This and that...

Nam-myoho-renge-kyo

I unexpectedly find myself chanting this at odd times.

Many years ago, when Ashlee was a teenager still at home looking for "something", a friend of mine who is Buddhist, suggested that she attend some of the meetings.

Berry, Australia

Berry - "is a small Australian town in the Shoalhaven region of the NSW South Coast in the state of New South Wales, located 145 km (90 mi) south of the state capital, Sydney."

Whilst we were staying in Gerringong (Christmas 2013), we did some sightseeing and one of the towns we visited was Berry, before driving up into the surrounding mountains.  Every time we visit Australia, we always take a drive to Berry, one of our favourite towns. It's atmosphere is so inviting. Little shops filled with so much.

Lewes, UK

Archaeological evidence points to prehistoric dwellers in the area. Scholars think that the Roman settlement of Mutuantonis was here, as quantities of artefacts have been discovered in the area. The Saxons built a castle, having first constructed its motte as a defensive point over the river; they gave the town its name.^[3]

Haha...sore bum!

Yesterday was a lovely day both weather-wise and activity-wise.

I woke in the morning with a massive headache. One that was on the scale of migraine. I've not had a migraine for about 8 years. Used to get them regularly as a child/teenager and on and off as an adult. But, it did not worry me too much as I did not have the strange shimmering ring-like aura in my vision that comes with it.

Off with the Elementals

You can imagine the magical Elementals at play every season of the year.  

Earth Wind Fire and Water

Sheffield Park last Autumn

Sheffield Park - The garden is a horticultural work of art formed through centuries of landscape design, with influences of 'Capability' Brown and Humphry Repton. Four lakes form the heart of the garden, with paths circulating through the glades and wooded areas surrounding them. Each owner has left their impression, which can still be seen today in the layout of the lakes, the construction of Pulham Falls, the planting of Palm Walk and the many different tree and shrub species from around the world.

I love this garden. It is like a chocolate box picture, no matter what the season, so beautifully and breathtakingly planted to effect. These are pics from Autumn last year.

The long walk

Greg and I walk a lot. We love walking through nature, cities, towns, around parks - anywhere.

On average we walk about 7-10 miles every time we go out. Keeps us fit and in touch with nature and the historical heritage that is the UK...or wherever we are in the world.

Dog lead

I've been feeling like things are hotting up - couldn't quite put my finger on what is actually 'hotting' up until I watched Kelley Rosano's latest about the new moon. It makes sense.

A little bit of the Med in Sydney

We discovered a little bit of the Meditteranean in Paddington - a quaint suburb of Sydney. The houses are Victorian but the outdoor profusion of plants and potted plants reminded us of France.

Uplifting surrounds

An afternoon in the sun studying, surrounded by the scent and sight of my abundant, VERY small garden. It surprises and delights each year. It seems the more I love the garden, the more it gives me in return.

Marrakech, Morocco: Riad Dar Meryem

We stayed in the ancient walled city of Marrakech (medina) at a Riad called Dar Meryem.
Riad - "a large traditional house built around a central courtyard, often converted into a hotel."

Our hosts were heartwarmingly kind and generous, nothing was too much trouble...and the food was excellent.

Ashdown Forest in Winter

Greg and I have grown to love this area and explore it regularly as it is just down the road from us. This is also Winnie the Pooh country - you will find the Hundred Aker Wood here.

Winnie the Pooh

Isle of Wight

We spent a long weekend on the Isle of Wight in September. Mum visited with friends, whilst Greg and I explored this lovely little island.

Ightham Mote

Ightham Mote - (pronounced 'i-tem')  "Dating back to approximately 1320, Ightham Mote is a medieval moated manor house close to the village of Ightham, near Sevenoaks in Kent."

Treehouse living in France

 

Here are the pictures of the treehouses that we slept in at Domaine de Poiseuil.

On our trip down to the Med, we stayed in two separate treehouses:

Past Lives

When we arrived at the jousting field of Hever Castle, the air of excitement and anticipation was palpable. It had both Greg and I caught up in the moment, grinning with delight.

Borde Hill

Borde Hill - "Borde Hill Garden is nestled in 200 acres of English Heritage listed Sussex parkland and woodland, with wonderful views across the Sussex Weald and the magnificent Ouse Valley. The garden is home to a nationally important collection of rare shrubs, champion trees and exotic plants."

Hever Castle

Lol...we've been living in this area for 13 years and have never visited Hever Castle which is literally on our doorstep! This is the home of Anne Boleyn.

Herstmonceux Castle

Herstmonceux Castle-  "By the end of the 12th Century, the family at the manor house at Herste had considerable status. Written accounts mention a lady called Idonea de Herste, who married a Norman nobleman named Ingelram de Monceux. Around this time, the manor began to be called the 'Herste of the Monceux’; a name that eventually became Herstmonceux (pronounced Herst-mon-soo)."

Roman Baths in Bath, Somerset

Entrance to the Roman Spa

Bath, Somerset