so last Friday was the 33rd anniversary of when me and hubby met and being a Friday meant we weren't working which meant a day for the two of us which was lovely.
We headed out to Ikea first thing for a wander, I had a few items that I needed to pick up and then we popped to Tapas Revolution for a lunch, which was lovely.
Then we headed to purchase goodies for a picnic for Friday evening we had tickets to see Twelfth Night with the Dukes Theatre company.
We had thought we might have to cry off with the forecast, but come Friday morning it looked like we might get away with it.
We had a leisurely afternoon book reading and then packed the car with hiking chairs, picnic and blankets and set off for NT Nostell.
There were already quite a few people there when we set up and they'd spun the set around this year so we were on a slight slope which meant excellent views.
The play was great and we had a lovely evening together watching all things Shakespeare and the forecast dry spell (for the evening) was completely correct.
Hubby bought me flowers for our anniversary
and we grabbed a selfie at the end of the night.
Saturday we had a chilled day, we did a bit of sorting in the morning, then did some crafting (silversmithing for hubby) in the afternoon and then settled down to an evening of rugby.
Sunday and I definitely needed a decent walk and we were aware there were several things at YSP that we hadn't seen.
A new exhibition in the upper space, a collaboration between a turner/carver and a printer, we both liked this bowl
and the work in this was extreme
We walked down to the Weston to see a new exhibition which was an art installation based on the short story 'A Tell Tale Heart' by Edgar Allen Poe and the 1990's storyline in Brookside digging up the body under the patio. There was a huge amount of art that had been created for the installation, from large stained glass, to 3 dimensional ceramic and stained glass pieces and everything in between, which is unusual as often installations we've seen have been staging of everyday objects. The installation was rather gruesome but we enjoyed it nevertheless.
The rest of the week has been busy busy busy but on Wednesday and Thursday I attended a boat training course at work (I've only been there almost 10 years) and am now a qualified Community Crew member which means I can technically help out on trips. I'm not sure I found it enjoyable, it is a lot to do in such a short period of time, but I survived it (the back not so much).
Overall a fine week, I hope yours has been good too.
Well it has been a fairly quiet week overall, hindered a little by excessive work and rainy days, so we haven't really fancied venturing anywhere if I'm honest.
Last Friday we had a day with son and d-i-law painting doors and planning their next home project which was fun.
Saturday we headed to Wentworth Woodhouse, they have a Grayson Perry exhibition on at the moment and whilst I've seen odd pieces of his work I haven't seen a series. These pieces were all large embroideries, which have to be seen up close to appreciate the detail.
There was lots of hidden elements too which thankfully the guides were able to point out, I hadn't appreciated just how many hidden words there were among the squiggles of detail. In fact I enjoyed it so much that I bought the book that accompanies the series of embroideries.
We stopped for a bite to eat, we were spoilt for choice and bumped into my cousin who I haven't seen in an age, so we had a little catch up which was fab.
My sister also had great fun (my Mum and sister came too) as she enjoyed the second hand book sale, she is an avid reader and 15 books later she was a happy individual.
Sunday was more of a kickback day and we enjoyed book reading and watched the film Kinky Boots and the Full Monty both of which we really enjoyed.
Monday arrived and I was in work, busy busy with no young people in we are making the most of getting things sorted, which meant scanning and soft filing for me, as well as sorting out the stationery cupboard. I'm planning on sorting the activity cupboards this next week.
And I find myself on Friday officially 33 years to the day since I met hubby, time really does fly but my world changed forever that day and 33 years later we still live an incredibly happy life, we have similar interests, have an amazing son who has already achieved so much, a wonderful daughter in law. I'm blessed to have a wonderful family so for today I will sit in my bubble of contentment taking in all the things in my life that enrich it, that make me happy and that I genuinely love so much.
Good morning lovely people I hope I find you well tis Friday time for
Well this week's post is somewhat devoid of photos I'm afraid, so you might ask does that mean I haven't done much this week, technically no.
First up last Thursday evening me and hubby went out for a celebratory meal, our 32nd anniversary of originally meeting, we got dressed up and had a lovely meal out.
The weekend was spent trying to get the partially made planter finished, it was no small feat if I'm honest but with continued determination we finally completed it, however, we haven't yet had time to fill it with soil or plants and it is definitely going to take some filling. However, I was most happy that we got it finished.
We sat and watched the Secrets of Dumbledore at the beginning of the week which was fabulous, although we had seen it at the cinema a few months ago.
Said 21 year old had an operation to his toe nail which has been causing him significant grief for some time now, in previous years he has managed it as it has only flared up 2 or 3 times a year, however this year it has been infected and warranted anti-biotics 6 times, thankfully he was referred through to podiatry, had an appointment and this week the nail was removed and the nail bed was killed off, so now he is on the way to recovery.
Workwise it has been incredibly busy (as always), we are making the most of the time we have whilst young people aren't in, going through and sorting files, scanning documents, archiving and having a proper sort out. We are now ready to start painting the offices on Monday which will hopefully make a big difference to it feeling somewhat spruced up.
So that my lovely people has been the week that was and with silly temperatures in the thirties again I can't see us doing an awful lot this weekend either.
