Elcmae's Countdown to 65

April 8th 2010

2010-04-22T17:55:00.005+01:00

The beautiful Carding Mill Valley hidden amongst

the Shropshire Hills.

A great day out - the children loved playing in the stream

and we enjoyed the fantastic scenery.

This was the last day of our holiday - it was time to

think about the journey home.

April 7th 2010

2010-04-22T17:37:00.003+01:00

Visiting the Acton Scott Farm with my "great" nieces and nephew today.

A farm where the clock is turned back 100 years and we could see what life was like in Victorian times.

(The BBC series Victorian Farm was filmed here.)

April 6th 2010

2010-04-15T23:06:00.004+01:00

Ambling around the lovely old town of Watchet in

Somerset we came across this 18th century footbridge

which crosses the River Washford - just beautiful!

April 5th 2010

2010-04-14T13:41:00.003+01:00

A walk through the Valley of the Rocks with the gorse in

flower and wild goats roaming the rocky hillsides.

April 4th 2010

2010-04-14T13:35:00.003+01:00

A beautiful day, a drive along the north Devon coast

and a photo stop at Combe Martin.

April 3rd 2010

2010-04-13T21:10:00.003+01:00

Congestion on Exmoor's narrow roads.

Not our usual type of traffic jam!

April 2nd 2010

2010-04-13T21:01:00.003+01:00

Memories of days gone by - riding on the steam trains
of the West Somerset Railway.

April 1st 2010

2010-04-13T20:25:00.003+01:00

Off to the wilds of Exmoor for a few days holiday.

March 26th 2010

2010-03-28T19:41:00.004+01:00

An outing with the Ladies who Lunch. A visit to the old market town of Framlingham, some nice views of the castle and a great lunch!

March 25th 2010

2010-03-28T19:31:00.004+01:00

Julie and Julia.

I thoroughly enjoyed this DVD. Based on two true stories and covering two of my favourite topics - cooking and blogging!

Just the thing to watch sitting by the fire on a chilly, rainy afternoon.

March 24th 2010

2010-03-25T16:24:00.002Z

Into town for a shopping trip and time to grab a quick

cup of coffee.

March 23rd 2010

2010-03-24T09:08:00.003Z

Aboriginal artwork - all the way from Byron Bay!

March 22nd 2010

2010-03-24T08:56:00.003Z

Beautiful Australian bookmarks for my collection.

March 21st 2010

2010-03-23T08:17:00.002Z

The Traveller Returns.

After 4 wonderful months travelling along the east coast of Australia my daughter is home - but how long for ...........

March 19th 2010

2010-03-23T08:13:00.001Z

Hurray - the first Spring flowers in the garden!

March 16th 2010

2010-03-16T20:40:00.003Z

Beautiful (but noisy) geese feeding near the reservoir.

March 15th 2010

2010-03-16T20:34:00.003Z

Walking down by the reservoir yesterday.

March 14th 2010

2010-03-16T20:26:00.002Z

I knew the blue sky was still there........

March 9th 2010

2010-03-09T20:18:00.003Z

The latest additions to my bookmark collection.

I just couldn't resist these - I love the fashions of the 1920s.

March 8th 2010

2010-03-09T20:14:00.003Z

Thorpeness beach looking towards Aldeburgh, Suffolk.

March 7th 2010

2010-03-07T20:03:00.002Z

The weather has been beautiful this week - bright and clear but still cold.

Today we've been watching the swans and ducks on Thorpeness Mere.

February 27th 2010

2010-02-27T14:05:00.004Z

Deserted beach huts on a cold February day. Come the

summer and they become a hive of activity!!

February 26th 2010

2010-02-26T21:32:00.002Z

A break in the clouds after days of grey, damp and miserable weather.

February 21st 2010

2010-02-21T15:15:00.003Z

Spring is just around the corner and I couldn't resist these daffodils in the supermarket. (Grown in the UK too!)

February 20th 2010

2010-02-21T15:07:00.003Z

A very mundane week with not many photo

opportunities until today!

Caught this beautiful sunset reflection in one of the

Melton Riverside Ponds.

February 15th 2010

2010-02-19T20:42:00.004Z

The latest postcard from my daugher thoroughly enjoying

herself on Safari on Fraser Island, Australia.

Am I envious ..............

February 14th 2010

2010-02-15T17:03:00.002Z

Cold and grey - the North Sea in winter.

