Well, yesterday Winter finally arrived down here in Devon. I dug out my long fur coat, which always comes out of the back of the wardrobe when the frosts appear! I jumped in the car to pop up to the village to get some provisions, and the car was telling me that it was -2 degrees C outside, and with the wind chill factor, it felt a lot colder, I can tell you!
But, the upside is that we have had clear blue skies for the past couple of days and the air was almost sparkling like diamonds. On Wednesday, my friend and I took advantage, wrapped up, and went for a good walk. After we had walked for about an hour and a half, and stopped for a coffee, we decided to then walk around the grounds of Saltram House, which is a National Trust property not far from here. I don't know if any of you ever saw the film Sense and Sensibility when it came out a few years ago, but this was the house that was used in the making of that film. It really is a magnificent Georgian Mansion.
Would you believe that I left my camera at home?! Anyway, I took a few shots with my mobile phone.
This is the magnificent Lime Walk which was planted around 200 years ago. I couldn't help thinking how much Eli & Ruby would like it here. So much freedom for them to run around, and lots to explore. At this time of the year, the gardens are completely free of charge.
It looks as if these steps and little gateway would lead to a magical place!
The Duck Pond just outside the coffee shop!
The Clock Tower to the old Stable Block
Entrance to the old Stable Block
Garden scene
Can you believe that Hydrangeas were in full bloom in January! The frost of the past couple of days will probably kill them off.
The garden was full of Camellias in full bloom
A Folly in the garden - very pretty. Just look at that wonderful blue sky!
Fireplace inside the Folly. Eli & Ruby will love coming in here! I'd love to have a Folly like this in my garden!
If any of you are interested in the different frames that I have used on the photos today, watch out for my Sunday Snaps feature this week.
The lovely Eva, over at Eva Ason's Art Corner, has very kindly awarded me The Liebster Blog Award - thank you so much my friend, and I appreciate you thinking of me. Pop over to Eva's blog and admire her lovely artwork.
This Award is given to Blogs with under 200 Followers.
The rules are:
1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.
2. Reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.
3. Post the award on your blog
4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogshare-other bloggers
5. Finally and the best rule of all...have fun and spread the love.
I like this Award because, basically, it seems that I don't have to do anything, and I don't have to tell you anything about myself! Hee Hee!
You know that I love each and every one of you, so it is always very difficult to hand out these Award to just a few people. However, it has to be done, so I would like to pass The Liebster Award on to the following Bloggies, with my fondest wishes. If you would like to take the time to pay them a visit, I know that you will not be disappointed. They are all special in their own unique way.
Stella from Stella by Starlight.
Shelly from La Tejana
and last, but by no means least, my dear friend Tom over at Shady Dell Music & Memories.
Sorry this post has turned out to be rather long, but I do appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to read it.
25 comments:
I do understand what you mean with clear blue sky, we have this crisp weather for more than a week, but already minus 10 degrees :) Congratulation for your award! and btw the pics are super nice!
Dear Diane, I love this cold crisp weather, after all the rain and winds we've got this winter ^_^ Such beautiful pictures you're sharing today. I'm sitting here at the office looking out the window on the clear sky, sun is about to raise. And guess what?! It's Friday [yeyy]. Have a lovely day my friend! big hugs
Eva
What a beautiful place to visit! It is amazing to see those flowers in the winter. I love fireplaces and that is a grand one. I love the movie you spoke of, I think I've seen it around 4 times. Thank you so much for the award, Diane. It is so kind of you to think of me. Love and hugs.
After looking at all of those pictures I needed to double check which blog I was on, Thisisme. I thought I was over at Driftwood Ramblings! (LOL) I hope you can take Ruby to that enchanted spot on her next visit. Her imagination will run wild, I'm sure. Seems like it takes bitter cold to drive away the English rain, clouds and dampness so enjoy the clear blue sky and low humidity while you can. We are still enduring near record heat. I want to thank you very much for giving me the Liebster Blog Award. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated as is your friendship. Have a wonderful weekend, dear friend Thisisme!
Thank you so much, Diane! I really appreciate the award, and more than that, having you for a wonderful bloggy friend.
Your pictures, as always, are gorgeous. How I would love to be able get out into some cold (or cooler) weather. We have the ac going full blast and the ceiling fans are whirling like helicopters. I wonder if our tiny winter is already over.
