The Vintage Contessa

It is a tantalizing array of frou-frou and advance stages of decay.

You are here: Home / Posts / ENGLAND CALLING!

in Posts

ENGLAND CALLING!

TWO years ago I was given a CHRISTMAS GIFT from THE ITALIAN.

A trip to ENGLAND to go see a few GARDENS in MAY on a BUS with OTHER PEOPLE!

Shortly after I signed up I heard about another BLOGGER who I had seen around the COMMENT section of BLOGS but had NOT taken the time to VISIT HER BLOG!

BIG MISTAKE!

DEBRA AT 5TH in STATE.  HER BLOG CLICK HERE!!!

SHE is an INTERIOR DECORATOR and a LANDSCAPE DESIGNER,Plus she has a SHOP!

She takes small groups of WOMEN to ENGLAND on GARDEN TOURS /ANTIQUE buying trips once a YEAR!

This was her 25th year doing this trip!

SO, she knows what SHE IS DOING and SHE has THE CONNECTIONS TO DO IT!

One of these CONNECTIONS is a DAME called SYLVIA!!!!!!!

SYLVIA,was a Model back in the day in LONDON and has done many things, too long to list here!Lets just say SHE has MORE energy than ME!Well, Most people do, but lets NOT go there TODAY!Sylvia had all 17 of us for DINNER at her place our first night in SHERBORNE and she had spent the entire DAY with us OUT and about!

I must BACK up a moment BEFORE I GET TO THE GARDEN STUFF!

As I arrived two days early to meet MY INSTAGRAM BUDDY ANITA.

FIVE YEARS of FOLLOWING EACH OTHER ON THIS THING WE CALL INSTAGRAM!

HERE SHE IS!!!

Vue_at_jindivick

 

and her husband PAUL!They had been to SCOTLAND on vacation and were headed back to AUSTRALIA via LONDON.SO, I had to make that WORK as our DATES almost MATCHED UP!NEAT as she likes to be called had me staying at a PUB………YES, a PUB! ACROSS FROM KEW GARDENS! I might add.Well, let me tell you it was GRAND!Library like chairs and BIG ROOMS with interesting PEOPLE and DOGS to VIEW!NEAT SPIED me arriving through the window and POPPED UP out of her chair as I came wandering inside with my luggage…….

Big HUGS a few TEARS and we were instant FRIENDS just like we had known each other a LIFETIME!

You see we have been phoning each other and sending Birthday parcels back and fourth now for a few years.Both of us have Two SONS about the same AGE and Both of us like TO GARDEN!We both follow MIMI and discuss her recipes at length……….IT WAS GOOD TO FINALLY MEET!HER HUSBAND IS A KEEPER!WHAT A GORGEOUS MAN!She has said HE and the ITALIAN would get along just fine to come DOWN UNDER as PAUL had LOTS of TOYS meaning TRACTORS and TOYS with engines; well NEAT was RIGHT!MY ITALIAN and HER husband would find Plenty to do TOGETHER. While NEAT and I could be out searching for the COWS her neighbors have a Dairy Farm!!! THAN baking some delicious desert and talking up a storm about the GARDEN!

AUSTRALIA should be the next travel escape!WE know enough people THERE!!!!

HINT~ HINT MISTER ITALIAN HUBBY OF MINE!!!

Here is a VIEW of the PUB from the OUTSIDE!

PUB INTERIOR for all you DECORATORS!

                    THE THREE OF US CELEBRATING BEING TOGETHER for THE VERY FIRST TIME!

PLUS, it was PAULS BIRTHDAY the DAY BEFORE!

The next day we hit the VICTORIA ALBERT MUSEUM after getting me an Oyster Card  for the TUBE!

YOU all know I will ONLY use that if I am with someone who knows what they are doing!!!!!

I am VERY GOOD AT RAISING MY HAND AND FLAGGING DOWN A TAXI!

 

This was a MAN’S attire…….back in THE DAY of THE 1700’s!!SINCE I was headed for GARDENS I was KEEN on BORROWING IT!!!!!!

JACKET WAS ALL I NEEDED!

NOTE  LINEN THREAD!!!!!!!!!

I thought YOU DEAR READER needed to SEE the SIDE and BACK A BIT!

What FLOWER is that on the POCKET with the BROWN inside?

DO you think there are FLOWERS that are NO longer around from other centuries?

WE have the RAY of LIGHT BEAMING DOWN ON US!!!!HEADED to DINNER WE WERE!

I’m a bit JET LAGGED HERE.

NEVERLESS, HAPPY to BE WITH MY BUDDY who is a CHEF by TRADE I might ADD!

IF YOU ARE HEADED TO AUSTRALIA

or

LIVE THERE PAUL & ANITA

run a BED & BREAKFAST

~

~ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS~

BED AND BREAKFAST ACCOMMODATION

~ BEEKEEPING WORKSHOPS~

~ COUNTRY LIVING~

WWW.VUEATJINDIVICK.COM

STOLL ROAD

JINDIVICK,VICTORIA

AUSTRALIA

SO, we are at breakfast and ANITA thinks this woman is a FAMOUS PERSON!

I’m intrigued.

I walk over to HER and ANITA who has never experience MY BOLD behavior hangs back thinking,

“OH NO!”

I say,”EXCUSE ME, my friend and I think you look familiar are You someone we should know?”

She immediately starts CRYING and LAUGHING and puts her fork down and starts sobbing!

She is with her grown SON I assume.

She catches her breath and tells me the same thing had happen to her FATHER!!!

AS she starts shaking her HEAD……….NO, NO, NO!!!

The TEARS were for JOY!

Her FATHER was a LAB technician and I’m not quite sure but Anita thinks he led those people to believe he was THAT famous person who they thought him to be.

She informed us that SHE was a NOBODY and came from SOMERSET.

MORE TEARS OF JOY!

I THINK WE JUST MIGHT HAVE MADE THIS WOMAN’s DAY!

 

This display made my DAY!

~ ~ ~

This was a GIFT to someone KING GEORGE?

MAYBE PAUL will RECALL………we read the sign together!

For some HEROIC ACT!

Just MADE ME SMILE ALL THIS SILVER!

What do you suppose they served in that BIG FAT round TUREEN on the BOTTOM?

