So I was rumbled; I sneaked off for a long weekend away in the Peak District. YES,  IT RAINED most of the time which was grim but on the Saturday we spent lots of time walking. In order to shield my camera from the worst of the rain I had to zip it inside my coat, giving me a most unorthodox silhouette. However, I did manage to take quite a few snaps (some of which I like). The walk we planned turned out to be right next to one we took about a year ago so that was strange. I recall taking a picture of this sign at the time.

 There was a lot of rain; sometimes falling, sometimes hanging on branches and always underfoot.




Berries and daffs. It didn't feel all that much like spring barring a few pinpricks of change. Though the weather was  wet, it wasn't all that cold or windy so it did feel a comfortable mild.



 I'm such a fan on the Peak District landscape, it's enchanting and intriguing and full of such variety. Plenty to see and explore, somewhere that really evolves through the turning of the seasons.

More instalments to come. I hope you enjoy.
Sophie

I nipped away for a long weekend in the Peak District, typically the weather decided not to play ball but that's always a gamble. I have a few pictures and things to share but my heart's not in it just yet. Maybe tomorrow. Of course, now it's back to work the sun is streaming through the window and the sky looks a delightful shade of blue.
Apparently, it's the first day of spring today so that's a lovely thing. Blossom is furnishing plenty of trees and daffodils are in flower everywhere now, a real treat. Words are not forthcoming so I'll leave it here and see what tomorrow brings.
Sophie 

Church yards look so inviting at this time of year with the winter and spring bulbs in bloom, it's so enchanting to see. The rest of the year by comparison they look rather stark and uninviting. With the promise of snowdrops, daffodils, violets and crocuses (and who knows what else, maybe blossom) I can be persuaded to perambulate around  for a little while.

 Lovely to see some crocuses sneaking through.
 Double frilly daffs! Aren't they pleasant!





Do you ever take in the natural beauty in your local churchyard?
Sophie

This year I'm determined to squeeze every last droplet of joy from each day. Well, I say that, I fall far short but sometimes, sometimes I succeed. Our nearest tree of blossom is now in bloom which drew me to it, irresistibly to smell the fresh floral scent and to listen to the hum of bees busily going about their business collecting nectar. What a feeling to see the pearly bods of petals half ready to pop. It's utterly gorgeous up close and looks divine in a simple glass vase.

For some reason the blossom petals make me think of ballet, I can't quite put my finger on it... Maybe like delicate tutus or such a delicate presence.
The light almost beams through the papery thin petals.

Leaves unfurl way ahead of schedule in a vase. None of the leaves on the trees are showing but sticking a branch in water indoors makes change happen all the faster.
Sophie

I'll raise my hand and admit that usually I'm uncomfortable with asymmetry. There's something creepy about an absence of balance which normally makes me shy away. However, this retro top is one of the very few exceptions to the rule. there is something about it which fills me with excitement but why? Maybe it's the colour - a couple of bold reds, or the cute little sleeves which are a length I don't often wear. Maybe it's the snug turtle neck fit or the large pattern. I don't know for sure but most likely a mix of everything.

My mane is looking really long and wavy in these shots which makes me happy! I toyed with popping a flower in it but decided against it, but soon I will be unable to resist!
The landscape is looking so empty in these shots and it's fascinating how it suddenly springs into life to the extent that in a mere 4 or 5 months the growth will prevent me from standing here unless I battle my way through with a machete. In keeping with an appreciative state of mind, I'm feeling rather fond of the last fading grasses and hollow hemlock stems.
Let's roam wild in the meadow, rustling through the dry grasses and whispering plans for days to come.

Let's roam.
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