Tuesday 23 June 2020

The Distancing Diaries - Day 94 & 95


On Monday (day 94) after my daily Wii Fit session and our fruit & yoghurt breakfast we left the confines of Stonecroft for an adventure. I'd managed to book us in to visit Packwood, a Tudor mansion in rural Warwickshire. 

WEARING: 1970s Ritu Kumar for Monsoon Indian cotton midi dress, Lotta from Stockholm clogs, 1970s tooled leather Mexican souvenir shoulder bag (eBay, 2019)

Due to social distancing requirements, the National Trust isn't able to open their houses but with a 134-acre estate, there was plenty to keep us occupied. 




Trying to book a National Trust visit online is almost as fraught as buying Glastonbury tickets so, after several failed attempts, I was delighted to reserve the 10am time slot, fearing that if we were forced to book later in the day the place would be heaving with sightseers.


The gardens didn't open until 11am so we had a peaceful wander in the woods, accompanied by just a handful of young families, all of whom stepped back the required two-metre distance every time we needed to pass one another.


 Jon had packed a flask, so after exploring the woods for an hour we sat in the van with our enamel mugs of Pukka tea listening to the birdsong.


We'd visited Packwood back in the depths of Winter, 2016 and back then most of our attention was focussed on the house (see HERE), the garden was almost unrecognisable in the height of Summer bursting with both exotic and the more familiar cottage garden plants.


 As you can see, the weather finally decided to behave itself. Although there was a bit of a breeze, it was sunny and mercifully dry, perfect conditions for a leisurely wander.


There were a few signs apologising for the lack of grass mowing and general maintenance, so maybe the garden is a lot more cultivated and neat in normal times but we loved the overgrown, slightly unkempt appearance and recognising plants that grow freely in Stonecroft's garden, were inspired with future planting ideas.





Although the topiary garden and the kitchen garden weren't open to the public we spent several hours happily wandering about with a break for homemade cheese sandwiches in the shade.





















We left Packwood feeling relaxed and inspired, a real treat to escape the familiar for a few hours.



Back at home, I discovered a 1970s Indian blouse I'd won on eBay last week waiting for me in the postbox. After I'd stripped down to my bikini I took it outside and replaced the elastic in the cuffs before handwashing it and hanging it on the line to dry.



I spent the rest of the afternoon reading in the sunshine accompanied by the lads.


 Stephen was keen to sunbathe, Frank was far more interested in the mice that live in the rockery.


Jon spent the afternoon in the kitchen, not decorating or DIYing but baking a wholemeal spelt loaf.


And a paneer and okra curry, which we had for tea.


Making the most of a lovely evening we played with the cats on the lawn, watering the plants and tended to the tomatoes before watching the second episode of The Luminaries (worth watching for Eva Green's spectacular wardrobe).


Tuesday (day 95) started early so I managed to catch up with replying to blog comments before my Wii Fit workout. After Jon got up and we'd had our fruit and yoghurt breakfast he continued with Project Coffee Table while I uploaded some of the photos I'd taken at Packwood yesterday.


A deliciously warm evening meant that the patio plants were already in need of watering so I put my hair up and my bikini on, slathered on the suncream and got stuck in.


After I'd rejigged the kitchen shelf, these vintage French enamel pots were surplus to requirements so I planted them out with houseleeks.


I'd chalk painted this beech picture frame on Sunday. It has housed these handpainted leaves, decorated with Hindu deities, since the early 2000s. You'll often see this Keralan art form listed on eBay for crazy prices. They're neither rare nor antique, the sellers have obviously never been to India where you can buy them from most street stalls for pennies.


Over the years one of the insets had lost its glass so I cut the front from a plastic folder holding my end-of-year accounts and used that instead.


The postman arrived with a postcard from Lily, Kinky Melon's unofficial helper. Unless you live under a rock you'll know that the world's biggest (and best) music festival should have been taking place this week and we're missing it desperately. 2020 should have been Glastonbury's 50th Anniversary, instead, it was The Year We Stayed At Home...


