A day with no-one in or out. Chris had an IT update training session at Buxton in the afternoon so I went to Leek with one of the cleaners for a few hours as it was market day. Although we have been to Leek a few times it is always nice to go with someone who knows the place and can point out interesting shops. The market is not as big as Bakewell and some of stalls that are at Bakewell are at Leek, but it has a nice feel about it and being a sunny day it was quite busy. Back for a late lunch after which Sandra (our former regular guest from Ashford in the Water) popped up with her brother to show him where they used to stay. Did an early dinner as we were going over to review the progress of the video. By the end of the evening we had agreed on the final changes so we should get the finished product next week.

A bit brighter today. One B&B guest out with one back in. They are coming here for the big sheep sale tomorrow in Bakewell. Went down to Bakewell at lunchtime and had my hair cut as well as getting the usual provisions etc. One cleaner up to do the B&B room. A quiet afternoon doing various bits and pieces. B&B guests did not arrive until about 9.30.

After the nice weather at the weekend today was a bit disappointing but that’s how it goes. One cottage out with two back in and one cleaner up to do what is required. I took the opportunity to spend a little time in the cottages doing a leaflet and equipment check. It never ceases to amaze me why guests cut things on the place mats when I provide a chopping board. Looking around a number of place mats will need to be replaced but with a less than brilliant summer lampshades have fared well as there have not been the flies around to mark them. Apparently this could be the fifth wettest summer since 1948. (1968 was bad but I was too young to remember that). Washed some more new linen, almost there with the double bedding! First guests arrived about 3pm and second one about 5pm. A bit of a cooler evening. Chris down to the Bakewell Photographic Society evening so I did some accounts as we are nearing the end of the financial quarter. Sat down for a quick cuppa when Chris got back before going to bed.

Another lovely start. With one set of B&B guests out early we were able to turn the room around sooner than expected and find time for a walk. A bonus on a day like today. So with sandwiches and dogs in the car headed first to Bakewell (which was busy) to get a paper then onto Youlgreave where we parked in the car park at top end of the village and paid the voluntary charge. From here we walked down into Bradford Dale and up to Middleton where we had a wander around the village. Spotted some Trabants that belongs to one of the residents. These have caused some controversy in the village and been the subject of planning appeals. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/derbyshire/7330722.stm
We then walked back down into Bradford Dale and along to the footpath that leads up to the middle of Youlgreave. A little further on we found a nice spot for our lunch after which we headed back into the village and back to the car. As we still had time we made a trip to nearby Arbor Low – the Stonehenge of the north. Built probably around 2500BC the henge was discovered in the late 19th century with some excavations in the early 20th century. Within the henge there were some 50 limestone slabs, originally upright in an circle, not dissimilar to Stonehenge, but at some stage fell into disuse. Still it is in a lovely setting and we discovered we could see Bolehill from there. I took a picture but as it was hazy I really need to put an arrow to say we are here! We also walked over to Gib Hill where there is a neolithic long barrow probably built around 3000BC. A very interesting area archaeologically and there were quite a few people around having a look and enjoying the weather. Headed back home via Monyash where I bought one of the yummy ice creams from the cafe. Our B&B guests arrived just after 4pm and they enjoyed their welcome pot of tea on the patio. As it was a nice evening we then took a snack over to one of our picnic spots looking towards Magpie Mine and watched the sun set over Kirk Dale. Back for a light tea before sitting down and yet again, I have some insect bites as a reminder of a pleasant evening.

A misty start but the haze soon lifted and we had a very warm sunny day despite the fact a cloudy day was forecast. Both B&B’s out with both due back in so one cleaner up to turn rooms round. Handyman back after a break and with good weather forecast for a few day Chris and he planed to spend the next couple of days doing any roof repairs before autumn settles in. I did wonder if Andrew was right about the swallows as we are expecting a couple of good days. In fact when I went down to Bakewell late morning I was too warm in the clothes I was wearing! Back and was just finishing lunch when the first of the B&B guests arrived a little early. Settled them with a pot of tea on the patio while I did the final checks. Spent a couple of hours preparing for tomorrow before we set of for Chatsworth House. We had tickets for a piano recital that was due to be held in the Theatre but when we got there they had in fact changed the location to the Painted Hall. Still it was an enjoyable recital nontheless. While we were there our second guests arrived, she has been here before with her mother but this time she was with her boyfriend.

A misty start but the sun soon broke through. After breakfasts took dogs for their walk and could feel the warmth of the sun. Another set of new linen washed. Slowly getting there! A day at home and getting this quarters accounts up straight as well as some general tidying up. Chris went to Over Haddon for the digital photography session. Despite being at my desk most of the afternoon it was nice to look out and see blue skies! One of our B&B guests went to a concert at Chatsworth this evening. We have tickets for a similar concert there tomorrow night. It was nearly 6pm before Chris got back, again his technical skills were being put to use. Sat down about 8.30 – early for a change!

Up and no breakfasts to cook! One cleaner up to turn room round from yesterdays departing guests. Both rooms back in today. Went to Buxton and had a quick walk round before returning home via Morrisons. By time put shopping away, checked rooms and phoned a friend, the first of the guests arrived. Another early dinner, this time so Chris could go and sort someones new computer out. Second set of guests arrived about 6.30pm. While he was out Geoff called in, he was also after Chris’s knowledge – Chris is in demand for his technical expertise lately! With Chris out also did his usual eveing chores. Strange utting the chickens away in the dark. The air had a real autumnal smell to it. After an evening of interruptions did not sit down until 9.30pm.

Nice to see the sun. No-one in or out but one cleaner up to turn other room round as well as do public areas and leisure area. Took advantage of no arrivals to go to Bakewell market in the afternoon as well as to get usual provisions. Tomorrow there will be no blog as we will be going to York to see Chris’s parents. Chris’s mum has had a fall and has a minor pelvic fracture so she will need a few weeks rest for it to heal. They were due to come here for a stay shortly but that will have to be postponed.