SNOWDROPS ARE EVERYWHERE!

Today Belinda and I went for local walk and viewed the aftermath of the Snowdrop Festival, which took place at the weekend.  Belinda said that Shepton had been buzzing!

I was right about the winner of the Best Dressed Window - it was Anna's Attic.  The trophy can be seen above top left.  Incidentally, it was made by Fran Davies, a specialist stained glass artist, and one of the members of the One Craft Gallery.  We, at the gallery got  highly commended, as did the Opticians in the High Street - Christopher Young, whose window can be seen in the three bottom pics above...

Our walk took us to the Charlton Viaduct, part of which is in the gardens of Kilver Court.  Our route went by their vegetable garden which is being prepared for planting - see above centre top photograph. 

The snowdrop festival is run by Shepton Mallet Horticultural Society and they have implemented a massive planting programme, so wherever you go in and around the town, you can see the delicate white snowdrop heads.  We saw them everywhere - they are a welcome sign of the forthcoming Spring!

BACK TO WALKING!

Today Jenny and I have started our walks again!  We have both had a summer full of family problems and commitments, but we have both decided that we need to get fitter and more active. We will go as and when we have time.  I go wild swimming and do pilates as well as my artwork, and Jenny has her health and beauty business, so finding time is always a problem.  We will go on Monday mornings for a start and hopefully Belinda will be joining us...

Today was a gentle introduction with a walk around Kilver Court  - see top pics, and a look at what was new in the High Street - see above.  Since our regular walks there has been a number of changes with businesses closing, moving or opening...

There has also been some artwork added, in the form of mosaics made from recycled china etc. (see top middle pic). This is part of the Recycled Art Project which has taken over what used to be a bank in Shepton.  It is now a cafe and hub of art activity and workshops which is going to produce artworks all over Shepton as part of Somerset Art Weeks.  These will be featuring in future posts...

            

GREY MORNING BRIGHTENED BY PAULA!

It has been a little while since the last walk, a combination of bad weather and commitments!  However, today was a treat for Jenny and I, as Paula Cuthbert joined us.  Paula is an alternative therapist extraordinaire!  She operates out of Jenny's Beauty Salon and keeps me fit and healthy!  It was a grey morning, but not cold.  The first part of our walk took us to Kilver Court to see what Christmas decorations they had up - see above.

We then went on muddy footpaths through farmland.  There were cows with horns in one of the fields that had a footpath going through it, so we quickly chose another route! We were concerned with one cow, that seemed to have a problem with its leg, so we had a quick word with the farmer and he said that one of them was disabled from birth.  We also went through a field full of sheep, and had a friendly greeting from a small dog!  The Charlton Viaduct provided a stunning backdrop...

Jenny is on the lookout for interesting branches that she can use for natural looking Christmas decorations.  There were loads of wood just lying by the pathway, so she picked up a couple of suitable ones. She thought one branch would make a good pair of antlers - see middle photo above!  Anyway, she insisted on carrying them back with her, although they will need some drying out before being sprayed...

MUDDY FOOTPATHS AND GREAT VIEWS!

Jenny and I started off on our walk today when it was fairly dark and damp, but as we progressed, the sun started to rise with the promise of better weather on the way.  Our walk took us along some muddy footpaths and incorporated one of our favourite views, the Charlton Viaduct - as you can see in the pics above.

We couldn't be out too long today, as Jenny was expecting a wallpaper delivery - the reception in her salon is having a makeover - watch this space!  Apparently the paper was coming all the way from Poland - I do hope she likes it!

We had a wander around Kilver Court - they do have some lovely statement pots. We took the opportunity to pose by a couple of them!  In the area leading from the carpark to the designer outlets, there are galvanised troughs, full of luscious ferns and other foliage, which look good all year round.

We found ourselves on a path we hadn't been on before and discovered that Kilver Court have a Community Vegetable Garden.  According to the notice, it is organically run and some of the raised beds are used by local schools.  The remainder produce vegetables that are eaten in the Kilver Court restaurant.  It was looking a bit sad and empty at the moment, see the photograph above right, but we will keep an eye on it and see how it progresses throughout the year...

I love the colours of Autumn leaves - this Horse Chestnut behind me in the above photograph is a good example.  We saw plenty of berries and this apple tree, (top right), which was positively groaning with fruit... 

SHOWING MIRIAM SOME OF SHEPTON'S SIGHTS!

Today I had the company of a neighbour that I have just met.  Miriam is fairly new to Shepton, so was keen to explore!  I decided to take her on a circular walk on the outskirts of the town, taking in some public footpaths and bridle ways...

It was dark when we started off but by the time we were on footpaths with the Charlton Viaduct as a drop back, this gave way to a beautiful sunrise. 

On the circular tour we walked by Kilver Court, which was looking very festive with its Christmas lights and trees. We then worked our way, via some footpaths through to Barren Down, which was a surprise to Miriam.  It is such a hidden, unspoilt piece of countryside which overlooks the town - see the top photographs above.

