March 5-6,2019 - Stratford area and Billesley Manor Hotel

Greetings All,

After a very horrible start to the new year  due to illness Fred and I are finally able to have a mini break. We had purchased a two night get away for our Christmas present and are taking advantage of it finally. Spring has arrived in the UK as the daffodils are in full bloom and the apple blossoms are out.We are spending two nights at The Billesley Manor Hotel which is located just outside Stratford. A manor house has existed here since the time of the Norman Conquest belonging to the influential Trussell family. The village that existed in the area was decimated by the Black plague
leaving only the manor and church in the area .The Trussell family fell

 on hard time and by the 16th Century the house was in need of some serious repair. In 1588 Thomas Trussell was sentenced to death for highway robbery. He escaped the death sentence but his property was forfeited  to Queen Elizabeth I. It remained as part of the crown until it was sold to Robert Lee and wealthy business man and alderman . Lee was knighted by James I in 1603. He left the manor to his younger son also named Sir Robert Lee. The younger son rebuilt the house out of stone in the early 17th century . The worked started in 1605 but the completion date is unknown. The manor changed hands a number of time. In the 1900's the now owner  Hanbury -Tracy and the architect Detmar Jellings Bow reconciled Billesley adding a new wing and second porch which in now the hotel entrance.

 It was then the topiary garden of yew trees was created. The last owner of the manor was  H.B. Tate the son of Sir Henry Tate the sugar merchant. Purchased in 1912 he added a new staircase with a first floor minstrel gallery. Our room is in the converted barn and is quite spacious. The stay includes a 3 course dinner and afternoon tea. Once settled in we tour the grounds and hotel. Photo opportunities done we head into the bar and enjoy a drink before getting ready for dinner.  Dinner is very tasty  and well presented. We have a nightcap in our room as we were hoping to post but internet is very sketchy .

  Breakfast is somewhat disappointing as it is buffet style however there is a company conference in the main hotel so that may be why the buffet. We head out to explore the area . It is rather overcast and threatening rain so we do a couple of National Trust sites.
Our first stop is Baddesley Clinton a moated manor house that probably originated in the 13th century. It was purchased in 1438 by John Brome the Under- Treasurer of England and then passed onto his son Nicholas Brome. During this time the manor would have had gun ports and possibly a draw bridge over the moat. Upon Nicholas's death the manor passed onto his daughter  who married Sir Edward Ferrers the Sheriff of Warwickshire.and remained the Ferrers family home for over 500 years. Henry Ferrers (1549-1633) The Antiquary is believed to have built
the Great Hall as well as many other additions. The Ferrers were Roman Catholics and remained so during the reformation and had a number of priest holes though out the manor. One such priest hole was down the lavatory and is pictured on the right. A rope which could be climbed down could hide up to 12 people down the manor sewer system. The home finally changed hands in 1940 to Thomas Walker . It became a National Trust in 1980. We also explore the grounds around the lake as it is still dry taking a number of pictures before heading off to our next destination. You can see our photo's on my Facebook page.

Our next stop is Packwood House that started out as a modest timber framed farmhouse built between 1556-1560. It remained a Fetherston family home until 1876 when the last member died. The house was bought by Alfred Ash in 1904 a Birmingham industrialist. It was inherited by Graham Baron Ash in 1925 who then spent the next two decades remodelling the home back to a tudor style manor. He was a fantastic recycler gets windows, wood panelling and floors from various homes around the country that had fallen into disrepair or being torn down due to heavy death duty taxes . Graham Ash's attention to detail is amazing he removed all Victorian windows and replaced them with leaded stained glass and even built a great hall that previous did not exist . Pictured on the left you would think that it was all part of the original building.  We explore the gardens with its Yew Garden that contains over 100 trees that was laid out by the original owner John Fetherston in the mid 17th century.

We head back to the hotel so we can visit the Church of All Saints

Billesley dating back to the 11th century. It is rumoured that William Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway here in 1582 . Shakespeare's granddaughter Elizabeth Nash married here in 1646 for certain. The church was made redundant in 1978 and now is maintained by The Church Conservationist Trust.
We have afternoon tea at the manor our first and probably last afternoon tea. I find it has far to many sweets for our taste and not enough savoury ingredients.As it is late in the afternoon we enjoy our treats in front of the fire and have a bottle of proseccco rather then tea and coffee. The manor does have a full spa, gym pool plus treatments but it is closed down for refurbishment during our visit. I would definitely return here for a mini break to experience the pool and explore more of the area at a later time maybe late April May or September. After a nice cooked breakfast we head off to Cardiff .

