Friday 6 February 2015

Procrastinating in the Cotswolds!

 
This morning drawing back the curtains at home I revealed a crisp February morning, and after a  frosty start to the day bright sunshine was now streaming down on Chipping Campden.
 
I had so many plans for the day ahead  mostly involving a paintbrush, roller & masking tape accompanied  by my faithful friend Magnolia,  however the day outside looked so inviting  I decided to put that on the back boiler & head off down to:
 
 
 
I had been conscious of the fact that my last  blog had been Christmas themed and even that had been delayed and written in January!  ....  and with new temptations on the High Street alongside such beautiful weather I was suddenly inspired to bring my Blog up to date!
 
Campden was quiet this morning,  but that's surely an advantage when all you want to do is walk around the town.  The Cotswold stone walls of the cottages seem to glow in the sunshine and add  brightness to the back lanes and alley ways.
 
 
  

 
 
I crossed the road from Sheep Street, and headed towards the Market Hall.
 
 
 
..... through the arches and over cobbles!
... stopping briefly to take a look at the new Marker Stone for the beginning
(or is it the end?!) of the Cotswold Way Footpath
 

On the pavement above the Market Hall one of my favourite shops "Frankie Doodle" I usually find it very difficult to pass the door without having to go in for a "mooch" and today was no exception as unfortunately for me I also find it very difficult to have a mooch without buying anything! 
 
 
As hard as it was to drag myself away from Frankie Doodle I knew there was another treat in store nearby, as a new shop appeared on the High Street this week which I had yet to visit.
 
Tokes
 
a great little Deli, with wonderful cheeses & wines
specialising in local produce.
Stepping through the door I could tell instantly this FAB little shop will be a popular addition to the many other great shops in Chipping Campden.
 
   
 
 The perfect place for guests at our cottages to pick up treats for that all important summer picnic or locally produced goodies to take back to the City!
 
 
 
 I was strangely drawn to the wine corner!  but resisted temptation this time - in favour of a bowl of assorted olives which .... as I am writing this can add an update *** were delicious :-)
 
Tokes also stock Cotswold Traiteur meals - delicious pre-made dishes which will no doubt be regular visitors to the ovens at Crafty Cottage & Number Six !
 
...  I particularly liked the sound of the Classic Chicken Chasseur, described as having diced free range chicken, white wine, mushrooms, tomatoes and tarragon .... in fact, it very definitely has to be said "yum yum pigs bum" !! 
 
 
I crossed the road from Tokes, out of the sunshine and into the shade on the opposite side of the High Street.  I called in to Stewart Antiques briefly to say "Hello"  ... this is the kind of place where you can never look at the person you're speaking to, - as there's so much adorning the walls, cabinets shelves & tables, you don't want to miss anything!  - a real treasure trove.
 
 
 
 
I do love this time of year,  we are just at the brink of seeing more colour in the gardens and Drinkwaters never fails to disappoint with some of the first signs of Spring!
 
 
 
bulbs, snowdrops, daffodils   ....
 
 
 Walking back towards Sheep Street I remembered how I was returning home to continue decorating ....  or on reflection ....  maybe I should take a quick walk up Dovers Hill !!
 
....  where it has to be said
was absolutely Freeeeeeezing !!!
 
 but worth it for the fabulous views ...
 
  

 
A beautiful place to visit

Dovers Hill is just above Chipping Campden & where we host
The Cotswold Olimpicks later on in the year!

Cotswold Olimpicks
 
easily walkable from the centre of town,
(about 45 mins walk from our cottages)
 

 
No sign of any sheep up there today,
but plenty of evidence that they've been there lately!
  
 

 
 

I did catch a glimps of one on the way home though - they're never too far away !!
 
 
 

So that was how I spent this cold but sunny morning in the Cotswolds.
 
I still have to finish off my decorating at home
 but I wouldn't have missed this morning for anything :-)
 
 
.....  and as usual, I will of course be keeping you posted!
 

-S-


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