What are you all up to
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We had a log delivery yesterday afternoon, so we were both busy stacking logs when our lovely neighbour (she's a lot, lot younger than us and very fit!) turned up and got stuck in and gave us a hand. She even told me to sit down for a rest while she took over and stacked almost half of them in no time at all. We do help each other out in many ways but how nice to have such neighbours - unlike the last lot that were there. Needless to say, a nice bunch of roses wended their way to her this morning.
Autumn has definitely arrived here - although the sun is shining there's a very chilly breeze. Think the new logs will be put to use later!
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Hope that the rain missed you WN, and were able to get a dry walk in before heading back home.
We needed to be back quite early yesterday, so no walk, as the ladies were hitting the town (Tesco) as MIL needed to buy a birthday card and Orchid for a friend who was calling in later that day.
Good to see the return of the larger font size. Many thanks Rowena for pushing for it.
Heavy squally showers until the last half hour, now sunny and breezy. Some roads flooded. Had to pick up a 2 step with handrail from Go Outdoors today to help MiL get into M/H. She's still a bit unsteady. Got it home and realised that whilst all of the parts were accounted for one of the arms was the wrong size so back towards Chester. Seems like everything we order or ordered on our behalf has hassle attached to it just lately.
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A chilly day here in Norfolk too but it’s been dry and sunny (mostly) so we’ve been lucky. We’ve had a busy day starting off at Oxburgh Hall which was lovely as usual. Since our last visit they have had major repairs done to the roof, very major, around £6million major! The roof tiles were replaced with glazed ones but they found that the bats were unable to access the roof spaces due to the slipperyness of them so they had to replace some tiles with a matt finish so the bats could get a grip to roost under the tiles. After that we headed off to Houghton Hall as I really wanted to see the walled garden there. We arrived with a huge black cloud over us but it soon disappeared and the sun came out again, very lucky. The walled garden was very nice but it had gone ‘over’ a bit in places being September but the dahlias were amazing. We also saw the rare white deer. The odd Gormley standing man statues (Time Horizon exhibition) were also in evidence but we didn’t see many as my hip, after a day walking about, was giving up. A couple of pictures of Oxburgh, and 3 of Houghton walled garden. The last picture of the fountain is called ‘water flame’. The orange you can see really is a flame! A quieter day tomorrow I hope.
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Intermittent heavy showers today, and even some hail, but we were able to get some short dry walks in. Drove into Criccieth where we walked some of the coastal path before and after lunch. Then called in to view David Lloyd George's grave, by the museum dedicated to him, and another walk by the river. It has felt more like November than mid September with the temperature not getting above 14C.
Grand photos, Heddlo, and enjoy a restful day tomorrow. Sorry to read of more problems, WN, and hope that you get the right parts eventually.
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Charlcote yesterday, brief walk then a coffee in the warm, it was a very cold wind. Two young stags came very close to us, about 6ft away, one white and a ‘speckled’ one, they were not bothered they just walked over and were grazing next to us. A bit of shopping and a spot of lunch today in the outlet centre as it forecast hours of rain, but we only saw a few spots, still a chilly wind though. I bought a large squirrel proof feeder, nothing else seems to deter them. Last evening friends invited us over for a meal to celebrate OHs upcoming birthday. They also provided champagne. They insisted on picking us up so that we could both imbibe and suggested we get a taxi home after, only when the taxi arrived did we find out that they had booked and paid for it. A lovely evening spent with very good friends.
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Lovely photos heddlo. I had forgotten the story about the pulpit at Norwich Cathedral. It is certainly a lovely feature. You visited a couple of pur favourites yesterdat especially Oxbrough Hall. I love it. We watched a TV programme a while ago about the very expensive roof repairs and the artefacts that the workmen found while carrying out the work.
We had a day on The Poppy Line Heritage Steam Railway on Tuesday as OH is a steam buff. He used to be a volunteer helping to repair the steam engines at The Nene Valley Railway until a few years ago. It is a good day out as the stations have been preserved as they were in the says of steam. Yesterday was very 'bracing' on the North Norfolk coast. We went to the mattinee performance on the Cromer Pier show as we hadnt been for about 6 or 7 years. It was absolutely brilliant - West End standard. A really good afternoon. Unfortunately the heavens opened as we left so it was a very wet and windy walk back down the pier from the theatre!
nellie your photos are great as well. You certainly find some interesting places to visit.
