Sunday 12 January 2014

Start as you mean to go on

I am hopeful that despite the disappointment of my delayed quest, 2014 will be a year full of exploration and adventure.
I have reason to be optimistic!
Even before Christmas was over David whisked me away for a 'mystery weekend'. After all the festive plotting and planning, cooking and cleaning, it was such a relief to put myself in another's hands and spend some days in perfect accord and enjoyment- and not to have to make a single decision!
We set off on a sunny Friday when all the flooded fields were blue and beautiful



I had no idea where we were going and it was David's delight to lead me up hill and down dale until we reached our place for the evening-at the foot of a rainbow of course!




Next morning we went exploring-


The ford proved too deep for Wellingtons and as it was a typically English day with sunshine and showers, we turned to the local church.





and the old churchyard, lovely even in the rain



January days are short and before long the quiet afternoon light faded.
We glimpsed a herd of deer


And the sun began to set.


It was dark before we came to our destination. I can tell you that the rooms are a perfect old-fashioned haven


And the view in the morning is quite unique...



Yes! David had treated me again and we stayed in my favourite



Spread Eagle Hotel at Stourhead!
I was so excited when we drove up, he had tried to make me believe we were staying elsewhere and had kept me guessing until the last moment.
The next morning we woke to a perfect bright frosty start. Even in mid winter the colours are beautiful and the gardens seemed lit up as we walked around the icy lake.




Too soon it was time to leave. We bundled into the car which I expected to turn homewards.
I was in for yet another surprise- we spent the afternoon at Lyme Regis, my favourite seaside town!


To be shown such love and to see so much beauty has made me a very happy woman.
( I'm now planning his mystery weekend...)

12 comments:

  1. What a wonderful surprise Jane and what a stunning place, your pictures are beautiful.
    Jo xx

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    1. Aren't I lucky Jo? I felt so spoilt and well-loved. Jane xx

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  2. What a lovely way to begin a New Year!

    I did enjoy your photos. I hope we can get up to Stourhead this year. Such a beautiful place.

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    1. I love Stourhead in all seasons and it is such a special treat to walk round when it is peaceful and empty of other people.Jane xx

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  3. Happy to have found your blog and thank you for sharing those sweet moments with us!
    Sounds as if hubby is a very special man!
    All the best to you for 2014,

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    1. Welcome Noelle, I'm so glad you enjoyed the tale of my treat. Have a very happy 2014. Jane xx

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  4. That is so nice. He planned a lovely time away for the two of you and it looks like it was perfectly wonderful. What a special man!! Diane

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    1. It was all perfect and he is indeed wonderful! Happy 2014 Diane. Jane xx

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  5. What a happy post! Glad to hear you had such a wonderful time away and sad to find out that you have had to defer your dream for 2014. I do hope it will be a great year for you, whatever may happen.

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    1. Thank you Marianne. One of the lovely things about writing a blog is that you get a second lot of happiness when you recall and write about a happy time! I hope 2014 is a great year for you too. Jane xx

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    2. What a lovely start to 2014 - I sincerely hope that it just gets better and better for each and every day.
      I have finally got round to writing a post regarding some of my old books of which I am very fond - if you have time to call round I would be interested in your thoughts
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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    3. Hello Jenny, I have been and seen and coveted! I love your post and it has inspired me to write a few more 'anoraky' posts myself. Have a very happy 2014 Jane xx

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