A day that seemed to go quickly. Another nice start so able to put some washing out to dry. With the number of change overs we have been having I have needed to do some extra washing to catch up. As the weather was staying dry I also washed a door mat. I have spare door mats so in the good weather I can wash some and rotate them. Having spent a lot of time in the garden I had planned to do some paper work but somehow didn’t get much done. After dinner had a WI committee meeting here in one of the empty cottages. When got back watched CSI New York from last Saturday while deciding on what walk to do tomorrow!

A day that seemed to go quickly. Another nice start so able to put some washing out to dry. One B&B out and one back in so one cleaner up today to turn both b&B rooms around. After my usual bits went down to Bakewell with Blue and got provisions for the next few days. Another 40 hanging basket plants arrived today so potted them on this afternoon as well as sorting out the remaining plants from Saturday, mainly acidic loving plants, and finding some pots for them – still have to pot them on. Handyman up today and set about planting in some of my purchases! B&B guests arrived about 4pm. After an early dinner phoned a friend and did some paper work before sitting down for Waking the Dead. Another sign of summer is that the swallows are back. Cant remember if they were here this early last year. Cows should be coming over into the front field in the next few days.

A Bank Holiday Monday and the weather looked a bit more promising. One B&B out as well as three cottages out with one cottage back in. One cleaner up. Guests arrived about 3pm after which Chris & I spent some time placing plants for planting. It turned out quite warm and it seemed a shame to waste such an evening so at about 6pm we jumped into the car and drove down to Over Haddon. From here we walked down into Lathkill Dale and along the dale to Conksbury Bridge and back up to Over Haddon. Stopped at the Lathkill Hotel (where we noticed they have a new menu so we must try this out) for a drink then came back home via Bakewell where we picked up some fish and chips. Sat down to watch Waking the Dead.

After yesterdays nice weather today was a bit of a disappointment with drizzle and showers. Usually on this Bank Holiday Sunday we have managed a walk but it was not to be. With no guests out and early breakfasts we were down in Bakewell getting the paper by 10am. The former guests who lives in Ashford called up for coffee and a chat and then I got on with my usual bits. I wanted to spend some time sorting out my new plants but I couldn’t because of the weather. One of my regular guests arrived in one of the cottages today. She reads my blogs (Hello Lilly!). Did some paper work but heart not in it. Recorded Spiderman 2 which we sat down and watched later.

A nice day forecast and took the dogs out early. Three cottages out with two back in and my WI guests swapping cottages. Both B&B arriving today too. Both B&B’s and one of the cottages have been here before which helped as I was planning an ‘outing’ and wasn’t sure what time I would be back. Two cleaners up and cleaning well underway before I decided about midday to go down to the Bakewell Auction House to view the gardening auction. Chris dropped me off and I had a quick look to decide if there was anything worth bidding for. As there was a number of items that looked suitable for the ‘gaps’ that we have Chris left me there. A couple of hours later and with about two dozen successful lots (some lots had 5/6 plants) and a small tree I phoned Chris to come and collect me. (Will do some pictures soon). He was delayed by the first cottage arriving early but we collected my purchases in two loads and were back in time for the second guests who arrived just after 3pm. The first B&B guest arrived about 4pm and the final guests about 5.30pm having had a walk in Dovedale. Had dinner and watched Heroes and Dr Who.

A pleasant start with a reasonable weekend forecast. A busy day with two cottages out and four cottages in. (B&B’s in tomorrow). Two cleaners up and no problems encountered. Being ahead of myself I did some other jobs including taking apart an oven door or cleaning. Went down to Bakewell after an early lunch. It was quite busy already. My guests weren’t expecting to arrive until 5-6 pm so I had time to check my plants and get things ready for tomorrow. In the end all the guests arrived between 6-7 pm after which we had dinner then sat down in time or Dirty, Sexy Money.

Good morning May. Another month and no proper weather statistics. New temperature probe has finally arrived so will be able to give accurate readings this month. In the meantime April had 2.43 in rain, nearly 2 in more than last April. The wettest day was the 29th and the warmest (I calculated) was the 10th. The weather station calculates the warmest temperature from 6am to 6pm and likewise the coldest from 6pm to 6am. The warmest day may not always have the highest temperature. Back to Thursday! A quiet day with no-one in or out so with a busy weekend looming it was a case of doing as much as I could for tomorrow plus some bits on the list and some housework. Sat down for 9pm but the phone calls continued.

A cooler day today but I have progressed from winter outerwear to spring outerwear when taking the dogs for their morning walk. One cottage out and one back in. One cleaner up and cottage cleaned. Guests arrived just after lunch. This is one of my fellow WI ladies and her husband who need somewhere for a few weeks while their house is being redecorated. As I now had a free afternoon I decided to tackle some of my jobs on the outstanding list starting with lining a pair of curtains. Whilst I was sewing I noticed some cows in a field where they should not be – until I realised Andrew had let some more cows into the fields. Decided they were going to be the first one to come over here. As we are approaching a Bank Holiday weekend we are starting to get phone calls about weekend availability, although our web site states we have no vacancies. Last phone call was at 10pm today.

One cottage and one B&B out today with no-one back in. A little lull so a chance to get the steam cleaner out and do some ‘power cleaning’ in bathrooms. One cleaner up to ‘play’ with the steam cleaner. Planned to go to Buxton after lunch. James popped in from next door and had a chat. Had time to wander around Buxton – bought a pair of walking socks and then went to Morrisons. After dinner Chris went to Over Haddon to give a talk to the village hall committee about the capabilities of some the equipment the hall has. I phoned a friend and took the dogs for an evening walk and put the chickens away. Taking the dogs for a evening walk is becoming a bit of a new habit but we all enjoy it. Sat down for Waking the Dead.