Oh dear, it has been a long time since I was here, hasn't it? I've been on holiday for a couple of weeks, attending weddings and a Christian camp, and doing some Youth Hostelling with the Carbon Copy up in the Lake District. But now I've returned, and I'm looking forward to getting into the blogosphere again... I do hope you're all still here, and willing to join in a bit of bookish chat.
Let's kick off with a few pictures of where I've been. The Lake District is possibly the most beautiful part of England, and certainly the most beautifully dramatic. The above picture is the view from the first Youth Hostel we stayed at, Windermere YH. The dining room/conservatory looked out over this view - this is why I love youth hostelling; even if the beds aren't comfortable and the facilities are basic, you get to stay in some wonderful houses and stunning locations.
In amongst our wanderings, I went to Blackwell. An Arts & Crafts house designed by Baillie Scott between 1898-1900 (according to the website), it's also an amazing place to be. Go and try the virtual tour on the website, though it's no substitute for visiting the actual place. Coming from the dark, wood-panelled hall into the white drawing-room, radiant with light and overlooking Lake Windermere... well, make sure you visit if you're ever in the area.
Before I transmute into the Cumbrian Tourist Board, I'll stop my ramblings. It should surprise nobody that I managed to read a few books in my time away. To whet your appetite, here's a rather blurry pile of perused tomes. More anon. It is nice to be back...
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