Tuesday 31st May 2016

It is difficult to believe we are already at day 31 and the end of National Walking Month.

Today I visited a friend I've know since our schooldays so dragged her out for a walk. She lives on an estate at the edge of the Cotswolds where the houses are made with the cream stone so often seen in this region.

We walked through the estate and into a beautiful wood the area is named after. It was very peaceful and green and we were the only visitors.  There were some steep paths but, luckily, it was dry.  The birds were singing and the roots of the trees made useful steps to use.

It has been quite a challenging month, I would probably not have done it without the

encouragement of my sisters and the lovely Tanya at Living Streets. Promising to send her the write up and photos from each day and her enthusiasm about reading them kept me committed to the pledge. (Plus the chance to win a John Lewis voucher!)

I know I wasn't training for the marathon but, to me, the goal was to make myself find the time to get out there and I did, sometimes reluctantly!

I will continue to make the effort to fit walking into my week, maybe not every day but for longer on the days I do get out and look forward to seeing what Living Streets will think of for National Walking Month next May.

Monday 30th May 2016

For those of you enjoying the day off, think of me working! I always have to work on a Monday and about half of the Bank Holidays fall on a Monday so a bit of rush, as usual, to fit the walk in.

Actually I've gone a bit wild today, only the floral variety, it must be the influence of Chelsea Flower Show.

What a difference a day makes! I'm so pleased to be able to show you the rhododendron almost in full bloom.

I took the left turn today and photographed some similar scenes to those you have seen before but then found one of my favourite flowers, the honeysuckle.  This is the native plant growing wild in the hedge. I adore scented flowers, the dianthus group, jasmine, herbs and have just discovered that the sweetest little clematis growing over an archway in my garden has the most beautiful scent for such a small flower.

A flower I was definitely NOT going to sniff was this digitalis, the wild foxglove, it looks splendid growing on the side of the field but is poisonous.

This next plant is one I only discovered just a few years ago.  I'd seen it but didn't know what it was. It isn't quite in full bloom yet but will soon open into small white flowers and is another plant with a heavenly scent.  The flowers can be dried or used fresh in many recipes such as cheesecake or drinks (my father used to make a wonderful elderflower wine).  My employer is the person who interested me in elderflower, she is a nutritionist who is also very talented in many other ways.  She is a qualified chef and ran a very successful organic hotel and restaurant for years and also teaches food and nutrition, how what you eat affects your health and eating seasonal food.  I used to dislike soup until I ate the most delicious homemade soups made from either courgette, beetroot or carrot with ginger.  I even make it myself now. She has a great knowledge of foraging in the wild for food so I tried to learn as much as possible from her as I do love free food. 

One autumn I was suffering from a sore throat and she made me a really tasty drink. It was made from the berries of the elderflower that (if not all the flowers are picked) are produced in the autumn. She had made an elderberry syrup that, when mixed with hot water and a little honey, soothed my throat while tasting delicious. 

The last photo is my own little baby elderflower tree. If left to grow in the hedgerow it will become a tree but mine kept being cut down by the tractor and hedge trimmer cutting the other side so I nurtured a little tiny piece I broke off and was thrilled when it rooted.  Once the diseased plum tree was cut down I planted this to fill the space and give it a chance to produce lots of flowers and berries for me.  I hope it will grow quite quickly now it's in the ground.

That is nearly the end of the nature walk but I did try again to take a video.  It will be best to turn the volume up and shut your eyes as my videoing is a little shaky but the birds are chatting away.

 

 

Sunday 29th May 2016

The single bloom on the rhododendron that I showed you a few days ago has now become several.  It will just be a few days before the whole bush is blooming.  It makes a lovely sight and dash of colour down our drive.

Just a pleasant view through some trees, I think I said before I am so grateful that I live in such a beautiful place but taking the time to walk and look means I appreciate it even more. (I won't mention the four tumps of manure that have been dumped in the field next door - the smell is quite powerful).

I was very lucky this little sparrow didn't notice me and gave me the chance to capture a couple of good images.  It's not often that happens; if you click on the image (all five images are made into one) you will see much more detail.

This field and the one next to it were just golden with buttercups so I found a little gap to take some photos and found these two horses enjoying them as well.

