Hinton Ampner and West Dean Gardens

Well given the forecast was for sunshine I headed off to Hinton Ampner with the intention of going up on the roof for some great views.

Alas... on arrival I was advised that the tours don't run at the weekend.... I checked the website again on my return home... but still can't find any reference to that ... hey ho... another day hopefully.

The flowers were alive with flutters and insects

The house - scaffolded... pity I couldn't get up to the top today..

the bees were busy

Delicious scone!!

Given it was still relatively early, I headed off for West Dean Gardens which meant only a slight detour....

Mr Ponders rather likes apple trees...

and Mr Ponders was wondering where the stream has gone?....

A lovely day out in gorgeous sunshine and warmth!!!..

Sheffield Park revisited - but the sun didn't join us today..

I've been rather bogged down with paperwork/admin in all that's involved for applying for Probate... BUT it's the weekend, so time off!!

The forecast wasn't good.. I headed off for Sheffield Park for some colour...

Brunch was first on the list... despite the picture I did indulge in a Cream Tea today... but that was the only meal ... so far...

The Scones were excellent.. and compliments to the scone baker Alison...

Mr Quacks was looking for cousins..

and he found some..

At this point Ponders and I were sheltering from the rather heavy rain.

and the sky got greyer....

Was great to be out in the fresh air and have a wander... and Mr. Ponders thought so too..... :)

A final farewell to a lovely lady - Mum..

Today, with family and friends, I paid my last farewell to Mum ... 

I shall always be grateful for her wisdom, sense of fun, determination and always great kindness - in fact, just very grateful for having her as
my Mum

Mum was 96 and this was taken on the day after her 92nd birthday

hope I look as good when I'm 92 as she did on that day!!

The music we had today at the service to celebrate her life

Piano Concerto No. 2 Andante – Dimitri Shostakovich


Goin' Home, arrg Antonin Dvorak)





Eclogue for Piano & Strings, Gerald Finzi