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Friday, 27 June 2014

Just A Perfect Day

Please listen to the music – it goes with the pictures.

A perfect day in June - 

a walk in the park, 






books, 



and lunch in a country pub 

with
Terry and I spent our perfect day at the beautiful Stourhead Estate in Wiltshire. We enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Spread Eagle Inn and a perusal of the books on offer at the Memorial Hall. The Spread Eagle Inn and Memorial Hall are both situated on the estate which also features a Palladian mansion and world-famous landscape lake & garden.

Our wedding day 44 years ago today - how young we look!


So that was our perfect day – how would you spend yours?

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49 comments:

  1. Castles Crowns and Cottages27 June 2014 at 12:26

    My dear, dear Barbara,

    What a perfect day indeed....I can't begin to tell you....no wait, I can. Here is what is happening right now:

    1. Music adds so much (for me) to a story. I am in tears for I feel the WHOLE story with music..hence my habit of using music for every post.
    2. Nature...it is gentle, harsh, unpredictable, awesome, and in all of these things, it is a perfect element to set our spirits in a magical mood. I agree with you, this is a perfect day.
    3. How would I spend mine? JUST LIKE THIS. And we actually did, yesterday! We set out to a lovely spot on the border of our state of Minnesota and the neighboring state, Wisconsin. There, you will find similar points of interest as you share here. Beautiful parks, the St. Croix River, fabulous homes, rows of antique stores, and the BEST book store in the area. We were there yesterday (my husband of 32 years) and we bought some special books, ate lunch at a special place.

    It was a perfect day.

    XOXOXO

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    1. Barbara27 June 2014 at 18:48

      Dear Anita, thank you so much for your sweet words. I’ve always admired the way you use music on your blog and decided to follow suit (I hope you don’t mind). It just felt right for the post.
      Your perfect day sounds --- perfect! I would love to visit one day, antique stores and a BOOK shop plus a river and parks, what more could anyone need.
      Have a wonderful weekend, love and hugs Barbara.

      Delete
  2. Randomly Reading27 June 2014 at 12:42

    What a wonderful way to spend your anniversary and of course the photographs are lovely. I wish you many more years of happiness together.

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    1. Barbara27 June 2014 at 18:57

      Thank you Alex, we really appreciate your good wishes.

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  3. Anonymous27 June 2014 at 14:04

    Hello Cousin Barbara, congratulations on your 44th. Such thought provoking picture.....
    such as....I always thought you were a pretty girl but wow what a beautiful bride you became and Terry so handsome too.
    Best Wishes to you for many more happy years together.
    J & L

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    1. Barbara27 June 2014 at 19:23

      What a lovely comment. Thank you very much. I agree about Terry being handsome - but me beautiful? I don’t think so! Where did those 44 years go? How long have you been married? I wish I could remember things like that. Thank you for sending the photo, the picture looks very familiar. B&T

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    2. Anonymous27 June 2014 at 20:22

      I don't want to start a pantomime but......Oh yes you are! In looks and personality. Look how popular your blog is as proof.

      It will be our 47th this November and I still buy her flours. Crumbs.....

      Delete
    3. Barbara27 June 2014 at 20:27

      Oh no she isn’t!

      My head will be so big I won’t be able to get in the office soon!

      47 years! Oh my goodness, how did that happen? I think that deserves a heap of flours for both of you.

      Delete
  4. Shashi Nayagam27 June 2014 at 16:13

    Hello Barbara first of all a very Happy Anniversary to you and Terry! May you have many more blissful years. Yes it looks like you had a perfect day indeed. It couldn't have been better than Hello Barbara first of all a very Happy Anniversary to you and Terry! Yes it looks like you had a perfect day indeed. It couldn't have been better than spending a day in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, a delicious pub lunch and strolling through an antiques book fair. Looks like even nature spread its red carpet for you and the weather was smiling at you!
    a day in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside, a delicious pub lunch and strolling through an antiques book fair. Looks like even nature spread its red carpet for you and the weather was smiling at you!

