Tuesday 8 February 2022

Walking with giants

How fickle the weather was in January's final week! Sunny days alternated with gloomy ones, and the temperature dropped from 7°C on Monday to a mere 3°C on Wednesday. If on Thursday, in true yo-yo style, the mercury had jumped up to 6°C again, it felt decidedly cooler. On top of that, I'd woken up to a migraine which painkillers wouldn't be able to shift all day. To say I was glad to be on my way home is a bit of an understatement.

Strangely enough - or perhaps not! - there was no sign of any lingering headache on Friday when, after our customary fruit and yogurt breakfast, we were ready for our weekly trip to the charity shops.

What's more, there were sunshine and skies of blue to be spied outside. Jos's weather app said we'd get highs of 8°C, but I didn't want to take any chances and wore a jumper. Almost unthinkable a couple of years ago, I now find myself wearing jumpers regularly and not just when temperatures drop below freezing point. Surely this must be a sign that I've finally waved goodbye to the worst of the hot flushes! Phew!



The jumper in question is vintage C&A, a charity shop find earlier in January. I was drawn to its unusual collar, its purple and silvery grey plaid pattern and its vertical stripes of cable knit.

Its collar invited the addition of a brooch, for which I picked this one containing multi-coloured stones, a flea market find in Carmarthen, Wales, in June 2015. Its companion, which I pinned to the jumper's bodice, was a flea market find as well, but found much closer to home. It's by Miracle, the trade name of A. Hill & Company Ltd., who were originally located in Birmingham. They started manufacturing jewellery in 1946 and, although they are still in business today, they have since moved to Cornwall.



The black, grey and white plaid skirt is vintage Gor-Ray, and was charity shopped in December 2019, while a different charity shop supplied my beloved tall green boots around the same time. 

Both the purple suede belt and the cropped furry gilet were the result of recent charity shop rummages shown on the blog not all that long ago. In fact, the only visible item in my outfit which wasn't bought second hand is my ring with its pale green stone.



Yet again, we visited two shops, which are about 7 kilometers apart. Our second shop that day was the three-storey one which is a stone's throw from the park, so there are no prices for guessing what we did afterwards. With the sun still out in full force, I changed into my old pair of boots which live in the boot of our car and we went for a stroll. It was warm enough to ditch the gilet! 



The constellation of yellow catkins against the bright blue sky made my heart leap for joy! As did the discovery of several species of Hellebore, which had popped up in the borders. They're quite a bit earlier than last year, but then again we spotted Snowdrops here in Mid-December!

The park's Brutalist fountain keeps showing signs of neglect, and has become quite overgrown in recent years. Nevertheless, I was charmed by its mossy green hairdo on this Springlike January day.



We walked into the direction of the castle, approaching it from a different direction than we did on our foggy walk two weeks previously. Soon, we were catching tantalizing views of its tallest tower through the branches of the skeleton trees. Once there, we circuited the moat and peered through the wrought iron gates barring the entrance to the bridge. All but hidden by encroaching ivy, its message only just readable, Jos discovered the sign on the bottom right in the undergrowth next to the path. Apparently, it's strictly forbidden to step on the ice on those rare occasions the moat has frozen over.



We sat down for a minute on a bench with a view of the castle, basking in the sunlight until clouds were starting to eclipse the sun. By the time we'd climbed up to the River Nete's towpath, we could see the fog making its way in, and it felt as if the temperature had dropped several degrees, making me regret the removal of my furry vest. This was just mere minutes after we'd been sunbathing on that bench! 



We drove home through increasing fog, but thankfully it had all but cleared up again by the time we reached our village. We jokingly said that it must have been due to the high altitude of the place we'd come from, which was in the foothills of the Vosberg (Fox Hill), all of 30 meters high.

There were sunny spells as well as cloudy ones on Saturday, and although at 12°C it was very mild for the time of year, there was quite a lot of wind.



I spent the morning doing some leisurely pottering and employing Angelica to model Friday's charity shop finds.

First up is this Norwegian style jumper by H&M which, drawn by its gorgeous green colour, I couldn't pounce upon fast enough. 



I was attracted by the nautical vibes of this three-quarter sleeved blue cotton top with its white and orange striped V-neck. In my mind's eye, I've already styled it with several of my Summer skirts.



The pink and grey cardigan with its bright pink buttons is by Paul Smith. This particular shop does not distinguish between labels, so I paid the going price for cardigans, which I think is about € 4,50.