MASHED POTATOES or SOUP?

I’m JUST HAPPY LOOKING AT IT!

CAN YOU SEE A FLORAL DISPLAY IN IT?

Of Course, the display is pretty AWESOME TOO!

 

MARIE of VERSAILLE……..

in case you have NEVER seen HER portrait!

NO CAMERA’s back in the day!

CAN you imagine them doing the SELFIE STICKS AT COURT!

She was the one who said, ” LET THEM EAT CAKE!”I bet she meant it in a GOOD WAY!

ANY WOMAN who builds her own little FARM away from the VILLA and wants to have chickens and COWS and wears farm girl clothing has a HEART!

WE found our way to PETERSHAM NURSERY in nearby LONDON suburb of RICHMOND.

The TAXI dropped us with LUGGAGE(Thank GOD I HAD PAUL AND ANITA as my GUIDES)a distance away and we traipsed through this MUD to the entrance of THE NURSERY with luggage on wheels!!!!!

GREAT INVENTION!

This POST gave the DIRECTIONS!

Never seen SO many LAND ROVERS driving by!!!!

WE are in NURSERY HEAVEN!!!

I have NO IDEA THE NAME of this PLANT if YOU DO PLEASE TELL ME IN THE COMMENT SECTION!

HOW ABOUT THIS TABLE!?!

HERE YOU GO!

THE  FLOWER of THAT PLANT I ASKED ABOUT!

Now, if you need a gift for me I would LOVE THESE TWO LITTLE HEADLESS CHERUBS THAT CANNOT TALK BACK TO ME AND ROLL THEIR EYES!

CHRISTMAS IS COMING……………..will someone please tell THE ITALIAN!

LUNCH IS SERVED AT PETERSHAM NURESRY!

I KNOW………..TOO DEVINE!!!!!!!!!

I did not EAT at this TABLE but just know EVERYTHING was DEVINE!

I brought this to give to the ladies in the office at PETERSHAM as it is the daughter of the owners of PETERSHAM NURSERY.

I saw in one of our USA MAGAZINES!

I assume the magazine did not send them a copy……….SO I took it upon myself to DO IT!

IT allowed me to keep my luggage in their office for a spell!

VERY NICE OF THEM.

I have a BASKET FETISH and when I SAW these DOUBLE DUO’s I went into OVER DRIVE!

MY youngest SON ‘s voice came out of NO where and He was saying” MOTHER……..BREATH!”

I was BREATHING DEEP and decided to just keep walking……………as there was NO way I could transport those HOME!

Than once HOME where do I keep them?

I have a VERY small HOUSE!

  I love these old prints especially in black and white……….I love HIS JACKET even MORE!

Let’s NOT even mention THE TURBAN!!!!

ADORE!!

IS THAT A FEATHER BLOOMING FORWARD?!!

PART of OUR GROUP……..ALL of which were LOVERLY LADIES!

DAME SYLVIA!

ONE OF OUR FEARLESS LEADERS!!!!!!!!

ROOM WITH A VIEW!

MY BEDROOM IN SHERBORNE.

DOES NOT GET BETTER THAN THIS READERS!

I was thrilled with this photo as I missed the perfect photo OP as the BOYS CHOIR had run in on our arrival and I had missed them in their RED robes sailing in the breeze!I was swearing at MYSELF and stood there at MY window for at least 5 minutes before this LAD came LATE!I was SO HAPPY to SEE HIM and actually this is a Live Photo so I capture HIM going in the door as well!I put this photo with the red bicycle and RED DO-DA in the distance on Instagram I was quite pleased with MYSELF and only to be MORE pleased when A friend of ours who shot Photos for National Geographic MAGAZINE told me

“BEAUTIFUL SHOT……..LOVE YOUR EYE!”

This is the The Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin at Sherborne in the English county of Dorset, is usually called Sherborne Abbey. It has been a Saxon cathedral (705–1075), a Benedictine abbey (998–1539), and now, a parish church.

OLDER THAN GOD!

Speaking of OLD on our way HERE we PASSED STONEHEDGE coming HERE!

I was NOT on the Right side of THE BUS and NOT quick enough with the TELEFONINO!!!!!!!!!

I SAW IT!!!!

Right by the HIGHWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!

What do YOU think…………..20 feet out my window?

NO, I did NOT GO OUT AND BUY PURPLE TULIPS for MY WINDOW SILL!

I am NOT THAT ECCENTRIC……….YET!!!!!!!!

They are OUR PRESIDENT’S FAVORITE WORD……….FAKE.

THE ABBEY with MY ROOMMATES!

CANDACE and SHARON

TWO GALS WITH STORIES that YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE!!!!!!!!!!

 

SHARON,Is a PORTRAIT painter and GIFTED ARTIST which is SLOWLY emerging on her INSTAGRAM!

CANDACE, spent her first few years growing up in VEGAS in the TROPICANA HOTEL as her FATHER was a SINGER and did the opening ACT for JOHNNY MATHIS!!She thought her MOTHER was a MOVIE STAR as she DRESSED in LONG GOWNS and GLOVES and JEWELS to go and watch her FATHER Perform every NIGHT!

SHARON, was a KINDERGARTEN teacher and had to INTERROGATE 3 children on a brown item under a table before the TRUTH CAME OUT!Believe YOU me the INTERROGATION was PRICELESS with SUPER HERO PANTIES and NO need TO call the Mother etc.But The The 4th Little BOY fessed UP with “OH MRS. >>>>>>>>NO NO NO, That is my BREAKFAST SAUSAGE I put in my POCKET!MY MOTHER wanted me to EAT and I didNOT want TO EAT so I slipped it in MY POCKET!”I have not done the story justice to hear MY ROOMMATE tell it I had TEARS in MY EYES!!!!!!SHE WAS AN EXCELLENT TEACHER…………thoses were SOME LUCKY KIDS!

CANDACE drove an HOUR and 20 minutes to work each day and than back Home!Her CODE NAME is FLORAL GODDESS and I being the ANTIQUE GODDESS on instagram well it was FATE! Candace had a COOL JOB!She is retired NOW which is FABULOUS because I was exhausted just thinking about her drive in THAT WEATHER back in CHICAGO!!!!!!!!!She did FLOWERS for CONVENTIONS!She flew all over THE COUNTRY!SOME of her airplane STORIES are OUTRAGEOUS!

