'The Queen of Crime'. . . . . . . . .

I'm not certain if I've ever told you about Torquay's very, very famous literary lady.

Agatha Christie, crime novelist, short story writer, and playwright, who is often called 

The Queen of Crime, was born here in 1890 to a wealthy family, and grew up in 

my home town. 

There is an excellent exhibit section covering Agatha's life at the small local 

town museum. Photography is usually not permitted, however a very kind docent 

allowed me to take a few photos when visiting there a few years ago, on a 

very quiet day when no other visitors were present!
Last month we stopped in again so that Jasmin could learn more about the 
natural history of the area and enjoy the Agatha exhibit - we couldn't
take any photos inside though as the museum was quite busy.

Agatha, center, at her weekly dancing class in Torquay.

Agatha, center, on Princess Pier, Torquay.

For me this is a special photo. 
My father, who was ten years younger than Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller, 
 told me that he went roller skating on the wooden boards of the Princess Pier at 
the harbor, and that he saw Agatha and her friends enjoying this sport.
It wasn't until I saw this photo in the museum that I actually had proof - I always 
thought he might be kidding me!

Jasmin 'meeting' Dame Agatha in Torquay.

Dame Agatha Christie was a great storyteller. 

Her own life was a different and quite interesting story also. 

You may have read many of her books, seen TV series such as Hercule Poirot 

and Miss Marple, and watched movies made from several of her books, such as 

Murder on the Orient Express.

If you want to know know about this novelist and her sometimes strange life, including

her mysterious disappearance in 1926, you can find the all details HERE.

Jackie's Garden. . . . . . . . . . . .

My granddaughter Jasmin enjoying the evening in Jackie's garden in Torquay, Devon.

This is my dear forever friend Jacqueline, usually called Jackie. As mentioned in 

a previous post, we gals met before birth when our mums were friends and pregnant 

with us at the same time!  

My previous visit to Jackie's home was a few years back and she was faced with 

quite a mess of a garden - she won't mind me saying that as, after 71 years as 

friends, we can talk like that without hurting feelings, right?

I was overwhelmed this visit when I saw that a most beautiful English garden

had evolved, thanks to some excellent landscaping/hardscaping, and obviously a 

great plantsman who knew the perfect plants for her space.

Jackie - it's a really fabulous garden now and I hope you are out there 
enjoying the weekend surrounded by beautiful blooms.

The kiss of the sun for pardon

The song of the birds for mirth

One is nearer God's heart in a garden

Than anywhere else on earth

"God's Garden" - Dorothy Frances Gurney - 1858-1932

The Evening Light. . . . . . . . . . .

Have you visited England in summertime? I hope so.

If you arrived from the North American continent, and perhaps some other locations,

you will have noticed how the evenings remain light and bright until quite late. 

Sunrise is also very early, around 5 AM, so the days are exceptionally long and lovely.

I really enjoy that when I go home at this season.

Having more hours of daylight to enjoy walking and nighttime amusements is

wonderful. 

Sightseeing, beach going, drinking a cool glass of wine and dining

al fresco in late day sunlight, walking through flowering gardens, sauntering 

along the cliff walks, taking a ferris wheel ride . . . watching the sun set, then

street lamps turn on, all quite different when this occurs late in the evening.

Twilight arrives - the perfect blue hour.

All these photos were taken late afternoon into the evening in Torquay on different

days when we were out and about . . . . . . after the crowds had disappeared.

The last one below is from the windows of the cottage where we stayed - the 

street lights came on just as we arrived back after walking along the beach road

one particularly balmy evening.

Hope you enjoy seeing my beautiful home town. . . . 

and there will be more!