Saturday 7.55pm sitting in the office waiting for last of guests to arrive…(ETA 8pm)… so might as well catch up with blog.  Friday saw one departure with one arrival and one cleaner up.  With one cottage also here for the best part of next week we did a linen change etc whilst we were at it.  First delivery of oil in 5 months, interesting to see how long the gap is between the next one, but with no boiler in the house our electricity bill will be up even if the oil bill is down.  After such an awful day on Thurday the sun shone and you could feel the warmth.  Chris got a call mid morning to help ‘turn a cow’.  One of the cows was in labour and it is a normal practise if the calf is in the wrong position to hold the calf but turn the cow.  This is more than a one man job so Chris donned overalls and boots and went down to Andrews to help.  With one cottage vacant until tomorrow I used the time to do some odd jobs as well as recover some dining chairs with Chris’s help when he returned.  The weather has played havoc with my hanging baskets and a few now look so poor that we’ve taken them down.  Guests arrived just before 5.30 pm.  After dinner prepared bits for Saturday.  Saturday dawned fair enough but showers built up and continued to pass through although they lessened later in the day.  Went down to the Farmers Market.  Disappointed the Scotch Eggs weren’t there as they make a nice lunch but tried a few new things as this month there were a few new stalls.  Back to our peak district cottages where cleaning was in full swing.  No problems today and the three cleaners had the five cottages finished in time for an early lunch.  Had to do my checks dodging the showers but all finished by 2.30 in time for first guests arrival.  Two cottages in by 3.30 pm, two more arriving around 6 pm, one just before 8 pm and final cottage by 8.15 pm.  Three have been here before.  Forecast is for a pleasant weekend.  Hope they’re right.

Monday started pleasantly enough but the day was soon interrupted by showers.  Still I caught up with some extra washing.  Usual Monday routines of rubbish and laundry collections.  Spent Monday afternoon catching up with accounts, by this time of the month I have paid the usual monthly bills but the credit card bill has arrived and the bank statements need reconciling.  Tuesday was quite pleasant, again interrupted by showers, but not as many as Monday.  One cottage out of our peak district cottages and one cleaner up to prepare it for the next guests.  Spent the afternoon doing the first draft of next years prices  Although we are already getting enquiries and bookings for next year I am booking them at this years prices.  Bad news in the evening from my relief cleaner who has shingles, so she will probably not be available for a while if I am short.

Cannot think of a better way to unwind than with a walk especially as a fine day had been forecast.  Left a note for the incoming guests and after doing the recycling and getting the Sunday paper set off for the Peak Village Outlet at Rowsley where we parked the car.  We cut back to the A6 and walked round the back of the Peacock Hotel before passing under the old railway bridge and picking up the path towards Calton Lees.  As the path follows the river it is flat for a while before rising up to Calton Lees.  We had to pass through a field with cows and watching Blue deal with them is always interesting but today he seemed to have a plan of distracting them then cutting round the back of them which seemed to work.  We passed through the estate village of Calton Lees then passed the Garden Centre and Calton Lees car park before heading out into the parkland of Chatsworth House.  We could see all the cars parked at the house so it was busy.  We found a nice spot for lunch where we could admire Chatsworth House as well as a vista toward Edensor Church and the Edges in the background.  After lunch we walked up through New Piece Wood, admired the Russian House, and walked across Calton Pastures to Manners Wood.  As we emerged from the wood into the Haddon Estate we stopped to admire the view towards Bakewell before picking up the bridleway back to Rowsley.  The strangest thing before we got to Rowsley was that there was a large Bonio biscuit on the path.  The dogs were as surprised as we were so we broke the biscuit in two and gave it to the dogs.  I had a panic afterward because one of the cleaners had said there had been a spate of dog and cat poisoning in Rowsley and I worried the biscuit was poisoned but they are still alive!  Once in the car we set off for home but as we approached Bakewell the traffic came to a standstill so we turned back and came home via Youlgreave and Over Haddon.  In Over Haddon we found a cow on the road which belonged to Andrews neighbour.  No -one was home so Chris put the cow in a field and phoned them when we got back.  A quiet evening at our peak district cottages but caught up with the guests who had arrived today as well as having a chat with some of the other guests. Pictures to follow.

