Windows

A walk around the centre of Sheffield on a hot summers evening - noticing some large expanses of window,  some old, some new, some gorgeous, some not so.  All iconic buildings in our lovely city.

Would make a great competition at Christma xs! Name the buildings!

Audley End House

I almost forgot to show you our visit to Audley End House near Saffron Walden in Essex.  We called on our way home from Kent.  Yet another place ticked off my list! 

 The house was a lot older than I imagined it would be.  Apparently it used to be about 4 times bigger too! We had a guided tour around the house which was great - no photos allowed though.  They have a huge collection of stuffed birds.  In the Victorian era they were collectors pieces and you could send for them flat packed from all corners of the earth and then you got your own taxidermist to stuff them!

 You were allowed to take photos in the kitchens and servants quarters though.

 They have lovely formal gardens and a great organic kitchen garden.

It is looked after by English Heritage and well worth a look in if you are passing.

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.