQ4iMfUPp9IgAwsaFfPl5wzWuIAnPxpKNvoKzhtOMt-D5Eu6HvvbOAqpbg/s4608/20230204_130250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBYAPL2ZCX6u23M8__LNUoblVoeM9mgdD03ypyCaAE62qkF6XSaGh3_0tDWZSybIkD1uZzPQNiLaCInxjHbZ1lPMw2vrUH6d0Z8PjVwRawinl_RWve2UukS2eFoUhvdlYWuQ4iMfUPp9IgAwsaFfPl5wzWuIAnPxpKNvoKzhtOMt-D5Eu6HvvbOAqpbg/w480-h640/20230204_130250.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And the first brave primulas beginning to flower.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic1pB-OdX8wVO4U1Z5FdXN12-axZWKttplqlkUuvxLSVbze3Im6MPowYSBdfF1DrLcNajaKUNLL-WCjKMv1h2XRitb-vF9UwMzHAj2os4BogQ3vxwJc-y8nN5B7zd40T5gkT5f8ZsVUwF1TRcbzLmWZFUZG5JCc7CHjA9f92SN3INx2np-Ij1wG-sTw/s4608/20230204_130318.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhic1pB-OdX8wVO4U1Z5FdXN12-axZWKttplqlkUuvxLSVbze3Im6MPowYSBdfF1DrLcNajaKUNLL-WCjKMv1h2XRitb-vF9UwMzHAj2os4BogQ3vxwJc-y8nN5B7zd40T5gkT5f8ZsVUwF1TRcbzLmWZFUZG5JCc7CHjA9f92SN3INx2np-Ij1wG-sTw/w480-h640/20230204_130318.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also noted the sad scene of my broken bird bath, a victim of those hard frosts. </div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpunpPTXy8lJFoqP0v_XBC4NKGfU5UHtAjpBeVo8QBBk1Jjvtum42HNA_43NCOkTBcpk2P2JPkcR38Uqan7s1iFlENfcB8esxO6ZCzno9txZ4gCpIswsJ3uXXJyemp9Ga-BC8ThXjFxD1EiU8FIhqRxkBm5FjUYfoMwt5VPzPOYDJgCA0BXauC_nsEQ/s4608/20230204_130334.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHpunpPTXy8lJFoqP0v_XBC4NKGfU5UHtAjpBeVo8QBBk1Jjvtum42HNA_43NCOkTBcpk2P2JPkcR38Uqan7s1iFlENfcB8esxO6ZCzno9txZ4gCpIswsJ3uXXJyemp9Ga-BC8ThXjFxD1EiU8FIhqRxkBm5FjUYfoMwt5VPzPOYDJgCA0BXauC_nsEQ/w480-h640/20230204_130334.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Never mind, I'll keep a look out for a second-hand one, or something else to be a feature here. Thinking about it, now my apple tree has grown I'm not sure anything is needed π€. We have a pond the birds use. I must remember my simplicity goal.</div><div><br /></div><div>Ending on a happier note, today I noticed my Amaryllis has THREE stems. WOW! That's certainly a first for me ππΊ </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA16V_jll0osvHSUBJBODsBDQuVbGycsNkrjK5PAOYYWVCNE-g9srmf2qYjFn6zHUozx_KNorOK3z1cTQWrvpBSvOuSEonH7R9zHhMoVijFJgRze_a7hOYgilO_F22zChdsG0_oohvmkassgP2HWGSOIU2tDaRnw1rESX-byrF2Qi33FXcdtFWA_b7Q/s4608/20230204_095551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNA16V_jll0osvHSUBJBODsBDQuVbGycsNkrjK5PAOYYWVCNE-g9srmf2qYjFn6zHUozx_KNorOK3z1cTQWrvpBSvOuSEonH7R9zHhMoVijFJgRze_a7hOYgilO_F22zChdsG0_oohvmkassgP2HWGSOIU2tDaRnw1rESX-byrF2Qi33FXcdtFWA_b7Q/w480-h640/20230204_095551.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div></div></div><div>I do hope your February has got off to a good start and you enjoyed my everyday seasonal moments. </div><div><br /></div><div>Jacquie x</div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-48725312810895656052023-01-21T22:38:00.005+00:002023-01-21T23:14:05.671+00:00Cold and Frosty<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week we have enjoyed a break form the grey, wet and windy weather we had last week. The high pressure has led to freezing nights and sunny days. It feels so perfectly seasonal and is certainly conducive to a nice afternoon drive with mum to take in the wintry beauty....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sOamOAgybq4S6FYfPr4jl4EEXg86Fmh7FhqsDww6jPcoF7qwXIa8QHnHK4-FIJRHgLCyBCfz18t_zLA7nmfacnx_KKCZiXF4ZZVw8fKu9Mee_7Wmv7jEg59AKV2AQxTjjH7V6OzeA39VDeK2OVCRqDjkGddO34K6KWMY6tJ7h1jI7AgEKicPp6UVPQ/s4608/20230118_133420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sOamOAgybq4S6FYfPr4jl4EEXg86Fmh7FhqsDww6jPcoF7qwXIa8QHnHK4-FIJRHgLCyBCfz18t_zLA7nmfacnx_KKCZiXF4ZZVw8fKu9Mee_7Wmv7jEg59AKV2AQxTjjH7V6OzeA39VDeK2OVCRqDjkGddO34K6KWMY6tJ7h1jI7AgEKicPp6UVPQ/w480-h640/20230118_133420.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On Wednesday we ended up in a coffee shop with a view. This place was packed when we arrived but as lunch time was coming to an end it looked like this by the time we were leaving. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAJ92fUpQsK9A4Em4yBAUYFWJOrUfVIjAEAEcEywa9TYgmGFWwA_ZF6ZC_xEBbPpkLxYkXwMz2wDWyx5Q0lgDzLsXogNk_Gb_Y4jXq3EI07VIuzLtWutfuug-yQm6Q5bh6zCnAefmNmvvIKOuTPQmDkeZJWYN6Sbub_YH651a1ErXbCCkEQk2H-4hXA/s4608/20230118_141316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkAJ92fUpQsK9A4Em4yBAUYFWJOrUfVIjAEAEcEywa9TYgmGFWwA_ZF6ZC_xEBbPpkLxYkXwMz2wDWyx5Q0lgDzLsXogNk_Gb_Y4jXq3EI07VIuzLtWutfuug-yQm6Q5bh6zCnAefmNmvvIKOuTPQmDkeZJWYN6Sbub_YH651a1ErXbCCkEQk2H-4hXA/w480-h640/20230118_141316.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I love a room with a distant view.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Now we are 4 weeks since the shortest day there's that bit more light to enjoy those views. Driving home from work just after 4pm still looks rather evening like, pretty though.....</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr12J_bYhVzjsUefVJ9xlqIHzR9ZU5NoKzsgT8yTJORzxpjTIZ-kKitT_4Q3fJlOHI9biSlqJSWDD1llGkVT7VAYqjdqnfRZWDNUcSUwNYyOmj2dbX6aoKXiqaxfDyB1Fzi1por1KTZd-Ic2kF6pDd93auV9bmmkmiU0LpxAfQCk9SqAMJlE3VuNoew/s4608/20230119_160555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYr12J_bYhVzjsUefVJ9xlqIHzR9ZU5NoKzsgT8yTJORzxpjTIZ-kKitT_4Q3fJlOHI9biSlqJSWDD1llGkVT7VAYqjdqnfRZWDNUcSUwNYyOmj2dbX6aoKXiqaxfDyB1Fzi1por1KTZd-Ic2kF6pDd93auV9bmmkmiU0LpxAfQCk9SqAMJlE3VuNoew/w480-h640/20230119_160555.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> Bare tree silhouettes are another highlight of winter to me. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As the month goes on I'm continuing my decluttering mission. I think I'm up to 5 bags of donations to charity so far. I'm trying to have a low spend January as I feel it fits in with my Simplicity goal this year. Less stuff means more space and less chaos. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see I have made a few considered Charity shop purchases though. I've started to write a list of things I'm wanting to find that I keep in my handbag. Otherwise it's easy to be overwhelmed or distracted by things you don't really need and just pick up because they are cheap. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My current list includes a zipped top (as a certain puppy tends to destroy zips given half a chance) and a scarf with autumnal colours. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhFYejY_4iRWqmbFqyvZHBw0RZLwoUDmnjpZQMXxIGpRSCl1tEIg3qAk0t0f_dZdIS3pAzvl0u410DEfqzgGMwlEUN-Gtmn8LykcrkOpl-avDIKWb-p0o7aslIck7rzQdM-dUCSTk-2BOkr5hKDQDhRRtMrp1W0o6tyYUxvaNYKnUzpYSh3xNJjC7UA/s4021/20230117_130359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4021" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqhFYejY_4iRWqmbFqyvZHBw0RZLwoUDmnjpZQMXxIGpRSCl1tEIg3qAk0t0f_dZdIS3pAzvl0u410DEfqzgGMwlEUN-Gtmn8LykcrkOpl-avDIKWb-p0o7aslIck7rzQdM-dUCSTk-2BOkr5hKDQDhRRtMrp1W0o6tyYUxvaNYKnUzpYSh3xNJjC7UA/w550-h640/20230117_130359.jpg" width="550" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I have to admit red shoes were not on my list, but last summer I did think I would like another option to open toe sandals sometimes. It seemed sensible to pick these up as they should hopefully fill that gap in my summer wardrobe.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYj6pgs12g36idOoTkkP-nQVWBumLdWLFUHV0tePpgapjt5EJ1WdjZ76regV989Yc35T0FfTKd5AVbugC-ttxP9NGyZhMIXpNSw1xoKTv2jG0xQN67pHeydqzMOztlSCQ8nXbNblCm5dUIE6ngodIkzXQCKWl-HXFP_5wh_9iPlUxpI-MhSPbxzAeDw/s3456/20230117_130424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3251" data-original-width="3456" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtYj6pgs12g36idOoTkkP-nQVWBumLdWLFUHV0tePpgapjt5EJ1WdjZ76regV989Yc35T0FfTKd5AVbugC-ttxP9NGyZhMIXpNSw1xoKTv2jG0xQN67pHeydqzMOztlSCQ8nXbNblCm5dUIE6ngodIkzXQCKWl-HXFP_5wh_9iPlUxpI-MhSPbxzAeDw/w640-h602/20230117_130424.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I've had a go at modelling my purchases for you...Hi :0)</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3fiJMEs0u1FZUkYNffJZrtS-3eegmOkm-9Dxu3RYjX-AtfoCO4HKPvqK7LRZY59GjMnqlcy0Hcp1tRHWpzhGaLaDF-DmZ2y4FTV2OxJsRzV0IohubB_E0RcSTSELXRguffb9sUfr38Z8zxjA23dL_OQkLcVJaBAwO5DxRTVYgNzVvuwBwmOFGuNVhQ/s3264/20230117_131032.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3fiJMEs0u1FZUkYNffJZrtS-3eegmOkm-9Dxu3RYjX-AtfoCO4HKPvqK7LRZY59GjMnqlcy0Hcp1tRHWpzhGaLaDF-DmZ2y4FTV2OxJsRzV0IohubB_E0RcSTSELXRguffb9sUfr38Z8zxjA23dL_OQkLcVJaBAwO5DxRTVYgNzVvuwBwmOFGuNVhQ/w480-h640/20230117_131032.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Not bad for a total of Β£6.50 I thought. And more importantly by not buying new I've reduced my environmental impact and donated to good causes. As <a href="https://thenonconsumeradvocate.com/aboutkaty/" target="_blank">Katy </a>says "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without"</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This morning was another frosty start. The primulas by my front door don't seem to mind. Aren't these simple flowers gorgeous. A real spring favourite of mine. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtXyVsmP9PMjAVca7y0OTggYqPhatKkUU8qLNJqegSzEr3IgA2AXPsVBoAo0KRsOnZbxekkj7VRdhseAcc7WQEyqWW_-PYciDl1_2GSVYQsyvZPhuRyeCE8t-w1OH0Eifcfrdx_oAbBbqBD0LqRrdF_TYQJtL0yrODEs9PofmNSiOzdsf7OVWzHrjqA/s4608/20230121_084811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtXyVsmP9PMjAVca7y0OTggYqPhatKkUU8qLNJqegSzEr3IgA2AXPsVBoAo0KRsOnZbxekkj7VRdhseAcc7WQEyqWW_-PYciDl1_2GSVYQsyvZPhuRyeCE8t-w1OH0Eifcfrdx_oAbBbqBD0LqRrdF_TYQJtL0yrODEs9PofmNSiOzdsf7OVWzHrjqA/w480-h640/20230121_084811.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm not wishing winter away yet though, well not days like these. The frost and sunshine were beautiful today. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog3J35Nqsq-7MTBdmvUOmSDT42_vbh96hyQNvNz1hTsKdPqqJ79MzY5SlGQMairr1Ynz_yYoexh6viZKzXxjcCi62ygmabd5Q493OEdPHbFQDISos2kTuow9oxizBoRfxVwfkIWu_P5kVYdngY5WiPi3BLo2iGDYl5AHtkOw9x6pyN5MvEy8xR5xqzw/s4608/20230121_105525.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhog3J35Nqsq-7MTBdmvUOmSDT42_vbh96hyQNvNz1hTsKdPqqJ79MzY5SlGQMairr1Ynz_yYoexh6viZKzXxjcCi62ygmabd5Q493OEdPHbFQDISos2kTuow9oxizBoRfxVwfkIWu_P5kVYdngY5WiPi3BLo2iGDYl5AHtkOw9x6pyN5MvEy8xR5xqzw/w480-h640/20230121_105525.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Stunning ice crystals.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__M6OMkiT3kmIgJ_jiTbFMOXNBFefK6IBG3UxYy0uTNUwJ9z2fiF7saA0Pfiwl62nFgn8X6dOHx1EFXT1SY6WHD5V2v7b353r98ikS5CeUKH0drVr2Rpe5DowTcK3GkKQLmleKKxgnjl-4cjw8yA0OwNBSFobPpXnOButxWTArHmqqOeA1b_FYrvZ3Q/s4608/20230121_105553.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__M6OMkiT3kmIgJ_jiTbFMOXNBFefK6IBG3UxYy0uTNUwJ9z2fiF7saA0Pfiwl62nFgn8X6dOHx1EFXT1SY6WHD5V2v7b353r98ikS5CeUKH0drVr2Rpe5DowTcK3GkKQLmleKKxgnjl-4cjw8yA0OwNBSFobPpXnOButxWTArHmqqOeA1b_FYrvZ3Q/w480-h640/20230121_105553.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Crunchy grass underfoot...and no mud! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfjnEs6iJZu0jabm7f8eu16e8CXRpVQb-p6VK-SlFUHIFyV2nLm1OmQTYAWuOaXn_e-cTCOxBKOlDs3Z_SyYr9NW9_kWWngrGN5kiTppWokDFQlaJzA449uvYuHfwzRaXEHUMqCEn5_4UtkG2wYUYY35s460g-s-jmUN9_eBOjv-fRKrFn3JpZaxdfw/s4608/20230121_110950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfjnEs6iJZu0jabm7f8eu16e8CXRpVQb-p6VK-SlFUHIFyV2nLm1OmQTYAWuOaXn_e-cTCOxBKOlDs3Z_SyYr9NW9_kWWngrGN5kiTppWokDFQlaJzA449uvYuHfwzRaXEHUMqCEn5_4UtkG2wYUYY35s460g-s-jmUN9_eBOjv-fRKrFn3JpZaxdfw/w480-h640/20230121_110950.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is a treasured spot of mine. It looked quite magical today.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALNK8DU7xZvhZWfNj-B8vOO-HFzqozWIi9YXxwkz6CQkTj80RSrVRhjuPACVbw-L8aswJL_EypTI6t1SnLY-KYQRwOKHl_A54d9IPAblP2LKe8yS_896-BbB3sOLbJuBA6uZXnHlQJ5Hv0OyLRumEyH7KzkRKa7LTvJrDfQlKAtTBM_RZmMWUC-Qbow/s4608/20230121_111317.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgALNK8DU7xZvhZWfNj-B8vOO-HFzqozWIi9YXxwkz6CQkTj80RSrVRhjuPACVbw-L8aswJL_EypTI6t1SnLY-KYQRwOKHl_A54d9IPAblP2LKe8yS_896-BbB3sOLbJuBA6uZXnHlQJ5Hv0OyLRumEyH7KzkRKa7LTvJrDfQlKAtTBM_RZmMWUC-Qbow/w480-h640/20230121_111317.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here is the same spot in May. Oh my, all that colour! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98aeLscHG4sMWUbmwdVEfeQz1H2CMUi0iStb1TDB_4gMFWlfoiVyZbddwWEO7JozAsyuba-aVmB1PMAsp8ygg2Z9s0Eh9iB3nMHW-84LCfyS9SaDXanrPh0a_az7flz-quLhaoeIzNrYMHgRnTH4vUiq7xZlcVSWxrr_JjISBS77oSBOKUK1kjz7FnQ/s4608/20220517_081246.heic" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj98aeLscHG4sMWUbmwdVEfeQz1H2CMUi0iStb1TDB_4gMFWlfoiVyZbddwWEO7JozAsyuba-aVmB1PMAsp8ygg2Z9s0Eh9iB3nMHW-84LCfyS9SaDXanrPh0a_az7flz-quLhaoeIzNrYMHgRnTH4vUiq7xZlcVSWxrr_JjISBS77oSBOKUK1kjz7FnQ/w480-h640/20220517_081246.heic" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">For now I'm happy taking in winter's subtle palette, hard edges and deep shadows.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBRSJ9hIoCq8FAZ7jN8-Hj2OW46lyrOdmqpKnMd_tgVwiXUuOEmkpHIK4zjjhYZajeSRi96FbpbgUUwGO3TOcss1NKVowPuOCOIzXUIL0Bsg1EJ9F5Z9TqzSAobVU8adt5PJLaUolusGub0KZOgBoEuxyxCBiTSjpzwe6YmH43rJPBG6bV4iddqlPZQ/s2576/20230121_111619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2576" data-original-width="1932" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBRSJ9hIoCq8FAZ7jN8-Hj2OW46lyrOdmqpKnMd_tgVwiXUuOEmkpHIK4zjjhYZajeSRi96FbpbgUUwGO3TOcss1NKVowPuOCOIzXUIL0Bsg1EJ9F5Z9TqzSAobVU8adt5PJLaUolusGub0KZOgBoEuxyxCBiTSjpzwe6YmH43rJPBG6bV4iddqlPZQ/w480-h640/20230121_111619.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The first bunch of daffodils opening on my kitchen windowsill is bringing a burst of cheery colour and a hint of the wonders of spring to come. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y9MMQ7sNhmJDVpTfkK41ROtbXt7FZot8_KQwZieCfm2LvqXVIPNFbuoA4egt56bNXzMrsbkcR6-kvAOGssnVcfyqNKmQ1YZgqm5TnyTq8Iy5Y-XG7LdpReIVZVUWHDRXV8tHzOhKFUB3EeVhLPtVpYGyJ9FB1upxHkOTa0PAE-FgztZIPb4SeuJXVw/s4608/20230121_104041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Y9MMQ7sNhmJDVpTfkK41ROtbXt7FZot8_KQwZieCfm2LvqXVIPNFbuoA4egt56bNXzMrsbkcR6-kvAOGssnVcfyqNKmQ1YZgqm5TnyTq8Iy5Y-XG7LdpReIVZVUWHDRXV8tHzOhKFUB3EeVhLPtVpYGyJ9FB1upxHkOTa0PAE-FgztZIPb4SeuJXVw/w480-h640/20230121_104041.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>What a precious Saturday. It feels so good to be back blogging again, celebrating the good things and reminding myself how much I have to be thankful for.</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you are getting the chance to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life lovelies. Thank you so much for reading my ramblings and for your kind comments.</div><div>Jacquie x</div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-24256383728368914492023-01-10T16:15:00.004+00:002023-01-10T18:04:49.815+00:00My word for 2023<p> Hello Lovelies,</p><p>Happy New Year! Maybe I'm a little late to say that but I hope not. I've been slowly easing myself into 2023 and not rushing into any resolutions or commitments. The Christmas decorations are all back in the loft now but I enjoyed them while they were here. We had a relatively quiet festive season , though we did host a Christmas eve family get together. Now my mum in law is not with us the wider family seem to be drifting apart somewhat. It's a shame but I know things cannot remain the same indefinitely.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS07_Sqzy_kWDbk-oBX5A3p6nnqqdkRs2w3q0j1F5P4qSGGLx2-AsvMooCTJrF6AClxJWXxb5Gb3rVI_3YBMSvshhES5_oeZb7w69X3cMK_pe-woCY-se2WlrWwBDo2p2lgB11K3oDSIhkR3RVk6CMn5uy9FjbinpMc1YfHvnvGAFiSPB9jxNAqfRjw/s4608/20221225_161007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpS07_Sqzy_kWDbk-oBX5A3p6nnqqdkRs2w3q0j1F5P4qSGGLx2-AsvMooCTJrF6AClxJWXxb5Gb3rVI_3YBMSvshhES5_oeZb7w69X3cMK_pe-woCY-se2WlrWwBDo2p2lgB11K3oDSIhkR3RVk6CMn5uy9FjbinpMc1YfHvnvGAFiSPB9jxNAqfRjw/w480-h640/20221225_161007.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Between Christmas and new year I enjoyed some crafting with the cards we received. I found a tutorial </span><a href="https://www.thinkmakeshareblog.com/wp-content/uploads/greetings_box_instructions.pdf" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="text-align: left;"> on how to turn them into little gift boxes and got quite addicted to this simple, meditative process.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfHDXy6EEDtJLpZ-bIIVrEgMD_OOcJ2eBh6q2tGzUY3Nej3mRaIpgs-VKhQVB9f85rlU4NQVRZ7b_tV44lZXDoN0V-C9SMWYCyT2AtDlxM0C0hzWBRzq_B3Hy_zFZzkPiWijpGqcxSsAzyuOnmQL0IhpcCwv8YUWkqVL5YZKXfX0G2kJljozK6aK5EQ/s4608/20221227_231138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijfHDXy6EEDtJLpZ-bIIVrEgMD_OOcJ2eBh6q2tGzUY3Nej3mRaIpgs-VKhQVB9f85rlU4NQVRZ7b_tV44lZXDoN0V-C9SMWYCyT2AtDlxM0C0hzWBRzq_B3Hy_zFZzkPiWijpGqcxSsAzyuOnmQL0IhpcCwv8YUWkqVL5YZKXfX0G2kJljozK6aK5EQ/w480-h640/20221227_231138.jpg" width="480" /></a><div><br /></div><div>In the end I made enough to construct a reusable advent calendar. I LOVE the fact that this is all recycled stuff (except the numbers which were from my old card making stash) . The backing is a cardboard box painted red and I made it with a flap to aid safe storage. It should last several years and is easy to refill with whatever chocolate or small gift you fancy.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZdwM-ehRJ4Q2rx6q1Gd62WhbAtyfzPfu-N4CpmRcFPsseGpF9llJvHbQA2Xg-9PwPEwPWvS6FLgTVu2BZXmnfRrESSQuBBxWEpykWG2YP0gIhywa2Jbwr2b2E6KQiZR7Cl9eynuOTuzPd5cs3_n7K9evuVJvIeN6Y1Nq50wHKksAugSz2y9GBmZXzw/s4608/20221229_202521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeZdwM-ehRJ4Q2rx6q1Gd62WhbAtyfzPfu-N4CpmRcFPsseGpF9llJvHbQA2Xg-9PwPEwPWvS6FLgTVu2BZXmnfRrESSQuBBxWEpykWG2YP0gIhywa2Jbwr2b2E6KQiZR7Cl9eynuOTuzPd5cs3_n7K9evuVJvIeN6Y1Nq50wHKksAugSz2y9GBmZXzw/w480-h640/20221229_202521.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So what IS your word of 2023 Jacquie? It's SIMPLICITY.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To me that means many things. Keeping life simple, noticing small things that can bring gratitude. Also avoiding waste and therefore reducing our costs, not to mention helping with sustainability.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm really proud that we have managed to almost halve our Electricity consumption in comparison to this time last year. With energy costs soaring I made many small changes that obviously have added up. The ones I can think of at the moment are....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Getting a few of these motion sensor nightlights. They give enough light to illuminate a room you are briefly using (say to let the dog out or go to the bathroom in the night) without turning on the mains lights. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2hGv2yPsEp1gdy3-gI2ETC11XGgrAjEWrfd-fyfZO9QTHGB3CR4nONJaUNrs-Tu0kwb3htYYgzusTE2mr40CUCzzGTADYYdcqzrWsdPvVpse1rE08mWuUJ20cZfbdfrMZGio9-UePkKQXv74FJ7MaDuJksyPY2IrD7HevMVJ4nn12p8Unr7Z-qyqWQ/s4608/20221207_075117.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC2hGv2yPsEp1gdy3-gI2ETC11XGgrAjEWrfd-fyfZO9QTHGB3CR4nONJaUNrs-Tu0kwb3htYYgzusTE2mr40CUCzzGTADYYdcqzrWsdPvVpse1rE08mWuUJ20cZfbdfrMZGio9-UePkKQXv74FJ7MaDuJksyPY2IrD7HevMVJ4nn12p8Unr7Z-qyqWQ/w480-h640/20221207_075117.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ditching the dishwasher. I know many sources say that dishwashers are the most economical way of washing up but I'm personally not convinced. We have an efficient combi boiler and are not on a water meter so I feel one or two bowls of hot water must cost me less than hours of running a dishwasher, which has to heat up the dishes to dry them and well as the water to wash them.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8fMV6I2IpBbZuOLMG4qd_qXm8_5PyguO0f0I9gdNAVY0jQ9r2TBBk9p0heodx4lGLPs5zMnJBcmtPHHvvfAVdYsgzDzb0-9K3WdF7ORCKMtRUetkfdVwZQuM003JK5zNFYxRczwVRxYQv2gqTk_f7xtShv-4fGxQt_5jBzB5sox4j-Krv08WhoZ0lQ/s4608/20221207_192907.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR8fMV6I2IpBbZuOLMG4qd_qXm8_5PyguO0f0I9gdNAVY0jQ9r2TBBk9p0heodx4lGLPs5zMnJBcmtPHHvvfAVdYsgzDzb0-9K3WdF7ORCKMtRUetkfdVwZQuM003JK5zNFYxRczwVRxYQv2gqTk_f7xtShv-4fGxQt_5jBzB5sox4j-Krv08WhoZ0lQ/w480-h640/20221207_192907.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm also TRYING to avoid using my main oven too often. The slow cooker is great for jacket potatoes...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI5Pd_ufdKZnlA-YCiprRSImYkDlV5hC29-RMzZtNzSi-F-D-Ti92ZYHQKW0wizgoCMn-eX0yCFqqwJfZA-OVq-HWd-5eFGY_vkGvemiWu3cvseNXjRpOHANI6DhjK1MotVWPKOSZ4wp5tTeilIroXemwQYiFSUxjIOXsRgBii8rWXBdG7kgS4RsWMA/s4608/20221129_140407.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI5Pd_ufdKZnlA-YCiprRSImYkDlV5hC29-RMzZtNzSi-F-D-Ti92ZYHQKW0wizgoCMn-eX0yCFqqwJfZA-OVq-HWd-5eFGY_vkGvemiWu3cvseNXjRpOHANI6DhjK1MotVWPKOSZ4wp5tTeilIroXemwQYiFSUxjIOXsRgBii8rWXBdG7kgS4RsWMA/w480-h640/20221129_140407.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And I bought a mini oven which I love. It heats up almost instantly and is great when one pizza or some garlic bread is needed. It also bakes cakes and copes with a lasagne. Mine is <a href="https://www.argos.co.uk/product/9381098?clickPR=plp:1:9" target="_blank">THIS</a> one.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Other things I've done is to replace a very old freezer. Be more intentional about TV viewing and put the satellite box to sleep when it's not being used. Nag to family to turn off computers when they are not in use and I iron less. We are doing less well with reducing gas consumption as I hate being cold and I'm drying clothes on airers indoors rather than using my tumble drier so that needs the radiators to be on for a few hours. Despite this I have managed to bring it down a bit and installing a log burner is my main goal for this summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I realise a lot of these actions have involved a cost and consuming resources. I'm fortunate to be in a position to afford some new things to try and keep my bills down. Obviously it hasn't made the bills lower but has kept them from doubling! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Simplicity to me also means owning less. We are a family of five adults and a medium sized dog in a three bed semi. It's cosy! It's less than ideal when middle son's girlfriend comes to stay. She is lovely and very welcome but it does mean juggling.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DX0jQeLuYpb7ji1nlwZEcOpIwSgbANzwXc7ze3kmXj490tZHjiwR50T-W96ggZfvCPAakmauZ8vwmFqbzCBa32H1zVL7b2wRpSAQTA-B3mxwmDbDKDNwMwmY5w-q8vIEgfz7orezZR7hosqgniW851zAZnvIe0N2ck827_PK8FW0SB0DbScYChvmMA/s4608/20220905_142359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5DX0jQeLuYpb7ji1nlwZEcOpIwSgbANzwXc7ze3kmXj490tZHjiwR50T-W96ggZfvCPAakmauZ8vwmFqbzCBa32H1zVL7b2wRpSAQTA-B3mxwmDbDKDNwMwmY5w-q8vIEgfz7orezZR7hosqgniW851zAZnvIe0N2ck827_PK8FW0SB0DbScYChvmMA/w480-h640/20220905_142359.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Youngest son and myself are missing from this image.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This week I've been having a sort out in our bedroom. I've already taken one huge bag of things to the charity shop and it's interesting to note many of the things were charity shop purchases in the first place, some with the tags still on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3QbTIc9rp3trGqXyPF2R_ZGabtOn7sAJz3fKH2jZ7naefysVDChNau1lH7RoYEX2vUBK75mAurPsnkSUL3Rhok2YJShLmfbSvwE0f0OQwevDH-ekFHvqDcJiwwTEiTqqQyynmKsiEBn6rphyc2FB6J-hozRiazLz3V3SukOOgVGYh5Ls6g7ohiE25Q/s4608/20230109_084150.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3QbTIc9rp3trGqXyPF2R_ZGabtOn7sAJz3fKH2jZ7naefysVDChNau1lH7RoYEX2vUBK75mAurPsnkSUL3Rhok2YJShLmfbSvwE0f0OQwevDH-ekFHvqDcJiwwTEiTqqQyynmKsiEBn6rphyc2FB6J-hozRiazLz3V3SukOOgVGYh5Ls6g7ohiE25Q/w480-h640/20230109_084150.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There's still more work to do in here but the top of our wardrobes and these shelves are looking better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CjkrGk3FF5GVf_mCRO-CNx2F6qaj3FYD8M_iZKIKXadsnzvg1YLb1v1XMp-B9OKHRAIX2qsdk_4wahc10TC-v4PrBxuksKShKkF5yAU17wxI7-6mA88pt4t1LTobpLzQpoB_tmncKg0eeAZuahSds86MwkflgMRiRJ89bcX6jkBRuhv7JldwIt9xDQ/s4608/20230109_152642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2CjkrGk3FF5GVf_mCRO-CNx2F6qaj3FYD8M_iZKIKXadsnzvg1YLb1v1XMp-B9OKHRAIX2qsdk_4wahc10TC-v4PrBxuksKShKkF5yAU17wxI7-6mA88pt4t1LTobpLzQpoB_tmncKg0eeAZuahSds86MwkflgMRiRJ89bcX6jkBRuhv7JldwIt9xDQ/w480-h640/20230109_152642.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I like following <a href="https://bemorewithless.com/" target="_blank">Courtney</a> on Instagram for minimalist inspiration. While I'm not trying to achieve a truly minimalist lifestyle I don't like feeling overwhelmed by stuff. Also, I attended a former work colleague's funeral a few months ago and her two rooms filled with unused craft materials were mentioned more than once. While I'm not ill I am beginning to feel the future is not promised (I'm 57 this year) and I don't want my family to have tons of stuff to sort through should anything happen to me.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Another thing I'm currently very grateful for is a simple job. As you may or may not know I gave up my nursing career in 2020. It wasn't the end to over 30 years in the NHS that I had hoped for but it was necessary for my mental health to leave.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Once I began to feel better I got myself the least stressful job I could think of...housekeeping. I thought it would probably be a stepping stone to other employment but at the moment I'm more than happy to keep doing this role indefinitely (health allowing). Frankly it's a revelation to me that a job can take only your time and not your peace of mind. What it lacks in excitement it makes up for in peace and convenience. I certainly don't miss rush hour traffic, parking battles and long shifts. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqndY3Tkrj9xJmVGFTjMGOTUZcqvN3qh-nNY6JydRiAeYnAE6rmHHYo32WcFugtvPGXAbtRkGIECFvBnVw5zVfb91CZe8I3j-7xsMHlSVeDqMYKFf4nwEBQA-GpbqmapDrDMNcc1UH_NjuTJQfbvp20WtadTxJXvpnt41ZgouoOpmf-cLNdS-guckMg/s4608/20221124_105316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRqndY3Tkrj9xJmVGFTjMGOTUZcqvN3qh-nNY6JydRiAeYnAE6rmHHYo32WcFugtvPGXAbtRkGIECFvBnVw5zVfb91CZe8I3j-7xsMHlSVeDqMYKFf4nwEBQA-GpbqmapDrDMNcc1UH_NjuTJQfbvp20WtadTxJXvpnt41ZgouoOpmf-cLNdS-guckMg/w480-h640/20221124_105316.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Obviously it pays less than my previous job but I'd rather try and cut back on expenses than increase my stress. Fortunately I'm not the major breadwinner in the household so it is possible.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, my aim for 2023 is to TRY and keep my life simple. As much as a second dog appeals some days I know it's not the right time at the moment. I'm also resisting the urge to book any holidays as I want to keep as many options open as possible. I want to try and get back into more crafts now Lando is less demanding, and to use things from my stash rather than buying anything new.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29SYrFHjaX-GBZiHD8q7rIKbVZTiq-W-URF8dJmSbNiJ-2mJ3QO6-PQUI5RPoxWqHCf7ORo8NqY2E1VgfLB2BGE13CTPaYXRuY9bVYQ85hnoz1_DP9NY2PfwNi7bXPLK1dHnhLd3Apvs4OEcaJq93UXfIFf4x1UwWaHJonl_h4RoVpEYouVfiksJFdA/s4608/20221114_172034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg29SYrFHjaX-GBZiHD8q7rIKbVZTiq-W-URF8dJmSbNiJ-2mJ3QO6-PQUI5RPoxWqHCf7ORo8NqY2E1VgfLB2BGE13CTPaYXRuY9bVYQ85hnoz1_DP9NY2PfwNi7bXPLK1dHnhLd3Apvs4OEcaJq93UXfIFf4x1UwWaHJonl_h4RoVpEYouVfiksJFdA/w480-h640/20221114_172034.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div>I'm unsubscribing from all those marketing e.mails you end up with after Christmas and only making considered charity shop purchases from my list of things I'm on the look out for. </div><div><br /></div><div>So, if you want to find me in 2023 I'll hopefully be home, walking my dog locally, having a small trip out with mum or a couple of miles down the road doing my "retirement job." </div><div><br /></div><div>Gosh, that would have sounded very dull to my younger self but at this stage in my life it sounds great. </div><div><br /></div><div>I do hope you are managing to find the right fit for your circumstances lovelies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jacquie x <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-87838501339590993312022-11-29T10:22:00.003+00:002022-11-29T10:22:53.444+00:00Puppy Days<p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies,</div></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh it's so it's nice to be writing a blog post again! I can't promise it will be a regular occurrence but I wanted to mark the journey so far with our newest member of the family, who will soon be turning one. </div></blockquote></blockquote><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sxAByNiYLu7GjLQ1DgJLBLYc6o5JgwCMQ9LE1TiXaV0P1GlP01h2VtKZ3p5lWSWgwfvRDcFdxJrwm_gX0Pihf-jR4k9_dcly22asFz4NAulTMUC49Ry4oH_5DWeQjOWC6Yes-RPCkcxpWqoyTqQzjIILm3gBdnt1A5ATIERpgxCOpwENLjhVVy4nOw/s4608/20220205_123339.