Autumn, antlers and inspiration

A perfect autumn morning calls for a (slightly downsized) family walk. Obviously by 'downsized' I do not mean that I have cut off family members limbs. Rather the walk was without a couple of family members, who instead were at school a) re-building lego pyramids and b) earning their first class 'Star of the Week' having only been at school for 4 weeks (very proud mother).

At this point I should confess I had plans of sending the Mr, The Wee One and Misty Moo out by themselves so I could catch up on some blogging. However The Wee One was determined that I should not miss out on this glorious weather and I should get some exercise and push his pram up as many hills as we could find. I will thank him one day when my bum can fit into the mirror widthways.

Autumn is by far my favourite season. The colours, the smell of bonfires, conkers, snuggly jumpers and cosy socks, cold sunshine and sunglasses, drawing faces on dew covered car windows, collecting leaves, an extra fluffy layer of warmth, watching a leaf fall, and hot, hot drinks.

Today's walk had most of these things, with the addition of the 'if we won the lottery which house would you buy' game whilst walking firstly behind the biggest poshest houses in Stamford along a service road (sounds very sad but is actually a nice quiet road) and then in front of them. It is always important to get the full panoramic view of a property before imagining knocking on their door and asking how much for a quick sale. You could be totally taken by the house's front elevation only to discover an extension  at the back designed by an architect whose last erection was in the 1970's, and built by a distant relative whose building experience is limited to Jenga. In case you are wondering number 72 is our favourite and we'll be popping round Monday morning with our winnings.

After our fix of property porn it seemed only right to have a coffee in town and build further fantasies around cultivating a career in interior design for bars and restaurants. The venue of choice today was The Cosy Club which is known for it's quirky eclectic design and wild use of antlers, deer heads and dodgy lampshades, all in a good way you understand.

Amazing how fresh air, caffeine and soaking up a creative environment can spark an idea. But it did. The free wifi helped too. I am inspired. I feel a surge of motivation. I must now tether it to make sure it doesn't escape and harness it's potential.

Walk with me a while...

... along some leaf strewn paths that dazzle with jewel like colours, down a cobbled lane that wrecks your heels, across a river populated with expectant ducks, and past some oddities that catch the eye. Or in other words, our morning walks with Misty Moo.

I took these photos over a couple of mornings which explains the mist suddenly disappearing and Princess's outfit change mid walk (she is not in the habit of taking a change of outfit on our dog walks ordinarily).

Our street is very ordinary so I will spare you the pebble dash semis and start with a little colour, a little leaf action and some rather fetching railings.

And down this cobbled street ...

 ...to the meadows, the river, and the ducks. And I always forget to bring bread for them. I don't think they go hungry though.

Finally a stop off at a couple of local landmarks. Wouldn't stop there for a picnic mind.

Right, who's for a cup of tea?