Monday 14/4 saw two departures and one arrival at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here).  One cleaner up and handyman here too.  He and Chris concentrated on the tree that blew over in the paddock in the winter storms.  As most of it landed in one of the fields that the cows use in summer, now that the ground is firm enough, Chris thought it time to remove it.  They spent most of the day logging up the big branches and trunk.  Cleaner and I spent some time doing jobs including more carpet cleaning as it was so mild.  Guests arrived about 4pm.   As it was a nice evening I took the dogs out for a walk.  Tuesday saw one departure and two arrivals and one cleaner up.  It was nice enough to put some washing out to dry.  Down to Bakewell in the morning to get some provisions for the next few days as well as items for the WI supper we are hosting on Wednesday. Back to find Andrew and his apprentice repairing our stone walls in readiness for the cows coming over.  Chris and handyman were still working on the tree and also transported all the logs round to the log store.  Found time for some more jobs in cottages before first guests arrived at 3pm.  Then I spent some time finalising the quiz I had devised for the WI supper.  Second cottage arrived just after 5.30, they have been before and are from Australia.  We are still having cold nights so I have still been covering up some tender shrubs in the evenings to be safe.

Friday 11/4 was a lovely day at our cottages near Bakewell (see here).  Two departures and two arrivals and one cleaner up.  Handyman up again and they carried on with cleaning of outside furniture .  I went down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend and felt it was noticeably busier. If you have been to Bakewell lately you will have noticed they have been revamping the Co-Op and Friday was the official opening of the new look store.  having known where everything was for ten years it will probably take ages to find things now.  Guests delayed by motorway accidents and heavy traffic and arrived at 5pm and 7pm.  I had time to catch up with paper work and do some preparations for Saturday.  With a  frost forecast I covered my camellia with fleece as it is about to flower for the first time in two years.  Saturday was disappointing weather wise feeling a lot cooler with a bit of brightness in the afternoon before light rain set in for a while in the evening.  Four departures and three arrivals and two cleaners here. Chris cut the grass late morning. First arrival at 3.30 with next two both just after 4.30, all have been before. We were down at the farm at 9am on Sunday morning to see the milk cows come out for the first time this year. While we were watching them frolicking around we saw the first swallows of the year too.  Chris went to get the paper leaving me to get the hanging baskets ready to take to the nursery for filling.  We did this after a late coffee, so with hanging baskets safely delivered to Buxton we thought we would head over to the cafe at the Cat and Fiddle for lunch.  When we got there though the cafe was already full and there were a group of cyclists too so there was no where for us to sit. With it being such a nice day I guess a lot more people had come out for a drive. We headed home via Flagg where the cafe was closed but luckily we must have timed it right at Monyash as there was a spare table outside. So we sat in the sun and ate our bacon baps before a group of motor cyclists arrived.  Back home we spent some time in the afternoon going round the grounds making a note of what other jobs need to be done. A breeze took the edge of the temperature but on the whole it was a lovely day.

Thursday was forecast to be a pleasant day and with no arrivals but one departure from our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see here) we decided to go for a walk.  I had planned a six mile figure of eight walk from Wetton by joining two shorter walks. It was almost midday by the time we got to Wetton and by now it had clouded up. Typical. We set off from the free car park through the village to pick up the footpath down to the Manifold valley.  This one has a spur so you can go up and explore Thors Cave although we didn’t.  We must do that one day.  Beyond the first field the path was very muddy and as we went through the wood we were taken in by the carpet of wood and anemones ( we had to ask what they were).  The path emerged at the bottom of the valley by the Manifold trail where we could look up to Thors Cave.  We walked along the trail for a bit before picking up the path beside Wetton Hill before we got to the mill.  I had planned to have lunch along here but we spotted an obstacle.   There were a group of people with a para glider and of course para gliders send the dogs barking mad literally!  So we thought we would walk further on.  We passed a hare that managed to hide from the dogs for a while but before the dogs spotted it we got a few photos. By now the breeze had picked up and we suddenly found ourselves back in Wetton without having eaten lunch.  We decided not to continue but head down (by car) to the cafe at Wetton Mill.  We ate outside with the dogs then went for a drive.  I’ve always wanted to look at Butterton which we could see from some points on the walk.  It is a small village with a nice church and it’s most interesting feature is the ford running across the main street.   I would have liked to have walked around the village but we couldn’t find somewhere convenient to park.  We came back via Hartington where we bought some cheese.  Later in the evening it brightened up again. Typical.  Enjoy the photos.