I tried to take a video, mainly so you could hear the birdsong but it played sideways so will try again, I wouldn't want any travel sickness among my readers.

 

 

Saturday 29th May

While walking today, it occurred to me that I will find it difficult to stop looking for photos opportunities and mulling over what I would be writing in my blog when walking in the future.  I have four more entries to do so here we go with today's.

Our goats and sheep neighbours are gone!  I don't think they have escaped through the open gate, it was just time for them to move but we will miss watching their antics.

 I just had to take this beautiful tree in a nearby garden, I couldn't get close enough to see what it is but it is stunning.

This arrow wasn't for me, it is pointing into a field along the road and, judging by the sign on the main road, is for a 'fun ride' that I presume will be horses and ponies, although it was a tractor event one year.  I can't remember whether it will be Sunday or Monday so must remember to avoid that route, although I would probably get some good photographs!

This bench was placed by the local post box, not sure why.  There are stunning views for the weary traveller but only when the hedge in front is low.  It is also really uncomfortable so don't think anyone would stay there long.  I must admit I've not seen anyone using it - a bit of a mystery.

Next to the bench is the front of what used to be a manse and there is a photo in the archives (brought out whenever Eardisley has a suitable event or a festival) showing the pupils lined up by the Great Oak.  It is now a private house and I have been lucky enough to go inside to visit some previous owners, the kitchen is a very tall room and I remember thinking how difficult it must be to dust up that high.  I am sure there are some handy tools that will reach these days but I'm glad it's not my problem.

Friday 27th May 2016

Today I had to be at the school early but the exam finished by 11:30am.  The school is situated in Peterchurch, where my younger sister runs a pre-school, so I took the opportunity to pay her a visit (and eat my lunch and have a cup of tea).  To fit in my 20 minutes, I parked the car and took a walk down by the church.

First, I passed the local pub with its welcoming sign 'Boots and 'Paws' Welcome'.

After the bustle of the school this morning it was very pleasant to be strolling in the sun and taking a fresh look at this village I had driven through many times.  The church sits at the end of a quiet lane, with its well-kept churchyard and tall steeple.

I had to take a second look at this jeep perched up on a stand, not quite what I expected to see at that moment! Walking closer, I could see it was on a garage forecourt so perhaps someone is working on its restoration.

There was a fun looking playground with some colourful rides and slides.  When my children were small it is very true they had plenty of garden and countryside to play in but most children do love a play park and those in the town have much more choice than those in the country.  My children and their friends considered it a big treat to be driven into the city to visit the swings and slides.  Our local village did eventually provide a small playground but my two were much too big by then.

I stopped on the way back to buy a sandwich and the most delicious loaf of bread from the well-stocked local shop.

Finally, and with its own photo, the pre-school my sister runs received an Outstanding in their Ofsted report. This is a huge achievement and we are all very proud of her hard work.

Thursday 26th May 2016

I split my walk into two sections today as, again, I only had a short time between jobs to fit in some exercise.

It takes me 35 minutes to get to the school where I invigilate but there is a shortcut. I try to avoid it, as it is a 1 in 4 gradient so very steep with few passing places.  I feel like I'm playing musical chairs whenever I use it as I hover by each passing place in case a vehicle wants to go by.

Today I used it twice, first because I wanted to be at school earlier than usual but was running later than usual and, second, so I could stop and have a ten minute walk, as the views are spectacular.  You can see how it just opens up in front of you and makes you feel on top of the world.  What is it about views that are instantly relaxing?  It was quite nice to be safely parked and having a little wander.

The next stage was reached by carrying on over the hill and crossing a narrow bridge over the river.  I parked by this post box, how ever many years must that been situated there? I wonder if it was purposefully built for the post box or if there was a building there originally.

I walked down to the bridge that is another place where we have to stop to make sure nothing is coming, as it is so narrow.  I presume all these tracks and bridges were built with just walking and horse traffic in mind. They could have never envisaged how many vehicles would be using these routes today.

The river was calm and peaceful, it is a popular place for people to gather in hot weather but, in the last photo, you can see the ominous levels the river can come up to when swollen with rain.  I hope you enjoyed the different scenery brought to you today.

Wednesday 25th May 2016

I literally only had 20 minutes spare today. After coming back from invigilating and before getting ready for Pilates, I popped out as I am determined not to miss a day at this stage.

