Morris Memorial Cottages

I've been thinking again about our visit to Kelmscott Manor in England. As you walk into the little town of Kelmscott toward the Manor, you come across two William Morris Memorial Cottages commissioned by Morris's wife after his death and designed by Philip Webb. I really regret that I didn't take a picture! We noticed them but were not sure what they were at the time. Here's the lovely carving on the side of one of them (this picture is from the official web site).

Belvoir Presse

When we were at Kelmscott Manor, we stopped in the cafe for a snack. I got a lime and lemongrass soda that was divine. It was a presse made by Belvoir, and it was all natural - and very refreshing. I'll have to find someplace to order it online!

Tea Towels

It was no surprise that tea towels were to be found everywhere in England (and Wales and Scotland). I think I ended up with four - or was it five? Here's one that I got at Canterbury Cathedral. And one from Kelmscott Manor. I'm excited to use them in our new home (even though I don't drink tea!).

Thursday Text: For the Bed at Kelmscott

One of the off-the-beaten-path things that we did while in England was visit William Morris's home in Kelmscott. It was fascinating. Around the canopy of the bed in the master bedroom is an embroidered verse that Morris wrote:

The wind's on the wold
And the night is a-cold,
And Thames runs chill
Twixt mead and hill,
But kind and dear
Is the old house here,
And my heart is warm
Midst winter's harm.
Rest then and rest,
And think of the best
Twixt summer and spring
When all birds sing
In the town of the tree,
As ye lie in me
And scarce dare move
Lest earth and its love
Should fade away
Ere the full of the day.

I am old and have seen
Many things that have been,
Both grief and peace,
And wane and increase.
No tale I tell
Of ill or well,
But this I say,
Night treadeth on day,
And for worst and best
Right good is rest.