Santa Claus is coming to town!
Are you ready yet?
Ready or not, it’s time for Six word Saturday. Don’t forget to stop by at Show My Face to say Merry Christmas to Cate. Have a good week everybody.
A Grand Day Out!
Looking out from the Cascade
I suspect that whatever your criteria for grand might be, Chatsworth House could fulfil it. I honeymooned in the Peak District almost 25 years ago, and the memory of its grandeur and the beauty of the surroundings remains with me. The house sits in extensive grounds, with a wooded hill rising up behind it. I returned, with my daughter Lisa, on a day unbelievably lovely for December.
Statuary is everywhere.
But first, into the Conservatory to search out some delicate blooms.
No idea what these might be?
And could these be melons?
Then up through the Kitchen garden
The arches pleasing to the eye
And the Sensory garden, with its reflective prism,
Then into the woodlands.
I noted from Wikipedia that during World War II the house was occupied by 300 schoolgirls, for six years. The Duke felt that they might be easier on his home than the soldiers who would otherwise be billeted there. I’m not so sure! In any event, they grew vegetables in the Kitchen garden to contribute to the war effort, and skated on the Canal Pond when it froze over.
Eventually you arrive at the top of the Cascade
To be bewitched by the dancing fountains
And the suitably disguised Pump house
Onwards and upwards to the Grotto next, where you can sit in the bandstand, mistress of all you survey. A lady visitor was obviously much pleased with her surroundings, and I tried, in my halting French, to exchange a few words.
Five relaxed and carefree minutes in the bandstand.
Lisa had a strong affinity with the Maze
While I rather liked this romantic-looking gate
But the curves of the beech hedges were my favourites
Several busts gaze at each other across a glade
And another beech hedge leads to the Rock garden.
Then it’s back to modern art at the bottom of the Cascade.
And if you’re very good, you just might try
A cream tea!
I don’t feel that I’ve really done the gardens justice. Maybe it’s because I was so overwhelmed by the beauty of the house. The “Narnia” Christmas theme made it very special. I’ll be writing more about the house and its occupants later this week.
In the meantime, I hope you feel you’ve had a grand day out? (yes, I quite like Wallace and Gromit too) I’m linking this post to Cheri’s Weekly Photo Challenge. Join me there?
Christmas in “Narnia”
Russet leaves for a russet lady!
My first surprise of the day. Lisa swept towards me- “Mum, I’m here!” The flowing locks were a dazzling tangerine orange. “It was just time for a change. I was tired of the red!” And it suited her. She looked radiant and happy- a look I love to see.
The venue? Chatsworth House in the beautiful Peak District. Every year this glorious home to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire is themed for Christmas. This year it’s “Narnia”and totally irresistible. My daughter has been a lifelong fan of the book by C.S. Lewis and the numerous films, so I planned a Christmas treat, for both of us. It’s quite a distance from home and I’ve never been inside the house before. For Lisa it was about an hour’s drive from Nottingham. Me- I hopped on the coach! After the hugs and kisses it was off to see the spectacular grounds.
There are more statues than you can shake a stick at!
And pieces of modern art too.
Bit big for my garden, Mum? But I love it!
A hot house exotic?
Sumptuous afternoon tea next, then the best bit! Come with me to “Narnia”.
There were dressing-up clothes for children in some areas, and of course, Lisa couldn’t resist! A Christmas Trail, finding cuddly Aslans and clues along the way, was also meant to keep the children happy. Guess who else enjoyed it?
This cape’s nearly big enough, Mum!
Sherry for you, “dear”?
She looks so like my Mum here!
Are you ready to be scared yet? It’s time for the witch!
I was joking- she’s much too pretty to be scarey!
Note the small Aslan, keeping her company. Another clue for the Christmas Trail. But now for the really sad part!
He’s still breathing! It’s going to be ok.
Time for a celebratory feast!
All’s well that ends well!
I hope you enjoyed my little trip to Narnia. It was the best Christmas present I could ever have asked for. And now, I really must get on with my Christmas preparations. I haven’t even bought the tree yet! But I’ve made a list.
Chatsworth House is the most delightful setting and I will be posting more about the house and gardens. If you are anywhere in the vicinity, “Narnia” will be available till 23rd December. The link will give you directions. I can absolutely recommend it.
Six word Saturday
Fancy a little Steampunk for Christmas?
You may remember, earlier this year, I was privileged to attend a book launch for Steampunk Apothecary? It was a wonderfully fun occasion for dressing up and eating lots of cake.
The authoress, Jema Hewitt, is a hugely creative and multi-talented lady, who works extremely hard at making a living, and always with a smile. Today she is at Waterstones in Bradford, signing her books and demonstrating jewellery making. I wish I could be there, but this post will have to be my contribution.
