Day trip to London

Neither of us had been to Canary Wharf, in it's heart it's a modern space so many huge buildings, walking along the water edge was very peaceful, loads of places to sit and enjoy the space, other spots had original buildings, the Dockland museum, which we did not enter this time was lovely red brick. Everywhere you went there were sculpture of all kinds, a beautiful fountain with a seating area and very few cars.

Just a few landmarks, the top two are sculptures made from discarded stuff, one from electrical circuit boards, the whale from household plastic bits. The silver thingy caught my eye and the big yellow duck, just because I liked it.

We walked through the Crossrail place roof garden, it was much bigger than we expected, we both loved it, such a peaceful place to be, loads of places to sit, I did love seeing the tops of the buildings through the roof, which was open in places.

The weather gods were good to us, the sky darken a few times, but no rain, it was warm enough to wear a light jacket, a perfect day for walking, hubby recorded over 14,000 steps, so a good workout for our knees, today I do ache a bit, it's worth it to have such a fun day out. 

George loved talking to me on his bedtime call, Nana on a bus, he was so excited.

We had been chatting regarding another visit, hubby suggested we try a day trip using National Express (coaches), so we caught the 8.30am bus and the 6.30pm return journey. We sat reading for journey, about 2.30 hours, the coaches are very comfortable, and much cheaper than the trains, which often are cancelled and replaced by bus journeys. Our route stops at Portsmouth and Gilford, by passing loads of towns, sadly on the return journey they changed the route not going into Gilford but calling into both terminals at Heathrow, putting 40 minutes on our journey. Next time we book we will have to check which route preferring to take the shorter journey.

We both agreed we would do a day trip again, we had our early evening meal near to Victoria coach station, in a small Italian restaurant, we found it last year on our trip, worth the second visit, and handy to relax so close to where we needed to be, we both prefer to visit smaller independent places to eat.

And home

We spent Tuesday morning walking around Saville gardens on the edge of Windsor great park, which also has loads of woodland areas, some of the gardens were past their prime, the rose garden was going over, still pretty.

Lots of lovely high hedges hiding beautiful gardens

This menace was stealing bits from plates, there were 5 of them in the outside cafe area. 

I could not resist the plant section, these are already planted after a good soak, nice strong plants at a very cheap price £17.50 for all five of these.

It was a lovely morning before driving home, we picked up a very happy Lilly, she leaped into her cat carrier, and once home did a couple tours of our garden, it does feel good to be home.

I watered my garden on Tuesday evening, I enjoyed being outside after a few hours in the car. Wednesday was a lazy day at home, I finished the book for my brother, it will be here within 2 weeks, I always use the same publisher, I like the quality of the books. 

Thursday we had a plumber here, we have a damp spot in one corner of our downstairs bathroom, which was worse last winter, it was suggested we replace the small towel radiator for a tall thin radiator, to help heat the wall, it's an internal wall, the corner is by the outside wall. Most of the day was wet and dull, not huge amounts of rain, and very windy.

Friday we got up to a wet garden, a bit more rain overnight, not so windy, we went to our favourite garden centre and met daughter and her three, George had an inset day from school and Will whilst feeling a bit better was not at school, he was sent home on Monday feeling unwell. Plants were purchased, of course, they will be in the ground soon. 

Windsor

We spent Monday afternoon and early evening in Windsor, we did not visit the castle, on our last visit we spent the day in the castle, post here. 

We decided to walk around the town enjoying the views and catching different glimpses of the castle above the rooftops. 

Loads of union jacks everywhere 

A walk along the river Thames 

The weather was very kind, not so hot and a lovely breeze, we parked the car at our hotel and took a bus into Windsor, I love how easy it is to find bus routes on my phone. It was packed with tourists, we sat people watching for ages, so many different languages, tour guides everywhere. It was much quieter along the river bank and in the huge park, a break from the noise.

Our hotel room had the air-conditioning on, so our room was nice and cool, it was noisy through the night, but that's expected when staying in a urban place. 

Easter

Our knitting ladies have decorated the village for Easter, lots of colourful displays.

We booked a table on Friday, painting pottery, sadly it was not the experience we hoped, George was not happy too many people and kept running to the door, and Molly had a huge melt down. The staff and other parents were all so lovely, by their actions, they fully understood, we did manage to get all the painting done, just not the fun start to the weekend.

The children loved their egg hunt, Will again was in the veg section, George and Molly in the front, they have to be separated as the little ones are dairy free. We get them sweets as well as chocolates, plus a few bits not edible, we set Will a challenge to find his larger egg.

We always put two eggs together for the little ones, they share so well, Lilly followed them around, George decided he wanted to wear his tutu, it's a dressing up item he loves. 

Daughter stayed with us for Friday night, the little ones were with their dad, we had a perfect lazy Saturday, resting most of the afternoon in warm sunshine, hubby made a curry for tea. Sadly instead of staying a second night, so she could have much needed rest, her soon to be ex, called, George and Molly were both very upset, daughter went straight home, spent time redoing bedtime, lots of cuddled and kisses. It's very upsetting how disassociated he has become with his own children.