February 13th 2010

2010-02-13T20:50:00.003Z

The slow cooker is becoming one of best friends. Lamb Abruzzi (lamb and cherry tomatoes). Into the cooker by 10am and ready at 7pm. Mmmmm!!

February 12th 2010

2010-02-13T20:44:00.004Z

A busy weekend ahead so online grocery shopping comes in handy.

February 11th 2010

2010-02-13T20:40:00.001Z

Some of the lovely old Tudor buildings in Bildeston, Suffolk.

February 10th 2010

2010-02-11T15:40:00.004Z

Here it comes again! But not a lot this time!!

February 9th 2010

2010-02-11T15:20:00.003Z

A girlie day out at the craft market and bookshops in Aldeburgh. Then a bracing walk along the beach followed by a long lazy lunch and a glass of wine.

Oh the joys of retirement!!

February 8th 2010

2010-02-11T15:17:00.002Z

Another pub sign I rather like. This time The Peacock Inn at Chelsworth.

February 7th 2010

2010-02-07T19:22:00.004Z

This wonderful old house stands by the water splash in Kersey. It is very overgrown and almost derelict. The engraved stone in the uppermost arch says River House - 1490 ....... If only walls could talk!!

February 6th 2010

2010-02-07T18:07:00.003Z

The Water Splash at Kersey.

A drive out through some of the pretty Suffolk villages on

a grey and dismal day brought us to Kersey.

February 5th 2010

2010-02-06T16:28:00.004Z

My February reading!! More slow cooker recipes, (the crockpot and I are becoming very good friends!!) and a book to help me sort out the rockery in our garden. A book from America - Cherries in Winter - a true story of a family coping with hard times and Paw Tracks in the Moonlight - a cat story set in Northumberland. (I just had to buy it I couldn't resist the cover!!)

February 4th 2010

2010-02-06T16:21:00.003Z

Felixstowe Town.

February 3rd 2010

2010-02-04T12:26:00.002Z

Sunrise over the A14 on our way to Felixstowe.

February 2nd 2010

2010-02-04T12:08:00.003Z

The Electric Palace - Harwich.

One of the earliest purpose built cinemas still operating in the UK - first opened in 1911. I would love to see inside!!

February 1st 2010

2010-02-02T11:50:00.002Z

A glorious sunset from the weekend. I love the way the

trees are silhouetted against the sky.

January 31st 2010

2010-02-02T11:45:00.002Z

Another view from the cliff tops at Dunwich Heath,

over the reedbeds.

January 30th 2010

2010-02-02T11:32:00.003Z

A beautiful day - cold, crisp and clear. Just right for a

bracing walk along the cliffs at Dunwich Heath.

January 29th 2010

2010-01-29T15:11:00.003Z

Postcrossing is going well. I have now sent 19 cards and received 19 from many different countries all over the world. I received this one from the USA this morning. Niagara Falls - a painting by B. Hess - I think it's rather lovely.

January 28th 2010

2010-01-29T14:55:00.004Z

Sunset - it was lovely to see the sun again today after

what seems like weeks of grey skies!!

January 27th 2010

2010-01-29T14:40:00.002Z

Boats on the River Stour at Manningtree.

January 26th 2010

2010-01-29T14:33:00.002Z

A shopping trip to Felixstowe and inbetween purchases a

glimpse of the sea.

Another cold wet day with the east wind blowing!!

January 25th 2010

2010-01-26T10:44:00.003Z

Spring is on it's way.

I couldn't resist these gorgeous polyanthus at the

Garden Centre today!!

January 24th 2010

2010-01-24T19:45:00.004Z

The latest additions to my bookmark collection.

Britain's Commandos, Hereford Cathedral, Cheddar Gorge,

Southampton FC, Eurotunnel Exhibition, and

Canterbury Cathedral plus the Russian submarine - Foxtrot.

January 23rd 2010

2010-01-24T19:28:00.004Z

Cake making without the baking! This Tiffen (made in

the fridge!) was very easy and very yummy!!

January 22nd 2010

2010-01-22T19:58:00.002Z

The War Memorial Garden, Woodbridge

on a cold and rainy day.

January 21st 2010

2010-01-22T19:39:00.003Z

The old Water Pump outside the Shire Hall on Market Hill,

Woodbridge

January 20th 2010

2010-01-22T19:25:00.003Z

Ye Olde Bell and Steelyard - Woodbridge.