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5sxAByNiYLu7GjLQ1DgJLBLYc6o5JgwCMQ9LE1TiXaV0P1GlP01h2VtKZ3p5lWSWgwfvRDcFdxJrwm_gX0Pihf-jR4k9_dcly22asFz4NAulTMUC49Ry4oH_5DWeQjOWC6Yes-RPCkcxpWqoyTqQzjIILm3gBdnt1A5ATIERpgxCOpwENLjhVVy4nOw/w480-h640/20220205_123339.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Day 1 </div><p> Obviously this cute fur baby has dominated my Instagram grid since we picked him up in February, but here I can record our journey in more detail. And remind myself in years to come :0)</p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I was under no illusion how much work a puppy is, in fact once I decided the time was right for us to go for a much longed for dog, a rescue was always my intention. Mainly because there are just so many dogs needing homes.... and they aren't puppies!</div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In the end though, after approaching various dog rescues, we felt our inexperience and a neighbouring vocal dog would be in issue. </div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My next tack was to go for a reputable breeder, who loved their dogs.</div></blockquote></blockquote><p> In late January I contacted a lady (through the Kennel Club Website) who obviously doted on her dogs and was ethical about her breeding programme.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to know what the correct standards are when you are totally unexperienced in a particular area but you can get a feel for the right person...and she was.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We didn't get to bring this cutie home until she had interviewed us and we had been given loads of helpful, necessary information. I also signed a long contract. I can't remember all it contained but the nicest thing was that the breeder wanted the first opportunity to take him back if things didn't work out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip9I8lkKBDvrsrE7aVXw-G6FTz8dNS97iR16PVr666vkqikqYFf93VMF9K9RDZrcD0jdjwtbNa7nuC6aHK8SRdSpQpGAqE-Wg2OWG7jEImWFwquuQip8h67bhma6qI28mhiaPJPs1cPhs_sQ3PZKF5i3iLfrpxPYLgADUIlTk4I_mBHcRO1d3ZJgQ2w/s3296/20220205_113242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3296" data-original-width="1854" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhip9I8lkKBDvrsrE7aVXw-G6FTz8dNS97iR16PVr666vkqikqYFf93VMF9K9RDZrcD0jdjwtbNa7nuC6aHK8SRdSpQpGAqE-Wg2OWG7jEImWFwquuQip8h67bhma6qI28mhiaPJPs1cPhs_sQ3PZKF5i3iLfrpxPYLgADUIlTk4I_mBHcRO1d3ZJgQ2w/w360-h640/20220205_113242.jpg" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: center;">Here he is on the drive home. Despite how this looks he was NOT a happy bunny. He cried constantly and was sick from the journey. I felt terrible for him.</blockquote></blockquote> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thankfully, after a long sleep he was much happier...massive relief!</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgDoTA8fNnHqCWIfBn8Vi97FvJ1qhfu6u645LMK4QEFHy1KRObw0yOm5vRdEYRhDS7sN25NE8Hz2ztw7CkY-BN7lQi7CH0_U4XBwXyFqn2vI12Gf5gpbs20GCE1P-JE-V6LNbzv_yNdJatz93LmPL-fyv_9tqweRVRf_1ksvxgzgEzwZfOto9_5dVhA/s4608/20220205_155102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirgDoTA8fNnHqCWIfBn8Vi97FvJ1qhfu6u645LMK4QEFHy1KRObw0yOm5vRdEYRhDS7sN25NE8Hz2ztw7CkY-BN7lQi7CH0_U4XBwXyFqn2vI12Gf5gpbs20GCE1P-JE-V6LNbzv_yNdJatz93LmPL-fyv_9tqweRVRf_1ksvxgzgEzwZfOto9_5dVhA/w480-h640/20220205_155102.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here he is, wrapping us all around his little finger from the start.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0kf5rJL6FjGWU5UJvPoaSHNBW5p5_QpRw4MoDFBz1Mo6IvlO9LNym9AwVSa8fnVNCgLHh171CLpR1WcZyvFT9hdRGHVcU9RapPEOWaqlbY0vd2RUvV1JXej6MuAAc7dzALJOov7C-Orb0m6e4VN_C7E9472dbeCrI_kc7Cms8_IWkM80ZoPyHxz-Gw/s3456/20220226_093330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3431" data-original-width="3456" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip0kf5rJL6FjGWU5UJvPoaSHNBW5p5_QpRw4MoDFBz1Mo6IvlO9LNym9AwVSa8fnVNCgLHh171CLpR1WcZyvFT9hdRGHVcU9RapPEOWaqlbY0vd2RUvV1JXej6MuAAc7dzALJOov7C-Orb0m6e4VN_C7E9472dbeCrI_kc7Cms8_IWkM80ZoPyHxz-Gw/w640-h636/20220226_093330.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">You probably can't tell his breed from these photos, but he's a <a href="https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/hound/whippet/" target="_blank">whippet</a>. I had initially set my heart on a Border Terrier but was having no luck finding a litter that hadn't already been snapped up by the time I saw the advert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When I was a child I had a Jack Russell called Tilly. Mum had previously chosen a Whippet (she called Gypsy). I was totally bemused by her choice at the time. To my, probably about 10 year old, self they were a truly unappealing shape. Not cuddly at all and looked undernourished.</div></blockquote></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWZn_cVnMk3U3dgpfHM94yeNs3FF8rYX1dTVFak8Yp-ThZK-cRobSt7mTagnDxJ-8PVJZVLu_qg0fhHlTTIWvqle3_WDHsvBOOazmwbDHT5kxdIdsLk00R86kXvLAvfEEsJtMBBlWkTUdA7m5PafuH-DBvjyixi0fMrtrsj68LQpStj19opV-W7k8Ew/s3033/20220126_162925.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3033" data-original-width="2760" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWZn_cVnMk3U3dgpfHM94yeNs3FF8rYX1dTVFak8Yp-ThZK-cRobSt7mTagnDxJ-8PVJZVLu_qg0fhHlTTIWvqle3_WDHsvBOOazmwbDHT5kxdIdsLk00R86kXvLAvfEEsJtMBBlWkTUdA7m5PafuH-DBvjyixi0fMrtrsj68LQpStj19opV-W7k8Ew/w582-h640/20220126_162925.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gypsy had a reputation (somewhat unfairly) of being hard work. She would certainly steal food from the worktop if you weren't careful (but I'm sure Tilly would have done the same, if she had been tall enough). She was a poor car traveller and woofed the whole journey....but thinking back we only ever took her in the car when we were going away. An occasional long journey into the unknown is bound to be tricky. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>She was a super loving dog though. She particularly thought the world of my dad. When she heard his car come up the drive she would go mad, barking and running around the front room. Then she would try and jump in his arms when he walked in. He would invariably say something like "Hang on Gyp, let me get through the door first." He would sit down and she would jump up on his lap and smother him in kisses. Whippets have very small feet so they can hurt you unintentionally as there is a lot of pressure though a small area. They also have long, unpadded and bony tails which whip about ( hence their name?) another hazard! <div><br /></div><div>Dad would let her stomp all over him and give her a fuss. On one occasion he did say " Oh Gyp, it's like cuddling a wheelbarrow." That made us laugh because it was a pretty good analogy! </div><div><br /></div><div>Gypsy obviously didn't put me off the breed though. Surely her more challenging traits could be due to her being bred for racing? I can still remember that we collected her from a terraced street, where she was in an outdoor kennel with her mother and the rest of the litter. The chap in a flat cap who was selling her, via a small ad in the Bradford evening newspaper, was most unhappy mum wanted her to be a pet....what a waste of her potential.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">As the years have passed I have grown to appreciate the elegant sighthound shape. Not to mention their power and speed. They are toned athletes not skinny waifs. There are several different breeds in the sight hound family. From the large Greyhound, Saluki and Borzoi to the small Italian greyhound. Lurchers are generally a mix of sighthound breeds and vary in size. Whippets are classed as a medium sized dog.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Anyway, I digress. Something else that has changed since the last time I lived with dogs is crate training. It might look cruel to the uninitiated but can be a positive thing for a dog to have a safe space. I read lots about the right way to introduce this and we tried repeatedly to make it work.</span></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxnY-gctnYmzl94LVV-k6ml6VWhxnXRJ4OWHCFOJDwIF3ksjXtbVI6iaos4r8e8-6J_Y8nLUHoCtoMhoI0xPB2eOK38b-gDIpXy5bfGizEQHsz-AVyOars1tEHmjE1Rjq1dVFqu52teawWYXnVXIwRXIvIF0bTkJAuHFgCCySmde7KpQa8h9SKPzoLw/s4608/20220205_233341.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxnY-gctnYmzl94LVV-k6ml6VWhxnXRJ4OWHCFOJDwIF3ksjXtbVI6iaos4r8e8-6J_Y8nLUHoCtoMhoI0xPB2eOK38b-gDIpXy5bfGizEQHsz-AVyOars1tEHmjE1Rjq1dVFqu52teawWYXnVXIwRXIvIF0bTkJAuHFgCCySmde7KpQa8h9SKPzoLw/w480-h640/20220205_233341.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A "play pen" is another tool for keeping puppies safe and eldest built this bespoke version for our new arrival.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKaQvXVjtVdeBMMOyD9ZLtkV0tJvo3olDzslhT3OH0AGZ2afIJcNcH4nLmOQcEau9N-LmcMPQS35WWglQ4X-oRIilX95gnWD9iBohlaereBIA0rnTV2MWEo-WOTPe6AmCbl4SAfIqvxTCU9HoS4cgCJITwinOEi17iQGqaZk8B0HZhG2VYFsqhmplAQ/s4608/20220208_195338.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKaQvXVjtVdeBMMOyD9ZLtkV0tJvo3olDzslhT3OH0AGZ2afIJcNcH4nLmOQcEau9N-LmcMPQS35WWglQ4X-oRIilX95gnWD9iBohlaereBIA0rnTV2MWEo-WOTPe6AmCbl4SAfIqvxTCU9HoS4cgCJITwinOEi17iQGqaZk8B0HZhG2VYFsqhmplAQ/w480-h640/20220208_195338.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, those early night times were interesting, to say the least!. The crate and pen were hated in equal measure and I quickly got used to sleeping on the sofa with our puppy. It seemed I couldn't bring myself to persist with any "tough love".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfusIZuQIyumVXH-soP58pOgHJSJqcLs89zRLVhVYu9AbzWYJOo4cxi_X12Sy3jfHGYjEf5_zDPFBiQnJGwg3iMyojQt_XKy5stxNclNfi1T3S4p2WlGrIoPjZ8i42YIvHaI610MLH7FX1lmqG4hdFKTxVkOLdqbcq8c4oM-GU_P5JGY6mfKOs5RMEiA/s4608/20220207_070737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfusIZuQIyumVXH-soP58pOgHJSJqcLs89zRLVhVYu9AbzWYJOo4cxi_X12Sy3jfHGYjEf5_zDPFBiQnJGwg3iMyojQt_XKy5stxNclNfi1T3S4p2WlGrIoPjZ8i42YIvHaI610MLH7FX1lmqG4hdFKTxVkOLdqbcq8c4oM-GU_P5JGY6mfKOs5RMEiA/w480-h640/20220207_070737.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still, he was more adorable than he was hard work. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihobc7Fx1RzNiJktM-oDGy0AgEBaWSQMJihRvkTS7aIKSqkLHGa1U6dZW540b0XXeCkHep9ilNwssXL0ICp7NlyuL2u9gv7hBOtq9zPB6_KeKeEAsRSGBP0e26WBwOqp5N4QMkvNfpVK-jQDOVMADyFEW9Pd9HGJqt_1YxB1dHktoPeG5jxLAaI1-gGQ/s3456/20220206_103802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2789" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihobc7Fx1RzNiJktM-oDGy0AgEBaWSQMJihRvkTS7aIKSqkLHGa1U6dZW540b0XXeCkHep9ilNwssXL0ICp7NlyuL2u9gv7hBOtq9zPB6_KeKeEAsRSGBP0e26WBwOqp5N4QMkvNfpVK-jQDOVMADyFEW9Pd9HGJqt_1YxB1dHktoPeG5jxLAaI1-gGQ/w516-h640/20220206_103802.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Who could resist these cute "toe beans"</div></div></blockquote></blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTthYRCplbSLckKB3Gl6vc2fgJm8y1LH6d7Wry4yiUPvrfbJ_8uSarqU0pinZqK90wp4KZEBud1KEpB-IwqD_65ebI2giFd8al3tAopg08oyv2fr_oFeVJ-wu6AdiJ5NG84ZR8VjQGbBnYWMb-V6WJpuWNtCtFHraIcPliQ-1eW41jQBaL3XFMo5kGQ/s3915/20220206_120626.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3915" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwTthYRCplbSLckKB3Gl6vc2fgJm8y1LH6d7Wry4yiUPvrfbJ_8uSarqU0pinZqK90wp4KZEBud1KEpB-IwqD_65ebI2giFd8al3tAopg08oyv2fr_oFeVJ-wu6AdiJ5NG84ZR8VjQGbBnYWMb-V6WJpuWNtCtFHraIcPliQ-1eW41jQBaL3XFMo5kGQ/w564-h640/20220206_120626.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><br />obviously there were teething troubles...literally and figuratively. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J33qrd2LTsN2nAer1e7aNPv0pOEXUjqvU2SMHfBcAbeVS7xgkxSUiuzITdZJikh6n6JmqextxHiEcaGpu5_N_jjc47OGSyYlhbVl9IBKoJh7NSHrLQWEtpVRM2uuPSJoLMV5-Gf1vWmNpTt6T1YXzKOD0u7j_2ssE6qqb4JdcNUU7t1WDwmBHPJ42A/s3456/20220207_081940.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3184" data-original-width="3456" height="590" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_J33qrd2LTsN2nAer1e7aNPv0pOEXUjqvU2SMHfBcAbeVS7xgkxSUiuzITdZJikh6n6JmqextxHiEcaGpu5_N_jjc47OGSyYlhbVl9IBKoJh7NSHrLQWEtpVRM2uuPSJoLMV5-Gf1vWmNpTt6T1YXzKOD0u7j_2ssE6qqb4JdcNUU7t1WDwmBHPJ42A/w640-h590/20220207_081940.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It did remind me of having human toddlers, to a degree. Totally exhausting at infuriating at times. Plenty of cute photo opportunities that belie the reality of house training and constant nipping with needle sharp teeth.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRexD_wC8sYhv2-OF7U50NVl3V8yjdCtcOrrZhi0SDwnsrd3POl-owc7hxuFhvWpso4oLyqXA93G2Jv55vC3Dgf6h2hnAgf1MA1NAuIJKShRhze6mEBreN-4p6f0ZIac089GBMPvWF8HLK8mKjLwnCcZIIeP55CZ8Acs2EamWCaALSE3WH2SHtGvBnA/s4376/20220207_145012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4376" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjRexD_wC8sYhv2-OF7U50NVl3V8yjdCtcOrrZhi0SDwnsrd3POl-owc7hxuFhvWpso4oLyqXA93G2Jv55vC3Dgf6h2hnAgf1MA1NAuIJKShRhze6mEBreN-4p6f0ZIac089GBMPvWF8HLK8mKjLwnCcZIIeP55CZ8Acs2EamWCaALSE3WH2SHtGvBnA/w506-h640/20220207_145012.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Then there's the anxiety and constant supervision required as well. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7OmMNdI6aILBX2eTxMo9gh-TcH9dLvWU1nnuoJAHeuFf3airBlcBaFEELD2UZRhlONDCFxaV1pvIFH_NJc4iWMBqI3_v32wU9wNMLAE8cJFuUpJegyNOn77tYtPI5m5qNe_vW6lB5WL-x1G_o6Nu9wCCo35MfgHoIENMC3BFHLLAY5HkDOVVQNsjjQ/s4168/20220222_125450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4168" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7OmMNdI6aILBX2eTxMo9gh-TcH9dLvWU1nnuoJAHeuFf3airBlcBaFEELD2UZRhlONDCFxaV1pvIFH_NJc4iWMBqI3_v32wU9wNMLAE8cJFuUpJegyNOn77tYtPI5m5qNe_vW6lB5WL-x1G_o6Nu9wCCo35MfgHoIENMC3BFHLLAY5HkDOVVQNsjjQ/w530-h640/20220222_125450.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hang on a minute, I don't even think I've mentioned this young man's name. There were a lot of opinions to take into account. We went around in circles a few times before everyone agreed on Lando. The name was inspired by the racing driver Lando Norris (after all whippets are a speedy breed) . The boys informed me there is a "Stars Wars" character who shares the name as well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Mind you, if I had realised how many times I would need to explain our choice to fellow dog walkers I would have gone with something more mainstream π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT8izTbDjf9bhWBU2PNry6N8LHju2Hq5BhSO7nTn7wQSGD6p6pNdmuVVF-1HziKmzlbN07NPvEXhXwsXND7QgLcJY2XQ-oO7j-gyor_8KKNfC7trhYSX5x4rdSwkRk_BUvAt3xkPDBfh4hsJn-9j07ATRfQjfoHBg_yHtLOHSrZm4jDhVtNmjVLAb6A/s2954/20220204_101451.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2954" data-original-width="2439" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWT8izTbDjf9bhWBU2PNry6N8LHju2Hq5BhSO7nTn7wQSGD6p6pNdmuVVF-1HziKmzlbN07NPvEXhXwsXND7QgLcJY2XQ-oO7j-gyor_8KKNfC7trhYSX5x4rdSwkRk_BUvAt3xkPDBfh4hsJn-9j07ATRfQjfoHBg_yHtLOHSrZm4jDhVtNmjVLAb6A/w528-h640/20220204_101451.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other thing I was unprepared for was the length of time it would be before we could take him for a walk. Vaccinations were two doses 4 weeks apart...then wait three weeks. Oh my, that was a long time to be stuck at home. Just to get a short walk and introduce him to the big wide world I resorted to carrying him in a ruck sack at one stage!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GPw_j2BDCWW_hFZ9Dvrgp2mZ43xi8pJoZ9fIx-M8wGhEJmkMWDYbgjYtQnBtrLld6r0kx1_Qln-j5jwEjA5y-ULm1ThtyxYauHgmGkgKDW6a3tj3gNSKegAwji1BBFLy--n5XaXS01r4ObYomrfUHmPex8yjDYGLDv5qViDsqNtMJKxFb2jFj3tvlw/s4300/20220222_124042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4300" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3GPw_j2BDCWW_hFZ9Dvrgp2mZ43xi8pJoZ9fIx-M8wGhEJmkMWDYbgjYtQnBtrLld6r0kx1_Qln-j5jwEjA5y-ULm1ThtyxYauHgmGkgKDW6a3tj3gNSKegAwji1BBFLy--n5XaXS01r4ObYomrfUHmPex8yjDYGLDv5qViDsqNtMJKxFb2jFj3tvlw/w514-h640/20220222_124042.jpg" width="514" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Still, look at the cuteness π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMdsOFaDK2J8CJKlEohQHsnMeW_a7CAp90G6iVmNT4gyBic4bee5Mb9goBZzUGpxRH3NgChu211mjSKaI38RBLvFr80LHKT7_Rjp6pUJgpF7dPiisMPb_ZsJZZdwr7Nh_PVOde1yLndxpfkHzaA_WLgGjeSrjsDlaBJYZIHqi23AGh8Vb2trYSVRxeQ/s4375/20220228_090131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4375" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFMdsOFaDK2J8CJKlEohQHsnMeW_a7CAp90G6iVmNT4gyBic4bee5Mb9goBZzUGpxRH3NgChu211mjSKaI38RBLvFr80LHKT7_Rjp6pUJgpF7dPiisMPb_ZsJZZdwr7Nh_PVOde1yLndxpfkHzaA_WLgGjeSrjsDlaBJYZIHqi23AGh8Vb2trYSVRxeQ/w506-h640/20220228_090131.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And we do have a garden.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1tyZJ6noBe3P1DdiWcKNugsIfcAZIK9pJYLofszVeuY1drPD72MYfSNUt4Fd-ipOKTJ52ftS6__eBgm6dL-dwkbECnsNGOwWhlYH3qbJekmKDU61B_olwGwvcwHZxsuB_ft0MduXeCaXdbrermns5yAxWts34j9LSE8kvGwlcYkif1MSW5dWBk5xJg/s3720/20220305_091607.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3720" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN1tyZJ6noBe3P1DdiWcKNugsIfcAZIK9pJYLofszVeuY1drPD72MYfSNUt4Fd-ipOKTJ52ftS6__eBgm6dL-dwkbECnsNGOwWhlYH3qbJekmKDU61B_olwGwvcwHZxsuB_ft0MduXeCaXdbrermns5yAxWts34j9LSE8kvGwlcYkif1MSW5dWBk5xJg/w640-h594/20220305_091607.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />Tortoise introductions went well....phew.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkkwq8ESmVJ1fUA1F-gytONOg4MZXtmpY--FXi3VdUEqezWI55RS_eXwe95H_ZblPspoRhho3usEqAZTnUY0ZeRPGKxXa3vzaPAGPXsEvx7a7TguLAqH8zd-ExSc-Aaf9WezjPwmHbsPzaMrjogyQrl5R9DhlJYeNMzaeX1d_kfaLvWGoj18TIPH07g/s3813/20220310_124739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="3813" height="580" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilkkwq8ESmVJ1fUA1F-gytONOg4MZXtmpY--FXi3VdUEqezWI55RS_eXwe95H_ZblPspoRhho3usEqAZTnUY0ZeRPGKxXa3vzaPAGPXsEvx7a7TguLAqH8zd-ExSc-Aaf9WezjPwmHbsPzaMrjogyQrl5R9DhlJYeNMzaeX1d_kfaLvWGoj18TIPH07g/w640-h580/20220310_124739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Short trips in the car and short carrying "walks" added to the variety.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KKDGPCx70BxeypOY6_iaIFhKfgzbuEzUP6A5oY5I7bf_zSlEY64hP0ZbkUqkbanGhyUMp4XJYmUl-KPQRw8-OLRLKlD0W5qHK2mam-alCJeVf1Rqobtt3k0-NRfH4XJ4gOGj6kCZpsmWP7J6qKb1g3X5N6e5dmYWAASwdxvAnh2eVqbbkWrJ8EWzcA/s4371/20220314_173722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4371" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_KKDGPCx70BxeypOY6_iaIFhKfgzbuEzUP6A5oY5I7bf_zSlEY64hP0ZbkUqkbanGhyUMp4XJYmUl-KPQRw8-OLRLKlD0W5qHK2mam-alCJeVf1Rqobtt3k0-NRfH4XJ4gOGj6kCZpsmWP7J6qKb1g3X5N6e5dmYWAASwdxvAnh2eVqbbkWrJ8EWzcA/w506-h640/20220314_173722.jpg" width="506" /></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></div>Until....Freedom Day! hurray.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfMzFnSZdVjI9hXqt7GX1ON2vibE4IfeCzNqil7VJHBYTwgxlK-7PtceIx_e2fNivsxE8uZMJn2S1sZ4eA-9oLeY9cCekB8DrIlcr64xAoTWyajICydxXjfX_orm4fHa5m9f9ZnOwYREhQFgUzih6zt_ds6tNv-7L-6iUx0wRa21fSwUZkdVxU9rc0A/s4357/20220321_073501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4357" data-original-width="3268" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOfMzFnSZdVjI9hXqt7GX1ON2vibE4IfeCzNqil7VJHBYTwgxlK-7PtceIx_e2fNivsxE8uZMJn2S1sZ4eA-9oLeY9cCekB8DrIlcr64xAoTWyajICydxXjfX_orm4fHa5m9f9ZnOwYREhQFgUzih6zt_ds6tNv-7L-6iUx0wRa21fSwUZkdVxU9rc0A/w480-h640/20220321_073501.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Spring brought garden sunbathing....</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWQOWC2hrrX-fgpcY1ajEbZVvW_TRF3tX5fy02vQR3lSMq5sxwA5RCX95ViCS8IP15LivMB0_uUDfF3BCJS8t-PWeYND6eZZ8as6HudT6o3fjduI25Nne-NGRuTJojO1B8v_Sppdgk9U0Og6peEz4KOqRRK4oUGtswOWF2nvkErelFamQbOQqSPmwEg/s3730/20220323_125848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3730" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwWQOWC2hrrX-fgpcY1ajEbZVvW_TRF3tX5fy02vQR3lSMq5sxwA5RCX95ViCS8IP15LivMB0_uUDfF3BCJS8t-PWeYND6eZZ8as6HudT6o3fjduI25Nne-NGRuTJojO1B8v_Sppdgk9U0Og6peEz4KOqRRK4oUGtswOWF2nvkErelFamQbOQqSPmwEg/w592-h640/20220323_125848.jpg" width="592" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And off lead walks. Lando's breeder was insistent it was important to trust your dog and work on recall from a young age. This nervous puppy was a dream really. Never straying far. Obviously this was only practiced away from hazards and livestock.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx9bj8iwF2fHoWCsgIYn-YZ6kpjWHLabw-ZKJ8THSAtUCFmkg2M2emyxMhqXoj3LNABIILwM-h0ZhDN4roB7YA-dw-Ud6Idy3Uk6iJMj0dOftXEDXlSBi73EMs8RlpNzHOnlmRMWAql58mhRIpLAqRE38FEZrL5_Cdy0yvEIvVdYgF9oBJ6tX06LLDQ/s3265/20220328_082648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="2737" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRx9bj8iwF2fHoWCsgIYn-YZ6kpjWHLabw-ZKJ8THSAtUCFmkg2M2emyxMhqXoj3LNABIILwM-h0ZhDN4roB7YA-dw-Ud6Idy3Uk6iJMj0dOftXEDXlSBi73EMs8RlpNzHOnlmRMWAql58mhRIpLAqRE38FEZrL5_Cdy0yvEIvVdYgF9oBJ6tX06LLDQ/w536-h640/20220328_082648.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This was our first "dog walking bag". It's already given up the ghost but was pretty worn out to start with. I've since picked up a replacement in the charity shop. It contains poo bags ( most important) training treats, a small bottle of water and a plastic container to use as a bowl. And not forgetting a ball. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhZFizvXsG0J_oTJPbVzWkKwX69OayJkMzIoiuvirS-J4cB2WKgWfj7B4h0JFMrLmkLsrtRn0Q3GLcI0Rjuif_8eQJVANUeO8uXTfxn56jKbw-OPZLoyM8gotT-4Uj0pZ9C1N-81cTYa8Zbs2bZ0zGMg4B5lreOmmEvqYX7lMD3MJhliI8GvcuE2v2A/s4049/20220402_083307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4049" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDhZFizvXsG0J_oTJPbVzWkKwX69OayJkMzIoiuvirS-J4cB2WKgWfj7B4h0JFMrLmkLsrtRn0Q3GLcI0Rjuif_8eQJVANUeO8uXTfxn56jKbw-OPZLoyM8gotT-4Uj0pZ9C1N-81cTYa8Zbs2bZ0zGMg4B5lreOmmEvqYX7lMD3MJhliI8GvcuE2v2A/w546-h640/20220402_083307.jpg" width="546" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As Lando grew we upgraded his harness to this one. It's so much more secure than his first one (which he could back out of if he panicked.....not ideal!) It has an extra strap that goes around his waist and the handle has been invaluable to scoop him up, move him to safety or help him over an obstacle </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OYVyPvv5W_A8Vl_hknWuWb_g68kLfYP3kNocP00meo6U0teJQ3D2Qk7R0lH2iBCz4zzuDQzWZpJjCB0rP_10Hv-DeUOglJ-G9hDaU8o8VnqLl6wzJAEjM6y7XhOnAnVpy1UYP_0RJO_zA_8_jVjgmvFbel1ZcskNmkYM101K9xMWtiwmkqnkSbDXiQ/s4289/20220522_113358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4289" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0OYVyPvv5W_A8Vl_hknWuWb_g68kLfYP3kNocP00meo6U0teJQ3D2Qk7R0lH2iBCz4zzuDQzWZpJjCB0rP_10Hv-DeUOglJ-G9hDaU8o8VnqLl6wzJAEjM6y7XhOnAnVpy1UYP_0RJO_zA_8_jVjgmvFbel1ZcskNmkYM101K9xMWtiwmkqnkSbDXiQ/w516-h640/20220522_113358.jpg" width="516" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We attended Puppy training classes, which were great for the basics and beginning socialising him with other dogs safely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Then, in June, when he was six months old we took him on holiday for the first time. I got travel medication from the vet as he was still very car sick and it worked beautifully. It didn't make him sleepy but he was able to rest because he wasn't vomiting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWidJYrHXRuLEUKLjFpwhIM77gG6dtYxYSuOWXvj8gP6RH_sijPq4lJKHyDpuCiJcGZO2j4Lc10zCgNMaZo_-mShtBX1DmowW8sUZ7O9nQPyVQcsZdqCT1Gh4t3ITbSHPHfpUSaJ8LLWK_PkK0qC_lcbvNKFyrOpYloXJxQCCGQM7G3-zZqWXxOj62Q/s3915/20220606_153054.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3915" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmWidJYrHXRuLEUKLjFpwhIM77gG6dtYxYSuOWXvj8gP6RH_sijPq4lJKHyDpuCiJcGZO2j4Lc10zCgNMaZo_-mShtBX1DmowW8sUZ7O9nQPyVQcsZdqCT1Gh4t3ITbSHPHfpUSaJ8LLWK_PkK0qC_lcbvNKFyrOpYloXJxQCCGQM7G3-zZqWXxOj62Q/w564-h640/20220606_153054.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was just the husband, puppy and myself. We visited Hunstanton in Norfolk and stayed in a posh caravan with a deck, which was great and very dog friendly.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X-ZKZbNo91c5S8HAEYvud9IPLkijpHPlVdu8yjSeznH5Nh64Yk27RMT0mBroJunSBQ7U1Q6e4xj1toq0rpYYetSpE-H7sjtDYgbzwC8O7lDohOQ15RdsiFNK8ZLgI1gygf6cDmPUKUNpgtBpt2Ws9Gg-oREuz2cn5y1472UT8rsMHSd9cy75MqdlZg/s2083/20220607_090850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1932" data-original-width="2083" height="594" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1X-ZKZbNo91c5S8HAEYvud9IPLkijpHPlVdu8yjSeznH5Nh64Yk27RMT0mBroJunSBQ7U1Q6e4xj1toq0rpYYetSpE-H7sjtDYgbzwC8O7lDohOQ15RdsiFNK8ZLgI1gygf6cDmPUKUNpgtBpt2Ws9Gg-oREuz2cn5y1472UT8rsMHSd9cy75MqdlZg/w640-h594/20220607_090850.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The weather was kind and it was a joy to introduce our "fur baby" to the beach. Maybe that seems a bit cringe worthy...fur baby, but he has become a bit of a child substitute since our offspring are all adults these days <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntuQ2fK_6LdtGQ7B77hERRW4NzTGTpMH-7g0gzXvMjonFx8rYTiXMPmzyMkluQ_kBM14B97QyCcJZ7ciR8W3sXEnzcPocPFZeastxBSrNonqY5VH8fqmwTi_y8_TCwsdkPNCmD6oYjoVCfgOJOe7xgg6sC11mmlhwn8qB9Nl9bmepeuufHyUQ9NwBSQ/s3268/20220607_125459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3268" data-original-width="3033" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhntuQ2fK_6LdtGQ7B77hERRW4NzTGTpMH-7g0gzXvMjonFx8rYTiXMPmzyMkluQ_kBM14B97QyCcJZ7ciR8W3sXEnzcPocPFZeastxBSrNonqY5VH8fqmwTi_y8_TCwsdkPNCmD6oYjoVCfgOJOe7xgg6sC11mmlhwn8qB9Nl9bmepeuufHyUQ9NwBSQ/w594-h640/20220607_125459.jpg" width="594" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Whippets are not generally fond of water so we were proud of his paddling.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBYc17_yND3gecqPH6S4RYU9XH8ve7VdJndaLKACML4Euf-sGA62iVXvc8dUMtAMbri7J3o3tRscOb8kOgOHvLVHH8tY7h7ryi01NKf0yH3OF5CSoy-H8ZrDb909bQJOzOm7w3i0jhfgFnVhFYfC5gtdNXFpWOouUefb8cVD7NNQBjuIPiFJtvdsLkg/s3667/20220607_150219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3667" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaBYc17_yND3gecqPH6S4RYU9XH8ve7VdJndaLKACML4Euf-sGA62iVXvc8dUMtAMbri7J3o3tRscOb8kOgOHvLVHH8tY7h7ryi01NKf0yH3OF5CSoy-H8ZrDb909bQJOzOm7w3i0jhfgFnVhFYfC5gtdNXFpWOouUefb8cVD7NNQBjuIPiFJtvdsLkg/w604-h640/20220607_150219.jpg" width="604" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He climbed all over my husband in a way that reminded me of Gypsy and my dad π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AaQMD7WJIYoSxZjZjF83UJ7oDJ0JrqlwkEJfB2ZT7M5fxFRVOp2cpPb3wrOrWrhzve7iRbFhPNOEq10GWGk9KLZ9A1SwwKm9TQKLH1H1FvlpRnSl_Ns3Fck6bPyYzBQA_JjXf_qt7AAkkWe_H6DIQ2mGzn03Ysof1T8IzTtqaLV5ZUqE8tFzmX541A/s4319/20220609_140742.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4319" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3AaQMD7WJIYoSxZjZjF83UJ7oDJ0JrqlwkEJfB2ZT7M5fxFRVOp2cpPb3wrOrWrhzve7iRbFhPNOEq10GWGk9KLZ9A1SwwKm9TQKLH1H1FvlpRnSl_Ns3Fck6bPyYzBQA_JjXf_qt7AAkkWe_H6DIQ2mGzn03Ysof1T8IzTtqaLV5ZUqE8tFzmX541A/w512-h640/20220609_140742.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another bonus to holidaying with a dog is that people speak to you much more. Whippet owners especially, obviously want to gush about the breed. But other dog owners and dog lovers are so chatty too. It really made the holiday for us both I think.</div><div><br /></div><div>Only a month later Lando was back by the coast. I had planned to leave him at home when Mum and I went on a Yorkshire break but it ended up that the boys were all away the same week, so I had to take him. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH47qogVSPA78JpX4XGNhL-CFydIg4ZydqxrpCRGLVzIZ71_tt1guWTPAm7u9Fp1MNe2BmfNC6eDW1nZmFRAO-YHGanGdvNoFJ-9-CwkDaf39OSC_tEp5bk0R2ZFmlzu60LFbxxL40rb22KSsqDFOMG_vkxOW57nEet49aOpqYglXQkUKCdneCgXOLhA/s3936/20220713_114830.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3936" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH47qogVSPA78JpX4XGNhL-CFydIg4ZydqxrpCRGLVzIZ71_tt1guWTPAm7u9Fp1MNe2BmfNC6eDW1nZmFRAO-YHGanGdvNoFJ-9-CwkDaf39OSC_tEp5bk0R2ZFmlzu60LFbxxL40rb22KSsqDFOMG_vkxOW57nEet49aOpqYglXQkUKCdneCgXOLhA/w562-h640/20220713_114830.jpg" width="562" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He's no angel so balancing the needs of my mum ( who's in her 90's now) and an unruly puppy was tricky but we made it work. