Bear woke me up this morning at 5.4am as he wanted to go out. He's very forceful when he wants something so after jumping on me and barking enough to wake the street up.
I felt strangely tired this morning which is unusual for me in a morning. Having said that I knew last night that I was starting with a cold so I assume this was the reason. I decided we were going to the car boot sale this morning. Isobel and I love them and this one is usually quite good. As it has been warm and sunny for the last couple of days it was very busy this morning. Strangely there was very little for us today though. Isobel got a new pair of black canvas trainers for £1 and I got a couple of pairs of Silkies tights for 50p per pair (they are good quality and are usually around £4.50 per pair). Having said that it was a good walk, lol.
This afternoon we went down to Oakwell Hall with the kites. We recently bought these on Ebay and one needed repairing. The strings were overstretched onit so Peter had sorted it out. There were three of us and two kites. One is about 2 metres, the other is 3.6 metres. We started off with the smaller one and although it flew it kept collapsing (think defective parachute) but Peter blamed it on Isobel's technique. I had a go bout the sun was just where the kite was flying so it was blinding. So there was a lot of running backwards and forwards to retrieve the landed kite, untwist it and set it off again.
Meanwhile Peter got the other kite out and had to do a bit of macrame to sort out the strings. The first two times it went up it twisted or a line popped off but he managed to sort that out and then took to flying it. This one is flown with a bar rather than two separate handles. After a while he shouted me across to take over and boy was there some power behind it. It didn't take me off my feet but is did pull me across the field several times. When my arms were aching I passed it over to Isobel and it really did drag her across the field both on her feet and on her knees. Peter took over again and this time it yanked him on to the floor and how he held on to that bar I do not know!
So a couple of hours later we packed up and went home. Never let anyone tell you that power kite flying is a genteel sport. It is more like Pilates with fresh air.
I have now developed a full blown cold, headache, sneezing, runny nose and ultra tired. It's unusual for me to get a cold and I hate it when I do.
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Friday, 3 June 2011
3rd June
We were up early this morning as Isobel had to go for her MMR. There was a lot of uncertainty around the jab when she was a baby and I read up as much as I could about it. Right or wrong I decided not to let her have it. I know the doctor who caused the uncertainty has since been discredited but I stood my decision as I thought that giving a tiny baby three diseases to tackle was too much. She is 14 now and fit and healthy so I do not have the same feeling about it.
Anyway I digress. We decided we were going to go somewhere, anywhere, today. We set off and drove through Halifax and Ripponden and then I had the idea to go to Chester. So we joined the motorway and was soon on the outskirts of Chester. A park and ride was going to be the best idea as I didn't fancy trying to find a parking area and knew that it wouldn't be cheap anyway.
The park and ride was located next to Chester Zoo and was very cheap at £1.70 for me and free for Isobel. Even better was that a man had bought two tickets in error and sold me his spare for £1!
We were soon in Chester and we walked to the end of the first street with a few intermissions into charity shops. Then we got onto one of the main shopping streets. The shoes I had on were flat but were cutting across my foot. A wander into Lush meant we came out nearly £20 worse off but had had some interesting demos. We eventually got to the end of the parade of shops where there was a Primark. During a little trip around there I found some more comfy shoes for only £4. Crossing the road we went to Pizza Hut for our lunch.
Isobel then stuffed her self and ended up what we in Yorkshire call 'pogged' or full to bursting. I was a bit more disciplined and ate just enough to satisfy my appetite without going over the top.
The we walked some more as I now had comfy shoes on my feet! There are a lot of interesting smaller boutiques so I had to keep Isobel out of the multis that she could visit anywhere.
I was pleasantly surprised by the place as I found more places than I have ever done before. We headed back to the bus stop and got back to the car in 30 degree heat. The drive back home was peppered with slow traffic but we didn't do too badly at all.
We arrived home at 6.30pm ish. I got changed and then we went to the canoe club at the pool. So my final bit of exercise was 1.5 hours of paddling up and down the pool.
