Managed to take the dogs for a walk before it started raining. Had over half an inch of rain, mainly in the morning and early afternoon. Went to Bakewell to get bits for the weekend and at home the day went on business and dad’s paperwork, but as paperwork for my dad diminishes we now have to go through the same processes again for Chris’s dad. Just as well don’t have to do B&B anymore. When the rain stopped the sun came out and we had a pleasant afternoon. Went and planted some geraniums in the trough at the drive entrance. Hope to get some more planted over the weekend. Evening went in emails, chatting to guests and Chris, and getting ready for tomorrow.

Another hot day forecast and I had arranged to go to Macclesfield shopping with one of the cleaners. Macclesfield has a T J Hughes, the other one being at Sheffield, but we prefer the drive to Macclesfield (over the Cat & Fiddle). When we got back I found Chris had gone to York as his dad had unexpectedly passed away. I would need to stay here especially with a busy Saturday at our peak district cottages approaching and he would return in a few days time. So a quiet evening in with the dogs.

It felt like the morning after a storm except there hadn’t been one. It was overcast but humid. Had initially thought about a walk but thought it might get too hot. Decided to leave the dogs in the coolness of the house for a few hours and go out. Headed off to Kedleston Hall a National Trust property just to the north of Derby. It was used along with Chatsworth House for filming ‘The Duchess’. As it didn’t open until midday we made a diversion to Denby Pottery. We didn’t do the actual factory tour, there are a number to choose from but a number of guests have been here and enjoyed the experience, but we did have a look around the various shops, mainly china and glass related, plus Denby’s own retail outlet. A quick snack and onto Kedleston. It wasn’t too busy at Kedleston and the tour of the house didn’t take long, about an hour, (Chris doesn’t linger) but we did look at the special exhibition on filming at the Hall. Also had a look around the grounds and gardens before coming back. (Will add some pictures). Encountered a heavy shower as we came through Monyash but the sun eventually came out. Made some phone calls to organize this Saturdays cleaning as there will be a full eight out and in of our Peak District cottages and one cleaner definitely cant make it so I am lining up reserves in case of need!

A quiet day on Sunday with a little relaxation and catching up from Saturday. Two loads of washing whilst weather held. Up early on Monday and with no cottages in or out of our Derbyshire Cottages there was the chance to go to the market as we haven’t had a good look around for a while. The mist cleared quickly and it got very hot in Bakewell. Met Martin from Wheeldon Trees cottages and had a chat with him. Back and usual Monday chores, rubbish and laundry, and some paper work before lunch. It was a bit hazy by lunchtime but it had cleared by mid afternoon. Some more accounts and paper work after lunch as well as bringing the 100 or so geraniums out of the greenhouse and down to the house to harden off for a day or two before I plant them out. Decided to have a BBQ but had just put the burgers on the BBQ when there was a rumble of thunder! Luckily we finished our meal without getting wet but with constant rumbles as the storm got closer. By the time it reached us it seemed to have lost its energy so we just had a little rain. Sat down for 9pm.

A dull start but it brightened up eventually. Up early leaving Chris to deal with dogs and departing guests while I zipped down to the Farmers Market arriving just after they opened at 9am. Back by 10am, having spent all my money, in time to see most guests depart. Most gone by 10.30 with a couple not leaving until 11am. Four cleaners up today to clean seven cottages with eight due back in to our dog friendly cottages as we will also have eight dogs here this week! One cottage a little grubby but with the cleaners working in teams in the larger cottages today cleaning was finished by 1.30. One broken pyrex dish. Time left for me to do my bits in the cottages and have lunch. First guests arrived just before 3pm just as I was finishing the last cottage. Three cottages have been here before. Guests arrived in a steady flow between 3&4pm with six cottages in by 4pm. An hour to try and catch up before next guests arrived at about 5pm. Spent a little time with them before doing a light dinner as we had tickets for the Baslow Choir at Curbar and left here at 7pm. Final guests arrived at 9pm whilst we were at the concert. A quick post concert drink with Margaret and Geoff before coming home and realising I was so busy I had not bought my lottery ticket for the rollover. I had remembered to set the DVD for the last episode of CSI New York though.

A couple of quieter days in our peak district cottages and a chance to keep up to date with accounts, especially with the end of the quarter approaching and also bits around the house. Paper work from the sale of dad’s bungalow has come through so something else to do. Went to Buxton on Wednesday to do my shopping and get a few bits for the cottages. With no rush to get back Chris and I went to the Buxton Museum as every time we go to Buxton we keep on saying we must visit it. Chris went to his digital work shop on Thursday, the last for the time being. Friday went in paper work and preparation for a busy Saturday. Chris did some verge strimming and grass cutting and drain clearing! He had also helped move some cows back across the road as there is not enough grass on this side at the moment. The weather has been fine with a promise of even hotter next week!

Up and after laundry went to Matlock with one of the cleaners for a final dress fitting for her daughter who will be crowned Bakewell Carnival Queen in a few weeks time. Had time to have a quick look around some of the shops before coming home. Had planned to go to Buxton but with Chris fixing the faulty toilet he wanted access to the car so I spent the afternoon catching up with bits and pieces and chatting to guests. Handyman also here today to fix a non urgent roof problem while the weather was fine. It was quite humid and turned into a warm night. My pledge to finish early is still failing with a jammed photocopier demanding more time than expected this evening so didnt sit down until 9.30.