Other than a break for noodles, the rest of the day was spent lying in the sunshine reading the book Monica sent me and sporadically popping into the kitchen to see how Project Coffee Table was progressing. Jon's got as far as he can now so he's taking tomorrow off to enjoy the sunshine.


Tea was a vegeburger served between two slices of Jon's wholemeal spelt bread accompanied by a cheeky beer (we shall pretend we're at Glastonbury).

Stay safe, stay fabulous and enjoy the sunshine!

61 comments:

  1. I'm a sucker for a wrought iron gate so am positively drooling at these lovely photos. I was telling my friend about your love of India today. Tripta would have been in India visiting her family right now but it was all cancelled due to the virus.

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    1. Ans isn't it a magnificent wrought iron gate? It certainly puts ours to shame! xxx

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  2. What lovely grounds. I bet they've had to cut back on gardening services due to cost. A day out anywhere these days is like going abroad. I love your painted leaves and they look lovely in that blue frame. Your new blouse looks beautiful too! Stephen knows how to relax, doesn't he? I wish hubby or I knew how to make bread - perhaps later this year but I've got enough on my plate right now as it is.

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    1. Aren't they beautiful? I've heard that many of the National Trust's gardens have been maintained by just one gardener during the three months of lockdown due to the social distancing guidelines. I loved how slightly wild they looked.
      I normal times I'd be wearing that blouse right away but we're actually enjoying heat and humidity at the moment, I can pretend I'm abroad!
      Bread making is a cheap and relaxing hobby, I think you'd be surprised at how straightforward it is but maybe when you've got less to worry about. xxx

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  3. Wow, what a garden, no wonder you spent hours happily wandering around. I love my gardens wild and a tiny bit unkempt, just like Dove Cottage's but on a grander scale! By coincidence, I too wore a Ritu Kumar dress on Saturday. Mine has a label saying Ritu Kumar for Roshafi, and from what I could find on the internet, it is 1970s too. In any case, Jos called me Vix a couple of times ;-) Aww look at Stephen sunbathing. And by the looks of it, Frank takes his mouse hunting very seriously! Jon's wholemeal spelt loaf looks delicious. Love those planted up enamel pots and the chalk painted picture frame. How lovely to get a postcard from the lovely Lily, I do remember your little helper from last year! xxx

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    1. Me, too - rigid formality is very impressive but nature is far better when it's left untamed.
      I rememeber drooling over your Ritu Kumar last year, I'm first in the queue if you ever want to sell it! I went in one of her shops in India and could have bought everythingm her dressed and blouses are so beautiful they take your breath away, how often does that happen in a normal shop?
      Just like last year we're enjoying scorchio temperatures, the boys (and us) are loving it. The sun loungers are already on the lawn awaiting us! xxx

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  4. At least day trips are coming back.Dn't you love arriving home t little surprises-I'm waiting for one I ordered for my daughter-some fun for her dorm room, but practical and 75% off. I am trying not to buy stuff but at times it is right. Wiht my bread maker dead, I really should try my hand at making bread form scratch. At most we are getting a take out 1 X a week, so tha tmeans nealry 20 melas are coming fomr my kitchen for 3. Your every other day posts are somehting I look forward to.

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    1. It's lovely that the National Trust have at least opened their gardens so we can enjoy a change of scenery. Normally we only visit their properties in the winter as we're too busy during the Summer to take any time off so it's really interesting to revisit familiar places in different seasons.
      It's quite exciting waiting for a parcel, isn't it? I'm expecting a few things this week. Even the mundane, every day items take on importance when they come nicely wrapped and delivered to your door.
      We don't have a breadmaker or a fancy kitchen mixer and the bread comes out really well.
      You always impress me with your menu planning and productiveness in the kitchen. If it was up to me to cook we'd probably live on bread, cheese and olives! xxx
      Online shopping is so much

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  5. awe, Eva Green! Sure hope I can watch that show over here. So many beautiful old estates, so little time.

