Monday turned into a pleasant day at our peak district cottages although the morning had a few showers.  A busy morning with one cleaner up to turn cottage round for the afternoon’s arrivals.  Laundry to get ready for collection, rubbish collected at the same time we had our latest oil delivery so glad to sit down for a belated lunch. Cottage arrived between 3 and 4pm.  Found time to plant out some of the plants purchased on Sunday.  On Tuesday I went to Chesterfield.  First call was Bookers to top up on toilet rolls etc.  From here to Range, a new home and garden store that has opened in Chesterfield, where I had a look to see what they had to offer.  Final call was Dunelm where I had reserved a few items on line for collection.  Tuesday had been a nice day weather wise, I hadn’t encountered any showers in Chesterfield although some of the gusts had been caught in some, but there is good weather on the way, hopefully. Our neighbours at Green Cowden Farm are harvesting the last of their animal crop fields and a second silage is about to begin at Andrew’s other neighbours so the contractors are being kept busy.

Sunday dawned bright and warm at our peak district cottages but with a risk of showers in the afternoon.  One of Chris’s photography friends had phoned to say that there was a 1940’s weekend taking place at Peak Rail and it was a good photo opportunity.  With nothing planned we thought we would go and have a look as it has been 20 years since we last had a trip on the steam train and the line has since been extended to Rowsley South from Daley Dale when we last had a ride. We collected a paper from Bakewell before heading to Rowsley South where there is plenty of parking.  The entry price included a steam train ride to Matlock and back.  We had a wander around the rail centre and the picnic area where there was a display of 1940’s vehicles.  There was an area where they had created a war time ‘camp’ complete with soldiers.  In one of the show tents there was also a ‘war time singer’. Chris met up with his friend and they had a walk around taking a number of photographs.  We watched (from a distance) a display of fire power from an assortment of firearms.  Smudge wasn’t fazed by the bangs but Blue wasn’t happy.  We took our seats for a train journey but with it being busy we gave up our seats and stood in the corridor.  Naturally most people who passed us were interested in the dogs.  We hadn’t been sure whether to take them or not but we left before the main ‘assault’ demonstration in the afternoon which was going to be noisy.  We came home via the Chatsworth Garden Centre.  I didn’t expect to get a parking space but we did.  Perhaps everyone was watching the Olympics!  Needed some plants to replace the ones devastated by snails. We also called in at the Chatsworth Farm shop to get some tea.  Back home we awaited an arrival, the cottage had already been cleaned, they arrived just before 5pm.  Also one cottage departed during the day. A quiet evening in watching some more Olympics. Here are the photos

Friday was another pleasant day at our peak district cottages with just a few light showers.  One departure with one arrival and one cleaner up.  Down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend. Spent some time in the afternoon feeding the hanging baskets and plants and checking on the garden areas.  Also did some preparations for Saturday as it was going to be a busy day.  Have been dipping in and out of the Olympics over the last few days and now the athletics have started will probably watch more.  Nice to see we are wining some medals.  Cottage arrived about 7.30pm they have been before.  Saturday started dull and drizzly but it soon brightened up.  Said goodbye to seven cottages and hello to the three cleaners.  A number of small odd jobs for me and Chris to see to including for Chris a drain that was sluggish.  Needed to wash his overalls after that!  Then he went off to cut the grass. Glad the weather improved as I needed to wash a throw too, and it was back on the bed before guests arrived.  Still glad of the laundry room first thing so I could use it to dry all the bath mats and towels etc.  Few the last few weeks we have had a number of overseas guests so there have been plenty of towels to wash.  This week we have Italian guests as new arrivals.  Two  cottages arrived between 3 and 4pm, one has been before, a further two between 4 and 5pm and final one at 5.30pm.  Fish and chips for tea then sat down to watch some Olympics.  What an evening!

 Smudge takes winning another gold medal in his stride.

