Tuesday 10 May 2011

Adventures of Wonkey Donkey as he travels to Kent

Hello,
as we live in the centre of England, we don't get to see much of the Seaside.   Wonkey, in a previous life, must have been a Seaside Donkey, taking children rides along the sandy beaches, this may account for the loss of his ears, which he never speaks of.   Anyhoo, he told me that he would very much like to visit a beach and smell the sea air once again.  
 I suggested that if we visited the Kent coastline, maybe we could also visit two iconic gardens???   He agreed, he's a most likeable Donkey.
So, here we are hurtling down the motorway past Heathrow Airport.  
We, of course, had the obligatory coffee along the way.
He insisted on standing on the dashboard, which wasn't very safe, but he wanted to see where he was going, as he felt a bit travel sick...

Well, we booked into our American Western, Cowboys and Indian themed Hotel for two nights at Royal Tunbridge Wells and we all enjoyed a glass or two of very cold beer.   Set 'em up Jo!

So, next day, bright and early off we set to Great Dixter.  
Here is Wonkey admiring the view from beside the Garden Nursery.
 I'm sure I don't have to tell you that this place is truely heaven on earth, do I?
 Here is Wonkey in the meadow, I just stopped him from nibbling the meadow Orchids.
 He is is, admiring the view again across Great Dixter.
 I wanted the current husband to take a pic of me, as I have wanting to visit this place for so long and finally, we had made it!
 Just too beautiful for my limited vocabulary...
Wonkey agreed.

 We booked out of our Rootin' Tootin' accommodation at Royal Tunbridge Wells and headed south for Sissinghurst.
 Again, what can I say that hasn't been said about Sissinghurst!
 Here is Wonkey surveying the White Garden...
 Here we are together, Wonkey and I, enjoying a cool and shady corner ...
 Wonkey having eaten his lunch, looked out of the restaurant window, whilst we ate our delicious lunch.
 Partly moated and magical in every sense...
 Here he is again, being very brave and looking out from the tower.  
 A room of the tower, cool and inviting.
 Well the world and his wife were at Sissinghurst, so we moved on.   
In the evening we ate fish and chips on Winchelsea Beach.   Miles of deserted beach, brisk wind, but no too cold and Wonkey was very happy.   I think I saw a tear in his eye, but that may have just been the bracing wind.

Saturday, I woke, breakfasted and sped off at top speed to Cranbrook, to meet my bloggy friend Lettuceleaf, (she is pictured here with her 'wicked stepdaughter') who is the co-organiser of kitschandstitch fair.    Oh, it was so lovely to meet my lovely friend and to have time to have a really good look around the fabulous fair and bump into another friend, who I was not expecting to see!                                           Wonkey stayed in the car with the current husband, as 'vintage' ain't their thing!
 After a wonderfully inspiration morning, we found ourselves at Dungeness.   Derek Jarman's garden was beautiful in it's simplicity.    He worked with what he had and I thought it was stunning.
 I also really enjoyed the landscape...
 full of atmosphere and interest...
 Wonkey was getting a bit fed up now and wanted something to eat...

 we walked ...
 and found Wonkey something green to eat.
 Next day, I had to go back to Great Dixter, not particularly to look around the gardens again, but to just be there.   Wonkey was rather pleased, as there was some sweet, juicy, green grass to eat.
 The current husband and I have fallen hook, line and sinker for this beautiful part of Kent.  
We can't wait to go back again.
 Wonkey is not so sure.
~0~
Well back to normality again and I have been filling up my Etsy Shop.  
Brooches...


 needlecases....

 purses....
Thank you so much for stopping by. x

42 comments:

RDA Pony Tales said...

I was just about to switch off and leave for a hospital appt when I spotted your post. You have no idea how much that little donkey has cheered me up... absolutely priceless. Thank you!

Whitney-Anne Baker said...

What a marvellous treat to see three such iconic gardens - I am really envious. All of it enlivened by Wondy Donkeys view of the world as well . . . what fun!

Woo Gilchrist said...

What a lovely blog post. Such a shame I wasn't still in Hastings - it's only 8 miles from Rye and you could have stayed with me for free!.

It is beautiful around that part of Kent.

sarah-jane down the lane said...

