Old Foston Church Doors

While in Leicestershire a few weeks ago, we were taken to have a little peek at this interesting little church, known locally as The Old Foston Church.

St Bartholomew’s Church dates back to the 10th Century and would have been the centre of life in the village (of about 20 -30 families) for a few hundred years.

But the village was deserted in the 1600’s as a result of the enclosure of common lands, leaving only the squire, a rector and maybe three labouring families. I presume it was used by the squire and his family from then on. We didn’t see evidence of the village at all.

But the little church remains active, in its charming setting on the edge of the woods. Unfortunately, the doors were locked as it was mid-week and it is secluded and it’s 2019. (Sign of the times). Too, bad. I’d have loved to see inside.

Plans were underway for the annual Flower Show, scheduled for … oh! This weekend! Wouldn’t that be fun to see? Tents and booths set up around the church and flowers (and people!) everywhere!

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Cosby Doors

Here we are. Back in Leicestershire in the UK to visit with hubby’s ailing father. We can only manage one visit per year and so see a marked decline in our aging relatives. It’s difficult, but as the customs agent reminded me (while comparing my passport photo with my real time face) “age is a privilege relief to many”. (!!!) wow.

May is a truly lovely time to visit England, tho. We took a wander round the ancient village of Cosby last evening.

Cosby is mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086, so for sure dates back that far. There suggestions that it goes back even to Roman times because a Roman road (the Fosse Way) boarders the village.

The parish church was built in the 13th century.

And a very pretty brook runs through the village – home to some happy ducks.

The roadside of the Cosby House barn is bit wobbly.

And there are heaps of pretty doors.

Thanks for dropping by. And hope you enjoyed the tour.

Linked with Norm’s Thursday Doors

She’s Still a Standing

Here she is in mid October. The blossoms turned to seed pods ages ago. I assume they continue to ripen/dry on the stalk. And there’s almost nothing left at the base.

The good folks at the City have offered to give seeds to anyone who wants some. But not fast government people! Agave Maria isn’t giving up yet.

I don’t think so, anyway.

The weatherman is calling for a “weather bomb” tonight and tomorrow: high winds and lots of rain. So, just in case, I popped by to see her today.

Some very creative person has been running a twitter page in her name; it’s hilarious to follow. ( @AgaveHali if you are interested.)

Yesterday’s tweet suggests the poor plant is beginning to worry about the low temps:

You can see, too, that she’s changed her handle in keeping with the season.

While visiting today, wandered the Gardens appreciating the gorgeous autumn colours.

It will likely look very different after the wind gives the leaves a push.

Hope you enjoyed the visit.

Agave Update

Last month I shared the story of our local celebrity Agave plant. You might recall that this momma plant set up her once-in-a-lifetime flower stalk a wee bit early in the season. When she quickly out grew her greenhouse in the Halifax Public Gardens, she had to me moved outside into some very chilly temps. She attracted National attention as we all crossed our fingers for her.

Just after I shared the post with you, we suffered some pretty seriously freezing temps. It cold enough to pretty much wipe out the wine grape crop and half the blueberry crop (just to name a few) province-wide.

We worried.

Her flower stalk completely stopped growling. It was even reported that the Agave had suffered too much and had, in fact, died before she could bloom.

We mourned.

But! Look!!

Just when we’d abandoned hope, she rallied! And today, a closer look suggests that she is ready to bloom!

At least, that’s how it looks to me.

It’s nice to see that she has lots of company in her garden bed now. Including two sister agaves.

I’m going to have to drive into town next week to check again. I’ll be expecting some flowers.

Stay tuned….

One Door Closes ….

Well, that’s a wrap, folks! Last week, we packed up and moved out of our family’s home – the place where the kiddies grew (mostly), and from where they were launched.

Well. Actually. The packing-up part took months and was a horribly, gruelling process – one best avoided. But never mind. It’s over now.

But last week, we closed the door(s) on this property and on particular period of our lives. We built this place ourselves fifteen years ago. It was a great experience for all of us, in a gorgeous location and we loved it.

The place is now in the hands of a delighted new owner, who has expansion plans of her own.

As for us, life is full of adventures and it’s time for a new one. So, with one last glance at that view, we turn our attention to the next project.

Construction begins next week.

I think.

I’ll keep you posted….

Linked with Norm’s Thursday Doors

Lines

This way to the beach!

Hirtle’s Beach in Lunenburg County, NS to be exact.

WPC – lines

Rush Hour Traffic

This group of travellers made their way past our house yesterday just at suppertime. A moment before the photo was taken, my small flock of chickens were moving between their hooves. (I grabbed for the camera – too late – moment had passed). If you squint, you might be able to see some of the birds in the background.

A few minutes later, a skunk made her way past the barn. She was followed by the whole flick of chickens. I’m not sure if they were “showing her the door”, or just really curious. But the followed her to the hedge.

Again, I missed the shot. The skunk was out of sight. But I did catch the crew, apparently making sure that she was leaving. I confess, the thought made me smile!

It was a busy, high traffic late afternoon here. On the edge of the woods.

I was, however, extra vigilant when I went out at dusk to secure the birds for the night – to make sure Little Miss Skunk hadn’t made her way back. 😉

Rise & Set

It takes love to hold on when you want to let go.

It takes love to let go when you want to hold on.

– Kate McGahan

We are moving.

Packing up this home of ours, downsizing , editing out stuff, distributing, donating, and cherishing.

We are letting go.

In preparation, I’ve read the life-changing books of tidying up and death cleaning. I’m following the rituals laid out therein. And, as much as I want this ( to rid my life of the unnecessary accumulation of material stuff), I’m here to tell you – it’s a gruelling process.

But we are getting there, certainly over half way now. Just a few more weeks before we are outta here, and there’s nothing like a deadline!!

We will be saying good bye to this beloved view, which has gifted us countless beautiful sunrises – each one uniquely breathtaking. There have been many mornings when all four of us have gathered at the window together to witness the start of another day. I bet I’ve taken a thousand photos of this view. Shared a few here, in fact.

But life is all about change.

The time has come for us to free up some time. For a new start. Our “empty-nester” house.

So! (Against my better judgement and) to my husbands absolute delight, we are building a new house. At the moment, it’s just an idea on paper, but once complete the new house will afford us views of sunsets. Here….

It’s going to be good. Trading early morning coffee for cocktails at sunset, perhaps? Sunrises for sunsets.

WPC – rise/set

Silence

A little bit snowy, a little bit foggy, a little bit sunny. Late afternoon light on a December afternoon.

WPC – silence

Layered

The sun rising up over Rose Bay on a Monday morning in September.

Above the the trees, over the bay, past the headland and through the clouds …

WPC- layered