debris4spike | Entries tagged with garden

Well I decided to split the post into 2 ... so this set are the chapel (which you get to from the 1st floor), and the gardens -

( The Chapel )

( The Gradens )

A few days ago I posted photos around the house ... here are the grounds of this amazing location.

On the way between house and grounds, you walk past the Church, which sadly wasn't open -

For any of you who have seen the Pride & Prejudice film that I linked in the last post will recognise this ... where Mr Darcy first admits he loves Elizabeth -

( Enjoy the rest of our stroll )

... But it's still cooler than it should be.

Still, at least it is dry and I have been able to sort out some of the mess of my front garden (one of those tasks that always need to be done). I have also packed my garden bench away in my shed. The bench is actually 40 years old, and was a gift to Mum, so it's great that it is still usable ... Brenda & I sat on it the first evening she visited last month.

I worked this morning and had to sort out a lady who could not speak a word of English, but wanted to ask about her appointments etc ... that was a "fascinating time"!! I then had someone get annoyed that I wouldn't look up someone else's address to let him have it. I just wonder what he would have felt if the request had been the other way round.

I have a few icons to make, and then I want to get some housework done, so will keep busy! And, before that -

11. In 1909 the German astronomer Max Wolf rediscovered Halley's comet - have you ever seen a comet?
I seem to remember seeing a comet, so maybe it was Halley's, but thought it was a different one. Whichever one it was it was obviously not very memorable!

Right, see you tomorrow x

Yesterday I had a lovely time as I went with Christine to Forde Abbey, which had been started in the 12th century, and is still live in now. Sadly as it's privately owned no photography was allowed indoors, and my camera finger itched, but I was a good girl.

However as you can see, we were allowed to walk and enjoy the gardens -

169ft fountain

I do like this laberynth

This is on the memorial to a past owner

Those babies are getting big, aren't they?

The cafe ... showing some of the original building

Sorry I didn't get the photos posted on Monday. Claire had been working at a different location and so she popped in to see me on her way home after lunch ... and sat & chatted ... and didn't leave until she realised Tim would have been home before her! She is lucky that she does have sone flexi-time.

So, sorry ... but it was nice to catch up with her.

Work went well Tuesday & Wednesday. Everyone was in a good mood, which makes like so much easier.

On Tuesday I had a check-up with the fracture clinic. And after multiple x-rays, and a long chat with the consultant I have the all-clear. He was more than happy to see me, due to the type of fracture it was. When he examined me he said that I still have some inflammation in the surrounding ligaments, but as I now know it is safe to not wear the splint it does mean I can begin to get full mobility back.

So as I said on Monday I was going to post the photos of my visit to Lytes Cary with Brenda ....

( And the tour continues )

And here we are ... friends, as well as sisters-in-law.

Right now I must get on.

I haven't wprked today but been out shopping as I am meeting Toni tomorrow and it's Pete's birthday. I also have washing on the line, and am hoping to get one of the cupboards of my bedroom sorted as well.

A day off .... but not a lazy day.

Before I do all that ...

International Day of Light - promoting how light is used in science, art, education, and sustainable development and the benefits of light. Do you have good natural light in your home - which rooms get the best sunlight?
My rooms aren't too bad ... although Spring & Autumn I spend a lot of my spare time in my conservatory, so that is lovely.
Sadly my lounge, which ha a large window, faces north ... so come winter it is darker & cooler!

Right. let's get this posted.

Yes, I have actually had a productive morning so far ... around the heavy rain showers (and yes, the rain did hammer down when it came)

I walked to my brother's (& back) to drop off an anniversary card. How can it be my baby brother's 34th wedding anniversary tomorrow? They are away for the weekend, but even if they had been in it was just a flying visit on my part.

However it was nice to see these growing in communal tubs at the end of their road -

Once home I "attacked" the hedge in my front garden ... it was a box and had been attacked by some sort of caterpillar last year. Sadly the whole hedge is totally dead, so I have got much of it down, although there are still most of the main stems that will need sorting at some point. But, I was running out of time, as I wanted to post this before getting sorted out and heading into work.