Cheers,

Sandy & Fred

October 31-Novemenber 2- Exploring Cumbria

Greetings all,

Our travels have either been feast of famine and we are currently enjoying  a feast with our exploring with the kids,our trip to Rome and now heading to Cumbria for a 2 night get away to avoid the hassles of Halloween. While it is not celebrated here as much as it is North America we decided we would give it a pass completely. I found a deal on Secret Escapes in Cumbria that covered two nights stay with 7 course dinner on our first night , bed and breakfasts.

We take the scenic back roads up to our hotel enabling us to see the sights along as well we avoid the motorways.  Cumbria is the third largest county by area in England and is predominately rural and contains The Lakes National Park ad well as all the highest peaks in England. It is considered one of England's natural beauty sites. It is grey and overcast as we head off.
Extremely hilly and rather bleak this time of the year but still very scenic.
Pictured on the left and right are some of the sights we see. The sheep are being unloaded from a truck into a field . We think being brought down from higher feeding grounds of summer to winter feeding areas for protection. Sadly I was unable to get a good picture of some of the sheep that seemed to be dancing and jumping for joy to get to their new winter grounds.

Our Hotel Lovelady Shield Country House is rather dated and could use some sprucing up but the meal is absolutely delicious. We start with hamhock and toast the chef's amuse bouche, next goats cheese mousse,beetroot textures balsamic jelly and candied walnuts  with a Rose 2016 Petit Ballon, for Bergerac France. Next a tomato velours and pesto roll(really tomato soup). Grilled plaice with fennel carpaccio lemon foam and apple jelly,wine was a Roero Arners  from Piedmont Italy. Our palate cleansers was a pineapple sorbet. Our main was roast sirloin beef,oxtail croquette,truffled mash,roast root veggies an, sprouting broccoli, jerusalem article puree with thyme jus. Wine with this was a Pino Noir from Sanzizna Romania. Our last two entrees where a cheese and cracker try and the sweet was a honey roast fig,frozen yoghurt,olive oil cake,cinder toffee,fig compote and lavender honey.  The portions were perfect and we are quite stuffed at the end of our meal. The chef was truly good and more then made up for the tiredness of the hotel. We head out after breakfast to drive around the area.

We drive through three different counties. Cumbria, Durham and Norththumberland. The fall colours are muted in comparison to the Canadian fall colours one of the few things I miss about Canada. It is Partridge hunting season and this guy is safely away from the hunters for now as he is in a  hiking trail that we stopped at. After stopping in a few villages to stretch out legs we head back to our hotel. We stop at The Elks Head a pub for drink when a bunch of hunters come in from a day for shooting. Seems they did not have much success so a bonus for the Partridge population. It is a good thing it is not rabbit season as the hare pictured on the right was in the field right across from the pub watching the world go by. Supper tonight is very good and we enjoy a nightcap before heading up to our room.

After a nice late breakfast we head home along the west coast of Cumbria. We stop at Whitehaven a port town on the Irish Sea. In the 18th and early 19th century the town prospered on coal and later

tobacco  imported for American colonies. It was also a fishing port until the herring stocks collapsed. This is also the town that Fred's Grandma Johnson's family hailed from. It is nice to be able to visit ancestral place that family grew up in or came from. All along the pier are statues and monuments to the towns history.
We spend a couple of hours exploring the town . Funny note Whitehaven in the name of the subdivision where Fred and I met as teenagers when we lived in Agincourt, Ontario 51 years ago.


We have had a great mini break with great food, rugged scenery and
interesting ancestral  towns.

