Friday 20 November 2020

The Distancing Diaries - 19th & 20th November, 2020


Thursday had looked like being the driest (but coldest) day of the week weather-wise, hence the reason I'd booked our National Trust excursion for then but, after I'd done my Wii Fit workout and Jon had joined me for breakfast, the skies turned as dark as night and torrential rain was bouncing off the paving stones. Despite this we wrapped up, packed sandwiches and set off down the M6 to Baddesley Clinton, the moated manor house that had remained home to the same family, The Ferrers, for over 500 years.

As luck would have it we'd left the rain back in Walsall and Baddesley Clinton remained dry throughout our visit.


You might remember our last visit back in July HERE. Back then the garden had been under the sole care of Lucy, the head gardener, due to lockdown. Now back at its full compliment of four staff, the grounds were immaculate, swept clean of leaves and with plenty of colour still in the borders.







It was the coldest day of the season so far and we were well wrapped up. Lord Jon wore his Diesel waxed jacket and super cosy fleece lined boots along with a burnt orange wool bobble hat, all charity shop finds.


I did wonder if I was foolish not to have worn my wellies but the ground was surprisingly mud-free so my mum's fleece-lined original Biba boots were just fine.






This time we remembered to bring some stale bread with us and Jon revered to childhood by feeding the ducks and geese, something he hadn't done since he was about 8!









The car park was rammed but, as usual, everyone followed the social distancing guidelines and keep at least two metres away. Nobody ever tries to overtake or push past and people are always happy to stand and wait if you want to take photos. The National Trust attracts the nicest folk. 



Even on a cold and grey November day Baddesley Clinton is beautiful. We felt alive and invigorated after our bracing woodland walk, eating our picnic in the van and then heading back to Walsall. It was odd driving through the town of Shirley on the way home with almost all the shops closed and the normally bustling streets deserted. It's easy to forget there's a lockdown when we spend almost all of our days at home.





Back home, after a coffee in the shelter with the lads, I wrapped up my ebay sales parcels and Jon nipped down to the post office with them. 


Here's what I wore for my National Trust visit. The Whistles velvet scarf was 99p from a charity shop five years ago, back at home when I researched it I discovered it was still in store and retailed at £99! The vintage Phool suit was an IG buy, I rarely wear both pieces together. The riding jacket was from Anokhi from their flagship store in Jaipur back in 2018, it's the most I've ever spent on a garment and it gets complimented wherever I go. 


Tea was a few oven chips with salad, plaka gigantes and some spicy quinoa. Later we watched Spooks (just for a change!) and I left some plants in the bath overnight to soak.


On Friday morning I booked next week's National Trust adventure before my final Wii Fit workout of the week. When I stepped on the board it told me that it was our 4000th session! Doesn't time fly?


Jon got up just as I'd finished my plant watering and swapping around session. After breakfast I caught up with blogland and watched a crochet tutorial on YouTube for my next project. Confident that I was up to the task I ordered wool from Shaws Direct. In normal times I buy it from their shop in West Bromwich, currently closed due to the lockdown. At least I can still support this fab family business. 


Today's outfit is the off-white version of the 1970s Ayesha Davar blouse I was wearing on my last blog post and a vintage Anokhi maxi skirt with a quilted hem (both eBay). By coincidence my Phool waistcoat matches the suit I wore yesterday and was bought from Eyewood Vintage at Vintage Village in Stockport a few years ago. I think wearing a block printed three piece suit might be a step too far, even for me!


Back in the days BC (before Covid) it was easy to fritter £5 away a day in charity shops, the odd garment that would do for workout sessions, travelling or gardening, quirky bits for the house, might-be-useful homewares or pieces of fabric with potential. Only visiting the clearance shop once a week - and not at all in the past three weeks - and my purchases are fewer and more discerning, like these Lotta from Stockholm clogs bagged for the bargain price of £15 from eBay a fortnight ago. 


 Jon had a to-do list to plough through which included a grocery/cat food run, popping Frank round to the vet for a check-up, paying the joiner's bill and fitting some magnetic closure strips to the kitchen cupboard. Last week Mark & Keith brought it to our attention that the mortar on the brickwork outside the bedroom window had perished and was leaching water into the house. Jon called our retired brickie pal Dave who popped round to assess the damage and said that he'd fix it on Saturday (tomorrow) if we could find some ladders long enough. Jon did some ringing around and discovered Liz & Al had a set, which Al offered to pop round later - at a safe Covid-free distance, of course! The joy of old houses, there's always something that needs fixing.


