This post is for Kayt and Dave in Australia. Its prom night and soe very pretty young ladies are travelling in style.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Things are looking up in the Close.
This post is for Kayt and Dave in Australia. Its prom night and soe very pretty young ladies are travelling in style.
Slufters Pond was pretty crowded this afternoon.
Its very warm today and expected to be a hot weekend. We walked at Slufters Pond, there were a lot of ponies about when we left the cars and son they all followed us down to the pond.group after group appeared over the hill and soon it waspretty crowded. they were still coming and going when we went back an hour later. We had a very pleasnt walk stopping for a while to rest under a shady tree.
Missy found a ball when we went down to the pond nd she still had it 90 mins later when we went back to the pond.
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Wednesday is school day.
On Wednesdays Raffles and Missy go to school.
Recently a challenge was issued on one of the Flickr groups to get your dog to retrieve an unusual object.
Missy retrieved a duster but Raffles wasn't interested but today we took the duster and the brush to school because Raffles is a good boy at school he retrieved both proudly.
The photos are not brilliant but he wanted to share them with you :o)
Recently a challenge was issued on one of the Flickr groups to get your dog to retrieve an unusual object.
Missy retrieved a duster but Raffles wasn't interested but today we took the duster and the brush to school because Raffles is a good boy at school he retrieved both proudly.
The photos are not brilliant but he wanted to share them with you :o)
Monday, June 26, 2006
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Walking from Canadian Cross
After a beautiful sunny day yesterday, today is cool and overcast. We took the dogs for a Walk at Canadian Cross.. We went down through the enclosure and then followed Highland Water for a short way, before coming up to the pond. After Missy had a swim we went back into the enclosure where there is a very swampy pond. Whilst John walked on with the dogs i slipped down to see the water lilies before we returned to the car.
Speke Hall Liverpool
Our final stop on our trip to Liverpool, was Speke Hall. Now administered by the National trust this fine half timbered Tudor building was greatly restored during the latter part of the 19th century. It was then one of the most modern farms of its time. Before the restoration work the house was virtually a ruin as the original family , being catholic had fallen out of favour.One of the features was a secret priest hole.Several of the original fireplaces still exist along side many that were added in the Victorian period.The House has some small formal gardens , but it all sits in beautiful parkland. The House was largely furnished in the Victotian stye as it would have been during the life of the last owner.
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Its busy at Slufters Pond.
late this afternon we took the dogs up to Slufters Pond for a walk.
There were no cars and at first we thought the pond was deserted, but then we saw a family of ducks under the overhanging branches on the island. As we walked roud the pond we noticed loads of little blue damsel flies flitting about. They are so beautiful like little strings of jewels glittering in the sun. As I was taking pictures of the damsel flies I looked down on the ground and there were literally hundreds of tiny baby frogs leaping around. In the photos I took of them on the ground they are very hard to make out but if you look closely at the two I took in the pond you can see them. They were only about the size of a house fly.
There also seemed to be a lot ponies around holding up the traffic as they congregated on the road.
There were no cars and at first we thought the pond was deserted, but then we saw a family of ducks under the overhanging branches on the island. As we walked roud the pond we noticed loads of little blue damsel flies flitting about. They are so beautiful like little strings of jewels glittering in the sun. As I was taking pictures of the damsel flies I looked down on the ground and there were literally hundreds of tiny baby frogs leaping around. In the photos I took of them on the ground they are very hard to make out but if you look closely at the two I took in the pond you can see them. They were only about the size of a house fly.
There also seemed to be a lot ponies around holding up the traffic as they congregated on the road.
It was warm at agility.
When we left home this morning it was cool and cloudy but by the time we reached Sway it had turned into a beautiful sunny day.The Agility course had been set up on the grass and the dogs took it in turns to rest in the few shady places . Missy really loves agility and her favourite piece is the "A" Frame. She loves this and is not a bit afraid of the height. It seemed very quiet in the forest as we drove home, even Lyndhurst was fairly traffic free. I guess everyone is staying home watching the football!
Friday, June 23, 2006
Pleasantly warm today.
This afternoon we started and finished our walk at Slufters pond. It was warm but a gentle breeze was blowing. As we left the pond some cows came running down the path and we had to move out of the way to let them past.We gently strolled for a couple of hours before coming home. Just before we got back to the car we past the Foal Nanny. it is unusual for a mare to have more than one foal but this one appeared to be looking after three. One was having a nap and the other two were nuzzling each other. A little way away some other mares were grazing and we suspect that the foals belonged to them.Once we reached home the dogs were soon curled up fast asleep.
