Lost in Summer

I haven't been able to write much of late. I am still waiting for the right words.
Instead I thought I'd share a few photos on here...

Nothing beats the view on walking alone

Amazing sky at Newlands Corner

Visiting my very favourite place - the beach. Been here a lot lately for the sea air. This picture captured many years ago - remains the best.

Same beach different shot - taken this year.

Some beautiful roses I bought myself when feeling sad. I always do this. These were unusual - coloured like rhubarb and custard - the photo doesn't do them justice.

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Spotted at a theme park, in one of their garden areas whilst waiting at a ride.

Just so Beautiful

Lake view

Yesterday...
I walked back in time to a lake I used to feed the ducks with my daughter - then a toddler. The ducks are still there. A crane perches, head held high; he owns the lake. The swans glide and flow under the bridge and through to a stream; duck follows suit. A roundabout like the ones in the playground we used to spin. Waterfowl play.

Take a walk - inspires a haiku

A signature neck

Sails serenely over lake

Craning out anger.

The Wandering Wildflower Walker

Yesterday morning I went for a walk. Alone. Before the masses had turned the paths into a cycle and dog race! I only saw a few cyclists; sedate ladies and two more ladies with dogs. I often get jumped at by dogs but luckily these two were very well trained.

Here are a few pictures all taken early; when the plants were dripping with dew - a most impressive and inspiring start to the day. I highly recommend early runs, walks or cycles. The air is so fresh and clean.

Here is the view from the bridge I walked to. Actually quite eerie...

This is such a beauty...

Going for a walk - the 'Down's Link' way

Yesterday I had to get out for my 'oh no; impending school holiday'/ "get me out of here" walk! I always have done so - for years. I highly recommend it. I only manage a couple of miles but I am not a competitive soul.

We are very lucky to live right on the 'Down's Link' see here and also a more tourist guide here.

Here are a few photos I took on my phone in transit...

Lots of lovely wild flower that is so tall up the banks. Beautiful buddleia - a fond memory of my childhood; catching butterflies with a net and storing in an ice-cream tub : D ( with holes punched in the top of course) but always letting them go. Wonderful.

This area is under development I believe; "fields of gold" in more ways than one...

Looking back...

My favourite bench stop: for resting or a turning point; depending on how I feel. It looks out to a field and a house which keeps horses.Lovely.

Books, sunshine and flowers...Summer.

Today we have been to Nymans and what a beautiful morning. Looking up ...

The sky was so blue you could be mistaken we were in England. Take a look at this tree below. It is called a Trachycarpus Fortunei and looks like one of those palm tree umbrellas I imagine on the beaches of the Caribbean. The trunk was almost furry but I expect if it was touched it would be spiky. A very unusual sight and one we had not noticed before. That's the beauty of these gardens here; they evolve.

The rock garden area has come on well since our visit earlier in the spring but the show-stopper as ever had to be the rose garden. In full bloom and inviting; I could sit there for hours in my imagination. So many species it is somewhat intoxicating. 

Another bonus today - two bookshops. The Potting Shed had been set aside today for donations for their bargain books, whilst the other little bookshop sells with a more eclectic collection of second hand books . We found a great little local history book and I got a great novel for a pound. There are even collectable editions there now. Take a look at their website page at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nymans/eating-and-shopping/. 

The gift shop has some lovely ideas - I got a few bits including two stones; one for me, one for my daughter. I chose 'Hope' and she chose 'Happy'. The stone attracted me by it's coolness and calming aura on such a hot day. I love it and it was a bargain for only two pounds. It's amazing what you can find at these places. Whatever you do if you visit - you must eat cake! I can highly recommend their scones, lemon drizzle and carrot cupcakes. 

I will post some more rose pictures later once I have decided which ones - so many to choose from. Sending more sunny days...

Pictures - Polesden Lacey

We are lucky members of the National Trust and have been now for many years; for which we are grateful. It gets us out of the house and provides beautiful walks, historical education and some amazing breath-taking views that kind ancestors of this country have passed onto the public.

I can highly recommend this as maybe a gift for a loved one or a gift to yourself and family. It is worth it; the only further cost then is tea and cakes; which I have to say are my downfall... You have to treat yourself though don't you; otherwise life is not worth living.You can read more about membership here

Lambing season at the Polesden Lacey fields

I thought I'd share these photos. On Sunday, there was a vintage Bentley car collection on view down by the house. Unexpected and a nice surprise for many. The cars were decked out and sparkling. Picnic baskets as per vintage times; left on the back seats added a special feel to the display - especially as it was set outside the front door of Mrs Greville's front door.

I can just imagine sports cars pulling up for parties and picnics ; I would have loved to be living like that in those days.

Many people were having picnics on the large lawn in front of the house; children running down the hills with delight. Very British or English scene; I prefer to say. There is more information about Polesden Lacey on the National Trust website here .

Looking up through a huge tree at the entrance. Sun filtering rays captured.

I love Newlands Corner

Newlands Corner has to be one of the most beautiful places to walk in Surrey.They have a great cafe too. Can recommend their hot dogs and chips!

Thought I'd share my pictures from last Friday - which was another fantastic spring skied day... all taken on my little Nokia phone.

If you like what you see here you can go walking there yourself.
Information from Surrey Wildlife is here at newlands corner.

National Trust / Weather - Spring is Here!

We went to the fantastic gardens at Nymans and Wakehurst Place on Sunday. They were heaving with people and we only just managed to scrape into a place in the car-park at Wakehurst...

It was beautiful. As I have said before Nymans is our favourite National Trust place to visit. Judging by the number of cars queing when we left at about 11.30am so did everyone else love it. Lots of coffee and cakes with a lunch thrown in - a lovely way to spend a spring day. My phone camera managed to snap a few shots but then died on me. I am not lucky with gadgets - I seem to have some aura of messing them up. Same with watches!

Here is the National Trust site for Wakehurst :
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wakehurst-place/

Here are a couple of pictures of our lovely sunny day.

Amazingly strong sunlight through trees by a waterfall

Rhododendrons at Nymans March 2014

Roses and Noses

I love roses. Whatever bunch I buy generally has a few in there. My favourite colours are white or pink.

Delicate Rose at Nymans 2013

Last year in the sweltering summer we visited our favourite National Trust place at Nymans.

They have a lovely rose garden that was abundantly fragrant, much longer than the normal June season. We went there in August on a boiling hot day. The scent was heady.

Unfortunately I have ended up allergic to a lot of flowers. Probably after I stuck my nose into so many blooms that day! A very large bumble bee came and rested very near my heart; which not only shocked me a bit but was also quite a beautiful moment. Once my daughter and husband had noted my shouts of 'hey-look' it was too late to snap and off she flew. A nice memory though.

I took many photos on my phone as you do and amazingly they came out really well. I am still the owner of a very standard phone. Even my newest one is still not a proper android! I will get there. Anyhow the phone used has since 'died a death' and my new one takes amazing pictures. Will invest in better phone one day I am sure. My daughter and husband think I am so not "techy". I would agree that I am very 'tetchy' at times excuse the pun! But hey I'm blogging now so ...

Here's my favourite rose photo taken on that old phone ;D.

Rose in Suspension, Nymans Rose Garden 2013