Sunday 24 July 2011

And so on this fine Sunday morning, hubby and I set off across the Pennines to a foreign country - Welsh Wales (not to be confused with the tiny village of Wales in South Yorkshire). Its always a spectacular ride across these hills, but it was a dream early on Sunday morning with not much else on the road.

We had been invited to John's "Open Allotment Day" and being a girl who can't say no to meeting bloggy friends, off we trotted. We had a brilliant day - and I didn't take as many photos as I ought to have.
I took a photo of this poppy John in the hope that you would send me some seeds - its is a gorgeous colour.
We arrived early in the morning to give a helping hand, but John assured us that all was in hand and he sent us off to have a lovely morning at the seaside. When we returned at 1pm, I discovered that the Bric a Brac stall was in disarray, with boxes unpacked - which caused me to have to visit it several times as more and more boxes were unpacked! John at this time was rounding up errant geese - which continued to escape throughout the proceedings.
It was really lovely to meet Johns family and other animals. His twin sister Janet did a sterling job on the tea tent. They served over 500 cuppas! (that's her in the stripey top).
I can honestly say that I have never seen such a fine array of cakes and buns.
Johns allotment is a perfect little place - hubby and I loved it and were very envious of this lovely space.
It was great to meet the characters from Johns blog - I must apologise to the poor little hen that I stood on!
We had to name the pig - I don't think I won (I called her Betty - like the pig in Alan Bennetts " A Private Function". The funniest part of the day was talking to 2 lovely ladies who were willing the pigs to escape - just so they could watch John round them back up. Those Welsh ladies are wicked!
We eventually sat down with 2 very large pieces of cake. Mine was the raspberry cake - quite possibly the best cake I have ever eaten (and I wanted to bring the plate home too - John, if these blue plates are for sale - let me know).
I don't know how John kept going all day - he had worked a night shift at the hospital until 8am!
And because on his blog, John posted a photo of our ugly mugs - I thought I would get revenge....
But what really amused me - was that both John and my hubby were both sporting "surfer" tee shirts. They need to be careful - some one might mistake them for cool surfer dudes!

Seriously, John we had a great day and you raised a phenomenal amount of money. You live in a beautiful place and your family, friends, neighbours and animals are wonderful. I'm so glad that the weather was good to you. xxxxxxx (read John and Janet's versions by clicking the links)

20 comments:

Lisa said...

What a fabulous day and so much money raised! Good pic of you both on the other blog!
Looks like a place with a real community spirit. And cake!
Lisa x

petals and vintage said...

Wow! looks like a fabulous day with plenty of home made goodies. Yum!

Pam x

menopausalmusing said...

That looks like a very special day and boy, did you have the weather!

Rosie said...

Looks like you all had a wonderful day with super weather, food and good company plus the added bonus of money raised for a good cause too! Love the piggy and the colour of that poppy:)

greenthumb said...

Looks like you both had a great fun day out, yum to those cakes.

diane b said...

You stepped on a chicken!!! Was it Was it trying to cross the road to see its flat mate? Seriously, you travelled a long way for a fair but it sure looked like fun on Johns blog too. He sure worked hard but it paid off in the end. The weather looked lovely.

HippieGirl said...

Is that guy your husband? Wow, he looks like a real nice guy. I just adore the pics u always put on here, it makes me want to visit where you live that much more!! Man, I can't wait until I get enough money and a passport to travel!! First stop, London!! And I'll make my first stop in London Abbey Road Studios to pay my respects to John Lennon and George Harrison, who no longer are with us.

Janet said...

It was lovely meeting you both ,thank you so much for making the effort to come and support John`s fundraising day-I enjoyed our little chat wished I could have stayed longer ! Ann and I are going to our first W.I. meeting in September-see what you have started !xx

potterjotter said...

Sounds like a lovely day enjoying simple pleasures. Maybe not so lovely for the poor chicken you trod on though. Am off to read John's blog now.

Mister D said...

Sounds a wonderful day out and for a good cause too, our church has recently had its roof stripped of lead by thieves so understand how important fundraising can be in these difficult conditions - ps is that first photo woodhead ?

Jo said...

Looks like you had a wonderful day out with great weather, fabulous company and delicious cakes.

John Going Gently said...

Your photos ARE so much better than mine....
love the poppy shot
although the fat guy in the blue t shirt spoilt the view!!!

John Going Gently said...

ps
I will collect ALL the deep red poppy seeds for you!

sea-blue-sky & abstracts said...

Sunshine, fresh air and delicious cakes, mmmn sounds like heaven! x

trish said...

How wonderful.x

A garden just outside Venice said...

What a lovely experience!
It was great to see you and your hubby on John's blog..now i wonder why you always fancy other men, LOL! :D
xxxxx

John Going Gently said...

michela
Hubby is a dish
but dont tell him that!

two bones and a bagle said...

Oooh great stuff look forward to seeing you all. Not been to the studio for ages.

Diane said...

Sounds like a great day out.I love the pigs. t'other Diane

Rowan said...

The cakes look wonderful, worth going all that way for those alone:) Great photo of you and your DH on John's blog. A fun day all round by the looks of it.