So after worrying about the weather all week Friday turned out fine.  A bit breezy and overcast at times but dry!  In fact the driest Friday this month!  One cottage out but no arrivals at our peak district cottages and one cleaner up.  Had been planning how to spend Friday all week and in the end I went down to Bakewell in the morning ahead of the Olympic Torch Relay in the afternoon.  When I got there I was surprised at how quiet it was, especially the Farmers Market which was being held on the Friday and the Saturday this month.  Had a chat with some of the vendors and a bit disappointed many of the stallholders weren’t there.  Assumed they would be there on Saturday.   A walk round town, which also had a small street market, then home with all my provisions for the next few days.  Time for various chores before setting off to collect Ian at about 3.15.  We parked by the Lady Manner School and then walked down into Bakewell.  Had worked out where I wanted to stand (on the A6) just past the Rutland Arms) an when we got there it was still available.  Unfortunately it had also been earmarked for school groups so we moved along a bit and found another good spot.  Quite by coincidence Ian’s neighbours on the Over Haddon side, including Lynne who now comes to WI, was also there so it was nice to watch the proceedings as a group.  We had got there before it got busy so we had a ringside seat, and for most of the time Lynne and I sat on the kerb waiting for it all to happen.  The torch was due in Bakewell on the Baslow side at about 4.20.  It had set off from Nottingham in the morning passing through Chesterfield, Matlock, a ride up a cable car to the Heights of Abraham and a photo opportunity at Chatsworth House.  Before the torch there was all the other bits of the procession.  We knew when it as all about to happen when a whole load of police motor cyclists and police cars came through and despite all their efforts a lone car suddenly appeared heading into Bakewell.  After a few words from the police the car had to pull over and wait. Then we got all the coaches with the main sponsors logo, then more motorcyclists and coaches including one which I saw held all the torches still to be used and then finally the runners and one of our torch bearers.  There was lots of cheering and then it was all over.  The procession was on its way to Buxton and then to Derby via Ashbourne.  Ian and I walked back up to the car, through the churchyard where the bells were ringing and went back to the farm as it was time for milking.  Without Smudge I had to bring the cows in and I’m sure it would have be easier with him.  Back home to find Chris had escaped Buxton before the torch arrived.  Took a little while to get over the buzz of the afternoon but I am glad I went. Here are the photos

Tuesday saw no arrivals or departures at our peak district cottages so I went to Sainsbury’s in Matlock via the Peak Outlet Centre.  Main destination was one of my favourite clothes shops which was closing down.  Back home mid afternoon and after a late lunch sorted away all my purchases and caught up with emails and phone calls.  Got a call from Ian to help get the cows in for milking as Joanna and Andrew are away on holiday for a few days so I took Smudge down with me and we got them in.  It had been warm but cloudy during the day but it was drizzling by the time we walked down to the farm.  Wednesday was again warm and mainly cloudy and two cottages departed and one arrived.  One cleaner up.  Spent some time hanging up new curtains and paying bills. Cottage arrived about 4.30 after which I took Smudge down to the farm to get the cows in.  The sun came out and made it feel warmer so we ate dinner al fresco.  When did we last do that! Thursday was a strange day weather wise.  During the morning it was quite wet with rumbles of thunder but it brightened up in the afternoon.  No departures but one arrival, here about 3pm, they have been before and had a horrendous journey through some storms.  The Olympic Torch arrived in the region today with its final destination Nottingham.  During the day they had to carry the torch on the coach at one stage due to a threat of lightening.  Checked the councils website for road closures etc for this area.  There is a lot planned for Friday when the torch passes through Bakewell in the afternoon so I planned what I was going to do.  I mentioned to Ian I would be going down as I thought I wouldn’t be needed for cow duties but a lot depends on what time Andrew and Joanna get back from their break.  Smudge enjoyed his cow herding and I took my camera as we were in a different field but then left it in the car.  As we were in one of the furthest fields I drove down there.  Could have got some shots of Curlews but never mind.  Friends from Yorkshire wont be coming down this weekend as he is not well but we have fixed up another date and will try to meet up somewhere between us both over the summer. Here are some pictures of cows and Smudge.

