Week at home

Over the August bank holiday week, I went home. Mom retired on the Friday before the bank holiday so we celebrated. 

During the week, the weather was nice so one of the days we went for a walk over highgate common, through the woods.

We got a little lost at one point but finally found the car park. On the way home Dad and I convinced mom to stop at the Vineyards for lunch and a glass of wine. I forgot to take any photos but we enjoyed some very tasty sharing plates in the sun with a bottle of white. 

Mid week we went to a spa for the day and then a few days later a picnic by the river.

We need up having to take shelter a few times when the rain started but it was still nice.

Mom and I also went shopping and I treated her to lunch as payment for waiting with me while I got a new phone. It was a lot more complicated than I expected and took a lot longer. (Part of the reason it took so long to get the photos downloaded.)

BBC Good Food Festival

It seems to be the season for food festival. Kerry and Craig came down to London to come with me to the BBC Good Food Festival this year at Hampton Court. We decided against the VIP tickets this year as they were much more expensive. Thankfully the weather was ok so it didn't bother us.

Enjoying the music.

We got there early

This year they had a circus and some of the working horses they use for the carriage rides. We nearly witnessed a nasty accident as a small kid (about 3) wondered into the area and under the horse. Thankfully the horse trainer grabbed him back (while praying and swearing) before anything nasty happened.

There were plenty of stalls and I got some more Christmas presents but mostly we just ate. A lot. And had a few drinks. It was great.

Sausages!

Spit roast

Tea rooms.

Drinks - actually her first!

Clouds

We did have to duck inside once when the weather threatened and rained a little but the ticket included entry to the Palace so we had a wondered around.

On the Sunday, we went to see the greyhounds. Unfortunately the weather sucked and poured it down. The dogs were not keen on going for a walk in the wet any more than we were. Charlie in particular just stopped at one point refusing to go any further until we got a cuddle (and someone to keep the rain off him). But one of my favourite has just been reserved for her forever home which made me happy. Not sure what kerry and Craig thought about the grey hounds. I didn't take any photos due to the down pour. :(

I spent the rest of the long weekend just chilling out, ready for the next few chaotic weeks at work.