Summer of 2013...

It has been a very good summer. Mainly , I guess, because we actually have had a warm and sunny summer for a change! I think, though, it has come at a very good time , as we can begin to see the light at the end of the recession tunnel and good news is starting to out- weigh the often depressing reports we have had to put up with over the past five years. So, a good summer and a brighter outlook for the next few years (apart from the possibility of WW3 being started in the Middle East!).

This year we have managed to do various things over the summer. We have celebrated Marg's birthday and our first year here at Willow House with a holiday in a cottage in the Lake District and a massive party at our house.

We really enjoyed getting away for a week to a rural 16th century cottage at Troutbeck, near Ambleside, and managed to chill out as well as see some of the spectacular countryside in the area. Some highlights included the Beatrix Potter gallery in Hawkshead and visit to her house 'Hill Top' nearby, Lakeland Artists exhibition in Ambleside, Sizergh Castle, Wray Castle and lunch at 'The Samling' hotel which has won world acclaim for it's cuisine.
We drove up through some of the mountains and around several of the lakes enjoying the scenery and taking photos which are available on my Flickr post.

We left our house to Emma & Nick for the week and they made final preparations for our party on 11th August. They had put together various props and ideas to keep the children at the party enjoyably occupied whilst their parents enjoyed some Pimms, wine, beer and a first class barbeque ( I know that 'cause I cooked it! ). The day was fine and we arranged several gazebos and blankets so people could sit around and chat. There were a number of old friends who hadn't seen each other for years and some new friends from work and neighbours. Live performances from 'Stanevea' (amazing!), Exordium (the spark was still there after 40 years!) and Blu Funk All Stars (the best funking band in the world!) made the event into a mini-fest and everyone went home well fed and alcoholed with some great music resounding in their head. Thanks to all who helped make this a very special party.

Since the party we have done some construction in the garden and created a seating area in the centre of garden which will be planted around and screened off the compost area to begin to give more interest and design to the garden....to be continued!

All in all, a very productive time and yes, it feels like we've actually had a summer at last...