Saturday saw three departures with four cottages returning later in the day.  After a dull start it brightened up at our peak district cottages.  Whilst the two cleaners were in the cottages Chris found time to cut the grass and I did some odd jobs around the cottages.  Three cottages arrived between 3 and 4 pm with one arriving about 8pm.  Two have been before.  Sunday was quite a pleasant day weather wise.  Two cottages out and two back in with one cleaner up.  First cottage arrived about 3pm, they have been here before and second cottage arrived just in time for the football!  We spent some time in the afternoon looking at advertising as some of our advertisements are due for renewal including our advert in the Peak District and Derbyshire Visitor Guide.  It was a lovely evening and I enjoyed taking the dogs out for their walk.  Monday (25/6) was a pleasant day with two departures and one arrival.  One cleaner up and cottage arrived about 3pm.  Spent some time washing and ironing new linen, will probably be doing this every day for weeks!  In the evening we went to Youlgreave to see the well dressings.  As usual they were up to their excellent standard.  There were also some Morris Dancers outside one of the pubs. Enjoy the pictures. Can you spot the collie in one of the frames?

The last few weeks have been quite repetitive weather wise at our peak district cottages.  Wet Saturday, better Sunday, improving Monday,Tuesday and Wednesday and then downhill from there!  This week was no exception and both Thursday and Friday were wet.  Thursday saw three departures with three arrivals so a busy Thursday with one cleaner up.  All three cottages arrived between 3 and 4pm.  Friday started very wt but dried up a little even if it didn’t brighten up.  No arrivals or departures so a day to catch up on accounts even if I couldn’t make any payments because of the NatWest system being down.  I have also been getting to grips with my new computer which every now and then means I cant find where a programme has gone or one of my memorised passwords is no longer memorised! I’m keeping Chris busy in the evenings!  The disappointing weather saw an early departure. Went down to Bakewell to get provisions for the weekend.  When I got back I found a couple of big boxes waiting for me and was delighted to see some new linen had arrived.  This year I will be replacing all the linen in the cottages again and to start with the double bed linen is being replaced and one of the steps we have taken is to replace the double duvets and covers with king sized ones.  A quiet night in ahead of a busier weekend.

Another fine day was forecast at our peak district cottages but I had already arranged to go to Macclesfield on Wednesday (20/6) with one of my former cleaners. Due to the Hillhead show we had to take a detour as our normal route takes us past the show ground and we would have got caught up in the show traffic.  A nice drive across to Buxton where a lot of silaging was still going on and we had a good run over the Cat and Fiddle.  We got to our first stop, one of the out of town shopping areas, late morning. After a foray around Poundstretcher I got to the till to pay and realised I didn’t have my cards with me.  I felt myself go hot and cold but remembered I had swapped bags when we went for the walk on Sunday so must have left it in there.  Luckily I had enough cash with me.  Next stop Pets at Home and Matalan (there is also a Next and Homebase).  After this we went into the Town Centre, now bereft of TJ Hughes but still with a good selection of shops.  Lunch was at the Cheshire Gap Deli, where we also  bought some yummies before driving home.  Nice drive back over the Cat and Fiddle and drove past the Hillhead show where we could see all the cars parked.  As soon as I got back I got a call from Ian asking for help rounding up the cows for milking.  A quick search for my cards proved fruitless so that weighed on my mind as I took the dogs down to the farm.  Had to take Blue but left him in the car and luckily he could not see what Smudge and I were up to.  Back home I had another search for my cards but still could not find them so now very worried.  Although I had not used any of my cards in Bakewell I phoned the Co-Op and tried to contact the Police Station but no joy.  We had just made a list of cards when Chris got a call from Ian to say that there was heifer on the road so when he went off to help get it back I had another search and guess what, I found my cards in the bag I had used on Sunday, despite the fact I had already looked in the bag a number of times but found they had slipped into an inner pocket.  Chris was away quite some time as they had to do some fence repairs to ensure there were no escapees.  As I hadn’t cooked anything and it was getting late we went to the Bulls Head in Monyash with the dogs and the handyman with Ian joining us too.

