Making Memories

This summer, my sister and I did something completely different. We spent a weekend learning how to construct mosaics. We travelled down to Norfolk and booked in to our chosen B&B which happened to be on a remote farm, and so began a very rewarding 3 days. My sister, Kay turned out to be the star of the show as she demonstrated real flare in this area of art. She's always been the artistic member of our family and has an eye for colour and composition. In fact she has two eyes, one spare which is always on the look out for an approaching enemy. Well, you never know.

Since we returned, Kay has launched herself into a project to create quite a large piece which is already taking shape and looking rather good. I will let you know when it is complete. But the reason I share this information is to promote the idea that now and again, it does us all good to explore something new and exciting. You know, push our boundaries a little and in doing so create memories to store for future use.

Saturday Lunch

I have been to one of our favourite eateries today and it's called The Ranch, in East Yorkshire. I tied my horse up outside and swaggered in, you know, John Wayne style. Only kidding. I met my mum and one of our oldest friends. She's 103. Kidding again - it's a habit I get from my dad. We had us a real good time and before we knew it, 2 whole hours had passed. I have to mention two of the staff that we are very fond of - Jane the manageress, and her right hand man, Alex. They always make everyone feel welcome and they are very kind, warm hearted folk.  Frances and I had the lasagne which may sound oh so predictable and boring, but I have to say it's one of the best lasagnes I have ever tasted. Mum had a boiled egg. There I go again.  She actually had risotto which I tried and it was scrumptious. We ended with coffee served in their signature cups and left feeling happy and satiated.

Like Time Stood Still

Last year I took my parents to Matlock. I was going to abandon them there but they were so well behaved that I decided to bring them back again. We were surprised at how much we enjoyed our week in this beautiful area. Matlock was a delight. It just seemed to have everything we hoped for and a little more. One of the highlights was the lovely park in the middle of the town. It was as if we'd stepped back in time. It reminded me of my childhood. There was a boating lake, tennis courts, bowling green, large areas of grass, a pretty rose garden and more. One day I climbed a hill behind our cottage and was pretty stunned when I turned around to take in the view. It was so exceptional I exclaimed out loud to myself - wow, that is so beautiful. I am including a photo of it but it doesn't capture the reality 

A brief window into an unknown life

That may seem to be a strange title but let me explain. There I was, in my car, in a stationary line of traffic on Beverley High Road waiting for the lights to change. The vehicle in front was a large people carrier or no, better still, a workers mini bus. The side door opened and 3 or 4 men climbed out. I noticed one in particular with his heavy duty donkey jacket and hard hat, carrying a robust bag with the top of a thermos flask peeping out. I imagined that 8 hours earlier there would also have been a cluster of sandwiches, a bag of crisps and a chocolate bar in there too. As I'm taking this in I was aware of a figure to my left in full flight and turned to see a young woman being dragged mercilessly forward by what can only be described as a giddy labrador. The ears were flapping, it's tail was beating wildly and the eyes darted about in great excitement. If it could speak I know the words "dad! dad! dad!"would have resonated through the air. Dog and workerman made full bodily contact and the dog's day was complete. I smiled and enjoyed being part of a happy moment in time. The lights changed and I was on my way.

Hillside Animal Sanctuary

We heard about the plight of the poor animals that were left homeless when their sanctuary had to close in Devon. Can you imagine how sad that is. Not only had they been rescued by kind people once before and given a loving home, but they now had to be moved on again or even worse... the unthinkable.

But then in stepped Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk who were able to rescue a lot of the poor souls and have them brought over to their premises at the weekend. They posted a short film on Youtube showing their arrival and I have to admit we were deeply touched by it. The confused new arrivals were gently coaxed out of their transport vehicles after a long and arduous journey by the caring staff at Hillside and it was all conducted in such a dignified and commendable way.

We visited Hillside in June this year and found it to be a lovely place. Far bigger than we had imagined with some areas of vast open space. Everywhere was well maintained, clean and tidy. The animals, naturally, are the stars of the show but you can't help but admire the staff who put their hearts and souls into caring for them. Suffice to say, we now follow their progress and help to support them when we are able.

A cheerful bunch

We are very lucky in our neck of the woods as we have an excellent thriving market every Saturday in the town centre. In fact would you believe, it's in the 'market place'. We pretty much follow our noses and came across these last week. The thick healthy green leaves and the multi coloured flowers make for a very cheerful display. If flowers could sing I reckon this floral choir would hum along to something like 'Smile' by Lily Allen or for a more alternative approach 'Reasons to be cheerful' by Ian Dury and the Blockheads.