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

Wednesday, 21 May 2014

Friends from Italy ...

Italian blogger, Maristella  and her lovely husband Sergio came to stay.
They brought armfuls of Italian foodie gifts with them ...
Spaghetti, olive oil, Pano Gradano, Tapenade, eggs, coffee and wine.
And they cooked ...
In VJs kitchen!
They created rich bowlfuls of Spaghetti alla Carbonara
Such a treat!
Maristella is a very talented crafter and bought VJ one of her lovely cushions ...
Just look at the dear label on the back ...
In return, the VJs treated them to a cream tea 
and tour of the Treasurer's House.
They showed them Barrington House and gardens ...
Beautiful Rose, 
perfect against red brick and weathered, silver timbers ...
Timeworn gates ...
The gardens in full bloom.
Dappled Wisteria shade ...
Wonderful old calf pens ...
... and walked through Montacute, 
on up to Ham Hill and back through the Lady Walk ...
... carpeted with wide swathes of Bluebells.

They sometimes take their 'patch' for granted.
But seeing it through a tourist's eyes,
reawakened their appreciation of the beauty on their doorstep.

Maristella & Sergio ...
Hope you had fun!
Fino alla prossima volta ...

27 comments:

homemade@myplace said...

…. such lovely friends!!!!!
xxxxxx Ale

Unknown said...

Such a lovely place to visit! I bet the spaghetti carbonara was tasty too!
Could do with having some right now!:)

Jen said...

Such a wonderful merging of cultures. All the delicious food (Carbonara and Cream Tea) and sights. I'd give a lot to see those bluebells in person.

Vix said...

What fun! I've never met a blogger i didn't like! xxx

Shrimpton and Perfect said...

A culture exchange at home - brilliant.

Jean x

Things and Thoughts said...

So exciting to receive a blogfriend!It's amazing how a friendship can grow through two blogs from different countries.I'm sure you have had a lovely time together!
Ciao a tutti voi!
Olympia

Down by the sea said...

It must have been wonderful to have your Italian blogger friends to stay. They must have enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful sights and their food looks so delicious. Sarah x

The Reed Warbler said...

How nice to built such a friendship through your blog, looks like you've had a lovely time! And yes...there's so much beauty in England ♥
Anita xo

Anne said...

Lovely post. I am truly amazed how many friends you can make in the blogging community.

flowers on my table said...

Oh I love to hear about bloggers getting together, it is so lovely. Looks like you all had a wonderful time. Thanks for your kind words, love Linda xx

rusty duck said...

Montacute looks glorious!

vintageandart said...

How fanastic for you and your family...sounds like you guys had a ball. Wish l could have sampled some of that delish food:-) Have a wonderful weekend coming up.

*Maristella* said...

Hi Marina and John. We had a good well in your home, an old and cozy! We spent two wonderful days and really English and for this we thank you forever....
the good memories are the most beautiful thing!
Your wonderful post! ;o)
A hug and see you soon, Maristella e Sergio.
(with translator)

Vintage Sheet Addict said...

Do they want to come over to mine? Wow, what a lovely treat, I do love Italian food! Looks like they saw England at its best, glad you had fun! :) x

Sopa Azul said...

It's an exciting idea! Looks like a lovely couple. Hugs :D

Castles Crowns and Cottages said...

This is what I call adult fun....going back to our childhood of exploration with friends, dreaming of times past in these magnificent old villages, wondering who lived in these cottages and manors. LOVELY MY FRIEND! And that pasta...WOW!

Willow said...

Sounds like a lovely visit for all .
I certainly enjoyed the tour , beautiful area , enchanting really.

Amy at love made my home said...

I am so glad that you had such a wonderful time with your friends, what wonderful gifts they bought with them. It is great to see Barrington and Montacute through your eyes and camera, as you spotted so many different things than the way that I have photographed them! So lovely. So when are you planning the return visit to Italy! xx

nilly said...

What a wonderful time you had! Do you think bloggers of the world could unite and make it a better place?

Barbara said...

Such lovely friends and a beautiful post. We are lucky to live in such a beautiful part of the world. Barrington House is one of my favourite places, and it was lovely to see it through your eyes. I like the photo of the open gate (must try that one when I next visit). Have a great weekend xx

The Dainty Dolls House said...

This looks like it was a wonderful time together with friends. Marvellous pictures. Have a gorgeous weekend doll xx

The Dainty Dolls House said...

This looks like it was a wonderful time together with friends. Marvellous pictures. Have a gorgeous weekend doll xx

Lally said...

Oh how lovely, what delightful friends bringing such goodies! Gorgeous pictures, it's such a nice time of year when all the bluebells come out. I have a beautiful garden near me called Enys Gardens and the bluebells there are breath taking!

Lally

lallymacbeth.blogspot.co.uk

myshabbychicvintagefrugallife said...

I love that red climbing rose , its beautiful xxx

Kristie said...

Hi Marina,

What a FUN visit! Oh how I would have loved to be seated for dinner at your house with Spaghetti Carbonara..yum. The pillow is so sweet and you certainly played a wonderful hostess.

Remind me to come visit you if I ever get the money...I would certainly enjoy a visit with you!

Hope you are well and enjoying the warmer spring and hopefully summer soon days.

xo
Kris

Chris said...

Hi Jane, I'm just stopping by to say how delightful your blog is. Thanks so much for sharing. I have recently found your blog and am now following you, and will visit often. Please stop by my blog and perhaps you would like to follow me also. Have a wonderful day. Hugs, Chris

tlcukjourney said...

You were a very spoiled girl!! That food looks delicious and eating with friends... what's better? It's so nice to visit blog land again, when I've been away I always feel as if I've missed old friends. I'll be back in London this summer, any chance you'll be traveling to the city?
I hope you've been well,
Much love, Tammy x