I know I have been absent for so long but I have been really busy! So, today I was able to take some time out to explore some public gardens nearby. We even managed a quick picnic snack!
These are some of the views we saw. OOops, nearly forgot to mention I have a new toy to play with! A new camera and I am loving it! L0ts to learn but I am very pleased so far. What do you think?
I even managed these shots with any people in them! Who says patience is a virtue?
I am slowly returning after the Christmas/New Year celebrations when I was totally laid up with flu! Great!
Then as I was getting over that, I got another cold. Now, over all that and trying very hard to get on with everything again.
And so, my friends, I have listed this encaustic painting in my artfire shop entitled ‘An English Autumn Scene’.
You may remember that this was actually one of my entries into the First Annual Autumn Arts Painting Challenge and Competition on Facebook.
Hopefully, this will be the start of my muse coming to work again!
I know I have already been for many walks and posted pictures of scenes I encountered but we went back to Sheffield Park yesterday afternoon and couldn't resist taking more pictures. This Park is famous in our area for beautiful scenery, especially at this time of year. And so, really, I should not have been so surprised when we had to join a lengthy queue at the main entrance. Standing patiently in line, one of the volunteer organisers asked for those with National Trust membership to step forward. We did only to find an astonishing number of people who were handing over not insignificant amounts of cash for the privilege of visiting the gardens for a couple of hours that remained of the cool daylight.
As we walked in we did find some beautiful views even though I thought the colours must have peaked a couple of days ago. Also, the sun was not shining so much so that the bright colours were not highlighted as much.
These are some of the photos I took on our walk.
I love the contrast of the deep green against the reds and orange flame coloured foliage.
Just look at the contrast of the 'red' carpet with the yellowing leaves still on the tree.
Here an old oak tree has been chopped down leaving some of the old trunk for ivy to grow on but it gives an interesting shape/accent with the surrounding trees.
In this shot of the trees across the lake you can still evidence of the lily pads which will later be replaced by slips of ice as the depths of winter approach.
I love this last picture of the lake which shows so many different types of trees. The conifer that is stooping down the water's edge is beautiful. This picture is on my laptop as a screen save!
These guys would not look up at me! No matter what noise I made or where I stood, they were far too busy to take any notice of any nosey passerby, no matter what! After a while I did decide to move on since swans can be a little aggressive!
We really enjoyed our walk even though the park was very full of people who were all out to enjoy the last vestiges of autumn. At least I managed to be patient and take the photos after people had moved on!
The weather is being so kind at the moment that it would have been a terrible shame not to have taken advantage yesterday afternoon. The decision was made to visit Sheffield Park, one of our favourite National Trust gardens. At this time of year it shows off all its splendorous glory!
The word Sheffield, in old English, means sheep clearing and is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. In 1538 Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, entertained Henry VIII here. By 1700 the Deer Park had been partially formalised by Lord De La Warr who planted avenues of trees radiating from the house and cleared areas to establish lawns. In 1796 it was sold to John Holroyd, created Baron Sheffield in 1781.
'Capability' Brown, a famous English landscape designer, was commissioned to landscape the garden. He created irregular belts and clumps of trees and cleared informal paths through the woods.
The third Earl, inherited the estate in 1876. One of his first tasks was to establish a cricket field. 
The Australian XI opened their tour at Sheffield Park between 1884 and 1896. Lord Sheffield's team included W.G. Grace, one of England's all time best cricketers!
During the Second World War the house and garden became the headquarters for a Canadian armoured division and Nissan huts were sited in the garden and woods. Can you imagine being posted to this part of the country! The estate was split up and sold in lots in 1953.
The National Trust purchased approximately 100 acres in 1954. Further acquisitions have increased this to 200 acres much of whi
ch are open as formal gardens and lakes for members to enjoy throughout the year.
You can walk all around this lake and bey0nd. At this time of year the gardens are very busy with visitors coming from near and far to enjoy the start of the annual Autumnal show of glorious colours! Many arrive with amazing camera equipment ready to capture some of the beautiful sites. Yesterday, we found some beautiful coloured foliage but need to return next week when the colours will be more developed.
Depending on where the sun is positioned photographs can be taken to reflect the different moods. Here the lake is shown to be framed by numerous trees which provide such a sheltered environment. Not a breath of air seemed to disturb the leaves.
I just couldn't resist taking this photo of a group of ducks taking it 
easy! Who said it was a 'duck's' life? Obviously used to many visitors, the ducks did not appear nervous at all.
And finally, this picture shows some of the beautiful colours that are bidding their farewell until next year. I love how the foliage leaves us with such a powerful reminder of nature in all its glory!
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