So what positive moments, silver linings and happy times have occurred over the last 7 days
Well on Saturday we had our first venture to Yorkshire Sculpture Park, as most of you know it is one of my most favourite of places, but as a registered charity that really struggles to balance the books and relies heavily on its food places around the site and its shop you can imagine that the toll due to the pandemic has been great added to which it is classed as a museum so needed the green light from the government to reopen as a museum.
We were there bright and early, they like everywhere else have set up a booking system which worked like a dream and before we knew it, we were heading off down through the sheep field towards the cascade bridge, the cool refreshing breeze made me feel a little giddy to be out with my soulmate enjoying time outside walking hand in hand.
So this was the fabulous view we enjoyed on our way down, on what was Yorkshire day
I managed to grab a selfie (to prove we were there again in the wide open space)
We saw the Sean Scully piece at the bottom of the valley with the Damian Hirst sculpture in the background.
The breeze off the water was beautiful as we headed off into the wooded area past the well
And the shaded dark waters
Up the 71 David Nash steps before walking along the top past the Andy Goldworthy hanging tree sculptures and the maize field enjoying the glorious sunshine
We past the old man on the hillside and the highland cows before heading down the field and left towards the boat house sculpture
Back towards the bridge and up towards Sophie Ryder's hare next to the Camelia house.
She looks fabulous from a distance
But even better close up
We then queued at the learning centre for a cup of tea, a cold drink and we shared a sandwich and a flapjack as we hadn't had breakfast.
I was surprised to see the Underground gallery open, but they'd worked a one way system that worked and although we'd seen the display before it was still brilliant to be in among the artwork.
I still find the crocheted pieces mesmerising
Overall a brilliant trip out to one of my favourite places which I subsequently recorded as a poem (scroll on past if you aren't fussed)
We set off hand in hand
Heading down towards the gated bridge
The bracing breeze dances across the water
Warm air beats our ears with taunts of summer
Churned shimmering waters contrast the blue skies
Wildflowers decorate the bank sides
Old poets would know their names
in swathes of purple and yellow yet I know them not
The air is fresh and freeing
Mr Nash ascends seventy-one in number
The bench uppermost a welcome place to stop
Views of the lake smothered by natures green foliage
Tree roots exposed criss cross our path
Some are not what they seem
A hint of bronze the only giveaway
Maize fields frame Mr Goldsworthy's hanging trees
The old man gazing out on this Yorkshire day
We delve into the wooded glade
A circular build with no door
Dazzles our imagination perhaps the entrance to another realm
Soon passing the Highland cattle
We stop awhile to imprint our mind
With pictures of green farmland and towering sculptures
Drinking in the world around
A straight path we do not tred
Walking along the lakeside
Dappled shade blackens the water
Despite the pretty green overhang
We rediscover the shell grotto
A Victorian pleasantly
Devoid of all but the fewest of shells
Almost hidden amongst the ivy that marches on
Three man boat ready to spin should the water return
A leaf floating down the stream
catches our eye
Its shadow reveals just how low the levels are
The park is busier as we rejoin the bridge
stonehenge the sequel (also referred to as the leftovers)
hunkers down low on the hillside
The shining spike reflects the beauty of the day
The camelia house sits, currently closed
With Sophie's creation knelt beside
A couple sit soaking up the view
The sound of children laughing breaks the silence
The cafe beckons
We don our homemade masks
Jack and Sally
Keeping us and others safe
Tea and a cold refreshing drink
A shared sandwich with my beau
Fruited flapjack to finish our much needed brunch
We gather up supplies
Contactless essential in these Corona virus times
We stand to sort sugars and teabags
You use the wooden stirring stick to finish your tea
Then prod your mask looking for a way to lick the same
A sign of the Times
Like glass wearers wearing contacts
Push invisible spectacles up their nose
We giggle for the craziness of the day
We are amazed that the underground gallery is open
A single trail through keeps us safe
We stop and soak up sculptures
The hanging knitted giant my favourite
My mind awash with happy moments, shared
Embracing the time we walk hand in hand
The smiles and that look never grow old
And for the beauty of the world around, forever grateful
Sunday dawned and it was Jess's birthday and my Mum had decided to do her a party in her garden again with the giant marquee
My niece and her BF
Niece's BF and my step-Dad
Said 19 year old and his GF
One of the glorious cakes made by my Mum
My Mum and my sister
Jess and my lil bro
And the amazing chocolate cake made by my Mum (it was even better warmed through)
And hubby and me
As part of her birthday gift I made Jess a unicorn and skull minibook - who knew there was such a thing
Monday arrived all too quickly and Tuesday saw me and hubby celebrate 30 years since we met
I know most of you saw this photo of the night we met on our Facebook page
And as a gift for our anniversary, hubby made me this beautiful necklace
And I captured a photo of us, we were going to head out for something to eat, but I'll be honest it still feels rather alien, so we bought a meal deal and sat and enjoyed that.
The rest of the week has tripped along at a merry old pace, I'm still chatting to my Mum daily on facetime, currently trying to get her motivated with sorting her kitchen, although I'm sure on the glorious day we are having today that she will be enjoying her garden and tending to her plants in her greenhouse.
So that my lovely people is that.
I hope you've had a fabulous week, I'll put Mr Linky below for those that fancy joining in, write a blog post, come back link up and we can come and visit.
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