 My first photo shows, again, the cow parsley but this patch is at the top of the drive. As the whole verge grows day by day it becomes increasingly more difficult to see to drive out onto the road. I will have to bring the shears next time.  Walking isn't a problem, though!

 There are only a few sheep and lambs left in the field now but these two were posing beautifully as bookends. Then I spotted the two goats - can you see them in the third photo?

Another plant that I don't know the name of, I'm not sure if it is going out of or coming into flower. I will have to add a wildflower book to my backpack, as well as the shears.

 On my return journey, the goats were being more co-operative.  They are very sweet and seem to have been adopted by one of the sheep as they are quite often following her around.

 
My cheerleaders (sisters) continue to encourage me but insist I send a photo each day to prove I have done the walk and they also get a personal copy of the blog. I'm sure it's keeping them entertained.

Tuesday 24th May 2016

I really, really didn't feel like walking today, it was a busy day at the school supervising the pupils taking their GCSE's. I also sell handmade cards and had four orders to do in the evening plus a couple of other little jobs including this blog.  In other words, I just didn't think I could spare the time.
However, I set off with my camera and I'm so glad I did. It was nice just to slow the brain down a little, breath in fresh air and have a little sun on my face. 

 I managed to take another photo of the goats from a bedroom window just before I set off; I see they were still eating the hedge.  I could do with borrowing them but I suspect they wouldn't just eat the hedge.

After showing you our largest oak tree, this is our baby at 16 years old.  This is the one with its own certificate as it was grown from an acorn found on the Great Oak tree to mark the millennium.  I was contemplating how long it would take to reach the telephone wires.  I might just have planted it in the wrong place.

I have yet another picture of the mountains to show you but it is landscape and wouldn't fit in the frame so I will save it for another day.  This Thursday is the start of the famous Hay Literary Festival when the small border town of Hay-on-Wye will be filled with visitors and celebrities.

Before we moved here (over thirty years ago) this rhododendron was already established and still going strong, it is about to be covered in these beautiful flowers.

Talking of beautiful flowers, on a part of our drive we can't get at to mow, this cow parsley waves mockingly at us.  It is, however, rather splendid when in full flower.

 

Monday 23rd May 2016

I was later than I meant to be when I eventually got out tonight so, sorry, it's the field again as that is where the sun is still shining.  I think I have found a few different things to show you, though.

The first picture is one of my favourite spots, leaning on the wooden bridge watching the stream.  I actually took this to show you 'Rocky Island' but, due to the sun being in my eyes, I  missed to capture that bit.  Just above the greenery on the left, there is a circle of stones in the shallow water and my children and their friends used to have immense fun playing on what they named 'Rocky Island'. 

As mentioned before, the sides of the path are getting long and the nettles and grass now reach my knees. I did feel as though I was on an assault course picking my way through.

The next image shows this lovely gate on the pathway.  It has been there a long time but is in good condition and blends in so well with the scenery.

Then we have a field of barley that will slowly grow golden as the months go by. A few years ago, I was merrily marching along this path and the last field (the largest of the three) had a huge crop that I had never seen growing in this area before.  It stretched way above me and I had the urge to sing 'the corn was as high as an elephant's eye'.  I didn't but might just have hummed it quietly to myself.  After some investigation (asked my farmer brother-in-law) it was thought to be maize and, as they just had their anaerobic digester, explains the change in crops that year.

I prefer maize being in the field than what was there the year before.  I left my car in the garage for its MOT and decided to walk home, approaching the field from the other end of the footpath, only to find a group of young cattle, with horns, curious about the walker in their midst.  I have always been a little nervous of cows, particularly the horned variety, lost my nerve and climbed behind the barb wired fence that edged a ditch.  They all followed me up the field watching my every move as I tried to climb round nettles and thistles. I was beginning to panic slightly as I was running out of fence when, luckily, they lost interest and made their way back down.  I made a swift run towards the next gate and made my way home.  It took me over an hour to walk what should have taken half that time!

Last photo- make a wish!

Sunday 22nd May 2016

A great improvement in the weather to yesterday.  I seemed to be on a nature ramble today, apart from some annoying gnats flitting round my head, I managed to photograph a little brown beetle munching on a leaf and, with a little bit of patience, this beautiful peacock butterfly.