Well done CT on the larger print. Thank you.
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I will have another go at adding photos!
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PS: I meant the font not the pulpit in Norwich Cathedral!
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A really poor morning with short periods of heavy rain and rather chilly. We drove across The Lleyn to tge NT car park at Morfs Nefyn and were fortunate to missed any of the showers during our walk across the golf course to Porth Dinllaen and back along the shore. After lunch in the car we visited Pwllheli where we had a second walk on the beach before calling in at Lidl and then onto Pennarth Fawr, a medieval Hall-house, dating from the mid 15th century, before returning to the van. Shots are from the carpark looking towards Porth Dinllaen and its pub to the left and to the headland of Penlyn Nefyn to the right, as well as the hall house.
Thanks, Millie, I like yours too. Sorry to read that you got wet after the show. We try to ensure that at least one of us carries a brolly wherever we go out these days. Debs, you certainly have lovely friends, and what a surprise!
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I had a brollie with me nellie but it was too windy to put it up. I think I would have done a Mary Poppins impersonation if I had!
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When we had the motorhome I used to use the table to do my jigsaws on as it was just the right size and I could get the box of pieces to one side. Having sold the motorhome I no longer have that option. However we do still have a La Fuma folding table which I thought would do. The first two puzzles I did fitted perfectly but when I came to do the third, a Ravensburger one, which is favourite make of jigsaw, the table was a fraction too small. I thought I would make a tray out of plywood which will fit over the top of the table and make the surface just a bit bigger. Off I went to B&Q. Haven't done much in the way if DIY for a while and was surprised at the cost of the materials I needed! I was trying to avoid buying a full sheet of plywood but there has happened to be a damaged sheet of 3mm ply leaning against the shelf. I persuaded the guy in the cutting room to cut the bit I needed which I got for a reduced price, so a little bit of a bargain. So when I have broken up the puzzle I have just finished I have a DIY job waiting for me!!! A few of my latest completions below.
David
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A morning spent repairing jewellery pieces (Lord only knows what some folks do with their jewellery🫣) but at least it keeps me busy. Finished off some family birthday items and packaged them up. I now have a Christmas order for some very special earrings, opal earrings to go with an opal bracelet I have just repaired. I hope he’s got plenty of cash, opals are lovely, but really nice ones are not cheap. I might make myself some as well, I love nice opals.
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A fairly long day driving to a cottage in North Yorkshire. We decided to stop off at Temple Newsam, a building and grounds owned by Leeds City, sold to them at the start of the last century. It has had a very chequered history (see link) but all we were interested in was the cafe and loos!
It provided a stretch of the legs.The drive was fine apart from the roadworks on the M1 near Leeds. Stopped of at The Wetherby Whaler for a late lunch of Fish&Chips before arriving at the cottage which is very nice indeed and suits the needs of MiL, who went to bed at just gone 7pm. Shattered.😴😴
Couple of photos of the imposing building and coachhouse/cafe.
Lovely photos provided by previous posters.
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I hope you enjoy your stay in N. Yorkshire WN
A change in the weather today - some very welcome sunshine and blue sky.
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No rain today for a change! We visited Porthmadoc and walked across The Cob, the causeway between the estuary and Glaslyn Nature Reserve, before stocking up with food and diesel before our next move down the coast. A couple of photos across the Reserve with Snowden in the distance.
Grand photos again, Millie, your skies are much bluer than those we had today. Enjoy your stay in Yorkshire, WN, and you have highlighted another property thst we must try and visit some time, thanks.
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We got home at 12.15 yesterday, after a pleasant, but busy, trip. The weather was mixed, foggy and chilly on Friday and Saturday, better on Sunday, some sun on Monday, and pretty sunny on Tuesday and till early afternoon on Wednesday.
The trip to the site, some 65 miles, took 2 hours, due to roadworks and heavy traffic, we had lunch once pitched, then tackled the awning etc etc, so we were all ready by the time DD and the boys arrived around 17.00.
The boys were very excited as they did not know about the trip and Mummy would not tell them where they were going.
On Saturday morning we made good use of the excellent indoor pool, then in the afternoon we went to try out the huge play park at NTS Newhailes, it was very good.
On Sunday we went pond dipping, and swimming again, then had a late lunch, and the 3 visitors left for home at 15.30…….peace restored! We had to go shopping along at Lidl as they had eaten most of the supplies, Callum is very fond of tomatoes, and ham!