The buttonless cardigan, which closes with a single hook and eye if required, is by the German Tom Tailor label.

These were all from the first shop we went to. Unusually, pickings were meagre in the second shop, where my only finds were a belt (not pictured but I'll be wearing it on the blog soon) and a vintage souvenir umbrella from Rome. Obviously, Bess needed to investigate this strange contraption!



 
Although the sun kept playing a game of tag with the clouds, we were champing at the bit to go for another walk. Striking the iron while it's hot, and all that. Discussing our options over lunch, it suddenly dawned on us that we hadn't gone to De Schorre, the provincial domain in nearby Boom, since time immemorial. Actually, make that March 2019, as that was the last time I blogged about it. 



Before we go, here's what I wore that day. 

In spite of this 1970s dress with its Art Deco-style pattern being one of my favourites, I think its last outing was pre-pandemic as well. Its final appearance on the blog dates from February 2020, when it joined me on our Silver Anniversary trip to Bruges.



The floral ceramic brooch rimmed by tiny pearls was a flea market find, although I can't remember where or when, and my necklace, with its plastic beads alternated with stacks of felt circles, was charity shopped. The belt with its unusual metal buckle came with a dress I no longer own.

A chunky long-line orange cardigan, with a pale green floral corsage pinned to it, was layered on top. The eagle-eyed may catch a glimpse of my green tights, and I was once again wearing my caramel mock croc boots, which were swiftly exchanged once we'd reached our destination.



De Schorre, a recreational domain and nature reserve established on the site of former clay pits, is renowned the world over because of  the legendary EDM festival Tomorrowland which is taking place during two weekends in Summer. The domain is closed off for casual visitors like us whenever the festival - or any other event - is taking place.

After parking our car, we took a muddy path sloping down to the deepest part of the domain, where a rusty old clay dredger reigns over an enchanting deep green pool.

A red metal sign spells the word Steen (transl. stone) and is part of an art installation which pays tribute to the area's brickmaking past.




On the further reaches of the pool, which is actually a water-filled former clay pit, a strange creature was eyeing us from its perch between the reeds and trees.

This is Mikil, one of seven giant trolls installed in the summer of 2019 in honour of Tomorrowland's 15th anniversary. Apparently Mikil is scooping water from the pool with a bucket, but it was impossible to get close enough to him to ascertain the fact.

There's a total of seven trolls scattered around the domain, but there's no itinerary you can follow to find them. You have to actively go and search for them which can be quite tricky, particularly in the lush Summer months, as some of them are rumoured to be very well concealed.

From the green pool, we followed the boardwalk path meandering through the domain, noting its marshy conditions caused by the excessive rainfall of the last couple of months. 




Eventually the boardwalk ends and merges with the main path through the domain. This soon passes a ruined and graffitied brick building and some elevated tracks on tall brick pillars, another remnant of the area's industrious past.

We always stop for photographs here, but now we even had more reason to do so. Sitting at the back of the building and almost dwarfing it was Hannes, who loves making necklaces with wooden pearls he forages in the forest. Isn't he magnificent?




The trolls, by the way, are created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo using old pallets, recycled wood, broken branches and fallen trees. They vary in height between 7 and 18 meters.



We wandered somewhat at will, and only met three of the trolls. The final one, a creature named Arvid, was sitting astride the boardwalk we'd rejoined on our way out. Arvid, it seems, is a she, and she diligently looks for dead branches in the forest, with which she is making of works of art. Well, that's what it said on one of the Internet sources I used to research the trolls.

After waving goodbye to Arvid, it was time to rejoin our car, making use of the flight of steps on the top left to climb out of the domain. There's another flight of steps after this one. Definitely not for the less nimble or those with rickety knees!


37 comments:

  1. Sorry that you had a migraine but glad that it didn't last and didn't ruined your Friday!. Your purple jumper is really lovely, and you even added a matchy belt and cute brooches! so fab!.
    Lovely purchases, the jumper and top are both delightful, and those cardigans look really cute and cozy!
    Love the way your orange cardi and green beads enhance the colours of your dress and its beautiful print!, no wonder is one of your favourites!. Looking Fab!
    Totally amazing photos of your walk, those trolls are such a magnificent work of art, fantastic and mind-blowing, hidden in the landscape!.
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! I think those trolls would be a lot harder to find in Summer, so we'll have to go back soon to try and find the missing ones! xxx

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  2. You must go back and find the other 4 trolls - please! They were wonderful and so big...I'm glad you had decent enough weather to go for a couple of walks.