A 16th century inn in Woodbridge - a small Suffolk market town.

January 19th 2010

2010-01-20T13:01:00.003Z

I just couldn't stop reading this book today!! An absolutely fascinating story of a woman who finds herself in the rapid downward spiral of Alzheimer's Disease at the age of 50 years. A sad and very moving story - one of the best books I've read in recent years.

January 18th 2010

2010-01-18T19:50:00.002Z

The setting sun over the River Deben looking towards

Felixstowe

January 17th 2010

2010-01-18T19:40:00.003Z

Bawdsey on the River Deben.

January 16th 2010

2010-01-18T19:34:00.003Z

Roses - a lovely surprise from my husband to brighten

up a grey and rainy day.

January 15th 2010

2010-01-15T19:54:00.003Z

Late afternoon - Felixstowe beach.

January 14th 2010

2010-01-15T19:49:00.003Z

The snow is thawing and it's not too windy so time

for a walk along the prom!

January 13th 2010

2010-01-13T13:37:00.003Z

This gorgeous photo arrived from Australia this morning - my daughter visiting the Koala Sanctuary just outside Brisbane. He looks so cute - I just had to share it!!

January 12th 2010

2010-01-13T13:26:00.003Z

The latest additions to my bookmark collection.

2 from Switzerland and 1 from Australia.

The little koala at the top is furry - made from kangeroo leather.

January 11th 2010

2010-01-13T13:19:00.003Z

Another wintery scene from snowy Christchurch Park, Ipswich.

I wish the snow would go now!! Getting tired of it! It's not so pretty or much fun anymore!

January 10th 2010

2010-01-10T20:34:00.002Z

Ipswich's snowy skyline.

January 9th 2010

2010-01-09T19:21:00.003Z

And another snowy picture taken near Ipswich!

January 8th 2010

2010-01-08T22:10:00.002Z

The Wilderness Pond, Christchurch Park, Ipswich on an icy cold day.

January 7th 2010

2010-01-08T21:47:00.003Z

The latest books to join my "to read pile." Three from the library, one I had for Christmas and the top two are books I can't believe I've found again! I first read them back in the 1960s and have never forgotten either. Browsing on Amazon one day I found both in the used section - slightly more expensive this time around but no matter - worth it just to read them again!

January 6th 2010

2010-01-06T15:28:00.003Z

Here is comes again! Snow, snow and more snow!!

January 5th 2010

2010-01-06T15:14:00.004Z

The first meal from my new Crockpot! Slow cooking is new

to me but I can see it becoming a firm favourite.

January 4th 2010

2010-01-06T15:09:00.004Z

All the Christmas tree decorations taken down and carefully

stowed away ready for next year.

January 3rd 2010

2010-01-03T20:40:00.002Z

A trip to the craft market at Snape Maltings and a beautiful sunset.

January 2nd 2010

2010-01-03T20:16:00.004Z

A cold bite to the wind today so we opted for the easy

way - instead of walking we took the car for a drive

around Tunstall Forest!!

January 1st 2010

2010-01-02T16:11:00.002Z

New Years Day

A little more snow overnight.

December 31st 2009

2010-01-01T15:30:00.003Z

New Years Eve.

I love this time of the year - looking back at all the good and not so good times of the old year and looking forward to everything the new year offers.

Lots of plans and possibilities, lots of friends and family to catch up with, and lots of new things to see and do.

Happy New Year Everyone!

December 30th 2009

2010-01-01T15:20:00.003Z

Postcrossing - Taking part in the postcard exchange is really taking off. I have now sent 13 cards and received 10. I received this one from China this morning - The Forbidden City, Beijing in winter. I think it's rather lovely.

December 29th 2009

2010-01-01T15:13:00.003Z

A day of surprises! While spending the afternoon with one sister and her family my other sister made a surprise visit. Great to see them both at the same time!

Thanks for the beautiful flowers Sylv.

December 28th 2009

2010-01-01T15:06:00.003Z

Holiday brochures.

Where shall we go in 2010 and what shall we do??

December 27th 2009

2010-01-01T15:01:00.004Z

Chocolate biscuits - some of our favourites.

I expect too many of these will be eaten over the next few days!!

Back to healthy eating in January!!