Tuesday was the disappointing day of the week weather wise.  A damp and dreary morning but a little brighter in the afternoon before the showers set in.  A quick trip down to a busy Bakewell in the morning to get provisions for the next few days.  Saw Joanna who had been helping set up the WI entry in the WI marquee at the Bakewell Show ground.  Spent the afternoon on accounts and a bit of housework.  Wednesday was the first day of the 182nd Bakewell Show and at least the weather held.  It is also one of the few big outdoor events to go ahead this summer.  An estimated 60000 people attended, less than would have been expected on a warm sunny day, but in the current economic climate and weather conditions everyone was happy.  I went to Buxton for a few hours knowing the traffic in Bakewell would be busy but traffic reports said that the stewards were doing a good job in keeping the traffic moving.  Thursday was a quiet day at our peak district cottages.  I got on with a number of jobs around the house and more accounts.  It was a sunny and warm morning, ideal for the second day of the Bakewell Show.  There were a few showers in the afternoon but nothing serious enough to cause disruption.  In the evening we were invited to go down and share a Chinese take away at the farm.  Chris had been down to help Andrew chainsaw some wood  and as Fay was home they had opted for a take away. We had a storm late in the evening which of course spooked the dogs, especially Smudge.  Don’t know why, it wasn’t that bad.  Silly dogs!

Here are the July weather stats. 4.38in rain (2.13in 7/11).  Wettest day 7th with .6in, although most of that fell before we got up.  24th was warmest day and night with highest temp of 25.4 deg C.  Lowest temp was 7.1 deg C on 12th with 20th being the coldest day and 29th the coldest night.

Sunday was a bit cooler with the threat of showers but luckily we didn’t see too many.  The first one arrived at our peak district cottages at lunchtime and left that smell of rain after a dry spell.  Had a phone call from one of Chris’s school friends who was passing through the area and he called in for a few hours.  Later spent some time in final preparations for Mondays WI table top sale including picking some gooseberries and making some cookies.  Also did some of Monday’s chores as I wouldn’t be around in the morning. Up early on Monday to get laundry and dog walking out the way before I collected Joanna and with my car full of boxes and baking we headed down to the Methodist Hall in Bakewell for the table top sale.  Like last year it was a busy morning and we did well, although we did not take as much as last year, but it all helps as a small WI.  Back by lunchtime and most of the afternoon was spent in sorting out the items that didn’t sell (recycling, another sale or car boot).  One of the few Mondays that there were no arrivals or departures but still a busy afternoon with phone calls and emails.

Friday started sunny but not as warm as the previous few days but still a pleasant enough day.  Nearly a week without rain!  Three cottages out with one back in and two cleaners up.  Popped down town late morning to get provisions for the weekend.  Bakewell was the busiest I had seen it for a long time.  Spent some time in the afternoon getting cottages and other bits ready for Saturday.  Guests arrived about 6.30, they have been before.  Chris was late back from Buxton, he had taken Blue today, we had plans to go out in the evening but ended up at home but it was a nice evening I thought as I looked out and watched the sun set from our peak district cottages. Saw some of the Olympic Opening Ceremony but missed the Red Arrows.  Never mind.  Saturday was a busy day with four cottages out and seven back in.  First phone call of the day was from one of the cottages.  They couldn’t open the door to get out!  Chris went to rescue them and found a problem with the locking mechanism.  Luckily he had a spare.  Two cleaners up and no major problems.  All prepared for a mass 3pm arrival but it was 4pm before first guests arrived.  Four cottages arrived between 4 and 5pm with three arriving between 5 and 6pm.  One has been before.  Opted for a take away and had a pizza from Ricci’s in Bakewell, they do the best pizzas in Bakewell.  Here are the pictures from Thursday at our peak district cottages.

