A lovely day!!

No I wasn't playing hookey from work but had yet another day off, and where did I go?  Here is a clue ...

... and if you are wondering why I chose the less than cute illustration of a rat it's because here is the orginal

Yes, after living in Cumbria for more than 25 years I actually went for the first time to Hill Top, Beatrix Potter's house. 

We had a fascinating time. If you haven't been it is a tiny cottage furnished exactly as Beatrix left it, and throughout you can find things which are illustrated in her books.  This is the range in the Tale of Tom Kitten

(Just need to confess the inside shots aren't mine as you aren't allowed to photograph in the house .. but courtesy of the National Trust and free to use).

There were her shoes, hat and bag.  The bed had a lovely patchwork, not worked by Beatrix but there was some of her (unfinished) embroidery.

... and Mr McGregor's garden ...

.... and there were even some real rabbits peaking around.

The village is full of buildings illustrated in the books.  A wonderful pub

seen in the Tale of Gemima Puddleduck.  All in all a great trip and definitely one to do if you get the chance. To finish a rather cuter picture ... did you know she also drew guinea pigs?