On a  brighter note lovely Elaine (visit her website HERE) sent me a parcel of joy, a sensational length of Indian batik cotton featuring peacocks and an amazing East Bollywood motif top which will be repurposed into something else. I can't work out who the actress is, I need to do my homework. Also included was a postcard featuring some of her beautiful artwork, Glencoe.


Lunch was a Ginster's vegan Moroccan pasty, it was delicious!


A damp, grey and cold day like today isn't the most conducive to productivity. I managed to fill the afternoon by pottering about in the bathroom, polishing mirrors and dusting picture frames in between some blog reading and a bit of paperwork.



Tea was posh pizza with sweet potato wedges and a bottle of beer. The alcohol consumption will continue with rum shortly and, no doubt, more Spooks. We've nearly finished watching all ten series now.



Stay safe and see you soon!

66 comments:

  1. I think other visitors at Baddesley Clinton may have thought you and Jon were Lord and Lady of the Manor Vix x

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  2. That is a lovely manor house. I can't imagine a house with a moat, but love all the bridges. I always wanted an older home but husband had to help his dad renovate the 150 old house they bought when he moved to our current city, and said never, which is why we have a 1987 model, though perfectly fine home. I bet my kids go the older house route. Your bathroom is gorgeous-quite fitting for you to pamper. I plan to do some sprucing of our bathrooms.

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    1. It's a miracle that the house never gets damp or floods, isn't it? The Brits certainly knew how to build things to last back then.
      Some people absolutely love all the work that an old house generates, I don't blame your husband for wanting a modern house. The first house I bought was 20 years old, it was a tiny thing and all I could afford but as I'd never lived in a new house before I loved how warm it was! xxx

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  3. So glad the weather seems to cooperate each trip out away from home! Your socks and clogs look so festive :)

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    1. I think the weather gods are are our side!
      You need to ask Father Christmas for some Nordic socks this year, they're so warm and cheer me up when I look at my feet! xxx

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  4. That is a lovely old house. I like your hat I have one similar (synthetic fur), you both looked so well dressed on your day out and it's incredible that Jon is modelling such lovely things all from a charity shop ... and what a superb find those cloggs are - would never have thought to wear them with thick tights but it works really well :) Lovely pressies from your friend.

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    1. Isn't it a gorgeous property? If we lived in South Birmingham we'd probably visit every week!
      My sheepskin hats always get a lot of love (I've got a cream one, too), usually from elderly chaps who think I'm a Russian spy! xxx

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  5. The National Trust houses are nice, but I rather like yours, especially the bathroom.

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    1. Thanks so much! There's plans afoot for the bathroom, I've decided it needs a bit of a tweak! xxx

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  6. Lord Jon looks great and your soak look fun and snazzy.
    Stay Safe and Coffee is on

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  7. Oh, to have your mom's boots! What a treasure, Vix! That furry hat is so beautiful on you too. I'm glad you & Jon got to go on your excursion. The gardens are absolutely gorgeous. I could stroll amongst the beauty for hours too! ~Andrea xoxo

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    1. Aren't I lucky that the boots fit?
      These once a week trips are so welcome, I do look forward to them. xxx

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  8. my fav pic today is the clogs shot with frank in the background - he´s too cute and you wear cool socks!!
    beautiful gardens at Baddesley Clinton - but outdone by you in that stunning outfit!! and of cause you should wear a blockprint three piece - because this is the total & beautiful opposite to a drab business suit...... a statement.
    how lovely to have the help of friends for fixing things on the house! and what a nice parcel - can´t wait to see what you will do with the top and the fabric......
    stay safem warm and dry! xxxxx

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    1. I loved how that photo turned out, Frank's such a fluffball!
      I shall have to wear that three piece suit sometime soon and see what it looks like, at least I'll be warm with all that quilting! xxx

