Thursday 3 December 2020

Muddy paths and natural highs

Isn't it typical how often a dark and rainy day off is followed by a gorgeously sunny one when you're stuck at work? Case in point was two weeks ago on Wednesday, when not only the sun was out in full force, she came accompanied by temperatures up to 17°C as well.

In between ticking off my office tasks, I stood watching Antwerp bathing in glorious sunlight from my 5th floor office windows, noting how empty the street leading away from the city's main shopping thoroughfare was. Not really surprising, perhaps, with only non-essential shops open, but it's still quite a rare sight on a late weekday morning. There wasn't even any traffic about when I clicked that shutter -- or whatever you call its equivalent on a phone - and for once the eternal clanging of the trams had stopped, so that it was eerily quiet as well.

 


The almost Spring-like weather tempted me outside during lunch break, when I masked up and went for a walk around the block, picking up some coconut body butter at a health and beauty shop along the way.

It was strange walking in there and seeing the products considered as non-essential and which therefore like forbidden fruits they weren't allowed to sell, covered up in black plastic film. There was a man in front of me in the queue at the till who was rather disappointed he couldn't buy the perfume he'd taken the tram from one of the suburbs for especially.



I was rather disappointed as well, in my case with Thursday's weather! Not only had the temperature plummeted to about 10°C, it was mostly cloudy with scattered showers all day.

I pottered around the house, doing this and that but not very much at all, while Jos went food shopping. We put everything away upon his return, by which time our faintly rumbling stomachs demanded that we had lunch.

Then, as we were in need of more bread mix, we drove down to the garden centre which, as you can see below, has a very extensive home-baking department.


Masking up is a must, but so is dressing up in my book, especially when you're going on an outing. Isn't it weird that even the most mundane things can be considered an outing these days? We were only buying bread mix and some candles, for heaven's sake!



Although so far November had been a mix of bright sunny days and miserable grey and rainy ones, the one constant had been the mild temperatures for this time of year, which had hardly crept into single figures. 

I'd been eyeing my fur-collared jackets with longing, so I deemed the sudden drop in temperature the perfect excuse for wearing my favourite of all. 



My vintage, Austrian made green woollen jacket is graced with a super snuggly faux fur collar in delicious caramel colours. To further combat the relative chill of the day, I wore it with a dusky purple beret and a purple, flower embroidered, crushed velvet scarf. The latter was a lucky € 0,50 find at an indoor flea market many years ago.



Underneath the jacket, I was sporting a funkily patterned rust and brown tie-collared dress from Think Twice, which I wore with curry-coloured opaques and belt.

The slightly bothersome tie collar was tamed by a pansy brooch from a small antique shop inside Cardigan Market, with a peachy pink flower corsage accompanying it on the dress itself. My burgundy cardigan is King Louie via the charity shop and the caramel ankle boots were last year's high street buy.



As a result of the eternal mask wearing, I have been struggling with my lipstick routine, often going without when I know I'll have to mask up at some point. Our newspaper's weekend magazine came to the rescue about a month ago with a test of several long-stay lipsticks, declaring Maybelline's Superstay Matte Ink as one of the best. I'm glad to report that that they seem to work for me too so that I now have them in a choice of colours.



November's fickleness presented us with a crisp and sunny day on Friday on which  - lo and behold - we finally got the first of the single figure temperatures, dipping towards 8°C.

As the forecast for the next couple of days was looking pretty dire, we wasted no time in going for another walk, driving down to Jos's old playground again.

After parking our car, we took the path leading into the opposite direction from Saturday's, leaving us a bit mystified when we soon emerged onto a busy road, where we passed a small red brick chapel. Peering through the glass of its firmly locked door, we could make out a well-tended red brick altar presided over by an Our Lady of Lourdes lookalike. To minimize reflections, I asked Jos to stand directly behind me so that I could take a photograph.




We didn't have to walk along the road for very long until we found a waymarked path leading off it, initially skirting the backs of some houses, until we seemed to enter the nature reserve again.

The path soon offered an enchanting view across a wild and partially water-logged valley - a former clay pit - with a lonely chimney, a relic of the area's not all too distant brick-making past, towering above the tallest of the trees.

In her comment on my previous post, Vronni was wondering whether this always was a nature reserve, to which the answer is a definite no.


Once upon a time, the area was a hive of industrial activity, complete with the typical back-to-back housing where people eked out their living, until it was spontaneously taken over by nature after the decline of the brick-making industry in the early 1970s.

