Wildlife

Over the bank holiday weekend, we went away with friends camping. It was a lovely time in parts but a little too chilly for me! Our Autumn is arriving fast, no signs of an indian summer as yet. As we drove through the stunning scenes of the west country to our south downs heritage, we talked about the beauty of wildlife and rural England. Then last night we so happened to watch a programme that highlighted concerns to conserve our natural wildlife and biodiversity. Both Richard and I responded to this by joining the charity Campaign to Protect Rural England http://www.cpre.org.uk/home

Author Bill Bryson in 2007 became the CPRE's president and his aim is for people to be aware and passionate about protecting our natural wildlife. It feels like from a simple appreciation of our countryside a concern to preserve has been birthed. Presently it feels very vast, so as we think and pursue this I am hoping to make small changes, from letter writing to local and national governments to sponsored events. So please watch this space.

Friend or Foe

Time is a friend of mine and yet at times, my greatest foe. Ok, so foe is a little strong. This week is it running away from me and I can't help but want extra hours, or for time to slow down. With Richard working long hours, I feel as though I am burning the candle at both ends. So I have resorted to making lists and trying to get to bed earlier. What do the last days of August hold for you?

ps. I took this photo in a recently decorated side room for a bar...love displaying collections.

Wandering

We took a stroll along the river and watched an air show overhead. It was good to relax and be outdoors. I feel so much calmer when I get a chance to take in nature and truly forgot about worrying.

More Greens Please

Lately I am remarking a little too often on how time is flying by. This week has been no exception. September is around the corner and the mental list of things to do is being added to hourly! Today was particularly busy, but hugely enjoyable. I got to see and spend time with two of my favourite friends in the village. I felt so touched by the gesture of home grown beans from my friend Kathie, it was wrapped in baking paper and tied with brown string. Anyway these beans could possibly be the most photographed in the whole world!

ps. Still loving the Square cropped and listening to Hurts on youtube, as the album has been pre- ordered for the release in Sept. Finally love french beans.

A pocket full of Sunshine

In the light of the days fading into grey, I am relishing taking snaps with natural light. Truth be told I am not as confident with the lighting aspect of taking photos. I am hoping to start a course in the Autumn, at the cost of WI, which I love, but my passion for photography is what seems to dominate my thinking. Anyhow, it may be a case of watch this space. The above was taken today in our kitchen and I am still experimenting with the square crop again.

Fun at the Fair

It was C's first outing to the fair today. She could not help but follow her older sister's lead. Both girls enjoyed the lights and the excitement of the rides. Personally my stomach would not have handled being swung around.

ps. picked up a couple of DVD's at the car boot this morning, Kite Runner, Australia and The Boat that Rocked. Reviews and recommendations most welcome as we are setting in for the winter!!

Tale of two Roads

This morning, I made the most of the dry spell and popped into Lewes. I needed to buy a gift for a friend and a couple of thank you gifts for the workers at Summer School which finished today. Lewes is such a pretty little village, then I stumbled across the above road that looked a little unloved. This is a rare find in the town centre, usually the sights are full of wonderful thought out and colourful buildings. The other image is of a favourite spot of mine opposite the wonderful eatery that is Bill's.

Together

It is the second to last day of Summer School for L, she is enjoying making new friends and playing new games...her favourite game yesterday was chinese whispers. With the sun making a little appearance today, C & I took a drive to Ford. It hosts a car boot most Thursdays and Saturdays. It was an odd mix of sellers, but nevertheless in enjoyable to browse. I picked up a vintage buttons piggy bank and some stamps. I also snapped C's curls. We have had a lovely week, just the two of us until 3pm pick up. Time really fails to stand still and they grow up in a blink of an eye.

Everyday

We are having a slow week. Mainly at home, in the garden and going for walks. I feel a little heavy hearted. My youngest starts pre school in Sept and I will have two mornings a week free. I fully realise that the three hours will fly by and do not accept too much from that time. There is a little bit of me wondering what next? What possibilities, hopes, dreams do you have for the next season? The above images are of a little egg pot that L, keeps the tiniest if treasures in and the jug was a little charity shop find.

Water

As the sadness and unbelief of the loss that Pakistan is going through, sets in. Today the girls and I talked about clean water. It seemed like such a simple token, in the light of losing family, a home and the threat of disease. We found ourselves thanking and pleading with God all in the same breath.

Behind

Over the last few weeks, I have been little behind on things. From blogging, to posting the gift that sits by my desk, hanging washing, exercise and returning calls. I am even behind on taking photos. I was due start a photography course in two weeks, but it has had to go hold. So this month, I will try to swap the word 'behind' to 'before'. For example organise gifts the week before, prepare for the next day the night before..etc...Don't worry I am not trying to be a hero, but just feel a little ahead on things that count.

The above are my weekend in pictures...the 'where's wally couple were so kind to stop and pose for me!