My oh my what a wonderful day!

We had yesterday,just had to write and share it with you.
I was virtually pain free so we decided we would bite the bullet and do something we have been planning for ages. We had a quick breakfast,and then we drove into the wilds of Dorset. Well an expedition for me anyway, we have been researching our family trees and my Paternal side were all Dorset/Somerset people. Anyway we had found out that in 1773 my 2x great grandfather was baptised at a small church about 25/30 miles away and in a place we didn't know existed. So armed with a map and info we had, we set off. We arrived ,after driving up roads with grass growing in the middle to St.Johns in Seaborough , which was on the Dorset Somerset border but now in Dorset.

It does not look much from this photo,but it was very small and the views were stunning,but more of that later.The house you can see is the Rectory. We looked at the notice board by the gate at a notice saying there was a book and transcription written by a local man and available to buy. It gave his phone number and as it was just around the corner from where we were , Martin phoned him and arranged for us to go see him after having a look at the churchyard.
So in we went.Unfortunately due to isolated churches being vandalised etc it was locked ,but maybe it will give you some idea of how quaint this was.

I could just imagine my great great grandfather being carried by his parents into the church through this porch,which was covered in Jasmine but maybe not in his time lol.I suppose he may have been wearing the Dorset smock in that period.

Such a shame we couldn't go in, as the book shows the inside and its lovely.


Next to the church is the old rectory,oh boy would I love to live there! It is now owned privately being sold in 1961,you can see the gate to the box garden you can see as you walk by.

It was so pretty and very country living type of property, I took this through the gate this is the front door.

We made our way to a little cottage set on its own in front of some imposing gate posts that led to Seaborough Court which was rather magnificent. The cottage was where the man that had written the book lived. We had a long chat with him and bought a book which verifies the information that James was definitely baptised here and his 2 sisters .One of which had died the year before his birth aged 2. Apparently small pox was rife .This is where the view comes in ,as you can see how 'countryfied'it is by this next pic.The book that we purchased.


So a very successful outcome. You are probably thinking if you are interested in genealogy that we are lucky having ancestors that didn't move far ,let me tell you it is a lot more tricky than Who do you think you are? lol.I could tell you false trails we have been on and we are still trying to find my maternal great great grandparents.Next is to find the church where he married ,but that for another day.

You are probably bored to tears by now but I did have a little retail therapy.We stopped off at a craft centre which is such a lovely place to visit. We had a mooch round.I bought a bear and a box in the sale cost me £5 for both ,I know you need to see ,



As you can see it was a Christmas type of box but I thought it would look nice holding the ornies as I finish them,I must stitch more!
Then at the same little complex which I might add is in right out in the country-I visited Beccas Emporium where I found this fabric for backing bits and bobs,and some bat buttons.


We then visited the Earth Design centre,where my friend Karan would have been lost for a while,with their crystals and books on things she is studying.
Time for coffee and cake ,we decided not to stay for lunch as Ollie was home alone.
So into the car and on our way homeward but just had to stop for a sheep fix.

also you will see that I have changed the header pic. It is taken from Abbotsbury hill looking toward Portland, we live about half way between.The Chesil beach is pebbles and stretches for some 17miles. The small lagoon is called the Fleet which is tidal and home to many swans etc.
Taken at the same place the sheep were at.
On arrival home to a very anxious dog,How Dare you leave me so long!! I saw the postie had arrived and brought me a little package from Sally thankyou so much Sally.It was some charts she had finished with so I will look forward to stitching those.

Also a replacement from Fobbles of the Needle roll that was the wrong one they sent which arrived on Thursday.

With the order that came on Thursday I received Glad Tidings fob which I have started.

If you look closely you can see a little sheepie friend on it.
Well my bloggy friends, I hope you come back after this not so stitchy ramble,and you are all not falling asleep at your computers. Thanks for listening commenting and just being there, also for all those comments you make it all means sssooooo much.
Just before I go a picture of the latest bloomer in the garden and at last a pic of the swimming dog.


All in all a good day ,but oh dear not good today.Oh well I enjoyed it while it lasted. Perhaps a more stitchy one next time take care all ,forecast this week is for more hot, so don't forget the sun hat.
Hugs n stuff till next time
Barb x