Anyway I digress. We decided we were going to go somewhere, anywhere, today. We set off and drove through Halifax and Ripponden and then I had the idea to go to Chester. So we joined the motorway and was soon on the outskirts of Chester. A park and ride was going to be the best idea as I didn't fancy trying to find a parking area and knew that it wouldn't be cheap anyway.
The park and ride was located next to Chester Zoo and was very cheap at £1.70 for me and free for Isobel. Even better was that a man had bought two tickets in error and sold me his spare for £1!
We were soon in Chester and we walked to the end of the first street with a few intermissions into charity shops. Then we got onto one of the main shopping streets. The shoes I had on were flat but were cutting across my foot. A wander into Lush meant we came out nearly £20 worse off but had had some interesting demos. We eventually got to the end of the parade of shops where there was a Primark. During a little trip around there I found some more comfy shoes for only £4. Crossing the road we went to Pizza Hut for our lunch.
Isobel then stuffed her self and ended up what we in Yorkshire call 'pogged' or full to bursting. I was a bit more disciplined and ate just enough to satisfy my appetite without going over the top.
The we walked some more as I now had comfy shoes on my feet! There are a lot of interesting smaller boutiques so I had to keep Isobel out of the multis that she could visit anywhere.
I was pleasantly surprised by the place as I found more places than I have ever done before. We headed back to the bus stop and got back to the car in 30 degree heat. The drive back home was peppered with slow traffic but we didn't do too badly at all.
We arrived home at 6.30pm ish. I got changed and then we went to the canoe club at the pool. So my final bit of exercise was 1.5 hours of paddling up and down the pool.
2nd June
After a good start yesterday we were being very lazy yesterday and didn't do a great deal until after lunch.
Then I decided both Isobel and I were going out no matter what. We set off with the dogs and went across the road onto the moor. After about 10 minutes of ball throwing and catching with the dogs we set off for the walk properly. It was very hot and the poor dogs were panting like mad.
We had to drop in at the post office to post a small package but then we carried on down the fields. Thankfully there were no farm animals in any of the fields we had to cross so both the dogs were off the leads. The minute we hit the first field they both ran downhill to the stream where they had a drink and Evie wallowed in the water and the mud. Bear just walked down the middle of the stream.
We crossed three fields where both dogs ran after the bunnies never once even nearly catching them. A last bit of waste ground had lots of the furry bundles giving the dogs a run for their money. Then it was uphill to a road, across the road, up a track and back into our village.
Approx 4 miles walked in total in quite some heat.
Then I decided both Isobel and I were going out no matter what. We set off with the dogs and went across the road onto the moor. After about 10 minutes of ball throwing and catching with the dogs we set off for the walk properly. It was very hot and the poor dogs were panting like mad.
We had to drop in at the post office to post a small package but then we carried on down the fields. Thankfully there were no farm animals in any of the fields we had to cross so both the dogs were off the leads. The minute we hit the first field they both ran downhill to the stream where they had a drink and Evie wallowed in the water and the mud. Bear just walked down the middle of the stream.
We crossed three fields where both dogs ran after the bunnies never once even nearly catching them. A last bit of waste ground had lots of the furry bundles giving the dogs a run for their money. Then it was uphill to a road, across the road, up a track and back into our village.
Approx 4 miles walked in total in quite some heat.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
1st June
Well I have managed to sleep the whole of May it seems as my blog hasn't a single entry for May.
Anyway, I am doing a Juneathon which is like the Janathon I did in er, January and I will be trying to do some form of exercise every day in June.
Blogs are always better if you can add photos as the pictures illustrate the words and the words bring the pictures to life. However my camera has decided to pack in so I apologise for lack of photos. (Stop press I did manage to take a few of the Whitewater course on my phone so have now added them)
As it is school holidays, my daughter Isobel and I decided to go to the Lido in Ilkley. It wasn't a particularly warm day and when we got there there didn't seem to be many cars in the car park. Ha, must remember to check opening times before setting off. It didn't open until 11.30 so with an hour to kill we went into Ilkley town centre then returned at a more appropriate time. By this time it was a mixture of sunny and overcast and there was a total of three hardy souls in the lido. Not a wonder to be honest. I got in and paddled ankle deep and quickly got out again, repeat twice! Then I got braver and went to thigh deep, then bit by bit I managed to go deeper but when I tried to swim it took my breath away. Then I realised we had paid quite a bit of money to torture ourselves, perverse!
