the copper beech in august

The copper beech is basking in the golden summer light.

Colour differences throughout the tree seems more pronounced, with greener leaves in the more shaded areas, such as inside the tree.

 

 

Squeezing this post in at the last minute!

Joining in with Loose and Leafy's 'Tree Following'

holiday adventures

Holidaying in our own county! We have spent a wonderful few days exploring the Brecon Beacons - an area that I have driven through many times, as well as having worked and lived near by. I couldn't help think throughout our time there why on earth hadn't I walked these hills before.

 

 

 

We climbed Pen y Fan in the rain, cycled up 'The Gap' to Fan y Big to stand on the 'Diving Board' and discovered walks with dramatic waterfalls.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked along ancient paths from Roman Roads, drover's roads and old bridleways

The boys amused themselves with creating wild bracelets with rushes and wildflowers collected along the way.

We explored ruined priories and churches.

On the days it really rained we went to see some show caves and to Big Pit, the coal mining museum. Big Pit is a wonderful eye opener to the shear hard work and determination of the miners and their families. Experiencing a little of what it felt like to go down a mine was quite moving.

We all felt like we'd got to know our county a little better after this holiday. I shall miss pouring over this map planning our routes for the next day...

the big pick

 

Our annual trip to the Stiperstones for the big bilberry pick. 

 

A rare photograph of me - taken by my 4 year old son!

 

While I take 2 hours to carefully hand pick enough to fill a tub, the boys and their dad use berry combs which fill up the tubs in no time. Though I do need to spend hours picking out the branches, leaves and other random 'alien' material.

It's a lovely few hours away from it all, which we all enjoy. 

stretching the eyes

 

 

 

 

Walking with friends from Priest Weston to Mitchell's Fold stone circle {where we drank champagne to celebrate a special birthday!} and Corndon Hill.

Stretching the eyes as well as the legs.

A vintage tractor rally should just happen to pass by... only in the country!

making

 

Making has been the theme for the past few weeks ~ from picking flowers in the garden to make garden posies {even selling some on the doorstep!}

 

 

The foraging season starts for me with elderflowers or 'elderbloom' as I read recently in an old book. I have been out in the Field gathering basket fulls to make refreshing elderflower cordial.

 

New to me is dressmaking. I have altered and botched items of clothing but never really followed a proper pattern. A couple of years ago I bought a Merchant & Mills pattern with the idea of teaching myself dressmaking which has lain untouched until now. I had a special occasion to attend which provided the perfect deadline and impetus to pursue this dressmaking idea. I ordered some gorgeous Irish Linen from Merchant & Mills to make their Trapeze Dress which I was shortening to a tunic. I also got some cheaper fabric to do a trail run. 

 

Doing a trail run was a good idea as I really did have a lot to learn. I also discovered that the alter table here serves as a very good cutting table - perfect height and plenty of room to walk around.

I finished my new top/tunic just in time and I'm really pleased with it. It is full of novice errors and handmade charm, but I love it!

the copper beech in july

Dark and dense with flashes of colour where the sunlight catches the leaves. Vibrant reds through to green.

Standing under the copper beech in the cool dappled shade.

 

 

Joining in with Loose and Leafy's 'Tree Following'

Previous Tree Following posts here