Wednesday, 24 February 2016

Arley

As I am stuck in the house all day (bar gym visits), I dragged mom and dad out over the weekend to Arley for a walk. I am going to go insane if I don't get out the house occasionally - working from home sucks!
Arley is by the river and the ducks are great. Me and Dad were giggling at them, cackling away to themselves and fighting over bread. (Mom was not so impressed.)
Duck Attack!
They keep coming
Bottoms up.
Done
Once the bread was gone, they trundled back to the water on mass. Up at the church and arboretum the snow drops were out.
Snow drops

And we had to stop for a coffee at the top of course. (I also got ideas for other fun places to drag them while I am home!)
Coffe break
It seems everyone in Arley loves the ducks and most bring bread for them. (We forgot.) They were back being fed on our way down, so we stopped for some more photos.
Dad getting a little bit close
Where's the bread gone?
Success! Run!
Waiting
We also had a walk over the bridge to the railway station. I am trying to convince mom and dad we should go on the train one of the days. I haven't been on the steam train for years! So far they do not seem very convinced. 
Bridge over the river
Not as romanic as Paris but still
Arley railway station
They also have the red phone boxes around Arley - most have been shut down around the UK. Though even here, some are not being used for their original purposes. Tourists beware: you do not want to mix up which are which.
real telephone box
Do NOT use as a phone!
Mom and the train.
Arley
The weather here is looking reasonably good though cold, so hopefully more outings in the future. (And my sanity may remain intact.) We are heading shopping this weekend for Mom's mother of the Bride outfit, which could be interesting (and long!). Now, I am off to get some baby cuddles! :)

Wednesday, 17 February 2016

Birthday walk and Twister

Birthday
I had a fantastic birthday weekend! Saturday we finally got around to going to see the new Star Wars (possibly some of the last people in Britain to do so!). 
On Sunday the weather was amazing. Which is extremely unusual for my birthday! So Mom, Dad and I went out for a walk. All I know is it was somewhere near Swindon.
Peaceful.
Bugs!
Though some clouds appeared, it was pretty much blue skies, though the wind was a little chilly. Dad and I had fun taking photos, while mom wandered ahead.

Slightly stormy skies
Mom doing what she does
Dad does what he does

It was a little muddy in part but that was a great way to break in my new walking shoes. It was probably because we didn't exactly pick the most used trails. And did get a little bit lost. But you really can't get that lost around there. For long any way.
A little muddy

Long path (hopefully towards home)
Eventually we found the road and the way back to the car. There is a common the other side which was very nice to sit watching. But it did get a little chilly. (Plus Mom had a cake to make!)
Beautiful day
Happy faces
Though when we got home, first thing first: nap time!
Tired out.
On the evening, we went over to Kerry and Craig's and they cooked us dinner. I was really surprised as they went to a lot of effort and decorated as well. It was brilliant and so sweet.
Very fancy
Decoration.
The cats weren't as impressed. In fact Harley made her displeasure at not getting fed our food quite well known. They had said she could be smelly. But she farted and we pretty much had to evacuate the room! I have never smelt anything quite like that before. And hope I never do again.
Smelly cat
Holly was less bothered.
Chilling.
Over Christmas I brought some wine from Groupon which sparkles. Literally. It simmers. I have given a few out as presents but had no idea what they tasted like, so we decide to open one. Thankfully it was quite nice. And very pretty to boot.
Gold wine
Sparkling in a different sense
Of course having played with the cats, Norman the snake wanted to join us as well. I am not the greatest of snake fans. But apparently he is a very chilled out snake. He certainly likes to explore. 
Norman, coming for me
Gymnastics
Not sure where he's going
Dad and Norman.
That is a very long snake
And then I got to hold him. This was not my idea!
Seriously no idea where he thinks he's off to.
Making friends
The dinner was really nice which desert AND birthday cake. (Bang goes the diet for the week.) And lots of Prosseco! Which made the after dinner entertainment even more entertaining: twister.
Mom and Dad have never played before. I don't think Mom quite got the hang of it as she keep using Dad as support. Either that or her competitive side came out.
hello
Getting assistance
Mom sabotaging dad!
Kerry and Craig were pretty good at this!
Getting close
Me, not so much. I remember it being a lot easier as a kid.
Not comfortable
Timber!
Quite impressive
The last game was everyone (bar Mom who spun the wheel). There really is not enough room on there for 4 adults.
Having a hug (and helping balance)
Mom was taking the photos her and she managed a very impressive one where Kerry's head moved off her body. No idea how she did this!
No idea how this photo happened.
It was an amazing day and one of the best birthdays I have had in a fair few years. I loved it. Thank you to everyone for my cards, messages and presents.
It is nice being home!
Thank you for all my cards, presents and messages.