More social whirl in the Midlands

Prepping for paella and tiramisu at Fi and James' tomorrow (the eagle eyed will notice the custard slices on the table for afternoon tea and cake this afternoon - yum!)

It’s all been very domesticated, but it’s got to be done. Water meter fitted on Tuesday followed by gas and electric meters on Wednesday. I then made a squash and courgette curry, with courgette from H&I’s allotment, to go with a chicken biryani cooked from scratch. To help eat we had our first guests. Alex and Rob came over which was lovely. It was good to see Rob walking after his operation and with the straightest leg we’ve ever seen him.

The start of the North Worcestershire Way

Thursday I went to have lunch with Abi before taking her to the dental hospital. The dentist accidentally broke off a crown about seven months ago while trying to remove it. She has been waiting this long for an appointment at the new dental hospital, where Pebble Mill used to be. They didn’t know what drugs they’d have to use on her as her hyper mobility means normal pain killers don’t work, so just in case of a general anaesthetic I’d packed an overnight bag. They called her in bang on time, so I went for a walk in Cannon Hill Park, scene of many lunchtime walks while working. I’d barely got in when she rang to say it was all over. What a relief but quite an anticlimax. We had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon before I went home to check on Brian. I’d dropped him off at the canal in Kings Heath on my way in and he’d walked home. Good practice for the Cotswold way (B: 12.5miles, 140m of ascent along part of the North Worcestershire Way. See my short Relive video of the route with lots of photos: click here)

Lovely views and a pleasant walk

A quiet weekend with gardening (we have to make sure the brown bin is full every fortnight when it goes for recycling), cooking, fish pie as I’d been promising for ages and slow cooker pork so I could fill the oven with roasted vegetables. (Love roasted beetroot, from the allotment) We went to Birmingham Road to empty the loft. We took a load to the tip, but that was enough. At least it is all accessible now. We’ve now been through lots of photos, so ordered a scanner to try and get some of them stored in the cloud. A job for our next Housesit in Arbroath!

With Denise and Paul on our walk round Earlswood Lakes

It’s been all change on the upstairs curtains. We ordered a second automatic curtain closer, for our bedroom, but this is a track. The curtains in there were on a pole. Fortunately we’ve got some curtains back from Birmingham Road of the right size, so they’ve gone in the front. The pole and curtains have gone to the spare room, and the curtains from there have gone into the study, where there were no curtains.

A little bit further round Earlswood Lakes

Tuesday we went to Denise and Paul for a walk. This started late as their bathroom fan has been very noisy, so could Brian go in the loft and have a look? Touch wood, he’s cleaned and fixed and it sounds much better. This, in conjunction with the unreliable weather, and the fact that they hadn’t been to their allotment for a week, brought on a walk around Earlswood lakes before some harvesting at their allotment, we came home with more courgettes, (it’ll be a moussaka and cake, at some point) kale, onion and beans. Lunch at the Red Lion in Earlswood may not have been fully earned, but was still thoroughly enjoyable.

At Denise and Paul's allotment. Lots of stuff growing there and all very yummy!

As we’d arrived at D&P’s my car door handle had behaved a bit oddly, but let me out. That was the last time however, Paul couldn’t get out at the Red Lion, nor I when we got home! Looking on the Internet it appears that the handle has a flimsy bit of plastic that breaks over time. Hopefully it’s that, but rather than take the door panel etc off to check, we’ll spend the tenner to get one ordered so when we do take it off we have the where withall to fix it. We thought that would take a good part of Thursday, but actually took about half an hour to replace. It’s amazing what videos you can find on the internet!

More prep for the paella

We’ve been to see Oppenheimer at the cinema, well worth watching, though not necessarily easy, and long! Done our normal Monday night online meeting, and been to the Weighbridge with John and co. Today was shopping and prepping for the annual paella at Fiona and James, using, amongst other things, onion and beans from D&P’s allotment, for me, while Brian has created his caramel vodka tiramisu, which looks fab, though quite how it’s going to travel I’m not sure. It’ll still taste really good!

