14 Comments CherryPie on Aug 17th 2021
For me and for thousands with similar inclinations, the most important passion of life is the overpowering desire to escape periodically from the clutches of a mechanistic civilization. To us the enjoyment of solitude, complete independence, and the beauty of undefiled panoramas is absolutely essential to happiness.
Bob Marshall
8 Comments CherryPie on Aug 16th 2021
…for ‘fine dining’ on the patio
Chicken Piccata Escalope with Fennel & Pea Salad
10 Comments CherryPie on Aug 12th 2021
The Cock Hotel in Wellington has been in the process of refurbishment for some time. In recent days as we drove past we noticed that the refurbishment was moving more quickly.
This inspired me to read up about the developments and plans inspiring me to walk to the Cock Hotel to see the results of the outside developments. How different it looks to when I visited for Friday lunch time meetings. I can’t wait to see what it looks like inside.
I didn’t take any photos of the Old Coaching Inn, just a few photos from my walk there and back again.
6 Comments CherryPie on Aug 11th 2021
The alternate dark clouds and sunshine led me to contemplate the feasibility of putting washing out to dry before I went out for a walk. I read a book as I contemplated my decision and was disturbed by an occasional tapping on the window (behind where I was sitting). I eventually turned around to see a sparrow sitting on the window ledge capturing insects with several other sparrows fluttering around the garden. My eye was drawn along our garden path where I noticed two unexpected garden visitors.
The sun came out, perfect weather for the washing line to come out, but I didn’t want to disturb my visitors who seemed to be having a lovely afternoon out. Eventually I set off for an afternoon walk (washing still in the basket). Later whilst sitting on my garden bench as dinner cooked the little one hopped on to my fence from the bridle path beyond. After a few moments he decided he didn’t want to share the garden with me and returned to the bridle path beyond.
PS: sorry for the poor quality of the Partridge photos, they were taken through a window with my iPhone
6 Comments CherryPie on Aug 10th 2021
After breakfast we said adieu but not goodbye to the Cotford Hotel. We will be back.
We headed off to Croft Castle stopping briefly at the Hop Pocket for me to purchase the other colour cardi that I loved from the day before. Mr C and mum stayrd in the car. As I was purchasing the cardi I had a lovely chat with the sales assistant about the type of cardigan and a special broach to wear with it that he said they used to sell them but for some reason they weren’t available anymore.
Croft Castle was a little sparse inside compared to our previous visit, however I enjoyed the explanation of the two dragon statues outside the house. I learned that one is a Wyvern, a Welsh Dragon (black dragon), that has only two legs.
Whilst there we looked inside the medieval church of St Michael and All Angels and the walled garden which was especially spectacular due to it being allowed to grow more naturally without over pruning.
The café looked very busy so we continued on our journey eventually stopping in Ludlow for a takeaway lunch. Mum and I were told to find a suitable bench for an outdoor picnic, which we did. Twenty minutes later neither Mr C or the sandwiches had emerged from the café. Mum and I were left wondering where he had got to. When he emerged with drinks but no food he informed us that the café was rather busy and they would get around to our order when they could which would take some time. After waiting a further twenty minutes Mr C arrived with some food, although his sandwich had not arrived. He told them to forget it, luckily the sandwiches, when they arrived were large and mum and I were quite happy to donate a triangle of sandwich each to him.
After our slightly stressful lunch we unwound in the local bookshop. Mum picked up a couple of non-book items and I purchased Places of Pilgrimage by Ian Scott Massie which has given me ideas for future adventures (and blog posts).
We took a leisurely drive home and later Mr C and I enjoyed ‘Fine Dining’ at Chez Nous, Jamie’s Breaded Chicken with Rocket which takes moments to prepare. A fitting conclusion to a lovely few days away.
6 Comments CherryPie on Aug 9th 2021