Needless, to SAY they MADE MY TRIP EVEN MORE ENJOYABLE!

THANK YOU GIRLS…………..YOU WERE A DELIGHT!

SHERBORNE ABBEY

RIGHT OUTSIDE OUR FRONT DOOR!

I better STOP for NOW.I have given YOU the back bone of the trip……..I’m on a GARDEN TOUR in ENGLAND with 16 other LADIES!

A BLOGGER is LEADING THE WAY!

I am ALONG for the ride and did not even print out an itinerary as I trusted HER and because I did not know where I was staying CUSTOMS would NOT let me PASS without an ADDRESS!

SO, learn from MY MISTAKE!

YOU MUST HAVE YOUR ADDRESS with YOU where YOU are STAYING !!

He wasNOT NICE TO ME and MADE ME HOLD UP THE LINE while I went through MY EMAIL and CALLED DEBRA early, early IN THE MORNING!!!!!!!!!!

WE were in THE COUNTRYSIDE.

ENDING AT HIGHGROVE!

I stayed on for FOUR DAYS in LONDON to see MORE BLOGGERS and INSTAGRAMERS.

AND TO DO ABSOLUETLY NO SHOPPING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didNOT bring an EXTRA BAG.

I did SHIP a BOX from SHERBORNE!

IT BEAT ME HOME!

THIS is a TRIP TO FEED MY SOUL!

CAN I SAY IT DID THAT AND MORE!

NEXT POST will be on THE GARDENS I SAW!

PLUS, the PEOLE I ENCOUNTERED ALONG THE WAY…………..!

 

FRIDA and I with a BALCONY in MY BONNET!

GREAT CAPTURE ANITA!

Unfortunately, THE FRIDA exhibit was SOLD OUT that DAY and we did not get to SEE IT!

I was fading FAST from JET LAG and a BAD BUG……….so sat down at a table behind FRIDA and sipped a TEA and made THE DREADED CALL to CANCEL HIGH TEA with ONE OF MY FAVORITE INSTAGRAMERS AT CLARIDGES later in the DAY.

It was NOT meant to BE!

ALL in ALL I had a GRAND TRIP TO ENGLAND AND London Town!

I am READY TO MOVE!

ENGLAND YOU HAVE STOLEN MY HEART!

 

Reader Interactions

Comments

    • WONDERFUL and I’m off to start the NEXT POST !!!!!!
      I do hear that OFTEN and I like THAT That you feel you are WITH ME ON THIS ADVENTURE!!!!!!!!ONE DAY I WILL BE WITH YOU!!!!!!!!XX

      Reply

  2. That photo with the choirboy is worthy of framing. The reds, the movement, the composition…
    I am glad you showed the flower on the table with you next to it to give some perspective. Those are huge flowers!
    The shot of you next to the silver display does beg the question: did anything slip out under your turban or in that big bag???? You don’t have to answer.
    I have been following 5th and State, I think because of this blog, and now I must go check out the others. Thank you for this lovely trip.

    Reply

    • THANK YOU for YOUR PHOTO!!!!!!!!MADAME FRANCE!!!!!!!!!!
      YOU had me SMILING FROM EAR TO EAR!!!!!!!!!!
      NOTHING SLIPPED OUT!I did not have MY TOOLS or STRENGTH with ME that DAY!!!!!!
      Now when we GET TO HIGHGROVE!!!!!!!!THATS ANOTHER STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
      STAY TUNED!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  3. Dearest Contessa, where to begin??!!!?!

    start to finish I am fascinated about your journey, even though I was in the middle of it, love hearing about everything via your perspective.

    I saw the tears in Anita’s eyes when you were saying goodbye, and how tenderly they both attended to you. stunning how connections from social media can bring like minded souls together.

    still so crazy for that choir boy photo, you should really enter that in a contest

    anyways, do tell the Italian I am grateful for this gift as I was so hoping we would meet and to do so in England, how special! This was a “present” for me too!!! and knew we would be fast friends.

    here I am guiding a tour and having such powerhouse talents such as Candace & Sharon! never knew. thrilled you all made for good travel mates!!
    anxious to read more & seeing more photos
    big hugs
    Debra

    Reply

    • The FUNNY thing was how you had to route your email through THE ITALIAN to get TO ME!
      YES,He says NO a LOT but somehow it ALWAYS Turns OUT YES!I have discovered over time…34 years of time that the NO is so he can think about how to do it…….usually its a project in or around the house I want done!!!He Knows I need to FEED MY SOUL and ESCAPE making his lunches year after year so this is VERY KIND OF HIM INDEED!
      YOU Need to get on SHARON’s INSTAGRAM account NOW!She
      has done a CHAIR with a MARKER…………a white chair with a BLACK marker and all I could think of was your SHOP!Than there is the BIRD NEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!A DRAWING!!!!!!GO NOW!!!!!!
      BOBBI sent me TWO GORGEOUS VINTAGE HATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!One by the maker of DIANA’s HAT MAKER!!!!!!YES……..THAT DIANA!!!!!!!
      Two other ladies sent me photos………SO KIND!
      SO Very VERY nice women on this TRIP!!!!!!!!!
      Now we need to get your comment BOX FIXED on YOUR BLOG!!!!!!
      I have sent MY BLOG DOCOTORESSA to ASSIST!!!!!!!!!!!!AT MY EXPENSE!!!!!!!
      LET HER IN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!WE NEED TO COMMENT!AT LEAST I DO!!!!!!!!!!!!
      XOXOXO

      Reply

  4. Great travel recap. Thanks for taking us along!
    So happy you got to meet Anita and Paul. Any”sightings”?
    I also agre the choirboy photo is fabulous. Better than the whole choir would’ve been! Maybe you can enter it in a travel photo contest?
    Love to you AND to the Italian for gifting all of us with this trip!
    <3

    Reply

    • KIND OF………….when you mention sightings…….
      That will be in the next post or the third!Can you wait THAT LONG MS.MARY?
      I will TELL THE ITALIAN you THANK HIM AS WELL…………..XX

