Heaviness but the sun comes through

I often draw from nature to solve my problems or discomfort. Heavy clouds with sun breaking through has always been an uplifting sight for me. I don't care much for bright sunshine as it is bad for my sight. In just about everything to do with life, I find Contrasts easier to cope with. You can have too much of a good thing? Well that is the way we were brought up to think. (And 'too much' for us in those days would seem to be what most folk take for granted these days!)

I can't walk like I used to but I enjoy getting out to view nature close to, but also look at vistas that go on for miles.

You don’t have to go far out of Ulverston to find staggering views towards Coniston. Of course, you can get excellent views of distant fells and mountains from the local Hoad, and other places too, but this one here, where Coniston Water lies below a sweep of mountains underneath smouldering skies, is always close to my heart. For those keen on walking (fairly steep hill to climb) follow the Cumbrian Way until reaching the road that goes upwards towards the moors (or go straight up Old Hall Road, turning left at the crossroads, passing Windy Ash Barn and upwards towards the Anglers Tarn. Continue walking upwards until distant Coniston comes into view. Actually we often drive this way home into Ulverston and stop the car to take in the view. But we have walked in that direction a number of times. At a rough guess I would say it is about two miles from the town centre. Maybe less — walking uphill always makes the journey seem much longer!

Driving around Windermere over to Broughton

We had a pleasant drive in winter sunshine yesterday, stopping for a simple lunch at Booths supermarket cafe in the town of Windermere. We drove along the east side of the lake, taking photographs from the car, mostly as we were moving. The road is narrow, winding and undulating with few places to stop. We took the road back home that goes through Coniston but we found it closed when we got to Torver so came a long way home over a hill above Broughton with great views of the glittering sea.

For more photographs of Cumbria go to Lake District Saga
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To read about my author activities go to my books blog
Magpies Nest Publishing is my publishing site.
AGPress (USA) has a special deal coming up on the books I have published there. A good place to go for those interested in hand-crafted books (a rarity these days?)

What a Splash!

On our Sunday walk, we arrived at Canal Foot (Ulverston) to find the ducks going nuts. Were they trying to send off unwelcome groups, fighting for territory or just playing about? What ever it was, water sparkled in the sunlight as splashing churned up the water, ducks were lifting themselves up onto their feet and much quacking was going on. What fun!

Birds and Bees

Sunshine and the bees are buzzing, birds are singing and a soft wind blowing. All is tranquil. The rain has done wonders in the garden — such abundance! Feel good — domestic chores done! (well almost!)
Maybe time to do some serious writing this week?

Alpaca Love!

For Love of Alpacas


I visited a local farm and took photos of beautiful alpacas. They sure did look cuddly with their exceedingly deep hair fleeces. The fibre is not called wool (so I was told) and I was given a little to feel. Yes indeed the fibres were about six inches in length and incredibly fine, rather like my own hair which seems almost invisible on the crown and top.
We have been keeping an eye on these gorgeous creatures since they arrived in the area and I felt it a privilege to go up close to take my photographs. The boys, real cuties, were separated from the girls and not in the least shy. The girls were a little suspicious but gradually came closer as their curiosity increased. No smells and as clean as if they had just had a shampoo all over.
I know alpaca owners keep them more for pleasure than profit. Each fleece produces enough fibre for about two cardigans so it hardly pays for their food and special attention. But evidently, like dog breeding, the offspring can be sold for fairly high sums. But it is joy they give by being just themselves that is reason enough to keep them.
I find them utterly charming and would have loved to have given one or two a cuddle! Cuddling is a reassuring activity, but I doubt alpacas would appreciate it!

Visit Magpies Nest Publishing and read chapters from some of my books
Gladys Hobson — Author. See my books and reviews
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Lakeland in Late Winter

The sun shone today so we decided after doing the domestic chores we would go for a run out in the car.
We first went for an early lunch at the Lakeland Nurseries at Cark. We had a light meal, beautifully set out and highly colourful — salads don’t have to be dull. Since I did a rather large bake on Saturday, we did not have our usual cake for ‘afters’ — we have to watch our waistlines even if no one else gives a damn.
We then drove off towards the lovely Lyth Valley, passing through Grange-Over-Sands. The sands disappeared years ago but maybe one day they will return. Presently there is grass and before that mud. But the Victorians who came here by train, would have had alighted at the station, their eyes feasting on sands, sea and the pretty park, as well as, no doubt, by carriages from the huge hotels on the hillsides. Even today, Grange is a pleasant place and many people retire there. I would recommend a visit to the Netherwood. It is an amazing hotel, which serves good food at reasonable prices. The scenery magnificent and the public rooms are wood panelled with open fires.
On along quiet roads towards Bowness, the sun shone for us, even if dark clouds threatened rain.
We drove on to Ambleside. Then we took the Coniston route towards home, driving on the eastern side of the lake.
‘Look,’ I said, pointing to a fantastic piece of property on the hillside, ‘that’s Robert Watson’s nursing home.’
I should point out that I am speaking here of a character in my latest book, to be shortly published — Checkmate. Watson opens up a posh nursing home overlooking Coniston Water. The house is set in grounds filled with azaleas and other acid-loving shrubs. I knew exactly which house he would choose, and that nothing would get in his way. Robert Watson is a rich and powerful man. (I think we have heard about a lot of those lately!)
Well, we had a good laugh about that. I had already pointed out properties I had chosen for other characters and businesses, on a previous trip out. These people and places are very real to me.
Driving down by the side of the lake, we came to a spot where we could stop long enough to take some photos. Of course, it is still winter and the countryside a little drab, but snow on the peaks gives it a little sparkle in spite of a bit of mist.

I will shortly be putting Checkmate on my author web site.
Visit Wrinkly Writers for more photos, and a variety of postings.
Visit Magpies Nest Publishing and read chapters from some of my books (two in pen names). You can order them from there too.
Visit AGPress for the USA versions of some of my books.

November Jewels — My Ulverston Home

A few roses in the garden — in November!
But it is the foliage, glowing like an Impressionist painting, that brings joy to the whole scene.
And yesterday, a light frost glittering in the early morning sunlight, with shimmering diamonds on dark evergreens and shrubbery. Such beauty made my heart sing in praise!
Ah yes, and crisp russet leaves — more sweeping up for hubby to do!