Don't look at this video if you don't want this naff tune on your mind for the rest of the day! You have been warned! It amused us, when we emptied the loft at the house we're selling in Alvechurch we had loads of memorabilia, photos, Christmas tree and decorations and various pieces of furniture. We had saved all our wedding cards and lots of cards from various birthdays. In the pack of cards for Jackies 40th birthday we found this one from our friends Alex and Rob. It is 15 years old and has been stored in the loft for the past 11 years, but the batteries were still good and it worked - amazing!

Back from housesitting to a social whirl

Taking Monty dog for a walk last Saturday with Helen, Phil, Jackie, Ian (in the distance) and Sue (out of sight)

I wrote the last blog 10 days ago, though it took Brian 2 days to post it because he was spending all his time transferring and editing videos. This one might be the same as he’s outside digging out roots so he can put down some concrete and then get a shed, so whether he’s going to want to post when he finishes is most unlikely.

Taking Ruby dog on our 8 mile walk round Carsington Water (see our Relive short video with more photos: click here)

We took Ruby for a last long walk at Carsington water, last Friday 8ish miles round a reservoir, very popular with cyclists, though there were more hills than I expected. We were overtaken by a couple of cyclists only to come upon them a short while later standing by the path. I asked if they were ok to be shown a bit of a messy elbow, knee, and both palms. She’d come a right cropper. They had no first aid kit, but we did, surprisingly, as Brian moans about carrying it on a regular basis. Glad to be of service I savlon’d and covered all the various bits as we all had a chat. She was all for carrying on, but they never came past us again, so he must have got his way and returned them to the carpark. Ruby is a very intuitive dog, she’ll moan and winge if we stand talking to people, but when it’s important she didn’t utter a peep and was as good as gold. She was like that last time, when the car blew up and she had to wait for hours to be taken home. She’s a fabulous therapy dog. 

No photos our our pub lunch or first aid to an injured cyclist, but we had a lovely but long day

We stopped two thirds of the way round at the Miners Arms for lunch. Brian’s was really good, where mine was ‘interesting’! Ruby however was very happy as they have four tubs of dog biscuits for you to help yourself from (us, not her obviously!) Having finished the walk we all rounded off with an ice cream, we’ll it seemed rude not to buy Ruby a dog one if we were having one! She had a good day!

Needless to say, we had a quiet Ruby dog that night!

I started this on Thursday, it’s now Tuesday and time has flown, but re the above, we saw Tim and Jill last night, and apparently Ruby dog had never had a doggy ice cream before, she had a REALLY good day!

Likewise for Stimpy cat

Saturday Brian went off to do his park run, on his own as the forecast wasn’t very good. Very disappointingly though it was cancelled due to the ‘Race for Life’ he wasn’t the only one to have been caught out, not that that helped him much! He didn’t bother taking himself for a run though after the walk the previous day.

And they even sat quite close to each other on occasions too

We pottered and chilled with a tired dog for the weekend before coming home on Monday after dropping Ruby round with Johanna and Ebony dog for a doggy sleepover. We had to get back as Tuesday we went down to Aylesbury to Caroline’s end of year concert. She and her friend Syd were playing their flutes in the foyer before the concert started, then she was in senior choir, senior orchestra, concert band and acabellas. We have to say it was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, the standard of performance was incredibly high, and what was really special was that the kids themselves conducted, choreographed the dance and presented.

A snippet of Caroline and Syd playing their flutes

We stayed over so we could actually spend some time with Caroline the following day. We went into Leighton Buzzard, looking for the party shop. We were off to a pirates of the Caribbean party on Saturday and hadn’t really thought about costumes! We’d just got sorted with parrot and cutlass when Charles rang Caroline to say his train was arriving in about half an hour, and we were about half an hour away. We abandoned the plans we had for lunch to go and collect him, thinking he would join us. 

This is the only photo we were allowed to take at the concert

He didn’t look a well man though, he’d been down visiting an infantry unit which apparently had involved huge amounts of alcohol and not much sleep for two nights! We took him home and went to the Travellers Rest where Caroline works, might as well take advantage of her staff discount then! Lovely lunch, and a thoroughly enjoyable visit. Back in time for Wednesday club with John and co, at the Weighbridge having not been there for ages

In Grand Central (New Street) station in Birmingham and there's Ozzy the bulls horns peeking out waiting for the big unveiling

Friday we were out again with Terry and Sue at the Saxon Mill in Warwick for the annual business meeting. We got two trains to Leamington Spa, changing at New Street where we just had time to go and see Ozzy, the bull from the Commonwealth Games. There was such an outcry at the end of the games that he was just going to be destroyed he’s been rebuilt and found a new home. He wasn’t officially open, so was hiding behind some information boards. We were pleased to see that we were actually visible in the picture from the night, and by some strange quirk I was wearing my trousers and jacket from the performance! We had a lovely lunch, much wine was drunk and much rubbish was talked. We finally got home about 8pm. That’s what you call a lunch!

