Sunday, 7 March 2010

Feeling Fresh

I don't know, the sun comes out and off we go go chucking away the big coats and hats and gloves and set out for the day. Don't be fooled by what looks a glorious day, that blue sky is ice blue and our trip to a favourite village was pretty perishing let me tell you! I've just about thawed out. (We did take a picnic in the new/old hamper but it was so cold we wolfed the food down too quickly for me to take any pictures).
But it was really worth the nipped noses and chilled bones. Over the hills and not too far away this pretty village with its charming cottages sits in fields of white stone walls. There's a wonderful playground and the most fantastic pond which was covered in ice today but other times finds it full of toads or flanked by flag irises.
There are hidden paths to explore that skirt the farms and clusters of cottages, a handsome church and the finest ice cream shop which is why this pair look so pleased! (That's a gate honestly, we haven't locked them up!)
Here's the village school that only has a few pupils and isn't it pretty. There was a notice outside today appealing for materials to help construct a Mini-Beast Mansion and there were plenty of donations.
(front)
(back)
Clumps of snowdrops were under every tree and along every verge, close to the stumpy shoots of scores of daffodils to come. Woody rates our visits here as "bankers"; you know the sort of place you return to because you always have a good time. And today was one of those.
A lovely, lovely day, and I got to take my new bag for a walk too! Can't be bad.
I've been asked a couple of questions lately that I'm ever so sorry that I've not had chance to reply too. Hope you don't mind if I answer them now!

Katy - I'll try and dig out the Carols book. Its buried in the loft and might take me a while. I picked it up at a flea market and I think it was published in 1936.
Natalie - There are a few decent car boots around this neck of the woods. Usually ones at the cattle market and the Co-Op in Leek every Sunday mornings. Also in Hanley on the Hinde Street car park on Sundays too. The Newcastle-under-Lyme Flea Market in the town centre on Tues is where I've found lots of bargains recently.

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

We live on the south coast and decided to go for a walk on the seafront this morning. Like you we thought it looked warmer than it actually was! Talk about blowing the cobwebs away! I've only just thawed out too. Love your blog by the way x

Karmen said...

Very, very lovely photos. Thank you for sharing them. Karmen

Kathy said...

Isn't it lovely to get out all together and go for a walk. It doesn't matter if its cold .... you can just wrap up really warm. Your photos are lovely!
P.S. I like your bag - very much!
Love Kathy xxx

vintage flair1 said...

Lovely photos Steph!
I took the dog for a walk today, and I came home frozen. Sat here now with a scarf around my neck, still thawing out.
Bridie x

GardenOfDaisies said...

Well it was a clear and sunny day , even if a bit nippy.
the village and school look lovely. And the snowdrops look beautiful!!

Katy Noelle said...

Thanks Steph! I'm not in a desperate hurry to play Christmas carols anytime soon anyway (and ain't THAT the truth)! What a lovely day you had. At least the elements make us feel alive heh? = ) I'm starting to die for an outing but right now, it's about a foot of mud. Seeing your pictures of spring gives me hope - no joke!

Love, Katy Noelle

Katy Noelle said...

My boys want me to say, "nice bag"! ummmm, okay. They also reacted to the picture of your boys (giggles and noise). I love that picture too - I love those smiles!

Marg said...

I love your bag. The photos of your day are lovely, it looks so nice, makes me want to visit the UK again, but maybe not when it's that cold, I will have to try and visit when it's warmer and all the spring flowers are out. Maybe one day................

VintageVicki said...

Was obviously the thing to do today - wrap up warm & walk.

Went for a lovely walk with our friends - through the woods (could see in a few weeks it would be carpeted with bluebells), saw lots of deer and the only downside lots of mud too!!

Pipany said...

It is FREEZING again today here Steph. brrr! Still, like you I know it can only get better. Lovely pictures and a beautiful village. i would love to visit some day xx

Funkymonkey said...

Yes, it's freezing cold but doesn't the sight of the sun make you feel so much better. Lovely village Steph and a great day out for such a sunny day.

Tracey

little mouses said...

What a beautiful little village! I stumbled across your sweet blog and so glad I did, love all your pics. I have added myself to your following list, hope thats ok?! katie

Dawn said...

So, so cold here, too. But it matters less when the sun is out.

The Fairy Glade said...

I'm afraid I can't bring myself to venture any great distance at the moment. It is unbearably cold here at the Fairyglade and everything is an effort. This time last year I had a garden full of golden daffodils! Spring can't come soon enough. Have a good week and keep warm. Dev x

andamento said...

Lovely photos, it looks a beautiful place.

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Happy Days, Steph!

It is so good when someone switches the sun back on ~ that wind though!

Sarah x

bellaboo said...

We were going to walk by the sea on Sunday...good job we didn't!Went to the shelter of the woods instead. Sounds like you had a great day out despite the cold,and you got to use your new picnic basket!
Love the smiley pic of your boys.

Bellaboo :o)

periwinkle said...

I so now what you mean about looking warmer than it actually is , but isn't it nice to finally get outside and it be bright . We did the same thing this weekend - lovely to see the boys just running around isn't it?

The Curious Cat said...

What a beautiful place...I would love to work/go to a school like that..soon the cold will be well on its way to disappearing and it will be even better! xxx PS Ice-cream? Seriously? Despite the cold?

Louise said...

There is a Yorkshire say that goes "never cast a clout till May is out" it is so true. I always seem so keen to get rid of my coat at the first hint of sunshine, them come down with cold. I never learn from one year to another.

Louise