Maybe you have a daughter or niece who would like something from her Etsy store? I know there are a few pieces I wouldn’t mind. And you can buy the book on there too. The recipes are unique.
Mr. Woppit is adorable! Do you remember him?
Some of the sparkly things Jema collects for her jewellery
A page from “Steampunk Teaparty”. The red-haired lady is my daughter!
Another beautiful Jema creation.
If you ask for the book at your local Waterstones, even if you don’t buy it, the store will register your interest. Every little helps! I can claim no credit for the photos. They are all from Jema’s Facebook page.
Hope you’re all having a lovely weekend. Many thanks to Cate for hosting Six word Saturday. As usual, click on the links for more details.
Grand! A Weekly Photo Challenge
Sagrada Familia, reflected in the lake in Gaudi Square
I just couldn’t help myself this morning! I’ve already said farewell to Gaudi, and I’ve halfway constructed this week’s Six word Saturday. But the Weekly Photo Challenge this week is irresistible, isn’t it? (you’re right- I don’t have tremendous willpower!) Does grand come any grander than this?
And inside the aura deepens!
The pathos in this figure
And the self containment of this.
I’ve never seen anything like it.
I’ve already posted numerous photos of Sagrada Familia. Please excuse just a few more. I’ll be joining many others on the Weekly Photo Challenge. See you there.
Edinburgh- looking up, and looking down!
Numerous cannons look down from Edinburgh Castle on the city
I spent a great deal of my time in Edinburgh last weekend looking up, or looking down. To begin with the sky was bleak, making the perfect background for my WordPress snow. I’m really not looking forward to the real thing, but so far we’ve been lucky.
This morning I’d like to share some photos on Debbie’s challenge, at Travel with Intent. It’s all about looking up, or down.
I looked up hopefully at the sky. Maybe a hint of brightness?
In Princes St. I looked down on the gardens
And on the Christmas market
And on the ice skaters!
The children looked up hopefully at the carousel horse.
Over on Calton Hill I looked up at sun brightening the tombstones
And down to Holyrood Palace and the Scottish Parliament
The sun was beginning to set
Over the distinctive architecture of the Scottish Parliament
The rosy hue stretched all the way down the Royal Mile
And draped a scarf over the skyline as I walked back over North Bridge
This time last week I was really excited at the prospect of visiting this lovely city. I’m so glad I did. Happy weekend everybody!
Don’t forget to join the challenge if you’ve been looking up or down lately.
Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 47
I guess it’s about time to post my last sequence of windows from Barcelona. Life is moving forward at quite a pace. At this rate I’ll soon be looking back at 2013! Anyone for a last wander in those Barcelona streets? Just click on a photo.
Looking up into Barcelona Cathedral
Such an elegant touch on the balcony
The exciting architecture of the Rambla
No such thing as ordinary!
Even in a shopping centre.
The prettiest of port buildings
You know I’m not greedy, but I’d settle for this one!
I can’t leave without one last salute to Gaudi. He gave me so much pleasure with his beautiful houses, Casa Batllo and Casa Mila.
The stairwell at Casa Batllo- a vision in blue
The romance of stained glass
And in Casa Mila, curtains rustle romantically at the window
Elaborate patterns
Sunset beyond the lace
What could be more nostalgic?
I’m joining Dawn again this week in her Lingering look at Windows. Why not come and play? Soon it will be Christmas windows! Just click on the link.
Edinburgh- city of kilts and bagpipes
The lion and the unicorns gracing Edinburgh Castle
The first sound I heard as I hopped off the coach at the end of Edinburgh’s Princes St. was the wail of bagpipes, leaving me in no doubt at all that I was in Bonny Scotland. Renowned for my lack of sense of direction, no matter how hard I look at a map, I wandered onto North Bridge, gazing around for a landmark. The city rose and fell all around me and, with a little sigh of relief, I spotted the Castle on its lofty mound. Destination one was established! Of course, the direction was up.
Those knees must be cold, mustn’t they?
A wee dram of whisky might help!
In England the skies had been blue, but here they were determinedly grey
No beacons blazing today!
Up we go!
The best views are down the barrel of a gun!
I had timed it nicely to arrive for the one o’clock salute. The press of people was tight as we waited for the cannon to explode. At the same time that the cannon is fired, across the city on Calton Hill a timeball drops on Nelson’s Monument. Visible from afar, its original purpose was to enable the captains of ships on the Firth of Forth to set their chronometers for accurate navigation.
A nice moment occurred as I chatted to a neighbour. A native of the city, he had never before managed to witness the dropping of the timeball. I told him that I hadn’t been sure whether to head for Calton Hill or the Castle itself for the event. Neither had he, but he proceeded to show me that he had successfully recorded it on camera for posterity. I wish I could show you!
