Let's get the week off with some beautiful pinky skies from a walk I took not lot ago. The day had been one of those with persistent rain only punctuated my reprieves of drizzle. The winds had thankfully subsided but the prolonged precipitation made for a day of indoor activities. I finally cleaned and polished my favourite walking boots that I had been meaning to tend for....months. A couple of years ago I sadly had to let go of my Magnums as attempting to dry them too close to a fire had lead to the heel shrinking wildly which made them unwearable. I already had a 'second' pair that didn't have a comfortable fit so I decided to invest in a new pair and make a fresh start. The last time I rummaged around for my boots at the last minute must have been less than thorough should we say as I realised after putting my boots on the side for a clean that there was the left of one pair and the right of another. Must do better at being organised.



Take care,
Sophie

 How unexpected; another day another blog post. The evenings have been amazing for the last couple of months and I hope you have been enjoying them too. We often head out after dinner to live out the last few minutes of fading light and have been rewarded with sights that make your heart swell. It's relaxing and fulfilling.
Yes it's bindweed, but it's beautiful.



















Have a beautiful day,
Sophie

Last year was full of revelations and revolutions. One of my favourite things to do was to take a drive around the country lanes in the passenger seat. C loves driving and I like not having to drive so this suits us well. Armed with my camera it was an exciting time to appreciate the evening sky, sunset and the wildlife which we may have been lucky enough to encounter. While I would love to get about on foot as well, by car can take us to places others seem not to go. The discovery of wildflower strips, tucked away footpaths, unexpected viewpoints, seeing a sparrowhawk, a barn owl hunting, deer grazing or guinea fowl going round in circles within their little clan... it was all good. Yes, I'm an early bird; mornings are my favourite part of the day but evenings have a hazy charm like a dream just starting up before sleep.
Just last night we took a fantastic trip out and saw an inspiring few sights
 The oil seed rape is just about to turn the landscape bright yellow, the first few fronds are in bloom.

We came across a mini swathe, a swathelet of cowslips which is terribly exciting as I saw just one plant the whole of last year. Aren't they brilliant?





 A buzzard flew off from the ground and took flight. It was huge.
 A deer made a getaway through the crop.
 Primroses everywhere now.
 Above, wild strawberries! What a find. Below, I think it's wood anemone! How lovely!



 Shepherd's purse? And daisies.

Violets in the grass.
Quite perfect.
Take care,
Sophie

 Last weekend we took an evening stroll at sunset to savour every moment of a wonderful weekend. It was well worth turning out for; I'll admit, I was knackered after a tough 5k and pending a hearty meal I was sorely tempted to call it off and stay indoors to flop on the sofa. However, the warm weather and astonishingly beautiful sunset made a magical backdrop to a hour's stroll.

 We saw some priceless sights which I will hold close to my heart for quite some time. The teasel and bunnies hopping along the bank.... A flock of birds overhead (there must have been hundreds or thousands, an awful lot anyway).



Newly delivered (into the field) sheep were curious and nosy.
I stumbled across  a fairytale cluster of mushrooms.

 Light burst through everywhere it could. So inspiring!


 We spotted some beautiful little willow buds which look so cute and fluffy. It's not something I have seen many of so I'm making the most of cooing over them. Awwww!


 A barn owl hunted the fields, or so we thought.
Not one, not two, but three barn owls were hunting the fields and to see three in eyeshot was amazing. They didn't mind one another at all; just going about their own business in an efficient and haunting manner. That moment will be treasured forever.

 Two geese or ducks, but maybe geese.
It just goes to show that you should never turn down a wander. Who knows what you may see...
Sophie