Tuesday 14 January 2020

Scenes from the bleak midwinter

On the last Sunday of 2019 we embarked on our final walk of the year.

Admittedly, apart from the odd stroll in the park, we hadn't been on a good old ramble for quite a while. Time and tide had been against us, not to mention that eternal spoilsport, the weather.

At the end of a string of wet weeks, that weekend's forecast had been for reasonably dry and sunny weather accompanied by - shock, horror! - some light overnight frost. Had the weather gods finally cottoned on that it's Winter in these parts?


In any case, that Sunday morning we wasted no time in going for that long overdue walk, choosing  one of our favourite nature reserves, Blaasveldbroek, as our destination.

The reserve is about 20 kilometers from where we live and, with its 675 hectares and a choice of foothpaths, it's the perfect place to stretch one's legs. My long-time readers have accompanied me there more than once over the years.

So, after breakfast we dressed warmly to combat the barely above freezing temparatures, donning coats, hats, scarves and gloves, and packed some sandwiches and a thermos flask for a wintertime picnic. 



The day did have a bit of a cloudy start and a lingering haze initially put paid to the sun's attempts to grace us with her presence.

Once or twice, patches of blue appeared in which fleecy clouds seemed to huddle together for warmth.


There's fauna and flora in abundance, too! Speaking of the former, arriving at the visitor's centre, which lies at the heart of the reserve, we were met by the resident cat, a Phoebe lookalike, albeit quite a bit slimmer and friendlier than our grumpy monster.

There were two big grey hairy pigs in a fenced off area which they were in the process of digging over completely with their snouts, in search of who knows what. However, they didn't keep still for a single moment, so that I was only able to catch one of their mud encrusted snouts on camera.

The fearsome but funny bronze beaver (one of a pair) and the enchanting carved wooden ducks probably need no introduction as they have appeared on the blog several times before.



You've already seen most of what I was wearing that day in my previous post, but I still had to show you my outerwear.

The jacket, in a mustardy brown and with furry collar and cuffs, is part of a skirt suit. I've gone off the skirt, but the jacket is still making an appearance each winter. I usually wear the boxy jacket with a belt, this time opting for a burgundy leather one. My ears were kept toasty by my woolly beret from Think Twice and I added a charity shopped scarf in oranges and pinks.



This marshy reserve really is a place for all seasons, and I am definitely an all-seasons girl, finding delight even in the so-called bleak midwinter: the solemn trees reflected in the swollen waters, the thin shards of ice escaped from a puddle, a dead branch giving life to mosses and lichens.


We always stop for photographs in this marshy meadow, even if this time we had to stay close to its edge as the rains had made it quite inaccessible unless one was wearing wellies.

In spite of the cold, I had no need for the pair of leather gloves I'd brought, making do with my fingerless knitted ones, which are far more convenient anyway for a constant photographer like me.



The mottled blanket of clouds was getting denser, the skeleton trees shadow-playing against the gloomy sky. Gentle giants, they are, but even gentle giants do not live forever, victims of old age and fierce winter storms.



Near the end of our walk, just before the turning to the muddy car park, a half-drowned landscape awaited, a graveyard of gentle giants.

Giddy and light-headed from fresh unsullied air, we returned to our car, and drove back home, happier in our skins than we were before.



And so the final days of the year were upon us, leaving me with a final handful of outfits to share.

First up is what I wore on Monday, to run some errands in our town. But laid back days like these are no reason for me not to get dressed up, so out came this charity shopped frock, handmade and with a seasonal print featuring flowers, leaves and berries, in brown, green, red and white.


The furry maroon cardigan is one of the three I scored at the charity shops just days before, and shown in my previous post. 

I picked golden yellows for my opaques, beaded necklace and orchid brooch. The brooch can also be worn as a pendant and was a flea market find.



I opted for full-on colour on New Year's Eve, starting with my dotty Diolen frock from Think Twice, matching the ochre dots with my short-sleeved batwing cardigan. 