Sunday was forecast to be a wet day at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here)  but in the end the rain held off until later in the afternoon.  No departures or arrivals and on the way back from Bakewell called in Green Cowden Farm for a tea and a chat and to see the lambs!   Unfortunately they don’t sit still to have their photos taken!  Only one more to lamb then they have finished.  It was midday before we got back.  A quiet afternoon catching up on housework. Monday was another mild day with showers in the morning giving way to a heavier spell of rain in the afternoon and a clear evening with a cooler feel.  One departure and one arrival with one cleaner up and time for some more jobs in the cottages including carpet cleaning and inventory checking.  Time in the afternoon to finish the quarterly accounts at last.  Guests in by 4pm.  Chris out to the Photographic Society in the evening and I took the dogs for a walk and played around with the camera before settling down for the evening.  Tuesday was a sunnier but cooler day and dry enough for some of our guests to go for a walk.  One departure and two arrivals and one cleaner here.  After coffee I went down to Bakewell to get provisions for the next couple of days. Chris and handyman spent some time sorting out the garage come workshop and I can get to the freezer again!  They also did some tidying up and pruning in the courtyard.  Both cottages arrived between 3.30 and 4pm so had time for some other jobs. Even though it has only been a couple of weeks since the clocks changed I have noticed how much later it is before it starts getting dark.

Thursday was another disappointing day weather wise at our Bolehill Cottages near Bakewell (see link).  It was still cold and foggy, although it did lift a little later in the day. More accounts in the morning and Chris did some painting in Bluebell.  After an early lunch we  headed to Chesterfield so Chris could get some more paint and take me to do a Bookers shop.  We came back via The Range and of course Dunelm.  The sound of the dawn chorus on Friday morning was a hopeful sign and it was nice to open the curtains and see the scenery.  Two departures and one arrival and one cleaner up. Down to Bakewell after coffee to get provisions for the weekend.  Passing Green Cowden Farm there were lots of lambs in the fields.   In the busy two weeks of lambing they had over two hundred lambs.  Chris did some more painting in Bluebell and while waiting for the paint to dry he gave the lawn it’s first cut.  A much milder day with some sunshine.  Cottage arrived about 3pm after which I stocked up with another wheel barrow of logs.  I also got some of the cottages ready for Saturday’s arrivals.  Saw the first hot air balloon in the distance later in the day, luckily the dogs couldn’t see it.  Saturday started dull and it was a mild day with drizzle and showers.  Three cottages out and four back in with one cleaner up as a couple of the cottages were already prepared.  Chris did a number of jobs in the cottages before arrivals and I finished my checks in plenty of time. Whilst waiting for the arrivals I started on a quiz needed for a WI evening later in the month.  A rush of guests with three arriving between 3amd 3.30.  One has been before and one was here last before we arrived.  Final cottage arrived just before 4pm. Noticed the leaves starting to come out on shrubs so perhaps spring is on its way but winter can still bite in April!

Monday was a pleasant day at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here).  It got off to a misty start and I headed down to Bakewell to get some bits from the market.  Two departures and two arrivals and one cleaner here.  First guests arrived just after 3pm, they have been before with second cottage arriving nearer to 6pm.  Time for some accounts in between.  Chris went to the village hall to help with some work for the new village website.  Should have been the last night for indoor bowls but it was cancelled due to illness so we had a quiet evening in.  Tuesday was a fabulous spring day.  After the last few hazy days it was wonderful to have our view of Derbyshire back, the air was very clear.  Had planned to do some accounts but it was too nice for that.  One departure and one arrival with one cleaner here.  In the morning someone came up to look at the doors and windows and give us a quote for any work that needed doing.   After lunch and after cottage arrived I did some potting out in the gardens.  Chris disappeared down to Bakewell to visit the plumbers merchants but as often happens he ends up visiting other places so it was a few hours before he returned.  Andrew and a contractor were fertilising the fields.  Later in the afternoon we headed down to Bakewell to see Ian’s new house. Wednesday was a complete contrast.  The forecast had indicated a misty start but clearing mid morning.  It was very foggy when I took the dogs out first thing and it was difficult to see them.  Handyman arrived mid morning and he said the fog was very bad on the tops so I thought I would wait until later in the morning before heading to Chesterfield but the fog never lifted.  I could here them working outside, they were clearing the logs out of the field, but could never see them so I managed to get some accounts done in the morning and when it was obvious I wasn’t going to get away in the afternoon I did some jobs in the cottages too.  It also stayed cold.  In the evening I hosted the monthly WI committee meeting. With a number of events coming up we had a lot to discuss.

It was a strange day on Friday (28/3) at our Bolehill Cottages (see here).  One departure but no arrivals as many  guests were in for long breaks or weeks.  Had planned to catch up on accounts but ended up doing a lot of housekeeping jobs.  Also sorted out the leaflets as we are receiving more 2014 ones.   Another cool day but brighter than of late.  One cleaner up to keep up with cleaning.  Saturday was a pleasant day with two departures and two arrivals and one cleaner up.  Down to Bakewell first thing for the Farmers Market.  Once back and after coffee did the final checks on the cottages.  It was nice to see a bit of sunshine and that was nice for existing and arriving guests.  Chris started a bit more painting in Derwent which he finished on Sunday. Sunday was another fine day with hazy sunshine and feeling quite warm.  With the clocks going forward Chris had to go round all the cottages and change the clocks for heating and hot water etc.   It was nice to see the lambs in the fields on the way to get the paper.  Chris finished painting in Derwent and I did odd jobs around the house including stocking up on logs although hopefully I will be doing less of that. Also pottered round the garden and as it was so nice took  some photos of the daffs that are starting to come out.

