A few of my favourite things

Which way shall go? I chose the bridleway to Strelley - clearly the wrong way! After a brisk walk and no-one familiar, I turned around, back to where I had last seen my fellow-walkers in Cossall, in the direction of Awsworth and Ilkeston.

Not perturbed however, I followed a road I'd walked before, certain that I would soon catch up with the rest. In the meantime, more opportunities for phodies. This one is a bit like a tapestry or a painting. Listening to David Hockney on the radio this morning, I am sure he would have appreciated this scene - wide open skies and trees; his current favourite subject matter and what he particularly likes about Bridlington in Yorkshire (and Santa Monica,LA).

The cross above the lychgate of St Catherine's church (I hope it so-called). It was about this time, totally absorbed in taking phodies, that I became separated from the other walkers - basically I got left behind. I am jokingly told, they all hid behind a wall, while was otherwise occupied and they made a dash for it . The little so-and-so's...

I have never seen a church window quite like this one before. I can't remember but I think this church is called St Catherine's (also in Cossall). It is situated just to the right of Church cottage (named as such, for obvious reasons....). I'm not sure why dwellings have names in the UK. Perhaps for postal reasons, before street numbers and post codes. Even so, the habit still persists - quaint? I think odd.

I think it's quite something, to be able to see what D.H.Lawrence saw and be in a place he once frequented. The whole village of Cossall is very much unchanged and lovely for it. There are two quaint properties for sale on this street but I'm reliably told, probably out of my price range. Champagne taste, lemonade salary. Never mind, it's nice to dream...

I am sure you know the Derbyshire born and bred author D.H. Lawrence, of 'Lady Chatterley's Lover' fame. He was born in the nearby town of Eastwood, (where I sometimes work). It's about 3 miles/5 km as the crow flies from Cossall. Church cottage, is in Cossall.

Willoughby Almshouses, with a rather interesting side and upwards view. The ruddy brickwork is a great contrast to the wondrously bright-blue sky. I also has a thing for chimneys. Look how lovely they are silhouetted. Well, I think so.

Willoughby Almshouses and individual gardens.

The Willoughby Almshouses sundial

Almshouses are a lovely feature of British life. They are almost without exception, beautifully designed and built and set in gardens. Some of them are quite old. I simply love them. This one features a wonderful sundial too! (see further up). These are in Cossall.