Craigs lovely Photos

So in my last post I mentioned the beautiful hour I spent waiting for him in a cafe gorging on carrot cake.

For Christmas I brought him a super duper DSLR camera and along side it brought him an experience at a wildlife sancturay where he would get the chance to photograph birds of prey (another passion of his).

The results were hundreds of lovely photos.

I hope you don't mind but I wanted to share a few of my favourites. I hope you like them too.


Before we set off he had a mini rehersal with our own chickens. I just love the rich colours of this photos. Its so warm and clear.

You'll have to forgive me but I am not sure of the names of the birds but this photo caught my eye as the owl just sinks into the tree. It's so camaflauge and with a little bit of cropping I think this would be a lovely print.

A close up of the own above. This time with a bit of gree moss and ivy to help him stand out a bit.

Although not a bird of prey, craig likes all birds! I love this shot. Somehow it makes me feel full of freedom. I love the empty sky the little bird is just about to adventure into.

Another Owl. This time a gremlin looking Owl. Grey body, bright yellow eyes and a lush green backdrop. Wait until you see the next one .......

Wow - what a close up. I don't know whether its cute, or scary ..... still it's such a good photo!

Another lovely close up, this time with some brilliant shadows and light bits. I really love this one. I think the little bits of straw give the picture some depth as well.

I hope you liked them too. It's not bad I think for a starter. I was so proud of him!

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Chickens in the Snow

They didn't like it, one bit.

I think they are still missing the black chicken.

But as for the snow. They were most horrified!

It took almost ten minutes to encourage them out of their home and out for a little exercise.

Ten minutes encouragement and lots of treats!

Its funny just having three again. Don't they look like a gang! Such posers!

  I couldn't miss the opportunity to also take a shot of Derek who also looked most unhappy.

And as for my bedroom view .... wow.

I just had to go up and explore the fields.

Slight snowdrift issue ....but we soon got over it!

Up the hills we went. Like kids again.

  A beautiful chance to take some lovely photographs.

Underneath the branches.

We finally reached the hills. After getting quite lost in the woods.

Two cows out in the field. Looking a lot braver than my three little chickens at home.
  
 

Lovely Books

I know most of us have already got this book ..... but it is delightful so!

 
 I am enjoying a snow day .... with lots of cups of tea.

 
I was going to treat myself to this book last year. But knew that the person who knew me the most would get it me as a Christmas gift.

My sister brought it me.


Sadly one of our chickens died yesterday. He couldn't with stand the drop in temperature.


My friend Jill gave me the powers to move the body out of the cage but standing and holding my hand.


Another perfect book.


This time from my husband.


So many ideas and all achievable!


I love my husband. I love my sister. I love my friend. R.I.P Black Chicken.

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A perfect Summer's Evening

I was so happy yesterday. Mainly because my washing that got drenched on Sunday finally dried after being rewashed.

Is anyone else's moods effected by clothes drying? Hehe!

Maybe I'm being a little dramatic. Maybe the reason I was in such a fantastic mood was that I broke up from work yesterday and have 11 days off!!!!!! Today I am staying in and making sure the bags are packed and the house is clean and tidy (I hate coming back to a messy house). And tomorrow we are off on our summer holidays. I simply cannot wait!

We are being slightly adventurous this time. 445 miles up to Aberdeenshire.

One stop off in Richmond, North Yorkshire to say hi to my Granny and benefit from some quality time and a good fry up before the bulk of the journey. Then we will be staying with Craig's uncle in Huntley, Aberdeenshire which is near the coast and the Cairngorms. I have never, ever been to Scotland and I am sooooo excited! Hopefully this is the type of views we will be enjoying!

I will be taking a good book, some wine and lots of wool and hopefully knitting another scarf and continuing with my sample square blanket.

After five nights with Mark we will then travel to the Fringe Comedy Festival in Edinburgh where we have eight tickets to see comedians and lots of lovely tables in restaurants booked.

..... just a taster of where we are eating ... I know you will love this!!!!


The Moster Mash Cafe where everything comes with mash. And not just any mash, mash flavoured with strange and exotic flavours! Oh boy, I can't wait! It looks so kitch!

We are also going to go the The Witchery which is in front of Edinburgh Castle. Its a really famous restaurant and is in a beautiful building...go see for yourself. I can't wait to show you pictures when I get back!

       
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So back to my perfect summers evening.

I got back from my last day at work and spent some time with the chickens and cleaned them out so they have a nice fresh coop while we are away.

I then cut back my wild geraniums which were starting to look worse for wear and did a spot of weeding. The chickens love sorting them out and getting some vitamins from the greenery. I love this way of recycling. It gives me such a great sense of the economical use of stuff.

As I came back down the garden I turned back and realised how pretty it all looked.

I then started walking back to the house and saw a hot air balloon in the sky. I thought about who was in the basket and what the occasion was. Maybe a proposal!

Once Craig was back from his business trip in London I greeted him with a scrummy tea of salad, rice and enchiladas (I like cooking my man a good tea before we go away so he remembers how good he gets it at home with me!). I then told him to get his trainers on because the evening was too nice to stay in .... even for the Olympics!

We went to Cannock Chase. Which to us, is the most beautiful place on the planet. I took him to our favourite spot. A place where not many people go to, but lots of deer live. It's our special place. Craig was going to propose to me here on Christmas Day, well, that was until we got swine flu. He still proposed any way which actually was the sweetest thing ever. We were at our worst and very ill. It gave a good laugh during the speeches at out wedding!

So I won't give you the usual running commentary but I will just let you sit back and enjoy "Kate and Craig's Favourite Walk".

From now until when I get back ...... goodbye xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

P.S. This is the road I want to live on. Everybody needs an aim!