A Day Outdoors

I'm feeling a little bruised this week after a bit of an unpleasant incident yesterday. Off I trotted to the car boot for a gleeful hour of bargain hunting all by myself, only for it to all end horribly half an hour later when I realised some complete sod had stolen my purse. Luckily I noticed quickly and cancelled the cards etc but the shock lasted a lot longer.

My own fault really; being in a rush I shoved my purse in the bottom on my basket (under a sheet) but it must have been on view at some point and was swiped. Usually I just take along cash in my pocket but I think I was too busy thinking about not staying out too long and getting back to Woody and the boys and took the whole thing with me.

And most sadly it was my lovely green Cath K purse that I bought with the vouchers given to me by my old work colleagues. My mum and sisters have been very sweet and ordered me a replacement between them, I can't believe how kind they've been. I've registered with an counter-ID theft agency so hopefully that should be an end to it, just waiting for the new cards to arrive now. So very frustrating and at least I'm ok but please, do be more sensible than me and watch out now the car boot season is really underway, there are some horrid people out there.

So, as you can imagine I really needed cheering up so a day outside in our lovely local woods was just the thing. We're really lucky to have an idyllic RSPB wood just around the corner from home and it's a regular haunt for us throughout the year. This weekend the leaves and bluebells have really unfurled and it was the most calming, peaceful place to be.

The wild garlic is in full bloom and smells delicious - I forgot to gather any though. Something to do with the bundles of sticks I was having to carry for two little boys I think (what is it with boys and sticks?!)

This time we finally completed the whole walk all the way down through the wood to the canal and steam railway line and then back again.

Stopping off for a bit of dam building, hide and seek and some bird watching meant it took us all afternoon but who cares - summer is nearly here and it was a day absolutely made for meandering.

This is the lovely Red Lion pub that greets you on the canal bend and for many years you could only reach it by train or canal. We love to stop here for a treat of pop and crisps and watch the barges or steam engine pass by.

I'm not sure if these rather elegant houses (a bit more than cottages aren't they) were built by the railway company or the water board but I would love to live in this house with it's lovely vegetable patch, in this peaceful valley .

We made it home in time for tea and a well deserved sit down. All my troubles melted away and I slept like a baby. Being out in the open; the best therapy there could be.

Have a lovely week and hold onto your purse!