Flow forms at Ruskin Mill

These very, feminine forms have many uses for water, it seems. They are made at http://www.ebbandflowltd.co.uk Ebb and Flow, adjacent to Ruskin Mill, Nailsworth's outdoor education college for young people with learning difficulties.

We were there to take a walk and some fresh air after a morning of freezing our t*ts off at home. I had completed a few light chores, and made eight jars of marmalade (yay! to that) and listened to more of my audiobook, but couldn't get warm at all. The walk didn't help my circulation, as the valley (Tanya calls it the valley of the Lord of the Rings) was cold and stark, but the buildings, which are all part of the college, are unusual, and we did manage to get back to the main site just in time to get served a hot drink before the cafe closed.

The cafe itself reminds me of eating establishments in Edinburgh in the 1970s: all pine, pottery cheese plants, and piles of knitting on the side. The food and drinks are good, though, and in warmer weather you can sit out on the balcony overlooking the enormous mill pond. Years ago, I used to life model in a dank room with the mill wheel at my back, behind glass, all covered in dark green algae. It was akin to being a fairy tale princess under a spell: Rapunzel in the dungeon!
Fortunately, that room does not exist any more.

Steve got a terrific shot of a heron in flight over the fish ponds, and I got a terrific idea of another local place to eat out, gluten free. All in all, a great little afternoon trip.