Connections

 Connections make such a difference to our experience of something. For me, especially, today's visit to Haddon Hall was very special, as it has played Thornfield in three adaptations of Jane Eyre. It is a familiar house to me, and a beloved one. To see it in real life was a moving experience. Here come a lot of photos; sorry.

The gatehouse

We enter just below the courtyard, and right away, it is familiar.

Bethany has watched all the Jane Eyre versions with me, though she can't make it through the book, and even Andrew recognised the rooms and garden.

The weather is so very 'hot' and dry, with no rain expected, so the gardens are struggling. Brown grass!

After leaving Haddon Hall, we went into Bakewell for lunch and a walk by the river. Andrew bought himself a bakewell pudding.

Ten years ago we stayed with Trish and Geoff, and they took us around for the most glorious day. This time, Geoff is in Australia (!), but Trish met us at Haddon Hall, and then had us over for dinner, with two more cousins, Jill and Tann.

Trish cooked up a storm, Tann made a spectacular trifle and chocolate cake, and Jill brought some fabulous cheeses (Stilton!), so we had a super delicious meal, but more importantly, we had a wonderful time with them. Great conversation, sitting in Trish's beautiful garden - family connections across the globe.

Oops, the only photo I have uploaded doesn't have Tann in it...

What a brilliant day!