tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27073925203530267582024-03-14T17:50:35.162+11:00One EarlybirdOne Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.comBlogger54125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-63674945369303608922016-06-23T05:35:00.001+10:002016-07-16T10:36:18.759+10:00Apple Slice<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PQMtpdGi0k/VQ_kgY2ypBI/AAAAAAAABPM/h8gKBXTwS8Y/s1600/2015-03-17%2B08.15.41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3PQMtpdGi0k/VQ_kgY2ypBI/AAAAAAAABPM/h8gKBXTwS8Y/s1600/2015-03-17%2B08.15.41.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Hi Everyone,<br />
<strong>SURPRISE!!!</strong> I'm back after more than 12 months. I'm not sure for how long or if I'll be very consisted but I'm here for now. I do post a lot on Facebook and Instagram as I like those forums because I don't have to think so much about writing, which I've mentioned before is not my forte. So it might be a case of if I've got a lot to share at once I'll post here and let you know on Facebook and Instagram. <br />
What has prompted this post, is this recipe. I felt like making something sweet but healthy and this slice came to mind. I couldn't find my print out of it so I came looking on the blog, knowing I'd written a post about it. When I came to find it, I discovered it was only a draft and apparently I hadn't published it at all. I could have sworn I had but I can't find on the blog, so I'm here to remedy that situation.<br />
<br />
<b>So remembering this was originally written in March last year, here we go. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Being Autumn here in my part of the world, it is the season for apples. I have a few small apple trees that have produced more than enough apples for us (and the birds). One tree, I planted when we first moved here 16 years ago, has produced fruit for the first time this year. I can't even remember what sort of apple it is but the apples are quite sweet so they are lovely to stew and eat without having to add sugar. They also hold their shape and don't turn to mush which I like as well.<br />
A couple of weeks ago I adapted my Jam Slice recipe and made a healthy Apple Slice to take to Garden Group for morning tea. Although it was a bit crumbly it was quite a hit so I have since made it again and solved the crumbly problem. Now it's ready to share with you.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiGbX5OajoE/VQ_kekD96OI/AAAAAAAABPE/-DXv6c0GOG0/s1600/2015-03-17%2B11.59.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DiGbX5OajoE/VQ_kekD96OI/AAAAAAAABPE/-DXv6c0GOG0/s1600/2015-03-17%2B11.59.00.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="font-family: inherit;">APPLE SLICE</span></strong><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Base</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">100g almond
meal (about 1 cup)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ cup rice
flour (or coconut flour)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">¼ cup olive
oil</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">¼ cup honey</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 egg</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 teas
vanilla</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Filling</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3 large sweet
apples, peeled, sliced & cooked</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Topping<o:p></o:p></span></span></span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2 eggs</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">¼ cup honey</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cups
desiccated coconut<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Set oven on
180C (160C fan) & grease (with olive oil) and line a 22cm cake tin.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Mix all the
base ingredients together and spread into the cake tin (this can be a bit fiddly
as the mixture is sticky)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake for 15
mins or until cooked.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove from the oven and spread the
apple on the base.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 6pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Wait until you have done this before making the topping as the coconut
will absorb moisture and the topping is too crumbly when cooked.</span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Using a
mixer beat the eggs until they are very light and fluffy.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Drizzle in
the honey while the mixer is going & beat until combined.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove the
bowl from the mixer and fold in the coconut.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Spread over
the apple.(see <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">NOTE</b>)</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake for
15-20 mins or until golden brown.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Allow to cool completely for cutting.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">NOTE:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Smooth coconut mixture down with the
back of a spoon then lightly rough it up with a fork, this helps it stick together when cooked and not be too
crumbly.</span></span><br />
<strong>NOTE 2: </strong>You can use tinned unsweetened apple for convenience. It is also delicious with a sprinkling of blueberries, fresh or thawed frozen, with the apple.<br />
<span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; color: black;"><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/4hdk7cwsrrws0i3/APPLE%20SLICE.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank">PRINT RECIPE</a></span><br />
<span style="background-color: cyan;"></span><br />
Looking at the picture of the apples reminds of when we were kids, and apples didn't come all waxed and shiny. We would have competitions at lunch time to see who could get their apple the shiniest. Did you do that too?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Hope you've enjoyed the catch up</div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nzn6wZPB7ak/VDbmQq9c4LI/AAAAAAAABHg/fiaxKPLgOak/s1600/2014.9.7%2B038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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Thanks for popping by and until next time </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "mountains of christmas"; font-size: x-large;">TOODLES</span></div>
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One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-56954406981378336382015-06-23T14:10:00.001+10:002015-06-23T14:55:52.642+10:00Cornwall Coast<div>Okay so I didn't get around to catching up on writing any posts while on the plane home but I will continue on here, even though I'm home now, so that our travel adventure is complete.</div><div><br></div><div>When we arrived in Weston-Super-Mare last night it was overcast and bleak but we awoke this morning to beautiful sunshine, ideal sightseeing weather. Weston-Super-Mare is very close to where Cornwall meets Wales at the start of the Bristol Straight.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-frMScYHj-fA/VYjcHc6RAgI/AAAAAAAAB1o/m-tnk5YRa40/s640/blogger-image-404388074.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-frMScYHj-fA/VYjcHc6RAgI/AAAAAAAAB1o/m-tnk5YRa40/s640/blogger-image-404388074.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was fascinating to see how far the tide went out. Where there had been water here last night, this morning we couldn't see any for miles. We have seen a lot of boats beached on the sand like this in our travels. It seems that every time we've been near tidal water ways the tide has been out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B4oEIM4cb4o/VYjb8n9zfgI/AAAAAAAAB1A/T7A_4uEItok/s640/blogger-image-1325318876.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-B4oEIM4cb4o/VYjb8n9zfgI/AAAAAAAAB1A/T7A_4uEItok/s640/blogger-image-1325318876.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Cornish countryside is beautiful <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">with a patchwork of paddocks divided by hedgerows and trimmed with cliffs dropping into the sea. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The hedgerows are taller here than in other parts of England so you only get glimpses of the scenery every now and again when your on the crest of a hill. To be truthful I'm a little over the hedgerows.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KQDk3Bvnd_U/VYjb-8cFMfI/AAAAAAAAB1I/i5y2qUKHpHY/s640/blogger-image--606070716.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KQDk3Bvnd_U/VYjb-8cFMfI/AAAAAAAAB1I/i5y2qUKHpHY/s640/blogger-image--606070716.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the coast near Tintagel Castle where we stopped for a good look around. </div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsO3O8LBPCU/VYjcDbCzb7I/AAAAAAAAB1Y/tMikU80LgvM/s640/blogger-image-1636372640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rsO3O8LBPCU/VYjcDbCzb7I/AAAAAAAAB1Y/tMikU80LgvM/s640/blogger-image-1636372640.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Tintagel Castle is associated with the birth of the legendary King Artur.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W39XFvNcjJs/VYjcL2-oV5I/AAAAAAAAB14/nCkKN3yciFA/s640/blogger-image-1319967775.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-W39XFvNcjJs/VYjcL2-oV5I/AAAAAAAAB14/nCkKN3yciFA/s640/blogger-image-1319967775.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bIbIcvQk2aQ/VYjcFcOxBDI/AAAAAAAAB1g/AuVu3pEIPsY/s640/blogger-image-321849678.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bIbIcvQk2aQ/VYjcFcOxBDI/AAAAAAAAB1g/AuVu3pEIPsY/s640/blogger-image-321849678.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The views from the ruins were stunning no matter which way we looked.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ce4-8JR0E3w/VYjjQKRmDqI/AAAAAAAAB2I/flhW5-W0hTQ/s640/blogger-image-159542140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ce4-8JR0E3w/VYjjQKRmDqI/AAAAAAAAB2I/flhW5-W0hTQ/s640/blogger-image-159542140.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And the the wildflowers were so pretty growing everywhere, amongst the grass and rocky crevices.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had set off this morning thinking we would get all the way along the north coast of Cornwall and some of the south as well but it's something than cannot be rushed, it is so beautiful so </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">we decided to head for our accommodation at Truro and continue Lands End tomorrow.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-39608497856397918712015-06-15T14:07:00.001+10:002015-06-15T16:32:01.807+10:00Back in the HighlandsLSilly me I forgot to hit publish yesterday so you will have two to read today.<div>Afternoon finishing our Britannia tour,we hit the road back to the Scottish Highlands. Following a couple of comments on Facebook about some things we had missed seeing at Fort William, we thought we might regret not making the effort to back track the 200km. It doesn't sound like much in Australian terms (a couple of hours) but when travelling in the UK driving is a bit slower <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">200km was going to take at least 3+ hours and that's without stopping, but we were compelled to stop to take in scenes like these.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iSHd3RBrs9c/VX5UAoV6VdI/AAAAAAAABuw/fOwlssZiYg0/s640/blogger-image--1252150401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iSHd3RBrs9c/VX5UAoV6VdI/AAAAAAAABuw/fOwlssZiYg0/s640/blogger-image--1252150401.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zJgLV8rn8VI/VX5T_dV4_0I/AAAAAAAABuo/8ic-YB0f8LQ/s640/blogger-image-1142709683.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zJgLV8rn8VI/VX5T_dV4_0I/AAAAAAAABuo/8ic-YB0f8LQ/s640/blogger-image-1142709683.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTo7l-kUTaE/VX5T-KaCvNI/AAAAAAAABug/ydewLGOs_P0/s640/blogger-image-1770153555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iTo7l-kUTaE/VX5T-KaCvNI/AAAAAAAABug/ydewLGOs_P0/s640/blogger-image-1770153555.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The photos don't really do justice to the majesty of these mountains. We have higher mountains in Australia but here in Scotland the roads follow the valley floor so the mountains rise up on either side, almost swallowing you. At one stop we had a piper adding to atmosphere, ahh, there is something about the bagpipes and these mountains. About 4 hours later we arrived at Fort William, which sits at the foot of Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest mountain, and is Scotland's major ski resort.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The next morning we got moving early as there was lots to see and do.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cAjlfxXGpgE/VX5ezytX-KI/AAAAAAAABvA/r4CG9CqYZeI/s640/blogger-image-1179336168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cAjlfxXGpgE/VX5ezytX-KI/AAAAAAAABvA/r4CG9CqYZeI/s640/blogger-image-1179336168.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First stop Glenfinnan Viaduct also known as "Harry Potter" bridge.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XWTe1ZQACeQ/VX5iK-lCvJI/AAAAAAAABvk/Pzrk_pQBCxI/s640/blogger-image-1693624697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XWTe1ZQACeQ/VX5iK-lCvJI/AAAAAAAABvk/Pzrk_pQBCxI/s640/blogger-image-1693624697.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The view in the opposite direction with someone hamming it up. I had to include one of these photos and our kids will get it. The tall skinny thing near the lake is a monument to "Bonnie Prince Charley".</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wlm6lqY6Z9U/VX5e4MxnpyI/AAAAAAAABvY/b0HoTbL3IOw/s640/blogger-image-45821376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Wlm6lqY6Z9U/VX5e4MxnpyI/AAAAAAAABvY/b0HoTbL3IOw/s640/blogger-image-45821376.