Walking in between the showers

Evening Everyone.
Today here the weather has been atrocious. We were out early to take the Granddaughters to school as their parents were travelling to a funeral early. As I went to put the children into the car the heavens opened and I got wet for the first time today. On the way to school we commented that it had stopped raining. Sure enough just as we arrived at school there was yet another shower. Wet for the second time today.
When I arrived home as I was already like a drowned rat I thought I may as well take our dog for a walk around the block. I was insight of home when from absolutely nowhere it started raining cats and dogs. Wet for the third time today and it was only 10 o'clock!
It continued to rain as I collected my daughters dog and delivered her to the groomers. Fourth time today that I got wet.
The weather cleared up enough for hubby and myself to decide to go for a short walk to somewhere very local to us called Mow Cop Castle. We can see this castle from our house and often go to walk there. It isn't a real castle, it's a folly. It is a local landmark and is on the Pennine Way for anyone who is a walker.

Here is a link for anyone who interested in visiting.  Mow Cop Castle
It is now owned by the National Trust and it is fenced off part way up the path. As Kids we would take our packed lunch and drinks and play there. You could go right into the castle and I have photos of myself as a teenager sitting in the windows with my legs hanging over the edge. No such thing as health and safety and risk assessments in those days.
This Sunday they are lighting a beacon at the castle in honour of all the soldiers who died in world war one. The last time they lit a beacon was for the queens diamond jubilee. We will watch them from our house and in fact you will be able to see it for miles.
After our walk we popped in to visit friends and then had a drive to Leek ( lovely little market town in the Peak District )to do a spot of shopping, where, yes you've guessed it, it started to pour down. This time it was torrential and I got well and truly soaked to my skin. So, after five times of being wet through, I decided to call it a day and head home to dry off. I'm hoping for better weather tomorrow! Hope it is drier where you are.
Take care
Jules x


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Blooming fireworks!!!

Evening everyone.
We have and in fact still are having a terrible time with our Cocker Spaniel whilst the fireworks are going off.
We drove round for miles last night when they were particularly bad and the poor dog was frantic. He shakes, pants and is up and down like something possessed. It is awful and really stressful for us to watch him like that.
Our neighbour always has a huge firework party and so we have no option but to go out. If the fireworks are in the distance we can just about manage it by having the TV on very loud, having a calming spray from the vets and trying to comfort him. We have tried ear defenders - he pulls them off, we have tried wrapping him in a scarf as recommended but he goes berserk trying to get it off.
I know I sound like a right misery and a party pooper but I really wish that they would only have them at organised events and not be for sale to the general public. I'd also like to see them only let off on bonfire night and not for weeks and weeks either side. They will just about be over then they will be selling them again for New Years Eve!!
Sorry for the short post but they're going off here again tonight. Wish me luck!
Jules x


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Half term holidays

Evening Everyone.
Hope everyone is well and the weather isn't too chilly where you are. It is half term here this week and so we have been out and about with the grandchildren.
Monday we took two of them to Manchester Airport and then out for lunch. I had packed a bag of drinks, a flask and some snacks which helped with the costs.
Tuesday We had eldest granddaughter. We took her out and about with us while we did a bit of shopping and then took her for lunch too. We only had a coffee and then had a sandwich for our lunch once at home as she wanted to go to McDonald's.
Wednesday we had a day to ourselves as we had made arrangements to meet some of our ex work colleagues for lunch. These are lovely friends who we had a fabulous working relationship with for may years who have now also retired. I feel very privileged to work with such an amazing team of professionals and was very proud to be part of that team. We sat eating, chatting, reminiscing and laughing and before we knew it 4 hours had just disappeared. Cant wait for the next time.
Today I have been with my eldest daughter and my sister to try on some more wedding dresses. We actually ended up going to one of the first shops that we had visited back in August and after another trying on session we all agreed on  a gorgeous dress. I was quite emotional seeing her there looking so beautiful. The dress certainly had the wow factor and will look absolutely gorgeous in church on her wedding day.
After this we went for coffee and then picked up my eldest granddaughter again. Hubby had been out walking for the day with his two friends. One friend he has known since he was 11 and used to live next door to. The other friend he met at University and was the best man at his wedding. We do make an effort to stay in touch and meet up with our friends as often as we can, friends are important and a real blessing.
Tomorrow we have another day with the grand kids and are taking them to the local wacky warehouse......wish me luck! Those places are manic at the best of times but school holidays when the kids are fuelled up on Halloween sweets. Nightmare!
Enjoy your weekend folks and take care
Jules x





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