My closest neighbour to the one side lives on a farm three fields and a bit away (last photo). Sadly, she had an unfortunate accident a few years ago falling downstairs at night and breaking her back.  She is now in a wheelchair and trying to learn to adapt to a different life.  Her husband has a vehicle that can anchor her wheelchair as a front seat.  They passed me by as I was doing my 20 minutes and we had a little chat.  I must admit I think about her situation quite often when walking and, when I feel like not getting out or not quite in the mood, I am just so grateful I still have legs I can use and tell myself to just get out there and use them! 

The gate into the field is a metal gate that has to be lifted slightly to open and then it has a reverberating clang when pulled shut.  As our drive is part of a public footpath, we get quite a few walkers with dogs that our cat, Charlie, hates.  As soon as he hears the gate, either he runs in the house or up on top of our roof just in case he is chased.  He must have experienced that quite early on when we had first had him as a rescue cat. He is quite small but at least he can run fast!

 

Saturday 21st May 2016

Another wet day, this makes my photos a little dull.  As you can see, the rain was so heavy it formed a little river that usually finds its way down our drive, gradually eroding the tarmac. I made it out between storms and incorporated my walk with visiting a friend and neighbour.

 The goats were eating the hedge again and encouraging one of the sheep to copy them.

 I did a trip 'round the block' and, as my friend lives by the Great Oak tree, thought I would give you a closer view and also show you the inside (the one that was made even more hollow by a fire inside sometime in the 1930s).  It is so long since I have looked inside the tree, the local children just have to go in as soon as they see it - some adults too! I believe that the whole area was a forest in medieval times. 

 

The last photo shows one of our oak trees, almost as splendid as the Great Oak and must have been there for many years but it is still a youngster in comparison. 

It was quite a while before I finished my walk and finally made it home as the minute I got to my friend's house, the heavens opened.  I was forced to shelter there with a cup of tea and maybe I also had a small piece of cake.

 

 

Friday 20th May 2016

On a strict time limit today as my husband was cooking tea (well, putting it in the oven!).  

I have been trying to get a photo of one of the many squirrels that live in our trees but they are a bit elusive.  This one was quite intent on nibbling something in the grass so, with a bit of tiptoeing and the aid of a little zooming in, this is the closest I could get.

Yet again, I am going round the bend.  Even though you have seen this bend before it is from a different angle.  I like to shake things up a little.

Birds are also tricky to photograph. I have a Fuji digital camera that has a good zoom on it but it is a little too cumbersome to carry round the countryside.  I have spent many a warm evening sat in my garden waiting for something to walk or fly into my path so I can capture a close up. This thrush was singing away and I have done the best I can to show its beauty to you.

The cuckoo has been very vocal these past few days.  Considering they lay their eggs in other birds' nests to be brought up with the other fledglings, you would think they would be a little more discreet about it.

 

 

 

 

Thursday 19th May 2016

The best thing about living in the country is the ever-changing view.  By that, I mean the scenery changes each season. The crops peeping through are a vibrant green in the summer, changing to a waving crop of golden corn in the summer, to the ploughed fields of autumn showing such neat rows of the rich red brown earth of Herefordshire, finally the winter could be brown, or have little spikes of green showing through, iced with frost or covered in snow or even drowning in a lake, something that has happened far too much the last few years. Due to rotation of crops there are further changes with maybe potatoes, wheat or spring barley visible from my bathroom window.

I have fond memories of my grandfather's farm where the fields had beautiful poppies and many other wild flowers such as campion, trefoil and cowslips round the edge of the field, something that is not popular with farmers today but as a child it was magical, I can also vaguely remember the corn was made into stooks that were carefully stacked into eight before the advent of balers - I'm not that old it's just that technology has advanced in such a short space of time. I've found a photo to show what I mean

As I was in a reflective mood, I decided to go across the fields again as the nettles and thistles are growing fast so it will no longer be a pleasant walk until either the crops are cut or the verge dies down. In addition, one of the fields has had a tractor working in there the last few days and I wanted to see what he was up to.

It began to rain before I set off and I remembered my brother-in-law gave me a waterproof gaiters so I dusted them off and popped them on.  I'm so glad I did, not only did they keep my trousers dry; it protected me from the nettles and thistles on the way as shown by the sort of selfie in the first photo. 