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  6. Those gardens are amazing - how soothing to walk among all that greenery and growing things. I love the picture of Stephen sunbathing - don't miss a hair, Stephen! Your new blouse is lovely - I like the silver thread running through it. Very clever with the replacement "glass"!

    That sucks about Glastonbury. We've missed so many concerts and events this year - it's really a huge part of our social lives, and we have really felt that absence. Here's to a "do over" next year!

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    1. It's such a treat to explore somewhere else, even the most ordinary plant seems wildly exciting as it's unfamiliar!
      Stephen is ridiculous, he offers up that lovely white tummy and will have your hand off if you dare go near it.
      Those blouses are usually shot with gold so I was pleased to find a silver one.
      It feels like years since I saw a live band. The BBC are airing years of Glastonbury footage this weekend to try and cheer us all up, lovely thought but I think it'll make me miss it all the more. xxx

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  7. Well done for getting out, what a shame you couldn’t visit the more formal bits.

    Can I ask a daft question which I cannot find the answer to on the NT website? I understand the timed-tickets thing for entry, they clearly do not want loads of people all arriving at the same time. But once you are in, is there any limit to how long you can stay (other than usual kicking out time).

    So sorry you are not away at The Place this weekend . . . have you had to apologise to Gilbert?

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    1. The interior was absolutely gorgeous, we loved it when we last visited, a feast of vintage textiles and amazing things the previous owner had found at flea markets in his quest to restore Packwood. One day we might be allowed back in (I live in hope!)
      Once you're in the venue you're allowed to stay as long as you like. We were worried it would be really busy but we only saw another six groups (all families with toddlers) and everyone was really good about maintaining distancing.
      Gilbert hasn't been with us to Glasto for a long time - as punters we prefered camping in a tent and being right next to the action. Last year the first year we traded and we used the bigger camper to get all our stock in (although it took three atempts to fit it all in!) xxx

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  8. Hi there Vix, Glad you got to go on another garden adventure! They do give you ideas for your own . You look so content watering your garden. Hmm don't mention end of year accounts lol I always breath a sigh of relief at the end of each financial year. That was inspired to fix your picture with the plastic! Love the colour chalk paint. Well as I said the secret pathway is done and leads to an old caravan that used to be used as the "office" by previous generations it has not been entered into for over 15 years . The neglected green house is no longer "spooky" either I was up early hacking brambles for a solid hour this morning. Ahh lockdown sure has given us a chance to get these projects done. I so am thankful for a garden and always love to see what has got a "second life" as a planter in yours! What do you reckon on the new easing of lockdown rules? love Shazx

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    1. Hi Shaz! I tend to switch off when BoJo starts talking. I've just read a rundown of what's changing and I must say its rather perplexing, all these meeting up with different households at different times and screens, gloves, masks and registering your details at the pub. I think we'll just keep doing what we're doing and sod the lot of them.
      I'm very excited to hear that you've sorted that pathway. Were there any treasures in the abandoned caravan? I'm glad the spooky greenhouse isn't as spooky any more and well done for hacking down those pesky brambles. Like Jon, I think you deserve a lazy day in the sun tomorrow.
      If it doesn't move and won't fall apart outside it's reborn as a planter!
      Loads of love. xxx

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  9. I'm afraid there are no gardens yet open in Scotland - hopefully, it will happen soon. I renewed my National Trust and Historic Scotland memberships and look forward to using them again. Dare I say it? On your recommendation I watched Episode 1 of The Luminaries and found it a bit slow (sacrilege!). I've recorded Episode 2 so I will give it a go. Weather here rainy and humid during the day and a tad chilly in the evening. Very different here to your heatwaves!!!

