This was the view from my position sitting in bed this morning with a steaming mug of tea in my hand, and it's a view I am very familiar with as I grew up seeing it every day from this same bedroom as a child. This house where I grew up is rented and is on an estate owned by a housing association which provides affordable housing for low income families. As a child growing up here, I have to say it wasn't an easy place to live - unfortunately there was a lot of stigma attached to low income housing back then and I used to get teased about it at school. Yes, we were a very poor family in terms of money and what we owned, but just look at that view! Even as a child I appreciated it (I even painted it in watercolour once), and I'm happy to have lived my childhood years here despite the teasing.
So this morning I set out to walk the mile into town so that I could go and have my Dad's breakfast offering at 10am. He is very particular about timing and routines which is a new thing that has come about since the pandemic. He is quite obsessed with his watch and about doing the same things at exactly the same time each day, so I try my best to fit in with what he likes to do when I'm here. I snapped a quick picture of Bridget's Market as I walked passed - it's quite rare these days for towns to still have an old fashioned greengrocers and I'm so happy to see that Bridget's is still thriving. Once upon a time I worked a summer season for Bridget out in the countryside where some of the produce is grown. It was arduous work because my main job was to pick mushrooms in the dark and musty mushroom sheds, and there was a lot of back breaking bending involved I seem to remember. I also remember a whole day spent planting hundreds of baby leek plants in a huuuuuge field, again with the bending, it was honestly some of the hardest physical work I've ever done.
My morning coffee was enjoyed at Aroma Café and it was a first time visit for me here. It's a really cosy little place with a lovely atmosphere....
....and my frothy coffee went down a treat.
Today we had an outing planned, and I was thankful that the weather stayed mild and dry, even if it was very grey all day.
We went to Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens - if you've been following my Dorset holiday tales over the years then you will know this is a favourite place for J and I to visit in the summer with the Little People but I don't think I've ever been in the Autumn before. And my Dad and Lady B told me it's been many years since they visited so I was really happy to treat them. We enjoyed a lovely stroll around the place in the early afternoon, it was quiet, calming and peaceful.
There wasn't an awful lot of floral action, but I took a few photos of blooms that caught my eye....
....and although I wished there had been more, it was still lovely to enjoy what was there.
I was surprised that there wasn't more autumn colour in the foliage - the above two leaves were pretty much the only colour that I came across, so it was very different to my experience last week at Harlow Carr.
I still enjoyed the greenery though, it was certainly very tranquil and serene and a pleasure to walk slowly around the meandering pathways.
Right at the very end of our visit the sun came out for just a few minutes and what a difference it made in that moment. The grasses and foliage were suddenly transformed and everything looked golden and full of life. It was so lovely.
Despite the lack of sun, the weather was very mild - my weather app said 16 degrees for today which I think is pretty warm for the end of October. It was warm enough to sit outside in the lovely courtyard garden at Abbotsbury gardens...
...and I enjoyed the most delicious slice of carrot cake with a decaff coffee. My goodness it was good, I had to really stop myself from going into scoff mode and inhaling that cake in two seconds flat.
The journey between Abbotsbury and Bridport is around 9 miles and is very scenic as it winds its way over the hills alongside the famous Chesil Beach. As you drive out of Abbotsbury the road is very steep, and right at the top of the hill there is a viewing point where you can stop the car to admire the view. On a good weather day it is absolutely stunning, and even on a dull grey weather day like today, it was still pretty great. Can you see the big clump of trees right in the middle of the above photo? That is Abbotsbury Gardens where we walked today - it's spread over twenty acres, and I just discovered today how old it is. Would you like to know? It was created in 1765, can you believe that?? I nearly fell off the bench when I read that little bit of info, it's more than 250 years old...wow. Sometimes things like that just blow my mind.
Also in the above photo, just above the trees of Abbotsbury Gardens you can just about make out St Catherine's Chapel perched on top of the hill there. This is another ancient place that we've visited a lot over the years - let me see if I can find it in a blog post for you...here you go....Spring 2013. I know we've been back since then but there are some good photos of the chapel in my 2013 blog post.
This morning after I'd had my coffee I dragged Lady B into one of my favourite shops in Bridport - Cilla & Camilla. I really enjoyed browsing and I have to tell you that shop smells sooooo good! I bought myself a card by an artist called Liz Somerville who's work I fell in love with a few years ago. I discovered her by chance on Instagram and her prints are mostly of the Dorset landscape and coastline that I know and love so much. This image is called "On Sculpted Hill" and shows the chapel on the hill and the trees of Abbotsbury gardens in the foreground. I really like it and think I'm going to frame it and hang it in the Attic to add to the gazillions of memories that I hold of this little patch of planet Earth.
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Love how much you care about Lady B and dad. Very special.
Posted by: Tineke | October 29, 2021 at 12:22 PM
Thank you again for the lovely post. I love that your Dad fixes your breakfast! It really is a sweet and loving parent task. The gardens look lush even on a grey day. Your Liz Summerville card is definitely frame worthy.
Posted by: Lynn | October 28, 2021 at 05:39 PM
Despite living in Dorset for three years I never made it to the gardens at Abbotsbury. One day perhaps. Your bedroom view is perfect. Such a beautiful part of the country and I’m envying your morning coffee every day. Stunning card. The colours are gorgeous. B x
Posted by: Barbara | October 28, 2021 at 03:36 PM
PS, that card really is amazing. Have you ever thought of doing a crocheted wall hanging. One based on that would be a real challenge, but you are a master, so no problem. It could look rather like stained glass...