Ta ra ,
Sandy & Fred

Sept 28th - Oct 2,2018 - Celebrating 45 Years of Marriage in Rome

Buongiorno Amici,

It has been 10 years since our last visit to Rome  and it was a whirl wind visit of some of the highlights . We decided to revisit for our 45th Wedding Anniversary which was in August but would have been far too hot and crowded with summer tourist. We take a late flight from the UK to Rome so we arrive late at night. Our home away from home for the next 5 nights is The Pantheon Hotel part of the Marriott Autograph Collection. We are located right in the heart of Rome right around the corner from the Pantheon. Our room is amazing with a super sized king bed,massive walk in shower as well as art deco cupboards.Breakfast is served on the rooftop terrace and pictured on the left is one of the churches we can see from the terrace.

Sept 29th- We head out to explore using the smart phone provided by the hotel that is preloaded with all the tourist attractions which saves on our phones . We head toward
the Tiber River taking in the sites and taking pictures. While down at the river I am approached by a young man who gives me a bracelet as a supposed gift. He then proceeds to show me pictures of his baby boy who is back in Nigeria . He is actually looking for some money . Got sucked in completely so we give him a few Euro's and he gives me a little wood turtle. We say our goodbyes and I make sure I wear the bracelet as there are a number of Nigerian's around using the bracelet ploy. Once they see the bracelet they leave us alone. We continue taking in the sites and have a lot of laughs . Fred spots a dwarf smoking outside a church and comments "Who say's smoking doesn't stunt your growth" yes rather inappropriate but timed to perfection.

We stop in a number of churches as we explore. Each is unique in its own way and beautiful. Pictured on the left is one of the many churches we visited. Our walk takes us to Piazza Navona. The plaza is known for its fountains. The S Agnese in Agone, Palazzo Pamphilj, as well as home to the Brazilian Embassy

We stop for a late lunch where I enjoy a caprese salad and foci bread and Fred has a pizza all washed down with a Santa Cristina a nice Tuscan Red. We continue our exploring and have walked over seven miles on our first full day.

Sept. 30th - we are out early this time to explore Palatine Hill , the
Forum and part of the Capitoline Hill. . Our walk down Via dei Fori is a long road that has a number of ruins along the way and takes us to the Coliseum . We do not go into the Coliseum as we visited it on our last trip. Many changes have occurred around Piazza del Colosseo in the past 10 years sadly you can no longer walk through the Arches as they are fenced off and there is a strong military presence all signs of how the world has changed. Pictured on the right is some of the ruins the Palatine.We also explore the Forum before heading back along Via dei Fori. There are now a number of

buskers along the road as it is now mid afternoon. The chap on the left is rather a good likeness of one of the Popes. We now head up to the Spanish Steps. I don't know what I was expecting to see but the steps where rather disappointing . There are masses of people . The steps where completed in 1725 and are a link between the Plaza and the church Trinta dei Monti.  The steps have had to be restored a number of times due to wear with the last time being in 2015-16. The steps became well known in the USA with the 1953 film A Roman Holiday that starred Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn. We head back and have a late lunch just near our hotel , bruschetta to start and the pizza . We have covered 7.4 miles today and head back to the hotel to relax and rest.


Oct 1st - After breakfast we head back to Piazza Navona as the weather forecast is for rain so we decide to visit the museum that is at the top end of the plaza. Sadly the museum is closed and as we head back the heavens open, We stop at a cafe Vacant Romane to get out of the rain and I have my first cappuccino. The rain continues and we sit there without being bothered long enough that we decide to have lunch. We have a light lunch of calamari and a fried wrap of some sort which is very tasty. It has now cleared up so we continue to explore and discover some places quite by accident.

Pictured on the right is one of our accidental finds. Our walk takes us up to the Villa Borghese a large parkland that was once part of the Borghese family home. Our final stop for the day is the Pantheon. The crowds have gone compared to the weekend and we take some panoramic pictures of the inside. Photo op done we still at a cafe in the square and enjoy a drink. I have a Campari a cocktail that is well liked among the Italians. I am not sure about the drink but it is not awful and may be quite refreshing on a hot summer day. We decide to have a very non Italian supper tonight and have burger and fries. We have a bottle of red wine and it comes with the crystal balloon glasses. Quite fancy for a burger joint. Once again we have walked almost nine miles according to the app on my phone though Fred's phone indicates a bit less milage. I just know I will sleep well tonight as I am exhausted.