Jackie standing in front of the photo of us at the Commonwealth Games last year - and she's wearing the same jacket and trousers 

Saturday Brian went to do a park run before we headed over to Helen and Ian. Phil and Sue were also there and we were all going to stay and go to Mike and Ella’s pirate BBQ.

And there we are! You can see Jackie in her dark green jacket just left of centre, I am next but one to the right of her with my flat cap on

We managed to just about miss the showers and took the dog out for a couple of pints before dressing and going to the party. Amazingly it stayed dry, though not particularly warm. As I was wearing two skirts this wasn’t such a problem for me! A good evening was had by all and it was great to catch up with Linda one of our fellow marshals from the Commonwealth Games who we’d just got talking to before discovering we had Ella in common.

Out for a few pints in Stirchley on Saturday afternoon before the party. LtoR: Sue, Phil, Brian, Helen, Ian and Jackie

Sunday was breakfast BBQ before visiting the allotment. I’ve got great meals to cook for the next couple of days, thanks H&I. We got back in time to catch up with Helen and Richard who were visiting John for a few days, lovely to see them, though I was surprised not to see Richard at the Weighbridge later.

We're ready! Waiting outside Ian and Helen's for the taxi. Not sure what the driver thought!

Yesterday was busy (seems the norm at the moment) the BBC have finally paid my pension so I will get a monthly income but I also took the 25% tax free sum. This was sitting in my bank account over the weekend. Fortunately Santander didn’t go bust! So we’ve paid that to the various places Jason has recommended, and I can breathe again. We also collected mums will from the solicitor. We’d waited the required time 20 days between sending in the inheritance tax form, so we could finally apply for probate, hurrah! Just have to wait up to 16 weeks now! I’ve sent off the original will so fingers crossed it doesn’t get lost.

Bill and Martina were  there too

Last night was Monday Club so fab Diwans curry and a couple of pints in the Old Mo. Lovely to see Tim and Jill to hear about Cuba, and Mark, Bill and Martina obviously.

A great time was had by all

Today Brian has finished off his shuttering for the shed base and laid most of the concrete, though it’s now raining, and we’ve had a water meter fitted. Just popping out to get a touch more cement, and look at Iceland. Apparently Tuesday is 10% off for the over 60’s

The blow-up guitars were in demand. And there's the music for the night with excellent carribean music on the steel drums

We love this photo of Crystal (Ming) on the blow-up guitar, helped by Phil

An interesting angle for a group photo. Starting at 12 'o' clock and moving clockwise: Phil, Sue, Manu, Brian, Jackie, Helen, Ian, Liam and Lizzie

Had to take this photo of Ian by his trusty car. After 18 years and 171,000 miles with the same car he is finally replacing it with a new one

At Ian and Helen's allotment of Sunday. It is full of fabulous vegetables!

Housesitting in Derbyshire

Ruby dog and Stimpy cat. For two animals that ignore one another they are fairly close

Time is flying by, though with not much more than dog walking to talk about. We are really enjoying chilling, reading, crosswords, cooking, jigsaw, just very relaxing. Saturday Brian wanted to do the park run at Markeaton Park. Did I want to go and take Ruby! Not particularly, but when he got up Ruby got excited so I thought we might as well go. The park was very nice as we drifted about. I saw B in the distance at one point so we ran to wave which she quite liked. When we found ourselves near the finish line however that was it. I told her B wouldn’t be passing for at least 5 minutes but she wouldn’t budge! My reward for an early start, a bacon and egg cob at The Potting Shed cafe. And I didn’t even run! In the afternoon we headed off towards Egginton to the village fete. Another few km for mad dog, and a cream tea for us. There wasn’t much else there! Here's a short video of our walk: click here

Swans and cygnets at Markeaton Park. No photos of Brian running in the ParkRun, Jackie didn't take any!