It took Isobel a bit longer to freeze her assets but we eventually ran up and down waist deep for a couple of lengths and then I started swimming. Once acclimatised I got into the lengths area which by now was empty and I did 10 lengths. Isobel wouldn't swim so was getting bored on her own so we chased each other around the pool for a while then got out and had a lovely warm shower.
We then went into Otley and got some lunch. Isobel had been getting texts from some lads she knows through canoeing. They were up at Washburn which is about 7 miles from Otley. It's just below a reservoir and various groups can pay for the reservoir to release water for a guaranteed whitewater course. Our canoe club will be doing it next weekend. So I said we would go up to see them. The lads were surprised and delighted that she turned up (she seems to be a bit of a siren at the moment so they are like moths to a flame.
She walked the full length of the water course with one of the guys and got a lift back up. So I walked most of the course and walked back again, this took me about an hour so I reckon about three miles in all.
The lads asked her to go down the whitewater course on the raft but she refused at first although she has done it many times before. Eventually she agreed and borrowed the gear, rash vest, wetsuit, wet boots, b.a. and helmet from various people and off she went.
After what seemed like an age she returned in the van. In the meantime I had read the local paper from front to back, read the supplement, attempted the crossword, read a magazine and had been for a coffee. She then announced she was going down again. I love it when she does these things but I was envious as I had no gear.
Someone from our canoe club arrived and he asked me to go down the course in the raft but I had to decline due to no gear. I'm a big lass so it was doubtful anyone would have any spare gear that would fit me. I would have so loved to have had the opportunity.
So after another eternity had passed Isobel arrived back. We eventually got home at 8.30pm.
Anyway, I am doing a Juneathon which is like the Janathon I did in er, January and I will be trying to do some form of exercise every day in June.
Blogs are always better if you can add photos as the pictures illustrate the words and the words bring the pictures to life. However my camera has decided to pack in so I apologise for lack of photos. (Stop press I did manage to take a few of the Whitewater course on my phone so have now added them)
As it is school holidays, my daughter Isobel and I decided to go to the Lido in Ilkley. It wasn't a particularly warm day and when we got there there didn't seem to be many cars in the car park. Ha, must remember to check opening times before setting off. It didn't open until 11.30 so with an hour to kill we went into Ilkley town centre then returned at a more appropriate time. By this time it was a mixture of sunny and overcast and there was a total of three hardy souls in the lido. Not a wonder to be honest. I got in and paddled ankle deep and quickly got out again, repeat twice! Then I got braver and went to thigh deep, then bit by bit I managed to go deeper but when I tried to swim it took my breath away. Then I realised we had paid quite a bit of money to torture ourselves, perverse!
It took Isobel a bit longer to freeze her assets but we eventually ran up and down waist deep for a couple of lengths and then I started swimming. Once acclimatised I got into the lengths area which by now was empty and I did 10 lengths. Isobel wouldn't swim so was getting bored on her own so we chased each other around the pool for a while then got out and had a lovely warm shower.
We then went into Otley and got some lunch. Isobel had been getting texts from some lads she knows through canoeing. They were up at Washburn which is about 7 miles from Otley. It's just below a reservoir and various groups can pay for the reservoir to release water for a guaranteed whitewater course. Our canoe club will be doing it next weekend. So I said we would go up to see them. The lads were surprised and delighted that she turned up (she seems to be a bit of a siren at the moment so they are like moths to a flame.
She walked the full length of the water course with one of the guys and got a lift back up. So I walked most of the course and walked back again, this took me about an hour so I reckon about three miles in all.
