Your Day (apart from gardening) - what took place? 2023

Looks like you has a nice outing Upsy.

 

Nada. Sat out front this morning enjoying the rising sun. From 4.30 to 6.45 sat out front having a drink (or two) listening to the birds and Simon & Garfunkle''s best of! Yes, it is frightening, we have been together for 55 1/2 years and I listened to S&G way before then! And Peter & Gordon.

 

A bit late: last Thursday I retired from full time work and on Monday go back in the same role three days a week. Taking one of the NHS pension schemes (2008) means that I'll actually be better off although it could be a few months before the paperwork is processed (submitted to local office March 2023, sent to national office late May 2023).

 

Hope you enjoy your two 'free' days, but I am sure you will find lots to fill the time.

 

Helmsley Walled gardens in North Yorkshire - a truly lovely day out

The gardens were in full swing with loads of Irises and Alliums and the Wisteria and the Laburnum walks were spectacular.



The gardens had some community activities and The Child was invited to participate in the children's "Pick a Posy" one just because the organiser thought that she absolutely must have a posy to go with the outfit. The Child is 22 years old.

Anyways the activity was a nice one, encouraging children to identify flowers and to carefully cut a stem, making a wonderful posy to take home in a totally wilted stage. Luckily, I always have a spare plastic bag and some napkins (and small pocket sized deadheading scissors) in my handbag to manage unexpected cuttings that may force themselves upon me whilst walking.

The town is very cute but it did feel a bit odd to browse the church jumble sale tables between and on the old graves. But everyone was cheery and the weather was perfect so what's not to love?

The Child nearly talked me into buying a Clematis but I resisted and only bought two alpine plants and a Thyme to replace the ragged one in my herb container.

On our way down south to North Yorkshire we spotted a rather unexpected sight- a paddock with a herd of reindeer! Goodness knows what reindeer are doing bang in the middle of Sunderland but they did look relaxed and happy. On a holiday before the working season kicks in perhaps?

 

Sounds like a great day @Selleri , and what a truly beautiful pic too. It would make a stunning greeting card....

 

Not doing much - it is Sunday after all...

 

Much the same as you @clanless .

We went for a lovely walk this morning and called in to see a friend, we didn't get home until 1 ish.
Enjoyed our lunch outside and now just chilling out on the patio listening to some lovely classical music.
One of my favourites is currently playing....

 

@Upsydaaisy I watched A place in the Sun ... Portugal, up on the Silver Coast around Obidos where we have holidayed and stayed in the castle tower looking down the tiny street by the church. A fantastic place. Also know Caldas da Reina and Foz de Arenha where they bought.

 

Yes I think I saw it back in Feb/ March. Is it two guys ( one is Portuguese) looking for a place ?

 

No, I remember that one. This was an older retired couple, grey/white haired, with £325,000 and he has a boat, bought a super modern place with pool. I liked the last house trimmed blue, a converted farmhouse with a stunning garden.

 

Oh OK, our most recent series finished 2 weeks ago this coming Friday, I can't recall that one. I'll go and have a check on catch up tv.!

 

Off to the cinema this afternoon to see Chevalier
I love classical music and historical films and have been eagerly waiting for this film to be released over here....can't wait to see it!

 

Belsay Hall and quarry gardens- a lovely day to ignore the pressing need of hoovering and mopping the floors

The quarry gardens are wonderful, the man made 3m walls create a microclimate that happily hosts tree ferns and other species rarely seen up here.

The shuttle bus from Newcastle is now free and with the Gardenersworld 2-in-1 card it was a relatively cheap outing. Not counting the cappucinos, giant merengues and scones.

They also have a wonderful second hand bookshop, I stocked up with issues of gardening magazines from previous years. It is quite interesting to read pre- and post pandemic issues, I have already started to forget how dramatically our lives changed just three years ago.

 

Only in North Wales:

“A male has just been arrested for drink driving….he drove to Deeside Police Station to enquire about his friend who is in custody, he will now be joining him in our cells.” ‌‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌‍‌‌‌‌‌