Thank you for this delightful tour. Flowers in January, amazing isn't it?
Do not be surprised if Squirrel shows up on your doorstep when she finds out you live that close to there. That is one of her ALL TIME favorite movies. I can't wait to show her your post. She will be so excited.
Congrats on the award - and I spy a couple of new blogs to read - Thx!
Try to stay warm lovely.
Another great post girl with so many wonderful pictures and you seem to have learned some tricks to give your photography a flair. I am very impressed. Congratulations on the award & to the ones you passed it along to. Have a great rest of the weekend & I'll catch up with you later.
Hugs,
Hello, Dearest Diane.
Oh, how I wish to be with you for the walk; how wonderful to see all these fabulous pictures of wonderful places♡♡♡
I just started to fiddle with the framesp;) You are better photographer. Fun, isn't it♬♬♬
I had very busy day today. Finished Setubun-rituals, and wishing to go to bed p;)
Love you always, xoxo Miyako*
Diane,
Just found you through Natasha's pinterest party,and am now your newest follower.
pinterest is a new interest and I'm just learning the ropes, looks like fun!
Snow is forecast for us here in Normandy tomorrow, but today we have blue skies and sunshine.
too cold for me i prefer our spring weather we are having and yes i'm a sissy when it comes to cold. What beeautiful photos you took I love the fireplace gorgeous
Lovely snaps from your phone.
That photo of the steps leading down to a gate would be a great opening for an historical novel. Wish I could write :)
Keep warm, though I suspect that would mean several layers in this cold snap.
carol
I am blog reading this afternoon as it is freezing cold and snowing here as well. Your photos brightened my day, so much for being away for the worst of the winter!
- flipping 10 here today!! Thank goodness my heating is fixed! Love the frames around your photos. Please let me steal?! Also love your header of luuurve :)
I loved the photos! Wow, you have some great walking country around you. I would just love to visit that area sometime.
Congrats on your award.
Stay warm!
I lovvvvvve these photos. Would love to visit these places. Someday This!! The little ones certainly could run off some steam on that walk for sure. Thanks for sharing these great shots. Hugs.
What a superb post! I loved the walk and am so happy you've received yet another award. Well done to those to whom you've passed it along to. Your pictures are gorgeous, Diane! I look forward to Sunday :)
I so enjoyed seein' your beautiful flower pics from the magnificent gardens. I sure feeds my OCFD (obsessive, compulsive, flower disorder as I have named it) Heeehehehhe!!!
God bless ya from the jealous hills and hollers of the cold and rainy hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa!!! :o)
What a beautiful stroll you had! I love setting out for adventures like that. The photos were quite good to be made on a mobile. We still haven't turned cold here, but the groundhog says we still have six weeks of winter. I would like to know when it's going to start - not end, lol. Blessings to you and your family!
Brrrr! I saw on the news that Europe was experiencing harsh cold and snow in some areas. And wondered if you were included. It's exhilarating to get out on a brisk day and your adventure was certainly prosperous. I really love your photos, and frames. We've had 65 and 75° weather this week...strange for January. February may surely rage in on us. Have a wonderful weekend, Thisisme, and congratulations on your new blog award. You are a great blog influence!
Hi Diane...looks like you had a great afternoon with your friend. I can just see Eli and Ruby Violet exploring what's behind that gate...ohhhh A Secret Garden!
Congratulations on your award you are indeed a true Sweetheart!
Enjoy you blues skies...we're getting rain for the next several days.
Hugs~
We were snowed in a couple of weeks ago, so I can relate. I sure would love to have a hydrangea that bloomed this time of year! Loved the picture - it was so nice to see flowers this time of year.
We finally have some rain today after 3 months of nothing. We may get a few snowflakes tonight but will not stick as it is too warm. I wish I could have toured the grounds with you. I have always just seen England through all the books I read. Thanks for sharing.
Love your photos and hope that the snow has not reached you and stays away!
It very cold here but hoping that the white stuff doesn't reach us!!
I am busy playing catch-up but because I have missed so much over the last few weeks, don't think that I will ever really catch-up with everything!!
I have missed your lovely blog and photos but will have a good read now.
Have a great weekend
x Fiona
good information ... I have read and will be added to my personal knowledge... thanks
Post a Comment