ROCKING YOUR WORLD FRIDAY - 13TH OF 2026

 Good afternoon time to clock the silver linings and positive moments from the last 7 days 

So last Friday was the friends open day at Chatsworth, it took an age to get there as there were so many roads that were closed, but we thankfully arrived eventually.

We travelled through some low cloud on the way there, I felt like we were on the set to Wuthering Heights. 

When we arrived, we made our way to the garden, as our tickets for the house were at 12.30pm and we  had arrived early.  As we walked through a guide asked if we wanted to venture up to the top of the Belvedere.  We have done this before but it isn't easy to get access so we jumped at the chance. 

Past the Blue John window (can you believe these were originally risers on a staircase)

Past the floor that has been lifted and placed on the wall, a copy of one from Pompeii

then we got to see inside the theatre, we can't remember having ever seen this before and it is stunning, it was originally a ball room but was converted into a theatre and although it is in poor repair it is lovely to see. 

The views from the Belvedere give you views of the house not normally accessible. 

Then we wandered back down and had a walk around the gardens

Before heading into the house.  My new phone gives better pictures than my old, this is the painted hall

And this is the chapel ceiling

Another from the painted hall 

We had a lovely day, headed home and then went to see Ross Nobel at the City Hall, who was spectacularly funny, laughed until we cried. 

Saturday we had a quiet day and then on Sunday we managed a jaunt to YSP.  We enjoyed breakfast and then got to see 'Cake Crumbs and Lemonade' a bright art exhibition.  Hubby wasn't a fan, but I liked the vibrancy. 

Then we walked down the field past the lambs and sheep and past the chapel, the Kew Oak Tree digital installation has now moved on and we await the next exhibition, I will so miss that one. 

Then to the Weston Gallery for another new installation by an artist called L R Vandy.  This was the piece outside

and then inside, working with rope made at Chatham docks and other recycled items

Then we enjoyed the rest of our trip seeing all the new leaves begin to bloom from their bud

and the catkins

and the riot of daffodils in front of Bretton Hall

before we headed to the Underground gallery as that exhibition is also meant to move on soon, this cat sculpture

when viewed from the side is a coffee pot. 

Tuesday night we went to the arena to watch Greg Davies

he was brilliant

Wednesday evening after a very long and difficult work day I was greeted with a beautiful homemade tea.  

Thursday and I went and bought a new plant for my Mother's day plant pot

and I finished a double crocheted scarf. 

I also completed my 2023 scrapbook layouts, apologies for the Christmas theme but this what I was scrapping.  I actually really enjoyed putting these together. 

Chatsworth

Stir it up Sunday making the homemade Christmas pudding

Sheffield at night

Museum of the Moon at the Minster

The Civic exhibition at the Bright Night's celebration

Present opening on Christmas day

New Year's Eve tray for my first footer

Christmas eve photos 

Chatsworth at Christmas

Mum's trifle, the best trifle I ever did try

Nostell Priory

Chatsworth's snowman display

Christmas day

Christmas tree festival

and that my lovely people is my lot for this week, I hope yours has been good, I will be keeping people in my thoughts this week and sending love.

Hugs