Our Saturday Drive (Continued)

There were different displays at the garden centre from our last visit - this time pumpkins were prominent.  They're becoming popular at this time of the year to purchase and carve into lanterns although I think we would have to go further afield to see any growing in our hillside fields as the farmland is mainly given over to sheep and cattle. 

Inside the various outhouse departments stalls had been set up where local small businesses were displaying their products.  We didn't realise this was a one-off event to promote them so missed out.  However this garden centre is definitely a good place to get gifts and prepare for Christmas right on our doorstep.  Christmas cards, an Advent calendar and a calendar for 2023 were purchased.  We shall go back to look at the other Christmas items when we can.

These were the calendars and the box of cards I chose.  There wasn't an RNLI calendar on display this year so I chose one with countryside scenes.  I don't usually like whimsy, but the cats on the Advent calendar are delightful.  The ginger cat reminds me of Jasper, daughter D's pet.  

The mature trees in the garden centre grounds were looking even more colourful than last time especially this acer.  We can appreciate them growing there even if we haven't room in our own garden to grow more trees unless they're a small variety.

 

Mr P fancied getting another heather.  On the way out of the garden centre we were asked to choose a complimentary cyclamen plant so here they are back home in the covered yard.

We've had more sunny weather this week which meant that I could hang out the washing which soon dried in the breeze.  

Most of the yellow lilies in the bouquet that daughter M gave us have opened.   

Thank you for your visit to my blog.  Have a good day!

A Walk Around High Bradfield

The sun was out again at the weekend so to take advantage of the good weather and to get some fresh air and a change of scene Mr P drove us to High Bradfield since it's nearby.  We went on the high road, passed the reservoir and soon we were in the village. Do you remember our last drive where you could see St Nicholas' Church and the village when we parked high up on the moors?

This time we stopped on the outskirts of High Bradfield before driving into the village.

I walked to the church passing the former weavers' cottages, the grander stone houses and the church gate keeper's house, also called The Watch House.

There were pumpkin displays on doorsteps here and there.

The flag was merrily flying in the wind.  It says "Yorkshire Born And Proud Of It".  Well, we're pleased to have two Yorkshire-born grandchildren and now a great-grandchild so we're content about that.  We love living in this part of Yorkshire too.

There's so much history recorded in the churchyard.  I look at the grave stones and reflect on the families buried there. 

On Saturday the church was open as there was an event taking place (a coffee morning in aid of a charity).  I felt sorry that I had left my purse with Mr P in the car where he was waiting so didn't go in and participate.  Instead I walked as far as the newer graveyard and spent some time in thought before turning back and retracing my footsteps.  It was a peaceful place standing there under the beech trees looking out across to the moors.

a Victorian postbox 

Some of the trees are a vivid red now.

a farm on the edge of the open countryside

a stone drinking trough opposite the farm buildings

There's another pleasant place where it's possible to walk among the beech trees.  I had to get back to Mr P waiting in the car parked at the bottom of the lane next to the church vicarage. I'm always grateful that Mr P drives us to these picturesque country spots not far from home.  Mr P had suggested stopping by the garden centre so that's where we went next. I'll post about that next time.

Thank you for your visit.  Have a good week!