A graceful black swan sets off the view of Arlington
Row.  Built in 1830 as monastic wool stores, these
were later used as weaver’s cottages.  Henry Ford
once tried to buy then entire row and have it shipped
to Michigan for his history museum.

The Cotswolds in central England encompasses a
90 by 45 mile stretch a world away from urban London.
Charming stone cottages almost seem to grow right
out of the landscape.  Slow, peaceful living.
We’re officially in the “more sheep than people”
part of England.

All those sheep created a bustling
wool trade in the countryside.  Much
of the money made from wool was
directed towards building large
handsome “wool churches”.
More teacups than you can shake a spoon at.  The
UK consumes more tea per capita than any other
nation.  Four pounds per person, annually.

In the little town of Chipping Campden we found Market
 Hall, a beautiful covered patio built in 1627 for local
farmers and ranchers to sell to the public.  The warm
honey-colored limestone is seen everywhere in
the Cotswolds.  
Roses and wisteria must make a very fragrant doorway.

Bourton-on-the-Water, known for the five low slung
bridges that cross the River Windrush. 
Grit containers dot the landscape.  In winter, they
hold a mix of gravel and salt essential to country
driving.  I like to think they also represent the
classic British stiff upper lip.
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