Throwback to summer

It may be January outside, but in blogland it can be any month I choose and today I pick 6 months ago when the sun shone and we were revelling in the glory of summer. My daughter Sasha had come home for a long weekend and we had lunch out, followed by a walk to the Abbey Garden. 


This view from the Ruin Beach Cafe is one of my favourites on the whole island. When I first arrived here (some 38 years ago) for a summer season, I worked at the Island Hotel which was situated just behind this building. I was employed as a chambermaid in those days, and spent far too much time gawping at the views from every bedroom window - I truly thought I'd died and gone to heaven! The jetty to the right is where I met the young royals last autumn see here. Beyond that is a tiny row of cottages where my husband grew up and on the top of the hill is The Old Blockhouse castle - read about its history here. The view across the bay takes in St Martin's on the left and beckoning in the distance directly ahead are the Eastern Isles, an outcrop of uninhabited islands that are the perfect escape for for a day out with a picnic and swimsuit.


Sasha loves coming home to wind down and let the island work its magic. 










A day off work in the summertime means chilling in something comfortable which these casual trousers certainly are. I found them in a charity shop in New Zealand a couple of years ago. The handbag is also from New Zealand, a gift from my friend Suzie who used to live here but has moved to that much larger (South) island now. The sandals are old, the tee shirt was from a charity shop last summer and the sunglasses are by Quay Australia. My jewellery is an assortment of gifts and thrifted pieces and my rose gold Darci watch is by Michael Kors.









The Abbey Garden draws thousands of visitors to the island every year and this small montage gives you a taster of what's on offer. Gardener Emma is in charge of all of the floral displays within the Abbey itself. I love this photo. It shows not just the idyllic surroundings, but captures a natural, joyful moment in time. For more details about my island home, holiday offers and where to stay click here

Anna x

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14 comments

  1. Oh, I needed this gasp of summer right now, thank you, Anna! How gorgeous "your" island is! I could be tempted...one day...

    Love your bright colours!

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    1. Thanks Sheila, I thought we might all benefit from a bit of a pep up at this time of year.
      Anna x

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  2. Beautiful photos especially the view from the Ruin and abundance of flowers in the last one. I love the colourful trousers.
    Tessa xx

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    1. Thanks Tessa. These views mean so much to so many don't they? Thanks for dropping by and wishing you all the best for 2017!
      Anna x

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  3. Anna, you have palm trees on your island!!!!!! I had no idea your climate could sustain that kind of flora!!
    The posting of Will and Kate making a stop on your island was before I started following you so it was really fun to see and read that post!
    Sasha is a cool name and how nice that you shared the day together. She took great photos of you!
    Love!!!! those vibrant pants and humorous little t-shirt. A great casual summer look!

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    1. Judy, thanks for all of your lovely comments - you're a breath of fresh air! This post was meant to be a cheery mixture of images and your response reflected that right back to me, so thanks for that. The Abbey Garden is a sub-tropical paradise which benefits from the warmth of the Gulf Stream that flows past us. The island may be tiny (one mile by two) but is very diverse in its geography.
      Wishing you a lovely week ahead x
      Anna

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  4. As I write this comment I am telling the OH I so want to holiday at this beautiful place! It always looks so lovely. Hot Pink looks great on you Anna x
    www.vanityandmestyle.com

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    1. Well wouldn't that be dandy for me to host another blogger's meet up on this tiny island! Hope you can turn your wish into reality and that we can catch up here some day Laurie.
      Wishing you a fab week x
      Anna

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  5. What a lovely escape to a beautiful summer day! The Abbey Garden looks beautiful! And I love your relaxed summer outfit.

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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    1. The island is indeed the most beautiful escape at any time of year. Thanks for dropping by Andrea.
      Have a great week x
      Anna

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  6. OOoh, so lovely to come back here in photos! Lovely ! I adore your trousers! They are brilliant!!! So nice to see Sasha too!!x

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    1. Very late finding this Kezzie, sorry! I'm so pleased that you enjoyed this visit to the Gardens again. Thanks for your kind comments x

      Anna

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  7. OHHH, those pics have warmed up the atmosphere all around the computer! Lovely colorful trousers, amazing landscapes!, it's like a summer breeze!
    besos

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    1. Aplologies to you too Monica for missing this! I'm so glad I managed to spread some light and happiness with this post x

      Anna

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