Saturday 28 August 2010

LAST DAYS OF SUMMER FREEDOM.....


There is a distinct nip in the air here in Norfolk, both morning and evening. That nip reminds us that Autumn is not very far away. These are the last few days of summer, as the new school year begins next Wednesday and the shortening days of Autumn creep up on our long summer days of fun and freedom in the big outdoors. We have just returned home from our two week break in Pickering; the first week being shared with our family, the second Mr S, Oscar and myself.

The above photo was taken on Thursday in Dalby Forest, near Pickering In North Yorkshire. We spent many a happy few hours there, dog walking and meandering through endless miles of beautiful woodland walks. It's peaceful, calming  and beautiful. I just love it. It's one of my most favourite places.





You never quite know what you might spot...............


Oscar certainly didn't expect to spot .......................... sheep!!!!! The sheep took one look at him and ran.


Neither did he expect to meet some goats!


The Yorkshire skies are just magnificent......


... as are the beautiful coastal views. My favourite just has to be Robin Hood's Bay.




I mustn't forget the obligatory seagull...


We spent a lovely day at Castle Howard, which has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years. It is a magnificent 18th-century residence set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape. We didn't go inside the house this time, as we had Oscar with us, but we still managed to while away several hours enjoying the beautiful gardens ....


and the magnificent views of the lakes.....



and the fountain.


Oscar wasn't intelligently admiring the fountain. He was after the ducks....


In fact, just a couple of seconds after that last photo was taken, he was up on the edge of the fountain, with one front paw in! Maybe he was just wanting a quick swim, to cool down. Hmmm!

Last, but definitely not least, here is the magnificent house itself.




It's a wonderful way to spend a day!

Not a great deal of knitting got done this week. My sock projects remain untouched, but I have pressed on with the 'Artist' sweater. It's predominantly stocking stitch, so it's been perfect 'in car' knitting.  I thought I might have a finished sweater to show you tonight, but I've not quite managed it. I've finished the knitting , but need to block , before sewing up (my least favourite job).


I've joined the shoulders by saving the stitches on holders and then casting off, using a third needle, to cast off front and back together (three needle bind off).  It leaves a really neat shoulder seam.



With that, I need to take my leave. It's getting late and I need my beauty sleep. Hopefully I will find my 'sewing up' mojo during the week and will be able to show you the finished sweater next weekeend.

Have a great week, whatever you are doing................... :)

24 comments:

kate said...

What wonderful photos, thanks so much for sharing!!

Sarah said...

Such beautiful photos. I have spent a bit of time in Yorkshire and would happily spend more!
Have a great weekend-enjoy it while it lasts!

Wyatt said...

Love all of your photos. What a beautiful place.
Oscar is really enjoying himself too!

Wyatt

fromsophiesview said...

Gorgeous countryside...keep those photos coming...and keep up the knitting!

bellaboo said...

Amazing pictures!I can't get mine that large on blogger,how do you do it? Forest walks are great for doggies aren't they? Lovely to see Oscar making new friends! :o)

Molly the Airedale said...

We have the same autumn nip in our Aire and we are just loving it!
What gorgeous photos!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

Fiona said...

There's more than a nip in the air today! We spent a lovely week high in the hills above Robin Hood's Bay this year. It's just about my favourite spot. Can't wait to get back there.

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Your photos of the hills and valleys are breathtaking.
I have a sampler that originated from there from 1756 and your pictures have created a visual connection to the land that inspired it...
If you'd let loose on the lead do you think Oscar would have jumped in the fountain?
Susan x

Kathy said...

Hi Ros, looks like you had agreat time in Yorkshire .. I haven't been to Pickering since I had a field trip there when I was in 6th form!!!!
I love the photo of Oscar by the fountain ...labs are obsessed with water aren't they!
Enjoy your last days of freedom ... I haven't got that feeling this year because I'm not going back to school yet. It feels very strange.
Love Kathy xxx

Dominique from France said...

You live in a wonderfull contry.
I know more the South of England because my daughter lives in Portsmouth, but I would like to go in Yorkshire!
Have a nice day.

Scented Sweetpeas said...

Wow what a stunning place, gorgeous photos!

josiekitten said...

Some lovely photos - glad you had a good holiday! xx

Stadtwaldvogel said...

You have taken so wonderful pictures! Your sweater is almost done, great! I dislike blocking and sewing together, too.
Yours, Julia

Tracy said...

Oh, I could just cry... these phots are so beautiful, Ros! These are places I have yet to see for real and have been dreaming about a long time--especially Robin Hood's Bay & Castle Howard & surroundings...*swoon*... Thanks for taking us there. I'm in awe and set to dreaming... LOVE that photo of Oscar meeting "wild animals". ;o) Thee-needle bind off is my favorite for doing shoulder seams--so easy and tidy finish. Love that moss-y green wool you're working with... Happy Days ((HUGS))

melissa said...

what amazing photos! thank you for sharing all that beauty with us.
and that photo of oscar at the fountain is just too adorable.

Dawn said...

We walked by that very same little lake and stream in Dalby Forest. I think it was probably my favourite place from our holiday, especially as there was an icecream van in the car park!

Jennyff said...

Wonderful photos, you've given North Yorkshire a great review. Glad you and yours had such a good time. It feels quite autumnal here too though unusually bank holiday Monday was reasonably warm and I enjoyed a little al fresco knitting.

Denise said...

Hi there, I love your blog and all it's beautiful pictures. I used to live in Norfolk but not for long, moved to Bury St Edmunds and lived there for over 10 years but am originally from Sunderland... and actually now living in Texas!
Come say hi ;)

Sarah said...

Hi Ros,
Yes we are back tomorrow too! We have children on Thursday but I only have two in my class until next week as they are the only ones left that have not gone up and are both full time. There are nine in the other class-so 11 altogether and five adults-time for some jobs I hope! I went in today to take some stuff in and they seemed to be laying a new floor in the nursery so I don't know how ready we can get tomorrow!
Anyway-good luck!

Lyn said...

What great photos, I agree the yorkshire skies are wonderful!
That knitting looks far too complicating to me!
love
Lyn
xxx

Jacqueline said...

Haven't visited Yorkshire for many years. Having seen your photos that makes me sad, it's a beautiful County.
Thanks for the tip re joing knitted seams, once it was my "bug bear". I used a crocket hook to join the edging to my entrelac blanket that I recently finished. That worked well.

Teje Karjalainen said...

Hello! You have wonderful blog! Oscar is so lovely and all your handworks beautiful! I'll be back soon! I am from Finland but living in Crete meny years. I have just started my blog with my best friend 'Nero'. Best wishes Teje

Jane said...

Hi! Thanks for dropping by my blog. Your phtos are wonderful. Castle Howard is breathtaking. As a Jane Austen fan I'm instantly transformed to those days of chaste passions.
Oh and I loved the pic of Oscar taking a swim! ;-)

Diane Kelsey said...

What a wonderful holiday, Castle Howard is beautiful, I'm glad your dog enjoyed it too. Where did you stay that allowed your dog? We are looking for a holiday venue, but many say one small dog. We have a Great Dane puppy and it won't be long before he is the same size as Oscar.