It struck me while in the shower this morning that the three pictures on the bathroom wall of my niece (aged 6) as a bridesmaid (cute), a God-daughter (aged 6) in her party dress on my knee (lovely), and the little girl of a good friend (about 5) face-painted like a tiger, were especially interesting now. These gorgeous ‘little’ girls are now… a trainee paramedic, primary teacher and police officer. Where’d the years go?

A very pleasant morning watching Clare in a dressage competition and catching up with her Mum Jane, my sister. I took Jess along too. The weather was perfect and later H and I snoozed in the garden – well I did… I fell asleep.

Ross came with us to the pub on Friday evening so it was even more fun than usual. He and his Dad had a game of darts and poole and there were loads of folks to talk too.

Today Ross went home on the train and as the sun was shining and it was warm we did loads of chores outside – cutting stuff back.

I had a brainwave that we should take the top down on my car and go out for a little trundle…. ostensibly to share with Hector my driving route to our new offices at work.

What was a short bimble became a really special afternoon – and dare I say the word? Romantic..!? A short park-up to watch a guy flying a remote control helicopter – WE WANT ONE! We had a nice explore of the Wetheral Gate House – lovely medieval sandstone tower. I even braved the very steep spiral stairs up the tower. A pub lunch at the Crown at Wetheral then a gorgeous short walk along the banks of the Eden under Corby Castle and a long look at its fabulous cascade into the river. Driving home I had to stop to meet some bullocks and take in the views…. I have been wondering if I was seeing things last week when I saw a swallow, but I did see more today – though at Wetheral not at home.

Came home the winding road for some serious unwinding of the nerves! Had to stop off a few times to meet some littlies.

And the views were lovely too..

Some nicked piccies from my sisters Facebook album.
Lovely niece Clare, and sister Jane and their gorgeous family garden.

First swallow spotted! YAY! April 12th. Easter Sunday….and warm enough for us to sit outside in the garden.

And Hector was planning our little holiday in a few weeks……

On Good Friday we drove down to Lincolnshire for a one night stay with Chrissie et al. We spent the afternoon drinking tea and chatting in the conservatory (double greenhouse annex). At one point Chrissie calmly told me to follow her outside, and it turned out she was putting aside her immense fear of spiders to get me somewhere where she could knock one off me, which was apparently last seen heading over my shoulder and down my back, while I chatted on unaware. It was ENORMOUS so she was very brave! Even its body was like a stone. Bless her! If I’d known it was there I’d have panicked.

That evening we joined Lollykin and went to see her friends band – Ram Raid. Sean, Jimbo and Brock are far too good a band to not yet be signed to a label. A brill evening, stunning music and plenty of it, albeit in a not-very-salubrious pub in Grimsby.

Thick heads on Saturday morning and a late start after a massive breakfast (crikey, Chrissie is a good cook) joined by Lol and Lee. Leaving Hector at home with Chris and on a foray of his own to get a paper to relax with, Chrissie and I went off in her steel-blue soft top Beetle to Lincoln.

It took us 40 minutes to successfully pay to park in a car park (we were SUCH old ladies!) near the Cathedral, but despite the fuss, drizzle and grey skies the high part of the city near the castle and stunning Cathedral was lovely. We stopped at a tiny tea room on the steep hill and then did a slow amble around the Cathedral. A wonderful building which, like so many churches etc, had a calming and soothing effect on me. The stone is pale gold and so warm. The exquisite carvings pleased me the most, but we enjoyed seeing the lighting up the famous Imp. (Flickr pics here)

Afterwards we had a shufty in some of the galleries and arty shops on the Steep Hill and headed home. Shopping at Waitrose and then a short stop by the road to look at a field of piggy Mums and adorable piglets. Awwwww.
Chrissie plays Mother….Lee and Lol at brekkie feast…

And some little piggies…

At 7-ish we set off home and left the rain behind so that by the time we were running clear up the A1 the sunset was gorgeous. Once we were on the A66 heading East it was spectacular. (Piccies here)

And, when we got home, looking forward to seeing Frank Cat he didn’t greet us. Not outside, not in the lounge or kitchen. I went searching and soon heard a plaintive meouwing – from upstairs! It became apparent that we had set off not realising that we had shut him in our bedroom. The only damage was the carpet that he had lifted one corner off to try and open the door to escape. I felt really guilty!

I have driven past this (so far only one) field of crops covered in plastic for a few days now and it jars on my nerves every time. I know its biodegradable and I know its good for the crop but its a terrible eyesore. Interesting and artistic shapes in the landscape, but an eyesore all the same when it stands out for miles!

I got loads of chores done in the garden and put the big teak table out into the yard and constructed the hammock in the front garden. Frank made the most of it!

She kept me company in the garden today and was a delight. This shot has gone through heavy post-production and sever cropping, but she deserved the movie star treatment!

Frank, Henry Pickle, Tom and Olive are one year old today! Henry Pickle lives with Lis (and Peasblossom) and got a really cute card from them all. So sweet.
Here is a birthday portrait of Frank.

Jane and I went to the funeral of Clare, a close friend from school days, who died suddenly on March 22nd. She was a wonderful person, same age as me. She was witty, quirky, animal-lover and introduced me to grated cheese in instant mash! She was a special person. The late afternoon weather was fantastic and after the service we took a detour on the way home to simmer down in Arnside. We sat on the little stone pier for two hours, had an ice-cream and watched the famous fast incoming tide slide in ripples into the bay. It was a lovely sojurn after a sad few hours and something that will always be a memory of Clare too.
I took of this photo of Jane looking kind of pensive and perhaps reflecting on the day.

Tomorrow Hector is also at a funeral for his ex boss who also died on 22nd March after a long illness. He had a high regard for him. He’ll stay over and see some old school friends on Saturday. I’ll have a quiet weekend at home alone and make some things ready in the garden for spring and summer.