Chris picked me up on Monday lunchtime (24/3) from Chesterfield and so we were back at our Bolehill Cottages (see here) in time for the arrivals.  Two cottages were due in with one arriving about 3pm and the other one at about 5pm, both have been before.  Having stayed an extra couple of nights at my sisters there was plenty to catch up with but it was nice to see Chris had managed without me!  In the evening I went to the village hall for the monthly committee meeting. Tuesday was a dull and damp day with a few wintry showers.  One departure and one cleaner up with three arrivals all here by 4pm.  Found time for some accounts and with the end of quarter approaching there’s a bit to do.  Wednesday was a bit brighter but still cool. One departure and one cleaner with one arrival.  Needed to go to Bakewell to get some provisions so Chris came with me and we had lunch down in town at the Lavender Tea rooms.  Back in time for guests arrival just after 3pm.  More accounts then an early tea so we could have a drink with one of the guests staying here.  Half expecting to wake up to a dusting of snow on Thursday but luckily didn’t.  Still cool but a bit brighter.  Two departures and one arrival and one cleaner up.  A number of cottage related jobs and paper work during the day.  Handyman up and he and Chris did some logging work in the morning.  Joanna phoned about a diesel theft from a local farm, a suspicious car had been seen in their courtyard, so we were on alert.   I think I may have mentioned before oil theft is a rural crime and there have been some robberies already this year in the area.  Cottage arrived about 5pm.  They have been before.  Prepared a tea for Chris as I was going out with the WI ladies for our annual dinner.  I had missed last years when I was at my sisters. We had a table booked at the Ashford Arms where they do a midweek  two course menu for £9.95 during the quieter months.  The food was good and we all enjoyed our evening.

Sunday 15/3 saw five departures at our Bolehill cottages near Bakewell (see here) so it felt quite empty.  A day to catch up and get ready to go away for a few days to my sisters.  A pleasant day was forecast but the breeze took the edge of the temperatures.  Lambing has started at Green Cowden Farm with the majority of lambing taking place over the next fortnight.  Could have gone to the film night at the village hall but having been out two nights running and out again Monday night I decided to have an evening in!  Monday saw one departure and arrival with one cleaner up.  A cool and overcast day.  Chris and handyman continued in Derwent.  Cottage arrived just after 3pm.  In the evening we went to the Lathkill Hotel to help Joanna celebrate her birthday along with a number of her friends.  A lovely evening was had by all.  Tuesday saw three arrivals.  One cleaner here but a number of cottages were already prepared.  With Chris still working in Derwent I decided to wait until later in the day before heading to my sisters, this also gave time for the guests to arrive and for me to do my final packing.  All guests here by 4pm, two have been before.  Just after 5pm we set off to Chesterfield where I caught the 18.02 cross country train to Birmingham, here I changed trains and arrived in Watford at 20.41 where my sister collected me for the short drive to her place.

With a busy weekend ahead at our Bolehill cottages (see here) I decided not to go to Bakewell on Friday but defer it to Saturday. Two departures and five arrivals and one cleaner up so a busy morning although a couple of cottages were already prepared.  More crockery in cottages and Chris continued in Derwent.  Matters complicated by the fact that some cottages were not going to arrive until much later and for once we were out for the evening.  Three guests arrived by 6pm with remaining ones later in the evening, we had left instructions although one had been before.  After dinner we headed to the village hall for the latest offering from the Live and Local circuit performers. Tonight we had a one man show entitled Man with Foot in his Mouth (written by Saul Bellow) which was quite entertaining.  All guests in by time we got back.  A disturbed nights sleep with Blue waking me up so I could take them out at Smudge had diarrhoea, at least I was able to get him out in time.  Unfortunately by the time we got up Smudge was obviously not well and we decided to take him to the vets.  Here he was given some antibiotics and other items to help with fluid loss.  Chris left me in Bakewell to get provisions while he went home with the dogs.  In instances like these I walk up to Yeld Road by the church and he picks me up but I couldn’t get a mobile signal so I had to  walk back down to town and popped into the builders merchants to phone home as no one there could get a mobile signal either.   So I had to walk back up the hill for the second time for Chris to pick me up.  We came back via one of a cleaners to drop off some DIY tools.  Back home and final checks and last of crockery into cottages with cottage arrival just after 3pm, he has been before giving us a full house bar Derwent.  In the evening we shared a Chinese take away with one of the cottages who come regularly and had a good natter as well!