This foal seemed to be looking after three foals It is rare to see twins so we think she was minding the neighbours kids.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Getting lost in the Bracken.
We walked a t Bratley View this afternoon and it has been a while since we walked here. In places the bracken had shot up and several times we lost the path and had to wander through the waist high ferns looking for it. It was warm and there was a pleasant breeze. Several times we saw deer skipping away through the ferns.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
More Liverpool
John was born in Liverpool and lived there until he was 20. So this trip too Liverpool was a trip down memory lane for him. I have only been there twice. once before we were married and again shortly afterwards so it is about 30 years since John last saw his home city and a lot had changed.However The Mersey ferry still runs and we saw his old school. It is no Longer an ordinary school as Sir Paul McCartney bought it and turned it into a school for the performing arts. We could hear music as we were outside and John was able to take a quick peep inside.The Church at Mossley Hill is where John used to run up the stairs daily to wind the clock.
I still have one more Liverpool Post to make.
I still have one more Liverpool Post to make.
The Albert docks have been re developed since John Lived here and it is now all modern apartments and shops.
Many poor families, especially irish escaping the potato famine sailed from Liverpool seeking a better life in America.
Mattie on the Mersey ferry. John has been on here many times in his youth but for Mattie and I it was a first time trip.
The Liver birds sit on top of this building. We were told that the female looks out to sea caring for the sailors whilst the male looks into town to see if the pubs are open!
At the other end of Hope Street is the Catholic Cathedral built in the 1960s and affectionately known as Paddy's Wigwam.
Liverpool Anglican cathedral Stands at one end of Hope Street. it wasn't completed until the mid 1900s
The House John grew up in Kylemore Road Liverpool.(Unlike the beatle Houses no Blue Plaque on the wall)
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
A tour of Beatle sights in Liverpool
Mattie is a huge fan of the Beatles and he was very excited when we decided to fly up to Liverpool. First we visited the Beatle Experience. A huge Museum dedicated to the lives of the Beatles. In the Evening we found the Cavern and walked around the nearby streets. The following day it was visits to Penny Lane,Forthlin road the home of Paul and then Menlove street where Aunt Mimi lived and John Lennons childhood home.
Later I will post some of the other things we did in Liverpool.
Later I will post some of the other things we did in Liverpool.
No20 Forthlin Roadwas the family home of Paul McCartney
. It was here the beatles composed their early songs and it was from here that The Scaffold was formed.
. It was here the beatles composed their early songs and it was from here that The Scaffold was formed.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Mattie goes home
We took Mattie back to the airport today
. The skies were cloudy and grey and overnight we had some rain. its hard to believe that three weeks have flown by and as I type this Mattie is flying back home. Strange for him as well, he left Heathrow just after 1pm and with the time difference he will arrive back home about 2.30 pm Vancouver time after a 9 hour flight.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Our Last day with Mattie
If you walk near Andrews mare Pond in the evening when the forest is quiet scary things might be seen emerging from the misty depths!
Evening skies at Andrews mare. After a traditional Roast beef Dinner we took the dogs for an evening walk.
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Another scorcher
Its very hot again and we are having a lazy day. We spent this morning playing in the garden with the dogs and then we had a walk at Canadian cross with Bob and Gill. Dora Missy and Raffles were pleased to see each other but it was really too hot to play. Dora is coming over for a BBQ this evening so they will have another chance then.
Walk the Southampton Walls
Yesterday was another very hot day. We walked the walls of Southampton.
Southampton is only a few miles from where we live and is where John works. However apart from shopping trips and a few visits to the Common we have not really looked at Southampton .
Although Southampton was bombed in the war, a lot of history has survived. I have many more pictures but I will save some for a rainy day.
Southampton is only a few miles from where we live and is where John works. However apart from shopping trips and a few visits to the Common we have not really looked at Southampton .
Although Southampton was bombed in the war, a lot of history has survived. I have many more pictures but I will save some for a rainy day.
The woolhouse is the only medievalwarehouse still in use in Southampton. it was built just after 1400. The front of the wool house was rebuilt inthe 19th century, but most of the wall running along Bugle street is oringinal.Since the decline of Southamptons wool trade in the 16th century the wool house has had many uses. In the early 19th century it housed french prisoners of war and today it houses the Maritime museum.
The Mayflower Monument.
The mayflower sailed to America with 104 pilgrims servants hired hands and crew on August 15th 1620.
The mayflower sailed to America with 104 pilgrims servants hired hands and crew on August 15th 1620.
Tudor merchants hall.
