As you may know from recent earlier posts, my family and I have been through a very challenging few weeks, so yesterday I decided it would be a good idea to go out walking in the Autumn sunshine and share a few hours of family fun.
Knole House
The ancient parklands surrounding Knole House in Sevenoaks are spectacular at this time of year and as October is also mating season for the deer, the park stags were in fine fettle when we visited yesterday!
A stag mewing for his mate
Pretty fallow deer
We had a lovely time watching the deer and my kids, big as they now are, were thrilled when the deer approached them to share nuts foraged from under the trees.
Fay befriends a deer
Little deer, big son!
Fallow deer taking a Sunday afternoon nap
Last year the Clock Tower on top of the mansion house was hidden behind scaffolding and green netting, so I was delighted to see it has now been fully restored and looks like something you'd find perched atop a fairy castle ... such a pretty clock!
The restored Clock Tower
For me, the most special thing about yesterday wasn't the spectacular scenery though, it was the opportunity to see my family laughing happily together again after so much heartache.
Fay
Anthony
Stuart
Fay strolling with Auntie Fo
Anthony with his Hannah
Knole Park is a beautiful place and our visit gave a real lift to my spirits. Dad would have said, 'life is for the living PJ' and that was crystal clear to me yesterday. Although I continue to feel a deep sadness that he can't be with us now, I know he would have loved these pics and would have been happy we are all able to enjoy life without him.
If you would like to visit Knole Park, please see the website below for further details ... it's well worth the trip!
Lovely photos. Looks like an idyllic day! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place Paula. When I see things like this I think how different the countries we live in are. Nowhere here can you see such majestic dwellings. We just don't have the history. We also have no deer that I know of that look quite like what you have pictured.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a look into a different world. It is really beautiful.
And there was me thinking you were going to say you'd moved :oD Glad you were all able to have such a great day, I'm sure your dad would have approved
ReplyDeleteHugs
Katy
What a beautiful family and lovely pictures - I think you are a very special Mom to bring your family together in such a relaxing place to share some much needed joy and togetherness. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt's so lovely to hear from you all, thank you for visiting today!
ReplyDeleteJoanne, I think exactly the same thing whenever I see your photographs! Isn't it terrific that we can all share our views around the world these days ... I love the internet!
MaryAnn, thank you so much for your kind words xxx
Beautiful place, and I am glad you all had some time together to relax and enjoy each other, like your dad would have wanted. Hugs to you!
ReplyDelete