Quiet Day Relaxing

Due to the stress we have been in for the last 3 weeks, Jennifer marking exam's and Stephan working on the Cyber Attack recovery. It was time to relax and have some time together.

So we went for a stroll to Eton and Windsor

 Summer is almost here and the gardens of Eton are looking good

 The swans are eating the duck week as fast as it can grow.

 ETon at 8:00 in the morning was very quiet and looked great in the morning sun.

We found a Bistro down by the river on the Eton sode that was reasonably Priced 

 Eggs Benedict for Jennifer, And a French Breakfast for me.

Both were superb

With a View of the  river with the Swans was just settling for the nerves.

 The Sans are in full Plumage with a lot of this year brood now fully feathered.

We then set off walking around windsor and enjoyed the Morris Dancers

that were dancing to raise funds for charities.

In Spring and Summer, Windsor really comes to life, there are lots of Tourist so in gets crowded.

So by late morning, we decided to get out of there.

Wehn we got back, we were reminded we had a Ward picnic to go to.

A chance for the English to show they can do a BBQ

It was good attempt, NO Prawns or Steaks and not enough seats.

But great company and plenty of Sun.

Yes SUN, England can get into the low 30's.

Conference weekend in Twickenham

Conference Weekend

We had a special visitor to conference.

Elder D Todd Christofferson

It was held at the Twickenham Stadium Rooms.

About 900 turned out for the meeting,

and it was an enjoyable weekend listening to the quest speakers.

Jennifer got to say the Opening Prayer on the Sunday morning

And we got to shake hands and chat to with Elder Christofferson as well.

But of course, I was at Twickenham Stadium, Home of English Rugby.

It had many tourist there as well.

But the stadium was smaller then expected. it only hold about 40,000

that makes it smaller them the three in Melbourne.

Ham House and Gardens

On the Saturday the Sun was shining Again and we decided to head to Ham House

This is a 17th Century House. king James era.

After what was long bus trip, we finally arrived.

The house entrance is through a long line of trees.

The House is a Brick master piece.

At the entrance is group of Busts. Each still very much intact.

Jennifer enjoyed herself, as it was based on French architecture.

The House had been set up to be in the 17th Century style with the Duchess in prime location.

It was very Dark house as windows were expensive in those days.

The Staircase was all wood and carved in details of roses.

Meanwhile the painting were of Naval Battles.

The main entrance polished marble tiles, with Painting of all the owners over the years.

There was a small chapen was the live in Priest

The grand Entrance way is actually new,

as the owner in 1850's removed the portion of the second floor to big it look bold.

As it was dark, not many photo's took be visible.

Once outside in the sun, The Lead water basins were all round the place,

most owners would employ some one to keep them full.

so that anyone needing water could collect it from there

The gardeners alone would take a thousand of gallons a day for the gardens.

Under the house was the Kitchen

and of course a dark pantry for the beer and wine

The east side of the house was where the distillery and Spa were. again both dark places.

The walled garden was inviting.

But was huge, and only part has been restored,

the stables and yards got sold off to private homes just after WW1.

So they are not part of the house anymore.

The gardens had only been partially restored, due to it's size.

The berry fruits were out in full production and look great.

Out the front is the large lawn ad beyond is the contour forest,

We had Lunch under the tree's.

To the west of the house is the landscaped Lavender beds and hedges.

This type of garen go to Jennifer as she's allergic to Lavender.

And as we left, we got the view of the house from the river.

It was a beautiful Summers day so we decided to work along the

Thames and enjoy the summer sun.

Seeing the grand house on the other side of the river.

The views and the people on the river made it a very enjoyable afternoon.

We even found the street where the first privately owned homes were.

Up until then, it was owned by the king and he gift the estates.

these were not far from the Richmond Palace.

We got to walk around the Old Richmond Palace and again,

No Photo's allowed as it is privately owned now.

After that we headed back into Richmond and caught the bus home.

An enjoyable day out in the sun.

Basildon House

Another bright Summers day, And we set off for Pangbourne, with a short river walk upto Basildon House.

The train from Slough directly to Pangbourne. so it was a easy ride.

 The House down by the river were old, with some looking great like this one, some were not.

Due to camera issues, a lot of photo's are missing.

But the walk along the river to Basildon House was a beautiful one.

 We walked up the side street to see there was short cut as well. 

Appears there wasn't

 Once at Basildon House, it grandeur and beauty were well worth the walk.

 This 1800 centenary House has been well restored, 

It had been a family family right up to the 1950, when the family left.

 But outside the sun was shining and inviting.

 The view over the Thames valley was picturesque as well.

 The garden Flowers were out in Bloom as well.

 The court yard was too much for someone with Hayfever.

 Inside we learnt the lady of the house traveled and lot, especially to the Eygpt and India

Her sun room was hand-painted with a large mural.

The Dinning Room for formal dinners could seat 18

 The ceilings all were hand painted and molded

 We even had one of the trust volunteers playing the grand piano.

He was obviously enjoying play on such a grand instrument 

 This was the living room,  

you could easily imagine relaxing after a meal in this room with company.

 Afterwards we enjoyed and Ploughmans lunch

 And a bowl of Stilton and Cauliflower soup. Both were great.

 After Lunch we found some deck chairs that the trust supplied 

and relaxed on the lawn in the sun. OK slept and lost a couple of hours in the sun.

Jennifer got a bit Sun brunt from it but the view

 Was one not to be rushed.

 We left about 3:00 out the gatehouse and headed back down the river to Pangbourne

We arrived at the station with 2 minutes to wait for the next train, 

great timing and great day out.