A COOLER MORNING BUT THE FLOWERS WERE BLOOMING!

This morning I went for a walk around the outskirts of Shepton with Belinda.  We decided not to take the car anywhere, as the thousands of people attending the nearby Glastonbury Festival, would be leaving the site, and all the roads around us would be clogged!

Our mini heatwave over the weekend has ended, thank goodness.  I prefer it a bit cooler!  We went up to Barren Down, all long grasses, wild flowers, and great views of the church and town.  We then took footpaths past the cemetery, and walked down the Meadows and up the High Street...

The recent sunshine has brought all the flowers out.  Everything is blooming!  I do enjoy looking and seeing how some people use them to enhance their entrances and front gardens.  The sculpture (see above top middle pic), embedded in gravel was rather intriguing.  At the moment there is nothing else in this front garden...

   

AUTUMN IS DEFINITELY HERE!

There was a chill in the air, and it had only just got light as Belinda, Jenny and I set off for a walk on familiar ground.  As we crunched our way through a carpet of dry leaves, we remarked that Autumn was definitely here!

We followed some footpaths that eventually took us up to Barren Down, a favourite peaceful green space, that has stunning views of Shepton - see above.

We walked up to Shepton High Street and had a look at the latest developments. The centre photograph shows a new shop in town - an artisan bakers called Loaf, which has a coffee shop, that looks worth a visit!  Another place for refreshment, with interesting recycle art projects to see, is the Art Bank Cafe -  left middle row pic.  Situated in the former HSBC bank building, they are a not for profit outfit, doing exciting work recycling residents' rubbish...

Having dropped off Belinda at her home in the centre of Shepton, Jenny and I walked across Collett Park, which looked glorious in the Autumn sunshine...

MISTY FEBRUARY MORNING!

This morning I had the pleasure of Belinda for company.  It was a misty morning which didn't clear all the time we were out. We went up to one of my favourite places, Barren Down, which looked very atmospheric, but today there were no views over Shepton!

The footpath we were on took us through somebodies garden, which looked rather forlorn, as all gardens do this time of year.  However, we did see signs of life and the brussels sprouts, pictured above, looked inviting to eat!  I have discovered that sprouts, coated in oil and roasted in the oven, are much more tasty than boiled...  

Last weekend we had a Snowdrop Festival in Shepton and we saw plenty of examples on our walk.  They are such a delicate little flowers that looks fabulous in drifts.  There have been thousands of bulbs planted around the town so the displays should improve year by year...

Another early Spring flower that I love is hellebores - see above pics.  The only problem with photographing them is that their flower heads drop down, facing the ground, hiding their beauty.  To overcome this, I had to point and shoot with my camera, practically on the ground, facing upwards!

    

POST HALLOWEEN MORNING!

Today was the first time I had left the house for days, as I have been suffering from a bad head cold.  It was so good to get into the fresh air and start walking!  Jenny and I went up to one of our favourite green spaces in Shepton - Barren Down.  It was looking decidedly Autumnal with the trees beginning to show their Winter silhouette.

We had a look up and down the High Street, particularly the bottom, which is actually called Town Street, and noted that some businesses had closed, but a few had started up.  There is a new Vintage shop right at the bottom which would be worth a visit but it doesn't open until much later in the morning!  That area of town is fast becoming quite a vintage/art/craft quarter...

Many of the windows were celebrating Halloween, which was last night.  I didn't have any 'trick or treat' callers - they have probably given up ringing the bell as I haven't answered it in previous years!  I am just not comfortable being confronted by youngsters and I don't like to encourage the eating of sweets!  The very young are fine, as they are accompanied by adults. Jenny said there was plenty of activity around her place!

We did however see some houses which positively encouraged callers.  The best doorway, was the one pictured on the left.  It was scary enough in the daylight so I can't imagine what it was like at night!

  

BRIGHT APRIL MORNING!

I had Miriam for company this morning.  It was a great morning for a walk - bright, sunny, but a bit chilly.  We didn't have a lot of time, so we stayed on local footpaths and walked up to Barren Down, where there are fantastic views of Shepton.  On the way home we explored what was happening in the High Street, and walked back through Collett Park.  

Everywhere there were signs of growth, blossom and flowers.  Spring is my favourite time of the year with its wonderful fresh green colours and beautiful flowers...  

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... 

AUTUMN IN FULL COLOUR!

The morning walk was later than planned!  I am finding it hard to motivate myself to get out early for a walk when I have nobody to walk with, even though now the clocks have gone back, and it is so much lighter.  I am hoping that Jenny is going to get back to the routine soon, as I do miss the exercise and the chats!

I planned to take photographs of the sun shining on Autumn leaves, as they are so colourful at the moment.  Unfortunately, there was rain in the air, which got worse as my walk progressed...  I chose the wrong morning, as we had plenty of sun earlier in the week!  However, some of the colours were so stunning that they shone through...

I started the walk from home, through Collett Park (see top set of pics) with its beautiful selection of trees.  I then went up the steep climb to Barren Down (see below), and walked back to the market and met a friend for coffee.  Autumn is certainly here, and in full  colour...
    

LATE SUMMER SUN!

Today Jenny and I enjoyed good walking weather - we went up to one of our favourite places - Barren Down, and took in the views.  We also had fun playing with our shadows - the sun being low in the sky made them very dramatic!

We ended up by the Market Cross, where Shepton Market was being set up.  I was after some fish for supper, and as the fishmonger had just set up, I had great selection!  I chose some beautiful mackerel (see top right pic), and watched with awe as they were expertly filleted...

Friday has always been the traditional day to eat fish for Christians and Roman Catholics from the days when fish was considered a poor man's food and eaten on fast days instead of meat... Things have changed in our attitude to fish, but Friday being the day to eat fish seems to have stuck!   