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next stop Neptune's Staircase, a series of 7 locks on Calondian canal. These locks a capable of taken really big boats. This prawn boat was travelling from the sea in the south west to Loch Ness.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7F0g-_dvac/VX5sv__LzKI/AAAAAAAABv0/uZHFSkWyV5w/s640/blogger-image--1632791391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e7F0g-_dvac/VX5sv__LzKI/AAAAAAAABv0/uZHFSkWyV5w/s640/blogger-image--1632791391.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Next a cable car ride up Ben Nevis.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ff_-pB9prtA/VX5e1Y0_o_I/AAAAAAAABvI/pLY6SIDFs20/s640/blogger-image--1005002959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ff_-pB9prtA/VX5e1Y0_o_I/AAAAAAAABvI/pLY6SIDFs20/s640/blogger-image--1005002959.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is as close as you get without a big trek.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pUXxgl-C4cE/VX5e2270e3I/AAAAAAAABvQ/w7P8UVLtq_E/s640/blogger-image-155907190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-pUXxgl-C4cE/VX5e2270e3I/AAAAAAAABvQ/w7P8UVLtq_E/s640/blogger-image-155907190.jpg"></a></div>The view down to Fort William and Loch Linnhe. We enjoyed lunch near the top and back to our lodgings. We were all a little weary so decided to have a rest afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Following day we said goodbye to mountains and made our way south again to Yorkshire.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldn-uQU7Gig/VX5xVnzA3UI/AAAAAAAABwI/strroboYQt8/s640/blogger-image--1945089075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ldn-uQU7Gig/VX5xVnzA3UI/AAAAAAAABwI/strroboYQt8/s640/blogger-image--1945089075.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Not many photos today apart from a few of Loch Lomond along the way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0fEWdIrOn6s/VX5xUZu0aWI/AAAAAAAABwA/_aOX-LSUDRg/s640/blogger-image-676236243.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0fEWdIrOn6s/VX5xUZu0aWI/AAAAAAAABwA/_aOX-LSUDRg/s640/blogger-image-676236243.jpg"></a></div></div>Thanks to Jane and Faye whose Facebook comments prompted us to revisited this beautiful part of Scotland it was well worth the 2 days of our travels, most memorable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div><br></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-33567487374454755612015-06-11T14:32:00.001+10:002015-06-11T17:33:40.468+10:00The Contrasts of Scotland<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> Scotland is a country of contrasts, well it was for us today. We had to change our plans for the weekend, we were going to Fort William, where the highest mountain in the Scotland is, but would you believe it, the Mountain Bike World Cup was on there. Accommodation was impossible to find and as it turned out access to the mountain was limited and the weather was crap. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CSK_QyKExJg/VXkPQkdgjbI/AAAAAAAABpY/rKNxn2KxRmo/s640/blogger-image--1972699957.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-CSK_QyKExJg/VXkPQkdgjbI/AAAAAAAABpY/rKNxn2KxRmo/s640/blogger-image--1972699957.jpg"></a></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We left the cloud covered mountains of the west and travelled east to the other side of the country. There were a couple things we had on our "maybe list" that we thought we may as well do. One was visiting a shop/mill in Elgin where they make beautiful cashmere & woollen clothing and blankets. Unfortunately everything was a little expensive (eg $50 for a pair of socks) for me to justify parting with any cash and I didn't think to take any photos.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FXCPjLzMhqc/VXkjA57i-QI/AAAAAAAABqI/dASizAySQhY/s640/blogger-image-1889487816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FXCPjLzMhqc/VXkjA57i-QI/AAAAAAAABqI/dASizAySQhY/s640/blogger-image-1889487816.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ifPL6-ICZ9I/VXklVS63GfI/AAAAAAAABqU/uSepEtTHuGA/s640/blogger-image--125249244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ifPL6-ICZ9I/VXklVS63GfI/AAAAAAAABqU/uSepEtTHuGA/s640/blogger-image--125249244.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I mentioned the contrasts of Scotland these two photos above are a good example. The Scots have no problem putting the modern architecture of this bridge within viewing distance of a derelict abbey.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n9iPtKjd14Y/VXkPTvR9ptI/AAAAAAAABpg/yZ9vkqIYoRQ/s640/blogger-image-1632844255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n9iPtKjd14Y/VXkPTvR9ptI/AAAAAAAABpg/yZ9vkqIYoRQ/s640/blogger-image-1632844255.jpg"></a></div></div><div>The afternoon activity was going to be a "distillery crawl" but we settled for a guided tour of the best instead. Glenfiddich means deer in the valley.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FEtnDzY1LEY/VXkPMISCRUI/AAAAAAAABpI/cBWLQuNadfo/s640/blogger-image-582746417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FEtnDzY1LEY/VXkPMISCRUI/AAAAAAAABpI/cBWLQuNadfo/s640/blogger-image-582746417.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Brenda was the photographer for the tour (I left my camera in the car, dah). The whiskey is still made the same way it was originally. The stills are exactly the same size and design as they always have been.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3r6cuFlJttU/VXkPOhYyLTI/AAAAAAAABpQ/zbRnmY3teHY/s640/blogger-image--1729104890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3r6cuFlJttU/VXkPOhYyLTI/AAAAAAAABpQ/zbRnmY3teHY/s640/blogger-image--1729104890.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was a very personal tour with just the four of us with this lovely gentleman, a wealth of knowledge. And, of course, when in Rome you have to taste the end product, yes even me (Brenda was dezzie, not that she minded). It wasn't too bad, in fact, it was quite pleasant after the first taste, which cleared the sinuses. With a "couple" of samples bought we hit the road for Inverurie near Aberdeen.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKZq3i0qOW0/VXkPHsCUKjI/AAAAAAAABo4/9rS6X258Ra8/s640/blogger-image-305141922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JKZq3i0qOW0/VXkPHsCUKjI/AAAAAAAABo4/9rS6X258Ra8/s640/blogger-image-305141922.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With Brenda driving the boys got moved to the back seat so I was able to take some photos while we drove along. Here you see the contrast to the first photo, beautiful green pasture in the sunshine and how fabulous is that sky?</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3DUiXCTxNh4/VXkPJx-HtRI/AAAAAAAABpA/4-tzqzVLwFo/s640/blogger-image-103555184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3DUiXCTxNh4/VXkPJx-HtRI/AAAAAAAABpA/4-tzqzVLwFo/s640/blogger-image-103555184.jpg"></a></div>The Scots don't seem to have a problem dotting their landscape with wind farms, they are everywhere.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Hope you have enjoyed a little bit of Scotland, more tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-55488864233381877672015-06-09T14:17:00.001+10:002015-06-10T16:55:27.969+10:00Near Disaster<div>Okay, so the title of this post might be a little dramatic, and considering what else is happening in the world <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">it certainly is, but in my small little holiday world it nearly was a disaster.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3z5oU2c3JtY/VXZopUGxy1I/AAAAAAAABnU/g7YQSehNNeI/s640/blogger-image--734326849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3z5oU2c3JtY/VXZopUGxy1I/AAAAAAAABnU/g7YQSehNNeI/s640/blogger-image--734326849.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The short story (I could drag it out but won't). In an effort to get a good photo of this waterfall I ventured off the road to get a bit closer and ended up on my toosh with both me and the camera wet and muddy. Not so bad for me but could be disastrous for cameras. I eventually got the camera cleaned up (after an hour) except for one sneaky drop of water under the lens filter (how does that happen?) I couldn't get the filter off, grrrrr, then it fogged up, more grrrr. I was pretty annoyed with myself and was resigned to holiday snapping with iPhone and iPad, not ideal in my world. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I-uOPT_xBPw/VXZ-NGvlUPI/AAAAAAAABoU/Rbf08JiIaz4/s640/blogger-image--1851619027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-I-uOPT_xBPw/VXZ-NGvlUPI/AAAAAAAABoU/Rbf08JiIaz4/s640/blogger-image--1851619027.jpg"></a></div>The photo I should've been happy with. The waterfall is bigger than it appears in the first photo, if you notice on the left the blue speck is man, that gives you a better perspective.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FayWB1eo8Eo/VXZonzNaobI/AAAAAAAABnM/47SD36qtlrI/s640/blogger-image-2046490898.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FayWB1eo8Eo/VXZonzNaobI/AAAAAAAABnM/47SD36qtlrI/s640/blogger-image-2046490898.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While the camera dried out, with help from the car heater(fingers crossed), I made do with substitutes to capture the stunning and varied scenery.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p0I5gBILGEw/VXZouHnfS_I/AAAAAAAABns/5VjxwiLed-o/s640/blogger-image--6123440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p0I5gBILGEw/VXZouHnfS_I/AAAAAAAABns/5VjxwiLed-o/s640/blogger-image--6123440.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEQJt6CO_Pw/VXaMVpN_rkI/AAAAAAAABok/kuBG4fL3flQ/s640/blogger-image-1396605246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YEQJt6CO_Pw/VXaMVpN_rkI/AAAAAAAABok/kuBG4fL3flQ/s640/blogger-image-1396605246.jpg"></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">By the afternoon the camera filter had dried but with residual fine dirty specks. Fortunately they don't seem to be affecting the photos.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Jr2-3RjECQ/VXZovwyUy0I/AAAAAAAABn0/ALXpdvQ1AH0/s640/blogger-image--1764473959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-4Jr2-3RjECQ/VXZovwyUy0I/AAAAAAAABn0/ALXpdvQ1AH0/s640/blogger-image--1764473959.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Happy to have my old friend back in hand we stopped at Dunvegan Castle on the west coast of Skye. Very grand as all the castles are but maybe not as impressive as some. I<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> think the gardens are the main attraction here.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BIBTPTP8k84/VXZoxgntmeI/AAAAAAAABn8/2GR2IR3--fA/s640/blogger-image--650875257.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BIBTPTP8k84/VXZoxgntmeI/AAAAAAAABn8/2GR2IR3--fA/s640/blogger-image--650875257.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Meandering paths through brimming garden beds.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EFJBhz_fIKg/VXZozZU1RUI/AAAAAAAABoE/gGQmdxbK8KU/s640/blogger-image--255495501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EFJBhz_fIKg/VXZozZU1RUI/AAAAAAAABoE/gGQmdxbK8KU/s640/blogger-image--255495501.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The season is very late here, given that it's supposed to be summer the garden are only at early spring stage. You can just see that everything in the formal walled garden is just waiting for some warm weather so it can burst into its glory.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zxKvZhQlMw/VXZosgUDrZI/AAAAAAAABnk/hI-OwpFG1nw/s640/blogger-image-1429311619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0zxKvZhQlMw/VXZosgUDrZI/AAAAAAAABnk/hI-OwpFG1nw/s640/blogger-image-1429311619.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The gardeners planting over 1000 marguerite daisies and fuchsias for a what will be a fabulous summer display. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HITdubEAgg4/VXZorNFfMOI/AAAAAAAABnc/I156zbaRzQo/s640/blogger-image-92760208.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HITdubEAgg4/VXZorNFfMOI/AAAAAAAABnc/I156zbaRzQo/s640/blogger-image-92760208.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So for day that started with a bit of a hiccup at a waterfall and it finished with a flourish with natural waterfall in a garden (a gardeners dream).</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A good note to finish on.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font color="#0000ee"><u><br></u></font></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-51645097270527541432015-06-08T15:24:00.001+10:002015-06-08T16:49:57.288+10:00Lake to Skye<div><br></div>What a fabulous scenery day it was today, breathtaking, beautiful and some how comforting. I think it's because it reminds me of driving through the Snowy Mountains back home, minus the gum trees. I must admit I had been missing the mountains.<div>We started our day by finishing our circuit of Loch Ness.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bFH53oxog1I/VXUnFBCTqqI/AAAAAAAABl0/Sv4u0cFpa58/s640/blogger-image-1365963088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-bFH53oxog1I/VXUnFBCTqqI/AAAAAAAABl0/Sv4u0cFpa58/s640/blogger-image-1365963088.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--75x8MSiWFs/VXUnG1lXT7I/AAAAAAAABl8/2B6Raoq6v_g/s640/blogger-image-797835147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--75x8MSiWFs/VXUnG1lXT7I/AAAAAAAABl8/2B6Raoq6v_g/s640/blogger-image-797835147.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you can see the weather was an improvement on yesterday and the lake had much different look and feel about it. Much better for photographs too. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We said goodbye to Loch Ness, without seeing Nessie, surprise, surprise, and travelled along the coast between Scotland and the Isle of Skye to be blown away by the scenery.</span><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-khrkgD8WRkM/VXUwdVeG2PI/AAAAAAAABm4/j8YYwc9yuWY/s640/blogger-image-1163622315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-khrkgD8WRkM/VXUwdVeG2PI/AAAAAAAABm4/j8YYwc9yuWY/s640/blogger-image-1163622315.