Friday, 23 August 2013

A Day to Celebrate

Just over eleven years ago, Ben and I got married.  We've been together since we were 18 - both met at University so we've been together almost half our lives.  It was rather lovely to explain that to the kids whilst they sat in the back of the car on our way to our celebratory lunch.  It's the first year they've both 'Got it!'

We very rarely eat out so it has become an annual event to celebrate with a good meal / outing during the day.  On this occasion we headed to The Swan at Wedmore. 


Just look at that lovely selection of fresh bread!!

Wedmore is a gorgeously quaint little village.  It's definitely in a more affluent area of Somerset and it is so lovely to visit!  We pootled around the little artsy shops and admired beautiful gardens and floral displays...


And on the journey home we stopped by Ashton Windmill for the first time. 

We've passed this in the car many times although you cannot grasp the true splendour of the building from the road.  This is a wonderful windmill - smaller in stature than all other's that I've seen.

The blades looked magnificent standing tall against the blue sky.


The children absolutely loved playing around the mill - spies, tag and hide and seek were the order of the day.  They played happily for the afternoon - such buddies and so content - bliss.


As I went to photograph the view towards Brent Knoll from the far side of the site (the big hill on the horizon)


I noticed this:


I'm such a romantic I loved the sentiment - it reads "Nigel and Claire - In love with each other, In love with this place".  Padlocked to the back of the Windmill.  I returned to my spot on a nearby bench, told Ben all about it and he went to inspect it too.  It somehow felt poignant to notice someone else's declaration of love on a day we were celebrating ours!!

Aww... isn't love grand? .  Hope you are feeling a bit of love wherever you are...

J9 x
Today I'm joining in with these lovely blog parties!
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11 comments:

  1. Jennifer Hays23 August 2013 at 06:48

    Happy anniversary! We celebrated eleven years of marriage in May ourselves. This looks like such a nice day with your family. I love the token left by Nigel and Claire, that's really wonderful. I would have been enthralled too. I received your package yesterday! Thank you so much! I love everything you sent and the note is so sweet. I was so excited to win that I already finished something handmade for my own giveaway! I'm going to post on my blog soon. Thank you again. :)

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    1. J9sHappiness30 August 2013 at 00:40

      Glad you like it!! You are so welcome and happy anniversary! J9 x

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  2. Unknown25 August 2013 at 10:53

    So many years! Congrats! And what a perfect way to celebrate it! What a lovely little village - so many gardens and homes to enjoy looking at. That windmill was the perfect placve for your kids to frolick. You have some great pictures to keep forever. I think you and your hubby should add a lock to the windmill, too. It played a part in your anniversary celebrations - maybe you can pop back here every year.

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    1. J9sHappiness30 August 2013 at 00:45

      What a sweet idea! I thought about it Bronwyn... I really like the idea but something about doing it myself feels a bit like graffiti or tagging? Does that make sense - not sure. I like the concept of enjoying these places and leaving nothing behind... but I'm torn - as a padlock is not offensive in any way! Thanks for your comment! J9 x

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  3. JoKnows27 August 2013 at 06:37

    Happy Anniversary! And what a beautiful place for an outing. The bread looks incredible too. And what a sweet idea with the lock. I enjoyed your pictures. :)

    Jo

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    1. J9sHappiness30 August 2013 at 00:45

      Thanks Jo! And I can confirm... the bread WAS incredible ;0) J9 x

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  4. Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson28 August 2013 at 06:51

    Yes indeed, love is grand and it makes the world go round! Happy Anniversary to you two! It looks like you spent a wonderful day together enjoying each other and the kiddos. The village looks like the kind of love and oh, that bread! I love the padlocks too! Thanks for sharing with SYC. Also thank you for my give away win. Appreciate it. I let my dil have the little owls. Baby Will's nursery is decorated in owls.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  5. Noelle the dreamer29 August 2013 at 14:08

    I don't know what I loved most: the windmill or the sentiment discovered on the padlock!
    Thank you so much for sharing and God Bless,

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    1. J9sHappiness30 August 2013 at 00:47

      Both were so lovely - you are right! Thanks! J9 x

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  6. Tammy30 August 2013 at 01:15

    Hi Janine, happy belated anniversary. And thanks for stopping by my corner of the world. I was on a bit of a break settling my son in at college in the States but now back to Kuwait and back to reality as I've just finished my first week back at school where I work for the Superintendent. Looks like you had a lovely celebration. I love quaint little towns and villages. Nothing better than homemade bread and beautiful weather. Hope you are having a great week. September is almost here. Unbelievable! Best wishes, Tammy

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