Birthday Girl

Maisie turned 11 today, and it’s strange being in the same time zone and weather as the day of her birth (grey and drizzling). It is however usually raining in Auckland on Maisie’s birthday - one year there was a very memorable cyclone.

Maisie and I decorated cup cakes for her class - with Haribo sweets - slightly kooky but I’m sure 10-11 year olds will handle the situation. We are having family and a few friends over for butter chicken (Maisie’s request) later, and watching ‘This is It’ on DVD, choice. She was the VERY GRATEFUL recipient of Lady Gaga tickets for the Sheffield performance next week, and a cool guitar, books and clothes. We had a lovely breakfast of waffles maple syrup and bacon. Yum.

War Horse and friends

After various attempts thwarted by snow, and children having social engagements, our lovely friends SImon Sarah and Tilly came for lunch one day in the half term. (Simon bravely struggling with a cold, but determined not to cancel yet again)

We had an excellent walk on the grounds of Chatsworth House, which was closed, but I was very pleased to discover they had moved one of my favorite sculptures into the courtyard of the shop and restaurant area, the old stables, a fitting location for ‘war horse’.

War Horse

By Elisabeth Frink

The War Horse, made in 1991, apart from being a magnificent piece of sculpture, is important to Chatsworth because when it arrived here in it was the first piece of contemporary sculpture to be installed in the garden for 150 years.

Four generations round the table

It's hard to tell who is the most excited about the four of us being together like this. Not the dog - the gas fire needed too much attention.

We all went to the city of Chester to look after Rachel's grandmother, Erika (93). We had to engage in lots of shouting for the benefit of the hard of hearing, and some wine was required (for the shouters).

Rabbits?

Just wanted to show off the countryside a bit more - this is from Baslow Edge, a lovely walk but it was a little bit chilly, all feeling in the nose was lost after 30 minutes. We finished up with a well deserved hot chocolate back at home. Chess enjoyed the sniffs, and was hoping to see a few rabbits I think.

Blogging Logging

Me and me mum had a cracking time with the chainsaw today. What they say is true, wood warms you twice. We are having to let the central heating boiler out so the chimney can be swept, so felt the need to stock up on fuel for the open fire.

Half term here, Maisie off playing in the village with new friends, and then going for a pizza later. Not a bad life.

Starry Starry Night

Last night we had a power cut - right in the middle of watching 'Survivors'. We survived by lighting numerous candles, checking everything was switched off, and going to bed. When we went outside to see if the neighbours had power, the sky was just amazing. I'd forgotten just how many stars you are treated to in the northern hemisphere. Orion's belt and the plough (aka great bear) were as clear as anything, it was bloody cold though, -6 according to some website.

An early night wasn't such a hardship as we had all been swimming during the day. We decided it was time to check out the pool at Bakewell. Tuesday mornings promised 'ladies only', not sure we qualify but off we went.

It was all pretty quiet when we first arrived, and the first few lengths went by without incident. But then more 'ladies' started arriving. Half way through each length they seemed to multiply and swimming a lap turned into a very difficult maze challenge. Although all the ladies were doing lengths of a fashion, it was all at various speeds of slow. Every now and then they succumbed to the desire to stop and chat - in the middle of the pool.

Still, it felt good to get some exercise, and feel like the fittest occupants of the pool.

Curry sauce and chips

MMMmmm, I'd really been missing some of the culinary delights from home...one of which was curry sauce and chips, Leanne declined to try them...wonder why.

We just had a lovely weekend, starting off with a village panto (best quote "You pomms are mad" Leanne), I think this was when the audience was encouraged to join in with that classic song "There's a worm at the bottom of the garden".

Saturday was spent in Sheffield photographing the Sheffield eye, look at the lovely blue sky.

I'm now home alone with looking after the child and the dog whilst Leanne is looking after the old lady, who is looking after the even older lady.

This morning was one of those bitter cold, beautifully sunny with pale blue sky mornings that are just magical. After school drop off I took the dog up to Curbar Edge, we were the only ones there, and it was just breathtaking. I only had my phone so the photos dont really do it justice.

Mmmm - home alone, what can we have for tea? Maybe another trip to the chippy - after all there is still chips and mushy peas to try out.