But, as it's a weekend I shall do the 2 questions -

23. National Chia Day - Chia seeds have many health-boosting properties including helping to lower blood pressure, to balance blood sugar levels and are packed with fibre. Have you ever eaten Chia seeds?
Never heard of them ... s, no, I haven't eaten any (that I know about)

24. In 1874 Harry Houdini the famous magician and escapologist was born - have you ever watched an escapologist show at a theatre or on TV?
Only as part of a murder story on an old show years ago.

Right, see you Monday x

Challenge #2

In your own space, set yourself some goals for the coming year. They can be fannish or not, public or private. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I am no good at sticking to plans ... so many of the things I could write were the things I wrote last year!

However a few years ago I did start a BtVS season 3 fic, that I did some work on last year ... I really, really want to get it finished this year.

I also want to re-vamp my front & back gardens. I have done bits over the last few years, but really want to get some order to it this year.

As I said, I have had a week in Belfast and for most of the time I stayed in the city. However on one of the days I caught a bus to the village of Royal Hillsborough.

I had a tour around the castle ... including seeing a copy of The Good Friday Agreement, and some of the original rooms. We weren't invited for tea with the King though, but he was in London, so can't really complain! No photos were allowed, but the grounds were more than worth a wander -

The walled garden -

The village street -

The Church -

The Fort (built in 1650)

War Memorial -

In the old school was a WWI Memorial Museum -

I am working today, but not until 4.30, so it was nice to not set the alarm, and have a lazy breakfast. Still washing is on the line, and I hope to get it in before I head off later.

I am hoping to get out this afternoon for a walk, so today is partly a day for just unwinding. See, I do listen to what my consultant told me ... and maybe even listen to my body occasionally!

Well, as I said, last week Christine and I headed up to North Devon to go to Arlington Court ... the family home, and Church, of the Chichester family. )Most of us have heard of Sir Francis Chichester who was a famous sailor.) So, here are a few photos from the day ....

The Church -

The family coat-of-arms -

In honour of the coronation -

(Sorry, but I don't like the wallpaper)

Vision of the Circle of Life - William Blake 1821

There is also a Carriage Museum as part of the collection, but I haven't yet sorted those photos, so they will come soon.

Now, before I post this -

9 – Book Lovers Day: Do you love books? Have you always been a reader? Did your parents read to you when you were young? What were some of your favourite books or authors as a child? How has your taste in books evolved over time?
I love books, although I suppose I read within a fairly settled set of genres. I have loads of history and travel books, that I love ... but also read WWI & WWII fiction, as well as the light Regency Romance (like Georgette Heyer). And, my Kindle is always busy with fan-fic ... thanks AO3.
However I read Anne of Green Gables (the full set of 8) for the first time, when I was 10, and re-read the full set last year. So there are some things that will never change.

Right, let's get on - see you tomorrow x

When Brenda was over last week we went to Coleton Fishacre ... and here is a tour of the garden & grounds -

As I said, Brenda and I had a couple of great days out, despite the weather. This set of photos is of Saltram House ... a truly stunning place. The 2 main rooms are designed by Robert Adam, and there are a few Joshua Reynolds paintings ... Enjoy

I realised when I answered yesterday's question that I have not posted anything of my garden this year ... they are taken on my phone, so not great quality, but give some idea of how things are looking this year.

I had work this morning, and it was a full clinic, plus one, as they managed to book us two 9am patients. So we were running late much of the time, although ironically ended up finishing 5 minutes early.

This afternoon I have done a couple of errands, and am now here for a short time. It is great to have the whole afternoon off today ... but there again, I am working tomorrow.

Am going to try and catch up with you all, but before that -

16 – Take Back the Lunch Break Day: When you're at work (or when you worked or were still going into the office), did you fall into the habit of eating at your desk and continuing to work while eating? Did your working conditions include a proper lunch break? If you're mostly working from home, do you still eat at your desk and continue working during your lunch?
I always have a lunch - even if it is only a snack

Right, let's get on x

#6

In your own space, post the results of your fandom scavenger hunt. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

1. A favorite character
2. Something that makes you laugh
3. A bookshelf
4. A game or hobby you enjoy
5. Something you find comforting
6. A TV show or movie you hope more people will watch
7. A piece of clothing you love
8. A thing from an old fandom
9. A thing from a new fandom

1. Come on, look at my name. It may be the name I chose years ago, but the character of Spike (from BtVS) is still amazing ... love his story, his highs & lows ... and a great actor to portray it!

