A stroll along memory lane.

 Persuading my Mum to leave the house is difficult these days.   Her last trip out was several weeks ago to the hospital.   Thursday I managed to convince her that a ride around the countryside would do her the world of good.   She eventually agreed.    Mum was an evacuee during the war, she stayed in a farmhouse near Goudhurst.    She remembered the village well and told me it had not changed much.    The only thing she could see that had changed was the addition of a fountain to the village pond:)

 Along the lanes to Sissinghurst, home to the world famous gardens.    Only a short drive from home, I am almost embarrassed to admit I have never been........

 Mum loved the penny farthing ......she thought it a lovely feature.

 Smarden  is a neighbouring village, and one that I love.    Mum and I sat by the lakes and watched the dragonfly.   She talked about her time away.....missing her mother.....she opened up her heart.    I learnt a lot about my mother this day.

 As we drove home we stopped and looked and some of the lovely period properties.   Kent villages are full of them..........

 This is one of my favourite properties.   Around 800 years old, well maintained, with the addition of a beautiful garden.    Each year the people of Smarden open up their gardens to the public.     I was fortunate to view this garden several years ago.   It has a stream flowing through it.........it was an enchanting space and one that I would love to visit again.

We made our way home and I prepared lunch for us both.   Mum managed to walk around the garden with help........this is her favourite clematis, I must say it has been amazing this year.   The thought of cutting it back is daunting, but lets not worry about that now :)

Mum was tired by the time I dropped her home.   I phoned her the next day and she told me she had the best nights sleep since father passed away.............