Hampton Court

On Sunday we headed to Hampton Court, which is just down the road from me. It was the end of half term down here so there were people in costumes and various little events around the palace. 

Music

And Dancers

The great hall

:(

Playing the lute

Henry VIII

The palace was on one of Henry VIIIs haunts, as well as William III and a George (though I don't remember which one). And it's huge! We gave up on the audio guides. (I have a year pass now so will head back and do it in sections.)

GIANT fireplace

Paper decorations

And paper costumes.

Courtyard fountain.

Such a poser! :)

and for scale....

weapons.

Dangerous room

Tiny chair and giant canopy.

Painting.

Dad looking for wine in the wine fountain.

The gardens are also massive (going to have to head back with a picnic in better weather). The weather was nice but a bit cooler than the previous days. 

Main walkway

"Canal" which goes nowhere.

Palace from the back gardens.

The palace also has the largest vine in the world. Though taking a photo didn't work out so well.

It's huge. Trust me.

After dinner we had some fun. Dad loves doing face masks (mom, not so much but we convinced her). Dad wanted to try to black head peal-off one.

Applying.

Setting

Mom had great fun pealing off Dad's mask (which did not come off as easily as mine had last time I used it) and was a little disappointed she had not also picked a peal-off one.

After the masks can the eye care. They look unimpressed but honestly they love it! :) 

Orchids Festival

Mom and Dad have been up the weekend. On Saturday we headed to Kew again. Over this month they have an orchid festival on inside the Princess conservatory. And mom has a slight orchid obsession.

Peacock.

The start was a little underwhelming. The peacock and rickshaw were pretty but ....

Monkey

It wasn't until we got to the main area that is got impressive, with a huge aerial display.

Spot the baby pineapple

Further on there were giant pillars of flowers, with hanging decorations all over.

The weather was amazing over the weekend; we were really lucky. After the conservatory and lunch, we wondered around some of the park. And found a sea of crocuses. (At least I think that's what they are.)

On the evening we chilled out with a takeaway, wine and a film. (We made quite a dent in my wine collection over this weekend!) :)

Birthday

I spent my birthday at work. But the guys did buy me a book and some little cakes, and I got a star and crown for the day!

I left early and got a little present on the way home. I walk past part of Bushy Parkland there were a herd of deer feeding and fighting by the river. So I stopped for white and took some photos.

I couldn't be bothered to try to go out so got some dine in meals, including a raspberry and Prosecco pearl for my desert. :)

Thank you to every one for the cards and well wishes. 

Mom and Dad came down for the weekend and brought me a lovely bunch of roses as well. I feel very pampered!

Visitor!

January was been pretty boring, with mostly lots and work and weekends either doing more work or recovering from said work. But last weekend Caroline came down for the weekend. On Saturday we headed into town for lunch at Rabot 1745, the hotel Chocolat cafe which was lovely. Then to Leicester Square to meet Nicky for more drinks, manicures and then dinner.

I forget to take many photos but here are a few.

At dinner

Attempting series on the train home.