Baddesley Clinton National Trust.

Thankyou for all of you who commented on here yesterday. x
This a retrospective blip.  
On as near perfect a day as anyone could wish for we took ourselves off to Baddesley Clinton taking time to think about our son Matt. His brother phoned just as we arrived. He was taking time out from his busy schedule, by having been on an early walk at Ashton Court Estate Bristol. In the evening he raised his glass of beer in homage along with our daughter in law, after the grandchildren were in bed. We sat on our patio having a glass of lovely wine to toast the memory of our son. 
Amazingly enough the blackbird came to the table! 
I put some raisins out for him. Photo in the extras.   
Another day of clear blue skies. 
After a chilly start, the temperature rose, eventually reaching 17C.
We arrived early, parking the car and were greeted by the friendly volunteer who was checking the timed bookings. 
Our picnic was left in a cool bag in our boot in a shady spot under the trees on one side of the car park. 
It wasn't very busy at that time. 
At lunchtime Stephen went back to bring it to the walled courtyard where we sat in the warm sun at one of the picnic tables. 
Even then it wasn't very busy.
There was just a queue for takeaway coffees. 
It was such a treat meandering round the lovely  grounds and although the gardens are now in between seasons, they are so relaxing and peaceful. 
Lots of benches placed about in unobtrusive spots. 
      The light was so sharp and clear that the water in the pools sparkled and danced. 
Good to see people sitting on the grass in the picnic field near the entrance, or at the wooden tables. 
None of us wore coats or jackets.
  After lunch a little later we went for a walk up by the old church near the carpark enjoying the bluebells and primroses in the small wood, before going for a longer walk in Hay Wood. We were the only ones there walking through the tall silent surrounding trees. 
A day to savour. A day to remember. A day to just be.