A change is as good as a rest

The family tour took us from Devon to Surrey and back down through Kent.   It was lovely to see everyone, as most of our family live miles away, so its always nice to catch up and have a bit of down time.  We spent several days touring 'The Shops' in Kingston and roundabout, and it was all too much for me!  Far too much to choose from, I spent most of my time dizzy from the amount of gorgeousness!  I did however manage to pull myself together ;) and shall show you some of my further reach charity finds and treasures next week.

Then it was down to beautiful Kent, the garden of England, renowned for its oast houses, hop-picking and apple orchards.

We stayed with Mr F's dad on his equestrian farm to take in some less frantic horse riding, farm visiting and just 'being still' time in the countryside.

It was truly idyllic, the children got up to feed the horses at the crack of dawn, collect the eggs from the gaggle of hens (who laid eggs in all sorts of places), tractor rides, horse rides.. you name it.  We were so lucky.

I'm usually quite terrified of horses, I don't really know why.. just their general size I think gives me the jelly legs.  But these horses were all so beautiful and gentle, we fell in love with them all.

And apart from a little rain on the first day, the weather was glorious.

The children played 'house' in the caravan... oh how I'd love an old caravan at the bottom of the garden for them to camp out in, and to fill up with vintage curtains and cushions...

and Woody played house in the stables..

And to make it all just perfect, there were 5 four week old working cocker puppies keeping warm in a box by the Aga.

Pure bliss.

Lovely to go away, and lovely to come home again.

And, after all that you'd think I'd feel refreshed, revived and ready to go... whereas actually I think I relaxed a bit too much, and the energy surge hasn't quite hit yet.  Instead, I feel more like this..

I'm just hoping things improve by Monday!

Have a great weekend everyone, see you next week xx

Comments

[fredsworld]

looks like you had a great time in Kent, I bought a pack of them pink lady apples just for the box!

[Steph]

Absolutely gorgeous photogrpahs! I feel restful and refreshed just looking at them, as if I've been on holiday myself. Could I ask what type of camera you use? I'm hoping to get a new one as mine is hopeless (not even a zoom!) and your pictures are alwyas so wonderfully crisp and clear.
What a smashing break for you all.
Stephx - who too harbours a dream of getting her hands on a caravan filling it with vintage fabrics and tootling off on some bargain holidays. One day.

[Daisy Steiner]

Really beautiful photographs, it looks like you have had a lovely time away.
Looking forward to seeing your bargain and charity buys.

[Lucy Locket-Pocket]

Those photos are stunning! Glad you had a nice time away - don't rush to get busy too quickly! Lucy x

[Jackie Morgan]

What a great time you had, heaven for the children being with all those animals and I love the photos, especially the puppies and the pig. Yes, I can totally identify with that pig! Jackie Mx

[Mee Crafty]

Fab pictures.
I especially love the one of the brick building with the ivy on it.
The colours are amazing.

[Michele]

This armchair travel is a wonderul thing.. I get to visit all your beautiful places without leaving my comfy chair.. Nothing beats the real thing though and your holiday sounds idyllic and a perfect break for you all..

Love
Michelex

[dottydesigns]

how lovely that all looks. I WANT that pig, he looks gorgeous, I love piggies.x

[Jennie]

It looks like you had a fabulous time! (I would like a caravan too, and a garden actually, but the main reason I would want a caravan was to fill it with vintage curtains, cushions and eiderdowns... should we start a group?)
I feel the same about horses too.

[simply]

what a wonderful train of photos...it did look like you had a great time...it is nice to get away to new sights and sounds every once and a while...

the picture of the pig is priceless :o) I love it!

~simply~

[Diane]

Lovely! Such stunning pics and what a breath of fresh air too. Thank you, I really enjoyed my mini-break :-)

[Florence]

What an amazing time you seem to have had. That gorgeous pig actually looks like it's smiling! x