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    1. Hello Catmac! I do admire Scotland's more cautious approach to relaxing the lockdown, ours feels very hurried and like they're bowing to pressure from buisnesses and the media. I bet you will be glad to get back to visiting historical sites and stately homes. Shamefully, I've never been to Scotland. I have cousins who live in Hawick and Galashiels. When we watch Salvage Hunters the most impressive stately homes always seem to be in your part of the world. Maybe we should fire Gilbert up and have an adventure if the rules are relaxed enough to venture over the border.
      Funnily enough, Jon thought the first episode of The Lumineries was a bit slow but got far more into it in the second episode. The whole series is on the I-player so you could always watch a couple more if your weather doesn't improve.
      Sending sunshine. xxx

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    2. Thanks, Vix, I'll give it a try! I totally agree with you about the Scottish government's approach to lockdown. I didn't vote SNP but have been very impressed with the way Nicola Sturgeon and her team have approached this. Next week shops will open and some properties but you can only visit if you live within 5 miles. Scotland is very beautiful and your cousins live in a stunning area. You should definitely visit!!!

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  10. That historical garden looks impressive. Even if the house itself wasn't open for viewing because of social distancing, it seems that the garden was more than enough to keep you interested. It is a beautiful garden.
    I love the midi dress you wore for visiting it.
    I have to check The Luminaries. I like Eva Green's acting most of the time.
    Kudos to Frank for wanting to catch the mice. Stephen looks cute sunbathing.

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    1. Packwood House is beautiful but the garden certainly comes close. Becoming members of The National Trust is probably one of the most sensible things Jon and I have ever done.
      The Luminaries is a totally absorbing book and I'm really enjoying the Tv series, also written by Eleanor Catton. xxx

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  11. Slightly overgrown and unkempt. That's the sort of garden I love - they are always interesting, and to me, rather beautiful

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    1. Yes, I agree, nature shouldn't be tamed. xxx

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  12. Dropping in for a read. The gardens would be great to walk in now with the flowers and green lawns. Looks like a nice day too with you in a sun dress. Wishing you more sunny days. The hand painted Keralan Art on the leaves are amazing, especially only the veins of the leaves are left, looks so fragile

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    1. Lovely to "meet" you, Kestrel.
      English gardens certainly are at the their best at the moment what with a few weeks of rain. After three months of lockdown it really is lovely to wander around unfamiliar places. xxx

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  13. I just googled The Luminaries and my parents lived for many years in Hokitika, my dad had a side interest is hunting for gold in the tailings left behind from previous miners.

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    1. That's really interesting, Vicky. Until I read The Lumineries I hadn't been aware of the New Zealand gold rush. The scenery in the series is breathtaking. xxx

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  14. Looks your never bored. Lovely garden

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  15. Hi vix, those gardens look lovely, they have nothing to apologise for, many things over here are still not opening, some family was moaning when I was at work about Tokyo Disney not being open, Really!! With all the beautiful gardens with have and they wanted to go to that overpriced pile of rubbish.
    Cannabis is legal over here and I don’t fancy getting deported as we are applying for citizenship now. If I want my codine I haveto go the hospital and beg for it. But they realised that I had been on it for so long ( thanks NHS), it was to dangerous to take me off it. As it is classed as a narcotic In japan. So I am classed as a drug addict. Nice! Even though it isn’t my fault.
    Paul has gotten into plastic wrapping everything so he has tackled my drawers . Like what you did with your table. We got it out of daiso and it looks cute. Yeah I looked on Ian snow, I could buy the whole web site !!! But the car needs a service so mum might be getting a request real soon . Take care and keep safe

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    1. Hello Allie! Aren't they lovely? I realy enjoyed that they were a little overgrown and rough around the edges, there were so mnay birds, dragonflies and butterflies. Hard to imagine Packwood is just a few miles outside the sprawl of Birmingham city centre.
      How annoying of that family to moan about Disney not being open, it must have been really hard not to say something.
      That's crazy to hear that codeine is considered a drug in Japan. I hope the citizenship people don't hold it against you.
      Paul sounds like Jon, always ready to tackle anything.
      Ian Snow has some lovely stuff, Jon always treats me to a few thingsfor my birthday.
      Loads of love to you. xxx

