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At dusk, a beautiful pink cloud drifts over the sea |
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Gulls circle looking for food |
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Shells and organic debris piled up after high tides |
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In my studio, I've been drying shells on old newspapers, and see the image of blue water and palm trees beneath. It's an advertisement for Caribbean holidays.......cold north meets warm south! |
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Happy Weekend! |
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Wave patterns on shells |
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An apricot coloured heart emerges from the waves |
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Tom and the sleeping giant - fairy tale illustration circa 1910 |
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While dog walking on the beach I often come across these seaweed covered stones, looking like sleeping giants buried in the sand with only the tops of their green hairy heads visible. |
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Further along the shore, hairstyles change ......... the tiny sand mounds are lugworm casts |
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A small stream wends it's way to the sea |
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.............. and blue sky is reflected on calm water |
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Driveway leading to the stables |
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The stable block was probably built about 1800, around the same time as the house. |
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In the courtyard a decapitated swan stands above a clock on which time stands still. Below is a stone relief of two griffons holding an urn. |
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The mythological theme continues on the courtyard walls. These Goddesses probably represent Health,Science,Harvest and Art. |
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Cobblestones |
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Outside the old surrounding wall a woodland path leads to the Lily Pond |
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Late afternoon sun filters through the trees and blue skies are reflected on the lily pond. |
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Driving along this coastal road in East Lothian, it's impossible to tell what lies behind the old wall shielding stunted wind blasted trees. |
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The gate house - today is open day so we are invited to drive through the front gates! |
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This part neoclassical, part Victorian mansion, set in mature woodlands is privately owned and is open for only a few days every year. However by purchasing a permit, anyone can walk around the estate lakes and woodland throughout the year. |
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In past times formal flower gardens in front of the house were accessed via the terrace. |
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The building was originally designed by Robert Adam and built around 1800. Decorative lions,swans,urns and sphinxes are in evidence everywhere. |
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This bored looking lion is one of a pair guarding gates to the main entrance below. |
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The principal entrance Sorry I can't show the interior and large collections of paintings. As is so often the case, no photography is allowed indoors. |
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On the other side,the original main entrance where guests would have alighted from carriages. |
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Directly above, a swan stands on a crown, supported by lions and flanked by two sphinxes. |
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Sphinx - half woman and half lion. |
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The woodlands contain a variety of trees, both old and young. |
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Forestry vehicles lurk in the woods like something from the film Avatar. |
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Next post - the stables and lily pond ........... Shared with Our world Tuesday Skywatch Friday |
