Chartwell

Today, I got something that I didn't even realize you could get in this country - a sunburn. While I'm normally an overly-cautious-sunscreen-if-you-even-think-it might-be-a-remote-possibility-to-get-any-sun kind of person, I was rather lax today (and also cheap - it seemed a waste to buy a whole bottle of sunscreen for $13 for the one day it's actually possible to sunburn) and am now paying the piper. But I enjoyed every minute of it!

We went to Chartwell - the home of Sir Winston Churchill. It was a beautiful day. We picnicked on the lawn and then toured the house and the gardens.

Chartwell - a view from the back. It was quite impressive, but definitely a family home. According to the stewards attending the various rooms Churchill was very diligent in keeping his personal and professional lives separate - quite a feat, especially considering his role in history.

The sundial in the middle of Golden Rose Lane - a garden of yellow roses. Interesting tidbit - the top of the dial was above my head. I guess only really tall people were allowed to know what time it was here.

The rose garden (for which it is famous, other than the whole home of Churchill thing) was in full bloom. I was super excited about this since I was fairly certain that the roses had already peaked and gone. Thank you, Lord, for this small blessing.

The reddest roses I think I have ever seen. To get this photograph, I had to hold my camera above my head because the bottom of the blooms were at my eye-level. That's some tall roses!

The goldfish pond with Churchill's "thinking chair." There was a picture in the house taken of him standing on the middle stepping stone. He was quite prolific. I like to think that he came up with some of his famous quotes while sitting here and reflecting. Too bad it was roped off, I could have used some time to sit in the chair and absorb some of his common sense.

Favorite Sir Winston Churchill quote to date:
"It is no use saying, 'We are doing our best.' You have got to succeed in doing what is necessary."