All in the April Evening

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On Sunday evening, I sat relaxing on the seat with a nice glass of wine, admired the view and smiled at the lambs in the field in front. At first they all scampered away but then became curious and came closer to the fence. Today it is windy, cold and there’s snow on the fells – what a change!

Last Tuesday I heard the first cuckoo in Foulsyke Wood and I also saw my first swallow. Since then, the cuckoos seem to be everywhere and there are lots of swallows about: I saw several when I was walking down by the lake yesterday catching insects over the water. We have also got a thrush who sits and sings on a high branch in my neighbour’s garden.

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The primroses are still out and making a good show and there are also some bluebells in sheltered places along the verges. Not yet time for Rannerdale!

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On Wednesday, Margaret, myself and some friends went on a long promised walk with Keith Richardson, journalist and author. Keith takes you through Keswick and along the banks of the River Greta talking about its history and wildlife, characters and literary associations and ends with cream teas at Greta Hall. It was a brilliant day and Keith was full of wonderful stories and anecdotes as well as a mind of information.

A final note and picture of the seat – my brother in law, Len, sketching in the afternoon sun on Thursday.

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Inspections and cyclists

I returned home to Loweswater from Oxford on Wednesday having been staying with my daughter Clare who has had a new addition to their family, a daughter, Edith Rose, born on Sunday 29 March. She is lovely and looks very like her big sister, Poppy! When I came back, the daffodils were fully out and so I took a photograph of the clump by the seat: you can just about see there is snow again on the tops in the distance.

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Before I went to visit Clare I had my annual Visit England inspection. The inspector was very happy with what she saw and I maintain my Five Star accolade with Gold Award. She highlights:

‘The very warm welcome guests receive and the home made scones/biscuits are certainly appreciated.

The extra care and attention given to dog owners.

The many improvements that have been made since the last visit which is to be commended.

Consistent attention given to housekeeping to ensure the highest levels of cleanliness are maintained throughout.

Externally very well presented, situated within an enclosed courtyard and very well maintained grounds/gardens.

The setting is stunning with spectacular views!’

Now Spring is sort of in the air, there are more cyclists about, both cycling the C2C and local rides. More guests are bringing bikes with them and as well as providing lock up storage I have now added a bike pump with gauge and cleaning equipment.

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There are not any lambs yet in the fields in front of the house although there are now quite a lot further down the valley towards Lorton. The primroses are out in the hedges along the road and I have got some very bright yellow hammers around the bird feeders – lovely to see them again!

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Not sure where the purple ones came from!

Later……..Easter Sunday at 7.45 am the view from the seat.

Easter Sunday