Oct 2nd - Our last day in Rome . We head back to the Museum as it is open . We explore the museum then decide to walk the Gauntlet down to the Vatican. We are stopped every few feet asking if we require entrance tickets to the Vatican. One person becomes quite rude when we say no pretty much demanding why we don't want to visit the Vatican. I rudely answer that we been there done that and he won't sell may tickets with that attitude. We head back to Piazza de Navona for lunch then do a bit of Christmas shopping before heading back to the hotel. We have only walked 5.7 miles as we booked dinner at the hotel and I want to head out to the Trevi Fountain at night.

Our anniversary dinner in on the roof top terrace . We have a bottle of Rosso di Moltancino. We start with a caprese salad and I have Mezza Maniche all Matriciana and Fred has Veal Fondant with potato cream and Evo oil. The amuse bouche is a smoked salmon with cream yogurt eclair. Fred has dessert of molten liquorice lava tiramisu while I had a cappuccino and limoncello which comes with a assortment of biscuits . A perfect ending to our trip.

 I change after dinner as we head out again to get pictures of the Trevi Fountain at night. I try to get a selfie of us and a guy asks if he can take our picture for us. He takes a number of pictures of us with my phone then hands it back and proceeds to take some polaroids . He then asks for 10 Euro's for the pics. Sucked in again Fred pays him to avoid a scene. We walk a bit before heading back to the hotel to pack and get ready for our flight home in the morning.

Hope you enjoyed  this blog of Rome.

Ciao,

Sandy & Fred

September 13-18,2018 - Adventures Round Liverpool with Family

Greetings All,

Our adventures with our kids and grandson continue  and once again we are up early to head into Liverpool. Today we take the ferry cross the Mersey. It is a bit cool and windy but Paul enjoys the ride around the Mersey .
Once we finish our ferry ride we get a treat of a ice cream flake,no trip to the UK would be complete if one does not have a flake ice cream no matter how cool it is. The kids do a bit more shopping for clothes for Paul as prices are very reasonable for items a young one needs and grows out of so quickly. We then head off to two parks so Paul can pay and burn off some energy. Otterspool playground which Paul had been to on a previous visit and Sefton Park  .

 Sept 14th- Oh what to do on a rainy day ? We do some laundry so the kids will not have so much to do on their return and some crafts with Paul.
Thankfully it clears up in the afternoon and we head off to a local petting farm. The farm is very unique as it employs mentally challanged young people to care for the animals. The entrance and feed is very reasonable and the animals are mostly small farm animals, goats,pigs, chickens, ducks, guinea pigs. There are horses and cows but they are outside of the main petting area. There is also a playground where Paul makes a friend with a little girl  who lives close by and visits the farm quite frequently.


September 15th- It is Pirate day on the docks and we had promised Paul a double decker bus ride and train ride so we are off into town by bus. Paul is able to get to the very front of the bus on the top . We have decided as no one is driving that it would be a great opportunity for Fred ,Christopher and Meaghan to do a pub crawl while Paul and I head off to take in the sights of the Pirates on the dock. All goes well until a pirate grabs Paul as we are walking down to the docks. I can see he looks terrified and I think please please don't cry,I quickly hug him and tell him to ask the pirate in a loud voice give me your rum me hearty. Thankfully what could have been a disaster was avoided. We carry on checking out the sights but the crowds are incredible and we just don't like the pushing.

We decide to head over to the Museum and hope that the kids area is open. Sadly it is not so we wonder around the museum just to get some relief from the masses of people. Paul and I then go for lunch and have the worst service ever, granted it is busy because of the festival  but they did not even return to give us the bill. We could have just walked out and not paid but that would have not been a very good example to set for my Grandson. We visit the candy store again to get some treats for Paul's friend at home and then meet up with Mom, Dad and Grandpa.

We luck out as the show is just starting and we are able to get a good view of the pirate ship as it blasts its cannons and make a British officer walk the plank. Brave soul as I am sure the water is bitter cold but all done for the festivities of the day. We take the train back and catch the bus home after a full busy day.

Sept 16th- Christopher and Meaghan are off to Manchester for the day to meet up with a friend of Christopher's who he worked with while he was in Japan and is now living here. Paul and I make a cake for his mom as we are having a bit of a early birthday party for her . We make quite a mess together but thankfully Grandpa is around to clean up and vacuum as we manage to get flour and sugar everywhere.We have a great dinner of lamb shanks, new potatoes, roasted cauliflower and peas and of course the cake Paul and I made for Mommy's party. Paul has as much fun as his Mom helping open presents.

