A weekend away and trying to catch up

I had hoped to write a couple of posts over last week but unfortunately I wasn't feeling particularly well. Nothing serious, just awareness that I was nowhere near fully fit, tired all the time, and very snuffly. However by the end of week I was feeling much better which was good since John and I had booked a weekend away. Unfortunately not feeling well over the week meant I did very little sewing and as a result my March plans have not moved forward. I've made a start on the left front of my cardigan and I crocheted a few hexagons but that's as far as I got. So far the left front has been predominantly blue but that will change shortly. I am finding it fun using two balls of yarn and knitting two rows at a time from each ball.

I also took a photo of a pair of Egyptian geese with their chicks when I went for a walk one lunch time last week. I'm sorry it's a bit blurry but I was a distance away from them.

We decided that the weekend needed to be restful so we decided that we would just travel to our destination on Friday. No rushing, not fitting in a visit to something, just a pleasant drive taking in the scenery. The weather was cold but sunny and so driving was very pleasant. On Saturday morning we decided to go bird watching at Ham Wall, a reserve we often visit when in the area. It was a good day for bird watching and we saw 37 species. I had fun taking some photos as we walked around the reserve.

The dark blob in the middle of the sky in the last photo was a buzzard but it was high in the sky and quite a distance away. 

We had decided that we would leave around lunchtime and go to Stourhead for a walk around the garden and to have some lunch. Whilst driving there we saw signs to Lytes Cary. This is a National Trust Property. Lytes Cary Manor was created by the Lyte family over five centuries but in the 18th century they had financial difficulties and had to give up the estate. In 1907 the Jenner family acquired the manor. As the manor was in a very run down state the new owners, Sir Walter Jenner and Lady Flora put a lot of energy into restoring it and transforming the garden into an Arts and Crafts inspired garden. In 1921 Lady Jenner suddenly died and in 1932 their daughter Esme also died. To keep his home and collection in tact Sir Walter bequeathed it to the National Trust in memory of himself, his wife and his daughter.

As we arrived the house was just closing but we were able to quickly visit the rooms. In a couple of weeks the house will be open for longer hours and when we visit the area in June we will revisit the house.  In the hall there was this tapestry. Unfortunately the light was very dim to protect the piece.  When we visit in the summer the rooms should be a bit lighter.

The piece below was repaired and added to by Lady Jenner. This piece is Stumpwork. This is a 17th century style of embroidery that gives a raised three dimensional look. It uses padding, wire and a wide variety of stitching techniques. It was very popular in England and this is a style of embroidery I really want to try at some point. Stumpwork was often used to decorate around mirrors. You can just about see my reflection in the mirror.

The chair covers had been embroidered and were very colourful but delicate.

In one of the two bedrooms there was an English paper pieced bed quilt. The records showed that a lot of the fabric had come from old clothes but also there was left over fabric from making new clothes

Here's a close up

On the ottoman at the bottom of the bed there was this lovely piece of crochet

Also an embroidered bell pull.

and a stitched chair seat.

Having very quickly looked at the inside of the house we decided to have a late lunch before walking round the garden. The soup and cheese roll for lunch was delicious.

Lytes Cary Manor is a small house but very interesting and the garden were delightful. This is the house as we walked towards it from the car park.

As we walked round to the garden there were lots of daffodils in the grass under the trees, plus these pretty flowers. Unfortunately I've completely forgotten the names of the flowers.

There was a lot of blossom coming on the various shrubs.

The house from the other side.

Looking from the driveway to the meadow across the road I was stunned by the number of tussocks in the grass. They often thrive in wetlands and this area of Somerset is low lying  land 

The hellebores were lovely

We had a really enjoyable day. The drive back to our hotel was uneventful and once there we both decided we needed a rest before dinner. I didn't nap, instead I did a little embroidery.

Our weekend away was fun and we celebrated John's birthday. I now need to cook dinner so that's all for now but I'll be back soon.

Take care

Lyndsey