Beatrix and her hitherto unknown descendent Harry

Well, we are half way through our virtual vacation in Suffolk but we still have so much more to see, eat and experience. This morning's kippers and malted granary loaf was certainly an experience for kiddoes 1, 2 and 3 who were vociferously aghast at the idea of fish for breakfast!!!! Their complaints gave me additional enjoyment to this gustatory treat :)


I am fortified for the day ahead!

We started off the day at Bridge Cottage at Flatford Mill. This cottage is situated in the heart of Dedham Vale and houses an exhibition on John Constable who painted such famous pictures as the Haywaggon in this area. Much as I would have been happy to stay awhile and perhaps do one of their guided walks, it was not to the taste of three young children so we decided on a trip back to Lavenham - by now becoming gloriously familiar, almost homelike and a trip to Curiosity Corner - a specialist shop selling Steiff Teddy bears.

With three new furry friends added to our party we had the difficult choice to make as to how to spend the afternoon. We decided to nip to the corner shop (Translation: very small locally owned grocery store) and buy bread, cheese, pickle, fruit, crisps (Translation: chips) and some orange squash (Untranslatable) in order to have a picnic. No trip to England with hybrid English-American children would be complete without an English parent forcing aforementioned children to endure a cold, windy picnic in the open air, "Just like we had when I was a girl". They've got that T.Shirt now!

During the squabbling and bickering held during a traditional cold English picnic we had to decide between visiting Gainsborough's house in Sudbury and a National Trust property called Melford Hall, an Elizabethan House. Melford Hall had gardens for unrestricted running around and a tea room. It was the favorite hands down!

I am so glad that we bothered to find out about this place. It was brilliant! not only was it actually interesting and quirky and atmospheric but it really gave the kiddoes a feel for a family house that made up a bit of their historical and cultural heritage. Built in the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I was entertained here (the red headed queen with the white face!) and more interestingly for the kiddoes, Beatrix Potter visited here often as her relatives lived here. There is a room called the Beatrix Potter bedroom and all sorts of sketches she made of squirrels and of the old ponds, the inspiration for the Jeremy Fisher stories that Offspring #3 so loves.

Melford Hall by kind permission of The National Trust

Games of Hide and Seek and Tin Can Alley amongst the Beech trees and Yew Hedges, not to mention 'grass angels' in the soft English grass that harbors no stinging fire ants perfected the day. Terrific tea rooms and a satisfying gift shop made this a place that we will long remember. A perfect memory.

On the drive back to our home, The Swan, in Lavenham, a sleepy #2 Offspring was heard to murmur sleepily about the coincidence of Beatrix and Harry Potter both having the same last name. "Perhaps they are related?" she asked.