The cardie is H&M by way of the charity shops a year or two ago. The long, black and white beaded necklace was another recent charity shop buy, while the green flower brooch - almost exactly the shade of the green dots - was a flea market find.


And now, for the grand finale, I'm introducing you to the outfit I wore to wave goodbye to the old year and welcome the new.

I was determined to wear this glorious Scandi print maxi skirt but initially didn't have the faintest idea what to wear with it. Then I remembered the vintage jumper and blouse in one which I picked up for just € 1 from Think Twice a month or two ago, but promptly forgot about.


It was short enough to wear untucked but I thought it benefited from the addition of a belt, choosing a fabric covered one which I think once belonged to a dress. 

The brooch with its mottled ochre and green stone was yet another flea market find. One of my favourites, I chose it to enhance the yellow bits in the blouse's sleeves and collar.


The final touch was my Art Deco style necklace, one of my best charity shop jewellery finds ever.

And so, that was it, 2019 all wrapped up and put away in a drawer. And about time, I should think, as we are - eek!- mid January already!


39 comments:

  1. There is nothing like a good walk on a dry day! Lifts the spirits like nothing else, I find.

    Loved your outfits especially the NYE maxi skirt. What a stunner it is and the print is simply fantastic. Loved all your beads, brooches and berets, too!

    Hope the weather has perked up for you - it's pretty windy here.
    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I totally agree in that a good walk can lift the spirits like nothing else. Unfortunately, dry days have been few and far between lately. It has been pretty windy here too for a couple of days! xxx

      Delete
  2. Beaux paysages. Jolies tenues colorées et gaies. C'est un régal vous lire.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your walk photos are so soothing - I'm also a fan of stark vistas! It doesn't always have to be sunshine and flowers for me to get calm from nature. Kitty! I thought for a moment it was Phoebe, until I remembered her perpetual grumpy face, hee hee.

    Your NYE maxi skirt is to DIE for! I am in love with it - you can just ship that right over to me! Wow, the bold pattern is amazing, and look at that wonderful Deco necklace. Amazing.

    A very happy new year to your family, Ann!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right there about Phoebe's perpetual grumpy face ;-)) I'll think of you if I ever get tired of that skirt, Sheila! xxx

      Delete
  4. Ooo, I loved seeing all the sights on your walk. Nature is so beautiful and calming, isn’t it?

    Your first outfit is lovely, I like all the warm colours.

    Looking forward to seeing your 2020 outfits (where has the time gone?) X

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just love a good nature walk, which soothes my soul each and every time. I do hope my 2020 outfits won't disappoint! xxx

      Delete
  5. Thank you Ann for taking us on this leisurely walk with you in the countryside. The landscapes you have photographed are stunning. There truly is beauty in every season. Having a picnic there is definitely the icing on the cake.

    All three outfits are very beautiful, it's hard to pick my favourite. The print on the maxi skirt is amazing - I understand why you kept it to wear on New Year's Day. I also love the mottled ochre brooch.

    Hope you have a lovely week. I'll gladly send you some sunshine if you send over some rain.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Suzy! I love a picnic, even in Winter :-) I think the rain I sent must have reached you, as we've been having a bit of sunshine in the meantime! xxx

      Delete
  6. I love your little photo montages! That looks like a lovely place to walk. I too am an 'all-seasons girl' too, I love all the seasons. Your outfit for NYE is stunning! Love the skirt with the jumper/blouse combo! Happy New Year (again!) XXX

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Linda, I love doing these collages, which have become kind of my trademark! Happy New Year to you too! xxx

      Delete
  7. lovely walk and lovely pictures, your collages are always so inspiring!. I do love a walk on a crispy winter day and I'm missing it!. These paths look really appealing to me.
    And you look fabulous in those reds and orange and earthy colors, and lovely accessories!
    Also love your 'autumnal shades' Monday outfit, particularly the cute beret!. But my favourite one is the polka dots dress by Diolen, it has totally stolen my heart!. Love how the yellow cardi enhances its colors! and the pretty brooch too!
    And your last outfit is so fabulous too!. This skirt is a beauty and you've styled it so brilliantly!. love your art decó style necklace. Gorgeous!
    besos

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Monica! I do hope you'll be able to go out walking again soon. xxx

      Delete
  8. Oh that maxi skirt is SWEEEET! The top you chose to go with it is perfect.

