The weather has been garbage for May. Cold, wet and windy and the river has broken its banks. I was worried for the nesting river birds, especially the Kingfishers.

Work – hectic. Diet – failed!

But, Friday evening Frank and Kate came over for drinks and a game or two of cards. Hector won fair and square. As ever we had a great time. Kate brought me some lovely flowers and a sweet drapey scarf. Bless her.

On Saturday morning some much needed sunshine and we headed down the M6 to visit Helene and Martin. We took Rosie and she was quite happy on the back seat in her harness attached to the seat belt clip. We were there by lunch time and in no time at all Rosie and their dog Monty were quite happy together.

After a cuppa we headed out on the track through the fields to the canal where lots of narrowboats were chugging along or moored up. I especially love the ones that people live on – storing logs on their roof and with pots of flowers here and there. Makes me long for some time slowly bumbling along the canals in a little boat. (sigh)

Our detonation was Shugborough and after walking over Essex Bridge. If you stand on the Essex Bridge, you can see where the river Sow meets the river Trent.
Lying on the River Trent one hundred yards downstream of the junction with the River Sow, it was built in 1550 by the then Earl of Essex for Queen Elizabeth I so that when she visited the estate she could go hunting in the woodland around the local village.[citation needed] It is now the longest remaining packhorse bridge in England with 14 of its original 40 span arches left.[citation needed]
The bridge carries the long distance footpath The Staffordshire Way over the River Trent, linking the Trent and Mersey Canal tow-path with the bridal way over the Shugborough estate to Cannock Chase.

Helene and I at Shugborough. While this picture was taken I put my camera bag down (containing binoculars, camera lens and battery) and some time later when we stopped at the cafe for a drink realised i had left it there. Hector dashed back and thankfully someone had handed it in.

The grounds at Shugborough are lovely. Later we all went out for an Indian in Satfford. The lovely Charlotte their second daughter came too. Three giggling girls in the back of Martins new (dashboard straight from the Starship Enterprise) sleek Jaguar. The giggling continued over dinner and chat was lively, full of laughter and didn’t falter. LOVED IT!

On Sunday morning I took a short walk with the two dogs who were quite happy walking on leads side by side. A skylark kept us company trilling in the blue sky above us.

After breakfast Helene and I took a spin in her BMW soft-top and broke the speed limit by 140% when she floored it and I was thrust back into my seat. A real Thelma and Louise moment. We joined the boys at a pub before heading back for a full Sunday roast – all done by Martin. I have to say I have NEVER had such wonderful Yorkshire pudding. Prize winning stuff I feel sure.

We had one evening at the new Steppingstones Festival in Brampton. Its the brainchild of Maddy Prior and was a success. We were there 5 hours and the highlights for us were The Carnival Band and, as ever for me especially!, Spiers & Boden. Plenty singalongy fun. I sometimes forget just how good for the soul live music is if its something you really really love.

Singalongafolkyness finale at Steppingstones

On Bank Holiday Monday I relaxed with an edition of Columbo I hadn’t seen before and later Hector wanted to go to a pub, have a pint and read a paper, so like we’ve done before he dropped me off a few miles from home and I walked back with Rosie. It was a tad cool and breezy and rainy, but not too bad.

I reported to the RSPCA some dumped battery looking chickens who were amongst some fly tipping in a woodland. A disgrace!

After work on Friday I met Sally and her dog Roxy at the river to have walk. We watched the many many swallows skimming over the water, and Sally saw her first Kingfisher. Little flocks of Siskins we darting around in the meadow on the river bank.

Friday evening and we walked round to Frank and Kate’s for a drink or two and a game of cards. I’m the novice and WON one. Crikey. Everyone surprised. A lovely bright full moon to walk home with at 1.am.
Today – Saturday – Hector suggested a walk around the block so we did our usual favourite – 3 miles through the fields and towards the river and back via the old trackway up the hill and back.
In 24 hours I had a few good walks and I think have walked around 8 miles – maybe. Not too bad – though my wonky hip got stiff and a bit sore this afternoon.

