Remember, remember . . .

 And as it is the 5th November, what better day for a bonfire?

Got rid of the accumulated garden debris anyway!

Somewhere . . .

 . . . under the Rainbow (no bluebirds).

Who's That Tapping at the Window?

For the last few months, I've been putting sunflower seeds out onto a small tray attached to the window - and have got used to the flurry of wings, and occasional tap tap to remind me to fill it up.

My most recent visitor is this nuthatch - although there may be more than one of them, given the amount of sunflower seeds it gets through!

Powering Up

So today the 'powerwall' came into its own, when we had our first power cut of any duration - not that it was that noticeable as the battery picked up the load pretty seamlessly.

Shouldn't have to worry about storm season anyway! 😊

Firepit Barbecue

Haven't lit the fire pit that much this year, but as it was a warm late September evening, and we'd acquired a grill to go over the top, fired it up and barbecued some burgers for tea.  Then sat out by the fire into the early evening, watching the light fade, and enjoying the flames.

Nice end to the day . . .

Back in the Peak

So for this year's 'trip out', we decided to revisit Bakewell and the Peak District, by way of family in East Anglia.

On our way to Bakewell, we took in Calke Abbey near Derby . . .

. . . lots of deer, spooky service tunnels, and a rather run-down property (described as an 'un-stately home' reflecting the condition in which it came to the National Trust).

Fitted in a long walk along Dovedale on one of the nicer days, starting at Ilam Hall, crossing the iconic stepping stones, and on to Milldale and back (a bit further than we'd intended - although Martin also made it up Thorpe Cloud). 

Some great views (lots of caves and arches), and even saw a dipper by the stream.

 

Our visit to Hardwick Hall was a little damper - although it all looked quite atmospheric in the rain, and the house is always beautiful.  The autumn cyclamen in the gardens were also looking stunning despite the weather.

Bakewell itself was much as remembered, although the bridge pictured on our last visit in 2013 is now so loaded down with 'love locks' that it's no wonder it needs repair!

Finished the trip with a long-anticipated visit to Little Moreton Hall - a moated, half-timbered Tudor manor house - very quirky and picturesque, and we got to see it in the sunshine too!

Sun, Sea, Sand, Swallows and Cycling

So, it's September and holiday time, with the sun still shining and beautifully hot - although the swallows are starting to gather for the long flight south.

In between hedge cutting, there's been time to hit the beach, with a trip to Ynyslas - an actual 'swim', and some beachcombing for shells, which aren't already occupied  . . . not sure who is trying to oust who here!

Nice walk also through the woods to Bow Street to watch the Tour of Britain fly past in the sunshine.

So that's the first few days of the holidays - next, an actual 'trip' away!