Driving up a steep hill which takes me away from the city and towns after a short family break, I am brought face to face with the raw reality of country living. A large bird swoops down in front of me as it skillfully catches its prey, then with its mission successfully accomplished flys off into the distant hills. I’m not sure what the bird was and not wanting to cause a pile-up on the road I was unable to get a photo, but it was a moment that made me realize the dramatic contrast between city and country living.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bird of prey in action before, and I’m sure it won’t be the last time as I begin to adjust to life in the countryside.
We arrived in sunshine but it wasn’t long before the heavens opened and the rain came down, and down, and the wind began to howl. It reminded me of a song sung many years ago in Sunday School “The rains came down and the floods went up but the house on the rock stood firm”. I have been thankful to be tucked up in a safe warm cottage that has stood the test of time, and just enjoy the noises around me, whilst hoping that the previous owner was being honest when she said that flooding was not a problem. It was a little worrying as the nearby brook quickly turned into a fast flowing river and the puddles in the fields behind our house began happily getting deeper, but thankfully we have remained cozy and dry.
I am enjoying getting to know the locals and although we don’t speak the same language I think we are going to enjoy each others company very much.
It is already evident that some of these feathered friends keep to a regular daily routine and each morning as I’m sat having breakfast a couple of pheasants wander past on their morning walk to wherever pheasants go.
I should be unpacking but it’s very hard to stop myself from grabbing my camera and snapping away when there is so much going on outside my window.
I love opening the blinds in the morning and wondering what I will see and am hoping that one day soon I might open the blinds and find a field of lambs looking back at me. It would certainly be more pleasant than the bird swooping down to claim its dinner but I guess we all have to learn to take the rough with the smooth, and I think I’m ok with that.
It is after all, one very special place to be, and I am one lucky country girl.
Love Alison x
Through rose tinted glasses. 
This place seems magical and I bet it will inspire you many creative projects. Cant wait to read more about your new life. Keep well, Alison. Hugs.
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Thanks, Domonique, it certainly is very different from where I used to live. What we need is some lovely sunshine to make it more enjoyable but I don’t mind it in the rain either. x
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Spring is coming and hopefully lots of sunshine too! Wishing you happiness in your new home Alison. Keep taking pictures. I love it when you show us your surroundings. -Dominique
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Country living feeds the soul! I’m glad you are relaxing into it.
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It certainly does. Its really tranquil.
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It does look very scenic Alison……and the colours are very vivid. Wish you happiness and contentment in your new surroundings. What’s the name of the area?
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Its The peak district in derbyshire. Comoared to living in the city if derby it is stunning.
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What a beautiful place!
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Thank you, it really is.
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Beautiful, beautiful, and … wonderful!
And now for a question completely on the other side of the spectrum, “How’s the internet up there?”
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Thanks Gary, and that is only a small peak into the Peaks. The internet is ok but sketchy in places and non exsistent in the nearest local village. We are getting used to that though.
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looking forward to your posts about this new adventure. Sending best wishes to you, your household, and your family. First day of Spring!!!
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What beautiful countryside! You must be thrilled to live there, everything so green and more new lambs coming every day. I’m rather envious! 😉
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There are lambs dotted around Eliza and looking very cute but not in the field at the back of us yet. My chickens, however, think they are in heaven and are looking very healthy.
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Welcome to country life! Isn’t it great. Who ever thought it is quiet and nothing happening? You won’t regret your decision. The weather takes on a different life in the countryside. Rainy days are beautiful and the light is often dramatic and great for photos. And summer..well you can picnic whenever you want. Heaven!
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The weather is quite extreme here I think, either constant rain or lovely sunshine and Im sure heavy snow in the winter. We have yet to experience that one.
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Looks idyllic! Gorgeous shots.
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Thank you, it certainly is very picturesque and there is a different view out of every window which is amazing.
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What a wonderful life!
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Thank you, we are slowly getting used to it .
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Oh! The countryside looks beautiful! A slower pace then usual but it’ll be wonderful!! Enjoy.
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Thank you, yes it definitely is a slower pace of life and at the moment I keep feeling quite tired but that could be a mix of a lot of things. Definitely very peaceful though but we only have to go a little way to get into civilisation and there are lots of walkers going through the fields all the time.
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I have enjoyed your move to the country. It is so beautiful and my idea of a dream . I cannot wait to read more of your country adventures.
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Thanks Lisa, I havent had much time for blogging but am slowley getting back into it.
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Hi, I truly found the pictures mesmerising.
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Im glad you enjoyed them.
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Alison, wow! 😀 What wonderful views to greet you each morning – minus the bird of prey perhaps! The countryside is stunning and I think even the weather is more dramatic and primeval out amongst the hills. The locals seem a friendly lot, and the last sheep photo is superb. It’s obviously been a hard day’s grazing! Happy Settling into your New Abode! 😀
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Thank you Annika, we can see the birds of prey swooping around from our bedroom window, it’s quite a sight. And yes you are right about the weather, thankful that we have moved just before spring. People do seem very friendly and seem to have more time to stand and chat than in the city. It is all going to take a while to settle into but hopefully will turn out to have been a good move.
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I just had a chance to read your most recent post, what a great article. While not exactly the same, my experience moving from a very busy, populated city to the house in the pines has been a wonderful experience. I know the feeling of wanting to grab your camera when other things call, it’s hard to resist. The photos are beautiful and a lovely pictorial story of your adventures in country living. I look forward to more. xo
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Ah, thanks, Laura. Every day is a photo opportunity, it really is stunning countryside with breathtaking views. Could you send me a link to your blog about a woman’s heart? I seem to not be able to find it. Thanks.
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