Mottisfont in Hampshire is a lovely National Trust property, there is so much to see and do (particularly if the sun is shining) that you can easily stay for hours. I’ve read about Gilbert and Maud Russell during my study of social history of the last century and so it was fascinating to see where they lived and entertained during the 1930s-50s. The NT has done a great job of recreating the rooms as they might have looked during this period. There’s a gallery of rooms upstairs in the house, which were where Maud lived when it was first passed to the Trust. I have to admit to distracting myself from the art on display by chatting to a woman after admiring her (Swanky Swans) butterfly bag. She was with her husband and two lanky teenage sons and seemed delighted by the respite of a girly chit chat.

This is a diverted tributary of the River Test, you can walk along to the fishing hut at the end of the stream, cross a dinky little bridge and wander back along the other side. Apparently the Test is probably the most famous trout fishing river in the country, and probably the most expensive. I try not to laugh when Someone gets animated about spotting mayflies and trout rising as I think there’s been a lot of crochet and crafty talk during the last few years!

Thank you by the way for your sweet comments, I’m still elbow and knee sore but taking it easy and hoping my jointy left side calms down soon. I’m itching to carry on crocheting my odd-bod blocks together and complete my latest string bag but know it’s not a wise move.

Although there were many people visiting on bank holiday Monday it didn’t feel crowded. So many people had gathered to picnic. It’s always fascinating to see what people are eating. I try not to stare too obviously, or put my neck out! The one that sticks is a family who had a nice selection of salads and a tupperware of boiled new potatoes (Jersey Royals perhaps but I couldn’t get close enough to really see) but ate them with….cold pizza. This seems so odd, though no one would rise an eyebrow at cold quiche or a savoury tart at a picnic. Maybe it’s just me.

I like seeing shepherds’ huts as they might have looked inside. This struck me as being a very short bed if you happened to be tall for the times. The poor man would have been bent into a W as it’s just the width of the hut. Were there ever female shepherds?

The walled garden is famed for its national collection of old fashioned roses. I really want to visit again in the summer and take in the sight and smells. If you’re interested in a little historical detail to the house and rose garden read here. Anything which mentions Richard the Lionheart is worth a look in my opinion. Meanwhile just staring at the colours and textures of the old red brick garden wall gives so much pleasure, reminding me of Waterperry Gardens.

I’m really pleased to be a member of The National Trust again, I’m looking forward to some lovely days out. The icing on the cake is always visiting the shop; I don’t necessarily need to buy anything, I just enjoy a good mooch and admire the quality of the goods. This time though I was treated to some gorgeous Tuscan Rose hand & body lotion, I can’t adequately describe how lovely it smells. I’ve always enjoyed old fashioned scents like lavender, lily of the valley and rose. Mmmmmm.

Next week maybe I can get back to some craft? Fingers and toes crossed.