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    2. Hi vix, it is so hard to hold your tongue sometimes. Near work if you just walk down the road a little bit, there is the most Beautiful little thunder gate and there is a koi pond there. I often go there just to chill during my break if the tourists get to me. And that is in the middle of a built up area.
      I have spoken to the relevant government department and they told me that it wasn’t a problem and that the consultant who gives my script has told them what it is for. So that is fine. See crystal meth is a bit of a problem in Asia so they try to keep a lid in it and mine has to be stored in a locked cupboard. Which is understandable. Only if the UK was the same, they would not have the problem they have. Plus I get checked every 6 months at the hospital. And I go the EDS clinic every 3. Plus it’s very expensive. Not like the UK were dish it out like candy. I wish I could come off it but with withdrawal is a nightmare. And they would have to watch me. And try different ways to control my pain. So far nothing has worked so they keep me on that. But hey ho.

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  16. packwood´s garden is extremely idyllic with that bit of overgrowth - it makes it perfect in my eyes! love the neighborhood of palm trees and european forest plants like aruncus dioicus "waldgeissbart".....
    thank you for the wonderful photos!
    fab new blouse - i remember such dip dyed, metal yarn striped tems appearing in our neck of the woods via "care packages" the early 80s - very admired by us eastblock girls because of all that "bling" combined with mundane cotton in a hippie dye, an unusual sight for us - somewhat decadent......
    *sad sigh for glasto* all the real fun got cancelled for the globalising of cheap fashion! that was the way the virus came to italia - the outbreak was in north italian textile sweatshops where poor chinese workers laboured for "made in italy". meanwhile the primarks of the world are open again - but all the alternativs and the culture remain closed......
    thankfully there are bread baking men, sweet cats and caring friends.
    xxxxx

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    1. I loved the mix of the exotic and the cottage garden. I've just looked up "Waldgeissbart" and it's known as "goatsbeard" here, I think I need some in our garden.
      I remember my Mum having a few of those dip-dyed matallic blouses with the tie fasteners trimmed with bells. They used to be so cheap when I was a teenager and I suppose, as they were so flimsy, few have survived and they can command crazy prices (not that I paid a lot!)
      That's fascinating - and horrifying - about the Chinese textile workers bringing the virus into Europe. People bang on about boycotting Chinese products but I bet most of them would soon forget their prinicples if it meant not having a wardrobe full of cheap fast fashion. xxx

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  17. A lovely day out, and those gardens are beautiful. It must have felt good to be doing something 'normal' aside from the fun of trying to book a slot :) X

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    1. It was lovely, Jules! In the absence of festivals The National Trust will keep us sane throughout the summer. xxx

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  18. You look right at home infront of packwood house, I like the curly topped wrought iron gates. The garden is gorgeous, I can imagine you got lots of ideas, it looks quite natural, either by accident or design. Either way it suits the house.
    The dress chosen for your trip is perfect, although today is a beachwear day, I'm loving the 30+ degrees.
    You have persuaded me, I'm going to check out the Luminaries!
    Have a lovely time in your beautiful garden xxx

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    1. Packwood is lovely, we loved it in the depths of winter but seeing it in the height of summer was just glorious. I wish our garden gates were as grand as those.
      Another bikiki day here, too. Isn't it glorious? I can't wait to get outside and bask once the sun appears over the trees. xxx

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  19. Such a shame about Glastonbury. Never mind let's hope next year will be a splendiferous one!

    I really like the look of the Packwood House garden; just the right sort of 'wildness' and not too manicured. I just adored the lion's head in the circular brick design - glorious! When I was younger I wasn't interested in gardens at all. I think I developed a love of gardens in the 1990s when my mum moved to Kettering from London; and I would take her and my brother for days out in their area. We visited a fabulous garden in a house whose name I've forgotten and that was it - I got the gardens bug!

