Monday 15 October 2007

Tales from the Dales

Well I'm back from a really lovely week in the Yorkshire Dales. We had a fantastic surprise when we arrived at our cottage. Our son, Paul, had sent us this lovely bouquet of flowers and a half bottle of Champagne for our anniversary. Now I know why he was asking for the address of the cottage! We had a lovely meal out for our anniversary (on the Monday), lovely pub and lovely food, just spoilt by 14 elderly people who talked at the top of their voices. Honestly, I've never heard such a racket! It was impossible to hold a normal conversation with Keith until they moved through to another room for their meal and even then they could still be heard!





The rest of the week was spent just pottering about all our favourite places. This photo is of the Upper Falls at Aysgarth in Wensleydale. We went there on the Monday afternoon. I've not seen these falls look so empty, usually there is far more water cascading over.




These next photos are of Swaledale, not far from Keld. The middle photo of the three is of Wain Wath Force.






We also watched a sheep dog demonstration near Hawes which, despite the cold and wet, was a good afternoon out. Afterwards we headed for the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes for a hot cup of tea and of course a piece of cake. I should say here that over the week several scones with jam and cream were also consumed with the inevitable consequences, so that I must now get back on my diet! We also went to Settle to visit the sewing shop there so that I could buy some more cord for my Christmas ornaments. I got some there last year, but have not been able to find anything like it in any shops near to me at home. All in all it was a really great week though that flew by all to fast! We have, however booked up to go again for a week next May and again in October.

While we were up there my good friend Clare, who lives not far from where we stay, came over to visit us. We had a super day with her, lunching at the creamery, yes, we do go there a lot! Any way, my point is that Clare brought with her some charts that she was selling and gave me first refusal. Soooooooooooooo I'm afraid that I've slipped, with one foot, off the wagon. Mind you as Keith paid for them I suppose it could technically be called a RAK, couldn't it? LOL I don't have a photo yet of the charts I got, if I remember I'll put one up tomorrow.

Of course, now that I'm back I have masses of washing to do as well as catching up on my stitching. I didn't do any while I was away and have my secret stitching to catch up on as well as today being the first day of the Celtic Lady SAL. I'm sure too, that you'll all understand that it is going to take me a while to catch up on all your blogs. I apologise now if I don't around to commenting on them, but I will read them!

On a final note, you'll have noticed the ticker at the top of my blog counting down to my 50th birthday. For a long while I was really grumpy about this impending milestone, but have now become resigned to the fact that it will happen! While we were in a shop in Kirby Stephen, Keith noticed some tea shirts with sayings on them. One of them was "I'm not 50, but 18 with 32 years experience". A great way to look at it I think!

9 comments:

Edda said...

First off, belated wishes to you and Keith for your Anniversary. What a lovely gift you had waiting from Paul. I really loved looking at the stunning pictures you posted - I can see that the Yorkshire Dales are definately an area to visit. Glad you spent lovely days away. And it doesn´t spoil things to add on a little shash (ERM - I meant a RAK) LOL

Paula said...

Welcome Home Nicola, sounds like you had a lovely time....Oh I love your photos, I want to live somewhere like that....***sigh*** one day, lol
Looking forward to seeing your start on the CL sal....
Happy stitching....

Sally said...

What lovely photos Nicola. I do love the Dales, they are so picturesque.

Can't wait to see your new stash! I've also slipped a wee bit buying a chart that is now OOP so grabbed it while I had the chance!

Karan said...

Beautiful pics Nicola - brings back some memories, especially the Creamery. Spent quite a few holidays at the caravn site in K. Stephen as well. :0)
It definitely counts as a RAK - hope that helps. LOL

Anonymous said...

It looks and sounds like a wonderfully magnificent trip! I wish I could go there for my b-day (40th) coming up but that would be crossing the ocean and I can't do that until the kids are grown. What a lovely gesture from your son to send you flowers and they're beautiful.

Anonymous said...

You're 50 on 17th December? I'm 40 on 18th December lol

Happy Anniversary and I'm glad you had a good break. How lovely of Paul to send on that wonderful bouquet and champagne :o)

Julie said...

Stunning pics, sounds like you had a wonderful time. LOL your RAK from Keith ... i like that

Hazel said...

Sounds like you had a wonderful time!! xx

Stitchingranny said...

So glad you had a wonderful holiday Nicola and now you are back you your stitching I will expect to see things being crossed off lol.