Tuesday 10 July 2007

A breath of fresh air



We had a visitor come to stay over the weekend, just for the two days mind and not sure if and when it'll be back. Yes, summer popped in and said hello and what a difference it made! The girls were able to get out - one was off down the beach and one lazed around the garden. I did some gardening (much needed) and was able to finish my new tea cosy which had been on my to do list for too long. It does look very bright and summery and reminds me of bunting at a summer fete! I've put it in my Etsy shop as I really can't justify having so many teacosies!!!


On Sunday we went on one of our favourite walks up to Ditchling Beacon on the South Downs. If we could pick one place to spend the day without travelling too far it would be here. Away from the crowds on the beach this is where we come throughout the year and never fail to have a good time.


In autumn we pick blackberries and sloes for sloe gin, in winter on a clear, chilly day it's perfect for blowing those cobwebs away, in spring and summer it's the place for picnics and long rambles. Lovely just to hear the birds singing, church bells ringing and tractors in the distance. It is also the only place I've ever seen a flying elephant and seal!!! (look closely at those clouds)...


The girls wanted to make a day of it and suggested we walked down into the village of Ditchling for a pub lunch. So off we walked - it was lovely, Away from the distractions of home the age gap between the girls seems to narrow and it was great seeing them climbing trees, dodging the mud, singing songs and generally having a laugh.


Ditchling is a wonderful little village to visit full of wonderful old houses and buildings and there are pubs and tearooms too! After lunch we went to the local museum to see an Eric Gill exhibition which was great.

The museum is housed in the old schoolhouse and is full of interesting things - both Frank Brangwyn and Eric Gill had lived in Ditchling as well as a thriving community of artists and craftspeople. We had to drag the girls out as they were so busy, but we knew we had a long walk uphill to get back to the car and the promise of an icecream when we got to the top.


Back home in time for a much needed cup of tea and some time in the still sunny garden. So thank you Summer, please come and visit us more often - you're always welcome.

30 comments:

Anonymous said...

What lovely lovely photos. I enjoyed seeing your part of the world.
Carole W. in Louisiana

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

Let's keep our fingers crossed our visitor comes back..... Love your teacosy-you are so clever!!!

pink-petal-designs said...

It looks really lovely where you live, great pics and a lovely tea cosy !
Sarah x

AC said...

I love the colours of your new tea cosy. What a lovely relaxing walk you had a the weekend.
Alison x

Tracy x said...

we are so lucky down here - the countryside is amazing.
love the new cosy - that red and blue together looks great x
tracy x

Raindrops said...

Sounds like you had a lovely weekend. fingers crossed that visitor will arrive again and stay longer. Tricia

Anonymous said...

Wasn't this weekend just fabulous!!!
Lets hope we get many more lovely, sunny days...
Loving that tea cosie, well done you!

Jennifer.x

Anonymous said...

Hi Kim,

What a lovely day you enjoyed. Ditchling looks like a really interesting place to visit.

Have you ever made sloe chocolates? I came across a company called Sloe Motion last time I was in the UK. They make the most delicious chocolates as a by-product of their Sloe gin production. I didn't think that I would like them, but I could have eaten a whole box!!!

I'm glad the sun shone for you - hope it comes back soon.

Marie x

Thimbleanna said...

Oh, thank you SO much for posting pictures of Ditchling! I just love UK villages, they're so full of charm and beauty. Which goes wonderfully with that adorable new tea cosy you've made!

meggie said...

Lovely day out for you. Beautiful photos of your day. Love those tea cosies.
I have tagged you for a meme. Dont feel you have to do it, if it is not your 'thing'.
I hope you have some more summer!

Anonymous said...

Oooo, your pics brought tears of all sorts to my eyes. My family live in Ditchling. It's been three years, this month, since I was in Ditchling for my darling Daddy's funeral. I miss him, I miss the greenest green of England, I miss Ditchling - surely one of the prettiest places ever! Thanks for the memories. I'm smiling through the tears.

Emma - Melbourne, Australia (Another pretty place!)

The Crafts House said...

I love your tea cosy, I collect tea pots....did you know its Ringtons 100th birthday this year!!
sandra

ShabbyInTheCity said...

This is such a fun post!
I know where your visitor is...HERE! And overstaying the welcome too...
I saw the elephant :)

Heather ~ Pretty Petals said...

Kim, what beautiful pictures! I love seeing pictures of your beautiful lands! That town is just so cute...but I will never get used to seeing cars on the wrong side of the road..he he.

Hope the sun stays shining for you!
Heather

Heidijayhawk said...

hope that sun keeps shining on you! what an awesome place. looks just lovely!

kate said...

I hope you have another visit again soon! Sounds like a perfect day was had by all - Ditchling looks as if it is a picturesque place!

Thanks for sharing this!

Clare and Mike said...

Hi Kim, just catching up with your recent posts! Yes, I hope Summer does return soon - looks like you had a lovely time, such great scenery. I saw the elephant and seal too - wonder what that says about us!!!
Clare x

mollycupcakes said...

I just love the photos, where you live looks so beautiful and well worth a visit. We holidaying in England this year, there is so any lovely places to see. And seeing your photos lets me know we're making the right choice this year. Any other places you'd recommend ?

Thanks honey.
Catherine x

The French Nest said...

Your teacosy is gorgeous, and so clever! Your part of the world looks stunning...I always enjoy visiting here.

Kate

Gill said...

Sounds like a perfect day and it brought back memories for me. My Grandmother lived in Hassocks and when I stayed with her as an 11 year old we walked to the Jack & Jill windmills...I seem to remember it was a 12 mile round trip which to me was a very long way! I proudly told everyone how far I'd walked and can vividly remember climbing the hills! Such a lovely part of England. And I saw the Elephant and Seal too :)
Love the tea cosy.
Gill

Berber said...

Thank you for these wonderful photos of England's greenness :))

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

Hi Kim-me again! You've been tagged again! 8 random facts all about you...

Anonymous said...

Super tea cosy--what a cheerful creation! It looks soooo beautiful there...Love your blog! :o)

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

Kim, Grace Kelly's dress is probably my all time favourite- I love the lace, and the wide sash on it! Wish I'd had it copied when I got married-sigh! Thought I remembered that you'd already been tagged-sorry!!

Sophie Honeysuckle said...

I know what you mean-I would love to look as polished as Grace Kelly! Unfortunatey, it never happens!! I just added a few photos of her wedding dress onto my post xx

Victoria May Plum said...

Great tea cosy, I know a kitchen that would suit that very well! Summer is on its way, I know it!
Victoria x

Heidi said...

What wonderful photos Kim! I love the looks of this village. And you also have clouds on your blog! We so underrate the simple things around us. They are of great beauty but since we see them everyday, we no longer really see them.

Betty said...

Oh what a beautiful place to take a summer walk!

Anonymous said...

How lovely that Summer graced you with her presence for a few days! I do hope she comes back again and stays a bit longer next time. ♥

dottycookie said...

That looks like a lovely place to visit - I'll have to put it on the list for next time we're down with my parents!