I also showed her the Bath Road Viaduct - we are spoilt for viaducts in Shepton! There are actually three - the last one being the Ham Wood Viaduct, which is a ruin in the woods and much harder to find.  I did find it in May and the post about it can be located by pressing on the label below...



We finally made our way home up the High Street, past the allotments, through Collett Park and back to Tadley Acres.  Miriam said she felt good, getting out and walking in the fresh early morning air, and would like to go again! 

According to the excellent book I am currently reading - 'Making Art a Practice' by Cat Bennett, walking outside in nature is an excellent practice, for cultivating peace and awareness.  Surely much needed, especially this time of year... 

A TOWN WALK AND TALK!

Today was a chance for Jenny and I to catch up.  It was pleasant walking conditions and we decided, as time was tight, to stick to roads rather than across countryside. We did a bit of window shopping at Kilver Court, the designer outlet on the outskirts of town.  They always have fantastic plant displays...

We came across the cat shown above who was guarding the recycling with attitude! He didn't move, even when we got close to photograph...

Although it is now September, there were still plenty of beautiful flowers on display, although some were looking a bit past their sell-by-date! 

By the time we arrived at Shepton Market, the setting up was well on its way. People have been taking advantage of the free parking on a Friday - there were few spaces left when I turned up to open up the One Craft Gallery at 10am!  It certainly encourages better attendance at the market which can only be good for the businesses in the town.  Just wish we could have free parking everyday of the week, like other local towns...

I have a thing about doors - I find them intriguing and mysterious - what lies beyond?  What opportunities do they hold? They often appear in my artworks and sometimes, when I do complete abstracts, a doorway manages to creep in!  As Ralph Waldo Emerson said "Be an opener of doors."  In other words say yes to life and happiness will follow...

Here are a selection of doors and their surrounds that I photographed around town this morning...

  

FRIDAY CATCH-UP!

We seem unable to do three walks a week at the moment - you would think that in the summer months it would be easier, but in fact life is busier, with early starts, and other opportunities, such as swimming, for exercise!  However, today was a good opportunity to catch up with all the latest news...

We did a bit of window shopping at Kilver Court (see above).  They have some fantastic ferns - When I pictured Jenny amongst them, it reminded me of the enormous feathers of carnival outfits!  I expect we will be seeing a few such costumes tonight at the Rio Olympic Games opening ceremony...

We were walking along a quiet road when my boot must have caught something and I tripped and overbalanced -  I almost saved myself, but no, I landed on the ground! Luckily, apart from a few bruises and a grazed hand (I think that happened when I was desperately trying to stop the camera getting smashed),  I escaped with wounded pride, and a most peculiar out of focus photograph, taken by the camera, on my way down!

It did, however, make me think - something like that can happen in an instant, especially when you are older, and have devastating consequences, particularly if you land on your face.  One outcome of my fall was I discovered Spray Plaster!  It stings and is antiseptic when you first put it on, but then it forms a protective, transparent and waterproof layer when it dries - so much easier than conventional plasters, which never stay on when you get them wet! 

We finished up at Shepton Market, as we often do on a Friday, and stopped to admire the fabulous flowers, mostly perennials - I was intrigued by the small pots of miniature roses (see top left).  They would make a great inexpensive present...

GOOD TO BE BACK!

It was good to join Helen, for a nice long walk, and an equally long catch up!   Along with all our personal news, there was all the political manoeuvring to comment on - Helen confessed she has become a fan of Daily Politics and Andrew Neil!

It was a bright start to the day, but I have been disappointed with the weather so far this summer, so I planned a short break in the sun.  However it never happened!  I told Helen of my saga with Ryan Air and a flight cancelled at the last minute.  It was such a let down - I did want to escape the rain for a few days...

On a more positive note we noticed the crops and vegetation are growing like mad - must be the sun and all that rain!  Our walk took us by Kilver Court and then on footpaths over fields with great views - the Charlton Viaduct is always impressive...

FLOWERS PROVIDE COLOUR!

This morning was another grey day threatening rain, although flowers provided welcome colour.  We visited the Friday market - the flower stall is always set up early with lovely displays (see top right pic).  I bought some white and pink geraniums, to be collected later and fresh fish for supper!
  

Pictured above is one road, Garston Street, where the houses don't have front gardens, so everybody seemed to have made an effort with window boxes, hanging baskets and pots outside their homes...

We walked quite a distance today but it was all around Shepton!  We called into the Leisure Centre as Jenny was interested in what was on offer.  We picked up some literature and quizzed an enthusiastic young man on reception.  We had a look inside the gym and discovered that it opened at 6.30 am!  Jenny is looking at all options for additional exercise to strengthen her upper body...

Our walk also took us to Kilver Court, which didn't have many flowers outside but lots of lush greenery, including some huge ferns...

RAINY MONDAY!

It was overcast, damp and dismal today.  We got very wet!  Luckily Helen had put a waterproof jacket in her rucksack or she would have got even wetter!  It wasn't actually raining when we started but that soon changed...