      Reply

  5. Hello Contessa, I admit I have a weakness for England. It is impossible to move there without bumping into something fascinating. Yes, people in past centuries (especially the 18th) had a real flair for living–no wonder you identify so much with them!
    –Jim

    Reply

    • THAT’s MY CENTURY JIM!!!!!!
      HOW DID YOU GUESS THAT???!!!
      MY only hang up is how they went POTTY with out the RESTROOM FLUSH and ALL……..
      HOLDING Those dresses up…………….I do not even want to think about IT!!!!!!
      YOU MEN HAVE IT SO EASY!!!!!!!!!
      WHIP IT OUT…….SHAKE………TUCK…….BE DONE!!!!!!!!!
      A REAL FLAIR FOR LIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!YOU SAID IT!!!!!!!
      WHAT HAPPENED ALONG THE WAY????
      WE HAVE LOST SOMETHING “MOLTO IMPORTANTE!!!!”
      XX

      Reply

  6. Oh what fun. And your room overlooking the abbey! Bliss. I love England too but I think I might like Scotland a little bit better. Hope to publish something tonight. My posts are never as much fun as yours. I never meet up with any interesting people either 🙂

    Reply

    • I am SENDING PEOPLE TO YOU!
      A BLOGGER CALLED A RICH LIFE ON A BUDGET is coming to MALTA with her husband by BOAT!Is there any other way!!!!!!!!!!!In November I think!Go READ her BLOG and MY COMMENT!I received YOUR POST in MY email will read later TODAY!!!!!!!!I have yet to visit SCOTLAND and IRELAND but I am SCOT/IRISH so my parents told me so I better GO!!!!!!!!Am certain I will LOVE IT!!!!!!!
      YOU HAVE TO MAKE IT HAPPEN!!!!!!!!BASICALLY ITS HARD WORK……….and you are still working and raising a family so YOU have NO time to sit at the computer and comment and correspond with People you do not KNOW!!!!!!THAT time will come LATER in LIFE for YOU!Enjoy your WORK and YOR LITTLE BOY RIGHT NOW!!!ESPECIALLY THAT LITTLE BOY!!!!!!!!!!!HUG HIM Tuck him in at NIGHT, READ TO HIM, BAKE FOR HIM………..TAKE WALKS WITH HIM………EVERYTHING YOU ARE DOING NOW!!!!MAKE THOSE MEMORIES!!!!XO

      Reply

  7. Oh, I just love it all. How do I sign up for next year? I can’t seem to leave a comment on Debra’s site. Loved, loved, loved every word!!!!!! Wish I were with you to share in the fun and beauty. You really do have a good eye. Have you thought of more photography? Loving every little bit of your blog. Don’t know where to begin or stop! Just Brava!!!!!

    Reply

    • [email protected]
      THERE IS HER EMAIL ADDRESS……….write HER and TELL HER YOU ARE INTERESTED in JOINING FOR NEXT YEAR!!!!!!!!
      YOU are MY BIGGEST FAN!!!!!!
      THANK YOU!
      I LOVE TAKING PHOTOS……..BUT I would NEVER have the PATIENCE to sit and learn in a CLASS!!!!!!!
      XO

      Reply

  8. The photo of you kicking up your heel at all the royal silver is just adorbs! And I’m sorry the customs officer was unpleasant. Clearly he was unaware of your stature in our world! Poor man is worse off for it. I adore Petersham Nurseries. Very inspirational to me these days! Much love to you and I’ll keep my eyes peeled for that kind of basket to send you…

    Reply

    • I LOVE The comment below about putting it ON BANKSY in THE GARDEN as my GARDEN HELPER!!!!!!!!!!!
      NO, guess he was unaware as to WHO I WAS…….as my PASSPORT does NOT READ

      LA CONTESSA!
      I was trying to be Helpful and he was YOUNG and trying to BE BIG!THANKFUL that DEBRA ANSWERED her PHONE!!!!!!!!!!SHE WAS SO CUTE AS SHE WANTED TO CHAT!!!!!!!I CUT TO THE CHASE!!!!!!!”YES, IM HERE BUT I MAY NOT BE LET IN!!!!!!!!I NEED AN ADDRESS NOW!!!!!!!!BASICALLY SCREAMING AT HER!!!!!!!!”
      SO, happy you are BUSY and EMPLOYED doing what YOU LOVE TO DO!
      XX

      Reply

  9. LOVE the Photo of the Choir Boy in his RED Robe!!! Amazing Journey you had & how FAB that you met your Instagram friend & she was waiting for YOU in the Lobby of your Hotel…. SO Important to take trips to feed our SOUL!!! Thanks Contessa for sharing your Story with us & All the awesome Photos!!!

    Reply

  10. I so enjoyed reading about your trip! Petersham nursery is always my go to place when I’m staying in London. It is always chock full of treasures.

    The photograph of the choir boy is priceless. You really do have a great eye!

    Can’t wait to read about the gardens…

    Reply

    • THANK YOU!
      YOU LUCKY LADY!You get to TRAVEL there often as YOU have a daughter there and NOW a SON IN LAW!!!!!!!CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
      I loaded up on their APRONS as they were light weight and I will use them the ones at PETERSHAM!
      I need to start THAT POST TODAY!!!!!!!!IT will take me some time……….XX

      Reply

  11. Thank you for sharing your delightful trip with us; your photos especially captured all the beauty and adventure. The horizon-broadening joy of connecting through social media!

    Reply

  13. Elizabeth………..we did it……..didn’t we!!!!
    Oh sweetheart, this is so lovely to read and see and relive our wonderful time together.
    Our dream came true………..pinching myself now!!!!
    So now we just have to work on Giampy and get him “Down Under “.
    We know for certain the boys are going to get on.
    Now I haven’t a tractor,…….yet, but by the time you get here we’ll have a ride on mower.
    We have the log splitter, and an old 4WD and a couple of chain saws ………..plenty of boy toys!!!!

    Thank you dear girl.
    Miss You.

