Ham House

My feet are absolutely killing me. I went to the post office, I had to mail some of Detta's books. She only brought about 12 with her. We may still have to send some more back, surface mail, of course. I then walked down to the shop to get Travelcards for Detta but it was the far one, they only cost £2.00 a day for children. I thought about taking a bus back but after waiting for ages, I walked back (I bought a Milky Way for a burst of energy). The bus passed me on the way. When I got back, Detta and I then went over to Mark's garage. We took the bus for two stops!! It was so close. Mark has not changed much except for being a bit grayer but aren't we all. Had a great chat, it was so good to see him. He now has an Italian bike, Augusta.

Then we walked back to Kate's. She arrived soon after us with the polka dot suitcase. I have had to buy a bigger case because we have so much stuff. Kate brought cheese and bread with her. I have been loving the Sainsbury's cheddar cheese, just the regular one, nothing special. It just tastes so good especially with fresh buns and butter. We did have some creamy coleslaw so I added that also, delicious.

After lunch, Detta and I set off again. We went to Ham House in Richmond. It is a National Trust property. It was very interesting. The house is very dark with lots of wood paneling, of course all the windows are covered to protect all the paintings in the house. They also had the kitchens open, which were very interesting and the first private bathroom in Britain. We then went and had tea and scones (and ice cream for one particular person) in the Orangery where the old kitchen gardens were. It was very picturesque. There was lots of lavender and bees, I just couldn't resist a photo. The bees were too busy with the lavendar to notice me.The Orangery was covered in wisteria which is all in bloom. Kath would love this. We wandered around the gardens and sat on the steps at the back of the house over looking it all. The gardens here are still waiting to be done up. They would truly be magnificant but I am sure when the National Trust has the money, it will get done. We went through one of the other gardens which is also lavendar with box hedges around. Very pretty, as there are two types of lavender and the one is silver and the other green.

After leaving here we walked around the other way to the bus stop. It was like walking in the country. The walls of the house on one side and the overgrown fields of grass on the other. With rows of trees lining the walkways. It was lovely.

Tomorrow we possibly are going to Hampton Court, more walking (all those cobble stones!!!!!).