My Little Pumpkin

Do you remember my little pumpkin that grew in our compost area?  When it was evident that the pumpkin would not mature enough to eat I picked it and placed it on our table on the patio.  There it sat for many days and eventually turned orange.  I noticed it was being eaten, but only at night.  We never could capture an animal or bird pecking into it, but was obviously being enjoyed by someone.

Our mystery was solved last week!  I wanted to keep the pumpkin on the table to feed whoever wanted it even though it was beginning to rot.

Our squirrels have clearly enjoyed this little pumpkin.

 Yesterday Grayden scooped it all up and took it back to the compost pile.  Maybe in a couple years we will receive a gift of a pumpkin from our compost again!

Our Thanksgiving plans changed quite a bit this year.  We were planning to fly up to New England to be with our daughter and son-in-law.  Our plans changed when they both became ill.  We decided it would be wise not to travel under these circumstances.  It was quite a disappointment for all of us, especially to Samuel.  We then asked our son and his boys up for Thanksgiving dinner.  The day before he called to say he was sick.  Oh no!  Our two youngest grands called us back and asked if we would like for them to join us.  Of course we would!!!  

Though our plans changed several times we were so happy to have our grands seated at our Thanksgiving table!

Our sweet neighbor surprised us with flowers for the table.  We served roast beef as it was too late to thaw a turkey.  We enjoyed a lovely day in spite of plans changing almost hourly!  It was the first time the younger grands have traveled to see us without their Dad in the car.  They both said it was fun!  We really missed our children but still had a good Thanksgiving with our grands.  I hope you enjoyed your day as well! 

Compton Castle and Primrose Tearoom

As we continue on with our Golden Anniversary trip,  today I'd like to share our next stop on our itinerary,  Compton Castle.  We stayed in Devon and went back and forth into Cornwall as well as further into Devon.  Compton Castle is in Devon.  Come along with us as we explore an interesting medieval fortress that has been the home of the Gilbert family for over 600 years!

It's always interesting to see a vehicle parked in the front of these old castles.  Geoffery and Angela Gilbert and their family make Compton castle their home today. The castle sits on land originally owned by the Compton family.  Joan de Compton married Geoffery Gilbert in 1329.  The Gilberts have been adding on and altering the castle ever since throughout their ownership.

The docent comes to greet us as we walk to the entrance.  Come inside with us as we learn more about the Gilberts and this interesting fortress.

We are invited to watch a video about the history of the castle in the medieval kitchen.  We learn that Sir Humphrey Gilbert was the half brother of Sir Walter Raleigh.  Sir Humphrey Gilbert was an explorer as well as Sir Walter Raleigh.  Gilbert colonized Newfoundland in the name of Queen Elizabeth I in 1583.  Unfortunately Gilbert's ship, The Squirrel, was lost at sea near the Golden Hind, Sir Francis Drakes' ship.  

Squirrels are seen throughout the castle.  The squirrel is on the Gilbert family crest.

Sir Humphrey Gilbert's youngest son, Raleigh, began setting up the Popham Colony in Maine in 1607.  It was such a bitter winter it only lasted a year.

The original manor house was fortified in response to the French raids of the 1520's in Plymouth.  In the 1800's the family moved to Bodmin, Cornwall and Compton Castle fell into ruin and was sold.  Sir Walter Raleigh Gilbert bought the castle back in 1931 and renovations were begun.

In 1955 original stonework was found and was used in the Great Hall's windows.

Walking throughout the castle we see lovely gardens.  

The last blooms of Autumn are hanging on the rose bushes.

There is a lovely orchard on the property.  They welcome you to have a picnic here if you'd like.

Beautiful juicy apples hang from these old trees.

The gardens of Compton Castle did not disappoint.  I'm so impressed with the lush beautiful beds full of lovely plants alongside the orchard.  

There is charm around every corner of this lovely spot.  A castle and thatched roof buildings with espaliered plants crawling up the stone wall.  All the elements of fairy tales.

Maybe we would like to play a game of bowling. 

How would you like to join us at the Primrose Tearoom.  It's going to be a bumpy ride, but I assure you you will like the treat when we reach our destination.

Following the advice of our Sat Nav (GPS) we arrive at the tearoom!  I like to stay positive about our travels, but this journey was really something else!  That's enough about that.  Let's go inside.

After touring Compton Castle we were hungry.  Grayden and I  had the mushroom and Gruyere cheese quiche along with the cream tea.  Please pick what you would enjoy and I'll pour for us!

We enjoyed our Cream tea very much.  I hope you enjoyed it as well as our visit to Compton Castle. 

The Primrose Tearoom is in the lovely town of Lustleigh that is not easy to get to, but so worth the travel difficulties.