We finally got a stable connection yesterday. Broadband arrived on Wednesday, but then we found that our crackly phone line did mean that we would keep dropping the connection. We managed to persuade BT to send out an engineer, who fiddled about with the junction box and managed to fix us. So, I’m back online.
Today, the sun is out, the sky is blue (apart from the contrails) and the light is like permanent early morning (because of the hills I guess). We went for a walk this morning – up a steep narrow walled track carpeted with leaves and smelling of stone and wood. Up and up and up (I am going to get fit here) until we reached the moor. A sheep sat on a rocky outcrop above us, silhouetted against the blue sky. She had curved horns and a pretty face, and I wished I’d brought my camera up. Would it be a ‘she’ with horns?
There is a standing stone at the junction of footpaths where reputedly people leave an offering of loose change on the top. Kids used to run a marathon up there (hardy little critters) and nick the money from the top. There are views of Hebden Bridge and across to Studley Pike, and along Cragg Vale valley and along the Calderdale valley towards Halifax. The air is clear and washed-clean smelling, and the moors are quiet apart from the occasional grouse panicking.
This is home. It is in my blood and in my bones.
There’s just so much to write. I’ll catch up in bite-size chunks. And next time I go out, I will take the camera.
Dear Carole,
Wow, what a picturesque piece of writing, did you ever read “The Apple Tree” by Galsworthy? It’s one of my favorite short stories, this sounds like a cutting from that, you did a beautiful description.
Where I live in North Carolina is quite beautiful with the mountains, streams and wild deer, but not quite as breath taking as you have described.
Connie
Hi Connie,
I’ve not read the Apple Tree. I’ll look out for it. Where you live sounds beautiful too. I hope to read more about it on SOI?
Hi Carole,
As Connie says, that was a very atmospheric piece of writing. I could smell the stone and moss as I read. I also know exactly what you mean about “clear and washed-clean smelling air”. It usually gives me goose pimples and a rush of creativity.
Looking forward to writing with you again on SOI.
Wishing you health and creativity in your new home.
Benita.
Hi Benita,
Welcome to my new blog! Thank you for your feedback and good wishes. I’m very much looking forward to writing with you again too. Not long now!
Beautiful, Carole. I can see it all. I’m homesick now.
Your sheep almost certainly a she. Males tend to be kept apart. Then again, it must be breeding season about now.
Speaking of sheep – when you get the yen to knit again, you might find yarn originating from your sheep at Wensleydale Longwool, owned by the mother of a friend of mine. Highly regarded yarns – and a nice ride out into Wensleydale. Great cheese too. 🙂
http://www.wensleydalelongwoolsheepshop.co.uk/
Oh, good heavens, I’m spamming!
Wish I could join you all on SoI…
I can understand why you might feel homesick, Beth. I have plunged headlong in love with this place.
Thanks for the tip about the wool. I really like the idea of knitting with wool from local sheep.
Wish you could join us too …