The windmill of your mind

 We've not had much free time of late, what with working during the week and plenty of jobs to claim our time and attention at the new house.  A couple of Sundays ago we made a concious effort to forget about all of the stresses and jobs to be done and get out into the June sunshine for a stroll.

I've posted pictures of the North Leverton windmill before, but they revolved around the annual open day that takes place each September.  Without the crowds and the cars the narrow lane that runs past the windmill is quiet and peaceful and we never saw another soul.  This working antique compliments the landscape beautifully.

We returned home feeling refreshed and relaxed.  I think its important to try and make time to get out and just enjoy the outdoors.  It's very easy to get bogged down with tasks and responsibilities.  Even a short walk can do wonders for your state of mind.

New Beginnings

A couple of weeks ago, we moved into our new home, which you can imagine takes up a lot of time and there are plenty of jobs to do around the place.  We haven't moved very far, just into the next village so the quiet lanes I enjoy walking down are still close by.

The garden as you will see is a lot smaller than we have had previously, but it's quiet and private, and a lot of potential.  It's a novelty to actually spend time in the garden without having to cut grass and trim hedges.

Terry has already made a start in knocking it into shape (with assistance from our good friend Ian who has provided invaluable advice and support.  I would say more but his head may not get through the door!).

As you can see the garden is paved, which came up a treat once we wielded the pressure washer.  The new house also has floor lights fixed into the ground so on an evening the garden is subtly lit.

A little garden art

Something else that we now have is a pond, complete with at least a dozen gold fish, and three frogs that we've spotted so far.  The trickling water is very relaxing.  

Terry has spent a lot of time planting up pots and placing them in areas to soften the geometric lines of the pond and the paving.  We also invested in a garden mirror and fixed it to the garage wall.  It's placed so you can see down the garden from the kitchen window.

The previous owners spent a lot of time and love on their garden and it shows.  Currently there are three different types of clematis that are bursting into flower against the fence.  

Gardens are never truly finished and I know it will take a little time until we get the "feel" of the planting that is already here and to put our own stamp on the place.

I'm also going to have to swat up on looking after goldfish...