Only as recently as 2016 has this 31-hectare nature reserve been acquired by Natuurpunt, the Flemish nature conservation charity. The reserve is a habitat for rare species such as the natterjack toad, the crested newt, the sand martin and the little bittern, which is the smallest of the wading herons in Europe. It is also a potential habitat for beavers.


Walking with a constant photographer is a bit of a waiting game at times, and I can often see Jos disappearing from view as he walks on without a backward glance, until he finally notices I'm not following in his track!


Eventually, we emerged upon the famous sandy plain again, from where a path leads tantalizingly uphill. A magical world waits at its end, where a small detour takes you to a water-filled clay pit, the remains of a dredger leaning precariously towards its reflection in the water.

The perfect spot for outfit photos, starting with my outerwear. This is my old cream, fudge and baby blue plaid coat, picked up for a pittance in a charity shop back in the mists of time. It was accompanied by a fuzzy purple beret and my frilly turquoise scarf. The boots are yet again my old, almost worn-out ones. Little did I know it would be their final outing!


My dress is vintage textured polyester, from the Finnish Karelia label and it has - oh joy of joys - pockets! Not just pockets, mind you, they are lined too! 

I chose contrasting burgundy for my opaques, belt and necklace and pinned a wooden duck brooch to my dress's collar. The brooch in question is now gleaming as never before, as I forgot to remove it before chucking the dress into the washing machine! 

My teal cardigan, which repeats the print in my dress, is another charity shopped King Louie one.



We started uphill on the path in question, which is deeply rutted as a result of being used as a mountain bike trail. Difficult to walk on even in dry conditions, we were now soon ankle deep in slippery muddy clay, which tried to suck us in and clung to our boots, making them heavier with every step.

We weren't even half-way before the path became virtually impassable and we had to turn back, worrying about having to get into our only months-old car with our mud-encrusted footwear.

Walking through wet grass did not seem to make it any better, but then we came across a patch of mosses, whose sponge-like texture managed to clean off most of the mud in a jiffy. 



Back at the sandy plain, the sky started darkening as clouds gathered dramatically, blocking out the sun's final efforts of the day.

Time to go home and get cozy! 

And my boots, they sadly turned out to have suffered more than I'd bargained for, so that they were no longer wearable and I had no choice but to throw them out.



Saturday started with some initial sunshine, which soon vanished into thin air, developing into another grey and miserable day.

After breakfast, I got my cleaning skates on and tackled the bathroom and most of the kitchen surfaces.

We were once again in double figures, so I chose a lightweight blouse to go with my zig-zaggy skirt. The latter is from Forever 21, of all places, bought at the very shop before I started shopping mainly second hand. It's still getting regular wears after all these years, so that's alright, I suppose.



The skirt isn't the only high street buy in my outfit. It is joined by my Accessorize necklace, which has also passed the test of time.

My dark green blouse with its sprinkling of lilac and purple flowers growing upon a trellis was picked up from Think Twice. I echoed the colours of its print with my woven belt, brooch and ring, throwing on a burgundy long-line cardigan to play along with my ancient ankle boots when I stepped outside.

Sunday's weather would be even worse, but November provided us with a further handful of sunny days later that week. But that, my friends, will be for next time. 

Do stay safe and positive, wherever you are!


38 comments:

  1. Fabulous outfits, Ann. I love the last one with the beautifully co-ordinated boots and cardi; and the dress with the duck brooch was lovely as was that brooch - how cute! Shame about your boots; I always have an old pair of shoes in the boot of my car in case of muddy boots; and also if I want to do a spot of rummaging on my way home from a walk.

    You would have no idea that the reserve had been an industrial area; nature is a wonderful thing! I love the idea you might have beavers - keep your eyes peeled!

    I am loving the look of those Maybelline lipsticks and have to check them out. I have exactly the same problems with my lipstick and mask wearing except I look like I've been snogging someone with lipstick smeared everywhere!

    Take care
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Vronni. We will have to think of keeping our proper walking boots in the boot of our car, especially when out walking in ex-clay pit country :-) xxx

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  2. I beg to differ but perfume is most certainly an essential item!
    You had a lovely day for a walk, and it is always nice to wear some favourite items, even if only just to buy bread mix.
    stay safe.

