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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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?)

Mountains, Forests, Lakes and Dales — The English Lake District

We have just been on a holiday to the upper part of the English Lake District, taking in the Coastal harbours. Not far away maybe, but a break among the mountains, climbing up hills, walking by lakes and rivers, visiting harbours with their new marinas. Taking in sweet scents of pine and wild flowers, lifted to Paradise by magnificent views. The strenuous exercise actually relieved the discomfort I had been suffering with arthritic knees!
We marvelled at the new life all around us — foals, lambs, pretty little pigs, young birds, red squirrels, and, of course, the freshness of new green growth amongst woodland and meadow.
And when we were resting in our caravan, my husband read to me. Two interesting novels, although we were glad to get to the end of one of them as it seemed to go on forever with unnecessary detail. I guess some writers hate to miss out anything gleaned through research, but why stretch out a story with what often seems like padding?

Getting home we were welcomed by the colourful blooming of our garden shrubs and trees. We can't help but wonder how we came to live in such a lovely part of England!

I also found I had received excellent reviews for my Seduction By Design but they deserve a post of their own!

Cark and Cartmel — A short trip with a view, and lunch thrown in!

Cark and Cartmel — A short trip with a view and lunch thrown in! With February sunshine — what a treat!

One of the pleasures of living in South Lakeland is the possibility of taking advantage of a sudden spell of sunshine in the middle of winter.
Yesterday we had a trip to Cark in Cartmel. Not far but fantastic scenery.
We drove to Cark for a light lunch at a very inexpensive café at the rear end of the Lakeland Nurseries. There is also a coffee shop at the front end. Both serve delicious homemade cakes but only the rear café serves hot food. Nothing expensive but excellent fare.

This café is a writer’s dream! Sights, sounds and smells are richly in evidence. I look around and observe the people who gather there and those delightful ladies who serve. Hear the chatter — no restrained whispers — of the patrons as they greet friends and neighbours, or chat amongst themselves. Smell the aromas emanating from the kitchen: mouth-watering hot dishes being prepared, or scones and cakes cooking in the oven. Yes, indeed, dare to linger the eye on the confessionary hygienically kept under glass, and feel your resolution to lose weight gradually wane — well, you can start again tomorrow.

Most of the customers are elderly men and women, indeed, a child present gets a lot of fuss — like babies at baptisms hovered over by jolly grans and tweeting aunts. Seats are saved at tables, reserved with walking sticks maybe. If we’re lucky a cycling club will be meeting for lunch, each muscled athlete dressed in colourful top and clinging black Licra tights, and, before removing helmets, looking like exotic flying insects with their wings removed. They may be on the older side but youth oozes out of them. (Watch it, girl!)

The cafe sells cards, craft items, jig saws and a few books too — my Still Waters Run Deep and Blazing Embers can be seen on the shelves. (Hopefully not for long!)

Having satiated one’s hunger, there is the delightful walk out among the rows of potted plants — nature’s jewels for house and garden. Tools and garden needs, trees and shrubs too — so much to see.
Why not stand at the door and feast the eye on the lovely countryside, before getting in the car and driving to Cartmel with its wonderful ancient Priory. On towards the fell road home, we usually stop to observe the mountain views and take photos. Then home to relax with hubby reading a story.

Such simple things to gladden the heart.

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