Parish Holiday Day 7 -- 9-8-10

Because the weather forecasts were for such bad weather, the decision was made not to go to Hurst Castle the scheduled event for the day since it is on the coast, exposed to the elements and requiring walking on shingle (rocky beaches). Instead we divided up with different visitors going to different places.

Three of us went to Mottisfont Abbey, a stately home built originally as a priory, converted to a manor house in Tudor times, and now a National Trust property. The house is interesting, but it seems to be known mainly for the gardens, particularly roses. Of course, September is not prime rose growing time, but there were still a few blooming -- the old-fashioned kind with great fragrance. It also has a river with shallow, clear, water and lots of trout. Elizabeth was our parish holiday escort; very nice because she's a volunteer at Mottisfont so knows quite a lot about it. Great having the "inside" scoop.













For a few months there is also an exhibit at Mottisfont of drawings by Beatrix Potter. She left her Lake District property and all her drawings to the National Trust so they are able to display some of them from time to time in one of their properties. To accompany the exhibition, and appeal to the children (me, as well), the dining room was set up as a feast for her characters with Peter Rabbit presiding.


After lunch at the Mottisfont cafe, the others wanted to go to a local pottery. We all went to Elizabeth's house where they were picked up by Terry to go to the pottery. Since I am not interested in buying anything that has to be packed and taken home, particularly heavy pottery (!), I stayed at Elizabeth's house enjoying her lovely gardens and animals: dog, cat, chickens, and llamas. She and her husband used to have a farm; when they retired, she couldn't give up all her animals.












Then returned to Brian and Margaret's to begin the organizing/packing process -- and working on pictures and blog. As I arrived Brian was cutting the grass; I thought he was just doing his manly household duties. N-o-o-o. He was creating a croquet lawn and was quite insistent on our playing a game. Margaret begged off as she was fixing dinner, but Aprel and I joined in. Brian plays bowls regularly and croquet some and knows quite a bit about both. Given my athletic "abilities," I expected to lose badly and just wanted to get it over with. Instead, it was really fun -- and I won!!! Brian didn't hear the end of that; all evening long I milked it for all it was worth.

While at dinner there was a call for a final get-together at the village pub. Two of the parish holiday visitors weren't there, but five of us were, along with six of the locals. It was good to have the chance for a last farewell.