Sept 17th - Our last day of exploring takes us into Cheshire and Beeston Castle. It was built in 1220's by the 6th Earl of Chester Ranuff de Blondeville. In 1237 Henry III took over the castle and kept it in good repair into the 16th century . It was a symbol of power and strength given its position. It was partially demolished in 1646 as part of a edit issued by Cromwell to prevent it from being used as a stronghold . Now a ruin and part of English Heritage it is a great castle with lots of nooks and crannies for the kids to explore.We spend a couple of hours exploring the castle and grounds. The views from the grounds inside the castle are spectacular as you can see right across the River Mersey into Merseyside from here.
The last picture if of father and son at the castle. Christopher our youngest towers over his dad. We have managed to tire Paul
as he sleeps on the trip home a good last day with the family. The evening brings the kids the challenge of packing for the trip back. We have a large suitcase that has seen better days that we give them so they can take all the goodies back with them.

Sept 18th- Our last full day with the family is a travel day to London as the kids flight leaves early in the morning . We stay at the Marriott near Heathrow which has a pool so Paul can get some swim time in after the long drive down. We have supper in the hotel and a early night as they have to be at the airport early.

We say our good byes on the 19th and head back home to a very quite house after three glorious weeks with family.
Not our usual blog as it was more about family then travel but we hope you enjoyed it.

Ta ra for now

Sandy & Fred

September 7-12, 2018 -All about Family and Exploring the North

Greetings All,

We are up and out early as we head to Chester Zoo a place I have wanted to visit now for 9 years. I am as excited as Paul I think as I have learned quite a bit of how the zoo came into being. The zoo has grown considerably since its inception in 1931. It started out at a manor on 9 acres of land and now has a total land holding of 400 acres. It is one of UK's largest zoo's. It continues to be dedicated to the conservation of wildlife with special breeding programs as well as disease research and control that is effecting some species of wildlife to the point of extinction . We spend a wonderful 6 hours exploring the various habitants and enjoying the hands on things that Paul can do. We have not covered the all of the zoo even with spending 6 hours here. A definite revisit for Fred and I.

Sept 8 - Meaghan Paul and I visit the local Gym so Paul can enjoy some swim time and then we  pack for a mini break we are taking into York and a steam train ride to Whitby.

Sept 9th - We are off to York very early as we have a full day planned. Meaghan wishes to visit the James Herriot museum in the Yorkshire Dales in the town of Thirsk.  So that is our first stop. While the kids visit the museum Fred and I take Paul to the park. It is very well equipped and Paul has a blast trying all the various swings,slides,bouncing things. After lunch we then head off to Fountains Abbey. Founded in 1132 the Abbey operated for 407 years becoming one of the wealthiest monasteries in England before the dissolution in 1539 as ordered by Henry VIII. It is one of the best preserved Cistercian monasteries in England and in a Unesco World Heritage Site. We have a great time exploring the Abbey and Paul loves exploring and climbing all the nooks and crannies of the Abbey. With some energy burned off we head off to our hotel just outside the city of York. We have supper at  the hotel and have fairly early night as we  have another full day planned.

Sept 10th- We are off after a good breakfast to explore York. We head off with Paul to the Railway Museum and Christopher and Meaghan head into the city proper to visit York Cathedral. We have a free entrance ticket from prior visits so they save a bit on entrance fees. The  National Railway Museum is the largest museum of this type in England and was founded in 1975. It contains over 100 locomotives and over 300 items of rolling stock.We have a hard time keeping up with Paul as he rushes from engine to engine . We spend a good hour exploring inside the museum before heading outside to have a mini train ride . Paul gets a chance to sit in the engine and press the button that blows the horn. We have had a great time at the museum and now head into town to catch up with the kids.

We have a pub lunch before heading into the Viking Museum. The city was founded by Romans in 71 AD and later part of the kingdoms of Deria, Northumbria and lastly Jorvik for which it retained its name. The museum shows the history of Jorvik with a archaeological site and a ride through a village that depicts what life was like i the middle ages. It is complete sounds and smells which is quite stinky at times and Paul finds it very amusing. We would highly recommend visiting the museum if you get the opportunity as it gives some amazing historical facts of the city in a unique way.