    Neat xx

    Reply

    • OH they do NOT need a TRACTOR………They will find STUFF TO DO and FIX!!!!!!The ITALIAN LOVES PROJECTS……like leaky faucets etc!
      YES!!
      WE DID IT!!!!!!!!!!
      AMAZING WE DID IT!!!!!!!!
      NOT quite HOW I WANTED IT TO BE BUT WE GOT TO BE TOGETHER and I GOT TO MEET BOTH OF YOU!!!!!!!
      The TOPPER would have been ME GETTING YOU TO CLARIDGES to meet NICK!!!!!AS I said I think YOU TWO would have HIT it OFF………He use to commute to AUSTRALIA!!!!!!!!
      THANK YOU for taking such GOOD CARE of ME and escorting ME to PETERSHAM on your way to WINDSOR CASTLE!Don’t think I could have done that long road without your help and why did he drop us THERE?If the RANGE ROVERS were driving DOWN the LANE HE certainly could have made it!!!!!!!!!!!!!MEN!!!!!!
      I LOVED SEEING YOU AND I LOVE MY GIFTS AND MAGAZINES!I ended up mailing the mags HOME in a box from SHERBORNE so I did not have the weight……..the box ONLY cost me 128 POUNDS!!!!!!!!!!I found a FEW MORE ITEMS!Like FABRIC and utensils,old tin cups, my kind of JUNK!Oh and a HAT I found AFTER I mailed THE BOX at the CANCER Charity shop!For 10 Pounds!Which I put in my carry on!I was REALLY REALLY GOOD until I met up with NICK on PORTO BELLO ROAD………well than……….BINGO!!!!!!!I went into MY FULL BLOWN ANTIQUE DEALER OPERANDI MODE.TO BE CONTINUED!
      XOXO

      Reply

  14. Oh my it sounds like a divine trip with many memorable moments to savour. You make friends wherever you are…lovely for all that you are naturally gregarious.
    Looking forward to the gardens…did you find any roses or plants that you cannot live without?

    Reply

    • YES, FROM DAME LUCY’s GARDEN and you just reminded me!!!!!Its still in my little silver BAG!!!!!!!!YIKES!!!!!!!!
      ALSO SMOKE TREE!Do you know that one its like a BUSH.Comes in a BURGUNDY color and a GREEN..My Nursery MAN is on it!!!!!!!!
      NO roses I had to have……….There were LOADS of DAHLIAS!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

    • I do know of that smoke bush its quite popular here…dahlias are so beautiful…I do not grow any here…not enough room as the hydrangeas and roses take up most of the beds!!!

      Reply

  16. So many glorious pics & the gardens haven’t even started!! Love your choice selection from the V&A but cannot help with identifying the flower, nor that crazy bloom at Petersham’s; I do, however, have an idea that Banksy might be more of a help to you in your garden if he wore one of those donkey baskets. You could collect all manner of garden things in them and he can be your manservant & cart them about for you? I like your Xmas wish list for the Italian, too – such chubby thighs!!

    You’re such a trooper keeping up in spite of feeling sub-par but you could never tell by the pics as you look so happy! I consider a liberal application of bubbles to be a health tonic, myself, and it does look like you follow suit, although a better guess is the restorative power of the company of excellent friends to buoy you along!!

    Oh, and I know what you mean about Stonehenge – it’s such a surprise to see it so close to the road. Not where you expect it to be.

    Baci carissima!! xx

    Reply

    • DONKEY BASKETS!
      OF COURSE that is what they are………NO WONDER I LOVED THEM SO!!!!!!!!!!!
      LOVE YOUR IDEA……….do you think Mr. B would tolerate those on his back?!
      I was a TROOPER…………I kept going because I was THERE TO SEE GARDENS and I was NOT GOING TO MISS OUT!!!!!!!I carried a BIG plastic bag with me just in CASE it was needed!!!!!I also sat ALONE on the BUS just IN CASE!!!!!!!
      I was VERY HAPPY TO SEE EVERYTHING………
      I later learned the NEW medication I was on made me feel nauseated as well!!!!!
      I also realized I can NEVER travel alone again…………you could say this was my LAST HURAH!
      XX

      Reply

  18. How exciting!!!!! I love Jew so am very jealous ? I was in London at the weekend – sadly my friend barely walks and isn’t big on gardens ?? But we did get to the Frida exhibition- very good and I LOVE the V&A, I have a couple of suggestions for you…

    Heathrow international is vile – very unpleasant, fly to edinburgh or anywhere really (they are more pleasant and more efficient) then fly down to London- as a kiwi that has lived here 25yrs I HATE Heathrow international- horrible horrible horrible. Also when you get back to London, visit the Chelsea Physic Garden – seriously not big but I imagine you’d adore it (it is exquisite).

    Apart from Heathrow your trip looks sublime – but next time take in a trip to Scotland ?

    Reply

    • YES MADAME………I will get to SCOTLAND!
      I knew you meant KEW and I would have changed it FOR YOU!!!!!!TOO CUTE!!!!!
      I wonder if my buddy ANITA has been to that garden……..ANITA have you been to CHELSEA PHYSIC GARDEN?Is this the one right next door to the CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW?
      I feel after two years of HEATHROW I’m learning my way around it now……………BUT if you say SO I do need to see those northern countries!!!!!!!XX

      Reply

  21. I am totally gobsmacked (as a frequent visitor to England I know you know the meaning) reading about your adventures.
    I’ve them all. Your meetup with Anita must have been heavenly, what a great friendship you have formed. A few of us are meeting with Neat the second week in November at Sarah’s flower farm, so if you feel your ears burning my love you will know why!!!! Going over to find the other bloggers and instagrammers you were talking about. Xx

    Reply

    • NEAT HAS A BIRTHDAY THAT SECOND WEEK IN NOVEMBER!!!!!!!!!
      SPREAD THE NEWS!!!!!!!
      I WILL LET SARAH KNOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
      I CANNOT WAIT FOR PHOTOS FROM THAT!!!!!!!
      I was so excited you might be staying with NEAT but that fell through I understand………
      DARN another time!
      PLEASE LILLIAN YOU ARE IN CHARGE OF PHOTOS FOR ME!!!!!!!!!
      THATS YOUR JOB!
      XOXO

      Reply

    • The plant is so LARGE………..do you think?
      I will GOOGLE FANCY BEGONIA!
      THANKS OLD CHUM…………..feel like digging to CHINA TODAY?Or shall we hang out in the AVOCADO TREE and talk about BOYS!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  23. So you make me a little homesick, especially when you visited Dorset, so many happy memories there. I love seeing England portrayed in such a fabulous way, I love my adopted country of France but I will always be English at heart, it is my home and where I grew up after all. Loved the lunch table at Petersham and those cherubs, in fact loved loved loved all of it. So glad you had such a wonderful trip. xxx

