Week One

Hello and welcome to you all. Thank you for taking the time to visit here. 

Firstly, a huge thank you to all of you for the good wishes and encouragement we received on my husband's retirement last week. You are all kind and thoughtful people, and we were quite overwhelmed.

And so the reality of retirement has now begun!

I realise that there will be lots of mundane and routine jobs still to do, but we can share them a bit more now. The cleaning, washing and cooking still need to be done, but there will also be lots of projects, travel and other things to enjoy. The best thing is that we can do all this, but at our own pace and in the way that suits us best.

This week we visited Bakewell in the Derbyshire Dales. It has been about two years since our last visit but we enjoyed it just as much as last time. The weather forecast was to expect some rain. However, it remained dry while we were there and we didn't need coats all day. A lesson learned, 'to sometimes just go out anyway.'

We arrived at lunchtime and indulged in Bakewell's famous sweet treats: the Bakewell Tart and the Bakewell Pudding. Three places claim to have the original recipe: 'The Bakewell Tart Shop and Coffee House', 'The Bakewell Pudding Shop' and 'Bloomers of Bakewell'. We went to the 'Bakewell Tart Shop', which sold Bakewell tarts, Including Iced Bakewell tarts, moist Bakewell tarts, and the traditional Bakewell pudding. 

Bakewell Tart

Bakewell Pudding

I think my favourite was the pudding.

According to legend, the Bakewell pudding came about from a happy accident when a nineteenth-century cook at the now-demolished White Horse Inn misinterpreted the requirements for a dessert, and thus created the first pudding. The Bakewell tart was a later creation, featuring a shortcrust pastry base and a filling of jam and frangipane, topped with almonds. There is also a more commercial variation, with icing and a cherry on top, made by a company that claims to make 'exceedingly good cakes'. 

We enjoyed looking in shops in town and a stroll along the River Wye. The ducks, swans and geese were happily enjoying being fed by visitors. One man was hand-feeding a goose! I value my fingertips too much for that type of close encounter.

We also walked up the hill to visit the parish church of All Saints. The current building is about 180 years old, having replaced the original Medieval church. In the church yard, we found these two Saxon cross bases, a reminder of the long history associated with the church. 

Inside, there are some beautiful stained glass windows like this one.

We had a lovely few hours in Bakewell and I would certainly go back again and enjoy more Bakewell pudding, of course.

Back at home, hubby has enjoyed working on a new jigsaw. One of his birthday presents this year was this carry jigsaw puzzle case. It means that we can easily clear the table for meals or other crafting activities. We tried it out and it works perfectly. 

He completed this puzzle in just a few hours. It had 500 pieces, and the scene is Scarborough. He may need to move on to 1000 pieces next time. I managed to fit in a few pieces myself as well.

We have also been trying out various coffee/tea places that also have sweet treats and catching up with friends. The weather has been mostly good, and this first week of retirement has gone well.

I hope your week has gone well wherever you are, you are in good health and that you have enjoyed a little sunshine in your life.

B 

A Fresh Start

Hello friends.

Another week has sped by, but it has been one of changes and new starts in our family. Yesterday (Friday) was my hubby's last day at work before retiring. Now, one chapter of life is closing, and a new, fresh start is dawning for him and for us both. We have many plans and ideas, some of which will work out, while others may not. However, it is the journey and the possibilities we can now enjoy together that matter. 

It is very hard to keep anything secret from my hubby, so planning any surprise to celebrate this special day was always going to be difficult. Somehow, between my son, daughter and me, we managed it. We found a lovely small Italian restaurant called Ruso, not far from where we live and booked a table. Hubby knew nothing about it until about half an hour before our son picked us up. Wonderful! 

We had a lovely evening together and a celebration that was perfect for hubby. 

Back at home, I have been working on reviving and giving a fresh start to my house plants. Many of you know that I love my outdoor garden spaces, but somehow my green fingers evade me indoors. I am terrible with house plants. However, I have taken things in hand and revived a few of them, promising to take better care of them in the future. All dead and yellow leaves have been removed, and most have been repotted and watered. The Christmas cactus has already grown many new leaves, and the spider plants are much happier. The Sansevieria is also happier in its new home. I can't remember what the purple-leaved plant is *, but that too has started putting out pretty lilac flowers. The leaves close up like arrows in the evening.

* I think this plant is an Oxalis triangularis 'Mijke' from the information I have now found.

Finally, two orchids that were feeling very sorry for themselves have been repotted and are already perking up. 

How will this first week of retirement go? I have no idea, but that is part of the journey.

