A Shadow - a Castle - and a Bus Ride

This week it was time to dust off the old year and prepare for the new - so off we went for a breath of fresh air - Ludlow was the destination - a little town with a lot to offer - a castle - gourmet restaurants - and half timbered buildings.

We caught the local bus and left the car at home - no parking worries today! - the bus is quite a treat , winding through local villages that are speedily passed on the usual car journey.




Ludlow is always a gift with its quiet passageways - shuts and old buildings










Today we had decided to take a walk through Wycliffe Common - this takes you under the ramparts of the castle - this is where I saw the magnificent shadow - see the header pic - the tree was etched brilliantly against the castle wall - The picture above was taken from the local paper the night we came back - and shows the magnificent castle taken from the air -



If you look closely you will see an aerial view of my shadow tree ! how cool is that !




Of course the day would have not been complete without a spot of lunch in the Black Bough and a browse around the shops - plenty of old book shops and the like in this little town.




Finally another bus ride home catching the bus across the street from the Feathers Hotel with its' timber facade - dating back to 1619

I am linking this blog to Hey Harriet and Shadow Shot Sunday - why not pop over to gaze on more shadow shots

Happy New Year ! to all you bloggers - hope all your wishes come true x

W is for a Walk in the Woods

W is for a Walk in the Woods and Park at Attingham Hall in Shropshire - mainly pics this week for our Wednesday Fun.

Where Would We be without our ABC Wednesday and Where Would you Wish to Wander free from the cares of the World?





Attingham belongs to the National Trust and is free for members to roam. The park is expertly managed - and ancient trees mix with young saplings along the WalkWays

I like the early morning Walks With the sunlight dancing through the trees and the dew on the grass - and the unexpected pheasant or squirrel darting out from the bushes.



The swan glides by on his usual route - keeping a Watchful eye on the dog and me also - I think - ready for action if need be!




Soon the snowdrops will have a Wake up call in these Woods - and the ground will be awash with White nodding heads




Why not pop across to the side bar for more ABC Wednesday W's

Through the Window Today December15th

Through the window today - cold - wet - heavy winds to blow and more rain or snow depending where you are in the UK





Looking from the kitchen window and catching the conservatory - and out to the trees in the garden, The pine tree has history - joining us over 25 years ago - as a tiny tree in a Xmas pot - tied up with red ribbon - sporting little red bows - bells and a dusting of artificial snow - I think it came free - and now it proudly takes it place between the Bay Tree and the Wisteria



The Holly Tree - shot taken from the lounge window window = is an old friend arriving in a small pot - at a nominal price - as usual covered in bright red berries and the Xmas lights - the berries will be eaten no doubt by visiting thrushes before the end of January - I shall bring in just a few sprigs on Christmas Eve to pop in a vase




Can't resist tagging on this extra shot - our welcome to family and friends for the festive season

Why not pop along to the Maple Syrup Mob for more through the window shots

V is for Vintage

Vis for Vintage - I could't resist these pics in our local vintage market in Shrewsbury -




It is a treasure trove of interesting bits and is cleverly laid out with lighting and mirrors set in strategic places




I recently bought a wax jacket at a reasonable price - AdVantage to me do you not think!

Fun can be had strolling through the endless racks of stock trying on a hat or slinging a bag over the shoulder to try and create the look!



Bowler hats - leather clutch bags - real feather hats - Urghh! all taking their place, by now you have probably realised that this kind of stall is a favourite of mine ! - I am sure there are others out there who have a similar weakness - is it you?

Why not pop along to the side bar for a link to ABC Wednesday for other V contributions

Through the Window

Thursday 8th December - from the kitchen window - a zoom in on the dovecote at the bottom of the garden - cold - very windy with a promise of snow in the UK today.
We only have visiting wild doves and wood pigeons in our garden - not that I would not love a flock of white doves - or even two or three! - but it is only a small dovecote!

We also have the neighbours cats visiting so we have to be selective on how we feed and encourage our birds.

Last summer we suddenly saw something large and white sitting in the one dovecote entrance - rushing for the bins - it turned out to be Milo from next door - we now have a large brick blocking the entrance - leaving just enough room for birds to enter and leave if they so wish.

For more 'Through the Window'shots why not pop over to the Maple Syrup Mob - link in the side bar

U is for Understanding and Unity

U is for Understanding and Unity -the carol singers above stand United in song in ShrewsbUry Market SqUare - Unforgettable! - why not pop along to the side panel to click on the link to visit more ABC Wednesday contribUtions for the letter U