Posted by: Charlotte Pountney | October 28, 2021 at 02:10 PM
What an amazing view you had as a child; a great place to grow up, I would say. That purple plant (salvia?) is an amazing colour, and the Liz Somerville card is just beautiful. I would definitely frame it, too! Perhaps the autumn colours are much later this year, as it has been so mild, and the colours in the Harrogate garden you visited last week are more advanced because they are further north. You'll have to go home for a couple of weeks, and then come back to Abbotsbury with J, for a weekend!
Posted by: Charlotte Pountney | October 28, 2021 at 02:08 PM
I so appreciate your sharing of other artists. I did not know of Liz Somerville. Wow!! I'll be following her now.
Posted by: Janet Burns | October 28, 2021 at 01:25 PM
I went to see Liz Somerville in her studio some years ago, during Arts Weeks. Her work is very inspiring especially the hill forts. I’ve lived in Dorset all my life, over 70 years now so have seen a lot of changes but Bridport does seem to hang onto tradition and lovely indie shops. Enjoy the rest of your stay. Sarah Browne.
Posted by: Sarah Brownr | October 28, 2021 at 12:14 PM
Lovely to see those pictures today. As I look at them I can still smell the soft mustiness of walking round Abbotsbury Gardens ( usually after a trip to the swannery as well ) such as lovely place in any season. Having visited every year for over 25 years I really miss it but as my life has sadly changed now I doubt I will have the chance again. Still there is solace in seeing some things remain the same x
Posted by: Chris Spencer | October 28, 2021 at 11:31 AM
I'm enjoying your Dorset posts Lucy and how lovely to spend precious time with your Dad. It looks like a beautiful place I really must try and visit someday. xx
Posted by: Linda | October 28, 2021 at 10:54 AM
That is a beautiful picture. I love the lines on it.
You're doing the right thing with your Dad. Why ruin the times you have with him by arguing over time? Enjoy the rest of the trip - it's mild up here in the Midlands too!
Posted by: Tonia | October 28, 2021 at 10:31 AM
Hi Lucy, just been catching up with your Blogtober posts and they are a joy. Not sure how I missed them until now. You inspired me (as always) to write a post too. I think it's what I need to stop my mind racing right now, so thank you xxx
Posted by: Jacquie | October 28, 2021 at 09:56 AM
It is a beautiful part of the world, and I love the view from your room. A home with a view is a wonderful thing, I have had nice views from some of the places I have lived in, including this one, and it;s so nice to be able to look out at countryside and the horizon. Abbotsbury is lovely, I've only been there once, but really enjoyed it. CJ xx
Posted by: CJ | October 28, 2021 at 09:03 AM
So beautiful and I love that print the colours wow !
I dont know this area but I feel I need to visit.
We have a local parade just down the road and the bakers, butchers and greengrocers have been there forever but we lost a lot of the other trades a lovely ironmongers/anythingshop and a family discount store which was sad.
We have many eateries/takeaways down there now and in our town.
Even in the drab weather you have found some beautiful colour.
Lovely blog Thank You x
Posted by: Jacqui | October 28, 2021 at 08:59 AM
We love Dorset and especially Abbotsbury. A beautiful and fascinating part of the country.xx
Posted by: Molly Worsfold | October 28, 2021 at 08:52 AM
"Going into scoff mode... " oh that made me laugh but I know exactly what you mean! I think it's been colder in Yorkshire than Dorset and even here in Cheshire and that's why the leaves were more colourful last week. They're still not doing much around Winwick. Good to see more salvias too! 😀 xx
Posted by: Winwick Mum | October 28, 2021 at 08:32 AM
We were in Abbotsbury Gardens just 2 weeks ago and really enjoyed the peace and tranquility with odd splashes of colour. Love it! Enjoy your time with your Dad
Posted by: Caroline | October 28, 2021 at 07:47 AM
Hi Lucy What a gorgeous view! Very painterly spots for sure. Luv the card...blankety colors maybe. LOL It is lovely when the sun comes out on a grey day and the autumn colors do look like they are lit from within. Nature is awesome and there is beauty to be found wherever you call home. Hugs, MO
Posted by: Marylin Ollivier | October 28, 2021 at 03:20 AM
What a great time with your Dad and Lady. It is so different from my part of the world. So glad that you are enjoying it.
Posted by: Charlotte | October 28, 2021 at 01:48 AM
I am enjoying your daily blog posts so much, I will miss them. I am in Australia and absolutely love all the glimpses of where you live.
Posted by: Michelle | October 28, 2021 at 01:02 AM
The print and its colors are stunning. Do I see a "sculpted hill" blanket in our future???
Posted by: PamelaR | October 28, 2021 at 12:19 AM
Lovely post today.It was also mild weather here. Superb view of Chesil beach. I clicked on Aroma cafe and I was rolling with laughter at some of the "supposed" visitors they had had in their shop. ( Matthew Corbett, Sooty, Thomas Hardy, etc.) Really funny. Enjoy the rest of your break and your Dad's brekkies. Love that Cilla and Camilla shop!
Posted by: Carol partridge | October 27, 2021 at 11:41 PM
That's a lovely picture of the woods and the chapel, and will look great in a frame. You are investing time and creating memories for the future, and I hope you enjoy your time with your dad and Lady B.
Posted by: Corinne | October 27, 2021 at 11:15 PM
Such a lovely post, always love your Dorset posts. It's such a beautiful area. Wow, that chapel, incredible! Thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Susie | October 27, 2021 at 11:01 PM
Looks really nice there. Came across your blogtober just today and have enjoyed reading the glimpses into your life. You have a lovely way with words.
Posted by: Cathy | October 27, 2021 at 10:56 PM
You are so lucky to have this time with your dad! Your visit brings back nice memories of my dad who has been gone for many years! Enjoy!!
Posted by: Ruth | October 27, 2021 at 10:49 PM