Apedale

Yesterday we went for a walk in Apedale Country Park which is off the A34 from Congleton before you get to Newcastle under Lyme. It has been reconstituted from coal and iron ore workings and has a network of good paths rising up to a pithead sculpture at the summit. On a good day you can see for miles but this day all we saw was cloud. Woodland abounds with abundant wildlife. There is good free car parking and I was amazed that the visitor centre was open for refreshments and meals at this time of year.

www.apedale.co.uk

Jean's garden in snow

These images were taken in early January when I woke to a magical garden transformed by the white stuff!

A Day out in Derbyshire

On a cold wintry morning we set off to visit various places of interest within an hours drive of home.


First stop was the car park at Grin Low country park near Buxton to don boots for the short ascent to Solomon's temple.

http://www.follytowers.com/solomons.html






Then we needed a hearty home made soup at The Duke of York pub on the A515 Buxton to Ashbourne road to get warm. http://www.pubinnguide.com/pubdetailsidx3257.asp






Arbor Low Stone circle was next on the agenda but we didn't linger as the wind was bitterly cold, but long enough to take a few images of pre-historic and 'post-historic' man! If you want to know more see http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.001001001013002001001








Finally on no trip to this area can I resist a visit to the Brierlow bar discount book shop.

http://www.bookstore-derbyshire.co.uk/



All in all an excellent day out in January.

Winter Light

Trent and Mersey canal near Middlewich





Field near Astbury

















Astbury Mere Country Park

More Christmas Fun

Ron (Tracy's Dad) always brings Santa to join us for the day after he has entertained his customers in his 'Bargain Booze' shop. Then he goes back to his loft for his well earned rest until next year. And you always thought he came from Lapland!

Christmas Fun

Thought I would like to share some of our fun on Christmas Day. My elder son Jamie (on right) is cook- in- charge with his trusty assistant ( posh name sous chef!) younger son Graham. This was taken before the chestnuts started exploding in the oven! After all the excitment the meal was as superb as ever. The cooking 'genes' come their Dad who always did Christmas dinner. My role is one of clearing up afterwards - I know my place!

Christmas Eve Festivities

Grandparents, parents and children - 3 generations sitting down together to enjoy Christmas Eve festivities at New Life Church. A good mix of religious and secular with carols and Christmas songs washed down with mulled wine!