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    1. Too right, it is certainly an essential item. I think they wanted to show their solidarity with perfumeries which, as they were considered non-essential, had to close ... xxx

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  3. It is true, it is impressive to see the streets in the city almost deserted ... I hardly hear the noise of the traffic anymore. Your adorable clothes really make the difference! I like them all, the green jacket with the beautiful purple scarf ... the necklaces ... wow! You know, I didn't notice that I haven't worn lipstick for months ... ! What a nice walk! It is wonderful to walk there even in these autumn days ...
    Hugs, Carmela

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    1. Thank you Carmela! Now that non-essential shops were allowed to re-open, the city streets are no longer deserted! xxx

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  4. The deserted streets look unreal in this golden light, your photo has captured this strange atmosphere quite well. No desert streets here, as now even cafés and bars are open. We spanish look like the craziest people ever.
    Love that your garden centre has an extensive home-baking department (so useful!) and love your rusty, purple and burgundy color combo, with the addition of your fab jacket on top!. So lovely dress, and so lovely scarf and beret 'set', looking delightfully matchy!.
    Great photos of your walk, and so amazing that this was an industrial área and now even beavers can be around!.
    Looking so fab in your plaid coat, its colors are stunning!, and love the teal and burgundy accents and the duck brooch (hope it has recovered from its laundry adventure). Sorry that these boots have not survived the muddy paths!.
    Love particularly your green blouse with the purple floral motives and how it matches your belt!, and so beautiful necklace!. Fabulous outfit!
    besos
    (p/s I tried to contact you via email but didn't find anyone. May I ask you to contact me at mrsallnut in Gmail?. Sorry if I'm being invasive)

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    1. I thought Belgians were the craziest people ever :-)) No cafés, bars and restaurants open here, at least until well into January, but the streets are no longer deserted as all the shops are now open! xxx

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  5. this is one reason i do wear hiking boots in the wilderness - this are not impressed by mud :-D
    but the rest of your outfit - the colourful clothes - i would copy everytime.
    the shopping look too!! the green fur collared jacked is a fav!
    here all the shops are still open - and i have the feeling that some people, esp. elderly, flock to grocery stores, hardware stores and supermarkets to socialise - masks under the chin of cause.
    xxxxx

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    1. The silly thing is that we do own hiking boots, but always seem to leave them behind at home :-) I do hate the masks under chins thing :-( xxx

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    1. I'll pop over to your blog but would need a bit more interaction from your side to start following you!

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  7. I do love a zigzag print and the duck brooche is so cute! It must be word to see Antwerp so quite. Almost frightening. Yesterday I watched First Dates on Ketnet, or Canvas, and they wore masks when they entered the restaurant. And when the couples met each other they took it off and kissed one another! Huh? I shouldn't be watching that show! It's really cold now isn't it. We do go for a walk in the weekend but it takes me a very long time to warm up when we are at home again. Enjoy your weekend!

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    1. I've only caught snippets of First Date, but it does indeed seem quite silly to wear masks and then kiss! Silly Belgians :-)) xxx

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  8. I always enjoy the views from your office, you capture interesting light changes and time periods with your cam. I do relate to what you wrote in your post- Today even picking up groceries is an outing of some sort. I always like to get dressed up, regardless of the fact am I leaving the house or not. Today I haven't left the house, it is raining all day so I'm not very motivated to go out for a walk.
    I love your wool jacket with the faux fur collar and the velvet scarf is beautiful as well. I also like the dusky purple beret that matches the velvet scarf well. The dress you wore is gorgeous.
    It is good that you found lipsticks that work well under the face mask and don't come off, maybe I should look into that.

    That brown printed dress from Finnish brand you wore for your walk is stunning as well. How nice it has lined pockets. I also like the belt and necklace. The wooden duck brooch is so cute and unique. It seems that you had a nice walk. My husband and I both like to take photographs on our walks so we sometimes wait for one another or wonder off in opposite directions. It is good to go for a walk in the woods or in a park, spending time in nature is good for our body, mind & soul.

