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

ROCKING YOUR WORLD FRIDAY - 51ST OF 2025

Good morning lovely people tis Friday time for

Well last Friday saw our second trip to Chatsworth, if I'm honest it was definitely touch and go on the Thursday as to whether we actually went, but my d-in-law inspired me to just take hold of each day and enjoy the season so we did. 

We headed off to Chatsworth got there just before our house entry and decided to enjoy the house rather than take photos, in fact we only took this a couple in the house (to prove we had been again). 

The first was a sentiment that someone had left which I loved

the second was a selfie of the two of us

We really enjoyed the second visit embracing all the beautiful things in the house.

Afterwards we enjoyed some food and a cuppa before heading out into the Christmas market.  The sun set and the market really came alive, it was lovely. 

Then we headed back inside for the lights trail around the garden. 

The fairies in the conservatory

the beautifully lit trees

The 'root' lights which I loved

and the gorgeous digital light display on the house

Flora's temple was also lit up and looked beautiful

It was so hard to capture how pretty the trees looked

We didn't get home until late but we didn't mind, plus it meant we didn't get caught in the crazy traffic so win win.  

We had a quiet weekend tootling doing a few jobs, getting final gifts sorted, wrapping a few presents and some reading. 

Soon it was Monday and back to work, but a short week of just Monday and Tuesday and achieved all I'd set out to do which was good.  Found a glitch at the last minute, so came home started with fresh eyes and a calmer mind and resolved within a short space of time. 

Wednesday was my first official day off work, we were very busy.  First thing I sorted a wreath design for a family get together this weekend, it had been playing on my mind and I've spent a fortune on 'bits' to make it but I'm fairly happy with the finished design and hope everyone enjoys it. 

Then me and hubby spent the afternoon cutting and then putting marzipan and icing on the cakes.  We are definite amateurs on this but were pleased once we had completed it, albeit that it took all afternoon. 

Then I started to do a 12 days of Christmas, I don't know why but at the moment, we have very little booked into our diary for the time I'm off.  This isn't necessarily going out and 'doing' things but embracing the season, I'll let you know how I get on with it.  What do you do over the festive break?  

Thursday we went to the cinema to see Fackham Hall a typical British farce which we thoroughly enjoyed, lighthearted good humoured and just what we needed. 

And finally my lovely daughter-in-law has now announced officially the birth of our grandson back in September.  Her post on Facebook made me very emotional and she has given me permission to share photos, so be prepared for this becoming a regular feature. 

There are soooooooooo many photos of him but this is by far my favourite so far, he just looks so happy and content and definitely as though he knows something we don't. 

I hope you've had a wonderful week.

Hugs