Waddesdon Manor

A most enjoyable day. I managed to have a decent lie in and then had my hair cut. She did a good job and I finally got my loyalty card reward of a £10 discount.

I nearly came home to chill out but as it was a beautiful day, I decided to risk tiredness and meet with my sis, S, Teddy and her in laws at Waddesdon Manor. I had a lovely drive over there cross country with some superb views over the Aylesbury Vale. I arrived about an hour before them so I took the new Park and Ride bus up the hill and enjoyed the little French market they had on and people-watched. After dodging a sharp shower in the shop and Rothschild wine shop, I enjoyed a nice baguette and hot chocolate in the sun.

The others arrived and we had a wander round the gardens where I got my blip. We headed down hill to the stable block and the sweet and toy shop and then took the woodland path which winds round the estate and wended our way back to the carpark.

The sky was soft clear blue as were the swathes of forget me nots. The acers were startling reds and pinks, the horse chestnuts were in full bloom and the sun warm so it really was a super walk and a very worthwhile trip and far better than staying home.

I took a different but equally attractive route back past the house my sis is about to buy and admired the wisteria on the front which is in full bloom. Lucky them. I'm envious.

I popped into John Lewis, took the plunge and bought a new Sony compact system camera, lenses and kit bag. They arrive in store for me to collect tomorrow. I'm very excited. I have a lot to learn and I'm going to have fun experimenting I hope. I didn't get home til 5.30pm as a result.

I've caught up on Jamaica Inn, which turned out to be really good (with subtitles) and am now watching the first episode of Fargo. So far so good...