A Forbidden Frolic

Yesterday Big Sis was visiting from the Big Smoke. The strange thing was that she wasn't visiting us. Her dearest friend was celebrating her nineteenth so it was a one night only affair. She wanted to see us to pass on Mr K's Father's Day present (!) and as the party was in the next village we said we would pop over. As the weather was so glorious we decided that it would be the perfect opportunity to try out the newly refurbished towpath on our bikes. By eight thirty the glaring heat of the day had dissipated and the evening light added a golden hue to the landscape  - perfect.

We stopped at the first bridge to take in our favourite view

 Then back down to the canal

We tootled along quite happily, chatting about nothing in particular and waving at the boats when, in the distance, we spied a flash of red

TOWPATH CLOSED!

We considered what might be on the other side. Would there be any footpath? Were we scuppered? How bad could it be? Then out of the blue Mr K did this

All I could do was follow!

As it turned out the towpath was fine - most of it had actually already been resurfaced and we did pass someone else with their dog so we didn't feel too naughty.

The sun was dipping

All was lush and so so quiet

The only interruption was from the occasional train when we rode adjacent to the tracks

The evening air was heady with the scent of elderflower and wild honeysuckle

As we approached the village the outlying cottages were soaking up the last of the light

The ducks were  roosting (one eye open of course)

And then we were there

Our stay was short. We swapped presents and congratulations. We caught up with friends who we have seen Big Sis grow up with - all very grown up now themselves. They invited us to join them on the picnic blankets laid out in the back garden for a Pimms but we declined - it would have been too easy to overstay our welcome! 

We cycled back in a reflective mood, stopping only to stock up on elder flowers for some cordial making tomorrow. It's still hard saying goodbye to Big Sis in a different environment but things change and we are so lucky for what we have.

We arrived back home shortly after 10pm - it was still light -  still time for a Pimms in our own back garden!

Hope you have had chance to sit back and enjoy what you have wherever you are.

Jane

x

A June Jaunt

IT'S JUNE!

So here's the new page of my calendar

'The Brave Little Tailor' by Franz Wacik

A nip and a punch for the first of the month (where on earth did that phrase come from - I'm sure it's been the start of many a playground fight!)

What could be a better start to a new month than a mystery jaunt?
A little while ago Penny at L is for Love wrote about the wonderful rides she takes on her bicycle. Since then I've procrastinated at length about rescuing my old thing from the shed (my bike - not Mr K - although it has been known...) so today, after a major tussle with the lawn mower, some hessian and no end of badly behaved bamboo poles, she was exhumed.

Here she is

My lovely shiny red bicycle (of course you know it makes sense that it's red as I've waxed lyrical about green being my favourite ever colour!) Mr K checked the tyres and I -  because I am a woman and I am strong - checked the bell. A quick check of the seat height (Mr K insisted on this although I don't think my legs have altered length particularly since last time) and she was ready for the off.

First hurdle was to get her up the garden steps

And past old faithful

No Jessie dog - not this time

Up on to the tow path (or as Big Sis called it until she was about twelve 'the toad path')

And a quick look around to check nobody is looking whilst I unceremoniously cast my leg asunder

Coast is clear

Head for the lock

See the boat on the right...

And hop off to cross the bridge

...now it's in the lock

Can you hear the rushing water?

Carry on up to the railway tracks

Past the little meadow

Check the sign

Just as well I did

That was close!

Just a little further now

And then the path ends and we take a left

 Do you know where we are going yet?

Okay - let's get closer

Stone Railway Station - a beautiful building which now serves as a community space for various groups (who put that black car there - didn't they know I wanted a picture?)

But why are we here? (We don't know will you get on with it please?)

A very talented lady who I met at our knit nights at the local pub thought it would be a great idea to pull together some local crafters to demonstrate their skills.

So inside we were met with

spinning - both with the traditional wheels

and a spindle

This lady had made the most beautiful bag using domino knitting

Tatting

This lady made the tatting process look so easy 

and was effortlessly producing these bookmarks for her local church

and, of course, knitting

There was also a wonderfully talented lady who had made some beautiful shawls. Sadly I took no photos of these but you can visit her Etsy shop here.

The atmosphere was lovely, gentle chatter amongst like minded people accompanied by

the most delicious home made cakes!

Sitting at tables dressed with

hand made felt floral displays

There were other items for sale and I took part in a Chinese auction (no I'm still not too sure what it is but it looked like fun)

After a good old chat and bags of inspiration it was time to set off home

Back down to the tracks

Nothing coming this time!

Reach the end of the meadow and hop off again

Check for the newly hatched ducklings

Nothing doing

 Round the lock

And home

Back through the gate to sample some of the Scotch eggs Mr K procured from the Farmers Market this morning.

Thanks old trusty!

Jane

x

(P.S. I've got some lovely new finds to share but I reckon if you've got this far you'll probably need to go for a lie down in a darkened room - until next time!)