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  9. It doesn’t matter what time you go to a place it always looks beautiful. I decided to walk through yoyogi park for a change on my way to work and I saw the groundmen hand sweeping the leaves no electrical blowers here. There brooms are a work of art and hand made. I always stop and talk to the oldest one as he is the friendliest one. We talked about how quiet it’s been but they have been able to get a lot more work done which is nice.
    This park reminds me of Hyde park except you cannot ride bikes and you must be respectful to each other. It’s a beautiful place and there lots of off shoot seasonal gardens which are stunning and then the shrine in the middle the best part for me.
    I always think vix and Jon would love this place . We had a lazy day yesterday, I even digged out the old bread maker and made some seeded loaves. They didn’t last long. Love the scarf. I love a good scarf!!! no wonder shops go bust if they charge that. Take care and keep safe love and huggs allie

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    1. Hello Allie! I thought Baddesley Clinton would look rather bleak now all the leaves are down but it was just lovely, still so much colour.
      Those council blowers they use here as horrible, the racket! I bet the sweepers in japan are like the malis we see in India, they use handmade brooms too and go about their work in such a graceful way it's like poetry! They use one hand to sweep and place the other hand in the small of their back, palm facing outwards. I've tried it at home and it doesn't half give your abs a workout!
      Your park sounds lovely, no bikes and lots of respect. Here it's lagered up yoofs in grey joggers swearing!
      Well done on the bread making, you domestic goddess! xxx

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  10. Glad the rain didn’t follow you on your day trip, Vix! Don’t you look warm snuggled up in your cozy outfit. What gorgeous shots of the ducks – so cute.

    I’ve found that I’m spending a lot less now that I’m not going to a secondhand market most weekends and I’m getting very picky with what I’m actually willing to spend money on. X

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    1. We were so lucky dodging the rain like that! We loved the ducks, especially the white one, she was like something from a children's book.
      It's too easy to buy everything we see when we're shopping, I feel very grown-up now i'm trying to be more discerning. xxx

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  11. What a lovely day out, especially when the weather held (the sun shines on the righteous!!). Love both your and Lord Jon's cosy outfits. The bathroom looks great, the lovely mirror over the sink with those beautiful old tiles is a very classy look - and unique. Such outings are the way to stay sane in lockdown. It's a day out without spending lots of money!

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    1. Hello Catmac! We were so lucky with the weather, the rain in Walsall was biblical when we left! We were both wearing so many layers we could hardly bend. xxx

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  12. I want that little brick walled greenhouse. That is just the sort of thing I dream about owning.

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    1. It had the most beautiful quarry tiled floor, a grapevine around the rafters and a wonderful heating system, too. I could have lived in there! x

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  13. Whenever you publish your "Vintage Vixen" lifestyle coffee table book, be sure to include the spectacular collage of knitted socks, quilted fabric and a furry photo-bomber you assembled for the close-up of your new clogs. What a cover shot for a Lotta fall catalog!
    The Baddesley Clinton ducks and geese appear to be posing for their portraits: the birds are still, the waters are swirling. You've captured several magical moments here!

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    1. A Vintage Vixen coffee table book! As I replied to Brummie Sue who loved your suggestion, Jon needs to up his game and get snapping more. xxx

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  14. I find it really interesting to see the same properties in different seasons. I used to live near Clumber Park and went every couple of weeks, especially in the Autumn, to see the changing trees in the arboretum (easily entertained!) More revisits to your summer haunts, please.

    I started watching the rerun of Spooks but was so traumatised by the end of season 2/start of season 3 that I've parked it and am just accumulating recordings at the moment. Knowing what's going to happen doesn't help with the tension one bit, I find. If anything it makes it worse. I will get round to it but I've been making inroads into a boxed set of Oz instead and was recently given a DVD of Fassbinder's mammoth German TV series Berlin Alexanderplatz, which I haven't seen since I was about 20. I thought I would be running out of things to do by now but the list just seems to keep getting longer.

    Our last house was Georgian and on moving in without a mortgage we congratulated ourselves on all the money we'd save. Inevitably the repair and maintenance bills came to way more than we had been paying on the mortgage - every time you have a good look you spot something that's rotting or peeling or sinking or going moldy. Thank goodness you have friends who can help out.