    Each of your outfits shows off your top notch colour coordinating skills.

    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I am so in love with all colours you are wearing Ann.
    What a wonderful walk arround this area. I love pigs, I think they are always funny to watch.:)
    This Polka dot dress is stunning ❤️
    A very huge hug Tina

    ReplyDelete
  10. love the first look most - great proportions and genius color combo! but then - the art deco vibe of the last speaks to me too.....
    is´t it wonderful to go for a walk in the nature?! so relaxing and refreshing!
    hugsies! xxxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Beate, and yes, I love a good nature(d) walk ;-) xxx

      Delete
  11. I enjoy going along on your nature walks! I haven't been out much this winter, myself. How sweet is that cat?! Maybe if you followed the pigs they'd finf truffles?

    You know I'm in love with that green maxi skirt, but the necklace is stunning. a great find indeed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Goody! We were telling each other the same thing that those pigs might have been looking for truffles :-) xxx

      Delete
  12. So many fabulous outfits, Ann! I love each and every one of them! That last outfit is especially striking! That skirt is so cool! That necklace is gorgeous too. I have been wearing a lot of green lately and totally understand why it's your fave colour! It's quickly becoming mine too! Hope you're having a great week so far, Ann! :) XXX p.s. my son is into everything pigs at the moment, so he loved seeing your photo of a muddy-snouted piggy! ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How lovely that you have been embracing green lately! And isn't that muddy-snouted piggy divine? xxx

      Delete
  13. You've caught the best of the season in your nature shots with some superb photography. I love all the seasons too, the countryside in winter has it's own magic.
    All of your outfits look stunning but the new year's eve one is really standout, I love it. xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Sally, and I do agree that each season has its own particular charm! xxx

      Delete
  14. How fun you got to see some animals on your walk! your outfit looks so cosy but I have to say your New Year's Eve one is my favourite - the yellow and blue and so colourful and cheerful together! yellow and blue is a combo I love to wear :)

    Hope that your week is going well and you have a fun weekend ahead of you :)

    Away From Blue

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Mica! That yellow and blue outfit is so cheerful, isn't it? xxx

      Delete
  15. Your vintage brooches always knock my socks off! What a joyfully bright, diverse, fabulous collection you have, dear Ann.

    🖤 Autumn

    ReplyDelete
  16. Winter is better to endure with a nice hat on the head. :-)
    Heve a lovely weekend, hopefully with a bit of sunshine. Regula

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Regula, and I certainly do not have a shortage of hats :-) xxx

      Delete
  17. You dress very stylishly for freezing temperatures. I love your first outfit- such a chic look to see off the old year with. The beret is so pretty and I do like that mustard jacket, it looks great belted.
    The kitty looks very friendly and the beaver sculpture is lovely. The nature photographs are beautiful. That lake with ducks looks lovely.
    I really like the print on the second dress you wore. It's so vibrant. The maroon cardigan is a lovely pairing with it. The dotted dress has such a fun print too and I like the pairing with the yellow sweater. The outfit with the maxi skirt is beautiful too. The green skirt is such a gem and I like the top you paired it with. The necklace is fabulous too. So many great outfits! It makes me happy to see so much colour and prints.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you my lovely friend, and I'm glad to have made your happy with my colours and prints :-) xxx

      Delete
  18. SUPERB outfits! I love all of them (and do I recognise those golden tights?)
    Phoebe's twin is sweet!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kezzie, and Phoebe's twin was actually a lot sweeter than Her Royal Highness herself ;-) xxx

      Delete
  19. I LOVE that Scandi maxi skirt it's amazing! You find the most fantastic prints.

    The weather here has turned cold too. I'm not a fan of the cold, but it's nice to feel the seasons change.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mim, and that skirt's print is one of my favourites ever! xxx

      Delete