Monday 27 February 2012

Of Misty Mountains and Kendal Mint Cake

When the Ginge asked me what I wanted for my birthday, I half expected myself to suggest a long list of much coveted things such as thisthis and this. When it actually came to it, however, my answer was somewhat different. What I truly wanted, perhaps needed, was some time with my boy in beautiful, quiet and simple surroundings. So, this weekend, the Ginge and I took ourselves off to the Lake District. It was nothing fancy, but then neither are we. We stayed in a restored miner's cottage near Coniston, spent our days walking in the mountains and our evenings cooking hearty food, playing with maps and revisiting our love of the Lord of the Rings. I took my birthday cards with me and made sure I had regular slices of my two delicious cakes; my friend Claire's famous lemon drizzle and a coffee and walnut battenberg, which we're pretending was made by the Ginge (he was actually too busy, so I made it instead so that he wouldn't feel bad). Its simplicity was just the restoration that my heart needed and we both feel invigorated by the balance of rest, exercise and fresh air. We missed out on the spring sunshine, which some of you have been enjoying, but weirdly I think we enjoyed the ethereal mist and our nipped pink cheeks just as much. We really must do this sort of thing more often. 

17 comments:

  1. Gosh that looks beautiful. And it sounds like a lovely trip. Happy Birthday! Just a tip, i had that kettle a while ago and i hated it. The whistle drove me up the wall! Love the Cambridge satchel though, i've got my eye on the yellow one they do.

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    1. I too love the yellow, but sadly it makes me look horrific. Thanks for the tip about the kettle - very good to know! Thank you for the birthday wishes, I had a wonderful time. Xx

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  2. such beauty! it looks so very peaceful. xx

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    1. p.s. you've been tagged over on my blog!

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  3. Ah, lovely! I love Coniston- its so pretty...and I did my Duke of Edinburgh award there so I have a (painful) soft spot for it. Hope you guys had fun! Great photos.

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    1. Thanks, Kat! The Ginge did his DofE there too. Thankfully, it wasn't too painful this time round. Xx

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  4. That looks blissful! I'd lover to venture up that way, wonderful fresh air and natural beauty. I;ve tagged you over on my blog xx

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    1. Thank you so much for the tag - I am very honoured! You should definitely go to the Lakes and I'd be more than happy to give you any tips you might need. Xx

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  5. while this scene is so many oceans away, your photographs make me feel as if I'm there. Gorgeous captures! And the perfect getaway for your birthday - happiest day to you!

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    1. Thank you so much for your lovely comment and for the birthday wishes - I feel very spoiled. Xx

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  6. Whoa. Absolutely incredible photos! You are making me long for a journey!

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    1. So glad you enjoyed them. Journeys are the greatest. Xx

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  7. Hi! I've just tagged you too! Sorry - didn't notice someone else had done it! x

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    1. Thank you so much, Jen! What a lucky girl I am! Xx

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  8. How wonderful. Reminds me of happy holidays as a child.

    When I was little I used to call Kendal Mint Cake "candlewick cake".

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    1. This has made me giggle so much - I think we might have to start calling it that too! Xx

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  9. It's really look an amazing place. Love that place and all the pictures!

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I love to read your comments & hope you have a lovely day!