A weekend in Devon

All a bit out of order I fear, but a few photos of the lovely weekend in a big country house

with twelve others - lots of eating, drinking, talking. We were lucky with the weather, in November, going on the beach in the sunshine.

A little dog strolls in the sunshine on Saunton beach, happy as a butcher's dog.

Evening comes only too soon....

....and with it comes the sunset in all its pinks and purples...

a happy cormorant poses kindly for me.

in the house, looking down the stairwell, but not contemplating throwing myself over it.

A little bit of morning mist is always attractive, even if it does mean its time to go.

autumn leaves for my mother

My mother's favourite time of year, and colours of the year, was autumn.

Walking down the river, on a mild sunny day, I could only agree.

She died in Autumn, so these leaves will shift in the breeze in remembrance of her.

Things that make me emotional

I miss my mother and her dancing - here are her well-worn shoes and my little shoes on top.

Skies are emotive....

and I would like a garden like a birthday bouquet...

and a house with a peeping window....

but it's okay - Mum's old ted, and his friend are keeping an eye on me...

Sloes and silver

It's that time of year again! Went and picked some sloes (and some apples that had dropped off someone's tree and into the path...)

Took them home and started to make sloe gin. Later, went to Milletts, got some damsons and made damson gin as well. Yum yum yum yum yum.

It's also about time I finished making the sauce boat, so have been working on that - it's been a long and hard graft, getting the handle right, and sorting out all the blips, but I am nearly there.

Another couple of views...

A surprise!

Well, went to visit Doug and Nikki for a few days 'dahn in Essex' - their house is really coming along well, and the garden is so so much better than it was. It was quite warm so we were able to sit outside (with our gins) most days. Doug said he had a surprise for us, it was to celebrate what he calls my 5th birthday (5 years since the Big C) and also my real birthday coming up (Big Seven Oh). Took us on the train to London - we didn't know where we were going - taxi across London, and we had lunch at the Ivy! It was fabulous.

Even the loo was interesting....

Anyway, during the meal Doug said there was more to come, we were going to a show, but he wouldn't tell us which one. When I finally twigged, I was in tears of excitement when I realized it was 'War Horse'.

It was just totally incredible and I loved every minute, though of course had a good cry as well. Thank you Doug, for a lovely day. What with that, and the trip to Banff that Natalie gave me, I am pretty lucky.

The Cotswolds

The week before the Even-Better-Than-The-Royal-Wedding I met up with various members of the family (The Scotland Lot and the Australia Lot) and stayed in lovely cottage by the Mill in Fairford.

I spent the whole week chasing after this flaming heron, to take a picture, and did get one finally.

Went to an amazing exhibition held in the Rectory Gardens in Quidhampton (I think), and we were there for ages, I could have happily spend the day there, there were so many wonderful statues and works of art. Also, there were some Robert Race exhibits of moving toys, which of course excited me, just love them.

There were a row of horses, so I took one through another one, if you know what I mean.

The Much-better-than-the-Royal Wedding

25th June 2011 - Ben and Rachel got married and had the most amazing wedding ever.

A really lovely wedding - thought the men's buttonholes were brilliant...

and all the flower arrangements were perfect...

This one was in the entrance to where the Reception was to be held.

And how about these! Uh huh

William and Kate's wedding day

A very special day today for a certain Kate Middleton.....

Went to a party with friends and had lovely lunch in the garden, popping into the sitting room now and again to watch the wedding on the telly.

The garden was full of birdseed, bunting and blossom....

All the choirboys at the wedding looked angelic...

Then, later that evening, back home, there was the annual bun throwing taking place. (Well, we are English after all)... Here the town dignitaries are getting ready to throw. Ready...

Steady......

GO!

Whoops, nearly forgot what the day was about....

Greys Court

Went with Felicity to Greys Court, near Nettlebed - crowded today as it's a hot Easter bank holiday Monday - but worth the visit. Lovely grounds full of wisteria, tulips, pansies, and of course masses of bluebells. We went through the little wood following 'the footsteps of Sir Felix on his gentle path', watched by the many kites flying overhead.

oh, and a Ha Ha.

and a figure carved in wood with a bird on his shoulder and a poem on his back.