Last week not only did we have a wonderful meal in York (Italian is my favourite!) but on the Wednesday we had an unexpected evening out with local friends and some friends of theirs (and ours) from Michigan. Lovely to see everyone again and the food was great.

The weekend was a full one. The weather was November-ish on Saturday – blowin a hoolie it was. The poor blossom trees! Hector has been enjoying footie on TV. Though it goes over my head I do know that the games were important.

AND! The Swallows are back! Hurrah.

On Sunday it was a long planned lunch out with Frank and Kate to celebrate their birthdays and being together for 30 years. We ate well and had a wonderful time. I was charged with taking some portrait photos of the event and our gift to them is a frames picture each.

Frank and Kate, Hector and I at lunch…..

The week at work for both of us has been a bit fraught. For Hector it was a week of upheaval. For me it has been full-on with more work to do than I can do. I enjoy it, but don’t think all the tasks that need doing can now be done in the time-scale.
Work at home Wednesday was a bit difficult and I had to escape for a walk at the river at lunch time, where happened upon Kate who was there too. A nice surprise.

On Thursday it was warm, balmy and calm so I went to the river again and sat on the bank about a mile along the walk for a while and luxuriated in the atmosphere.

Thankfully its a long weekend coming up, including an evening of live music at a little local festival. Hopefully there’ll be some fine weather so I can sit on our (still) new terrace with a cuppa and have a lovely long walk with Rosie.

I had a lovely walk with Rosie at Edenhall!

At the weekend Hector took me to York for a mini mini holiday. We had 22 hours there. In 10 hours on the Sunday we did SO many fun and interesting things. I LOVED it…. We:
Went on the open top tourist bus
Took an open top river boat trip on the Ouse
Went skywards on the 60 metre high Big Wheel (superb views)
Sat in a nifty computerised pod thingy that took us around the Jorvik Museum
Had coffee and doughnuts
Missed out seeing the Minster as there were services in progress
Wandered the lovely city streets surrounded by the history and buildings
Looked around the wonderful shops – especially Sahara (love that shop!)
Are at a wonderful Italian Restaurant near the Minster

My wonky hip got badly stiff and sore by mid afternoon so by the time we headed to the Travelodge for the night I could hardly move. I think I need to get the Doc to figure it out – arthritis or sciatica or something else?

And Rosie? Where was Rosie while we were swanning about York? She stayed with the wonderful Sally, Jess, Campbell and Jamie. They adore her and she was very contended there. She gets on well with their fabulous dog Roxy.

Back to work after time off always leads to a tiring week. Its been a good one though – if I ignore the fact that my fact failed its MOT spectacularly. It’ll need to convalesce after so much surgery. Was wondering what I could sell to pay for it and all I could come up with is my sister! she wasn’t impressed! Ah well. I did though work from home for two days of its three – day garage work. Always pleasant.

The weather hasn’t been great. Chilly and wet. The poor blossom on the cherry tree is scattering like confetti all over the place. We had a late delivery of logs for the stove, sad to do when its late April.
Work has been really busy. Lots going on – but the days pass quickly and it is enjoyable.

Frank Cat has been hot-desking with me!

On Thursday evening I went with Kate to see The History boys at Keswick’s Theatre by the Lake. It was wonderful. We had a lovely time. Its a funny and a poignant play – but then I have always loved Alan Bennett.

Some leave time has been really welcome. A great start was Fiona and Chris coming over on Good Friday. Obviously I ate a chocolate egg on Easter Sunday but a long walk might have helped negate it’s effects! I gave Hector some nice beers instead of choccies!
On Tuesday I went over to see Sis and we visited Mum. It was pretty chilly and lots of snow was newly fallen on the hills. I didn’t feel much like walking or gardening because both my hip and my right thumb were pretty damn painful. Mum looked well and seemed really happy to see Rosie.
On Wednesday I had another lovely long walk, but there was heavy rain later.
I got this shot of the – what we are now calling the ‘terrace’ and like the result.

I put some pots out onto the terrace and with a rug on the chair to sit on it was a lovely place to spend a couple of hours.


