Thursday 21 October 2010

Escaping to Exmoor

Autumn has me in it's glorious grip. Every morning I scan the sky, watching for the geese coming in for the winter on the northerly wind. Colours are deepening every day and I don't want it to whizz by too fast.

Do you like my chrysanths? Funny how your tastes can change. I always thought of them as a little bit grannyish - but that's just the sort of thing I can't get enough of these days! The teeny purple asters are especially nice and look lovely on our mantle piece, chopped shorter and packed together in a green enamel jug.

Best of all is where they came from - the lovely market in Ludlow. Our annual trip to the Welsh Marches has become a bit of a tradition. A day away, pootling about the vintage shops, shopping for delicious local fruit and veg in the market, stopping for coffee and enjoying something tasty for lunch is bliss for Woody and me.
We came home with a fabulous bag of local apples, six varieties in all and we celebrated apple day a day early yesterday with a bit of a taste test (Russets are definitely our favourites, but Lord Lambourne won the prize for the best name).

And on Saturday we're off again, this time back to the wonderful South West, hurrah, for a week in North Devon on the western edge of Exmoor. This holiday has crept up on us a little but after a busy few weeks back at school the boys are ready for a rest and I'm so excited about curling up in this beautiful looking farm cotttage with a log burning stove and peace & quiet.

So I'll be back soon, full of tales of moorland walks, seashore safaris and glimpses of red deer too if we're lucky. Have a lovely week.

21 comments:

Sweet Birdy Love said...

Hey Steph, another lovely post, beautiful photos. Your Chrysanthemums are gorgeous. There are so many wonderful colours, it's hard to choose sometiems.
Your holiday sounds perfect, have a great time and safe travels. Look forward to reading about your adventures.

Rose H (UK) said...

Have a super time!

charl said...

just had a look at the cottage..it looks gorgeous.. hope you have a good time..
thats what i need to get a basket for my veg!.it just makes it look so much more rustic'y looking!!!

Tilly Rose said...

You will have fabulous time hun!
We stayed near the zoo sevral years ago...it was simply bliss! It was quite bizarre waking up in the mornings to hear the cows and monkeys at the same time!
If you get a chance visit Lynmouth...gorgeous!
Can't wait to see your pics...
Karen x x x

bellaboo said...

You have chosen a beautiful part of the country for your break,and the cottage looks gorgeous! Love that picture of Clovelly on the front of your book.Went there a few years ago and it hasn't really changed..such a magical place.
Look forward to seeing your pics...have a wonderful time!

Dawn said...

Have a lovely week.
x

periwinkle said...

that farm looks just great - hope you all have a lovely time

KC'sCourt! said...

Have a GREAT time. Exmoor is beautiful and glorious - but then I'm bias because is live here!
Julie xxxxxxxx

madebymum said...

I look forward to all your holiday news. You just can't beat a real fire, enjoy.

A Thrifty Mrs said...

Beautiful post. I think autumn is especially beautiful this year.

My husband is originally from the English end of those there marshes *does the accent*. There are some terrific places to buy vintage and second hand.


Enjoy your week!

Madelief said...

Wish you a great week in the South-West! Love your flowers!

Lieve groet, Madelief

Anonymous said...

Your cottage looks fantastic. Have a lovely week ... :0)

Shirl x

Keepapi Creative said...

Beautiful pics. I love Ludlow. I have family there & really enjoy mooching round the town. I hope you have a wonderful time in Devon. Hope this wonderful weather holds for you! Jacs x

Attic24 said...

Have a blissful week away Steph, I remember from last year how much you love the Autumn season. Your flowers (this post and the one before) are beaaaautiful)
lots of love to you and your boys!
Lucexxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Funkymonkey said...

I was in Ludlow on Friday with a friend. It's one of my favourite places too.

Tracey

home made gorgeous said...

Hi Steph, what a lovely post, I love your blog too the photos are gorgeous! Have a great holiday in Devon, Sarah

Carol said...

I saw your chrysanths and know just what you mean, I was never that keen but now I think they can look so nice, I love the white and green ones most. Hope your having a wonderful time, I am sure you are such a lovely part of the country.
Cx

melanie said...

Hope you have a great time :) xxx

Julia said...

Oooh your holiday destination sounds bliss! I hope you have had a wonderful time!
Loving the colours of autumn myself, and like you, I dont want it to rush by too fast!

Sending love
Julia x x x

salty pebble said...

enjoy your trip away with your boys, such a beautiful place exmoor...i roam on dartmoor alot, i love seeing the wild horses and wild views ;0)
ive been looking back through your blog, lovely home life ;0)x

kazzy ;0)

Anonymous said...

Beautiful post, photos and blog!!!
I lake it!

Big regards from Croatia.
Zondra Art