St. John's church sits nestled among high coastal meadows by the sea. The weather was rather bleak the whole ride there. The rain let up just as we arrived. My husband went to scope out the trail to decide if it was an ok idea yet. While he did that I was was able to check out the church and cafe a bit. And convince a boy he could ask the cafe people directions to the restroom. It's the little victories in life. ; )
Framlingham Castle came alive with dancing and medieval combat last weekend and we were front and center for all the action. The sun even showed up which made it pretty close to perfect.
The reenactment, provided by the Plantagenet Society, was incredible. (I should probably not admit how old I was before I could pronounce that correctly. Suffice it to say it was before this weekend. But maybe not allll that much before ; )) They use authentic weapons – ie no matter how many times you rehearse, it's gonna hurt some. We were all wincing every time we heard a blow strike. We left convinced this would have not have been as romantic and sweet as it may have seemed to us before. I am pretty sure it was brutal watch it live back in the day.
I am always super happy when our kids work up enough courage to jump into the fray. I was so not that child, myself.
And a side note, if there are any Jack Black fans out there who watched his version of Gulliver I am telling you, this guy was SO the spitting image of Chris O'Dowd's villain. And if you haven't seen it? C'mon. For real??
It is too wonderful, isn't it? We came across this cottage while walking a larger estate last weekend. I loved every little thing about it from the geraniums to sheep grazing nearby to the quirky fence. The best part was around back however….
“I had rather be shut up in a very modest cottage with my books, my family and a few old friends, dining on simple bacon, and letting the world roll on as it liked, than to occupy the most splendid post, which any human power can give."
Thomas Jefferson
“All in all, it was a never-to-be-forgotten summer — one of those summers which come seldom into any life, but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going — one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, delightful friends and delightful doing, come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world."
Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne's House of Dreams
It was the beach trip that almost wasn't. We had already had a couple full days of sightseeing after all. "We can be home by dinner time if we head back now…" It was decided that we would eat our boxed lunch in the shade and sit for a few minutes and reassess.
After our break we loaded kids and dogs and headed out, resigned to wrapping up our trip if the Dad driver needed to. But after a few miles I noticed the car was not pointing north after all. Instead, the buildings began sporting pastel hues and we spotted the occasional palm tree even. Yes – in England!
And then, the water came into view and all talk of heading home was long forgotten.
This was waterfront in Hastings and the 'sand' was manmade. More like a super thick layer pea gravel actually. No one was complaining though. At the end of that trek were icy white topped waves to splash through on a warm day. After they were all splashed out we explored the boardwalk area and hit up the ice cream stand. After which some very happy kids piled into the car and dozed all the way home, windows down and wind blowing hair dry.
On our road trip to Leeds for a dance competition we squeezed in a few field trips. The big surprise was the Thackeray medical museum. We planned very last minute and the museum randomly pulled up in a list of local sights. I am glad I clicked on that link because this sleeper attraction was worth every penny.
The first part of our tour was the "Streets of Old Leeds" which I expected to be much like the much loved "Streets of Old Milwaukee" from my childhood museum. Yeah, but no. Truly this was one of the most realistic and disturbing recreations I've ever been through. Unique to this place was the smell. They piped in exceptionally realistic stench which had us a bit gaggy. There was audio too. Wailing animals and chopping sounds at the blood stained slaughter house, moans of the sick, vendors hawking their wares. At several points the little ones jumped or gasped or turned for an exit and Moira and I were half-tempted to do the same. We are glad we pushed through though. It made an impression few book explanations could have. If you are interested there is a virtual tour here. Without smell-avision you will have to take our word for the rest.
There were fabulous displays of vintage medical equipment and medications, complete with explanations of the procedures and how they've evolved. Lots of film footage was available. Just truly fascinating even for kids.
My only gripe came while I was completely engrossed in the maternity section reading the stories and seeing all the apparatus used over the years. The exhibit closed with huge quotes on the displays which led one to the conclusion that "people who love children only have one or two because you could never do enough for more." To which I just reminded children of mine – numbers 5, 8 and 9 – that love multiplies, it does not divide.
"That time of day when the sun hasn't come up yet but you can already feel it coming. It's an elusive warmth, like a subtle promise whispered in your ear, and you can go on with your day knowing you've been given another chance to get it right."
– Cassia Leo
So I had this idea for the guys to go go-karting after seeing it on TV I admit. I thought they would have a blast. The costs at the local places I found were crazy high though so the idea was shelved for a while and the boys didn't know anything was in the works anyway. When we were out walking at the beach last week however we stumbled upon this small course. I elbowed my husband and said hey, seriously, check out these prices. This could happen! Could this happen? Right now?
Yes says he, so we called Kieran over to get his brothers. He had been eyeing the karts nonchalantly and said, "Sure, what for?" I told him Dad was going to take them for a ride. He stopped a split second slack-jawed while that sank in. "What? Now??" Yes. "OH MY WORD! Guyyyyssssss!!!! We're gonna ride!!!!"
Pretty darned exciting it was. I think it made their summer.
(connection is very slooooow this week so no resizing, sorry)
With wind whipping our hair we braved the chalky coastline of Dover. Since there was a dip in the terrain it was literally 'uphill both ways.' We have hiked higher and farther – hello Lake District? This one ended up kicking us in the pants though. Maybe it was the sandals. Note to self, always bring the hiking shoes because you always need them.
We headed out at the end of a rainy day and the clouds gradually cleared by the time we reached the lighthouse a few miles out. The water and sky deepened in color with every step. Truly breathtaking by the time we got back.
Classic car shows are even more fun in another country. We never fail to see makes and models we've never before seen. This show was chock full of candy story color. Perfect summer fun.
A thin grey man demanded, "What do you want?"
"Shelter, and food for the little ones."
The mistress entered, a resolute looking woman who had seen too many paupers to be swayed by emotion. She took their names and briefly told them to follow her to the washhouse where they were stripped and made to wash all over with cold water in shallow stone troughs. Their clothes, such as they were, were removed and workhouse uniforms provided. They were a course grey serge cut to fit almost any size of person. There were a variety of odd shoes. No undergarments were provided. Then their heads were shaved.
They were taken to the Masters office for segregation. Everyone dreaded this moment and four strong inmates were brought in to take the children away. Rough hands were laid on the children. She heard the sounds of screaming children and doors banging. Then she heard no more. Over the next four years, one by one, they all died."
It took a bit of hunting around but I was determined to find the Southwell Workhouse while traveling through Nottinghamshire. This particular facility is now restored by the National Trust whose docents and displays gave us a full history of English poor law as well as daily life in the workhouse. Having read and watched Call the Midwife and Larkrise to Candleford we had a good idea of the horror with which people regarded these institutions. From what we have since learned it was well-founded.
This whole visit set off a series of rabbit trails, researching more books and websites. I believe Oliver Twist will be next.
Some rabbit trails I have followed:
The Real Oliver Twist Workhouse
5 Days as a Tramp Among Tramps
Starry Sky Journal 