A glorious, but freezing morning

Fergie was up for anything. He didn’t care a hoot about the cold.

We went along the wall of the reservoir. Fergie took his first dip off this wall

There wasn’t a breath of air, and the water was calm

Icicles formed along the edge of the water, making an interesting pattern

Fergie stopped for photo shoots when asked, although it was hard for him to stand still for more than a second or two

Despite the sun, nothing thawed

What would normally be boggy under foot was frozen solid, which made for much easier going for both of us.

We got all the way round in a couple of hours. A really lovely walk with a good friend!

I think I’ve fallen for this chap……

Filed under: General ]]> http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/29/walking-on-the-moors/feed/ 1 51.235033 -0.288898 51.235033 -0.288898 lynnekovan DSC_0036 DSC_0060 DSC_0078 DSC_0214 DSC_0204 DSC_0186 DSC_0031 DSC_0145 DSC_0161 DSC_0127 http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/27/the-shoot/ http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/27/the-shoot/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 11:04:36 +0000 lynnekovan http://lynnekovan.wordpress.com/?p=2864 ]]> I am lucky to have relatives who manage the North Slipperfield Estate in the Scottish Borders. They are very close relatives indeed, and I am staying in my own fully equipped bothy. As I look out of my window I can see the Pentland hills, covered in a dusting of snow. The bread and butter here is pheasant shooting. Now, I wasn’t at all sure about this, but  was asked if I’d like to join the last day of the season. This was a thank you shoot for the Beaters who have worked hard all season. Still, I wasn’t sure, but I thought I might get some decent pictures, and there would be plenty of dogs. There were. I helped with the preparation of food, and got caught up with the anticipation of the day. I watched the tweeds being brought out, the leather gaiters polished and guns carefully prepared. There was excitement in the air.

Decisions have to be made about where each gun (that means person and dog with gun) would stand. Easy solution is to give each one a shot of sloe gin with their number on the bottom of the glass. You have to drink it to find out your position……no sweat there then!

The well-trained dogs were just about able to contain themselves while they waited and waited for things to get going

This pretty girl managed to more or less sit still. It was hard though.

Some of the more experienced dogs waited in their vans, knowing what was coming. Very soon!

Not everyone got to go. Some were just too young, and not yet trained. Hard to resist though

Off at last! I must say, a nicer group of individuals I have yet to meet. 

There is a strict code of conduct that ensures safety for the humans and humane treatment of the dogs and birds. I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the shooting of the birds, but there was such an emphasis on maintaining the rules, that I relaxed somewhat.

It was cold. The guns and their dogs waited while the Beaters did their work. No one moved, least of all those dogs. It was a longer than normal wait, as it was the last day of the season.

This fellow is the number two shot in Scotland. Such a nice fellow too. His dog was perfectly behaved.

And then is was over. Birds are not carried by the feet. It’s just not done. Always by the head. I must say, I always look away on nature documentaries when creatures and birds are killed. I don’t like it. Somehow, today I grasped the whole culture of this ancient sport, and felt in no position to object. I also have to tell you that I will be cooking a pheasant dinner tomorrow night. Each to his own I say.

There is something lovely about a well-trained dog. This little boy was a star!

Filed under: Animals, Dogs, Scotland ]]> http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/27/the-shoot/feed/ 4 51.235033 -0.288898 51.235033 -0.288898 lynnekovan DSC_0033 DSC_0014 DSC_0107 DSC_0090 DSC_0118 DSC_0125 DSC_0148 DSC_0213 DSC_0180 DSC_0214 http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/23/a-visit-to-the-scottish-borders/ http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/23/a-visit-to-the-scottish-borders/#comments Mon, 23 Jan 2012 23:15:40 +0000 lynnekovan http://lynnekovan.wordpress.com/?p=2850 ]]> Just an 8 hour drive and I am in Scotland. I am fortunate enough to stay in West Linton with views of the Pentland Hills. 

The day was cold and bright. There were dogs to be walked

Or rather, dogs to be let out to run freely

This group of Highland cattle were not much fussed about us passing by

And quite happy to pose for a portrait shot

They are lovely docile creatures

These rams have done their work this year, and it won’t be long before the results are born

This lovely lady is one of many wives. They have to be hardy to survive out here.

Snow s expected tonight.

I need four of these pale blue Old Cotswold Legbar Hen eggs. Their yolks are orange and rich

Limes are another key ingredient. I need seven for this Raspberry, Blueberry and Lime Drizzle Cake

After a good deal of beating, folding and baking, my cake is ready:

I think I’m happy with the results. What do you think Mary? Am I in with a chance?

Now the cake is packed and ready for its 8 hour drive tomorrow where it will be given to that most special of people.

Now then, back to some more domesticity. Some knitting I think..

Staying with the theme of bright colours

The finished articles will be for another special person…….all of nearly 10 months old.

