Monday, 17 August 2015

Day trip to Llandrindod Wells

Saturday morning arrived and friends Francine & Prunella awoke bright & early to the sound of bird song and the gentle buzz of a friendly bumble bee going about his business past the bedroom window. Today they had another exciting adventure ahead of them.

Dressed & groomed the pair sneaked their way into Wizzies camera bag. She has so many that they were greatly relieved to feel themselves hoisted into the air & carried off down the stairs to finally settle in the  back of the Jumping Jimny. As the engine purred the pair couldn't resist a little giggle & a peek at the ever changing countryside whizzing them by.

After a while the car fell silent & the boot opened. Once again the girls were hoisted into the air & were gently bounced up & down on Wizzies shoulder. The weather was bright & a little breezy, ideal for a long stroll aound the Lake at Llandrindod Wells in Wales. Having little legs they didn't want to tire themselves too soon.

Just before they reached the lake they felt the bag open to reveal daylight & Wizzie removed her camera. Without a moments hesitation the girls were out & about.

In their excitement they scrambled here there and everywhere finally coming to rest in the arms of Gaia a sculpture by Edward Folkard which was commissioned by the National Eisteddfod in 1993. It is near to the entrance of Powys County Hall.







So beautifully sculptured & captivating from all angles...





Jumping down from Gaia's arm, they ran hopping, skipping & jumping there way along a dark narrow lane to a kissing gate & a stunning view of Llandrindod's Lake..





The Lake at Llandrindod Wells was dug out from a bog to create a focal point for the Pump House Hotel, which in the heyday of the town's Spa, was a fashionable place to stay whilst taking the healing waters. A recent addition is the fountain in the middle of the lake, which is a sculpture of a sea dragon and leaping fish.







Next to the kissing gate the girls spotted a woooden sculpture of a Llandoddie, a figure with crocodile's head, with a fish.. He looked friendly so the pair went off to introduce themselves...





 Crafted by Dave King, Welsh sculptor and woodcarver from Llandrindod Wells.




A quick stop for ice cream at the Lakeside Cafe. The two girls enjoyed watching the children feeding the Swans & Ducks with grain their parents had purchased from the shop.
Francine and Prunella were sensible & didn't venture too close to the waters edge.
After a relaxing break, Francine & Prunella were re-energized and off once again to explore. 

They spotted another wooden sculpture of a Llandoddie, this time a gnome reading a book. 



They just love a good story...






Sadly all good adventures come to an end and the pair were beginning to become very tired and weary. Time to say goodbye & hop back into Wizzies camera bag for a safe journey home. 
Until the next time, xx







Thank you for your visit.
Have a great day.
x


Mapledurham



Not sure this place is worth a longer blog but I will show a few photos from the visit my wife & I did a while ago.
You could say Mapledurham is a place time forgot  because when you finally find you way to the village it is like stepping back in another age





If you visit on the days the house is open you can park up behind the mill 



 and if you visit the mill and the lawns behind you can get a view of the weir  like the one I showed on Friday. The geese you see in the photo stood on the weir are Egyptian Geese
 The water wheel going round

 and the water Mill which you might recognize from the film the Eagle Has Landed





the church  is called St Margaret and if you check the link you can see I visited it for my blog 
 Mapledurham House which is a Tudor house and has been owned by the same family for 400 years 

 The tree you see here was planted by HRH the Queen Mother on the day Price William was born




the alms houses which I might add is nice to see are in such good condition and I think are still lived in
I'll leave you with this shot of one of the cottages in the estate. If you want to know more or visit the house the check the website
 
Taking Part in Our World Tuesday




Second Embroidery

 
This week I have a second embroidered mural from the Holy Trinity Llandrindod Wells. This one hangs in the South Aisle not far from last weeks one.
 
 
Next week I will bring the third that I find amazing to look at.
Taking Part in Monday Mural




Thursday, 13 August 2015

Sky at the Weir



This is a first for me as it is the first time I have seen this weir at Mapeldurham. The river you see is the Thames and we are not far away from Reading. You will see more from this place in my Exploration Blog in a future post








Francine's & Prunella's A-Z of their garden. (Part One A-M)



A is for Apple Blossom...



                               Swinging from the branches.





B is for Blueberries...




                                Mmm... delicious.


C is for Canary Bird rose...






 The yellow matches Francine's hair. 


D is for Daffodil & Daisy...

 


                                             Daisy chain for Prunella's hair.




E is forEnergy...



The Busy Bee's endless energy buzzing around Francine & Prunella's garden collecting pollen.


 




F is for Forget me not...






     Love is precious, make time for one another.


G is for Garden party...


 


Cream teas are delicious especially when shared with friends


H is for Hibiscus Blue Bird...



The blue matches Prunella's dress perfectly.


I is for Iris...


Their flowers bloom in the most amazing colours.


J is for Jaws...




The jaws from the endangered Stag Beetle. Prunella was lucky to spot both Mr & Mrs Stag Beetle. Such an honour.





K is for Kevin...





Francine was pleasantly suprised one day by a visit from Kevin.



L is for Lilac...

 

This photo ended up in Francine having a bath due to falling from a great hight into a muddy puddle!!


 

& then hung out to dry! 


 



M is for Moon...

 




Goodnight from Francine & Prunella.
They will return shortly with Part Two N to Z.








Thank you for your visit.
Have a great day.
x