    I am in love with the Norwegian style jumper you found; how lovely it is and once again you did very well on your rummage. The though of a three storey charity shop is very exciting' at the most some of ours here might have an upstairs bit...

    Fabulous outfits. I was very enamoured of the grey plaid skirt and the Art Deco dress was very pretty with the orange cardigan and green beads.

    Hope you're having a migraine free week.
    xxx

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    1. We will, Vronni, although we've already found out that two of them lying side by side near the festival stage, and should be easy to find. xxx

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  3. Oh my gosh, those trolls are amazing! I love them and would like them parked in some of the green spaces in my city! Your nature pictures are fantastic, Ann, as always.

    I love your purple jumper and recognized the "Miracle" name (I have a pendant by them). Interesting that you're collecting jumpers now - I'm envious at your lack of hot flashes! I thought I was done (again), but mine have come back as the temps have gotten slightly warmer. Sigh.

    Love your Art Deco dress! Such a fantastic print, and I love the green accessories with it. You did well with your new jumper and cardigan purchases - I did a double-take at the H&M one (sometimes they have good stuff!).

    I'm jonesing for a rummage in WIN's big thrift store here - I can't even imagine three storeys!

    Lovely umbrella - kitties have to smell everything, don't they?? Take care and have a great week, my dear friend!

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    1. I know! When I heard there were trolls I initially thought they'd be tacky but they definitely weren't. I do remember your Miracle pendant! xxx

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  4. That C&A jumper is so pretty, I love the silver stripes on the purple. I have only one C&A item (that I know of) and it's a cute blouse I wear very often. I think it's vintage too. I remember looking up that label or at maybe just reading about it on blogs. I love the multi coloured brooches you paired with this purple C&A jumper. The pattern skirt you paired with it is gorgeous and the belt is very pretty.
    You made some lovely purchases in the shops...and that Art Deco dress looks amazing on you. Beautiful print and I love how you styled it. It was fun joining you on your walk in the park and seeing the lovely greens. The trolls are mesmerizing.
    Seven trolls that one has to actively search for- that sounds like fun.

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    1. Thank you Ivana! We still have C&A here but I love it when vintage C&A items turn up in the charity shops, which for some reason they don't do very often! If you haven't got C&A where you are, your blouse will probably be vintage indeed. xxx

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  5. sorry that you was plagued with a migraine!!
    but both of your walks look glorious - sunshine and the first flowers and then the giants!! how cool they are! it would be really funsearching after them in the wilderness - armed with a good map, a compass and a savoury picnic :-D
    totally love the art deco pattern on your dress! the umbrella is cute and once i came across the same tom taylor jacked - i think someone wanted me to fit it for her.......
    stay cosy! xxxx

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    1. Thank you Beate! The migraine comes and goes but not surprisingly gets worse when I'm stressed out ... xxx

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  6. These Giants are great. Very nice created, theese feets … 😁
    What a wonderful walk and how blue is this sky please!
    Love you in this art deko print dress. You look amazing Ann.
    With a very huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina, and I know, aren't they incredible? xxx

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  7. I'm sorry about the migraine and am very glad you were able to enjoy Friday without any lingering effects.
    Your Art Deco print dress and C&A jumper & checked skirt look fab. I love charity shops that don't discern between labels, ours are all like that, too.
    The umbrella is gorgeous and I can see all your new woolies fitting into your wardrobe seamlessly. I've never had a hot flush, hopefully I've escaped all that - although now I'd said it I'll probably be blighted for years!
    Wonderfulk winter walks again, the trolls are absolutely incredible and all the better for being made from recycled wood. xxx

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    1. Thanks Vix! Unfortunately some of our charity shops do discern between labels, although they often get it wrong! I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you'll escape the curse of the hot flushes completely! xxx

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  8. Glad you managed to get rid of the migraine. I love this time of year, especially when the early spring flowers start to appear. It's the only time of year I'm really happy with our shady garden because it puts on its best woodland show. I really like the Norwegian jumper and souvenir umbrella. Hoping the days when you will need them both will be few and far between moving forward! The 70s does Deco dress is delightful too. I enjoyed joining you on your recent walks - great photo of the River Nete by the way. I much prefer a voyage of discovery rather than little sign posts everywhere and maps processing people's movements, especially when it comes to seeking out sights as wonderful as Hannes & Co. Brilliant! xxx

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    1. I love our garden best in Spring and early Summer, but I do enjoy discovering what comes up next this time of year! And I do prefer a voyage of discovery too. We're champions at getting lost anyway, with our without a map and sign posts :-) xxx

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  9. Hannes is fabulous! I just love these kind of things in nature, so interesting. Can't believe that Norwegian style jumper is hm.i think it's a amazing jumper. Just like the nautical one, adore that one. Why nautical tops always bring me back to the UK cost is beyond me. Have a great day Ann!

