Old Foston Church Doors

While in Leicestershire a few weeks ago, we were taken to have a little peek at this interesting little church, known locally as The Old Foston Church.

St Bartholomew’s Church dates back to the 10th Century and would have been the centre of life in the village (of about 20 -30 families) for a few hundred years.

But the village was deserted in the 1600’s as a result of the enclosure of common lands, leaving only the squire, a rector and maybe three labouring families. I presume it was used by the squire and his family from then on. We didn’t see evidence of the village at all.

But the little church remains active, in its charming setting on the edge of the woods. Unfortunately, the doors were locked as it was mid-week and it is secluded and it’s 2019. (Sign of the times). Too, bad. I’d have loved to see inside.

Plans were underway for the annual Flower Show, scheduled for … oh! This weekend! Wouldn’t that be fun to see? Tents and booths set up around the church and flowers (and people!) everywhere!

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Westminster Doors

There is something so enticing, so charming about a mews.

While in London recently, and enroute to the Victoria & Albert Museum, we stumbled upon this beauty.

What an amazing collection of inviting doorways!

All on one small street! Okay … not a street. A Mews.

The spring flowers helped, too!

Tower Doors

We tried to be early enough in the day to beat the crowds. And we almost managed it.

Today we made our way around the Tower of London. And for you … some doors pics!!

From the chapel.

A glance out the window….

And a peak into a very old loo …

And, of course, a greeting from one of the ravens:

Thanks for dropping by!!

Linked with Norm’s Thursday Doors

Cosby Doors

Here we are. Back in Leicestershire in the UK to visit with hubby’s ailing father. We can only manage one visit per year and so see a marked decline in our aging relatives. It’s difficult, but as the customs agent reminded me (while comparing my passport photo with my real time face) “age is a privilege relief to many”. (!!!) wow.

May is a truly lovely time to visit England, tho. We took a wander round the ancient village of Cosby last evening.

Cosby is mentioned in the Doomsday Book in 1086, so for sure dates back that far. There suggestions that it goes back even to Roman times because a Roman road (the Fosse Way) boarders the village.

The parish church was built in the 13th century.

And a very pretty brook runs through the village – home to some happy ducks.

The roadside of the Cosby House barn is bit wobbly.

And there are heaps of pretty doors.

Thanks for dropping by. And hope you enjoyed the tour.

Linked with Norm’s Thursday Doors

Liquid Sunshine

The 24th of May

Is the Queen’s birthday,

And if we don’t get a holiday,

We’ll all run away!

(A little rhyme from my grandfather’s childhood)

I’m not sure why we, here in Canada, still recognize Queen Victoria’s birthday with a holiday weekend, but I’m not complaining.

Neither, it seems, is anyone else.

Maybe because if falls nicely in May just in time to throw ourselves at the garden with enthusiasm.

Anyway, a walk through Halifax’s Formal Victorian Public Gardens, seems a nice way to tip our hat to Her Majesty. Even though it was raining – pouring, at times.

Hmmm. Someone looks a little impatient with me stopping every moment or two.

Understandable, really, as we were on a mission to find this now famous mama. (It was only me who was interested in strolling 😉)

The gardens’ 25 year old agave plant had to be moved out of her greenhouse earlier this spring because her flower stalk had become too tall for the building. The flower stalk can grow 5-6 inches per day, apparently.

And there she is – in her, presently muddy, bed. No flower yet. That might be due to the cool temps, or maybe she just isn’t in a hurry. After all, once the flower sets seeds, the mother plant will die.

Take your time, dear, and enjoy the Spring. There is a new queen in the Gardens.

Long may you reign.

WPC – liquid

Rush Hour Traffic

This group of travellers made their way past our house yesterday just at suppertime. A moment before the photo was taken, my small flock of chickens were moving between their hooves. (I grabbed for the camera – too late – moment had passed). If you squint, you might be able to see some of the birds in the background.

A few minutes later, a skunk made her way past the barn. She was followed by the whole flick of chickens. I’m not sure if they were “showing her the door”, or just really curious. But the followed her to the hedge.

Again, I missed the shot. The skunk was out of sight. But I did catch the crew, apparently making sure that she was leaving. I confess, the thought made me smile!

It was a busy, high traffic late afternoon here. On the edge of the woods.

I was, however, extra vigilant when I went out at dusk to secure the birds for the night – to make sure Little Miss Skunk hadn’t made her way back. 😉

The Feelings of Flowers

“Perfumes are the feelings of flowers” – Heinrich Heine

These beauties are generously filling my dining room with all the feels. And they are glorious! 🌱

Happy Spring!!

Celebrating the first shoots of Spring with the Rose Bay Garden Inspection Team. 🙂🐔

I spy Daylillies!

Sweet!

You know what’s sweet?

Maple syrup!

You know what’s really sweet?

When the maple syrup comes from your own back yard!

And, you know what’s EVEN sweeter?

When the maple sap starts to run earlier in the season than usual, and you manage to figure that out before it’s too late! 😀

You see, typically, the sap starts to run in mid-March. And it’s those days when the temps are above 5C in today and well below freezing at night that triggers the sap to glow up the tree. But we all know, (of us, everywhere!) that weather patterns are bonkers, do we must remain vigilant and observant.

In early February, I noticed the maple buds starting to swell and took a chance. Taps in trees – buckets under taps – sap boiled down (40 litres of sap = 1 litre of syrup). And, voila!!

Our own Maple Syrup! SWEET!!!

Borough Market

We grabbed a coffee here – from the cutest little coffee venue ever. Just a couple of weeks ago. 

Here in Borough Market in London. 

The coffee was fantastic!  And the vibe here was electric!  The sights. The smells. The flavours!  We stayed for lunch, which we picked up from a Somalian vendor … and it was delicious!  

There were so many people.

Afterwards, we walked across London Bridge. 

The news of yesterday’s attacks has me retracing our steps in my mind. 

Heartbreaking. 

And Senseless.

#London