walking in the footsteps of the Brontes

Yesterday I had a lovely trip to Haworth, once home to the Brontes.  Now it's a typical Yorkshire town with stone buildings and an amazing street running down the centre.  I love going there.  I like to imagine the Brontes being there and walking up and down the street visiting the various shops or dropping in on friends and neighbours.  I wonder how bleak it really was then because often when I go now, it's pretty bleak!

It had been snowing and remains were gathered at the side of the road and on pavements, as well as on the hills in the distance.  But, apart from that, it was a fairly bright day.

The afternoon began with lunch at my favourite place, Cobbles and Clay and continued with a walk down the main street, popping into some little shops, buying some crystals and a birthday present.

This old car was exactly where it had been before Christmas so I took some more photos.  I don't think it will be going far!

Up at the church I checked on my favourite stained glass window and had fun with my 50mm lens which is great in low light.

The day was rounded off with an interesting visit to one of the other cafes which was, shall we say, an "experience".

Then it was back over the moors and home.

in search of deer

This is one of my secret places in the park.  Not many people scramble down the slope into this little gathering of trees.  But I do.

In the middle is a magic circle of trees.  I like to stand in the centre and wonder how they came to be there.

And, I've heard tell that deer are sometimes sighted here.

I've yet to see them.  I've been to the park at all times of day.  I've visited the most likely areas of the park to find the deer.  But they're elusive!

One day ...

a little more park

Another shot from yesterday.  Using my 50mm lens, a photograph of a wrinkly stem surrounding a small lake in what used to be the rose garden.  I love these kinds of shots.  Isolating a detail or getting close up.  although the 50mm is not a macro lens, I still like the effect it creates.

One of my favourite things is just mooching about around this little lake, taking in all the details of the plants that grow there, their varying evolutions, the colours, the decay.  Whatever the season, there's always something to capture.  Although I love flowers and colour, I have a soft spot for plants at the other end of the spectrum.  I love looking close and seeing the beauty there.

photographing snow

Today I've been to my favourite place - the park.  All white with snow, it was beautiful and perfect for a photo session.  I tinkered with my 50mm lens and experimented with the light.  Snow changes the way you photograph.  It can either look very sepia or too bright.  I tweaked my settings several times.

It was great just walking around, togged out with wellybobs and scarf and gloves.  A hot drink at the cafe part way round.  And a healthy appetite afterwards.

And later, the best bit.  Getting home to a warm house.  Peeling off the layers and making a cup of tea. Time for a nice sit down!

i love monkey!

gorgeous!

welcome!

Welcome to Vanilla Sky!  You may have been here before in one of the earlier incarnations!  If so, welcome back!

I used to blog here some time ago.  It was the place for all my quirky and eclectic fascinations.  I've kind of missed it so I thought it was time to revive that tradition.