Sunday, 15 February 2015

A walk, some shopping and some steam!


Another week of doing bits and pieces. On Monday afternoon once the weather had brightened we decided to go for a walk to Rooksbury Mill. Nothing very exotic was seen on this occasion - the usual swans, mallards, tufted ducks and Canada geese, but it was good to get out in the fresh air and winter sunshine.
















We have decided to try and visit at least once a month and take a photo from the same spot so that at the end of the year we can look back to see the changes throughout the seasons.
Following my two work days this week we took a trip to Ikea in Southampton on Thursday to buy a few more bits and pieces for the kitchen. We decided to replace our everyday crockery as we were using a random selection of plates and bowls. I also treated myself to an apron as I am a messy cook plus a new measuring jug and a trivet.  



Friday was spent doing some baking - flapjack and rock buns this time. Think I overcooked the flapjack as it was slightly solid but tasty. Still getting used to the oven, definitely need to reduce the cooking time on everything.
Yesterday we took a trip to Basingstoke by train. My husband is a lifelong steam enthusiast and there was an engine that he hadn't seen since the 60's that was hauling an excursion train which was stopping at Basingstoke to take on water.  I don't usually get involved on these occasions but not fancying an afternoon with my own company on a wet and murky afternoon decided to go along.


It was good to see that South West Trains were getting into the spirit of Valentine's Day with the locations on their departure boards - 'When Harry met Salisbury' and 'Waterlove'.











I don't normally take photos of trains but thought it would be something different to put on my blog. Hope I haven't bored you too much!
I have also started some cross stitch embroidery this week, I used to stitch all the time but have completely lost my stitching mojo for the last year or so. I was inspired to start on a little project by another blogger - more on that story next time.  






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13 comments:

  1. Colette15 February 2015 at 02:58

    Jan it's lovely to see how much you are enjoying your semi retirement by going on these lovely walks with Mike. I meant to ask before about your cushion you crocheted, what pattern is it please and which book is it in, I'm sure I must have it somewhere lol Keep up the blogging I'm loving your photos ( even the train ones )

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    1. Unknown15 February 2015 at 03:05

      Here you go Colly, I got it from this website - http://dada4you.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/primavera-flowers-granny-square-tutorial.html?spref=fb

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    2. Colette15 February 2015 at 08:03

      Thanks Jan x

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  2. The House with the Blue Door15 February 2015 at 12:20

    Looks like you had a lovely day by the lake and the photos are great. I like your Ikea bird apron too - it's very sweet. I have an Ikea tray with birds on it, and it brightens my kitchen. Sounds like you're enjoying your new kitchen. We're at the stage of getting quotes done at the moment, so it all still feels a long way away yet. The trains are very photogenic, I think :)
    Cathy x

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    1. Unknown15 February 2015 at 12:51

      Thanks Cathy. I am sure your kitchen will be well worth waiting for, mine certainly was, I am still getting used to everything but the men folk are certainly enjoying the baking I have been doing! Jan xx

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  3. Carol16 February 2015 at 10:18

    It's so nice to see your photos of birds and lily of the valley, Jan! We are still buried in snow here and won't have lily of the valley blooming until May! Enjoy your nice weather :)

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  4. Unknown17 February 2015 at 02:17

    I have found out how to leave a comment at last!

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    1. Jan Doling17 February 2015 at 02:20

      Yah, looking forward to more comments from you on my blog posts. xx

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  5. Jacquie18 February 2015 at 09:17

    Hi Jan, I love your photos of Rooksbury Mill. It's such a great idea to go back once a month and record how it changes through the seasons.
    I LOVE your IKEA bird apron too. I have an IKEA tray with birds on it that I love and now I want to go and get that apron too.
    Thanks for your lovely comment.
    Jacquie x

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    1. Unknown18 February 2015 at 12:49

      Thank you Jacquie and I hope you get to IKEA to purchase an apron. A big thank you also because it was you that inspired me to start my blog and I am really enjoying writing my posts about a random selection of things. It is also making me get out and about to take photographs rather than sitting around at home wasting my semi-retirement. I hope you enjoy the post I wrote today about a nostalgic wander around the village of my birth. xx

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  6. kjsutcliffe18 February 2015 at 12:42

    Lovely photos - especially as it is PROOF spring is on its way, our family have a soft spot for steam trains so seeing them was excellent :)

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  7. Winwick Mum19 February 2015 at 01:05

    I love the picture of the swan, the water looks so blue! My Dad is a steam train enthusiast; I seem to remember many days out to look at steam trains when I was young. There is definitely something about them, although I don't have the same enthusiasm for them as my Dad! xx

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  8. VeggieMummy20 February 2015 at 21:33

    I'm rather partial to a steam engine or two, so I wasn't bored at all. Love the photos from your walk, it's so nice to get out and about in the sun isn't it? Love your new Ikea apron too. x

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