Don’t know why but on Saturday everything seem to get to me.   If someone had phoned up and made an offer for Bolehill Farm I would have taken the money.  It wasn’t a single thing but just a series of small things that gradually got to me.  Chris says he cant remember the last time he had seen me so wound up.  Seven cottages out with seven due back in although one won’t be arriving until Sunday morning.  With one cleaner having the day off one of my former cleaners made up the trio that came up to tackle the cleaning at out peak district cottages.  With two cottages having been in together a number of items needed swapping between cottages but although there were no problems cleaning seemed to take longer than usual.  With the morning being dry and warm, still humid, Chris pruned some of the hedges and shrubs in the courtyard and grounds as well as cutting the grass.  I found a spot to dry the towels and other items from the cottages but a sharp shower drenched them and with no where inside to dry they had to stay outside until later in the day when I spread them around the house to dry off.  For the first time this summer lunch was on the hoof and cleaning was finally finished about 2pm.  Knowing some guests were arriving later I made sure the cottages were ready for the first guests and in between arrivals I finished final checks.  First cottage arrived about 3.30, they have been here before.  Four more arrived between 4 & 6pm with final guests arriving just after 8pm.  I had planned to cook dinner but was too tired and the arthritis had flared up in my hands since doing the beds on Thursday. At least my evening walk helped relax me.  Blue is not so relaxed as the cows in advanced stages of pregnancy have been moved back into the front field!

Thursday as a pleasant day.  One cleaner up to do some cleaning of general public areas at our peak district cottages and I caught up with work around the house and with it being so nice also did some extra washing. We had taken delivery of two new bed bases earlier in the week and whilst it was nice, and with guests permission, we swapped the bases over.  Forgotten how long things like this take!  Chris has been doing some outside jobs over the last few days including repainting sign posts.   In the evening one of Chris’s friends paid an unexpected visit and ended up staying the night.  Friday was a contrast weather wise with it feeling hot and humid, although it was cloudy, in fact the weather station has recorded Friday as the warmest day of the month.  Went down to Bakewell in the morning for usual weekend provisions.  One cottage out with one back in, arriving about 8pm, with one cleaner up.  When doing my checks found a curtain where the hem had been torn so luckily had time to re hem it before guests arrived.  All in a days work!

Tuesday was a quieter day with the weather holding fine.  Went down to Bakewell in the morning and the afternoon went in lots of odd jobs and extra washing.  On Wednesday we went to Chesterfield.  We went via Rowsley and across the moors so we could see how the heather was, I had told Chris we ought to take our cameras and I think we got some good shots which I will add to the blog.  In Chesterfield we collected the windows for my laundry as well as stopping off at Booker’s, Dunelm and Morrison’s before returning back.  As we got home the heavens opened but overall it was another fine day at our peak district cottages.

Sunday started on the dull side and we couldn’t decide whether to go for a walk so we decided to have a lazy day with perhaps a walk later down to Lathkill Dale.  First down to Bakewell to get the paper and recycling. Time to catch up from yesterday with jobs around the house.  No walk in the end but we thought we’d get the kite out and give it a fly around.  Smudge seemed to know what it was immediately and while it was on the ground he kept stalking it.  Not enough wind to get some decent flying in but never mind.  It felt really warm and a couple of times Blue disappeared into the bushes to keep cool.  Guests arrived about 6.30 and it was warm enough to eat al fresco – haven’t done that for a long time.  Monday was also another warm day at our peak district cottages.  Decided to have a picnic in the evening but needed to get some bits so went to the Chatsworth Farm shop but took the long way round avoiding Bakewell because of the market.  As it was so nice I did some extra washing.  I also spent about an hour dead heading and feeding my hanging baskets. Late afternoon we headed off to Over Haddon where we walked down to the dale.  Where it opened out there were some sheep grazing by the river.  The dogs tried to walk past but the dominant one wouldn’t let them pass and actually chased after them butting Smudge up the rear!  Blue wasn’t happy and you could almost see a look on his face that said ‘I’m off home!’  Chris had to go and fetch him and walk him past the sheep.  We stopped at Conksbury Bridge and watched a pair of swans with a cygnet.  Up to our usual spot where the dogs were kept occupied with the swallows whilst we ate our picnic.  We stopped at the Lathkill Hotel for a drink taking in the views before a peep at the flattened village hall then back home.