    Reply

  25. There is TOOO much to absorb and comment about.. adore EVERY DETAIL: You have an amazingly keen eye for detail and composition in both photos and words (I keep thinking A BOOK!!) I have decided it is your aura that attracts so many… you are a firefly flitting around the garden of life and WE are so lucky to be be following along!! Petersham’s (I kept thinking Peter Pan, it should be Peter Pan : ) reminded me of you–al fresco dining, chandeliers. garden-setting…
    Swooning over it all…
    PS My bet is a magnolia blossom on the pocket (a ‘flower pocket’…every jacket should have one!) Embroidered flower resembles the leaves and center cone, and blossom begins creamy white and turns brown. I have artificial solid brown magnolias in my office w/ferns in an antique pottery vase… so many compliments : )

    Reply

    • AHA!!!!!!!!!I THINK YOU HAVE IT as I wanted to say ROSE but why BROWN INSIDE!!!!!?
      YOU NAILED IT……….OF COURSE A MAGNOLIA!!!!!!!!DO you know at HIGHGROVE PRINCE CHARLES has a 100 year old MAGNOLIA growing very close to the house which he loves as they can see out but hard for people to see in.I too have a MAGNOLIA that just this year started reaching for the HOUSE and my GOAL was for it to TOUCH the house and I think it shall by next year!Of course, I have to FEND OFF the ITALIAN and his CLIPPERS as NOTHING can touch the house in his mind!He is SO PRACTICAL sometimes and I am SO ROMANTIC!!!!!WE CLASH ON OCCASION!!!!GUESS WHO WINS THESE BATTLES………?
      A BOOK!
      YOU are THE WRITER……………
      For anyone needing BOOKS for a YOUNGER GENERATION TAKE A LOOK AT DA SQUIRES BOOKS they are a JOY for the whole FAMILY!!!!!I was GIFTED her books and ENJOYED VERY MUCH!!!ESPECIALLY if YOU ARE ANIMAL LOVERS!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

  27. What a wonderful adventure! And to think you included me somewhere along the way for a fashion consultation about the turban! Should we wear it or not? Hahaha! Of course, wear it! You sure packed in a lot of fun in a very short period of time! Your photos and descriptions are so heart warming. The people whose lives you touched are so much more vibrant than they were a few weeks before. If you move there, I am moving with you!
    XOXO
    Tanti Baci e Ti mando un abbraccio!
    Zingara

    Reply

    • CONSULTATION took place in LONDON!
      YOU will LOVE LONDON as there are ITALIANS EVERY WHERE!!!!!!!
      ON THE STREETS in the RESTAURANTS working in my HOTEL which was just FABULOUS by the way More on that to come!IT was located in NOTTING HILL GATE.
      WE would have a BALL and be able to wear heavy over coats and scarves!!!!!!!
      I DO LIKE THE IDEA!
      XOXO

      Reply

  28. Oh, Elizabeth, heavenly, heavenly, heavenly. You’re photos are breathtaking but your stories! I so admire your outgoing nature and sense of adventure. I’d love to do a tour like this and need to reread post so I can track down the leader of the gang and see about next year. Ghastly customs agent. He did not know who you ARE. His loss and you made it in so all good. Hope you’ve recovered from jet lag and that dreadful cold that spoiled your Claridge tea. What I’m dying to KNOW is HOW did you pack for the trip? I followed closely on Instagram and thought to myself, did she sent a steamer trunk ahead?! You always look fabulous and I didn’t see an outfit repeat. What’s your secret?! xoxo

    Reply

    • Debra, [email protected]
      Here is HER EMAIL………I do hear next year is filling UP so if interested KEY WORD is CONTESSA SENT ME and SHE KNOWS ME!!!!!!
      I do know next year there will also be a trip to FRANCE as well!!!!!!!

      AS for my packing!YOU and SANDRA!
      I packed 99% BRYN WALKER which is all inter changeable as it’s heavy linen with the exception of a couple of night outfits!
      I was gone for 14 days.
      I packed 7 outfits.
      I wore each outfit twice…….
      I added a couple of nylon turtlenecks in case it was cold.It was NOT.
      I took my heavy sweater coat and a lighter sweater coat both Bryn Walker.
      I took a raincoat.
      I had three pairs of shoes.One rainboots,One dress shoe,One flat walking shoe.
      One suitcase on wheels which was under weight going and coming back!
      One Carry ON which was heavy with MY ACCESSORIES………Necklaces, Bracelets, gloves and TURBANS and Hats coming Home and a few BUYS!
      My purse was a Basket……….which was BRILLIANT!Will tell you why during the last Post!
      THANK YOU!
      I spent time and thought THIS PACK OUT!I normally just toss things in and GIVE NO THOUGHT!I wanted to LOOK good just in CASE I ran into a ROYAL…..or an AMERICAN ROYAL!I think I did a PRETTY GOOD JOB !
      THANK YOU for NOTICING!!!!!!!
      XO

      Reply

  29. Hi Elizabeth!
    Oh my gosh what a glorious trip you had! I’m so happy for you, and jealous too! I love England but have not been on a garden tour. That is definitely on my list. If we are lucky my husband may have an opportunity to work abroad for a bit, and then will be my time to really explore like you did. I love your photographs, the last one of you in your enormous “hat” suits you perfectly. I half expect to see you wearing something similar the next time I see you!
    I’m really glad you had such a terrific time, thank you for sharing your enthusiasm, all your excitement and your photos with us! I look forward to hearing all about the rest of your trip soon.
    Xo Heidi

    Reply

  30. Hello Elizabeth
    I will never forget the look on your face when I walked up to you and said, “Hello I’m your roommate”. Somewhere in translation you missed the part about sharing the apartment with two midwesterners. From that moment on everything was full speed ahead as friendship goes. We bonded over coffee, gluten free toast, apples, wine, the bongs of the Abby bells, pet pig stories, the English countryside, tea and cake, resale shops, thatched roofs, paintings, antiques, and of course… clothes. There I stood so many times… 5 feet 4 inches with Elizabeth seeming to be 7 foot tall or maybe taller. I in my Talbot stripe shirt and Target jeans…..her in a bright shocking green outfit , which took yards and yards of fabric to make and way way up on the top of her head was a bright shining turban. Together we looked like the odd couple. Yet it worked. I met the most charming, interesting, kind person. I wouldn’t have wanted anyone else to be my roommate.
    We traveled the roads of England laughing together. Meeting the most interesting people and visiting the most unique homes and gardens. It was quite a trip and I came home with beautiful memories but better than that. I came home with a new friendship. Thank you Elizabeth.

