Thursday 14 April was not as nice as Wednesday at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here).  At least it stayed dry. One departure and one arrival with one cleaner here.  Made the most of the day with jobs in vacant cottages.  Cottage here at 3.30, they have been before.  Later in the afternoon we went to the Chatsworth farm shop to get some cheese as by the time we got to Hartington on Wednesday the cheese shop had closed.  In the end I also got some other bits for the weekend saving me a trip to Bakewell on Friday.  Friday saw one arrival with one cleaner here.  Again time spent on jobs in vacant cottages and cottage arrived just before 4pm by which time it had started to drizzle and this eventually turned into rain.  Snow had been forecast overnight into Saturday but when we woke up luckily there was none.  No departures but one arrival with cottage already cleaned.  Made the most of the quiet day and spent time ‘decluttering’ our house.  The morning was sunny but cold and the expected showers didn’t materialise until later in the afternoon when we had a number of hail and snow showers.  Cottage arrived about 5.30, they have been before.  After an early frost a glorious blue sky greeted us on Sunday morning as did an early telephone call from Joanna to say the cows were coming out!  So we went down to watch them leave the barns and taste the first fresh grass of the season. Always a lovely sight to see.  Chris said there was still some snow on the distant hills from Saturday when he took Smudge out for his walk.  A quiet day with one arrival, with cottage already prepared. Some housework for me and Chris did some painting.  Collected Andrew and Joanna early for the film night at Over Haddon as Chris was in charge of the projector and I was on the door.  The film was The Invisible Woman about Charles Dickens which I enjoyed.

Smudge enjoying the sun at Viators Bridge Milldale

Sunday 10th April was a fine day at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here).  A little breezy but warm in the sun.  Has Spring finally arrived?  Two departures but no arrivals so after lunch I spent a few hours pottering around the gardens.  A pleasant way to spend Sunday afternoon.  Monday was also a pleasant day and although there wasn’t as much sun as Sunday it was still mild.  One departure with one arrival and one cleaner here.  The afternoon went on odd jobs and cottage arrived just after 4pm, they have been before.  Tuesday started dull but brightened up in the afternoon.  No arrivals or departures so down to Bakewell first thing to get provisions for the next couple of days. Handyman here and he and Chris did some work in vacated cottages.  Out for lunch at the Bulls Head Monyash with the former owner of Haddon Grove Holiday Cottages then spent the afternoon completing the last quarters accounts.  Wednesday looked like being the best day of the week after a misty start and as we had no arrivals (but one departure) we decided to go for a walk.  I went down to Bakewell for my fitness session first thing which was very energetic.  Back home did a few jobs before heading to Dove Dale at lunchtime.  As most schools are back we thought it would be quiet but with the nice weather it was busier than we thought but as usual once we passed the Stepping Stones it was less busy.  We walked all the way from the Dove Dale car park to Milldale where we stopped for a cup of tea and my first ice cream of the year.  Then we walked all the way back, about six miles in total and as it was later in the afternoon I even got the chance to cross the stepping stones!   Enjoy the photos.

With a poor forecast for Wednesday 6th April at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here) we opted for a shopping day and went to Meadowhall at Sheffield.  We reckoned the last time we were there was about ten years ago.  It was quite sunny whilst we were there although there were a few heavy showers and we got back later in the evening just ahead of another heavy shower.  Found out from Joanna that the weather had been worse at home than Sheffield.  Thursday was a better day weather wise.  Two departures and two arrivals with two cleaners here.  One of those mornings that seemed to go too quickly but all cleaning finished by lunchtime.  First cottage here at 3.30 with second one here an hour later, they have been before.  Did some paper work and more laundry before dinner and took Smudge out before sitting down for the evening.  Friday was another busy day with four departures and two arrivals.  Down to Bakewell first thing and back before final guests departed.  Two cleaners here hard at work, over the last two weeks some cottages have had up to four sets of guests.  No wonder I have had so much laundry.  Everything ready by lunchtime.  First cottage here just after 3pm with second arriving about 5pm.  At least Saturday was better than forecast.  Quite sunny but with a cool breeze.  One departure and one arrival, with cottage already cleaned.  Went down to the Garden Tea Room so Chris could take more photos of the cakes for their business and stayed for a coffee and cake.  After lunch spent some time on jobs around the house and cottage arrived just after 4pm, they have been before.  Showers later in the afternoon were followed by a nice sunset except I forgot to take my camera when I took Smudge for our evening walk.