December 26th 2009

2009-12-29T11:13:00.003Z

Boxing Day - Time to get out some of the old board games. I had forgotten what fun playing some of these games could be.

December 25th 2009

2009-12-29T11:07:00.002Z

Christmas Day - After a marvellous dinner cooked by my son time to relax and enjoy the delights of Christmas.

December 24th 2009

2009-12-25T00:24:00.003Z

Christmas Eve and just a few of the lovely cards we've received.

December 23rd 2009

2009-12-23T20:07:00.005Z

The snow is thawing slowly! Shopping completed and the

housework done. I think everything is ready for the festive season!!

Happy Christmas Everyone!

December 22nd 2009

2009-12-22T20:23:00.005Z

Sunset over the snowy rooftops of Ipswich.

A slight thaw yesterday, then overnight another fall of snow

followed by freezing temperatures today!!

December 21st 2009

2009-12-21T20:28:00.004Z

The snow was still with us for most of the day but this

evening it is raining so perhaps a thaw has set in!

December 20th 2009

2009-12-20T21:25:00.002Z

A real nip in the air today. It was -3 Celsius at lunchtime. "Jack Frost" made these wonderful designs on the garage windows over night. Thank goodness the house has double glazing.

December 19th 2009

2009-12-19T14:51:00.004Z

The last letters and cards posted and presents wrapped I

think I'm almost ready!!

December 18th 2009

2009-12-18T22:34:00.002Z

The snow came over night and this was the picture this morning.

December 17th 2009

2009-12-17T21:48:00.002Z

Rudolph and Santa make their annual charity collection around the streets of Ipswich.

December 16th 2009

2009-12-17T07:36:00.003Z

It was cold today and in the afternoon the snow arrived! A slow peppering which lasted about two hours - it didn't lay though and by evening it had gone!

December 15th 2009

2009-12-17T07:30:00.004Z

Now that we are back at home I've lots of Christmassy preparations to catch up with. I love this time of the year.

December 14th 2009

2009-12-15T14:59:00.003Z

Time to go home but one last look at the sunset over the River Lynher.

December 13th 2009

2009-12-15T14:48:00.003Z

Roughtor on Bodmin Moor.

The second highest tor on the moor at 1311 feet. Many years ago I could make it to the top but these days I prefer to view it from the car park!!

December 12th 2009

2009-12-15T14:37:00.003Z

One of the things I love about Cornwall are the beautiful slate walls which edge the gardens, lanes, fields and moors in the northern part of the county. I love the way little ferns and plants take root and grow between the slates.

December 11th 2009

2009-12-15T14:20:00.003Z

The Passing Out Parade at HMS Raleigh.

Today we were invited to watch my nephew at his Royal Naval passing out parade. The ceremony went like clockwork - the new ratings looked so smart in full uniform and the music played by the band of the Royal Marines was superb.

A memorable day for one very proud Aunty!

December 10th 2009

2009-12-15T14:15:00.004Z

Better weather today but a day spent relaxing at the barn soaking up the glorious views.

December 9th 2009

2009-12-15T14:10:00.003Z

A day when the mist hung over the moors and valleys. A visit to the lovely little fishing village of Looe.

December 8th 2009

2009-12-15T14:06:00.003Z

Trebarwith Strand on the north Cornwall coast.

One of my all time favourite places.

December 7th 2009

2009-12-15T13:53:00.002Z

If the weather is good motoring around Cornwall at this time of the year is great. There seems to be spectacular views around every corner.

This is the St. Germans Railway viaduct over the River Tiddy.

December 6th 2009

2009-12-15T13:47:00.003Z

The barn had upside down layout with the living rooms on the first floor. The views were stunning.

December 5th 2009

2009-12-15T13:35:00.005Z

After a smooth journey of just over 8 hours we arrived at this beautiful barn conversion - our home for the next 9 days.

December 4th 2009

2009-12-04T20:06:00.003Z

Packing cases ready for a pre-Christmas holiday. We are off to Cornwall tomorrow for 10 days. While we are there I am looking forward to seeing my nephew at his passing out parade for the Royal Navy. Hoping to have lots of photos to upload when we return.

December 3rd 2009

2009-12-03T19:11:00.004Z

Christmas shopping at Aldeburgh and Snape and a chance to buy some fresh fish (caught this morning) from the local fishermen on the beach.