Here are my top 10 photo memories from this year in no particular order.
* Lavender fields in Sussex. The buzz of bees and smell of lavender that knocks you sideways and works its magic, healing the body and soul. It is like being submerged in an ocean of fragrant perfume. I didn't have the right camera to capture it, but if you bent down low and looked along the level of the lavender flower heads you could watch a patrolling line of insects labouring over the harvest. It is actually possible to see the bee line that is followed as bees from miles around fly in drawn by the overpowering smell of lavender.
* This is the track that runs from Loseley down to the Withies pub. In the Spring all the chestnut blossom and wild flowers turn the track it into a wedding shower corridor of frothy confetti. A delicious place to walk.
* On a hot summers day I went for a walk in the hills up above West Dean in Sussex and took this photo of a sheep immersed in a wild meadow. When I look at it I am immediately transported back to the smell of that grass, I feel the warmth on my back, I remember the sound of buzzing insects and the feeling of being immersed in lush growth in the early days of summer.
* This year I have loved discovering the area around Ranmore Common, walking down to Tanners Hatch Youth Hostel following the track through the woods, crossing over the valley to the parkland of Polesdon Lacey and then heading across to Denbies vineyard. This picture speaks of the sense of fairytale I find in this area. The contrast of the grand house against the magical woods and the rustic youth hostel.
* The picture above reminds me of the day that Sally & I built a den in the woods with all the nephews. It is still standing months later. Infact other people have now joined in the fun and worked on it. Every time I walk in this area of the Winterfold forest I go to see what new additions have been added.
* Peper Harow races - This photo was taken back in the Spring and I love the fact I caught the exchange between the older gentleman and the rider.
* France - The morning light in this picture was soft and velvety. Woken up by the sound of church bells ringing out across the valley, my nephew and I were exploring the local village at dawn trying to find the boulangerie. There were wisps of early morning mist in the valley and the soft lights of a few people awake in the early hours of a Sunday morning.
*Another early morning shot but much brighter as it was the beginning of summer. I took this around 7.00 am one morning at Loseley. There are often hot air balloons passing over and this time I managed to capture the moment as one floated by.
* Heatwave in Cornwall - The lady above had been hiking along the cliff footpath that runs between Fowey and Polperro. I took this picture because of the excellent red hiking sunhat she was wearing. Lansallos is a special spot for me. It combines beautiful green waters and a sheltered pebble cove which used to be a smugglers route inland. It is one of my favourite places to swim in Cornwall.
* Abinger Medieval Fayre - I cycled all the way from Loseley to Abinger for this event. It was another one of those perfect summer days. The photo above captures the mood for me. A pub sign, drinks, warm sunshine and happiness.