2 weekends ago Much Beloved & I had an action packed weekend away including trips to historic Winchester & Bath, MB's nephew's 18th Birthday Party and a Vietnamese Cooking lesson !Winchester was charming - and the weather was just a perfect Indian Summer's Day so we got to see the historic city at it's best !
History and shopping - a wonderful combination !
Rich's nephew had a family "do" to celebrate his 18th and as his Dad is 60 tomorrow they celebrated what they billed as a "78th" Birthday party !
On the Sunday we moved on down to Bath where we went to see the renovations at Dyrham Park - as well as seeing some amazing fallow Deer in full antlers !
The National Trust have erected an enormous cathedral like structure of scaffolding & plastic over the entire house and a lift took us up to a walkway round the whole of the roof so we were looking down into the roof repairs - it was amazing to see a perspective you would never imagine seeing normally !
They even facilitated wheelchair access so rich could see everything too !
You can see we had to don Hi-Vis vests to make the trip !
Bath is a lovely city which dates back to Roman times.
We enjoyed the sights & shopping by day and then enjoyed a brilliant Thai meal at one of our favourite restaurants - on the way back to the hotel we went back to see the Abbey & around the Roman Baths by moonlight as it was a Full Moon - so atmospheric & peaceful with all the tourists long gone.
We had a fun & wildly aromatic day learning about all the spices & herbs they use - and made up several recipes which we'll definitely be trying again at home !
I love a lot of South East Asian food so really enjoyed learning techniques & food pairing tricks - yummy !
On Saturday the weather held out & we were able to show off our stunning sandy beaches then enjoy a companionable meal at our favourite local restaurant.
We aren't Welsh speaking ourselves but could resist getting them a Welsh souvenir from the ladies who run a shabby chic stall at the local market.
On Sunday after a morning walk in the Mumbles, including the Lifeboat House, the menfolk went to football.So Mary & I got painty & gluey decorating letters to spell our her new grand-daughter's name.
As Iris means Rainbow we chose colours of the rainbow & added embellishments in the Finnabar style.
We were pretty pleased with them at the end - so we thought why not celebrated with a glass of something bubbly !
I am working in Germany at the massive Food Trade Fair from Friday to late Tuesday so won't catch you next week - take care ! Love Ali x
We had a fabulous weekend. Can't wait to put the decorated letters is Iris's new bedroom. Wish I could have a tutorial from Ali every weekend!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, you've been busy - what fun times you've had! I love Bath, not been for a long time now. The National Trust visit looks fab too. Have a good time in Germany next week, see you soon after we hope! Helen #1
ReplyDeleteWhat a super time you've been having! Love the letters. I bought some for my granddaughters and we had fun doing them together. Anne x #16
ReplyDeleteWhat a super time you've been having! Love the letters. I bought some for my granddaughters and we had fun doing them together. Anne x #16
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you've had a busy, but very fulfilling week with family and friends. Those letters that you and Mary made for the granddaughter are beautiful. Happy WOYWW! #27
ReplyDeleteG'day Ali. Oh wow you have had a busy week and happy late birthday too.
ReplyDeleteHappy WOYWW Annette In Oz #18
Wow, you've had a very eventful week! It's a good idea to take your birthday off. My hubby's birthday was on Saturday and he still had to go in for an open day at the university. He wasn't happy about it. Lovely photos! It's been years since we last went to Dyrham Park - sounds like it may be worth visiting again. Thanks for putting it on my radar. Have fun in Germany - Gute Fahrt and don't forget to visit the Bierfest! zsuzsa @ INkyDinkyDoodle #29
ReplyDeleteOh I really enjoyed your post! With all those fab photos. It's been ages since I was in Dyrham park. We used to have NT membership and used to go often as we lived in Keynsham (between Bath and Bristol). How interesting to be able to see the roof works. I suppose that is the most costly of the restauration and they want the public to see it.
ReplyDeleteBath is fab. I love Bath. Lots of independent shops, quality street musicians, great atmosphere and everything is walkable. The is a Lakeland store (my secret passion) and an indoor market with a craft stall. Super. The have the famous Spa, lots of little restaurants for lunch and a small independent film theatre that do matinees with coffee and biscuit included. Sorry, I seem to be harping on about it but all the good memories come flooding back.
I love I.R.I.S. In fact the Spanish word for rainbow is: arco iris.
Have a great time in Germany!
Lisca#9
That looked like an interesting day with a cooking lesson. Hopefully we will see pictures of your trade fare but if you are working then maybe not
ReplyDeleteBridget #11
What a fun post, thank you so much for sharing your adventures with us!
ReplyDelete:)trisha, #52
with a diy desk redo,
but not the workdesk!
My goodness, Ali, what a busy time you've been having, and what fun! You have visited several places we have enjoyed lovely holidays in, particulary Bath and Winchester. Hope the food fair in Germany is successful and fun, too.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your motivational hug! Nothing like a hug to keep one going! I am going to reach that finish line and once the final treatment is over, a week on Friday, I can concentrate on getting well again. I can't give up now I'm so near the finish line, can I!!
Happy WOYWW,
Shoshi #44
Wow, you've been a busy gal! Isn't Winchester fab? That's where my son has started uni...he loves it :-)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't email you back as you're a no reply blogger. Please email me and I'll send you Shaz's address.
Hugs, LLJ 10 xx
I think what you have been doing is more fun than blogging! Thanks for showing us your great photos. I love how you do the collage. I have it now, but forget to use it! :)
ReplyDelete#50
I love the letters you decorated!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Sofie #51
http://sofies-succulent-beads.blogspot.be/
I love the letters you decorated!
ReplyDeleteGreetings, Sofie #51
http://sofies-succulent-beads.blogspot.be/
Fap post Ali, what a great week! I love the ideas of the day's cookery, what a fab gift for a foodie. You two could never be accused of not getting the most from life!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have had an amazing time and the vietnamese cooking course looks delish. Vietnam is one of my favourite holiday spots. Love the decorated letters and absolutely love the Finn style.
ReplyDeletesandra de @28