Early morning in the Cothi valley - the view from my office window this morning.

There was a lovely soft milky light across the garden too, highlighted by the first strands of sunlight breaking through the murk.

This beautiful tapestry cushion of Corfe Castle (we know it well, from when we lived in Dorset), came my way yesterday in lieu of a bunch of Valentine's Day flowers from my husband. Far more practical and it is soundly stuffed and just fits perfectly into the small of my back.

At yesterday's Car Boot Sale I found - brand new and only 20p! - this fascinating little book by Brian John, the title of which says it all really. I will doubtless be quoting bits in weeks to come . . .

The Pevsner Guide to Derbyshire was 25 pence last week at our local Community Shop. As our eldest daughter lives in Sheffield, we drive through Derbyshire regularly and this will be in the car on our next visit. We have been to Haddon Hall, and fallen in love with that. Hardwick beckons, and then that other gem of Derbyshire architecture, Chatsworth.