November

This month kicked off with its usual bonfire. And, as always, we allotmenteers were restricted to lighting on the nearest Saturday to bonfire night. Believe in wet. By going early in the morning we were able to light ours, wait to receive more burnable stuff from Joni and Fiona and return before the rain returned.

On the following Wednesday a little sun shone and tempted us out. We had promised to visit Bircham Edge. This is just to the east of Baslow and accessed around the back of the Robin Hood inn. We walked until the end of our set time; not quite reaching the 'Three Ships' rocks, but seeing the Nelson Monument and climbers doing their climby thing. The way down was back along the path that resembled a river. And so we returned to one of our favourite haunts which is Cauldwell Mill cafe in Rowsley for refreshments and home.

At the weekend we made our usual visit to Nan in Milton Keynes. Then we went to Tim's. While mum did some music theory with Izzy, Tim and Isla took Iona and me to the Open University. They were holding a piece of out sound sculpture to celebrate 50 years from the start of the university. It was quite fascinating walking through the Central Walkway and hearing sound at different places.

Wednesday came once more and after mum had her manicure session we drove out to Dale Abbey. We parked in the village to avoid the most muddy part and set off passed the church to the woods. The owners of the farm had created a detour of the path to avoid people walking through their property. This meant mud, but we persevered and went on until the mud was too thick. There was enough autumn colour.

 

Our winter sessions on the railway is beginning to start in earnest and mum is creating some lovely gardens. I am pleased with station development to properly place the new bridge.

On the 30th we went to the allotment for an official 'last time of the season'. The shed was tidied, the greenhouse shut and a ceremonial 'good bye' said.