Into the Woods

We went for a walk at the Longshaw Estate in Derbyshire on Monday
morning. The estate, which is part of the Peak District, is only a short
drive from Sheffield and is very popular with walkers and ramblers.

We started off from the Longshaw Lodge and followed an easy trail
with great views across the moors.

We walked along streams and meadows dotted with sheep and lambs
and admired the many beautiful flowers lining the footpath.

The girls really liked the play trail, especially the many hiding places

behind twisted branches and fallen trees.

It was time for a snack when we reached the pond. I was glad I'd
brought a flask of tea. It was cold and cloudy, not once did the sun
peek out from behind the clouds the whole time we were there. But
no matter, we were still having a nice time. We shared some bread
with the ducks and they were delighted.

We kept going and went down a path into the woods where, to our
surprise, we found bluebells, lots and lots of them! I've never seen a bluebell wood before, such a delightful sight. We'll definitely come
back next year just to see this again.

We kept going for a bit then decided to head back after awhile.
The girls were complaining that they were tired and hungry- again!
We've had our dose of fresh air and the outdoors. It was time to
 go home-- although not before a pizza lunch in Kelham Island and
a quick shop at Aldi.

So another Bank Holiday Monday spent well, I think. We all had
a great time and we all felt better, as we always do, after spending
time outdoors. The only thing missing was the sunshine. Oh well,
at least it wasn't raining. Maybe on the next Bank Holiday we'll
get lucky.

Weekend Pleasures

Our weekend started very slowly yesterday. It's been Markie's first
full week in school and eventhough it was only for four hours each day
she was still quite tired. Lulu and I were tired too so we decided to just
 have a slow and easy day at home.

Both girls were still in their pajamas at 10 o'clock. They played a bit

but mostly just watched Cebeebies. There was no rush to get changed

and go out. It was nice and a very welcome change after all our rushing
to and fro during the week.

By mid morning I needed a cup of tea and toast. While I was

sat down enjoying my snack I did some blog reading which I always
enjoy. I also managed to book online a little weekend break for us at
the end of this month--something wonderful for us to look forward to.
 We're so thrilled and we're very very much looking forward to this
now. Just ten more days to go...

Lunch was burgers in brioche burger buns with cheese, mayo and

mustard with coleslaw on the side. So amazingly yummy, one (or two)

of our favourite weekend treats.

In the afternoon I got my sewing machine out and finished the
 cushion covers I started making last week. It's been awhile 

since I've used my sewing machine and it was good for us 

to get reacquainted. Hopefully soon I'll be able to do more sewing. 

I have a growing list of things I want to make so yes,

hopefully soon.

This morning after church, while my husband and the girls did
 a quick food shop, I went to the Sheffield Antiques Quarter's
Autumn Fair. There were many stalls, all full of retro, vintage and
antique goodies. There were also some craft stalls. It was a delight
to walk around and look at all the items on sale. As always there
were many things that I liked and wanted to buy but we're keeping
an eye on the pennies so I limited myself to only a few things,
all small, none of them expensive.

I left the fair feeling very pleased with my purchases. My husband

 and the girls had finished their supermarket run and we headed out

to Derbyshire. We stopped at the Longshaw Estate where we had a 

lovely walk. It was a bit cold and cloudy but we didn't really mind.

It was nice to be outdoors and have this time together.

After lunch at a nearby country pub we went home where we spent

the rest of the afternoon cooking, ironing work and school uniforms,

playing, making apple and rhubarb crumble-- the usual pottering
 about.  It's been another lovely Saturday and Sunday. We feel rested

 and relaxed and so grateful to have had some family time again.
We now look to the week ahead. There will be more new challenges,
new routines and we'll be tired again which makes me even
 more thankful that we've had this quiet and happy weekend.

Have a lovely week. See you soon!

Some Nice and Happy Things

Last Sunday we headed out to the Derbyshire countryside after church

and spent a lovely hour at the Longshaw Estate.

The estate, which is managed by the National Trust, is right at

the edge of the Peak District and lucky for us, it is only half

an hour's drive from where we live.

There are meadows, moorlands and ancient woods,
beautiful countryside everywhere.

It was wonderful to see our girls back in great form,

running, laughing and enjoying the outdoors.

When their little legs finally got tired and we were

all ready for a break, we went to a nearby country pub,

the Fox House, for lunch and then it was time to go home.

In the afternoon it was the usual chores- cleaning, cooking,

washing up. But there was also lots of cake eating,

tea drinking, even crochet and a bit of Strictly in the evening.

It was a perfect family day and I'm grateful

we were able to start the Advent Season in such a lovely way.

...............................................

I've recently ordered some yarn and was surprised to see

how lovely they were when they came. I just love their colours,

so bright and vivid, I can't resist putting them on display.

I'm tempted to buy more in different shades and colours.

This could be a happy obsession in the making.

.........................................

A few lovely little creatures have come home with us

this past week.

Small but so perfectly formed.

..........................................

My eldest daughter, who's nearly three and a half, has

started learning the alphabet in nursery.

Last week it was the letters R and S.

Fun and exciting times both for her and for us!

...............................................

Thanks for reading!

Hope you've all had lots of nice and happy things 

this week!

See you sooon!

x