York

Here is some Christmassy eye-candy from the beautiful, historic city of York.  We went there two weeks ago to visit youngest son who is currently studying there.  He comes home this weekend, yippeeeee!!!

We pushed the boat out a little and had tea in Betty's tearooms.  You can just about see us below.  I am wearing a red coat, youngest son is wearing a stripy scarf, and eldest son is wearing a green coat.  We stood and waited outside Betty's for over an hour in the rain, along with all the tourists from all over the world.

It was well worth it though, the food was delicious, and we ate fat rascals, which Betty's are famous for.  But we only ate 2 of them between four of us, in case we turn into fat rascals ourselves!

It was a very long day, we spent over six hours on the train altogether, and didn't get home until after midnight, but it was absolutely wonderful.

I met a fascinating lady there called Annie Austen-Meek, who runs her own business called Softpots, which involves plants growing in old tights and stockings!  It sounds a bit funny but go here to see the amazing gardens she has created.  Below is a sample of the magic that Annie creates.  I was overawed by her creativity and originality.

All the plants here are growing in old tights, and even all the cobbles and statues are just tights filled with soil, moulded into shape and painted.  I'd love to try out this idea next spring in my garden. The whole effect looked really magical, right in the centre of York.