    I am covetous of your fur hat. I have always wanted one like that but have such a big head women's sizes won't fit, and men's fur hats seem to be much less interesting. Plus there aren't many places you can go to try on hats these days. I remember when all department stores worth their salt had huge hat departments (and fur departments for that matter) where my grandmother would ceremoniously purchase hats for weddings and funerals, attended like a queen by the sales handmaidens. It all seemed very grand to my 7 year old self.

    Good luck with the bricks!

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    1. I read your comment and also have a "gigantic noggin"! I make many of my own hats, but my recommendation is to shop for men's hats to help with the issue.

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    2. Hello Fifitr! Clumber Park looks gorgeous. I love seeing the seasonal differences in the gardens and we're trying our hardest to get back to all the ones we visited in the Summer.
      I know what you mean about the trauma of Spooks and it's almost too painful to watch at times, the Lucas North episodes in particular. We've only got a handful left now and I'm looking forward to catching up with BBC4's DNA and Steve McQueen's Small Axe series next week. I've just looked up Oz and Berlin Alexanderplatz and they both look very much our thing. Thanks for mentioning them, I shall see if Jon can get his mitts on either of them.
      My head's quite a whopper, most vintage hats perch on the top of my head and make me look like Ken Dodd. The sheepskin ones have a bit more give although I usually have a huge crease on my forehead when I take it off which takes hours to fade (not a good look when I wear it to the pub!)
      Brickwork done - phew! Not as bad a job as we feared! xxx

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  15. How lovely to revisit Baddesley Clinton with you. How gorgeous the gardens still look this late in the season. Both you and Lord Jon were dressed perfectly for the occasion. Your vintage Phool suit worn with the Anokhi riding jacket, velvet scarf and your Mum'd Biba boots is an absolute triumph. And then I didn't even mention your marvellous hat!
    Your new Lottas were a steal, and I love how you're wearing them with those wonderful socks!
    Hopefully Dave will have been able to fix that perished mortar by now. Always something with old houses indeed. I do wish we knew a "Dave" :-)) xxx

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    1. I was surprised at how much colour there was eve on such a grey day.
      In the absence of a fleece I thought I'd wear all my quilted clothes at the same time, it worked!
      I've always been a bit of a sock bore but saw these Nordic socks and thought they'd extend clog season for a while longer.
      Dave is the best, he's got a passion for rescuing animals (seven dogs and three cats) so he's always happy to do odd jobs to pay for the vet bills and petfood! xxx

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  16. Happy Saturday evening Vix! You both look great and how wonderful to wear your Mum's boots. Lots to look at again at Baddesley wonderful. I note that most of the time whenever you visit an NT property that you can have appaling weather but then the sun shines for your visit hmm me thinks that is your payback for keeping us all entertained and cheery with your blog! Our house is 1930's but there is always something to do. Glad it is teat time soon your pics of yours always make me hungry! have a wonderful Sunday and bet it's lovely having a soak in that tub so many interesting things to look at Shazxx

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    1. Afternoon, Shaz! I do think the weather gods must be on our side when we visit these NT properties. Even if it's peeing it down when we leave home it's a different story when we get there, long may it last!
      A 1930s house? Very stylish. They always have lovely windows, plenty of light.
      Stay safe and out of trouble! xxx

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  17. Dear Vix,

    The weather looks soooo cold on your visit to the Trust estate -- I must ask, if it was raining so hard, where was the "bus nutter" mac?!

    You look more beautiful than ever -- a gorgeous shade of lippie! We have the same coloring, so I must ask, is that Barry M? What shade in the photo with the fur hat outside on the bridge? Inquiring minds!

    So glad that you are well. :)

    Mei

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    1. Hello, lovely lady! The bus nutter mac was in the van but I decided to chance wandering around Baddesley Clinton without it, I think the weather gods were smiling on us.
      You're very kind. The lipstick is Maybelline's Superstay Lip Ink in "Ruler", I wasn't sure if it would be too dark but I absolutely love it!
      So good to hear from you. I hope you enjoyed our recreation of the kitchen photoshoot last week. xxx

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    2. Hello Vix,

      I'm so sorry I didn't comment on that one! I was moving into an absolute tip of a house, which we will redo, and I was rushed off my feet! The kitchen transition was incredible; I love that green color. So pretty!

      xo

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    3. Hi Mei! That sounds like you've got your work cut out for a while. Good luck! xxx

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  18. You look lovely in the photo taken on the bridge, well you look lovely in most photos but especially so in that one. I love the greenhouses and the grounds at this property I've never been to this one but your photos are wonderful. Those clogs look comfy.