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;">There are literally hundred of these little waterfalls trickling down the mountains. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YObn_VHFFXo/VXUwbwKYwNI/AAAAAAAABmw/e1YsxcNOHkQ/s640/blogger-image--577162538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YObn_VHFFXo/VXUwbwKYwNI/AAAAAAAABmw/e1YsxcNOHkQ/s640/blogger-image--577162538.jpg"></a></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We have learned pretty quickly in Scotland the weather is very fickle and don't get out of the car without putting on a raincoat.</span></div><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qwhIRXbvnQU/VXUnJ2JOgTI/AAAAAAAABmM/ZkLGiiAfyJo/s640/blogger-image--1264356703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qwhIRXbvnQU/VXUnJ2JOgTI/AAAAAAAABmM/ZkLGiiAfyJo/s640/blogger-image--1264356703.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Eileen Donan Castle is a restored castle that sits on a very small island at the junction of three lochs, Alsh, Long and Duich. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mOUsiEQGaqs/VXUtwzukLYI/AAAAAAAABmc/O5bsFzbfjk8/s640/blogger-image--717855658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-mOUsiEQGaqs/VXUtwzukLYI/AAAAAAAABmc/O5bsFzbfjk8/s640/blogger-image--717855658.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was only mid afternoon when we arrived on Skye and the sun was out again so time for a little exploring.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xzn1Zk5bs8A/VXUtyWMW0iI/AAAAAAAABmk/ehePFiUmw9E/s640/blogger-image-767940711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Xzn1Zk5bs8A/VXUtyWMW0iI/AAAAAAAABmk/ehePFiUmw9E/s640/blogger-image-767940711.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our accommodation overlooked Loch Alsh and the bridge that is the main link with mainland Scotland. The bridge was built in the 1990s, before that the island was accessed by ferry.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After tea we strolled along the waterfront and the others walking to the top of the bridge. I opted out, it was too cold and windy for me, and I was too tired. Back in our room I promptly fell asleep and left Ross locked out of our room. No amount of knocking was going to wake me so he had to get the receptionist to let him in. She was a bit suspicious about his motives until she opened the door and saw me, flaked out and fully clothed on the bed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Note to self, don't leave me alone in the room with the key at night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-79478473980171013922015-06-06T17:18:00.001+10:002015-06-07T17:20:24.412+10:00In search of Nessie<div>We had a lovely night in a 300 year old inn at Bankfoot and headed off to explore Scotland and find Nessie (the Loch Ness monster).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-giwPTQGFj5g/VXKeppHXmDI/AAAAAAAABjo/lGmednZaeyU/s640/blogger-image--707642307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-giwPTQGFj5g/VXKeppHXmDI/AAAAAAAABjo/lGmednZaeyU/s640/blogger-image--707642307.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">First stop for the day was Blair Castle. It is unlike other castles we have visited in that it is very bright an light inside but once again photography wasn't allowed except</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-abCjWYDGN_k/VXKevuxXHvI/AAAAAAAABkQ/QwNrjFUJa_I/s640/blogger-image-328047497.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-abCjWYDGN_k/VXKevuxXHvI/AAAAAAAABkQ/QwNrjFUJa_I/s640/blogger-image-328047497.jpg"></a></div>for the ballroom. It is fair to say that the family like deer hunting. There were antlers everywhere, not only here in the ballroom but they lined the passages as well. There was a chair and light fittings made from a antlers, taxidermy <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">heads here and there and </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">a whole deer laying in the entrance hall. I know a certain boyfriend who would've been in heaven. There was also a massive gun collection. Blair Castle has its own regiment though we didn't see them.</span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ymRosYPHPw/VXKesAOveqI/AAAAAAAABj4/9WwFBwYmRro/s640/blogger-image-394970001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7ymRosYPHPw/VXKesAOveqI/AAAAAAAABj4/9WwFBwYmRro/s640/blogger-image-394970001.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The castle grounds are a huge parkland planted with so many beautiful trees.</span><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br></font><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PpFjtCCgyVw/VXKl87QA5nI/AAAAAAAABlM/vvQmS9VVzrw/s640/blogger-image-612750823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PpFjtCCgyVw/VXKl87QA5nI/AAAAAAAABlM/vvQmS9VVzrw/s640/blogger-image-612750823.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In centre of it is this enormous walled garden which is both productive, lots of fruit trees, and decorative.</div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FsX2oQfK90U/VXKeoVgpy4I/AAAAAAAABjg/Fm0P7ODMSGY/s640/blogger-image--1409335140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FsX2oQfK90U/VXKeoVgpy4I/AAAAAAAABjg/Fm0P7ODMSGY/s640/blogger-image--1409335140.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HdkVSmUeuC8/VXKeubY4VbI/AAAAAAAABkI/jw1AtQNViQw/s640/blogger-image--1896558650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HdkVSmUeuC8/VXKeubY4VbI/AAAAAAAABkI/jw1AtQNViQw/s640/blogger-image--1896558650.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Long wide paths go all the way around the garden, great for the daily constitutional. Running a few laps around here everyday would do me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P7P_Bf5aERs/VXKeq-T6HxI/AAAAAAAABjw/O4tZ00vpq6A/s640/blogger-image-1140722065.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P7P_Bf5aERs/VXKeq-T6HxI/AAAAAAAABjw/O4tZ00vpq6A/s640/blogger-image-1140722065.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A lake in the centre with lots of birds making their home here including.....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PUN4blUn8h4/VXKetLqafhI/AAAAAAAABkA/EGLcJjxrjoE/s640/blogger-image--682795976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jdBWwOzmX5k/VXKeyMOkxGI/AAAAAAAABkg/OiCUyBwfdss/s640/blogger-image-71949848.jpg"></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;">this lovely lady and her three babies, what a treat. In the previous photo, the white spect on the other side of the lake is her mate out stretching his legs, saying hello to Ross.</div><div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e5ar9lnwnmc/VXKj8k3YA7I/AAAAAAAABlA/g67eHKQ8DUc/s640/blogger-image--697998951.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e5ar9lnwnmc/VXKj8k3YA7I/AAAAAAAABlA/g67eHKQ8DUc/s640/blogger-image--697998951.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Heading further north we were greeted by snow on the mountains. There aren't a lot of places to stop and take photos (though Scotland is better than England) so sometimes you have to share the view with some cheeky bikers who took great delight in being part of my photo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2L21zDzqTs/VXKj6ZcBu0I/AAAAAAAABkw/qEFci1p_n8o/s640/blogger-image-1672504653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e2L21zDzqTs/VXKj6ZcBu0I/AAAAAAAABkw/qEFci1p_n8o/s640/blogger-image-1672504653.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we got to Loch Ness the weather wasn't great, drizzling and really cold, but we made the most of it with a drive along the less travelled and narrower road on the eastern side. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JAYOknLFNm0/VXKj7aYCXwI/AAAAAAAABk4/vAmPtWbj8fk/s640/blogger-image-98544906.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JAYOknLFNm0/VXKj7aYCXwI/AAAAAAAABk4/vAmPtWbj8fk/s640/blogger-image-98544906.jpg"></a></div></div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">At Fort Augustus, which at the bottom of the Loch Ness, not something</span> you see everyday. It is one of the lake cruise boats holding up traffic as it passes through town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We travelled half way along the other side of the lake (no sight of Nessie) to our castle accommodation at Dingwell.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-63537063094119584742015-06-06T13:32:00.001+10:002015-06-06T15:05:44.793+10:00Ancient to Modern<div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Heading into Scotland today and just south of the border is Hadrian's Wall. It was built by the Romans about 2000 years ago to stop invaders from the north, and it stretches across Britain from coast to coast about 80 miles.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IupS41tKYgA/VXJpvLRDACI/AAAAAAAABjA/lw2SbcJYkR0/s640/blogger-image-349950150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IupS41tKYgA/VXJpvLRDACI/AAAAAAAABjA/lw2SbcJYkR0/s640/blogger-image-349950150.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We visited Homesteads Fort probably the best preserved of the forts that originally were every few miles along the length of the wall.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NsFnLJHXOvY/VXJlzYA8DFI/AAAAAAAABh8/SkB6kJc3LN4/s640/blogger-image--1625769037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NsFnLJHXOvY/VXJlzYA8DFI/AAAAAAAABh8/SkB6kJc3LN4/s640/blogger-image--1625769037.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VidZ_QW80ls/VXJlxwuMzAI/AAAAAAAABh0/-JcparSgMf8/s640/blogger-image--1160396067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VidZ_QW80ls/VXJlxwuMzAI/AAAAAAAABh0/-JcparSgMf8/s640/blogger-image--1160396067.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ih-WKLVLkhc/VXJpsdhvlpI/AAAAAAAABiw/OJl_abs-me4/s640/blogger-image--2081872992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Ih-WKLVLkhc/VXJpsdhvlpI/AAAAAAAABiw/OJl_abs-me4/s640/blogger-image--2081872992.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you can see from the magnificent views it's the ideal place to keep an eye out for sneaky invaders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The afternoon was a stark contrast to the morning and an accidental activity. We knew of the Falkirk Wheel from Ross and Brenda sister Jo but didn't know exactly where it was until we nearly drove passed it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AMr4BGDNxks/VXJpt4IUAMI/AAAAAAAABi4/R8CzAt2tSh8/s640/blogger-image-27757445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AMr4BGDNxks/VXJpt4IUAMI/AAAAAAAABi4/R8CzAt2tSh8/s640/blogger-image-27757445.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The Falkirk Wheel lifts boats 24 metres from one canal to another, like a modern day lock. It would take several traditional locks to do the same job and the wheel does it more efficiently.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y117hnnaNaI/VXJ41ZkuYLI/AAAAAAAABjQ/f9iPNdmWpI4/s640/blogger-image-1620980896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-y117hnnaNaI/VXJ41ZkuYLI/AAAAAAAABjQ/f9iPNdmWpI4/s640/blogger-image-1620980896.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The photo above shows the wheel raising and lower two boats at the same time and in the foreground you can see a boat being raised the traditional way.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nyWASKV4yqM/VXJppsi1clI/AAAAAAAABig/VGPgiIAs-_0/s640/blogger-image--1306755656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nyWASKV4yqM/VXJppsi1clI/AAAAAAAABig/VGPgiIAs-_0/s640/blogger-image--1306755656.jpg"></a></div>Of course we had to go for a ride. Above photos - entering the wheel, reaching the top, a short ride through a tunnel and back, and another boat going up as we're coming down.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RSex0TeKSCc/VXJprJHiJWI/AAAAAAAABio/_PmbiEj38BQ/s640/blogger-image-584615240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RSex0TeKSCc/VXJprJHiJWI/AAAAAAAABio/_PmbiEj38BQ/s640/blogger-image-584615240.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The views from the wheel, through raindrops on the windows.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iYRtEVfq5tM/VXJl2_YAaII/AAAAAAAABiU/2GKuW7TZk7M/s640/blogger-image-99328695.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iYRtEVfq5tM/VXJl2_YAaII/AAAAAAAABiU/2GKuW7TZk7M/s640/blogger-image-99328695.jpg"></a></div>There was also an intriguing water park for the "kids", with various ways of moving water up hill. Of course someone had to have a go.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another interesting day and more of Scotland tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-51410089955003201352015-06-04T03:07:00.001+10:002015-06-04T17:29:56.466+10:00A Little bit of LuxuryIf you have been follow our travels you may recall our Fawlty Towers experience. Well last night was at the other end of the scale by comparison and our best accommodation by far. Peter managed to find us two £90 ($180) rooms for £60 ($120), at Barrow in Furness in the south Lakes District, on laterooms.com. The service was impeccable, the rooms clean, bright & modern and the food (2 courses for £12 each) was restaurant quality, no pub grub here. It was a real treat for Ross and I, as we haven't stayed in this kind of accommodation before, and even Peter was impressed.<div>Our destination today was Carlisle just south of Scotland and the day was planned around a half price voucher we received with our train ticket yesterday for a boat ride on Lake Ullswater. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lo0ETFB7SL0/VW_7Qjo-BKI/AAAAAAAABgU/jNGFNIDSxWM/s640/blogger-image--659913929.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lo0ETFB7SL0/VW_7Qjo-BKI/AAAAAAAABgU/jNGFNIDSxWM/s640/blogger-image--659913929.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">As you can see the weather wasn't so good, not just raining but it was accompanied by the roaring 40s. If it had been upto me I probably would have some nice inside activity but our philosophy on on this trip is if one person's really keen we're all in and we know Ross and boats. To quote Ross' favourite expressions "anyone can do it on a fine day", and it all adds to the experience, right. