Johnny Cash - San Quentin

I just fancied a song, and for some reason this one came to mind.

All in the best possible taste

I've really enjoyed the Grayson Perry series in which he has looked at the taste of the different classes in the UK.

I've enjoyed his intelligent and inquisitive approach and the fact that he has thrown himself in and tried to understand the different tastes and all the complex and subtle reasons why people make the choices they do. It ended up almost more social anthropology than aesthetics.

Here are some of the tapestries he produced to tell the stories he heard.

Working class

Middle class

Upper class

Of the three, the one that appeals to me the most is the Upper class one. It tells a powerful tale. I like the reference to hunting and I see a nod to a painting I have always loved in the couple beneath the tree; Gainsborough's Mr and Mrs Andrews.

I can resist anything except temptation

I've just been down to do a viewing at the local auction. It was my friend's fault. She tempted me.

There were quite a few things I could happily throw money at. How about this painting which reminds me of Seraphine de Senlis?

Or these staddle stones, which I keep going on about?

Or this lovely oil painting of a lady who looks like a young Elizabeth Taylor?

Here's a close up. It's by an artist called Lilian Buchanan.

Two hours of summer

We weren't prepared to waste them, so off we went a-walking in Devonshire.

This little village was mentioned in the Domesday book. These were the 'landes of Queen Matilda' wife of William the Conqueror.

Most of the gravestones outside the 14th Century church belonged to people born in the 1700s.

As children we had a Ladybird book called Kings and Queens of England. I remember Matilda, I think she is the one with plaits on the right. I had no idea what a scary woman she was!

Camping

My favourite campsites are the little hidden away ones with few people on them and not too many facilities. I like to feel like it's an adventure. Having said that I do like to take rugs and proper duvets. I'm a bit of a sucker for nice things.

So I've just been googling about camping and here's something I haven't heard of before. What a great idea. I think it might be quite new?

pinecrestresort.blogspot.co.uk

Nice tent at www.bakerandbell.com

www.prettynostalgic.co.uk

A brief respite from the rain

One day of sunshine and I am thinking of the patio and outdoor living. Here is some great inspiration.

copyright Jane Schouten

I'm really sorry, I can't remember where I got the first two images from.

At home

I'm always glad when I can cut flowers from the garden.

A propos of absolutely nothing, I want my hair like this.

copyright sitteninthehills64.blogspot.co.uk