Our week

We live in the north-west of our city close to high areas of moorland, but these days we don't venture there when we know that there'll be deep snow drifts and narrow lanes like switchbacks that look down onto the valleys below.  However, our daughter drove out to meet a friend on Sunday afternoon and sent us some photos of what it's like up there.  Under the restrictions we have to stay local right now and can only meet or be with one other person in an outdoor setting to get some fresh air and exercise.  The time spent has to be under socially distanced conditions.  The two friends took the friend's dog with them for their walk and he loved the wide open spaces, of course.

I've been out for walks a couple of times this week and I'm glad I took the opportunity to do so when I did as today it's really cloudy and not the sort of day for taking photos which I like to do in order to record where I've been during this time when often our routine is similar from day-to-day. Yesterday the sun was shining, the sky was blue and I knew that the local reservoir would be a good place to go especially as it's only a short drive from our house.  I'll show you more of my walk next time.

I've been waiting eagerly for the first lot of crocuses planted in pots to start opening because of the warmth of the covered yard and the sunshine that appears from behind the clouds now and then.

The snowdrops in the garden have survived the snow.  How resilient they are despite being delicate looking flowers.  

These are the ones in the churchyard where I walked on Monday and they particularly seem to thrive in the sheltered areas under the trees.

Shrove Tuesday/Pancake Day marks the beginning of Lent in the Christian calendar. As usual I made some pancakes as part of our evening meal.  In Italy different types of special biscuit or sweet pastries are served at this time.

Finally, this is the embroidery that I'm working on at the moment.  It's taking me quite a while to do and I realise that it's nearly a year since the embroidery set was gifted to me, but it keeps me occupied in an afternoon when Mr P and I sit and relax. 

Thank you for coming by.  Have a peaceful weekend whatever you're doing.

A Short Walk

 

At last the snow has melted, the weather is milder and I could take a walk to the post office and then up to our local parish church to see the snowdrops in the church grounds. 

The old school rooms were converted into a parish centre

and there's also a modern building that's used by the local Guides and Scouts.

The church is often open for private prayer.

It was good to see the snowdrops and there's

 the promise of daffodils. Some of them are in bud at the moment.

This old rhododendron seems to produce flowers

all the year around as you can see from the numerous petals

scattered on the ground beneath it.

I was pleased once more to see the snowdrops planted

in the shape of a cross.

  

                        The buds on the magnolia tree in our front garden are beginning to form.

It's another uplifting sight.  

Thank you for coming by.  Have a good day!