Today I shall be Mainly...

[Stanley]

I never cease to be amazed at the ability of the old masons to handle exceptionally large stones. I lived for a while in an old house in which the floor of the large kitchen was one enormous stone slab which was also of course the ceiling of the cellar below.
As for today, more of the same.... being super cautious about managing my slight cold. I do not intend to allow it to develop any further! So, no shed, good grub, lots of bed!

[Sue]

The 4th photo reminds me of Tarr Steps on Exmoor. The slabs there weigh a couple of tons each but the increasingly heavy floods started to sweep them away so they're now numbered to ensure they're put back in the right position! LINK

The third and fourth photograph are Slaters Bridge, which apparently the slaters used to carry the slate from the quarry on one side to the main trails beyond. How I cannot imagine, it was barely wide enough to walk across. No walking yesterday, it was torrential rain all day. We went to Hawkshead where I bought new walking trainers and a waterproof coat in the sales. I spent £70 but saved over £100. We were the only ones in the shop, it even seemed like we were the only ones in the village apart from 5 roofers on the top of a roof doing work . In the evening we went to the leisure centre which was similarly deserted. I spent most of the day writing my Widdup book.

Weather permitting we are planning a shortish flat walk this morning on proper footpaths. The fields and fells are waterlogged and it is not a good idea to walk on them . This afternoon our friends arrive

[Stanley]

You should have a better day for walking today Sue.
I have a busy day in front of me. I've been dropped on by Airedale and have an appointment for BCG Immunotherapy on Monday and it remains to be seen what the side effects will be, I suspect lethargy and fatigue. This will have repercussions for the shed. There are several other matters that need to be addressed today like prescription collections, picture framing and essential supermarket shopping. Being retired and a singleton is not as easy a ride as some may think!

[Sue]

Four of us are walking over to Grasmere this morning, and meeting the other two for lunch who will drive round. This afternoon will be a swim at the leisure centre as rain is forecast, and this evening is a birthday meal. Its all go !

Good luck with the appointment Stanley

[Stanley]

Thanks love, no reason to be pessimistic but you never know.....
Always look on the bright side!

[Wendyf]

Happy Birthday Sue!

[Cathy]

Happy Birthday Sue
Have a good one. Enjoy.

[plaques]

My poem for you Sue on your birthday, I know its pathetic but the best I could do with the equipment I have.

Put it here, put it there,
Space to put it anywhere.
In neat rows not too high,
Suits my style, don't ask me why.
On those shelves and in that bin.
More and more, just cram it in,
Some things have fallen off the rack,
Later sometimes I'll put them back.
Its getting full, some on the floor,
So much in, can't close the door.
Someone's been in, taken my things.
Or perhaps they've all grown wings.
Going now I don't know where.
I'm told there's space for ever up there.

► Show Spoiler

Memories

[PanBiker]

Happy Birthday Sue.

[Sue]

My poem for you Sue on your birthday, I know its pathetic but the best I could do with the equipment I have.

Put it here, put it there,
Space to put it anywhere.
In neat rows not too high,
Suits my style, don't ask me why.
On those shelves and in that bin.
More and more, just cram it in,
Some things have fallen off the rack,
Later sometimes I'll put them back.
Its getting full, some on the floor,
So much in, can't close the door.
Someone's been in, taken my things.
Or perhaps they've all grown wings.
Going now I don't know where.
I'm told there's space for ever up there.

► Show Spoiler

Memories

So suitable for me Plaques. Thanks all, still like 21. Is it really 49 years since my 21 st birthday party in the cellar of the students house I was living in at the time.

[Sue]

Just thought its 50 years today that Bob and I got engaged!

[Tizer]

Happy Birthday, Sue, and Happy 50th Engagement Anniversary too!

Great poem, Plaques, well done.

[chinatyke]

Happy birthday Sue and congrats to the first 50 years!

[Sue]

Golden Wedding next year! Life is moving too quickly.

[Stanley]

Many happy returns on both counts Sue. The bad news is that the older you get the faster it goes! I keep thinking it can't go any faster but don't you believe it. Warp speed!
I got all my tasks done yesterday but one. Prescription filled (I used to very proud of the fact I didn't have to take pills.....), two pairs of trousers patched by my seamstress on Rainhall Road (Am I the only bloke who patches otherwise good trousers?) and an essential visit to the Cathedral of Choice. The one I failed on was framing the platinum prints my mate Larry did for me. (One of me in the shed arrived this week as an early birthday present. The postage was $24! Impressed!) I went to the man on Newtown but he only has English stock size frames and this is hand made American sized paper so I shall have to go on the web and find my own. Good job actually, it will be cheaper!
Today is butcher's day.....

[Sue]

We did walk to Grasmere yesterday but on the flat from Rydal water, had lunch , walked back and got very wet. The meal ladt night was lovely. Bob had got me a lovely cake made by our friend John. John used to be our private french tutor but gave his up his job as a translater to retrain as a pâtissière. He is very good too. He and his french wife hope one day to own a little cafe or tea rooms..

This morning is an early breakfast, a swim and then a drive to Levens, where we are lunching with our ex art teacher, Mike and his wife. That will probably take up most of the afternoon. We are having an evening playing board games. Therest of our week is forecast fine and sunny.

[Marilyn]

I did quite a bit of gardening today...mostly trimming bushes back that line the path to our front door. All trim and tidy now. I could have done more, but after sweeping the path down, I could really feel it so I called it a day. I have headed for a ten minute lay on the bed to relax my back ( I find it helps to do that between activities. So far this strategy works well for me...work, rest...work, rest. It just gives everything a chance to recover.)
Dave is just finishing the lawns, then we will probably go for our walk ( or perhaps a bike ride if he prefers). It is such a lovely sunny day, it would be a shame to waste it indoors.

[Stanley]

Not sure yet. Head is full of framing prints and BCG!
My garden needs a tidy, I think I'll get a man or woman in. Anyone know a good local candidate? It would be a mistake for me to do it!

[Sue]

Our friends leave this morning, this afternoon we are having afternoon tea with fizz at The Swan hotel and Spa at Newby Bridge, a birthday present from my daughters. Then its back to start packing. We leave for ho e in the morning. Its been a really good week. No snow this year!

[Stanley]

The Swan at Newby Bridge must have changed since I frequented it 50 years ago Sue.
I have improved the shining hour by cooking and mashing veggies.

[Sue]

The Swan at Newby Bridge must have changed since I frequented it 50 years ago Sue.
I have improved the shining hour by cooking and mashing veggies.

I will tell you later Stanley, I was told to go a bit more formal than my usual lakes jeans and sweater, so its a dress...made by me of course. Just a winter weight dress, not posh or anything but jeans not the right attire.


Oh yes, its a beautiful day. There is snow but on the top of Langdale Pikes.

[Sue]

The Swan is very nice indeed. Very classy modern decor, and a very nice afternoon tea. Cups of tea ad infinitum and far more than we could eat, plus a glass of prosecco.

4 assorted sandwiches
1 small sausage roll
1 Slice of home made malt loaf with butter
I pot of chocolate mousse
I warm scone with fresh jam and cream
1 large home made shortbread biscuit, brought home wrapped in a serviette.
I glass of pink lemonade which tasted of roses.

[Sue]

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[Marilyn]

It’s going to take hours to digest that lot!
What is the fascination with the ladies rest room? Do you fancy the wallpaper?

Hopefully I shall be progressing with the gardening today. Visitors expected this morning and rain expected this afternoon, but somewhere in between I hope to garden...

[Marilyn]

Well, the rain came early and the visitors came late.
The best laid plans...