2. This is a Christmas card made by a friend. I loved the Val Kilmer version of Batman, and love Ewoks (neither of which Chis likes), but she drew this card of Val Kilmer as an Ewok ... but, didn't realise till she saw me open it, that he has 2 sets of ears ... But that just makes the card more special, and gives me a smile.

3. I have got loads & loads of books (& bookshelves), but this small section is special ... books written by my Dad (including his PhD), a poetry book of Mum's poetry, books written by French friends, a couple by one of my brothers ... and a couple written by a friend and partially dedicated to me.

4. I was brought up doing jigsaws, ans still love them. This one was a Christmas gift from a brother, and is of London ... which is a city I visit every year, and love.

5. My faith. For me I love knowing that God is in charge ... and I have a future in Heaven.

6. I rewatch a lot of shows ... most of which have been loved over the years, so hard to find one that needs more viewers. Although Blakes 7 was only ever shown on mainstream TV once, back in the 70's - 80's. I also love The Champions ... a silly show from late 60's.

7. Not a great clothes lover ... although I do still have Mum's wedding dress from 1952

8. As I just said, Blakes 7 is a long-time favourite show ... and I was a member of their fan club during the late 80's ... and this was my mug I used, now in a cabinet in my lounge

9. I tend to enjoy fan-fiction from my newer fandoms ... and these are on my Kindle (this is my one that I bought just before Christms, complete with cover

#12

In your own space, set yourself some goals for the coming year. They can be fannish or not, public or private. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I want to get my 2 x W.I.P.s finished.

Again I am looking at doing more work on banners etc

I want to compltely re-vamp my garden. It had been an aim last year, but I had to have work done and it got completly ignored ... so that's a plan (again) this year.

I aim to get back into playing my clarinet & saxophone.

Well, I do wonder how many of those will get done!

In your own space, set yourself some goals for the coming year. They can be fannish or not, public or private. Leave a comment in this post saying you did it. Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so.

I want to get my 2 x W.I.P.s finished.
Again I am looking at doing more work on banners etc
I want to compltely re-vamp my garden. It had been an aim last year, but I had to have work done and it got completly ignored ... so that's a plan (again) this year.
I aim to get back into playing my clarinet & saxophone.

Well, I do wonder how many of those will get done!

I ended up having a slow start to the day. I have had a couple of days of feeling really tired, although luckily it has always been as evening has progressed, so work, etc has not been affected.

Anyway I walked to Tescos, and did some shopping, before catching the bus back and having a late lunch. Now I am here, and as promised I have photos of my new fence (and the old one!)

I also have just entered 4 icons over at Dreamwidth in your_favourites ... with the theme of "Favourite team", so thought I would share them here, as I am sure the are a couple of Stagate fans ... yes, SG1 is my favourite team

Now I wnt to get a bit of my shen totally sorted ... well, I aim to just do a bit, not much, but at least if I make a start I shall feel positive about that!

Then tomorrow, as it's Sunday, I won't be on-line.

On Monday I am going to do a shift in a new area - on main reception ... so if you come to the hospital it will me that answers your questions (or not!!). So I shall see how that goes. I am booked for another couple of shifts next month, so that will be both a new challenge, as well as some pennies in the bank.

But before I disappear today -

28. What songs have your completely memorized?
Quite a lot of hymns ... as some I have sung so many times over the years you automatically learn it, except the sad thing is some modern hymn books have slightly different words, which is frustrating.

29. When people come to you for help, what do they usually want help with?
People don't often ask me now ... but am happy to help in any way I can, if needed.

Right that's me up to date ... I may be able to catch up with you all later, but don't want to push the tiredness too much, so may wait till Monday.

Have a great weekend x

For those who read my post yesterday I said that Brenda's dad had died overnight. This morning I got a text to say that Claire's died had died last night. He was in his late 70's and not well, but not ill, if you know what I mean! So both a shock, and wow, really odd ... both sisters-in-law.