Finally on Wednesday I got to Chesterfield.  The forecast was for a cloudy start with it brightening up later in the day except  the sun didn’t come out until late afternoon by which time I was back.  In Chesterfield I had a list of things to get including a couple of kettles and toaster, none go for ages then some go in a few days.  I didn’t have time  to get to Dunelm as I also needed to get to Morrisons.  In the evening it was still warm enough to eat al fresco and we had the added bonus of a hot air balloon passing by.  The sound of the burner must have spooked Blue as after a couple of woofs he chose to stay inside and bark from there when Smudge barked and we could not persuade him to come back outside!  Later in the evening we caught Smudge barking at the moon, well it was in the spot he had last seen the balloon!   It seems no sooner have some farmers finished silaging then other farmers are hay making including our neighbours at Green Cowden Farm.  Our neighbours at Melbourne Farm were involved in the protests regarding milk prices and supported those on the blockade at a processing plant near Derby. (Caught on the late evening news). Thursday was a quiet day catching up from Wednesday.  I also spent a few hours sorting out bits for our WI table top sale on Monday in Bakewell.  Like Wednesday the forecast was for a cloudy start with it brightening up later and by mid morning the sun was back out and although it was still warm it was not as hot as the last few days. In the afternoon the cows were moved from our four acre field to our eight acre field which meant they had to come across our drive field.  I went out prepared in case an extra pair of hands were needed but apart from a few stragglers they went willingly into the next field.  Blue sat behind the fence looking worried but Smudge joined me anticipation some action which he didn’t get. (Will upload pictures in next blog).  Last chance for a while to eat al fresco at our peak district cottages.  Roll on some more hot weather!

..some don’t so Derbyshire is a great place to escape the intense heat.  Sunday (22/7) was a sunny day at our peak district cottages with the breeze taking the edge of the temperature.  I had hoped to have a picnic in the evening but it was too breezy.  No departures but one arrival, they have been before, arriving about 6pm.  Cottage already cleaned.  A day of some relaxation and work with VAT returns to complete and pay.  Monday was less breezy so it felt warmer and it was nice to see the sun again.  One cottage out and one back in with one cleaner up.  Usual Monday routines and time to ensure accounts up to date.  Cottage arrived about 4pm, he has been before.  I then popped down to Bakewell for a dental appointment.  Despite it being nearly 5pm the market was still packing up so I was lucky to find a parking spot where the vans park on market day.  Back home and after tea went to Over Haddon for this months Village Hall Committee meeting.  Tuesday was a much warmer day with no breeze.  No departures but one arrival with cottage arriving just after 3pm.  Spent a few hours tidying up in the garden in the morning and some paper work in the afternoon.  Had hoped to have a BBQ in the evening but could only find a part of the BBQ so cheated and grilled the sausages and burgers but ate al fresco while the weather holds.

At last!  Friday (20/7)was quite a pleasant day at our peak district cottages.  One departure with one back in and one cleaner up.  Cottage arrived about 5pm.  In the evening we went to Buxton.  The Buxton Festival is still on (it grows in reputation each year) but we went as we had preview tickets for the Peak District Artisans Showcase at the Devonshire Dome.  We went last year too (remember it was the evening Blue got stung by wasps).  After our wander around the Dome we thought we would see if we could find somewhere to eat.  Although it was not late, it was a Friday and there was the festival on and after a little bit of searching we managed to find a table at the St Moritz, a little Italian restaurant near the Palace Hotel.  We had a lovely meal so will go there again.  Saturday morning saw six departures with four arrivals.  First thing though I was down to Bakewell for the Farmers Market, a week early this month because of the Bakewell Show.  Back before final guests departed and the two cleaners were well into their routine.  Chris cut the grass before cottages started to arrive at about 3pm.  Two cottages arrived between 3 and 4pm, one between 4 and 5pm and final one just after 5.30pm.  Two have been before.  A fine evening with more fine weather to follow.

Wednesday 18/7 said shopping in Chesterfield.  The forecast was pretty miserable so a shopping day fitted in fine but it turned into a pretty pleasant day at our peak district cottages.  By mid morning I realised that I was not going to get to Chesterfield.  The phone calls and emails were coming in.  Was it the appearance of the sun?  Or the special offers we had posted on our website?  I needed some food though so I went down town and got some provisions for the next few days and got my hair cut at the same time.  A last minute booking for the evening meant a cottage to finish off.  They arrived about 6pm. Took a short break in the evening by taking the dogs for a walk.  Finally finished about 10pm but at least the day had a number of bookings to show for it.  Thursday started damp but it brightened up although it stayed on the cool side.  A day to catch up after Wednesday and some house work too.