One Day in Summer

I've always loved the idea of a picnic, but in practice, we seldom actually do it. Is it having to make the sandwiches, or fill the flask (thermos) or what? I mean, really, how difficult is it anyway?? One day this summer we got our act together and decided to head out to Boscobel House, which isn't too far away. History note: Boscobel House is where Charles II hid in a tree in 1651 to hide from Parliament's forces after the Battle of Worcester. He was (literally) on the run, and if they had found him, it would have been "curtains" for him! (Well, he would have suffered the same fate as his father, which is to say, "off with his head!" The tree that he hid in is called the Royal Oak, and is still there and you can buy saplings from that very tree with a certificate of authenticity.

Here I am at the duck pond with our picnic.  Who wants a table when there is such a pretty setting as this?  (Although I was glad I didn't sit on any goose poo.)  We had a fantastic meal of crusty bread with brie, grapes, and some yummy salads.  I must say, I'm thrilled with my picinic basket, not just because I never had one before, but also because it was FREE.  Someone was throwing it out.  (Are they insane??!)

I especially like this navy and white polka dot sundress because of the lovely latticework on the back. It must have come from a charity shop, although it is one of the few items that I can't remember where it came from.  I just remember it was dirt cheap and originally didn't fit me.  Thank goodness I can sew.

The geese around the pond came to have a snoop and were hopeful of some crumbs.  They did get some, but not many.  It was too good to give away!  I'd forgotten the chutney, so we bought a jar of Red Onion Marmalade from the Boscobel gift shop.  Darn good it was too!