Fall's changing leaves, Oxford, England.
Have just spent two lovely weeks in the UK, visiting Oxford, Guildford, Chichester and various points along the South Coast. Went antiquing (didn't buy a thing, although sorely tempted by an Italian gilt sofa); shopping (coats, clothes, boots and books and an extra bag to get it all home) and visited family. At a cozy little inn in Rigby (believe it or not!) where Lord Nelson stayed en route to the Naval fleet at Portsmouth, David and I ran into an old (French) friend from Paris.
We saw a colourful circus (sadly, rain prevented photographs) and stunning Roman mosaics - the Fishbourne Roman Palace - unearthed in an archelogical dig in the 1960s. We visited the historic Arundel Castle, climbing dozens of narrow, steep stone steps through winding passages to the Castle Keep. It was well worth the trek for sweeping views of the surrounding town and countryside. We toured the castle's interior rooms (where The Young Victoria was filmed earlier this year), visited two chapels and walked in the landscaped Collector Earl's Garden.
We spent a week at a charming slope-roofed cottage near Merston, with the bonus of a flock of nearly 100 sheep in a pasture just ten feet away. I read books, watched documentaries and snapped photos of the sheep and resident roosters, while David went bird-watching. We visited an ancient graveyard and walked along the rocky seashore. It was peaceful and beautiful - but it took only two days back in Paris for me to become stressed, with computer issues, deadlines galore and some long-distance family drama.
I have hundreds of photos still to process (to resize, to discourage theft). Have decided to stop watermarking my images, after reading a Wired article ridiculing this practice. I also have email to answer and your blogs to read. Back soon with more photos and stories.
Red leaf-covered building, Oxford.
Flame-coloured trees on the grounds surrounding Arundel Castle.
Remnants of stone building near Arundel Castle.
The red leaf-covered building is fantastic!!!The red colored trees are mind blowing!!!Awesome shots!
Posted by: Green cars | 14 December 2009 at 06:17
Saw these earlier this week and meant to come back and linger. Now I can. These are....
well. you know.
Posted by: Chris | 08 November 2009 at 13:13
Sounds, and LOOKS just beautiful. I love love love that ivy on the house. We want to plant some to grow on our house! I wish it would look like that.
:)
Posted by: amber | 06 November 2009 at 04:34
These photos are excellent. You have a very engaging and outstanding blog here.
Posted by: Des | 04 November 2009 at 13:04
Those fall colours are stunning! Wow!
Posted by: Carla | 04 November 2009 at 08:25
Spectacular photos! I like your watermarks; they give it both a personal and professional touch.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 03 November 2009 at 23:57
Absolutely GORGEOUS photos!!! LOVE all the colours!!!
Posted by: Fifi Flores | 02 November 2009 at 03:43
Spectacular fall foliage!
So good to hear that you and your husband enjoyed a relaxing holiday, far from the maddening crowds.
Posted by: Merisi | 01 November 2009 at 21:14
Oh, Tara -- how utterly spectacular. The color is four-star, the buildings so charming I almost can't bear it and that castle is glorious. I'm glad you had time to relax and recharge. It sounds like a lovely holiday. Hope the computer issues and family ones too resolve quickly. Warm hugs!
Posted by: jeanie | 01 November 2009 at 16:09
beautiful photos as always, Tara! it is bursting in hue :)
and merci beaucoup ! for the spooky greeting card :) i enjoyed it.
have a fun halloween! :)
Posted by: Account Deleted | 01 November 2009 at 15:34
beautiful photos as always, Tara! :)
and merci beaucoup ! for the spooky greeting card :) i enjoyed it.
have a fun halloween! :)
Posted by: gracey | 01 November 2009 at 15:31
Welcome home...fall at a castle, what could be better! Thank you for my Halloween greeting!
Happy one to you!!
x..x
Posted by: Stephanie | 31 October 2009 at 20:30
You were in Guildford?! So close to me!! I live in Farnham.
Beautiful photos.
Posted by: kim | 30 October 2009 at 15:10
Tara your photography stunning as ever!Oh my that first is so worthy of a frame! Good to hear that you and David did take time out to walk with Autumn
and just enjoy the moment. Forgive me for not visiting as often but when my healing journey ends I will have restored energy For now I limit my time at
the PC. blessings to you xo
Posted by: naturegirl | 30 October 2009 at 13:02
The ivy covered building is just awesome.
So lovely that you got a pleasant surprise while on holiday.
One Love.
p.s. catching up on blogging. so glad I stopped by.
Posted by: Se'Lah | 30 October 2009 at 03:40
Sounds like a very nice getaway for the two of you! Love the photos, as ever. Hope the drama stateside settles down.
sending love,
deb
Posted by: JanePoet ~ JP/deb | 29 October 2009 at 16:15
Wow! Great color and amazing architecture... Oh, Europe!
Posted by: MiddleAgedWomanBlogging | 29 October 2009 at 08:27
i actually let out a little gasp - wonderful images, so worth the wait!
Posted by: elsie | 29 October 2009 at 07:21
Sounds like you had a lovely time and I hope things calm down for you soon. Lovely images xx
Posted by: Di | 29 October 2009 at 00:02
What a beautiful, peaceful vacation. Jim would have loved the bird watching and I would have loved sheep and books. I hope you can recover the peaceful moments in your heart soon.
Posted by: Marilyn | 29 October 2009 at 00:00
these are just incredible photos! wow!
Posted by: christina | 28 October 2009 at 22:30
Thank you Helen. Not sure about the watermarks; for the time being, have reduced the resolution of the photos, so they won't look good if someone tries to reproduce them without permission.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 28 October 2009 at 21:52
Fabulous photos, as usual, and sounds like a wonderful trip. Hope all your stress issues resolve to your satisfaction. Hang in there!
Posted by: Rebecca | 28 October 2009 at 20:46
Gorgeous photography.
You might want to rethink watermarks--for your blog only--if it discourages theft.
Glad to see you back and posting!
Posted by: Helen | 28 October 2009 at 19:51
Your shots are great!
No more watermarks? Why?
I'll go find the article...
Nice to run into a friend while on holidays! How cool!
Shopping is always fun too. Good for you guys.
Under the weather today, heading home early.
Will ttys xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 28 October 2009 at 19:37
WOW! The color! Absolutely gorgeous images!
Posted by: Maia | 28 October 2009 at 19:14