Monday 18/6 was another pleasant day at our peak district cottages with an improving forecast for the next few days.  All being well Andrew hopes to finish silaging Tuesday, especially as he is off to Cumbria on Wednesday (only for the day) cow spotting.  Had thought about going to Bakewell Market as had no departures but with a couple of arrivals and a cleaner up decided not to.  This week the Hillhead Show is on.  This is a show for really big boys toys!  We often talk of going, as it takes place every other year just outside Buxton.  We had a couple of last minute bookings for our last couple of cottages by some guests who are visiting and demonstrating at the show.  Hence they didn’t arrive until after I had gone to the Over Haddon Village Hall committee meeting.  Chris had to get Andrew up as the hooligans kept appearing in the garden and other spots where they shouldn’t be so they had to move them to a different field.  We also have a handyman with us for a few weeks, not the usual one as he does gardening in the summer, but one who worked with us for a while when we first came here. He has skills with masonry and roofing and with a number of outside jobs to be done he has come to stay for a few weeks.  By 9am on Tuesday I could hear the cutter going on the final 40 acres on Andrew’s side of the road.  Jobs around the house and garden in the morning and then a trip down to Bakewell in the afternoon to get some provisions for the next few days.  With the weather being fine there was lots of silaging taking place.  The last of the collecting trailers deposited it’s load about 7pm then Chris got a call at about 8pm and with the handyman went down to help ‘sheet up’ or cover up the silage that is being stored outside as the barn had been filled up.  Another local farmer didn’t finish silaging until 11pm when I saw his collector and trailers drive back down to Bakewell.  Chris and handyman were back just after that.  Luckily Chris didn’t mind missing the football!

We woke up to blue skies and sunshine on Sunday 17/6 and although it soon clouded over we decided we would go for a walk.  First we said goodbye to two cottages and went and got the paper as well as doing some recycling.  Lunch packed and dogs harnessed we set off for Longnor, a short drive from out peak district cottages.  From here we were going to do one of the walks we do every now and then but I like it because of the views of Chrome Hill and Parkhouse Hill.  One of our guests recently did Chrome Hill and I hope we will do it this year.  Parking on the outskirts of the village we set off along the Manifold Way and then picked up the track which took us past Over Boothlow and up to the Longnor-Sheen Road which is on the ridge which separates the Manifold and Dove valleys.  I had hope to have lunch before the top of the ridge with views towards my favourite hills but with a variety of cows present we crossed the ridge to descend into the Upper Dove Valley and after a very short while we found a nice spot for lunch.  From here we had views towards High Wheeldon and Waggon Low.  Despite the pleasant weather we hardly saw any other walkers.  A muddy section followed before we crossed the River Dove and the outskirts of Crowdecote.  From here we picked up the track that headed to the base of High Wheeldon before we turned and headed back to Longnor.  We crossed the River Dove again and then accompanied by a herd of young heifers crossed a few more fields, some of which were a bit boggy before the final climb back into Longnor.  By now the dogs were quite muddy and rather than go back to the car we went to the Market Place and had a cup of tea and cake sitting outside the old Market Hall before heading home and giving the dogs a swoosh!  It started to cloud over and there was a little drizzle in the air but it had been nice day for a walk.  When we were having dinner one of the guests knocked to say there was a cow in the garden.  By the time we got up there it had gone but we could see the evidence with hoof marks in the grass.  Chris made sure the fence was secure but we could see they had knocked down a section of the wall so we will have to keep an eye on them.  Enjoy the photos.

By the time we woke up on Friday morning (15/6) at our peak district cottages here had been half an inch of rain.  The morning was not too bad so I popped down town to get provisions for the weekend and got back just before the heavens opened.  One cleaner up to get some cottages ready for the weekend.  A number of heavy showers during the afternoon put paid to any silaging and another dry spell is needed.  Discovered there are still some fields to cut as well as some fields with cut grass awaiting collection.  The yield has been almost the same from the one cut as from the three cuts last year.  As the store barn is almost full they will probably have to bag the remaining grass.  Spoke to friend in Yorkshire and a lot of our conversation centred on the Olympic Torch which is in her area on Monday.  She is also a volunteer on the North Yorks Moor Railway and the torch  will make a part of its journey on that.  It is only two weeks before it is in Bakewell so I will have to think about what I will do.  One cottage in arriving about 7.30, they have been before.  Saturday was more disappointing than expected weather wise with a constant stream of showers during the day.  Four cottages out with six back in.  Two have been before.  Three here by 3.30, one cottage is from Holland, two arrived between 4 and 5pm with final one about 6 pm.  It did brighten up in the evening and the forecast is a bit more promising over the next few days.

