My latest obsession

One of my favourite coffee shops in Sheffield is Tamper Coffee (who are opening a bigger shop soon!).  The last time I was in, I noticed that they used "souvenier spoons" for their coffee spoons - the type you used to bring your Granny back holiday.  I promised the guy that I would keep my eye out for some for him - and he promised me a free coffee in return.  Whilst on holiday, we visited Tankerton in Kent which was a fab little town and had some great charity shops on its High Street - and I came across this great little stash!  I couldn't resist them.

 They are all quite old and have beautiful and individual spoons attached to them.

 My favourite is the Delft style shoes from Holland - so sweet.

 I love them and I don't think I can let them go.

Hidden talents

My sister and her husband have revealed their hidden talents recently.  My brother in law made me this planter out of some old decking .

 I think its brilliant! I'm growing herbs in this one, but I'd like another next year to grow Strawberries in (hint hint as they now read my blog after years of ignoring it!)

 My sis used to have a bit of a talent for painting, but has never done much with it, so I was overwhelmed when she produced this for me the other day - the photo does not do it justice!! It is of course our spot on the beach in the harbour in St Ives - all the family love it and cannot believe she has painted it!

 And finally, my best girl is 21 today.  She is on holiday in Santorini and sounds like she is loving every minute.  I am sat in the garden toasting her with alcohol free champagne.  My life changed beyond belief 21 years ago.  I always tell her that she has taught me much more than I have ever taught her.  We have our arguments, she has always challenged and pushed the boundaries, but we love each other very very much.  She knows her own mind and I admire her very much for it.  She recently learned that she had obtained a First in her degree - which was astounding - especially after a worrying first year.  She has worked very hard and continues to do so.  I want the very best things in life for her  because she deserves them. Happy Birthday Becky Boo xxx

Hathersage

From Sheffield Manor, we took ourselves off to Hathersage just a few miles away.  It is one of my favourite places (yes, I know I have a lot of them!) and if I could afford it, I would move here like a shot!  House prices are expensive because it is a very short commute to Sheffield and Manchester, it has a railway station and it is so absolutely gorgeous.

 We went on one of our fave walks - not too hilly!

 I loved this new gate on an old farm.

 It was a perfect day and we sat for ages listening to nothing but the birds.

 The rocky outcrop which runs for miles along the top of the hill is Stanage Edge - a truly spectacular place and very popular with climbers from the city.

 A chap was telling us about the night climbing that they do - that seems a bit daft to me!

 Why do animals always turn around when I try to photograph them?

 I manage to get great shots of their rears!

 We both commented that we have some of the most glorious countryside in our area - we really do.

 I promised myself a stay at North Lees Hall - a group were having drinky poos on the roof terrace - that didn't seem like a sensible idea either!

 We found ourselves a stream

 ..and cooled our feet.

 I really enjoyed Sunday.  It was the loveliest of days.

Sheffield Manor Flower Festival

You already know that Sheffield Manor is my newest favourite place to visit, and I thought the flower festival it was holding today would be worth dropping in on as they specialise in displays of wild flowers.  It was.

 The site is a true oasis in the middle of the huge post war social housing estate.  It has everything I love - History, gardening, flowers and fab cake.

 They also specialise in "green roofs"  I love this idea for a garden shed.

 According to the lady, they featured this Lavender and Honey cake on The One Show this week.  I can vouch that it is very good cake.  I'll have to dig out the recipe.

 Mary Queen of Scots (whom we imprisoned at one time at Sheffield Manor) put in an appearance.

 The displays of wild flowers were gorgeous - I bought a bargain bucket of seeds to grow next year.

 There were giant knitted and crochet flowers

 I'm glad we went and showed our support.

And the Caribbean Curry from the man with the van was the best curry I have ever tasted!

Beside the sea

Perhaps it will be the small details that I will remember from our holiday at Seasalter....

 or perhaps the wildlife.......

 or just being by the sea........

 but I think it will be the spectacle of the amazing sunsets - completely different every night and the best way ever to finish the day off.....

I need a beach house.  Seriously.