What no blog since the end of March? Where did that go?
It all began at the beginning of the year. I don't see my Dad anywhere near enough or as much as I'd like to.
Sadly work/life and distance gets in the way. My sister and I said at New Year (you know as you do when another year passes and one more begins, New Year Resolutions and all that) that, this year, we needed to see each other more.
Diarise
I knew if we didn't get something, anything, in the diary we wouldn't do it. Both working and have families, you know how it goes, I'm sure I don't need to explain.
Anyway, it's always good to have something to look forward to, so we put in the diary a date to meet up with dad and take him out. Dad, of course, had to check his diary in case he was out dancing :)
When we arranged it we had no idea just what an experience this was going to be.
Wheelchair please
Dad struggles a little getting around and as I knew these gardens, I also knew that a wheelchair would be a necessity. I emailed the gardens and asked if a wheelchair could be made available. They were so accommodating and it was all arranged. They even said the chair could be folded up and put on to the cart to get us to the Tea Rooms if we found it a little hard going pushing.
NB: (Just to say, on the day, the driver of the cart was a little surprised with that suggestion, but with persuasion allowed it to happen.)
Surprise, surprise
Time flies and May came round very quickly.
A last minute surprise. My son emailed and offered to meet us so that he could push his Grandad round in the wheelchair to save my sister and I struggling. Wow, how lovely. I managed to keep that surprise to myself (not one of my best strengths keeping surprises 😉)
I think Dad was a little surprised to say the least and he briefly met his great grandson too (although he went off with his mum to pick up big brother from a party)
And another thing ..
We had no idea that there were goings on here at The Vyne. The roof is undergoing full repair. But don't let that put you off. The NT have made it possible for all to shout from the rooftops - no please don't, may upset a few people.
When I say ALL I mean ALL, even wheelchairs. They have set up an enormous lift for accessibility for everyone.
This a must see. Absolutely incredible.
There's even a lego man hunt for the kids.
Gardens
We managed a small walk around the gardens but the gravel paths are a little bumpy for a wheelchair rider!
Dad said 'they need to put some air in these tyres' :)
A discussion going on here 'do you think that's a Wisteria tree?'
On closer examination, it certainly looks like it.
A small word of warning
Not about the roof, but about the Tea Rooms. Amazing food - when it arrives.
You need to give yourself lots of time, be patient in the queue and the sandwiches sell out quickly.
We queued early, about 12.30 and Dad had requested an egg and cress sandwich.
Whew! My sister spotted the last one on the shelf and they weren't making any more. Don't say I didn't warn you. 😌
My sister and I recommend the jacket potatoes. They are enormous and delicious.
All in all our 'Hello' from the rooftops and the wheelchair comes too, was a lovely day and one where actually you wish it would go on and on and on.
More time required for life, living, loving and caring.