I hope you all have a lovely week, whatever the weather and plans may be. 

See you all soon.

B x 

Holidays

Hello everyone. How are you all? It's great to be back after our cruise holiday. 

We had a fantastic holiday and had lots of fun memories of our time away. D and I hope you enjoy some of the highlights of our adventures.

It was an early start for us at Birmingham airport, but also the fastest check-in ever. From being dropped off by hubby at departures to getting to the airport lounge took 15 minutes; baggage drop, security and passport control were a breeze. It is always an anxious time waiting for your luggage to arrive at the destination, so we were glad to see ours had made the journey safely. Long day, early night. Goodnight zzz.

Our first full day was spent at sea, and as D and I are seasoned sea travellers now, we spent the day exploring on board the ship. D had a pampering session booked and came back with pretty nails on her hands and feet.

Later on, we dressed up for dinner, enjoyed cocktails, and headed to the show lounge for a fantastic evening of music, song, and dance from the show team. It was brilliant and we thoroughly enjoyed our relaxed day at sea. 

We were also fortunate to enjoy this wonderful sunset up on deck. What a day!

It was hot, hot, hot when we visited Pisa in Italy the following day. It reached about 39 degrees Celsius on that day. However, with D doing all the planning, we came, we saw, and we conquered. (Veni, vidi, vici, in Latin)

Our first stop was at the tower to take a picture, and although it is possible to climb to the top, it was far too hot on the day we were there. Next, we had a quick zoom around for souvenirs to buy later and then headed for a lovely restaurant just off the main square. We enjoyed a few drinks and sampled the delights of some pizza and ice cream. So good.

The tower leans because the foundations were inadequate when it was built. It had already started to sink and lean into the soft ground while it was being constructed. Early attempts to correct the tilting building failed, but now, with modern technology, engineers have been able to stabilise it and prevent further leaning.

Close to the famous tower also stands the Baptistery of St John, another beautiful building dating from the eleventh century.

And this is Pisa's Cathedral. All three of these buildings were incredible to see in all their splendour. Lots of intricate details, fine marble, and other precious materials were used in their construction. Pisa is well worth a visit, but maybe not on such a hot day.

The next port of call was Genoa, Italy. We decided to stay on board ship on that day. We have been to this city before so here are some pictures from a previous trip.

A view over the city

Palazzo San Giorgio

The Cathedral San Lorenzo

Doge's Palace 

Piazza De Ferrari, its splashing fountain surrounded by grand buildings.

Next was a day in Calvi, Corsica. This was a tender to shore as the ship is unable to lay anchor close enough to shore. It was a short, smooth crossing, and neither D nor I got seasick. Corsica is beautiful, with clear blue skies and sea, sandy beaches and majestic mountain ranges. We enjoyed a coach trip around the island.

It was so hot even the cow needed to paddle its hooves in the water.

When we docked in Toulon, France, we had a couple of hours visiting two seaside villages/towns: Sandury du Mer and Bandol. It was another very hot day, and we escaped to a delightful outdoor restaurant looking out onto the beaches.

Once back on the ship, we also caught a glimpse of the Red Arrows passing overhead for the VJ celebrations. That was an extra surprise treat.

Our final stop off was Barcelona, Spain, a city we have visited several times in the past. It is a vibrant city with plenty of things to enjoy. We found the best way to get around and see the sights in a short amount of time was on the 'Hop on Hop Off' buses. One of the most famous sites to visit is the Sagrada Familia, designed originally by Gaudí and is still under construction! Many years ago, we also visited FC Barcelona's grounds and the museum. None of us are huge football fans, but it was an impressive tour. 

And so it was time to pack up cases and make for the airport to return home: a wonderful summer holiday and lots of good memories. 

The final holiday sunset from the plane windows.

Then it was back to reality.

This last week has also been a busy one, as it has been August birthday week for my hubby and both my children—lots of celebrations and cake. There is also a retirement before the end of the month for hubby. Things are a-changin'. With all the whirlwind of celebrations, maybe I need another holiday!

Whatever your plans are for the week, I hope it works out perfectly. Take care.

B x

Just a Quick "Hello"

Just a quick "hello" to everyone. 

Thank you all for your kind comments on the last post. D and I have just returned from our cruise and starting to get ourselves sorted out. We will be posting again at the weekend when we can share our holiday adventures with you. 

Meanwhile we will be slowly visiting all our blogging friends to catch up on your news.

Enjoy the rest of the week and see you soon.

