Postcrossing outgoing (w/c 20th April)

I’m not receiving much at the moment, my Postcrossing account is on ‘inactive’ due to an impending house move (and I now actually have somewhere to move to! I’m really excited to get my own place) But I’m still sending, because that’s half the fun 🙂

First, a card to a Russian postcard pal. It’s an Ikea card and I like the design, so I hope she does too.

This card went to USA for a swap. I’m running out of London postcards! I’ll have to buy loads next time I visit 🙂

These cards are going as official postcards, 3 to Russia and 1 to Germany. I’m hoping to send a few when I’m on holiday. I’ve drawn another couple of address who I hope will appreciate a French card instead.

From top left: The Peak District; Attenborough Nature Reserve; Tower Bridge, London; painted flowers

And the stamps that send them travelling…

Happy Saint George’s day!

Cromford and Matlock Bath

I’m trying to make the most of my time off and the great weather, so I went for a day out to an area I’ve been through but never properly explored. I got the train to Cromford in the Derwent Valley, once the centre of major industrial revolution, now an historic and beautiful area to explore.

Stokesay Castle scrapbook page

I’m slowly catching up on my scrapbooking… The main kit used in this layout is called ‘Montage’.

I went on a family day out to Stokesay Castle on Mother’s day, it was freezing but beautiful. Stokesay Castle is a late 13th century fortified manor house near Ludlow in Shropshire, consisting of a wonderful Tudor gatehouse and a mainly stone built hall and tower. I’ve been there before but I enjoyed exploring again and learning more about the castle’s history, it’s had several narrow escapes from destruction, and being on the border was under constant threat of attack by the Welsh!

I need to get better at taking pictures of people, I feel awkward asking and then wish I had more photos…

Ginger Biscuits

I decided quite last minute to make biscuits to share with the department on my last day. They weren’t perfect, but there was a lot of crunching going on and only a few left so I think they were a success. I was told I could leave more often, so someone enjoyed them anyway!

I did a quick search and found the recipe for ‘Perfect Ginger Nut Biscuits‘ – sounded good to me!

Spring has sprung!

It looks like spring is finally here 🙂 Beautiful blossom everywhere and the air getting warmer. I’m hoping for great weather during the next couple of weeks so I can enjoy my free time.

Last day at work!

I can’t believe it’s my last working day in my current job, it doesn’t feel real! I’m really excited about moving on, even though I know it’s going to be hard work and a lot to learn. And I can’t wait to get away from the night shifts 🙂 Now I just need to remember to take all of my kit back…

This week feels very strange. It’s already Thursday, but at the same time it’s only Thursday…

Postcards from Paris

Today I received 2 amazing cards from Nathalie in Paris. They looked amazing in her album and in reality they’re just as stunning! It really makes me want to travel and see all the wonderful places out there, although I never take photos that good… But I have got a trip coming up in 2 weeks, hopefully I’ll acquire and send lots of French postcards of my own soon 🙂

High Peak Trail

7 miles/ 11 km White Peak District

Today I got up and went walking. As you might be able to tell from the photos, the sunshine has been replaced by dark clouds and strong winds. I enjoyed being out and about, but when the wind is strong enough to blow people sideways across the path, perhaps a short, sheltered walk is the best option…

We were mainly walking along the High Peak Trail and the Tuffington Trail, disused railway lines turned into paths – nice and flat for easy walking 🙂 The views weren’t great due to the walls and cuttings of the old railway, but after a few years working in a railway environment I found myself fascinated to spot the old railway infrastructure – mile posts; rusted signals; boundary posts of the old London and North Western Railway; and an old signal box at Hartington, now a small exhibition and ice cream shop. I was very disappointed that we couldn’t pull the signal levers!

Overall, a chance to get out, get walking and explore a new area. It’s a popular cycling route, maybe that could be another adventure…