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eqt70GCR7rg/VW_5Sy6e7fI/AAAAAAAABf4/HIMyDx4IlaY/s640/blogger-image-1024756175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Eqt70GCR7rg/VW_5Sy6e7fI/AAAAAAAABf4/HIMyDx4IlaY/s640/blogger-image-1024756175.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Once the rain eased off and the sun came out and despite the wind still being fierce and freezing, straight off the snow in Scotland, we ventured up on deck, it was lovely to be able to take in the scenery at gentle pace and not from the back of the car. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nlqD_kd0qfc/VW_9DR-4SAI/AAAAAAAABgw/HVsH4jb9i2M/s640/blogger-image--304825795.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nlqD_kd0qfc/VW_9DR-4SAI/AAAAAAAABgw/HVsH4jb9i2M/s640/blogger-image--304825795.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">At destination, Howtown, we stepped back into the story book with a stroll along this lane to local hotel.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZX3PwcrffQE/VW87MsZJCRI/AAAAAAAABfM/F32D-EhX0kM/s640/blogger-image-58926084.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZX3PwcrffQE/VW87MsZJCRI/AAAAAAAABfM/F32D-EhX0kM/s640/blogger-image-58926084.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The public bar was so small you couldn't swing a cat but cosy. We enjoyed a coke and a ginger beer (how English) before heading back for return trip on the oldest commercial boat in England, the "Lady of the Lake". <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-di_7IHpgndo/VW_81v4d7II/AAAAAAAABgo/KAZAQ1510wU/s640/blogger-image-1935784405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-di_7IHpgndo/VW_81v4d7II/AAAAAAAABgo/KAZAQ1510wU/s640/blogger-image-1935784405.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sorry I didn't get a decent photo of her because we didn't realise her history until we were on her. This is her bow as we're coming back to port.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A0unIktM390/VW_9I_uSoNI/AAAAAAAABg4/pUDpZt67mwE/s640/blogger-image--1264302225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A0unIktM390/VW_9I_uSoNI/AAAAAAAABg4/pUDpZt67mwE/s640/blogger-image--1264302225.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">One of the things we did before leaving home was join the National Trust of England ($200/couple), this allows you into any of their sites for free, which is a big saving when most places are at least £10+ ($20) each to get into. We covered the cost within 3 sites. Anyway, the information book on the sites has been our go to reference when we haven't had anything planned and Acorn Bank is one such place. The National Trust are in the process of bringing it back to it original glory. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VWyJlOj6gfE/VW_5GWpHRbI/AAAAAAAABfw/Jyc2oq01oUA/s640/blogger-image--534814522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VWyJlOj6gfE/VW_5GWpHRbI/AAAAAAAABfw/Jyc2oq01oUA/s640/blogger-image--534814522.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">While the house might not have been in the best of nick, the garden was beautiful. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSxZaLJgDsQ/VW_6fRMtXUI/AAAAAAAABgA/94Kt32QFDPI/s640/blogger-image--2119227959.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wSxZaLJgDsQ/VW_6fRMtXUI/AAAAAAAABgA/94Kt32QFDPI/s640/blogger-image--2119227959.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">An added bonus required stepping back into storyland with walk through these woods to another working mill. Couldn't you just skip along this path to find Wonderland or the Faraway Tree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fgazRiiH_HU/VW_-bLU4riI/AAAAAAAABhg/gNfDIdIJPYI/s640/blogger-image-1598151577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fgazRiiH_HU/VW_-bLU4riI/AAAAAAAABhg/gNfDIdIJPYI/s640/blogger-image-1598151577.jpg"></a></div>This mill was a bit more professional than yesterday's as it actually produces and small amount of flour for sale so it was a lot neater and clean. The chaps working it were very informative and interesting. The flour they produce is wholemeal but as fine as white flour which surprised me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">What a great couple of days, two of my favourites so far. I've loved immersing myself in the English countryside and transporting myself back childhood stories.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Off to Scotland tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-19884045181727535172015-06-02T18:15:00.001+10:002015-06-03T17:53:46.777+10:00Stepping Into a StorybookThe last couple of days have been delightful. It felt like I had stepped into a Beatrix Potter or Enid Blyton story book. Walking along country lanes lined with stone walls and hedgerows, strolling through woods of silver birch, oak and beech trees surrounded by wildflowers, looking at mill houses and riding on a stream train. Do you get the picture?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MLvbZNGBtzk/VW6pJVHK-oI/AAAAAAAABdc/w_dPPNaIuN0/s640/blogger-image-534302515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MLvbZNGBtzk/VW6pJVHK-oI/AAAAAAAABdc/w_dPPNaIuN0/s640/blogger-image-534302515.jpg"></a></div><div>The fantasy started with a visit to Beatrix Potters house, "Hill Top". It was as if time had stood still. Everything is just as she left it, full of all the things that she had collected just because she liked them, very eclectic. I was particularly taken with two very intricate cross stitches she had purchased at some time in her life. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A6JtxAZExxI/VW6paABHX3I/AAAAAAAABdk/jeS4JhMZrLI/s640/blogger-image-687650989.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A6JtxAZExxI/VW6paABHX3I/AAAAAAAABdk/jeS4JhMZrLI/s640/blogger-image-687650989.jpg"></a></div></div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HsUn6X4xFGQ/VW6pgZ_peTI/AAAAAAAABd0/5GkvAnQRWX8/s640/blogger-image-417345126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HsUn6X4xFGQ/VW6pgZ_peTI/AAAAAAAABd0/5GkvAnQRWX8/s640/blogger-image-417345126.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Looking around the the house, garden and surrounding countryside you can see where the inspiration came from for her children's book. It wouldn't have surprised me if I'd seen a rabbit in and little blue coat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">For something different in the afternoon we drove to Ravencliff, which is near the west coast, to have a ride on a miniature stream <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D80f6MN6_D4/VW6u-06Ad_I/AAAAAAAABec/eIrqk3MXmBU/s640/blogger-image--640214053.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D80f6MN6_D4/VW6u-06Ad_I/AAAAAAAABec/eIrqk3MXmBU/s640/blogger-image--640214053.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We arrived at the station minutes before the train was due to leave so Peter while bought the tickets the rest of us ran to try and hold the train but it leaves on time no matter what. It's alright though, Peter managed to get on as it was pulling away fortunately it wasn't very fast.</span><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daRpaV_9bVk/VW6vBTKAcfI/AAAAAAAABek/_EJRQVpQUbw/s640/blogger-image--1909456002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><font color="#000000"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-daRpaV_9bVk/VW6vBTKAcfI/AAAAAAAABek/_EJRQVpQUbw/s640/blogger-image--1909456002.jpg"></font></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It was leisurely ride and while the scenery wasn't spectacular it was lovely relaxing way to see the countryside. We thought it funny that our destination was Eskdale and that we'd travelled half way around the world to a town with same as one about an hour from our home in Australia that, I think, I've been to once.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aLjgblWor1c/VW6pmAwb1YI/AAAAAAAABeE/Z4Yy6zRebXg/s640/blogger-image-869037753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aLjgblWor1c/VW6pmAwb1YI/AAAAAAAABeE/Z4Yy6zRebXg/s640/blogger-image-869037753.jpg"></a></div>Once we reached Eskdale we decided to take short walk to England's oldest working grain mill. It doesn't work commercially, just for tourists, mind you OH & S (Occupational Health & Safety) would have a field day it was in Australia. </div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rj72jbMsJZY/VW6prkM5isI/AAAAAAAABeM/3sNZAIXopOY/s640/blogger-image--789212983.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rj72jbMsJZY/VW6prkM5isI/AAAAAAAABeM/3sNZAIXopOY/s640/blogger-image--789212983.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">It </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">was another step back in time and shall I say rustic, but I love this kind of thing. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RrJrixMcm7A/VW6wL21BxGI/AAAAAAAABes/DUn7INwclz8/s640/blogger-image-279167318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RrJrixMcm7A/VW6wL21BxGI/AAAAAAAABes/DUn7INwclz8/s640/blogger-image-279167318.jpg"></a></div>When we returned to Ravencliff we were in for a real treat a large stream came through the station and to small engines were there to greet it, there was lots of tooting and steam everywhere.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O5tfJKI4twY/VW6yhg4wNjI/AAAAAAAABe4/0Fw4cxscaNA/s640/blogger-image-1571158662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-O5tfJKI4twY/VW6yhg4wNjI/AAAAAAAABe4/0Fw4cxscaNA/s640/blogger-image-1571158662.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">All that excitement over we headed south for Barrow in Furness where we were in for a treat.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">TOODLES</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-12630774673544424212015-06-02T14:30:00.001+10:002015-06-02T16:35:41.326+10:00The Aquaduct<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We left Wales for the Lakes District but not before visiting the Pontcysyllte Aquaduct, a few minutes from where we were staying. </span><br><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PtKehjZ3Vf0/VW1I7cW799I/AAAAAAAABcw/5t7Mwbf5x20/s640/blogger-image-297645187.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PtKehjZ3Vf0/VW1I7cW799I/AAAAAAAABcw/5t7Mwbf5x20/s640/blogger-image-297645187.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The aqueduct is over 30 metres high and about 300 metres long. It was built in the early 1800s to allow canel boats to across the valley. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jp34F5rwciE/VW1OUBJEG_I/AAAAAAAABdA/dWRQ_hSXbdc/s640/blogger-image--97416656.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jp34F5rwciE/VW1OUBJEG_I/AAAAAAAABdA/dWRQ_hSXbdc/s640/blogger-image--97416656.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The canel boats are so quaint and it would be a lovely way to spend a leisurely couple of days if we had the time, sadly we don't.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D6qXs_F16Ck/VW1OZ5DwaVI/AAAAAAAABdI/e1OYyfFyI3c/s640/blogger-image--1274079824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D6qXs_F16Ck/VW1OZ5DwaVI/AAAAAAAABdI/e1OYyfFyI3c/s640/blogger-image--1274079824.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">On to Windermere in the Lakes District and more beautiful scenery but not many photos taken. Lots more tomorrow though.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><br></div><br><h1 style="margin: 0px 0px 18px;"><br></h1></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-61251234146290636712015-06-01T13:12:00.001+10:002015-06-02T14:10:12.161+10:00Licorice AllsortsWhat an an interesting day it was today, a variety of things to see and do. We decided to stay another night Morton so we could have a full day and not have to worry about accommodation. The goal for the day was to take the train to the top of Mount Snowdonia, the highest peak in Wales, though still only a baby at 1085 metres.<div>The countryside in Wales is so beautiful, just like all the pictures you've ever seen.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-faaTTxRF_JU/VWvZMD2e9vI/AAAAAAAABaU/pSIl8KAEhw4/s640/blogger-image-80736919.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-faaTTxRF_JU/VWvZMD2e9vI/AAAAAAAABaU/pSIl8KAEhw4/s640/blogger-image-80736919.jpg"></a></div></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">The paddocks are lush and green and divided by stone walls, kilometres and kilometres of stone walls. Most of the time we only saw wire if part of a wall had fallen down or if it wasn't high enough to keep some athletic sheep from getting out. Unfortunately it wasn't the best day for photography.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We took a little detour on our way to Snowdon to visit Trefriw Woollen Mills.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SgonMyJoRU/VWveet3DC9I/AAAAAAAABbE/yz4tWJYTIX8/s640/blogger-image-2023536014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3SgonMyJoRU/VWveet3DC9I/AAAAAAAABbE/yz4tWJYTIX8/s640/blogger-image-2023536014.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was interesting to see the process from fleece to fabric. Ross was particularly intrigued by the mechanics of it all, no surprise there.</div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-COhQUHkvRXI/VWvZN4yI0QI/AAAAAAAABac/Re9Bj8R1R4U/s640/blogger-image-238947078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-COhQUHkvRXI/VWvZN4yI0QI/AAAAAAAABac/Re9Bj8R1R4U/s640/blogger-image-238947078.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The fabric on this loom produces traditional Welsh bedspreads which is a double weave with geometric design.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cAnuDEtHdEE/VWviuqLWRLI/AAAAAAAABbc/wYgUOuZPhCk/s640/blogger-image-1646722691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cAnuDEtHdEE/VWviuqLWRLI/AAAAAAAABbc/wYgUOuZPhCk/s640/blogger-image-1646722691.