Wednesday 19 September 2012

Notes from a Country Convert....

After moving out to the wilds of Wiltshire, nearly three months ago now.. I have fallen head over heels in love with our new life amongst the leafy lanes and pastures that surround our home. It didn't take long to become bewitched by the rural treasures on our doorstep and after investing in some rather stout footwear and much needed wellies.. we soon settled in to a daily routine of walks.


On leaving the house we have to decide on a left or right turn..




The left, taking us up a hill into woodland just a few minutes from our door.. and further on to lofty fields that gaze down on village life...


 The right turn takes us down to the Bybrook and fields where we have gathered new friends along the way.. Margot the solitary Swan and Henry the Heron who we often see fishing for frogs in the marshy fringes of the fields.


The greatest thrill for me is discovering the Kingfishers that flash like neon darts along the mill stream.. Such a treat to see these dazzling little birds.. and miraculously I managed to spy one sitting on a water duct pipe.. and with hands shaking I took this blurry photo. It looks all the better if you squint at it...


It had been our dream for at least ten years to move to a quieter world.. a less frenetic pace and a place to watch the seasons change before our eyes..and we have surely found it in this beautiful corner of Wiltshire.


Instead of the traffic drone from city streets at night, we now have an owl that sits in the tree opposite and actually says.. To wit, to whoo... Something I always thought of as some kind of pastoral myth. The hedgerows are ripe with Elderberries and Blackberries and foraging has started in earnest.. with our freezer slowly filling with berries ready for a spot of jam making.


The garden has had a bit of a makeover with cottage garden plants replacing the shrubs we inherited which hid this beautiful stone wall..


The climbing rose has already romped up the old dead apple tree, closely followed by a Clematis Montana..




 I can't wait to see the plants burst into life in the Spring and fill up the gaps.. with a whole host of Narcissi, Tulips and Alliums which have recently been planted.


Life is good.. life is rich and there is so much more to look forward to.. Christmas for a start! Sorry to mention the C word so early.. but one has to think about where the Christmas tree is going to stand this year. Isn't that one of the first things people think of when buying a new home?


There is something even more exciting on the horizon.. something with four legs and a little wet nose.. Next month we will be welcoming a new member to our family and I will be busy refereeing a very disgruntled cat with the arrival of a Border Terrier puppy called Minnie... She is only three weeks old so has a lot of growing to do before we can bring her home where we hope to have primed Pickles the cat in how to get along with a new sibling!


 Life will never be the same again .. but it will be better and we hope to be fitter with even more reason to go walkies!

  The summer was eventful to say the least.. with a house move.. a visit to the wonderful Homespun Fair down in Portscatho, where old friends and new friends mingled amongst a host of vintage treasures. Hello Mandy if you are reading this.. It was lovely to meet you at the fair.

Then we had The Vintage & Handmade Jumble sale in Rangeworthy.. a popular event with bargains galore to be found. On September 2nd The annual Biddestone Boules tournament was a date firmly etched on the calendar and in true Gallic style, team Cowboys & Custard embraced the bonhomie of the games and had a wonderful day.. lobbing boules.


 I am beginning to feel a shift in the gears even though the season is slowing down for hibernation time.. This move to village life has given my creative flow a good kick where it was badly needed.. and I have recently revived my bookbinding skills to make a collection of books.. ready for The Vintage & Handmade Textile fair  next week.


It should be a wonderful day .. one I am very much looking forward to with new and old friends gathering to showcase their fabulous talents and vintage wares amongst 40 stalls.
Do come along if you can.. Chipping Sodbury Town Hall.. Saturday 29th September 10.00 a.m - 4.00 p.m.. Hope to see you there!

P.s Thank you for all of your warm and friendly comments on my previous post.. They were greatly appreciated!

20 comments:

fee @ chipper nelly said...

he he Michele - my current post is called 'the c word'! lovely to see you all settled in your new home (ooh how I look forward to escaping suburbia one day) and your little puppy? cute as a button.
I also wish I was coming to Chipping to see you (and meet with my now BF Cuckoo!) and delight in your wares. Maybe next time...
fee x

Pippin Lane said...

