Out and About

Well, a few days have passed, and very pleasant they have been, too.

For Arthur's birthday he decided that Wensleydale was his choice. (It's ALWAYS his choice - but that's OK 'cos I love it too!)

He got cheery birthday greetings from both our boys, and an hilarious e-card from Andrew featuring a train (no surprise!) ...a cat ...and a dog  ...ask to see it sometime if you like!

It was pleasant to have a ramble in the North Yorkshire Dales National Park, and Wensleydale is particularly beautiful.

We've been there in the company of several friends ...and also always enjoy it 'just the two of us"!

Stopped at the beautiful little church of St. Oswald's in the village of Askrigg. Pottered in and just enjoyed the solitary peace of the place.

The sunshine came as the morning fog lifted. We enjoyed the autumn colours, the villages we went through ...rambled through some of the beautiful countryside, took pictures, and generally enjoyed ourselves.

Then back to 'Fountains'.
 
Every evening in October The Abbey is lit up, and live music is scheduled in several locations.

We strolled in before 7pm and found ourselves walking with and chatting to a number of men in maroon coloured blazers. They turned out to be the 'Saddleworth Male Voice Choir' - about to do a concert in The Cellarium. A vaulted, ancient space, with wonderful acoustics.

With the male voices, you could imagine it was the monks singing nearly 1000 years ago! Very moving!!
In fact the "Panis Angelicus" moved me to tears.

A couple of gents from a male choir who were to sing, both predicted big wins for the the English rugby team. They were very confident I would feel sad come the morning......

Following the concert, off we went to Jan and Dave's place. It was interesting to be in England when Australia pushed England out of the rugby competition. (Sorry Dave...)

Well ...Jan and I didn't see it all ...but we did  enjoy a good chat!

Then on Sunday morning we walked in Fountains Abbey after which we read in our lounge. Holidays are wonderful!!!

In the afternoon  Jan and Dave came over, we had another lovely walk in the brilliant sunshine ...then Dinner here at Abbey Cottage.

Thanks so much Jan for the beautiful flower arrangement you made and brought for me - it's happily making me smile every time I look at it! xx
A super day.

This morning we awoke to intermittent drizzle. Nothing else for it - we headed into Harrogate for a bit.

I caught up with Sandra in the fabric shop ...did a bit of damage in Hobbs (only a very little - *sigh*) ...also fossicked around in 'Duttons for Buttons' ...had a sandwich and a cuppa ...that sort of thing.

That was enough. Pottered back to Abbey Cottage and stayed put.