Public Service Announcement

I wanted to let all of my friends here know about what happened to Lavender Dreams blog.  If you follow Diane it seems her blog was removed by a bot.  If you have ever lost anything online that is dear to you, you want to have a look at what she has been experiencing.  

It looks like her blog is back online, but with security issues.  I'll send you off to check this out.

https://lavenderdreamsnew.blogspot.com/

Our bluebirds have been visiting us daily and we are thrilled. 

 

Even when it snowed they enjoyed the suet.

We love seeing the birds and enjoy the variety that visit us.  

Diane always shows lovely birds and wildlife from her hikes so that's why I've included these for her.  Good luck Diane!

Driving to Devon

Our two weeks in the Lake District of England had ended and we were ready to travel down to Devon.  Our stay was wonderful and we sadly said goodbye to the lovely area and headed south to spend two weeks in Devon and Cornwall.  What new adventures await us?  Come along as we travel south continuing to celebrate our Golden Anniversary.

  

The distance between the two areas was 334 miles, but because of traffic on the M6 we knew it would take us some time to get to our destination.  Stopping in Worcester at Croome would break up our trip and we could enjoy a property along the way.  There is also the secret RAF Defford museum on the grounds. 

First things first--We were hungry and decided to have something to eat at the barracks that is now run by the National Trust.  They always have lovely meals.

Grayden enjoyed a local specialty of Hannity Devon Pie.

I had the Pasty Veg, a lovely Cornish Pasty dish full of vegetables that is well known in this part of England.  Both were very good and with our tummies full we were ready to look around the RAF Defford Museum.

This museum is operated by the Defford Airfield Heritage Group in partnership with the National Trust.  In two buildings there are displays explaining how radar defended Britain against German bombing attacks during WWII.  Grayden really enjoyed speaking with the gentleman there as they talked "shop."  

RAF Defford opened in 1941 as a satellite airfield.  In 1942 the Telecommunications Research Establishment operated radar flight trials.  These flight trials along with the Royal Navy tested radar systems that revolutionized the operation of Allied aircraft.  This is why this area had been a secret.

While Grayden was enjoying the technical, I was enjoying the lighter side of this museum.

I'm so impressed that even during war, tea was made available to service members!

We wanted to walk down to the Croome country home and take a look at the beauty from the 18th century.  Croome was the home of the 6th Earl of Coventry, George William.  

The grounds of Croome was designed by Capability Brown, the genius who incorporated endless vistas around this property. 

The Croome Heritage Trust bought Croome Court in 2007 and leased it to the National Trust so it could be open to the public.  They are working on its restoration.  

The vista from the top of the hill shows the beauty and genius of Capability Brown.  It also shows the half mile walk down hill that we decided we should miss as we still had a ways to travel that afternoon.

Keep in mind this is an enormous parkland full of many beautiful points of interest.  This is the newly restored Chinese Bridge. 

There is a lovely church at the top of the hill that could tell a few tales about how life has been here on the Croome estate.

We normally don't rush our days on travel, but we needed to leave this serene spot and travel down into Devon and find our lodging. 

The rolling hills of Devon were so lovely as we traveled down the highway.

After traveling some single track lanes-yikes- we finally reach our destination for the next two weeks.  From our thatched roof home we will be traveling all around Devon and into Cornwall.  Thank you for coming along with us. ♥

Colonial Williamsburg Valentine's Week

Grayden and I have a tradition of going to Colonial Williamsburg for the week around Valentine's Day.  We are only 100 miles from one of our favorite spots.  It's a wonderful place to take long walks.  Tidewater is certainly warmer than our home town as we get closer to the ocean.  Our visit included warm days and chilly days, but always walks down in the Colonial area.  Put on your walking shoes and take a stroll with us.

The sky is starting to brighten and we have many lovely homes and tradesmen to view.  Colonial Williamsburg is a step back into the 18th century in Virginia. 

Bruton Parish Church has been a house of worship for over 300 years in Williamsburg.  George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry worshiped here when the Virginia House of Burgesses was in session.

Across from the church there is a lovely garden that is still sleeping.

Tiny homes and larger homes line the street that add charm to Colonial Williamsburg.

The Governor's Palace is down the Palace Green.  This was the home of seven Royal Governors and the first two elected Governors of Virginia. 

Continuing on our walk we pass the many shops that still make products in the manner of the 18th century.

If you wish to bring your horse and buggy, there is a post for doing so. 

Or you can ride the streets in this chauffeured buggy.

We prefer walking on this beautiful day.  It's in the upper 50's and it feels like Spring is in the air!

There are guest houses one can rent if you are so inclined.

On Valentine's Day Grayden and I enjoyed a wonderful meal at Chownings Tavern.

I always enjoy seeing the trees this time of year as you can see their form so clearly.

The King's Arms Tavern is a lovely place to have dinner as well.  If you come in summer there is dining and drinks are served in their outdoor garden patio. 

Shield's Tavern is also very nice place to have a meal.  We recently learned that Grayden's ancestors opened and operated this tavern in 1745.

You can see we are almost at the end of the Duke of Glouchester Street.  The Colonial Capitol is at the end of the block.

Charlton's Coffeehouse is on the left if you want to stop in and have a drink or talk about the impending revolution if you dare.

That is certainly what is being discussed at the Capitol.

Let's walk around the Capitol and continue with a walk on a parallel street.

This old fallen down limb continues to amuse me over the years.  It is still attached to the tree, but reminds me of a crocodile.  We greeted him every day on our walk.

The Public Gaol (jail) was built in 1701 and sits near the Capitol. 

Thankfully, we have no business here.  Let's see what other things await us.

This quiet lane is so peaceful and serene.  Notice all the different styles of fences in Colonial Williamsburg--All so very charming.

This house always reminds me of my Mama and Daddy.  I have a photo of us standing on the front porch of this home during Grand Illumination. 

I love this old live oak tree.  It has been here ever since I can remember as I've been coming here my whole life.

This was the home of George Wythe.  He taught Thomas Jefferson, John Marshall, and Henry Clay law.  He was also the first signer of the Declaration of Independence from Virginia.

I'm so glad you joined us on our walk today.  If I lived here it would have to be my walk every day as I love Colonial Williamsburg!  Thank you for coming along with us. ♥