further insights from the hay bale.......

At last it was Saturday and I was free from the constraints of work, it had not been a pleasant week and I was truly glad it was over. We were up reasonably early so we could collect a parcel from the sorting office, then we were our way to Kedleston. We arrived nice and early before the crowds had even started to gather. We parked up at the National Trust car park and walked back down to the Food Festival. This time Paul was able to come with me, and I was so happy about that. We had a hot chocolate and then made our way to the big tent to look around all the stalls. There was all manner of things for sale, cakes, cheese, wine etc. I love to look around the stalls, and sample all the goodies. This time it was way less  crowded and I was able to get near the stalls!! We bought something for lunch, and we also got a few other goodies to bring home. There was also a tent full of stalls selling gifts, and I found one selling nothing but wooden pens. Yes, Paul's eyes lit up so he chose one and I got it for him for his birthday which is just around the corner. When we had done our first round of the stalls we went outside to sit on the hay bales (yes!!! there were more hay bales, aren't they the popular thing these days) and eat lunch. Nothing better than sitting in the sun, listening to live music and eating good stuff. At noon we went to a cookery demo by Denise Tollyfield, very entertaining. She made  Mediterranean picnic pie and coleslaw, she was funny and informative, I actually feel I learned something. After that, we decided to have another hot drink, listen to the music for a while longer and then head over to Kedleston Hall. We did buy a few goodies from the fair, and it was good to support local producers. The walk over to the hall involved trying to side step a lot of sheep poo.....I mean I know shit happens...but really....that much????

Kedleston Hall wasn't as busy as I thought it might be, so we were able to wonder around the house at our own pace and enjoy its splendor. The place really does take your breath away. The National Trust site has this to say about Kedleston - It was designed for lavish entertaining and displaying an extensive collection of paintings, sculpture and original furnishings, Kedleston is a stunning example of the work of architect Robert Adam. The Curzon family have lived here since the 12th-century and continue to live at the Hall. Lord Curzon's Eastern Museum is a treasure trove of fascinating objects acquired on his travels in Asia and while Viceroy of India (1899 to 1905). The Hall was used as a key location for 'The Duchess', the Hollywood blockbuster starring Keira Knightley. 

By the time we left the Hall, we were ready to come home. It was a lovely day, and even better cause I got to spend it with Mr Ivans. This evening we have been chilling out and watching films - City of Ember (ok-ish) Ice Age (an old favourite) and now the Matrix (a classic). As usual the day has just flown by too fast.....boo hiss!!!

Thanks for reading, it has been interesting to see that people from so far away are taking the time to read my blog. The internet has made the world a much smaller place, somewhere that you can easily reach out and touch someone's life.