Last week was a really mixed week weather-wise. We never knew what we were going to end up waking up to.
We managed some walks in the sunshine. It was really lovely and sunny when we went for our regular walk around the grounds of Nostell Priory. Ruby loves it there and becomes very excited as soon as we are in the vicinity. The excitement reaches a crescendo as the car indicator signals that we are turning into the gates.
We added another element to our walk last week and headed down the second cycle track. Technically pedestrians shouldn’t use this but many do and we rarely come across more than a couple of cyclists. When we do see a rider approaching we stand aside so as not to interfere with their enjoyment.
The cycle paths are some of the best maintained paths in the grounds and it seems a waste to reserve them for a handful of cyclists especially when they have free access to all other areas of the grounds other than the formal garden. Our usual walking routes are more or less muddy tracks at the moment.
Winter ponds are forming in several places. As we haven’t used this route before, I am guessing that is what has happened here and that this isn’t a permanent fixture.
Unlike our visit the previous week, the conditions were very pleasant. There was no biting wind to contend with and the sun brought out the colours of the landscape. The trees in the distance seemed to glow.
That wouldn’t have been the case the day after when we woke up to mist and frost.
Everywhere was outlined in white.
Rosemary seems to have some flowers throughout the year but I don’t think the flowers will have enjoyed being coated in ice crystals,
Flower patterns formed on the lids of the cold frames. I’m old enough to remember waking up to similar patterns on the inside of bedroom windows and trying to get dressed under the bed covers. With soaring energy costs and the prospect of fuel shortages, I hope we don’t experience this again.
Some of the bulbs planted in pots on the patio have pushed their noses through. These look like hyacinths.
One of our meals last week was another ‘pie’. This one was topped with our potatoes. We also added some of our leeks and parsley to chicken and mushroom. It was based on this recipe although my method of cooking it was different. 
Some of our parsnips and onions went into a turkey and parsnip curry, I used balti paste rather than madras
In other news, I attended my appointment at the dermatologists. Although my rash was in its downward cycle, there was still enough to see and the photos that I took with me proved really useful. I ended up with two doctors who were not sure what the rash was and so I have another appointment booked for this week when they will perform a biopsy. Apparently, according to the doctor, this isn’t as bad as it sounds. Fingers crossed that he isn’t just saying that.
As always keep safe and well.
Beautiful frosty photos and as usual I’m hungry after seeing your meals! Hopefully your appointment for the biopsy is straight forward, that word alone can be worrying. I love seeing your walks with Ruby and what she’s getting up to – sadly I lost my dog on Sunday evening, she was 12.5 so a good age for her breed but it doesn’t make it any easier. Give Ruby an extra cuddle from me x
The frost did create a lovely picture, Karen. The biopsies were a little more intrusive than I expected but not too bad. I’m so sorry that you lost your family member. Some friends of ours lost their dog last week too he was 15. Our last dog was just a month or so off her 15th birthday. As you say it doesn’t make their loss hurt less.
❄Love your pics ❄ It is so good to get outside and enjoy the nature and I totally agree with Brian about the frost . ❄ Wrap up warm and good luck with the doctors ❄
Thanks, Daisy. It was lovely that the weather was dry and bright. Just have to wait for the biopsy results now.
Frosty weather is one of nature’s artists.
It certainly is Brian
How frustrating to not have an answer about your rash. I do hope the biopsy results in good news, and a treatment plan. Meantime, enjoy your walks with the energetic Ruby. It was a good idea to take the bicicle paths, giving you a new perspective and keeping your feet dryer!
Strangely since my biopsies the rashes seem to have gone, Su, but I was given some rather potent steroid cream to apply. They have gone temporarily before. Hope they don’t come back this time. The bike paths will also be nice and shady in summer.
Sue, I’m surprised you have frost on your windowpane. Was it really that cold in the bedroom?
We don’t get frost on the bedroom windows now Nadezda. Just something I remember when I was much much younger before we had double glazing and central heating,