The next image shows the bright green I was aiming for, with the second showing the footpath with the main part of the field to the right.  It looks a little like just the grass had been allowed to grow and then cut; it certainly smelled like newly mown grass but greatly intensified. That farmer owns an anaerobic digester and they grow crops to add to it, perhaps that's where this went.

The last photo is coming back across the bridge over the stream, a place I just have to stop every time. The bridge before this one had a stile each end - a bit of a challenge, particularly when the whole thing started to list to one side.  The new bridge is nice and solid with just rails each side, open ends and this ever-changing stream running underneath.

 

 

Wednesday 18th May 2016

We are still experiencing sudden, heavy rainstorms so, after lunch I nipped out while the sun was shining, as shown in the first photo.  I was very pleased to see a couple of horses as a few fields down, some of my favourite animals.  I think he was going to come and say hello or 'what do you think you are doing?'

The third photo I actually took last but this was the contrast when I was coming back.  In just a short time, the sky had changed and I made it just before the next storm.

The cow parsley is now nearly as tall as I am; I love it when the verge is all big and blowsy except when trying to see if anything is coming when driving out on to the road. It used to eventually be cut down to make the roads safer to use, both for pedestrians and traffic but cuts in budgets seems to be the excuse not to do this now, under the guise of saving the wildflowers. They are quite tough; they would survive just one cut a year.

Nestled in the flowers are two brand new boxes that enable us to get fibre broadband at last.  It is only the cost that now prohibits us!  They stuck out when first put in but are now blending in with the foliage.

 

 

Tuesday 17th May 2016

I have a busy month ahead invigilating for the GCSE's, I had an afternoon shift today and, after a beautiful sunny start, the heavens opened just as I got to my car.  It stopped by the time I got home so thought I had better take the opportunity to get outside.

The decision was made to turn left, mainly because the wind was in my face and I thought it might give me an extra push coming back.  It didn't. My first photo is a wild flower, much hated in the garden but a ray of sunshine in its own space, then as you can see, the Black Mountains were completely shrouded in cloud - what a different mood the weather can make to a scene. 

 On the return journey, you can tell I was going round the bend, literally. It's always interesting to see what's round the corner, even if I think I know the route I have noticed doing the walking each day how quickly hedges and the roadside grow. 

In one of the fields to the side of us, there are sheep and their lambs. Now they do seem to have grown quickly and it is such a joy to see the lambs play together and jumping straight off the ground.  One wet day, there seemed to be a lamb crèche with them all huddled together and just a couple of mums keeping watch. We discovered years ago when our children were small that the bleat of a lamb calling it's mum - and they do so a lot - sounds just like a child's cry. There were many occasions we sprung up to see to our girls and found them still sound asleep. Even though we had a baby monitor, it was very deceiving.

We noticed a couple of very clean sheep and it took us a quite a while to notice they had little horns and were goats.  I have been trying to get a good photo of them and have included the only ones I could get, taken a couple of weeks ago, with a camera that has a zoom option and was able to catch them munching on the hedge.

 

 

Monday 16th May 2016

After working all day, having tea and sorting a few things out, I set off a little later than I intended.  I took the path up the drive trying to decide which way to turn when at the top. Sadly, both ways were in shadow and not appealing at all looking back the field was basking by itself in the sun so I turned round and went back down.  I tried to take a photo of a couple of pheasants I startled out of the crops but I was facing the sun and they were too quick for me.  I did spot a quite a few holes down the verge of the drive that were made by a badger.  He (or she) paws at the ground to get their favourite foods from under the grass but they do make a bit of a mess and cause a challenge for the lawnmower.

We used to have one digging in the part of our garden I call 'the orchard', mainly because of the roughness of the ground, but we do have a very old apple tree that holds one end of my washing line, a Conference pear and a Blenheim apple tree. We did have a couple more trees but it was a Victoria plum and another yellow variety, as I am sensitive to wasp stings I was always hesitant about picking them. Once one contracted a disease and the other didn't fruit, they were cut down. At one point we had the badger digging big holes and a mole pushing earth up so I used to fill the holes with the nicely turned over earth from the mole hill. I suspect that part of the garden is full of underground tunnels now.

