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

For she invented, medicinal compound, most efficacious in every way....

Hello!

I hope you have had a good weekend.

Just a few pics of work uploaded onto madebyhandonline and etsy today

 Upcycled fabrics, made into pieces, that will hopefully last another generation.

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I also wanted to show you pictures of the Fair that the current husband, Billy Button Nose and I attended last Saturday.   thevintagebazaar at Frome, Somerset.   

 Thank you lizzie and clare and helpers, for an excellent day.  Here are a few pics, some better than others, to show you ...

some of the gorgeous wares for sale on the day. 

Apologies for not linking...I am not familiar with many of the stall holders. 

Daisy Baby (left) went to stay at her Granny and Grandads for the weekend and Billy Button Nose came with us and I am very proud to say that he was a well behaved boy.    

Another little doggy of mine, didn't sell on the day, so he came back home with us....I call him Rocky. 

 Thank you for stopping by. x

Change your heart, look around you...

Hello!   Thank you for calling in.

What a happy day...I have so enjoyed the Royal Wedding, watching the TV with half an eye, as I have been preparing for the vintagebazaar in Frome, Somerset, tomorrow Saturday 30th April.

,

 I have been really busy making brooches, pin cushions, clutch bags and needlecases.

 Using lovely old, softly worn cottons and French linen.

 The Fair is of the highest quality, with top notch fantastic stall holders and I am very, very happy to be part of the day, selling my handmade items and vintage textiles.   Please come along and say 'hello' if you can.

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I have been receiving the most wonderfully supportive comments in reply to my last post.   I have been hearing from lots of bloggers who have the same or similar conditions and it is always good to talk to someone who has the same view point.   One contact made and I feel is already a friend, is julie ~ My Curious Tea Party.   A very special lady and reading her last post was very humbling.

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Thank you for stopping by... I leave you with a picture from this lovely day...

I am in awe of the way the ...erm hat/fascinator stays aloft!  

pic from mirror

Please forgive me if I act a little strange, for I know not what I do...

Hello dear friends,

Well the weeks are flying by and I for one have been basking in the scents, sounds and sights of Spring.   Each year, Spring to me is a beautiful miracle, a transient gift from nature, I try to grasp hold of it and keep the sight and smell of Bluebell woods in my mind, the delicate tree blossom, pink and white, the lime green of unfurled leaves, the symphony of bird song, the smell of the first lawn mowing.   After a long, cold, dark winter what sheer joy it is to be able to sit outside and take in the season.

Although my skin can't tolerate moonshine,  never mind sunshine, I still adore sunny days, when the sky is blue and the air fresh and the Swallows, House Martins and Swifts are back from their long haul flight..... before the humidity of summer sets in (well, sometimes). 

Happy Spring time.

 If you are a regular reader, you may know that I have Fibromyalgia, which is nothing but a damn nuisance.   I am taking anti depressants to help my muscles (I have a lot of pain) and to sleep.   Chronic fatigue is the order of the day and I feel like someone has stolen the old me, along with my energy.   Ugh.

So, unfortunately, I have had to give my day job up.   My work as a College Technician was at times interesting and certainly inspiring, so it is with much regret that I have to relinquish my role there.  

So now I turn and face a new chapter in my life.  

Part of that chapter is my sales area at The Wear-House, Ludlow, Shropshire.

 I have added pictures I took last week of rooms at thewearhouse

None of these pictures are of my area. 

 The Wear-House is a fabulous vintage shop .   I'm sure you have read before about how I have a small sales area there.   The shop at the moment is looking stunning, with so many gorgeous decorative interior pieces, antiques, textiles, clothing vintage and some new.   Handmade pieces and French brocante.  With a small Retro Cafe serving coffee and cake.   Lovely, lovely.  

 So I will leave you with these pics....

 and thank you for all your support and kind comments.

 I have, over the past few months certainly found out who my friends are....

Thank you for stopping by. x