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I love the patterns (maybe not so much the colours) and find them very inspiring as a patch worker. I didn't buy anything though, the wool and fabric is very course, unlike our very soft Australian Merino, and very expensive.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">When we got to Snowdon, at lunchtime,we were very lucky to get the last available tickets on the train but not until 4.00 so with a few hours to fill in what do you do but go visit a castle.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9YyjkB1hcmI/VWvjpmo8OEI/AAAAAAAABbs/2vw9VgLdVXQ/s640/blogger-image-2080774796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9YyjkB1hcmI/VWvjpmo8OEI/AAAAAAAABbs/2vw9VgLdVXQ/s640/blogger-image-2080774796.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Penrhyn Castle, by castle standards, is fairly modern, 19th century, and was built basically as a holiday house to show off how wealthy the owners were.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-69_rArKBFsc/VWvoaN8AhvI/AAAAAAAABb4/LzD9hDCCjOo/s640/blogger-image-673472278.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-69_rArKBFsc/VWvoaN8AhvI/AAAAAAAABb4/LzD9hDCCjOo/s640/blogger-image-673472278.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Blurry photo, no flash allowed, but not too bad considering how dark the room was. This is where Queen Victoria slept and gives you a general idea of the opulence of the interior. Not a bad little holiday shack. Our visit was cut short by a fire alarm and immediate evacuation, oh well we had to get back to our Snowdonia train anyway.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuFyA9UR8pI/VWvp1X9qnNI/AAAAAAAABcE/Hr2M2ZRBp8E/s640/blogger-image-608066464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yuFyA9UR8pI/VWvp1X9qnNI/AAAAAAAABcE/Hr2M2ZRBp8E/s640/blogger-image-608066464.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The train ride was fantastic and the scenery stunning. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tR49l_Kowzw/VWvud5Ir93I/AAAAAAAABcQ/eqbBvBJcOEg/s640/blogger-image-1668416896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tR49l_Kowzw/VWvud5Ir93I/AAAAAAAABcQ/eqbBvBJcOEg/s640/blogger-image-1668416896.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Unfortunately when we got to the top it covered with cloud so no view. We did the two minute walk to touch the very top but there was no lingering though, it was freezing. It was back to the cafe for a hot drink for the girls and cold bevy (madness) for the boys.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">It was getting on by the time we got back down the mountain. We were very thankful accommodation was sorted as we didn't get back til 8 o'clock.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A long satisfyingly day and looking forward to the Lakes District tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></span></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-9281748463281905992015-05-30T18:24:00.001+10:002015-05-31T17:32:52.711+10:00The Garden ItchThis is the first day I've had the itch to go home, not because I'm homesick or not having a good time but because we visited the most inspiring garden and I can wait to get home to my own.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FpCEfA4f1uM/VWqj6jGSkkI/AAAAAAAABZE/u5esVP-7IJ0/s640/blogger-image--995641580.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FpCEfA4f1uM/VWqj6jGSkkI/AAAAAAAABZE/u5esVP-7IJ0/s640/blogger-image--995641580.jpg"></a></div> Hidcote garden is so beautiful and dare I say it has humped Sissinghurst to number two, though <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">to be fair we did catch Sissinghurst be</span>tween flower flushes. Hidcote is so my kind of garden though, lots of <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">colour (the season is a bit later here so bulbs were flowering)</span> and a variety of styles and rooms, expertly linked together. It is Ross' favourite too. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So many ideas now floating around in our heads.</span><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WHDMGtr_3F4/VWqkbMxlZbI/AAAAAAAABZc/HKXWdwZm90Y/s640/blogger-image--68339554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WHDMGtr_3F4/VWqkbMxlZbI/AAAAAAAABZc/HKXWdwZm90Y/s640/blogger-image--68339554.jpg"></a></div></div></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j8QmH5qGZ3E/VWqj9MlWclI/AAAAAAAABZM/R9WSyCFJTsg/s640/blogger-image--530528144.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-j8QmH5qGZ3E/VWqj9MlWclI/AAAAAAAABZM/R9WSyCFJTsg/s640/blogger-image--530528144.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFX6iblbRZ4/VWqkZR32xrI/AAAAAAAABZU/fYA_1qfWF9k/s640/blogger-image-697712337.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFX6iblbRZ4/VWqkZR32xrI/AAAAAAAABZU/fYA_1qfWF9k/s640/blogger-image-697712337.jpg"></a></div></div>After lunch we headed for Wales via a place called Ironbridge so named after you guest it an Ironbridge.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P2r7OckOcKs/VWqnSaedefI/AAAAAAAABZo/vBIm21QSpu0/s640/blogger-image--1776844142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-P2r7OckOcKs/VWqnSaedefI/AAAAAAAABZo/vBIm21QSpu0/s640/blogger-image--1776844142.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The town is promoted as th birthplace of the industrial revolution because it's where iron smelting with coke, no not the drink, was perfected. As for the bridge it is very impressive, the arches above are 100cm square solid cast iron.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KBfmCTYOXlE/VWq4VhlC0lI/AAAAAAAABaA/Jjy4KwiHRwI/s640/blogger-image-802308324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-KBfmCTYOXlE/VWq4VhlC0lI/AAAAAAAABaA/Jjy4KwiHRwI/s640/blogger-image-802308324.jpg"></a></div>The iron refinery.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYYtrjl8c9I/VWq4UGXn9AI/AAAAAAAABZ4/N7yAwU2SWV4/s640/blogger-image--545391432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dYYtrjl8c9I/VWq4UGXn9AI/AAAAAAAABZ4/N7yAwU2SWV4/s640/blogger-image--545391432.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">The view from the bridge.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Accommodation was very difficult to find but eventually found a very nice reasonably priced motel in Morton close to the Wales border.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">TOODLES</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-27347558133559666442015-05-30T13:18:00.001+10:002015-05-30T16:58:06.809+10:00It's a Little Bit FunnyNo, there isn't anything particularly funny about today but it is the opening line from an Elton John song which was significant today.<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A0GT95B0V2k/VWlNeDKcjoI/AAAAAAAABYY/zpjgiW7OHpU/s640/blogger-image-753962445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-A0GT95B0V2k/VWlNeDKcjoI/AAAAAAAABYY/zpjgiW7OHpU/s640/blogger-image-753962445.jpg"></a></div><div>At the suggestion of our B&B hosts we left car at Westbury and took the train to Bath, about 20 minutes away, and another hop on hop off bus tour around the city. It was definitely the way to see and learn about this beautiful place.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Srm8ieoV2Xc/VWlNZHbw0xI/AAAAAAAABYI/sgzkWaA3-p8/s640/blogger-image--1061951311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Srm8ieoV2Xc/VWlNZHbw0xI/AAAAAAAABYI/sgzkWaA3-p8/s640/blogger-image--1061951311.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A lot of the buildings look the same as above and were built as apartments for the well to do to stay in while on holiday. All the buildings are made using Bath stone.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zgrZuYT8PyI/VWlNcc7-qCI/AAAAAAAABYQ/L7Hvdlj3Wgc/s640/blogger-image--306417066.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zgrZuYT8PyI/VWlNcc7-qCI/AAAAAAAABYQ/L7Hvdlj3Wgc/s640/blogger-image--306417066.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Above on the left is the famous Bath bathes, which we opted not go into at £14($28) each. On the right is the abbey. The man busking in the middle is where the significance of the song comes in. Those who know us well will know about "Penny moments", this fella set me off while he was singing "Your Song". Moments like these are sad but comforting at the same time. We walked away laughing, wondering what people thought of two women (I set Brenda off too) crying in the town square.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wIbMMpGfWN0/VWlahM-fLhI/AAAAAAAABYo/_kHUKEBCkA8/s640/blogger-image-1556431001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-wIbMMpGfWN0/VWlahM-fLhI/AAAAAAAABYo/_kHUKEBCkA8/s640/blogger-image-1556431001.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Back to Westbury and in the car we headed for the Cotswolds where it was stepping back in time(except for all the cars). The villages are beautiful and quaint with all their stone cottages with thatched or slate tiled roofs and narrow streets.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dEYXlg5J1-w/VWlajGFTEfI/AAAAAAAABYw/rO8_5-ef5JQ/s640/blogger-image--913426558.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-dEYXlg5J1-w/VWlajGFTEfI/AAAAAAAABYw/rO8_5-ef5JQ/s640/blogger-image--913426558.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This was our bedroom in "The Crown and Trumpet", a 300+ years inn in Broadway.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another day done and looking forward to a garden walk tomorrow.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-21911883274609294312015-05-29T17:08:00.001+10:002015-05-29T17:14:17.231+10:00Salisbury & Stone HengeImaginative title I know but nothing was coming to me, and I'm falling further behind oh well.<br><div>Monday we headed to Salisbury and a visit to the Cathedral. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8uKF1s-mHI/VWgQSYsdr6I/AAAAAAAABXk/K92RXWgjjGI/s640/blogger-image--2114762474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-v8uKF1s-mHI/VWgQSYsdr6I/AAAAAAAABXk/K92RXWgjjGI/s640/blogger-image--2114762474.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Another beautiful building and this time we were allowed the photograph inside though I opted not to use a flash so some photos are a little blurry but you'll get the general idea.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zv8J6SxodQ/VWgQRFTCCSI/AAAAAAAABXc/WwBZI54n7eA/s640/blogger-image-1648155290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9zv8J6SxodQ/VWgQRFTCCSI/AAAAAAAABXc/WwBZI54n7eA/s640/blogger-image-1648155290.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Beautiful ceilings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z60GpnaTUYI/VWgQVOF2gcI/AAAAAAAABX0/8bbjn0rwpVI/s640/blogger-image-2118950723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Z60GpnaTUYI/VWgQVOF2gcI/AAAAAAAABX0/8bbjn0rwpVI/s640/blogger-image-2118950723.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Sculptures</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nl9ajpFSwlU/VWgQIBN-hVI/AAAAAAAABXE/1sdf8_DLUZM/s640/blogger-image-89739151.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Nl9ajpFSwlU/VWgQIBN-hVI/AAAAAAAABXE/1sdf8_DLUZM/s640/blogger-image-89739151.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Stained glass windows</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7nofr-rwYyY/VWgQN5DWVNI/AAAAAAAABXM/iputxYZaHzs/s640/blogger-image--1096976767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7nofr-rwYyY/VWgQN5DWVNI/AAAAAAAABXM/iputxYZaHzs/s640/blogger-image--1096976767.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Carved woodwork</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Salisbury Cathedral is similar to Westminster in style though it is brighter inside and not quite as crowded with tombs and sculptures, or people for that matter. It is also surrounded by spacious park like grounds so it had a lovely feel about it.</span></div>From the old to the really old, Stone Henge.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PyMdcU5E0lQ/VWgQPUcZSrI/AAAAAAAABXU/WNPkqs3E3g0/s640/blogger-image-1676981230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PyMdcU5E0lQ/VWgQPUcZSrI/AAAAAAAABXU/WNPkqs3E3g0/s640/blogger-image-1676981230.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">To say Stone Henge is a popular tourist attraction is an understatement. It took about an hour to drive the last 5km and the number people is ridiculous. I will admit I was a little disappointed, not by the amazing feat it would have been to create structure, that is truly amazing, but the energy I was expecting to feel at this ancient religious site was somehow zapped by the crowd of people (see below, it was like that all the way round). Yes, I know we were part of that crowd. I would love to experience it by myself but that's the introvert in me speaking.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zzhXxMCR-jc/VWgQTw0BTGI/AAAAAAAABXs/QTOcAh-ipxI/s640/blogger-image-1023391547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zzhXxMCR-jc/VWgQTw0BTGI/AAAAAAAABXs/QTOcAh-ipxI/s640/blogger-image-1023391547.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">We found a lovely B&B is Westbury just south of Bath. The owners were lovely, and very helpful with suggestions for sightseeing.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif">Still not catching up cause we're on the move again.</font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">TOODLES</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-68405623918973371822015-05-27T05:46:00.001+10:002015-05-27T16:56:03.645+10:00The Great EscapeWell it wasn't really the great escape but we were packed up and out of the not so Grand Burstin by 8am. No breakfast we thought our money would be better spent on something edible.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZHmjYhTOd-E/VWVWxAZf6kI/AAAAAAAABVw/-U9iXuhgsDI/s640/blogger-image--1149590458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZHmjYhTOd-E/VWVWxAZf6kI/AAAAAAAABVw/-U9iXuhgsDI/s640/blogger-image--1149590458.jpg"></a></div><div>Folkestone is only a short drive to Dover to see Dover Castle and<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zxaI5rTQ_yE/VWVlNiA2pXI/AAAAAAAABWw/hMXD409uGJM/s640/blogger-image--1693756791.