Back to my walk, I tried to find something of interest to show you, apart from a signpost and a badger hole and spotted some May blossom in the hedge. This comes from the Hawthorn tree, quite often used as hedging, as the sharp thorns are good for keeping livestock in (or out). It's my belief this is where the saying comes from 'Ne'er cast a clout 'til May is out'. I don't think it means the month of May due to our unpredictable weather but I might be wrong.

The nettles are growing tall as shown in the photo with the antidote to nettle stings in the next photo. The dock leaf does work quite well, so long as it is split a little so the green 'juice' can be rubbed on the sting.

I used to make nettle wine; it was very easy, very tasty, very sweet and very potent! Only a small liqueur glass was needed. The downside was the smell of nettles cooking is reminiscent of several cats that have sprayed the kitchen many, many times. 

 

 

Sunday 15th May 2016

Another perfect day today. Decided to try to take a photo of the Black Mountains so combined two walks.  First, I went across just one large field as there was a tractor working in the second and then up my drive where, it turned out, some of the best views were to be found.

I have discovered one of the best things about these walks is I am taking notice of the wild flowers that are blooming this time of year, I'm not saying I never noticed before but, because I am taking photographs, it has renewed my interest in knowing their names.  I used to know so many of them but I'm ashamed to say seem to have forgotten some. Just walking up and down my drive has made me more observant and it is something I must continue to do.

The advent of the digital camera was one of the best things to happen, no worries about spoiled films and, even though the sun makes it difficult to see the image at the time, meaning I just point in the right direction and hope, I get some pretty good results, in my opinion.  For me, Photoshop is another top invention, with a crop here and there and a bit of 'rubbing out' the worst photos are immensely improved.

I was extremely surprised to have taken 48 photos today, don't worry you don't have to see them all but there is a selection below, including the intended project of the Black Mountains. They make a beautiful background, don't they? Can you smell the apple blossom too?

 

 

Saturday 14th May 2016

Busy day today, I went to a French conversation class this morning and then someone came out to help me catch up with the garden a little, as I lost so much time with the vertigo problem. What a perfect day! My washing was blowing in the breeze with the sun quickly drying it. It was just the right temperature to prune one of my forsythias then a quick tea before walking across the fields. 

The scene changes daily, it is almost possible to see the crops growing while the weeds and grass on the footpath shoot up even faster.  The cuckoo has been noisier than ever and I often feel he has a mocking tone when he sees I am working or getting a bit warm on a walk.

Our house looks towards the Black Mountains and this route brings me even closer.  They seem close enough to touch but I know they are in the next county and quite a drive away.  They are just to the right of the hills in the photo, will try to get a photo including the mountains next time. They are our first indication of the weather - if they are capped with snow, it will be chilly outside and if we can't see them then it's raining!

 

 

 

 

Friday 13th May 2016

Last day of having my daughter's company before she goes home so we visited the city.  Twice in one week for me, it's usually once every 6 weeks when I have my haircut.

It was a nice day for walking about, less humid but dry, so we parked on the top of the multi storey giving us a good distance to get to the centre of the old town for refreshments (M&S) before hitting the shops.

 

 

Thursday 12th May 2016

Today was my daughter's birthday and she was home from the ships where she works so came to spend a few days with us.  After a lovely lunch, she joined me for the walk and we did a 'round the block' trip of a total 35 minutes. It was a good walk as the sun was shining, though a little too humid for walking, and included a steep incline as a challenge. A brook runs at the foot of the hill and is a good place to pause and watch the water.

The last photo is a beautiful gate leading to a neighbour's garden.

As soon as we got back home, I did a quick change and went to play badminton.

 

 

 

Wednesday 11th May 2016

I took the chance to get out inbetween showers and decided on the right turn today.  Could hear the cuckoo really well today. 

Pity you can't scratch and sniff the photos as the scent of the wisteria on this old manse, by the Great Oak, smelled wonderful.  The second photo shows the end of the road (well as far as I was going) and the sign in the last one is good to know.

I downloaded the scavenger hunt suggestions but not sure where I will find a fountain unless a water pipe springs a leak! Will have a go and see what I can find.