How silly of me - we should have had a rendezvous in Tunbridge Wells, I am only 20 minutes away! Why didn't I think of it? So silly of me.

Glad you and Wonkey got to see the jewels in the crown. Dungeness is so otherworldly isn't it? I love it there it feels like another country!

I think Wonkey may have had a tear of happiness you know!

Sarah xXx

Unknown said...

I love your blog and your work. Your post about Wonkey and your trip to Kent is wonderful and I really enjoyed reading it. We lived in Kent before moving over here.
Kent is a very pretty place and I do miss it.

Joanna said...

Wonkey Donkey is so sweet (and tiny!). I'm so sad I missed him (and you) when I went to the Kitsch and Stitch Fair :o(

Looks like you had a super time. Thank you for making me smile when I've just come home from a rather dull day at work.

x

Serenata said...

How lovely to take Wonkey Donkey with you. It sure looks like he had a fabulous fun time with you. I had to laugh at the way you write 'current' husband, is that to allow for past and future ones? ;-)

LauraK said...

Thanks for sharing this adventure with us!

salty pebble said...

oh my wordy such joy of joys! i love yourself and wonky donkeys journeys and travels and picture perfect places- reminds me of my childhood myself and my twin took our teddys on hols and took piccys of them at the beach , at the park and so on...happy times! ;0)
ive always wanted to go to Dungerness! looks a dreamy place x

dandelion said...

I am most envious of wonky donkey's trip (although I would have gone into the vintage fair, perhaps he was afraid of getting lost and being taken home by someone else). Now I want to go to derek jarman's garden even more!!

Kate x

Lyn said...

what a grand adventure!
xxx

Unknown said...

I am so jealous of you and donk, I would have loved to have gone to the fair Linda co hosted! Lettice is such a lovely lady if not a little bad! lol!!!

Thank donk for sharing his trip!

Scrummy Scrapz aka Lizzie said...

What a lovely tale with Wonky and pleased you and he enjoyed your holiday around the Kentish Coastline. Brings back my childhood memories as my father came from Tunbridge Wells! Now it's back to reality x

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

I dare not show this to Tommy,
(my donkey) for he would insist on accompanying me on every single outing! Kent is amazing. So nice to see Sissinghust through your (and Wonky's) eyes.
xx
julie

Sharon Lovejoy said...

Lucky, lucky, and ever-so-handsome Wonkey Donkey.

You made me laugh!

Sharon Lovejoy Writes from Sunflower House and a Little Green Island

lettice leaf said...

Well, you never told me Wonky was there as well as 'currant'! Not sure now who'd have got the BIG hug - who is the best looking I wonder? Viv, please say current, cos I'd be seriously worried about you otherwise. I feel positively normal now after reading Wonk Donk's travels through darkest Kent. Don Quixote came to the right town - Windmills of your mind: yours certainly needs a blow through lovely lass.

Seriously Viv, the highlight of my day was being a bouncer (got the figure for it) on the K & S door and seeing you shyly waving. Pure unadulterated JOY!

Kent is calling - come back soon, always a bed here and a lump of sugar for Wonky.

Keep well dear heart, LLX

fee @ chipper nelly said...

you made me chuckle too!
Thanks for sharing Wonky's trip - looks super...fee x

JP said...

fantastic pictures - really enjoyed your trip - have always wanted to go to Derek Jarmen's garden since i got the book one Christmas

Trixie@ the vintage bothy said...

Viv you crack me up!! What a lovely time you all had, thank you Wonky for sharing it with us! i was really moved to hear that the sight of the sea brought a tear to your eye.
I have always wanted to see the Jarman garden, a bit like seeing the Gormley statues on the beach up North, I don't suppose I ever will so thanks so much for the pics.
Bye for now
T x

carole johnston said...

How enjoyable was that! I took my husbands favourite little bear I made him to the Uk and all over Europe and took pics like this eveywhere we went,I always was going to have it made into a book for the Grandchildren I really enjoyed your post.

Debbie said...

I'm so glad you managed to pop into our Kitsch and Stitch Fair, I'd have loved to meet you!
How lovely to spend some time visiting some of our local treasures too. Eating fish and chips on Winchelsea Beach is one of my favourite things to do of a summer evening!

Flaming Nora said...

