Tuesday, 29 May 2012

Lovely dinner at the Mount Inn, Stanton

Tuesday night, I met my lovely, and old friend Kevin for dinner at this hidden gem, the Mount Inn at Stanton. The sun shone well into the evening, the food was delicious and as always, the company was just great! Perched high at the top end of this most beautiful Cotswold village, this pub seems to have completely passed me by. I used to stay in Stanton in my former life and yet have never been to this pub for a drink, let alone a meal. It was particularly lovely because of the weather which meant you could see for miles across the beautiful countryside. I always feel our evenings are very special. Of all the relationships I've had, this one has stood the test of time and I hope it alway will. We have a laugh, catch up on what's been happening in our lives, put the world to rights and say goodnight. My evenings don't get better than that!

Saturday, 26 May 2012

Ducks, pods and portraits...

With a morning to spare, me & Mom were looking for something to do and decided on a Duck Tour. My taxi driver had recommended them so we trundled over to the yellow Duck Tour store, bought our tickets and were ready to go. Our driver and tour guide were brilliant and although I've seen some of the most famous sights in London before, there's always something new to discover. It was fun, interesting, he made us laugh and after driving through the streets, our sensible little yellow duck bus took on a new driver, a boat man, and we veered into the Thames without any problems at all! Quacking good time!!


London Eye by night... brilliant... :) we stayed at Premier Inn right beside the London Eye and it was a fabulous location - thanks for that one Liz - it was perfect for Waterloo station and with taxis right outside all the time, we could go anywhere, anytime. We could also walk straight out of the hotel and get on the special Flower Show Thames Clipper which took us along the river to Chelsea Embankment, perfect.. !
Last day in London, lunch at the National Portrait Gallery restaurant on the top of the building. The meal was lovely, the views amazing and it was a great way to end our wonderful Chelsea Flower Show adventure. Anyone want to come with us next year..? get in touch.. x

Chelsea Flower Show 2012

Alan's famous hideaway, perched on the top of this building has the perfect vantage point for broadcasting at the show.

Move over Nicki... I'm about to present my own awards.. !

Great peppers.. !!

Fragrant and a feast for the eyes...



One of my favourite displays because I love Peonies..
Fancy a little circular house in the garden..?


The Birmingham garden, complete with canal, Selfridges and mini won GOLD!






Two very happy visitors :)

The amazing 7 storey pyramid



Montpellier May 2012

It's May, it's Montpellier and it's 28 degrees, woo hoo! Lunch on a boat beside the river, just perfect. Rob met up off the TGV (love that train so much.. !) and made sure we caught the right bus back to MP. It's useful to know one of the locals :)


Prettily painted buildings, colourful streets, great bars and restaurants.. I love France.. !
Lucious Lisa in the sushine with her smoked salmon salad!