Sunday we had Grandpa and Grandma (daughters MIL and FIL) over for the day, it was dull and cool, so most of the time we were indoors, the children did play outside for a couple of hours, giving us time to catch up. Hubby made hotdogs (the little ones favourite) and burgers, and we shared a red velvet cake again made by hubby, the children went home full and happy, George and Molly with a sticker and colouring book and crayons each and Will had another book in his favourite set, Captain Underpants. 

Today was dull we did not see the expected rain, housework was needed and done, one task completed in our bedroom before hubby starts painting this tomorrow, he went out playing Petanque in the afternoon. Now relaxing for the rest of the day, busy tomorrow. 

Longdown farm

 I was taken to Longdown Farm, in the New Forest, close to Southampton, the little ones love it there, it was my first visit, George was very excited when we pulled into the car park. 

It's the perfect place for little people to run around in safety and enjoy so many animals of all sizes, a long barn had been turned into three bays for small animals in different pens, all being very child friendly. Different birds were in pens outside, chicken nesting boxes were placed so the children could find newly laid eggs, everything child height and friendly.

Here we are cuddling chicks, Molly was very careful, she was so gentle here, Will was totally enjoying himself, sadly George would not join in, so mummy had the cuddle. The children were also given a bottle of milk to feed the calves, I had George so I ended up feeding ours, another fun activity, I really do like cows, I lived on a dairy farm for a few years. 

All the paths were concrete, so even in light rain it was not muddy, the rain did not last long, they had undercover seating areas for lunch, we took a picnic. Before going home we had a ride on a tractor, we sat in a big enclosed trailer and was taken around a bumpy field with cows in, here is where George shines, he was signing it's stinky, and people joined in, he loved the trip, there were all the normal expected animals, loads of ducks and chickens, and goats. We were home mid afternoon, the little ones had run around, jumped in puddles and enjoyed the toy, ride on tractors and the play ground, they even had a go on a couple of diggers, where they moved sand around.

Daughter is trying to give them loads of fun this school summer break, she has a chance to take them away, but is undecided as it's hard work have three on her own, her friends have been including them in their days out and play days. 

I'm out of salts, tired and over thinking so much, which is what I do, therefore not sleeping so well, I have lost the spark in my life, it will come back, hubby is truly supportive as always, I am having regular coffee and chats with SIL's mum, she is much the same as me, our hubby's are both angry, so we meet together for honest chats. 

So days out like this are good for daughter, her children and of course me.

Day out

This was another book purchased at the Works, on a 3 for £6 deal, I have never heard of the author and was pleasantly surprised by everything. It's about two women, who knew of each other at school, now many years later their paths cross. This was a book I could not put down, very clever, the twist were delicate and added to the story. For a lovely change no dead bodies. Book 19 read this year. 

I'm not doing much at this moment, it's hard to craft when the house is spread all over the place, I have a few things on the go, crochet, needle felting, embroidery and some hand sewing. I have been on my computer loads, as it keeps me out of husbands way, whilst he decorates. I have not thought about my sewing machine, the projects have to wait until I have a tidy house again. 

Tuesday I missed sign class and went with youngest daughter and her 3 to Marwell Zoo, it was a sunny warm day, it's a wonderful zoo, very family friendly, loads of space for little legs to run around and be safe. It was full of families, and sadly loads of stressed mum's, mainly chasing after little feet, who when necessary can run oh so fast. Will was happy to be with us, he just did not want to smile in this photo, which is OK, no one should be made to smile. 

This truck is by water, the cab is open for the kids to have fun in, we have a photo, taken back in 2018, just Will then, the flat bed is a viewing point for the water, all three of them loved playing for a short time, it is a popular feature. Molly and George were more interested in running around than looking at animals, Will enjoyed most of it, we spent about 4 hours at the zoo, having a nice lunch and ice cream. The two little ones were in bed early and both slept well, as did their Nana. 

Sunday afternoon we popped to our neighbours at the bottom of the garden, Darren had a BBQ, we stayed for a couple of hours and then walked home through our local park, it was nice to be out chatting to new people. Monday I emptied the sitting room, it's a much easier task, not so many bits and bobs, everything was again put into the spare bedroom, it's a very simple space to decorate, only the skirting boards needed glossing, the rest is plain walls. 

Tuesday evening I did nothing I was tired, it was a happy tired, Today I've a morning at home, hubby is out, I will walk to the village and later whilst he paints, I will clean our upstairs bathroom and our bedroom, it won't take long, the bedding is already on the line, lovely blue skies here. No plans to do any crafting, I'm still working on my 2021 book, I can feel myself edging towards the completion of it. 

If everything goes to plan, the painting will be finished today and tomorrow we can put the furniture back and pack the decorating tools away. The stairs and upstairs, we have decided to leave until next year, hubby has worked hard enough to get the ground floor all done. 