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zxaI5rTQ_yE/VWVlNiA2pXI/AAAAAAAABWw/hMXD409uGJM/s640/blogger-image--1693756791.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>of course the White Cliffs. They are spectacular especially with the morning sun shining on them. It was difficult to get a really good look at them from track we were on but we enjoyed the walk.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HIRqA9JbFGM/VWVlKkiNr-I/AAAAAAAABWg/i31q4JgyQAM/s640/blogger-image--1574707856.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HIRqA9JbFGM/VWVlKkiNr-I/AAAAAAAABWg/i31q4JgyQAM/s640/blogger-image--1574707856.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div>The boys enjoyed their first full English breakfast at a little cafe next to this church. Note the gravestones, this is quite common for the old churches to graveyards around them. <span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Full tummies we headed west in the general direction of Salisbury.</span></div><div><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aWjcfx_BlqI/VWVlJI_NilI/AAAAAAAABWY/LNkmZ19Sozs/s640/blogger-image--38804647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aWjcfx_BlqI/VWVlJI_NilI/AAAAAAAABWY/LNkmZ19Sozs/s640/blogger-image--38804647.jpg"></a></div>After driving for miles beside a sea wall curiosity got the better of us so we had to stop for a look, beach for as far as we could see in either direction. To the right of this picture the land is quite a bit lower than the beach hence the wall to hold back any very high tides. I though all the beaches in England were pebbly but apparently not, though they are pebbles along the walkway.</font></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There is so much too see that we can't possibly stop everywhere so Brenda and I (in the back seat) are getting whiplash while we're driving along. Brenda will need a new camera by the time she gets home, she is snapping away as we drive along. I, on the other hand, am choosing to just soak it all in and leave photographs for when we stop.</span><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-99UXZ4AIyW4/VWVlHgKkelI/AAAAAAAABWQ/6FVzWNjO89U/s640/blogger-image--767246209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-99UXZ4AIyW4/VWVlHgKkelI/AAAAAAAABWQ/6FVzWNjO89U/s640/blogger-image--767246209.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Pevency Castle ruins wasn't a planned stop but just happened to be our late lunchtime break. The walk around the ruins was beautiful and felt like a typical spring day at home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rest of the afternoon was spent driving and quite a long search for somewhere to stay. It was a long weekend here and B & B aren't always easy to find. We finally found an lovely inn in the middle of nowhere, cheap, lovely rooms, good service and good food.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A sigh of relief after last night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">TOODLES </div></font></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-15417757951453679782015-05-25T15:56:00.001+10:002015-05-26T14:39:39.512+10:00Excited Gardeners & Fawlty TowersDay four saw us packing up and leaving the hustle and bustle of London, again on the rail system. I must say for a city with so many people everything moves and works very smoothly when it comes to public transport, the major cities in Australia could do well to come and take some notes.<div>Back to the airport to hire a car, I'm glad we weren't in a hurry. It was nearly lunchtime by the time we were in the car and on our way with Gertie (my nickname the GPS navigator) as our guide. And thank goodness for her cause, unlike the public transport, the road system is very confusing. I'm glad Ross was driving and not me. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VrpB2wvvcpI/VWLAOSOB3sI/AAAAAAAABUc/lmk3y-le8S0/s640/blogger-image-1476269230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VrpB2wvvcpI/VWLAOSOB3sI/AAAAAAAABUc/lmk3y-le8S0/s640/blogger-image-1476269230.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We finally made it to the main reason for Brenda's trip to England, Sissinghurst Castle Gardens. It has been on my bucket list but Brenda was like a kid going to Disneyland. It's a wonder she didn't get indigestion she ate her sandwich so quickly.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WFqxxV5UKBg/VWLOXPfdwUI/AAAAAAAABUw/rKatp_W5zgo/s640/blogger-image-505920746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-WFqxxV5UKBg/VWLOXPfdwUI/AAAAAAAABUw/rKatp_W5zgo/s640/blogger-image-505920746.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The gardens were absolutely beautiful and everything we had hoped for. We were little early for the spring flush of roses and little late for the bulbs, but that's gardens. We weren't disappointed and Brenda will probably get another chance to come back after Ross and I leave to come home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">With two satisfied gardeners we headed for our prebooked accommodation in Folkstone and the comedy.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iM38-8-N2gk/VWPztbOSg1I/AAAAAAAABVE/NcT7kd12rTI/s640/blogger-image--817320507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iM38-8-N2gk/VWPztbOSg1I/AAAAAAAABVE/NcT7kd12rTI/s640/blogger-image--817320507.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This is the not so grand Grand Burstin Hotel, though it would've been very grand in its day. The staff were very pleasant and helpful, though I'm not sure how they can be so enthusiastic about their workplace, and our room was clean. <span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">I'm not sure how to describe the rest of the experience without it sounding like a really bad long winded review. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X0bWJBS9FwE/VWP5CAE16_I/AAAAAAAABVU/D_NGnb2cup0/s640/blogger-image-793089015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-X0bWJBS9FwE/VWP5CAE16_I/AAAAAAAABVU/D_NGnb2cup0/s640/blogger-image-793089015.jpg"></a></div>The view from our window probably says something and I'll put it this way if Basil Fawlty had appeared I wouldn't have been surprised. We did laugh a lot, especially over dinner, and it will be one our memorable nights.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Bring on day five</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">TOODLES</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-19822868197122083762015-05-25T14:32:00.001+10:002015-05-25T15:50:20.839+10:00WOW! OverloadThis morning it was on the hop on, hop bus again straight to Westminster Abbey. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sxnQ-VD7Aic/VWKl9O4e83I/AAAAAAAABTk/0W6CZ9Jlw8Y/s640/blogger-image-967060891.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sxnQ-VD7Aic/VWKl9O4e83I/AAAAAAAABTk/0W6CZ9Jlw8Y/s640/blogger-image-967060891.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Yes you guessed it another WOW experience. Very different from St Paul's, if for no other reason than the number of people. The Abbey isn't as expansive inside and there are a lot of tombs and statues. It is very impressive but it was harder to take it all in with soooo many people around. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRL3WyxoMHo/VWKxz2PZiQI/AAAAAAAABT0/dCHqmUWimvI/s640/blogger-image--1920282941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lRL3WyxoMHo/VWKxz2PZiQI/AAAAAAAABT0/dCHqmUWimvI/s640/blogger-image--1920282941.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Again we weren't allowed to take photos in the main part of the Abbey but the photos above were taken in the cloisters and an older part of the original church that wasn't torn down when the abbey was built.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">The afternoon was spent at the Victoria and Albert Museum. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u8oeKSj0GEk/VWK4E3Rx5KI/AAAAAAAABUM/IUk5Fh32PUg/s640/blogger-image--515376405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-u8oeKSj0GEk/VWK4E3Rx5KI/AAAAAAAABUM/IUk5Fh32PUg/s640/blogger-image--515376405.jpg"></a></div>The lighting isn't the best for taking photos but once again lots of WOWing. So many fascinating and inspiring things.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-80s_WKBXgZs/VWK3_Ljw1rI/AAAAAAAABUE/MXi8s_WJiJc/s640/blogger-image-1633196197.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-80s_WKBXgZs/VWK3_Ljw1rI/AAAAAAAABUE/MXi8s_WJiJc/s640/blogger-image-1633196197.jpg"></a></div> I was hoping to see some antique quilts here but unfortunately they have been archived while a new space is prepared for them. I "made do" with a fashion through the ages display. I was wishing Cherry and Heidi had been with me to share it. I </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">could have spent a week here, I might have to come back again one day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Suffering from WOW and visual overload that was another day done.</span></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><font face="Helvetica Neue Light, HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">TOODLES</span></font></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-20116120693988385422015-05-25T06:24:00.001+10:002015-05-25T15:26:11.965+10:00Tuppence a BagIf you are a Mary Poppins fan you may guess from the post title we visited St Paul's Cathedral (no old lady selling bread crumbs though). We decided to do a hop on hop off bus tour of the city. It's a great way to learn about London and all the different sites and you can get off whenever you like to see any of the attractions. <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QYRCEHJZfMY/VWIzOaaYNqI/AAAAAAAABSQ/WjCjOwb9zts/s640/blogger-image--1725087479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-QYRCEHJZfMY/VWIzOaaYNqI/AAAAAAAABSQ/WjCjOwb9zts/s640/blogger-image--1725087479.jpg"></a></div></div><div>St Paul's was our first stop off and all I can say is WOW! (the first of many). I have seen lots of pictures but until you are standing there you just can't appreciate the enormity of it, particularly inside. Beautiful, enormous and awe inspiring, I almost felt like crying. Unfortunately you're not allowed to take photos inside so you'll just have to take my word for it.</div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MsMTLCygYmw/VWIzj1NNvdI/AAAAAAAABSY/WbS630OxKtk/s640/blogger-image--972682303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MsMTLCygYmw/VWIzj1NNvdI/AAAAAAAABSY/WbS630OxKtk/s640/blogger-image--972682303.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After a guided tour, which was very enlightening and so worth the time, we climbed the 500+ steps to the top of the dome where, as you can see from the picture above, you get to look across London in all directions. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m4Fpv7vWjzE/VWKUU-WgVII/AAAAAAAABS0/hAvw3EwJRm8/s640/blogger-image-1382014360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-m4Fpv7vWjzE/VWKUU-WgVII/AAAAAAAABS0/hAvw3EwJRm8/s640/blogger-image-1382014360.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Our next stop off was the Tower of London and another guided tour with a Beefeater (oops thought to take a photo of him). I was surprised at how big it is. It is not just a tower, it's castle that used to be a prison and the main royal residence until Queen Elizabeth I. She didn't like the feel of the place, I'm not sure I'd like to live with prisoners either. Now, of course, it's the Queen's jewellery box and magnificent jewels they are too. It's also a museum with lots of medieval stuff. I loved the armour, some of it is so finely decorated.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7oMF1o6FmiU/VWKUe1tpDKI/AAAAAAAABS8/YdijOiZpFHQ/s640/blogger-image--1108086227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7oMF1o6FmiU/VWKUe1tpDKI/AAAAAAAABS8/YdijOiZpFHQ/s640/blogger-image--1108086227.jpg"></a></div></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our tour included a cruise along Thames with a running commentary from a fella who could possible make living doing stand up, very funny.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H59JYcELuVg/VWKdf9fxNLI/AAAAAAAABTM/cxWCaDJVYGA/s640/blogger-image-1872116896.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-H59JYcELuVg/VWKdf9fxNLI/AAAAAAAABTM/cxWCaDJVYGA/s640/blogger-image-1872116896.jpg"></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We arrived at the Houses of Parliament just in time to hear Big Ben do his thing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0TTyq57epeI/VWKdiJVM74I/AAAAAAAABTU/5iXTeBdaSoE/s640/blogger-image--1706600813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0TTyq57epeI/VWKdiJVM74I/AAAAAAAABTU/5iXTeBdaSoE/s640/blogger-image--1706600813.jpg"></a></div></div>Photographs just do not do justice to the grandeur a lot of these places and things. The Houses of Parliment is enormous, and I mean HUGE, and yet delicate at the same time. Yes another big WOW!</div><div>Despite having quite a bit of daylight left it was "home" time, sore feet, tired legs, hungry and generally pooped.</div><div><br></div><div>TOODLES</div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-43675783169866778012015-05-22T16:19:00.001+10:002015-05-23T15:18:27.525+10:00Hit The Ground Running<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Okay thaWow, we're up to day four in London already. While not feeling particularly jet lagged, I may have fallen asleep on the bus on the way "home" the evening of day two.</span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> The long daylight hours take some getting used to and it was nice to finally get a couple of nights of decent sleep. </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">Long days and being tired means I'm playing catch up here.</span><div><div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><b>DAY ONE - I WILL WALK 500 MILES </b>(Think The Proclaimers)</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We were all awake by 5 o'clock so we decided we may as well walk to Buckingham Palace via Hyde Park. One discovery along the way was a lovely memorial to the Australians who served in the two World Wars. