Shropshire

Mark dropped us at the train station on 26 April. He had plans to harvest his rhubarb to make wine! We then traveled to Shropshire, again changing at several stations. Jan met us at Cravens Arms, then drove us over to Bishop's Castle where Jan and Elisabeth have settled into next door homes. While Jan's is traditional, Elisabeth's is modern and they are both lovely but the best part is that they overlook this splendid garden that Elisabeth has created. This view from Elisabeth's deck shows the flowing fountain on the left and tiled walkway over to the table and chairs.

Here is another view from Jan's window showing the circular paths. Beyond the gray walls are their vegetable gardens.

Beyond the garden is the quintessential English landscape with the woven hedge rows winding around the hills encircling fields of sheep. 

Jan's side showing a little shed on the right to keep their firewood--both have lovely fireplaces
 with Franklin-like  stoves.

It was wonderful to see both Elisabeth and Jan. Here we are inside her home

And Elisabeth's cat--I'm sorry I did not get a photo of her mum who lives next door with Jan.

Jan and Elisabeth prepared a special birthday feast for me in her small efficient kitchen.

While Jan and Elisabeth made magic in the kitchen, we enjoyed Champagne and Perfectly Roasted Almonds while watching the graceful grey clouds of the Gloaming

And the birds coming and going on the tree's perch!

The delicious meal included Perfectly Roasted Pheasant, Baby Leeks with Sauce, Roast Potatoes, a lovely Red Wine,

And a Delicious Birthday Cake decorated with flowers from the garden!

We went walking in the charming Bishop's Castle

And shopping in the Saturday Market-- I bought a lovely old wooden sunflower which will look nice with my grandmother's yellow pottery one.
 

 

We saw the remains of the actual Bishop's Castles.







I loved watching the Rooks swarm around; they were too fast to get a photo but those black balls in the tree are their nests.

We went on a wet walk on the hills behind Elisabeth's and Jan's homes.

And saw lots of pretty sheep and lambs.

I wish this photo was clearer as it shows the lambs gamboling on the lawn. They readlly do jump over each other!

Jan toured us around Shropshire, a beautiful countryside bordering on Wales with spectacular views.

We walked along Offa's Dyke built by King Offa of Mercia in the 8th century to mark his Western Border with Wales. Today a footpath follows the course of this ancient dyke for 177 miles.

I liked being close to the sweet-smelling gorse--usually I only see it from a train.

We toured the interesting Montgomery Castle where Cromwell's puritan soldiers had a victory over the Royalists in 1644.

View of castle going up hill

The ruins

Good markers in Welch and English tell the story.

Mates talking on the back view going down hill

View overlooking the town of Montgomery

We walked down to Montgomery and walked around this ancient town.

We enjoyed French food at the Jolly Frog

Hopefully this rain will alleviate the drought conditions in the UK.