The weekend before last B and her boyfriend came home from university and we spent a lovely time with them relaxing catching up, and shopping. It was so good to see them both, and we enjoyed spending time together with D too, just having a bit of a wander and enjoying the atmosphere in Bath. The Christmas market was yet to start, so the crowds weren't too bad, and the Christmas lights looked very twinkly indeed.
Yesterday we went to visit J at his university for the day. It was a longish drive, and I used the time in the car to crochet some sparkly snowflakes which was a satisfying way of spending otherwise unused time. They're quick to make and very addictive. At the moment they're a bit crinkly, but once I've made a few I'll spray starch them.
There was some lovely sunshine this weekend on both days after foggy early mornings. We went shopping with J, and had a walk around the university's tranquil lake in the late afternoon sun.
It was quite still and there were some very colourful reflections in the glassy water.
Growing around the lake were many alder trees with their distinctive little cones. Seamus Heaney described the "cones in winter,
So rattle-skinned, so fossil-brittle"
and they are indeed very dry, breaking easily. I like them for their wintriness, and picked a couple for indoors.
There was a great deal of wildlife in evidence. This beautiful heron swooped lazily across the lake and landed in a tree nearby. It sat there for ages and we enjoyed the chance to look at its long beak and legs in detail.
There were also lots of waterfowl: geese, ducks, moor hens, coots and swans.
This pair were being fed, and their long sinewy necks stretched as they reached upwards, so very graceful and strong. I wondered how long they'd been together, as they mate for life.
After our wander and a bit of shopping, we ended the day with a warming hot chocolate before saying goodbye and the dark drive home again. It was so good to spend the day with J. I've got used to it just being the three of us at home now, but I'm really looking forward to him and B coming home for Christmas.
Lovely post. I really like your crocheted snowflakes - are they decorations for the tree or for a garland? I haven't tried crocheting in the car yet; I have a feeling that it might make me a bit queasy, like reading. I'm also fascinated by the pattern on your hot chocolate! x
ReplyDeleteThe snowflakes are for a little garland, I think, as my tree is usually quite over-crowded :) Crocheting in the car doesn't make me feel sick if I sit in the back to do it, but I know what you mean. I definitely can't read on a car journey!
DeleteCathy x
Those snowflakes are looking good :) and I love the snowflake pattern in the hot chocolate. You're lucky to have got such a clear photo of the heron - nice one :)
ReplyDeleteThank you! I do find bird photography quite tricky, so I was lucky to get this one :)
DeleteCathy x
Your post is lovely ! Nice lake .. you know I like this kind of place .. ! thanks for sharing it ! Your crafts are really cute ! Have a creative day !
ReplyDeletehttp://woolandcats.blogspot.fr/
I love you sparkly snowflakes they will make lovely decorations for you.
ReplyDeleteHello Cathy
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos, the Christmas lights look stunning against the dark navy sky.
Fabulous snowflakes all soft and sparkly, are they for your tree?? . Magical Autumnal scenes, and brilliant end to a special day.
luv
irene
xxxx
Lovely post with very nice (and christmasy) pics! :)
ReplyDeleteTake care
Anne
http://crochetbetweentwoworlds.blogspot.de
Thank you all for the kind comments - I hope to get the snowflakes finished soon
DeleteCathy x