Sunday 3rd April was a much better day at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here) with plenty of sunshine and it felt milder too.  No departures but two arrivals with one cleaner here.  Normally we don’t ask cleaners to be here on Sunday but it suited her better to come on Sunday this weekend.  After lunch spent some time in the garden.  Both cottages here by 3.30, both have been before.  As it was such a pleasant afternoon we went down to Over Haddon to see how they were getting on at the Garden Tea Room.  We enjoyed a piece of cake before walking round to the Lathkil for a quick drink.  Nice to relax for a few hours.  Monday started fine but there were a few showers around in the afternoon, some with hail and thunder.  Two departures and three arrivals and one cleaner here.  Another batch of linen off to the laundry and rubbish collected as well. All cleaning and checks completed by lunchtime and first two cottages arrived just after 3pm with final cottage just after 4pm, they have been before.  An early dinner so Chris could get down to Bakewell for the Photographic Society while I stayed at home with Smudge.  Tuesday was forecast to be fine again and after a dull start it brightened up by lunchtime.  Down to Bakewell first thing.  No departures but one arrival with cottage already prepared.  They arrived about 7pm, they have been before.  Handyman and Chris did some outside jobs and I had thought about doing some gardening but as there was a cool wind I did accounts instead.  Andrew was out chain harrowing our fields, it will still be a couple of weeks before the cows start coming out which is later than last year.

The forecast had been for a fine weekend at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here).  Friday 1st April got off to a sunny start but a cool wind kept the edge of the temperatures and it clouded up during the day.  Still, it stayed dry.  Two departures and three arrivals and one cleaner here.  Down to Bakewell first thing to get provisions for weekend.  Most of the lambs from Little Cowden Farm are out in the fields now.  With many short breaks over the last week or so had arranged for an extra laundry collection.  Feel as if I have spent a lot of time in the laundry room recently. Everything ready for first guests arrival at 3pm and remaining two cottages here by 4pm, two have been before.  Spent some time on accounts and took Smudge for a walk before the rain set in.  Andrew had also been fertilising the fields ahead of the rain, it won’t be long before the cows start coming out for the summer.  Saturday saw three departures but no arrivals with one cleaner here.  The rain held off until lunchtime which was a disappointment as I had hoped to do a bit of gardening but I found plenty to do indoors.  By mid afternoon the sun had come out but it wasn’t as warm as expected.

March weather stats:  highest temp 11.7C on 25th and lowest -1.8C on 7th.  Warmest day 25th and night 12th.  Coldest day 4th and night 6th. Wettest day 28th with .91 in with 2.88 in for month (3/15 2.14 in).

Wednesday 30 March was another sunny but cool day at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here).  No departures but one arrival with cottage already prepared.  Down to Bakewell in the morning to get some provisions and Chris came too.  Later we loaded up the car with the empty hanging baskets to take to the nursery to fill up for summer.  We were distracted by a helicopter doing a low reconnaissance over Lathkill and Bradford Dales and later discovered it was a coastguard helicopter working with the mountain rescue teams to try to locate an elderly gentleman who had gone missing from Youlgrave.  Unfortunately a body was found in Bradford Dale later in the day.  We dropped the baskets off at the nursery in Buxton before calling at one of the electrical wholesalers.  Back home mid afternoon in time for guests arrival, they have been before, and after catching up on emails we got ready to go out for the evening.  Collected by Joanna and Andrew we joined Lynne and David from Over Haddon and John and Sue from Little Cowden Farm for a meal at Piedaniels which we all enjoyed.  Thursday was forecast to be the best day of the week weather wise and it certainly felt milder.  One departure and after packing the rucksacks we headed to Calver.  We walked along Dukes Drive and picked up the footpath that followed the River Derwent to New Bridge and Froggatt Bridge enjoying the scenary as we went.  Apart from a goose that took umbrage to us we hardly saw anyone else.  From Froggatt Bridge we walked along the Derwent Valley Heritage Walk stopping before we got to Grindleford and had lunch.  We retraced our steps to Froggatt Bridge then picked up the footpath on the opposite side of the river back to Calver Mill.  When we got home it was still nice enough to to have a cup of tea on the patio.  Enjoy the photos.

Monday 21st March started dull at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here) although it brightened up a little in the afternoon.  Down to Bakewell first thing to get provisions for the next couple of days and have a wander around the market.  One departure with two arrivals and one cleaner here.  One cottage here just before 4pm and the next arrived about half an hour later, they have been before. Plenty of jobs around vacant cottages and some extra laundry as well.  After tea down to the village hall for the last of the bowls sessions before summer break.   Tuesday was supposed to be a brighter day but it stayed dull.  No departures or arrivals.  Handyman here and he and Chris did some more outside jobs including planting out plants I bought at the market.  Chris cut the grass for the first time.  I did some jobs around the house in the morning and in the afternoon went to Sainsburys in Matlock via the Peak Outlet Village.  Back late afternoon then we went over to Buxton to pick up some supplies and decide to stay there to eat out.  We went to St Moritz, a Swiss/Italian restaurant, near to the Palace Hotel and had a nice meal.  Wednesday was another dull day but it felt colder.  Down to Bakewell first thing for my Fitness Fusion keep fit session then picked up a few provisions before heading home.  After lunch we went to the Chatsworth Garden Centre as a couple of pots need replacing and I can never resist some more plants.  A quiet evening in ahead of some busy days.