On Monday I picked up my former work colleague and we had lunch, coffee, cake, and later tea, at the van, and much catching up, before it was time to take him home.
Tuesday was our turn to be treated to lunch and supper at OH’s school friend’s house, more catching up, and comparing grandchildren photos, we were not back at the van until almost 23.00.
On Wednesday we managed to get the awning down dry and everything into the car, but otherwise just relaxed at the van, gathering strength for the trip home and the unloading once there. It took us 2 hours yet again to drive the 65 miles, lots of holdups due to roadworks. Fortunately the weather was dry and sunny, so I did not get soaked while getting the van onto the drive.
Today we did a little essential shopping then went to DD’s house to check out a flat tyre on her car. Fortunately we had left OH’s car with her to use while we were away, so I have inflated the tyre and we will see if it goes flat again.
Her flat is now on the market, 11 viewings booked so far, for the weekend, so hopefully she will get some decent offers. We went along this afternoon on the bus as Callum had an optician appointment, checked out all was OK at the flat, and took some measurements for the new fridge freezer. She will get that ordered, so I will have to go there when it is to be delivered.
Now looking at planning another trip soon, 14 nights maybe, to visit my friend in Wales.
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A sunny morning so we headed to Beningborough NT as MiL had never been. There was still plenty of flora and fauna to see and the fruit on the trees were ready for eating, if only...
We were able to access the house as there is a lift installed so we could get to see the exhibitions dedicated to women craftspeople. Most interesting was the display of high class photographic reproductions of works by Mary Delany, a fascinating woman in her own right (see link). The British can't let the originals out due to their fragile state She basically started making paper mosaics of flora in her seventies, this back in the C18th. A few photos.
Lunch, another stroll and home.
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I mentioned a lift at Beningborough in the other post. When we visited Biddulph Grange NT a few months ago we spoke to a member of staff, asking them if there was a ramp to access the cafe area where the toilets and baby changing rooms was sited. This was for future reference to see if we wanted to bring MiL. We were told that they couldn't instal one as the Building was Grade 1 and planners wouldn't give permission.
Strange that Beningborough, a Grade 1 building itself, can actually have a lift installed but Biddulph Grange cannot build access for disabled or mobility affected guests to get to the tea room and toilet. I'm surprised that there isn't a nationwide set of rules rather than being left to individual councils.
Are there any other NT properties out there that MiL would have a problem with, mostly many steps rather than one or two?
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Nellie wrote - "R&R, It seemed to be present on many but not all profiles, but perhaps that is because some have selected not to have that info included in their's."
I noticed after your post that my own area had not reappeared so went in and put Flintshire down. It used to be Clwyd but that disappeared as a county with a re-re-organisation of counties a few years ago. However the club has decided to change it back on its volition for whatever reason. So be it.🤷♂️
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Still awaiting baby news..........
Good to read folks news and enjoy photos. Some folks, milliehull, have had amazingly blue skies.......
Been a week of very cool breezes and heavy showers. Today seemed warmer, nice blue sky but cool out of the sun. Hopefully the forecast about the return to warmth is correct. Had to cut our tomatoes down due to the cold. They've not been brilliant this year, still that means less to freeze. The runner beans are definitely slowing considerably. Not one of the scarlet emperor ones I sowed when planted plants I brought from church sale grew, but a few 'volunteer' ones appeared among my beetroot. They may crop if the weather improves.
A new experience for me today, my neighbour asked if I'd help her at our sons village show. Judging flowers. I really enjoyed it. Some classes just a single entry made it easy. Then we were asked if we could do the vegetables as that judge hadn't arrived. Similar Some classes only one entry and the longest runner bean, heaviest onion and marrow were simple to judge.
We visited the village show several years ago and there were lots of entries.
There were jams, cakes, knitting, quilting categories as well as children's section. Our grandson won a 1st prize with his play doh model 😍. As well as arts, painting, sketching, photographs. Nowhere near the same amount of entries but it's only the 2nd one since covid.
Had the family round for dinner. I asked if they'd like to come tomorrow before 9am this morning. Heard back 1030, I needed out at 1100. Tomorrow sorted but could do today? Thank goodness for freezers and store cupboard plus home grown veg! Lovely afternoon and dinner wasn't bad......
Hopefully the last of the harvest will be gathered in tomorrow. Not been a brilliant one. I expect the cost of food will increase this year.
