On the first day of the month, Annabel went swimming in Askam’s open air pool. Darren came to finish painting the porch, the kitchen cupboards and the banister. Unfortunately, we both forgot not to touch the banisters! He made a very good job of painting the porch and fixing a few repairs. I went into Appleby to go to the gym, but it was closed, due to the horse fair and the large number of travellers.
At the chair yoga session in the village hall Jenny thought that I might have dropped asleep. Me, falling asleep, whatever gave you that idea? As we were going to Aberaeron for a week’s holiday with Steve and Karen, we stayed overnight in Warrington. Jenny had asked me to take some photos of the town, as she had lived there when she was young.
Steve and Annabel started the holiday by diving into the hot tub. After breakfast we walked around the town and the colourful houses. Surprisingly, Annabel found a coffee shop where she bought a latte, a blue handbag and a blue sheep. As you do.
We walked around the town for a while, but it began to rain. Well, it was Wales! On the Sunday evening, we watched an incredible film concerning the Kinder Transport, rescuing children from being killed by the Nazis. Very sobering – I’d never heard of Nicholas Winton who was responsible for the organisation.
Annabel and I went to visit Barry, who we met in China, in Aberystwyth with two of his friends. We went on a walk along the sea front, admiring a lot of houses which were painted in a wide range of colours.
Back in Aberaeron, Annabel dived into the hot tub and chatted over the phone with Debbie, who can talk at the same speed and volume. Ken, Debbie’s husband, had broken his leg, and their son, Michael, was in hospital. At the end of the day Steve and I walked to the shops and bought fish and chips all round.
0n the 9th of June, my 76th birthday (hint), we drove to Newquay and sat outside a coffee shop drinking coffee. We caught a boat to watch dolphins, but the skipper told us they were on their holidays in Tenerife. We enjoyed a pleasant birthday cake. Later, we went to the harbour for an evening meal. I had an excellent steak (not dolphin, though!). A special thank you to Annabel for making it a special day.
The next day we visited Tresaith. We had coffee in the pub, strolled along the colourful beach with coloured rocks, saw a waterfall and had a slow wait for lunch. On our last full day it rained. Overall, we enjoyed ourselves and it was good to see Steve and Karen again (I knew Steve from my days of Portsmouth Polytechnic 1969-72). We’ve been going on holiday with them for some forty-four years, missing only two years!
Phil, the man who rebuilt our kitchen, came with his co-worker to lay down the new flooring in our living room. We were really very pleased with the result and people who have visited us were impressed.
Back at home Tom and Tara invited us for a meal one evening, I had quite q long chat with April, which she instigated – I really enjoyed that. I mowed the wriggly path on the green lane. The garden looks very good with flowers in troughs – all down to Annabel of course. She and Karen – our next-door neighbour have been planting wildflowers in the green lane next door to us. We watched a whole lot of young swallows on the wires around the house.
We enjoyed watching the Gelt Gladiator race (above) and the especially muddy conditions that Tom and April endured. They both completed the course. Unfortunately, Cooper was not well enough to participate. I’ll pay Tara’s entry fee next year, so she’ll have no excuse not to join in. I’m sure she’ll appreciate my generous gesture.
I went to the gym in Appleby, which has reopened, and had a good workout. Annabel has started swimming at Askham’s heated, outdoor pool. Rather her than me! Our heating is giving us problems. Luckily in June rather than January!
Another coffee morning in the village hall. There were two tables – one for men and the other for women – and ne’er the two will meet? One new person sat next to me, and we chatted for quite a while. I find it a lot easier to chat to an individual rather than within a group. That afternoon, I took a series of photos of the garden for Annabel.
Hollis Archway to the residence
Hollis Archway to the residence
Teasle
Jenny, David, Simon and us were invited to the Dalemain garden party. We met Jane McCosh (the owner) of the renowned country house and her daughter, Bea. This is the international capital of marmalade. Competitions are held every year, and people submit their marmalades from all over the world. Apparently, Japan and Australia do their own Dalemain competitions. These are judged by a variety of tasters including a certain Annabel Hollis. We all had a pleasant evening in a typically English location.
Phil and Deborah joined us to visit the Theatre by the Lake to watch the “The Complete Works of Shakespear in One and a Half Hours”. It was most amusing to watch and the actors worked very hard to complete the show. Beforehand we went for a meal at the Pheasant in Keswick. It was almost dark by the time we got home. Unfortunately, Annabel had to drive home, as I am no longer able to drive in the dark.
We drove down to Cheshire to Dave and Jo’s in the afternoon, ready to celebrate Nigel and Plyn’s 80th birthdays at the Vicarage Hotel in Holmes Chapel. It was good to see them all again and there was plenty of chatting. We were certainly able to pick up where we had last left off. You might be surprised to know that I dropped asleep at one stage and woke up somewhat confused. Back in Jo and Dave’s garden, Jo found us some plants to take home, which were very welcome. They have a good view over the countryside behind their house.
Driving back home we noticed that summer had finally arrived – and about time, too. We sat on our swing chair and watched the bees buzzing and collecting pollen.
After the weekend, I spent an hour in the gym and had a good workout. I’m definitely improving. While I was there, a woman said hello to me as if she knew me. I had no idea who she was, and I apologise to her for not asking her name. Such is the curse of Alzheimer’s. Annabel went swimming again in the outdoor pool and did 35 lengths (700m). Ullswater next and then the Channel!
I was rather amused when Annabel announced that she was going to Pooley Bridge for lunch with the Supper Club! On the 23rd of the month I did very little as it was so warm. I decided not to join the Ramblers’ walk. Things seemed to be a lot warmer in the rest of Europe. It will be interesting to experience the temperature in Iceland next month. It will be our third attempt. Our first attempt at Iceland was March 2020 and then Covid hit our holiday. Annabel’s vertigo stopped our second attempt. Third time lucky, we hope!
We had a meal with Tom and Tara and the children. I enjoy teasing Tara and she occasionally turns the table on me. Sam phoned us from the boat to the Netherlands. He’s very good about keeping in contact.
We did our usual Thursday shop in Appleby and then to Pigney’s, where my favourite shopkeeper (female) ambushed me by creeping up behind me and then making a loud noise. We know how to have a good laugh. The rest of the day was spent trying to stay in the shade and recovering from shock!
The last Friday in the month found the U3A Photographic group at Sizergh Castle. Alan, the group leader, gave me a lift there and back. It was very hot, so I kept in the shade as much as possible. Back at home, we found some shade and Karen next door joined us.
We walked to Acorn Bank to meet Tom and Tara’s family, then back home later. April found Midnight in the garage and removed dust and cobwebs from her fur.
Annabel went for another outdoor swim at Askham. The weather was a little cooler, thank goodness.
On the last day of the month, we drove to Carlisle to collect Annabel’s binoculars which had been broken somewhat. She uses them for bird watching and keeping track of villagers! We went to M&S and Boots in preparation for our forthcoming summer holiday further north. We bought a new suitcase, had lunch and returned home.
And, to finish this June blog, we’re not going to tell you where we’re going next month. But here’s a clue:
Above: Clue for next month’s blog. It’s getting cooler.
And, finally, a few more June photos.
Wasp on a flower
Wagtail with some yummy insects.
Puffin
Just joking, but this is one of my photos from some time ago.
Coming up next month – our summer holiday a little further north…
Thanks for your June blog and attached photos.
It was interesting to see your shots of Sizergh as I visited the castle the day after having lunch with you which was most enjoyable, don’t think that you fell asleep that day!!
Please keep providing more excellent photos…