About Me

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Hi there & welcome to Annie's Place. A place inspired by and named after my late Grandmother Annie. Somewhere I can be creative, and share my love for all things handmade. I like nothing better than sitting with hook & yarn, crafting something home spun & completely unique, or rustling up some yummy baked goodies. I live in a town with a beautiful embankment, situated on the River Great Ouse. You may know me as CosyKitty on Ravelry. Why not stop a while.....?!!

Monday 14 December 2015

Hometown Tourist

Hello you lovely lot! I'm taking a moment out of the festive madness to connect with you here today. I'm sure you're all super busy with one thing or another, so I thank you in advance for taking a little time to visit with me. 

As I explained in an earlier post I'm working on a Crochet Christmas Gift, which is taking up most of my spare time. Of course I cannot share this with you now as it would completely spoil the surprise for the recipient. But pics will follow after the big day, promise. 









































































In the meantime I thought I'd take you on another walkabout through Bedford, my hometown. So with appropriate attire befitting the weather, I strolled into the centre of town. The arcade was my first port of call. The Christmas garlands are up and give the place a lovely festive feel, just as I knew they would. 

I then headed onto the Castle Road area of town. There's lots to love about this place and I like nothing better than wandering the streets having a good nose in the many independent shops, passing by some of the loveliest homes. Many of which I covet. It has a lovely village feel. Tree lined streets criss cross this area, housing rows of cute terraces and huge Victorian mansions, and being only a short hop, skip and jump from the glorious Embankment it's a sought after area to live in.

Take a look at this apartment currently on sale right opposite the River. It wouldn't look out of place in many Central London locations, but for a fraction of the price. 
























































The Embankment is my favourite part of Bedford. Oh how I LOVE this place. No matter what time of year, this really is a stunning location. I started at the Butterfly Bridge, stopping off for a chat with the ducks and swans that always gather looking for tasty titbits. I rested a while on one of the many benches that line this stretch of riverside. Most of which have plaques, with loving tributes on them dedicated to people who have passed.





It was then onwards past the rowing club, over the boatslide bridge. The water gushing and rushing underneath. Creating quite the torrent of deafening sound. It's the strangest thing how once over the bridge the noise miraculously dissipates.




There are many lovely vantage points along the banks of the Ouse in Bedford. One of the best is the Webster Suspension Bridge. It's a great spot to really see the majesty of the river stretching out in front of you.



I wish I'd taken some pics of the carpet of leaves that were at least a few inches deep here in Autumn. Spectacular is an understatement. Now the trees are completely bare, but still have a certain stark beauty. Come to think of it you can see a selection of lovely shots on this Flickr page.






































Once I'd exhausted myself by the riverside, I took the route past the Higgin's Gallery and Pantry back into town. The annual Christmas Fair and Market was on so as the light faded it was lovely to see all the attractions and stalls lit up.







































After a bit of Christmas Shopping, I wanted to head back over to the Riverside for one last photo opportunity. The Swan Hotel comes into it's own this time of year. Lots of Christmas parties in full swing, people all dressed in their best bib and tucker. The lights that line the Embankment are lovely, and set the scene perfectly.








































You may be wondering if I'm working on behalf of Bedford Tourism with this here post, lol......nope. Just my take on where I call home. I'm a Bedfordshire girl, but Bedford has only been my home for the last six years. I love it here, and choose to only see the positives.

I'd like to leave you with this scene from my all time favourite Christmas flick It's A Wonderful Life. Whenever I have walked the Embankment in Bedford, especially after a covering of snow I think of this moment. How apt that George Bailey is running through Bedford Falls. So many similarities to mention!


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I received some very sad news yesterday that a childhood friend has lost her father very suddenly last week.  Makes you stop and think about all the people that are suffering grief, and in general the fragility of life.  I am very grateful for all that I have, and this has just served to remind me to make the most of every day.

The world doesn't stop turning, as much as we might like it to at times.  I know my friend's family have a very strong faith, so I find consolation in knowing that they are comforted by that.  My thoughts will be firmly with my friend and her family over the coming weeks and months.

Appreciate one another

x x x x

17 comments:

  1. So sorry to hear this sad news about your friend. Hugs to you. xx

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    1. Thank you for your concern Amy. It is indeed very sad, and I appreciate you taking the time to send your thoughts xx

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  2. Of all the Blogs I subscribe to, Yours is by far my favourite. I linger and relish everything you publish. Thank you for taking the time to share. God's Blessings....

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    1. That is a wonderful thing to say Von, thank you. You don't know what that means to me! I'm so glad you took the time to say hello, and wish you the very best this festive season xx

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  3. I'm glad you enjoyed my little guided tour. I hope to see the sites of your hometown too one day! Your kind words for my friend are gratefully received. I send you warmest wishes in return Viv xx

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  4. Your photos have inspired me to visit Bedford. Having lived down the road (J8 of the A1) for over 10 years I think it's time :)

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    1. Hi Caroline, that's fantastic news. So glad you found enough inspiration in this post to want to visit! You're Hitchin/Stevenage way then :) Just to let you know the Bedpop Christmas Shop is taking place here at the Higgin's Gallery this Saturday and Sunday. It's free entry and lots of artists, illustrators, and crafters will be selling. Should be good. Hope you enjoy your visit whenever that might be....x

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  5. The sights of your city are so amazing and beautiful. I'd really like to live in such a beautiful place. I hope your friend will cope soon with this sad loss. Best wishes.

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  6. The area you live in is just gorgeous, I thank you for the very lovely Christmas tour. So sorry for your friend, losing a loved one this time of year is especially cruel.
    Meredith

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    1. Hi Meredith, so lovely to hear from you. I'm glad you came on the tour with me and enjoyed the sights :) Yes it is so very hard to lose someone so close to Christmas. I know you have a better appreciation than most. Love to you and all the family x

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  7. So sorry to hear your news. Enjoyed the walk with you thank you for sharing these lovely photos xx

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    1. You're most welcome Michelle. Thank you for taking the walk with me, and for sharing your kind thoughts for my friend x

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  8. I enjoyed looking at your photos of Bedford. I lived in Elstow for 7 years before moving to the Highlands and I have walked along the embankment lots of times, it is a lovely area. I also liked walking around Priory park and marina.

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    1. Thanks for visiting Terri. What a happy coincidence that you lived in Elstow before moving away. Another lovely coincidence is we hope to relocate to the Scottish coast sometime in the future, so we may well make the huge journey one day too. I'm glad you enjoyed my pics, best wishes....

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  9. What a lovely place Bedford is! I am so sorry to hear about your friend's father. It's so sad when a relative or friend passes away around this season. Wishing you a calm Christmas. xx

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    1. Hey Chel, we had a lovely Christmas thank you! Hope you did too, and that you're on the road to a speedy recovery. I'm grateful for your thoughts for my friend. Glad you came by xx

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Thank you for visiting me here at Annie's Place, and for taking the time to leave a comment. I appreciate each and every word x x x

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