I recently taught a workshop in the Cotswolds in England. This area is probably one of the most beautiful places i have ever been to. Of course, loving gardens the way i do, added to the pleasure. This photo is of a 2 1/2 acre family owned garden named Mill Deen. You are greeted by a lovely woman who shows you the way to a glass enclosed room, where you can enjoy homemade sandwiches, warm soups and delicious cakes. On this particular trip, it rained just a tad (which made for fabulous photographs!) so the enjoyment of the warm soup and tea was heightened.

Almost every window in the Cotswolds is framed with a beautiful rose like this one. Our timing could not have been more perfect to catch the blooms of roses, Clematis, Peonies, Ceonothis and more.

I had always heard about the thatched cottages in the Cotswolds, but thought they were a thing of the past. The grasses are actually covered with a type of chicken wire.

When the students arrived our second week, we stayed at a lovely place called the Kings Head Inn. The rooms were beautiful, clean and inviting. Every morning for breakfast, we had "chicken". There were three resident bantie chickens that would come into the dining room and munch on the crumbs that would fall. Actually, it was our group that "opened" the doors, so they could come in. I don't think the Inn keeper really approved.

As a surprise for the students, I arranged an "after hours reservation" at Stonehenge. Normally, tourists must stay behind a rope and view the stones from a distance. We were allowed to go in at sunset, walk amoungst and touch these magical stones for a whole hour. My daughter Casey, dawned a black dress and we had her model for us. That evening definitely filled our souls..............