Upside down

Early this morning, a pair of soft brown eyes watched me, willing me to put my coat and boots on and go outside. It was still early though, I still had a mugful of coffee and I was still at that glazed state of stupor triggered by a poor night's sleep. .... You'll just have to wait a little longer ...

 A little later, Eldest stumbled downstairs. Full of sleep he rumbled around the kitchen - firing up the kettle and loading his mug with coffee. Slurping a steaming mug he sunk into the settee. Behind him through the window - sky so blue and clear sang out... 'C'mon, have your breakfast - let's walk now while it is so beautiful'.....

Wrapping up - a little too - warmly, we followed a favourite old farm track, I've not seen such strong shadows for a very long time. The sun was warm on our faces and the air felt light and bright - and dare I say it .... 'it felt like spring'... 

 

The stone walls, usually coated in a soft mossy covering, now sported an extra coat bristling with fruiting bodies, each little green nodding head glowing in the sunshine. We lingered there for several minutes, trying to capture and do justice to the flourishing mini forests. ... Hang on Moss, we're coming, I need to take photos of your namesake ...

Sheep are more abundant at the moment as farmers have brought their blossoming flocks off the hills and moors in preparation for lambing time. With today's delicious sunshine, the ewes basked like squishy tea cosies, blinking in the bright light. The fields full of their round woolly frames is such a positive sign that spring is really just around the corner ... about time too, I have found this winter to be drab and dreary and draining ...

 

After a slippery and mud-ridden approach up the long field we stopped at my favourite local trees,. Time to try out crystal ball refraction photography - with the most amazing clarity and effect.

 

 

Moss initially feigned interest, watching our antics but soon realised that a small babbling brook next to the trees was far more fun. She paddled and explored and hunted sticks.... throw the stick...throw the stick...throw the stick!...

 

We tore ourselves away from the trees and continued up the long meadow, up on to Great Hill track. Turning to head back down the track our vista was glorious. It has been a long time since I have seen 'our' valley and the surrounds look so joyous. Recently shrouded in mists and often sulking under dull clouds the village seemed to shrink into the soil, however today the valley sung as loudly and as happily as the birds.

Now home, fortified by tea and cake we have compared and contrasted our photos and we are pleased with our results - long may the heart-breakingly beautiful blue skies last (which sadly I know won't as we are due Storm Ciara soon and we will have to hunker down and weather out the winds) but until then - I shall revel in that most dazzling of blues - the blue of a spring sky. 

Hope you also had gentle blue skies today - they do wonders for the spirit xxxx