This morning, working away in the cottage in my garden, a couple of strangers arrived at the gate. I had no idea what they wanted but went out to chat to them and find out whether they needed help - they're a husband and wife and looked a little emotional so off I went to chat to them.
Turns out, her father built this house. The cottage where I have my practise was her dad's medical practise. She, Stephanie, was born in this house 61 years ago, and on her first birthday, planted a little acorn outside where our front gate is today. That is massive old oak that still stands guard at our front gate today! I always estimated the house and tree to be around 60 years old and today, it was proven. The architect was Van Achtenberg and his signature was arched leaded windows and arched doorways - which we still have in the house.
She told me that there was a huge fruit orchard in the back yard but this isn't there now - I think the property has been sub-divided over the years down to the size it is today, but I'd love to have those trees. Pears, figs, lemons, peaches and mulberries. I have a lemon tree and a monstrous size mulberry tree but that's about it.
Took her on a tour of the house with all the renovations and extensions that have been done over the years and to see the excitement and emotion on her face, was priceless. Her dad, 92, lives not far away but because his health is ailing, he can't come for a visit.
What a wonderful surprise that was and what a way to get Monday underway - pity FS wasn't here to meet them.
Turns out, her father built this house. The cottage where I have my practise was her dad's medical practise. She, Stephanie, was born in this house 61 years ago, and on her first birthday, planted a little acorn outside where our front gate is today. That is massive old oak that still stands guard at our front gate today! I always estimated the house and tree to be around 60 years old and today, it was proven. The architect was Van Achtenberg and his signature was arched leaded windows and arched doorways - which we still have in the house.
She told me that there was a huge fruit orchard in the back yard but this isn't there now - I think the property has been sub-divided over the years down to the size it is today, but I'd love to have those trees. Pears, figs, lemons, peaches and mulberries. I have a lemon tree and a monstrous size mulberry tree but that's about it.
Took her on a tour of the house with all the renovations and extensions that have been done over the years and to see the excitement and emotion on her face, was priceless. Her dad, 92, lives not far away but because his health is ailing, he can't come for a visit.
What a wonderful surprise that was and what a way to get Monday underway - pity FS wasn't here to meet them.