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZpQJYWF_rypKSIOqRzY1qwVL4vlSiGnKSF5bKq8UVnzSVH2IV34Y22oma_i2epDTHnZ_9Wd7PCDfc30gqCLWVzf1QSh95o-kx_ViolPghUexsBu3jzlqV2pOSYKngG1p89yXPMCnj83IQw4gXJL7dbrrMfx1WEgeMfYwAuMssYbpGh6OZF5Rpd5jVA/s4223/20220713_112751.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4223" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZpQJYWF_rypKSIOqRzY1qwVL4vlSiGnKSF5bKq8UVnzSVH2IV34Y22oma_i2epDTHnZ_9Wd7PCDfc30gqCLWVzf1QSh95o-kx_ViolPghUexsBu3jzlqV2pOSYKngG1p89yXPMCnj83IQw4gXJL7dbrrMfx1WEgeMfYwAuMssYbpGh6OZF5Rpd5jVA/w524-h640/20220713_112751.jpg" width="524" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just look what a handsome young man he'd already become π</div><div><br /></div>Through the heat of the summer he decided walking with just one of us was not something he felt safe doing?? I wish dogs could talk sometimes. It meant I was always asking another member of the family if they would come on a dog walk with me. It was a little frustrating at the time.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJMQ2gCge6qpnoaJ5ou6Nd8jEYhGAbYnAVTRvrfGrdshoBCU6vFpqszs0K43hi1BQvUTeHoQSoAOMUM9fyO9Tr9LKQB21K5FftXtuavwmqM97GFBe7p4uFIEa-CbN3fl6XSzVgNZAHN_BdqGmdhWeqsYBDPGeRAhTSyiGNGtYnFwDuMewZwb0hSTG1w/s3799/20220615_151604.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3799" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuJMQ2gCge6qpnoaJ5ou6Nd8jEYhGAbYnAVTRvrfGrdshoBCU6vFpqszs0K43hi1BQvUTeHoQSoAOMUM9fyO9Tr9LKQB21K5FftXtuavwmqM97GFBe7p4uFIEa-CbN3fl6XSzVgNZAHN_BdqGmdhWeqsYBDPGeRAhTSyiGNGtYnFwDuMewZwb0hSTG1w/w582-h640/20220615_151604.jpg" width="582" /></a></div><br /><div>At home his general modus operandi is to jump straight in any seat that has recently been vacated to enjoy the warmth. Then he naps until his radar picks up the sound of any possible kitchen activity....food!!</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbVe906ZbMEQ4jMtr5DewRpHB8wH_qyXCCjpW_hzIOJAYdxYpjGtxF4fgp78WuhydPgtXdEdhYV9HZQ4UmISlw_vHDJOw8U0Bmvk0tmIVnv_F86y54WHzoK5_GNi-LZyjHNGXhkuF48QSl-ZxT2L_bLmDeaWT3hF-jT8_kS5ATWN5KSIyzuB62_SZLA/s3456/20220814_203602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3242" data-original-width="3456" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfbVe906ZbMEQ4jMtr5DewRpHB8wH_qyXCCjpW_hzIOJAYdxYpjGtxF4fgp78WuhydPgtXdEdhYV9HZQ4UmISlw_vHDJOw8U0Bmvk0tmIVnv_F86y54WHzoK5_GNi-LZyjHNGXhkuF48QSl-ZxT2L_bLmDeaWT3hF-jT8_kS5ATWN5KSIyzuB62_SZLA/w640-h600/20220814_203602.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">You better not walk away from any half finished cup of tea either. That long snout will be straight into it, lapping up as much as possible before you realise. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">He has reminded me so many times of Gypsy, with his naughty chewing and food stealing, jumping up and reaching things you thought were safe. He has long legs and waist height is not high enough to be out of reach. I have thought I was mad to get a whippet on more than one occasion! He's strong and pulls on the lead. He gets excited and unintentionally tramples you with his panful feet or jumps up in your face. I've had way too many bruises and scratches to count. But equally he's a total snuggle bunny. Curling up next to you as soon as you sit down...which is great during cold weather especially! Whippets don't shed much or have a strong dog odour. They are considered a clean breed and need practically zero grooming. </div><div style="text-align: left;">They are also regarded to be generally very healthy. And contrary to what you may presume they do not require loads of exercise. They love the chance to run around at high speed for 5 or 10 minutes and will happily walk for an hour or so but after that they will be happy to sleep. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In September, when he turned 9 months, we went away again. As his tolerance of short journeys had improved I risked not getting him any medication and though he did look a bit fed up at times he wasn't sick. Hurray.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3dudLPEN-N-hY9_MUE9AUaqy9zy3cEF2j8tNVO4DMx8odc2KN0ETy9d5cMFYJwtgQ37eXe4XozkfsZjpnRXfP0CPDy7btVNi_0PO-YxNnSFTycdyjelg_533TYhg0vTWEbCv0C6N-p74rHUUWxnilbVFrQHV35AHk6MyEwnZBQFi2ElsQX8Lhi7ddQ/s4218/20220902_110012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4218" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC3dudLPEN-N-hY9_MUE9AUaqy9zy3cEF2j8tNVO4DMx8odc2KN0ETy9d5cMFYJwtgQ37eXe4XozkfsZjpnRXfP0CPDy7btVNi_0PO-YxNnSFTycdyjelg_533TYhg0vTWEbCv0C6N-p74rHUUWxnilbVFrQHV35AHk6MyEwnZBQFi2ElsQX8Lhi7ddQ/w524-h640/20220902_110012.jpg" width="524" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">This time the there were 5 of us plus Lando. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqo4k99DI3EA55VsvndaCVrIq3WCMX0cvud4k5Hj9Zz3CO6nzhF3_Lr8Ym5gOQi1ZfqYpkxfcJMWLjP4_4EqwmidUIr_UAYPZiRIPKT5shklGdzWa_mMUPcGCGmQMQn8IpB-IPG20mCS5vaJ3IAw9SHa5JAL8txm9wHdqMZNwMuIUYxETIJpMvtVZ_A/s3456/20220905_140523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3165" data-original-width="3456" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYqo4k99DI3EA55VsvndaCVrIq3WCMX0cvud4k5Hj9Zz3CO6nzhF3_Lr8Ym5gOQi1ZfqYpkxfcJMWLjP4_4EqwmidUIr_UAYPZiRIPKT5shklGdzWa_mMUPcGCGmQMQn8IpB-IPG20mCS5vaJ3IAw9SHa5JAL8txm9wHdqMZNwMuIUYxETIJpMvtVZ_A/w640-h586/20220905_140523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We went to Bude in north Cornwall, which was lovely despite the cool weather. We took a stand up paddle board and I optimistically bought him a life jacket but there was no way he wanted to try it ....very sensible π</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGHNsI4K9YjZEytK5LIStLB3Lj3VSP_b1nQ9pWS5Ikni2xQioIbegASfwxoGa_rhTCnieQ82eQd7Ge4RFEe5Mz4TAJQQg_XR960By5tVMqm-xr39sfczkZcmkWgX-M_zBscFb8A2xMaw6eUlOnTpQyCavH9iBvfE4CU8u-t25ZhVRZZ5FfBF9fQPyFA/s3900/20220904_133047.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3900" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaGHNsI4K9YjZEytK5LIStLB3Lj3VSP_b1nQ9pWS5Ikni2xQioIbegASfwxoGa_rhTCnieQ82eQd7Ge4RFEe5Mz4TAJQQg_XR960By5tVMqm-xr39sfczkZcmkWgX-M_zBscFb8A2xMaw6eUlOnTpQyCavH9iBvfE4CU8u-t25ZhVRZZ5FfBF9fQPyFA/w568-h640/20220904_133047.jpg" width="568" /></a></div></div></div><div><br /></div>He was a star at chilling in the pub by the end of the week though, so that was a win...ππ</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31ONxcbGZ1qg1GbKr_Cn-4Z-Fq2lgTMM6fL1NwycG794_YI1e2Zn5-Ezkad2FLpieP3DLUABRovLTMWgZt46T3OzSikKHck1GEUnvianNIQvRPfgswMtSB2c_YGWQTok5bIy6fVaut7pcQZyOJNI753e6ZzwOBKzK2QQ2Dypp3b9XC9uOFK-8JtTIsA/s4183/20220906_203602.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4183" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31ONxcbGZ1qg1GbKr_Cn-4Z-Fq2lgTMM6fL1NwycG794_YI1e2Zn5-Ezkad2FLpieP3DLUABRovLTMWgZt46T3OzSikKHck1GEUnvianNIQvRPfgswMtSB2c_YGWQTok5bIy6fVaut7pcQZyOJNI753e6ZzwOBKzK2QQ2Dypp3b9XC9uOFK-8JtTIsA/w528-h640/20220906_203602.jpg" width="528" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And many hours were spent enjoying running around after eldest especially. That was great to see.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pUaNnhH1zfmMRYxIDIRel2hMDGHPw9nx7K8Mt6bDJ1aY49NsjHRMWWClBaEwVZoJWNB9oQcdiMZD2FTh9ZD46cY8qjGT7vs3fFRYZLmpTBc2grrkJ384efKdNoS1SRhm1JBPuXvl3cDn_GBPjxh51B8biUQFU22oNG0Q93v31iJxqIr9pxOHJwVdYA/s3510/20220908_105827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3510" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pUaNnhH1zfmMRYxIDIRel2hMDGHPw9nx7K8Mt6bDJ1aY49NsjHRMWWClBaEwVZoJWNB9oQcdiMZD2FTh9ZD46cY8qjGT7vs3fFRYZLmpTBc2grrkJ384efKdNoS1SRhm1JBPuXvl3cDn_GBPjxh51B8biUQFU22oNG0Q93v31iJxqIr9pxOHJwVdYA/w630-h640/20220908_105827.jpg" width="630" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I guess we have all been on a steep learning curve over the past 10 months. There have been vet visits for upset tummies. He now has this fresh frozen food which suits his digestion but not my bank account so much π. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PTfjpbj_hDkhfJFRdQebyACfErfQCibMDuRjX3c-s4Ou_sFmZsisrc5Lahn_KDZDUNMS6UK_fRu5AufyeIAxBgF-sWx1H9bjNRzL4Kxj0vOhz9_bDENErVyWtOstlfmcrlnap1XT6uQCYZ9UCZzuYdbovETCq_xSa6F1O6goaTz6l7stcQ6z8Q6dVA/s4369/20220929_113211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4369" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4PTfjpbj_hDkhfJFRdQebyACfErfQCibMDuRjX3c-s4Ou_sFmZsisrc5Lahn_KDZDUNMS6UK_fRu5AufyeIAxBgF-sWx1H9bjNRzL4Kxj0vOhz9_bDENErVyWtOstlfmcrlnap1XT6uQCYZ9UCZzuYdbovETCq_xSa6F1O6goaTz6l7stcQ6z8Q6dVA/w506-h640/20220929_113211.jpg" width="506" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="text-align: center;">Obviously I knew a dog was a big financial commitment and I don't begrudge him a healthy diet. I'm just trying to be candid about the stuff you might not think about. Such as the fact an emergency vet visit costs Β£260 before any treatment!! ( think about insurance...you can shop around for that). Lando has a basic policy which costs me Β£12 a month. I also pay Β£50 a month into a separate savings account in his name. I'm hoping this combination will mean there's a pot of money for any age related illnesses should I ever feel unable to keep up with the policy. I know they get more expensive as your dog ages and many conditions are excluded anyway. </span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmQTiRdUytn_1I-c6BDbPt25cXjjzrz48p3yGYkWwzVCFjq3llzZGKev5kLCIRdI8UFbDL94MJXAASZKo1oJJSRCzJAblK0qTrq0xb2QP4aGHmwCVuikRbK7yI_IpswnPmKjHligxtORnPY12YbK-wL97awQA5tpfdj0ruv7E8U_WfkxcaKKNLLAMYA/s4451/20220929_085918.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4451" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAmQTiRdUytn_1I-c6BDbPt25cXjjzrz48p3yGYkWwzVCFjq3llzZGKev5kLCIRdI8UFbDL94MJXAASZKo1oJJSRCzJAblK0qTrq0xb2QP4aGHmwCVuikRbK7yI_IpswnPmKjHligxtORnPY12YbK-wL97awQA5tpfdj0ruv7E8U_WfkxcaKKNLLAMYA/w496-h640/20220929_085918.jpg" width="496" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can probably tell he is rather spoilt. I'm sure there are as many ways of owning a dog as there are owners. But also all dogs are different. We have a WhatsApp group for his litter mates and the breeder. It's an invaluable source of advice and reassurance. Some of his brothers and sisters have gone to experienced whippet owners who have found this puppy challenging, whilst others have gone to first time dog owners who haven't had any problems. I'd say Lando is in the middle somewhere. Not a a dream like Wesley or Poppy, but not as much of a handful as Dillon or Coco. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu7oxKwQzeoYWBW0qNJtxAmAX8jR06gL1Xp-dTCOsmNyT6WFaXZN0Kb60xf7h6P8uQ7ZmCwq17aewJnr_Prf2s4f795kB86-Kuj6ePDowrN_m5N7Talb2lE-PjoS0dxtox9IMj8P4rz4QebQ2NCnjPAGcHM-X6eDM3Q7ICXgTZoYOnjw6HHcp9CR15Q/s4504/20221123_104133.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4504" data-original-width="3456" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiu7oxKwQzeoYWBW0qNJtxAmAX8jR06gL1Xp-dTCOsmNyT6WFaXZN0Kb60xf7h6P8uQ7ZmCwq17aewJnr_Prf2s4f795kB86-Kuj6ePDowrN_m5N7Talb2lE-PjoS0dxtox9IMj8P4rz4QebQ2NCnjPAGcHM-X6eDM3Q7ICXgTZoYOnjw6HHcp9CR15Q/w492-h640/20221123_104133.jpg" width="492" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Obviously he's an important part of our family now and though I do hope he's a bit more chilled once he reaches adulthood , I wouldn't change him for the world. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Well done if you have made it this far. Thanks for reading and much love to all of you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Jacquie x</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-29308838551738887382021-12-11T21:27:00.004+00:002021-12-12T05:14:52.731+00:00Short days and Twinkly Lights<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do hope you have had a good week with not too many worries and lots of happy moments. We have started to receive a few Christmas cards. They are all really nice but this one stood out to me as I adore all the detail and humour</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiZZhRcDAKZY4LA2BfStsX8-cCKo2tMuMCLwYmI-ACedjxQWEY96m_KB-jju14hxpHAKQLN0HrPZhK75vES7BQuX6eAM3ZE4YMpiPsIeQHiBSm6rFoHJ2o6QLYEL1lDPXCSpWIZG4MNhNphcMdl7RT1Cb6TS_eBfji2VzBQ_bbxnbJGCNEMmQF0Yiu5w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1874" data-original-width="2048" height="586" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiZZhRcDAKZY4LA2BfStsX8-cCKo2tMuMCLwYmI-ACedjxQWEY96m_KB-jju14hxpHAKQLN0HrPZhK75vES7BQuX6eAM3ZE4YMpiPsIeQHiBSm6rFoHJ2o6QLYEL1lDPXCSpWIZG4MNhNphcMdl7RT1Cb6TS_eBfji2VzBQ_bbxnbJGCNEMmQF0Yiu5w=w640-h586" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's sold in support of the <a href="https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/" target="_blank">British Hedgehog preservation society</a> too....perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div> We haven't had any more snow or much frost this week. It's been largely grey and often rainy. Nevertheless I've been doing well with my walking and haven't missed a day. This weeks walks range from 1 to 6 miles. Yesterday I did 4 miles on a lovely sunny afternoon.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA6Md2mZADG7jFSS60SyFweLiNSXTkoDFUqTO7sSW5xiC9TN8W2ooQYimGuuf_7NW4Gk6268VHd3eLr4ciDt3R008KlrTahXXSMTA0N3HfSe2hssvLlTwz9Vqj231d7plxYxkNGS92CIf4xKY1Gc0Q5JTgOlA17oBBSk3Zzvik7B-JkT0t20RZzMSyDQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgA6Md2mZADG7jFSS60SyFweLiNSXTkoDFUqTO7sSW5xiC9TN8W2ooQYimGuuf_7NW4Gk6268VHd3eLr4ciDt3R008KlrTahXXSMTA0N3HfSe2hssvLlTwz9Vqj231d7plxYxkNGS92CIf4xKY1Gc0Q5JTgOlA17oBBSk3Zzvik7B-JkT0t20RZzMSyDQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">It's all local paths I'm very familiar with but the light changes with the seasons and when the trees loose their leaves.</span></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5SrK0dy_qy3F-wEgEjZip1fA2hx28llEX4Bio3vxNidzMp8VP95cjFfFWDAb_NUOidWuY3QMy_Zx34sBIlYEqB2OOQhQYiwJGbHPFulk5CHLQ3Hqhw17UZdf7oJIdcQwo8Fap9Wib8fPt2NHB6O3pkFJqNZRMM6EFj26j2QivNC5jR0_gCfqG6RZfyA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5SrK0dy_qy3F-wEgEjZip1fA2hx28llEX4Bio3vxNidzMp8VP95cjFfFWDAb_NUOidWuY3QMy_Zx34sBIlYEqB2OOQhQYiwJGbHPFulk5CHLQ3Hqhw17UZdf7oJIdcQwo8Fap9Wib8fPt2NHB6O3pkFJqNZRMM6EFj26j2QivNC5jR0_gCfqG6RZfyA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The cold weather encourages the birds to come straight down for the food I leave too. This always makes me smile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdlavHPWnGXgNRBo-THvwOhY8idap1Skavt10eQ2PmyvHmFyqCqH_uNqjBI3jFn6nXONyhQY1EVFUHMpMAjmDJ-rEkJSqLiIXF5-mpiu5QY4hGxMuo9Sgpbk4m_pts4WFKyAXEg0Vj1KsRbWKv7gIuhphKvyUXsQmf8qrcdmybmpBg4e4p-cAhMZYmsQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1895" data-original-width="2048" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdlavHPWnGXgNRBo-THvwOhY8idap1Skavt10eQ2PmyvHmFyqCqH_uNqjBI3jFn6nXONyhQY1EVFUHMpMAjmDJ-rEkJSqLiIXF5-mpiu5QY4hGxMuo9Sgpbk4m_pts4WFKyAXEg0Vj1KsRbWKv7gIuhphKvyUXsQmf8qrcdmybmpBg4e4p-cAhMZYmsQ=w640-h592" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As of today I have 46 miles left to reach my 800 outdoor miles goal for 2021. It's not the 1000 miles I easily reached last year but I'm still counting it as a win. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Life is much busier this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I'm very happy youngest is now working from home for a while as I'm not that keen on driving after sunset on unlit roads these days. Plus taking him to work and fetching him home every day was costing a small fortune in petrol and eating even more into my outdoor time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Though I must add I'm super proud of the way he has quickly adapted to the world of work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Yesterday was Christmas jumper day in the UK, did you join in? These days it's Christmas jumper day for the whole month of December for me. We have 3 jumpers the boys had for wearing at school on Christmas jumper days. They still try and squeeze in them if one is required for work but I wear them daily as they are a nice loose fit on me and so cosy π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRcA3pUGjjwNi4pHhQzG1eR4wQ_d4sHlJRtn39bkhvWnNC6D38MGCvFSyiSXBimybgEOMnDxIWsd0-7_g_U1JsKk8IWzZps1a0f8EDjmsW7QuM9sKgBI1hro6Cj2Cr4D8OUi8daR5OaVuFiE1fous2FthmLxP10ze1C2iHX_n7flwUmOVWfqBGcPcI4A=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhRcA3pUGjjwNi4pHhQzG1eR4wQ_d4sHlJRtn39bkhvWnNC6D38MGCvFSyiSXBimybgEOMnDxIWsd0-7_g_U1JsKk8IWzZps1a0f8EDjmsW7QuM9sKgBI1hro6Cj2Cr4D8OUi8daR5OaVuFiE1fous2FthmLxP10ze1C2iHX_n7flwUmOVWfqBGcPcI4A=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think it's fair to say I'm not into fashion and there's no fast fashion in this house. The boys even buy second hand clothing on occasion, frequenting vintage and retro shops. Something I never did in my late teens, early twenties</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By 3pm yesterday the moon was clearly visible, as the sun, which never got very far above the horizon, was rapidly descending.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeKrd4mw3pEPklkHVQFenQpOaT7-JaIHukSQv8njYQmpkVPRZapt3SQnRXoad3YcuxJv_0YDRukEVKEliIP-KLrLOnbxfRm6T9J6ylnS8lXBEyTWnNsTN9m_4yDjR9D4wqnQI8nrOR2Db5Yon1BIbzIy5I-Bhv7ynU0vjw9zRtgTumxZM11hTxGH-qKg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjeKrd4mw3pEPklkHVQFenQpOaT7-JaIHukSQv8njYQmpkVPRZapt3SQnRXoad3YcuxJv_0YDRukEVKEliIP-KLrLOnbxfRm6T9J6ylnS8lXBEyTWnNsTN9m_4yDjR9D4wqnQI8nrOR2Db5Yon1BIbzIy5I-Bhv7ynU0vjw9zRtgTumxZM11hTxGH-qKg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This was 3.20pm</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgrJWpZiloaQjo0Qjcgo3_xEkbynsGoancgq65AeWQUfyNolKEBHpVSz8kaSnGNyH7RRF9mxCVkdxbXYloMKrKelGjURAr-JaaEKtKy58naq44fbk8TAhfEz136Bw6EuntldgpanLuKIhylLQUXwHRxgA-CyOnmHuTQblhjQgGRobgOZ37rr_fTpty5g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgrJWpZiloaQjo0Qjcgo3_xEkbynsGoancgq65AeWQUfyNolKEBHpVSz8kaSnGNyH7RRF9mxCVkdxbXYloMKrKelGjURAr-JaaEKtKy58naq44fbk8TAhfEz136Bw6EuntldgpanLuKIhylLQUXwHRxgA-CyOnmHuTQblhjQgGRobgOZ37rr_fTpty5g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And as I heard the school bell ring for the end of the day at the boys old school, the sun set at 3.30pm. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBluQQBawafJuxYblXWwJek6wc5wIktbMiPG6dmYH21FTTu-PznftnJrTM2rlPeOmj_EbcWyh7OIqtRF8juqSNPzk-AG_Y8gS0amuTUnaRqVWrqyFyc89-FfMEw_cA9Zl1IBbxJ98_HS-FIdKw6j-fvTj1slnh7rqs0Ym1fQdVm2JeoCbO4xXcMpCPBw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjBluQQBawafJuxYblXWwJek6wc5wIktbMiPG6dmYH21FTTu-PznftnJrTM2rlPeOmj_EbcWyh7OIqtRF8juqSNPzk-AG_Y8gS0amuTUnaRqVWrqyFyc89-FfMEw_cA9Zl1IBbxJ98_HS-FIdKw6j-fvTj1slnh7rqs0Ym1fQdVm2JeoCbO4xXcMpCPBw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we are quite close to the school I have our Christmas lights on a timer so they are illuminated for both school runs. Yesterday, as I didn't have to take youngest to work, I was around to hear a little one saying this is his favourite window...Yesss....that made my day π</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4C5DZOWj9mgS2qZhb24I7JAJmReIKY-tdkBD6y2LjbYMOdqPKODvVTZw12WNNpFLBBHUs1jJ8EKEzZ3M55hgvgwFZuVw62W-dOM35nLH9hBjsPyOpCfjRtNO2YABdM2v00sE6jFPaBee71xHRaPzXGLZmAb5E5XBr2rcuhGaKz9ktaJ4EPKsO2aCIGw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4C5DZOWj9mgS2qZhb24I7JAJmReIKY-tdkBD6y2LjbYMOdqPKODvVTZw12WNNpFLBBHUs1jJ8EKEzZ3M55hgvgwFZuVw62W-dOM35nLH9hBjsPyOpCfjRtNO2YABdM2v00sE6jFPaBee71xHRaPzXGLZmAb5E5XBr2rcuhGaKz9ktaJ4EPKsO2aCIGw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Indoors we have reached maximum Christmasification too. I love walking under this garland.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU9HYsEFRRUx6NarMDx2VE3xcSF0t5WVF8_5j7bzemHPCHJQWSpiAgbRTqpA4V4zBVl86TYvG3i9q_twkndnAvHGAcLwnpKjW80eNYAqpqjlI_fRIKHIt34V8brAT_kw5ocugPAz-FD35te1cJXmmu3ftAKgQVusVgjGtd-_NB3lOHqP-TxnSJ7cq64w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU9HYsEFRRUx6NarMDx2VE3xcSF0t5WVF8_5j7bzemHPCHJQWSpiAgbRTqpA4V4zBVl86TYvG3i9q_twkndnAvHGAcLwnpKjW80eNYAqpqjlI_fRIKHIt34V8brAT_kw5ocugPAz-FD35te1cJXmmu3ftAKgQVusVgjGtd-_NB3lOHqP-TxnSJ7cq64w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>As always it's full of all my red and white makes. Like these Scotty dogs....Pattern <a href="https://allsorts.typepad.com/allsorts/2006/05/softie_scotty_d.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfCfFCILIcDLE4a8ojCFdRbWSx8X5qRjL-W7VqgO1jeD8tMDiwWQS-9YeZ4nn7RJU6E4TozhChZYNczSeFJZX1_6yyPB2xHGg4b78T1yhVYD1J-tDGXQjUqilNvswEHsACHjRSSTSV76u5HvchLYhD5bx124mI6fGNriOq49g7LueMJECIAXj3W0-OPw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfCfFCILIcDLE4a8ojCFdRbWSx8X5qRjL-W7VqgO1jeD8tMDiwWQS-9YeZ4nn7RJU6E4TozhChZYNczSeFJZX1_6yyPB2xHGg4b78T1yhVYD1J-tDGXQjUqilNvswEHsACHjRSSTSV76u5HvchLYhD5bx124mI6fGNriOq49g7LueMJECIAXj3W0-OPw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And Lucy's snowflakes.....Pattern <a href="https://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-snowflake.html" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8HkddiCBOug0t3XLN8rFNh4TyCiR92w_Z1t7vWyIxok5ziTQAWKNwofjOFkz1CQWv5DwaLdvOmIL-Y35pAVW6htuHE8QGKfh8z0Xh6ICI50aXymxX47cjigMER6sqY-AaOhKA-D3A1uU70xpomNnF0XC7Uj8q5c1fDCTgWIjLrcPSqB8tPttxJx9y4g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8HkddiCBOug0t3XLN8rFNh4TyCiR92w_Z1t7vWyIxok5ziTQAWKNwofjOFkz1CQWv5DwaLdvOmIL-Y35pAVW6htuHE8QGKfh8z0Xh6ICI50aXymxX47cjigMER6sqY-AaOhKA-D3A1uU70xpomNnF0XC7Uj8q5c1fDCTgWIjLrcPSqB8tPttxJx9y4g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today, as usual on a winter's Saturday, I did some baking. Using up some more of my mincemeat.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">These days I use<a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/sweet-shortcrust-pastry" target="_blank"> THIS</a> recipe for the pastry....it works well for me. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE556czq87VSKKfBz2pWhY_ewCvnw5AAuR2JkxC8a3sCZzgv72Ci-IVLTePWmvNjI0E1Tm3Z_9kRPWarkAhEsDOWlhmD-z8ARmvu7ZQRSXVsRaErkyMHdlA1Z_YOyT3SRmeV5aLcyl_qCwHMps4P8lLT0ynw6r_D6aKj1ps7XnIWsubarBvW5mO2kDQQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE556czq87VSKKfBz2pWhY_ewCvnw5AAuR2JkxC8a3sCZzgv72Ci-IVLTePWmvNjI0E1Tm3Z_9kRPWarkAhEsDOWlhmD-z8ARmvu7ZQRSXVsRaErkyMHdlA1Z_YOyT3SRmeV5aLcyl_qCwHMps4P8lLT0ynw6r_D6aKj1ps7XnIWsubarBvW5mO2kDQQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I've already eaten two, with some squirty cream, they were yummy! I don't feel too guilty as I tend to only eat homemade ones at home and this year, as I'm not really going visiting friends, or to cafes at the moment, I haven't had any bought ones at all.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga3s-dgZPT3dn8MRjdsczZ7qg1EVVGt0-VxVDJKoG86TF1DWb4FSMD_1h8wZt1DyR4daclJB5ZpLU1hr6VOODgtih33RxQPz8NC9sAAqQsNL1Pk7ETSaDNh7tbIGKwrOe06-rJhjZNATFDBNfU9gJPTqlAnVqXCDw9dHMxWEUvuPtnAJDKeZqz3b-GTA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga3s-dgZPT3dn8MRjdsczZ7qg1EVVGt0-VxVDJKoG86TF1DWb4FSMD_1h8wZt1DyR4daclJB5ZpLU1hr6VOODgtih33RxQPz8NC9sAAqQsNL1Pk7ETSaDNh7tbIGKwrOe06-rJhjZNATFDBNfU9gJPTqlAnVqXCDw9dHMxWEUvuPtnAJDKeZqz3b-GTA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Thank goodness I'm happy at home, now more than ever.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiutWT_WujkmSroBj4gKDRB2wQdsSMGyAuRYzHM2PMGXmFCV0w3xTSuaL-hBuWXMP7qIXBJp2JjhBgbvtEnz1UNQJlgX255T0Hb9EzYa2fSyNxpVozW42qfTjPseowow35iIdlf-tg9-oYTs-O6tju-DH00vRonLX_3_rEXeS9N4ob8kUvOxOVAppI91Q=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiutWT_WujkmSroBj4gKDRB2wQdsSMGyAuRYzHM2PMGXmFCV0w3xTSuaL-hBuWXMP7qIXBJp2JjhBgbvtEnz1UNQJlgX255T0Hb9EzYa2fSyNxpVozW42qfTjPseowow35iIdlf-tg9-oYTs-O6tju-DH00vRonLX_3_rEXeS9N4ob8kUvOxOVAppI91Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Wishing you a happy rest of the weekend lovelies and some quiet moments to notice the sunset and the twinkly lights next week.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jacquie x</div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-24570743914411155102021-12-05T14:13:00.003+00:002021-12-05T19:43:08.729+00:00Festive Beginnings<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello lovelies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">thank you for all your thoughtful comments on my previous post. It's nice to be able to share concerns as well as joys some times. Thankfully I'm still relaxed about taking local walks by myself..... it's one of the most important things I do for my wellbeing, physical and mental. I don't think that's overstating how much benefit I get from being outside just noticing the seasons and small details.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Obviously sometimes it's more photogenic and inviting than others.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Oh my, we've some beautiful weather since we last talked. <span style="text-align: center;">On Monday morning I couldn't wait to get outside as we had the rare treat of a blanket of snow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8XZs2eLsZwffAgQKG1_swrEQVIgv-Rv5SxC1nalQOTtwPTMysh5Y-3ni0JtJzuBRKDKdVey3h59ISTkRBtMuF_tImJpsxXH40W8WgCzAwiCX5nidWImQT8cFRZ_5ums7fqEQB-tykOgxBUOM0ZyB0PQMeNAqPvfiQm7LOc6NGocPjl0sXSuV6pCpGqw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8XZs2eLsZwffAgQKG1_swrEQVIgv-Rv5SxC1nalQOTtwPTMysh5Y-3ni0JtJzuBRKDKdVey3h59ISTkRBtMuF_tImJpsxXH40W8WgCzAwiCX5nidWImQT8cFRZ_5ums7fqEQB-tykOgxBUOM0ZyB0PQMeNAqPvfiQm7LOc6NGocPjl0sXSuV6pCpGqw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /> A frozen wonderland.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1DEdDAhcjgNEDhWAJPwJKWxlUOBJNdfHjj2Zl-HJC4FUw18hveLaUarFoJsSAH3bpFX38i7hXhsRESeHLeGD-kzvUZRimdNSHiKYRwjXYYkb1dAixk_CrR4wh2H-FMLcco6RptXWYkmPPT73H-JOJxLlKE9qCNX5Mh6q8nd1wsQbp90kiYZ9iMptnUw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1DEdDAhcjgNEDhWAJPwJKWxlUOBJNdfHjj2Zl-HJC4FUw18hveLaUarFoJsSAH3bpFX38i7hXhsRESeHLeGD-kzvUZRimdNSHiKYRwjXYYkb1dAixk_CrR4wh2H-FMLcco6RptXWYkmPPT73H-JOJxLlKE9qCNX5Mh6q8nd1wsQbp90kiYZ9iMptnUw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was certainly glad of these mittens I made last winter. Touching the cold metal with bare hands would not be pleasant . <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3nat7sw1JZxTcZNE6fKSarDEQ1gd40mPWSebVDf397KsV0rzsih6Y6F1KO6qQldJBnAUFXySU6XBqMlFmT8qAHGwFHv1QJfBQuOO3ynu_j-AZOlpH1u2QoBzJwzK1vLhcNv07gG7w-VAYZSBnD74-hljAOVO5q5ap4T5PXV-6XJ9i0hqXAMLpAnDfbA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2025" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3nat7sw1JZxTcZNE6fKSarDEQ1gd40mPWSebVDf397KsV0rzsih6Y6F1KO6qQldJBnAUFXySU6XBqMlFmT8qAHGwFHv1QJfBQuOO3ynu_j-AZOlpH1u2QoBzJwzK1vLhcNv07gG7w-VAYZSBnD74-hljAOVO5q5ap4T5PXV-6XJ9i0hqXAMLpAnDfbA=w632-h640" width="632" /></a></div><div><br /></div>They have my own phone photography adaptation too. This is rather strange looking but means I can use my phone without removing my mitten. It's easy to draw my hand back inside the mitten too. It looks funny but works great.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFUEdH-XPF1es_jNbQQ3O6wPc2SvidUZxjrR2YpExdDtfkPANVuTHfaHplOPrfC1hsa6qzeIEVO7y0gxWVqsr3mwoIDyqVPQyQtd4qwLJ4dE_GepyyzbPLHx66hiesDIZCqnNuv30Bvh_3XKRBIt5GU8snA_K6SDFVJOWNdBu7Ztx-GG5jc8iS3cDH1w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFUEdH-XPF1es_jNbQQ3O6wPc2SvidUZxjrR2YpExdDtfkPANVuTHfaHplOPrfC1hsa6qzeIEVO7y0gxWVqsr3mwoIDyqVPQyQtd4qwLJ4dE_GepyyzbPLHx66hiesDIZCqnNuv30Bvh_3XKRBIt5GU8snA_K6SDFVJOWNdBu7Ztx-GG5jc8iS3cDH1w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The icy sunrise was beautiful.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc33Dd_8sDD5OIYQoVN1kdd-UVMw17xGqxRVRiBrUNS5or6oNAKovWsXSFgqOCQIcdBlVAIYTEwTLyGS75fUtxl20AZfq40yUJIP0nm4Tt_A0oKmB2ckUCwDkToKZseDgHWx5iQrjIjm5HbiERUXODJ-6ojkH85OJ0Cs_eT2YsK8zNVy_r5IX750qUaQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc33Dd_8sDD5OIYQoVN1kdd-UVMw17xGqxRVRiBrUNS5or6oNAKovWsXSFgqOCQIcdBlVAIYTEwTLyGS75fUtxl20AZfq40yUJIP0nm4Tt_A0oKmB2ckUCwDkToKZseDgHWx5iQrjIjm5HbiERUXODJ-6ojkH85OJ0Cs_eT2YsK8zNVy_r5IX750qUaQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>and the world looked like Narnia.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZd6E-d85Py0iqKrpiJuyWW9UDKt9g3D3_bi6yaP5zjNbXx3hh74QlYS-0EknUn-KCK0EstH7MibdiXXVVwKMZN8OgedFAiUy4YgZ-qOLr8F4BTO5kmFGG1PeJKrivePvoo4QwapPFqnQyroMQZs9tJDQSyjeG7ImpY97a0xxKNiULQDGUy7UxEL4Q3g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZd6E-d85Py0iqKrpiJuyWW9UDKt9g3D3_bi6yaP5zjNbXx3hh74QlYS-0EknUn-KCK0EstH7MibdiXXVVwKMZN8OgedFAiUy4YgZ-qOLr8F4BTO5kmFGG1PeJKrivePvoo4QwapPFqnQyroMQZs9tJDQSyjeG7ImpY97a0xxKNiULQDGUy7UxEL4Q3g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Of course I had bird seed in my pocket to leave on suitable fence posts. I always put these picnics where there is tree cover so the small birds will hopefully be safe from birds of prey....though I appreciate they have to eat too.