A busy day. Upand without breakfasts to do again (first time since March we have had a few days off like this) was able to get down town early and get the bits for the weekend. One cottage out with two cottages back in as well as both B&B’s. Both the B&B’s have been here before, in the B&B’s and cottages. One of the couples comes for this weekend every year. Filled up with petrol in Bakewell and for the first time in ages I paid less than a £1 per litre. As all the cleaning needed for today had been done all I had to do was final checking and any odd jobs like finishing defrosting a fridge. Also had time to start planting up the first of the 200+ bulbs that arrived earlier this week plus the winter pansys too. As it always happens one of the B&B’s and cottages arrived at the same at about 4pm so had to get Chris into action. Next B&B arrived about 4.30 and final cottage at about 5.30pm. As everyone was in we decided to go out to eat and opted for JR’s Brasserie in Bakewell (www.jrsbrasserie.co.uk) that usually has a Tapas night on a Friday. It was very nice after which we walked round to the Rutland Arms and had a drink as we have never been inside there! Back home and watched ‘Beautiful People’ from last night. I find the programme quite funny.

Another day at home. Feeling better but all colds go to my throat so although I feel OK I still sound awful. No guests in or out but one cleaner up to clean cottage vacated yesterday which I don’t think I mentioned. Also I forgot to mention that when I was looking for some old files yesterday I came across some old pictures taken at about the time work was starting on the conversion of the barns to cottages here. They are very interesting so we are going to see if the previous owner has some more. The handyman also came up today and spent most of the time splitting and chopping wood for the winter. Chris went to his digital work shop after which we took a delivery of a three piece suite for one of the cottages. We will have some furniture shifting to do on Saturday. After dinner sat down to do some blogging but there was a scheduled outtage so I read the Sunday paper instead.

A quiet day at home. One cottage out and one cleaner up. A nice bright day with a few light showers but it did feel colder. After usual morning chores did another wash of new linen. After lunch did some bill paying and sorting out of personal finances a well as some house chores. Sat down after dinner and had an early night.

Plenty to do today with one B&B out and back in and and cottage out and back in. A wet start but it soon brightened up. One cleaner up this morning as well as the handyman. Day went in usual way for a Monday and I washed another set of new linen – nearly there! Cottage guests arrived not long after 3pm – they have been here before. The B&B guests cancelled at 5pm so it was too late to relet the room through the tourist office. The lady was quite annoyed when I told her I could charge her. Not many people realise we can charge up to the full amount for no shows or cancellations. Travel Insurance is there to cover for last minute emergencies it is not for the owner to stand the loss. If guests don’t have insurance then they will have to stand the loss. I haven’t charged her though but obviously I was annoyed too. After a roast dinner Chris went to the Bakewell Photographic Society while I did some filing and paperwork. Finished about 9.30 and had a bath as I was feeling tired.

Up and after breakfasts one B&B departed. First Sunday for a long time with no-one back in. Took a last minute booking for B&B tomorrow before doing the bottle bank run. Back and after coffee and laundry went to Buxton. This weekend was the Peak District Fair which is like a big Craft and Food Fair. We went last year and I was looking forward to going again, particularly if I don’t get a chance to go to the Farmers Market next Saturday. Bought some bits including a joint for this week. Afterwards went for a walk around the Pavillion Gardens as we have never really had a good look at them. Chris took some pictures which can be found in the link below. On the way back we stopped at Chelmorton to say hello to Geoff and Margaret. Back home and did a few odd jobs before cooking dinner. We then went and picked up Andrew and Joanna and went to the Over Haddon Village Hall to see this months film which was Stardust. A science fantasy by genre it was interesting and amusing with a lot of well known faces.

http://www.bolehillfarm.co.uk/photo/Buxton/index.html

A bright start to the day and after breakfasts said goodbye to five departing cottages before taking the dogs for their walk. Two cleaners up and no problems encountered. Time for some extra jobs before first guests arrived just before 3pm. Four cottages in today of which three have been before. Next cottage arrived just before 4 pm and remaining two either side of 5pm. In the meantime sorted out laundry from today and also defrosted the fridge of the empty cottage. Spoke to my sister before dinner and sat down to watch the Timewatch programme about the early years of Queen Victoria.

Up and after an early breakfast B&B guests departed as did one cottage. Went down to Bakewell as soon as I could so I had the rest of the day to get on with things. Back and after coffee one cleaner up. It was sunny but cool and I washed some curtains from the empty cottage putting them out to dry but after a few light showers decided it was easier to let them dry inside. Chris went out for another session of leaf blowing, the third time in five days, but no sooner had he finished then there were more on the ground! With no-one due in and with Chris at Over Haddon after lunch I spent some time in the garden before another shower came along. After dinner spent a little time on accounts – I want to try and keep up to date his quarter – and then sat down just after 9pm.

A pleasant day had been forecast but by the time I took the dogs for their walk it was raining. With an early breakfast we were able to make an early get away I had planned a walk on Baslow Edge but by the time we were ready it was still not dry enough to go for a walk. I did not have a ‘Plan B’ as I believed the weather would be fine but in the end and after a cup of coffee I decided on a retail day. So we went first to the McArthurGlen outlet centre at Junction 28 of the M1 where there is the Thornton’s and Cadbury’s outlet shops. My favourites! After lunch at the Thornton’s Cafe we headed down to Ikea at Junction 26 where we hadn’t been for sometime. Bought some bits for the cottages as well as seeing what is ‘in’ at the moment. Came back and cooked a dinner before going to Buxton again. This time we had tickets for The Orchestra, as they are known today, or Electric Light Orchestra as I know them. The Orchestra is made up of some former ELO members together with some ELO Part 11 members. The house was packed and it was a super show. I kept on remembering that the last time I saw them live was 30 years ago at Wembley!