I saw some neighbours and got some things done Thursday and Friday and also had another lovely long walk with Rosie (just 3 miles) and dropped in on Jane in the village on the way back.
The blossom on the trees in the garden and churchyard are wonderful at the moment and I have loved having plenty of time to get the garden ready for late Spring and early Summer; transplanting self-seeded aquilegia and mints.
On Saturday Frank and Kate dropped by and Kate and I went into town so I could place my first ever bookies bet on the Grand National. Now that I see that 2 horses died during it I won’t be doing it again. One of the ones that died was one I had backed which hasn’t made me feel to good.
Later a nice girl, another Kate, I’ve met a couple of times at networking and marketing events came over. She’s a wonderful portrait photographer and we planned to share techniques by spending some time in the church for portraits and then later to Castlerigg Stone Circle where we shared my landscape inspirations. Kate’s first baby is due really soon so we didn’t walk far at all! After learning some of her skills I think I’ve taken the best portraits I have taken to date… and I hope I can improve some more.


Castlerigg was freezing but we stayed a while and I loved sharing the photography with her. I look forward to seeing her shots.

I love this shot – very incongruously dressed Janapese tourists….

On my last day off we were meant to be going to watch some rugby with Chris and Fiona but the match was called off. We gardened and Hector tidied up the garage instead. I had found two one-gallon Greek Olive Oil tins at the recycling area and brought them home. He took the tops off and drilled drainage holes in the bases, and when I’d cleaned them I planted some strawberry plants in them.

A short week at work ahead of Good Friday and Easter weekend. One of the best weeks at work I have ever had. Booked our October Conference pre-dinner speaker, took bookings for trade stands and got lots of delegate bookings. I hope I can keep this up…
I put a lot of finishing touches to the patio and got the table put out. What a palaver! I knew we’d put its bolts somewhere safe but COULD we find them? We both turned out drawers and cupboards, garage and indoors. Then Hector had a brainwave when I said if we were storing it now where’d we put them. Answer, attached to the table in a bag. So, we looked around in the garage where the table had been stored and lo and behold! Phew.

On Good Friday Chris and Fiona came over – a walk had been planned but it was raining. Lots of talking, lots of subjects! An Indian take-away for dinner and more talk. Excellent evening.

East Saturday Hector and I went out to the river walk I’d become so fond of. We did the full length of the walk, but didn’t see the kingfishers this time, or the otters. One day…! when Hector went into town to watch the football I did a bit of greening but got so engrossed I didn’t notice the time going by and was still at it when he got back 2 hours later. I sowed the wild flower seeds in the largest bed – scattered amongst all the other plants.

On Easter Sunday we went out early again (not before I had opened my chocolate egg – bought it for myself) We set off to go just around the village, but changed our route and in the end did 3 walks all at once.

We met some rather interesting (contradiction in terms I think!) sheep….

And finally…. we have some new coffee beans for the DeLonghi and they are as shiny as jewels….

Hector suggested going to a pub and reading the papers…. but I fancied a walk especially as the weather was so fine and sunny. A plan then came to mind…..

We would drive to a pub we don’t usually go to (5 miles away) and just before it Hector would drop me off and I would set off walking home – using the quieter routes. So, off Rosie and I went… we saw a red squirrel, some new lambs, chiffchaffs, a jay and some highland cattle. We walked past open ploughed fields, coppiced woodland, pine woodland, ploughed fields, tree plantations, roads avenues with old oaks, very old hedges and abundant spring flowers; many of which are very early this year.
We’d only been walking 45 minutes when Hector drove up on his way home, but I decided to keep walking because I was enjoying it so much. Its hard to describe how much more pleasant it is to do a walk that is entirely homewards. Its not like setting off from home and doing a route that means turning back for home. It was a little adventure.
When we were almost home Sally drove by and stopped for a chat.
So, a lovely walk. Just lovely.

Much progress on the 8sq metre little sandstone patio. We couldn’t have done it without the help of the wonderful Frank and his son Tim. Its going to be wonderful place to eat outdoors and sip a G&T.
The weather has been sublime all week – temperatures into the low 20c’s. Hope it bodes well for the summer.
I took a trip to the garden centre for the creeping thyme for the gaps in the paving and on the way back spotted a field near home being ploughed, the tractor bumbling up and down the steep incline lifting dark red sandy fertile soil behind it and exciting the throngs of gulls in its wake.

