Nov 21: Chatsworth

Friday 12 November

Carole, Janice, Jeanette, Linda, Rosemary, Sally, Siobhan, Sue, Trisha, Wendy 

As we arrived at the house we realised that the parking was mostly on street with some morning/evening restrictions. Everyone seemed to arrive within the same hour so there was a mild chaos as people unloaded then slotted into nearby parking spots where they could (apart from mine which was squeezed between house and railings 🤣) But we managed and we were soon inside exploring the house 

Loads of rooms over four floors! We sorted out the bedrooms and nearly everyone had their own room - the house had been chosen for this reason in order to give people greater space to make them feel more comfortable as covid numbers were still quite high.

The only person having to share was Rosemary who was there for just one night as she had commitments to get home for. She was to share a room with Sally where there were two single beds spaced far apart in an L shape on the top floor under the eaves. My room was the only other one with single beds as all the others were queen, king or superking!

Soon it was time for a cocktail.

We settled down for a good catch up. It was great to be together again.

We feasted on pizza, jacket potatoes, salad and home made quiche followed by Janice's fruit crumble and Bakewell tart.

Then it was time to head downstairs to the second lounge/games room to drink, chat some more and play on the table football and pool table. No great skills but much hilarity 😁 

Eventually most people went off to bed with a few of us staying down to tidy up a bit and work out where all the light switches were in order to turn them off.  We said our goodnights and headed to our rooms.  I opened my bedroom door and flicked the light on...

and from under the covers in the far bed - up popped a head! 

I don't know who got the biggest fright! I looked round in horror thinking that I'd walked into the wrong room and woken someone but as I scanned round I could see my suitcase on the floor.  Rosemary just looked half asleep and bemused 🤣

So that was how I acquired a roomie!  

Turns out she'd been upstairs and only seen one single bed in Sally's room - the second one was at right angles to it around the corner.  Once the mystery was solved I was able to shout upstairs and solve the mystery of their 'missing Rosemary!'

Saturday 13 November 

An earlyish start to the day to ensure that we arrived at Chatsworth before it got too busy.

Rosemary cooked a delicious breakfast.

.. including an amazing veggie option for Linda.

We set off in the brilliant sunshine for the short drive to Chatsworth - there were already quite a few cars there even though it was still quite early.

Lots of stalls to visit.

We decided to go back to the house for lunch as it was becoming very crowded. And, as usual, we had loads of food that needed to be eaten 🙄

.. and of course we had to have some of Janice's fabulous 'welcome back' cake.  It was delicious!.. 😋

We decided to move downstairs and have our evening meal of yummy shepherds pie on our laps so we could watch Strictly.

Of course we all knew better than the judges.. 😁

We then played a game which involved having to do whatever you picked out on a printed paper spill. Maybe a joke, charade, action or something else.  The rules went by the by and the game descended into complete silliness as usual!

The jokes were dire but the highlights were definitely the hummed songs. Just so funny when people only knew one line and tried to hum it over and over. Out of tune. Out of time. Out of everything.. 🤣

Janice, Carole and I formed the triptets for harmony humming and thought we were doing well - only for the rest of them to think they had worked out the tune and enthusiastically join in - humming something completely different. It was hilarious!

And so to bed and another night with my new roomie who was enjoying herself so much that she'd decided to stay but leave early in the morning 😁

Sunday 14 November

A leisurely morning with Rosemary leaving first and then Sally and Carole homeward bound after breakfast. 

Sue and I went for a walk to see if we could get to the castle which we could see from the back bedroom windows.

It was very misty but quite muggy amongst the trees but not at all cold.

We could see the castle behind us in the mist and we were level with it but couldn't work out how to get to it.

We found the trig point.

It was a shame that the sun didn't come out until later as the views were stunning and the colours would have been fabulous. 

Turns out that the castle is called Riber Castle but is more of a modern folly than an actual castle. It has been various things in the past - zoo, hospital etc but has been empty for the last five years after a failed bid to convert to £1m flats.

So we never did get to actually explore it 😁

Quite by chance we walked back past the Heights of Abraham and through Matlock Bath.

There were six of us left at this point and Siobhan had booked a table at a lovely nearby bar and grill. The food (and drink!) were fabulous.

We left the bar just as the Remembrance Day procession came through town.

Linda and Janice set off for home and we waved Siobhan off after the Strictly results.

So then there were three. 

We cracked open another bottle, fetched out the cheese and biscuits and watched a bit of telly.

My roomie had gone.. 😕

Monday 15 November

Time for breakfast and a quick tidy up after packing the cars. Then down to Costa for a last coffee before our drives home. 

As usual we'd had a fab weekend with lots of eating, drinking, chatting and laughing.

A total tonic, just what was needed - and we are already planning the next one.. 😁

May 21: Trentham

Friday 21 May

Alison, Bridget, Carol, Carole, Chris, Dawn, Janice, Joyce, Linda, Rosemary, Sally, Siobhan, Trisha, Sue, Wendy

After an enforced separation due to covid everyone was eager to meet up as soon as circumstances allowed.

A day at Trentham gardens was arranged (thanks Siobhan) - unfortunately it turned out to be the wettest day imaginable but noone was really bothered - we were just happy to be together again!  Luckily Sue had seen that they were offering  gazebos and packed lunch so Siobhan booked them too and we were at least able to keep dry.

We tried to eat outside but were soon forced inside by the weather.

Some went for a walk round the lake in the rain.

 A lovely - but damp - day!..