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t-c2QiIQzsg/VV7KZh_3ORI/AAAAAAAABQ4/PwufqBkkd-s/s640/blogger-image-645876847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-t-c2QiIQzsg/VV7KZh_3ORI/AAAAAAAABQ4/PwufqBkkd-s/s640/blogger-image-645876847.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The wall in covered with the names of towns and places in Australia and the thickness of the lettering spells out the places where the soldiers served. We managed to find a few local places of family significance, Greg Greg, Clear Springs, Georges Creek, but we didn't find Corryong. We could've spent all day there and still not found it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We got the Palace with plenty of time to get a good pozzy on the fence to watch for the changing of the guard. A lot of pomp and ceremony for the changing of shifts but that's what we tourists want. It was fascinating and well worth the wait. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gw3Yd3CtKCE/VV_-WU_g9cI/AAAAAAAABRY/2Ukm6JaaGb0/s640/blogger-image-1956073405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-gw3Yd3CtKCE/VV_-WU_g9cI/AAAAAAAABRY/2Ukm6JaaGb0/s640/blogger-image-1956073405.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1MAD9BoVbL4/VV_-ZX5KebI/AAAAAAAABRg/cuM_5RLrW9k/s640/blogger-image-2138750163.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1MAD9BoVbL4/VV_-ZX5KebI/AAAAAAAABRg/cuM_5RLrW9k/s640/blogger-image-2138750163.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">After some lunch we made our way (more walking) to Chelsea Flower Show. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--6Dei3rweyU/VWAMNmRtf_I/AAAAAAAABR4/hddwpWl3wPk/s640/blogger-image-533069347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--6Dei3rweyU/VWAMNmRtf_I/AAAAAAAABR4/hddwpWl3wPk/s640/blogger-image-533069347.jpg"></a></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This lived up to all my expectations and absolutely beautiful. Even Ross enjoyed it far more than I thought he would. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hVnIasjrZfc/VWAMLIUPQ0I/AAAAAAAABRw/W_uXttqYRRI/s640/blogger-image-1980803715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-hVnIasjrZfc/VWAMLIUPQ0I/AAAAAAAABRw/W_uXttqYRRI/s640/blogger-image-1980803715.jpg"></a></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">It was hard to decide which photos to share so I put together a Flipagram so if you click on the following link you'll get a good overview. </span></div><div><font color="#000000" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://flipagram.com/f/W0aGGmCCIR" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">http://flipagram.com/f/W0aGGmCCIR</a></font></div></div><div>After we'd finished at Chelsea we were a little weary and foot sore so we, or should I say Brenda, decided a black London taxi was the way "home". The taxi driver was very friendly and we follwed his recommendation of a pub for tea. The end of day one saw us falling into bed. </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div>Okay that's all there's time for NOW as we on the more again. Leaving London today.</div><div>TOODLES</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-1221695255522152332015-05-20T15:43:00.001+10:002015-05-20T15:43:07.733+10:00London At Last<div>Hi Everyone</div>It's all a bit surreal really so far we've seen the inside of airports, a plane, couple of trains and the street where we are staying, that looks like any street in Melbourne except for the black cabs and red double decker buses, but we're half around the world.<div>We had a pretty good flight, Ross and I had exit row seats so plenty of leg room but no window unfortunately. Had a little hiccup at Dubai where I left my bag on the plane and had to race back and get it. Fortunately the cleaners hadn't found it or there may have been a security alert. The irony of the situation was we were getting back on the same plane and same seats. Anyway the flight attendants were all very nice about it.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k1VjLsXH67k/VVwe6ZsKERI/AAAAAAAABQk/HB5pCzPkZXI/s640/blogger-image--1855406174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-k1VjLsXH67k/VVwe6ZsKERI/AAAAAAAABQk/HB5pCzPkZXI/s640/blogger-image--1855406174.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Rest of the trip was uneventful and manage to negotiate the London train system and arrived our apartment, which is within throwing distance of the train station, 38 hours after leaving Corryong. Have only just done that calculation no wonder we were tired with only limited sleep on the plane. <div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IIyTQnXKn6o/VVwe45MA4SI/AAAAAAAABQc/OjiNH3QisYU/s640/blogger-image-1505275534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IIyTQnXKn6o/VVwe45MA4SI/AAAAAAAABQc/OjiNH3QisYU/s640/blogger-image-1505275534.jpg"></a></div></div><div>Woke this morning to daylight thinking we had slept in but only 4.30, a little trippy. Anyway feeling refreshed, so far, and ready to take on the day. A little look around and then Chelsea Flower Show this afternoon. YAY!! </div><div>It's now 6.30am and I'm being given the hurry up. Not sure I'm liking others (Brenda, Peter & Ross) being early risers too, anyway I dare say they will settle back to their normal sleeping patterns in a few days. </div><div><br></div><div>TOODLES for now.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div></div></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-50640113179103640092015-05-06T15:46:00.001+10:002015-05-06T16:17:21.377+10:00Innocent Chocolate Coconut MuffinsHi Everyone, <div>This is a trial post as I have just bought an iPad and downloaded a blogging app and I want to check out how it works. Ross and I am going on a little holiday and I thought I might do some blog posts while we are on our travels, just in case you're interested in what we are up to.<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> Ross' sister Joanne is currently away with her husband and has been doing a daily blog, and it's great being</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"> kept up to date. The </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">truth be told I initially bought the iPad so I can backup my photos and when we get back it will a useful business tool as well. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you follow me on Facebook you might have seen my post about my best batch of Innocent Chocolate Muffins. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aOecL5Pn2AI/VUmqzLpk3UI/AAAAAAAABPo/CXO4UBa-t8E/s640/blogger-image-674626181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-aOecL5Pn2AI/VUmqzLpk3UI/AAAAAAAABPo/CXO4UBa-t8E/s640/blogger-image-674626181.jpg"></a></div>They are based on my Innocent Chocolate Cake. I'm not sure if I can add a link to the original recipe with this app but you will find it on 15/6/2014. Last </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">week I thought I'd try something different and give them a coconut twist. I soaked the dates in coconut milk instead of water and I replaced 1/2 cup of almond meal with toasted coconut. I also added 1 teaspoon of gluten free baking powder which made them lighter. I </span><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">was hoping that they would taste a bit more coconutty, I might try a bit more coconut next time. They were still really yummy though. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><br></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>INNOCENT CHOCOLATE COCONUT MUFFINS</b><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 cp dates (cover with coconut milk& soak until soft)<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">150g almond meal (approx 2cps)<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1/2 cp desicated coconut (toasted)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1/3 cp cocoa<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">½ teas bicarb soda<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">1 teas baking powder (gluten free)</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><u1:p>1 ts vanilla</u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><u1:p></u1:p>¼ cp olive oil<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">3 eggs (separated)</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Mix together dry ingredients in a bowl. Puree dates with oil, vanilla and egg yolks until smooth, add to dry ingredients and mix well. Beat egg whites to soft peaks. Mix 1/3 of the egg whites into mixture thoroughly, then gently fold through the remaining egg whites. Spoon mixture into muffins patty pans and bake at 180C (360F) for approximately 15-20 mins or cooked when tested with a skewer.</span></div></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">It has taken a bit of faffing around but I managed to get a post done, YAY!!</span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"> While I can't do as much as easily as I can on the computer I think it will be fine to keep you up to date on our travels. If I don't get a chance to post here as often as I'd like I will be posting regularly on Facebook and Instagram so you can follow me there.</span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">Until next time </span></div><div class="separator" style="text-align: start; clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">TOODLES</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> </span></div>One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-36792633424627345362015-03-23T17:21:00.003+11:002015-03-23T17:55:00.048+11:00I'm BackHi Everyone,<br />
Yes I know it's been a looooong time since I've been here. I could go into a very long winded explanation about why I haven't posted anything for, eeeeeek, over five months, but that could get a little boring. If you follow me on Facebook and Instagram you will have a general idea about what I've been up to, but for those who don't let me summarise.<br />
<strong>GARDEN GETABOUT</strong> <br />
Garden Getabout is an open garden weekend on the second weekend in November. We have our garden open and I'm one of the coordinators so for several weeks before I pretty well eat, drink and sleep garden. And just to put a bit more pressure on myself I also have a my craft work on display to greet visitors.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0dgp6n1gL0/VQ8mUAHv8JI/AAAAAAAABNs/9R0hx3R9nfc/s1600/GG%2B2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z0dgp6n1gL0/VQ8mUAHv8JI/AAAAAAAABNs/9R0hx3R9nfc/s1600/GG%2B2014.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong>ROSS' 50th BIRTHDAY</strong><br />
Ross turned 50 in mid December, so after a bit of down time following the Garden Getabout, it was time to think about a birthday celebration. Even though someone didn't want to make a big deal about it, mainly because he didn't want to make too much work for me, we eventually decided to have a casual lunchtime barbeque with family and a few friends. As the day approached it became of obvious that it was going to be a bit more than a casual barbie but people offered to bring salads and my ever reliable party prep side kick Heidi came home a couple of days early and helped with some cooking and made the White Chocolate Cherry Ripe Mud birthday cake, so it resulted in a great day. <br />
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<strong>CHRISTMAS</strong><br />
We love Christmas in our house (I've heard, believe it or not, that some people don't). We have traditions that have developed over the years, a real Christmas tree with hand made decorations, Christmas Eve mass, a treasure hunt (yes even though the kids are 28, 24 & 22), just to name a few.<br />
This year lunch was at Ross' sister's with all of his family. We had a home made 'Kris Kringle' and everyone put a lot of thought and/or work into their gifts which made for a fun filled afternoon with lots of laughter.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CpbhxW5CM54/VQ8vZIXjoCI/AAAAAAAABOI/Qja6E9AvXCg/s1600/2014%2BChristmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CpbhxW5CM54/VQ8vZIXjoCI/AAAAAAAABOI/Qja6E9AvXCg/s1600/2014%2BChristmas.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a><strong>HOLIDAYS</strong></div>
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Boxing Day we headed to our annual holiday destination of Narooma where had a lovely relaxing break of nearly 2 weeks. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kumex_-Qhy8/VQ8ovOjz_MI/AAAAAAAABN4/jFaoX6TNFcA/s1600/Narooma%2B2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kumex_-Qhy8/VQ8ovOjz_MI/AAAAAAAABN4/jFaoX6TNFcA/s1600/Narooma%2B2015.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong>SCRATCHING AN ITCH</strong><br />
All the busyness in the later part of 2014 meant I hadn't really had a chance to do any major patchwork projects. In fact apart from making a few projects for the Friday craft group at the Neighbourhood Centre and finishing a quilt off for my Garden Getabout craft display I hadn't done much since early April. Admittedly I had swapped my fabric & sewing machine for wool & crochet hook over the winter, which was fun, but by the time January came around the patchwork itch definitely needed scratching. So scratch I have, like a dog with a flea. The itch has eased a little but my head is still full of ideas just waiting to materialise.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ekqyJoXgY/VQ-R_V9kHUI/AAAAAAAABOk/QmNXqeXCxeQ/s1600/Quilts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K9ekqyJoXgY/VQ-R_V9kHUI/AAAAAAAABOk/QmNXqeXCxeQ/s1600/Quilts.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
<strong>EXERCISE</strong><br />
I always been pretty self motivated when it comes to exercise but what with one thing or another the motivation has been a bit spasmodic over the last year or so. I don't like being unfit so after the Garden Getabout I gave myself a kick in the but and decided I needed to do some form of exercise a least 5 days a week whether wanted to or not. I started walk/running every week day and just before Christmas I joined the local Metafit group to work on strength training and add some variety. It has been a lot of fun and I'm enjoying my renewed fitness. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWQAFGR4RSk/VQ-vejj39BI/AAAAAAAABO0/fG75Mopl4pg/s1600/Exercise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oWQAFGR4RSk/VQ-vejj39BI/AAAAAAAABO0/fG75Mopl4pg/s1600/Exercise.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
