Thursday 19 March 2009

Blowing off the cobwebs

We've had what really felt like the first proper spring day here. Maybe not quite so warm as elsewhere around the country and as sunny as I've seen on some of your beautiful, but very springy blogs, but so, so welcome all the same.

The countryside was calling so we headed out then it all went a bit wrong. Traffic jams, road closures, queues and crowded playgrounds greeted us and oh were our tempers rising. Exactly not how you want to be feeling with two bored little boys and a frazzled husband suffering from cabin fever trapped in the car!
Poor Woody, I could spend nearly all weekend in our cosy house and little garden but he works from home all week and can't wait to get out on days away from his desk.

Thank goodness that I had a light-bulb moment. Mine are a bit few and far between but phew, just in the nick of time for once! Realising that we were just across the valley from a rather famous but very pretty village with a stream, duckpond, ancient hall and most importantly a tea room, we took a back route and hurrah - the day was saved!


So, the late afternoon was spent messing about in water, running along the grassy bank of a bubbling stream and polishing off the first ice cream of the year. Just our sort of afternoon.
What a treat to sit outside and watch the boys whirl and tumble, enjoy the sun on our faces and feel winter begin to slide away.
I just wanted to say thank you all so very much for all the lovely comments I've receive, they mean a huge amount to me and I'm just very sorry I can't often reply to you. Working nearly full-time, being a mummy and a wife and trying to find snippets of time to do the washing and tidy-up on the odd occasion doesn't leave all that much blogging time I'm afraid.
Its something I know all of us find a bit if a juggle sometimes. There's a lot to squeeze in and when life feels like its rushing by my blog, the wonderful connections with other bloggers its helped me to make and your kindness, generosity and fun brighten my days so much. So thank you.
Its been lovely to discover some beautiful new blogs recently too and enjoy some wonderful pictures. I'm looking forward to seeing more soon. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend.

19 comments:

LissyLou said...

such lovely pictures, and a beautiful area. Love the top pic in your sidebar too!! x

Tvert-om-tanten said...

I just have to go to England someday... Don't know how to get there, though... I'm afraid of planes, boats and tunnels... I'm not a very good swimmer, either ;-) But such landscapes and buildings you have! Oh, I'm in love with your country...have been so for ages!

Wish you and your family a nice weekend =)

Pipany said...

What a beautiful place Steph. Glad it all ended well for you. I know what you mean about life rushing by and I am terrible at getting back to people's comments. If only there were three days in one! Have a lovely weekend xx

alice c said...

Hi Steph,
Don't feel bad about not replying to comments. I visit your blog because it is such a pleasure to to walk with you beside a duck pond and watch two little boys have fun in the sunshine and then come home by a back road to your cosy house and admire the china. If I leave a comment it is really a way of saying thankyou to you and there is no need to reply.

Have a lovely weekend.
Alicex

Funkymonkey said...

Thank you for reminding me of my wonderful holiday in Derbyshire last Spring. There are so many pretty villages and towns to visit. You've made me want to visit again soon.

Tracey

Ali @ Betty and Violet said...

What a lovely blog you have! I think that the walk you led us through looked idyllic. I love the picture of the embroidered cushions you have in your sidebar!

I look forward to the next instalment!

walter and me said...

A lovely village saves the day! THis weather has been wonderful, beckonong us outside...though like you I'm happy to stay home!
Happy weekend x

Anonymous said...

Oh Steph I love your blog, your pictures, your home and your style! Lucy xx

Ragged Roses said...

Sounds like a wonderful day Steph, what a lovely place. We have the same problems here at the weekends, Mr Roses gagging to get out in the fresh air and me happy to potter!
Kimx

MelMel said...

I really enjoy your blog, I'm never upset if some one wants to read and not leave a comment, life is busy and seeing to your family is way more important!
Happy mothers day!xxx

Diane said...

Hi Steph
I love Tissington. Your photographs are really lovely. I think we are all making the most of the great weather. After the last 2 years, you never know if its all your going to get!

nikinpos said...

A tearoom! Thats what I must do while I am in England, I havent been to one for years!

Julia said...

Hello there!
What lovely photographs! I dont live that far from the places you went to myself, its so pretty out there isnt it? Glad you had a lovely day out with your family.

Happy springtime to you
Julia xxx

Shsjndkdns said...

Looks like a lovely place, and you have taken some great photos. I don't think you need to worry about commenting, but I do love reading your blog, and I absolutely love the style of your home xx

saraeden said...

We love Tissington too !!

Have a great weekend x x

Sara x

Summer by the sea said...

Sounds like the day was saved in the end! - its sometimes hard to find things to do as a family, but usually the simplest ideas are the best - Natalie x

Suzy's Vintage Attic said...

What a great day out, I like the look of that village. About to look it up online. I love discovering new places. England has so much to offer when it comes to pretty villages and beautiful countryside.
Happy Mother's day!
Isabelle x

Anonymous said...

looks like a lovely place - isn't it nice just to get outside and spend quality time together - I just love watching the boys running around :-)
lisa x

Anonymous said...

Wow, I didn't know you work almost full time. Actually, I find that inspiring and encouraging. I might have to work almost full time in the near future. I've worried what that would mean to my family (and to my blog). If you are doing it and also keep up with your beautiful family and your wonderful blog, there is hope for me too. Thanks!

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