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.