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    1. Thank you Ivana! I have dressed up every day during the last nine months, whether I was leaving the house or not. It's the one thing that keeps me sane! xxx

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  9. Love those photos of you and Jos resplendent in your masks, you stylish and caring shopper!
    Your turquoise furry collared coat is a delight and is utterly perfect with the Autumnal tones you've worn with it. The dress with pockets and chevron skirt are wonderful, too.
    I'm hugely impressed with the array of bread making products in the garden centre! is that a lockdown thing or have they always done it? It seems like a strange combination of products!
    Jos's childhood playground looks like a lovely place to retreat to despite the sudden shock of the rain.
    I bought a couple of those Maybelline lipsticks a couple of years ago and haven't worn another lipstick since, they are amazing (I buy mine from Ebay!) So many great colours!
    Have a lovely weekend & stay safe & happy! xxx

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    1. Thank you Vix! I think the baking products are a one off and not a general thing in garden centres here. I do suspect it is because of a nearby agricultural shop, which sells baking products as well as plants, and our garden centre needed to step up in order not to lose clients ... xxx

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  10. I will check out those Maybelline lippies - I think they were on sale at the drugstore. Thanks for the tip! I've also been using clear lipliner around my lips to keep my lipstick from bleeding and fuzzing out due to my masks (which all have lipstick on the inside!).

    I'm entranced by all the purple accents in your outfits in this post! Your crushed velvet scarf caught my eye, as did your fuzzy beret, and oh, those magentas and violets in your final outfit just make my heart sing!

    So sorry to hear about your boots - ugh, the mud! I'm in awe of all the foodstuffs your garden centre carries! I haven't been in a garden centre in decades (cough - I kill plants - cough), so maybe this is a thing here too? I don't know!

    Have a wonderful weekend, my dear friend.

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    1. No bleeding with those Maybelline lippies, and no more lipstick on the inside of masks! I do hope you get on with them, like I do, although they do tend to dry out my lips a bit! xxx

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  11. It's a shame that you had to get rid of your boots after your muddy walk !I did like your otufit though, and that rust dress at the top of the post is beautiful on you :)

    it's sad that some items are sealed off so you can't buy them, a bit puzzling as even in Iso we didn't have that here but I guess every country does things differently! It's good you are still able to get out and go for walks despite all the restrictions.

    Hope that you are having a lovely weekend! Another hot one here!

    Away From The Blue | Handbag Gift Guide

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    1. Thank you Mica! Yes, I do guess every country does things differently. They're not even in agreement in the EU! xxx

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  12. Perhaps not very surprisingly, my attention went straight to one of your thoroughly awesome brooches again, dear Ann. In this case, that cuter-than-cute mallard duck. What a darling piece!

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you Autumn! That mallard duck is an absolute cutie, isn't it? xxx

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  13. Ah, the outfits are wonderful as they always are! You are such a treat for the eyes! What pretty items. I do love that green floral blouse and your coats are marvellous!
    It seems crazy that the shops won't sell you other things if you are buying essentials.

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    1. Thank you Kezzie! I know, it is crazy indeed, but what can we do? xxx

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  14. Love your cheery outfits, Ann. You bring the sunshine to your grey weather.

    I've stopped wearing my beloved lipstick too because of mask wearing. The only time I wear it is if I'm taking outfit photos. X

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    1. Thank you Jess! I definitely need lipstick for outfit photos, but it was bore to put it on and off again on the hoof. These are staying put all day! xxx

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  15. I've given up on lipstick altogether! My mouth is always hidden by a mask when I'm anywhere that I'll be seen.
    It's a shame your boots didn't survive the walk but the photos you took made it worthwhile, they are lovely as ever.
    I hope you've had a good weekend Ann. xxx

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    1. Thank you Sally! As I'm always wearing lipstick for outfit photos, it wasn't always to put it on after I'd been wearing a mask. These are staying put, so that's one less thing to think about! xxx

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  16. Oh sad about your boots. Mud is a killer.
    How cute is this duck brooche!? Your Outfits are amazing and I like you dress up . No pictures in jogpants and sweater. 😉
    A very huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! NO, definitely no jogpants and sweaters for me :-) xxx

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  17. There is a clay pit and a brick factory near by still working and some kilometers away another. The region here is mostly agriculture. Nature is under pressure. We haven't seen much sun light the last days and weeks. Therefore, it's not easy to stay positive. I'm trying though. ;-) All the best! Regula

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    1. There's still one or two working clay pits in the area, where there used to be hundreds! I agree, it's not always easy to stay positive when there's a lack of sunshine! xx

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  18. Fab outfits! I think people have gone two ways - some have stopped dressing up and don't think they every will again, and others love to do it even for a trip to the shops. I'm in the latter camp, like you. The *stylish* camp!

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    1. Thank you Mim, and I'm glad to hear you're in the stylish camp! xxx

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