The snow hung around last weekend and we went for a long and lovely walk just a few miles away. It was new to us, and the wintry landscape looked very dramatic. We walked along part of a footpath known as the Rutland Round, starting at the village of Pickworth, circling through a quarry into Clipsham, which is famous for its gastro pub, The Olive Branch (Pub of the Year in the 2021 Good Pub Guide). Of course, it was shut.
The quarry looked like an Arctic wasteland. It was quite amazing. While we were walking through it, we met another hiker, and we fell into step (two metres apart!) and walked along a few miles with him. I had not realised how much I had missed having random conversations with strangers. It was such a treat. Back home for Greek Lamb stew followed by rhubarb meringue pie, from a Nigella Lawson recipe, and which I highly recommend.
Pleasures were definitely on the small side this week. A parcel arrived from eBay, containing three old bottles. The two little green ones are Edwardian perfume bottles and the ginger pop stoneware bottle originates from a fried fish shop in Huddersfield. This is just the kind of tiny domestic detail that I like to hear, and these vessels will be perfect for spring flowers.
I have also been receiving some exciting new gardening books, which I shall be reviewing here in the next week or two, with a giveaway on my Instagram page.
Meanwhile, a reprint of my Zine came in, and I’ve sent out another batch of copies to people who were on the waiting list.
Thank you again for your support. There will be another one. Stay tuned!