August

The hot dry summer continued into August. Even so there were not many days of photography. My 'spare' time started to consist of jigsaw puzzling. Paul egged me on with this.

On the 7th we had a great day with Milton Keynes branch of the Norwood family. The day was spent by first of all parking in the village of Ilam (We are all National Trust members and parking free.) After morning refreshments on the terrace we set off across the fields to Dove Dale.

The Swiss Cottages of Ilam

We opted to stay on the side of the river which would lead us to crossing by the stepping stones.

Having crossed the river we set off down the trail stopping for Tim and Isla to do the 'lovers leap' thing.

Half way along Izzie did the spraining of the ankle thing, but soldiered on to lunch spot at Milldale. All three girls and Tim were determined to get their various feet in the river before crossing the field back to the cars and home.

In the evening we played the Marklin version of the train game. Izzie seemed to have the best grip on what to do with the passengers and so won the game.

The following day the sun still shone and so I thought that I would try my hand at photographing the butterflies and bees on the buddleia.

 On the following Wednesday we made a return visit to Monsal Head. This time we started at the head and had our friends Paul and Mary with us.

The refreshment table was a good place to photograph birds which came to the feeders.

Once more we went through the reopened tunnels ending at Miller's dale and a refreshing lunch.

Paul examining the upper track from the lower track

Paul enjoyed his pints. Irene enjoyed our root brew served in jam jars.

Going back proved a bit of trek up a hill but time do take pictures of flowing water.

The New Stapleford Community Association had special summer dance to greet the mayors of Broxtowe and Stapleford and receive grant aid cheques from them.

I completed the model of a cottage which Sally bought me for my birthday and a semidetached house which I had bought for myself.

Our anniversary was on 24th and this day coincided with a going to Birmingham to attend a concert at which Izzie was playing the double base. We got there early enough to explore the city centre, the canal area and visit the museum/art gallery. Also going on was a food fair.

In the museum we learned about the restoration of the Shropshire Hoard. The restorer was using little more than a thorn to clear the dirt.

The display of wooden figures was impressive and a child was heard to say 'Awesome!'

The new Birmingham library was almost complete. It too was awesome.

Above Ground

Below Ground

We learned that Peter de Birmingham was responsible for bringing the city into existence by applying to hold a market and to charge traders for the privilege of selling their goods.

The concert was a tremendous success and we returned home on a train with a confusing destination board.

The last Wednesday of the month was again one with brilliant weather. Our journey took us to Alport. Having parked the car we walked along the bank of the river Lathkill heading for the slightly larger village of Over Haddon.

Again there were the beautiful reflections. At one point I thought we needed to cross over, but was told that the bridge was originally on the pack horse route. Going on we came to the Conksbury Bridge.

Here we crossed to the opposite bank and could see that the river now came down over a series of man made dams. When we got to turn off to Over Haddon the river had completely disappeared.

We struggled up the steep hill and at least found toilets but the only cafe was closed. Lunch was on a seat halfway down the hill overlooking the beautiful valley.

We followed the river back to the car and then headed home. We have resolved to return and tackle the dale from Moneyash.

July

July was a big month for taking photographs. On the first day I was commissioned to photograph the neighbours dog before it was disposed of.

Two days later we made another visit to Sawley Marina. This time we set off in the opposite direction along the Trent in the direction of Shardlow.

At one point across the river was an amazing bridge built solely for pedestrians. Towards the end of the walk we went through a field of waving grass and came to a pub which had a enormous collection of mugs.

After lunch we went to visit Melbourne Hall Gardens. Last year we took a walk from there and the hall was covered in a huge tent as restoration work took place.

The gardens are large and include stables, paddocks and a tennis court. It is occupied and we spied children of the owner playing on their private lawn. The gardens are fascinating with various areas, ponds and lots of colour.

On Saturday we visited Nan in her nursing home and took her outside to see the new baby.

For some unknown reason we took the bus into Nottingham. I think that we had decided to visit the castle. To be honest it does not look much like a castle. The gardens are colourful and there was evidence of the recent 'Armed Forces Day'.

From the castle walls we could see Trent Bridge cricket ground. This was the first day of the 2013 test match and the flood lights were already on.

We could also see one of the oldest buildings in the city.

We walked down to a pub called 'Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem'. Reputedly the oldest in Britain. It is partly built into rock on which the castle is built. It would have been a good place for a full meal, but not for the snack that we wanted and so we went into the city.

On the 14th it was a good allotment day when the fruits of our labours were ready to pick. It was a brilliant year for fruit.

Back in the garden the new summer house had been decorated and for many weeks we were able to eat in it.

Then followed a very different day. Lawence drove me up to York. The object was to visit the National Railway Museum. The museum was hosting 'The Great Gathering'. They were celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the achievement of the, still standing, record for the fastest steam engine, namely, 'Mallard'. It and other A4 engines from around the world had been gathered in one place. It was very busy, but it was a fantastic occasion.

On the 20th we held a party for family and friends. There were no presents and no speeches and no point to it.

A guest enjoying a joke

Our next outing was to Hassop Station. From there we walked along the abandoned railway track through the recently opened railway tunnels as far as Monsal Head.

Once again we commented on this
year's proliferation of wild flowers

 On the following Saturday, having visited Nan in her home, we were invited for coffee at Irene's brother Martin's house where we spent a good time with him, his wife Penny and daughter Scarlet. 

We held a 'Flowers' 'Tea and Talk' at Leicester House. For some reason I took my Fez and for some reason Paul thought that he could do a Tommy Trinder impersonation.

The reason I had my fez was that I wore my flower shirt. Oh! the fez was a plant pot.

The month ended with a very expensive drain repair. This involved a father and son team threading a resin soaked fibre glass tube from our neighbours drain into the garage. So far we have no rat sounds under the floor. Job well done.