Avebury

First a visit to the manor house and gardens.

The house was empty and abandoned for 20 years until the BBC used it for a TV series, using each room to illustrate a different period from Tudor times.  

Here to demonstrate the 18th century's love of things Chinese.  Subsequently, the National Trust took over the the property, keeping the BBC's props.

Then out to the stone circle,

to find the biggest stone for a photo opportunity.

Barbury Castle

First occupied some 2500 years ago, and was then used during the Roman occupation of the area. Archaeological investigations at Barbury have shown evidence of a number of buildings, indicating a village  or military garrison at this time. (Wikipedia)

The camera cannot do justice to the 360 degree views from up here.

Avon and Kennett Canal

The Caen Hill locks, all 16 of them.

This young man, living on his boat by all appearances, had climbed the hill solo. Absolutely exhausting. 

Lacock

OK, a visit with nothing to do with you know who,

but to visit an abbey founded by the most powerful woman in the Middle Ages, Ela, on the 16th of April 1232. 

Her original cloister was demolished in the 1400's and replaced with what you see today.

The village is very cute, 

and after a stroll around we availed ourselves of a lunch at The Red Lion. 

Court Gardens

Well, no need to ask what this image reminds you of.

Whilst the house is not open for visitors, the garden is lovely to visit even in early spring.

Classic Car Museum

On our last day away, a visit to see something a little more up to date. The chap who booked us in is a Morgan enthusiast. A manditory chat ensued.

A pose for Gek.

My  first road going car, a black  Ford Pop 103E, bought in 1968.

Next, a Mini bought in 1971.

And the last one I could find, a Frog Eyed Spirit, bought in 1975.  

Cosmeston Park

 

What a beautiful day for a stroll around the lake.

Marquetry Flowers

 The dyed veneers colour pallet, from which to make 18 Australian flowers.

Christmas Bells

Red Flowering Gum

Waratah

Find me a Singaporean in Wales

A Singaporean lady, together with her husband, resently opened a take away and spice store in Abergaveny Market Hall. We just had to pay a visit, but unfortunately she was not there.  We did had a nice chat with her hubby, howver.  Better luck next time.

Spring Snow

 Awoke to a blanket

lighting our ceiling with reflected light.

The night was alighted too,

giving us a relaxed evening listening to The Corrs on the Bose. Magical.

Garwnant Park

A drive out to the Beacons for a walk and a lunch.

A very Tolkien walk it was too, with vivid green moses 

 on the trees and on the forrest floor.

Yet another One

Large borders, like this, were used in Tudor times on bed linen and house hold items to identify the owner when the court moved from place to place.  Back then few people would have been able to read a label. Very agressive flowere on this one.

Spring is on its Way

 The first of many to come.

Porthcawl

Another cafe, this time for paninis,

with a view of Rest Bay.

Inspite of the sunshine, it was rather chilly

Abergavenny

To visit the market 

and have Gek's favouite dish, cawl.

F147 WWP finished.

The last Morgan I owned , a Plus 4.  

Enjoyed a trip down France's Loire Valley with only one temporary hood up needed,

and 5 weeks driving in Tuscany, San Gimignano in the back ground, no hood up needed.

Somerset Patchwork Copy

 So much clutter for such a small piece which has 60 parts. But a good learning exercise.

The Little Peckers

The Sparrow Gang competitors, the Gold Finch Crew.

Out for a Walk

 Across the viaduct,

for walk in the tunnel of trees, an old railway line that used to go all the way to Hereford.

Loft Done

 

During the recent deep freeze we had a burst water pipe in our loft. During the clear up, took the opportunity to tidy up the space with extra cladding and lay some flooring boards. 

Australia's Birds

 

A new exhibition in the Contempory, a bunch of noisy peckers.

http://www.gekart.net/Contemporary/Marquetry.html

to accees the show.

New Embroidery.

 The Gold Finch, How to do the feathers?  Perhaps I should stick to pure blackwork.

The landscape mounted, ready for a future exhibition.

Snow

 The next day, making for a slippery hill.

Penarth For Lunch

Such a beautiful day.