A week in Yorkshire

I continue to be delighted to be back in Yorkshire.  We were told several times before we left Italy that the UK weather would be awful and we would have a miserable summer.  Given the choice of manageable temperatures, a mix of sun and soft refreshing rain or scorching 40 degrees plus and scorched earth I am happy where I am.  We have since we returned had the balcony doors open from early morning until bedtime, we sleep well with our bedrooms windows open under a single linen sheet, I wear my flip flops and cropped trousers or shorts daily, it’s like being on holiday without mosquitoes.

We’ve stocked up with provisions, enjoyed fish and chips and been out for a delicious breakfast.  I’ve had my haircut, been to the dentist, borrowed new books from the library (all visited on foot, the car has been used only once since our return).  I have taken a walk to see my favourite alpaca across the valley and check the progress of some beautiful gardens.  I am loving this green and leafy place.  

It was definitely the right decision to come back, not they we had a choice with the 90 days in 180 stay in the EU (Schengen) rule.  I’ve had a very happy week, ilkley feels like our holiday destination, maybe because there is no ongoing maintenance or home improvement project.  But don’t worry, when we left Italy we discovered a water leak, what changes.  MrFF thinks the improved water pressure might have discovered a weakness that gradually got worse and manifested in the boiler room.  Despite some investigation we didn’t find the fault, it could be in the garden, we turned everything off and left.  Something to do when we go back, for now the holiday continues.  I can thoroughly recommend this destination, the food is great, people are friendly, the accommodation is superb.

Get me home

 

I read this morning about a new crafting venture in Ilkley.  Duttons for Buttons, a wonderful emporium of haberdashery in the town, closed down quite a while back and the little shop remained empty.  Now it is to become a crafting venue, Mrs Duttons Wondrous Workshops. 

That’s such good news, we are not getting another in every high street chain, a charity shop or a coffee shop.  There are a lot of workshops on the list for all abilities, knitting, embroidery, macrame, appliqué, rug making, and best of all crochet for beginners, maybe I can finally learn.  There are also crafternoon tea sessions with goodies supplied by a local bakery and deli, must be careful not to get my work sticky.  

Now I really need to get back to ilkley to check this out, I’m sure it’s a valid reason for travel.

I love my little town

We passed this on Sunday our walk, it was uplifting.  The rainbows are actually crochet.  After all the hassle last week of unwelcome visitors in our town its a pleasure to see the kindness of people who actually want to make things better for everyone not worse.  Well done Ilkley folk for all the positive signage -  rainbows, painted stones, thanks to our key workers and messages of hope - plus all the hard work collecting masses of litter.  It's a joy to live amongst you.