We had a lovely day out yesterday. This involved driving through Chesterfield then on through Mansfield and into the rolling north Nottinghamshire countryside.
Onward through the villages of Farnsfield and Edingley then right along a narrow country lane to Newhall Farm. That's where our friends Tony and Pauline were waiting with their touring caravan.
Tony soon rustled up a brunch of bacon, eggs and fried mushrooms with mugs of tea. We sat outside consuming the above and gossiping. I gave Tony a baseball cap that I recently won from "Shipyard" - a brewing company based in Maine, USA. It fitted him perfectly whereas my bonce is so big that a normal-sized cap could never fit me - even at its fullest adjustment.
Soon the four of us were wandering along a leafy track to the peaceful village of Halam. It was the first part of our four mile circular walk. The conversations continued.
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| Church of St Giles, Edingley |
Past Machin's Farm and across the brook. In the next field we spotted a lone cow lying on its side. At first we thought it was dead but it was in fact still breathing. At one point it made an effort to rise from the ground but simply could not make it.
Later, back at the farm site, I informed the owner about what we had seen. Later still, he told me he had been in touch with the farm in question and they were waiting for a vet. They already knew about the dying cow.
Shirley, Tony, Pauline and I drove into Southwell - a town I visited for the first time just last year. We wandered around the magnificent minster church and then went for an early dinner at "The Admiral Rodney" pub. It was warm enough to sit outside.
Yet more conversation then back to the caravan via an unexpected circuitous detour that took in more of the lovely green countryside than the women in the back had been expecting. Needless to say they didn't stay quiet about the extra miles but as Clint's pilot I remained calm until we were back. After all, it would have been unpleasant to finish such a lovely day out on a sour note and ten minutes extra in a car is neither here nor there in the great scheme of things.
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| Cranfield House, Southwell |
Yes, nice to do a walk with good friends and lots of conversation.
ReplyDeleteDifferent from my usual wordless walks.
DeleteIt sounds like a nice outing and visit with friends. It is unusual for you to have company on your walks isn't it? It's always good to change things up a bit. So sad about the poor cow. I hope he didn't suffer too much.
ReplyDeleteI almost forgot. You asked me on a previous post if I had an idea for a poem for you to write. How about a poem about your connection with nature on your walks?
DeleteThat beast was clearly suffering Bonnie. At one point the herd in the next field came to the field gate and there was clear communication between them and their ailing friend.
DeletePlease see this post https://beefgravy.blogspot.com/2016/03/walking.html
Sounds like a very pleasant afternoon.
ReplyDeleteYes it was Kylie - and morning too.
DeleteA good day out with friends, sad about the cow. As for poems, your countryside must inspire them, specially lonely old churches.
ReplyDeleteYou have given me an idea that I will muse upon.
DeleteThat's a beautiful house -- your bottom picture. So English! Poor cow. I wonder what was wrong?
ReplyDeleteMaybe the cow just got old. It was not in a good way.The house is a "prebend house" - connected with the historical estate of Southwell Minster.
DeleteSounds and looks like a beautiful day. The luxury of the the temperature being cool enough for pleasant wanderings is not something you should take for granted although I suppose that there's no reason for you not to. You don't live in Florida which is probably a sign of great intelligence.
ReplyDeleteOver here in northern England it is rare to have days that are too hot and sultry for walking. Regarding intelligence and living in Florida you are a very intelligent woman Ms Moon so I don't think your equation is correct.
DeleteApart from the dying cow, a very good day indeed. Friends, good food, a nice walk and drive in beautiful countryside and great weather - life can hardly be more pleasant, can it!
ReplyDeleteYour mentioning your big bonce reminded me of Steve. He, too, could not wear just any cap or hat for the size of his bonce. And of course I'd never heard that word until I knew him.
Many Yorkshiremen are big-headed or big-bonced. But it is all to do with bone - not grey matter I'm afraid.
DeleteOh, that is sad about the poor cow. A distressing sight.
ReplyDeleteGreat catch-up with friends by the sounds and sight of it. :)
It needed to be put out of its misery.
DeleteAs hard as it is to see (or think about) an animal being killed, it beats watching an animal die any day. I hope the vet wasn't too long getting there.
ReplyDeleteDo you prefer to walk alone or with company, or do they both have their merits?
It was a nice change to have company but I am happy with my default position - walking alone. You notice more and you can think more.
DeleteYou live in such a beautiful area. It's just wonderful.
ReplyDelete