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    1. Barbara27 June 2014 at 22:39

      Thank you for your good wishes Shashi. Everything was kind to us on our perfect day, the sun shone, lovely books, food and people – nothing could be nicer. Have a lovely weekend. Barbara x

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  5. CraveCute27 June 2014 at 17:03

    Barbara! What an adorable couple you are! It does look like the perfect day! Beautiful gardens and books and your choice of music is wonderful. Susan B. has a lovely voice! My perfect day would be similar, strolling through our arboretum or other public flower gardens and enjoying the view of the lake from a cafe. Congratulations on your Anniversary! Have a nice weekend! ~ Diane

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    1. Barbara27 June 2014 at 22:44

      Thank you Diane – you are adorable for saying so! I would love to take a stroll around ‘your’ lake it always looks beautiful in the photographs. I listened to lots of different versions of the song, but Susan Boyle was the winner by a mile. I hope you get to visit the arboretum and drink a coffee or two in a café this weekend. xx

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  6. Shrimpton and Perfect27 June 2014 at 18:39

    Totally serene music. Perfect start to the weekend. Happy anniversary.

    Jean x

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    1. Barbara28 June 2014 at 06:38

      Thanks Jean! Have a lovely weekend. Barbara x

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  7. Castles Crowns and Cottages27 June 2014 at 19:32

    Oh Barbara! Hello! It is so nice to see you visited me today; Blogland seems to be very quiet and I guess it's the summer sun and fun that is drawing people away from the computer. I am enjoying my reading time, yet I get pulled in to see if anyone is "around" and there you were. I am reading a fascinating book by Frances Mayes: The Discovery of Poetry, and there is a wonderful chapter on the "texture" of words that essentially describes the love of the sound of words and how poets use words for that, before MEANING. As you and I both love how music enhances a post, I believe it comes from a textured layer of mood. I really am enjoying your post here as the texture of song accompanies your day, and this is "poetry" to me. Simply for the love of sound.

    Enjoy your day dear Barbara! Anita

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    1. Barbara28 June 2014 at 07:45

      Hello Anita, I think a lot of our blogging friends are taking a break just now, and I must admit to feeling the need myself. There is nothing nicer than being indoors when it’s cold and wet but as soon as the sun starts to shine I find myself looking out of the office window longing to be outside.
      I’m going to look up ‘the discovery of poetry’ just as soon as I leave this comment. It sounds like a very enjoyable read, thank you for telling me about it. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, lots of rest, plenty of sunshine and books, perfect! Thank you so much for spending some of your ‘down’ time with me. Barbara xx

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  8. klahanie28 June 2014 at 00:38

    Hi Barbara,

    How delightful, my dear friend. What a wonderful day out. A lovely day with your husband in this green and pleasant land. A most happy anniversary to you both. Wishing you a peaceful, tranquil weekend.

    Gary :)

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    1. Barbara28 June 2014 at 07:38

      Hi Gary, it really was a delightful day. Sometimes this green, often damp but very pleasant land still manages to surprise us with its beauty. Some days are like that they just come together in the most unexpected but lovely way. Thank you so much for your good wishes, I hope you enjoy whatever it is you are doing this weekend. Please give Penny an extra ear tickle from me! :0) Barbara.

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  9. Aunt Mary28 June 2014 at 14:20

    This is one of the most beautiful posts on your blog Barbara , you both are looking very good in your wedding pic :)

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    1. Barbara29 June 2014 at 08:30

      Thank you Aunt Mary, you do say the nicest things! xx

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  10. Sue Imgrund28 June 2014 at 15:57

    Your perfect day has many of the ingredients that mine would have. Living in Germany, I really miss the English country pubs, although the Gasthofs and Biergartens are wunderbar, they aren't quite the same! Congratulations on 44 wonderful years together. In Germany numbers such as 44 (where the digits repeat) are known as "Schnaps numbers" - I have no idea why - maybe you have to drink a Schnaps to celebrate. Cheers, anyway!
    S.P.Moss x

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    1. Barbara29 June 2014 at 08:29

      Hi Sue, Peach Schnaps is delicious. Cheers!

