In an Engish Country Garden

Well, following all the drama and trauma of Tuesday, I have been happily settled into my flat in Westward Ho! for a couple of days now.  Yesterday (Wednesday) I drove to Barnstaple where the nearest train station is, and picked up my cousin, Paul, who is going to be staying with me until Friday.  The weather was suffocating it was so hot and muggy.  We sat on the balcony sipping a glass of wine in the shade but, when the sun moved around, we had to come in.  Regardless, we had to go out for "supplies" (aka wine and food) anyway.  By the time we got back, the weather had completely changed and, in the space of about 1 hour, a strong onshore breeze came up and the temperature dropped about 10 degrees.  All thoughts of having a lovely dinner sitting on the balcony were dashed.  I guess the UK heat wave is over, ironically on the first full day of summer!

Paul has always be interested in gardens and there are several famous ones not far from here.  So, midday, we set off for the Royal Horticultural Society garden called Rossmoor.  It is located on the other side of Bideford and about 1/2 hour from here.  Mindy (GPS) got us there almost without a glitch.  It seems that entering postcode works better than street addresses.  I was surprised when we got there to find that the car park, which is huge, was almost full but we did manage to find a space.  We then spent a couple of hours wandering around the property and the flowers, shrubs, trees, lawns and meadows were beautiful.  They have their "rose festival" on right now and it was all so colourful.  After a couple of house we had to stop for a Devon cream tea (scones, clotted cream, strawberry jam and tea).  Then, we wandered back to the car and returned home.  So, here are some photos of the gardens, lake and setting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Regency-style house on the property - Lady Anne's Cottage

We are undecided whether we are going to eat in or go out for dinner but, for sure, up next is some wine for the both of us accompanied by some cheese and bread.  We will be able to sit on the balcony because it is only about 23 degrees.  So much more pleasant!

 

Well, the plan for sitting on the balcony didn't come to fruition because there was a very strong breeze (aka wind).  We felt rather sorry for the band trying to play music in the little square to an audience of only about 15 or 20 people. 

 

We were going to go out for dinner but changed our minds and cooked a casual meal in.  We shared some Prosecco to toast our upcoming "significant" birthdays.  It was so great to spend time with Paul again.