Up for an 8am breakfast so although new B&B guests were to arrive later in the day (they were here earlier in the summer) we had declared today as a ‘day off’. Thought we would be able to get away early but a number of phone calls and emails meant it was gone 11 before we left (I did get a number of bookings though). We parked at the Peak Village outlet car park and headed into Rowsley. Just behind the Peacock we turned and picked up the path beside the Derwent towards Chatsworth. This was to be a relatively easy 5 mile walk with gentle ascents and descents. We walked through Calton Lees and then towards Calton House before walking across open farmland where there were some nice views. We headed for a spot that the walk said ‘a nice spot for a picnic‘. Well perhaps it was a few year ago. Trees now obscure the views to an extent but we still sat and had lunch. We also used the map and tried to work out where Bolehill was. I was convinced we would be able to see our place but it was too hazy. From here we headed back down to Rowsley but made a brief detour as we thought we might be able to get a glimpse of Haddon Hall from another path but found we couldn’t. When they filmed Jane Eyre here a few years ago the production team etc were looking for accommodation in the area and we were approached, the problem was they wanted accommodation for three months and I had no cottages I could offer for the full period as I already had bookings for the spring. It was interesting watching the series and it did bring more visitors to the area. Once back in Rowsley we walked around the shopping center before heading home. By this time there were a number of messages ad emails to see to. Our guests arrived about 5pm. After tea I dealt with the days bookings and brochure requests before sitting down to watch the Nature of Britain. At the end they had a report on the falcons at Derby Cathedral and I suddenly wondered if they finish the program with a local item as last week they looked at Hardwick Hall. Either that or the rest of Britain also saw the article on the Derby falcons.

Another sunny start to the day and this morning both B&B couples left. One couple were due to arrive later in the day but they actually turned up just after 11am. They are our latest American guests and thought it would take longer to drive from York than it did. As we hadn’t cleaned their room they left their cases and went off to Chatsworth House. They had planned to visit Haddon Hall but did not realise it had limited opening days in October. We have always thought it was strange as October is still such a busy month and I am sure Haddon Hall would find the income worth their longer opening. One of the cleaners turned the two rooms around and did the public areas too. Her two elder children had gone to a funeral this morning of a local farmers son who they knew. He had died in a car accident last week when his car came of the road. Unfortunately he was not wearing a seat belt. Ian had also gone to the funeral.

I went down to Bakewell before lunch and got some bits for the next few days. After lunch I pottered in the gardens before welcoming the B&B guests properly. They are here for three nights. After tea I did some accounts before sitting down to watch Spooks.

Another day another round of changeovers. Today it was one cottage out, one changing cottages to stay on a bit longer and two in so plenty to keep a cleaner occupied all morning. Last weeks laundry arrived back and I returned the items that did not belong to us (I hope whoever has got mine does the same). Everything was done by 1pm so time for lunch before getting on with other things. I spent a bit of time sorting out personal paperwork as well as paying some bills. First guests arrived just after 3 pm, they have been here before, but the other guests did not arrive until nearer 7 pm, although I was expecting a later arrival. Sat down at 9pm an watched an interesting program on climbing the north face of the Eiger whilst blogging.

So summer is not quite over yet. Poor dogs – did not even get a proper walk from me this morning. A misty start with a promising forecast. After both B&B guests departed we went down to Bakewell for the paper. It was still misty down in Bakewell and as a result it was about 4 degrees colder in Bakewell than at Bolehill. From there we went round to visit one of the cleaners and her new baby after which we drove back via Chatsworth and the farm shop where we picked up some lunch.

We came back and turned round both B&B rooms for this afternoons guests. After that we had some lunch and as it was nice we ate it on the patio – admittedly we had fleeces on but it was nice. After that I spent some time working out what I needed to catch up on, by which time the B&B guest arrived. They were two couples together and had arrived in time to watch the Grand Prix. We ourselves had a a film evening to attend at Over Haddon which had been rearranged from last night because of the rugby. We picked up Andrew and Joanna on the way. Tonights film was ‘The Last King of Scotland’. It was quite interesting although it had a little bit of violence. It was nice to see so many people there especially as it as a Sunday.

Just two cottages out this morning but five to come back in meaning guests in seven cottages by tonight. A lot to get through with five cottages to clean but good progress was made even with a lot of extra jobs to do including replace a door handle and return all the duvets to the cottage Chris’s parents had used (they preferred blankets). One set back was finding that most of the laundry returned yesterday was not ours! There was enough for today but will have to find a spare set for tomorrow. Finished just after 1 pm and had lunch. Chis went and cleared the leaves again. It is a twice/thrice weekly job at the moment but most leaves do seem to be down now. This is earlier than usual.

Was just about to go and finish in the cottages when the first guests arrived. It was just gone 1.30 pm and as was not ready had to ask them to come back later. They had already phoned and asked if they would be able to get in early and we had explained that it wold not be possible. Still some do try. As much as I hate turning guests away some times I have to. It would not be fair to those who arrive on time and find their cottage was still not ready. I finished checking all my bits by 2.45 and the first guests were in by 3pm. The rest arrived steadily from 3 to 5 pm.

