Recently we have been really lucky to have my lovely Nana (fondly known as Nana B) staying with us for a few weeks. To be honest she stayed some of it with us and some of it with my Sisters family but we all saw plenty of each other during that time.
Before she went back we wanted to take her to one of our favourite places – Osterley Park, a beautiful Georgian country estate in west London. Like others she sees all the photos on my blog so was really looking forward to seeing the place for herself.
We arranged to meet my Sister and her family there but they were running a little late. It didn’t matter though, we just went on in. Having Nana with us meant we were able to hitch a lift on the volunteer run bus. The girls were thrilled about this especially Rosie. A very exciting start to our afternoon.
Each time we visit Osterley, we see or do something different. This time there was a display directly opposite the house demonstrating the sounds of Osterley.
After a little fun here, we headed on through to the garden where we enjoyed a lovely little wonder. The sun was kind of shining and it was pretty warm. Everyone was relaxed and having a lovely time. Nana was enjoying watching the girls explore and play. She could see for herself how much they enjoyed and appreciated nature, admiring and smelling the flowers and pointing out their favourite places:
But then disaster struck! It started to rain. Not just a little bit either it poured down. First we headed to a tree for shelter. We were able to hide for a while and I even took the time to take a few photos. The younger girls became a little anxious at this stage but Poppy was amazing. She was just happily dancing in the rain, crazy child:
Butt then it wasn’t funny anymore and it started to get worse. My Sister rang to say she had arrived but thought we should head to the cafe for hot chocolates. Sounded like a plan but getting there was going to be a problem. It just wasn’t letting up. At 85, Nana B making a mad dash for it just wasn’t an option. It was wet and slippery and we were worried she could fall.
We headed towards the Summer house where we took refuge with others. Not only warm and dry, it is the original Robert Adam summer house full of lemon trees and highly scented shrubs. So definitely worth a look at. Nana also caught a glimpse of the gorgeous grounds. She could see all the beautiful flowers for herself even though it was now grey and not really beautiful at all.
It just didn’t look like it was going to get any better and when we checked the weather app it had changed to say it would rain until 10pm. Oh dear. We also received a call from my Sister saying the cafe was really busy so we decided to aim to get back to the bus as quickly as possible. Donna said she would warn them we were coming and see if the bus could get any closer to the garden. Usually it only goes as far as the stable block.
Next thing we new the calvary were on their way. The nicest volunteer you could ever meet had my Sister, brother-in-law and two nephews on the bus and was coming to get us. He was truly amazing. Unable to leave a Nana stranded and soaked to the skin, he came all the way into the gardens and picked us all up. Not only did he do this but he also turned it into an exciting rescue mission for the boys. He insisted there was room for everyone and said ” we can’t leave a lady in distress. Come on, boys to the rescue”!! The boys were delighted with this and he managed to turn what could have been a boring, wet miserable afternoon into a fun and exciting one. We can’t thank him enough:
We were safely driven back all the way to the car meaning Nana didn’t get too wet at all. It could have been very different though. Having had phenomena before, getting drenched could have been disastrous so he really did save the day.
The National Trust rely on volunteers and they do a fantastic job. Ones that like this can really make or break your experience. This one definitely made ours.
Thank you very much.
As for the rest of us, we headed back to ours for tea and biscuits and a lazy afternoon indoors.
Linking in with the lovely Fiona and Country Kids.
Karen x
Michelle Twin Mum
July 3, 2016 at 9:22 pm (9 years ago)We love National Trust sites and this looks like a fab day out. Do nice to have had your Nana to stay, sadly I don’t have any of mine anymore. Mich x
Would Like to Be
July 20, 2016 at 5:34 pm (8 years ago)Thank you, I do feel very lucky to still have mine spam going to make more of an effort to do this sort of thing, minus the rain and rescue mission though x
Merlinda Little (Glimmer of Hope)
July 4, 2016 at 12:45 pm (9 years ago)Aww what a nice story. Not a nice start but was saved by a knight in shining armour! Angel really abound and you found one.
Awesome adventure if you ask me.
#countrykids
Would Like to Be
July 20, 2016 at 5:35 pm (8 years ago)It was a brilliant adventure and one we will probably remember for a long time x
Heidi
July 5, 2016 at 8:26 pm (9 years ago)We love National Trust properties and this one looks beautiful. How lovely that your children have been able to spend lots of time with Nana.
#countrykids
Would Like to Be
July 20, 2016 at 5:36 pm (8 years ago)Osterley house and gardens really are beautiful and a great place to visit. We love it there and just keep on going back x
Coombe Mill
July 6, 2016 at 10:46 am (9 years ago)What an exciting day for you all, the morning sunshine looks fabulous for you all and it’s great the girls got to enjoy the sunshine and show Nana their favourite places. I bet you were all starting to panic as the rain became heavier and heavier, it’s great that you knew where to head to keep Nana as dry as possible. It’s lovely that the volunteer drove right around to pick you and Nana up and it’s even better that he made it an adventure for the kids.
Thanks for sharing with me on #CountryKids.
Would Like to Be
July 20, 2016 at 5:40 pm (8 years ago)He really was amazing and thankfully Nana didn’t get too cold and wet. It could have easily been a completely different story so we were all very relieved and happy
Louise (Little Hearts, Big Love)
July 6, 2016 at 10:52 pm (9 years ago)Oh how fabulous that the volunteer drove all the way into the gardens to rescue your Nana and save her getting cold and wet. It looked like a beautiful day to start off with, what a shame about the rain (although love the photo of Poppy dancing in it). Glad that the volunteer helped turn what could have been a disaster into an adventure for you all #CountryKids
Would Like to Be
July 20, 2016 at 5:40 pm (8 years ago)He was so lovely and truly went above and beyond. He made our day x
Loving life with little ones
July 14, 2016 at 10:48 am (8 years ago)That is a lovely story and shows how kind some people can be not like that other volunteer at the other place you visited, I am glad you didn’t get too wet!
Would Like to Be
July 20, 2016 at 5:43 pm (8 years ago)I know, its amazing! The way the volunteers interact with you and your family can hugely impact on your decision to return somewhere or not. This experience has made me love osterley even more x