    What a delicious loaf that looks; I bet it went down a treat. I loved what you did to the leaf picture frame - it looks lovely.

    Stephen just needs a bikini and pair of sunglasses to complete his pose!

    Loved your dress and skirt and the new top is brilliant. I had something similar with a matching skirt back in the early 80s but in purple.Don't know what I did with it and wished I kept it; like a lot of clothes I had...

    I love the house leeks in the enamel mugs - they were made for each other!

    Take care
    xxxx

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    1. Next year should be amazing - I just hope the weather will be like it is now (and this time last year!).
      We enjoyed Packwood's wildness, too. We rarely visit National Trust places in Summer so weren't sure if the wildness was planned or the corona effect but loved it all the same. I think I've only just developed the garden loving bug, usually I'm too keen to get inside the houses to look at everything growing, now aftre months of looking at the same shrubs & trees I'm obsessed!
      These Indian cotton gauze clothes are as light as air, they really come into their own when the weather is as gorgeous as it is now. A friend was selling a matching set (including a waistcoat) at the last vintage fair we did in dusky pink & silver, if it had been my size I'd be wearing it now.
      Enjoy the sunshine! xxx

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  20. There's always so much to comment on in your wonderful post!
    TPackwood looks utterly beautiful! I do love seeing gardens in places like this! I, too, enjoy seeing it more overgrown!
    Your new blouse looks really nice! I had something similar!
    I love the house leeks in their jugs- they look marvellous!
    Your dinners always look delicious!
    CBC mentioned it was Glastonbury today and I thought of you immediately!
    Your Monsoon dress looks lovely on you!xx

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    1. Formality is all very impressive but wildness is far more lovely, it seems a lot more attainable and gives me all kinds of ideas.
      That blouse is aslight as air, a few crop up on ebay but for some reason this one never got a single bid (other than mine!)
      I do so miss being at Glastonbury especially in this weather! xxx

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  21. Gorgeous, gorgeous NT place to visit, Vix! We are members, too, and it makes a lovely day out, doesn't it. I love the beautiful pink dress you wore for the occasion, too. Always a joy to see the Lads, and I think Stephen had the right idea - he looks adorable all laid out like that! You've had good nosh this week, too. It all looks delicious, and better than my latest oatmeal biscuits which would have been more suitable for hardcore than eating!

    Shoshi xx

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    1. Hello Shoshi! I'm so glad we joined the National trust, I always come back from a vist refreshed and full of ideas even more so now when we've been pretty much confined to our house and garden for months!
      Stephen looks about 6 foot long, doesn't he? He's such a sun worshipper (he takes after his mum - me!)
      I haven't visited your blog yet, I've set aside some time after breakfast and can't wait to see what you've been up to. xxx

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  22. I wish there was someplace like Packwood within a short drive here. I would love to just be able to take a walk around some lovely grounds. I have a few days off coming up (my place of employment is giving us an extra long Canada Day weekend) but there is nothing to do or see or anywhere I can go, so it's nice to not have to be at my computer but it's a bit of an anti-climax. I feel your pain about Glastonbury - I finally got a ticket for Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds world tour that was supposed to happen this year, and of course it's been cancelled. I've been trying to see him perform live for ages, sigh.

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    1. My husband bought tickets for us too ;-(

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    2. When we joined The National Trust on a day out in Wales the volunteer who signed us up said that living where we do we were spoilt for amazing places to visit - and we are. These occasional escapes are like balm for the soul, it's lovely to be surrounded by beauty and the unfamiliar.
      I'm sorry about Nick Cave, it looks like it'll be a long time until we can enjoy live music at a gig again, doesn't it? Blasted virus! xxx

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    3. Tess, I'm really sorry that you're missing on on Nick Cave, too. xxx