But you’ll have to make do with the cannon instead!
The sky was beginning to lighten as I made my way to my next destination- the Scott Monument on Princes St. Not that I knew the way. I followed my nose down some steps and eventually ended up lost in enormous Waverley Railway Station. From there the only way was up again.
I could have been tempted!
Such fun! The sweepers were out on the icerink.
Up I go!
There’s the castle, and the Big Wheel.
The Christmas market was under way down below
It’s getting brighter!
Eye spy!
The wonderfully grand, Balmoral Hotel
That station’s so big, no wonder I couldn’t find my way out!
And there in the background, beautiful Arthur’s Seat
Next I headed for Calton Hill itself, curious to see up close the reason for the city’s nickname “Athens of the North”. Sure enough, there was the incomplete Parthenon! Funds did not allow for completion at the time of building. It matters little now because it is part of a wonderful green space in the city.
Calton cemetery and the observatory
I found it a strangely atmospheric place
A sad spot, with tombs and Felon’s Prison its legacy.
Edinburgh’s volcanic history
And there it is- the incomplete Parthenon!
The views to the waterfront are superb!
Across the Scottish Parliament buildings to Arthur’s Seat.
I imagine you’re starting to tire a bit now. I left the house before 7am to catch my coach, but the knowledge that I had just this one day spurred me on. I won’t keep you much longer.
The day was sparkling as I headed downhill through a different cemetery to the Palace of Holyrood. The queues didn’t allow me time to go in, but I managed a quick swish through the stylish Scottish Parliament building. The sun was beginning to set and the lights to come on as I headed back up the Royal Mile.
Magnificent Arthur’s Seat, viewed from Calton Hill
The Palace of Holyrood
The Unicorn
Just a peep through the gateway
Crossing the pond to the Scottish Parliament building
The shapely seating in the Debating Chamber
Our Dynamic Earth and Arthur’s Seat from the Scottish Parliament windows
Just time to pop my nose in Jenners to see the Christmas tree and marvel at the rides in St. Andrews Place. The kilts were still twirling and the pipes a-calling as I returned, most reluctantly, to the coach.
High riding at the Christmas Market!
Jenners Christmas tree
Six word Saturday
Gone to Edinburgh. NOT Christmas shopping!
I’ve booked a last minute seat on a Christmas shopping coach trip to Edinburgh, just for the day. It’s years since I was in Edinburgh, and never at Christmas, so I’m quite excited to see Princes St. with its fairy lights.
Arthur’s Seat, Edinburgh- courtesy of Wikipedia
Doubt I’ll get up as high as Arthur’s Seat, but you never know! I do know it will be COLD though. Leaving at the crack of dawn so I won’t be able to link to Six word Saturday till I get home. See you then!
,
Thursday : Lingering look at Windows- week 46
Rather in the same way that I left visiting the Sagrada Familia till my last day in Barcelona, I’ve resisted posting about it. I hoped against hope that I wouldn’t find it disappointing. My hotel, of the same name, was just around the corner, so I had walked past on numerous occasions. Not that it’s possible to just casually pass by the Sagrada Familia. Each time, I would stop and stare, fascinated. The stonemasons, seemingly oblivious to passers by, scaled the heights in flimsy cradles. But what would it feel like, inside? Would it be a venerable space, or simply a crazily imaginative work of art? I’ll let you decide.
Light cascades through the windows, from the ceiling down.
I don’t know if I was ever in a more beautiful space.
From the almost traditional
to the surreal.
From strong blues
through rainbow hues
to soft and rosy pale.
Sunlight shimmers off the pillars
and hides in corners.
Even now, just looking at the photos and writing about it, I feel quite emotional. Hard to explain the impact of this place. The altar, like nothing I had ever seen before. I was feeling reverence, while down below, in the parishioners church, a service was taking place.
A simple Christ
Then there was the tower to climb. Fortunately, the lift did most of the work.
But following the stairwell was a slightly surreal experience.
Looking out past the trussed up newer features
Were windows ever so strangely adorned?
And then the exterior, worked upon for so long. (Gaudi began in 1883!)
A window, barely visible for sculpture
And one exquisitely surrounded
What do they make of it all?
I hope I have managed to convey some of the beauty and artistry of the Basilica of the Sagrada Familia. It’s fair to say, there is nowhere else like it. What an incredible man was Antoni Gaudi, “God’s Architect”. The current projection for completion is 2033.
This is my contribution to Dawn’s Lingering look at Windows this week. I wasn’t disappointed. I hope you weren’t either? Meantime, Debbie, over at Travel with Intent has asked if I would like to link this post to her challenge, Look up, Look down. So that’s a lot more folks to visit, isn’t it? Happy Thanksgiving, all!
restlessjo 
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