 We continue to explore showing the kids the quirky streets of York and  walk along the wall that still surround the city today. The picture on the right is of the kids at the top of the wall. We have had another full day as we head back to the hotel for a swim for Paul then a relatively early night as we have another full day planned.

Sept 11th - We are up very early and head off to catch a Steam train that takes us into Whitby a seaside town located in the Borough of Scarborough in North Yorkshire. The steam train ride takes about 45 minutes with a few stops along the way. Goathland Station one of our stops was used in the Harry Potter Movies. We are quite taken aback by Whitby as it has more to see and do then we had imagined and sadly we picked train times that gave us just over 4 hours to explore and have some of the famous fish and chips for lunch. Fred and Paul go aboard a ship in the harbour however it is a

bit scary as the tide is out and the steps to the ship are very steep so Fred has to carry him up and down the gangplank. While they are on the ship I take a picture iff the kids in from of lobster traps on the pier. We decide to have lunch and have a very good meal of fish and chips. We head off to explore and the kids and Fred decide to do the 196 steps to the top of the town to the Abbey and beer distillery . My sciatica has been giving me problems so I find a sunny spot to wait while they explore. Whitby was also the port where Captain Cook learned his seamanship.

We are lucky on the ride back to get most of our seats together and we all have a giggle at Grandpa who doses off the 196 steps to the brewery and fresh sea air has done him in. Our hotel for the night is a converted manor and is quite quaint. Supper is at a local pub with a fairly early night as we are all tired from the fresh sea air and walking.


Sept 12th - We have a bit of a lie in as we head home today. The weather is bright and sunny though a bit cool and we stop for some photo ops along way which allows for stretching of legs. We stop at Bolten Abbey which was founded in 1120 and was technically a
priory. It is a great ruin which allows Paul
to let off some steam as well as a trail which has a number of challenges suitable for kids Paul's age. Halfway along the trail there is rest spot and shop that serves sandwiches and drinks. We stop for lunch then continue on the trail now full and rested.

We come across a fallen log that has had coins embedded in it and we give Paul a coin to add to the collection. He finds a nice rock and he and his Dad get the coin added to the collection.
We have had a amazing mini break in Yorkshire and experienced some new adventures . Tonight we are back home and in our own beds .

Cheers for now,

Sandy & Fred

August 30 -September 6 ,2018- Family Arrives and exploring sights

Greetings All,

We are excited Christopher Meaghan and Paul are coming for a 3 week visit.We have driven down to London on the 29th as the kids flight arrives early in the morning on the 30th.  The flight arrives early and Paul acts a bit shy as they meet us , I am sure tired after the long flight. Paul is a real trooper as it is a long drive back to our place from Heathrow and we do it with only one stop for a bathroom break and snack.

August 31, We just relax around the house so the kids can recoup from the flight . Paul and I do some baking and I prepare for a family and friends Bar-B-Que that I have organised for Sept 1st. The BQ is a huge success and Paul is spoiled rotten as he receives a number of gifts. Once everyone is is gone Paul want's to know when our next party is and will there be more gifts. The wonderful mind of a 4 ½ year old you just have to love it.

Sept. 2nd see's us up and out early to visit Wales and Conway Castle. Castles were number one on Paul's wish list.  He explores every nook and cranny of the castle . Paul ,the kids and Grandpa do every turret while I do one and choose to sit out the rest and take photo's.  We have a pub lunch in Conway before heading off to Llangollen .

Here we go on a horse drawn bars ride along the canal. A very relaxing ride along the canal after our exploration of a castle. The picture on the right is the draft horse that pulled our barge.

Sept 3rd sees us heading into Liverpool as we have purchased tickets for Christopher and Meaghan to see the Terracotta Warriors that are on display till end of October from China. This is the first time they have been on display in a city  outside of London so we consider ourselves very luck yo be able to see them. While Mom and Dad are visiting the warriors Paul and I head to the dock to visit Thomas the Tank play world . Sadly the place is closed so after a visit to the candy store Paul and I head over to the New Liverpool Museum to explore . Fred meets us there and we spend a good hour and a half

exploring. They have a special section for younger children and Paul has a great time playing and dressing up. We then head up to meet the kids to do a bit of clothes shopping for Paul before heading home.

