Sunday 9 August 2020

Mum’s birthday and other stuff

 Hello everyone, first time of using this new blogger thing, so fingers crossed.

A photo heavy post again (well hopefully!) 

Going down to Plymouth to see Mum for her birthday,10 days ago, was the first time I had seen her since lockdown started. I would normally have taken her out to a restaurant for a meal, but I didn’t feel comfortable with that. Although, I think she would have been ok with it, I’m more reticent. So I said that we would go for a picnic up but Burrator reservoir in Dartmoor.

I packed up my picnic hamper and cool box with lots of yummy sandwiches, freshly bakes scones for a cream tea (I won’t make baking at 7.30am a habit!)  and an ice cool gin and tonic for Mum. It was a gorgeous day, which made it VERY busy at Burrator! So I drove a little further and found a lovely little spot by the river (or a leat, in fact). I set up ‘camp’ and we had a lovely day. A few walkers said hello and offered to ‘help’ with the picnic, haha. Mum really enjoyed herself, she hadn’t been that far afield for a while due to previous restrictions. Just a couple of pics from the day......




In other news, things have been ticking along as normal. I’m still regularly doing Joe Wicks workouts on YouTube and going on nice long dog walks with my friend, once a week. 

The garden is thriving despite it being so warm, although we have had the odd heavy downpours.......










A couple of days ago, I went out to feed the birds early in the morning and was amazed at the number of cobwebs on the planters on the patio!...





Apart from farm shop, garden centre and the odd supermarket visits, I have been out and about much. This is mainly because it feels like half of the uk is down here on holiday! I’m not knocking it, as the south west economy needs it, but there is absolutely no point in going on the roads if I don’t need too. Everywhere is very busy and unfortunately not everyone is adhering to sensible distancing, so I’m happy to stay close to home. 

So that’s it for now. Hubby has 2 weeks off soon, so I’m doing some ‘homework’ to plan some day trips to quieter ‘off the beaten track’ beaches etc. 

Thank you for popping by, cheerio for now, Ann x 


14 comments:

  1. The pictures are gorgeous. I love the roses especially and you did a fantastic job on photographing the webs as well.

    God bless.

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    1. Thank you, Jackie, the pale pink rose is my favourite. It is called Many Happy Returns and was given to me years ago by my friend, who I meet up with every week. It’s still going strong, even though it does suffer from black spot.

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  2. Such a pretty setting for the birthday picnic. Lovely!!

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    1. It is, Dawn and and very peaceful too :)

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  3. That's a beautiful spot for a picnic. Belated birthday wishes to your lovely mum. X

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    1. Thanks Jules, I’ll certainly take Mum up there again, as i can park the car quite close and it nice and level for Mum to walk to X

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  4. I lived in Horrabridge for a while and that part of Dartmoor above the village was my dog-walking area. There is a quiet little spot under trees at the side of the leat where I used to set up my easel and paint, with my Border Collie, Zac by my side. Often I was so engrossed that I didn't notice being surrounded by ponies, very curious to see what I was doing. I think they also enjoyed the shade under the trees on a hot day. Beautiful times.

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    1. That sounds idyllic! Yes, the ponies do get curious about things, don’t they! We had to drive very slowly at one point, as there was a quite young foal zigzagging along the road, trying to catch up with his mum, but getting easily distracted along the way :)

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  5. Not been to Burrator for a very long time so maybe we might do that someday soon (not that far from Torbay, across the moors from Ashburton). Love your photos and the spider's webs, they look so pretty. And what a lovely birthday for your mother, even down to a G&T! Love your hamper, by the way. That is very stylish!
    Margaret P
    www.margaretpowling.com

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    1. Hi Margaret, it would a nice trip across the moor. Burrator is gorgeous in the autumn too! The colours of the trees surrounding the reservoir are usually stunning. The hamper is a Cath Kidston one I bought several years ago. I should use it more really. It has china plates and proper cutlery, so it needs to be used more :)

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  6. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  7. Thank you! I will look at your blog :)

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  8. Be careful, Ann - I suspect this is a similar post to the others who ask you to click on their blog.

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  9. Oops! I very briefly went in on it and came out straight away!

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