About Me

My name is Jules and I am a wife, mum and nanna. I have recently taken early retirement from Special Education which was a job that i really loved. I am loving life and fully intend to make the most of it making some fantastic memories along the way. Family and friends are very important to me and I enjoy spending time with them. I love socialising and having a laugh.

Monday 16 July 2018

A little kindness goes a long way.
Morning everyone,
I had a lovely surprise this morning as I was sat eating breakfast. I had left the back door open and heard a voice shouting " Is anyone at home?" I wasn't expecting any visitors so wondered who it could be. Access to the rear of our property and, indeed, the 10 other properties in the row, is via a private road so we rarely get anyone using this entrance. It was my neighbour bearing a dozen red roses for me. It made my day! My neighbours are elderly but self sufficient. It was his birthday last week so I baked him a birthday cake and hubby took it round to him. He has mentioned, a couple of times since when I've bumped into him, that he really enjoyed it. I know that he likes cake because if hubby is out doing jobs in the garden and I make him a cuppa with a slice of cake said neighbour seems to miraculously appear and so I usually offer him some too. He once told me that his wife doesn't bake so, now and again, I do send them a slice or two of cake round. It just goes to show that if you are kind then it really is appreciated. 

Brings a smile to my face every time I walk past.


This morning we went for a walk around Astbury Mere Country Park .While we were there, we went to look at the small pond they have with a view to taking our grandchildren there over the summer for a free morning out. ( It gets quite costly to take five of them on outings ) When we were working, we used to take groups of pupils with special needs to pond dip and they always enjoyed it - it was great fun. Over the years, we have got to know Matt (the park ranger) who has always been really kind and lent us nets, trays and identification charts. Unfortunately, it is not to be as the hot weather has completely dried out the pond and Matt told us he feared that the creatures in there had almost certainly died. He also pointed out a huge tree (silver birch, I think) that had brown, shrivelled leaves and looked like it might not survive. It makes you stop and think that while we are enjoying this lovely summer, it's not great for everything. 
This is all that's left of the pond. So sad.


Here are a few photos that I took while we walked at Astbury. It's such a lovely place and has the added advantage of a cafe that does excellent whippy ice creams! 



First thing this morning and not so sunny today.
Where do you go for free or inexpensive days out? How do you keep the children/grandchildren entertained over the long summer holidays? Have a lovely evening, until tomorrow,
Jules x














I will try to read all comments and reply. Please be polite and kind. Thanks :)

8 comments:

  1. I'm lucky enough to live close to the canal so walks along the towpath are always an option. The other side of town there is a country park with beautiful walks and an animal centre which is very cheap to enter.

    The local park is well used and that leads on to a river trail which is educational and fun. There is a free map trail which takes you around the town and gives the opportunity to learn about the history and historic buildings.

    Have you tried Treasure Trails to do with your grandchildren, assuming they are old enough. There are loads of trails all over the country and most are relatively cheap. They are written as spy adventures or detective mysteries and the children 've done them with really enjoyed themselves. The last one only cost £8 ish, so it's not mega expensive when you think that it kept 5 children and 2 adults entertained for at least two hours.

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    1. Hi Eileen, Sounds like you live in a lovely area. We have canals here too which hubby likes to walk along too. How nice to have an animal centre close by, I love going to visit these type of places. We have taken the grandchildren to Gentleshaws animal sanctuary a short distance from here before and they absolutely loved it. It good to support these centres too as most are self funded and do a fabulous job. I don't think we have a village map here but I can investigate that with my neighbour whose family have lived here since the cottages were built.
      Thanks for the tip about Treasure Trails, I've not heard of them before but again I will definitely find out. I'm sure the two eldest Grandaughters who are 9 will enjoy that. £8 sounds very reasonable too!

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  2. What's left of the pond looks like two sad eyes.

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    Replies
    1. I've just looked at it and yes you're right it does. I must say I was surprised that the ranger hadn't tried to fill it up before it got to that state. :(

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  3. Oh, how lovely to receive a bouquet of roses! I smiled when I read that your flower-giving neighbor seems to just pop up when your are out giving the hubby tea with a slice of cake. :)

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    1. He has an uncanny knack for it Bea, think it's as much about having a chat as the cake. He often leaves little gifts for me. It was 6 runner bean plants last time. Bless him

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  4. Nothing better than a good neighbour, isn't it?
    Such lovely roses.
    The pond looks really sad.

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  5. I have lovely neighbours Ivy. I'm very lucky. Do you have neighbours? x

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I look forward to receiving your messages will try to read and reply to them all. Please be patient and kind.

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