Monday 30 June 2014

Foxgloves


Could this be a Foxglove plant?
What a curious name.  Hopefully, I have got it right.

Almost hidden from view, deep in the forest at
Coombe Country Park last Sunday.







Thursday 26 June 2014

Thatched Roof Thursday #72 - Chipping Campden



Mill Cottage



Most unusual building.  Looks like 2 thatched houses
merged into one.  


I am pretty sure it is Grade II listed.
The sign is advertising for the company that is doing
some restoration work.

Hooray!  USA has qualified to go into the next round of the World Cup.


Wednesday 25 June 2014

Hatton Locks

England, Scotland and Wales have over 2000 miles of
historic waterways.  This is Hatton Locks.


Hatton Locks is located about 20 minutes from Coventry.
In the distance you can see the tower of St Mary's Church, Warwick.
Did I mention there are 21 locks :).


Read on if you would like to see a canal boat
negotiated just one of these fabulous locks to progress down the canal.

So here comes a canal boat.


Procedure seems to be that the men stay in the boat
at the helm whilst the ladies jump out.....


...and do a number of strenuous tasks which result in changing water levels in the
lock and followed by opening and closing those big gates.  (I'm joking - everyone
takes it in turns.  It looks hard work.)



Job done.  Time to move on to the next lock.


There are walks along side the Canal.  A sweet cafe too.
Up on the hill is a pub and a short distance away is
Hatton Country World and Shopping Village.


Monday 23 June 2014

The Secret Garden, Library Of Birmingham



On Friday I shared photos of  Library of Birmingham.
Here are a few more shots from the 7th floor rooftop garden
known as The Secret Garden.




If ever you go to Birmingham, you must put this Library  
on your 'places to visit' list.  It is free too :). 

You can read more HERE.

PS.  England are out of the World Cup 
BUT I have high hopes for USA!


Friday 20 June 2014

Library of Birmingham

Today we jumped on a train and visited Birmingham's
new public library.


This is a view from inside the 
library looking up.  The glass on the right
surrounds an elevator that goes to a rooftop terrace.



Library of Birmingham (left) & Baskerville House (office building, right)
Centenary Square, Birmingham

Below is a hint of the view.


Participating in Skywatch Friday



Thursday 19 June 2014

Thatched Roof Thursday #71 - Hampton Lucy


Taken yesterday.  You guessed it - a beautiful day.


Hampton Lucy is a lovely village not far from Stratford Upon Avon 
about 20 minutes from Coventry.


  Love this village :).

PS.  Happy Birthday, Charlotte.

Wednesday 18 June 2014

Chipping Campden

Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire 


Want to be a tourist for a day?
Come and visit Chipping Campden

I'm lucky, I have family that live here.  
I love the golden tones of that Cotswold stone.
Thanks to my phone, I can share this with you :).




Saturday 14 June 2014

World Cup/Flag Day


I give The Old Shepherd pub
10 out of 10 for their support of England playing in the World Cup tonight.

It is also Flag Day in America.  Of course,
we celebrate that too as you can see below :).


Enjoy your Saturday!

PS  Happy Birthday, Susie

Thursday 12 June 2014

Thatched Roof Thursday #70 - Marton, Warwickshire


Marton is a small village located about 15 to 20 minutes by car
from Coventry.  Not only have we got some thatched buildings
but an interesting blend of architecture too.


What I find charming is how this home joins 
a converted building (maybe a former church/chapel).
The thatched house just down the road is for sale :).


There is a bridge in Marton dating back to 1414.
Got to go back and have a look.

Monday 9 June 2014

Vampire or Venom?



As you will know, last Friday (6th June) was the 70th Anniversary of the
D-day landings.  There have been many events marking the anniversary.  
Yesterday this plane cruised into Coventry Airport.  Mad dash - got camera.

As to this plane's identity? 
Mr LOL thinks it is a de Havilland Vampire and I am wondering if it could be a Venom.  
What do I know?  Maybe I should ring the airport.
I did!  It is a Venom :).

Thursday 5 June 2014

Thatched Roof Thursday #69 - Thurlaston



Pipewell Cottage, Pudding Bag Lane
I kid you not!  That is the street name :).


Thurlaston (mentioned in the Domesday Book)
is a small, picturesque and quiet village about 15 minutes from Coventry.

Pipewell Cottage origins date back about 600 years,
with later additions.  Grade II listed and a gem.

Hope to be back blogging a bit more.  Painting is done and
new carpet looks great!  Hooray!



Sunday 1 June 2014