The Secret Garden

On the way to the Yorkshire coast, we often stop at the tranquil Buddhist centre at Kilnwick Percy in the Yorkshire Wold Madhyamaka Kadampa Meditation Centre. A walk round the lake, a picnic or a drink in the friendly World Peace Café is a welcome break. 

This time we visited, the usual car park was full and we were directed to the overflow. This happy accident brought us to the woods which is the entrance to a walled garden which we hadn’t previously known about. We met a man foraging for the leaves of various plants who explained which were edible and how to use them.  This peaceful haven with its ponds and benches has two paths, a inner and outer path, encircling a circular lawn.

 

 Well worth a visit if you are in the area.

An interesting weekend in East Yorkshire

 

We often stop off at the tranquil Madhyamaka Buddhist Centre at Kilnwick Percy on our way to the East coast for a snack at the Peace Café or to eat our picnic.  However, this is the first time we have done the Lakeside Walk with its benches and picnic tables along the route.  It forms part of the Pilgrimage of Grace Heritage Trail, named after a Yorkshire rebellion of 1536 sparked by dissolution of the monasteries.

Kilnwick Percy Hall - Madhyamaka KMC

Kite Festival

The Kite Festival, an annual event in May in normal times, is held on Sewerby Cliffs at Bridlington.  Kites of all shapes and sizes are flown giving an amazing aerial display.  Kites are also available to purchase and the various stalls make it a jolly affair.  I find there is something magical about watching kites soaring in the sky although they can be very frustrating when they don’t behave as you would wish.

A visit to a vineyard in East Yorkshire

Set up in 2009 when a piece of land was purchased in Aike, Laurel Vines is now an award winning vineyard whose wines are stocked in the best restaurants and pubs.  We learnt of the trials and tribulations of the early days and their position on climate change and sustainability, the process of winemaking and we had the opportunity of tasting their produce.  It would have been rude not to!

Laurel Vines | Wine from an East Yorkshire Vineyard (laurel-vines.co.uk)

 

Spring Bank Holiday

Great weekend in London spending quality time with Ben and Freya.  Ben made Tuna Casserole a la greque, a variation of mine, for Friday night.


In Ealing Shopping Centre we visited Tiger, Poundland and  M and S.


 Freya reading my diary

  
Stopped off the M1 at Misterton on thw way down

We visited various local parks, which must be London’s best kept secret from tourists.  All have free entry to all areas.

Acton Park, which is well used by the residents, first opened to the public in 1888 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. A dying Dutch Elm tree, one of the last in the borough, close to the main entrance has been transformed into a dramatic 28-foot carved statue called the Twilight Tree.

Brent River Park with its wildlife, walks and maze.

Gunnarsby Park with its wild parrots and museum, which is housed in an early 19th century mansion, once home to the Rothschild family. Displays include local history, costume, carriages and there was a temporary exhibition of embroidery.  

 Freya in Acton Park

 Shopping for babywipes alone in London found this deserted car park in shopping mall.  Realised the reason why when we had to part with £8.00 minimum charge - for 15 minutes!

 In Morrison's lift; a very expensive photoshoot location



 

 

 

Straight on to childminding for the other grandchildren.

Stopped for picnic at Kilnwick Percy off the Hull road to the East coast.  Here, at the foot of the wolds, established for 25 year and internationally renowned, is the Madhyamaka meditation centre set in 42 acres of grounds and historic house with a vegetarian cafe and   Bed &Breakfast facilities

 Crazy golf

 Boys and their toys

 

 The RAF  helicopter with a simulated exercise to rescue people from the sea 

Had a good few days; bike rides and walks to sea.