Busy week

 Daughter and I went on a local hotel spa trial day on Monday, we had one treatment each, I had a foot and leg massage, then 2 hours in the spa and a lunch. Daughter had a head and neck massage, I was careful with treatments as I did not want to irritate my back, sadly the treatment was just rubbing in oils into my feet and legs, the spa was lovely, but lunch was suburb, we both had a beetroot starter and I had a salmon Caesar salad, with a glass of Prosecco and no issues with my nut allergy. Afterwards daughter gave me some make-up advice using some tinted moisturiser, we have the same skin tones, so hers worked well on me. 

Tuesday our sign group went to a garden centre for coffee, chat and a mooch around, the centre was not great, it's a Dobbies, which I find overpriced, it's to early in the year to get plants. The rest of the day I spent cross stitching and resting, I am loving being able to sew again.

Wednesday was a day at home, I did get my hair cut, which is strange as I am growing it again, I can't decide what to do with my hair. I did a good clean around the whole house, which always makes me feel good. My last Amaryllis is a nice height, and the flowers on my Albuca Spiralis Frizzle Sizzle are about to open, We have loads of pink blooms showing on our magnolia tree, no snow in the morning, just cold and raining.

Thursday hubby and I went on a pottery course, at a local arts centre, just a few hours of fun, the tutor was very informative and helpful, she explained how to hand build things and set us to work, she then called us one by one to the potters wheel, she centred the clay and showed us how to work it, and then talked each of us through how to throw a dish. Every dish was a different shape, some had straight sides, mine is more like a bowl. I also made an oval plaque for our wall, I did add a flower, which should be still there after firing, I then made a small hand built pot which is lower at the front, which I will have a use for, any unpainted clay will fire pure white, so my plaque is very simple. Hubby made a pant pot saucer, he struggled with what to make, but he did enjoy the course, it will be a few weeks before we get our pieces back.

We did a bit of shopping on Thursday afternoon in town, I will show next time my little haul. It rained all day on Thursday and was much warmer, temperature just in double figures. I am really pleased to have done so much more this week, hubby and I are hoping for a day out twice a month, daughter wants a day out together once a month, so we are all looking for things to do. 

Today Friday, I have nothing to do, I ache after last nights Pilates class, so I'm not planning to do much, We did have Molly booked for the morning, but daddy is at home this week, so she is staying in the warm with him, tonight I am babysitting whilst mummy and daddy have some time to themselves, they will eat out and find a film to watch. We have a couple of companies coming to price internal shutters for our two new windows, we are unsure if they will work on our huge window, so hopefully we will see samples and make a decision, if not we will replace our defuser blinds, as our existing ones are slightly too long.

Taking in the views.

We recently popped to Portsmouth, Gunwharf Quay, it was not busy at all so we decided to go up the Spinnaker Tower, the views are stunning, here I'm standing on the glass floor, looking down, still not totally comfortable standing here, but most visits I look down, just keeping my fear of heights in hand. 

Not the best photo, the glass is slightly tinted, looking down on The Prince of Wales aircraft carrier, and the old navy base, with The Warrior in the front, old and new. It was a bit cloudy, but we could see for miles, I do love this view, it's a busy waterway, vessels going into naval base, cross channel ferries, Isle of Wight ferry, countless private boats, so there are always plenty to watch. 

We also had a day at Portchester Castle, and went to the top of the Keep, again the views are brilliant, a perfect place to view Portsmouth and Gosport harbours, St Mary's church in the castle grounds and of course our village of Portchester. 

It's so lucky to be so close to these high viewing places, we don't go up often, every time we are blown away with these views, it is possible to see for miles, Isle of Wight, Southampton as well as the naval base at Portsmouth. Our shore line is not always beautiful, when the tide is out is can look a bit messy, very natural, this keeps most tourist away, other than around the castle, so it's mainly locals, which we love. There is huge grassed areas and plenty of tree's and hedges, making a very natural and pleasant place to walk.

We have had a fantastic weekend, Saturday we were at daughters for Mollys 1st birthday garden party, family and a few friends, loads of shade, lots of laughter, children in the pool. Sunday we had a lunchtime BBQ  at ours, again plenty of shade, daughter, SIL, Will, George and Molly, plus grandpa and grandma, again loads of fun, we got our small pool out, I used the water afterwards for the garden, both evenings we rested, so much fun. We are at home for the next couple of days, our house is cool, we have everything we need, so along with our cats we will hide inside. 

Amberley Museum

Transport for the day, whilst on site

 Working blacksmith

 Glass works

 He was making this robin 

 One of many shops

 Lots of old vehicles

 Village garage

 This brick was made in my home town of Bridgwater in Somerset, and was part of a display here in West Sussex. I looked but they did not have a Fareham red brick. 

Amberley is about an hours drive from home, we have been here before, it's a perfect place to spend a day, the site is big, and is set out like a long village, they have the bus in my 1st photo and a train to get about, we decided to walk yesterday. As well as glass making, and the blacksmiths, they have woodwork, a stone masion, a pottery all working, on some days you can take lessons.
We both love the electrical and communications areas, full of items we used in 60's and 70's, plus loads which predate our time.