Following Wherenext comments on location I checked my profile. I had nothing showing previously. I had to change location it said Cambridgeshire so I looked and was surprised to find Huntingdonshire. So unlike Wherenext my home county is correct 😀
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The strange thing with my "address" is that it has never been Cumberland!! Lancashire and then Cumbria, yes, and now Westmorland & Furness but never the one allocated to me!!
It has been another dry and sunny day but it would be even better if it was a little warmer, After a scenic drive we are now on yet another new site for us, the C&CC's Cardigan Bay site, just inland from New Quay, and most impressed with it, and a bargain at £11:40 pn! We are on a grass only pitch with lots of space and a fine view over the rest of the site and the fields beyond. There appears to lots of opportunity for walks directly from the site, as well as plenty of places to visit not over far away.
That looks like a worthwhile exhibition to go and visit, WN, do you know how long it is on for? Good to catch up with your news B2 and Kjell.
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"The strange thing with my "address" is that it has never been Cumberland!! Lancashire and then Cumbria, yes, and now Westmorland & Furness but never the one allocated to me!!"
And yet, even stranger, nellie, is that Masonic Provinces - which reflect ancient county boundaries - include Cumberland and Westmorland as one of the Provinces.
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Are there any other NT properties out there that MiL would have a problem with, mostly many steps rather than one or two?
I will add another one to your ‘can’t do’ list Wherenext. Sadly, it’s Nunnington Hall near Helmsley. You may have visited before? It’s a Grade 1 listed Manor House set in a beautiful garden beside a small river (with otters!). OH volunteers there most weeks for a day or two and it’s all stairs. The NT, in their wisdom, a few years ago decided to move the shop to the top floor! Given the demographic of visitors and coach parties who love a gift shop it was a daft decision, anyway irrelevant now as they have got rid of a shop altogether. I asked him about a lift and access and he said there is nowhere aesthetically (that he can think of) within the structure of the house that one could be accommodated. It’s a shame but given the age of most NT properties, I suppose most will not have lifts. Enjoy your holiday it looks like a nice week.
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Brodsworth Hall (EH) does have a lift, and a shuttle from the car park to the house. Garden is mostly accessible, one or two steepish ramps up from rose garden.
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The weather has improved considerably, warm and sunny. Very busy few days visiting family and of course my brother. Thursday took the car into Poole for service, got a bus into Paul Quay and had a boat trip to Swanage and back. Car service all good.
Last night was sons 50th birthday party, good time had by all.1 -
Thanks Heddlo and Ttda.
We were thinking of going next week but will give it a miss now. We'll catch up with it when we're flying solo. There's enough in the area to keep her busy and she only really needs a full morning.
Rain today which for us was OK as I think she was a bit tired this morning.
Harlow Carr tomorrow while I walk into Harrogate for brunch.
Hope your brother is more settled now OneP.
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We went to the ‘Owners evening on the site of Friday evening, spent time with our neighbours, a very enjoyable evening and very good food. Son and daughter in law took our granddaughter back to Liverpool uni yesterday, the plan was for us all to go out for a meal and them to stop over here on their return. Unfortunately they got caught in traffic going and didn’t get here until late, too late to go out. They said they were counting the cars carrying freshers as the cars were packed to the top, it’s our granddaughters last year. Anyway we went into Stratford today, had a wander round and had lunch out instead. It’s an Indian festival so lots dressed in traditional dress and dancing, we can hear the drumming now sitting in our caravan, this is its 8th day, hundreds of people attending each day. Our other granddaughter was rushed back into hospital again, they kept her in overnight but she is out again now.
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We also have a bit of an awkward address, Nellie. B'ham postcode, Staffordshire postal 'county', but were actually N Warks!!
Weather has been a bit of a mixture this last few days. Some warmish spells when the sun is out, but quite cold when cloudy..... some rain too. We've caved in, and the heating has gone on this evening....
David
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Great to read that some are able to get 'out and about' and thanks to those who have shared photos.
We've got rather too much going on at the moment, to be able to get out in the caravan. Routine vets appt Tuesday (for the dog.. 🤣🤣), Car in for work on Wednesday, C'van in for warranty work on Thursday followed by regular practices and services up to the end of next weekend.... Carol has also been into the Royal Orthopedic for an op on her hand last Friday.
Our only 'freeish' day for the next couple of weeks is tomorrow, so we might go out somewhere for some of the day. No doubt it will have to include some shopping at the supermarket!!
David
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