Flatford Bridge

Flatford Bridge.. Where Constable drew most of his inspiration from for his iconic paintings 

I guess only another art enthusiast could get quite so excited about seeing some ponds and a foot bridge. I think what could top this would be seeing Monet waterlilly gardens just outside of Paris.

I will resist going to see them THIS time we head to France... Sigh.. I digress. 

We had a relaxing picnic on the riverbanks, fed the overstuffed ducks, and wandered into the little cottage Constable withdrew to in order to paint. 

There were a number of reproductions of his most famous paintings; incredible to look out the window as see basically the same vista.

I noted  a number of workshops and art based weekends based here.. Huge sigh.. Again, something to explore next time we are here.

Disruption and Disarray of Blog posts

Anyone who has subscribed to my blog, and gets them posted to their mail box when something is published will notice a bit of a lag (read absence all together) in posting for around 3 weeks End of July - mid August.

Although I will be taking alot of photos and posting on instagram, I very much doubt actual blog posts will be completed until much later - they will be 'post' dated, but you , my loyal fans, will get them in dribs and drabs and with dates that make no logical sense.

My reason for the absence is that Michael has flown 20K miles to join the kids and I for a whirlwind tour of England, before being whisked off to Paris and shuttled sadly back to Australia.

Normal 'posting' of blogs will resume and updates from the trip will get to you.. sooner or later.

Blackpool Tower

For those who know me, you will understand what an undertaking it was for me to even get close to the edge to take a photo.. I took that step even further.. and went out on the ledge.. don't call me a hero just yet.. There is inches thick hardened glass underneath me, apparently tested to 3 tonne. I must admit to only walking a little way out before the view completely freaked me out and I had to scuttle back to the centre of the tower for safety.

The Blackpool tower was inspired by the popularity of the Eiffel Tower and was opened first to the public in 1894. It is 158 metres and boasts gorgeous views over the seaside, the ocean and the city of Blackpool. 

It houses a number of attractions, including the ballroom, a circus, a Madam Taussades dungeon and jungle gym for kids; but we were there for the tower and its glorious view.  

I'll do another post on Blackpool, as it deserves space on its own. The kids and I have decided we need to come back to Blackpool for its Christmas light display and the festival they call the "Illuminations."  I love fairy lights and all that jazz - so looking forward to seeing this view again at night.