Some Me Time

For once I've been in the extremely unusual position of having three annual leave days left that I absolutely have to take before the end of the leave year (30th April). The original plan was that we would go somewhere sunny or off in Bonnie - with the atrocious weather I'm actually sort of glad we aren't camping - but somewhere sunny would have been nice...

With C having to work I've been left to my own devices. Again, rather unusual - and I'm not sure I've made the best use of the precious time off work, that's why I like to go away - I feel like it's been worth using leave for.

On Thursday I drove myself off to Hardwick Hall, a National Trust property I've been longing to visit for a long time, and the birthplace and eventual home of the formidable Bess of Hardwick , one of the most powerful women in Elizabethan England. She was married to George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury who was one of Mary Queen of Scots' captors, but very much a power in her own right. As a feminist and history buff it was very much my cup of tea. There are actually two Hardwick Halls - the original one where Bess was born, and later returned to and effectively rebuilt. This one is actually a ruin now - I love ruined buildings and wandering around. After the new Hall was built it gradually fell into disrepair, but is still rather striking 500 years later.

And just over the way is the new Hall. I didn't take many pictures as was very content just ambling. There are an awful lot of tapestries inside, which I think are now rather a national treasure. They must have been quite spectacular in their time, but obviously are rather faded now.

A very nice solitary day out. I also went for a run, to try and find some bluebells as it is the season after all. There were some in the wood that backs on to the University where I work, but they aren't quite in full strength yet - I'll have to pop over during the week to see if they've come a bit stronger.

And finally I've been making coasters, much to C's annoyance. We needed them in my defence! I love a bit of practical crochet...

I'm hoping it's going to get warmer this week - I'm very ready for Spring. One more day on my own tomorrow and I think I'm going to have to force myself to leave the house the weather looks so awful!

Autumnal Daze

Autumn has literally passed in a daze this year, I blinked and I felt that I missed it. No blogging time, just a lot of busyness and rush. I've actually been having some health issues, which have made me really value health for the first time in my life - I'm looking forward to being back to normal again and will never take health for granted again.

I've also got (another) new job, in the same office as before but a step up, which is wonderful but tying up the old job has been part of the busyness! Looking forward to settling into my new role, and of course Christmas :)

I thought I'd share some snap shots from the last months, there have been some lovely times amongst the rush of course. Autumn is one of my favourite times of year so I've just been trying to savour the colours and atmosphere at snatched moments.

In October C went to China for 2 weeks and during that time I had a few days with my Dad, and then my Mum came up for a few days. I love spending time with my parents so it was amazing to have some quality time with each of them, with a National Trust theme. Dad and I went to Sudbury Hall and had a lovely time exploring the house and grounds. Then Mum and I met my Aunt at Keddleston Hall for an explore and walk, which was really great.

And the other week C and I explored Beacon Hill, a local park, on a lovely wintery cold day. A perfect weekend activity

First Autumnal Weekend - Calke Abbey

Last weekend C's mum came to stay and we decided to explore Calke Abbey, a local National Trust property. Whilst there I managed to convince C to get joint membership, finally - I've been trying for years! Calke Abbey isn't actually an Abbey itself, but a stately home built on the site of a former religious house by the Harpur family

The house had the most beautiful grounds, which  we explored before heading to the house. It felt lovely and autumnal as we wandered around the various paths, gardens and buildings

The house itself was extraordinary - it's been left in the state of slight neglect in which it was passed to the NT, as a monument to the struggles of the large stately houses mid-twentieth century. One of the previous Harpurs was obsessed with natural history, and a large portion of the rooms were filled with glass cases of dead animals. It was a bit eerie to be honest.

My favourite room was the library, look at all those books!

After our visit to the house we went back to the gardens and had a wander around the kitchen garden. I loved the scarecrows!

As always a brilliant day out with the National Trust - looking forward to making the most of the membership!!!