On Friday, we set off at 10.30 to meet JJJT at Bodenham Arboretum near Kidderminster. They set off about the same time. As we were driving ‘round Birmingham, Jo phoned to say their car was broken down on the M5 somewhere near Tewkesbury. Lots of smoke and no power. Thea in tears, Jo slightly hysterical. Their 3 year warranty ran out just a few days ago along with their green flag rescue service. The AA guy who eventually came could tow the car home but only take 2 passengers. We had already suggested we find them and at least collect Jake and Feef and take them somewhere for the day while the car was sorted out. In the end, we met them at a Little Chef in Tewkesbury and we all watched as the car was lifted on to an AA relay trailer. They also had Mini the miniature Jack Russel (borrowed dog) with them whom Dan was absolutely petrified of.
James and Jo and Mini went back with the car to Bath. Jake and Thea came with us and we found a place called Nature in Art near Gloucester. What a fabulous place. It is a an old stately home (not very big) with a permanent collection of nature inspired art, a changing collection upstairs (which was almost all bird artists many of whom we recognized), and a wildlife area outside with lots of sculptures and art scattered around. Also a children’s play area. The only down side was that the grounds weren’t very big so only short walks.
We ate our huge, combined picnic (by now 2.30) and then explored. Lots of butterflies and weird things hanging from trees. They also had an oil painter in residence (who was extremely traditional) and an exhibition, both indoors and outdoors, about recycling and art. One artist was definitely taking the micky with a roll of blue knitted wire on a plinth ("is this art or has it just been left here?" says Thea!) and a piece of white muslin draped from the ceiling. Another one had made tiny bird houses out of recycled material and was charging £65 for them!!! But there were some fantastic animal junk sculptures, and beautifully painted prayer cloths hanging from the trees. What I thought were beautiful coloured tiles attached to the brick garden wall were actually embroidered fabric! Nick and Sarah would really like it there.
At 4.45 we set off to take the kids to Bath (having never intended to go that far) and had supper with JJJT. We took Mini for a walk up the hill and Dan threw balls for her and by the end of the evening was holding a rope at one end that Mini was growling and pulling at the other end! He then looked at her, practically nose to nose and sparkled her!!! Well I never!
Jake and Thea were begging us to stay but we felt we were better heading home. Dan actually fell asleep in the car! We got home at 1 am.
The Bath Stevenson’s car is going to be very expensive to repair so they will be without wheels for a while. Jim may go and get them to come here at the end of August. Poor things! Still not a bad day if you ignore the car thing. Jake has grown so fast ! Just about taller than James now.
We are all pretty tired today. Dan is breaking in a new carer called John. Not sure if this is the best day for it. Dan a bit confused and thinks JJJT must be upstairs. 1 day was not enough for any of us…
James and Jo and Mini went back with the car to Bath. Jake and Thea came with us and we found a place called Nature in Art near Gloucester. What a fabulous place. It is a an old stately home (not very big) with a permanent collection of nature inspired art, a changing collection upstairs (which was almost all bird artists many of whom we recognized), and a wildlife area outside with lots of sculptures and art scattered around. Also a children’s play area. The only down side was that the grounds weren’t very big so only short walks.
We ate our huge, combined picnic (by now 2.30) and then explored. Lots of butterflies and weird things hanging from trees. They also had an oil painter in residence (who was extremely traditional) and an exhibition, both indoors and outdoors, about recycling and art. One artist was definitely taking the micky with a roll of blue knitted wire on a plinth ("is this art or has it just been left here?" says Thea!) and a piece of white muslin draped from the ceiling. Another one had made tiny bird houses out of recycled material and was charging £65 for them!!! But there were some fantastic animal junk sculptures, and beautifully painted prayer cloths hanging from the trees. What I thought were beautiful coloured tiles attached to the brick garden wall were actually embroidered fabric! Nick and Sarah would really like it there.
At 4.45 we set off to take the kids to Bath (having never intended to go that far) and had supper with JJJT. We took Mini for a walk up the hill and Dan threw balls for her and by the end of the evening was holding a rope at one end that Mini was growling and pulling at the other end! He then looked at her, practically nose to nose and sparkled her!!! Well I never!Jake and Thea were begging us to stay but we felt we were better heading home. Dan actually fell asleep in the car! We got home at 1 am.
The Bath Stevenson’s car is going to be very expensive to repair so they will be without wheels for a while. Jim may go and get them to come here at the end of August. Poor things! Still not a bad day if you ignore the car thing. Jake has grown so fast ! Just about taller than James now.
We are all pretty tired today. Dan is breaking in a new carer called John. Not sure if this is the best day for it. Dan a bit confused and thinks JJJT must be upstairs. 1 day was not enough for any of us…
There are more pictures in our default Photobucket gallery.
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