Apres ski

Walking home from town in a light snow shower I was rather delighted to see how our local Swedish cafe has transformed itself into a lookalike chalet for the season.

My experience of skiing has never gone beyond watching it on the television. A good friend of mine once revealed that she had been skiing. I was quite startled as I think of her as one who is a city soul. She laughed out loud at my obvious confusion and went on to clarify " Darling I had all the gear, but never set foot on the slopes. I was rather marvellous at the apres ski though!". I strongly suspect that my strengths would lie in the same area.

Aril

 

Under the wolf moon.

 As the wolf moon rose with Jupiter at her side, the good folk of Sussex gathered. With blazing torches held aloft, the Bonfire Boys of Lindfield led the raggle taggle procession down the icy dark country lane to where one and all could raise a glass of cider to the new year in front of the fire. We howled at the moon and drove the evil spirits away from the orchard to bring forth a fruitful apple crop. Our work done it was back to the village pub for a top up of cider and the traditonal folk music session.

Another average Saturday night.

Arilx

As we were passing....

I saw someone's photos of a walk they did last year round the tiny Sussex village of Lodsworth. It piqued my interest and I made a mental note to pay it a visit if we were ever passing that way. As it turns out it was only 2 miles off the main road that we were travelling on back from time away with family earlier this week. Made perfect sense to drop in and appreciate its treasures in the misty ethereal weather we were all enjoying that day.

So why did I bother? Was it for Bamford's Covered Chain Pump?

Well no. Was it for the biggest monkey puzzle tree I have ever clapped eyes on. Impressive though it was...no.

Perhaps the peace of the church or its beautiful stained glass inside tempted me?

No. Maybe the lure of the ancient well of St Peter to which Medieval pilgrims beat a path or the nearby house of the same name with its gate and the crossed keys of the saint detail?

No again. Could it have been the fabulous array of properties [with a Sussex price tag to match]? Maybe. This one's got a blue plaque on it so we're definitely getting warmer.

The once famous resident of this particular house is now buried in the churchyard and I felt it was time I paid my respects to the legacy that the artist E H Shepard has left us. His illustrations for the Winnie the Pooh books and 'The Wind in the Willows' underpinned my childhood and gave me a love of reading that I have carried on into adulthood.

Technically this was the final day of 2025, but I am claiming it as the first adventure of the New Year. Hope everyone has a cracking weekend.

꩜Aril꩜

2025

 Here we are on the last day of the old year which only leaves me to wish you a very Happy 2026. Please raise a glass to another twelve months of adventures. In true Aril style my final images are of this rather special upcycled bench and a rather suprising sight of a very small goat posing in the pub garden. I'd met my friend Lisa for a gentle stroll along the local canal towpath in the sunshine.

꩜Aril꩜

Beasts in action

 Thought you might like to see our new beasts in action on Boxing Day.

Aril

Niche market

I strongly suspect that I am a bit of a nightmare to buy anything for, but my wonderful family has once again fully embraced my niche taste and aced it. We have a handmade Death Head Hawk Moth (the ceramicist only ever makes a few of anything) from David, a folklore map from my sister and a print of the incredible wall paintings in Chaldon church, Surrey from TYM. I have been very spoilt.

Arilx

꩜

Christmas 2025

Thanks as ever for dropping by. Your comments were a great source of support when David was diagnosed back in the Spring. Treatment continues and he is well.

Happy Christmas from all of us at GBTxx