Out and About

Hello Lovelies, 

thank you so much for the encouraging comments on our shed project. This weekend we have made more progress and I'm relieved to say we now have a permanent, waterproof roof. WooHoo :0)

That's a great feeling. We had good weather this weekend and seized the day, but it doesn't stop me wishing I could have gone walking instead. 

Last weekend the weather was too windy to tackle the roof and I got up early to have a walk before Storm Brian hit us. I wanted to see a beautiful sunrise and was at the country park by 7.45am. It wasn't quiet the colourful spectacle I had imagined, but I still enjoyed my walk.

and as the sun got higher I loved the golden light. The Cormorants made me smile has they dried their wings on the island.

It was so nice to get out early, see the sun

and breathe the fresh air on a cool and windy morning.

Before going home for some warming porridge.

In the end we were very fortunate that the storm was not so severe here in the East Midlands.

Then on Thursday I got to walk in Derbyshire with my super walking group.

Got to love the autumnal hues and mossy stone walls.

It was in the Matlock area and I just love the hilliness around there. I know it's for the views, but also for the similarity to the area of Yorkshire that I grew up in. I do love picking my way down a steep slope. It's such a nostalgic feeling to me. Though as a kid I was probably running at full pelt, hoping not to fall over :0)

The highlight of this walk for me though, was our walk up through the Lumsdale Valley. It's a place I have shared here before on more than one occasion.

I love the waterfalls.

And the interesting industrial ruins.

Up to this point it had been a mild and still day but we hadn't seen any sun. How thrilled I was when it emerged from behind the clouds as we reached the mill pond.

Which had a glassy surface perfect for enjoying the reflections.

All the autumn colours sing when there's a bit of brightness in the sky.

So while my walk total for October is poor,  I must remember to be thankful to be able to squeeze in beautiful walks like these two. I'm lucky to have the time, in amongst the family, work and shed construction stuff.

I'm not sure I will make my 1000 mile challenge this year but hey ho, there's got to be a balance. I'm happy. Life is good.

Jacquie x

Winter Sunlight

Hello Lovelies,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

We walked fast.
Jacquie x