There's been a lot of wandering going on over the festive break in places both old and new. There are walks that we return to over and over both out of enjoyment or proximity but it's always good to widen the repertoire if at all practical. Having multiple days off on the trot with nothing pressing to tend to is unheard of at any other time of year and I've become more protective of this precious time.
However, almost without exception the landscapes have been at their most bleak; colourless and muddy with next to no light whatsoever, hardly a glowing recommendation to return. And yet!!
And yet we shall. Somehow, we found several places which piqued our interest and I long to return.


Such drab days where the mist hung in the air and the sun made no efforts to shine. It was almost as if time stood still. Not a breath of wind nor drop of rain. Just ticking seconds of nothingness, the great wait.







Navigating round the squelchiest parts of the track was tricky, especially with a camera.




See, I told you yellow brain fungus is everywhere.

Frilly log fungus.




I suspect in spring there may well be more to show for itself. A long walk without the fear of encountering bovine is a rare treat, so we shall see what the future holds for this new one.

PS. First full week back at work - doom. Counting down to the weekend! Although the good news is that I already have most of January's content more or less catered for. So much to share.

Take care,
Sophie

It's all about good layering this season. There's nothing that makes me more miserable than to feel cold so whenever I go out it's got to be in something snug. If tights are needed it's always my supercosy thermal ones (and almost always black) but they can't be worn indoors as they make me overheat pretty quickly. Vest top or vest, long sleeved top, jumper then coat. I have 3 pairs of fingerless gloves which are worn each time I leave the house, keeping my hands warm unless it's sub zero in which case the thought of numb fingertips prompts me to switch for my thermal gloves.

The sloppy mud underfoot has been disgraceful the last few months - all this terrible rain has left it's mark.

Beautiful necklace from Kezzie was a very well chosen gift, it's just my colours and something I am sure I'll be wearing often - thank you!!!
Layer up and let's go!
Take care,
Sophie

Wow! We arrived, 2020 this is it! The big new corner turned and today we take our first baby steps into the new decade. It does feel momentous and memorable, certainly something to make something of if ever there was an opportunity. Ten years ahead of us in a brand new chapter.
I did have a scoot back through my 'new year' posts of years gone by and was struck that last year I completely forgot to mention my blogging anniversary. Today marks my 9th year of writing this blog although only posts from August 2013 onwards remain - which is still a huge lot, 1382 to be precise. Last year was the leanest by a little stretch, a mere 200 published which while it falls short of my ideal 'Monday to Friday' stamping them out in clockwork fashion, was also an excellent compromise as sometimes I just didn't want to try, so didn't (and didn't feel remorse). Blogging has been a wonderful hobby but I never wanted it to be a chore, so promised myself that if I had nothing ready or didn't feel like sitting myself down with the intention to write then so be it.
What I would like to say is a heartfelt thank you to those of you that return time and time again. I'm grateful for the support you have given me in those visits; be it the time you spend browsing, comments or shares on social media. There's no massive changes I have in mind for the content, always just focusing on what I see or do, or go to or what's crossing my mind at any given time.



I see yellow brain fungus on most visits out at the moment. Now I know it's about, I catch sight of it here, there and everywhere.














With all the glorious time off I issued myself over the Christmas and New Year period we made the best of each day by taking trips out whenever possible which means that I have started the year sitting on a hole pile of posts all neatly stacked up and scheduled, ready to go. My love for well executed organisation leaves me beaming at this and congratulating myself on having started the year on excellent form. Dreary mud or not, I did my best.
Here we go, who's with me?
Take care,
Sophie