A Day With Good Friends and Rain

We had a terrific day out in the Village of Aldenham, visiting dear family friends of my family's, Don and Isla Hart. For our final Sunday, they invited us out for a delicious home cooked meal and relaxed visit with them, their son Matthew, and his partner, Alex. (It is the Hart's who connected us with Helen, our amazing tour guide in Oxford. She is the daughter of Isla's childhood friend.) No sooner had we arrived at their lovely home, the heavens opened! This delayed our exploration of their lovely garden, but the storm didn't last long and the sun burst through.

Gardens always look better just after it rains.

One of their enormous roses.

The neighbors' wisteria, a favorite of mine.

Isla is an amazing gardener.

Don's bird feeder station that's meant to be squirrel proof. We all know that just doesn't exist!

Everything is lush in this damp climate.

 

After our delicious roast dinner, we went for a nice long walk. A massive slug enjoyed the post-downpour wet pavement. At least he wasn't nibbling on a hosta!

 

 

Jennie got her horse fix as we strolled through nearby Patchett's Equestrian Center, where Isla and daughter Fiona used to ride quite a bit.

Our walk took us through the churchyard at St John the Baptist, their local parish. We made it back to the house just in time before the next downpour.

When the sun returned, Don examined a pesky tree limb.

Jennie and Isla discussed a mystery plant we've seen several times in our travels. Anyone know what it is?

Son Matthew and partner, Alex, whom we hope will visit us soon. (hint, hint!)

We don't see each other often, so it was hard to say goodbye.

As soon as Jennie and I arrived back at the St Albans train station, and we began the walk to our hotel, the rain poured down a third and final time for the day. We had to seek refuge under the extended roof of the office building next to the train station for about 10 minutes. That was the most rain we'd seen during the entire trip, and, thankfully, the last of it.

 

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