It started dull on Wednesday (13/6) at our peak district cottages but was forecast to brighten up.  I had arranged to go to Chesterfield with one of my former cleaners and as we set off mid morning I could see they had started collecting the grass.  Our first stop in Chesterfield was the new Screwfix to pick up some bits for Chris then round to one of the charity warehouses to drop some boxes off.  Then to Bookers with my shopping list.  Only disappointment was we found the cafe now closes on Wednesday so we had to think of an alternative for lunch.  Then to Matalan where I had a bit of ‘me’ shopping and across the road to Dunelm.  A late lunch at Morrisons before home by which time it was raining lightly.  Where was the Sun?  What was more worrying was there was no sign of silaging activity.  Joanna phoned to say she might not make it to WI as she would have to do the milking (I did offer to help bring the cows in if needed) but also the collecting machine had a broken gear box and they weren’t able to start work until 4.30.  The woes were added to by a trailer that slid on some mud and ended up banging into a barn wall damaging the trailer (and the barn wall).  In the end they had to call it a day having lost most of the day to problems.  I called into Joanna’s to collect the bits to take down to WI but having been relieved of milking she was able to join us belatedly.  Our speaker gave us an interesting talk with slide show on the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal.  This runs from Chesterfield to the River Trent, well it did when in was first built in 1775!  Like  many it fell into disrepair and now thanks to volunteers and grants it is gradually being restored.  Thursday was a really nice day and luckily mid morning silaging got under way again.  I noticed when they came over to this side of the road that they had two collectors and eventually four trailers which helped them make up for lost time.  In the afternoon one of our guests reported two cows where they shouldn’t be, in a small patch of fenced grass at the bottom of our drive.  Walked down there and one jumped out straight away but the other one refused to budge so I had to call Joanna who came up with Andrew to get her out.  As they had broken the fence down he had to repair that too.   As usual for silaging I took a number of photos as well as some of the cows as I often had to go through the cows to get the pictures.  It started to look threatening late afternoon but luckily it held off until 8.30 by which time they had finished collecting on our side but still had some fields to do on their side.  A lot now depends on Friday’s weather.

Top picture shows my boot by the rowed up grass and the bottom picture shows the emptied field. Compare this to the pictures taken a few days ago.

Finally on Monday morning silaging began with the cutter starting just after 11am.  With Andrew down at Bakewell market and Chris at Buxton I helped Ian when he moved some cows into different field as they need to keep some fields clear for the passage of tractors and trailers and later he and Andrew brought over some more heifers.  As a result we are an island of dogs in a sea of cows. No arrivals or departures on Monday and found  time for some jobs and accounts.  Took the dogs out and got some good photos of Smudge checking on the food in the cow troughs.  The cutter worked until 9pm.  Andrew will have the best crop quantity wise for a number of years so will save on buying winter feed in but as the quality has passed it best he will have to buy some extra nutrients.  Also as the grass has been cut later and has grown more it was taking longer to cut so the whole process will take longer.  A busy evening on Monday at our peak district cottages and I ended up with some bookings to show for it.  The cutter started just after 9am on Tuesday.  A catch up morning and a cleaner up to clean the public areas.  Popped out a couple of times to check on the cutter and in the afternoon went down to Bakewell to get some provisions for the next few days.  When I got back got a phone call from Castleton Tourist Centre with someone looking for accommodation.  Luckily I had a clean cottage that just needed the bed making up and any final touches and they arrived about 8pm.

 Although it may not show it so well here is a picture of the grass in the field before cutting, it is about 3′ high.