 

 

Tuesday 10th May 2016

A complete change of view today. I was on the living streets as it was the day for my hair appointment. The city is about 30 minutes drive from home so I parked in the furthest car park from my hairdresser to give me a 20 minute walk. I carefully avoided being distracted by the shops on the way. I think I was thought to be a strange tourist the way I was taking photos, particularly as it was raining.

The first photo is the car park (it will eventually become part of new road structure in the town). Second photo shows I'm on my way through the new part of town, confusingly called Old Market - it used to be our cattle market).  Then through the older part of town. After the hairdressers, it was time for lunch with friends and then the walk back. In the rain.

 

 

Monday 9th May 2016

After working all day and with a lot more work of my own to be done this evening, I didn't really feel like going out, particularly as rain looked imminent.  However, I got kitted up and off I went.  A left turn today, with a stunning view towards the Black Mountains.

Disappointingly, I found three pieces of litter within a very short distance.  Why would anyone want to ruin this Earth and maybe harm birds or animals with their rubbish that they are too lazy to take home? 

Our bins are kept at the top of our drive and we bring the rubbish up to them.  Sometimes we find random rubbish has been placed in one of them.  A bit of a cheek but far better than leaving it on the roadside.

 

This time my walk didn't relax me as much as it should.  Too much on my mind, I think, plus I am a bit of a fair weather walker and the grey skies seemed to affect my mood slightly.  Still, I thought to myself, I've kept to the pledge and it must have done me some good even if just to switch the mind off a little. My cheerleaders (sisters) pointed out that a week has gone already, I was thinking 31 days total to do, not the attitude I know, but thinking in weeks is a better way of looking at it.

 

On a more cheerful note, there is a variety of old established trees down our drive. Mostly oak, with a few ash, sycamore and one beech.  Also a baby oak that has a certificate of its own.  It was grown by a local man from an acorn belonging to the Great Oak tree (see Wednesday 4th) and sold for charity during the millennium year.  Just a few days ago, the oak trees were busy getting into leaf while the others were lagging behind.  Today, with the warm weather we have had, they are all springing into life and forming an avenue across the drive.

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday 8th May 2016

A beautiful sunny day today.  Decided on an evening walk again as it is so peaceful and lovely to be away from those dark evenings.

Our drive is included in a footpath route and today my husband was asked where the fields lead to; he did know but confessed he has never followed the path all the way across the fields! I told him he would be coming with me soon. His walking is usually done on the golf course but I said that was not the same.

I take so many photos, it is sometimes difficult to choose just a few.  Today's choice include the lovely gate to the second field, a bit of help in case I don't know the way, some crops shooting up and homeward bound.

 

 

Saturday 7th May 2016

Out all day then had to wait for thunder and heavy rain to finish.  I know the hardy go out in the rain but rain with thunder is a different story in my book.

 It is very peaceful in the evening and I was very pleased to hear a cuckoo's call.  For a couple of years they didn't seem to be around and then re-appeared thankfully.  The swifts were winging overhead and the steam was rising gently from the road.  I am sure the drive was a little easier to climb this time or am I slowing up? It is so good to be committed to this project as I could so easily say I've not got time to go out but it is actually good for unravelling the mind and then feel fresh to start again. 

The first photo proves it rained, the second is the end of my route today, the third is a llama, yes not just cows and sheep in the country and the last is a lamb who mistakenly thought I bought him food. I felt a little sheepish.

 

 

Friday 6th May 2016

Today I have been counting for a local election so a long day.  It was evening before I could get out and intended to go across the fields but the farmer had been spraying and the smell was obnoxious. I got so far and turned round, deciding I couldn't walk across two fields with my hand over my mouth and nose.

One of my dreads this time of year is the crops of oil seed rape as that affects my throat and eyes when it bursts open (as it has today).  I am lucky that I don't get hay fever but that one vivid yellow crop causes me problems each year.  There are hazards in the countryside as well as the town! 

So I went up my drive (first photo is looking back down), turned right and down the road. Whichever way I go there is a slope or hill at some point; though it might be my imagination, I thought it might have been ever so slightly easier at the top of my drive today.

Look at this beautiful flower on the verge.  I used to know the names of many wild flowers but seem to have forgotten some of them.

Another nice view of the climb back up and the scut of a rabbit on the way back. (I was on my way back, not sure where he was going).