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXYKTOukOsT1lJtMAzQnVFzgHEdbtUxroR50jHqHtonSjP9V3YAaE-LSXdT5c_xUqLl5DDvwp0ZsNnhGLLvYvSlafnVb54ujka5IWhtbJ_kCQa1S5k1Ib14-NDd1w5FogX1i5zqspiNnlKr1_qdVDZqcL5iiNx885MsvjYj44BOdSON0xTdDg7_JNteA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgXYKTOukOsT1lJtMAzQnVFzgHEdbtUxroR50jHqHtonSjP9V3YAaE-LSXdT5c_xUqLl5DDvwp0ZsNnhGLLvYvSlafnVb54ujka5IWhtbJ_kCQa1S5k1Ib14-NDd1w5FogX1i5zqspiNnlKr1_qdVDZqcL5iiNx885MsvjYj44BOdSON0xTdDg7_JNteA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here I followed the footpath through the remnants of the horse paddocks. They have now moved a bit further on.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgOM_ZOIy-kEQELzj_YuDrEHUz73Mql3uV5VXw3zjXOquXcV5njBir_VFM6MaD-QUfXfD4BoG_DSqLx7RGtw6HeXhUZIUsEy2dtTcIik6AFZNkXd6s_ki5MdkFqNatbThjS7FKAhfda-ZmKI-ExLsft0NYcex95lrCGCtEt8SwvhIRg1a7l4dJcaR7Cg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhgOM_ZOIy-kEQELzj_YuDrEHUz73Mql3uV5VXw3zjXOquXcV5njBir_VFM6MaD-QUfXfD4BoG_DSqLx7RGtw6HeXhUZIUsEy2dtTcIik6AFZNkXd6s_ki5MdkFqNatbThjS7FKAhfda-ZmKI-ExLsft0NYcex95lrCGCtEt8SwvhIRg1a7l4dJcaR7Cg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This huge field can be a boggy mess in winter but on Monday it was a crunchy glory. A space to breath, feel small, and wonder at the "mother of pearl" sky.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRinISWE7HQmmE3zqo9C-X7RkEgJvmN0znvfCXbuA3iDovJeanxkxfZAxj0FKeV2ujFZKHnrtCXi6Lcct9Mb4qjKDNamDmRodP0Pm-dQh1zV-h51RwlrYVVIUdwIY4ke-sM_rWpCM1c7wAge-fLN5l_T0Ahgdwmz473UziSmCYiWEW5fg6zBZ23vsBlg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRinISWE7HQmmE3zqo9C-X7RkEgJvmN0znvfCXbuA3iDovJeanxkxfZAxj0FKeV2ujFZKHnrtCXi6Lcct9Mb4qjKDNamDmRodP0Pm-dQh1zV-h51RwlrYVVIUdwIY4ke-sM_rWpCM1c7wAge-fLN5l_T0Ahgdwmz473UziSmCYiWEW5fg6zBZ23vsBlg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Snow clung to every surface.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd7vAzvSk971Sai08Nznt6A6AS739MQvzlKNj-6dCO93zUjY1nsj6aUsPyWWO2ZxupIHn5tqYeldFP9ZgSpk4L-ETJQ5vpatS0yvEKrTVukvXjvTg51tLe5rTdNvpmTxLptZMcSNjFztoc8YUQ9Kt4Is7WMilpRgFlmfgPyF1hSq6NqxAyA6-0bHjCyw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjd7vAzvSk971Sai08Nznt6A6AS739MQvzlKNj-6dCO93zUjY1nsj6aUsPyWWO2ZxupIHn5tqYeldFP9ZgSpk4L-ETJQ5vpatS0yvEKrTVukvXjvTg51tLe5rTdNvpmTxLptZMcSNjFztoc8YUQ9Kt4Is7WMilpRgFlmfgPyF1hSq6NqxAyA6-0bHjCyw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>and I do love this sort of scene.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoD30cgJBQiqf3P_uA-o9PaBtenSSfDolMHig9AmLpiTi91lpmNwLdSYwfLPd9FuyACgjUtSwDLRhtaqjhnZo5NRLUvcRbYeupvXaCxddTAFsTWzdmGRZA2XFEp4oA0FxOWsueoD65A2msh8WG5q2HcQCHfVst21VK9IJP0kmqsXh9oUlYkER_kkxrIQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgoD30cgJBQiqf3P_uA-o9PaBtenSSfDolMHig9AmLpiTi91lpmNwLdSYwfLPd9FuyACgjUtSwDLRhtaqjhnZo5NRLUvcRbYeupvXaCxddTAFsTWzdmGRZA2XFEp4oA0FxOWsueoD65A2msh8WG5q2HcQCHfVst21VK9IJP0kmqsXh9oUlYkER_kkxrIQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Snow in the trees but not on the roads, ideal.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg04I9tm0vIQjIH32cBn7KG31on6JQXKhYx1njACMVSHjtd8RW9SUmsGWTGp-U1HVsD2St9J-LWuvx0V9kVKnCtaOtU0xELAg9zHeT2TTOX5-FMog9yzFujmCVcpfvEx4LcnSd5t80lxA2RxTH3wc4sf55_Hk0XZWQX0l71AGDVZ7ywTCyzcOpJ0UYrXw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg04I9tm0vIQjIH32cBn7KG31on6JQXKhYx1njACMVSHjtd8RW9SUmsGWTGp-U1HVsD2St9J-LWuvx0V9kVKnCtaOtU0xELAg9zHeT2TTOX5-FMog9yzFujmCVcpfvEx4LcnSd5t80lxA2RxTH3wc4sf55_Hk0XZWQX0l71AGDVZ7ywTCyzcOpJ0UYrXw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was just a light dusting and warmer temperatures soon saw it disappear completely. This was Tuesday. The garden is looking more open again as I had to remove all my sad Cosmos which the snow has finished off. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidbYHqKiqg1zNM1B9s6IRk4vQeBchUbl0FByeSEegp-gv7aRU-MF18ewcaNTWw7ri7dsmnZSaxVfNCLYy9jZvO1mFnwXHsgwEVZaV9MyqFSPFHp-Fzc-ha6lO3xnGwxk2SpnFrS1M9yuQd_zq5MZi1v-BsVxfoJUGSR7cK0ZNEKrxgq_VPdq2mXhHeNw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidbYHqKiqg1zNM1B9s6IRk4vQeBchUbl0FByeSEegp-gv7aRU-MF18ewcaNTWw7ri7dsmnZSaxVfNCLYy9jZvO1mFnwXHsgwEVZaV9MyqFSPFHp-Fzc-ha6lO3xnGwxk2SpnFrS1M9yuQd_zq5MZi1v-BsVxfoJUGSR7cK0ZNEKrxgq_VPdq2mXhHeNw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've been moving the more tender of my plants to sheltered positions. This cordyline looked pretty sad after spending last winter outside so I had put it in my arbour.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7XeWd8p7g7PmIfTG9JvTm4wt-rxdtFCDqS7e51Hv6iKm8ZVpE9r0cQWWde1Lb0H4opIGLazcmfVVF0WzBCU236A-5mX8KnBD4Tu_BbVl1qL6ZPd3DbJ0xYCY31s9PwPCwCT9HUEt1kDqRzxpTl29Nu3J14HcstsryJ0ieyt30uPzQdnM176CwN2VmgQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7XeWd8p7g7PmIfTG9JvTm4wt-rxdtFCDqS7e51Hv6iKm8ZVpE9r0cQWWde1Lb0H4opIGLazcmfVVF0WzBCU236A-5mX8KnBD4Tu_BbVl1qL6ZPd3DbJ0xYCY31s9PwPCwCT9HUEt1kDqRzxpTl29Nu3J14HcstsryJ0ieyt30uPzQdnM176CwN2VmgQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div>Just look at this amazing firework of a plant. I love it's colour and form.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIEMAxtZQwhYm0S_H1cw8lfVtgeT6DJ0Z6hXw1ABg2l6NZnMSgElcGrNuXv24j4khTeUQNB510IDh4x-PUpR54HP6o3WXnMK3gq3nscBkTuJZVlwInQviS5hyeiIHZSP_AlaA_ycDpXLRSNrv-MEIBF-OQwbWScF35lo-JyD7MTJHwugAgBlxWfNDmTw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiIEMAxtZQwhYm0S_H1cw8lfVtgeT6DJ0Z6hXw1ABg2l6NZnMSgElcGrNuXv24j4khTeUQNB510IDh4x-PUpR54HP6o3WXnMK3gq3nscBkTuJZVlwInQviS5hyeiIHZSP_AlaA_ycDpXLRSNrv-MEIBF-OQwbWScF35lo-JyD7MTJHwugAgBlxWfNDmTw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's looking really healthy at the moment and I'm not sure the arbour would be enough protection so I moved it into the potting shed on Tuesday. There's a growing collection of things I don't want to succumb to the winter weather in there. It's not heated but I hope they will be happier than outside at least.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_z_9DgwgdaLGKQ3GLRVzp6HJRv6E0H5hWTJxBCd2r4bsJHZKVRnKsRVO6tqNIqfDfxieRWwCbL9D_8KGuyc7oAMfwLi_-GPkmQu-VEfO1BhLqxJCz8ywwVaWkqnhwLl0Z9rECKwTtcxEIcFZQ-yu5g_BBitU4DgmtmQPNYQTFfZY93C6hLg9QSv8O0g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_z_9DgwgdaLGKQ3GLRVzp6HJRv6E0H5hWTJxBCd2r4bsJHZKVRnKsRVO6tqNIqfDfxieRWwCbL9D_8KGuyc7oAMfwLi_-GPkmQu-VEfO1BhLqxJCz8ywwVaWkqnhwLl0Z9rECKwTtcxEIcFZQ-yu5g_BBitU4DgmtmQPNYQTFfZY93C6hLg9QSv8O0g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Most of my pelargoniums are in the conservatory, which does have some underfloor heating to keep the chill off. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ZXyfTfjJHait3nTopRL8bltmjSWQ0YdmLhORF1c8Rm5YhTGzc0gbF31opeUF8TnG6UjXYXLWLYlQFVwLGvtcF5hx00VkziVC6dyS2X76kY8YAdKxwCR-uMPAorUScgzTRO4tsJhkBuSCGquWCIr3wB0iEtMfm8M2u2yvrQFOlaqlm-omWE_uALX51g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8ZXyfTfjJHait3nTopRL8bltmjSWQ0YdmLhORF1c8Rm5YhTGzc0gbF31opeUF8TnG6UjXYXLWLYlQFVwLGvtcF5hx00VkziVC6dyS2X76kY8YAdKxwCR-uMPAorUScgzTRO4tsJhkBuSCGquWCIr3wB0iEtMfm8M2u2yvrQFOlaqlm-omWE_uALX51g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>They flower happily all winter in here and brighten the darkest months. I just love going in here on a mildish afternoon and removing the dead flowers and brown leaves. It smells a little like summer and is the gentlest of winter gardening.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTjkT7YJIhOh6EK6ugetqaS6CwHBuJtaSTYIbPyB85yOspdVbWFO9_FX4ha3Ae9rJC7MvAjzEUi6yViNDZcpnq_7_TTRMxre_dIo3AZ4irF6q_UG6oWw_jOMvmxHY6NpQrUMnHSZVWr9NdI8Ltbm7ZGDDzP8-jw2psazBl76f12G1EAivSeYs_yPy3_Q=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTjkT7YJIhOh6EK6ugetqaS6CwHBuJtaSTYIbPyB85yOspdVbWFO9_FX4ha3Ae9rJC7MvAjzEUi6yViNDZcpnq_7_TTRMxre_dIo3AZ4irF6q_UG6oWw_jOMvmxHY6NpQrUMnHSZVWr9NdI8Ltbm7ZGDDzP8-jw2psazBl76f12G1EAivSeYs_yPy3_Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Midweek it was time to turn the calendars over on to the final month of 2021. I love this Robin on my recycled Carolyn Carter calendar so much.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja4FIyp128KpRWd6enXAiHVQmmIGMO9CHXORNf7zjSfoxq9ZDT4upUz0CLAHzCXQ9o8VGt1HDNfaXZAJpyltyj3kcGprnTrZXWW2Gk-4d6PTEOwwbkxAQ1HpXPF8eAt8farSjKPj3MsUOu5B30zsEZVhhIapWXIPF6Gn8jUiNooykBh-uV_BxR5Ap_gQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEja4FIyp128KpRWd6enXAiHVQmmIGMO9CHXORNf7zjSfoxq9ZDT4upUz0CLAHzCXQ9o8VGt1HDNfaXZAJpyltyj3kcGprnTrZXWW2Gk-4d6PTEOwwbkxAQ1HpXPF8eAt8farSjKPj3MsUOu5B30zsEZVhhIapWXIPF6Gn8jUiNooykBh-uV_BxR5Ap_gQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>On Thursday the colour of the berries caught my eye and I picked a few to look at them more closely. Rosehips, hawthorn berries and sloes from the blackthorn.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuIkZx-y7ZKovChSc4X2ZH6bmNN4zxIp9MXpLGXT3_nuy8Y1CJxPllGDxrAb4n4OlYagIgJGJ6hZqzQs_LWJy-m3hlS7B98VUm5fQgVgY6xFxT9ulJOkK2jQPMFjRypt8-M6n7iR0PfGqqSzYl90fATvqMFf6Dd8WmlFyo6qE-fwxvtcjFob-yaLqMig=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuIkZx-y7ZKovChSc4X2ZH6bmNN4zxIp9MXpLGXT3_nuy8Y1CJxPllGDxrAb4n4OlYagIgJGJ6hZqzQs_LWJy-m3hlS7B98VUm5fQgVgY6xFxT9ulJOkK2jQPMFjRypt8-M6n7iR0PfGqqSzYl90fATvqMFf6Dd8WmlFyo6qE-fwxvtcjFob-yaLqMig=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI8xZyXF_ey4oX1_TKzJKwf_GoWLDV2veN_zmyf3FPHF8lzAzYRrMzqUh-Yuiar_WYIIJxL6fXagDqE-Y7pciTyUvG0LFzLT7rk4CN7KpJfXMtPnEW_q7wBTvAc0vyX9c6_ErRY0-bMFmBbstY9aTjmddtXsZBhdroGJV4JBk2iU6pE-ue_nlstpeWpA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiI8xZyXF_ey4oX1_TKzJKwf_GoWLDV2veN_zmyf3FPHF8lzAzYRrMzqUh-Yuiar_WYIIJxL6fXagDqE-Y7pciTyUvG0LFzLT7rk4CN7KpJfXMtPnEW_q7wBTvAc0vyX9c6_ErRY0-bMFmBbstY9aTjmddtXsZBhdroGJV4JBk2iU6pE-ue_nlstpeWpA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So much colour compared to Monday.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibrG2-js8KRGT9a08y2MnaA2MtAIRyJwmh0j7TIunFyiG8IvPymNcpxpNVcdpf7s-tFvhWY23xOJdH8v-F4M3sPgmG2S0q8I7ceuvu8zsLdhe8omVVvwowHDuy3IncyhpkGfmE1MHXijJmB9P7C7SnDYiH4xITKYY7_2AVN8Lm1VOq49f7QwY8XdMrFA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEibrG2-js8KRGT9a08y2MnaA2MtAIRyJwmh0j7TIunFyiG8IvPymNcpxpNVcdpf7s-tFvhWY23xOJdH8v-F4M3sPgmG2S0q8I7ceuvu8zsLdhe8omVVvwowHDuy3IncyhpkGfmE1MHXijJmB9P7C7SnDYiH4xITKYY7_2AVN8Lm1VOq49f7QwY8XdMrFA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Indoors the colour is growing too. We have a mix of Christmas and birthday vibe going on at the moment as youngest turned nineteen this week....Nineteen! </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQWe_HZ54akO96aKy-PTj3yTHeZcxDcN7mROBIfFJb9i2GLVpYLXGk7p92RkZlBKOkgt9r27H0Q8xKI69uUh0LGIZETDs6ugvDELhuomZ3xKkcQ5EW-9XHRqcZZt6QoSSAnSTyTw-FFfE2F1QXAuH5M0RPl-r2JMDqqv0w0ofwvKlSKlVGgJqMmvefYQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1606" data-original-width="2048" height="502" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQWe_HZ54akO96aKy-PTj3yTHeZcxDcN7mROBIfFJb9i2GLVpYLXGk7p92RkZlBKOkgt9r27H0Q8xKI69uUh0LGIZETDs6ugvDELhuomZ3xKkcQ5EW-9XHRqcZZt6QoSSAnSTyTw-FFfE2F1QXAuH5M0RPl-r2JMDqqv0w0ofwvKlSKlVGgJqMmvefYQ=w640-h502" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We always used to leave the tree until a week after his birthday but he was keen for it to go up this weekend so it has.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp9yZ6NPWVvVRImakGE5gBWhrOi53UL2Y_Mmbqm6KF40KbHeyBqEAJb3yB_mGu-7jVLcxGYjyveu4px0H5cR5Sc24evz4tnOrO7xAGOnNtjUGYynQxhgXYFNykgxq1iLIEHn6EZYelgdOUM4_lxpebvx_7X5oTzfeP_kg10G8Ucp1tCFTCsNWwvLfxaQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhp9yZ6NPWVvVRImakGE5gBWhrOi53UL2Y_Mmbqm6KF40KbHeyBqEAJb3yB_mGu-7jVLcxGYjyveu4px0H5cR5Sc24evz4tnOrO7xAGOnNtjUGYynQxhgXYFNykgxq1iLIEHn6EZYelgdOUM4_lxpebvx_7X5oTzfeP_kg10G8Ucp1tCFTCsNWwvLfxaQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>This weekend I've been busy trying to straighten up the house again, as well as making a start on the Christmas decorating. I have had my first mince pie though. I saw somebody online making little puff pastry mincemeat parcels with ready made pastry and though it looked worth a try.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAZjccRRnZh9vDD9qBN7UR8Ubym5Z8EF1xBFxj9HGO77K5ImiLnAVe-Phs9he23MJ3iYWRWr844VHQh6VPUir4Q2y2XbaEoJi9mXbHXK3SrE1H2AuluD8MyJR1WBektklcvbVYM-vLMMTqYUIOf-xzye3hxsf_SYDa6jVGwAKA8Vr23-U_aczXgsZGOg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAZjccRRnZh9vDD9qBN7UR8Ubym5Z8EF1xBFxj9HGO77K5ImiLnAVe-Phs9he23MJ3iYWRWr844VHQh6VPUir4Q2y2XbaEoJi9mXbHXK3SrE1H2AuluD8MyJR1WBektklcvbVYM-vLMMTqYUIOf-xzye3hxsf_SYDa6jVGwAKA8Vr23-U_aczXgsZGOg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Super easy and they looked good. Eldest said he likes my mincemeat better than the bought stuff. Bless him. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVnUWyYJkDxH0O73bK849qCbt7LLV9Yeh4YijVe-Yysr_CxOjRM5x6UhTl07d1iUBQn7wCAmZLdrZKhaNFIhuq6RuMX-B8LTohwZHbDTxTp5wtjemwe7Er9OgDZWqLzedhcUjXqgShfg1xlb9ZIuwIB9y7Fd34zjXkzIQ6KBa5sSLce2sb7FlgmlJG3A=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVnUWyYJkDxH0O73bK849qCbt7LLV9Yeh4YijVe-Yysr_CxOjRM5x6UhTl07d1iUBQn7wCAmZLdrZKhaNFIhuq6RuMX-B8LTohwZHbDTxTp5wtjemwe7Er9OgDZWqLzedhcUjXqgShfg1xlb9ZIuwIB9y7Fd34zjXkzIQ6KBa5sSLce2sb7FlgmlJG3A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I liked it too, which was a relief as you may recall I experimented by omitting the suet this year. I will made some proper shortcrust pastry mince pies next time but these were nice for a change.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgztT_S9eUCYAsBrBCMrivwsxNsYTSJ_MrgIe6a97lXVQce0XN6Dt7qRPFgn8rDQ8SZzoelhj3KqR71MBrRSdUcPJR6p9Dkc5vhL9bcQfy-PycwDK7oH1exMGIw0bOQSFXdUKOdAid_HBp2YhPpMVSnN38FUrjezfaazZajyO7e5B8Z6kIxivwtsMDppw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgztT_S9eUCYAsBrBCMrivwsxNsYTSJ_MrgIe6a97lXVQce0XN6Dt7qRPFgn8rDQ8SZzoelhj3KqR71MBrRSdUcPJR6p9Dkc5vhL9bcQfy-PycwDK7oH1exMGIw0bOQSFXdUKOdAid_HBp2YhPpMVSnN38FUrjezfaazZajyO7e5B8Z6kIxivwtsMDppw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And a little treat after my Covid booster vaccination today....for which I am very grateful.</div><div><br /></div><div>Wishing you a healthy and happy week ahead lovelies, chat soon.</div><div><br /></div><div>Jacquie x</div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-91309913625935440992021-11-27T13:26:00.001+00:002021-11-27T13:26:21.380+00:00Keeping Cosy<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't quite believe it's Saturday morning again already. The weather has really changed in the past few days and this morning I felt the need to light the fire for the first time this Autumn. We won't put up our Christmas decorations until next weekend (would be later if it was my choice...I'm trying to hang onto autumn and I don't like to focus on Christmas until mid December reallyπ) but I'm happy to have a few fairy lights up already to add to the cosy vibe.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDCHM-beY4e76h0xALgFgPIvydkZ-hsRat2PeluJY30hYGmkNZJxAv8Tpji1xB6ihGvRCDPbzxsG55u8xlyl-JoKCrBZ9Ejrx8FZKzVsH-JhvrEkNI5Y2AIBpOJRFpNiLFIh6SJrijnhwnucwyiJKz8ccINJbSlgEHBpj-QTvvGWJ0EVEzmBAMGOnRFg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDCHM-beY4e76h0xALgFgPIvydkZ-hsRat2PeluJY30hYGmkNZJxAv8Tpji1xB6ihGvRCDPbzxsG55u8xlyl-JoKCrBZ9Ejrx8FZKzVsH-JhvrEkNI5Y2AIBpOJRFpNiLFIh6SJrijnhwnucwyiJKz8ccINJbSlgEHBpj-QTvvGWJ0EVEzmBAMGOnRFg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was the garden at about 9am. We had snow! I say had as it's already melted but wasn't it pretty! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWpL2xTjEv3hUuVPYCvQ__99y8rLobprJAU05s9c_kNkfMVAx5vERDtAs6RWpF_alY2AEZWJGVyfG31qZX3vWOMRTZ9fHsGa0KSmKKKTmZViNuMTVwmfM6AMrFxqzzw4_ljtNESkJ8zyf1L2wU4aFaz4DgLaxUB7wH_inCXFQR6mAwVMoWo9cKOfKEhg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWpL2xTjEv3hUuVPYCvQ__99y8rLobprJAU05s9c_kNkfMVAx5vERDtAs6RWpF_alY2AEZWJGVyfG31qZX3vWOMRTZ9fHsGa0KSmKKKTmZViNuMTVwmfM6AMrFxqzzw4_ljtNESkJ8zyf1L2wU4aFaz4DgLaxUB7wH_inCXFQR6mAwVMoWo9cKOfKEhg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Ideal weather to get in the in the kitchen and do some baking again. There's currently a gingerbread cake in the oven. I have some black treacle that needs using up so I've been on the look out for recipes that need some.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyv-LU_SWyAYW-92kD816AzzYGtzxSRke1BP70CqJOKU-esemXNSDEAJT3nRxw1TImg5ZIALGX6Ea9r1gZRg8R9tBaE_DAE6Pj03H0T-Xhz374i7Q50L0svFpaCO--aAPBNyT525lkRoaUGMsLCrz6JIuDnt80FlhFsUp2KJ8Ybi8aHgqxBkamDQxJkg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyv-LU_SWyAYW-92kD816AzzYGtzxSRke1BP70CqJOKU-esemXNSDEAJT3nRxw1TImg5ZIALGX6Ea9r1gZRg8R9tBaE_DAE6Pj03H0T-Xhz374i7Q50L0svFpaCO--aAPBNyT525lkRoaUGMsLCrz6JIuDnt80FlhFsUp2KJ8Ybi8aHgqxBkamDQxJkg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I decided to look in this book which mum passed on to me. I wonder if any of you remember the TV series this book was produced to accompany? It was a 70's series and I only have the vaguest of recollections. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTQ_v9eDBW1kIbXyvz0PqJwJeNvkb67s39KAAp8l37QfpXhMjHnwarQfRt4LgD8q9j-Nx4BGuXIZxlWVtvlwvYFQc-pORlZB2O0sAVrtjC5AYjowhJ0lDomxsHxUIOjq--EViZCEc7ng5WUpVN58kgKIM81ArioTW9LJ1TKVAg_qu4ZTQW40joHAxCFA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTQ_v9eDBW1kIbXyvz0PqJwJeNvkb67s39KAAp8l37QfpXhMjHnwarQfRt4LgD8q9j-Nx4BGuXIZxlWVtvlwvYFQc-pORlZB2O0sAVrtjC5AYjowhJ0lDomxsHxUIOjq--EViZCEc7ng5WUpVN58kgKIM81ArioTW9LJ1TKVAg_qu4ZTQW40joHAxCFA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Any cake with plenty of ginger is ideal for cold weather I always think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqsIUtlUOUZLl7nzWHN9fu3R-Nohbo8kG7CRUTPgxCq7oiaTVMjyFREUcatnShtu_A3CRWyqZiGZ6H5vxjYjZ7tBvJFM_x66B5DG7gc-dFpPr0yht9CX5bLGp9k2IiniHDrdwebq8KYRoUw_7F0MsG-eZXIot1bo3PmP-IMqlIn-D96VtBpLsp5I0czQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqsIUtlUOUZLl7nzWHN9fu3R-Nohbo8kG7CRUTPgxCq7oiaTVMjyFREUcatnShtu_A3CRWyqZiGZ6H5vxjYjZ7tBvJFM_x66B5DG7gc-dFpPr0yht9CX5bLGp9k2IiniHDrdwebq8KYRoUw_7F0MsG-eZXIot1bo3PmP-IMqlIn-D96VtBpLsp5I0czQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It certainly has been chillier here but Thursday brought my most favourite walking weather. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Frost and sunshine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I dropped youngest off at work and headed to the start point of a walk not far from there. I parked on the roadside but was soon out in the countryside and the only person around. It was gorgeous.</div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFpct4EZeXt69apB6Q-Y04gbhIBcb79SG3s5HnT5wzeN88p0OkYT9PN65SUYFpbyRSnQNDmxCXfhnM3JOswGxh2PUTpQCMBOEExt9fg3g_lirjHMVaEIWurdhITYQkictfD1ppdWX00aBv2onLCw3WLHzkdg5l2LpnQo8SFmYEL4e2mxDmBPji2i7aNg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFpct4EZeXt69apB6Q-Y04gbhIBcb79SG3s5HnT5wzeN88p0OkYT9PN65SUYFpbyRSnQNDmxCXfhnM3JOswGxh2PUTpQCMBOEExt9fg3g_lirjHMVaEIWurdhITYQkictfD1ppdWX00aBv2onLCw3WLHzkdg5l2LpnQo8SFmYEL4e2mxDmBPji2i7aNg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A bit further along the path I noticed a group of men walking towards me. They seemed friendly enough as we crossed paths but struck me as a bit out of place. It didn't help when they stopped walking when I was still only a bit past them. I hurried on and was happy to spot a lone figure up ahead. He stood still (on his phone) until I passed him. He was at a folk in the path. Oh dear, that stuck me as odd too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It was all innocent I'm sure, but on Thursday morning I suddenly felt really vulnerable. My imagination told me something horrible was about to happen and it didn't make for a happy walk. This track seemed to go on for a long time and I think I would have jumped in the hedgerow if a van had appeared.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHRe0bq1FNvh2RRNuj2q754efNYn72y9PDRi-yPdoLmt0noR0J4Am0DTlbQAJcawFGK6Etv5dmRA9ddkwYqdJ-6Jp9MFy5n2gC4g7WfitQJJ8sNzrQel6Txxn24Bwru3XiGXu_ei0coxXfAo5_y11ltqr8JLBOkrsoUZxTU0FxaTDKnXMmtzTSI-DTgA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHRe0bq1FNvh2RRNuj2q754efNYn72y9PDRi-yPdoLmt0noR0J4Am0DTlbQAJcawFGK6Etv5dmRA9ddkwYqdJ-6Jp9MFy5n2gC4g7WfitQJJ8sNzrQel6Txxn24Bwru3XiGXu_ei0coxXfAo5_y11ltqr8JLBOkrsoUZxTU0FxaTDKnXMmtzTSI-DTgA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I stuck to my original 4 mile route plan as I didn't know an alternative and I didn't want to double back. It's a long way when you are wondering what's around every corner and looking over your shoulder a lot.</div></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrDWq2yMIbqk6IgnND1r1gOE-PZNldcf41xJoyL-BHT9FlzejMB-ZL9Dfxz_iAb-jV6rOZ_xiqE1J4pZADMF2W4Xn028zCkv8aLWQU-yfn_pBcvMoOCIVeQvvV3oRobky21O5ueMx3tiAl8nxx8HNYdRUAuzaJZQH2BFmmrNqImeY87JcOwAabFjsnpw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrDWq2yMIbqk6IgnND1r1gOE-PZNldcf41xJoyL-BHT9FlzejMB-ZL9Dfxz_iAb-jV6rOZ_xiqE1J4pZADMF2W4Xn028zCkv8aLWQU-yfn_pBcvMoOCIVeQvvV3oRobky21O5ueMx3tiAl8nxx8HNYdRUAuzaJZQH2BFmmrNqImeY87JcOwAabFjsnpw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I think the recent horribly sad cases of women loosing their lives while just being outside must be affecting me, but I don't want to live in fear. I will be avoiding this area, unless I have company, for a good while though. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sorry if that was a bit heavy, I just felt the need to share. I hope you don't mind. I don't want to add to anybody else's worries but I think being honest is important too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My cake is now out of the oven, it smells amazing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirkfYUmzBCrR-8G9j_Ov4zMB_DH3NMl8uamSd7z-IGgGuP3XSWg-elPtVLlLoj2k0Lgl7Pwa0iSi7QT4QPrjxiNvHtVDIRlvqjZx3dSF4AK5bDQyaIYFybaGHDbvtGB7yundyxEGl-TCDc232Jp3RU9owlxblNDIKCvOqNgF3lO8Thg_kEL5lkd30MPQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirkfYUmzBCrR-8G9j_Ov4zMB_DH3NMl8uamSd7z-IGgGuP3XSWg-elPtVLlLoj2k0Lgl7Pwa0iSi7QT4QPrjxiNvHtVDIRlvqjZx3dSF4AK5bDQyaIYFybaGHDbvtGB7yundyxEGl-TCDc232Jp3RU9owlxblNDIKCvOqNgF3lO8Thg_kEL5lkd30MPQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is the recipe, in case you fancy making one yourselves lovelies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGlgTIM6A3WbOa85QknNQ9H23gJNO7-K3FgZtC1u5giDNv4UJiTszqdb1W-XxI_WV7j1SCUyQHdg6Q2ZpNMVGuQDZdXvABBbpKZ3qqUume25mxwQIqUkGYEmp2ob9qVVf8R253GTvmTlUmoD97ckiDyLn0gi4mHIRbdP_-OXG-kpR1LnK2y8VRTCaWRw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGlgTIM6A3WbOa85QknNQ9H23gJNO7-K3FgZtC1u5giDNv4UJiTszqdb1W-XxI_WV7j1SCUyQHdg6Q2ZpNMVGuQDZdXvABBbpKZ3qqUume25mxwQIqUkGYEmp2ob9qVVf8R253GTvmTlUmoD97ckiDyLn0gi4mHIRbdP_-OXG-kpR1LnK2y8VRTCaWRw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8IaA90oz2fwjZkGq46ofk6W_-3FLD9LbaHbUSdahNmyaNIQaUYPfZRpq6KLp4qAWZPCkuH2oymJLC3aOq-9ep1p0Y30mL4H5A5GM0m12As8TlwP8yqwugw1fF11C0Cgl4dZF1LfgK0DigaLzH7QGqXEhAGaSACycH7UYtkvn6foRuuRv2Bu_rPgnIhA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8IaA90oz2fwjZkGq46ofk6W_-3FLD9LbaHbUSdahNmyaNIQaUYPfZRpq6KLp4qAWZPCkuH2oymJLC3aOq-9ep1p0Y30mL4H5A5GM0m12As8TlwP8yqwugw1fF11C0Cgl4dZF1LfgK0DigaLzH7QGqXEhAGaSACycH7UYtkvn6foRuuRv2Bu_rPgnIhA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a><div><br /></div><div>As it's better after keeping for a few days I also made some simple shortbread biscuits.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb-IMG_FSx_FpUQsuTXoLFOIQZ6q8NaNTkdzAe619BK8AfLSHpSKpefaj9B_EEMfZrq_hE66Jel0uDQS_sa62044yToFmkbV_tILM0WMTXHKERk-Ba3HCUnCLSVw-_dSXMdgbXCIJKFv7VlFt22Lt5NzVeyRInqEQEn1o9Dn6-HjjZ1K4nakJSkGO_2g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb-IMG_FSx_FpUQsuTXoLFOIQZ6q8NaNTkdzAe619BK8AfLSHpSKpefaj9B_EEMfZrq_hE66Jel0uDQS_sa62044yToFmkbV_tILM0WMTXHKERk-Ba3HCUnCLSVw-_dSXMdgbXCIJKFv7VlFt22Lt5NzVeyRInqEQEn1o9Dn6-HjjZ1K4nakJSkGO_2g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/shortbread-biscuits" target="_blank">HERE'S</a> a similar recipe . I roll the dough into a sausage and cut into 5cm sections. Once they are on the baking tray I squash them with the back of a folk. It's very easy and I like the biscuit shape it creates </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDU0zuHoR9jV2jJcuiV0Lw8OfOAYEUkw4uSSllsYp_GW5ScWLSu0GxQ65b55bB26Q92yIENKHwMbCPupYlq1uwK0OcrEdA5K_Dzx5pA5oGh5kKbz69vbQuFGUSaoPInvi5hpYTOqRTh10hEjKbCUCMhuVEmHmKYUV3OVemCHYs2TQ_92im2mk3Y70q4w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjDU0zuHoR9jV2jJcuiV0Lw8OfOAYEUkw4uSSllsYp_GW5ScWLSu0GxQ65b55bB26Q92yIENKHwMbCPupYlq1uwK0OcrEdA5K_Dzx5pA5oGh5kKbz69vbQuFGUSaoPInvi5hpYTOqRTh10hEjKbCUCMhuVEmHmKYUV3OVemCHYs2TQ_92im2mk3Y70q4w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I think that's a good morning's work...Lets call it that π, though it's really a joy to spend time baking. Especially when the temperature is 3 degrees Celsius outside and the wind is howling.</div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Whishing you a happy weekend lovelies, I hope life is treating you kindly and you can enjoy whatever you are doing.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jacquie x</div><br /></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-28917411248569953662021-11-23T21:18:00.002+00:002021-11-23T21:29:28.053+00:00Noticing Trees<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">yesterday morning dawned bright and chilly. As soon as I had taken youngest to work I headed out for a walk. I was so pleased there was still some frost to be seen after 9am.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkj9nBHXJowKfOjXKJwBGmKGhDmMUESHWVPSC9uNBeLSmwtzv1_z_yLlNd2eWxZMi85v8JPs_RMwKdt6d9NEGk7H0fe5w5VhD5YHWJJ34FDZCU0LR6QzCqZ2lae-F07vqDRbNN9cy2BSKuZT3SsVqCeNSvm31hPaUv2As9wY7MdEuWMZodbBbBw37lwg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgkj9nBHXJowKfOjXKJwBGmKGhDmMUESHWVPSC9uNBeLSmwtzv1_z_yLlNd2eWxZMi85v8JPs_RMwKdt6d9NEGk7H0fe5w5VhD5YHWJJ34FDZCU0LR6QzCqZ2lae-F07vqDRbNN9cy2BSKuZT3SsVqCeNSvm31hPaUv2As9wY7MdEuWMZodbBbBw37lwg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br /><br /></div><div><br /></div>I decided to leave the footpath a little to go and visit some favourite trees on the golf course as they are stunning at this time of year. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV4GzaSDYLf23cxd6Tn4QOptMGAjRvVFodKyy0lgySrwmy8fuv4xx3FlXqzrFGbI_IrqgJmOE1wDV3KaTBw-68lksLCPf_HPjcDsRpUB17g6aEbajK6WuWRpBBF11N1CRTY-AB8fjvNDrp8zSQKRa4VqZjhcDYgZjVCr-lJoV6X_B4CoZL0wUgcCmWiw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiV4GzaSDYLf23cxd6Tn4QOptMGAjRvVFodKyy0lgySrwmy8fuv4xx3FlXqzrFGbI_IrqgJmOE1wDV3KaTBw-68lksLCPf_HPjcDsRpUB17g6aEbajK6WuWRpBBF11N1CRTY-AB8fjvNDrp8zSQKRa4VqZjhcDYgZjVCr-lJoV6X_B4CoZL0wUgcCmWiw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br /> <div>I think I'd left it a bit late as most of the leaves have already fallen. Still, they made a stunning carpet.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcdwMWJnUzgcPM4o94_pA0s-yIxMPGfR8d3Y4J39myhTQv-BB-dLlPdB0hBeUmsyghIrb-TLVhOVkOviVhCZd5pTkvtTus9C76ka340VYLWDyBs1_bqkmArkZ4cCfQVbQFwcR8DVOXBQVdo_3vF9vXcEMBD0QCFBaqkjMeNxMEDGtzWfposo69Wo-rZA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcdwMWJnUzgcPM4o94_pA0s-yIxMPGfR8d3Y4J39myhTQv-BB-dLlPdB0hBeUmsyghIrb-TLVhOVkOviVhCZd5pTkvtTus9C76ka340VYLWDyBs1_bqkmArkZ4cCfQVbQFwcR8DVOXBQVdo_3vF9vXcEMBD0QCFBaqkjMeNxMEDGtzWfposo69Wo-rZA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And there were still a few gorgeous pink leaves catching the sunlight.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJFBl7EgMUz8fAb0Sc3LSb7xgFBRCof-f39XyZnSmpcljdXAtijPzh5gfCfuXlfWq0aL-OnHkRmSRS84yDvM3wBzBb7bAbQIedQSaFVaO8K9t0sSuIdg2qv9WFq5IoAUw0Mis7-evLWh-ACSA4MmFnEu1DJuI6XeBbIXORO2uCtOPjs0HSmLMx2-9e5g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1873" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiJFBl7EgMUz8fAb0Sc3LSb7xgFBRCof-f39XyZnSmpcljdXAtijPzh5gfCfuXlfWq0aL-OnHkRmSRS84yDvM3wBzBb7bAbQIedQSaFVaO8K9t0sSuIdg2qv9WFq5IoAUw0Mis7-evLWh-ACSA4MmFnEu1DJuI6XeBbIXORO2uCtOPjs0HSmLMx2-9e5g=w586-h640" width="586" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So many trees are totally bare now, but that doesn't make me sad. I love to be able to see the form of the branches and shadows they create.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg90sK6BQ2ZUZbjL-npu2sMh7ahPPDdNZvxtoJmydl7B67PotYNZlUZmKtP89rrzormPEjHkjr2orLVTNEf03ZMFiNTvoNWsLmPfM11W5ztxVE4fQgdwRXKJidvVDxFX4iF3SlazPslcu3K3QZt3nDhu_kDwQVkSiurFBUXQZ5B0A2CkSxZ8EGeWMpJew=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg90sK6BQ2ZUZbjL-npu2sMh7ahPPDdNZvxtoJmydl7B67PotYNZlUZmKtP89rrzormPEjHkjr2orLVTNEf03ZMFiNTvoNWsLmPfM11W5ztxVE4fQgdwRXKJidvVDxFX4iF3SlazPslcu3K3QZt3nDhu_kDwQVkSiurFBUXQZ5B0A2CkSxZ8EGeWMpJew=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Of course it's nice that some trees still have leaves, like this silver birch with wonderful golden cascades of foliage.