Sept 4th Paul has his very first haircut at a barbers with Grandpa. We had tried 2 years ago to get Paul a haircut but he was very anxious so we did not force the matter. He has had haircuts but either by his parents or other Grandma in the comfort of his home. This time he has no issues at all and comes out looking like a proper little English boy. We have been lucky with the weather up to today but it is raining so after the haircuts we head home by way of a pub stop for a relaxing day of crafts and cookie making.

Sept 5th the sun has returned and we head off to Crosby beach to get some exercise and fresh air and to allow Paul to let off some energy. We have a good run along the beach and stop to explore . We pick up some shells and come across a large jelly fish in the sand . Crosby beach is famous for the Iron men that have been planted along the beach and we take some photo's with Paul as pictured on the right .We stop for lunch at a Tapas bar in Crosby then head off to Southport to walk the boardwalk allowing us more exercise  and treats of fresh mini donuts .

Sept 6th We head back into Liverpool so Paul and I can do the Thomas the Tank play world and Fred and the kids do a pub crawl in the Baltic Triangle. Paul has a fantastic time at Thomas the Tank it is perfect for kids his age with lots of hands on things to do and explore. We all meet up at Pizza Express for a early supper around 4 PM . Shaun a waiter who we have become friends with has set up a special table for us and has treats for Paul.

I can't believe how fast the week has past. We have managed to get a lot of exploration in. While this is more about family we hope you have enjoyed this blog.

Cheers,

Sandy & Fred

July5-6,2018 - Powys Wales Mini Break

Shwmae All,

We have decided to take advantage of a offer on Secret Escapes and head off for a two day break in Powys ,Wales. On the way down we stop at Berrington Hall a National Trust site . It is a neoclassical country house built in 1778-1781 for Thomas Harley. While the outside of the house is rather plain the inside is quite ornate.

We spend about a hour exploring the house and grounds before continuing on our way to Powys and the Lake Country House Hotel our home for two nights.

One our arrival we are shown into a lovely room that has a large seating room, king size bed ,bathroom with a walk in shower as well as a bath. Once we are settled in he head up to the main house for a drink and to relax before dinner. While there we met the manager and have a nice chat about where we are from and retirement. The gentlemen looks to be in his mid 70's and lets us know he is not ready to retire any time soon as he loves his job. Well I think that is the key if you really love what you are doing why stop.

Pictured on the right is the main part of the lodge which back in the Victorian era was a Gentleman's hunting lodge. While enjoying our drinks we are given appetisers to enjoy. We then change for dinner . You need to book a dinner time when you check in and we have picked a 7:30 sitting. While sitting in the waiting area we are given the menu and choose our meals as well as drink choices . We are one again offered appetisers and have pre dinner drinks. We are the seated at our table were our wine order is waiting and given a amuse bouche,then our main and dessert. After dinner we decide to walk the grounds. It is 10:00PM and the sun is just setting and it is still very warm. Check out my FB wall for pictures.

July 6th after breakfast we are out early to explore the area .We have decided to do the Elan Valley Dams. June has been unseasonably hot for the UK with little or no rain. As we travel the dams we can very clearly see the results of the dry month. The river bed is dry in a number of spots and some of the water levels at some of the dams are really low. The tour around the dam takes a couple of hours with stops at each dam for photos.

Fred's brother has told us about a pub in the area Felin Fach Griffin so we decide to give it a try. I decide to be adventurous and order fish as I am not a fish eater. Turns out was not a good choice,my fish was under cooked and the meal had to be returned. The melon mint amuse bouche was refreshing and the soda bread was delish. Shame the fish was off. We head back to the hotel to relax, cool off and sort pictures.

We head up to the main house for pre dinner drinks. Tonight I have a fancy cocktail and Fred has a local beer. Our appetisers are seared scallops for me and Fred has beef carpaccio. My main is venison and Fred has pork belly with pork lion and chive croquette. It is absolutely delicious .

We have really enjoyed this break and would return to this location should it come up on offer again.

Cheers ,
Sandy & Fred