And a little magic to finish. Lovely day!

Filed under: General ]]> http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/21/ready-steady-bake/feed/ 3 51.235033 -0.288898 51.235033 -0.288898 lynnekovan DSC_0017 DSC_0020 DSC_0038 DSC_0013 DSC_0026 DSC_0029 http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/20/messing-about-with-my-camera/ http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/20/messing-about-with-my-camera/#comments Fri, 20 Jan 2012 22:16:06 +0000 lynnekovan http://lynnekovan.wordpress.com/?p=2831 ]]> Didn’t get out much today. Had a look round the house for some colour.

Orange is good when it’s grey outside

A taste of Summer for tomorrow’s breakfast

Car Boot  jug

My mother brought this cup and saucer out for guests

Fruit cups

Thomas.

We just happened to be talking about a wedding, and we came across these jolly frocks. Which one shall I have?

Then came this rather fetching shoe. If I could just find the other one, I might make a purchase. To go with my pink frock?

We quickly dragged ourselves away, and headed towards some culture. On the way we came across this excellent street players. They were classical musicians I’m sure

The cathedral looked marvellous, shrouded in mist

This glorious 900 year old building can take any type of weather and still looks wonderful

We were welcomed inside, and there was no objection to Poppy crawling and exploring some of the well-worn floors

The Chagall window is a favourite of mine

The ceilings are also works of art

Views from the cloisters are lovely, but by now, Poppy had more than enough culture, and was up for some tea. So were we:

Lemon tarts for the grown-ups…….

and yummy pudding for Poppy. Another perfect day!

Filed under: General ]]> http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/19/winchester-day/feed/ 2 51.235033 -0.288898 51.235033 -0.288898 lynnekovan DSC_0001 DSC_0030 DSC_0013 DSC_0026 DSC_0078 DSC_0107 DSC_0088 DSC_0105 DSC_0084 DSC_0121 DSC_0053 http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/15/a-national-trust-day/ http://lynnekovan.com/2012/01/15/a-national-trust-day/#comments Sun, 15 Jan 2012 17:58:37 +0000 lynnekovan http://lynnekovan.wordpress.com/?p=2794 ]]> Another sunny frosty day. It seemed right to visit one of our National Trust stately homes. I have been visiting Polesden Lacey for over 20 years, and never tire of what it has to offer. Especially on a day like this.

This gorgeous house was owned by Mrs Ronald Greville, a society hostess who regularly entertained Royalty. She insisted that the house should be enjoyed by the public after her death, and donated it to the National Trust. She is buried in the gardens, as are many generations of her pets.

She held fabulous dinner parties with elaborate French cuisine. I wouldn’t have minded popping in for supper I must say.

The Edwardian garden has a series of walled and hedged enclosures with roses and herbaceous planting. But what I love the most are the lawns and views on the North Downs.

In the enclosed gardens is an ancient wisteria which is magical when in bloom

Today it’s bare, but still lovely as it’s branches are so intricate

The walled garden has a series of portholes which seem to want to frame its contents.

Beyond the garden, but still in its grounds are some little covered bridges

This one has some seats for a quick rest, or, as was the case today, a place for bored children to practice their orienteering skills.

The place was very busy. Time to go before the lunch crowd descended. A lovely sunny place to be. I never tire of Polesden Lacey.

I wanted to find some frosty leaves to see what my macro lens was capable of. None here, the sun was doing its work

Last years seed pods were putting on a good show

These looked good against the background of rusty oak leaves

Some still frosted leaves could be found in freezing ditches

Glad I caught these colourful brambles before the sun caught me up

I think these were dog roses once. Still lovely though

This was certainly a day to be out. I think my camera did it’s job quite well.

The Cathedral was as magnificent as I remembered. We didn’t go in, as the outside had so much to offer.

Gothic in appearance with ornate spires and some evil-looking gargoyles gaping down at us.

This lovely old tree, set in the Cathedral gardens was up for some hugging.

As we set off for The Great Hall, there were tempting doorways to explore. So much fun when you are with fellow camera geeks.

And there it was; King Arthur’s table.

I found this stunning gate as interesting. Such drama.

Back in town, looking for lunch, we came across a busker who caught our attention with his excellent songs. I thought he sounded like Eric Clapton….a bit. 

A splendid day out. So glad we went. Could well have been on my Bucket List.

And there at the bottom of our slippery steps was a little treasure of flotsam and jetsam

Little boats were moored up for winter and lobster pots waiting for their next outing

The colours were lovely. A photographer’s dream I thought.

The more I looked, the more I could see…….

Nets, ropes and rusty old anchors

Some patience was needed while I clicked my camera dry

Some boats were abandoned and left to rot

Others told their own story

There’s something about boats and coves and the sea I find irresistable……perhaps that’s why I’m moving to Nova Scotia this year.