The lads asked her to go down the whitewater course on the raft but she refused at first although she has done it many times before. Eventually she agreed and borrowed the gear, rash vest, wetsuit, wet boots, b.a. and helmet from various people and off she went.
After what seemed like an age she returned in the van. In the meantime I had read the local paper from front to back, read the supplement, attempted the crossword, read a magazine and had been for a coffee. She then announced she was going down again. I love it when she does these things but I was envious as I had no gear.
Someone from our canoe club arrived and he asked me to go down the course in the raft but I had to decline due to no gear. I'm a big lass so it was doubtful anyone would have any spare gear that would fit me. I would have so loved to have had the opportunity.
So after another eternity had passed Isobel arrived back. We eventually got home at 8.30pm.
Saturday, 30 April 2011
Easter Week 2011
A bit of all kinds of things have gone on this week.
Easter Sunday, we had five for lunch and Simon had his at Supper Time. After we had eaten, Peter went out to hide the eggs. The searchers are two in number and aged 13 and 36! I was the photographer and my eldest brother is disabled so wasn't able to get around a great deal not that he was bothered anyway.
First egg to Isobel!
Gemma on the lookout!
Is that all?
Peter keeping an eye on things.
Eldest brother, Lucjan, with a 'characterful' face.
Easter Monday we went to a car boot sale and here is Isobel showing off some of the things she got: Pink Bag, All in one sleepsuit, bunny ears and red hair colour
Tuesday we went into Leeds and as Isobel had never been inside the Corn Exchange we went in there. It really is a magnificent building but a lot of the units inside are empty which is a great pity as it could be a great showcase for all kinds of smaller boutique or crafts type shops. The rent must be too high though hence it's emptiness.
The ceiling in the Corn Exchange
Looking down at the Cafe in there
In one of the shops I got Isobel trying on different hats but the face tells the tale of how she felt about them. I said she looked like Edna from Emmerdale in the first one.
Wednesday was a beautiful day and we nabbed Gemma and went for a wander with the dogs down the Leeds Liverpool canal. Very quickly we saw a swan sat on her nest and a one-eyed tree sprite.
I loved the limey green of this willow as the sun shone through it as it hung over the water's edge.
Some of the views from the canal across fields etc
Then there was these farm buildings. The house was boarded up but the adjoining barn was in use. We decided that Gemma would live in the boarded up part. We would live in the converted barn next to her. Then there was a building at an L-shaped angle to the barn which we were going to convert to B & B and Gemma would run it for us!
Do you like the graffiti?
On Thursday I had to take the Land Rover to the garage for an MOT before we eventually sell it. So I took the dogs with me and walked back, which takes me past and across a golf course. Next to the golf course is a small wooded area where I knew there was an open flat piece of ground in the middle. So I took the dogs up there for a run around as it is reasonably secluded. I was dismayed to see it had been used for partying. Not that I have anything against partying but just the flaming rubbish that has been left behind. Remains of fires and beer cans mostly.
But Bear enjoyed it anyway
The Royal Wedding Day arrived but I had made plans for a short bike ride with my neighbours. Chris, Amanda and I met up at 8.35am. We cycled to the Spen Valley Greenway and enjoyed the fact that it was fairly quiet.
Amanda on her bike
When we got to the end of the Greenway we joined the Calder Valley Greenway for a little while and came out in Dewsbury Town Centre.
That's where things got a little more difficult. From Dewsbury back to our house is ALL UPHILL! We went at a steady pace but a gap soon appeared as Chris and Amanda pulled away from me. Then I got caught at the lights and the gap widened further. Can't say it was easy but I wasn't purple with exhaustion and was able to talk when I caught up with Chris and Amanda. 16 miles done and eight of them were steadily uphill and still home in time to watch the Wedding!
So that was my week! How was yours?
Easter Sunday, we had five for lunch and Simon had his at Supper Time. After we had eaten, Peter went out to hide the eggs. The searchers are two in number and aged 13 and 36! I was the photographer and my eldest brother is disabled so wasn't able to get around a great deal not that he was bothered anyway.
