The Coach and Horses 
The Bell
The White Hart
Yesterday was our 29th Wedding Anniversary. We don't usually make a big fuss, but since we had the Open Morning for about six prospective purchasers we decided to leave the estate agents to it and go out for the day. DH wanted to run with his old running club in the morning, as they had some special event, so I went for a stroll round East Grinstead, the town nearest to the village where we used to live. It was fascinating to see what had stayed the same and what had changed. Luckily, our favourite cafe, in the book shop, was still there, so after buying a book from a charity shop I was able to stop in there for a cup of peppermint tea.
After I collected DH we went to look at some campervans, but only saw one that we liked. We were visiting a place that converted VW vans and most of them were too small. We don't want anything too large, but I would like to have our own toilet and shower.
Then, it was on to Godstone for lunch. Godstone is a village close to where I used to teach and although it is on the main London to Brighton road is still very 'villagey'. We had lunch in the Coach and Horses, a pub that dates back to the 15th century. There are two other pubs in the village - The Bell which dates from around 1393 and The White Horse which dates from the reign of Richard II, who died in 1400. I imagine the reason that such a small village has three pubs is because it was always on the 'main' road from the South coast to London.
After lunch we watched some cricket on the village green (how English is that?) - but I still don't understand the rules so had no idea what was going on really, apart from one chap throwing the ball at another chap who tried to hit it and loads of other chaps standing around trying to catch it.
I did a little sewing when we got home, and managed to put the borders on to my Stone the Crows quilt. I'm planning to give this to my old school. In the original all four lettered borders face in, so that the bottom one would be upside down. I decided to put it the correct way up so that the children could read it. Now of course, it's not clear which direction you should read. So, I've got to decide whether to leave it or whether to change it. You might be able to see what I mean if you enlarge the picture.Today - well, first of all many congratulations to Candace on her 44th wedding anniversary today. And then, I think I'll take the plunge and pin my Strawberry Crush and start quilting that. I'll keep it simple I think (a) because it will be my first piece of quilting with the new machine (b) because it will be my first 'real' bit of free motion quilting and (c) because it's a pretty busy quilt already.
14 comments:
Happy Anniversary, Amanda! Being married to such a nice husband must make marriage easy and wonderful for you. I'm sorry you're having to go through the whole house selling thing. My daughter is still going through it and it's aggravating for her to have to leave everytime a prospective buyer is going to show up. You're going to get a camper van? Do you plan to do a lot of traveling in it?
Happy Anniversary, Amanda! Being married to such a nice husband must make marriage easy and wonderful for you. I'm sorry you're having to go through the whole house selling thing. My daughter is still going through it and it's aggravating for her to have to leave everytime a prospective buyer is going to show up. You're going to get a camper van? Do you plan to do a lot of traveling in it?
Well the wait for this post DEFINITELY was worth the wait :0) I was beginning to wonder what you were doing for excitement since your TLC to your sewing machine. Apparently, you've been "smelling those roses" :0)
WOW----your day sounds like something I would read out of a novel; how grand and explorative it sounded. I am SO envious of all the history the UK has seen compared to the US. Your buildings are older than our country! (AND I'm glad to hear that even UK'ers don't know the rules of Cricket!)
Sorry, dear, but it seems I (we) can't enlarge the Stone the Crow quilt ??? :0( but I can pick out some of the letter along the outside border. I have seen other quilts that you've had to "turn your head" to read while looking at them---I think this option is most symetrical (to my mind), and I think your choice of the "correct way up" will be just fine :0) The colors come across as being "fall-ish"--lovely! Oh--what do the words say, anyway?
I can't wait to see your Strawberry Crush. If you machine is ANYTHING like mine, your free-motion should run rather smoothly! No tension problems for me anymore---"knock on wood."
Finally--happy Anniversay (belated). 29 years----wow! That's quite the accomplishment----the great "funny" thought: I was 3 years old when you folks were married off :0) And now I'm off to wish Candace Happy Anniv too---thanks for sharing.
Looks like you had a wonderful anniversary. I agree with Amy about the history, the closest I have come to it, is St Augustine, Fl., Nauvoo, Il., Newport R.I, and the oldest is St Augustine, which still falls short, and is touristy not authentic. Your quilt looks great, and I'm sure will be even better when finished. I'm anxious to see it.
Happy Anniversary The photos looks great Love these old houses. And your quilt is lovely
29 years! Congratulations. Looking at your walking tour was fascinating. It all looks so different from what I'm used to. Good luck with the Strawberry Crush. The good thing about the pattern is that it is busy enough to hide your mistakes:)
Happy Anniversary! Thanks for the great photos of the pubs and info about your day in the village. Someday, I will make it to the UK--someday.
Love your crow quilt! The colors are great! I'm looking forward to a short work week this week so hopefully I'll get some sewing in (that Independence Day holiday ;)
Love the tour you gave us.
for my vote on the quilt...you did it correctly.
Congratulations on the wedding anniversary to both of you love birds.
Hi, Amanda. I found that you visited my blog today. I wanted to come visit yours and see what you have been doing.
I like the crow quilt. It is a style that I like very much. I understand what you mean about the wording. I would hate to re-do any of it, if it were me. I figured out what it was supposed to mean but I don't know about the kids.
Your anniversary celebration sounds absolutely wonderful. Such old historical places. What an interesting adventure.
Happy Anniversay Amanda. Through thick and thin.....love always will win.....out......that was suppose to rhyme....I'll have to work on it....LOL
I like the quilt....I can see it really well from here.
What a wonderful way to celebrate your anniversary! Sounds like you had a very lovely day. Your Stone the Crows quilt is very nice. Love the colors and the pattern. I think the wording on it is just fine. The kids will love it!!
Can't wait to see pictures of your Strawberry Crush all quilted. Mine is still waiting to have a backing made....and then sandwiched for quilting. That won't get done for a while though since so many other projects are calling my name.
Happy 29 years! It must be a wonderful marriage to consider traveling in a 'campervan' together. Lucky you. Are you choosing places that you want to visit yet? The pictures and description of your day are lovely. Your quilt is wonderful. I really like your choice of fabric in it.
Happy Anniversary to you and your hubby, Amanda! The photos are lovely and sure bring back memories of a wonderful time spent in London last year.
I love your Stone the Crows quilt. It reminds me of Autumn. Since the crow is a one-way design, I think the wording looks good in the position that you currently have it in. Take care!
Aloha!
Congratulations! You are one ahead of me. Tetsu and I will celebrate our 28th in two weeks. I'll have to think up something fun like you two... Cricket I don't think I can find..
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