We're All Mad Here

Coffee At The Tea Party

I found out about this sculpture of Alice (in Wonderland) thorough another blog post and was surprised to never have spotted it as we frequently take refuge, coffee in hand, the grounds of Guildford Castle after a particularly punishing shopping spree.

The fact that it is tucked away in a little annexe coupled with my inability to read the simplest of maps meant a spell playing round and round the garden (literally!) until I tracked it down.

The playing card design worked into the wrought iron gates was the first giveaway.

The Carpenter and the Walrus sprang to mind at this point -

"But wait a bit," the Oysters cried,
"Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!"

                                      Fortunately she was worth the unplanned hike.

Situated looking on to Lewis Carrols Guildford residence, with the castle as a backdrop she looked rather lovely in the late summer sunshine and is certainly worth seeking out.

Reynard Strikes Again

In my teens I was the victim of a most heinous crime.

Nonchalantly leaving my much beloved green DM boots by the back door one night, I awoke to find them strewn across the lawn and partially masticated. It seems our local vixen took exception to my fashion sense and attempted to rectify the situation by rendering said footwear stinking and unwearable.

As a result this notice in the local newsagents struck a chord...

Simple Pleasures Sunday

Seeking a new direction in life?

Don't look for any help in Surrey!

Remembering Roses

I spotted this striking two tone rose at the recent Hampton Court Flower Show

Pictured top right of the photo, it's called 'Nostalgia' and I thought it was rather lovely.

Simple Pleasures Sunday

Need lessons in the art if relaxation? 

Adopt a Lurcher, sit back and observe!

Simple Pleasures Sunday

Spotted this little beauty today whilst out walking on the North Downs.

The Chalkhill Blue butterfly...Perfection!

(Very) Alternative Fathers Day Card

Stuck for an idea for a Fathers Day card I spotted a little tin box in a charity shop and it contained the perfect solution to my dilemma.

As children sat in the back of the car ready to head off on holiday or just for a day out, Dad would invariably start the engine and bellow "Wahey, POOP POOP!!" In the style of Mr Toad of Wind in the Willows fame (If you haven't seen the stop motion animation version of this story, then what are you waiting for!)

Much like Mr Toad, Dad is full of joie de vivre, very sociable and has a habit of buying the best kit for his latest and greatest new hobby then abandoning it shortly after! So, bearing this in mind I hope the following photos make sense.

The little tin

Message is on reverse of card which I placed inside tin

The driving goggles which I found stored in the tin.

The 'Poop Poop' is cut out of sticky back plastic because obviously he'll want to remove the lettering and wear them on a daily basis! 

Lazy Sunday Afternoon

We decided to make the most of the sunshine an took ourselves off to Painshill Park last Sunday for a picnic. I have blogged about this lovely spot Previously but I couldn't resist posting a few more photos as it really was the most beautiful day.

Meh! Mural

Well the mural is done (I won't say finished as I just gave up in the end) on the cupboard doors. It's so frustrating when I can't translate what's in my head into reality but honestly, I should just stick with 3D as painting is not really my forte. Anyhoo I guess it's better than plain ol' gloss?!

Related Post Here

And Finally from Orkney...

A few random photos that didn't fit anywhere else!

The Ring of Brodgar

Spring Squill on the Brough of Birsay

 

Fresh air =

Locally caught Langoustine 

The Fishermans Huts, Marwick

Last but not least, the posing sheep at Yesnaby! 

Buckie Bangle

I found this Groatie Buckie charm made by Fluke Jewellery at the end of my holiday. After a few unsuccessful trips to their workshop I tracked one down in the 'Made in Orkney' shop in Kirkwall.

I simply added it to an existing bangle of mine and it tinkles away as I work, reminding me of happy days.

Orkney Beaches

Away from it all on Orkneys beautiful beaches

St Peters Bay

Waulkmill Bay

Bay of Skaill

Rackwick Bay

The causeway revealed at low tide at the Brough of Birsay - the beach that began the love affair! 

Orkney Cliffs

Best steer clear of these walks if you have vertigo!

Marwick Head views from right and left

Hoy, by the Old Man

Brough of Deerness

Yesnaby

Orkney Skies

Does what it says on the tin.

Hoy & Rackwick Bay

Orkney is a series of Islands - Hoy being an island to the west of the 'Mainland' (the biggest island) It is quite different, with high heath covered hills which remind me of the Dales. It is probably most famous for the sea stack that is The Old Man of Hoy. You'll need a boat, a car and some legs to get to it but the walk up with its views over Rackwick Bay are a sweetener and The Old Man itself never disappoints, covered in nesting sea birds with the waves crashing about his feet you look across to him and wonder!

Fog recedes from the bay as we commence our ascent!

Not a bad spot for a picnic!

People on the cliffs for scale

The sun came out for the return journey

On Rackwick bay, the sand between my toes!