      I looked up Schnaps numbers (thanks Google) this is what I found -

      Dates that are composed of identical or nearly identical numbers (such as 09-09-(19)99 are popular as dates for wedding ceremonies. Such a date is called a Schnapsdatum. The last perfect Schnapsdatum in the 21st century was 12-12-(20)12, the next (almost) perfect date will be 02-02-(20)22, and the first perfect Schnapsdatum in the 22nd century will be 01-01-(21)01.

      I think we should drink a toast to that! xx

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  11. Stephanie Faris28 June 2014 at 18:12

    That does look like the perfect day!

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    1. Barbara29 June 2014 at 08:31

      It was Stephanie. Made even more perfect by sunshine! Thanks for your comment. Barbara x

      Delete
  12. Yanting Gueh29 June 2014 at 11:47

    'Perfect' is the perfect word for this, Barbara. Happy anniversary to you and Terry, both looking great back then and now! What a fulfilling way to spend a day, amongst the greenery, the flowers, books and each other's quips at a local inn. This would have been pretty close to my idea of a perfect day, too (I'd just need the sea for a while, yet the walks, and the trees, and the rest would all be also soul-satisfying.)

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    1. Barbara30 June 2014 at 06:54

      Hi Claudine, thank you for your sweet words. I agree with you about the sea, there is something wonderfully calming and restorative about being close to water.
      Maybe our next perfect day should be spent at the seaside I will pass that thought on to hubby! :0)

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  13. Catherine29 June 2014 at 11:50

    Hello Barbara, congratulations on your anniversary!! How wonderful. Yes you do both look so young....but it was a decade or two ago ; ) I love that rendition of Perfect Day...so apt for your post. I adore seeing your lovely photos, once again. Thank you for sharing them with us : ) And I must say I adore that little picture in your last post Bunty meets a Boo Boo. Isn't it precious. Much love to you Catherine x0x0x

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    1. Barbara30 June 2014 at 07:00

      Hello Catherine, I love seeing ‘photos on other people’s blogs and sharing them on mine. I’m really happy to know you liked them. I’ve always loved the Bunty and Boo Boo stories so it was nice to find a new picture or two to share. Have a happy day. xxx

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  14. Castles Crowns and Cottages29 June 2014 at 12:19

    Good morning dear friend! So lovely to read your kind comment this morning! Isn't that photo of the grapes just LOVELY?

    I wish you could join the party; think about it because all you would need to do is post on a DREAM destination - it could be one of your own regions in England as well. You could leave the post up from July 18-25, and simply visit the others. That's all. Whenever we've done this, people have been SO creative by creating art, silly/hilarious scenes with their kids, songs, poems, or even advertising their wares. Just a thought! If you change your mind, let me know.

    HAPPY SUNDAY! Anita

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    1. Barbara30 June 2014 at 07:07

      Indeed! I found myself going back to look at the photograph several times. It just conjures up France – no words required!

      Thank you so much for the invitation Anita, I really appreciate it and will certainly give it some thought.
      I would love to be part of it, but time (as you know) is always so short.

      Have a wonderful week. Barbara xx

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  15. Tazas y Cuentos30 June 2014 at 02:50

    Wonderful post!
    Such a wonderful place, I was just enjoying so nice landscape and then I read Second hand books for sale....oh! perfect! Second hand and Sale match so well and sound attractive always .
    You look fantastic in the photo, happy anniversary!!

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    1. Barbara30 June 2014 at 07:10

      Hello Silvina, Stourhead is always wonderful but add in a second-hand book fair and wonderful turns into perfect! The fair is only there from time to time so we just happened to go on the right day.
      Thank you for your good wishes. I hope your week is a happy one. Love Barbara x

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  16. Campfire30 June 2014 at 22:11

    Lovely photos Barbara. The added bonus of a book fair too, how lucky. What an idyllic part of the world. Glad you had a great day. Love the photo of you two on your wedding day, don't you both look young and you look very pretty.