This use to stand in St Michaels Square when it was the Fih Market and cloth hall. In 1634 It was dismantled and the timbers were reused to construct the first floor of this building.
This use to stand in St Michaels Square when it was the Fih Market and cloth hall. In 1634 It was dismantled and the timbers were reused to construct the first floor of this building.
The Norman House.also known as King Johns house is the only surviving stone built merchants house along the west quay. It was built in 1160 You can just see the windows and doors that were blocked up in 1380 when the waal was built.
West Quay was one of the busiest parts of the medieval town and the sea used to wash up against the walls.It was from here that The Pilgrim fathers sailed in The Mayflower.
West Quay was one of the busiest parts of the medieval town and the sea used to wash up against the walls.It was from here that The Pilgrim fathers sailed in The Mayflower.
The Tudor House was built in about 1495for John and Jane Dawtrey.
it was one of the largest houses in the townbuilt on the site of four earlier houses. Unfortunately it is not open at the moment as it is being renovated.
it was one of the largest houses in the townbuilt on the site of four earlier houses. Unfortunately it is not open at the moment as it is being renovated.
The bargate
By the 15th century the bargate looked very much like it does today.The walls either side were gradually removed from the 18yh century onwards.
Today the bargate stands just below Southamptons main shopping centre.
By the 15th century the bargate looked very much like it does today.The walls either side were gradually removed from the 18yh century onwards.Today the bargate stands just below Southamptons main shopping centre.
The bargate Lions have protected the Town since the 1500s. The originals were made of wood and were put up in 1522
Friday, June 16, 2006
A Fun day in the Forest.
Yesterday we spent the day in the Forest. It was another beautiful day.( Wednesday had been dull and miserable but as I had spent a long time at the dentist finally getting the abcess on my tooth treated it was a good day to be at home.)
Any way we started yesterday with a long walk in the forest at Fritham. A gentle breeze kept us from over heating and we enjoyed a lovely walk seeing lots of ponies and putting groups of youngsters back on the right paths a they struggled to read maps in the Forest.
After a quick bite to eat we drove into Brockenhurst and hired some bikes. Mattie is a keen cyclist and when we were in Vancouver three years ago he had taken us for a bike ride round Stanley Park. That was the first time I had been on a bike since I was about 10. This was the second!
We walked through Brockenhurst Village as it was very busy and then we had a 10 mile cycle mostly on gravel tracks. It was great fun and we past huge herds of deer . Most of the forest roads are very quiet and by the end of the ride I was confident enough to ride back through the Village getting wet feet as we road through the water splash at the ford. It was lovely to cycle through the forest and feel the cooling breeze rushing past.
After eating and watching England beat some other team in the World Cup we took the dogs for another forest walk and again we saw deer. The fallow deer are just growing this years antlers and they are covered in velvet. We had beautiful views of the setting sun as it sank slowly down under the horizen.
Another fun filled day was over.
Any way we started yesterday with a long walk in the forest at Fritham. A gentle breeze kept us from over heating and we enjoyed a lovely walk seeing lots of ponies and putting groups of youngsters back on the right paths a they struggled to read maps in the Forest.
After a quick bite to eat we drove into Brockenhurst and hired some bikes. Mattie is a keen cyclist and when we were in Vancouver three years ago he had taken us for a bike ride round Stanley Park. That was the first time I had been on a bike since I was about 10. This was the second!
We walked through Brockenhurst Village as it was very busy and then we had a 10 mile cycle mostly on gravel tracks. It was great fun and we past huge herds of deer . Most of the forest roads are very quiet and by the end of the ride I was confident enough to ride back through the Village getting wet feet as we road through the water splash at the ford. It was lovely to cycle through the forest and feel the cooling breeze rushing past.
After eating and watching England beat some other team in the World Cup we took the dogs for another forest walk and again we saw deer. The fallow deer are just growing this years antlers and they are covered in velvet. We had beautiful views of the setting sun as it sank slowly down under the horizen.
Another fun filled day was over.
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Cheddar and Wells
Yesterday we went to Cheddar and on the way home we stopped at Wells. it was a much cooler rain and whilst we were driving we had a heavy rain shower but by late afternoon we had sun again.
The caves at Cheddar are spectacular .They were developed and explored in the 1870s by Richard Cox Gough and his sons.During Excavations near the mouth of the cave they unearthed Cheddar man whose burial had taken place 3000 years earlier. There are many wonderful formations all with names and beautifullly lit. High up on the walls ferns grow and every so often a bat flitted past.