First egg to Isobel!
Gemma on the lookout!
Is that all?
Peter keeping an eye on things.Eldest brother, Lucjan, with a 'characterful' face.
Easter Monday we went to a car boot sale and here is Isobel showing off some of the things she got: Pink Bag, All in one sleepsuit, bunny ears and red hair colourTuesday we went into Leeds and as Isobel had never been inside the Corn Exchange we went in there. It really is a magnificent building but a lot of the units inside are empty which is a great pity as it could be a great showcase for all kinds of smaller boutique or crafts type shops. The rent must be too high though hence it's emptiness.
The ceiling in the Corn ExchangeLooking down at the Cafe in there
In one of the shops I got Isobel trying on different hats but the face tells the tale of how she felt about them. I said she looked like Edna from Emmerdale in the first one.
Wednesday was a beautiful day and we nabbed Gemma and went for a wander with the dogs down the Leeds Liverpool canal. Very quickly we saw a swan sat on her nest and a one-eyed tree sprite.
I loved the limey green of this willow as the sun shone through it as it hung over the water's edge.
Some of the views from the canal across fields etc
Then there was these farm buildings. The house was boarded up but the adjoining barn was in use. We decided that Gemma would live in the boarded up part. We would live in the converted barn next to her. Then there was a building at an L-shaped angle to the barn which we were going to convert to B & B and Gemma would run it for us!
Do you like the graffiti?
On Thursday I had to take the Land Rover to the garage for an MOT before we eventually sell it. So I took the dogs with me and walked back, which takes me past and across a golf course. Next to the golf course is a small wooded area where I knew there was an open flat piece of ground in the middle. So I took the dogs up there for a run around as it is reasonably secluded. I was dismayed to see it had been used for partying. Not that I have anything against partying but just the flaming rubbish that has been left behind. Remains of fires and beer cans mostly.
But Bear enjoyed it anyway The Royal Wedding Day arrived but I had made plans for a short bike ride with my neighbours. Chris, Amanda and I met up at 8.35am. We cycled to the Spen Valley Greenway and enjoyed the fact that it was fairly quiet.
Amanda on her bike
When we got to the end of the Greenway we joined the Calder Valley Greenway for a little while and came out in Dewsbury Town Centre.
That's where things got a little more difficult. From Dewsbury back to our house is ALL UPHILL! We went at a steady pace but a gap soon appeared as Chris and Amanda pulled away from me. Then I got caught at the lights and the gap widened further. Can't say it was easy but I wasn't purple with exhaustion and was able to talk when I caught up with Chris and Amanda. 16 miles done and eight of them were steadily uphill and still home in time to watch the Wedding!
So that was my week! How was yours?
Saturday, 23 April 2011
St George's day training ride
This morning was scheduled as a training ride with the group who are going to do the next charity ride in June. My friend Amanda and her husband came with me just for the ride and Mike our intrepid leader was there. No-one else turned up! We knew about some of them but not all.
Chris
Amanda
Anyway we did the run that we had done a couple of weeks ago to Bolton Abbey and back. Chris was a junior hillclimbing champion but that was some 30 years ago. Amanda had a shiny new bike she bought just yesterday. So off we went.
The day started off warm and sunny but by the time we set off on the ride it was spitting with rain and the sky ahead was dark and threatening. Thankfully it went elsewhere to be threatening and didn't meterialise into anything worse.
We deviated only slightly from the last time we went to Bolton Abbey as we went under a tunnel instead of across the road. Amanda was struggling up and down the undulations but Chris managed them fine. We got to Bolton Abbey to find there was an Easter Egg hunt going on. We saw a big white Easter Bunny.
The Easter Bunny
or is this The Easter Bunny
A lovely sit down outside the Cavendish Pavilion with a cappucino and a scone, a chat with a lady with two rescued labbies and we were refreshed and ready for the return journey.
