Mothering Sunday

A picture heavy post today. I hope you don't mind. I hope you all enjoyed Mothering Sunday. I was certainly treated to a wonderful day, spent in the company of my two favourite boys, Mr Funky and our gorgeous teenager, Josh. Both Mr Funky and Josh send me a card on Mother's Day.






And I also had two great presents, a decorative candle and a book I've been wanting to read since I saw it over at Sal's Snippets (thanks Sal).



Best of all, I was taken out for the day. It's that time of year when the National Trust begins to re-open its properties and it gives us the opportunity for some relaxing days out. Josh is at the age where he is beginning to find walking around old houses a bit boring, but he behaved really well. (No complaining about wanting to be on the Xbox, or wanting to go out with friends). So we packed a picnic and made our way into Warwickshire to Packwood House.

It was a bit difficult taking photographs as most of the house was covered in scaffolding due to roofing repairs but I do have these for you.











These sundials, unusually on the walls of the house look superb.








Packwood is also famous for its yew trees. They are said to represent the Sermon on the Mount.





And the rest of the garden doesn't look so bad either.








Not content with visiting one house, we visited two! Two miles down the road from Packwood is Baddesely Clinton, a moated mediaeval manor house, famous for its connection with the Catholic faith and its priests hiding holes. I wish I could show you the interiors of both of these houses but photography isn't allowed for perfectly understandable reasons.











Just about time to show you the garden before closing time I think.







And a quick visit to the church before we make our way back home.

Thanks Rob and Josh for such a wonderful day.

Caution Ducks Crossing

Sunday's weather was so mild and springlike I wouldn't settle and be content until I'd been for a walk along my favourite piece of towpath. I should really have washed, ironed, dug the garden but I really, really needed just to be in the fresh air away from the usual hum-drum stuff. By the time we'd collected Josh from his sleepover and and bought a voucher from the garden centre for Mom-in-law's present next Sunday the day had become a little dull. It didn't matter, it was warm and we could hear the birds singing and look at new greeness of Spring. What more could we need? I love this little walk along the canal. Josh gets annoyed with me 'not the same bit again?' I love its familiarity and its friendliness as walkers, cyclists, bargees and residents greet you with a cheery 'hello' as you walk on by. You can even do some shopping there if you wish at one of the canalside cottages.



I love to cross the towpath using this this tiny little bridge.



Here's a view from the top of the bridge to its left



and the view to the right.



Once over the bridge there's a little hamlet of cottages



next to fields.


I'd love to live here, tucked away in an almost secret little village.



It's on our way back to the bridge and the towpath that I notice this little sign, that's obviously been there some time.


It made us laugh, although we did keep a lookout for ducks on our way over the bridge. We did see plenty of ducks. All paired off now, with the odd noisy interruption of single males trying to steal a pretty girl from her mate.



Another few weeks and we'll be watching Mum leading her ducklings out and about as they play and discover their surroundings. We become distracted again and take a detour down a litle lane to the river


and up the hill to the fields with green shoots just peering through the red earth.



The church overlooks all of this from the hill, constant in the ever changing scenery.



Back on the canal and I love this sweet little hut. I imagine myself on a summer's day, sitting there on the porch watching the narrowboats chugging by. On winter walks, I imagine sitting inside, snuggled up with a heater, a hot drink and a good book.




Before I forget, we did see some of these as well.



Cheery, cosy, welcoming. When I win the lottery I'm going to buy one! However, it will have to be for weekends and holidays only. I have too much stuff to fit on one of these. Of course I would expect other bloggers to visit for afternoon tea and a bun.

Giveaway Result

Sorry ladies, but Johnny Depp was unavailable today to pull a name from the hat, or bowl in this case. So Mr Funky stepped in and performed the duty admirably. To be honest he was a lot cheaper than Johnny, although I'm not so sure that he looks quite as good in the pirate outfit as Johnny but you can't have everything can you.



The first name out of the hat (bowl) was Simone from Linden Grove. Congrats Simone, I'll be in touch via your blog for your details. I was quite overwhelmed by the number of people entering the draw and I'm just sorry I can't send you all something but thank you all for your kind comments. I know that I will have some new blogs to read and some new friends to meet from comments made on the last post. I shall look forward to catching up with everyone over the next couple of weeks.

Blogiversary Giveaway

Next Sunday is the anniversary of my first blog. It's been a lovely year blogging wise and I want to celebrate by having a small giveaway. All you need to do to have a chance of winning is to leave a comment on this post. I will choose a winner at random next Sunday, so leave your comment by Saturday 14th and your name will be added to the draw. If you are the lucky winner you will get a gingham heart



a candle in a tin



and a vintage cotton reel donated by Mr Funky.



Everyone is welcome to enter, new and regular readers alike.


Thank you for making blogging such fun.

Bridgewater Loveliness

I don't usually buy Period Ideas but I saw this cover yesterday and was immediately attracted to it.

The kitchen on the front cover was filled with Emma Bridgewater goodness and I just had to pick it up and have a flick through. Ooh! Great excitement when I discovered that this was actually Emma's gorgeous family home in Norfolk and several pages were devoted to showing its elegant interiors. Needless to say I had to buy a copy. (Yet another magazine ending up chez Funky). The photos I've taken of the article aren't brilliant but I thought you might like to share them with me.


Emma has my dream kitchen.



She also has my dream verandah and outhouse.


Not to mention my ideal hallway and bathroom!



There were also some clever design ideas to help acheive the Bridgewater look.



Whilst I was out shopping on Friday I came acroos this cheerful red mug that I just had to bring home with me.




It matches these two that I've already had for some time.



Perhaps there is yet another collection happening here? I'm sure it's not an obsession though. That will happen if I start to collect these as well!