Running Late

What a bright bush against the grey.

I've no idea what it is.

We weren't sure whether they were berries or flowers.

It turns out they are flowers,

the petals are quite hard.

The weather has been quite grey,

damp and wet at times,

so the bright bush was a nice surprise.

I've had this post half prepared for a week now.
But Blogger lost some of my text
as I was editing it, so as it was late at night
I decided to put it on hold and go to bed.
Unfortunately, I didn't get back to it,
until now!

These first few photos were taken
over a week ago on one of our morning walks along the river.

We saw these grapes covered in plastic.

Most of the grapes have all been harvested now,

but these I think are being saved to make ice wine,

made once the frost has got to the grapes.

But I really must find out a bit more about it.

 On Saturday (13th November) we joined our friends who were celebrating St Martin's Day.

We arrived too late to see the horse and a procession through the streets.

All the children had made lanterns,

and there was a large bonfire down by the river.

The drum on the right of the picture is evidence of a band,
though we must have missed that as well!

We were eager to try these doughy pretzels.

All the children got one each.

Our friends got some for us,

but they were quite filling,

and covered in sugar.

The photo below really belongs with the first ones as it was taken at the same time.

It's just easier to keep it where it is.

We often let Paddy and Rufus off for a run when we are down by the river.

Rufus is very obedient and doesn't stray far.

We've been working with Paddy to come back when he is called.

For this we have used treats.

He loves his food and will do anything for a treat.

In fact we only have to crackle the celophane bag and he comes.

So here he is running back to us for a treat.

What's interesting about this photo is that the day before

the path that you see was flooded over by the river.

No doubt we'll get more of that happening now.

 

This last photo was taken on a different day,
on a different walk above the village.
There are new views now that there are no leaves on the trees.
The funny thing is,
when I was looking through photos from last year,
I took this same view last year
but one day later.





Maybe I should look out some of the photos I took over the summer

which I meant to post on here,

and didn't get round to at the time.

Blogtoberfest~ Peeping

I've been so busy sorting through photos this evening,

that I very nearly forgot to post something for today!

So I downloaded today's photos

and looked back at yesterday's

These were taken yesterday afternoon.

The sun was shining

and it was lovely.

We took a couple of trail motor bikes for a spin.

In the photo below you can see the trail we came along.

It goes through the woods for part of the way.

And from where I took these photos,

if I had turned round,

I would have been looking down on the river.

But it didn't make for a good photo as there was a big fence in the way.

Or more to the point, I didn't have time to faff around

trying to get a shot between the wires

as Mike was waiting for me.

We were trying out a digital camcorder

and using it with the bikes.

But I think it will be good to film the hounds when they are running

and I can post it on here and show you!

This is where we usually let the hounds have a run,

it's along by the river.

The next two photos are from this afternoon

when we took the hounds out for their walk.

We had to shelter in a chapel when the rain came down.

Paddy and Arthur are wondering whether the rain has stopped.

The chapel is only small and the front is completely open.

I must show you a better photograph of it someday.

The last photo is taken peeping out from the chapel to see how the weather is doing.

What do you think?

Only one more day of Blogtoberfest to go now.



Blogtoberfest~ Alien Sentinels

I've been busy this week making little hearts,

and cards.

Ooops!

One of the little hearts didn't quite make the grade,

so it's been turned into a pincushion.

I think it will work even better,

if I make it into a pincushion to wear around my wrist.

Making it a very handy pincushion.

Today's teatime walk,

took in some very nice views

of coloured woodland.

Just a shame that the sun wasn't shining on them.

What have Jewel and Rufus spotted?

Just some alien like sunflowers.

Just before getting back into the van,

I spotted this face.

Can you see it?

I've been playing along with Blogtoberfest hosted by Tinnie Girl this month.

Blogtoberfest~ Time for some Colour

For our morning walk

we usually take the hounds along the river.

These photos were taken on Monday,

and like most of the mornings these days,

it was misty.

Very misty.

And grey.

But enough of the grey,

It's good to have some colour

when there's no sun around.

And I found some

when I had a rummage

through some photos

I took at the beginning of the month.

That was the day I took those photos of Jewel,

that I showed in an earlier post.

Looks like she's keeping an eye on me.

Ahh some crochet colour!

I've put these to one side for the time being,

but really,

they would be good to work on at the moment

don't you think?

I'm using one of Lucy's patterns.

I've got plenty more of these photos,

but I think I'll save them for another grey day.

Tinnie Girl has been hosting Blogtoberfest

which I have been trying to keep up with.

Though it has to be said,

I've fallen by the wayside a bit!

Blogtoberfest~ In the Dog House

Yesterday, Mike suggested we visit a flea market.

So we did.

It was across the river.

It was smaller than usual,

but there were still plenty of people around,

and I saw some nice pieces of china.

I miss my china that is still in storage.

I was tempted by some small delicate plates

which the lady said were over 70 years old.

I have decided some small plates would be ideal

to put our morning or afternoon cake on.

Yes we like our homemade cake.

The plates had an unusual green edging.

And perhaps even nicer,

was a lovely cream jug and sugar bowl

with a lovely deep yellow band round them.

I must admit,

I was quite taken with them,

but decided not to buy.

Mmmmm, I wonder whether they will still be there the next time I go?

Probably not.

But I can always hope.

The sun came out now and then which was very welcome as it was a bit chilly otherwise.

And someone had a sense of humour!

