Hello, hello, and welcome back to my little blog. I've been a bit M.I.A over the last week as I've been enjoying the wonderful countryside of North Yorkshire!
I love London, it's great. But...you just cannot take the country bumkin out of me. Wherever I go, what ever I do, there has to be, most certainly won't live without, a bit of countryside. Whether that be the greenery surrounding Museo di Capodimonte during my year living in Napoli, or the rolling hills of Hampstead heath, I will always seek out a bit of something green.
I absolutely ADORE where my family have recently moved to in the North. From the winding lanes of Sicklinghall to the ever beautiful Ripon, mum made the big move (downsizing) 3 weeks before Christmas. You gasp (if not you should) but little ol' Don, 55 years of age, packed up a 4 bedroom countryhouse in 2 weeks, moved to a 3 bedroom cottage in 1 week, and had Christmas up and running by the time I went up North. WOW.
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| Just look what DB did! |
You can imagine the how knackered mamma D was feeling over the festive period, so I decided I needed to take a much needed break to go and visit. Not only this, but we had a little baby that needed to see his Uncle Guy! So bright and early Thursday just past, both myself and lovely Guy hopped on a train up North to get some much needed fresh air in our lungs and of course some love and cherishing from our families.
** First stop Casa Donna (mum) **
Mum's new cottage is set in an idyllic village just outside of Ripon, North Yorkshire. It is an old cottage (don't ask me for the history) and has all the charm and wonderment that a little country cottage should have. Fire places, creaking wooden floors, stone flag tiles running through the dining room and kitchen and a gorgeous bay window / front door to welcome you. My first port of call upon arrival, after teas and biscuits had been had, was to delve into the depths of the garage to find my passport (needle in haystack comes to mind!). I'm off to Barca in a couple of weeks you see. Handymen we are, Guy and I set about arranging & organising said garage, finding passport on the way. Having arrived mid-afternoon, a couple of hours of mucking in had us pooped so relaxing by the fire and enjoying a couple of films with mamma D was how the remainder of the day was spent.
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| Happy rambler |
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| Still feeling chilly! |
This is when I miss the countryside most, having the ability to step out the front door and into the fields - with little dog in tow. Little Bridget was perhaps more exhausted than us!
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| Why can't I take you back to London!! |
** Last stop Guy's **
Guys family are lovely. They all live within in walking distance of each other in gorgeous Ripon city. Little Ollie is the new addition to the family and before we had even step foot in the door it was talks of cuddles, feedings and playing. Guy's mum couldn't wait to get us feeding and playing with him. Boy was this chap and absolute CUTIE! Gurgling, laughing playing and (like Guy) grumpy and frowny when hungry!
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| What a pair of cuties! |
Ripon really is a beautiful place and what better way to spend time there than to take Guy's brothers dog Maggie (bonkers labradoodle) on a whirl wind adventure around the town.
To top it all off we got to capture a stunning sunset - how romantic!
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| Stunning! |
Sunday roast to top off a lovely relaxing weekend in the countryside and we were off, back down to the Big Smoke.
Can I be honest? I did feel a wee pang of sadness having to leave the peace and quiet of the North but have a great few weeks planned so hold on tight guys! I will be back with more tales of the country bumkin in the city!
x x x
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