Wednesday 26 February 2014

Flatford (not so wet today)

It being my last rest day before going back to work tomorrow, plus the weather still being a bit "spring like", we decided to pop over the border again, and see how Flatford Mill was now, since this short period of dry weather.
If you have read my previous blog, you will know that it was a tad wet a few weeks ago.

So we parked up, put on the walking boots and off we went. Now last time, the gate that leads to the footpath to go to Dedham was completely flooded along with a lot of the field, but to our surprise, the water had receded, and the field was not too soggy.

So we decided to see how far we could get to Dedham before it became too waterlogged.


There is still some flooding as you can see, in the foreground is the river Stour, the "lake" beyond that is normally a field










But always a reminder of the very bad weather that was with us just a short while ago.
















But the wildlife (above) seemed happy enough, and blossom on the trees, a sure sign of spring is just around the corner.









Well, we made it all the way across to Dedham, had to dodge a few muddy areas. Well, it would have been rude not to, so we stopped for lunch at The Essex Rose, again one of our favourite places to eat.



We got a bit of a buzz of the way back :-), yes he was that low

And so we made the walk back to Flatford to find the car, and just caught Mr Duck going for a swim



Monday 24 February 2014

Has Spring Finally Sprung ?

Well my rest days finally arrived after a busy 6 days at works, and as Sue is off as well, first item on the agenda today, was some final retail therapy for for our upcoming cruise in a few weeks.

So it was off the Braintree, to visit Freeport, and the sun was shining, with clear blue skies, and it felt very very mild.

So after lunch, it was time to put away the arctic coat for the cruise, and get my lighter weight one out of the wardrobe.

And off to Frinton for walk along the sea front by the golf course, and what a pleasant walk it was to.

I will leave you with a few photos.









Sunday 16 February 2014

A Weekend with Lucy

No, I have not left my good lady for another women, although Lucy did steal my heart 8 years ago along with all of our other grandchildren:-) when she entered our lives.

Lucy, is our eldest granddaughter, and came to stay with us for the weekend


Its been a while since we have had any of the grandchildren to stay, since my unexpected holiday last year at Colchester general. However, Saturday morning we took the short drive to Colchester to pick her up, and off we all went to Colchester Zoo. We had to dodge a few showers, but the Zoo was not too busy, so we all had a great time.
I must just mention that whilst walking in the Zoo, a mother and child walked past us in the opposite direction, now I'm not to sure what the conversation was about as I only caught the last sentence from the mother, which went along the lines of "Yes, like daddy's mum, but with less mental health issues".
The mind boggles.














So after we left the Zoo, we did partake of a little retail therapy for Lucy and took her clothes shopping, and she may be only 8, but she knows how to shop like a woman for clothes.


So Sunday arrived, bright and sunny, so after some craft time with Nanny in the morning, she then took Lucy over the local park. I did warn of the torrential rain we have had, and the likely state of the field, but was I listened to ? what me a mortal man, not a chance.

On their return I did hose them down at the door to try to get some of the mud off.

Now what to do this afternoon ? Now Lucy is already a well traveled Lady, having been to Florida, and has took her first cruise out there. She has  also been a regular theatre attendee.But, She has not yet been to the cinema. So we took a short visit across the county border to Ipswich where we saw The Lego Movie, which we all enjoyed.

And so the weekend draws to a close and tomorrow afternoon we must return Lucy home having enjoyed her company all weekend.

Thank you Lucy, from Nanny & Pops xxxx



Saturday 8 February 2014

Flatford Mill (A wee bit flooded)

Now I know most parts of the country have felt their far share of the current weather conditions, but here in NE Essex, besides some standing water on roads, and the odd field, flooding has not caused us too much of a problem.

However, today, myself and the good lady popped over the border to Suffolk for one of our regular walks at Flatford Mill.

Now we have been going to Flatford for more years than I can remember, but I have never seen it so flooded and the river so high.




Above and right are the same location, above taken last year, and right, today









And a little video to finish

Keep safe everyone !!!

Thursday 6 February 2014

Oh Dear P&O

I'm sure I have bored you all enough about or upcoming P&O cruise to see (hopefully) the Northern Lights.
Received another email from P&O today, and I quote

"in just a few days time you will be stepping onboard to discover the wonders of the North Cape"


n just a few days time, you will be stepping on board to discover the wonders of the North Cape. Join us for a tour and we'll organise everything, leaving you free to relax, enjoy the experience and make some unforgettable memories. Book now and make the most of your holiday. Aylott, in just a few days time, you will be stepping on board to discover the wonders of the North Cape. Join Mr Aylott, in just a few days time, you will be stepping on board to discover the wonders of the North Cape. Join us for a tour and we'll organise everything, leaving you free to relax, enjoy the experience and make some unforgettable memories. Book now and make the most of your holiday.us for a tour and we'll organise everything, leaving you free to relax, enjoy the experience and make some unforgettable memories. Book now and make the most of your 



Now I know we are going up to the Arctic Circle, but we do not go to the North Cape

Please P&O this is sloppy marketing, please get it right !!!!!!

Tuesday 4 February 2014

It must be getting close

Just received an email from P&O informing us our E tickets are ready to be printed off, so now the last piece of the jigsaw is in place.
All of our cold weather gear has been purchased in readiness for our trip " up to the arctic circle" whilst we search for the Northern Lights.

This one has been on the bucket list for a while now, so we are both looking forward to the cruise.

I have studied  books on photographing the "lights" so I may well get a snap or two of the aforesaid.

So soon it will be time to take a trip to the loft for the cases, then count down the days ( been doing that for a while now ) 



A blog to look our for is Cruise Miss www.cruisemiss.com she is in the cruise before us, and does write a good piece.