You can see the river in the background here.

Flea markets are held quite regularly along the river

and I've been to this one a few times now.

I think I've even posted about it before.

Once we got back home,

we went off in another direction to walk the hounds.

This time we were above the river on the plateau.

We first went into the woods,

which were delightful with the early evening sun

shining on and through the leaves.

Then we went across some open ground.

It was an interesting sky.

With what looked like rain falling in the distance over there,

and big thick white clouds over there.

We got back just as it started to rain back down in the valley where we live.

The hounds enjoyed their walk,

all those lovely smells.

I didn't take the camera with me today

as I wouldn't have time to take any photos.

We went out on the motor bikes,

but stayed down in the valley as Mike said it would be warmer there.

It was a shame that I didn't have the camera,

as some of the trees along the river

are really starting to change into a lovely sunny yellow colour.

Truly a delight to the eye.

Once home and after a cup of tea

and a piece of lemon cake,

we took the hounds out for their teatime walk.

Again I didn't have the camera,

not sure why.

Part way round our walk,

Rufus and Jewel spotted a young deer

and took off after it.

They were on leads

but when they take off like that, they are difficult for me to hold.

Mike went running after them and eventually caught up with Jewel

who had got distracted by some nice smells.

He had to carry on a bit though

before he caught up with Rufus

and that was only because the deer leapt

over a very high hedge,

and Rufus found that he couldn't go any further,

the undergrowth was too thick.

We all headed back after that.

When we got back all Rufus wanted to do

was to lie down.

But later,

he was up and very keen at the mention of supper.

Unfortunately, he was so excited,

(I think the run earlier must have made him hungrier than usual),

he swiped Mike's tea mug off the low table with his tale!

And it was a favourite,

being bigger than all the rest.

I think I will have to look out for a new mug for Mike now.

Blogtoberfest~ Frolicking Horses

Aren't these horses lovely?

Shame about the line across their faces,

but I just couldn't get above the fence

to take a decent photo.

But still, they're sweet don't you think?

These photos were taken Thursday morning

as I walked the hounds myself

while Mike was away.

You can see the mist behind the horses

above the river. 

This is the first frosty morning we've had.

Maybe it was the frost that was making the horses

frisky when I arrived.

I wasn't quite quick enough with the camera

to get a photo of them both

rearing up together

almost in a hug.

As we approached

they settled down

and came over to see the hounds.

When we continued

I looked across

to my left

and saw this chap in the field.

Can you just about see him?

A fox.

He saw us.

He stopped what he was doing

and took a good long look at us

before continuing to sniff around

and moving off into the vineyards.

The leaves on the vines are changing colour quite rapidly now.

They look a beautiful golden colour

in the sunshine,

especially when viewed

from higher up the valley.

I've taken the camera out

on walks

several times now,

only to take a photo

and it not work.

The batteries are not holding a charge.

So I've missed a number of nice shots.

Thank you for all your good wishes regarding my grandson.

He had his tonsils removed,

and after an overnight stay in hospital,

is back home.

I've spoken to him a couple of times on the phone,

and he's doing very well.

He sounds a bit croaky

and his throat is painful of course.

But hopefully it will be better soon.

I've been slipping behind a bit with Blogtoberfest,

but lots of other people are still going strong.

You can see who they are by visiting Tinnie Girl.

Blogtoberfest Day 8, Card, Cakes and Care

We made a card for a friend who is in hospital.

She likes the outdoors,

so we thought

she would appreciate

a touch of the outdoors on a card.

Words by Mike

We also thought

that she would like some cake.

Ginger cake,

with

chocolate on top of one,

and orange icing on top of the other.

She did like it.

And it was lovely to see her

looking so well.

Pop on over to Tinnie Girl for some more Blogtoberfest fun.



Blogtoberfest Day 7, Crackers

Foraging.

It seems to be a popular pastime here.

This is just a selection of the fruits that can be found along side the Mosel.

I collected these few fruits at the end of our walk with the hounds this morning.

Though I must admit I collected the plums from our tree.

I think I may have missed making jam with them this year.

Shame.

Although it's October the Mosel is still a very popular place with the tourists.

Once again we were passing the landing stage as people waited for one of the boats.

One boat has already passed,

You can see another two boats here as people are boarding one of them.

A busy time.

We went down to the river again.

Remember the photo from yesterday

showing the splash of water where Jewel had been?

She loves the water,

and will take every opportunity to go in it.

This morning was no exception,

and I tried to be ready for her

with the camera.

As she splashed,

and turned in the water.

She is so quick.

Even when I try to be ready for her.

Holding onto her lead,

whilst holding on to the camera

and trying to take a photo,

whilst doing my utmost not to fall into the water.

It took a bit of doing.

I did get some water in my wellies though.

Back onto dry land,

and I could see Paddy was up for a run.

He's a big dog

and loves running.

Unfortunately this is out of focus.

But you can see how he is leaning in to turn.

After his run,

and he's back in focus.

Well there was another photo here,

but I've no idea where it's got to!

Must be Blogger up to it's tricks again.

Ah well!

Just before I go,

Jewel says she would just like to

thank everyone for the lovely comments she's been getting.

One of you lovely visitors called her a super model,

and another lovely person would like to paint her!

It hasn't gone to her head though,

she's just as crazy as ever,

crackers in fact!

Call over to Tinnie Girl to see who else is joining in with the Blogtoberfest.