    Reply

    • NO, THANK YOU!
      YOU are TOO FUNNY…………7 FEET!!!!!!!!!!
      I’m shrinking!Yesterday I told the NURSE I am only 5 foot 10 inches I have NEVER said THAT!I have ALWAYS said I am 5 foot 11 inches tall!I wonder WHY all of a sudden I started to say that?
      Well, back to YOU and CANDACE what a FUN APARTMENT we shared with CANDACE making her eggs every morning and me and MY GF stuff and making coffee that was SO SO we never really GOT The proportions down on that machine and adding milk to yours which YOU did not take!!!!!!Sitting around that table sharing stories……….hairdryers and wisdom!THE KEY THAT DID NOT WORK………THE BATHROOM THAT STEAMED UP and that one who never took a SHOWER and did not know how to use the hand held thingy!!!!!!WATER everywhere…….wine finally arriving and we sat and drank it in about 5 minutes FLAT!How about my way of drinking water………..in a wine GLASS!I loved your EXPRESSION on THAT ONE!!!
      Good times had by ALL………..we just need CANDACE to CHIME IN HERE NOW!!!!I know her daughter is visiting!SO we will give her a LATE PASS!!!!!!Where are those BELLS when we NEED THEM?Every 15 minutes they RANG!!!!!!!!!!!!!That should be illegal on the weekends!!!!!!!
      XOXO

      Reply

  31. Oh, Contessa! What a trip!! Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos and stories. made my night. It’s been many years since I’ve been to England. I also was taken with it’s history and charm. Looking forward to the gardens!

    Reply

  32. I notice the negative comments from a respondent about Heathrow Airport. As a British person living outside the U.K. for many years, I am in and out of Heathrow fairly often to visit family and friends. Have never had a problem. It is easy to get from there inexpensively on the underground into central London. Or, there is always the alternative and fly into Gatwick. Also reasonably convenient for London. So happy you had such an enjoyable time.

    Reply

    • I had NO problem either except the little HICCUP with The YOUNG MAN who was doing HIS JOB………although it would be Nice if they had signage outside the terminals telling you which airlines are where………..instead of numbers!I use to fly into GATWICK in my early 20’s……..it was the CHEAP way to GO on WORLD AIRWAYS out of OAKLAND!I LOVE EUROPE!!!!!
      IT CAN DO NO WRONG FOR THIS AMERICAN GAL……….XX

      Reply

  33. Elizabeth…..I left another very interesting comment (if I do say so) on this blog….and it said I had already left one. It was completely different. Maybe you can fix this. It was good. You would have loved it. It was also long. Pox on this editor!!!

    Reply

    • NO WHERE TO BE FOUND!!!!!!!!
      DAM……….LOST Between Santa Barbara and Northern California…………probably sailing around the LETTUCE FIELDS……….well snatch it on your way up for THE FALL ANTIQUE SHOW!
      SEE YOU NEXT WEEK!Between the SUN the MOON and THE STARS…………..
      I am NOT ABLE TO COMMENT on DEBRA’s BLOG which has driven me MAD!Have written TWO NOVELS…….and LOST BOTH!Did you GO THERE………?HOpe you were able to comment as she would LOVE your WORDS!!!!!!YOU would ADORE HER!!!!!!
      XOXO

      Reply

  34. What an amazing post! Filled with interesting people, places & details!
    So glad you connected with these women for your tour. They seem smart, energetic & authentic. Not fluff kittens, for sure!

    The dual baskets & headless cherubs were so incredible! Next time, just give in to temptation & bring such treasures home!
    Thanks for sharing England with us, truly memorable & inspiring!

    Reply

  35. Like Penny, I thought I’d left you a comment… Could I really not have hit “Post Comment?” This was just the BEST trip!! I’m thrilled you got to go, but sorry you were under the weather for a while. Especially so difficult when we’re not at home! Maybe Sandra Sallin and I could go together next year on this trip!!! Wouldn’t that be grand? Your photos are inspiring. Bravo to the Italian for his great taste in Christmas gifts! xoxo, Brenda

    Reply

  36. I love England and what a lovely trip. Always enjoy reading about your adventures!
    Can’t wait to read about the gardens. The dual basket would have looked great in your garden.

    Reply

  37. Hi! You cannot believe HOW MUCH I enjoyed your blog (instalment #1??) about your trip to London etc.
    While you were gone, we had an historic snowfall here (the most snow recorded for that day) and so I am cocooning in the house.
    It took two days for my snow shoveller to shovel the driveway out. Snow bankruptcy (for just one snowfall!) Another friend @ windlost1 is also in England, also went to Victoria and Albert, and also to Petersham’s and Kew. Check her ig out!
    So I am chuckling because I get two different perspectives and sets of photos of the same things from different perspectives! Never too much!
    (well perhaps too much for my soul as I couldn’t go!!! (la gelosia!) (le invidia!). I spent the morning on duo lingo reviewing my Italian and can now barely write English! I love the double baskets (donkey?) and they would be perfect for the back rack of an electric bike, if I only had one. I’m amazed you did not have them shipped…How heavy can they be?

    I love your photo of the choir boy –– it’s a masterpiece. Am looking forward to your garden visit blog! thanks for you lovely blog!