However, we still managed to find some beautiful budding shrubs, bright blooms, and we spotted bluebells!  Helen remarked that it was a little early in the year - I wouldn't know!  At the end of last week we took a long hard look at the Water Fountain in the Market Place (see above).  There wasn't any information written on it, so we decided to look up its history.  Apparently, it was officially unveiled in 1868 and was paid for by public subscription with the Shepton Mallet Gas and Water Companies supplying the gas and electricity free of charge.  It's still sturdy and in great shape but no longer operates as a fountain...

This weekend has flown by, and I can't believe we are into April already!  We did a good circular walk, taking in Kilver Court and peeked into the windows at 'the not so cheap' bargains to be had!  And we walked back through Collett Park, which still manages to look picturesque in the rain - see below...  

A SHORT BREAK!

We have taken a short break from our walking routine.  We hope to get back to it on Wednesday! Unfortunately, Jenny hasn't been well and I have had visitors.  I have had a weekend of shopping and eating out!

We are lucky to have two discount designer outlets nearby - Kilver Court, which is within walking distance, and Clark's Village, a few miles away in Street, a nearby town.  This gave us plenty of variety and choice which we made the most of!

As far as eating out goes, on Saturday night we had a good meal at one of Shepton's newer businesses, the Italian restaurant - La Tavola D'oro.  We booked a table early in the evening, which was just as well, as by the time we left the place was full!  It is good to see the business doing so well, as its premises next to the Market Cross had been empty for some time... 

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS!

Talk about the countdown - 8 days till Christmas,  I'm sure I have everything more or less sorted!?  As each year goes by, you get more of a feel of what it's all about and it is certainly, as far as I'm concerned, not about spending lots of money!  Most of us realise it is more about visiting, hanging out, eating, laughing and a cuddle. Perhaps it's just me but it is fun to know everyone you love, is happy, smiling, and safe...

Top left is Kilver Court Gardens and bottom left I am holding a last minute gift bought in the market!

Lots of things to remember if you are out on the tiles next week!... Drink water, lots of water before you go out and have a large glass ready to drink before you hit the pillow!  Try leaving your cleanser and cotton wool pads on the bedside table as you should never leave makeup on, especially eye makeup...

Give your local salon a call for last minute appointments as expertly applied make up, beautiful nails, a simple eyebrow shape, or a deep cleansing anti-ageing facial, will ensure you feel buff, and finished off for the party season!  Kennedy, the hairdresser in the salon, and I are both booked through until we close on the 24th, but it is usual to have clients cancel last minute, leaving the odd appointment ...

We found ourselves doing a little window shopping in Kilver Court Designer Emporium this morning.  All looking delightfully classy & beautiful, if not a tad out of my price range!!

MIDWEEK CATCH-UP

Pretty routine walk this morning but very enjoyable with Christmas everywhere! We had lots to catch-up on so time flew by...  I have definitely decided on a holiday directly after Boxing Day, perhaps a last minute deal - maybe a cruise?  Never been on one, but I have clients that love them and seem to think cruising will suit me fine!  My dream would be to fly to Miami and then cruise from there to the West Indies.  Or the Canaries will do me fine..  Would just love to have some sun for 10 days...

Kilver Court is beautifully decked, very classy - see the picture above middle left.  I haven't been shopping there for a while, but now may be the time!  It all looks lovely, if not a little on the expensive side.  I have decided that Christmas gifts this year (the few I will buy) should be small and thoughtful ...

The Christmas street lights are looking great again (see above).  It wouldn't surprise me if they were based on a line of bejewelled knickers!  Helen showed me the window display in the One Craft Gallery which she had done yesterday with a fellow member of the co-operative.  Red and white seems to be the colour scheme of choice this year.  It is up and down the High Street - see pics below.

The photos we take always suprise me.  They are always very good and depict exactly what we see and feel.  The weather and light conditions are always different but I feel the results are good -  hope you enjoy!  I'm not keen on photos of me and I think Helen is much more photogenic...

ON TOP OF THE VIADUCT

Autumn is with us, so the meteorologists say, and today there was certainly a chill in the air! There is something  about the early morning sun shining on the damp foliage that makes everything sparkle, especially the the spider's webs.  Also the way it comes through the trees makes everything glow.  The blackberries looked so inviting that we couldn't resist...  I ate some raw when I got home - delicious!

Today we managed something we had tried and failed to do before and that was to get on top of the Charlton Viaduct! We had seen it so many times in the distance on our walks and had tried to go over before but the gate was always locked.  Today, however, it was open to provide additional parking for Kilver Court, so we got our chance!  It is very high up - I became quite queasy when looking down!  On one side you could see miles of beautiful countryside and on the other the wonderfully manicured gardens and lake of Kilver Court (see below).  They are open to the public and are well worth a visit.

Walking along as far as we could brought a different view - the back gardens of local houses.  Fascinating - we saw a man feed his chickens and could have stayed up there for ages, just being nosy and basking in the sunshine, which had now become quite warm.  It would be great if the viaduct was opened up completely for walkers...