Enjoying the sunshine

Lots of jobs done today in the house and garden but still time to stand and stare. Db and I went for coffee at a little cafe on a lake just outside town. Redricks Lakes is used to train swimmers for competitions but anyone can swim there although I haven't yet as I would like to do the induction first which is Saturdays. It is probably busy at the weekend but mid-week when we go is very quiet apart from the water fowl.

 The swan did come a lot nearer gradually.

We sat with a very good coffee and DB made friends with the swan then we watched the grebes diving. 

Although we live in a town we have some beautiful countryside within walking distance.

This is DD walking the dogs in the field between Parndon Mill and the River Stort. 

The yellow flowers are so cheerful.We really appreciate our walks and so do the dogs.

A walk in Burnham on Crouch

Two friends had asked to come with me on one of my days out then one was ill and cancelled the day before and the other was also not well and not sure if she would come. We had planned London but in the end on the day I prepared to go on my usual bus journey and walk and was glad I had as last minute was a message to say 2nd friend not well enough.

I used my bus pass again to travel to Chelmsford and then to Burnham on Crouch. The journey was lovely as all through the countryside with wonderful views.

It was a bit breezy at first as I visited the tourist information office for leaflets then sat by the river to eat my packed salad and bought tea.

I know this area fairly well as about 40 years ago db and I had a weekend in the Anchor Inn right next to the river for our anniversary.  Then over 20 years ago we had a few days in our camper van on the camp site at the end of the high street.  I have also had a few day trips here but not for a long while.

I decided on a route I had not taken before, along the river to Creeksea, around the Marine which I don't remember from before then heading inland along hedgerows of plums and blackberries which were very welcome for dessert.  The sun shone and it felt like a real Autumn day. The worse bit was crossing a railway line which made me very nervous although it was only one track and few trains travel on it.

I finished the day with a cream tea in the Georgian tea room garden with a big pot of coffee.

Then a final walk around for last photos of the clock tower and the yacht clubs in the other direction.

Harvest home

I have cut back on veg growing this year for various reasons but I think most days through summer and Autumn there is something edible. Also a certain amount is frozen for the winter.

So far this year have been loads of strawberries mainly consumed but a few frozen. Gooseberries likewise. Most blackcurrants Frozen but some given to a friend who gave me a pot of jam in return. A little rhubarb eaten, Frozen and gifted. There are Jonagold eating apples, a Bramley and a quince bearing it's first fruit.

Many herbs some of which grow all year and others are Frozen or dried.

Recently I have been picking blackberries both in the garden and wild. At the moment there are tomatoes and lettuce every day. The first beetroot will be pulled tomorrow and I have enjoyed one cucumber. Lavender is scenting the house but I have to leave some for the bees.

Bay leaves, blackberries and tomatoes.

When it's written down it sounds much more than I thought it was!