day nine - sunday on the moors

I was woken by rain falling this morning. Whoever said that Cape Town's weather is unpredictable has never been to the UK in summer. I think I changed my outfit three times today (and I don't have many combinations to work with). Their best weather seems to come between 5 and 9 in the evening. The wind drops, the sky clears and looks bluer than it has all day.

The family were coming over for lunch today. Michael and I had not seen Richard and Jonathan (Jennifer's sons) for 16 years. Gracie, Jennifer's granddaughter was also on the guest list. 

It was a delicious lunch and later Andrea's daughter arrived with her two children from Bristol. The weather had cleared and it was time for a walk. We did a loop down the road to a park and old 1583 mansion with an amazing garden and then walked back, uphill, through fields with rabbits and foxes. We saw plenty rabbits and cows (but no foxes). Did I tell you we saw a fox wander past the lounge window of the house we stayed in, in Glasgow? (well now I have). I have seen a fox (but not in Yorkshire (yet)).

Did you know they still make Babycham? I remember the adverts well from the 70's but had never had one (now I have). Not bad at all and surprisingly dry (and made from pears - bet you did not know that?)

A beautiful English garden

700 types of lavender (can't verify that as we could not see all of the garden)

1583 - sorry I cannot remember the name of the house and everyone is sleeping now, so you will have to wait.

Jennifer and the entertaining Gracie

What happens when you let an 8 year old play with your iPad. I now have a very entertaining collection of collages. Nice hat Ellen! Not sure where she found this picture of Jan and Ellen (but it is a good one). The cap Jan is wearing looks like it belongs to him.

Thank you Gracie (you have won me over already)

I will have to ask her in the morning for a lesson

The three grandchildren having fun and doing what children should do (and what I would have loved to do but I was scared I would develop a speed wobble and not be able to stop)

Instead I sat on a bench in the tranquil garden 

Sorry a bit dark but this was our walk back through the fields (spot the rabbit?)

So a pretty chilled day at home with the family. Exactly what we needed. Did I mention the amazing cakes Jennifer bakes? Courgette and Walnut loaf, Gluten free lemon slices, Devonshire cream (Gill, you should have a bake-off with Jennifer - I will be the judge)

Enjoy your new week.