 

 

Thursday 5th May 2016

Let's hope this weather continues throughout May to make it easier for all the NWM walkers.

Thursday nights I play badminton so, again, wanted to fit the walk in earlier.  Luckily, I wasn't  working today so could pick my time. Same starting path as yesterday but had some letters to post so a slightly different route.  The sheep were definitely interested in what I was looking at.

Wednesday 4th May 2016

As I go to a Pilates class on a Wednesday night, I wanted to do the walk during the day.  It might have been a slight mistake to go out after lunch, as I seemed to be feeling less energetic. The first picture is the route taken today.  They will eventually get a little familiar to you, as there are only so many ways I can go. The next photo shows the Great Oak Tree, part of the Black and White Village Trail, it is rumoured to be mentioned in the Domesday Book but it is a little too young for that as it is approximately 600 - 800 years old. Following a fire it has a hollow centre that will fit quite a few people. My children used to love to play inside. 

A little further along the road I decided to take a short cut and follow a footpath that leads nearly to the top of my drive.  As I paused on the stile in the lovely sunshine I was startled by a strange noise, I hesitantly looked further into the field and there were a few sheep lazing in the shade and, I am fairly certain, snoring!

Tuesday 3rd May 2016

During May and June, I work as an exam invigilator at a local school. When I say local, I mean in the county not local to me so I have to drive about 35 minutes to get to work.  Walking on those days will be a challenge as I am most definitely not a morning person and getting up at 7am does not suit me one bit.  Luckily, with lighter nights, I should be able to fit the walk in somewhere. Today I was able to get out about 5:30pm and chose the field route. This time of year it is much easier before the verge and crops grow too tall.  

 I find it more difficult walking across fields as I have to watch where my feet are going and it's not easy to get a good stride under way. However, it was so peaceful and the sun was shining. 

Halfway there I realised the wind was behind me meaning I would be fighting with it coming back. I was carried away and walked across three fields and that took me 15 minutes so a grand total of 30 mins today. Apparently it doesn't mean I can do ten less tomorrow.  Only joking, I am enjoying the challenge and writing about it is one way to keep me going.

 

 

Monday 2nd May 2016

A work day today so little opportunity to get out for a walk but downed tools and managed to get out at the end of the working day. A bit too windy for me, I prefer a gentle summer breeze, but at least the rain had stopped.

 To walk from my home I can either turn right and go across fields or go up the drive and I mean up! Our drive was an old farm track and is very steep at the top.  The photo shows what faces me, easy for some but not for me. It is much more fun to walk with someone but, as I struggle to speak when I reach the top, perhaps it's just as well I am usually alone. My legs were protesting a little and I really hope this will improve over the next month.

I got into a good rhythm when walking along the road.  As it was home time for workers, I did have to hop on and off the verge a few times as cars passed me. In places with no verge I found myself speared on pieces of holly as I pressed back into the hedge. It's not only town walking that involves potential hazards.

Tractors were turning the earth in one field so I had the lovely scent of the rich Herefordshire loam, the bleat of the lambs and a few busy birds in the trees. It was a very good way of unwinding after a day's concentration in front of the computer.

 

 

Sunday 1st May 2016

My mother died 10 years ago and today would have been her 90th birthday so my sisters and I arranged to go for lunch and then said they would encourage me to start my 20 minutes a day challenge by joining me on a walk in local woods.

It was a damp start to the day but, luckily, the rain had eased to a small mizzle by the time we set off.  My sisters timed me and wouldn't let me stop until 20 minutes walking had been done, and then I was able to take some photographs and look at the views. The leaves at this time of year are a spectacular zingy green and the birds were singing away.  It is only as they begin to sing again I realise how much I miss them in the winter.

Hills are always a challenge for me and we had a few of those on our walk, in fact, as we were following a planned route, actually walked for 50 minutes.  As I had suffered from a form of vertigo for the last month, this was an extra challenge for me but my cheerleaders kept me going and we arrived, gratefully in my case, back at the car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Walking Month

May is National Walking Month and I (somehow) pledged to #Try20. That is finding time to walk 20 minutes a day. This is run by Living Streets - a UK Charity for Everyday Walking. Learn more about them here.

I have been writing a blog for myself and it was suggested I posted it online.  We are at day 14 now so will try and catch up with the posts over the next few days.