Weekend Away…
I have some amazing friends. Some of them I met when my oldest child started school. He is now in his 20’s and we’re still very close. We started going away together when one of us had a significant birthday and we enjoyed it so much that we’ve been going for 10 years now.
I had to leave a little later than usual this year because I didn’t want to close the gallery, but the traffic was kind so I was still able to enjoy a cheeky cocktail on arrival. I took a few bits from the gallery with me, to photograph in the ‘wild’. Having your own business means that you never really have time off. Being a photographer too means that I always have my cameras with me. Bless them, my friends are very understanding and don’t mind my getting up early for walks with my cameras as long as I don’t wake them and bring back coffee!!
Saturday was a day for relaxation but even then, I put out some nibbles (nuts including acorns and wild bird food) for the squirrels and birds, before sun down but they were not interested. Up early Sunday, with my Gallerie Schmetterling merchandise and off to the winter wonderland. (I have spoken to one of the elves who told me that Santa was happy for me to take some pictures.) I was there before it was open so that I didn’t disturb anyone else’s enjoyment. I found a little corner and took some pictures. I am hoping these pictures will be perfect for Christmas.
I wanted to take some photos with the swans and ducks. I was very surprised when the swans swam (try saying that 3 times after a cocktail or two) towards me as soon as I put the cup down. (I had some proper swan and duck food with me, I would never simply give them bread) I have taken quite a few images and these are probably my shortlist favourites. They weren’t so keen to head back to the water after the photoshoot and one bit me! I know, I suffer for my art…. It was around here and the coffee queue that I got the message that the squirrels had made an appearance in my absence and all the nuts I’d put out last night were now gone!!
Back at base, the squirrel shoot was re-set with more nuts and wild food, and I sat with my camera poised for action. The squirrels did not disappoint, more than one grey squirrel turned up. They gracefully climbed onto the table chose a nut, checked it before running off with it to bury somewhere safe. There are two squirrels, I believe, one just a little bolder than the other. I have some great photographs, these are just a fraction of the images that I took. A decision will have to made for which image will be used, for my ‘good morning’ post, I have a feeling that there may be several images that will be used.
After this, a nature walk with a friend in the rain, I had to put my trusty poncho on to keep my cameras dry. Whilst not heavy rain, I wasn’t sure if there would be any wildlife around, but we spot some muntjac deer through the trees, of course squirrels and some fungi. I do love a mushroom. I’m not sure that the muntjac under the autumnal trees works as well as I’d hoped, she was a little too far away. On the other hand, I am very pleased that the image of the woods (at the top of the blog) and I am sure that that might become a print. When we are back at the ponds and the end of the walk, the ducks have woken up after a lazy morning, and have a wash and a flap of the wings. The common mallard duck is more beautiful than you’d think.
A little more relaxation and recouperation and then some crafting. My effort is on the Gallerie Schmetterling door. I’m quite pleased with my wreath but you’re welcome to give marks out of 10!
On Monday, more rain stopped my plans to go back out with my cameras and merchandise, so I went back to bed and had a lie-in. I know that’s not big news for holidays, but being self employed you do sometimes need to give yourself permission to relax. I need to thank these beautiful ladies for helping me do just that.
