Thursday 27 December 2007

Walking in the Woods








I have decided that a walk in the woods on Boxing Day may become a new family tradition. Well a couple tradition, anyway, seeing as there are only two of us.


Batsford Arboretum is about 15 miles away from where we live and although I have had plans all year to go, we only made it yesterday. My intention had been to go each season, to photograph the changes, particularly in Autumn but there were still pictures to be taken yesterday.
There were loads of people out and about, enjoying the mulled wine on offer and the mild weather. Children with new bikes and trikes, dogs enjoying the leaves and adults sporting their new christmas jumpers (or hats in my case)




Ah yes, the old 'extend your arm and take a photo of ourselves' trick. I admit to looking a little worse for wear in the photo, although am blaming it on lack of make up, rather than over indulgence of wine the previous day. Or was it champagne?





I could tell a big fib and say that this is our house, but alas, it is just a fabulous place which looks as if it has been dropped in the middle of the woods. They have the most amazing view, and the porch is beautifully decorated with pots and planters, and bird feeders. It made me think of Hansel and Gretel, although was sadly lacking in gingerbread. It must have been lovely to wake up in a location like that on Christmas morning. Or any morning, come to that.

Or this place, which I think belongs to the Batsford family, although more research is needed on my part. It is right on the edge of the estate and is beautiful. We could just make out hundreds of twinkling lights through the leaded windows, there must have been a big family gathering, given the number of cars outside. How the other half live!

5 comments:

The List Writer said...

Its so nice to see pictures of Batsford Arboretum - G and I had a lovely day there in August. I also wanted to take the Hansel & Gretel house home with me in my pocket - too sweet for words.

tess said...

looks like a lovely day! great hat!!!

Tracy said...

What a sweet outing! And I LOVE that photo of the two of you, you look so happy! :o) Sorry so slow getting to stop by here...So glad you've been having a lovely holiday. We have been too, in spite of DH sick with a cold. We usually walk during Christmas too, but needed to stay in for DH's sake. So glad to have found you here and look forward to visiting and knowing you in 2008. Wishing both love, peace and JOY in the New Year! ((HUGS))

Ragged Roses said...

It looks like a great place for a walk. Love the photo of you both! Glad you had such a good Christmas. Thanks for your comments on my blog, it's evening now and I'm back in the pjs and have shuffled in from the telly and box of chocolate to read what you've been up to! Hope you're still enjoying yourself
Kimx
Ps Love the wall of tickets and memories in the post below, what a great idea.

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Hi Anna
Is that little gingerbread cottage at Batsford Arboretum? It looks so familiar and yet I have never been to Batsford.. as far as I know.
We love Westonbirt and have flirted with the idea of moving to Tetbury one day... Devon or Tetbury???
Decisions decisions!

Michelex