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    1. Barbara1 July 2014 at 08:38

      Hi Anne Marie, thank you for your lovely comment. I’ve never considered myself pretty, but I thank you for saying so! National Trust properties that hold book fairs are perfect for Terry and I. Terry is happy to wander around the grounds while I spend an hour or so absorbing books! If there is a nice pub or restaurant, it’s even better because we can meet for lunch or afternoon tea and then carry on around the grounds together. I hope your week is going well. Thanks for calling in. Barbara.

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  17. Kelly Steel1 July 2014 at 08:35

    Wonderful post and great photos, thanks for sharing!

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    1. Barbara1 July 2014 at 08:39

      Thanks for taking the time to look at the photos Kelly; your visit is very much appreciated. Barbara.

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  18. Felicity Grace Terry1 July 2014 at 15:03

    Congratulations to both of you on your wedding anniversary.

    Great pictures. I can see myself sitting by that stream, book in hand. Oh, and I love that arrangement of Perfect Day.

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    1. Barbara2 July 2014 at 18:43

      Thanks Tracy. We decided to treat ourselves to a pub lunch this but there are lots of out-of-the-way places at Stourhead that are just perfect for a book, a blanket and a flask of tea – plus a soggy sandwich or two!

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  19. Intangible Hearts1 July 2014 at 16:35

    Thanks for sharing your perfect day. I have so many that my cup runneth over. Remember that song? Susan Boyle always makes me misty eyed, partially because my brother bought me her C.D. Anyway, here's to more perfect days and Terry is very handsome--guess he has to keep up with his lovely Missus.

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    1. Barbara2 July 2014 at 18:46

      How lovely Eve, the more perfect days the better as far as I’m concerned! I’m not sure about the song. I will Google it and see if I recognise it.
      Terry is tickled pick by your comment! He likes nothing better than to be told he’s handsome, I tell him all the time, but of course, It’s much nicer coming from someone else.

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  20. Juxtabook3 July 2014 at 17:27

    Belated Happy Anniversary Barbara and Terry! Good you had such a lovely day. Your dress is beautiful Barbara. I love the sleeves. I had a sleeved wedding dress too, like yours with some detail at the cuffs which looks great in the 'signing' photo. It was nearly 20 years ago, but not long after that all the strapless wedding dresses came in, which I don't like as much. I think designers miss a styling opportunity when they miss out sleeves. Yours are so pretty.

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    1. Barbara3 July 2014 at 18:11

      Thanks Catherine. As a child, I loved drawing evening and wedding dresses so when it came to getting married, I knew exactly what I wanted. One trip to London produced the exact dress I was looking for. It took about two hours to get the dress, veil and shoes. Wish I was that decisive now!
      Do you remember seeing ‘photos of the dress worn by Princess Margaret on her wedding day? She chose one with sleeves too. I loved that dress, and it has remained my favourite Royal wedding dress ever since, although the one worn by Kate came a close second.
      Thanks for leaving a comment Catherine, I appreciate it. Barbara.

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    2. Juxtabook5 July 2014 at 20:57

      Yes, love Princess M's dress too - just as you say!

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  21. Darlene4 July 2014 at 05:42

    A perfect song, with perfect pictures, for a perfect day. You both still look wonderful. Congratulations!

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    1. Barbara4 July 2014 at 09:11

      Thanks Darlene, it was a wonderful day. It feels like a long time ago now, but it was only last week!

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  22. Kokila gupta4 July 2014 at 09:26

    W.O.W !! Speechless :) Congrats :)

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    1. Barbara4 July 2014 at 09:44

      Thanks for making me smile Kokila, have a lovely day x

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  23. Anonymous7 July 2014 at 14:47

    Beautiful pictures and music! Thanks for sharing your perfect day and Happy Anniversary!

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    1. Barbara18 July 2014 at 09:45

      Thank you! We had a really lovely day and being able to share it made it even better.

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I really appreciate your comment. Thank you!
Barbara xx