    4000 Wii Fit workouts ... one word WOW!!

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  19. I loved Spooks. Might even watch it all again. British crime, mystery, spies - can't beat them. Every time I see you wearing your Mum's boots, I drool. (figuratively speaking, of course) And I also love your National homes visits - that place looks so mystical and magical.

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    1. We're loving our revisit of Spooks, such a brilliant show, it's a real shame that the BBC didn't continue with it.xxx

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  20. Hello Vix, you look like a Bond girl in that incredible hat! And I love the clogs and scandi style socks combo. What a handsome topiary walk.

    Well done on the wifi count, that is true dedication (I gave up on my YouTube workouts but I am determined to go for a run tomorrow).

    I could watch ducks’ funny head dunking and bobbing bottoms all day long. Lulu x

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    1. Thanks so much, Lulu! I've got the same hat in cream, too. They're like having my own personal eco system on my head, they're insanely warm. xxx

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  21. Hi Vix a happy Saturday evening to you both. What a great idea that one of your friends here has said, a Vintage Vixen lifestyle coffee table book! It would be a best seller especially coming up to Christmas. More lovely photos from your latest trip, I’m sure other visitors must think you are the owners, Lord and Lady VixJon of Stonecroft House, Walsall. Not a bad day weather wise, nice to be out amongst the crunchy leaves, but then went on a long walk to a certain supermarket that had a special offer of a litre bottle of a very nice cream liqueur at a bargain price! Now stashed away ready to celebrate the winter Solstice come Saturnalia!



    I



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    1. Hello Sue and a happy Sunday afternoon to you! I better have a word with Jon and get him to pull his finger out and get snapping some classy photos. Where did I put that tiara?
      Not a bad weekend at all. Liking the reason for your walk, bargain booze is the perfect excuse to leave the house!
      Less than a month away from the shortest day now and we're within touching distance of the end of lockdown...we can do this! xxx

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  22. Baddesley Clinton is beautiful!!! And as usual, you add to its brilliance with your wonderful lady-like outfits! Much better than a fleece and wellies!
    I always love to see your dinners.
    I really like the 2-piece suit and the Anokhi jacket is wonderful!

    The Lotta clogs were a bargain!!!
    Wow! CBC really like the Ginsters pasties. I've not tried them!

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    1. Baddesley Clinton is like something from a fairy tale, it's so pretty!
      I think I was the only woman there without a fleece, wellies and a bobble hat. It's the National trust uniform.
      I'm not a fan of pastry in general but those Ginster's pasties are really tasty, not greasy or heavy. xxx

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  23. What a beautiful property, the gardens are lovely. I had another view at your June visit post and isn't it amazing how neat the garden was back then, taken that it was maintained only by the head gardener (Lucy, is it?). Nice that the property is fully staffed now, it must have been exhausting for her having to do it all by herself. Baddesley Clinton is a beautiful place for sure and how lovely that it has belonged to the same family for generations. Your outfit for visiting this National Trust treasure is both sensible and beautiful. Those boots are so pretty. I also love your Lotta glogs and how you wore them with those cute socks.

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    1. Can you imagine how much work must have been for Lucy to maintain that beautiful garden on her own? I complain about all my leaf sweeping and our garden is a fraction of the size of Baddesley Clinton's! xxx

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  24. I was wearing my 'nutter mac' the other day (I keep it in the boot of the car in case of emergencies) and my brother-in-law says to me 'you look like you're going to murder somebody wearing that coat'!Cheeky blighter. Anyhoot, that house is so pretty and you look so at home walking over the moat bridge, as if you were just going home! I love the coat you're wearing. Is that you in the painting above your fireplace?Can't wait to see what your crochet project will be. Have a good week everyone.xxx

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    1. That cheeky brother-in-law! My bus nutter mac is always close at hand, I'm beginning to think it acts as a talisman, I've only required its services once in the year or so I've owned it!
      That's not me in the painting, Jon found it as a car boot sale and thought she looked like Debbie Harry! xxx

