Johnstown Castle

Today I'm sharing one of my favorite stops on our recent trip to Ireland, Johnstown Castle in County Wexford. The inside of the 19th century castle is not yet open for touring, but the grounds are just amazing.  As we walked on a pathway around a lake behind the castle, I felt transported back in time. These ruins are left from a previous Norman castle, built in the 15th or 16th century.

My cousin and I couldn't resist trying a Rapunzel pose in this tower (minus the long hair).

The castle will be opening for tours in the next year or two.  I'll have to come back for that.

This vintage car drove by us while we walked around the lake.  Did I mention that I felt like I was visiting another time?

This is one of the statues in the garden.

After our walk around the lake, we ate at the Peacock Tea Room.  This handsome fellow was trying his best to get the attention of peahens in the nearby courtyard (and providing entertainment for the tourists).

We especially enjoyed our time in the beautiful walled flower garden on the property.  The colors were just amazing.

If you would like to see more, there is a 360 virtual tour on their website.  Enjoy!

The Savill Garden

Hello Friends!
Happily for me, I recently traveled to England and Ireland with my mom.  We visited her sisters and my cousins who live in those two beautiful countries.

Today, I'm sharing one of the spectacular gardens my cousins brought me to see.  The Savill Garden is part of Windsor Great Park in England.

My ninety year old aunt has always loves gardening and lives near Windsor.  She visits this inspirational place often.

The hedged "Summer Gardens" were my favorite spot.  

Above is a view of the Rose Garden taken from a platform above it.

We also visited the nearby Windsor Castle.  There are gardens to spot there as well.

Locals can shop for beautiful plants and locally sourced foods at the Windsor Farm Shop.  We enjoyed some delicious strawberries and fresh baked goods.
Have a wonderful day!

Monday Social #37

  

Welcome to Monday Social #37.

It's with sad news that Judith, Eilis, and I announce our last Monday Social.  

Judith at Botanic Bleu  || Instagram || Facebook || Pinterest || Botanic Bleu ||

Katie at Let's Add Sprinkles || Instagram || Facebook || Pinterest || Let's Add Sprinkles ||

Eilis at My Heart Lives Here  || Instagram || Pinterest || My Heart Lives Here ||

We have evaluated our time spent and the growth we have had in our link up.
We haven't grown at all.
We had one week where we grew to 60+ links.
Our first week we had maybe 45. Last week we had 44.
Math is not really my thing but even I can say that we haven't grown.
Eilis came to us and apologized for her sporadic blog posts because real life has gotten in the way of her life on-line.
Go, Eilis!
Judith and I will be looking to spend less time on-line instead of more at this point too.
I want to say thank you to our faithful participants each week.
We have had a core of loyal followers from the beginning.
We appreciate you more than we can say.
We have loved hosting this party.
We have grown as bloggers and our blogging friendships have grown as well.

So with that, I get to pick the features this week.

FEATURES 

Sarah at Hyacinths For The Soul shared this flag image on Pinterest. 

Sheila shared this gorgeous blue and white plate on Instagram. 

Corner of Plaid shared this succulent tablescape. 

I love it. 

That is a wrap.
I finished my 26 year teaching career yesterday.
I'll have some thoughts about that in the coming weeks once I can process it all.
I'll also have some fun purse projects to share.
Bill and I are working on a sponsored post coming up in a month or so.
We have our cocktail ottoman fail to share.
One of my first projects this summer is a dining room redo.
I'll still be blogging so keep coming by to visit and comment.
I'll be by to visit your blogs now that I'll have more time.
Thank you for all of you that participated in Monday Social.
You are the best!
Katie

Monday Social #36

Monday Social #36

Judith at Botanic Bleu  || Instagram || Facebook || Pinterest || Botanic Bleu ||

Katie at Let's Add Sprinkles || Instagram || Facebook || Pinterest || Let's Add Sprinkles ||

Eilis at My Heart Lives Here  || Instagram || Pinterest || My Heart Lives Here ||

Thanks for joining us at Monday Social!  We love to see what you share from your Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or blog.

The hostess this week is 

Eilis from My Heart Lives Here

This week I used science boards and fabric to change a built-in bookcase.

Judith shared great Tips to Get Hydrangeas to Bloom.

Katie made New Jewelry from Thrifted Pieces

There were so many inspiring links at Monday Social #35.  

Here are this week's features:

Rita at Panoply revealed an amazing Master Bath Transformation.

Kristen at Timeless Creations shared a charming Kitchen Makeover.

Marie at Rever en couleur updated her beautiful bathroom with new wallpaper.

Jennifer at Reviews, Chews, & How-to's shared how she made Simple and Healthy Cinnamon Clouds.  I can't wait to try this recipe.

Cecilia at My Thrift Store Addiction shared her trip to Becker Vinyards Lavendar Festival. I've always wanted to visit Fredericksburg, Texas.  

Party Guidelines

-- Link a maximum of 5 photos that take party goers to Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, or a Blog. 
   

-- No direct links to linky parties or advertising including Etsy shops.

-- By joining the party, you are agreeing that the photos are yours or that you have permission to use them, that we may use those photos to feature your work on a blog post and/or in social media. The blog post will always have a link back to you. Remember to disable "no reply" to your email so we can reach you.

--Not required, but we would love for everyone to invite their readers to join the party and to share the Monday Social button on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, and Blog sites.

Link away!

An InLinkz Link-up