There have been wonders in the heavens this last week or so.
The moon and Venus, Jupiter, Mars and Saturn.
Fabulous alignments.

I have spent more time down at the river on my new favourite walk. More blissful summery weather this week HEAVEN!!! On my work at home Wednesday I got up and instead of packing a packed lunch, driving to work and parking up etc I used that hour to go down to the river with Rosie. 7 am as the sun rose through the mist.

And the weather is still fabulous!

Have you seen a smug poodle before?
The view from my home desk – I work at home on a Wednesday.

Summary of summery Spring
1. Found a new walk and it was heavenly – utterly heavenly. Kingfishers, otter tracks, oyster catchers, curlews, ducks, geese and only me and Rosie there to share it
2. Began work on the paved area in the front garden with old sandstone slabs. Big thank you to our friend Frank for invaluable help with it!
3. Work was busy – but enough about that!

It was WAHW (Work at Home Wednesday) which keeps me calmly sane!
When I finished I took Rosie a walk. We followed a track that I have never been down before. The local countryman Maurice told me a bout it when we saw him in the pub last night and I queried a track we found on our walk on Sunday and if it was a public path. He told me it was and that you can get to it from the other end. WHAT a heavenly walk. It was warm, the light lovely as sunset began. Most of the path is beside a little beck, crystal clear and clean. I felt so calm on that walk that it was a shame to have to head home.

There are some really nice people aren’t there? A friend in the village has just given us a trailer load of weathered sandstone slabs (saving us a fortune) for a project in the garden I’ve wanted to do for years but it was too pricey as sandstone is SO expensive.
Now the hard physical work begins! Removing one of the small lawns, levelling, lining and putting down the slabs.
Who needs Alan Titchmarsh…. BUT – if that yummy Monty Don were to offer his services I would probably faint with pleasure.

My perfect cousin (quoting the Undertones) or rather my CLEVER CUZ has had a load of new company stationary letterheads and business cards etc printed but the phone number was wrong. What did he do? He calmly rang the phone company and CHANGED HIS NUMBER to match wrong one! GENIUS! I am so impressed.

Almost like summer. Fabulous weekend of spring.
On Sunday we took Rosie a walk through the fields and down to the little brook that heads into the river. We tried to encourage her to get over some stiles but it didn’t work out. We’ll just have to lift her over them. It was so calm and quiet, bright and warm. Real t-shirt weather.
This is the little stream. I love the sound. I could have stayed there all day.

We were home in time to go for a drink with our friend Frank at the pub and sit outside too! In the afternoon Hector watched the rugby and I gardened…. eventually taking a rug outside and laying out there in the sun. Heaven.

Hurrah!

Getty Images have taken this shot for their stock.

and on this same day a different starling image of mine was used on the Flickr.blog!

Will either of these make my fortune? Probably not – but its given me a thrill.

Beaten – did the pub quiz with Adele and Ray. Lots of fun and as ever a really good time with them. We didn’t win – but it doesn’t matter.
Busy – village magazine to finish and get to printers.
Blonde – dyed my hair. I’m happier blonde. Took quite well I think. I like it.
Business – very hectic at work. Had a trip down to the Midlands to visit our big 2 day Conference venue – that I found and booked – and it went well. 300 delegates will attend 2 nights and 2 days in the Autumn with en-suite accommodation, workshops, seminars, master classes, dinner, quiz, keynotes, speakers and multi trade stands. Its a real feat of organisation and I LOVE doing it.
Boggy – weather damp and mild. Not much by the way of a walk with Rosie. Hope for fine weekend weather and some nice mini expeditions.
Birthday – Clare’s birthday this week and she and Jane both came to visit me at the office. Glad to show them where I work and to give Clare her pressie.
Best - We went to see The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel. It was delicious!!!! The perfect feel good film. I want to be Judy Dench sitting side saddle on a little scooter nipping around Jaipur streets my arm around a diffident Bill Nighy.