Thursday 22nd December

Christine invited us all to a meal at a French Restaurant just outside Lymm, which made a lovely start to the Christmas festivities.



Saturday 24th December
We all pitched in to decorate the gingerbread house that we demolished for dessert after dinner.

Sunday 25th December
While the turkey was cooking we went for a walk down to the river to enjoy the sunshine.

Thursday 17th November

We set off to Hornsea in sunshine and arrived to grey skies. It was warm and we walked the length of the beach.



After lunch we drove to Hornsea Mere and by then the skies were blue.

We walked along the edge of the water watching the swans and other water birds.

On our way home we called in at Beverley for a look around the town centre.

Friday 4th November

We enjoyed a family get-together at Little Gaerfields, a converted barn near Ross-on-Wye. There were 16 adults, 1 toddler & 1 baby.





Saturday 5th November
We all went for a circular walk from the farmyard that took us across fields and through woods.

After our own firework display, everyone got dressed up for Keith's 60th birthday dinner.

Sunday was spent playing table tennis, using the swimming pool, reading the papers & relaxing.
Monday 7th November  
After leaving the house we drove to Monmouth to explore the town which has some fine buildings & unusual local shops.

The bridge at the bottom of the high street was originally built in 1270 and is the only surviving bridge with gatehouse in the country.

Sunday 30th October

With Russell and Christine, we all enjoyed a walk along the towpath of the Bridgwater canal.



We saw narrow boats and rowing boats as we walked.

Saturday 29th October
This afternoon we joined Russell & Christine and visited Tatton Park where the gardeners had created a colourful pumpkin display in the greenhouse.

The acers in the Japanese garden were wonderful.

Sunday 23rd October

We went to Boroughbridge and parked by the river to see the waterfall where two rivers meet.

From the other side of town we found a footpath down to the River Ure which we followed for about a mile.

We then turned around and retraced our footsteps, passing several fishermen on the opposite bank.

Saturday 22nd October

We drove 5 minutes up the road to Spofforth for a walk by the side of Crimple Beck. The weather was just right for being outside though it was a bit muddy underfoot. 

In the fields nearby were several of these unusual rock formations.

On the walk we saw lots of wildlife, including rabbits, a red kite being chased by crows and finally a fox crossing a ploughed field only 20 or 30 yards from us.

Thursday 20th October

As the skies were clear and blue, we went for a drive to Sutton Bank and walked along the top to the white horse.

There were lots of gliders and they were being towed up by an aeroplane. As we walked past we saw half a dozen getting airborne.

Saturday 15th October

This afternoon we enjoyed a walk in the sunshine around Fewston Reservoir. It is one of our favourite walks and there were lots of other people there too.



Wednesday 12th October

As we had not been to Golden Acre Park for a long time, we decided to go there this afternoon.

We followed part of the Leeds Country Way before we entered the park and enjoyed walking through the woods.

 We came upon Peter's Pond, a large stretch of water part way along the trail.

In Golden Acre the gardens were suprisingly colourful for October and some of the old miniature railway line is being restored.

The Dahlia Society have held their trials here since 1986 and it makes for a lovely display.

Higher up the Chrysanthemum Society have a beautiful array of cutting and bedding varieties.

Tuesday 11th October

We enjoyed a stroll around Knaresborough today.



Sunday 9th October

We went to Fountains Abbey for a walk around the lakes.

The trees are just starting to show their autumn colours.

There were pheasants everywhere, even on top of the hedges.

We enjoyed some weak sunshine as we walked back towards the abbey.

Saturday 17th September

Harrogate Flower Show today. Lots to see and plenty of variety.

Wednesday 15th September

We vited Harlow Carr to see the Britain in Bloom photographic exhibition set out in the garden and to enjoy the warm September sunshine.



 The experimental vegetable garden is now much bigger in its new position

Monday 15th August

We drove to Gloucester to explore the docks development. There were lots of warehouse conversions, restaurants, new shops and an arts centre.



We strolled into the centre of  Gloucester to see the cathedral which was very impressive.

After lunch we visited the Gloucester Waterways Museum, formerly the National Waterways Museum, which told the story of the development of canals and was sited in an old warehouse.
http://www.gloucesterwaterwaysmuseum.org.uk/

Later in the day we drove to Crickley Hill which has stunning views of Gloucester and Cheltenham.