Oh Wonkey, its so good to see you again. I love it when you are the star feature. So glad you decided to take them with you, as I think you would have found operating the camera a little difficult with your tiny little hooves.
Must admit I love seeing pictures of other bloggers, so rare for some reason, and it has to be said Viv you look nothing like you do in my head!
Really you have fair curly hair and wear a pencil skirt. Please get it right next time!

GUNTer said...

omg i lurve this post. any pics of the donkey are just great, but now with the scenery!!!!!! wwoooohooo
thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

I love the photos - I had no idea wonkey was so small! I love him even more now! What a fab little character. Beautiful makes as always, I shall pop by your shop and take a peek :) xxx

Susan McShannon-Monteith said...

Looks like you and Wonkey had a fantastic time.
Hope the sea air did wonders for the soul too!
Susan x

Elderberry-Rob said...

I love little Wonkey - am surprised how small and portable he is - as had got the impression he was life size - that's his big personality coming through. Looking forward to further adventures with Wonkey Donkey, Bettyx

Lynne said...

What a fabulous outing. I think that second heart sums it up well. What a fortunate donkey Wonkey is.

annette emms said...

Oh! I did enjoy reading this, what a lovely time you all had.
Wonkey did look a bit shattered at the end though!
We're going to Kent in September, now I'm looking forward to it even more!
Annette

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

I wouldn't be surprised if Wonkey were not a little legless as well as earless after drinking all that lager.
I am really looking forward to his next epic journey wherever he takes you. High ho Wonkey!

Love
Mxx

Country Cottage Chic said...

Wonkey is such a well travelled little chap isn't he? I did enjoy his adventures....and not a dog in sight!

Jayne

found and sewn said...

love all these photos. looks like you all had a great trip x

Whole Lotta Rosie said...

Pure Wonkey brilliance! jac X

Anonymous said...

ooh!
Love the adventures of Wonkey.
I imagine his little tail must have twirled at one stage.

I love the brooches - a great use for the old patchwork I have been hoarding but ever known what to do with.

Greedy Nan said...

That really is a beautiful area of the country and I go visit whenever I can - such inspiration can be taken from the lovely places you've been to.

A time to dance said...

you are mad! I loved Wonkys travels...I have always wanted to see Derek J's garden, I have the book...it looks wonderful...hope you are well and looking after your lovely self....

A Mermaid's Tale said...

Three of my top 'haven't been yet but must visit' places - Great Dixter, Sissinghurst and Dungeness - very jealous indeed!! Mind you, I was lucky enough to have a few days travelling round the Cotswolds this week and went to Snowshill Manor (I think it's about my 12th time there!). Have you been Viv? It truly is heaven on earth and I urge you to go if you haven't already. x x x Just loved seeing Wonkey Donkey!

lynda Howells said...

thank you so much for giving me a jolt to my memory bank. Been to these polaced many times but not lately..must go again soon. Before l travelled and lived all over the work, l lived in kent and still have many relatives living there..Lenham, Maidstone, Rainham and many other places. I am now living in Putney..London.
Your work as usual is beautifulxx lynda

lynda Howells said...

ps...love the donkey...fncy meeting up one day for coffee..l love Tunbridge Wells..just a thoughtxlynda

sallyannjournals.blogspot.com said...

I really enjoyed Wonkey's adventures, I live near the sea in Devon if wonkey wanted to go to the seaside again. x

peggy aplSEEDS said...

thanks for sharing your travels. wonderful places you have visited. reading about wonkey reminds me of a little bear i used to take with me on my travels. i also used to take pictures of him. i lost him somewhere in new york and when i realized he was missing and couldn't be found, i cried as if someone had died (i was around 50 years old!). anyway, be sure to take care of wonkey!

i love your projects!

Jackie said...

Mmm what a superb trip, I so enjoyed it. I may even follow in your footsteps one day. A long long time ago when I taught in Middlesex, we used to take the children to a school journey centre in Kent and tootled about Romney Marsh and on the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch light railway. I have never been without 40 schoolchildren, but I always thought that area had a lot to offer. You look lovely in the photographs too.

Hollyyyyyyyyyyyy said...

Wonkey sitting next to Garry on the dashboard
ay vivst
xx