By the time we came out of the cold caves the sun was shining and we took the open top bus through the Gorge. You get better views from the bus than you do driving through in the car and we did both.We also climbed up the 27 steps of Jacobs Ladder and admired the views, then we bought some vintage Cheddar cheese,before driving on to Wells.
The caves at Cheddar are spectacular .They were developed and explored in the 1870s by Richard Cox Gough and his sons.During Excavations near the mouth of the cave they unearthed Cheddar man whose burial had taken place 3000 years earlier. There are many wonderful formations all with names and beautifullly lit. High up on the walls ferns grow and every so often a bat flitted past.
By the time we came out of the cold caves the sun was shining and we took the open top bus through the Gorge. You get better views from the bus than you do driving through in the car and we did both.We also climbed up the 27 steps of Jacobs Ladder and admired the views, then we bought some vintage Cheddar cheese,before driving on to Wells.
Cheddar Gorge and Jacobs Ladder.
In the 12th Cenury the historian Henry of Huntingdon Listed Cheddar Gorge as one of the Four Great Wonders of England.The Limestone cliffs tower 140 Metres above the road.The caves are at the lower end of the gorge where one of the largest underground rivers in Britain resurges into daylight, through 18 separate springs.This River the Cheddar Yeo has an average flow of one cubic metre every second.In the 16th Century it powered 7 water mills.Now the millls have goneand the water spread out in a lake and tumble down roaddside waterfalls.
Besides walking and driving in the gorge you can also climb the 274 steps of Jacobs Ladder to reach the top of the cliffs. This area is grazed by ferral goats.
The guide book tells us that each step represents 1million years of history.The climb takes you from the time Cheddar sweltered ina tropical desert through Dinosaur empires and the ice age to the 20th century.Human History is represented by a sheet of paper on the top step.Dinosaurs ruled the world for 150 steps!
Besides walking and driving in the gorge you can also climb the 274 steps of Jacobs Ladder to reach the top of the cliffs. This area is grazed by ferral goats.
The guide book tells us that each step represents 1million years of history.The climb takes you from the time Cheddar sweltered ina tropical desert through Dinosaur empires and the ice age to the 20th century.Human History is represented by a sheet of paper on the top step.Dinosaurs ruled the world for 150 steps!
Vicars Close Wells
Behind the Cathedral in Wells there is a Street called Vicars Close. The Street was built in 1363 to house the lesser clergy and officials of the Cathedral. The Chimneys were added in 1470.This area is now used to house stafff and pupils of Wells Cathedral School.
Wells Cathedral and Bishops Palace.
We arrived here after the cathedral had closed so we did not see the inside. This cathedral was begunin the late 12th Century and completed by the middle of the 14th. The magnificent West front once contained over 400 statues of Saints, angels and prophets, but many were destroyed.It is impossible to capture the size and beauty of this cathedral on film.
The Bishops Palace has a moat all around it and looks toward the Cathedral.I know I have to go back one day when it is open and see more.
The beautiful picture of the Cathedral reflected in the moat of the Bishops Palace is my favourite shot and although I discovered the place to take the photo from the picture here was taken by Mattie who did a far better job than me.
The Bishops Palace has a moat all around it and looks toward the Cathedral.I know I have to go back one day when it is open and see more.
The beautiful picture of the Cathedral reflected in the moat of the Bishops Palace is my favourite shot and although I discovered the place to take the photo from the picture here was taken by Mattie who did a far better job than me.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Virginia Water and St Albans
Today we had to take Iain home. he had been looking after the dogs whilst we took a trip to Liverpool. (Photos to come later). We stopped at Virginia Water for a walk.it was yet another sunny day, although we did have a few spots of rain this morning. Their was a sign saying dogs should be on leads but all the local dogs were running free. Missy so wanted to go in the lake that she pulled John in and he got wet feet. All the locals said that it was ok for them to be off lead so we let them play.Virginia Water is part of Winsor great Park and it is a beautiful place. Ducks Swans and Herons can be seen here.
On our way home we took a detour to St Albans to let the rush on the Motorway subside. We were too late to go in the Abbey but we had a pleasant walk and sit in the huge grounds.
On our way home we took a detour to St Albans to let the rush on the Motorway subside. We were too late to go in the Abbey but we had a pleasant walk and sit in the huge grounds.
Friday, June 09, 2006
A stroll around Romsey
Romsey is a small town on the edge of the forest. The Abbey is mostly Norman and was once the site of a Benedictine Nunnery. It is has the most beautiful stained glass windows mainly from the Victorian period.There are several very old buildings in the town and a few modern ones.We had a very pleasant afternoon here.
Tonight we are going out for a meal as it is John's Birthday and our 33rd Wedding anniversary. Wow thats a long time!
