Afternoon Delight…

I’m so lucky to have such great mates, especially ones who offer to spend their free time wandering around stunningly beautiful gardens with me. The sun was shining and there wasn’t a single cloud in the sky when we arrived just after midday, so we spent the first couple of hours strolling through woodlands, occasionally resting on benches under massive trees overlooking the ponds and flower beds, before heading off to the tea room for refreshments. The obvious choice was cream teas, with slices of fresh strawberries, locally sourced jam and gigantic scones, topped off with pots of thick cream; delicious.

Feeling suitably stuffed we spent another two hours trying to walk off the calories while enjoying even more of the extensive gardens. Notable highlights included watching staff wearing waders get into one of the ponds to remove some of the blanket weed; which was quite the talking point with the other visitors we noticed. Dragonflies were out in force, creating a rather magical feel around the waters edge, while shoals of tiny fish delighted onlookers before disappearing beneath lily pads. What a lovely way to spend a Monday afternoon…

Because I’m Worth It…

For ages I’ve been complaining that I don’t have a decent camera, so when I saw the recent television adverts for the new Huawei P20 Pro I was instantly smitten with the hype regarding it’s photographic capabilities. However, I wanted to make sure that if I was going to splash out almost a grand on a new toy I needed to be a hundred percent certain it’s what I actually wanted, so I spent many hours online trawling through review sites until I was absolutely sure.

Shall I? Shan’t I? Decisions, decisions… until I couldn’t resist any longer, and with one swift click of my mouse the deed was done. I am now the very, VERY proud owner of a magnificent piece of tech that takes professional quality photos in all conditions. Oh my word, it’s even better than I imagined, and shiny… so shiny.

Normally I’d freak out at the very idea of such extravagance, but I’m earning good money, the household bills are covered and my next holiday is all booked and paid for so why shouldn’t I treat myself? I’m totally worth it…!

A Very British Regatta…

After working 6-days-a-week for over a month, life has finally settled down to the point where I have my weekends back, so what better way to celebrate than to attend the local regatta. The ominous black clouds and possible forecast of rain wasn’t going to stop me from enjoying myself (I’m British), so off I went in search of riverside shenanigans.

Upon arrival it was a joy to see so many flags flying, alongside miles of multi-coloured bunting. There was a Punch and Judy show for the little ones and a wide variety of stalls selling everything from home made fudge to knitted dolls. As is typical of such events, tea was being served in china cups along with scones and sandwiches while outside the pub, right on the waterfront, we were serenaded by the obligatory brass band; who I have to say were outstanding. I somehow managed to bag myself a prime location right at the end of the main jetty and loud speaker announcements kept us all informed regarding the various boat races throughout the afternoon.

I do love a good regatta, and this one certainly didn’t disappoint. I’ll definitely be returning for more boaty escapades next year. Ship ahoy…!

Tea For Three…

Just spent another lovely afternoon with my beautiful, grown-up twin daughters and I couldn’t be prouder of them. Not necessarily for any awards or great achievements (although both have enjoyed their fair amount of successes) but for the fact that they’re such grounded young ladies who are a joy to spend time with.

We covered the usual wide range of topics while munching on cheesey biscuits alongside chunks of mature English Cheddar, all washed down with gallons of PG Tips. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree as we all agree wholeheartedly that the 11th commandment should read ‘Thou shalt not pour the milk in before the teabag has been removed‘.

It’s heart-warming that no matter how hectic their lives are, they always make sure that we have some quality time together on a regular basis. I know that I’m biased, but I really do have the best girls in the world…