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUaFthfegUIN3k5EWSmTtQqQ4inUfkVUOOydDRMNnDUiIm-CJ-hE6TQuCm14QVhClv3xIuIMXYiCT2ON20haNor-dnF4_FRvI8p-9XknexWdU2cYpDX3l2TVFL8u6aqhkLR2aUZkcR3G6uFjGXbaq70ZLV9qW-Sc7MInLAd_RCNUXRtLunlLinxQf-mQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUaFthfegUIN3k5EWSmTtQqQ4inUfkVUOOydDRMNnDUiIm-CJ-hE6TQuCm14QVhClv3xIuIMXYiCT2ON20haNor-dnF4_FRvI8p-9XknexWdU2cYpDX3l2TVFL8u6aqhkLR2aUZkcR3G6uFjGXbaq70ZLV9qW-Sc7MInLAd_RCNUXRtLunlLinxQf-mQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And the oaks are reaching their pinnacle of bronze beauty.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkb2Nb-RkYl03CITSorRGMQl0svbGvTs6dZigDCoWhlxrXaZ3T74axb_8_OvVYMsDTS4AWT7r9fOXDQ0AF4JerKAgw6V96zy9qY4tg0NNlgkbzVe4ESOnCqPdv0nj2BvJSXpabv3qQGgE_GH92T2H-_fGE5lpN7T229gPPBttwuPbBckOLIgzy4mDryg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkb2Nb-RkYl03CITSorRGMQl0svbGvTs6dZigDCoWhlxrXaZ3T74axb_8_OvVYMsDTS4AWT7r9fOXDQ0AF4JerKAgw6V96zy9qY4tg0NNlgkbzVe4ESOnCqPdv0nj2BvJSXpabv3qQGgE_GH92T2H-_fGE5lpN7T229gPPBttwuPbBckOLIgzy4mDryg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>In my own garden our silver birch tree is glowing. This tree was here when we moved in 25 years ago, but we do prune it as our neighbour isn't keen on tall trees casting shade on her garden.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs3HycAsx63tb-ZAbPkkwu3BuzwOQ__pVPXM2gQcHcMjZUwIeLU1ZuUS1ZHQOA5sTSxnxU9B3PcnZf-ktVVWLwa48jlvRTPoqhnltjXIDqb4wlJfs4OcpLy443EvNoKW7SMx2YuYJ7dSzr5uNMzgjYbB5AT6XCskyXPclwAcMWHuMQ0LblPDzs9hSR8g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjs3HycAsx63tb-ZAbPkkwu3BuzwOQ__pVPXM2gQcHcMjZUwIeLU1ZuUS1ZHQOA5sTSxnxU9B3PcnZf-ktVVWLwa48jlvRTPoqhnltjXIDqb4wlJfs4OcpLy443EvNoKW7SMx2YuYJ7dSzr5uNMzgjYbB5AT6XCskyXPclwAcMWHuMQ0LblPDzs9hSR8g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I'm more proud of the young trees I chose and planted myself. The youngest is this lovely <a href="https://www.ornamental-trees.co.uk/sorbus-hupehensis-pink-pagoda-tree-p594" target="_blank">Rowan </a> , chosen for it's benefits to wildlife as well as it's fab berries ( it's still too young to produce those) </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpTvPxw2ORNCFWRWbVG5zW8wN8kE9LlMx1QPkBdNhpFdiIMgf0bKlRXqcBuw3E8j-JDgjCS501fduW6OO6l1jZHRWFcnNOpiWtC4c7-95ds0Unqpj1L96R2rxzLseM1nQjXN2lli-5HCzyG8DHbMwV-qZKGbW2xf9vwnbjzIC_fb1gpLXiAFnHyW_ycw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpTvPxw2ORNCFWRWbVG5zW8wN8kE9LlMx1QPkBdNhpFdiIMgf0bKlRXqcBuw3E8j-JDgjCS501fduW6OO6l1jZHRWFcnNOpiWtC4c7-95ds0Unqpj1L96R2rxzLseM1nQjXN2lli-5HCzyG8DHbMwV-qZKGbW2xf9vwnbjzIC_fb1gpLXiAFnHyW_ycw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>About 4 years ago I planted this Crab Apple and this is the first year it has a significant amount of fruit.</div><div>Isn't it lovely. Planting a tree is such a special thing I think</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQZ6YYrzl5cfjYzyFKD9hI5gfwq6dB4i1SOkverQxzdCqtAO8ong3Yx9fJIG9nKLPCdQzkmecwAN7h_khL3z4b95Qhj3jlCl-wTARkTSpWIi78pkmPzHKfoobkCgc11BMpa85ZFmi-Z4MLSSYTlyPLH4qLuZEdy4XXK0o0W-CydVTuLqQxCD3mXcgBhA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQZ6YYrzl5cfjYzyFKD9hI5gfwq6dB4i1SOkverQxzdCqtAO8ong3Yx9fJIG9nKLPCdQzkmecwAN7h_khL3z4b95Qhj3jlCl-wTARkTSpWIi78pkmPzHKfoobkCgc11BMpa85ZFmi-Z4MLSSYTlyPLH4qLuZEdy4XXK0o0W-CydVTuLqQxCD3mXcgBhA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I keep looking around for a spot to add another tree but really I need to resist and give these chance to mature.</div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, I'm happy to report this farmhouse apple and fruit cake I made at the weekend (link to recipe is in previous post) is yummy. I will certainly make this again.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWek1Na1rGNjaVXyIghA6dv3I5cZEAEC-wgPq8rGhBT_P2tO3euHCRzzvrcLv3tI5l2Z-fzZ_c77kRLJ9m1L3bM5SiWCWNWyTuQx0yygwW1Eynku_ldgdXfJj4R3S8ViEjXRiU1mbn4MbrchS2t7MyUTfQl0ojM_MUU66IPQkboq3Qi0kCwqqRZN0_Kw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWek1Na1rGNjaVXyIghA6dv3I5cZEAEC-wgPq8rGhBT_P2tO3euHCRzzvrcLv3tI5l2Z-fzZ_c77kRLJ9m1L3bM5SiWCWNWyTuQx0yygwW1Eynku_ldgdXfJj4R3S8ViEjXRiU1mbn4MbrchS2t7MyUTfQl0ojM_MUU66IPQkboq3Qi0kCwqqRZN0_Kw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Thank you apple trees!</div><div><br /></div><div>I hope you have enjoyed what's turned out to be a tree appreciation post lovelies :0)</div><div>It's such a joy to me to notice trees in my local area as they change throughout the seasons. </div><div>Look what I've just found! ...<a href="http://bunnymummy-jacquie.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-favourite-tree.html" target="_blank">THIS </a>post from almost a decade ago....I still love this tree and was pointing it out to eldest only yesterday π</div><div><br /></div><div>Jacquie x</div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-5216317072296493572021-11-20T12:39:00.004+00:002021-11-20T12:48:28.572+00:00Fresh and Gentle Days<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">this morning I'm baking a cake so I thought I'd write a post whilst it's in the oven. I do love a bit of Saturday morning baking. I'm trying<a href="http://allrecipes.co.uk/recipe/31904/farmhouse-apple-and-sultana-cake.aspx" target="_blank"> THIS</a> recipe and hopefully I'll have a nice picture of a finished cake to add to the end of this post. It smells good at the moment so I'm feeling optimistic.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij5qoC3T6VAp0jGjPAoA1OD1lRMa_tfCgvS_JghFLj5PL5MZE9buh04iXrWSmIVKY3KG0eA4bBrWySHmM0ibO73liVmHFNMgitQGxvksAFwa62CzPlplacaoeKTz3KQNlk-dC_0zL30F9pFU7gAipwcbnddhD89zPXOFjdeDa1nrVe8X-bPMJv3vSiJg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEij5qoC3T6VAp0jGjPAoA1OD1lRMa_tfCgvS_JghFLj5PL5MZE9buh04iXrWSmIVKY3KG0eA4bBrWySHmM0ibO73liVmHFNMgitQGxvksAFwa62CzPlplacaoeKTz3KQNlk-dC_0zL30F9pFU7gAipwcbnddhD89zPXOFjdeDa1nrVe8X-bPMJv3vSiJg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm sorry it's been a while since the last time I was here. My evenings have been rather taken up with the Autumn inspired blanket I've started. It's the first blanket project I've made this year and I'm feeling optimistic about this too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm7AxKUtOLb6dAgcXfa0_S9ifoRL02CkpeS4OJMHfSl7duNS7Qv7T5FYvKFTmeeVTQbPHIJ-U9qyQksppmmPdt8ZHynmyZuE9wAsx03huH7odT5PV0BnoQUJOy2rGZPlMCaaTcP94mjBs5EKrVvNyuOBRNQTP8C0pCLqxSzYvxt2Le7DPeFro52RHfmQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhm7AxKUtOLb6dAgcXfa0_S9ifoRL02CkpeS4OJMHfSl7duNS7Qv7T5FYvKFTmeeVTQbPHIJ-U9qyQksppmmPdt8ZHynmyZuE9wAsx03huH7odT5PV0BnoQUJOy2rGZPlMCaaTcP94mjBs5EKrVvNyuOBRNQTP8C0pCLqxSzYvxt2Le7DPeFro52RHfmQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The title of this post was inspired by a comment from Suzie ( at ambling along Suzie) over on Instagram. I think it perfectly describes the weather November has brought us over the past couple of weeks. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's way too mild for this time of year really, but so wonderful to enjoy the fabulous shades of autumn without a lot of cold, wet, gloom and wind.</div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib9tzzxLarnO-JdVBq2bTpfcm2x7zcaQXrEIkTk0XMXT0U-ojSIQibTbEWBqmAnFclD_w3vbtTvM4hn2NKReA3JcXrJgdi2RuQ7HdCOwW8JALp8CiHbo1NXyeqexHMCKjLQFpeTH1pvnEadS-7DxQTmtrfkpZ8NELR1THybsnQj71eqbspAXXMVToVnw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib9tzzxLarnO-JdVBq2bTpfcm2x7zcaQXrEIkTk0XMXT0U-ojSIQibTbEWBqmAnFclD_w3vbtTvM4hn2NKReA3JcXrJgdi2RuQ7HdCOwW8JALp8CiHbo1NXyeqexHMCKjLQFpeTH1pvnEadS-7DxQTmtrfkpZ8NELR1THybsnQj71eqbspAXXMVToVnw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here I was out with mum on Monday afternoon. We often set off with no real plan and see where we end up :0)<div>When we come across a view mum fancies painting we stop and she sits in the car and gets to work whilst I go for a walk.</div><div> I can see why she was inspired by this honey coloured squat little church.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo6SVuUlTjakelJVFEIp7WIffxBbkVzVTTi0vxvmOT2zVYWQb9HXJk2jLdFKDLTPp4D9F3TBsDXfGwoaKDGJVmB-GZdL4a4g8JZIgLuT0duuCY_2zwnGywFYvzI-fhI2g0GWHXF9Ul5mlf4xMLnRAGLfKwlw0ZHKYNEzsCI9HZJ4AMP5f_gb3tERyjsw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgo6SVuUlTjakelJVFEIp7WIffxBbkVzVTTi0vxvmOT2zVYWQb9HXJk2jLdFKDLTPp4D9F3TBsDXfGwoaKDGJVmB-GZdL4a4g8JZIgLuT0duuCY_2zwnGywFYvzI-fhI2g0GWHXF9Ul5mlf4xMLnRAGLfKwlw0ZHKYNEzsCI9HZJ4AMP5f_gb3tERyjsw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And thankfully there were plenty of footpaths for me to explore.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNtz61yccT4mw_TI3PJZjMVWvjX6T-O3t4-EGb5-jT-NFW5F5PalKuOXbnU6PAa_p4Y22rICTPK6Q5gE9QQ2yLWTqQL-ORzRoRMsTaOnWOMeXqybDbNgab-azswElIDhpsUFvrFfIwUpdVfRedCuqGfnlFz2RA2eBNeYjxQc5ziuaQAauQf3ySBOuDlw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNtz61yccT4mw_TI3PJZjMVWvjX6T-O3t4-EGb5-jT-NFW5F5PalKuOXbnU6PAa_p4Y22rICTPK6Q5gE9QQ2yLWTqQL-ORzRoRMsTaOnWOMeXqybDbNgab-azswElIDhpsUFvrFfIwUpdVfRedCuqGfnlFz2RA2eBNeYjxQc5ziuaQAauQf3ySBOuDlw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtjJTxv3tXlkSXdMKlwIRNe-WV5jjpQjXbUDoqEbprjZGo515jM9uW8devJpYcIftxYySJZgXuh2Szq-IyYkDD1EerOE-UIgCq4uD9vvbmVWXEeIHCea-XL35890BegneA2FNedVV1G3gYx3M48BUWJdzTgi5aC8pXZ5YydhqhIxvlnkYuh_G3TpcinQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtjJTxv3tXlkSXdMKlwIRNe-WV5jjpQjXbUDoqEbprjZGo515jM9uW8devJpYcIftxYySJZgXuh2Szq-IyYkDD1EerOE-UIgCq4uD9vvbmVWXEeIHCea-XL35890BegneA2FNedVV1G3gYx3M48BUWJdzTgi5aC8pXZ5YydhqhIxvlnkYuh_G3TpcinQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJoltfpyavS5RFz3yMb_ZLu1HbWjiDjIGE108ZHnCve46GmdbXB7pOdSLP7ao2Rxj823mz1rN4qXutxjdg8fcwBuntCVCLjn9BI3nhHg0J2sOPzIVtBzuUqnHKRtJIf90YUUUSBV4LA01L37os1QYKW09si57DU9GcgqrxHAjps_tJQPUg6u71Xj0LoQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJoltfpyavS5RFz3yMb_ZLu1HbWjiDjIGE108ZHnCve46GmdbXB7pOdSLP7ao2Rxj823mz1rN4qXutxjdg8fcwBuntCVCLjn9BI3nhHg0J2sOPzIVtBzuUqnHKRtJIf90YUUUSBV4LA01L37os1QYKW09si57DU9GcgqrxHAjps_tJQPUg6u71Xj0LoQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And if I come back before mum is finished I get sent away to explore a bit more. This time I found mushrooms π</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7iT1Y-zx2_U-IHDqI4gMmYignPhu58gVuTQPkjibLn8gZUIKgXOQD1ML3tb066cbSgyAS1zYIyBzy-9P0t5GCIWDMbLDeDbYs_tM3U_y6n-A-8XffO7HXaE4b-GXKOzpPyIi7OJ8fXa-S9SFn6hvEYV1OKyDgvNwP8D9iCAZWFNpa06c5mMd9WEJrhw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7iT1Y-zx2_U-IHDqI4gMmYignPhu58gVuTQPkjibLn8gZUIKgXOQD1ML3tb066cbSgyAS1zYIyBzy-9P0t5GCIWDMbLDeDbYs_tM3U_y6n-A-8XffO7HXaE4b-GXKOzpPyIi7OJ8fXa-S9SFn6hvEYV1OKyDgvNwP8D9iCAZWFNpa06c5mMd9WEJrhw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I love mum's watercolour painting of the autumnal scene. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxtJMj9vMZWHKnZtSUJIsWFJrDBciSNt2HUXQnpn5LLzCoLZk-KcrHoIlR4g1j0fllf0_ouuYVXg8GxT13ZYusK7RMsPcvsxS5LTGKKWBOGZUs1H5fyyW4KUdYYNgnI-o0vpn2Dwzv6neI-Ye_auMWAKiSWWGoFd3ZLtWwQ_3Tpvk7Ey4CcqEP-VrZlQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxtJMj9vMZWHKnZtSUJIsWFJrDBciSNt2HUXQnpn5LLzCoLZk-KcrHoIlR4g1j0fllf0_ouuYVXg8GxT13ZYusK7RMsPcvsxS5LTGKKWBOGZUs1H5fyyW4KUdYYNgnI-o0vpn2Dwzv6neI-Ye_auMWAKiSWWGoFd3ZLtWwQ_3Tpvk7Ey4CcqEP-VrZlQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>We also stopped off at a couple of pretty villages on the way home. Everywhere was looking so nice.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwhoWpOuzRnzl1u4EpqZZvOU_F8_2zVYI0lApbqsXzD0wGke-YGJEXZYyWdiR755CCiVf4MrYIZeiBH09yUvL1j0zCyuh2ArqNL55obE4nDnBHUWNGAMcbsIDwxbrOsyJrZN7ft8A256TFUnH7DPK2FPTqpzjbx39lIOUavvzl8jWvphnlY2SPeBZjfQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjwhoWpOuzRnzl1u4EpqZZvOU_F8_2zVYI0lApbqsXzD0wGke-YGJEXZYyWdiR755CCiVf4MrYIZeiBH09yUvL1j0zCyuh2ArqNL55obE4nDnBHUWNGAMcbsIDwxbrOsyJrZN7ft8A256TFUnH7DPK2FPTqpzjbx39lIOUavvzl8jWvphnlY2SPeBZjfQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I couldn't resist a low angle shot of these lovely fallen leaves here.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUk3a5okJwHTTTfm-YLnF7CzCydqjPV0dnftOL676A5OZvpm6ERUyMMu8npmNdQQ1tWGB8Mw745jOtzj_W3gbZwkOFulTHw0aoDrrNPx4Xo7i4oFs83KkE1udWx2LnIuAVE6gJrrZ4vM7Nx5RpxZr26rJW2EO3J6IOg4NI7QMQ50YBd9AMq5O7FGG-yw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUk3a5okJwHTTTfm-YLnF7CzCydqjPV0dnftOL676A5OZvpm6ERUyMMu8npmNdQQ1tWGB8Mw745jOtzj_W3gbZwkOFulTHw0aoDrrNPx4Xo7i4oFs83KkE1udWx2LnIuAVE6gJrrZ4vM7Nx5RpxZr26rJW2EO3J6IOg4NI7QMQ50YBd9AMq5O7FGG-yw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Autumn has been so inspiring to me this year. Here is the start of my blanket, made using the colours I'm seeing everywhere at the moment.</div><div> It's just three round granny squares made in solid colours and I'm joining as I go.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqwgPSU0AEpuVIYmZqvURjxLjKReao7Ypu4SlTgT702-NpVNXuYpFKEOWqV4uPj3HNuB45F4CbtxBRO-b5Dg97qIqAKRte3CEAM45MrPjn1lMi8nLnj_cI3IW1o4CitEHhz5YhOlAKzECNfSsGpyvzwoTKIryXBOPpQ4ns3LflA4wLt5VKXZYhACvdZQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqwgPSU0AEpuVIYmZqvURjxLjKReao7Ypu4SlTgT702-NpVNXuYpFKEOWqV4uPj3HNuB45F4CbtxBRO-b5Dg97qIqAKRte3CEAM45MrPjn1lMi8nLnj_cI3IW1o4CitEHhz5YhOlAKzECNfSsGpyvzwoTKIryXBOPpQ4ns3LflA4wLt5VKXZYhACvdZQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm balancing time spent sitting with my hook with time spent outside locally. The days are short but consequently the sky is often dramatic by mid afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhyz2ch6meYMmGX-uF_gAgg-d_CGt_rS7GTBKIFI89sx308RxJgMgMwEmYwusMI6Ud6GihR6vmX_52UnX84RKw6WzfTVH3wiOwAzOQwUzgDblxUx-4DiW9gE0CEIrYb6UvCBbfrfqq8DW3_P2forIiW5eXyeBClF78frl0vu7mMnkbsPwJYvxswxXMyQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhhyz2ch6meYMmGX-uF_gAgg-d_CGt_rS7GTBKIFI89sx308RxJgMgMwEmYwusMI6Ud6GihR6vmX_52UnX84RKw6WzfTVH3wiOwAzOQwUzgDblxUx-4DiW9gE0CEIrYb6UvCBbfrfqq8DW3_P2forIiW5eXyeBClF78frl0vu7mMnkbsPwJYvxswxXMyQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and especially at sunset. I could see the autumn shades in this sky too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlkiJZ7PwGl5w8UK_QdIBmEEJh-9kJI-Ybx2PPBOpYAGq0mYP0KTz5q7wITf13-eci_DvNC9IfikHLZFyV1VQ1QrFnZV1H6gWkROCbeH7PGycneVH1FcnKdEEc5vVxh4Lu6oAJGdQMfc3oaadvVkm225e9kXF_ooUDAt03uD5LI8prnBPM2BwXGLqpSg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlkiJZ7PwGl5w8UK_QdIBmEEJh-9kJI-Ybx2PPBOpYAGq0mYP0KTz5q7wITf13-eci_DvNC9IfikHLZFyV1VQ1QrFnZV1H6gWkROCbeH7PGycneVH1FcnKdEEc5vVxh4Lu6oAJGdQMfc3oaadvVkm225e9kXF_ooUDAt03uD5LI8prnBPM2BwXGLqpSg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">so here's where I'm currently up to with my blanket, especially for you my lovely blog readers :0)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh11qi6EyTFOVC6fOshlB8Vw319NegOKFaAoN3w-050sfeD6yXW3PiExaOujtHou7WtQIphVz51uoMaGIILgSSje_rPYzndUcTQnD6uhPlJWPhCaS-EHWFTkizOVy8J_a9EOuqA2jzlwErH9fWnSZV-9OTgEW_9yySbeEtvUGasvXrJgCdAJYYorWoYrg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh11qi6EyTFOVC6fOshlB8Vw319NegOKFaAoN3w-050sfeD6yXW3PiExaOujtHou7WtQIphVz51uoMaGIILgSSje_rPYzndUcTQnD6uhPlJWPhCaS-EHWFTkizOVy8J_a9EOuqA2jzlwErH9fWnSZV-9OTgEW_9yySbeEtvUGasvXrJgCdAJYYorWoYrg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Looking down on it you can see it's a bit of a homage to my love of patchwork! Middle son's girlfriend introduced me to a website called <a href="https://www.stitchfiddle.com/en" target="_blank">Stitch Fiddle</a> which allows you to plan out this sort of project.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"> I've worked through lots of variations of designs. I've plumped for a sort of <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=irish+chain+quilt+pattern&rlz=1C1VDKB_en-GBGB938GB938&sxsrf=AOaemvLKJEteV5vmQVona_l1jCllgHIBiQ:1637410631803&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwi2-Lz49ab0AhUHsaQKHUTDAqUQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&cshid=1637410674630797&biw=1920&bih=969&dpr=1" target="_blank">Irish Chain</a> (I think). </div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sure the quilters amongst you will know a better description. For whilst I love patchwork and quilting it's not something I have much experience of doing.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ-M7726rM0ZlfE18JkvFI2Szdakm0NnHau5uIKE5g0UbmCckeql_VS2ebgm9C5kktIhjrz9YPwqiXV2KhEJ7QrchRL7bSiyHYUruJ8QCBzB1mH5vuENIiSKZNz01dXdTriffwzscaGaO4O38c61gXhWxlnP4oiwioR-rhddkUofgqKq6qSzye6Cr6ag=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJ-M7726rM0ZlfE18JkvFI2Szdakm0NnHau5uIKE5g0UbmCckeql_VS2ebgm9C5kktIhjrz9YPwqiXV2KhEJ7QrchRL7bSiyHYUruJ8QCBzB1mH5vuENIiSKZNz01dXdTriffwzscaGaO4O38c61gXhWxlnP4oiwioR-rhddkUofgqKq6qSzye6Cr6ag=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So far I'm feeling hopeful that this crochet version will turn out well and I'm really enjoying working to a plan as it stops all that procrastination I suffer with when working with random shades.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh, almost forgot....here's the Farmhouse apple and fruit cake ( I used mixed fruit instead of sultanas) fresh out of the oven. Mine only took and hour to cook, so something to bare in mind if you decide to give this a go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXO5qzUwjxI_gl844P0jjo_0f901XyZJsoQ48RgioScJZgnSp4Vax_e21Z28CY-ozcC3r-USNntpWx3h2-LdBKf7IsB15Dyj0Qs7Qemkn_xWAMuDm3gQRbd2dFV8VjqiWRQdvfLcBfgJbhQMKwte_5CjACd5B9EKe7l5YXZwvYwnBDgc2vQh09vS5Uig=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjXO5qzUwjxI_gl844P0jjo_0f901XyZJsoQ48RgioScJZgnSp4Vax_e21Z28CY-ozcC3r-USNntpWx3h2-LdBKf7IsB15Dyj0Qs7Qemkn_xWAMuDm3gQRbd2dFV8VjqiWRQdvfLcBfgJbhQMKwte_5CjACd5B9EKe7l5YXZwvYwnBDgc2vQh09vS5Uig=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Hopefully I'll be back with a review of how it tastes very soon :0)<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you are all keeping well and enjoying Saturday. Thank you so much for all the kind comments on my recent posts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jacquie x</div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br />Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-38659975608768471512021-11-11T21:49:00.001+00:002021-11-11T21:49:21.620+00:00Inspired by Autumn <p> Hello Lovelies, </p><p>I've been on a bit of a mission to tidy up this week, putting stuff away and sorting paperwork. </p><p>I think as the garden becomes cold and damp it feels more important to create a calm space to shelter in. Our indoor living space feels the pressure of so many adults using it. It's not toys I do battle with these days but shoes, coats, tech, and never ending laundry.</p><p>An Autumn clean, tidy and declutter seems essential for my sanity.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhopXzAYrmrdN9ujt4-cFpACHbePBOeiN5Zb7Ph_cqEsOLxJnG-NtrcGi3os_0vgg6noy0VYa2QCWH3s_Omwm--4qTsV_he7aNBcitdbDUKRCpAH223iTtskUllCePCzWY_BoCs3QhbFf888fgl0EcxkVVKWuBPP85SvAT3b8k8dXCGnx4XOmvOwfitqw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhopXzAYrmrdN9ujt4-cFpACHbePBOeiN5Zb7Ph_cqEsOLxJnG-NtrcGi3os_0vgg6noy0VYa2QCWH3s_Omwm--4qTsV_he7aNBcitdbDUKRCpAH223iTtskUllCePCzWY_BoCs3QhbFf888fgl0EcxkVVKWuBPP85SvAT3b8k8dXCGnx4XOmvOwfitqw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Yesterday I took the afternoon off and went for a walk though...another sanity essential.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtJWAugZbnoSXrLWkKADlVFeZrIc_hfgglrRy4QJRxfKh9lqvaKQxpM49_3J_-8vQhYSJYR58dCIvHmbOLQdmhgq5vZYq8FnTFIjqb30pdTEWudyxgaLOzJ6vWawYme4jgQOhT5DjZtlxo9PhME4XgXfMNQsSyFz0oTtf6gJt9ckRoFYoowUeIKa3M8Q=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtJWAugZbnoSXrLWkKADlVFeZrIc_hfgglrRy4QJRxfKh9lqvaKQxpM49_3J_-8vQhYSJYR58dCIvHmbOLQdmhgq5vZYq8FnTFIjqb30pdTEWudyxgaLOzJ6vWawYme4jgQOhT5DjZtlxo9PhME4XgXfMNQsSyFz0oTtf6gJt9ckRoFYoowUeIKa3M8Q=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was a dull day but the seasonal colour is getting really good this week.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuLJ7k9BaNQlDWsGFKs-QPk-8nZka0aLxVAXfVlaFAz8SrLliu5ajLdyN7NH739SCjffmdAeWrTaOQxyCvmJAtK69_nP5H9Pj6y2dObrAviHZVd1m_xKMwvzfiKt_heI6OwaAH1isLG031lwAg6A-tDH-E49I1Tr1KaDzRdNPoUXC8dvVd2esX1oUSgw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiuLJ7k9BaNQlDWsGFKs-QPk-8nZka0aLxVAXfVlaFAz8SrLliu5ajLdyN7NH739SCjffmdAeWrTaOQxyCvmJAtK69_nP5H9Pj6y2dObrAviHZVd1m_xKMwvzfiKt_heI6OwaAH1isLG031lwAg6A-tDH-E49I1Tr1KaDzRdNPoUXC8dvVd2esX1oUSgw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I couldn't stop picking up leaves.</div></div></blockquote><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6Z5pGCW9idt5QBGhNVNtyE3Pga0XPG7nZ-cHZVt3LrpesjlC3MBnszGiqflFcGykpcEB3tAfRpveInefQXUytdKGytvMSzJmie5Q9KUp3TIn1FXso_7ZMxnEPL-1MWYW_t314uUmXP4YNrwDiTKjACEyFa0Yn7kz2dTpwFnDE2U5N6n_s-ecjE7sKdQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6Z5pGCW9idt5QBGhNVNtyE3Pga0XPG7nZ-cHZVt3LrpesjlC3MBnszGiqflFcGykpcEB3tAfRpveInefQXUytdKGytvMSzJmie5Q9KUp3TIn1FXso_7ZMxnEPL-1MWYW_t314uUmXP4YNrwDiTKjACEyFa0Yn7kz2dTpwFnDE2U5N6n_s-ecjE7sKdQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This scene was all green a couple of weeks ago.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjvxlGcQoe_GxBXS1-y9DfkZBm8Mr0BS2zYtGZikHACPFgt1pNQPL8yoiFgDUF4xduT_zbz8G7Wk1anCumtK8TXkSQobZgZTv63gwoIMMmjeZ6gE2Cr40FOHb5kUjmMcPunVS0XvQkCFZUCR7dpC6rK5eLg4kR08g7SVFa2hvvlf5BfcxjYQFdeWuBpQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjvxlGcQoe_GxBXS1-y9DfkZBm8Mr0BS2zYtGZikHACPFgt1pNQPL8yoiFgDUF4xduT_zbz8G7Wk1anCumtK8TXkSQobZgZTv63gwoIMMmjeZ6gE2Cr40FOHb5kUjmMcPunVS0XvQkCFZUCR7dpC6rK5eLg4kR08g7SVFa2hvvlf5BfcxjYQFdeWuBpQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Now there are fabulous shades of plum</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTzpWSq0ixqa9f6rI7FbKC4LjxuwnZ2KRuNRSLXMB6wQP6h3Q0VZohBtH-NefsCnFOFvNNdj8hk2KFgI0V9BDhlwQxIzBP6EuRefMt7-Zw-26fe8EHnwo8v-4REytcUaoPi6uwj0O7mY5v7hu4K-ZTcM365BFM5AV6mcVsaq_VnlUHtW6F204TeWBelw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTzpWSq0ixqa9f6rI7FbKC4LjxuwnZ2KRuNRSLXMB6wQP6h3Q0VZohBtH-NefsCnFOFvNNdj8hk2KFgI0V9BDhlwQxIzBP6EuRefMt7-Zw-26fe8EHnwo8v-4REytcUaoPi6uwj0O7mY5v7hu4K-ZTcM365BFM5AV6mcVsaq_VnlUHtW6F204TeWBelw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">and red</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8U7AkKIFPCI0aJuyDY5lGyvjL125TjwumWmS6AGCrcXHOzMMDwRF5MvLlJ7qh3czVp2ft6dO-Mu5YKGkl_EvZonDhGOet3rt0q53EHZ1bbfScj83VMGOJ42AszigR4a4WTL7FaXUSxHbwPJNlxdmLza3hA9WXw-FyIbbZoBw7Uno2dU7etYFZJ7_zwg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8U7AkKIFPCI0aJuyDY5lGyvjL125TjwumWmS6AGCrcXHOzMMDwRF5MvLlJ7qh3czVp2ft6dO-Mu5YKGkl_EvZonDhGOet3rt0q53EHZ1bbfScj83VMGOJ42AszigR4a4WTL7FaXUSxHbwPJNlxdmLza3hA9WXw-FyIbbZoBw7Uno2dU7etYFZJ7_zwg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Along with the golds and oranges</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4scUsPkLsi0wjknKPYtESa2l_A4TiGwYDo2JE10jFs6j9Iht4VmMn3Qk7Sbgh9WC08DWurrVxeg1LYY6d7Fax3l6gD0SXZQesIXiXnZgJe_Bi1DWb4bOvf09wjqagXUdMwhQ-VkD8yVbvtLZgd79vnJRhm52RElffcCufdrzbwC2I_uvO6U-7KtKVbQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4scUsPkLsi0wjknKPYtESa2l_A4TiGwYDo2JE10jFs6j9Iht4VmMn3Qk7Sbgh9WC08DWurrVxeg1LYY6d7Fax3l6gD0SXZQesIXiXnZgJe_Bi1DWb4bOvf09wjqagXUdMwhQ-VkD8yVbvtLZgd79vnJRhm52RElffcCufdrzbwC2I_uvO6U-7KtKVbQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>When I got home I had a little play with all the leaves I had collected. How lovely are these shades and shapes?</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzUdndhx71OZ87fdz6J8lpN4ajXaAsaQftecw4_PXpmugny6HieVL84a7UF2ep11kx1Vga8KksEdH8vbWDq2Nc9VkSiWlgkEPa5D0kvqLicW4cuUNX2K6uaYxOg7oQ00UurJUXCpp3i0EdJsIohHnqX9YyzolP7AaL1MDYg6s240j7BL0LfmOxVxDJNA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgzUdndhx71OZ87fdz6J8lpN4ajXaAsaQftecw4_PXpmugny6HieVL84a7UF2ep11kx1Vga8KksEdH8vbWDq2Nc9VkSiWlgkEPa5D0kvqLicW4cuUNX2K6uaYxOg7oQ00UurJUXCpp3i0EdJsIohHnqX9YyzolP7AaL1MDYg6s240j7BL0LfmOxVxDJNA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The autumn scenes and leaf colours inspired me to get my yarn pegs out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWc4BSUrirCnOnvnsPDjSOJuaG1a8-YAulM3CHySN3Ic5ejesyh47Re4d5M4qYuP_UtgbdfJe5sTutrv--LoPJ97ul7isWMqxUk3QLI_9hQ2JSZCgInwJevIvkI97qzzj2XmvBDelZ7Bq7fb_5mh_2EDyj5XNAUh5ML5ImXKsLSVBPHxgTOU0czXqb_g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgWc4BSUrirCnOnvnsPDjSOJuaG1a8-YAulM3CHySN3Ic5ejesyh47Re4d5M4qYuP_UtgbdfJe5sTutrv--LoPJ97ul7isWMqxUk3QLI_9hQ2JSZCgInwJevIvkI97qzzj2XmvBDelZ7Bq7fb_5mh_2EDyj5XNAUh5ML5ImXKsLSVBPHxgTOU0czXqb_g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm still experimenting with colour combinations and thinking about what project I want to use them for, but it's great to feel inspired.</div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4DPLgMjB1Wp86d_iGsKr1562eJkiCN-LL65DXPVQ6Pjxsp6OK8EIPj95VCqQItQRrKJG_fxWBFIY8cq-sG6YxzxPU1io0CY4v9o1mK_0ywWRD3N7gvM2DL6auNA3CYJwhon0QfI9XCXR6reUTU_517kfoRInmWybrORggl656l7Z4xrYljckAIKK93A=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg4DPLgMjB1Wp86d_iGsKr1562eJkiCN-LL65DXPVQ6Pjxsp6OK8EIPj95VCqQItQRrKJG_fxWBFIY8cq-sG6YxzxPU1io0CY4v9o1mK_0ywWRD3N7gvM2DL6auNA3CYJwhon0QfI9XCXR6reUTU_517kfoRInmWybrORggl656l7Z4xrYljckAIKK93A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also collected some dried grasses and seed heads while I was out. I love this simple arrangement on my mantel.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWERYge7vVrWYgCc0f73Qwn5acsdUqBjectf31EdtFfdICKv-od3cakfMkS28mUepdTax_ubL5KAyXPptOBTBtRU788ohEsSmRfAvEHmSTGuJ7YMn648oNisYR7l32rPIPxUhi3KAYvErk7FDy66hXZI8pk16lKBcdyRGKslj-GcGynFAuhUjSytM70A=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhWERYge7vVrWYgCc0f73Qwn5acsdUqBjectf31EdtFfdICKv-od3cakfMkS28mUepdTax_ubL5KAyXPptOBTBtRU788ohEsSmRfAvEHmSTGuJ7YMn648oNisYR7l32rPIPxUhi3KAYvErk7FDy66hXZI8pk16lKBcdyRGKslj-GcGynFAuhUjSytM70A=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It balances well with the houseplant on the other end.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCI4Z0aAsJYi708nOYEOQLU3b4TfuqW_jE0vwcDyQtEiTzMeGWfdqx5jIiGU6p8Z5iK0GRrZDpTE4pBzIG4thSTjpc_E2yvWmOXyru-5dkZqkAAc_h1f0yBSTZh1LgHVhWfbDnNYwPOTSUuKjnKw8GimaeNAb40Jfu8PGHWqzoeyoBvZFtG3E6V76kkQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCI4Z0aAsJYi708nOYEOQLU3b4TfuqW_jE0vwcDyQtEiTzMeGWfdqx5jIiGU6p8Z5iK0GRrZDpTE4pBzIG4thSTjpc_E2yvWmOXyru-5dkZqkAAc_h1f0yBSTZh1LgHVhWfbDnNYwPOTSUuKjnKw8GimaeNAb40Jfu8PGHWqzoeyoBvZFtG3E6V76kkQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I made this mosaic for inspiration. It's a joy to capture this moment, when so many leaves are fading into a rainbow of beauty and the berries shine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhouEoIqnTzyIOzW9xMylUtbaxEd_U4KxMcdxGp9L2L5nJHJ8QyU5pg4bVP_ySUScSWw8TqTVyxJIeLYkysWmtztitziYRsnOafEmqt73unWmtIx24ZxK6LmOyb9JXPD8_UJmw-Vsn828nGMqVIz0sJkjEFsDAhAG1NYvihVjubXaCQ3zvc8pjse4r0gA=s1011" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1011" data-original-width="1011" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhouEoIqnTzyIOzW9xMylUtbaxEd_U4KxMcdxGp9L2L5nJHJ8QyU5pg4bVP_ySUScSWw8TqTVyxJIeLYkysWmtztitziYRsnOafEmqt73unWmtIx24ZxK6LmOyb9JXPD8_UJmw-Vsn828nGMqVIz0sJkjEFsDAhAG1NYvihVjubXaCQ3zvc8pjse4r0gA=w640-h640" width="640" /></a><br /><div><br /></div></div><div>I do hope you lovelies manage to get outdoors and make the most of Autumn (or Spring) this week.</div><div>Jacquie x</div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-27070242477574817652021-11-09T20:35:00.003+00:002021-11-09T20:35:58.230+00:00A Mixed Bag<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I hope you've had a good day. I'm back, sharing the random selection of pictures I captured on my camera today. Things that made me smile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love the early morning sun as it shines under our silver birch tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXkg8qbCMdpSfr5j4qDdNsJXWmRciLRHnP-UgHyYPOOkC7JvtGi2bBvJlOJTSJr6moMf-hBLqhEPymmKdBlc_-oP8pTwfH5YF8_J8yRp43dB8osW4Uo9T6ggy6nS2owAvAsjiuY9GtQZGccdxdltlbm25C1nfkocsvrFu9SzRdrhdSbLiLZ0nnAL2cQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYXkg8qbCMdpSfr5j4qDdNsJXWmRciLRHnP-UgHyYPOOkC7JvtGi2bBvJlOJTSJr6moMf-hBLqhEPymmKdBlc_-oP8pTwfH5YF8_J8yRp43dB8osW4Uo9T6ggy6nS2owAvAsjiuY9GtQZGccdxdltlbm25C1nfkocsvrFu9SzRdrhdSbLiLZ0nnAL2cQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's leaves are only just beginning to start getting their autumn colour, where as my little cherry tree is the most gorgeous orange already and positively glowed in the morning sunshine.