Sunday, 29 December 2019

27/12/19 Walking from Peatling Magna to Foston Church. app 4mls.



Walking out of Peatling Magna we really didn't expect to see a dalek.  Keeping our eyes peeled for the Doctor we made our way out of the village toward Foston.



Bit on the grey side today, but no rain which does make a nice change. It seems as if it has been continuously raining since October.


The farmers have no chance of working on the fields, it's so boggy.


It's likely that any earlier planting wouldn't survive after this deluge. 


Walking through one farm gate there was a discussion on the lack of farm animals around, just a few sheep here and there.



Arriving at St Bartholomew's Church, Foston.


 An opportunity for some photos before walking back to Peatling.



It's unusual as there are no houses in the vicinity, wonder where the congregation comes from.





On the way back we spotted a horse training area which was drained very well and suitable for all weather use.


Back through the gate that deters most of the traffic away from this road. 


More evidence of the farmer's problems.






Nice to get out in the fresh air and try to work off some of the Christmas excesses.  A lovely walk, now off for a cuppa at the nearby Cherry Lane Garden Centre and not a mince pie in sight - hurray!


20/12/2019 Short walk 3 miles Cosby Littlethorpe Whetstone back tp Cosby.

It was raining hard so a short walk was called for, and of course with the Christmas bites to look forward to we had to find somewhere to sit and eat them.

Have had quite a lot of  flood warnings just like this one for the River Soar.


Flood warning

Areas affected: River Soar at caravan parks near Barrow upon Soar

ACTIVE
Started at: 07:51 GMT on Sat 21 December

Flooding is expected - immediate action required



The walk was in full waterproofs so everyone kept nice and dry. Unfortunately, there are no photos of the walk, too wet to get a camera out.

When we arrived back at Cosby we opened up the hall, the heating had already been put on so it was nice and cosy.

The cakes and nibbles came out and the coffee flowed.




A bit like our Christmas Munch again.




Got to thank our Man with the keys for organising the room and also those who provided the nibbles - what a spread!


One of the topics of conversation was the arrival of Willie and Sheila back from their Caribbean cruise.

Willie and Sheila always bring a few photos, especially photos with sunshine.

Here they are enjoying The Lion King on the flight out.



Stopping for a rest at Independence Square Fountain, St Kitts.



 A nice welcome at Basseterre, St Kitts.


Soaking up the rays on deck.


Making friends with the locals on St. Vincent.


Wallilabou Bay, set of Pirates of the Caribbean movie, St. Vincent.


They both seemed to enjoy playing with the towel animals each evening.


 A great view down to Freeman's Bay, Antigua.


Nelson’s Dockyard is the largest of Antigua’s National Parks and is still used today as a working dockyard for numerous yachts and ships.


A completely unstaged photo with the Grenadan locals.


 Having a go on the steels pans.


Sampling the local rum punch on Barbados.


Thanks to their carers they had a great time.

They must have caught the travel bug as they're off again soon on a train journey to Switzerland.


Saturday, 28 December 2019

13/12/2019 Christmas Munch Ho Ho Ho.

Lovely dry day, bit on the cool side at 7 degrees, the sun was shining but didn't seem to help the temperature.


On our way, just a few catching up.


The lane out of Thurmaston was busier than usual as traffic was diverted here from the road with the ford which was flooded.



 Organising the groupie photo.



A great selection of Santa hats, assorted christmassy hats/headdresses,  jumpers etc on display.


 This is it, this is the line up, all shout mince PIES now.



 Gotcha!





Change of photographer - spot the difference.



                                           

 Same image but different.



Back at the garden centre the party was ready to start.  What a spread!




 Exceptional tea break today.





 Party in full swing with the game of the century.


Sublime party food.


That party game had everyone guessing.



The game is quite easy (according to the guy who organised it!). On one side of the card we have our walkers as they are now and on the other side, our walkers as they used to be. Who is who, that is the quandary.





 Tucking in.


 One of our younger future members?
















 Still working on who's who - very tricky.





There had been a collection and a surprise presentation of fabulous, really thoughtful gifts to enjoy now and later.  Thank you so much everyone.



Everyone seemed to enjoy our festive celebration -  great food, great company and a big thumbs up for the brilliant display of  festive outfits.



         What a day - just perfect!