It had been a beautiful sunny day and as the sun started to go down we had some lovely colours on the stone walls. The setting sun gives them a pinkish tinge which changes the perception of the place. As a cold evening was forecast I lit our log burner for the first time this autumn. I cooked a small roast dinner and sat down about 8pm. There was a lot of anticipation amongst the guests about the rugby match and shame about the result but the team did well. It was the first time on a Saturday night I had both B&B guests in watching TV!

You can get spoilt. It was just uplifting to see yet another glorious sunny start and the early morning sun was highlighting some lovely colours in the leaves. But to work…

An early breakfast and goodbye to the Swedes and Swiss. Altogether four cottages out with only one back in today, plus a B&B. New cleaner up again and a couple cottages cleaned. Went down town to return wheelchair and get provisions for weekend. Bakewell seemed relatively quiet – the calm before the storm -with half term next week the place will be busier.

Had lunch then finished packing for Chris’s parents before Chris took them back in afternoon. Took the advantage of a couple of empty cottages to clean a carpet and defrost a fridge. Interrupted a couple of times, one was to take a booking from one of the cottages who are leaving tomorrow and also my missing laundry was delivered just as I thought it would not be here.

The cottage turned up after 3 pm and the B&B just before 7 pm. Got some bits ready for tomorrow but could have done with a few more hours! Just sat down at 9 pm when the phone went…

Finally belated congratulations to one of my cleaners who gave birth to a baby boy yesterday.

First thing I saw when opening the bedroom curtains was one of the cows on the road so a quick call to Joanna soon resolved that but not before one phone call and a passing motorist coming up the drive to let us know as well. It was another one of those beautiful autumn mornings when it was a joy to take the dogs out. It was so clear you could make out the sheep on the hillsides. Had planned to do some bits around the house but first went down to Bakewell to pick up something for Chris’s parents. As did not have Smudge had the chance to wander and go into some of the shops. Came back and spent some time with Chris’s parents before tackling bits around the house. An engineer from the electricity board came to look at the tree which fell a few weeks ago. The remaining part is not far from an overhead cable which could be affected if it fell the wrong way. We will have to wait for their verdict.

After lunch Chris went to the photography workshop and I spent a couple of hours doing some gardening. The handyman was up clearing the last bits of the fallen tree and as he needed to go through the fields where the cows were, I had to go and open/close the gates and fend off the inquisitive cows. I helped pick up some logs and tidy up the remaining piles of small branches.
When Chris came back we went over to his parents and started to help them pack. They will be going back tomorrow. Chris’s mum is a lot better today.

Had tea and our B&B guests arrived just after 8pm. Sat down just before 9.30pm and watched the Hotel Inspector. One tip she gave tonight’s couple was to have a meeting once a month away from the business. I’ll go along with that! (We do have regular business meetings-even if they short and regularly interrupted by the phone!) Which reminds me how often do I get through a meal without being interrupted. Today I had three phone calls during my lunchtime sandwich and two during the evening meal (but none after 9pm unlike last night where my last phone call was at 10.20pm). Last email tonight was at 10.45 pm advising us they were having trouble accessing our website from another link. Chris was able to set up a temporary link but will have to sort things out in the morning. It was almost midnight before we got things working again.

A mixed day. Another sunny start after a cooler night. A doctor came out to see Chris’s mum who was laid up with a combination of a cold and tiredness from yesterday. We popped down to Bakewell to get some prescibed anti biotics. The new cleaner came up to do the public areas. After lunch I went to Chesterfield. A quick trip, mainly to Wilkinson’s to top up on some cleaning materials, and Morrisons. Had planned to go to Dunelm but as I was running late I passed it by. After tea called in to see Chris’s parents before watching Alan Titchmarsh. If you watched the program then cows do gambol and you can visit Hardwick Hall from here. We went on my birthday this year. It is very interesting place. (Heroes was already set on the recorder).

Nice bright morning and out with dogs. No breakfasts for a couple of mornings unless I get any last minute bookings. For a few minutes there was wonderful silence interrupted by birdsong and church bells on the wind. Depending on wind direction we do hear church bells from the different villages or from Bakewell from time to time.

Most of rest of day was spent with Chris’s parents celebrating their Diamond Anniversary. I cooked lunch and Chris’s brother went home in the evening.

Return of one of my favourite programs – Spooks – what video recorders were invented for (so I don’t miss programs when the phone goes after 9pm.)

Two B&B and one cottage out and four cottages in so a busy day ahead. New cleaner started so two cleaners here this morning. Laundry came back but some is missing so will have to chase. Everything done by lunchtime by which time the sun had finally reappeared. My car went to the garage at Sheldon for MOT and service. Handyman came and sawed a bit more of the fallen tree. Trouble is running out of places to store logs.

First guests arrived at three. It is one of my regular guests and she has hired two cottages for her and her (recently deceased) sisters husband and family. They are from Switzerland. Next arrival were a couple from Sweden (my first from that country). So most guests in within half an hour. Went to pick up the car and on the way back stopped to look at a place that is up for auction in a couple of weeks time and is one of those rare ‘development opportunities‘. My businessman arrived not long after we got back.

After tea Chris went to the Photographic Society in Bakewell. Chris’s brother arrived later and is here for his parents anniversary tomorrow.