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAY2uIDX-u4YX0DFfTPxgoe5zFPp5-xZqHJRUuIKdKjfcxP_zwZDzBSuZle6VeoVTJ8ohnoQIG60FWmLb04vwv2790gB93vDiq4gaXsP1qL90eoNH2XUTu_FB_8tpgKJZT4FyKojiVxaqstgIJfs8sdsVnG2pYETrc2dtAg-tUXPl6fhKQu37fyHiOCw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiAY2uIDX-u4YX0DFfTPxgoe5zFPp5-xZqHJRUuIKdKjfcxP_zwZDzBSuZle6VeoVTJ8ohnoQIG60FWmLb04vwv2790gB93vDiq4gaXsP1qL90eoNH2XUTu_FB_8tpgKJZT4FyKojiVxaqstgIJfs8sdsVnG2pYETrc2dtAg-tUXPl6fhKQu37fyHiOCw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /> Here's a bit of a rubbish photo, but I took it as I was so pleased I can finally recycle soft plastics locally. I know the most important change is to try and reduce buying plastic wrapped things in the first place, but in reality that's really tricky at the moment so <a href="https://www.coop.co.uk/environment/soft-plastics" target="_blank">THANK YOU CO-OP</a> for having recycling bins in your stores.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYQ0ZE_Pb0yi9d-goiMR6e0l3BL7Z7jwTnW_6hMHwgsgqPxUMSJ08v9wVT0o96SX3iSREiM_4oZp_DjyXX2NkaZnYyB-1WYyCObWST1vmBR_725qviBko4rCN6lKCvCB0bqHhcQPlaXNqbGvaCcidDpLq57Nvgy8e3kNGQtstLYmPFTaq0V_3lJThd4Q=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYQ0ZE_Pb0yi9d-goiMR6e0l3BL7Z7jwTnW_6hMHwgsgqPxUMSJ08v9wVT0o96SX3iSREiM_4oZp_DjyXX2NkaZnYyB-1WYyCObWST1vmBR_725qviBko4rCN6lKCvCB0bqHhcQPlaXNqbGvaCcidDpLq57Nvgy8e3kNGQtstLYmPFTaq0V_3lJThd4Q=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Out and about with my mum in law this morning we loved this beautiful window display. I especially adored the painting of a winter scene on the glass.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHuiDh4fzcnPWUnjdkr6-pS09HmONi3jkSB9QKWVngnqwUUDMUi-Igobp02GlAdef4zbB43XCgHUVMM8hFK1qsQJF-qF2Um_mAEWfbxJ-52TV40sMkLlMsuqu50D5tVqzyLG6jMVWXDdS1IsIWM3uYUkPVzBLOeQm3sVz7K-eesl46liic2ka8yM6nNg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgHuiDh4fzcnPWUnjdkr6-pS09HmONi3jkSB9QKWVngnqwUUDMUi-Igobp02GlAdef4zbB43XCgHUVMM8hFK1qsQJF-qF2Um_mAEWfbxJ-52TV40sMkLlMsuqu50D5tVqzyLG6jMVWXDdS1IsIWM3uYUkPVzBLOeQm3sVz7K-eesl46liic2ka8yM6nNg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was Christmassy but overall just felt like a homage to winter and I love winter.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi76DJYeRAFLWplapPny0G8Y94IUPKTnuNRgdaQtxV7jOajy5-AZYGic-0mUShEhqUOVg4AUDh6qXwwEVqLUY_laz2_egmnUccKajEfaWDj8L_ZPef-xU3huJXEp6Kt1xqnVQUJGIo-TPYBhjMjLasIOOjyb0cbYwap4VjQkGTs0JAHweX1b8P-9Q7omA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi76DJYeRAFLWplapPny0G8Y94IUPKTnuNRgdaQtxV7jOajy5-AZYGic-0mUShEhqUOVg4AUDh6qXwwEVqLUY_laz2_egmnUccKajEfaWDj8L_ZPef-xU3huJXEp6Kt1xqnVQUJGIo-TPYBhjMjLasIOOjyb0cbYwap4VjQkGTs0JAHweX1b8P-9Q7omA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm not wishing autumn away though. We went around this beautiful square of grass and magnificent mature trees. I'm sure the residents of the bungalows and flats here must appreciate having this view. I know I would. Such a great way to keep in touch with the seasons and encourage wildlife.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUJxpSrM8mmntubxEXxfI480lnWRuq0Fnolw6xbWxMSIP6As2w64Ia2q5IupS8yHSgHYtgfrlpuFrDb3ZTHkUz4cRtoXWx7-AVn7xceappu9NPgNCnDXT7vug_-z8CtJjImMcZXd6gj5qf8EhM9yhw8B9YtXExiNJczDnOPaliuN7RVk6vXo9vSrW_SQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUJxpSrM8mmntubxEXxfI480lnWRuq0Fnolw6xbWxMSIP6As2w64Ia2q5IupS8yHSgHYtgfrlpuFrDb3ZTHkUz4cRtoXWx7-AVn7xceappu9NPgNCnDXT7vug_-z8CtJjImMcZXd6gj5qf8EhM9yhw8B9YtXExiNJczDnOPaliuN7RVk6vXo9vSrW_SQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It was a very short walk with mum in law and I was busy this afternoon so I headed out to do a couple of miles after dark. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV5kDvObR4fOFBbXR5RB7B_hxCyTYN1-pINk95WEn62mk38iiVoDZh2qpC90BT182RHLZP5Hou-N_-HfkJ_840TJ6MVbTCfRgRf-2oV8UFGCV_jVbxbJJQTpnzr-8SYxelgftAlcKYy8_iJA2EzR2OZyWsw4uXyyzZp7oheJq4hIAfBZJW-rHK8d7pPg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhV5kDvObR4fOFBbXR5RB7B_hxCyTYN1-pINk95WEn62mk38iiVoDZh2qpC90BT182RHLZP5Hou-N_-HfkJ_840TJ6MVbTCfRgRf-2oV8UFGCV_jVbxbJJQTpnzr-8SYxelgftAlcKYy8_iJA2EzR2OZyWsw4uXyyzZp7oheJq4hIAfBZJW-rHK8d7pPg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's so mild out again at the moment it was very pleasant , even a bit too warm for my coat wearing self. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg25v4wdiMrW0hAYiZf9mOcRVMEE3kN_B3Skq1xaBAuy9E7juKKJdut0mDFF2Psfw07b-1uU_OnFKWk7qFcaH8PO216q805tM2QdurRENlkShztnWmngShBwSYXqx6ICcKDvCJpB6MNPCygO_hFxUJnVqHAxD-TYrwGrgqp5gEFj341vQeSq02IqLtCQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg25v4wdiMrW0hAYiZf9mOcRVMEE3kN_B3Skq1xaBAuy9E7juKKJdut0mDFF2Psfw07b-1uU_OnFKWk7qFcaH8PO216q805tM2QdurRENlkShztnWmngShBwSYXqx6ICcKDvCJpB6MNPCygO_hFxUJnVqHAxD-TYrwGrgqp5gEFj341vQeSq02IqLtCQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /></div><div>Think I'll be regretting changing to the winter duvet tonight.</div><div><br /></div><div>Is the weather strangely mild where you are lovelies? </div><div>Jacquie x</div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-29843312635140630012021-11-08T22:46:00.004+00:002021-11-08T22:46:29.923+00:00A Colourful Start<p> <span style="text-align: center;">Hello Lovelies,</span></p><p><span style="text-align: center;">I was out and about early this morning, walking to the shop to get some sandwich supplies to make packed lunches. What a treat the amazing sunrise was. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmKMeTGwOcSg_z03oU9cWJwllqUr5KiKmV4PqOQmWhPzCChoI-kz6kJrlIxBzQtKLjZuF-PNpdU3-H_EIiJWX7pyisP-sfuL4Y9uXyHhN8hO3qyRO1FTqGTLYMX--O-U34gRPyosp4emyi7gAZOTxO5X_k3v8EXVoYtXF6D7WbZBwBsBT3NK9zfc_agQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmKMeTGwOcSg_z03oU9cWJwllqUr5KiKmV4PqOQmWhPzCChoI-kz6kJrlIxBzQtKLjZuF-PNpdU3-H_EIiJWX7pyisP-sfuL4Y9uXyHhN8hO3qyRO1FTqGTLYMX--O-U34gRPyosp4emyi7gAZOTxO5X_k3v8EXVoYtXF6D7WbZBwBsBT3NK9zfc_agQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I love that we are blessed with creative souls who add fun things to the streets where I live. The little wooden train planter looked extra nice with such a dramatic backdrop.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzlQE7-KX6F-ocl9I64a38KqL8cuM8l-Glj4b3kqiJgQTJc-5NI9lwd8jubYVRuzxPTY3aM8ERtJUkrzQE0YoV5aymZBiZZjiSe0k_r12P9QMz5tSFR2MeBM-KQuqwrhStsWZxV9C1SOcI5RJwF0pfQTAQcxi9A53uf30HE5gW2cL8kutwYDdYIH56DA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzlQE7-KX6F-ocl9I64a38KqL8cuM8l-Glj4b3kqiJgQTJc-5NI9lwd8jubYVRuzxPTY3aM8ERtJUkrzQE0YoV5aymZBiZZjiSe0k_r12P9QMz5tSFR2MeBM-KQuqwrhStsWZxV9C1SOcI5RJwF0pfQTAQcxi9A53uf30HE5gW2cL8kutwYDdYIH56DA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a><div><br /></div><div>The dim light was not the best to photograph this great yarn bomb on the post-box but I think you can get the idea. It's to encourage people to help the hedgehogs. I'm so pleased that nobody has messed with this and it's holding up well after being out in the weather for a couple of months.</div><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyd2FOMbZMBVrvCjtkLrOt3p5QhzKBn2CRoKX6Qk0a0yvwUaO7X-gJwOAo9MhbQxTpJFMb-D_Ir-aaI7cJhTbAUoeGU0t8Zz-exKaQ6rVONxIIPs0ePonaGwz76HtmtU-AOZTmqGXf2eFGotUGngjWung3aecHmluD2KjKICHW0S9T5puzY3fYNx3c_w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1822" data-original-width="2048" height="570" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjyd2FOMbZMBVrvCjtkLrOt3p5QhzKBn2CRoKX6Qk0a0yvwUaO7X-gJwOAo9MhbQxTpJFMb-D_Ir-aaI7cJhTbAUoeGU0t8Zz-exKaQ6rVONxIIPs0ePonaGwz76HtmtU-AOZTmqGXf2eFGotUGngjWung3aecHmluD2KjKICHW0S9T5puzY3fYNx3c_w=w640-h570" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The morning was beautiful and I hung out washing....always a treat in November. You can see the fire pit needs putting away. The boys had friends over on Saturday night, to sit around the fire chatting. Eldest has an old wok he cooks haloumi in over the flames. Lagers and nibbles in the dark garden, watching other people's fireworks. Sounds great.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOebeFFXED8pF_cdaFuxQ0K4EtpC86C_-vpabpHTAxHeRWOXHEuTomF9bs6X9Zr-u9v1QS2Me107FtgxezT4Dfvh-M6bvDmHKdwXrGQi0t5zE2MzSEi-1zSWZZcFUQwFd8l-j8Pvhrs1exyO4cntpCl7DqD87SBOGfhBCI0P17K7IQoY-5Lr6Ea3ea8w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOebeFFXED8pF_cdaFuxQ0K4EtpC86C_-vpabpHTAxHeRWOXHEuTomF9bs6X9Zr-u9v1QS2Me107FtgxezT4Dfvh-M6bvDmHKdwXrGQi0t5zE2MzSEi-1zSWZZcFUQwFd8l-j8Pvhrs1exyO4cntpCl7DqD87SBOGfhBCI0P17K7IQoY-5Lr6Ea3ea8w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>A few posts back I mentioned about my first house. It go me thinking about it and I looked for some photos.</div><div><br /></div><div>This picture of the kitchen is all I could find. Aww, it might not look much but this seemed like luxury to my 21 year old self. </div><div>Previous to this move I'd been in a shared student house with damp issues and a cellar head kitchen. Do you even know what one of those is? </div><div><br /></div><div>It's basically a kitchen built at the top of the stairs down into the cellar. Ours was literally about 4 feet square. It had a tiny cooker and a sink, oh and there was a sort of lift up counter top which also served as a barrier to stop you falling down the stairs if you stepped back from the cooker too far!</div><div><br /></div><div> Gosh I bet you think I'm making this up, but I promise I'm not. So you can see why a new house, with a fitted kitchen was bliss, no matter how small it was....we did have fun the student house though π.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz1CRHgn1jL9sb3EALHXwrmkXJGAUbaSdFnth4tgIUe6aS-keTpiANOgqdX4Tf2t0MVAWt6Lo6h87lNyadChBLMMKbNEk4lj3tfm5xh6xgcF96uBQVsmVkjq1VvZZDDY183i4dPWLo5zRl3ONJqUpCSQsmaASX7Pfe20KUcRuSxTYar3qongLsM0s1xg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhz1CRHgn1jL9sb3EALHXwrmkXJGAUbaSdFnth4tgIUe6aS-keTpiANOgqdX4Tf2t0MVAWt6Lo6h87lNyadChBLMMKbNEk4lj3tfm5xh6xgcF96uBQVsmVkjq1VvZZDDY183i4dPWLo5zRl3ONJqUpCSQsmaASX7Pfe20KUcRuSxTYar3qongLsM0s1xg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm a bit fascinated with small space living at the moment. I love watching videos about <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=tiny+houses&rlz=1C1VDKB_en-GBGB938GB938&sxsrf=AOaemvJKuKfNihCnN12TbyGjF5v-Z2YCZw:1636406440564&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwivzOOE2Yn0AhUvM-wKHWbrDIIQ_AUoAXoECAEQAw&biw=1920&bih=937&dpr=1" target="_blank">tiny houses</a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm not sure I would enjoy all aspects of this way of living but some of the spaces are adorable and the people seem to have a great quality of life, free from a large mortgage or expensive rent. </div><div><br /></div><div>Just look at this lovely space, ideal for one person I think. You can see this video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFI5m0n4G0Y" target="_blank">HERE</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia3chmN-LXM8_05rkBtyXsIy5i8O22jdkbu4Ek4qzWo4BhnpX38wcHqVyT8B-c06hRjdhtU6x-lOx18P0InHslyMLoCER26Ze7NaG1LLzlSEg0DOCLttnk4ru7VsDm-mUDBcR7Z2JzpgpIYsrVnnFidq4ilfPCGcD-QjWlEOiTjtEeIQqFVBELeBIWbw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1323" data-original-width="2048" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEia3chmN-LXM8_05rkBtyXsIy5i8O22jdkbu4Ek4qzWo4BhnpX38wcHqVyT8B-c06hRjdhtU6x-lOx18P0InHslyMLoCER26Ze7NaG1LLzlSEg0DOCLttnk4ru7VsDm-mUDBcR7Z2JzpgpIYsrVnnFidq4ilfPCGcD-QjWlEOiTjtEeIQqFVBELeBIWbw=w640-h414" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Don't blame me if you fall down a tiny house rabbit hole though π.</div><div><br /></div><div>Did you notice the blanket Ariel is sitting on? Isn't it lovely. Perfect for this calm interior with a limited colour palette, to create a feeling of space. </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrPCxZ_Wwmo-SDEEIfbmJNdoCCnbro9FHEBYeiQ504Ppwm_PpaKWDONJmtx_-tLJN3dgBunxqiAR6qgmesFRo8CSBNl4A62H3JW8oq7uY1tcG0u4JZHCacVfTvIoMF5aQPSpOgTyLbrNunLkHUrZeqfK2FnaZKKCtOhKqEkM23qMhZ5lQqCwjaOYY6Xw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrPCxZ_Wwmo-SDEEIfbmJNdoCCnbro9FHEBYeiQ504Ppwm_PpaKWDONJmtx_-tLJN3dgBunxqiAR6qgmesFRo8CSBNl4A62H3JW8oq7uY1tcG0u4JZHCacVfTvIoMF5aQPSpOgTyLbrNunLkHUrZeqfK2FnaZKKCtOhKqEkM23qMhZ5lQqCwjaOYY6Xw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm always juggling for space here too. Maybe I need better storage solutions, but decluttering is my main ongoing goal. I cleared lots of stuff out of this drawer today (some to donate and some just moved). I had tried having my yarn on a shelf of my bookcase but it kept falling out and looking messy. I'm much happier with this storage.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2gyFlCa-EIBSzmMkYnLy-jxu8xmZphNJkStiOMcgVCiJ2-NFelGkE1G_OO3rLMQTK10Xs7AOvitdnSz2f6PvxRwzdnwNM1g3SEt9_mSpnhB3dDud5qVhICR8nHdrmnxeX5bB6_ZuuJbLgqngcO601MKYQIlAnzTlKsNpKP0Ou2ApNlEgA2QXvCIxCqw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2gyFlCa-EIBSzmMkYnLy-jxu8xmZphNJkStiOMcgVCiJ2-NFelGkE1G_OO3rLMQTK10Xs7AOvitdnSz2f6PvxRwzdnwNM1g3SEt9_mSpnhB3dDud5qVhICR8nHdrmnxeX5bB6_ZuuJbLgqngcO601MKYQIlAnzTlKsNpKP0Ou2ApNlEgA2QXvCIxCqw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This afternoon mum and I went for a little drive. We stopped here to admire the view towards the windmill. It's in the centre of the picture with a white cap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdNIQxfe7Df0UXe4s6WoP6X8trpOebg9nTcH5yhEPTYxSOztNkAib9VcY5diuaYsN1dsJ_KLQab292wW8XDYpI23j0VBLNwa-HoAZHS9IxrzMiWHe5O-O69tOt7uDmJctJAZLnuOTvawSD9iRk-8LPevofnQ9Otktrzn7MH-KXYLXaLXF-qpOL8MB8hg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdNIQxfe7Df0UXe4s6WoP6X8trpOebg9nTcH5yhEPTYxSOztNkAib9VcY5diuaYsN1dsJ_KLQab292wW8XDYpI23j0VBLNwa-HoAZHS9IxrzMiWHe5O-O69tOt7uDmJctJAZLnuOTvawSD9iRk-8LPevofnQ9Otktrzn7MH-KXYLXaLXF-qpOL8MB8hg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This is the view in the other direction....looking very autumnal now.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFiYnuvMF4bZm_td3JGzUHbuXZruD00tDDYrXsgSgxGM1B7iUqqKynLNFNSlOk7pYGLL6iJWmsad1f_6LzhN9ugrZtPytFU0mI0QbJV2NSRvDOPnSdmscNKcZpg7u9rOGSUaEBdl9ghmKHY26nNRStu_x4WQ9hNJ01T4kzLmgQMPEL-KGHA5uBvKWNTg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiFiYnuvMF4bZm_td3JGzUHbuXZruD00tDDYrXsgSgxGM1B7iUqqKynLNFNSlOk7pYGLL6iJWmsad1f_6LzhN9ugrZtPytFU0mI0QbJV2NSRvDOPnSdmscNKcZpg7u9rOGSUaEBdl9ghmKHY26nNRStu_x4WQ9hNJ01T4kzLmgQMPEL-KGHA5uBvKWNTg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I like cows, when they are on the other side of a gate.....hello beauties.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmqXx_4P_pBKR2N3BUAG8NVmhQ2A9fsY4IvU5CXTGeyckgYLNzCSKtHrKxKXHGScA_pAK_NcwDR9EYIQ1XSWTmuQ_R5ENTUqgPZYO3I65ykhfUmUPj0NOLf0YGM3mKmjvOOMwGASuOX2nCdLaSRgUHx03NesekMLzxDcfPO7QYnn9TvS0zUxILeZHT6w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmqXx_4P_pBKR2N3BUAG8NVmhQ2A9fsY4IvU5CXTGeyckgYLNzCSKtHrKxKXHGScA_pAK_NcwDR9EYIQ1XSWTmuQ_R5ENTUqgPZYO3I65ykhfUmUPj0NOLf0YGM3mKmjvOOMwGASuOX2nCdLaSRgUHx03NesekMLzxDcfPO7QYnn9TvS0zUxILeZHT6w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This evening I finally got around to doing something with all the cooking apples I keeping picking up on my walks.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEik0TsobuDmcSdRphxRFEUJp_DmDE1FiS6Qp5eFP-_HOy5ynRf7MQNqE0Wwckhjed1if1yHQq1yXUee6G9IrKxP9uhzn70GC-8A1Awt4sUvjMo-9lRsvr8NGgaSWdjJ5TJyHn6FD4FsdZ8vZxRKhrFW0yTRgn8VakpfpUJJhqPF52EBvDv-9Ld8wbX6uQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEik0TsobuDmcSdRphxRFEUJp_DmDE1FiS6Qp5eFP-_HOy5ynRf7MQNqE0Wwckhjed1if1yHQq1yXUee6G9IrKxP9uhzn70GC-8A1Awt4sUvjMo-9lRsvr8NGgaSWdjJ5TJyHn6FD4FsdZ8vZxRKhrFW0yTRgn8VakpfpUJJhqPF52EBvDv-9Ld8wbX6uQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Nothing too imaginative, just several apple crumbles for the freezer, and one for now.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCcknCHRGv7lD_PW_ItgLBHsTfg3eFuX9VZQZl744ideji06nIsT5OLH2LubuFp8HUbBmXNmDXMhbNW7y45bT3S7ErmWxUxZcpn17DOqDyYGucOCOtRNamKlA9TNeaCRibudIOJZKcaYNPcUP9675H-4LIMZOM2xOzEUA4YeBZ2qCYRjydIxoGV3Qgzg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgCcknCHRGv7lD_PW_ItgLBHsTfg3eFuX9VZQZl744ideji06nIsT5OLH2LubuFp8HUbBmXNmDXMhbNW7y45bT3S7ErmWxUxZcpn17DOqDyYGucOCOtRNamKlA9TNeaCRibudIOJZKcaYNPcUP9675H-4LIMZOM2xOzEUA4YeBZ2qCYRjydIxoGV3Qgzg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well that was quite a mixed bag of a post. I hope you found at least some of it interesting lovelies.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Chat tomorrow, all being well.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jacquie x</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-25576575888736288722021-11-07T20:46:00.003+00:002021-11-07T23:04:18.321+00:00Newstead in November<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> for the first time in too long we had a trip to <a href="https://newsteadabbey.org.uk/" target="_blank">Newstead Abbey</a> today. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQR9XDI6KBQysCeFmYX8KBUxZtrI2RoqdB9hOMxoDciACxk_mWtyYPgLJC0XwiHn0-5Z4SfUMtY-nBKjeeQV6CrhHLAbz93qVEB3LZFX5uFPaGO_nJw4W2PVa8AYLDsECqqst5h1ekDSjO1Bt69Hf7c6Y6QoMe61kJ1uIhhpW2A3sqwdlL_N_oKvf4LA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQR9XDI6KBQysCeFmYX8KBUxZtrI2RoqdB9hOMxoDciACxk_mWtyYPgLJC0XwiHn0-5Z4SfUMtY-nBKjeeQV6CrhHLAbz93qVEB3LZFX5uFPaGO_nJw4W2PVa8AYLDsECqqst5h1ekDSjO1Bt69Hf7c6Y6QoMe61kJ1uIhhpW2A3sqwdlL_N_oKvf4LA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>There's lots of different areas to explore. We started by walking through the woodland, until we came across this strange building.<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi_zZmTK7uSIvv3ewDiqq35eQjhOKjCmPqw7sva15EYq_PBKBZnrhgfCwNVIHi4gQR6qUlR3Vx12zwlEHfliVjjzD86VnMj64BM6bwCEmZNYGq5j8PLCfT6sgWUh0UKhPo4iCPDz8yBe8DQFUfcpKSDccl0dNH89rCTSvBgbyknRVw-7qMIXhe__vJqA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi_zZmTK7uSIvv3ewDiqq35eQjhOKjCmPqw7sva15EYq_PBKBZnrhgfCwNVIHi4gQR6qUlR3Vx12zwlEHfliVjjzD86VnMj64BM6bwCEmZNYGq5j8PLCfT6sgWUh0UKhPo4iCPDz8yBe8DQFUfcpKSDccl0dNH89rCTSvBgbyknRVw-7qMIXhe__vJqA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It's a mock fort and you can read about it <a href="https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101264406-the-cannon-fort-and-adjoining-dock-newstead" target="_blank">HERE</a><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkgcZZ3m3JdrVTh6rxOtGe7pGcTEgynirw5IudD--UA8jRN4_dLGgYhaheZ1MUlNSpyW94kMFTNCswVaTZULBz52WUdP18z2sH5XSfC8N_NGgB8kbdhDCVnzTV6DS4BPCIfPirF2c7k1ZwjnOVdoZKLLaa3J7EBPeMtrB345w5RLXWW09INH3lUdkeUA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkgcZZ3m3JdrVTh6rxOtGe7pGcTEgynirw5IudD--UA8jRN4_dLGgYhaheZ1MUlNSpyW94kMFTNCswVaTZULBz52WUdP18z2sH5XSfC8N_NGgB8kbdhDCVnzTV6DS4BPCIfPirF2c7k1ZwjnOVdoZKLLaa3J7EBPeMtrB345w5RLXWW09INH3lUdkeUA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There were gorgeous views across the lake and I loved the autumn colours in the trees.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBxxuJoDf86dGRQDmbvGSZU2kYLttvPux2aTGSL6J12emIWh-eaRgwA_VnHgTlV3Insveolig9twXKIQDxpW933Y7BjuuPME-VqwwGr2RKCnyGu1OJ4sq3I-GI2JPeXQWzgOS5bomU6KLgWyLcOn-0ynKTTcrGgRzsNJv7ACD-kHkAiY0s0Ghl1Sa_uw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgBxxuJoDf86dGRQDmbvGSZU2kYLttvPux2aTGSL6J12emIWh-eaRgwA_VnHgTlV3Insveolig9twXKIQDxpW933Y7BjuuPME-VqwwGr2RKCnyGu1OJ4sq3I-GI2JPeXQWzgOS5bomU6KLgWyLcOn-0ynKTTcrGgRzsNJv7ACD-kHkAiY0s0Ghl1Sa_uw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Up close there's still a lot of green in the leaves, unusual for November.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3AemclLx30Sr0LPTu3qQsbW3zQvREMDLXT-83E8e47P8m0si0yS1QfU-qxwXbYJDW7ukqVHAOxM1rA5elGPO72FZZYDuJ-2Kzywf9ucGb6MeW3zRzSmP8d528L1_-Sco2GzWOJ9_OqGvKnvmU0EK2IqNMeHDku-VHAvU8fnrou-W1BL4AmGtc5WQSAQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj3AemclLx30Sr0LPTu3qQsbW3zQvREMDLXT-83E8e47P8m0si0yS1QfU-qxwXbYJDW7ukqVHAOxM1rA5elGPO72FZZYDuJ-2Kzywf9ucGb6MeW3zRzSmP8d528L1_-Sco2GzWOJ9_OqGvKnvmU0EK2IqNMeHDku-VHAvU8fnrou-W1BL4AmGtc5WQSAQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The large lake flows out over this pretty cascade.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOdcd4biE-cuWXpn-bURkD0DhfHc_HkuzL6zDUMK8d5pXPkrzsl3eck4FWaIsdjZPqFZhCbv-Dw-4VjKcBB09l192PUh47dNpSLVBJ_3cDq23Lcx6LDLrLYkGp8MhKzE76L3luXppq-BvGOPSNZDzz-357dOvm0nIGTSX2jziaa7pnvfXgRUK7la_f1Q=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOdcd4biE-cuWXpn-bURkD0DhfHc_HkuzL6zDUMK8d5pXPkrzsl3eck4FWaIsdjZPqFZhCbv-Dw-4VjKcBB09l192PUh47dNpSLVBJ_3cDq23Lcx6LDLrLYkGp8MhKzE76L3luXppq-BvGOPSNZDzz-357dOvm0nIGTSX2jziaa7pnvfXgRUK7la_f1Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And into a lower lake, populated by a good number of ducks and swans.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiYk4LURXELepXiIv6NpAHJJfQJqYwKN6ZAqFF76V8XntrOeLd9M53Tn_IUFRkBUGnwfyfMsqgLRDTdj6kOjcpAle8NI__w--VClfGMx6a5dTUQOu3h4dTnyaX-yjtIm04tUur67iGN2A9O09Z4zDndMUotKD0nxSjhB-950BQyDcpujkdawKutMLMmw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiYk4LURXELepXiIv6NpAHJJfQJqYwKN6ZAqFF76V8XntrOeLd9M53Tn_IUFRkBUGnwfyfMsqgLRDTdj6kOjcpAle8NI__w--VClfGMx6a5dTUQOu3h4dTnyaX-yjtIm04tUur67iGN2A9O09Z4zDndMUotKD0nxSjhB-950BQyDcpujkdawKutMLMmw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lower still you come to the Japanese garden, this was my main reason for visiting today. I've never seen it in autumn and was hoping for good foliage colour.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi3ZVnEd4vi9kJswclqBJS9oXcj1swGbqjgPjsFJKJ8VXExpQN76HVIeu9Df2OHZXL7qDhQAlK6t2VQFd3dou1MJ5M7VHx3I5TkMGlIrgL_vTOLoWM_nYI7QLqeR05rfiZp6IpB1hYK6lRdTO91XCqlTQUQN7ewlhwkhjIgXEugXRG1FFPNv-xA2svbA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgi3ZVnEd4vi9kJswclqBJS9oXcj1swGbqjgPjsFJKJ8VXExpQN76HVIeu9Df2OHZXL7qDhQAlK6t2VQFd3dou1MJ5M7VHx3I5TkMGlIrgL_vTOLoWM_nYI7QLqeR05rfiZp6IpB1hYK6lRdTO91XCqlTQUQN7ewlhwkhjIgXEugXRG1FFPNv-xA2svbA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Ooooh, I don't think I will be disappointed!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT8EnN59fIDDtfIANpiRoOaHBXhr8ez_tnzdBtWLD_4e1pW0IKRTjaRIOqIhIeDZJTTz-82V_lcITq3yOwiRvPIHBaPuyFcyDT8YU4oCxbAtLImeW3VVnc1O-TNbJ2s-DaluwcEOkc3SEdHH3trysQWONDSi534aYWx-ryZY2co6vwNLKb4HSuiGfIrw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgT8EnN59fIDDtfIANpiRoOaHBXhr8ez_tnzdBtWLD_4e1pW0IKRTjaRIOqIhIeDZJTTz-82V_lcITq3yOwiRvPIHBaPuyFcyDT8YU4oCxbAtLImeW3VVnc1O-TNbJ2s-DaluwcEOkc3SEdHH3trysQWONDSi534aYWx-ryZY2co6vwNLKb4HSuiGfIrw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Oh my, this tree was out of this world!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKx5_gEqhdcSQFvK7J9KtYcT7KWHqaMZVjnhTFk5TdrhwyjHA7DZfqagQxV7_JDUzwvIRU-OP_7wZ_xWs3rwAt-blwQSSaG661qY6W90-P4Mc0GUCVz5wKaeX5ROBQ5dj-Am-yhnrhi02H6yL9YmDbtV_OGvWtKXtB0fduucafX8k7whcat00IJ_wwQw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjKx5_gEqhdcSQFvK7J9KtYcT7KWHqaMZVjnhTFk5TdrhwyjHA7DZfqagQxV7_JDUzwvIRU-OP_7wZ_xWs3rwAt-blwQSSaG661qY6W90-P4Mc0GUCVz5wKaeX5ROBQ5dj-Am-yhnrhi02H6yL9YmDbtV_OGvWtKXtB0fduucafX8k7whcat00IJ_wwQw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Just look at these leaves. So stunning!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4ri4hHMtIMER2x-N26L9mLcJipPBigEOvzYbOg0QqZchq0ZhU3tFvDm1b7i4jkeON4XLeimCDmVzuh9OLsO0grH3sfpWCeBSv06JM1GhFybWnC0TMgxvVImcgolctxWg5P7hWwMF5FP1QqQu4jKRbg6cPY6ppUmm3-R-V4K8h_Y5pOXHHlFMalft9vg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4ri4hHMtIMER2x-N26L9mLcJipPBigEOvzYbOg0QqZchq0ZhU3tFvDm1b7i4jkeON4XLeimCDmVzuh9OLsO0grH3sfpWCeBSv06JM1GhFybWnC0TMgxvVImcgolctxWg5P7hWwMF5FP1QqQu4jKRbg6cPY6ppUmm3-R-V4K8h_Y5pOXHHlFMalft9vg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The amount of water in this garden is wonderful too. There's so many little bridges linking the paths.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX-bm4oSXAJGC0CPkB--2wtGsQZi6mEfYjCyAkx2JD-Fz4rGpau_cBpa7cg537vHxj6lZUjg_NmghSj0h8ciSWa78W1k-FFD6xcqWAt7smGbU8Ni9NHyxYm1N8zp9Sf0ef2kZFGt4OKHI8cnOHZZw1MUuDJOdtfv5IUNCLaSbqCqmmI6m6AnL0nKkDIg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgX-bm4oSXAJGC0CPkB--2wtGsQZi6mEfYjCyAkx2JD-Fz4rGpau_cBpa7cg537vHxj6lZUjg_NmghSj0h8ciSWa78W1k-FFD6xcqWAt7smGbU8Ni9NHyxYm1N8zp9Sf0ef2kZFGt4OKHI8cnOHZZw1MUuDJOdtfv5IUNCLaSbqCqmmI6m6AnL0nKkDIg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lets stand back and admire this wonderful Acer from a distance. The shape is outstanding I think.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEXbDhzQGpJn_CJX9JEzhmCaKVRVBZ4v_pfHW23vIOxgUdlUZ-jf8lwf574v_tGZPKgYucB8L9LeILNvHLF5PaFcF1ccQDILryZ852g_Dffs70kwGM1BREc9Hx0l4h3aIS5vg7bfLPo6tuIaq2lBMCTpl61FL2RFR2A-uSc6olC3LOAAe2A8BjD9xl9w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEXbDhzQGpJn_CJX9JEzhmCaKVRVBZ4v_pfHW23vIOxgUdlUZ-jf8lwf574v_tGZPKgYucB8L9LeILNvHLF5PaFcF1ccQDILryZ852g_Dffs70kwGM1BREc9Hx0l4h3aIS5vg7bfLPo6tuIaq2lBMCTpl61FL2RFR2A-uSc6olC3LOAAe2A8BjD9xl9w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I loved all the stepping stones too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnx3VoKFTwpVfC9UeKOzQsKzNzMcD0P97LOkosYZ5fubUOu9JEDwOoAx9y0TCuv8E4bZIsaOSnvIxQ1Ty5a-nr4bhenpcTjRyAX0p_03X3tKfzoVavztv2UPwphPENN897oHlDzWcKI8MLlT-aX48-58vS5a6bil5uvJJpYV1M8TEibIaE1qa58Ay2vQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnx3VoKFTwpVfC9UeKOzQsKzNzMcD0P97LOkosYZ5fubUOu9JEDwOoAx9y0TCuv8E4bZIsaOSnvIxQ1Ty5a-nr4bhenpcTjRyAX0p_03X3tKfzoVavztv2UPwphPENN897oHlDzWcKI8MLlT-aX48-58vS5a6bil5uvJJpYV1M8TEibIaE1qa58Ay2vQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">They gave a great view back towards the star tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk1TAfD_OupI1JIW9HWRTE8wUMdYg29d5b1aZBemUAJC751WWPM5McFnL3xrj8Oxpf3EimfrsUgrn6ZbpeA18Eyo7kYikO7ZNK2jpsBQDWKfwZegzjErRDHYeg4prOtafpmhkA0-ODhufzKbNXmltPCMTC9esKtELeNHNpR3BVAT5hUTtG9Hj12nrlFQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhk1TAfD_OupI1JIW9HWRTE8wUMdYg29d5b1aZBemUAJC751WWPM5McFnL3xrj8Oxpf3EimfrsUgrn6ZbpeA18Eyo7kYikO7ZNK2jpsBQDWKfwZegzjErRDHYeg4prOtafpmhkA0-ODhufzKbNXmltPCMTC9esKtELeNHNpR3BVAT5hUTtG9Hj12nrlFQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This Japanese garden didn't have any gravel areas, but I preferred the water garden feel anyway. I loved these stone ornaments too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7RSOtqSfS9aTOsOE2WE3A17x_wJJOWaZAVz1Ml6UhUkgcyZcFu_r_rIjNZIcOHLei3QfH6366ZPn0cWHSG-ELCY12Mzs66XuwHAcPYdH2eLdotSo3Txv6j1vNUmU7faZHn7DvZXtr36aYVph0jEVOrbZOZo6E2tuchjdVzCqGWTVZ4hcl8i18kUmYOA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh7RSOtqSfS9aTOsOE2WE3A17x_wJJOWaZAVz1Ml6UhUkgcyZcFu_r_rIjNZIcOHLei3QfH6366ZPn0cWHSG-ELCY12Mzs66XuwHAcPYdH2eLdotSo3Txv6j1vNUmU7faZHn7DvZXtr36aYVph0jEVOrbZOZo6E2tuchjdVzCqGWTVZ4hcl8i18kUmYOA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A weeping cherry looking gorgeous framed another.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQKTgdZ2elT2RIzhknU1NyjXMQeH-_7AIll2OJ7qrCCAgdOn0vtgROID4Z9SpGn4juUH9Y3jDObl-Q37nGfwYgqeA9_CaPcYsvuzrSlWyAnXPYmNqa7wzqdCigW3qmr1tSEmfNBZdhIFiLTYtrKCAB792HkRFSyF3H1jo-9ewdhvxXqu4grgEeh46OAA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQKTgdZ2elT2RIzhknU1NyjXMQeH-_7AIll2OJ7qrCCAgdOn0vtgROID4Z9SpGn4juUH9Y3jDObl-Q37nGfwYgqeA9_CaPcYsvuzrSlWyAnXPYmNqa7wzqdCigW3qmr1tSEmfNBZdhIFiLTYtrKCAB792HkRFSyF3H1jo-9ewdhvxXqu4grgEeh46OAA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Beauty at every turn.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgylVIdh4kCQK1cyi4FtA1RMljbHYGXChVWDAvKKI3hWr98J0t_JG0jyxYan9iDA-jaaTw9ExM7DL3fSgKKsHfSC9TnsFsD0akot9ftQPdiTfYGje1TSksyTmhlMgMfTUWGTGYnd3CrOd1V15G_bPTP2tsfrU7kqgPAX6iozarfHbrO7RwE1fVucPNVuA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgylVIdh4kCQK1cyi4FtA1RMljbHYGXChVWDAvKKI3hWr98J0t_JG0jyxYan9iDA-jaaTw9ExM7DL3fSgKKsHfSC9TnsFsD0akot9ftQPdiTfYGje1TSksyTmhlMgMfTUWGTGYnd3CrOd1V15G_bPTP2tsfrU7kqgPAX6iozarfHbrO7RwE1fVucPNVuA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just look at the amount of different ponds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5_HDBCfXPQ73E7EZ8TXtmpFENR5_AizBVCi9VtkQK6Fj2v2KOK8VLf5wlamtPVmY0qhGmtiAeU65EyJDxlUnv1c7KHxqEoqxRMQHCbiaTsvwWpASZvCIGjVsIVswPnSFr0-tkAyp2mAcn4I_AKX5BQxKAlfQm7-2JC-uNBn4ilDgH1DPnXi1ljnTQjg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5_HDBCfXPQ73E7EZ8TXtmpFENR5_AizBVCi9VtkQK6Fj2v2KOK8VLf5wlamtPVmY0qhGmtiAeU65EyJDxlUnv1c7KHxqEoqxRMQHCbiaTsvwWpASZvCIGjVsIVswPnSFr0-tkAyp2mAcn4I_AKX5BQxKAlfQm7-2JC-uNBn4ilDgH1DPnXi1ljnTQjg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Truly magical in November. No mean feat.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUBWsij_ps0j2eCubpQKFJeBk_HsyYWcqTEI54vdFmlkJIU_l8yG4_AKrCLkm7hx5shgp7HXVII4DQAT2sDRaOQL_lw3KSINbgeZir9Vppf6MVopo1MdVoDWLxSoA3ohpdJ1pji2RVcvrNam-Bpr0AkxPD0tzb5ruYdYbNozLqgZIdQRL8hMh9Bv-8gQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhUBWsij_ps0j2eCubpQKFJeBk_HsyYWcqTEI54vdFmlkJIU_l8yG4_AKrCLkm7hx5shgp7HXVII4DQAT2sDRaOQL_lw3KSINbgeZir9Vppf6MVopo1MdVoDWLxSoA3ohpdJ1pji2RVcvrNam-Bpr0AkxPD0tzb5ruYdYbNozLqgZIdQRL8hMh9Bv-8gQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There's so much more to Newstead Abbey, including beautiful Topiary.