Clinic went well today ... I had a slight panic just before the last patient arrived as it had been going so well. I was worried that it meant the last patient would be a *%*%*%* ... but no, he was also OK. So all in all a good Friday morning.

My fence is progressing well ... so there will be photos at some point, but sadly that means I will have a bill soon!

Oh well I have walked to drop a card off for Claire (& post one for her Mum), now I really ought to be doing some housework ... why does dust return?

But before I dissappear -

27. If you had unlimited funds to build a house that you would live in for the rest of your life, what would the finished house be like?
It would look Georgian ... nice large windows & big square rooms ... but lots and lots of shelves/display cupboards needed.
And, there would be a pool, or at least a jacuzzi in the garden.

Have a fun evening

Well ... me & work are back to front today!

The physiologist I should be working with in a urolory clinic is off sick, but I shall be working in the same room this afternoon ... with a different physiologist, in a clinic examining anuses (yes, you did read that correctly!)

However this morning I have, at long last, got the work on my fence started ... so good news in many ways. But bad news as that means I will have a large bill, and painting to do when it's over!

I have a couple of pretty photos to share that I took this morning, so that means 3 days of posts ... and photos on each day ... I doubt I can do that as a normal thingy.

And indoors -

26. If you had intro music, what would it be?
Probably something quiet, but with an underlying beat running through it ... I like to be on the move, but like to avoid a lot of things (& people)

Right well I have a couple of letters to write, and need to buy a card for Brenda as her dad passed away over-night. If he had lived another 2 months he would have been 99, so she is happy to have known him for so long, but it's still hard to say "Goodbye".

Will try to catch up later x

On the way home we stopped at Buckfast Abbey - beautiful

As I said when I posted yesterday I took Brenda to Cotehele a stunning Tudor House. On the following day I took her to Castle Drogo, which is on the edge of Dartmoor and is the last castle built in England, seeing as it was only built in the 20th century! Sadly the eldest son died during WWI

The memorial room to the son who died

Brenda in the cold store area of the kitchen

Spot the dolls house in the distance, which was stunning

The Chapel is built as part of the castle. slightly under it as the hill slopes

Some of the gardens

Well the sun is out again, so that's good news. It was nice to get a day of rain though as, although I am not a keen gardener, I do have tubs of plants ... so nice to see some flowers, and healthy shoots.

I spoke to my doctor yesterday - and am still signed off work. The clinics I normally work in will soon be re-starting on a small number of patients, as cancer testing services are re-starting. However the manager is not happy about me being in the hospital as an asthmatic (although mine is very mild), but my GP has signed me off due to post-viral fatigue afetr the Christmas & January flu bugs. So at present am off work, and trying to build up my stamina levels.

On another note, I made 5 icons for

moviefilmstills ... we had to pick out "comfort movie", and I know it is corny ... but it has to be "Sound of Music". So thought you might like to see them -

photo 1_zpsdovbcgpc.jpg

Enjoy

Well, I got a bit distracted last month, so thought I would go back to the meme, and see if that keeps me focused ... so ...

May 1 Who made you feel good this week?
Jiffy - he is having a good day, and we had a good walk this morning.

( The rest of the month )

Well weekend is coming, if that makes a difference to many of us. But, enjoy

January 2026

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
				1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31

Syndicate

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags

Eternal Refuge

Because Everyone Needs Dreams.

Entries tagged with garden

Tyntesfield 1

Stourhead #2

The Sun May Be Out ....

Day Out Yesterday

At Long Last ... The Promised Photos

Yay - I Avoided The Rain

Snowflake Day 2

Holiday to Belfast #2 - Royal Hillsborough

Yay, Photos ... And A Mini Update

Touring A Garden

Day Trip To Saltram

Not Great - But Thought I Would Share

2 Snowflake Challenges

Snowflake Challenge #12

Sunny Saturday

Odd Co-Incidence ... Or What!

I'm Back To Front!

Last Set Of 2021 Photos #2

Photos #2

May's Here

January 2026

Syndicate

Most Popular Tags

Expand Cut Tags

Profile

Page Summary

Style Credit