There you have it, between all these goings on and my blogging mojo going into hibernation, that is why I have been absent from this space. I'm hoping, now that I'm back, I'll get into the swing of posting regularly again. I have lots to share, it's just a matter of having or making the time. <br />
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Hope you've enjoyed the catch up</div>
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Thanks for popping by and until next time </div>
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<span style="font-family: Mountains of Christmas; font-size: x-large;">TOODLES</span></div>
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I would love your feedback.</div>
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You can either comment here or on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Oneearlybird?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Facebook</span></a> </div>
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or</div>
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You can follow me on</div>
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One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-20874676529795473142014-10-17T12:55:00.000+11:002014-10-18T05:11:55.421+11:00Craft Along - Week 4Hi everyone,<br />
<br />
It's Friday again already and time for the big reveal of the Mystery Project. By this stage you should have made something that looks like a mini quilt. I suppose if you wanted to you could bind it now and use it as a table centre or table runner but that's not what it is going to be. Remember we have a zipper and some material still to use.<br />
So I won't keep you waiting any longer, let's get started on the finale.<br />
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<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/p1ufmyfnld0lxb2/Craft%20Along%20-%20Week%204.pdf?dl=0" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: #9fc5e8; color: #073763;">PRINTABLE INSTRUCTIONS</span></a><br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Mystery Project Craft Along - Week 4</span></strong><br />
Lay your patchwork piece on the last piece of fabric (lining) and trim it to the same size.<br />
Open the zipper and pin one side of it to the patchwork piece along one end, so that the right side of both the zip and patchwork are facing, and so that the teeth of the zip are facing away from the edge. Repeat with the other side of the zip on the other end of the patchwork.<br />
<i><b>NB:</b> Place the zip so the little metal stopper at the open end is just off the edge of the patchwork piece. The zip is also longer than the patchwork piece so that it is easier to sew. It will be trimmed later.</i><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJTVpsFBMW0/VEBkizL0SqI/AAAAAAAABIo/-UxWocCRVbk/s1600/2014.10.17%2B007crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wJTVpsFBMW0/VEBkizL0SqI/AAAAAAAABIo/-UxWocCRVbk/s1600/2014.10.17%2B007crop.jpg" height="250" width="640" /></a><br />
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Sew approximately ¼" from the edge along both ends of the patchwork to attached of the zipper.<br />
<i><b>NB:</b> This is easier with a zipper foot if you have one for your machine but the first time I did this I used my ¼" patchwork foot.</i><br />
Pin and sew the lining along the same edge, so the zipper is sandwiched between the patchwork and the lining.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_yw9_yLyek/VEBkizM404I/AAAAAAAABIw/S1JEZUD456Q/s1600/2014.10.17%2B010crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-j_yw9_yLyek/VEBkizM404I/AAAAAAAABIw/S1JEZUD456Q/s1600/2014.10.17%2B010crop.jpg" height="220" width="640" /></a><br />
Turn it in the right way so that the lining and patchwork are wrong side facing and you can now see the zipper.<br />
Pin the layers together and top stitch close to fold to hold everything flat.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTpIlh69zLg/VEBkjWcYKnI/AAAAAAAABIs/1uHq9Uksn38/s1600/2014.10.17%2B014crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TTpIlh69zLg/VEBkjWcYKnI/AAAAAAAABIs/1uHq9Uksn38/s1600/2014.10.17%2B014crop.jpg" height="330" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>VERY IMPORTANT: </b>Make sure you partially close the zipper to about half way now.<br />
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Turn everything in the wrong way again and fold so the patchwork is folded at on end, the lining is folded at the other and the zipper is in the middle with the teeth facing the lining.<br />
Pin along the sides. Sew along both sides but leave about a 4" gap in the lining seam on one side. This is so you will be able to turn out the right way later.<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kD3aKYCau6Y/VEBklq5kCiI/AAAAAAAABJA/6WqbtsDlUFo/s1600/2014.10.17%2B016crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kD3aKYCau6Y/VEBklq5kCiI/AAAAAAAABJA/6WqbtsDlUFo/s1600/2014.10.17%2B016crop.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a><br />
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<i>As you may have guessed by now you have made a bag and if you want a flat bag you can turn it out the right way now and you're finished, once you slip stitch the side seam in the lining closed. I chose to square off the bottom of the bag so that it will stand up.</i><br />
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Mark along the folds of both the lining and patchwork with pins, chalk, fabric pen or pencil.<br />
Fold all four corners into triangles so that the side seams line up with the folds.<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tt4XdJoTKpg/VEBkm9fiiqI/AAAAAAAABJM/-X5RHdkeRQ4/s1600/2014.10.17%2B017crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tt4XdJoTKpg/VEBkm9fiiqI/AAAAAAAABJM/-X5RHdkeRQ4/s1600/2014.10.17%2B017crop.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a><br />
Measure 1¼<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 16.8666667938232px;">"</span></span> from the corner and mark.<br />
Sew across the triangle at right angles to the seam/fold mark.<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9NOfsNtMoQ/VEBkmntgYSI/AAAAAAAABJE/HncqiuLriHA/s1600/2014.10.17%2B018crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F9NOfsNtMoQ/VEBkmntgYSI/AAAAAAAABJE/HncqiuLriHA/s1600/2014.10.17%2B018crop.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a><br />
Cut the corner off, leaving about ¼".<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDIOPkPhkb0/VEBkoP9SMgI/AAAAAAAABJY/uxW3iPauMMw/s1600/2014.10.17%2B019crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YDIOPkPhkb0/VEBkoP9SMgI/AAAAAAAABJY/uxW3iPauMMw/s1600/2014.10.17%2B019crop.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a><br />
Turn the bag out the right way through the gap you left in the lining.<br />
Slip stitch the lining closed and tuck it into the bag.<br />
And the grand TA DAH.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oYrBOb8dP0/VEBsyPU9JsI/AAAAAAAABJs/uWSd7Yb2Z2s/s1600/2014.10.17%2B007crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2oYrBOb8dP0/VEBsyPU9JsI/AAAAAAAABJs/uWSd7Yb2Z2s/s1600/2014.10.17%2B007crop.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
A handy sized bag. Lovely to keep for yourself or it would make a great Christmas present seeing as that isn't far away.<br />
I have been working on other variations as well.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zJIbijn8vY/VEBsxqDQ3fI/AAAAAAAABJo/9cO68aNFCuc/s1600/2014.10.17%2B010crop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zJIbijn8vY/VEBsxqDQ3fI/AAAAAAAABJo/9cO68aNFCuc/s1600/2014.10.17%2B010crop.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
I made a 4" sawtooth star block with a ¼" border in place of the square in a square block.<br />
These are not colours I usually work with but I thought I would step out of my box and try something different. I quite like how it turned out.<br />
So you could have fun experimenting with different options too, maybe some embroidery, another patchwork block, a different applique or you could personalise it with someone's initials.<br />
I hope you've enjoy this Craft Along, I've enjoyed the challenge of putting it together. If you have been joining in you might like to post a photo in a comment on my Facebook page. I would love to see your versions of the project and hear any feed back, good and bad.<br />
The idea for this bag came from this <a href="http://www.sewdelicious.com.au/2013/09/scrappy-fabric-strip-zipper-pouch.html" target="_blank">tutorial</a> on the blog <a href="http://www.sewdelicious.com.au/" target="_blank">Sew Delicious</a>, so thanks Ros for the inspiration. Go and check out Ros' blog it has lots great tutorials and many of them are suitable for beginners or would make quick easy presents.<br />
Okay that's it for today, I'm rushing off to craft group now.<br />
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Hope you've had fun</div>
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Thanks for popping by and until next time </div>
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<span style="font-family: Mountains of Christmas; font-size: x-large;">TOODLES</span></div>
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One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2707392520353026758.post-91703139058808610772014-10-15T09:24:00.002+11:002014-10-15T09:24:59.554+11:00Doodling to Garden Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hey how's it going,</div>
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I'm a little bit excited. I should be out in the garden but I just had to share this. You know how I was singing the praises of my handy husband a couple of months ago <a href="http://oneearlybird.blogspot.com.au/2014/08/more-than-plants.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>, well he has done it again and I'm super happy with the results.</div>
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I have a tendency to get ideas and then just doodle them down on any scrap of paper I can find. Quite often that is the last of it but not for this little 3 inch sketch.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__UFskpve1w/VD2UHEE2RfI/AAAAAAAABIY/5HKeRMwTetQ/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-__UFskpve1w/VD2UHEE2RfI/AAAAAAAABIY/5HKeRMwTetQ/s1600/IMG_3492.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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I had originally been thinking of a gate design but then could work out how to attach it to a post without it losing it's aesthetic appeal, so it got tucked away amongst the numerous pieces of paper that tend congregate on the kitchen table. </div>
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I discovered it one lunchtime recently and decided it had merit as a garden feature. While discussing it, one of Ross' mates who was with there, suggested if I still wanted to use it as a gate why not have it pivot in the centre. BRILLANT. So the "leaf gate" got put on the to do list, and I just had to work on the dimensions. </div>
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I drew up a more workable drawing the other day and Ross has been working on it. This morning it has been put in position. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYQNotJMK5g/VD2UFTTxD6I/AAAAAAAABIM/zI5tOk5za9s/s1600/IMG_3488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a> </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiEXeJr7O-8/VD2UEUPjh9I/AAAAAAAABIA/kHiixFxR3Wc/s1600/IMG_3489.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiEXeJr7O-8/VD2UEUPjh9I/AAAAAAAABIA/kHiixFxR3Wc/s1600/IMG_3489.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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Looking out of the garden into what will be an arboretum of sorts.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYQNotJMK5g/VD2UFTTxD6I/AAAAAAAABIM/zI5tOk5za9s/s1600/IMG_3488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kYQNotJMK5g/VD2UFTTxD6I/AAAAAAAABIM/zI5tOk5za9s/s1600/IMG_3488.JPG" height="640" width="456" /></a></div>
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Looking back into the garden.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl_jbbIJRfc/VD2UFMlFttI/AAAAAAAABII/OX77fICYia4/s1600/IMG_3490.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Yl_jbbIJRfc/VD2UFMlFttI/AAAAAAAABII/OX77fICYia4/s1600/IMG_3490.JPG" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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Looking through the long arbour from the verandah you can just see it in the photo but it's easier to see in real life.</div>
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Did I mention how happy I am with how it turn out. Love it. When it rusts it will be perfect. Now I just have tidy up around it and decide what sort of fence to put either side. At the moment there is a steel post and wire paddock fence there and it will probably have to stay in the short term. These decisions can't be rushed.</div>
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Now I'm off to have a cuppa and then out into the garden to pull some weeds and lay some mulch. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Garden-Getabout/680522221960369" target="_blank">Garden Getabout</a> is less than 4 weeks away. I'll be back on Friday with the final step of the Mystery Project Craft Along.</div>
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Thanks for popping by and until next time </div>
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<span style="font-family: Mountains of Christmas; font-size: x-large;">TOODLES</span></div>
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<br />One Earlybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06374536187067286530noreply@blogger.com6