Donna Maree Hanson, Author and PhD Candidate

Part of the old castle, Leeds Castle

Last Friday, our last whole day in Kent, we were joined by Dan on a wet and gray trip around Leeds Castle. It has rather extensive grounds better enjoyed when it is not raining. We also lost the restaurant in the end when in search of a nice, hot cuppa. There was a serious lack of puns on this excursion though there was an umbrella that had a long sword for a handle, which Matthew liked considerably. I guess me, bellowing across the shop that 48 pounds was a bit of a joke, put him off somewhat.

Now for those lovely photos.

Down the garden path with Leeds Castle in the distance

The list of things King Henry VIII brought with him to Leeds Castle

King Henry VIII seemed to mimic our itinerary. He seems to have already been where we go.

One more…

To polish off the day we had a wonderful dinner with Dan, Nik and family. An excellent braised and then roast lamb, with baked capsicum (red pepper), tomato with anchovies and peas. I stole the recipe for the baked capsicum from Dan and I’m working on the lamb one. Nik made an excellent sticky toffee pudding (dates and walnuts) and it looked good enough to dive into face first. Of course, being a lady I withheld my impulses and ate a single serving.

What made the rather damp day perfect was spending it with such wonderful (interesting, intelligent and funny) people like Dan, Nik and family. After dinner we played with Dan’s weapons of single destruction (mind you there was a gun that shot five bullets all at once). Here is a shot with James and one of Dan’s swords.

Okay I can’t resist. A shot of Matthew in one of Dan’s antique chairs…and yes he did get out of it.

A shadowed man in a little chair