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  25. You both look very cosily wrapped up for your trip. Your riding coat is gorgeous and I'm not surprised that it was the most expensive thing you've bought.
    You took some wonderfully atmospheric photos, Baddesley Clinton has the look of a French chateau, its beautiful.
    I'm looking forward to seeing what your next crochet project is. xxx

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    1. Thanks, Sally! I was glad of the double quilting on Thursday, it was bitter! xx

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  26. Those clogs and those socks look amazing.
    The flowers and birds are beautiful.
    I need to explore some of your beautiful NT spaces when we can travel more.
    We have just started watching The Queen's Gambit on Netflix and about to start Valhalla when that finishes.
    Enjoy the rest of your weekend X

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    1. Thanks, Jane! Clogs never look quite right with opaque tights, the Nordic socks were just chunky enough.
      The Queen's Gambit looks beautifully shot and wonderfully stylish, what a shame we don't have Netflix, Once we've caught up with Spooks (only a few more episodes left now) it'll be DNA, Small Axe and Valhalla! xxx

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  27. What a lovely expedition you had, and glad it stayed dry to save your mum's gorgeous boots, Vix. I adore your outfit - is the hat real fur? It's quite magnificent and a fitting capper to the Phool suit, the bargain of a scarf and that amazing coat. Watch out for those Canada geese - they are very un-Canadian and quite cranky.

    I love the pic of Frank peeking out under your hem as you show off your fantastic Lotta clogs! You find such great deals.

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    1. Thanks, Sheila! The hat is sheepskin and marked 100% Tuscan lamb! It's like having my own personal ecosystem on my head!
      That Canadian goose was one of the nicest I've met, he took break from Jon's hand and didn't snap at the ducks! xxx

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  28. Lovely to see you so well wrapped And stylish!, your Anokhi coat and cool scarf are so gorgeous!. Your excursions are such an enjoyable event, lots of beautiful photos, magnificent architecture and some delightful gardens.
    Always in love with your block printed pieces, even if I totally understand you're reluctant about wearing a suit (plus a waistcoat!) in the same print!. I love how you mix and match different pieces in your fab style. Love those clogs and socks ensemble, YOU Totally Rock! (and your nordic socks look cosy!)
    Your bathroom decoration is one of the most amazing ones ever, so many beautiful details!
    besos

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    1. I'm so glad you enjoy sharing our trips! I'm keeping everything crossed for a dry day tomorrow for the next outing. xxx

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  29. What a beautiful place, I’m glad you left the rain at home. How do you manage to look so effortlessly stylish in such low temperatures? The more layers I have the more disheveled I seem to look!
    I’ve noticed my spending diminishing too, you don’t notice how much all those little purchases add up until you stop. It’s been an eye opener.
    xx

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    1. We were so lucky with the weather!
      A hat and loads of prints distract from a lot. I didn't notice how wonky my scarf was till I saw the photos, Jon never said a word! xxx

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  30. You always manage to keep nicely busy. Today it is grey, cold and damp, and since finishing work for the afternoon I can't rouse myself to doing anything remotely productive.
    I love the photograph of Jon feeding the ducks and you've finally shamed me into giving my plants some much needed TLC. X

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    1. It's hard to get motivated when it's grey and cold. xxx

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  31. Thanks for the wonderful photos ... we walked with you and admired the sweet geese and ducks in the pond! I love your outfit and I love your gorgeous scarf! A post full of inspiration and color!
    Hugs, Carmela

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  32. You're building a very impressive collection of clogs! I like the look of them, but my feet don't like how they feel. I'm glad that the fellow visitors you encounter on these National Trust expeditions sound like reasonable people, mask-wearing and social distancing. I know I've mentioned this before, but you are very lucky to have these marvelous gardens and houses so close by.

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  33. That house is just gorgeous - all those oddly shaped/placed windows and a moat! Lucky old ducks getting to live there (and getting a free dinner from Jon).

    I know what you mean about it being easy to forget there's a pandemic on when you spend all day at home. I always find it weird to go out and discover things aren't 'normal' any more.

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Thanks for reading and for leaving a message. Please don't be anonymous, I'd love it if you left a name (or a nom de plume).

Lots of love, Vix