Apple fresh...

So we celebrated in style, twenty friends and family gathered together to mark my husband's 40 years. FORTY YEARS! Whhhaaaaat? How did that happen?!

There is that feeling of sanctuary when going away for a night, even if 'away' is only 3 miles from home. There's just something about it that renews me, gives some perspective.  It was made even more poignant knowing it would the last time there as it's closing. The place is going to be a private residence again; I can only imagine what it must be like to live there as a family.

...the view from our room...

...all rather gorgeous and eclectic; our room was called 'French Grey'...

...love the finer details, flowers on my dressing table...

...the most divine apple crumble souffle with apple ice cream...

So, the next day we went for a long walk on an unseasonably warm day, climbed to the top of Kingley Vale and then had a pub lunch. Yep, all in all it was a fitting time for the special chap in my life :-) I was reminded again that we have some really beautiful countryside right on our doorstep.

...overlooking ancient yew trees...

Then after all the frivolity, we spent the weekend in relative quietness at home. Saturday a pyjama day for my son who literally lolled around all day. Sunday afternoon, the Boos climbed the apples trees in the garden while I read a book. We did not much of anything and it was perfect. Trying my best to take deep breaths of life, notice the small things, freeze these moments in time to remember later. Memories for a rainy day...

...oh, to climb trees...

...the gate to the field...

...still more apples than we know what to do with...