Monday I got a craving for Thai food (I don’t know, two of my favourite dishes were mentioned in the book I was reading....) so after dog walking we headed into a Derby to the Thai Boran Street food restaurant £12 for a two course lunch menu can’t be bad! Dinner was just the second portion of the rhubarb crumble we’d made.

Waiting for our starters to arrive in the very nice Thai Boran Street Food restaurant

Yesterday we took Ruby to Calke Abbey. She never really wants to get in the car, though once in she’s as good as gold. Perhaps she remembers the last time we took her in the car, 4 years ago when the Vectra blew up in Ashbourne! She’s more than happy with her walk in the woods, but we wanted to go. It was a good walk, though the expected pub lunch never material. Apparently pubs and Tuesday lunchtimes don’t mix round there! Here's a short video of our walk: click here

Walking over the level crossing at Hilton. Class 37 diesel locos use this line don't you know!

Cream tea with Ruby dog at Egginton Village Hall Fete. There wasn't much going on but, on the other hand, Egginton is a tiny village. It gave Ruby a nice walk over the fields

It seemed to wear her out and gave us a bit of peace

This was on our walk by the River Dove by Marston On Dove. It is a marked public footpath, but this part was not regularly used! Here's a short video of this walk: click here

The track led to some nice beach areas by the river...

Which was too much of a temptation for Ruby dog

We passed the old stone bridge supports on an old railway across the river. According to Tim the line was the Jinnie line that used to run from Burton to Tutbury

Another day and another walk. This is the summer only cafe at Calke Explore, which is a great place for families to visit. A large car park, toilets, a cafe with out door seating area and woods with lots of things for kids (and adults) to explore. Ruby wasn't keen on stopping this early into her walk so we just bought some ice creams that we could eat on the go

First stop in the woods at Calke Explore was this hobbit hole

Of course we all had to walk through it, crouched down

Past Calke House, we didn't go in as we had the dog, but it does sound worthy of a visit. Apparently generations of the Harpur Crewe family lived there as virtual recluses, letting the outside world pass them by. They spent their time collecting things while the house gradually deteriorated and its filled with cases of antiques, silver, stuffed birds and minerals. It has become known as the house that time forgot as it has remained largely unaltered since 1880. The National Trust now own it and only made essential repairs to preserve it as it was

Ruby inspecting the Mere Pond. No, you can't go in! She's on her lead just in case!

Past the nearby old lime kilns. The lime quarries are now a wildlife reserve

One of the lime pits now filled with crystal clear water providing a perfect reflection in the still water

Approaching the tramway tunnel

It was quite a long (and dark) tunnel

We wanted to get her silhouetted against the light at the end of the tunnel, but trying to get her to stop for long enough was too much to ask, so we settled for this

Arriving back at our start at the church in Ticknall after an unsuccessful search for a local pub that was open on a Tuesday and serving lunch. The closest we got was one that could offer a scotch egg and a bag of crisps! We went home for lunch in the end 

Stimpy cat being hand fed her favourite slice of ham. Cat food? Pah! This cat wants ham! Ruby is there to to clear up any pieces that she drops

This has become a regular position for Stimpy in the evening whilst watching TV. Strokes are demanded in quantity and it doesn't matter to her if she stands blocking the view of the TV, she is more important!

She can look incredibly grumpy when she wants to

A bit of dead railway track on our usual local walk through the woods. Its been dead for a while as those trees growing in the middle of the track are quite big. Reminds us a bit of the Death Railway at Hellfire Pass in Thailand (near the bridge on the River Kwai), built during the Japanese occupation of that country in WWII by British and Australian prisoners of war, that we visited some 10 years ago

Finally, this video was taken during some Cross family videos that we were transferring onto Youtube. This bit features Brian's old dog Sophie being wound up by Fiona and Stuart  about 40 years ago. Our dog was howling in the video and this set Ruby dog off howling too. It was really quite funny:

 If you'd like to watch the Cross and Williams family video, starting with Brian's daughter, Fiona joining Brownies at 5 in 1984, through to the building of a giant snowman around 1989 you can watch it on Youtube by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/5MvxyDCZ8eo