I always consider the first day of spring as the first day I hear a curlew at our Bolehill Farm Cottages near Bakewell (see here).  That day was Thursday when I took Smudge out for his morning walk and wondered when I would hear the curlew and on cue I heard its distinctive call.  After a misty start another dry sunny day feeling a touch milder than Wednesday.  One departure but no arrivals.  Another day of laundry jobs and personal finances.  Friday was cooler and overcast.  No departures with one arrival and cottage already prepared.  Later in the morning a friend arrived for the weekend and we went to Hassop Station for lunch.  Back in time for guests arrival just after 3.30, they have been before, then spent time with friend.  Saturday was a busy day with four departures and two arrivals and two cleaners here.  A much colder day, again overcast with a biting wind.  Cleaning underway promptly as most cottages departed by 10am.  All cleaning and checks finished by lunchtime.  Both cottages here by 3.30, one has been before so spent afternoon with friend.  In the evening we were joined by one of the cottages for a meal and had a very pleasant evening.  Somebody forgot to tell the sun that it wasn’t supposed to make an appearance on Sunday morning and it was lovely to see blue sky and feel the warmth.  One departure and one arrival with cottage already prepared.  Called in and saw the new arrivals at Little Cowden Farm, they are half way through the main lambing fortnight.  Friend departed after lunch.   Cottage arrived just after 6pm, they have been before.  After tea we collected Andrew and Joanna and went to the village hall for this months film, Saving Mr Banks which we enjoyed.

The wind changed direction on Monday 14 March at our Bolehill cottages (see here).  Although still sunny the north-easterly wind took the edge of the temperature.  One departure, one arrival and one cleaner here.  A day of laundry with curtains and a duvet from a cottage to wash.  In the afternoon I prepared for the Village Hall Committee Meeting as well as keeping up with emails.  Cottage arrived about 5pm.  After dinner down to Over Haddon for the meeting.  Tuesday was a disappointing day weather wise.  We were expecting a cool cloudy day but it was quite misty with drizzle in the air but it cleared a little in the afternoon.  No departures but one arrival with cottage already cleaned.  Final checks and more curtains to wash.  Handyman here and he and Chris did some pruning and tidying up around the grounds.  He had hoped to give the grass it first cut.  Cottage arrived at 4pm, they have been before.  After tea we popped down to Andrew and Joanna’s for a cup of tea and cake.  Wednesday started misty and damp but by 10am the sun was out and the sky blue.  Down to Bakewell first thing for my keep fit after which I got some provisions for the next couple of days.  Must mention that Ice Cream and Dreams in Bakewell has closed.  I only gave it eighteen months so I wasn’t far out!  Back home I took Smudge for a walk as it was nice then back to ironing and washing curtains and washing another duvet as it was a great day for drying outside.  Dedicated the afternoon to tidying up and sorting out the spare bedroom.  Later in the afternoon Mark came over with some cake and as it was almost tea time and Karen was away he stayed for tea.

Looking back to Over Haddon

Friday was a fine mild day at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here).  Two departures but no arrivals with one cleaner here to keep up with cleaning.  Handyman also here and he and Chris repaired some damaged fence posts and replaced some guttering.  They also tidied up the garage.  I went down to Bakewell to get hair cut and get provisions for the weekend.  After lunch I spent some time on preparations for the Saturday arrivals and house work.  An early dinner then we went down to Ian and Nicci’s in Bakewell to see Ian’s pictures following his trip to Australia.  Saturday was a mild hazy day with one departure and four arrivals.  One cleaner here.  Plenty to keep me occupied with final checks and finally got round to putting out the new leaflets.  Two cottages here by 3.30, both have been before, with next cottage here just after 4pm and final cottage here around 5pm, they have been before.  During the afternoon I spent time on accounts.  Sunday was forecast to be sunny and mild after a misty start and as it looked to be the best day of the week I suggested a walk we hadn’t done for a while.  One departure and after that we packed up the rucksacks and collected the Sunday paper before parking in Over Haddon.  From here we walked down to the Dale then up to Meadow Grange Farm. We took a long time to cover the first mile or so as we kept stopping to look back to take photos.  Eventually we reached Youlgrave and walked down to Bradford Dale where we stopped for lunch.  Onto Alport where we wandered around the hamlet then picked up the river Lathkill again.  When we reached Raper Lodge we took a path up the hill and crossed to Over Haddon from a higher footpath before arriving at the pub.  We stopped for a half pint then walked round to the tea room.  Although not officially open until Easter they were serving tea and cake so we stopped there before returning home at sunset.  The walk was about five miles.  Enjoy the photos.