Tomorrow we are flying up to Liverpool for a couple of days as Mattie is a Beatle Fantatic!
Tonight we are going out for a meal as it is John's Birthday and our 33rd Wedding anniversary. Wow thats a long time!
Tomorrow we are flying up to Liverpool for a couple of days as Mattie is a Beatle Fantatic!
Another London Day
Yesterday we spent another day in London. First we went to the British Museum. It is the largest Museum in the world and we spent a couple of hours wandering around and maybe saw 5% of it. So many wonderful things to see We took lots of pictures and I will blog about them sometime later.
We then walked through the Squares of London. It is amazing to find these beautiful Green areas in the heart of such a big busy city.
We also went to the only surviving London Home of Charles Dickens. This is now a museum and is full of interesting exhibits. Mattie loves reading Dickens and he was very excited to be where Dickens had lived.
We wandered through the Law courts and saw the outside of Temple Bar Church (featured in the Da Vinci Code )
After a meal at Covent Garden we wandered down through Leicester Square which is full of cinemas and many of the London Premieres take place here. We finished up at Picadilly Circus under the statue of Eros.
We then walked through the Squares of London. It is amazing to find these beautiful Green areas in the heart of such a big busy city.
We also went to the only surviving London Home of Charles Dickens. This is now a museum and is full of interesting exhibits. Mattie loves reading Dickens and he was very excited to be where Dickens had lived.
We wandered through the Law courts and saw the outside of Temple Bar Church (featured in the Da Vinci Code )
After a meal at Covent Garden we wandered down through Leicester Square which is full of cinemas and many of the London Premieres take place here. We finished up at Picadilly Circus under the statue of Eros.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
Blenheim Palace
Today we visited Blenheim Palace.This is the home of the Dukes of Marlborough. Queen Anne gave the Royal Manor of Woodstock to the Duke of Marborough after his Victory over Louis XIV at Blenheim in 1704. She also said she would pay for a house to be built there and to be called Blenheim. However quarrels broke out between the Queen and the Marboroughs. Work on the house was halted for a while and eventually the Duke had to pay for it to be completed.The House was designed by Vanbrugh(He also designed Castle Howard which we visited last time Mattie was here.)It is a magnificent house.
It was here that Winston Churchill was born in 1874.He also proposed to his wife here. several rooms are devoted to an exhibition of Churchill memorabilia including some of his letters and paintings.
The gardens and grounds are enormous. Whilst mattie and I were in the house John took the dogs for a walk in the park and got lost!
It was here that Winston Churchill was born in 1874.He also proposed to his wife here. several rooms are devoted to an exhibition of Churchill memorabilia including some of his letters and paintings.
The gardens and grounds are enormous. Whilst mattie and I were in the house John took the dogs for a walk in the park and got lost!
A Day trip to London
Yesterday we spent the day in London. The sun shone,but there was also plenty of cloud and a cooling breeze coming off the river.
Our first stop was The London Eye. Built for the Millenium celebrations it is now a well known land mark. The wheel revolves continuously and gives magnificent views of London. it takes about 30 mins for one complete circuit and moves very slowly. I will post more photos and details after Mattie has returned home and I have more time.
We then wandered along the river and eventually arrived at St Pauls. Photography is not allowed inside this beautiful building but occasionally Matties camera accidentally clicked! Mattie and I climbed the 256 steps to the Whispering gallery, here a whisper on one side can be heard on the other. John climed all 526 steps to the top and we are waiting for his film to be developed to see the views of London.
From St Pauls we wandered down to Trafalgar Square and the Church of St Martins in the Field. Here we sat and listened to the organ being played for a while before taking a Taxi down to Tower bridge. We sat here for a while before taking the River Boat back to Waterloo.
Our first stop was The London Eye. Built for the Millenium celebrations it is now a well known land mark. The wheel revolves continuously and gives magnificent views of London. it takes about 30 mins for one complete circuit and moves very slowly. I will post more photos and details after Mattie has returned home and I have more time.
We then wandered along the river and eventually arrived at St Pauls. Photography is not allowed inside this beautiful building but occasionally Matties camera accidentally clicked! Mattie and I climbed the 256 steps to the Whispering gallery, here a whisper on one side can be heard on the other. John climed all 526 steps to the top and we are waiting for his film to be developed to see the views of London.
From St Pauls we wandered down to Trafalgar Square and the Church of St Martins in the Field. Here we sat and listened to the organ being played for a while before taking a Taxi down to Tower bridge. We sat here for a while before taking the River Boat back to Waterloo.