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE2pF6Lal_4Aa8YlKP8n1Xn61X3uzeTiWvnOQg4PDfn2Wsk4JDoA7atEWWW3VME0pb5FQmD9VtBMYpxB4DXUlapJli14D8M5lwqWcD_t-x2a3lZZk0cdwoGug8Rr6Zc51uGgJiDNj9PX6zynlREuxQA37GGCoyN1MZSJlo2Y9fi2mEgmNqt5zKfUZBpw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE2pF6Lal_4Aa8YlKP8n1Xn61X3uzeTiWvnOQg4PDfn2Wsk4JDoA7atEWWW3VME0pb5FQmD9VtBMYpxB4DXUlapJli14D8M5lwqWcD_t-x2a3lZZk0cdwoGug8Rr6Zc51uGgJiDNj9PX6zynlREuxQA37GGCoyN1MZSJlo2Y9fi2mEgmNqt5zKfUZBpw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But I'll stop there. The overcast weather didn't make of the best photos and the Japanese garden was truly the highlight on this occasion. I'm so glad I got to see it.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jacquie x</div><br /></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-69722597820793014102021-11-06T18:17:00.002+00:002021-11-06T18:20:00.030+00:00A Different Day<p> Hello lovelies, </p><p> there was no repeat of yesterday's pretty start, so I spent the morning doing housework. It's not something I can do Monday to Friday as I go to help my mum in law every weekday morning. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_aVOp_3koW1SCtysEp-Sp3qSBI9wDt3x7VEDhhZHPqWaDTTZtr9jhf0FRQ3x27wqKI0594TAV5UHG9d1gnYQGJ5S2w7w5Ie4x_iGGsjIkrQAqtNuvB3R71dU9Ofzrydyw3lSKs0WFnIk9sTKWjO6xjaZ96AaQAFv2yaZtmBGqCz8aSl9t1rpllc78dQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_aVOp_3koW1SCtysEp-Sp3qSBI9wDt3x7VEDhhZHPqWaDTTZtr9jhf0FRQ3x27wqKI0594TAV5UHG9d1gnYQGJ5S2w7w5Ie4x_iGGsjIkrQAqtNuvB3R71dU9Ofzrydyw3lSKs0WFnIk9sTKWjO6xjaZ96AaQAFv2yaZtmBGqCz8aSl9t1rpllc78dQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>Today the house was empty and it gave me chance to get on. I find it so difficult when there are people cluttering up the place π</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioxa67_c_CmAYxnEut6M22voWguBsXjudSX947HwlBc3TZIiV22Ye1K5x06pZQvbkJcWHZasPFu6Su9659JjmhMu235vhbISKVnBc0nM8HvEIOS79p-p82Jz8q40aqIz-36ZI00TB84uE9sCWNMGItvjbqu2x0lpGi-Kod142fOzZxXzb1-PVbdpXXQg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioxa67_c_CmAYxnEut6M22voWguBsXjudSX947HwlBc3TZIiV22Ye1K5x06pZQvbkJcWHZasPFu6Su9659JjmhMu235vhbISKVnBc0nM8HvEIOS79p-p82Jz8q40aqIz-36ZI00TB84uE9sCWNMGItvjbqu2x0lpGi-Kod142fOzZxXzb1-PVbdpXXQg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>It reminded me of when we bought our first house in the late 80's. If I was lucky enough to get the weekend off I could clean the whole place on Saturday morning (it was a tiny new build and there were only 2 of us) and I loved having it all tidy , knowing the rest of the weekend was free to enjoy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh01ZpcESf0h0c6HiIHmRrXLa5ThMVrUOxZpzz04C9-h42d7ArEcD-Ym7jF6QCVcLc6mcn8hzTebOTfJTkTrjQyewsKZKkOCIXBAZhh5Xx9cKQo_ncfKBHV4IdyZ4AcHiA-z6IIPel-Fuhi_4Ers-Zm8Faaz883gWTKokOAQrKNBpwuKJ5qoo4WFVJErg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh01ZpcESf0h0c6HiIHmRrXLa5ThMVrUOxZpzz04C9-h42d7ArEcD-Ym7jF6QCVcLc6mcn8hzTebOTfJTkTrjQyewsKZKkOCIXBAZhh5Xx9cKQo_ncfKBHV4IdyZ4AcHiA-z6IIPel-Fuhi_4Ers-Zm8Faaz883gWTKokOAQrKNBpwuKJ5qoo4WFVJErg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>A morning of housework won't get this whole house sorted, but it does look better and still helps me to relax. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5GrcU_chFAoRXyFbg5DZiLci8jnxgLQgGdA8NJhn2VArWGIakhzMDBOMOP55xNLd7-ZX8egtzAMjn0VLQFS-5ZyFg9_sSZ672twUUgRiRxXJd8HOF-uAvDfdcWZuU3bZoZQVJ_ewppilDq5v2KcKSur3xVi1mv6lus-ctNbPZmhnGNDdaE3p-IxRhdw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5GrcU_chFAoRXyFbg5DZiLci8jnxgLQgGdA8NJhn2VArWGIakhzMDBOMOP55xNLd7-ZX8egtzAMjn0VLQFS-5ZyFg9_sSZ672twUUgRiRxXJd8HOF-uAvDfdcWZuU3bZoZQVJ_ewppilDq5v2KcKSur3xVi1mv6lus-ctNbPZmhnGNDdaE3p-IxRhdw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see from the pictures I did get a walk this afternoon. It was very windy and showery on and off, but I'm trying to be disciplined and do 2.5 miles everyday (at least) so that I can hopefully reach my new (lowered) 800 mile target by the end of December. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1yvobQYzbHpYpEzia_yF1zh0JDTeLj8N4K0urm2uIgmPEq0weEwUDMWw2I6JUVyUiAwwFfSGONmnFDf6g5MjAkKghcdl7A89kpAJm7G2B_C96ixTpQ2TRCNqyrCQFGGUuQRefAISfZYvzk9rVqREznPRIho-MBUDgQ1TYyfuis8Ds27_fizs6KQCdEg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1yvobQYzbHpYpEzia_yF1zh0JDTeLj8N4K0urm2uIgmPEq0weEwUDMWw2I6JUVyUiAwwFfSGONmnFDf6g5MjAkKghcdl7A89kpAJm7G2B_C96ixTpQ2TRCNqyrCQFGGUuQRefAISfZYvzk9rVqREznPRIho-MBUDgQ1TYyfuis8Ds27_fizs6KQCdEg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="text-align: left;">It was pretty gloomy by the time I returned home but my cosmos in the front garden brought a welcome pop of colour. Amazingly they seem almost untouched by yesterday's frost.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRaRk7vJpTwQeATC3Hgu027blRr8ITqi5f9A_Xd5E1VC-WaX379XsmzTr5aVSwMLZ0g7j__xED8BasGvE4uOptI85E1kBxkyPSvEqU1topDRdphK_wKCbBNOGJ6FkpzKcJzNG-gESgHHXTbHONDX8JmRTKOD_BzVaZgze2zWKCfu_cjj7JnDSuK3QjlA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRaRk7vJpTwQeATC3Hgu027blRr8ITqi5f9A_Xd5E1VC-WaX379XsmzTr5aVSwMLZ0g7j__xED8BasGvE4uOptI85E1kBxkyPSvEqU1topDRdphK_wKCbBNOGJ6FkpzKcJzNG-gESgHHXTbHONDX8JmRTKOD_BzVaZgze2zWKCfu_cjj7JnDSuK3QjlA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Time for a cup of tea and some of my homemade tea loaf. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTjJBiQjAJraGG4whlXvre4BtMmjc-HB7tAePO1bvp4vVRDKilYL3uSvOW4ukYcqFD2tMsebdoi8N4TesIPL621ERaXOPKWRYztjaZLqpL0oVdRrmXSyhdQJJb8_AaQajsP_oe1nrcwK_n784M3pSH4la-bTnqSTYGz75_D-ONEc1NR_e1LqCc5YNbNg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjTjJBiQjAJraGG4whlXvre4BtMmjc-HB7tAePO1bvp4vVRDKilYL3uSvOW4ukYcqFD2tMsebdoi8N4TesIPL621ERaXOPKWRYztjaZLqpL0oVdRrmXSyhdQJJb8_AaQajsP_oe1nrcwK_n784M3pSH4la-bTnqSTYGz75_D-ONEc1NR_e1LqCc5YNbNg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">I'm still using </span><a href="https://www.waitrose.com/home/recipes/recipe_directory/m/mixed_fruit_and_cinnamon_tea_loaf.html" style="text-align: left;" target="_blank">THIS</a><span style="text-align: left;"> recipe. It's an old favourite, as is my mug. </span></div><p>For me it really is "home sweet home" even if it's a constant battle to keep it tidy, with 5 adults at home.</p><p> Thankfully it still makes me happy to have a full house π‘π§ββοΈπ§ββοΈπ§ββοΈπ§ββοΈπ§ββοΈπ</p><p>I hope you lovelies are having a good weekend.</p><p>Jacquie x</p></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-27124733469116938892021-11-05T20:19:00.001+00:002021-11-06T07:12:15.953+00:00The First Frost<p> Having to take youngest to work for 8am is frustrating when you wake up to see a glistening frost and just want to get outside to enjoy the beauty of it. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQSu-pdf1Uaqx7SQqpjX6D84T0g4EFrJpVcQaIZdziC2vS-rir62ZoF9D8m61JWtmVm_QUcQeJCfvRIcZa1OzFkxnvvCnl9yOCVK9R35ukBGtOZlGyauznXW_w34clULZ4rTcFA8HPMTfDh83nOJO_evvIeQ5CIzvkqFjwIJyBD_RoIywTH9EJBF96oQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQSu-pdf1Uaqx7SQqpjX6D84T0g4EFrJpVcQaIZdziC2vS-rir62ZoF9D8m61JWtmVm_QUcQeJCfvRIcZa1OzFkxnvvCnl9yOCVK9R35ukBGtOZlGyauznXW_w34clULZ4rTcFA8HPMTfDh83nOJO_evvIeQ5CIzvkqFjwIJyBD_RoIywTH9EJBF96oQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p>As soon as I got home I pulled on my walking boots and headed off. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirvFsfeQH-Z8Kxny3W0dLdjLShBLV-tjlbwdrWvMZwhJAsFI1aqG4qftETX5p5DRChXjah-dsdCdzkHd-U1-dZ0eMiXwOMOCvE-xGJh8EWax2snDeBoolBTTXElkjrcJSnMXhAURWDG1vOAGFujecH8NPVHJjjZPg8UkZavXZEFeTqhGy5GSk6JM714g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEirvFsfeQH-Z8Kxny3W0dLdjLShBLV-tjlbwdrWvMZwhJAsFI1aqG4qftETX5p5DRChXjah-dsdCdzkHd-U1-dZ0eMiXwOMOCvE-xGJh8EWax2snDeBoolBTTXElkjrcJSnMXhAURWDG1vOAGFujecH8NPVHJjjZPg8UkZavXZEFeTqhGy5GSk6JM714g=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Frosts I have missed you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_kvWfUTmWt_vZihjym6ZQVAf5GxaZeIhOf2nZPBA-yPDP3yJMreRa5g_CgHIkp7H64ZKcfFKhOVz57Xy-ukgc0csbipP34KKKMaX_aQov1Lno9CwD9PYBpENeifzD81g4QtLJJfObhMen-jr5081wKiMoD0YkAMY_iOS_k025kFMqJ91aIu_twUw3yA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi_kvWfUTmWt_vZihjym6ZQVAf5GxaZeIhOf2nZPBA-yPDP3yJMreRa5g_CgHIkp7H64ZKcfFKhOVz57Xy-ukgc0csbipP34KKKMaX_aQov1Lno9CwD9PYBpENeifzD81g4QtLJJfObhMen-jr5081wKiMoD0YkAMY_iOS_k025kFMqJ91aIu_twUw3yA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p>The ice crystals and rising sun are all so magical. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM6UCTcmglLGvzHaFx3YprLEC6IBayL6U_MkH3ASUBLYLM_v_dtjOvvziGWQ7SPNYDkbyOh5fs8mVATEprAUkdRPjSWEuMC-hPjXc8rzoewwq-P5WYCoKk4TDq7Vs4BrlWVp2NEZAPLnrK__o7X3d2fFRLxzxxDsA92y3S3GoHzb54Jn8n4BpxFNk7Pw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgM6UCTcmglLGvzHaFx3YprLEC6IBayL6U_MkH3ASUBLYLM_v_dtjOvvziGWQ7SPNYDkbyOh5fs8mVATEprAUkdRPjSWEuMC-hPjXc8rzoewwq-P5WYCoKk4TDq7Vs4BrlWVp2NEZAPLnrK__o7X3d2fFRLxzxxDsA92y3S3GoHzb54Jn8n4BpxFNk7Pw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I just love being out in the cold when the air is still and the sky is this colour.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXuxvyFlelHeoHxlqBfhQC1NRqhraqkXedE6jyz5M7Ydt2a6P-Z8-IpJWOqqG6zqoOxA7VaTMX_f-R5FYUS-oBQTOAWKBtIwGARmpN5JCGufG6K903KHIrkskCXY-pAaXiJk1bNaSln5dz6bQFush2W7y1K8HVM4iIoKMOt2R9keMj5PyVmyCzL4Sz5w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiXuxvyFlelHeoHxlqBfhQC1NRqhraqkXedE6jyz5M7Ydt2a6P-Z8-IpJWOqqG6zqoOxA7VaTMX_f-R5FYUS-oBQTOAWKBtIwGARmpN5JCGufG6K903KHIrkskCXY-pAaXiJk1bNaSln5dz6bQFush2W7y1K8HVM4iIoKMOt2R9keMj5PyVmyCzL4Sz5w=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><p>Looking up I noticed a skein of geese...no hang on they are all white. Swans. Just wonderful.</p><p> I ponder what type they will be. Probably our resident Mute swans. But I did hear them honk. </p><p>I've checked up and Mute swans are so called because they don't call in flight. It seems they were most likely migrating<a href="https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/bewicks-swan/" target="_blank"> Bewick's swans</a>! Just on a short trip from Siberia!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2cFslwR-nkETrAq9N0EiCGd87Q_WYIpnkc1GfljECMEVTQaBSKHhhDdGuRWK5abpqyn2Xu_kcdZ0FY7cLIxiMzfAQds6v3Vyj22X-_OLMdiIVSgSE8-fvCWx65rlm1alcJc31spqWE1l_29mVHCPJa5QAmVJDe_Ep2MdGI6Lljvk7CbGA2yS7Jsz7yA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg2cFslwR-nkETrAq9N0EiCGd87Q_WYIpnkc1GfljECMEVTQaBSKHhhDdGuRWK5abpqyn2Xu_kcdZ0FY7cLIxiMzfAQds6v3Vyj22X-_OLMdiIVSgSE8-fvCWx65rlm1alcJc31spqWE1l_29mVHCPJa5QAmVJDe_Ep2MdGI6Lljvk7CbGA2yS7Jsz7yA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sorry about the rubbish photo. I don't even try and zoom with my phone camera as it's not good at that.</div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This sighting made me so happy, what a treat. </div><div><br /></div>The frost was rapidly disappearing by this time and the sheep looked content, grazing in the sunshine.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRARm-z_yOhhyppMnS3PyWxEQzOw_YuDLHuQ6YtF_IQas_ag6aTuncI2E-KOLohSJ5iuNnFA6Z4hUiTUsuC4-oN9wM04kBS-Iq65zflO4Z37kkpSBQEFg3eJ2O0KqRZzptoKA-4DtTfK9B1y7kczW1OJKpqCcQ0mcyZLgCwTzJYrZAJPXAa7kgrTKUCw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgRARm-z_yOhhyppMnS3PyWxEQzOw_YuDLHuQ6YtF_IQas_ag6aTuncI2E-KOLohSJ5iuNnFA6Z4hUiTUsuC4-oN9wM04kBS-Iq65zflO4Z37kkpSBQEFg3eJ2O0KqRZzptoKA-4DtTfK9B1y7kczW1OJKpqCcQ0mcyZLgCwTzJYrZAJPXAa7kgrTKUCw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I loved how the sunlight made this beautiful yellow leaf really glow too.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiTggKRtQmilAhEuMq00kY5B1PL1sFWOae9pMbnOStFm9M3LZcripBVlzVH-cRq8pA9Y0dNBLFXSUhBnPPptI0xUWJZGe1sc6ozOzMKajsMt0DI_MxMr-XAypicrcphBZpqc63WAOGGLtSs3CtraIm1Cu6afQdNOLZRu1JxZDFZ6wQOnIFExQkoOKGMA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiTggKRtQmilAhEuMq00kY5B1PL1sFWOae9pMbnOStFm9M3LZcripBVlzVH-cRq8pA9Y0dNBLFXSUhBnPPptI0xUWJZGe1sc6ozOzMKajsMt0DI_MxMr-XAypicrcphBZpqc63WAOGGLtSs3CtraIm1Cu6afQdNOLZRu1JxZDFZ6wQOnIFExQkoOKGMA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>By this time it was about 9am. Sometimes I pinch myself that I can get outdoors and enjoy all this any day of the week. Usually it just makes me smile. Today it actually made me sob. Gosh that was a surprise. </p><p>I think it was just gratitude for the quiet days I'm blessed with at the moment. To be retired from a job I was increasingly struggling with over the past few years is amazing. </p><p>I know how fortunate I am to be in this position. Homemaking and caring for family is generally very rewarding. I have a good balance of time for myself and commitments every day. I'm certainly never bored. Life is good. </p><p>Who knows what's around the corner. Circumstances can change but I'm not going to worry about that at the moment . I'm just trying to remember to count my blessings and look for the joy in every day, one day at a time. </p><p>Jacquie x</p></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-71513042696670227722021-11-04T21:40:00.001+00:002021-11-05T06:28:49.922+00:00A Pretty Painting<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello lovelies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">pretty pictures seem to have been a bit thin on the ground over the last couple of days. I've been out walking locally every day. I'm sure you have seen these views many times, but they do still make me smile.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju5Ymj3vCa628C3rUnmyIVzxwW_v0xBCpgrp-iPnJK18EMfM_HIL5KSibXRbcOdjbhefQlvPDBhLOgCxee22H6Rhi0KgTW3jG7MuRBnPE2FFewa0O5yj-Ci0OzRkWsTbldBES_-6YJa7bSQdhXwG_lWh5U4Vx8d5rn00EBAYKOUpBGcOe6ehpL4dsNRg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEju5Ymj3vCa628C3rUnmyIVzxwW_v0xBCpgrp-iPnJK18EMfM_HIL5KSibXRbcOdjbhefQlvPDBhLOgCxee22H6Rhi0KgTW3jG7MuRBnPE2FFewa0O5yj-Ci0OzRkWsTbldBES_-6YJa7bSQdhXwG_lWh5U4Vx8d5rn00EBAYKOUpBGcOe6ehpL4dsNRg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><p>I'm always happy that I have countryside on my doorstep</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGNPeJ0IHZoGfORcsTfCwYUeai1qqS0HBS3JnkZVpdjvXkZsc0hhFTlKz7h1zZTr_fucPwi6mtwHFPweg4G7OrWuzGH8ntlfj2h4Fpk7ZtOB-irGRVNSCet89JWVxNNnn_rhIr-Gyy-blmxHhMToFYhOtD2xl30WUA7-Zl34Hhb5lG8mbl6mXUWNYuVQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGNPeJ0IHZoGfORcsTfCwYUeai1qqS0HBS3JnkZVpdjvXkZsc0hhFTlKz7h1zZTr_fucPwi6mtwHFPweg4G7OrWuzGH8ntlfj2h4Fpk7ZtOB-irGRVNSCet89JWVxNNnn_rhIr-Gyy-blmxHhMToFYhOtD2xl30WUA7-Zl34Hhb5lG8mbl6mXUWNYuVQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It means so much to me to easily be able to feel in touch with the seasons and appreciate nature. </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzoZNnkdwlCwd-KDOhh0lCmgLx2D4u68rh5WNJ8YYI8oIhNv-t57uMEczT64iiGO3bcEl_tf0clUaSp-wbXYRPQhX3ZUYJEN4BloggufFCx2snJ-ao6YhNg5_lvVd_fxavYETGZOANAf_pQrX7z1BnhyafO1lQiSC4dmsH3Ea7f5Hm5ejFzVeMh2PEDg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzoZNnkdwlCwd-KDOhh0lCmgLx2D4u68rh5WNJ8YYI8oIhNv-t57uMEczT64iiGO3bcEl_tf0clUaSp-wbXYRPQhX3ZUYJEN4BloggufFCx2snJ-ao6YhNg5_lvVd_fxavYETGZOANAf_pQrX7z1BnhyafO1lQiSC4dmsH3Ea7f5Hm5ejFzVeMh2PEDg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today I've been defrosting the freezer, I'm sure you are thrilled to see this process π.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's a pain of a job but it's done now. I suppose most people have frost-free freezers these days? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This one was my Nanna's . She had it to preserve all the produce my grandad grew on his two allotments. That generation had such great eco credentials without even having heard of such a thing, hadn't they . It's pretty old now but holds loads. These days it's not homegrown foods sadly, but I still feel it helps us avoid waste and saves us loads of money. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMr4vmjjvUpAWk9oD8Fw_BsnEOeJ3vHNTVX-DYUdysG13x1gEiMKIEGSoFP5YfZuDTPozz0elqfUWMNx1CqyDngQu2O_H8eUp0GMwM6oRfR6u12fQP9EmZUroxgSz6_No3lZkTsIt2UuZOW1a1AfZkvdfC7Z4DupqA9ul7wJny1T9o_u_-TSKLoR9oTA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMr4vmjjvUpAWk9oD8Fw_BsnEOeJ3vHNTVX-DYUdysG13x1gEiMKIEGSoFP5YfZuDTPozz0elqfUWMNx1CqyDngQu2O_H8eUp0GMwM6oRfR6u12fQP9EmZUroxgSz6_No3lZkTsIt2UuZOW1a1AfZkvdfC7Z4DupqA9ul7wJny1T9o_u_-TSKLoR9oTA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The temperatures have really dropped this week and I fear the end maybe nigh for my cosmos. We haven't had a frost yet but I think tonight must be the night. It's currently 3 degrees Celsius outside (9pm)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuUvs-nxvIHs-XLutHIVj25VHVZUNDrbdbyI18RFaVM9Kf9Gx0hqp3dsaizWAJDA5W6wDP08KChHapalPNSYrU11O4SQqtBbnITZfIoU1sBDy0m9QpEcsXk73myo7zSdm3rUWtFulkbWp8qpePsbmlUeRlcVsUkjx9yD7Itv5ij9gS9JgZKGdXhJZdMw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhuUvs-nxvIHs-XLutHIVj25VHVZUNDrbdbyI18RFaVM9Kf9Gx0hqp3dsaizWAJDA5W6wDP08KChHapalPNSYrU11O4SQqtBbnITZfIoU1sBDy0m9QpEcsXk73myo7zSdm3rUWtFulkbWp8qpePsbmlUeRlcVsUkjx9yD7Itv5ij9gS9JgZKGdXhJZdMw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I do like cold nights and I've put our winter duvet on the bed this week. It's been so snugly and lovely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thankfully the garden has some things in it which look their best in winter, like this crab apple. There's a full sized tree of the same variety ( <a href="https://www.pomonafruits.co.uk/fruit-nut-trees/apple-trees/crab-apple-trees-malus/malus-red-sentinel-crab-apple-tree" target="_blank">Red Sentinel</a>) on my regular walking route and it's a magnet for the birds in the cold months.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJELhLFX-MWvaJVTZm_apXD6kY0zOA5aZ5aJkNTaXj4q7l07MlQ6liyNaMeOvM64TJZuNpGA1aFW2N-MJ9BL7ELqjjzWp41GQOhjPTTq4IwKW8u-fhtVCCcvKGtH__S0adotJizA81R96zLtKdNg8euRagoIn0ahbodKMiVmvg_zSJurPh0DutS57jUQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJELhLFX-MWvaJVTZm_apXD6kY0zOA5aZ5aJkNTaXj4q7l07MlQ6liyNaMeOvM64TJZuNpGA1aFW2N-MJ9BL7ELqjjzWp41GQOhjPTTq4IwKW8u-fhtVCCcvKGtH__S0adotJizA81R96zLtKdNg8euRagoIn0ahbodKMiVmvg_zSJurPh0DutS57jUQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I just love to see the Redwings, fieldfares and blackbirds feasting.<div><br /></div><div> Last winter I did quite a few digital paintings using an app on my phone. You may have seen them on Instagram.<div><br /></div><div> I don't think I shared this one though. Looking at it again now I'm pretty pleased with it. It could make a nice Christmas card, don't you think? </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMwTN7RHY1D8eoQuJaKAOtID6dQeKWubM-uppswMmHdqxKSMWgWLFRotqGem8ESyK05Grtn980t8akjXxcHxdgRnf9CleIJA7Qmn5_EMw2JVUJ2Lmk3ur_P6s6GUrSh_wP3vTeNP5nt0ik31m6Rxf3olBV04VNCSwjGUeOz2f26KRRRWZdYPHcbtTmkg=s1073" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1073" data-original-width="1073" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMwTN7RHY1D8eoQuJaKAOtID6dQeKWubM-uppswMmHdqxKSMWgWLFRotqGem8ESyK05Grtn980t8akjXxcHxdgRnf9CleIJA7Qmn5_EMw2JVUJ2Lmk3ur_P6s6GUrSh_wP3vTeNP5nt0ik31m6Rxf3olBV04VNCSwjGUeOz2f26KRRRWZdYPHcbtTmkg=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div>I'm so happy that I managed to finish this post with a pretty picture for you lovelies.</div><div><br /></div><div>Stay cosy if you are in a chilly part of this beautiful world.</div><div>Jacquie x</div></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-10497681162380852752021-11-02T21:22:00.000+00:002021-11-02T21:22:38.459+00:00 The Dahlias of Calke<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello Lovelies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">my new walking target saw me making the effort to do a half hour (1.5 mile) walk first thing this morning. This was just after 7am and I was so happy to be out, admiring the sunrise.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzPbgKhDUhIvheFKwIaisdZyxLIvmK4S_-d7vgRD8SCMj6xh12bKn1h3ltl7K-2VpCmNgm0njROAQP-PQqxxenPYoJDo4PMfnZur-iG-7YihX23_IxH97Njrh0UUowgCP2KLOs0GHyv9J2FUKPQ_cO2o7WcpHYJcmFGaSTg_X2Fg2nQFtuGzmAKdOIZA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhzPbgKhDUhIvheFKwIaisdZyxLIvmK4S_-d7vgRD8SCMj6xh12bKn1h3ltl7K-2VpCmNgm0njROAQP-PQqxxenPYoJDo4PMfnZur-iG-7YihX23_IxH97Njrh0UUowgCP2KLOs0GHyv9J2FUKPQ_cO2o7WcpHYJcmFGaSTg_X2Fg2nQFtuGzmAKdOIZA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /> The freezer is so iced up it's pretty urgent that I get around to defrosting it. I'm trying to use up the contents at the moment and a bag of frozen butternut squash has emerged now it's half empty. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqQ1TrrmAxs1Ck4u35Qep446546TdLdCY6WA2Mb8TtIAjq_dFlI-kmDZ_AfgOYC5i2RFFF-E_V8sRWvn7EJn8KKzKOWFQ7J-aHJc2FU3Oksu9w2WfkX8ntS2bWHYZgEzFm4oh9FZ36Bb0QhH2-C1E4aVQ0wdXM_yD4bDXz66itjSJnd6MHzsh3jIxl4g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjqQ1TrrmAxs1Ck4u35Qep446546TdLdCY6WA2Mb8TtIAjq_dFlI-kmDZ_AfgOYC5i2RFFF-E_V8sRWvn7EJn8KKzKOWFQ7J-aHJc2FU3Oksu9w2WfkX8ntS2bWHYZgEzFm4oh9FZ36Bb0QhH2-C1E4aVQ0wdXM_yD4bDXz66itjSJnd6MHzsh3jIxl4g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Time to make some easy soup.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB40Fx6aIRee_yrLhVb__5fjnBuBNmw1Ntj1x6AwM211tRTBQXAVHrB3tw7MTuHV5UU5xrSkrlbWUc9vwD6wqDHMKlzy3oluvhSWybZ9huEwZdEkYKecy_MYWLU0_x-MqNvLDnOdl12uAfzXE9N3g8D82-8CCDTns_PzK0X-3mYZLZDBI_ujZ8BlxNKQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgB40Fx6aIRee_yrLhVb__5fjnBuBNmw1Ntj1x6AwM211tRTBQXAVHrB3tw7MTuHV5UU5xrSkrlbWUc9vwD6wqDHMKlzy3oluvhSWybZ9huEwZdEkYKecy_MYWLU0_x-MqNvLDnOdl12uAfzXE9N3g8D82-8CCDTns_PzK0X-3mYZLZDBI_ujZ8BlxNKQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Not a big batch as I don't want to have to freeze any π Just enough for a couple of lunches. Yummy.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEPkeSJ8yXnI35mho08IufbpiCXmdPVB_Sfxfs-ytmN13xGve0O0Wcf2_f90lgdR4w0C6rluOBBkzmfBhXfmm9CGBQt4dsCbhmwKxSFB94_pZX2PFLmY9cl9VPH0dnwGSWxDUvM3AA6ZdiDiT8hFwognqUUGsmUOeTv-bRTIRuFiarDu1jebJmmV5O0A=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEPkeSJ8yXnI35mho08IufbpiCXmdPVB_Sfxfs-ytmN13xGve0O0Wcf2_f90lgdR4w0C6rluOBBkzmfBhXfmm9CGBQt4dsCbhmwKxSFB94_pZX2PFLmY9cl9VPH0dnwGSWxDUvM3AA6ZdiDiT8hFwognqUUGsmUOeTv-bRTIRuFiarDu1jebJmmV5O0A=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>After lunch I headed out with mum, to one of my favourite local National Trust properties. <a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/calke-abbey" target="_blank">Calke Abbey</a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1HGEXdrSWOs5cbPV-K7_lV0G6sj2v_bx-496Ha3SemD-JhGdul9uhidKuItWAVL_NBWLsfh5tODocPEPRa0VAxeyPy9Iy4csGma9Y4Tj4X2wFI9u27fdlZoSGdQ3U9xYklgRt4wvC7w9jlSAUYW2-fg-kRsoushLFPVqHGcrPCxcllBX_Xxq0FxzYIA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1HGEXdrSWOs5cbPV-K7_lV0G6sj2v_bx-496Ha3SemD-JhGdul9uhidKuItWAVL_NBWLsfh5tODocPEPRa0VAxeyPy9Iy4csGma9Y4Tj4X2wFI9u27fdlZoSGdQ3U9xYklgRt4wvC7w9jlSAUYW2-fg-kRsoushLFPVqHGcrPCxcllBX_Xxq0FxzYIA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't think the house was open today, but I hadn't come to see inside. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I made a bee-line for the garden.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaghJFbL_SuVRLOscbV4rVvrNJl4yoUB2EYc8lhh7JyYz1OmSgfdqpXXfLfQm1T1omIesLiKYtDklJvsij20utyEavArrXiYQiOduORS6FFCCZcsnPBoGbD3wEaVMCvzcI7WNe1TxZuOwqUNWYYztD80eilwRgvPI_lm03ZlvnES9KdzuJzdf13cEqow=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgaghJFbL_SuVRLOscbV4rVvrNJl4yoUB2EYc8lhh7JyYz1OmSgfdqpXXfLfQm1T1omIesLiKYtDklJvsij20utyEavArrXiYQiOduORS6FFCCZcsnPBoGbD3wEaVMCvzcI7WNe1TxZuOwqUNWYYztD80eilwRgvPI_lm03ZlvnES9KdzuJzdf13cEqow=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>It was cold and sunny today, but warm and sunny in the greenhouses.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVOyDVrRtbRnKw0YKZPJXqH_mfv0fEhP_yxEl-7THAQ3jWi8LWex6hnPIEnmB37ZNb4V8KvtMVPdmgKpMKp66DarwOfRYjVbDxmlhfQXM4auHjLkwCSeKvpYAinfrrFXx_aPY1yznb6a7zxnYDGMuwzf3FrmBuNr_POOei3RXORC1YpUCUbEw2KOUpfg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVOyDVrRtbRnKw0YKZPJXqH_mfv0fEhP_yxEl-7THAQ3jWi8LWex6hnPIEnmB37ZNb4V8KvtMVPdmgKpMKp66DarwOfRYjVbDxmlhfQXM4auHjLkwCSeKvpYAinfrrFXx_aPY1yznb6a7zxnYDGMuwzf3FrmBuNr_POOei3RXORC1YpUCUbEw2KOUpfg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>With gorgeous flowers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD8LXJPv5eFCTrAUc_3GzpxLtGUSv0m-BheMgT6i_kbog1gBhMXHfTFpYzRl4QqiJa3sOevb4B6CN5VptI4FNcXnwYnYZOFGkfnDCvGHqPLGdYnCfMDDqCGBOSSqWWccI4AciZgtYjRvjXDiRk8mL7MsdZWckL4oWhrWXgZjN51SnzkzBWWO2IAHXyWg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2048" height="532" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjD8LXJPv5eFCTrAUc_3GzpxLtGUSv0m-BheMgT6i_kbog1gBhMXHfTFpYzRl4QqiJa3sOevb4B6CN5VptI4FNcXnwYnYZOFGkfnDCvGHqPLGdYnCfMDDqCGBOSSqWWccI4AciZgtYjRvjXDiRk8mL7MsdZWckL4oWhrWXgZjN51SnzkzBWWO2IAHXyWg=w640-h532" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">But I was here to see the Dahlia beds. Frost was forecast last night, but thankfully it didn't get that cold. Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of frost but the first hard one will surely be the end of this stunning display. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib4HCv9EDDTKpOSjounUuKNx_p0ZZ7NocBqykMOKC6bo-OMr--j08cC64EbkAfdTWfIXaaxgVv8D2SEPEqWkXcu8fD4IGQVQ1PGRjiWMj76kFK-gTXJCJP1YX5S3R9MWD5fWsgEPpbxa8g0OT9ROtTJnbbyyxjZ2IhNNObXD49DuuTLLJKGrF0Iqv5nA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEib4HCv9EDDTKpOSjounUuKNx_p0ZZ7NocBqykMOKC6bo-OMr--j08cC64EbkAfdTWfIXaaxgVv8D2SEPEqWkXcu8fD4IGQVQ1PGRjiWMj76kFK-gTXJCJP1YX5S3R9MWD5fWsgEPpbxa8g0OT9ROtTJnbbyyxjZ2IhNNObXD49DuuTLLJKGrF0Iqv5nA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div>Only the long shadows and chilly shade gave away that we are in November. Just look at this floral beauty.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigQCR2vtG-FfDfyzKz2PfdDMuDTIVIDQS8jGtZmo_H-fF5NjPHTHDzgX36jbTNcIiTYaq6HzqoheTc7dNmYpU304H9yIyOMqRYBIrO_WxsA2GDAnogsDGNgn9ykZK6Ibkhz0sxRcpUPcndd2eOkbPQrqIGHOREP0wBlOYSIrEJyM35-DGXQ_12jV6YMA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEigQCR2vtG-FfDfyzKz2PfdDMuDTIVIDQS8jGtZmo_H-fF5NjPHTHDzgX36jbTNcIiTYaq6HzqoheTc7dNmYpU304H9yIyOMqRYBIrO_WxsA2GDAnogsDGNgn9ykZK6Ibkhz0sxRcpUPcndd2eOkbPQrqIGHOREP0wBlOYSIrEJyM35-DGXQ_12jV6YMA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I love Dahlias in all their different forms and was so happy I see these before they are spoiled.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoGSftOeRfeqysHWl4slpcPZO1LSGe8N1F_2xAVXd06x2dFxK9qeaQq-7OKbqlBVPvAiNcr7v1k4HcBjqSqMkAAkCcGGAKBhgI1rc7w0n5uDK1QmISXztFDaFNOXRJhK0oDyzLPnqy-RV2O3AcsUyxUPif9hZ2jEdeqObQzFIOc4dKs-OaGDJR5-d8kQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjoGSftOeRfeqysHWl4slpcPZO1LSGe8N1F_2xAVXd06x2dFxK9qeaQq-7OKbqlBVPvAiNcr7v1k4HcBjqSqMkAAkCcGGAKBhgI1rc7w0n5uDK1QmISXztFDaFNOXRJhK0oDyzLPnqy-RV2O3AcsUyxUPif9hZ2jEdeqObQzFIOc4dKs-OaGDJR5-d8kQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTs7YUUpacbPhsg5_VB0FX2_cj5an9_Pn-us3nRUs2xo7DdHBfGYpiEwWojsOYcin46DxX6y5ajHvn-MNb8GjZBf_PkkwkVb4FgVzuhetXPvzKYLiZ8Dwu5aRQZlEjcQT33shWeKz1lz_Fj0B-ZRCYiJHIa3RDnsMIEUNLlMoo08B8GiwfMCJ2imr-Bg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgTs7YUUpacbPhsg5_VB0FX2_cj5an9_Pn-us3nRUs2xo7DdHBfGYpiEwWojsOYcin46DxX6y5ajHvn-MNb8GjZBf_PkkwkVb4FgVzuhetXPvzKYLiZ8Dwu5aRQZlEjcQT33shWeKz1lz_Fj0B-ZRCYiJHIa3RDnsMIEUNLlMoo08B8GiwfMCJ2imr-Bg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">These single ones with frilly centres were my favourite today.</span></div></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWf0FFc2eIPYb4PqLbye4_RT6ab0e7OQc_rg40HmNP4GL3axzteQBVirkTJIeXUWL2pPHTVGCXYnqsQy03ttSKQ9PlPcZXAgr5BCNs9btEZvC_o-ZONeTNggzarnzExLrTsUj0lHkGXrPEunq0bUyg9N-yoM3GyPMc4claldUPkKaqiTZdZDh7whtaHA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWf0FFc2eIPYb4PqLbye4_RT6ab0e7OQc_rg40HmNP4GL3axzteQBVirkTJIeXUWL2pPHTVGCXYnqsQy03ttSKQ9PlPcZXAgr5BCNs9btEZvC_o-ZONeTNggzarnzExLrTsUj0lHkGXrPEunq0bUyg9N-yoM3GyPMc4claldUPkKaqiTZdZDh7whtaHA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil1D7WVN-6HB6dXwQAAnK9jTfeW_K7UF8fJb-QR6q4CaNUIok2a7fQf7ez-wej3nRiJ-HHlBq1tNxk2TVYrRrbA3L9mamWUJhY0nhbC5a0iU9Zj1W4gw-f_qSLp6FQ7uPxWxQM-8eifkEeX4rSRMcyTo0t1N9O2VJqBfInx-4-G8h__zTy6qmUyC0lhQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEil1D7WVN-6HB6dXwQAAnK9jTfeW_K7UF8fJb-QR6q4CaNUIok2a7fQf7ez-wej3nRiJ-HHlBq1tNxk2TVYrRrbA3L9mamWUJhY0nhbC5a0iU9Zj1W4gw-f_qSLp6FQ7uPxWxQM-8eifkEeX4rSRMcyTo0t1N9O2VJqBfInx-4-G8h__zTy6qmUyC0lhQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE0KbpSpYXGYFYEcDTG7aCLJiBtXNnsMOsjaHC947NeXurFp6z7t0wADzrdmNQTPJluQcoOiUAiyJQVdSr-W1wZy1TozM9dnQ6OwcyTxnF7osXCOjtBGfJLJEEbL05XI5jB104YMpcgy-A9S_eKaeL7wDMfZcOnVK9NY6pwSYbhucYdVzKTYaXqtkhtw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE0KbpSpYXGYFYEcDTG7aCLJiBtXNnsMOsjaHC947NeXurFp6z7t0wADzrdmNQTPJluQcoOiUAiyJQVdSr-W1wZy1TozM9dnQ6OwcyTxnF7osXCOjtBGfJLJEEbL05XI5jB104YMpcgy-A9S_eKaeL7wDMfZcOnVK9NY6pwSYbhucYdVzKTYaXqtkhtw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The kitchen garden was still looking splendid too.