Kittens

Back in April we had to say a very say Goodbye to our lovely old cat Misty, who was the good age of 16 and a half, she was much loved and missed terribly by us all.

Merlin sitting up, Loki is lying down.

We had said that we would not have another cat, well my husband did anyway! My son and I had other ideas, so after a lot of discussion we thought of getting an older cat, and definitely no kittens!

Loki, he was so small.

Merlin was tiny too

My son Joe and I went to various Cat Sanctuaries with no luck, especially as we were looking for a long haired older cat.

I like lying on shoes and playing with them.

I like my Mum’s knee

Finally we paid a visit to our local, very lovely Kingsdown Cat Sanctuary. I had already been in touch with Clare,the owner, asking about a long haired older cat, but there were none available. My son thought it would be a good idea to ‘go and see’ anyway.

Sleepy kittens

We were looking at a couple of tiny kittens when one of the helpers pointed out that there were two more kittens in the pens on the other side of the garden, we went to have a look and I was handed a beautiful fluffy black and white kitten. It was love at first sight on my behalf, so we asked about adopting him. Clare wanted the two kittens to be adopted together, and we just could not say ‘No’.

Merlin and Loki have now been with us for about 6 weeks, they are adorable kittens, and have made our home feel complete again.

Here is looking forward to another fun filled 16 years or so with our fur babies

 

Remembrance

 

Bodiam Castle, the Interior

Bodiam Castle is a quadrangular (square) shape, with towers at each corner topped with crenellations.  It is unusual in that it does not have a Keep, all the interior buildings were built against the outer defensive walls.

Towers to climb

Fireplaces

Graffiti, it looks like it has been there a long time!

The kitchen area

A costumed member of staff giving a talk.

I love looking round ruins, and this one was wonderful, with towers to explore, steep spiral staircases to climb, with spectacular views of the countryside and the inside of the Castle from the battlements.

Beautiful countryside all around.

On the battlements

Looking down into the castle from the top of one of the towers, you can see the fish in the moat.

My husband and sister in law declined to climb the towers, but if I can go up anywhere I will! I had wobbly legs for a few days after our visit, but it was well worth it

I would have loved to see it with all the buildings complete.

Looking towards the main entrance.

You can only imagine what this looked like when the castle was lived in.

The visit to this fantastic castle, and the journey on the steam train from Tenterden, made this a fantastic day out, we all really enjoyed ourselves. Roll on next summer

Holes for pouring boiling water or oil onto intruders.

Bodiam Castle, the outside.

Bodiam Castle has got to be one of the photogenic castles I have ever seen. Set amongst the beautiful East Sussex countryside, and surrounded by a moat, the castle is a beautiful sight as you walk from Bodiam Station.

As the castle comes into view, you are struck by the beauty of the ruins, and its situation in the surrounding countryside.

The Castle was built in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrigge to defend the area from a French Invasion, which never happened. It has played its part in the War of The Roses and the Civil War. The Castle was dismantled after the Civil War and remained as a ruin until the 19th Century, when some restoration was undertaken.

We had taken a picnic with us, and thoroughly enjoyed eating our lunch in the grounds, and sharing some of it with the many ducks.

Our approach was from the rear of the Castle, but you can walk all around the building, and view the castle from all angles. we had lovely weather, and spent a good couple of hours looking round.

My next blog will be photos of the interior of the Castle

Kent and East Sussex Railway, Tenterden.

Earlier in the year, we had a lovely day out at Bodiam Castle, East Sussex, but, instead of driving to the castle we drove to Tenterden and travelled to the Castle on the Kent and East Sussex Railway, which was a lovely experience.

The engine is called ‘Norwegian’

Looking ‘round the bend’ at a train coming the other way.

We all wanted the train we travelled in to be pulled by a steam engine, so we carefully checked the timetable and arrived in time to catch the first steam train to Bodiam, passing through Rolvenden and Northiam. We picked a beautiful, sunny day for our trip, and loved the hour or so journey through the beautiful countryside of Kent and East Sussex.

Leaving Rolvenden.

Beautiful countryside all along the route

The carriage we travelled in was lovely, and very comfortable, we could all remember carriages similar to these when we were young.

Approaching a level crossing, looking forwards…

and backwards. Another passenger had the same idea as me

I think I spent the whole journey leaning out of the window, taking photos, and getting whiffs of the unique smell that only comes from a steam train. I also got some smuts from the smoke, but that didn’t worry me one bit!

Steam!!

As we approached Bodiam Station we could see the Castle, which is a ten minute walk from the Station. I will do a separate blog on the castle very soon.

Bodiam Castle, more about this beautiful place in my next blog.

The engine reversing into the station for the return journey to Tenterden.

Back in Tenterden.

Farewell Norwegian, thank you for a wonderful journey