Have you heard it rains a lot in England? Oh yes indeed it does. It doesn't matter to us--well not much! We're in ENGLAND and we are prepared! We have our brollies (British plural for umbrella) and our jackets. It is a chilly day but we are ready to explore.
Today we are travelling to Stoke-on-Trent to see the Potteries. It is the World Capital of Ceramics! Many of the famous china we all know and love was first manufactured here. Sadly many of the famous potteries have left England for Asia. Today I wanted to visit the Emma Bridgewater Factory. I have been collecting her mugs for years now.
After eating some toasted Sally Lunn bread with peanut butter and some grapes we picked up at Waitrose (grocery store) we headed out. This bird greeted us as we went out the door!
Along the way I managed to enjoy the scenery. Look at the beautiful rapeseed field.
We made it there safely--hey, I think we're getting better at this driving thing! Also we were happy that the rain had all but stopped!
After eating some toasted Sally Lunn bread with peanut butter and some grapes we picked up at Waitrose (grocery store) we headed out. This bird greeted us as we went out the door!
I had no idea what kind of bird he was. After returning home I looked him up and I believe he is a magpie! He stayed around our place for the whole time we were there. So neat to see him!
When we got in the car I pushed the saved places button and then selected Emma Bridgewater. We headed down to Stoke-On-Trent to visit the Potteries area. We were travelling along in the rain and I was trying to be the encourager.
Along the way I managed to enjoy the scenery. Look at the beautiful rapeseed field.
We made it there safely--hey, I think we're getting better at this driving thing! Also we were happy that the rain had all but stopped!
These are the roses that frame their doorway.
It was so much fun going into their shop and seeing how they make their beautiful pottery. There are many temptations available to one who likes their pottery. Needless to say, I was in EB heaven!
You can go into the decorating room and paint your own mug--like Susan Branch did. Well I was not blessed with the talents of Susan Branch and decided not to paint a mug. There was a sweet couple doing a very fine job on their mugs. In February of this year the Duchess of Cambridge came to Emma Bridgewater and did paint a mug.
Aren't the ladybugs the cutest! Everything at Emma's is so colorful and happy.
We decided to eat in their tearoom. Cornation chicken salad and Thai lentil soup was our choice for lunch. The soup warmed our tummies and the sandwich was delicious. It came with a wonderful salad and coleslaw. It was plenty for us to split!
I must show you this amazing stove at Emmas! Isn't it beautiful?
On the wall in the tearoom is a collection of tea towels that they have designed over the years. I especially loved the National Trust tea towel.
Speaking of The National Trust, let's leave Emma's and visit one of their properties. It's up in the Peak District and I can't wait to show you.