B and D

xx

One Year On

Hello friends, and welcome to a new month, the month of August. D and I hope it is a wonderful month for you all.

In a few days, it will be our son and daughter-in-law's first wedding anniversary. A whole year that has gone by in the blink of an eye. As this was their first anniversary, I wanted to do something special for them. I put on my creative hat and came up with this project.

(A shady version and a sunny version)

Traditionally, the first anniversary is celebrated with gifts made of paper. The background of this heart features a pretty patterned green paper with knotted green ribbon around the edges. The colour scheme of their wedding included lots of green, and so I wanted to use this in the project. The paper flowers and leaves were bought, along with the white hearts, which are mostly hidden underneath the foliage. Finally, the little wooden squares spell out their names. A little gift made with love, hopefully reminding them of their special day.

We'll be seeing the happy couple in the next few days and taking an extra gift from D. This week's baking was lemon shortbread, and there are just two pieces left. This was the plate a few days ago! 

I shall not be posting for a week or two now as my holiday with D has finally arrived. We are taking a cruise in the Med and visiting Pisa, Genoa, Corsica, Toulon in France and Barcelona. Cases are almost packed and ready to go, and D and I are looking forward to spending this time together. 

Until we are back and can share our travels with you, we both want to wish you a happy and safe couple of weeks for yourselves.

Back soon.

B and D

Which Would You Prefer - Sweet or Savoury?

Hello friends.

Monday started a lot more watery than I would have liked. I had checked the weather forecast, which suggested dry weather until tea time. Trying to stay ahead of the game, I put the washing machine on with the plan of getting it all dry by the afternoon. When I went to check that the cycle had finished, I was greeted by a swimming pool's worth of water all over the floor from a leaking machine. 

Aaah! 

Not what I had in mind. 

I mopped up the mess and checked the filter, which seemed fine. I did a further rinse cycle, and everything was fine. Fortunately, the washing machine is located in the garage, which is lower than the rest of the house; otherwise, it could have been much worse. Must have been the washing machine gremlin at work that day.

Still, the sun was shining and I had super clean washing to peg out. Halfway along the line, the sun vanished, and the heavens opened - mad dash to get everything back inside again. By the end of the day, everything was dry, but I didn't feel the urge to wash clothes for the next few days.

The rest of the week has been very pleasant and chilled out for us. D has been unwinding from the stresses of work and enjoying her freedom, which of course has involved baking. Her first baking of the holidays was triple chocolate muffins. By the time you read this, undoubtedly they will all be gone.

Friday morning, D was again playing in the kitchen, but this time making a savoury delight for our taste buds. There were cheese and bacon muffins, and they were so delicious. I think they may make a return for breakfast on some mornings!

After enjoying all this wonderful baking, my husband and I have started a project that has long been overdue - redecorating our living room. As the space is quite large, we are attempting to do the work in two halves. At the far end of the room, we have stripped the paper from the walls and at least now we can see the bare plaster and anything that needs repairing. I'm sure hubby will enjoy painting walls and laying laminate floors in the early days of his retirement. I will keep you posted on the progress.

D and I both hope you have a great week ahead, whatever your plans may be. Meanwhile, we will be counting down to our holiday together in August.

Take care 

B and D x

Baking, Harvesting and a Little Crochet Update

Hello friends.

The weather has been much more changeable this week, and while there has been plenty of sunshine, we have also enjoyed cooling breezes and downpours of rain. Isn't British weather wonderful?

During the cooler days, I got out my current crochet blanket project and added a few more rows. I'm about halfway now, and I love the colourful brightness. This is how it looks, hanging on the washing line on a breezy and dry morning this week.

As the weather has been cooler in our small corner this week, I also made one of our favourite loaf cakes. A lemon drizzle cake always goes down well in our family. Unfortunately, it was disappearing very quickly this time around, and I only just remembered to take a quick photo before we had completely eaten it. A few more minutes, and it would have been just crumbs. 😊

Outside in the garden, we have been digging up potatoes. They are by far the best crop I have ever grown: good-sized potatoes and plenty of them. I'm digging a few each day and enjoying the taste of homegrown spuds with our dinners.

As I finish writing this, I can hear the rain hammering down outside, and we've had thunder and lightning this afternoon too. What will next week bring? 

D has finished school until September and is now enjoying a well-earnt rest and some time to catch up on crafting, baking, and a few other things. Our mum and daughter cruise is also only three weeks away. 

I'm looking forward to the next few weeks and hope that you have things to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Whatever your plans are, have fun and enjoy.

B and a rather sleepy D xx