The fast flowing stream...

and yes it really was that fast!

just as well we had our wellies on

(which, of course, got a quick sketch....sort of, lol)

It's always good to get out and walk

...and when you can take the camera plus a sketchbook, it's even better.

We went over the Heddon Valley yesterday and here's some pics 

A typically rural scene - although fast declining what with mobile phones

Lots of little groups of primroses dotted around on our walk

Hunters Inn - a Very popular place in the Summer months - to the right of the pic is the National Trust shop

Pencil sketch of a shed near the National Trust shop

Initially sketched in pencil, then I added watercolour.





🌳 🌳 🌳

Sketching others working...

It's quite nice to see how work is progressing on a huge rebuild

down in Devon at 

Woolacombe on the former Narracott hotel.

Soon to become apartments, restaurant, spa, swimming pool, 

you name it, they will have it.

Meanwhile, workmen are all over the build in various stages of refurb.,

which is why I stopped to do a quick sketch

When you really can keep your drink on Ice

but don't wait too long!

Cheers all

Mothers Day

A week ago it was Mothers Day here in the UK...and I got really spoilt by our kids who bought me some lovely gifts, plus gorgeous flowers, which I took pics of and thought you may like seeing them too...(and if anyone wants to use this blogposts photos for art inspiration, then please go ahead and use them).

Roman Villa

We try to visit a few National Trust properties when we are on our trips away, and came across

Chedworth Roman Villa

Not our usual preferred place for visiting, but as we were nearby we thought it would be worth a stop.  In fact the drive to it was lovely.  Open countryside, gorgeous views.  I'll add links at the end of this post....

Museum and offices

looking from a raised platform down onto the mosaic

as you see from the pictures, there is a lot of missing pieces

it's a bit like a giant jigsaw puzzle 

Sorry I didn't take more photos, and although the weather looks good, it was actually 

 ❄️❄️❄️ Freezing Cold  ❄️❄️❄️

Here's a link to the webpage

Chedworth Roman Villa National Trust

and some Google Street Views

Old Farts Winter Olympics

Disclaimer:  I take no responsibility for this video 🤣

🛷 🛷 🛷 🛷 🛷

It's been a bit cold in these parts this week❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️❄️

Somehow I don't think the post will have been collected 

Ice covered cars

Daughter enjoyed the snow, but Hamish wasn't too impressed

Ice even covered branches on shrubs and trees

❄️❄️❄️  Brrr ❄️❄️❄️