A Kingdom Far Far Away

Once upon a time, a girl from a faraway kingdom sat in her Los Angeles apartment and packed up her bits and bobs for a fleeting visit to her homeland.

I just got back from 8 days in the United Kingdom and felt a blog update was in order. Oh, and this photo is of Bodiam castle in East Sussex (14th century). Thought the title of my post necessitated an image of a castle and this is one of my favourites. ;)

During my quick trip I had my mum's homemade scones with clotted cream (yes real cream - actual cream - not whipped air with sweetener) and during the gorgeous hot weekend I sat outside under the English sun with a glass of Pimms. It was marvellous. On my last night I had dinner at Ye Olde Fighting Cocks - an attractive pub, originally a mediaeval pigeon house which became the local centre for fighting cocks in the 17th and 18th century. The foundations date to around 793. Great place despite the typically British welcome we received - which reminded me of the scene in 'American Werewolf in London' when the two American tourists stop at 'The Slaughtered Lamb' pub for food.

Jack Goodman: Do you have any hot soup? Barmaid: No. Jack Goodman: Do you have any coffee? Barmaid: No. Jack Goodman: Do you have any, uh, hot chocolate? Barmaid: We've spirits and beers. If it's something hot you want, you can have tea. Jack Goodman: Then you have tea? Barmaid: No.
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I also visited my grandfather's estate in Reigate, Surrey (which was the reason for my visit) and since it is to be sold this year I included some photos I took below.

Rushed through some more pumpkin miniatures whilst away as I'm exhibiting at the Whimsic Alley fantasy fair this coming weekend.... argh - still so much to do. Pumpkins-in-the-making pictures featuring black cat attack below.