My Day Out

Rochdale Canal Todmorden

Weavers Cottages

Day out

Now we are experiencing better weather, it has been sunny and warm for almost a week now, I have booked a spring break in Llandudno Wales at the end of this month. Llandudno was a favourite of my mothers, I took her there many times during her later years because it is very flat and basically has remained the same for decades. Popular with the Victorians the long sea front is unchanged and there is a lovely broad stretch of Promenade to enjoy . Another good point is that the town centre is only a minutes away, where there are plenty of individual shops to browse and you are in easy reach of other resorts on the Welsh coast. This is something to look forward to after a busy month. On Saturday it is our Speaking Club`s Annual Charter Dinner and I have been asked to give the Toast to the Guests so I have been quickly devising a short but relevant speech, I will be glad when its over, not having a partner makes it rather a long evening.
This morning was quite special, it was the first time in many many months I have been able to peg out some washing, such a joy, a simple task but it sets the mood for the day. I heard the sound of a lawn mower and the smell of new mown grass drifting on the air,wonderful. Sunshine and fresh air ,windows open and central heating off makes you want to clean your windows and bottom the house. But I fought the urge as I was at WriteOutLoud Poetry last night, didn`t get in till late so need a little time this morning to relax. Then I am out again its Speakers Club tonight, so working on this Computer relaxes me……. I have washed and pegged out remember.
Saturday 7th Dorothy and I had a day out in the countryside. I drove us to Todmorden and Hebden Bridge it was a lovely change and it did us both good, the fresh air and the walk was what we needed. The Yorkshire side of the Peninnes are so different to Lancashire and the markets are too, we managed to find a few bargains. It always adds to the day when you come back with bargains. It was such a lovely evening we called at Hollingsworth Lake near Rochdale to finish the day. Last week was much of a muchness , catching up with my writing and going grocery shopping .I seem to get very low on basics and cope for a few days eating what ever is available, then I get fed up and go grocery shopping. It is not my most favourite occupation trawling around supermarkets, but that’s the only place one can get food .Sometimes I do go on the Market in town and the farmers markets that comes to Bolton once a month, to get fresh vegetables and fruit, but its not always convenient. At Christmas I found a independent butcher that had a wonderful display of meats and I got a brilliant turkey crown and some gammon Steaks,lovely. But we do have an abundance of Bakers, because in the North we like our pies. But what is taking over many shops are Fast Food Outlets, food from every continent, even most Chips and Fish are a side line for the Chinese these days. Our mainstreets have changed significantly due to the multinational population that is drowning our country . Our once local Greengrocers, Ironmongers, Electrical Supplies, Wool Shops and Haberdasheries and the fated Post Offices have gone due to the all encompassing Supermarkets/Hypermarkets that hold the monopoly on what we buy. Enough said-enjoy my photos.

The Waterhorse

Went to the movies last night to see the Waterhorse, with my friend Muriel. What a delightful story, it was exciting, moving and funny too. Had a touch of the `Free Willie` but set in Scotland during World War 11 it was significantly different.. The cast were well placed, especially the boy Angus who gave an excellent portrayal of a sensitive youngster, who adopts the baby Waterhorse(Loch Ness Monster).The Beast itself was amazing ,I loved it.
I am having a rest today as I am driving up to Harrogate tomorrow to see my son and his family. I try to go as often as I can as they are very busy people and can`t get down to Bolton often. My grandson plays football in the junior league and my son is a part time qualified Football Coach, they are a football mad family. Both he and his wife are in the Nursing Profession and have responsible positions so their free time is especially precious, thats why I dash up there now and again. I love the drive over the Yorkshire Moors the scenary is stupendous especially in spring when the daffodils are lining the roadside and the lambs are skipping and jumping about the fields. One down side at this time is that many rabbits are killed on the road. I don`t like to see the young ones feeding on the grass verge as they will eventually stray onto the road. Most trips I drive into Skipton or Ilkey to do a bit of shopping or have some lunch. I never get tired of the drive it is different every time. I once got stuck in the floods round Skipton in a new car and the water came up to my ankles . I was motified but just drove on through the water as fast as I could . Fortunately I didn`t stall the engine and got clear,whether it was because it was a diesal I just don`t know. When I opened the door the water ran out but thankfully it was clear, straight off the fields and didn`t smell or make a mess. My shoes and socks were soaked but I had a pair of Trainers in the boot so I was soon comfortable again. The police advised me to return home as there was extensive flooding in the area and directed me to the Leeds motorway. It took me hours to get back home as all the road I tried were flooded, diversions everywhere, it was a nightmare. My poor little car was a true friend she got me home eventually. So I watch the weather closely before I venture in that direction, yesterday we had blue skies and sunshine but today it`s been rather stormy, so I will wait and see what its like tomorrow.