Blenheim Palace!

 We tuned in to our Zone call this morning and were done before Roskelley's arrived. They are from Logan, Utah and are incredible people. They are about ten years younger than we are. We find we have a lot in common.  

We sat here in our living room for a half hour visiting. It had taken them 2 1/2 hours to get here from Cambridge - which is 66 miles away as the crow flies and 86 if you take the roads. And if you take what looks like the shortest route between two places - but is fraught with numerous roundabouts, it takes you 2 1/2 hours!

Rain was predicted all day, but even though it rained at times, we were never out in it. Blenheim Palace is about 20 minutes north of here.  From the parking lot to the gates of the palace was quite a walk through magnificent lush green lawns and pastures. Think of Disneyland parking, and the walk to the front gate - only prettier.

The palace is magnificent.

We enjoyed the walk through the palace, and walked around just a little bit of the grounds - perhaps 4 of the 3,000 or so acres. I can't even imagine what it must be like to live there. To walk those grounds, those pathways, those stately hallways inside, where everywhere you look is a feast for the eyes - and to do it everyday is mind-boggling. They must get to the point where they hardly take a second glance. Who know?

We sat outside in a small patio dining area and enjoyed a bowl of soup and a slab of french bread. Not bad. Not SK's favorite, but it tasted so good after a long morning of walking. 

There was a lovely Winston Churchill exhibit.  Memorabilia, old photos and clothing and many other items brought the man to remembrance. He was larger than life truly, and was a major player on the world's stage at a critical time.

I was saddened to read that when he was seven years old, he was sent away to boarding school, where physical punishment was normal, and he did not do well there.  It was months before this parents transferred him to another school. But he spent most of his young life in boarding schools and even when at home, described both of his parents as "distant."

His was an interesting life, and seeing that and the beautiful palace (which by the way, he didn't live in) made me want to read more about him.  Maybe when we get back to Gilbert. Or maybe on audio. He was born in Blenheim Palace when his father and mother were visiting for a social occasion, and he spent many happy days visiting the palace which is owned by close relatives.

After getting back to our flat, SK took the Roskelleys on a short walking tour to see our backyard castle, the old covered market, and the iconic Radcliffe Camera. I fixed a quick dinner.  We had about an hour to continue visiting before they got back on the road.

We watched Institute, and now it's time for bed!


The cozy entryway.

View of the back yard.

Wouldn't Bethany love to play this organ?

I had to include this because SK looks so grumpy! He wasn't feeling grumpy, just the wrong moment to snap a picture.


The above three pictures were all taken with us standing in one place and turning so that we had a different background.



The Roskelleys -they are so cute!


View looking out over the courtyard and the grounds beyond




The closing scene of the exhibit



We got a kick out of this giant sculpture a ways from the palace.  It is titled "Untitled."



It is lilac season - this is near our backyard castle

SK did great with this selfie.

Looking us as we walk up the stairs to the front door

The iconic Radcliffe Camera - closely associated with the Bodleian Library.


Comments

Erin said…
Wow. Just wow! I can hardly wait to see all these incredible views in person!
May 20, 2021 at 6:18 PM
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