A Saturday of sunshine and showers but at least it felt better than yesterday.  Seven cottages out today with one staying for a second week.  Six cottages back in today with one back into our peak district cottages tomorrow.  For once no return guests but we do have a German couple with us this week.  Three cleaners up and no problems encountered.  We find during the summer weeks that more belongings get left behind with phone chargers and dressing gowns topping the list!  We also changed the bedding in the cottage that was staying for the second week.  Chris managed to cut the grass in the guests garden area but it started to rain before he could cut our grass.  Four cottages arrived between 3 & 4 pm with one closer to 5 pm and final cottage at about 7.30 pm just as were tucking into our fish and chips.  One thing that has been worrying me is the number of cancellations we have had this year, Chris thinks we have had no more than usual, perhaps I am more conscious of them in ‘the current climate’, especially cancellations at the point when the balance is due.  Many self catering accommodation providers ask for the balance 6-8 weeks before arrival whereas we ask for the balance about 4 weeks beforehand.  Luckily we have been able to fill most of the cancellations so far.  Still my evening walks with the dogs around our fields taking in the stunning peak district scenery always calms my troubled mind!

On Thursday I ventured to Leek on my own for the very first time.  Noticed the heather was coming out on the Roaches so we had better start planning some heather walks. Got caught a couple of times in showers whilst walking around Leek but discovered there were a few churches worthy of investigation and having a chat with the helpful staff at the tourist office they suggested visiting on a Wednesday (or Saturday!) when the churches are open.  Main purpose of visit was to purchase some cutlery which matches the exiting one in the cottages.  Driving back got caught in a very heavy shower over the moors and even considered stopping as visibility got worse.  There was some thunder and lightening too but I could see the blue sky in the distance and when I got back to our peak district cottages discovered it had been dry all morning.  We were not to be left out and later in the afternoon we did have a storm much to the dogs displeasure.  Blue went and hid in the downstairs toilet not realising he could get back out.  Smudge just stayed so close to one or other of us that I nearly fell over him twice.  Yet once it had passed over and the sun came out it was very warm. After an early dinner we drove over to Eyam where Chris installed some computer software for a lady at the photographic society – a lot of them come to Chris when they need something installing or checking.  The reason I went is because she has a large terraced garden which I’ve wanted to see as she knows I have an interest in gardening.  It is a lovely garden with views but it is a high maintenace garden and I dont think I could manage.

Tuesday was a quieter day.  In the morning I went down to Bakewell to get my hair cut and by the time I had done the WI banking and business banking, dropped in payments for bills and got provisions for the next few days it was time for lunch!  With it being a reasonable day weather wise I did some extra washing.  I am having to use the outside drying area set aside for guests use which means I have a long walk to put the washing out!  Spent some time working on prices for next year.  In the evening we went to the Derwentwater Arms in Calver for a meal with Andrew, Joanna, Ian and Fay.  We all enjoyed our meal.  Wednesday was a bit more cloudy and as we haven’t been to the Ashover Show for a number of years it was about time we went again.  Ashover is a small village to the south east of Chesterfield with an award winning CAMRA pub.  The annual show, now in its 79th year, is a smaller but less commercialised version of the Bakewell Show and a nice family day out. We set off mid morning from our peak district cottages heading across country from Rowsley.  When we got to the main road from Matlock to Chesterfield we could see the traffic was queuing for some way to get to Ashover so we drove round the minor roads and came into Ashover a different way avoiding the traffic.  We were able to park in the village and walk to the show.  We had a good time walking around, and as usual the dogs were made a fuss of despite the fact there were plenty of dogs there.  We watched the judging of cattle ad sheep, looked at the tractors and other machinery to buy, visited the food tents, the craft tents, the charity stalls.  Watched the sheepdog trials where they had to round up geese, watched the dog agility show, show jumping and looked at the displays of old tractors and machines!  Phew!  We came home via Matlock where we called in on the previous owners of Bolehill Farm and had a cup of tea and a chat.