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  23. That was nice to get out for the day and to such a beautiful place. I love the topiary garden at Levens Hall near our caravan, and the hall itself.
    We had a little trip upto Bacup market for fresh fruit n veg and fish. It’s become our thing on Wednesday’s now and boy does it feel good. When we get back Philip washes everything off we’ve bought and then we have a nice lunch then settle down for a quiet afternoon of reading and stitching. BLiss ! If this is the new norm I’ll keep it.
    Lots of love xxx
    Ps I’m watching the lumieres but finding it hard to follow yet intriguing enough to keep watching

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    1. Your new normal sounds idylic to me! Will you be able to spend time at the caravan soon? I've lost track of what we're able to do or when we can do it anymore although I'm certainly not tempted to head to the beach with a million other people like those crazy fools on the news!
      The Lumineries is such an absorbing watch, I was tempted to watch the lot on the i-player but I shall restrain myself! xxx

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  24. I think gardens that have become a bit overgrown and random are more interesting. Your 1970s blouse was a good find, I remember that kind of fabric being very popular and wore some myself. Nice to see you getting out a bit, we are thinking of venturing out soon, we have some nice places near here we never had time to visit before, hubby is just in redundancy consultation and I am part time so looking on the bright side, we might have more time to do nice things that don't cost much!

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    1. Yes, I do prefer gardens to be a bit wilder, they look far more interesting and must be a lot better for bees and butterflies.
      My Mum always used to wear those blouses in the summer of '76 and I can see why, they're as light as air!
      I'm sorry to hear about your reduced hours and your husband's proposed redundancy. Joining The National Trust was one of the best things we've done, it's £10 a month for the pair of us, car parking is free and we always take our own food and drink so it's a cheap and lovely day out. xxx

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  25. Packwood looks so awesome! i would totally love to visit something similar now. looks so peaceful and magical (or may be I just have a thing for mansions)

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    1. I love mansions and grand homes, too - I love imagining myself living in one! x

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  26. Were those cables affixed to the building to support vines? Perhaps our bricks are softer than those in the walls of Packwood, but here vines are ruthlessly removed from walls lest their roots damage the mortar and permit moisture to seep inside. * Not at all surprised you brought home some ideas to adapt to your own garden: you and Jon have taken the re-use/re-new/re-cycle lifestyle to a new level!

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    1. Hi Beth! I just scrolled back to take another look. I've heard some people say that ivy can cause problems but the parental home was covered in it from the 1920s but the brick work never appeared to suffer, maybe it depends on climate?
      After being surrounded by the familiar for three months everything we see outside of Stonecroft seems new and wildly exciting, it's like my senses have become heightened during lockdown. xxx

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  27. wowww, this is a Gorgeous Garden (and a gorgeous house too, I've revisited your previous visit post and it's amazing!). Lovely photos and lovely atmosphere, I also prefer a not-perfectly-tidy garden!
    Love your midi dress and cute clogs and love to see you in your red crochet top and matchy skirt watering the plants!. Such a fab photo!
    I've made a search for The Luminaries and there's an spanish translation (it looks really appealing!)
    So lovely that you had a postcard from your Little Helper, she looks adorable. Next year we will enjoy everything so much!, festivals included!
    besos

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    1. Packwood really is gorgeous, both inside and out. A proper party house!
      The Lumineries was such an enthralling read and I'm really enjoying the TV series, Jon was a bit sceptical at first but after watching the second episode he's as gripped as I am!
      Next year is going to be so exciting after being denied all these pleasures! xxx

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  28. I'm missing Latitude, I've been every year for five years (I think) and even though it's not until mid July I miss it already, but won't all these festivals feel all the better next year?
    xx

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    1. I'm wondering how many of the festivals will survive after this year, the organisers rarely make money, this will cripple them. I'm keeping everyhing crossed for my favourites to still be in business! xxx

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  29. The gardens at Packwood are just beautiful, Vix! I adore your pink dress too, perfect for summer. X

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Lots of love, Vix