This morning, instead of heading to my studio to work, I headed up onto the moors with J. It was a glorious day, a perfect taste of very early Springtime. Crisp and bright, with a delightful soft warmth which meant we could leave our coats at home for the first time this year. We parked the car in a lay-by at the top of the moor and walked along one of our most favourite tracks, high above the reservoir below. There is a circular walk here, but it is lengthy and we only had a short amount of time. So we ambled along the track until we found a sun warmed rock and settled ourselves down for a coffee and chocolate stop. We listened to the plaintive sound of the curlew calling, and the comical sound of the grouse going about their morning business. The sun warmed our faces and we talked. We made plans, we talked of our hopes and dreams for the future. It crossed my mind that we have been doing this for twenty years now, planning, dreaming, enjoying each other's company. Twenty years of happy times, and I am truly, deeply thankful for those years, for J and the simple family life we have created together. I am hopeful for many, many more good years to come.
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Edit to add :: thank you so much for all your sweet comments! It wasn't actually our anniversary or anything yesterday, just a normal day where J was using up his holiday entitlement and had a day booked off work. But it felt special somehow, kind of reminded me how it felt when we first got together twenty years ago. Yesterday was a day of counting my blessings x
ps...for those of you who asked....here is a link with an audio clip of the Red Grouse, and one for a Curlew too! They are common sounds when walking on the moors in the Yorkshire Dales.
Gorgeousness. ^_^
Posted by: Jen | March 12, 2014 at 09:30 PM
Hi Lucy, anniversary or not 20 years is fantastic. Thank you so much for posting the audio link for the birds. I live in New Zealand and had no idea what they sounded like, I have to say that the red grouse call made me laugh. So thanks again and heres to another 20 + years for us both.
Posted by: Wendy Rance | March 12, 2014 at 08:13 PM
It's been a beautiful few days to get out and about, hasn't it? The moors look lovely. It's a very precious gift to be able to spend your life with someone that you can talk and dream with, definitely something to be grateful for xx
Posted by: Winwick Mum | March 12, 2014 at 05:04 PM
What a beautiful day you had together!
Posted by: Katherine of Kitten's Lost Her Mittens | March 12, 2014 at 04:46 PM
Congratulations on 20 wonderful years together! :-) And congratulations on living in such a wonderful area! I am always and awe when I see you pictures of the nature around you... Germany and England aren't that much afar but stil the nature looks so different.
Take care,
Anne
http://crochetbetweentwoworlds.blogspot.de
Posted by: Anne | March 12, 2014 at 03:58 PM
What a lovely way to spend the day together. Wishing you many more years together too.
Posted by: OkeCrafter | March 12, 2014 at 10:18 AM
Bloody freezing here today! I love the sound of curlews, one of my absolute favourite bird calls. This week it is 30 years for me and the other one, half my life. Scary and lovely at the same time. Hugs to you both.
Posted by: Kate | March 11, 2014 at 10:55 PM
Wishing the next 20 are as magical for you two! Lovely countryside and wildlife, thanks for sharing Lucy. The birds are courting and pairing up here, the honey bees are busy, busy, the trees and the daffodils are in full bloom as well, spring is finally here (even if the calendar says different.)lol Have a great day!
Posted by: Angela-Southern USA | March 11, 2014 at 04:55 PM
How nice to be able to dream :-) my husband never gets days off with pay , my dog had stopped eatinf n is going to die, my Hubby has to pass sone med tests or he will lose his job, my Sons are out of work, I'm looking for a job, I'm old n fat 9 yrs older then you are, I'm in so much emotional, pain, i dont have money saved because we always end up needing it for bills n food I need prayers, im sad n tired, I hope i get that job I want driving n i can keep it do a great job so they keep me on, i enjoy ur pic n tuts they r really neat. I wish we could have happy moments n times.
Posted by: irene McCarty | March 11, 2014 at 04:54 PM
Romantique et charmant +++
Posted by: Dane | March 11, 2014 at 02:48 PM
I do love those peaceful moments when the hubs and I can escape and just enjoy each others company. No kids, no work, and no phone calls...
Posted by: Winnie | March 11, 2014 at 01:47 PM
Reassuring rituals ..... an essential element to a happy relationship :)
xx Pat @ Sunshine and a Sewing Basket
Posted by: Pat | March 11, 2014 at 12:59 PM
Congratulations on a very happy 20 years! Your morning sounds lovely and I hope you have many more to come. Thank you for your lovely comments about my little rainbow raincloud. Seeing your comment really made my evening! I have been reading your blog for a while now and was hugely flattered that you stopped by. Thank you :-) Victoria xxxx
Posted by: Victoria | March 11, 2014 at 12:27 PM
What great photos - it looks like you had a wonderful morning - it is so nice to see the sun for a change! there is nothing quite like spending time with the people we love - sometimes you really have to take the time and it is always worth it. http://www.gurasu.co.uk/blog/
Posted by: Joanna | March 11, 2014 at 11:47 AM
Lovely lovely sunshine!!! countryside looks gorgeous....hoping for some of that sun here in Chicago very soon....and some warmth ;) Keep the posts coming!!! love them!
Posted by: Mary Nolan | March 11, 2014 at 11:44 AM
Perfect....it is such a blessing when we have a soulmate to walk beside us on our journey. Keep that specialness going, and enjoy that perfect peace you have inside.
Posted by: suzanne | March 11, 2014 at 10:28 AM
A beautiful tribute to your love... Being able to appreciate simple moments in life is a key to finding happiness. Have a nice day! Evelyne (France)
Posted by: JARDIN ANGLAIS | March 11, 2014 at 10:01 AM
I wish you could reach up to a hundred!!!We grabbed this year the twenty-seven!
Posted by: Mitsa Xida | March 11, 2014 at 09:05 AM
What a happy post! Sarah xo
Posted by: A little happy place | March 11, 2014 at 08:32 AM
I have been an ardent follower of your blog and wishing you many many more happy returns of the day
Posted by: uma | March 11, 2014 at 08:28 AM
Lovely post Lucy ,we have just had our 51st anniversary, find it hard to believe, I hope you have many more happy years too.
Caro NZ
Posted by: Carolyn Jackson | March 11, 2014 at 08:26 AM
Sounds wonderful. Congratulations on 20 years too!
S x
Posted by: Sandra (Cherry Heart) | March 11, 2014 at 08:24 AM
Live the life you love , love the life you live ! and you do , you lucky lady :P smiles and happiness always x
Posted by: Nadine | March 11, 2014 at 08:22 AM
C´est beau comme un matin de printemps!
Tous mes voeux pour la continuité de tout ce bonheur!
Simple like the life!
Congratulations!
Frédérique
Posted by: Frédérique | March 11, 2014 at 08:18 AM
A very happy anniversary to you both xx
Posted by: yarn and pencil | March 11, 2014 at 08:11 AM