Hampton Court

Another regular Half-Term visit is Hampton Court. We have been there many, many times, and nearly always with my Mum. Betsy and Al have been very close with her all their lives and spend a lot of time with her.

My mum's friend Stuart works at the Palace and if he is on duty, we always get a little bit of extra information or shown something that people don't always see. Today it was a secret doorway in the Haunted Gallery.

I saw the weather forecast yesterday was for -1, and knowing that Hampton Court has it's own micro-climate several degrees colder than the world outside the perimiter fence, I wore a thermal vest, several layers and a fur hat. It was brilliantly sunny and warmer than I thought but aside from the hat, I was pleased I was layered-up.

We know every inch of the palace inside and out and so picked a spot for our picnic in the Wilderness Garden which was both brilliantly sunny and totally empty.

I'm still feeling full of cold and intend to have a day at home with the children tomorrow. I feel a double-wardrobe sort-out coming on. I haven't told the children yet, as they hate sort-outs as they are both boring and involve parting with things which they hate. I will spring it on them tomorrow!