Thursday 1 April 2010

Out and about in the dale.


Our Writers' Group have produced their first book, published this week (and, like the curate's egg, good in parts) and today it fell to me to drive through Wensleydale to Hawes to ask the local newsagent if he would stock some copies for sale (he would).

This journey was no hardship for the dale is beginning to wake up. Nicely protected from the bitterly cold North wind, I drove along in brilliant sunshine. The fields are beginning to green up and here and there were trees with fat buds, not yet bursting open, but thinking about it.

But best of all, in the water meadows, where the silvery River Ure winds its way, there were lambs. In little groups they raced across the field, stood a moment, then raced back at a given signal from one of the group. Some very tiny ones were curled up asleep in little sunny hollows. And all the while their mums were conscientiously munching away at the grass - they've seen it all before I suppose.

Stepping out into the April sunshine was a bit of a shock as an icy blast cut through the car park. It didn't help that the first £2.20 I put in the parking meter was gobbled up without showing on the clock - so the parking actually cost me £4.40!!! But we British are stalwart, aren't we? After all, it is Easter weekend - and that usually means winter's return.

Today's picture is a long distance shot of our "local" bit of high ground - Penhill. I took it this morning on my way to Hawes - and as you see it is still a bit of a wintry scene. Have a Happy Easter.

13 comments:

Pamela Terry and Edward said...

Is there any sweeter picture of Spring than a lamb? How fortunate you are to see them whenever you wish! And congratulations on the book!

Anonymous said...

Happy Easter to you too!... what a beautiful spread of land...

Unknown said...

Hello Weaver,

Well, you've sure come back with a bang! Just catching up on your latest posts. Lovely photos of the spring flowers and fascinating glimpse of the merlin. I wonder who you were maligning with the scrimshank?! :0) The dust can always take care of itself. So nice for you to enjoy the poetry afternoon. Much better to be cosy and comfortable inside. Today we have beautiful sunshine but very cold. Hard to believe how the weather could change so dramatically from the grip of winter yesterday! Good luck with the book sales.

HelenMWalters said...

Exciting news about the book.

PurestGreen said...

My beloved and I are hoping to head into the highlands on Monday, and if I can get some photos of some lambs I will be so pleased. Beautiful photo of Penhill.

Heather said...

Congratulations to you and your group on getting your book published. You must all be excited about it. Pehill and it's surroundings look very beautiful inspite of the icy winds. I'm always amazed by how tough lambs must be to endure such harsh weather conditions so soon after they are born. Bad luck with the parking meter - greedy thing! A Happy Easter to you and here's to some warmer weather.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on your book :-)
Yes, lambs are s sure sign of spring, but I do not think we will see them here for another month or so, - not outside, at least. We may still be in for more frost and snow here before the winter calls it a day.
Lovely to see your flowers, and looking forward to seeing ours :-)

Titus said...

Congratulations on the book, and Penhill looks positively Springlike to me!
Nothing woolly and bouncy in the fields here yet...

BT said...

Oh I am so so behind with my bloggy friends Weaver, do forgive me. Having been away myself then having my daughter to stay, taking too many photos and having to sort them all out..... I'm sure you understand. I'll do my best to catch up, but in the meantime,

Happy Easter to you too and I love your new header photo. I shall hopefully be posting some garden photos in the next day or so.

Love to you and the farmer
BT
xxx

Anonymous said...

So glad to know that you are out and about again, Weaver. Good luck with your bool sales. A wonderful photo.

Golden West said...

What wonderful news about your book, Weaver! And it must be grand to be out and about again and feeling ever so much better. Wishing you and your a happy Easter.

steven said...

hello weaver!!! pen hill - is that pendle? i've read about it, seen it from afar, but never walked it. congratlations on your writer's group's new book!!! i wish you continued improvement in your health. thanks also for posting the gorgeous bouquet up top!!! wow. steven

Crafty Green Poet said...

that's a lovely view! Congrats on getting the newsagent to stock the book!