A misty start with a better day forecast and by mid morning it had cleared. Down to Bakewell in the morning to get bits for the weekend. One cottage in today which was already cleaned so just did my final checks before guests arrived at 4 pm. She has been here before. Spent some time ensuring accounts up straight and finally have all the information to do my Dad’s probate etc. Decided to eat out this evening for a change. Tried the Black Grouse in Longnor but this was closed – permanently by the look of things – no wonder no-one answered the phone. Ended up at the Packhorse Inn at Crowdecote where we haven’t been since it changed hands a few months ago. We had heard mixed reports but we were pleased to say we had an enjoyable meal, so perhaps they had just had ‘settling in’ problems.

A busy day today with three cottages in. All had already been cleaned so it was just left to me to do the final checks. One needed a carpet cleaning but all done by lunchtime along with all the other chores. Progress is slow in Bluebell but it is getting there. Also we had the mower go for its annual service and after lunch a carpet salesman called in. We have ordered a 30 metre roll of carpet to replace some cottage carpeting. That will be with us by the beginning of February. First guests arrived about 3.30pm. They were here last as B&B guests. Paid this months bills before dinner. Second cottage arrived about 7pm with third cottage not here until nearly 10.30. They had had a long fraught journey! They are also here with us for four weeks.

Hope you like picture of sunrise from the other morning!

A brighter start and after dogs walked usual chores. Chris & handyman progressing slowly in Bluebell and having been doing a number of other jobs in there while they have the opportunity, eg checking floor boards, but finally started installing the kitchen today. Ordered a new dishwasher for one of the cottages and had planned to order a couple of fridges but these were not in stock. One cleaner up today to keep up with cleaning as we are almost fully booked this weekend. Popped over to Buxton in the afternoon and also called in at the builders merchants to pick some bits up for the refurbishment. Had our first recessionary cancellation today. After a later dinner sat down for the new series of CSI so no phone calls after 9pm for the next few months thank you!

A busier day with lots of phone calls and emails which resulted in a number of bookings! Kitchen units arrived at 9pm after which took the dogs for their walk. It was still dry but shortly afterwards started to rain and didn’t seem to stop for the rest of the day! Had planned to go to the market but again by the time I got there they were closing up because of the bad weather. Next week I will have to go in the morning! After dinner did a bit of filing, have decided to review some of my filing systems, so that will keep me occupied! Sat down for the drama Unforgiven.

December: Warmest day (did we have one?) was 19th with 9.8 deg the highest temperature on 19th. Coldest day was 31st with lowest temp of -6.7 on 31/12. Warmest night was 21/22 Dec and coldest night 30/31 Dec. The 13th was the wettest day with 1.24 in rain and total for month was 3.11 in with 4.93 in last Dec.

2008 Warmest day 27/7 was with highest temp 25 deg on 27/7 and warmest night was 27/28 July. Coldest day was 31/12 with lowest temp of -8 on 20/2. Coldest night was 19/20 Feb. Wettest day was 1 October with 1.35 in rain. Total rain for 2008 was 44.16 in rain.

A severe frost with a misty start. One cottage out with one back in and one cleaner up. Chris went to Buxton to confirm the kitchen order and these should be delivered on Monday. I spent the day on a variety of things including what I call ‘research‘ using the Internet and Argos catalogue to work out if my plans are practical and also sourcing items that we will need to buy in the next few months. A few flurries of snow but during the day the temperature rose from -4 to just above freezing. Guests arrived about 3.30 pm. Took a number of bookings too. Chris & I also spent an hour or so devising some new forms for good practice with the ever increasing legislation we have to deal with. Cooked a roast dinner and sat down for 8.30.

Another quiet day at home. One cottage out and one back in so one cleaner up. Cottage had been left a bit untidy so I helped tidy up. Spent some time up in Bluebell measuring as I have some ideas and I just need to see if they will work! I was also a temporary plumbers assistant! Progress being made in the shower room and kitchens should arrive on Monday! Otherwise spent most of the day on personal bits. Guests arrived just before 8.30 after which I sat down. Realised I haven’t put Decembers weather stats in so will find them for tomorrow.

A quiet day overall but plenty of phone calls and emails. For first time water running from tap for hens but water in greenhouse frozen so unable to water the plants I still have not put out (the instructions say do not put out in cold weather!) All the bulbs are now in. Popped down town in the morning for supplies for the weekend and banking. Chris went to order the kitchens this afternoon otherwise they have been getting on with the work in Bluebell. Sat down about 9pm and watched Total Emergency which was based in Sheffield.