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNM_YVixSfiW6ZK3c1yBS9kjwsOWFxAkeB9ny0LwYGfhrwZXr1_SiTOFHJQc5ezc3tsM9mQb-BavFEMLQTP4-NtZK9UgBSOXDs9HJOYG6I6-wVtxxJImSGUtJDcqeLNclS8zYXNkRRsDStQxg4FPI5HPCmNj1gq73_kYOdLttSxLRpWdm5uPqX6dv77g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNM_YVixSfiW6ZK3c1yBS9kjwsOWFxAkeB9ny0LwYGfhrwZXr1_SiTOFHJQc5ezc3tsM9mQb-BavFEMLQTP4-NtZK9UgBSOXDs9HJOYG6I6-wVtxxJImSGUtJDcqeLNclS8zYXNkRRsDStQxg4FPI5HPCmNj1gq73_kYOdLttSxLRpWdm5uPqX6dv77g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this handsome chap caught my eye as I headed back to meet up with mum, sketching in the car.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1VWXLOAuGfjz93Z8r5UxV-lPOIEe051BcH_gS6TJDk2XvD0IxxQcn85SMhUBzaQOOgzqLCagIwbSd7ooBzCAvGoOllWrCJANfuiaU9j_pOEUtI1OUUDTCSvnwykWkmNTGU1-GBwb_cLNWQagV3SIoLV-zHWjcFztFvM_33X6Rln_mH4adaJOyNGPUcw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1VWXLOAuGfjz93Z8r5UxV-lPOIEe051BcH_gS6TJDk2XvD0IxxQcn85SMhUBzaQOOgzqLCagIwbSd7ooBzCAvGoOllWrCJANfuiaU9j_pOEUtI1OUUDTCSvnwykWkmNTGU1-GBwb_cLNWQagV3SIoLV-zHWjcFztFvM_33X6Rln_mH4adaJOyNGPUcw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the view she had through the car window.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCnE-AuR0dv8poLyxrlWsPskXnICfrl07G1ylOQtWwLyB0hJXxlXbnHFrwQTXgpfOtpWPQNhl_zNFhFV6bakqfoaRP7DHZ-0k5g3J7stg7fiajYBahGw94lP1T_pYi7rpVb5f6zkqNJ3YTVkukFUKDq9gGvJBjL7MdTt4LPDlKGp1NWj1gRhc3nNI9lw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCnE-AuR0dv8poLyxrlWsPskXnICfrl07G1ylOQtWwLyB0hJXxlXbnHFrwQTXgpfOtpWPQNhl_zNFhFV6bakqfoaRP7DHZ-0k5g3J7stg7fiajYBahGw94lP1T_pYi7rpVb5f6zkqNJ3YTVkukFUKDq9gGvJBjL7MdTt4LPDlKGp1NWj1gRhc3nNI9lw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div>And this is the fab sketch she was inspired to draw. All the colour was such a nice surprise to me ππππ</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdGMaEWTH6mVWU696JuXp672kfmCAc1mZ9Mk4KAkKU7IMEEDeAvlRlXVW0VlA0vQRh4EfAbWTusCybp3RoLDmLxIa7axhoL82lJBKsT0w3sM6bNctofldy5a1ZJv4R1nyVPQXod-NZ_mrLAVwrxr8lbhARmNKVgySkEjLhmkiIv89eae32B0weWY-dLg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdGMaEWTH6mVWU696JuXp672kfmCAc1mZ9Mk4KAkKU7IMEEDeAvlRlXVW0VlA0vQRh4EfAbWTusCybp3RoLDmLxIa7axhoL82lJBKsT0w3sM6bNctofldy5a1ZJv4R1nyVPQXod-NZ_mrLAVwrxr8lbhARmNKVgySkEjLhmkiIv89eae32B0weWY-dLg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To finish our trip we made a quick stop off at the<a href="https://www.ferrerscentre.co.uk/" target="_blank"> Ferrers Centre</a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4fRyd0V0SZDIKOmqR6vpKWyEwN6zdhcM0BsfLWn_KjFapfUz70xf94A0qPJR6hDGSUuyOASeoXVfx2PfmwCErqAnWmdNPxhZGdWxsUiSC3asNib4dJWrlwPyvrdD_nIIPsKtKoFEEIdTAb9sSGaTtw6YjHwcyhU9bu9tqlPwzUST4noQwHRuYr02Z8w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj4fRyd0V0SZDIKOmqR6vpKWyEwN6zdhcM0BsfLWn_KjFapfUz70xf94A0qPJR6hDGSUuyOASeoXVfx2PfmwCErqAnWmdNPxhZGdWxsUiSC3asNib4dJWrlwPyvrdD_nIIPsKtKoFEEIdTAb9sSGaTtw6YjHwcyhU9bu9tqlPwzUST4noQwHRuYr02Z8w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So much seasonal prettiness here too.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK432v8kURczyPlsialZv90MnOnFr3qz5ZMOFlAhrtKRpiBbs8w3nhkL6HJLDGR7i1xwrI0OqueUxbQzjt22KzbB_zPvBcVrwDSQ32E0hCvVfQ3Uykox1AnRtK4z3hsvIj5gucvwD5JIhSk6XXaUmnMa9RdsZYNC03vGu8GXC7W0Cu-Dsc8F_8Zduojg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhK432v8kURczyPlsialZv90MnOnFr3qz5ZMOFlAhrtKRpiBbs8w3nhkL6HJLDGR7i1xwrI0OqueUxbQzjt22KzbB_zPvBcVrwDSQ32E0hCvVfQ3Uykox1AnRtK4z3hsvIj5gucvwD5JIhSk6XXaUmnMa9RdsZYNC03vGu8GXC7W0Cu-Dsc8F_8Zduojg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">With frost forecast again tonight I feel blessed to have squeezed in my Dahlia visit and I'm very happy mum said she really enjoyed the trip too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jacquie x </div><p></p></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-62634450870792681142021-11-01T21:41:00.002+00:002021-11-01T21:43:05.245+00:00Welcome November<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello lovelies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">a new month means new calendar pictures to enjoy. This year I have three.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> I love this <a href="https://www.carolyncarterart.com/" target="_blank"> Carolyn Carter </a> one so much I recycled it to use and enjoy for a second year. It was a faff printing out a new dates sheet to fit, but it means I can use it as my "walking calendar" and record all my outdoor miles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPzeH7L13zP9uLrdL0C8PiuxFKlStW5xcdI7QMxM-YJzKj_rsMSWKREAgdxXSrfrnq_urwTrTOBduU_6-Hg7dowAG-ockJnLGUIlMWaLKVKd7IvYc7OZ5ug7tei29yq5xSZdu8cWQ-eUWsfyCA0EOWaAsB6k4DzeBNK6mVkPgDbnfGK5JQxjIOVmdbYA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPzeH7L13zP9uLrdL0C8PiuxFKlStW5xcdI7QMxM-YJzKj_rsMSWKREAgdxXSrfrnq_urwTrTOBduU_6-Hg7dowAG-ockJnLGUIlMWaLKVKd7IvYc7OZ5ug7tei29yq5xSZdu8cWQ-eUWsfyCA0EOWaAsB6k4DzeBNK6mVkPgDbnfGK5JQxjIOVmdbYA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is my main calendar for birthdays and appointments etc. If you've read my blog for any length of time you will know of my love of <a href="https://countrydiaryofanedwardianlady.com/edith-holden/" target="_blank">Edith Holden's</a> illustrations.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh296rkPXRdIFiFBoyxJOi9XlIUnikHHPumacr9UcnAJD8c6sJhNNrhYQBVMUjQM8OIZlrVl-bX68UCdiic4p0OvGYWYpFWb4kYAJxAlnJxvv3bimYlSuyFza1RdO6S2hY3DiMlIvGMUtiOuWYD_G84-vhb9bDeOh0tcIriMniHAWlQ7CmWTQoAT79IBg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh296rkPXRdIFiFBoyxJOi9XlIUnikHHPumacr9UcnAJD8c6sJhNNrhYQBVMUjQM8OIZlrVl-bX68UCdiic4p0OvGYWYpFWb4kYAJxAlnJxvv3bimYlSuyFza1RdO6S2hY3DiMlIvGMUtiOuWYD_G84-vhb9bDeOh0tcIriMniHAWlQ7CmWTQoAT79IBg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My third calendar is a photographic one, featuring Devon landscapes.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_tWNw5myMdfaJuvGkG_6cUNVQ8MWFm6e7hocI_0L99jJnOICsfMXnuhiRNrDoGKMaGIQ9RnrG2h0P0bBiJETJAxHzcWJ9vApgAoqgHG1EpSy05Jtje-_rtbULiPt6vLPxhlsZadhEpb8yQAl9Gs7wFmftCapT3dywWapQbqeNrOQTNiY9o_fb1kuUhA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_tWNw5myMdfaJuvGkG_6cUNVQ8MWFm6e7hocI_0L99jJnOICsfMXnuhiRNrDoGKMaGIQ9RnrG2h0P0bBiJETJAxHzcWJ9vApgAoqgHG1EpSy05Jtje-_rtbULiPt6vLPxhlsZadhEpb8yQAl9Gs7wFmftCapT3dywWapQbqeNrOQTNiY9o_fb1kuUhA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>It lives in my potting shed these days.</div><div><br /></div><div> How I love this recently constructed growing and pottering space. It's light yet cosy, small yet practical. I've got a radio in there and it's a total joy to pot up plants out of the wind with everything to hand.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-xV52e0TY8nE5U9qZuEdSm9tocBhYqVTgF_HA5_XKZvzMAPq8hXYmuFrnZ1A0hff4FyHfv4huqwSLOcTe1VMDWgDiS7NLVh05igZ3kyh3wbv3XBhQqyon-B-24hLxgxz1a-1ygh6oISUok5AdiEjDO4-kjC0aBsLloAYu7yzZopO3sSqYm3_7tNn-yQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-xV52e0TY8nE5U9qZuEdSm9tocBhYqVTgF_HA5_XKZvzMAPq8hXYmuFrnZ1A0hff4FyHfv4huqwSLOcTe1VMDWgDiS7NLVh05igZ3kyh3wbv3XBhQqyon-B-24hLxgxz1a-1ygh6oISUok5AdiEjDO4-kjC0aBsLloAYu7yzZopO3sSqYm3_7tNn-yQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My addiction to the garden this summer and helping with this project is probably the reason my walking calendar has this sad looking miles total recorded for the year so far.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3iSOGtV7Dr95oCNYdBC4ASmqqez4OElgPxuDD2eNa41iJA8uTj5mb0VQCPGSDMa9UW1H-btEpEKQnfoT6l-OZcOGEIOtWJ4-nFS0nEYVfni2SourFiLCZpw2bXn9784779QkVo6SwCuEKSj21wuSaokgo788_77JGtsNQz1_qBBNtnG5k46POdMDiLg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3iSOGtV7Dr95oCNYdBC4ASmqqez4OElgPxuDD2eNa41iJA8uTj5mb0VQCPGSDMa9UW1H-btEpEKQnfoT6l-OZcOGEIOtWJ4-nFS0nEYVfni2SourFiLCZpw2bXn9784779QkVo6SwCuEKSj21wuSaokgo788_77JGtsNQz1_qBBNtnG5k46POdMDiLg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Oh dear, I should be at over 800 miles if I want to walk 1000 miles this year. Obviously that isn't going to happen now.</div><div><br /></div><div> I'm a little disappointed as I've managed to walk 1000 miles a year for several years in a row now. But rather than get disheartened I've set myself a new, manageable goal of 800 miles by the end of December.</div><div><br /></div><div> That's 75 miles a month or 2.5 miles a day if my maths is correct. In October I only did 67 miles so I need to up my game a little but it's not too daunting.<br /><p>This afternoon it was tempting to stay indoors as it was raining, but with my new target in mind I headed out anyway. As eldest ( who's always liked going out in the rain) says "I'm not made of sugar."π</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIzDMoT0P7-0IkhZvpCllDVrbenEBZN2EjM0GdL_0fLp4tTjBouAR5ststs3z1JPMvLlCB16POVWMmMCJRFTHcRAxDq2Awj8euG86tP4ZmfcF-KZRl3OxUsNtGguFNNsEldt7-0gXblLCqhxthOY3c1rNfVGB1QHNeIHfa_lk4EPQmhJn3FJL7tf1q7g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhIzDMoT0P7-0IkhZvpCllDVrbenEBZN2EjM0GdL_0fLp4tTjBouAR5ststs3z1JPMvLlCB16POVWMmMCJRFTHcRAxDq2Awj8euG86tP4ZmfcF-KZRl3OxUsNtGguFNNsEldt7-0gXblLCqhxthOY3c1rNfVGB1QHNeIHfa_lk4EPQmhJn3FJL7tf1q7g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Muddy puddles are no problem when you have wellies.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqp1v61fnakJQXFoHcwjvwbgjVHPbqGUFnjsp2zZRsM_aDdhH1IkGD8cfeGmNEPCMvBXYEeuJI9S4C7ha3vlh113IY8436NPZu8_wOKLkzGyeyOAWCa9bKWwIyYiIfYhMCfw3aTTB8VmEk_KFnrvpyKezVzXXuHXBEV_uwbEvmRzDuLklITVvTQOv-dw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgqp1v61fnakJQXFoHcwjvwbgjVHPbqGUFnjsp2zZRsM_aDdhH1IkGD8cfeGmNEPCMvBXYEeuJI9S4C7ha3vlh113IY8436NPZu8_wOKLkzGyeyOAWCa9bKWwIyYiIfYhMCfw3aTTB8VmEk_KFnrvpyKezVzXXuHXBEV_uwbEvmRzDuLklITVvTQOv-dw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And there's always something interesting to spot.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuDxjuZMtjYVC9Sr0vwm0V9Etpl1g9FMjh8ljkqSGh6oJ56beT9vu1ma5Z9fb3epwtXFs93xEYnjF1phSAtj4bQ2cn3nwPLjINb57LK433tk3k2J_iNuuXkpmFDAkUixTOl17GjnJB_EojCHQ8awspCzgu2A3vQ-g-BcupqxnVxEB7FdVc16h2HAphyA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuDxjuZMtjYVC9Sr0vwm0V9Etpl1g9FMjh8ljkqSGh6oJ56beT9vu1ma5Z9fb3epwtXFs93xEYnjF1phSAtj4bQ2cn3nwPLjINb57LK433tk3k2J_iNuuXkpmFDAkUixTOl17GjnJB_EojCHQ8awspCzgu2A3vQ-g-BcupqxnVxEB7FdVc16h2HAphyA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I was still happy when the rain stopped though.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi31Rq9nukZrZzO2l_eY1LoFjYqipz1eEXJ675JanFy4byGtjhfXudjoBZBfBNGPXAYkOoe4Gby0qaELN5MNlTjKaOADPv0SkLg7SBSyTrHCBH3evDGEtze8mh9enGFRH0WoL6eOgr-C82Q3vU91qkkuF-Zs5_XBOTaYQ5aZ0PJ8R0qWrgOiEGl4NA-HA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi31Rq9nukZrZzO2l_eY1LoFjYqipz1eEXJ675JanFy4byGtjhfXudjoBZBfBNGPXAYkOoe4Gby0qaELN5MNlTjKaOADPv0SkLg7SBSyTrHCBH3evDGEtze8mh9enGFRH0WoL6eOgr-C82Q3vU91qkkuF-Zs5_XBOTaYQ5aZ0PJ8R0qWrgOiEGl4NA-HA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Autumn colour is only just building at the moment.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKJXrsdBTBcUfU_9voARmF0NxA9slotxRhWErEFKP6GPctdLcRyXNYedx4l22iRT6Il8FjoBZj5Cwj0yQh5i22rJ8DpR1we85CyQdSdVwPUUjZ8aTdLRUdKr2ygy0uQuYQdygWLytfg6bIfF74I5lb0PPUGR8Lkr0Spz5Bncs7yXAb-wBvDvCvigiiYQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKJXrsdBTBcUfU_9voARmF0NxA9slotxRhWErEFKP6GPctdLcRyXNYedx4l22iRT6Il8FjoBZj5Cwj0yQh5i22rJ8DpR1we85CyQdSdVwPUUjZ8aTdLRUdKr2ygy0uQuYQdygWLytfg6bIfF74I5lb0PPUGR8Lkr0Spz5Bncs7yXAb-wBvDvCvigiiYQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>So I'll keep my fingers crossed that November will bring 75 miles of beautiful russet tones.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzG97HULwhz6EV8RVVD-zVT-KOQyvuZzT4wqAd3r88vk7SrGtHDF0LEc_LfOFprlzAKDim6Vz1BoknzgUSKNWYHwtDMjUpEFj9wYHpqgxzyha_Yb-mf4xvEBHoj3vVUjNVjfVFGk_pC89NKlzOGCm9aZ45Sf02mny2z-oRpuL1Bd7WGijc69_S-z0oeQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzG97HULwhz6EV8RVVD-zVT-KOQyvuZzT4wqAd3r88vk7SrGtHDF0LEc_LfOFprlzAKDim6Vz1BoknzgUSKNWYHwtDMjUpEFj9wYHpqgxzyha_Yb-mf4xvEBHoj3vVUjNVjfVFGk_pC89NKlzOGCm9aZ45Sf02mny2z-oRpuL1Bd7WGijc69_S-z0oeQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'll finish this post by saying thank you again for all your thoughtful comments. I'm enjoying being back in Blogland very much. You are such a lovely group of readers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jacquie x</div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-58321538813246840822021-10-31T20:35:00.001+00:002021-10-31T20:41:46.486+00:00Happy Halloween <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello lovelies, </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weather has been mixed again today. This morning it was so dark and rainy that I was very glad to hide in a warm kitchen finishing off my batch of mincemeat. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZk-GuRdHrOgIfp4s76YF5XOGvp_x9EHSRd4sxUu1_QO9VDIrZGZC5lOPSEPpGnBm2IOsr9-_9PM9SHAjyBcrFgmrU6VLAzknTNuPeb9Yyfg8nxEd1L5QvXjsN1c_pxQF1bCaHB9QPa3ppCRcrxE77tYP7n-slq7FYksJ3x43ZC6C0RZUcJa9Cin_Tcg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZk-GuRdHrOgIfp4s76YF5XOGvp_x9EHSRd4sxUu1_QO9VDIrZGZC5lOPSEPpGnBm2IOsr9-_9PM9SHAjyBcrFgmrU6VLAzknTNuPeb9Yyfg8nxEd1L5QvXjsN1c_pxQF1bCaHB9QPa3ppCRcrxE77tYP7n-slq7FYksJ3x43ZC6C0RZUcJa9Cin_Tcg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>British summertime has ended and it certainly looked autumnal in the garden as I worked, just don't tell the cosmos as they are still flowering their heads off<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioSnqY5SPUV8gSZAFF7UXBmthhGVzm3LyFTRmY0Df1BWh_45QZn48k5DcTxHDvLGu2njH9QuGeInVOKrWt7-kFgdUKQJ0KxrsA3JhmJF2cjBKf5Tj6yOYCB9wifgnu_l-49KXleb6eZeODA8rbmmedJ6l_MG90sEbwe2xxtO3ECLeguU791PX4uyEMlA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1959" data-original-width="2048" height="612" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioSnqY5SPUV8gSZAFF7UXBmthhGVzm3LyFTRmY0Df1BWh_45QZn48k5DcTxHDvLGu2njH9QuGeInVOKrWt7-kFgdUKQJ0KxrsA3JhmJF2cjBKf5Tj6yOYCB9wifgnu_l-49KXleb6eZeODA8rbmmedJ6l_MG90sEbwe2xxtO3ECLeguU791PX4uyEMlA=w640-h612" width="640" /></a></div><br /> </div>Happily, by late morning the sun had come out. I love wandering around the garden after rain. The water dripping off plants glitters and everything looks fresh and happy. My young crab apple tree has lots of bright red fruit this year, which I'm thrilled about. These stay on well into winter and look great on the bare branches before they are eaten by the birds.<br /><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqVGtQbx3oGSDzoi_d18VgxxKhbl6895xjX_hOXrFAKA0Pi1hzhtW5gn1nOF5U_CdIoEpj7JF4PR0GQ9Zue9d2YqcNLpsGBsK4fT65RlZi2_id6wlVBxhnNFAb8MDTJSN9UZW5Q5NvxW-GKxiTr5wTXsXWA_kXZy6GzNOT7lUXD4oSaUEHNiw7wgigSg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhqVGtQbx3oGSDzoi_d18VgxxKhbl6895xjX_hOXrFAKA0Pi1hzhtW5gn1nOF5U_CdIoEpj7JF4PR0GQ9Zue9d2YqcNLpsGBsK4fT65RlZi2_id6wlVBxhnNFAb8MDTJSN9UZW5Q5NvxW-GKxiTr5wTXsXWA_kXZy6GzNOT7lUXD4oSaUEHNiw7wgigSg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The light is so lovely when the sun is that bit lower in the sky isn't it. It shines under shrubs and highlights usually dark corners.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs5eLEyGK_gcU2GR08WQCZjvj8m3ZefNuxYqBkEa9kvNonICuR7ONMpVlvCCtqOAna_AT_LLRpeOM6-xRukiLYdRkS_heK1G6Q3VIT8on97pPE6vSfgepUGrg3dUL6pPAjrVvdUVFax_lPMJcozzl22Rg7Feij4Ex2qIm78qCUXCtELWvVJDaXYJnpeg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgs5eLEyGK_gcU2GR08WQCZjvj8m3ZefNuxYqBkEa9kvNonICuR7ONMpVlvCCtqOAna_AT_LLRpeOM6-xRukiLYdRkS_heK1G6Q3VIT8on97pPE6vSfgepUGrg3dUL6pPAjrVvdUVFax_lPMJcozzl22Rg7Feij4Ex2qIm78qCUXCtELWvVJDaXYJnpeg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The leaves are really begining to fall now. It's a little sad to see them begin to disappear until spring but I liked the way <a href="https://cjabovetheriver.blogspot.com/?m=1">CJ</a> says she focuses on them feeding the worms and fungi, who turn them into lovely rich soil for next spring. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZkdoQ4TWSbv5eVVndjbcUhF6hZ5yiDtAz7zzgpo8UVzNncH4a265F6LIc1DbGEYMx7jJ4LP7iCmUcXsCbJsMXKZtt3GHS6Utz9rh2bVjXdGo0HRMk82Zm1cjTwtGHzdVjViZFyhUuk5iR3M_rrAywSujOueuFBdaFS_yJZ5SLcCxdfz5OvZjaxgt74w=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZkdoQ4TWSbv5eVVndjbcUhF6hZ5yiDtAz7zzgpo8UVzNncH4a265F6LIc1DbGEYMx7jJ4LP7iCmUcXsCbJsMXKZtt3GHS6Utz9rh2bVjXdGo0HRMk82Zm1cjTwtGHzdVjViZFyhUuk5iR3M_rrAywSujOueuFBdaFS_yJZ5SLcCxdfz5OvZjaxgt74w=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A few weeks ago mum treated me to this little eucalyptus tree. I've wanted one for ages and evergreens seem extra special at this time of year, when we know there will be so many bare branches soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWsGYa6px3heW-6efVoRb2GHn21cWgUmEjOqR8TzjwozupMVA9sYj-UcV9S-WNhp1cc7u6b6x5fDHMKbYtOoobmQLOonSsvQ6pa3ln-OpquuPBnu4qftOXppcjYArX8hOGK_fmzJW2ItMAV8Z0DKYjmTTJLJxzP6gpFDVgkQAktLrZR_os34XJie0crg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiWsGYa6px3heW-6efVoRb2GHn21cWgUmEjOqR8TzjwozupMVA9sYj-UcV9S-WNhp1cc7u6b6x5fDHMKbYtOoobmQLOonSsvQ6pa3ln-OpquuPBnu4qftOXppcjYArX8hOGK_fmzJW2ItMAV8Z0DKYjmTTJLJxzP6gpFDVgkQAktLrZR_os34XJie0crg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I love the shape and colour of the foliage, especially against the black of the shed.<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1LiSNKPAZgkrlDx3vyBy34ExUpKbXri27aBVQ-tBQDCqopwz_T5YiQVKHFyVDH97dCmpVZPC8VLL0Unj501nvWJhVt9B-OE4d2ubxQSsP83mFUyieejKHhgNw_d9Iwsu31jT4HlqJ4Hxzg-PO7EEPIjGRqMo6z0U4rBUXDZsM7UfDRRclcQLp9lyC-A=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1612" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj1LiSNKPAZgkrlDx3vyBy34ExUpKbXri27aBVQ-tBQDCqopwz_T5YiQVKHFyVDH97dCmpVZPC8VLL0Unj501nvWJhVt9B-OE4d2ubxQSsP83mFUyieejKHhgNw_d9Iwsu31jT4HlqJ4Hxzg-PO7EEPIjGRqMo6z0U4rBUXDZsM7UfDRRclcQLp9lyC-A=w504-h640" width="504" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I know they can make huge trees and the more mature leaves are much different to this. But happily it doesn't mind if you cut branches off for flower arrangements, therefore encouraging more young leaves.</div><div><br /></div><div>As I get older I find I'm more drawn to interesting foliage. Obviously I'll always love flowers but I can equally enjoy beautiful foliage. </div><div>I really like this houseplant I bought in the summer. It's a pepperomia, a new plant to me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyRa-5rm09JI31hnOv-SetjyLJU-T1oiDxQr4gTW9axlHFV56I5HzYxzyDQPwaK8ymyDGks2vEcjfn0a2Hyg9-71WQLAxzhTDRm6mAugDBA9aXfd9cP8iSkrF5BUoeYLprX_nJhSb2O6Ijtlvw_wT4E3dzUAH8GR-jrWq3eDLQkAOwk2lBI7REzvkiVg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhyRa-5rm09JI31hnOv-SetjyLJU-T1oiDxQr4gTW9axlHFV56I5HzYxzyDQPwaK8ymyDGks2vEcjfn0a2Hyg9-71WQLAxzhTDRm6mAugDBA9aXfd9cP8iSkrF5BUoeYLprX_nJhSb2O6Ijtlvw_wT4E3dzUAH8GR-jrWq3eDLQkAOwk2lBI7REzvkiVg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I took a cutting as soon as I bought it and after a couple of months in water it had a good root system so I moved it onto soil and started a new cutting in water.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg9m8fOqcJpuEeHTykO0010qzeZ9XKgU9nPas6adDail3_4gXOWpoUftmpd0qgTTVNBgN_-p-mRT7w8Iy8PtINdjgwgO5NXPgdDN6zPfgHuyagpke1ixWtqV59JTnhldQYw6_YsZYW0lB4DKTL2kAO9rmH4rzfyT4o-ooQbUffLKz9FxiTMiMUqcJXzA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgg9m8fOqcJpuEeHTykO0010qzeZ9XKgU9nPas6adDail3_4gXOWpoUftmpd0qgTTVNBgN_-p-mRT7w8Iy8PtINdjgwgO5NXPgdDN6zPfgHuyagpke1ixWtqV59JTnhldQYw6_YsZYW0lB4DKTL2kAO9rmH4rzfyT4o-ooQbUffLKz9FxiTMiMUqcJXzA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I like the idea of making "back up plants" incase the parent plant dies or gets too big.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I'll finish this post by sharing my favourite Halloween decoration, this sweet handknitted witch. She comes out every year and never fails to make me smile.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpwkQFpzJcb2FuqqqBSUuFTi2YsyP6sFJHbOJhw24qSF0aFTCa-j75br-p3cGC23MoflB-XiqaVB_osHZh41McnsFsvEaUwwEL1KktPIoZNmxsZvuRFxXWtuVAdVx4DKJGV6C2t98N311iOVHLmGXumJBi6qXF71yau0sAgnQAVeoaolqfxzZP8vqUpg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpwkQFpzJcb2FuqqqBSUuFTi2YsyP6sFJHbOJhw24qSF0aFTCa-j75br-p3cGC23MoflB-XiqaVB_osHZh41McnsFsvEaUwwEL1KktPIoZNmxsZvuRFxXWtuVAdVx4DKJGV6C2t98N311iOVHLmGXumJBi6qXF71yau0sAgnQAVeoaolqfxzZP8vqUpg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Happy Halloween if you celebrate it lovelies, if not, happy last day of October. Lets hope for a kind November with plenty of small joys.</div></div><div>Jacquie x</div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8247444515135484880.post-35999384589578590332021-10-30T21:45:00.001+01:002021-10-30T21:49:43.060+01:00Sunshine and Showers<p> Hello Lovelies, </p><p>this morning it was rainy so I made a start on some festive baking. I love making mincemeat as all the family love a mince pie. Right now all the fruit and spices are soaking in the fruit juice and alcohol, plumping up nicely. Tomorrow I'll cook this mixture and fill my special jars, which I reuse from year to year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW5jbbp3TD4shEP5c4M2uiae0M2lO4hHqQbvWBuRlXZZRTAoXdc1MIJ60IKz8XdFkxaZrzBQNCe4cSldQY1UuSkj3VNfK3Eu4qJFD3o5F9n3vtXcqGWPCSKe8symFQdxDR_Ye5W3hYEjiSBt-xsorHeju9Kct5YTBH6XfsoTBg2B0B8hGu1ZwoYwLRBA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiW5jbbp3TD4shEP5c4M2uiae0M2lO4hHqQbvWBuRlXZZRTAoXdc1MIJ60IKz8XdFkxaZrzBQNCe4cSldQY1UuSkj3VNfK3Eu4qJFD3o5F9n3vtXcqGWPCSKe8symFQdxDR_Ye5W3hYEjiSBt-xsorHeju9Kct5YTBH6XfsoTBg2B0B8hGu1ZwoYwLRBA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I also did a little crochet circle making. I like doing a production line for this type of project.<br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEd4_ebyr2WXgixyvPOre7G6NMt0Wj61x2mwCDTuYKcXybpFwI5Eevr-UZYyRU-oBNX4Gx1FswBG9oPE1N9CIGuvzMadUlYFU--uNf9d0pzSYSv6RgmfQARsLszOXYHgZqIXAR8JsZ7Pl9ID8ZwtKPP5fowBYv5FQRthfvu4k_9VAzDJQrirtWip9LWw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEd4_ebyr2WXgixyvPOre7G6NMt0Wj61x2mwCDTuYKcXybpFwI5Eevr-UZYyRU-oBNX4Gx1FswBG9oPE1N9CIGuvzMadUlYFU--uNf9d0pzSYSv6RgmfQARsLszOXYHgZqIXAR8JsZ7Pl9ID8ZwtKPP5fowBYv5FQRthfvu4k_9VAzDJQrirtWip9LWw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is the square they will become, once I've made 114 circles.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1IItvXOInc0Jnc2D61dPPcixD7S9cZ7umNRtV-wUXpz0Z3yDJU0J-kwG0VP8HjktlrpyB8cE3JHNFHeJ-BrP3VY-y3u_U9oS_8xYEJxJQNdv10yJqAGRrs_L79YLptL1y_5isnG-iU-v4Oxiz690dRO8A1hkUNDiFcm-THD4R02M9xcz-lB4ZSshMCQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1IItvXOInc0Jnc2D61dPPcixD7S9cZ7umNRtV-wUXpz0Z3yDJU0J-kwG0VP8HjktlrpyB8cE3JHNFHeJ-BrP3VY-y3u_U9oS_8xYEJxJQNdv10yJqAGRrs_L79YLptL1y_5isnG-iU-v4Oxiz690dRO8A1hkUNDiFcm-THD4R02M9xcz-lB4ZSshMCQ=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">They are hopefully going to make </span><a href="https://www.yayretro.co.uk/blog/2166/Free-Pattern-For-Crocheted-Granny-Square-Waistcoat-196070s" style="text-align: left;">This</a><span style="text-align: left;"> gorgeous waistcoat. We shall see. Last week I tried making a cardigan and it turned out like this....π€£</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmOOF1VdgZhHKf0CEnIoOKXVk0710SSxczNxFEZdcnyzulM2lHcjxDQiwORn_FQOzMlx9h_Uduv-qQ-ROO81B03NVEVAcMp9FFmu0qIRBQlG4PNVE8pFuk0TKG-uqlCjE3NFNLm_0SQ5IqVo8C17jKuCZ8mUFcpnBZdogDJESYVejshTitYYrs3pj5-g=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmOOF1VdgZhHKf0CEnIoOKXVk0710SSxczNxFEZdcnyzulM2lHcjxDQiwORn_FQOzMlx9h_Uduv-qQ-ROO81B03NVEVAcMp9FFmu0qIRBQlG4PNVE8pFuk0TKG-uqlCjE3NFNLm_0SQ5IqVo8C17jKuCZ8mUFcpnBZdogDJESYVejshTitYYrs3pj5-g=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Oh dear. Making a garment with sleeves and without a pattern proved a tad too frustrating. Still, all's well that ends well and I do love this bag. <div><br /></div><div>By the afternoon we had lovely sunshine so I headed out for a walk.</div><div><br /></div><div> Mum thinks it's not a wasted day as long as she has done some painting, or sketching at least. I'm the same with walking. A day without a walk seems like a missed opportunity somehow.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiheWrQXG_L1GcsOZPGMdRu37PdP0a0BKBvMo07cHWx-u3cEL6gXxfQFyJroNUg5V0RyZWedbH-d1Moi5NWsJQcO5IA9_8ekuevNXOSzHx9jJoqxMffjrqJJ8hw87QatcSNbVISw7qL2GaSeHvAAU_x94obnaleMQvJQeLyqFU-bPdF1Wo7M7_JS0vBUg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiheWrQXG_L1GcsOZPGMdRu37PdP0a0BKBvMo07cHWx-u3cEL6gXxfQFyJroNUg5V0RyZWedbH-d1Moi5NWsJQcO5IA9_8ekuevNXOSzHx9jJoqxMffjrqJJ8hw87QatcSNbVISw7qL2GaSeHvAAU_x94obnaleMQvJQeLyqFU-bPdF1Wo7M7_JS0vBUg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I love this view towards the distant city. It's looking rather autumnal now.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixT-VwkmgGVI9ajnn0oUyPwXpykV24Ivna3_uuVQrfjqxu2UcY3Z4tKbm8EAyot_NsmlAo9lNLQHSBqCPjtCkOLeAynFYQnIlLgqmVKhKk_zHMYMrfVQaQkHvoLJi005OJJipFR-TTaTuiFdcH8eXS5yUwmEI3vmT1nNxgYQ6flEfMY_TWUwlANl2hRQ=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixT-VwkmgGVI9ajnn0oUyPwXpykV24Ivna3_uuVQrfjqxu2UcY3Z4tKbm8EAyot_NsmlAo9lNLQHSBqCPjtCkOLeAynFYQnIlLgqmVKhKk_zHMYMrfVQaQkHvoLJi005OJJipFR-TTaTuiFdcH8eXS5yUwmEI3vmT1nNxgYQ6flEfMY_TWUwlANl2hRQ=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here I was playing around capturing the sky in a puddle. This has to be one of my top photography tips, try a low angle. It can make a world of difference.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUkUIj7O84sbiwkXBcRshrL-_dxMt0i2h2PQoMZQsl57CWG8di2jgsELPP-Emh_WE5qR6bVksG8b9TZQMFNV3-65SUTWUfiy4re3OLijbg3WTZ6Trzy_94ornFDhZmRBOd85Si5LNx8aZqJ-MFVWD_mEu_5E9Yar9iQ6WA97qeJPZom4YSuwL2hqPfKg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUkUIj7O84sbiwkXBcRshrL-_dxMt0i2h2PQoMZQsl57CWG8di2jgsELPP-Emh_WE5qR6bVksG8b9TZQMFNV3-65SUTWUfiy4re3OLijbg3WTZ6Trzy_94ornFDhZmRBOd85Si5LNx8aZqJ-MFVWD_mEu_5E9Yar9iQ6WA97qeJPZom4YSuwL2hqPfKg=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>See what I mean π</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbhVAY5LE33kM_bWqBnAYykF560t5A5_IkDiK1BJEfGpqF1_Bu46E41UkvBPQU2r_pPZgJd6Wxk--vd4oiXiIrd9FpHaEIHPbxNqTKKeBPbF30KV-pB9GOc0aW7TUujTqnJtthr_FaiDlYImsg74ma9NAognaqnu4poyvJ0Ak757wu1Fk8hkQYk9t8SA=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhbhVAY5LE33kM_bWqBnAYykF560t5A5_IkDiK1BJEfGpqF1_Bu46E41UkvBPQU2r_pPZgJd6Wxk--vd4oiXiIrd9FpHaEIHPbxNqTKKeBPbF30KV-pB9GOc0aW7TUujTqnJtthr_FaiDlYImsg74ma9NAognaqnu4poyvJ0Ak757wu1Fk8hkQYk9t8SA=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><div></div><div><br /></div>Here I'm sharing my current hair situation. I've never had such long hair since I was in primary school. This is totally a result of various lockdowns and getting out of the habit of going to the hairdresser. Did I really go every 6 weeks?! You can see my previous short bob in my profile picture in the sidebar. I had that for years.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3a4-5QZE4l0urmV7LqliAIZgeri7sFQOaQMoBLZsQ4bmzc_uipTtTHgUYiH55KDtpXA4NqE28xhbcZxi4NJaPdQ-x3qZ9AxeQ4YiBP_bwPqR2PtmBVzeaibp_3PuzjAde1nHfXeNRSJidp2gG6PsdZNBvGWZd2rP5zn3vdap38iNbd8x7QjKMXp2plw=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3a4-5QZE4l0urmV7LqliAIZgeri7sFQOaQMoBLZsQ4bmzc_uipTtTHgUYiH55KDtpXA4NqE28xhbcZxi4NJaPdQ-x3qZ9AxeQ4YiBP_bwPqR2PtmBVzeaibp_3PuzjAde1nHfXeNRSJidp2gG6PsdZNBvGWZd2rP5zn3vdap38iNbd8x7QjKMXp2plw=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I do miss my hairdresser visits and my lovely hairdresser. I must go and see her to get this mane tidied up soon. But actually I'm loving having longer hair. It's great to be able to tie it up out of the way and it's much thicker than I imagined I could grow. In fact I'm a little sad I didn't have a longer style when I was younger and long hair would have suited me better. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Do any of you lovelies have a different hairstyle, caused by the pandemic?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Jacquie x</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Jacquiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070925194308020019noreply@blogger.com10