Licenced To Coddiwomple: Slow living & Arty Moments, countryside, coast and garden life

March round-up

Bewl Water, Kent

Hi there Coddiwomplers!

And finally spring is springing!

I’m noticing that I’ve been waking up earlier as the days are lengthening and I read somewhere that by the beginning of March we were experiencing an extra two hours of daylight a day since the Winter Solstice. Lovely!

We’ve been enjoying some beautiful sunny days out and a particular favourite was a 4 mile circular walk called “The Frontline Britain Trail” from St Margarets-At-Cliffe on the Kent coast, along the cliff tops, down to St Margarets Bay, back up the cliffs, across farmland and back into the village.

The walk has a bit of everything: history (evidently Julius Caesar landed there), pre-historic chalk cliffs, WW2 pill boxes, tunnels and look-outs. There is also a spattering of literary and film history with Ian Fleming’s house situated right on the seafront.

I love St Margaret's-At-Cliffe; it has a natural calming ambience about it and the bay is very secluded and pretty with the added bonus of a cute tea kiosk. The walk took us about two hours. It’s a beautiful area of Kent and would be an ideal place for a bolt hole to escape to.

I’ve planted my first batch of seeds for the summer. So far we have sunflowers (of course!), sweet peas and some Corn Flowers. Our garden wildlife is also becoming more active. When I lived in Henfield, West Sussex my garden was overtaken by Pigeon Porn, nowadays here in Kent it seems to be Rampant Robins!

You may remember from one of my Autumn round-ups that I’d planted some Bulb Pot Lasagnas and wasn’t sure how they’d turn out; well they’ve been brilliant! I’m so pleased with them and they certainly brightened the garden up after the long, grey winter months.

On the art front completed a very special project; a pony portrait for a dear friend’s granddaughter. It’s been a joy getting to know this gentle soul and I miss her energy now the piece has left my work room. I’m now working on a new secret project and have another squirreled away ready to gift in a few weeks time. I’ll share them when I can!

Thank you to Mummy & Nanny for allowing me to share this special photo:

As much as I love slow-living, I’m also happy that the new F1 season has begun. It’s been good to hear the sounds of racing engines once again. It’s amazing how some sounds (and smells) evoke special memories. Thanks to my parents, motor racing was a huge part of my growing up with Brands Hatch and Lydden Hill in Kent as my two “playgrounds”. The racing family has been saddened by the recent passing of ex-F1 team owner, Eddie Jordan, or EJ as he was affectionately known. He was a larger than life character whose exuberant energy filled a room. We always knew that whenever he bounced into Race Control at Brands things were going to get interesting! He was often infuriating but always entertaining and he will be sorely missed by lso many.

And now we’re a few days into April. I would love it if you joined me next month when I’ll take you on a mini trip to the Cotswolds and a tip toe through the tulips courtesy of Pashley Manor Gardens flagship event, the Tulip Festival. You can subscribe for free by clicking the link below so as not to miss any future updates.

In the meantime, I wish you a very happy Easter! Keep following your sunshine and see you soon! If you’ve made it this far (yayy!!) please leave the word “Lasagna” in the Comments below (it’s just a bit of fun and it helps with the algorithms <sigh>)

Much love,

Wx

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