And finally...

We had to say goodbye to Cumbria. We had loved it so much. We chose out hotel on the lakeside because it had a pool and spa and when we booked it, way back in January, we thought it would give us something to do should it rain for the whole 3 days - we never saw a cloud!

It is the first time that we have had more than 1 night away without the kids - and we enjoyed the time, walking and talking and making exciting plans for the next stage of our lives together. It felt like we were staring out all over again.


Bowness was wonderful to stay in. It was surprisingly busy and a little crowded by day, but you could easily find a walk to take you away from the crowds, and by evening it had a fabulous continental feel with many gorgeous restaurants to eat in, just a short stroll from our hotel.
We enjoyed a boat trip - so relaxing.
The scenery is stunning everywhere you look.


The valleys are also a training ground for fighter jets and army helicopters - the jets fly very low and make you jump out of your skin, then make your heart stop as you wait to make sure that they make it over the hills.



Bowness was the first place that hubby and I went away together to 23 years ago. I had quite forgotten that until we were there. We won't be leaving it another 23 years to return - we'd never get up those hills!

Through the garden gate

I bet that you can guess where I went by just looking at the next couple of photographs. Come with me through the garden gate.

Don't the props give you a clue?
And the colour of this lovely gate?
I bet you guessed that we visited the holiday cottage of Beatrix Potter - Hill Top. It was lovely. We managed to miss the bus load of Japanese tourists (of which there are literally millions in the lakes) and it was fairly quiet and atmospheric when we got there. I wasn't allowed to take photographs inside which was a shame because everything inside was original and had belonged to Beatrix.
I was just a teensy bit disappointed as I had imagined it to be more remote than it was, but it is still in a very tranquil spot and there are lots of gorgeous walks round about. I'd love to do more of this area at a later date.
We wandered around the garden for a while.

One of the house guides showed us the house she bought when she married her husband. Its only just across the way.
It's a beautiful looking place and owned by the National Trust still, but lived in privately by custodians. She still owned the farm even after she bought this bigger place and would pop across to write there. If you ever visit, you must remember to book a timed ticked which I believe you can only do on the day of your visit.
We also paid a visit to Hawkshead whilst we were in the area (on the recommendation of Lyn at Everyday Life) - such a charming village with a million and one cafes! (I could see why you like it Lyn!!) The building below is where Beatrix Potters husband had his solicitors office and now houses a collection of her original paintings.



We had a coffee and cake stop in the square, but couldn't sit for long as it was just too hot! Plus I had a load more to see !

A lovely break

Hubby and I managed to snatch a 3 day mini break away. I can honestly say that I literally enjoyed every minute og the last 3 days - it was perfect in every way. Can you guess where we went?

This was the view from our hotel bedroom - I couldn't take my eyes of it.

We called here on our way to there!
The weather was amazing - I cannot believe I sat in my swimming cozzie getting a tan in the UK in March!

Answers on a postcard - and prepare for a few days of photograph overload! xx

Debs and Di's Day Out

You know how I love a bloggy blind date! Well this was not really a blind date as I had met the lovely Debs once before on a Hope and Elvis day, but we decided to have another get together with Debs showing me some of her favourite local haunts. We only live about 20 minutes from each other, but her end of town has places I didn't even know about.

I hardly took any photos as we spent so much time talking! But I did remember to take my camera out a few time!

After our first stop at the table top sale in Dinnington, Debs had arranged for us to pop in and meet Mary Jane Baxter who was taking a class at Louises workshop. The atmosphere in the class was delightful and I could have easily stayed and "made" with all the lovely ladies who were clearly having a lovely time. We discussed Kirsty Allsop in depth - neither of us being fans of her "Homemade" programme.

We then moved on to visit Heaths in Ollerton where the wool and fabrics were gorgeous, and a Sue Ryder charity shop where I bagged a bargain - although I have to say you have to be quick to beat Debs to the bargains - she certainly has "an eye" and is like a hawk to its prey when she spots something!

We then moved on to the gorgeous little town of Southwell . Ive only ever been to Southwell once before, but I saw things on this visit that I hadn't seen before - Like the home of Lord Byron!

We had a lovely walk round, and visited loads of charity shops, and other gorgeous shops. We bought loads of things, but spent very little.

Debs had been worried that we might run out of things to talk about - but we actually ran out of "day" - I think we could have gassed for a week! We didn't run out of topics to discuss and discovered that we have led parallel lives! Its amazing when you meet a virtual stranger and get on so very well.
We had planned to visit the Minster, but by this stage we were parched and starving, so Debs took us to Reg Taylors Garden Centre for a very reasonable priced and delish afternoon tea.
Thanks very much for my day out Deb - it was great to meet your lovely family and I enjoyed every bit of my day. Here's to our next day ou. xxt

Stained glass in Sheffield Cathedral

I had never been inside Sheffield Cathedral until I started blogging. Now, I like to have at least half an hour looking around whilst waiting for my tram home - the tram stop is just outside the Cathedral and they are very frequent. Today I focussed on the stained glass windows.

We don't have many "touristy" type things to see in the city, so if you should find yourself here at any time, make an effort to wander in and have a look. Its really beautiful.

One of my favourite times in the city is early on Sunday mornings. Its very peaceful with not many people about, and all the city centre church's ring their bells.

These are only a small selection of the many that are here in the Cathedral.


I hope you liked them.

More Haddon Hall

We noticed that the sun had broken through outside, so we took the opportunity to explore the gardens at Haddon Hall.
The gardens have just undergone some renovations and are slowly coming back into some colour.

The hall sits nestled halfway up a hill above the river Wye in a valley, so you get some lovely views.

We also visited the beautiful old chapel. The walls are covered with old patterns and drawings.

Some are very strange.

It is a beautiful little church.

One of the things that Rosie, Rowan and I loved about Haddon Hall is that you are allowed to take photographs anywhere, inside or out. Great for bloggers.
The Long Hall is a beautiful room with great views. The colour of the wood panelling is gorgeous.

We all three took inspiration from how the house was decorated. Some of the flower arrangements were very inexpensive - I have recreated this in my own home for free.

Others were not so inexpensive. These roses were so beautiful I thought they were fake, but they were not. Does anyone know which roses they are?

This was one of my favourite photos of the day though. The red on this little Tudor girls costume contrasted strongly with the stone in the courtyard. We caught her eating her lunch - a couple of boiled eggs and 2 enormous pickled onions!