Mike
All went well on the journey back. When we got to the long drag (2.5 miles uphill) Mike disappeared into the distance and then Amanda must have fitted a rocket to her bike as she zoomed past me and was suddenly also disappearing into the distance. Chris tucked in behind me and we plodded up the hill steadily.
The other two waited at the top of the hill and we all rode back to the cars together. 28.69 miles done and all survived intact.
Chris
Amanda
Anyway we did the run that we had done a couple of weeks ago to Bolton Abbey and back. Chris was a junior hillclimbing champion but that was some 30 years ago. Amanda had a shiny new bike she bought just yesterday. So off we went.
The day started off warm and sunny but by the time we set off on the ride it was spitting with rain and the sky ahead was dark and threatening. Thankfully it went elsewhere to be threatening and didn't meterialise into anything worse.
We deviated only slightly from the last time we went to Bolton Abbey as we went under a tunnel instead of across the road. Amanda was struggling up and down the undulations but Chris managed them fine. We got to Bolton Abbey to find there was an Easter Egg hunt going on. We saw a big white Easter Bunny.
The Easter Bunny
or is this The Easter Bunny
A lovely sit down outside the Cavendish Pavilion with a cappucino and a scone, a chat with a lady with two rescued labbies and we were refreshed and ready for the return journey.
Mike
All went well on the journey back. When we got to the long drag (2.5 miles uphill) Mike disappeared into the distance and then Amanda must have fitted a rocket to her bike as she zoomed past me and was suddenly also disappearing into the distance. Chris tucked in behind me and we plodded up the hill steadily.
The other two waited at the top of the hill and we all rode back to the cars together. 28.69 miles done and all survived intact.
Gardening
HAPPY ST GEORGE'S DAY.
Yesterday we were a little slow in getting started but eventually we got outside into the garden and did lots of chopping, shearing, mowing etc. There is a lot more stuff to do but it is ongoing.
Thought I would share a few of the quirky things in my garden as there aren't many flowers as such. We have a lovely Ribenis in flower at the moment. A big surprise was at the bottom of what we call the field. This is a bit of land we own and where we park the cars. Many wild flowers grow there and the dogs roam in that area. However we planted a tree there and forgot about it. Yesterday I went down to that end of the field and it has beautiful hot pink flowers on it.
Green man - I got him at a car boot sale
Wind chimes - a friend bought this for my birthday a few years ago. I think the rust adds to it's charm.
Twisty, dangly thing I bought in Somerset last year.
A different set of wind chimes - I bought these at a table top sale for £1.
Another twisty, dangly thing. Got this at a car boot sale last week for 50p.
This is a strange object in the garden! Isobel washing the cars in the field.
The gateway to my top garden. You go up a little hill and through the gate to a flat piece of garden where there is a tree swing, a trampoline and a shed. It's not overlooked by anything apart from one of our bedrooms and a gable end window of a flat above a hairdressers behind our house.
Yesterday we were a little slow in getting started but eventually we got outside into the garden and did lots of chopping, shearing, mowing etc. There is a lot more stuff to do but it is ongoing.
Thought I would share a few of the quirky things in my garden as there aren't many flowers as such. We have a lovely Ribenis in flower at the moment. A big surprise was at the bottom of what we call the field. This is a bit of land we own and where we park the cars. Many wild flowers grow there and the dogs roam in that area. However we planted a tree there and forgot about it. Yesterday I went down to that end of the field and it has beautiful hot pink flowers on it.
Green man - I got him at a car boot sale
Wind chimes - a friend bought this for my birthday a few years ago. I think the rust adds to it's charm.
Twisty, dangly thing I bought in Somerset last year.
A different set of wind chimes - I bought these at a table top sale for £1.
Another twisty, dangly thing. Got this at a car boot sale last week for 50p.
This is a strange object in the garden! Isobel washing the cars in the field.
The gateway to my top garden. You go up a little hill and through the gate to a flat piece of garden where there is a tree swing, a trampoline and a shed. It's not overlooked by anything apart from one of our bedrooms and a gable end window of a flat above a hairdressers behind our house.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)