    Reply

    • I AM NOW FOLLOWING WINDLOST1!!!!!!What a BEAUTIFUL FEED SHE HAS!!!!
      What a HOOT you had both of us there at basically the same time!
      SNOWFALL SO EARLY…………I feel you just got rid of THAT STUFF!!!!
      How do you do it?
      Well,I had no time to organize the shipping and NO PLACE to put them at HOME so SOME things ONE MUST LET GO OF………..and KEEP ON WALKING!
      YOU ARE MOST WELCOME………….I started working on PART TWO YESTERDAY but it took half the day to upload the photos………..I hope to start the writing this AFTERNOON!
      THANK YOU ANN……………..XX

      Reply

      • I see the answer about the flower — so nice of Mimi to tell us what that beautiful plant is! I have resigned from getting any chores done today as I am lost in duo lingo learning Italian (or rather refreshing what little I know). I might get up sometime but it is snowing again and feel more like hibernating. I am trying not to type much as it hurts the unset (unhealed) fracture.

        Windlost1 is a beautiful photographer, well educated (as you will see from her IG description she’s one who is well-rounded), loves reading, has a superb eye for interior design, loves certain music. She is a wonderful person and we met via her IG and in person. I treasure her greatly as a friend and I hope you enjoy reading her IG (it’s worthwhile going back to read past postings on that and her old blog). I highly recommend it and glad you like it. I am not quite as much into interior design but I do enjoy reading about it and seeing the treasures and efforts of others. Like me, she is keen on antiques. Like you I don’t have any room for anything but like you both I love antiques!

        Reply

  38. Oh, and meant to say THE Italian sure knows how to bring a smile to your face! To our faces too!

    I thought the flower might be a fuchsia and then I thought of a begonia but I really don’t know! beautiful, though!!!

    Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  39. Hello, Enjoyed reading about your adventures in England. Sounds like a fabulous trip. The plant in question is a Medinilla Magnifica also know as the Malaysian orchid, Philippine orchid, Pink Lantern or Tropical Rose Grape. These magnificent flowers graced the Magnificent Mile in Chicago a summer ago and were truly amazing. I had purchased a plant at a suburban greenhouse several years back but could not find a nursery even familiar with them in Chicago this summer. My search continues……

    Reply

    • OH MIMI THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!
      I wonder if SENTIMENTAL GARDENS IN GENEVA, ILLINOIS would have them or know where to locate as the owner of THAT NURSERY was my TRIP’s LEADER!!!!!!XX

      Reply

  42. omg ! love it! sorry you got a bug hope it didnt last too long !
    so enjoy your blogs! photos! cant wait for part Two!

    Reply

  43. Dear Elizabeth, thank you for this post! The photos are gorgeous and your happiness just radiated through them. It soothed me when I couldn’t fall asleep Friday night. I made myself a cup of herb tea and took in all the beauty and enjoyed the comments! Finally, fell into sleep with beauty on my mind and recollecting my past trips there. I met the most coolest people on my tours, too!

    Looking forward to your next post!!!!

    P.S. So happy to know what that stunning plant is…mystery solved!! I was wondering….

    Renee in NorCal

    Reply

  45. Another travel post where I felt you took us along! What beauty, everywhere! Feeling inspired! I love that you felt your son say”Breath!”

    Reply

  46. Wonderful blog post Elizabeth–it helped me to experience this great trip all over again! It was a treat traveling with you and getting to know you in the process! I’m looking forward to reading the next posts.

    Reply

  48. Meeting you, Contessa, was an amazing breath of fresh air, more like a fun tornado.

    I cried tears of nostalgia and longing when I read your very touchy experience with the Italians. I am one and have been in London for too long. I miss being Italian and all that it means.
    Your blog has put me straight back in touch with what I thought was long gone, but is still very much there!

    Meeting you at the shop made my day, my week and now is colouring my life throughout.

    You are 100% alive and very contagious…cheers!!!

    Reply

    • GOODNESS………..THIS IS WHAT I NEEDED TO HEAR TODAY!!!!!!
      I LOVE BUMPING INTO ITALIANS and FEEL SOMETIMES THEY ARE OVERWHELMED BY MEETING ME!!!!!!
      YOU MADE MY EXPERIENCE EveN BETTER IN THAT TINY SHOP!!!!!
      I THINK I WILL WEAR THOSE EARRINGS TODAY AS I HEAD BACK TO THE ANTIQUE SHOW TO FILL MY SOUL TO DAY!
      The MONTH of DECEMBER can NOT come FAST ENOUGH with those PINS I PURCHASED!!!!!
      MILLIE GRAZIE BELLA……………BE ITALIAN.IT’s a GOOD THING TO BE IN THIS CRAZY WORLD!EVERYONE LOVES THE FOOD AND THE LANGUAGE CAN NOT BE BEAT!!!!!!!!FULL OF LOVE AND WARMTH…………PLUS, THEY KNOW HOW TO VACATION!!!!THEY’VE GOT STYLE…….THEY LIVE INSIDE A BOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!XOXOXOXOXO

      Reply

  50. This post is a TREASURE of experiences that not only fed your soul…but mine, too! The way you captured the ambiance of the places you visited (that pub!!), mood of the moments you as they enfolded around you, and best parts of conversations breathed life into this post and made your readers part of it! I enjoyed meeting your friends. How beautifully you revealed them to us with your fine-tuned descriptions of their stories, talents and vibrancy. They jumped from your heart to ours! The views of those finely embellished antique jackets, magnificent serving pieces ( I showed my husband the picture of that tureen and he said it was perfect for a 1000 White Castle sliders..lol), flowers whose flowered heads were bent in perfumed sighs as big as a fist, and baskets that are still weeping that they were left behind by you. The cherubs have lost their heads, but remain hopeful that a VERY GENEROUS Italian husband of a floating goddess from California will make a home for them in her enchanted garden. YOU LOOKED AMAZING…all of 30 years old…that English weather agrees with your complexion! Fabulous outfits as well…perfect pictures…. LOVED IT ALL!

    Reply

    • AS I SAID SOMEWHERE TODAY I think on INSTAGRAM……..IF I were EVER TO WRITE A BOOK YOU WILL BE THE GHOST WRITER!!!!!
      HAPPY I COULD TAKE YOU ALONG.
      WORKING ON PART THREE TODAY!!!!!!!
      XX

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

contessa_and_her_pig

La Contessa
Her musings and passions.What Inspires and Dazzles.Loving all things Worn and Rusted.AGE.The Grandeur of The Past.
Bottom line Contessa Chatter!!!
Copyright © 2022 · The Vintage Contessa | Designed & Maintained by TheTechnology-Therapist
%d bloggers like this: