While Jackie and Becky visited New Forest Emporium & Water Garden Centre this afternoon, I opted to stay and rest in the warmth, where I finished reading the 7th story in my Gogol collection and posted
The ladies brought back a good report of this antiques emporium and water garden with its own café that looks as if its fry up has to be sampled. They chose carrot cake and coffee.
Here is Jackie’s picture of a thatched cottage alongside the project,
and of the highly recommended and friendly family run B.J. Parrett & Son Ltd filling in a pothole.
I have published this prematurely and will complete it later with details of the dinner which Ian brought with him when he rejoined us later.
Said dinner, purchased from Ian’s local Emsworth Farm shop, consisted of a first rate range of steaks, mine being a succulent rib eye, expertly cooked by Becky; chips of both red and white potatoes; potato gratins; onion rings; and garden peas, with which I drank Lacaze Valle Central Cabernet Carménère 2022, a juicy and spicy, red wine perfect for accompanying such good steaks. There are also excellent fruit and ginger cakes which I probably won’t be able to manage.
Staying home in the warmth sounds like a great idea. We went out after our first snow storm last night. Wind over the snow was very chilly. At least our cars are clear of snow and ice before tonight’s deep freeze.
Thanks very much, Pat. I hope it doesn’t get too bad for you
Tolerable indoors. Won’t go out until later today when the sun will be out to give the delusion of warmth.
Thatched cottage, pond, well, the whole scene is out of a fairy tale!
It sure is. And just around the corner. Thank you very much, GP
Smart man.
That photo of the thatched cottage is absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you very much, Dale
The cottage is beautiful, the little stream adds to the effect. Staying home in the warmth is a perfect idea, Derrick!
Thanks very much, John
The thatched cottage and surroundings look like a scene from a children’s story book 🙂
Thank you very much, Rosaliene
I would’ve accompanied the girls, I love those thatched cottages even during winter.
Thanks very much, Suzanne
It looks charming and it’s practical to serve good food there–that’s a welcome thing to find.
I am glad that photo is merely of a pothole being fixed instead of those nice trees being harmed or something equally dire–I get twitchy about threats to natural treasures.
Indeed, Donnalee. Thank you very much
Jackie found a inviting spot.
Thanks very much, Andy
You’re welcome.
The trip to the antique emporium and water garden sounds lovely. Supper sounds pretty tasty too.
Thank you very much, Sue
The old thatched roof emporium and water gardens look like an interesting place to visit Derrick
Thanks very much, Ivor
I love that thatched cottage.
It sounds like you stayed warm, cosy, and well-fed!
Thanks very much, Merril
I am pleased you decided to stay at home. It is extremely cold and you wouldn’t want a relapse and another cold. Jackie’s photo of the cottage is charming!
Thank you very much, Clare
What a lovely thatched cottage! I sure could go for a piece of carrot cake right about now.
Thank you very much, Liz
That thatched cottage is indeed charming. Is the grass really that green right now?
It is that green, Laurie. Thanks very much
Holy cats!
Hi Derrick, I’m not a fan of cold weather, I would have stayed in with you.
Thank you very much, Robbie
I think we have all dreamed of living in a thatched cottage like that one!
Thanks very much, John. Yes, indeed
Such a charming, happpily-ever-after cottage!
And antiques, a water garden, a cafe!!! Oh, my! Perfect!
YAY for carrot cake!
Your dinner sounds so delicious! How nice of Ian and Becky!
(((HUGS))) ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thank you so much, Carolyn XX
Everyone I know in UK is hunkering down
Thanks very much, Sheree. We are the least badly off
Good to read
And a good day was had by all! That dinner sounds yummy.
Thank you very much, Cynthia
A quaint setting appropriate for an antiques shop. I love exploring such places.
Thanks very much, Dolly. I’m sure I will visit
What a lovely fairytale scene, Derrick. It was 11 F where I live this morning. Needless to say, I stayed inside.
Thanks very much, Eugi
You’re welcome, Derrick.
There is always something so poetic about thatched roofs
Thank you very much, Gary
The thatched cottage and pond offer a delightful setting that would seem to go well with the fruit and ginger cakes.
Thank you very much, JoAnna
Oooh, I love Jackie’s thatched cottage photo!
Thanks very much, Jan
That is a beautiful thatched roof! I am glad you had a little angled sun for your drive.
Thank you very much, Lavinia
What a lovely place!
Thank you very much, Riba