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    1. Thank you Nancy! Isn't that jumper incredible? I couldn't believe it was H&M either! xxx

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  10. I like the pieces you purchased - that green H&M jumper is so fun! I really like the last dress you wore too - so fun accessorised with the orange and green! :)

    Hope that you are having a nice week :) It's a big week here - first week of school for the kids after the summer holidays!

    Away From The Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica! I hope the first week of school went well! xxx

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  11. These Dambo trolls and giants are awsome. :-)

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  12. Migraines are the worst. Glad the next day was better.
    You found a Paul Smith cardigan for practically free?! Okay maybe not free but still, pretty great bargain. What a joy to be free of the hot flashes-and wear such magnificent jumpers.
    I like your trolls! I'm sure it must be a popular spot for children to play.
    Take care.

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    1. Thank you Goody, and I know, wasn't incredible to find both a Diane von Furstenberg cardigan and a Paul Smith one in such a short space of time?
      And yes, there were quite a few families with children looking out for those trolls! xxx

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  13. I haven’t been around for a while so I’m pleased to see you’re still walking, shopping, and keeping well!
    I love that green jumper, I would’ve bought that too! And the Tom Tailor cardy.
    Hope to be returning again soon!
    Take care
    Xx

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    1. Thank you Hazel. It's good to have you back! xxx

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  14. Wonderful photos, as always. I'm getting a bit fed up of the wind & rain now. We did have a nice day yesterday (and I was about to get out and about) but it's back to the wind and rain for the rest of the weekend.

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    1. Thank you Nikki, and I do hope your weather has improved by now! xxx

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  15. Just stopping by to wish you a lovely weekend.

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  16. Oh, those Trolls are wonderful Ann!!! I think Arvid is my favourite. I have just looked up the artist and his website is full of brilliant sculptures. Next time you visit you should wear your Norweigan jumper. I remember a fun, dark Norweigan film called Trollhunter (2010). Trolls are very big in Norway ;) Migraines suck, glad yours vanished. You look lovely in your 1970s Art Deco patterned dress. Lulu xXx

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    1. Thank you Lulu, I think my favourite must have been Hannes although Arvid was a close second. I didn't think to wear the Norwegian jumper, but it's a great idea, so I'll keep it in mind! xxx

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  17. The trolls are superb!! Respect to the artist for utilising old pallets. They seem to just get binned or burnt here!
    3 storeys of thrift???? My goodness!!!
    Your outfits are a delight, especially the dress in the second one! I'm so excited to see what you will wear tomorrow! Alas, you will get a boring holiday outfit from me (I dress for warmth on holiday) though I've got a new skirt from T2 which might work with one of my jumpers!!!
    Xx

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    1. So funny to reply to comments from ages ago. In the meantime, we have met, you've seen my outfit, and I've seen your lovely cord skirt! I do look back fondly on our meet-ups! xxx

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  18. Aren’t those trolls amazing. Maybe I should hint to the folk who create tree structures in the nature reserve below us that we have some of our own.
    Looking as stunningly dressed as ever Ann. We had a C & A store in the next town when I was a young girl. Mum see to take me on the bus and I remember the escalator, it fascinated me xxx

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    1. Thank you Lynn! I did think those trolls would be right up your street. And we do still have C&A here, there's even one at the outskirts of our village! xxx

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  19. Sweet Ann, I am tremendously sorry about your recent migraine. They are such brutal, stop-you-in-your tracks instantly beasts.

    I have experienced them throughout my whole life (more frequently, interestingly, when I was a child) and just had a blinding (literally) one last week that lasted for three days then tapped off into a manageable headache that I am still experiencing.

    Let's hope both that warmer days (we are currently going through another cold snap here, though they are only forecasting temps down to -16 - -20, which is really not that bad at all) will soon be here and that not a single migraine further will hit either of us in 2022!

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you lovely Autumn! I'm glad my migraines are usually rather mild, all things considered. I know they can be literally blinding, and three days sounds like an absolute nightmare! xxx

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