In the Market Place, we have a new pop-up shop called 'Ho, Ho, Ho,'!!  Yes, you have guessed it - it sells all things Christmassy!  Not really something I want to think about in September, when I am trying to make the most of the end of Summer!

BACK FROM HOLS!

I have missed a few walks as I have been on holiday.  It is good to go away and get a change of scene, but it is always great to get home and back to familiar surroundings and routines...

I was in France and when I came back it was warm over here too!  The sunny weather continued this morning, but there was a hint of Autumn in the air.  It was certainly darker when I got up and the grasses were wet with dew...

We noticed other signs of the season changing - blackberries ripening, red berries, grapes on a vine, and flowers and grasses going to seed.  We went up on one of our favourite vantage points above Shepton - Barren Down (see top set of pics), and were rewarded with a wonderful sight.  It was a deer, complete with antlers, which suddenly bounded out of the undergrowth, not more than 25 feet from us - too quick to take a photo!

   

HEATWAVE COMING!

When I woke up this morning it was misty, but by the time I reached Belinda's house it had cleared and the sun was out.  As Jenny is only walking on a Friday, I have managed to persuade Belinda into a regular Monday walk!

Last night's Countryfile on tv was all about wild flower meadows, so I felt inspired to suggest we went up to Barren Down - the nearest one I could think of!  

The meadow was full of grasses and wild flowers, mainly yellow and purple and wildlife - saw plenty of slugs and snails!  Barren Down seems a world away from the town, and yet it is such a wonderful resource, on the doorstep.  Belinda brought her 35mm camera and I caught her (see above) trying to photograph a beautiful butterfly...

Our long walk took us on footpaths over farmland where the crops are growing fast. Thank goodness most farmers respect rights of way and make provisions.  I accidentally got a shock from an electric fence, my fault - I was too busy taking pics to notice it!  The farmer had put a cover over it (see pic above left), where you had to climb over it to reach the stile...

In the past we have been on footpaths and found that our way is barred by cattle, which we are always wary of and avoid.   One farmer even has a notice saying 'beware of the bull', in a field that contains a footpath!

We have been promised a mini heatwave and it certainly became warmer and warmer as the walk progressed.  On our way back through town we saw some beautiful garden flowers, and I was grateful to sit in Belinda's garden and drink a glass of coconut water - very hydrating!

   

BARREN DOWN BECKONS!

Still grey and quite chilly this morning, but at least it was dry!  We went up to Barren Down to see what it was like now, as we haven't been there for a few weeks. We saw that everything had grown like mad and there was an abundance of wild flowers and grasses.  There was wonderful stillness up there, as usual, and it seemed to have its own little microclimate as it was warmer...

When we walk on familiar territory, it is great to see changes as the seasons progress.  This is particularly true of people's front gardens, which really are quite public spaces and some are beautifully cared for.  We have our favourites - some shown below - which are full of quirky items and beautiful flowers.  So many front gardens these days have been given over to car parking, and in some areas this has become a real problem, as there is little earth to absorb rain, so it runs off and can contribute to flooding!

Our route took us past Shepton market, which was being set up. We were out too early to see much, so I went back later in the morning and took the photos below.  It was looking very festive with bunting and more and more stall holders joining.  My friend, Dawn, owner of Custard Pudding (art gallery and tea room), has added extra colour by selling cut flowers (see top left pic below), which mostly came from her own garden.  She is in the process of setting up a flower growing and selling business.  I am doing some artwork for a sign and will tell you more in future posts. It is encouraging that new businesses are opening up in Shepton...   

WET WEDNESDAY!

Today we went up to Barren Down and explored the Bath Road Viaduct in the wet! It rained throughout our walk, but fortunately it was warm and the rain was light and gentle - great for plants, our complexions and snails! As you can see by the top left photograph, the views weren't great - rather misty...

We did, however, see some beautiful flowers, in particular tulips.  A fascinating subject is the language of flowers, sometimes known as floriography.  It was very popular in Victorian times and allowed coded messages to be sent to express feelings which could not be said out loud!  Communication between lovers was very different from today!  Makes you think what you are saying when you send a bunch of flowers...

I looked up the meaning of tulips and have discovered the following:-
Tulips in General - Perfect Lover, Fame and Flower Emblem of Holland
Red Tulips - Believe Me; Declaration of Love
Variegated Tulips - Beautiful Eyes
Yellow Tulips - There's Sunshine in Your Smile

I have a great interest in tulips at the moment, as I have just finished a mixed media artwork depicting a field of tulips and a bee!

 'Finding a Way' (50cms x 50cms) mixed media on wooden panel

CLEAR VIEWS FROM BARREN DOWN!

Today was dry, spring-like and beautifully clear.  We followed a favourite route - up to Barren Down and a trek along part of an old railway line.  It made for a lovely walk...  We briefly caught sight of three deer bounding across land nearby, very briefly!!  And I felt an overwhelming need to hug a tree!  

One part of our walk took us on a footpath directly through someone's garden.  It's strange how this came about.  Did someone years ago make claim to this common land and cultivate it?  However this happened, I have to say, it's kept beautifully with meticulously laid out and fenced with raised beds, fruit trees, etc.   It must be a constant concern for this gardener to have people traipsing through - especially with dogs it seems - see the notice above!

It is great to see all the Spring flowers coming out - beautiful white, pink and the deepest blue/purple hyacinths.  They join the daffodils, which are hanging on and look wonderful, despite the crazy weather we have been experiencing lately...

We have been quite quiet in the salon  today, so I was able to catch up on some course work which I needed to finish.  But the best bit of the day was being able to dry my washing out on the line!