Townend and Troutbeck Valley

Today I'd like to take you to Troutbeck Valley in the Lake District.  When we traveled to England in 2015 we visited this special spot and wanted to return on our Golden Anniversary trip in the fall of 2017.  The valley is home to many special farms and lovely scenic views and one special farmhouse of the Brownes called Townend.  If you want to read about our visit then you can go Here.  

The weather was very similar this visit as was our weather last visit.  The incredible silence in this area is noteworthy.

As we take our turn we are transported to a special place in time.  We are early and have to wait for the car park gate to open.  

The views are just spectacular as we drink in the beauty of the morning. 

I decided to get out of the car and do a little visiting with our friends just beyond the fence.

Scenery like this is to be enjoyed for a long time in my mind's eye.

This little darling looked me straight in the eye and smiled!  

Now that the car park gate has opened we decide to walk on over to visit Townend.  The stone bank barn on the right is extraordinary. 

This barn was built in 1666 by George Browne.  It has extensions that were added in the 18th century.  This barn is still used today for lambing and storing feed for the livestock.

The views over the bank barn show the definition of the stone walls marking the fields.  Oh England, I adore your green pastures!

We reach the bottom and find the lovely garden waiting for us to view. 

Fuchsia grows like shrubbery in the Lake District!  I'm amazed as I'm lucky to grow a basket of this lovely plant.  It appears to be perennial here which I find interesting.

The early fall garden is still blooming.

Troutbeck Valley was a favorite of Beatrix Potter.  She knew the Brownes and visited often.  She owned a farm nearby where she raised her prize winning Herdwick Sheep.

It's time for us to take our tour of the home.  Come inside and do watch your step.  This 400 year old home is quite dark inside.  My photos had to be without flash.

The National Trust takes care of this property and only allows a certain number of guests in at a time.  We have our peg (clothes pin) and are called in for a visit.

There is a table that is spread with goodies that would have been served to guests.

All of the furnishing were carved by George Browne.  Even though they were a simple farming family, Mr. Browne wished to impress his guests.  The family collections are featured which span 400 years!

The ceiling boasts beautiful old cast iron pieces. 

The guide took us upstairs to the very small bedrooms.

As we go downstairs we view a much fancier furnished bedroom.

Off from the parlor was a long table set for a very fancy meal.

There is an extensive library collection at Townend.  A total of 1748 titles are present.  Some dating to the 1600's.  

The beam in the main part of the house has been replaced since our last visit.  The National Trust raised funds to have this replaced.  Thanks to the National Trust, Townend will still be able to greet visitors.

This is George Browne X (1834-1914).  He is responsible for having preserved the many pieces we have viewed.

After leaving Townend we decided to walk over to Annie's Clock.  We had eaten here on our last visit.  It had changed owners since then, but we still had an enjoyable meal.

Next we are off to visit an ancient spot to the north.  I hope you will join us as we show you the window to our trip! ♥

Kindness Matters

 Some of you are aware that I had a little issue last week that required a brief use of crutches.  I ran into my vanity stool and hit my foot between my toes.  Ouch!  Having done this before, I thought it would be okay if I just sat down and rested it before going to bed.  Well, this time it was different.  If it weren't a Friday evening at eleven p.m.,  I probably would have gone to the ER.  Being in so much pain with swelling and bruising, Grayden retrieved ice and the crutches from downstairs.  Using crutches is quite scary.  I have since found out that I have lumbar spinal stenosis which makes using crutches even scarier.  I couldn't put any weight on that foot for several days and saw the doctor on Monday.  Thankfully, nothing was broken (I was positive it was) and I was able to get rid of the crutches and just rest with ice and elevation. 

Our son-in-law from New England was in VA to attend a local wedding reception in Northern VA.  On Sunday he planned to come down to visit with his son Samuel.  You may remember that Samuel lives with us while he attends college in our town.  We assumed he and Samuel would just be hanging out together and maybe going into town for lunch.  Instead Peter thought it would be a good idea if he and Samuel made freeze ahead meals for us to use for the week.  I must say I was so touched by the action of these two.  First they planned what to make and went grocery shopping for additional ingredients and then spent some time putting together the meals that we have been enjoying all week.  Grayden has many talents, but it does not include preparing meals.  Needless to say, he was thrilled at the generosity of these two! 

Not having to worry about meals has been so nice for me this week.  Peter also grilled burgers and potatoes along with fruit for our meal on Sunday.  Thank you Peter and Samuel!  You have made my really unfortunate experience bearable.♥

Just like how a single stone

Can create many ripples in calm waters

Your act of kindness can have a ripple effect

On someone’s spouse, sons or daughters

There is no such thing as big or small

When it comes to measuring kindness

Because even in the slightest dozes

It can bring about joy and happiness.

Unknown Author

  

Glasgow Cathedral

Continuing on with posting about our trip to Great Britain last fall, today I'd like to take you to Glasgow Cathedral in Scotland.  We toured Stirling Castle earlier in the day and next on our itinerary is to drive into Glasgow and visit the cathedral.  Did you know it's really not a cathedral?  It's kind of an honorary term bestowed on this church before the Scottish Reformation.  Even though the church did house the Archbishop of Glasgow in its earlier days and was considered a cathedral it's not technically a cathedral today because it hasn't housed a bishop since 1690.

The church has been known by many names.  High Kirk of Glasgow or Saint Kentigern's or Saint Mungo's Cathedral and today is known as The Church of Scotland of Glasgow.  The current congregation is part of the The Church of Scotland's Presbytery of Glasgow. 

Whenever we visit a house of worship, we both are struck with the majesty and awe that fills our hearts. The first stone built Glasgow Cathedral was dedicated in 1136 in the presence of King David I.  The present building was consecrated in 1197.  There has been continuous worship of God for 800 years in the cathedral.  The building itself is under the ownership of the Crown, but is maintained by Heritage Scotland.

The inside is quite dark, but added to the reverence of the cathedral.  I'm sure on a sunny day these stained glass windows would be even more lovely.  

Above is the Moses window in the north aisle.

The Millennium Window above was dedicated in 1999 by H.R.H. The Princess Royal, Anne.  John C. Clark was a student and guest lecturer at The Glasgow School of Art.  He was selected to paint the glass under the careful direction of Historic Scotland.  The design theme is GROWTH.  The funding of the project involved three local schools.

I always remind myself when visiting cathedrals that most folks didn't read when these houses of worship were constructed.  Most everything in them tells the Bible in visual form.  

The above arms is from the Stuart dynasty of Scotland from the reign of James VI.  This motto appeared on the merk coins minted in 1578 and 1580.  It is also the motto of three British Army Scottish Regiments called, Order of the Thistle.  Meaning - No one can harm me unpunished.  This motto is seen throughout Scotland.

Leaving Glasgow Cathedral we walked back to our car and spotted this old phone booth.  It was a Wi-Fi hot spot.  So clever.

It's a striking contrast to having just visited a 800 year old cathedral! 

Our drive "home" was pleasant and lovely.  The rainy day ended with the sun shining on us.