Wednesday, 30 May 2012

My last 10 days of leave

On Friday 18th May we set off again in the car for another trip down South. Our first visit was to see Philip, we stayed near Harpenden until the 22nd.

We had a lovely day on the Saturday 19th at Tim and Kim's, Kathy came for the day as it was her birthday and it was a happy family day.

Sunday the 20th Doreen and David and Adrienne and Michael came over to Phil's and we had a lovely day together and had plenty of opportunity to chat. Monday and Tuesday morning we did jobs for Philip and spent time with him.

On Tuesday afternoon we set off for Liz and Pete's. It was super to see them again and they made us very welcome as always. Because the weather was superb we spent a lot of time on their new patio which was great.

Pete's special birthday was on the 23rd so we were able to celebrate with them. Liz and I went to Marlborough in the morning to see the Olympic Torch pass through. There was a lovely atmosphere and the parking was free!! It was a very hot sunny day.
In the evening celebrated Pete's birthday with Liz's sisters and spouse and we all tucked into a delicious curry and had it with champagne, it was all great fun.

On the 24th we went off to Newbury and had a good look around the new John Lewis at Home and had lunch in town. We then went on to see Gill and Johnnie for tea. It was super seeing them again and we had a good look round their beautiful garden and then chatted over a cup of tea and scones!!

When we got back to Liz and Pete's Sandy and Val had just arrived for the evening. We had a lovely meal outside with lots of chatting and laughter and it was great fun.

We set off for the Isle of Wight in the morning and we managed to catch the 11am ferry which was great. We made our way to Norton Grange and checked into our room at 2.00. The other all arrived later and we all met up for drinks on the terrace before dinner.

We had a super time on the I.O.W. and the weather was perfect. We did our own thing during the day and all met up in the evenings and for breakfast. It was good to meet Marion and Trish and of course spend more time with Liz and Pete and Ann.

During the days we went into Yarmouth to see the Old Gaffers and soak up the atmosphere, we went by bus to the Old and New Batteries at The Needles. We found them very interesting and the views were amazing.

In Yarmouth there was lots going on and we came across a classic car show which we enjoyed very much.

On the way back to Cowes for the ferry on the 28th we took the road around the Island and then went to the National Trust Windmill near Bembridge.

We also went to Osbourne House which we enjoyed very much.

We caught the 4.30 ferry and saw the Oriana on it's way out of Southampton and the sun was still shining!!

We stayed that night in The Premier in Highcliffe which was nice and had a meal in the Pub there.

On the Tuesday we visited Milford-on -Sea and went to the Church and had a look around the village. We then went onto Brockenhurst and had a look round there and then went onto Awbridge to visit Helen.

It was lovely seeing her again and to see her home, she gave us a glass of Pimms and a delicious lunch, I loved the ice cream.

From Helens we went onto see Catherine and little Sam in North Baddesley. We had a super time here also and Sam is a lovely baby, good to see them after so long.

We left Catherine at 6.45 and got diesel and arrived home at 10.10, so a pretty good journey.

Today has been spent getting organised again, all the washing is done and most of the other jobs.

I go back to work in the morning and have to leave home early to avoid the road closures for the Olympic Torch.

David and Angela arrive in the evening.

Sunday, 13 May 2012

Sunday 13th May

We have just returned home from meeting up with Peter and Val and Cousins for lunch.
We got a phone call at 9.30 from Sutton Hall to say they had not got any electricity or gas today so could not serve any hot meals and the place was lit with candles.
We then had to think of other options and came up with The Old Kings Head down the road in Gurnett.
We all met up at Sutton Hall and had a look around, in the dark. We then all went down to our Pub for lunch and had a lovely meal in a relaxed atmosphere and we could make a noise and stay as long as we wanted.
We had a super time and we felt very much part of the family and it was lovely to see Peter and Val again and to meet Pauline and Steve and Jon and Sue, who we are going to see again.
Thank you for everything Peter and Val and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Saturday, 12 May 2012

19th April to 12th May

This has been a quiet period of time for us. I have enjoyed my weekly walks with the U3A. Week 1 of this period was from Ilam and it was a 6 mile moderate walk. it was a bIt wet and steep in places.
Ilam is a nice village with National Trust and part of that is a youth hostel. There were school groups visiting the village that day it is a popular spot, near Dovedale.
The walk for week 2 was right over near Nantwich near a place called Sound. It was a 7 mile walk and classed as easy. It was a dull day and the walk was very flat and muddy, it took in many stiles and part of the Shropshire Union Canal.
Week 3 walk was 6 miles and moderate. It was from Froghall Wharf which is close to the Churnet Valley. It is a pretty area and was quite wooded with bluebells, a lot of trees had come down recently as we had had some high winds.
Week 4s walk was 8 miles and moderate and started from near Upperhulme. It was a lovely walk as we climbed up to The Roaches and walked along the ridge and then down to Luds Church. The views were very good from the top in spite of it being a dull day with showers. We were all very weary when we got back to the cars, the heavy rain start at that moment!!!
I have met some very nice people at U3A and with my new hours at work I will be able to continue with this group from September.
Stuart and I have managed to catch up with Auntie Gwen and cousin Graham and Gabi. We all had lunch together at Afonwen Antique and Craft Centre which is our half way meeting point. It is always nice there and great to meet up.
On the way home we went to Cheshire Oaks Outlet Village and I bought a new outdoor jacket and Stuart bought 2 jumpers.
We have caught up with friends on the phone and have been organising the time we are having in the South next week.
This is all for now, I am out tonight for a meal with work colleagues and tomorrow we are meeting up with Peter and Val from Australia and Val's cousins. We have got a busy 2 weeks and then it is back to work!!!