Thursday July 20

Today we took another train ride though the beautiful English countryside to Oxford, England to go to Blenheim Palace. That is where the Duke and Dutchess live. It was built for John Churchill who is the Duke of Marlborough in 1704! This place was magnificent! We took a tour through the rooms in the main part of the palace and learned all about the paintings, tapestries, and furniture. Everything was so decorated and beautiful. The exterior and gardens were incredible! No photo would do it justice but I have tried to capture some of its beauty in the following.




















This picture was taken at the Secret Garden at Blenheim Palace. I love the design elements that it contains, color, shape, texture...















This is another photo in the Secret Garden, there
were really big fish in the pond and it was so pretty!!!



















Here Katie and I are in front of this gorgeous
arch way in the courtyard. I love the scale
and emphasis the architecture portrays.














Here is the most beautiful sight I have ever seen
in my entire life. This bridge over this river in the
countryside next to the palace was breathtaking.
I spent time sketching on a hill near by and it was
so peaceful and serene.















Here is a fountain in the courtyard where we ate lunch.
I must add that I had my first English scone today and it was fabulous!