Tales of walking, eating, watching and playing. Vintage treasures and simple pleasures ... the things that make her happy.

Thursday 12 July 2012

Friendly Days

She set off early in the morning to meet up with friends at a local ‘Talent for Textiles’ event.  After half an hour of trundling along windy little lanes the venue finally appearing through a glade of trees.  A rare glimpse of sun warming the rain soaked lawns.  They made a quick dash for the ‘Rag bag bring and buy’ in the courtyard, making a few purchases between them.

Then into the house, where treasures galore lay beautifully displayed in the gorgeously sumptuous rooms of Yarlington House.  A few more purchases were made, before heading back outside to the front lawn, where more treats tempted them, including the edible kind!  They had a long sit down and a good old natter, fuelled with elderflower, coffee, tea and cake, oohing and ahhing over each others purchases.

Lovely to catch up Mrs FG, Sue, K and Mrs J.

Despite the ominous skies, 
VJ and Mrs J decided to stay awhile and wander the delightful gardens.
The prettiest colours, sculptural planting and architectural details made for a wonderfully visual and interesting escape.  
Little doors and secretive paths.
Expansive walled kitchen garden. 
Oh, and the children’s playhouse … 
Yes ... really!

Despite the drizzle it remained magical.

Not ready to go home, they whizzed over to nearby Castle Cary.  VJ couldn’t resist a rustic wooden trug and this old Christy’s of London top hat box. 
 
Now perched on top of the wardrobe in the bedroom ...
... with no top hat of her own it makes a handy store for her glittery evening bags!
After another long and lazy coffee stop they headed for home.  Thanks Mrs J – it was a lovely day.

And the Mr cooked a lovely tea too.  Sweet roasted pointed peppers with juicy little baby plum tomatoes, crisped parma ham and parmesan shavings.

And the sun sensing her raised spirits decided to stay awhile … so they sat in the garden and ate and drank and agreed that they are lucky to have such good friends.

And it didn’t stop there – the next day they went to dinner with much loved long-time friends.  Tasty tidbits to wet their appetite with crisp bubbly, followed by the tenderest lamb and creamy gratin with seasonal veg. 

They talked for England … and some!  They toasted their friendship. 

Their little girl all grown up – the ‘girl with the gorgeous hair’ ... that VJ envies so – made sweet scones, crumbly and soft, with intense strawberry jam and cream.
Hours had whizzed by in minutes and all too soon their chariot arrived.  
A lovely evening as ever Mr & Mrs E.  
Thank you friends.   

16 comments:

KC'sCourt! said...

Looks like you had the most beautiful day out. That sandwich looks absolutely yummy
Julie xxxxxx

Gretel said...

I would not have been able to resist that lovely hat box either!

Miss Simmonds Says said...

that looks like the most beautiful place. I'd love a trip there.

Outcast said...

Love these photos Jane, it truly seems like a great day out to me.

June said...

What a wonderful garden - especially like the childrens playhouse. There is a similar one at Chartwell - Winston Churchill's former home. Oh to have played in one as a child.
June

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Beautifu pleached alleys and boxwood hedges and soothing green. Gorgeous pink poppies. The ham and peppers looks very good!

Anonymous said...

Marina,

Sounds like such a lovely day. Strolling through the beautiful gardens...love image #7 with the trees, visiting brocantes and finishing up by sharing wonderful food with friends. The perfect ending for a perfect day! :)

Take good care! :)♥

Btw: Love the hat box...gorgeous.

Jen said...

I love the gardens!

Flaming Nora said...

Beautiful day! One to remember and treasure.

*Maristella* said...

Hi Marina.
Grazie per queste belle immagini, l'Inghilterra rimane sempre nel mio cuore, è il posto più bello che io abbia visto finora!
Un caro saluto, *Maristella*.

Madelief said...

Sounds like a delightful day!

Happy weekend,

Madelief x

Crafty Gifts & Crochet said...

Hello from Jo - your newest follower.
I found this lovely blog while researching some vintage Bimini buttons. Your 'potted' history was brill - thanks for the help.
Loved your blog today - gorgeous photos & lovely words.
Jo. x

Madelief said...

So sorry to hear about your son Jane. Hope he is ok now?

Madelief x

In My Wild Eden said...

What a wonderful time. I am glad you found the wonderful hat box!

...Nina Nixon... said...

That garden looks amazing and if it has a mysterious door with a secret garden then 'oh my' I could get lost for ages.

Have a lovely day,

Nina x

Unknown said...

I want to visit that garden! I can't get over the childrens play house, I would happily live in there. :) Oh your days just sound so magical. xx