The new home looks warm and welcoming, and just so perfectly country cottage..........What a lovely post, talking about my favourite things, houses, wellie walks, and christmas!!!!!
Nattie x

thriftwood said...

Ooooh! It all looks idyllic ... Lovely walks, beautiful new home, roses round the door ... It's lovely that you have settled into country living so well. Your pictures are beautiful and capture the changing seasons brilliantly. Your new addition is adorable too!

Love, Claire xxx

lemonade kitty said...

Haha that made me laugh because I was just saying to my friend today "the first thing I look for when we move house is a place for the christmas tree"!! Sounds like you're having loads of fun in the country and I'm looking forward to meeting your little doggie, Lucey x

Maura said...

Hi Michele,

So glad to hear you are settling into your new way of life. How is Mr Pickles enjoying the countryside?

The puppy looks so cute, I'm sure they will get on fine together!! a long as the puppy realises that Mr. P is in charge!
See you at the fayre
love
Maureen
xxxxx

Karen said...

As I began reading this I thought you need a dog to take those walks with and you are getting the cutest. House is perfect for Christmas and will look wonderful decorated with a roaring fire and the wind howling outside. Karen x

LeeAnn at Mrs Black's said...

We love Wiltshire too! It's a big county and lots to see and do. Your cottage looks lovely, and love Mr Pig. What will he think of a D - O - G? x

Maria said...

Soo happy for you, been reading your blog for a fair time now!!
It is one of the first blogs I actually found on here..hehe.
Love your sweet puppy too, he is sure to make your home complete.
Love Maria x

Frances said...

Michelle, you expressed your countryside conversion sentiments so very well. This post would entice many (me included) to reconsider why on earth one would want to live in a throbbing city environment.

Your home and the surroundings look so beautiful. I send you best wishes as the seasons change and your transition continues.

Shortbread and Ginger said...

Looks idyllic! Sounds like you are loving your new home.
Liz @ Shortbread & Ginger

Riddlers cottage flowers said...

Looks wonderful so happy for you.I am enjoying walking Percy up the lane and over the fields everday and enjoying the changing season too!x

jen storer said...

So much prettiness. It's breathtaking, Michele. I have loved following your journey. I wish you every happiness in your gorgeous new home. Blessings to little Minnie too! xx

Anonymous said...

It all looks wonderful, Its true we have noticed so much more since we left town living behind, yes isn't it funny the christmas tree has to have is perfect spot, so exciting for you all
Thea x

Amanda said...

Thanks for sharing this, such a lovely post. Yes....where does the Christmas tree go?

LinenandRoses said...

Your new life in the country sounds absolutely wonderful. Your cottage looks so sweet and I'm sure the garden is going to look fabulous next year. I don't mind at all that you have already mentioned the C word. I think because our new baby is due only a few weeks before I'm thinking that I need to be a bit organised and think about it now. Also I just love it! Good luck with the next fair. One of these days I'll make it down there for a visit. Fiona x

sarah-jane down the lane said...

Oh joy joy joy! I love it when a plan comes together, your happiness is infectious and a cherry on top with the advent of puppa!
Life is good indeed...happy for you doesn't begin to cover it...

Love Sarah -x-x-x-

Kay said...

Hi, I'm a new follower of your blog, it's your new house looks lovely and your puppy is so adorable :-)

Emma Herian said...

Oh Michele, I am so behind on whats been happening in your life! All I can say is...When can I come and stay!!!! :) Your new home is gorgeous, no wonder you wanted it so badly! You look like you've really settled in to the country life!
Well deserved! Enjoy xxxx

Nourished Mummy said...

wonderful! your home looks gorgeous. My dream cottage.
Whereabouts in Wilts are you? Anywhere near me in North Bradley? xx

Garden Girl said...

Ooooooh, Minnie is BEAUTIFUL! has she come home yet? I am a bit behind with blog-catching-up. Your new pad looks beautiful, and I'm so pleased you and Mr C and enjoying a slightly more peaceful, laid back approach-thoroughly well deserved Custardo! Hope to see you soon, much love x